The forum for trustee candidates will be held next Wednesday, March 6th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Estes Park Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Avenue. All candidates for Trustee positions, Bill Brown, Bruce Darby, Nathan Harger, Mark Igel, Frank Lancaster, Frank Theis and Cindy Younglund, will participate.
The forum for mayoral candidates will be held on Monday, March 11th, 6:007:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Estes Park Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Avenue.
Both candidates for Mayor, Gary Hall and Barbara MacAlpine, will participate.
The League of Women Voters of Estes Park is sponsoring these forums to inform Town of Estes Park voters. Your votes will determine who will occupy seats currently held by Mayor Wendy Koenig (not seeking re-election), and Trustee Frank Lancaster (partial term), Trustee Barbara MacAlpine (running for
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
On 2/24/2024 at 4:32 p.m. police contacted a 62 year old female from Estes Park in the 1300 block Fall River Road for careless driving. The female was found to be driving under the influence of drugs and was arrested and charged with DUID and later released on a summons from the Estes Park Police Department.
Mayor), Trustee Cindy Younglund (ending first term), and Trustee Patrick Martchink (term-limited).
The League invited constituents to submit questions ahead of the forums. The deadline to submit questions was Wednesday February 21st at 5:00 p.m.
The League will choose questions based on their relevance to the roles of Mayor and/or Trustee, may reword questions and will ask as many questions as time allows.
The Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees is non-partisan. It consists of seven elected members -the mayor and six trustees. All are elected for four-year terms. The next regular Municipal Election is on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, as a mail ballot-only election. Ballots will be mailed to all active voters who live within Town limits the week of March 11, 2024. To obtain an absentee ballot application go to www.estes.org/elections. In-person voting, and voter regis-
tration will be available beginning March 11th through election day at the Town Clerk's office during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). On Election Day, the office will be open from 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.
Both forums will be live streamed through the town’s streaming channel and will be recorded for later viewing. A link to watch the forums will be available at estes.org.
No campaign materials are allowed in the Town Hall Trustee Board Room, but may be placed outside of the Board Room, in the foyer.
If you have additional questions, please contact Robin Converse, Director of Voter Service at voterservice@lwv-estespark.org.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan education and advocacy organization, neither supporting nor opposing individual candidates or political parties at any level of government.
The Town of Estes Park wants to hear from the community as it prepares to hire a permanent Chief of Police this Spring. An online survey and three listening sessions will allow community members to share their priorities, perspectives and desired key candidate characteristics for consideration during the selection process for the new Police Chief.
Ph: (970) 586-5800 Fax: (970) 692-2611
Opinions of our columnists are not necessarily the opinions of this newspaper.
Owners/Publishers: Gary & Kris Hazelton
Editor: Kris Hazelton
Advertising: Andrew Donaldson ads@estesparknews.com
Office Manager: Tim Buck office@epnews.com
Press releases: kris@estesparknews.com
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Reserve space: Monday by 4:00 pm
Final submissions: Tuesday by Noon
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Estes
Informal listening sessions will take place in the Town Board Room of Town Hall, located at 170 MacGregor Ave.
● Tuesday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m.
● Tuesday, March 5 at 5 p.m. (childcare provided)
● Wednesday, March 13 at 5 p.m. (For Spanish speakers; childcare provided)
The online survey will cover the same discussion points from the listening ses-
sions. Responses will be anonymous. The survey closes Sunday, March 31.
English: https://forms.gle/bPBAkrYaeH4p7Aqr8
Spanish: https://forms.gle/issExetqmGnyZUNcA
The survey is also available at estes.org under “Hot Topics.”
The Estes Park Police Department is currently led by Interim Chief Ian Stewart. The Town expects to open the hiring process this month, and make a selection in late April. A community meet and greet with Chief finalists will take place during the process. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
For more information on the feedback process, please contact Deputy Town Administrator Jason Damweber at jdamweber@estes.org.
Colorado Presidential Primary Election – Tuesday, March 5
• Secretary of State Election page govotecolorado.gov
• Larimer County Election page larimer.gov/clerk/elections
• Mail in ballots were sent out the week of February 12th
• Registered Republicans and Democ-
p.m.)
∞ Monday, Mar 4 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
∞ Tuesday, Election Day, Mar 5 (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Estes Park Municipal Election –Tuesday, April 2
• Mail in ballot, with in-person voting available
rats receive their party’s ballot.
• Unaffiliated voters receive both ballots but may only vote one ballot.
• To register, get a ballot, return a ballot or receive assistance in -person go to the Voter Service and Polling Center at the Community Center
∞ Friday, Mar 1 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
∞ Saturday, Mar 2 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00
• Active voters in Estes Park receive ballots week of March 11
• Vote for Mayor, Board of Trustees
• Vote on 1% sales tax extension and on proposed zoning ordinance
• Details at: estespark.colorado.gov/elections
• Our League proudly serves the community as a nonpartisan education and advocacy organization, neither supporting nor opposing individual candidates or political parties at any level of government. For more information see www.lwv-estespark.org
Applications are currently being accepted for volunteer positions on the Estes Park Board of Adjustment, Estes Park Board of Appeals, Estes Park Planning Commission and Transportation Advisory Board. To learn more about the boards and commissions and to view meeting minutes, projects, and associ-
EVFPD firefighters generally respond to medical calls in their personal vehicles, allowing for a faster response. On other incidents, firefighters respond to a fire station to respond in department apparatus with specialized equipment.
During the week of February 18th, 2024, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District
ated links, please visit www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings. Interested individuals should submit a volunteer application, available at www.estes.org/volunteering, along with a resume and cover letter by 5 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024.
(EVFPD) responded to 13 calls for service. This included:
• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 4
• Gas Leak: 1
• Alarm Activation: 3
• Assist: 5
Estes Valley Fire www.estesvalleyfire.org
It is an Unnecessary Change. It takes Authority away from our Elected Representatives and puts it into the hands of Unelected Property Owners.
"Having grown up in Colorado, I moved to Estes Park 36 years ago at 19 with $1000 in the bank to manage the Pratt's new movie theater while attending college. Quickly drawn into EMS and the fire department, I hired on at EPMC Ambulance as an EMT, then Paramedic for the next 20 years. I started a sign business I called "Signs of Life," because everyone in Estes worked two jobs to pay the bills. I married and enjoyed raising seven children here, volunteering in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as a leader with my sons. In 2003 we purchased the movie theater that originally drew me to Estes Park, added some new equipment and a new name: "Reel Mountain Theater". We entertained Estes Park for 8 years, and when theaters went digital, we politely exited. We traveled the US for a year in a bus with our family of nine home schooling- we all learned, all year! Back in Estes we fell into familiar work roles until an opportunity to purchase a local landmark came up. Three months later we had the keys to The Taffy Shop, and invested an enormous amount of life into this business. Every member of the family has worked in The Taffy Shop over the last 10 years- today it's just me with a small staff serving customers who have been visiting since before I was born. I've always been working class, hands-on, and I’ve worked more than full time since I moved here- you can catch me in the shop every day. I am optimistic about the future with a healthy business and growing family- three adult children in college, two engaged, and two marriedincluding the return of my oldest son to
Estes Park with his wife, who are now homeowners.
Estes Park has provided me opportunities since I arrived. To give in return I’ve volunteered, mainly with the Fire Dept going on 34 years. This year I hope to share my perspective as a trustee on community issues and planning, bringing my day-to-day experience with business and family to the conversation. If elected, I will continue listening to all voices, and represent neighbors concerned about today's living conditions, and our future together. I know that voters will consider each candidates track record, and how likely they are to stand-up for the people who elect them. Over the last two decades I have taken positions on important local issues after research and my own experience, then stood before local government and neighbors, even when the conversation was difficult. I am invested in Estes Park emotionally and financially as a resident taxpayer, with the benefit of interacting with thousands of locals and visitors in a downtown business.
The Town Board should stand up for citizens first, and in turn our visitors will have a pleasant experience. The Trustees must ensure that the local government runs efficiently, while exploring ideas to encourage a healthy future. I hope that I can earn your trust and your vote, and maintain my own expectations as a Trustee if elected.
I am sharing examples of my story, local issues and positions at www.facebook.com/markigeltrustee"
I'm excited to share my candidacy for Town Trustee, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to our incredible community. Having called Estes Park home since 1999, I’m committed to leveraging my decades of experience to propel us forward. I will be a “voice of reason” for balance and finding common ground.
Before arriving to Estes Park, I received a degree in Political Science from Guilford College, and had a career as a Professional Mariner internationally, possessing a 500Ton All Ocean Masters License. In 2005, I bought the Rock Inn Mountain Tavern property, gaining valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of business owners, working and retired residents as well as visitors and tourists. Over the years, I have owned several annual lease single family homes adding to the housing inventory for full time residents. Currently, I work in an administrative roll for a local construc-
tion company, providing a solid foundation and understanding in navigating the complexities of building and development code issues in the Estes Valley. My wide range of lifetime accomplishments have given me essential skills to participate in effective town governance.
Beyond professional endeavors, my role as a father of two elementary school kids, underscores my commitment to a familyfriendly, safe, prosperous community. My wife, Susan Taylor, is similarly involved in community engagement and participates on several boards in town.
I believe in a future for Estes Park that balances inevitable growth with preserving our unique charm. Join me in shaping this vision to create a prosperous, safe and inclusive community.
Bruce Darby- A Voice of Reason
Hello Neighbors!
Max Woodfin, resident of the mountains near Gold Hill, is running to represent you in Colorado House District 49. He wants to get to know you better and give you an opportunity to speak about the issues that matter to you. Please join us at the Colorado Mountain School for a night of inspiration, dialogue, and community! Max will speak at 6:30 p.m.,
followed by a Townhall-style Q&A.
What: Townhall Q&A, Community, Appetizers
When: Friday, March 1st from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Colorado Mountain School: 341 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO RSVP at tinyurl.com/y56v5kkt
Learn more about Max at maxforcolorado.com
The Estes Park Aviation Club’s speaker for the Wednesday March 13th meeting is once again Stewart Bailey, the Exhibits & Collections Manager at Wings Over the Rockies Museum in Denver. The Wings Over the Rockies is an outstanding air and space museum with two locations in the Denver area at the former Lowery Air Force Base and at Centennial Airport Stewart’s presentation will be on the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49. The Berlin Airlift is of special significance in aviation history because only three years after the end of the bloody battles of World War 2 the United States flew cargo missions (and not bombing missions) into Berlin to save the city from starvation. Spoiler alert – a segment of Stewart’s presentation will be on the “candy bomber.” Bailey grew up during the opening of the space age and is a life-long enthusiast of aviation and space flight. Stewart graduated from the University of Michigan School of Art & Design and has had a career that spans over 30 years in Avia-
tion, Space and Science Museums. Before coming to Wings he served as the Curator for the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston.
Prior to that he was Curator at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum; Director of Education at the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum (the Air Zoo); Executive Director of the Michigan Space & Science Center and Exhibits Graphic Designer for the Cranbrook Institute of Science Museum.
Mr. Bailey has published one book on the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum collection and has numerous articles and photographs in aviation and spaceflight related books and magazines. He is an avid model builder and model rocketeer with additional interests in astronomy and American Civil War naval history.
The Aviation Club meeting is Wednesday, March 13th at 6:30 p.m., at the American Legion Post 119 Hall, located at 850 N. St. Vrain Ave. As always, the Legion is open to the public with food and drink for purchase at 5:30. Our gathering is open to all interested, so if you like flying, planes, space, or just talking to aviation enthusiasts, come join us!
The Larimer County Office of Emergency Management is again offering a preparedness class for the community this spring.
The free class, Dare to Prepare, is an educational program focusing on preparedness, personal resilience, disaster management, community building, and leadership. The program helps communities to be better prepared to respond to and recover from disasters in our region.
It also strives to connect communities, since connected communities are more resilient and better able to respond to
emergencies.
The class is divided into two sevenhour sessions on April 20 and April 27, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., covering seven ‘modules’ in those two sessions. Lunch will be provided.
Place: Larimer County Emergency Operations Center, 4872 Endeavor Drive, Johnstown, Colorado 80534.
Dates and time: April 20, and April 27, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Have questions or want to sign up? Visit www.larimer.gov/daretoprepare.
The public is invited to the next Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) meeting on Thursday, March 7th, at 9:30 a.m. in the George Hix Meeting Room at US Bank, 363 E. Elkhorn. ELSA members, Brian Kolokowsky (Deep Root Tree Care & Weed Control) and Brian Berg (TOEP Parks Supervisor) will be presenting information about common noxious weeds in the Estes Valley and the different management strategies that are used to fight them.
the Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) at ELSA.weeds@gmail.com .
Kolokowsky is a local business owner who has over a decade of weed management experience in the Estes Valley, starting in RMNP before branching off on his own. Berg is the Town of Estes Park’s Parks Supervisor and Certified Arborist for the Town of Estes Park. Berg oversees the Town’s noxious weed program and forestry program. Both presenters will also be answering questions from the audience. Take this opportunity to learn more about how you can be good land stewards and be in compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, and Larimer County and Town of Estes Park weed ordinances.
More information about ELSA sponsored weed disposal events, the Estes Park weed ordinance, ELSA’s weed booklet, Weed of the Week articles, etc. can be found at estes.org/weeds. You can contact
ELSA meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the George Hix Meeting Room at US Bank in March and April, and the EP Park Dept. shop (600 Big Thompson Ave) in February and November. Monitored Weed Drop-offs are held the third Saturday in July, August and September. Articles will be posted in the EP News prior to these drop-off events. ELSA is a 501 (c) (3) unincorporated nonprofit organization. ELSA’s primary objective is to address the noxious weeds invading the Estes Valley by promoting awareness of invasive plants and their impacts, through education and outreach efforts.
Owning property in the Estes Valley can be challenging and different! Bagging mature weeds during the summer months is not how you want to spend your time. Be proactive – learn your native plants and manage the invasive plants in a timely manner with a weed management specialist if you don’t have the time, energy or expertise to manage your property. A list of weed management specialists who can help is available at larimer.org/naturalresources/weeds/applicators. Management strategies and information can be found under at estes.org/weeds under the Helpful Documents page.
Macdonald Book Shop is delighted to be hosting the launch celebration for local author Aimie K. Runyan’s newest novel, The Memory of Lavender and Sage on Tuesday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. The celebration will include an author reading and Q&A, book signing, refreshments, and small gifts for those who purchase the book.
Runyan, a four-time nominee for the Colorado Book award for her works of historical fiction, has branched into contemporary fiction with her latest novel. The Memory of Lavender and Sage is set in the lush hills of Provence, and will be a lovely escape for anyone looking for a “virtual vacation” to the sun-drenched South of France. The story follows disenchanted food critic, Tempèsta Luddington, and her journey to find the secrets of her late mother’s past. When she is left a modest inheritance, she uses her funds to leave her job and city bustle behind and purchase a ramshackle farmhouse—sight unseen in the village where her mother grew up. At first, her adjusting to life in the small village of Sainte-Colombe seems unlikely. But as the days turn into weeks and months, she learns the power of found family and a warm community.
Runyan has long wanted to write a book set in Provence, having studied in the region when she was in college. The vibrancy
of the culture, the slower pace of life, and the respect of wellcrafted food influenced her life and work in profound ways, but it wasn’t until the opportunity to write contemporary fiction came up that she was able to develop a novel set in the area she loves so well. Runyan hopes to continue writing both contemporary and historical novels moving forward.
Some themes in the novel will resonate with those with a connection to Estes Park. The villagers in the fictional village of SainteColombe struggle to keep their town from fading into obscurity but worry about turning their enchanting village into a tourist town indistinguishable from countless others. They must work to find a balance between attracting the tourists their struggling economy so desperately needs without sacrificing the very essence of what makes their village so dear to them.
Runyan has been active in the Colorado writing community for the past ten years, and a resident of Estes Park for almost three, along with her husband and two children. She is grateful for the warm reception her beloved new hometown has given her and her family. She looks forward to meeting more of the community at Macdonald Book Shop on Tuesday and at her address to the Friends of the Library Foundation in June.
To The Editor:
What a riot! On Friday and Saturday last week Thespian Troupe #7284 "brought the house down" (as the saying goes) with their stage production of "The Play That Goes Wrong." But in fact, everything about it was right — from Director Jordan Hazelton's and Jordanne Bradley's directorial flair to the talented and energetic performances of the high school cast and stage crew. "The Play That Goes Wrong” has been around for a century. Now it can be said that it has left audiences screaming and laughing hysterically from New York's Broadway to Estes Park's High School Auditorium. The pace of the play is unrelenting and both verbally and physically hilarious from its opening lines. It takes rare talent and pacing to make slapstick tick — but the student members of Thespian Troupe #7284 exuded the requisite talent at every twist and turn of this
delightful romp. Even the stage crew found itself onstage and caught up amid the action. The play is a "who done it" in the classic sense of the genre. And it is fair to say that nobody could have "done it" better. There are moments when the frenetic action is layered with what seems like three plays occurring simultaneously — and each of them hilarious. Anybody who missed it, missed a lot. My wife Mary Liz and I were blessed to be associated with "the stage" for over a quarter of a century. Now in retirement we watch in awe as we see it being used locally so well. The thunderous standing ovations for the cast and crew spoke volumes. To everyone associated with ""The Play That Goes Wrong." — thanks for the laughs!
Joe Adair
Estes Park, Colorado
It is time to give up. Coffee, cussing, complaining, champagne, chocolate; social media, sweets and soda. The list is endless, really. It’s Lent you see, and traditionally Lent is a time to purify—or give up—in preparation for a rebirth—or a starting over, so to speak.
When I was a youth I gave up candy every Lent, just like my father did when he was a boy. He instructed that any candy that came my way during the 40 days leading up to Easter went into a jar on my dresser. When Easter morning dawned, I was free to consume all the candy I had collected since Ash Wednesday. What Dad didn’t know is that for 40 days I snuck candy out of my jar and ate it in secret. I was certain God didn’t see me do it.
Forty days? I’d never counted but I should have, because the 40 days of Lent didn’t include Sundays. If I’d known, I could have boldly and publicly eaten my candy stash every Sunday—a day considered exempt from Lent because all Sundays are mini-Easters.
I grew up Catholic so in addition to giving something up for Lent, my family also fasted on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and ate no meat on Fridays. Fish sticks, macaroni and cheese and salmon patties were common Friday fare in the Donohoe household.
Some say, “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic.” Although I haven’t been in a Catholic church in years, I could still say the Mass right along with the priest if I did attend a service, and I sometimes recite the Hail Mary as a meditative chant, so perhaps my Catholic upbringing is still ingrained in my DNA. Nonetheless, in the ’90s, when I found myself changing the words to the prayers to better align with my beliefs, it was time to venture into the wider world of spiritual wonder.
That doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned Lent. I still like the idea of self-sacrifice as a reminder that there is a lot of room for selfimprovement, and 40 days is long enough for a practice to become habit. So what do I give up?
If I had my druthers, I’d give up the same thing every year. I’d give up doing my
taxes. I did, in fact, pay someone else to do them two years ago. It’s the only time the IRS sent me a letter telling me I owed more than I’d already paid. I had to file an amended return and send a second check to cover the deficit, plus pay the accountant to redo the amended return.
I learned my lesson and have gone back to torturing myself, a tried and true wordie (also known as a logophile), by doing my own taxes. Thank goodness for my friend TurboTax, who calms my turbulent taxwork!
I’m making Lent sound like a time of penance with all that fasting and self-deprivation. For some Christians, this may exactly what it is. But over the years the idea of Lent has shifted for some believers from a period of self-denial to a time of growth and generosity. Doubters also gain from the benefits of Lent. Like Jesus was during his short time on this planet, Lent is all-inclusive. Hate the sin; love the sinner. Note: there are no exceptions.
Fasting doesn’t have to hurt; fasting can feel good. Here is a list of fasting suggestions for all of us from the wise Pope Francis:
· Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
· Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
· Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
· Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
· Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
· Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
· Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
· Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
· Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
· Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
© 2024 Sarah Donohoe
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church is offering a fun filled late afternoon of Bunco! You don’t have to know how to play, and you do have to come prepared to laugh, meet new friends do and have fun! If you are interested in participating call our church office and leave your name and the fact you want to play! Snacks will be provided, bring your own beverage. Meet at St. Barts, 880 MacGregor Ave. at 4:30 p.m. on March 6th! Call the church office at 970-586-4504 for more information.
Experience On
The Fire District Board
The Trails Committee
The Contractors Association
Watershed Coalition
Transportation Advisory Board
Comp Plan Committee Planning Commission
On Wednesday, March 20, 2024 the 1917 Book Club returns to the Estes Park Museum to explore local titles and authors. Discussions will take place every third Wednesday of the month from January through March, 2024. The program runs from 10 – 11:30 a.m. and is held in the Museum Meeting Room. Light snacks will be provided. This program is free and open to the public. It is strongly encouraged that participants read each selection prior to the program to take part in the discussion.
The March title is This Blue Hollow: Estes Park, the Early Years, 1859 – 1915
by Dr. James H. Pickering. “Pickering examines the environmental transformation of the Estes Park region, form its beginnings as a hunting reserve for the Front Range pioneer aristocracy, to its allure for intrepid mountaineers, to that of a central piece of Rocky Mountain National Park, complete with lodges, civic boosters of all stripes, businesses, and ultimately a thriving tourist industry that allowed the area to flourish.” Museum staff will facilitate a lively discussion.
For any questions, please contact Curator of Interpretation, Mikaela Fundaun, mfundaun@estes.org.
Are you or your family local history enthusiasts? Whether a pioneer family or a recent resident of Estes Park, individuals and families have the opportunity to order a custom etched stone at the Estes Park Museum. Ideal for personal recognition, memorials of individuals, or family pets, mottos, celebrating that special cabin you own, or other creative ideas. For a $1,000 donation, an 8” x 8” paver stone can be engraved with an image and custom text to be lined along the pathway between the Museum and Museum Annex. The pathway connects the Annex, which houses artifacts, to the Museum, where artifacts are presented to the public through exhibits and programs, creating a perfect analogy of the past meeting the present.
This fundraiser supports the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. in their continued efforts towards Museum Annex facility upgrades and collections care with the goal of professionalizing the museum collection and research facility. Donations will lead to the comple-
tion of building upgrades for an ideal, secure environment, and the preservation of more than 30,000 locally significant historic artifacts with room for the general public and staff to research the collection.
With over 90 pavers ordered, there are just over 90 left! The fundraising opportunity will end in May for the installation to take place later this summer. Order now for a personal inclusion in this community effort that will be seen by thousands of annual visitors!
If you are interested in supporting this special project or have any questions, please call or email Museum Director Derek Fortini for more information at 970-577-3761 or dfortini@estes.org.
The mission of the Estes Park Museum is to conduct activities that preserve, share, and respect the unique history of Estes Park. For more information, call the Estes Park Museum at 970-586-6256 or visit the Museum's website. Museum gallery hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Dr. David Hartnett will give an overview of the science of climate change and common misconceptions at a special program Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church.
At the event, he will discuss climate change causes and effects, and future projections for Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. He will conclude by discussing a Christian perspective on the environment, biblical teachings about our relationship to the earth, and how they should guide Christians in their response to important environmental issues of our day.
Dr. Hartnett, Professor Emeritus of Bi-
ology from Kansas State University and held a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Botswana. He has conducted research on grassland and forest ecosystems in North American and Southern Africa. He has published more than 100 scientific articles, books and chapter and has served on scientific review panels for the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Congressional Subcommittee on national parks and others. As a natural scientist and a Christian, he also has strong interests in topics at the intersection of science and faith.
This talk is open to all, and refreshments will be served. Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church is located at 950 North St. Vrain Ave., Estes Park.
It may be snowy now, but the 2024 Estes Park Rotary Duck Race Festival is right around the bend and Fall River will be flowing. The Duck Race Festival Committee has just unveiled this year’s theme and major prizes. The list of participating organizations that the Race will benefit is complete, and major and associate sponsors are signing up to support the Race.
The 2024 event on Saturday, May 4, will try to bring some peace, tranquility, and togetherness to life in the Rockies. The theme of this year’s duck race is “We are Family.” “During these troubled times, the Duck Race Committee thought it would be appropriate to step back and honor family both in terms of our immediate families and in a broader context, as members of the family of man,” said Scott Robbins, Big Duck, for the 2024 festival.
Ducks will drop into Fall River at Nicky’s Resort and the Wapiti Colorado Pub (formerly Nicky’s Steakhouse Restaurant) and finish at George Hix Memorial Riverside Plaza. We will have pre-race entertainment at the starting line as well as a variety of entertainment options at three additional venues during the race. In addition to our entertainment at the Starting Line and the Finish Line we will also have Ballet Renaissance performing at Performance Park as well as music and other family activities at Bond Park.
Runners and walkers will get their blood flowing at the Duck Waddle 5K sponsored by the Estes Park Running Club. The Estes Park Rotary will also be
offering Friendship Cards, a fundraising and discount program with participating local merchants, for sale at Riverside Plaza on Race Day.
(Contact epfriendshipcard@gmail.com for more information.)
“Interactive activities for the kids, live music, a community drum circle, merchandise sales, the Friendship Card, and thousands of small yellow rubber ducks floating to ward the finish line combine to make the festival a “can’t miss” event for people of all ages,” said 2024 “Big Duck” Scott Robbins. Robbins added “This is the Rotary Club of Estes Park’s largest fundraising and ‘fun-raising' event of the year. As the unofficial start of the summer tourist season, it’s the perfect time to have a ‘quacking’ good day of family fun and support our Estes Valley charitable organizations!”
Hale near Vail, Colorado including a 2hour ATV outing or tour.
"Everyone loves to take a vacation, and this is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery at historic Camp Hale where World War II soldiers trained for alpine warfare” Robbins said, adding "The vacation stay prize will certainly add to the excitement for two lucky winners."
Why do we have a Duck Race? We have it to help the 63 participating Estes Valley charities and non-profit organizations. The complete list of beneficiary organizations will be available on epduckrace.org beginning February 29, 2024, the day duck adoption sales begin.
race possible,” said Bill Solms, who is leading the 2024 sponsorship effort. This year we have four sponsor categories: The Named Sponsor contributes $5,000 or more in cash or services, a Venue Sponsor contributes $1,000 or more in cash or services, a Major Sponsor contributes $500 or more in cash or services, and an Associate Sponsor kicks in between $100 - $499 in cash or services. All sponsor contributions are dedicated to pay for prizes in the following year’s duck race festival.
We are proud to announce that Poppy’s Restaurant and Mama Rose’s Restaurant have stepped up to be Named Sponsor of the 2024 Duck Race. All sponsors will be the beneficiaries of promotional activities and social media posts produced by the Duck Race.
Posters promoting the 2024 Duck Race have been designed by local artist Anil Singh and will appear all over Estes Park in the weeks before the race.
The 2024 event will feature three major cash prizes and a two-night vacation stay package with accommodations donated by Delaware North Parks and Resorts, parent company of The Holiday Inn (formerly the Ridgeline Hotel) and...
● Grand Prize $10,000 cash
● Second Prize: $6,000 cash
● Third Prize: $4,000 cash
● One vacation stay for two in an Explorer cabin at NOVA Guides at Camp
“Every year I am very excited about the number and quality of the organizations that apply and are approved to participate in the duck race festival. This year is no exception,” said Larry Williams, Duck Race Festival Organizations Chair, who coordinated selection of the beneficiaries. “We will have 63 organizations including two new charities and look forward to their participation.”
“The generosity of sponsors makes the
“The goal for 2024 is to raise $225,000 or more in duck adoptions that will benefit the participating organizations that are selling them,” Robbins said. For every $25 adoption sold, $23 goes to the beneficiary organization, with the balance used to offset expenses incurred by the Rotary Club of Estes Park in conducting the Duck Race. In the past 35 years, the Estes Park Duck Race has returned over $3.2 million to nonprofits and charities in the Estes Valley.
Join us for Partners' 2024 Elevate Partners Fundraising Dinner to support our mentoring programs in Estes Park. En-
joy an evening with great community, inspiring speakers, and a complimentary dinner, generously provided by
Mama Rose's.
When: Thursday, March 7th, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Mama Rose's Restaurant, 338 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517
All donations help us continue making an impact on youth in our community! We suggest a minimum $30 donation per guest. Because of the generous support of Rob and Julie Pieper, guests' entire donation is used to provide our mentoring programming to local youth. Partners is pleased to offer an added incentive for our donors who give mone-
tary donations as these now quality for the Child Care Contribution Credit, which offers an additional credit up to 50% on your state income taxes. Learn more at poweredbypartners.org/cccc. Register to attend:
1. Online: www.poweredbypartners.org/elevate
2. Or by phone at 970-577-9348 with your full name, your guest(s) full names, mailing address, phone number, and email so we can connect with you prior to the event.
3. Please RSVP by 3/4/2024.
Grant applications for 2024 from the Village Thrift Shop (VTS) are now available for charitable organizations providing services to the Estes Valley community. Non-profits determined by the Internal Revenue Service to operate as a 501(c)(3) and registered in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State are encouraged to complete and submit a request to the Village Thrift Shop for funding by March 31, 2024. After review by the VTS Board of Directors, funding will be distributed in early May.
Grant applications and guidelines are posted for download at the VTS website, www.epvillagethrift.org/grant-application. Alternatively, copies will be available for pickup Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Village Thrift Shop located at 1138 Manford Avenue in Estes Park. The completed application package should be returned via mail, e-mail or hand delivered by the end of March.
The Village Thrift Shop is a non-profit corporation that generates revenue through the resale of donated goods. Generous donors, considerate business partners, a dedicated all-volunteer staff, and loyal patrons support VTS profit sharing. Over the past seven years, nearly $1,007,000 has been distributed to qualified nonprofits providing critical services in the Estes Valley.
Last year, the volunteer staff at Village Thrift Shop freely gave over 9,600 hours of their time in order to process a bounty of donated, sellable goods subsequently purchased by first time and regular customers from near and far. This year’s grant cycle is anticipated to be the largest payout to non-profit partners in the Estes Valley community to date.
The Oratorio Society of Estes Park invites you to enjoy a concert of classics for chamber orchestra on Friday evening, March 8th at 7:00 p.m. or Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave. in Estes Park.
The concert, under the direction of Robert Charles Howard, will consist of Mozart’s sparkling Clarinet Concerto played by Estes Park’s own Annette Dechant and Beethoven’s prophetic Symphony No. 1 in C major.
Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto was composed in his final year of life for the clarinetist, Anton Stadler. In addition to the solo clarinet, the orchestration adds flutes, bassoons, horns and strings.
This remarkable concerto showcases the clarinet in all its potential. The first movement is a majestic sonata form filled with virtuosic passage work for the
soloist. The second movement reveals the lyric and expressive voice of the instrument and the final movement is an agile and light-spirited rondo.
Clarinetist, Annette Dechant brings a deep love for music coupled with a sincere appreciation for our beloved community. With a Bachelor’s of Art degree from Arizona State University and a Masters of Music degree from the University of Wyoming, the breadth of her music experience runs long and deep.
Annette spent 15 years in Greeley, Colorado performing with many groups including the Greely Chamber Orchestra. She had the privilege of teaching over 40 students during her tenure there.
Beethoven’s star was rising when he composed his first symphony in 1800. He had already captured the attention of the wealthy patrons in Vienna with his early piano sonatas, including his Pathetique Sonata, as well as his first six string quartets.
Not surprisingly, Beethoven’s first symphony was influenced by those of Haydn and Mozart. Even so, his unique vision and daring structure is evident from its first measures, All four movements reveal the composer's spirit of adventure and powerful sense of structure.
At the same time, the young composer’s distinct orchestral voice that would revolutionize symphonic expression forever makes its debut fresh and delightful symphonic masterpiece.
Fourteen years back, I dove headfirst into "The Artist's Way," a 12-week program for creative and spiritual recovery. As a blocked writer desperate to shatter my writer's block, I decided to embrace daily journaling, specifically the "morning pages" practice—three pages of raw, unfiltered stream-of-consciousness writing— for those three months. Little did I know, it would morph into a lifelong ritual that would fundamentally shake up my world.
Initially, I thought I'd journal for the program's duration and then bid it adieu. Yet, here I am, 14 years later, having missed just one day. The daily ritual of laying bare my truths, of dissecting my life and feelings, has been nothing short of transformative.
Journaling hasn't just unclogged my writing; it's supercharged my ability to tackle tough conversations. By organizing my thoughts on paper first, I now stride into challenging discussions with newfound clarity and conviction.
And let's talk productivity—having my day sketched out each morning has turned me into a dynamo.
But the real magic of journaling lies beyond mere productivity and self-expression. I've unearthed hidden wisdom, had epiphanies that rocked me to my core, and forged a deeper connection with my true self, uncovering my purpose, desires, and raison d'être.
Perhaps most crucially, journaling has been a lifesaver in managing my depression naturally.
If I had to pick just one daily practice for the rest of my days, it'd be journaling, hands down. It's pure magic. That's why this month, I wanted to share its transformative power with you.
And I'm not alone in my fervor for journaling—research backs up its benefits, showing it can pave the way to improved health and happiness. Studies reveal journaling can slash stress, fortify the immune system, and elevate your mood. By regularly pouring out your thoughts and feelings onto paper, you gain a clearer understanding of your emotions and experiences, fostering greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Sometimes people underestimate journaling's power because it's such an ancient practice. Yet, its simplicity is what makes it so accessible. All you need is pen, paper, and a willingness to silence the inner critic that whispers, "But I don't know what to write," or, worse, "If someone read what I'm really thinking..."
You can start today with the same method I embraced: Julia Cameron's "morning pages." Just spill out three pages of uncensored thoughts each morning. Then watch as the benefits start rolling in.
Or if you're craving a more structured approach, one with targeted prompts to guide you, I invite you to join me on Saturday, March 9, for "The Soul Food Workshop: Throw every diet book in the trash & FINALLY love what you see when you look in the mirror." In this FREE online workshop, we'll delve into how journaling can help you connect deeply with yourself, unveiling your life purpose (yes, really), identifying what truly nourishes you, and making selfcare a breeze.
Email chazz@higherelevationscoaching.com to reserve your spot before Thursday, March 7 at 5 p.m. Space is limited.
The Chess Club is still here and still going strong! Nearly every week we have six to eight guys playing (three to four boards at a time). Most are pretty good players but beginners or learners are always welcome!
So drop in and join us, any Thursday afternoon in the lower level of the local Rec Center at 3:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome, just stop in and introduce yourself. No dues are required though our
meeting facilities are not totally free –just ask at the front desk and they will help. Many of us are older and get benefits from Silver Sneakers, although that is not a requirement either.
If you have an interest you may contact us via phone – John Gintert at (720) 217-6677 or Michael Sisk at (970) 2275232.
Come on down and join us, new friends are always welcome!
Staying well informed and up-to-date on the prevailing American issues of our time has never been more difficult or complicated than it is right now. Understanding real facts and unbiased information that directly affect you, your children, and your grandchildren has never been more important. Where else can you find that kind of critical knowledge in Estes Park? The New York Times? The BBC? CNN or Fox?
The Answer: The Great Decisions Forum hosted at the friendly confines of the Estes Valley Library.
Each month the Forum meets to discuss a key social, economic, and security issue to gain a full understanding of how government policies and events affect us and shape our immediate future. Forum
Now through April 13, volunteers from the AARP Tax Aide program are once again offering free income tax preparation with electronic filing of federal and Colorado returns.
Appointments can be made through the Library in person or by calling 970586-8116 or by visiting estesvalleylibrary.org.
Some restrictions apply, such as no residential rental property income or out of state returns. Filing your Colorado return is the way to claim your TABOR sales tax refund of $800 for full-year CO residents aged 18 and above.
moderators (a local Estes Park neighbor of yours) leads the group through a short, high quality video lecture. Each video features a nationally recognized subject matter expert. Forum attendees then freely discuss the topic exchanging ideas and personal experiences. The Forum is apolitical and focuses on building understanding that we need to be educated voters and wise taxpayers. Diversity of ideas is heartily welcomed and embraced by all during our discussion.
Our March topic is Climate Technology and Competition
Will the United States and China, with other powerful countries following suit, approach current and future climate initiatives with an increased commitment to trade protectionism and nationalism, by various measures including trade restrictions? Or could a growing spirit of international accord develop to confront the “common enemy” of climate change? This month’s subject matter expert is noted environmental journalist Bud Ward, Editor of the Yale Climate Connections.
Please join us for our next great session on Thursday, March 7th at 11 a.m. in the Wasson Room at the renowned Estes Valley Library. Attendance is free and open to the public. Have an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons.
At Estes Park Health, we know the importance of blood donations. On any day, any one of us could need blood for trauma, surgery, or illness. There is no substitute for human blood.
That’s why we’re teaming up with UCHealth Garth Englund Blood Center to host quarterly blood drives at the hospital. We want to make it as convenient and regular as possible for folks in the Estes Valley to help us keep the shelves stocked with this life-saving necessity.
Whole blood is the most common form of donation. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You can make an appointment or simply walk in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Estes Park Health locate at 555
Prospect Ave.
Blood from one single donation can be divided into two components: red blood cells and plasma. The average adult has 10 pints of blood. During a donation, only one pint is taken. You are eligible to donate every eight weeks.
About 38% of the population is eligible to donate blood, but only 3% do. One donation can save up to three lives.
Since Estes Park Health started on-site blood donations again after a pause during the height of the COVID pandemic, the hospital has had a great response from the community.
Consider giving the gift of life on March 14.
EPH physicians give five tips
No one wants to think about end-of-life planning. However, there are steps you can take now to make the process as simple as possible for you and your loved ones.
“Our state of health may change at any moment,” said Dr. Nicholaus Mize, an internal medicine physician at Estes Park Health. “Planning for health changes allows the patient to be in control of what path they want the medical field to take for them. It aids all care givers at home, a facility, or in a medical setting know what the patient wants in relation to the patient’s state when the patient may not have the ability to do so. It takes weight and distress away from loved ones, friends, and even the medical team when there has been a discussion including the patient with their Primary Care Physician about treatment goals, or directives at different states of health. At the very least, developing end-of-life wishes, albeit at times difficult to contemplate, is important for all those reasons. The planning comes from a place of love as we all try and protect our loved ones from being the voice of the patient during their own heavy emotions.”
1. Establish a relationship with your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Your PCP will have appropriate conversations
about your condition and future options with you.
2. Know your insurances and/or your financial resources.
3. Identify your family and friend resources.
4. Make your wishes known through an Advance Health Care Directive, Living Will, Colorado Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment. Also see FiveWishes.org.
5. Appoint someone to speak on your behalf if you cannot. Medical Durable Power of Attorney.
Estes Park Health Chief Nursing Office
Pat Samples stressed that end-of-life planning can be difficult for everyone.
“There are some resources to support you and your loved ones (which can be family and/or friends) talking through the process, like the 5 Wishes document and coloradocareplanning.org,” Samples explained. “The documents to complete can vary depending on how detailed you want the plan to be. The MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment) form is one page. A living will include your identified medical power of attorney and your wishes based on the circumstance. Be sure to include your primary care provider in your decisions to ensure you and your loved ones have a good understanding of the different options. There is no one right form or document, it is individualized.”
Democrats in Larimer County will Caucus on Saturday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. This includes all Estes Valley Precincts!
The entire Larimer County Democratic Caucus will be held virtually -- by Zoom -so that all registered Democrats in Larimer County can attend on March 9 from the comfort of their homes.
Registration to receive the Caucus Zoom link continues until shortly before the March 9 Caucus date. The online registration is on the LarimerDems.org website. The specific link to register may be found at: www.Larimerdems.org/caucus-and- assembly
When you register, you will also be able to indicate your interest in becoming one or both of the following: (1) a Precinct Organizer who works with information and activities with all the voters in your precinct during the 2024 election year and afterward, and (2) a Delegate to the Democratic Larimer County Assembly on March 16.
Being a Delegate to the Larimer County Assembly opens many other opportunities for you.
The Democratic County Assembly on March 16 also will be held by Zoom, at 10:00 a.m. At the Assembly you will be able (1) to vote for the candidates qualifying to be on our Democratic Primary ballots for June 25, 2024, and (2) to run
to be a Delegate to other Democratic Assemblies to be held in March or April 2024.
These other Democratic Assemblies include: the State Assembly, the Judicial District 8 Assembly, your Colorado House and/or Senate District Assembly, and/or your Congressional District Assembly. We need many Delegates for these other Assemblies, so your chances of acquiring an interesting position is very good (or even positions for more than one other Assembly). These other Democratic Assemblies, including the Colorado State Democratic Assembly and Convention, will be held virtually so travel should not be an issue for you to be a Delegate.
And it all starts at choosing to run to be a Larimer County Delegate at the March 9 Caucus.
Only registered Larimer County Democrats may participate in the Democratic Caucus, with such party registration required by February 16. So if you are now a registered Democrat in Larimer County, this Caucus is for you.
Please see the LarimerDems.org website for further information about the Caucus process. You also can contact the Larimer Dems office with any questions.
See the website at www.larimerdems.org/contact or call 970-689-6391.
A caucus is a neighborhood gathering that is the starting point of the political process. The Republican caucus for the six precincts in Estes Park will be in person on March 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the common area of Estes Park High School. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. You can preregister for the caucus at https://caucus.cologop.org. Visitors are welcome to attend, but they cannot participate in the discussions or vote.
did not receive a ballot in the mail, contact the Larimer Clerk and Recorder’s office at (970) 4987820.
Even though this is a presidential election year, the primary election for President will be on March 5th instead of going through the caucus process. The ballots for the primary have already been mailed out. Registered Republicans and Democrats receive a ballot specific to their party. Those who are unaffiliated receive ballots for both parties, but they can only vote one ballot. If two ballots are received from one voter, both ballots will be disqualified. If you
So what will happen at caucus? First we will elect precinct committee persons to serve for the next two years. Next, we will elect delegates to the County and State Assemblies. The County Assembly will be on March 23rd in Loveland and it will select candidates for Larimer County Commissioners for Districts 2 and 3 as well as candidates for Larimer County Clerk and Recorder. Other candidates for those seats can petition to be on the ballot for the primary election which will be held on June 5th
The State Assembly will be on April 5th in Pueblo and will select candidates for state offices. The CD-2 and HD-49 district assemblies will select candidates for those seats. Delegates for State Assembly must first be elected as County delegates.
Please attend if you are registered as Republican.
Painting with Cathy Goodale
2024 will present another fabulous opportunity to paint with well-known local artist, Cathy Goodale, who will be teaching monthly from January through December 2024 at the Art Center. Sign up for any number of classes in advance or one at a time, as the year progresses. Each class will meet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Art Center classroom.
March 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – “Portrait
of Live Model.” Cathy will teach participants to paint a portrait from a live model. Art Center members: $72, Nonmembers: $80.
Current Exhibit
Mentor/Students Show 2024
Celebrating Art Education and Students Mentored by Art Center Artists. This exhibit runs Feb. 10-March 11. This annual show features seven students mentored by Art Center Artists. In addition, Art Center artists and community members who took a class at the Art Center during 2023 will be showing their class creations.
Mentees:
• Emma Dewey, Fiber Art
• Olivia Khachaturian, Watercolor
• Shane Leahy, Watercolor/Collage
• Camille Mabry, Watercolor
• Abby Miller, Watercolor/Collage
• Teagan Miller, Watercolor
• Zoey Rupp, Fiber Art
Art Center Mentors:
• Cynthia Reedy
• Sally Richmond
• Pauline Bustamante
• Barb Richards
• Anne Sneary
“The Magic of Masks.” This show will also feature “The Magic of Masks,” Our Second Annual Community Art Show
Some Mardi Gras Fun in Estes Park! Funded in part by the Estes Valley Community Fund of the Community foundation of Northern Colorado.
Adult Award Winners:
• Mary Campbell
• Velina Davidson
• Carol Barkley
• Elizabeth Soriono Tamagni
• Hollyn Stegall
Kids Award Winners:
• Gus Berg
• Audrey O’Toole
• Ximena Erves
• Abby Scott
• Elijah Washam
People's Choice Award Winner:
• Sarah Fedorestone
Upcoming Exhibit
"Spring Sojourn"
Watercolor
Paintings by Deborah J. Jansen and Oil
Paintings by Bill Fritz
March 15-
April 22
Opening Re-
ception March
15, 5-7 p.m.
Sponsored by Bill and Sue Pinkham
Bill Fritz was raised in South Dakota. He attended the University of Nebraska and graduated from the Art Center School of Design in Los Angeles. He spent his career working for major advertising agencies as an Art Director and Creative Director. He began oil painting after retirement and moving to Estes Park. While developing his artistic skills Bill enjoyed biking and RVing. Bill has always looked forward to capturing the beauty of Estes Park and surrounding areas…he feels blessed to call such a beautiful place “home.”
Deborah J. Jansen: “What a thrill to find that place of wonderful light and color, that certain mood, that provocative living thing—and then paint it! I favor en plein aire, where I am alone with nature’s sounds, scents, and secrets. My watermedia paintings are inspired by my love of life in all forms, and my concern for the environment and the people sharing it.”
Debbie is an established, recognized, awarded, and productive painter. She was raised in Minnesota and educated at Macalester College. She worked as a Medical Technologist (ASCP) in MN, HI, AZ, and CO—all wonderful places for a watercolorist.
Satellite Exhibits:
Estes Park Health, US Bank, with newly hung exhibit of artwork by Bruce Boynton and exhibits at VERT, Snowy Peaks Winery, and at the Bank of Estes Park. The public is invited to visit these exhibits
Social Media:
The Art Center can be viewed not only on our website (www.artcenterofestes.com) but we are on Facebook (Art-Center-of-Estes-Park) and Instagram (artcenterofep).
The Art Center of Estes Park is a nonprofit organization which provides a facility to support the work of local and regional artists, striving to promote exhibition, education, and excellence in the visual arts. Proceeds benefit the artist and contribute to the Art Center’s education and community outreach. The Art Center is located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue, in Middle Stanley Village, below Safeway and above Subway. For more information, please call the Art Center at 970-586-5882 or visit our website at www.artcenterofestes.com.
Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
KEY
Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
The Power of Friendships: Author
Talk with Nina Totenberg Ⓡ
Wednesday, March 6, 2 - 3 p.m., online
Join an intimate conversation with NPR Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg as she talks about her book, Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships, which details her nearly fifty-year friendship with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
Book Club for Mortals:
The Last Lecture Ⓡ
Thursday, March 14, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Wasson Room & online
Discuss end-of-life issues and our shared mortality. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, a professor shares the lessons he’s learned in March’s featured title, The Last Lecture.
20 Years of Dragon-Riding: Author
Talk with Christopher Paolini Ⓡ
Thursday, March 14, 2 - 3 p.m., online
Chat with master storyteller and internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini about his return to the World of Eragon with Murtagh, a stun-
ning continuation of the epic fantasy. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
MAKER MARCH OPEN CRAFTS
Please note: open crafts are self-guided programs with instructions and supplies provided. Drop in and create something special!
Bath Bombs
Monday, March 4, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Friday, March 15, 10:30 a.m.4 p.m., Makerspace
Make your own fizzy bath bomb, perfect for turning your tub into an athome spa experience.
Crystal Prisms
Tuesday, March 5, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Makerspace
Create a decorative prism that will refract light when placed in the sun.
Tree of Life
Wednesday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Makerspace
Learn how to make wire jewelry, then fashion your own Tree of Life pendant or wall accessory.
Miniature Clock Towers
Thursday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Makerspace
Assemble and paint a working HO scale clock tower.
Alcohol Ink Nature Cards
Friday, March 8, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Makerspace
Design abstract art and affix it to a nature-themed frame.
Buttons & Magnets
Monday, March 11, 10:30 a.m.4 p.m., Makerspace
Bring in art or photos, cut out images from magazines, or use any of our pre-made templates to create buttons and magnets with Tecre 1.25” and 3” machines.
Scented Jar Candles
Tuesday, March 12, 10:30 a.m. -
2 p.m., Makerspace
Heat wax and add a wick and essential oils to make your own jarred candles.
Birdhouses
Thursday, March 14, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Makerspace
Craft a custom home for our local flying friends.
ALL AGES
Young Chautauqua Performances
Sunday, March 3, 2 - 5 p.m., Fireside Theater
Watch historical figures like Jane Goodall, Malala Yousafzai, Elvis Presley, and others come to life! Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to see the full schedule.
Dungeons & Dragons Ⓡ
Tuesday, March 5, 5:30 - 7:45 p.m., Quiet Room
Calling all fantasy, gaming, and roleplaying fans: join us for the original Dungeons and Dragons. No experience, purchase, or previous knowledge required. Just bring your imagination! Recommended for ages 16 and up.
ADULTS
Voter Registration Drive
Thursday, March 7, 12 - 2 p.m., Library Atrium
The League of Women Voters of Estes Park will be on hand to help with voter registration, important election dates, and other information about voting in Estes Park and Colorado.
TEENS & KIDS
Artwork Wednesday:
Duct Tape Wallets & Roses Ⓡ
Wednesday, March 6, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Makerspace
Get crafty with duct tape! We’ll be making heavy duty wallets and beautiful rose pens. Please note: scissors and other sharp tools will be used in this program.
Teen Advisory Council Ⓡ
Thursday, March 7, 6 - 7 p.m., Hondius Room
Monthly meeting for tweens and teens (ages 11-18) who would like to recommend ideas for library programming, design for future teen space, and collection purchases for their age group.
Makerspace Crafternoon: Sew a Snuffle Mat Ⓡ
Saturday, March 9, 2 - 4 p.m., Makerspace
March 12, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Makerspace repeated Tuesday, March 12, 5 - 6 p.m., Makerspace
Use solder irons and simple kits to make light-up spinning tops.
KIDS & FAMILIES
Library Storytimes
Babies: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.
Preschoolers: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.
Read to Therapy Dog Bo: Thurs., March 7 at 11 a.m.
Storybook Explorers: Sat., March 9 at 11:15 a.m.
Dr. Seuss Day
Saturday, March 2, starting at 10:30 a.m., Estes Valley Library
We are celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday! Join us for a special themed storytime, face painting, tote bag decorating, coloring, and more. Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to view the full schedule of events; please note that registration may be required for some activities.
Bilingual Storytime Ⓡ
Friday, March 8, 4 - 5 p.m., Hondius Room
Ven a compartir en nuestra Hora del Cuento Bilingüe, en esta ocasión vamos a leer una hermosa historia, haremos una bonita manualidad, y aprenderemos un nuevo vocabulario en Español. Join us for Bilingual Storytime, where we will read a beautiful story, do a fun craft, and learn new vocabulary in Spanish.
Laser Cutter Training Class Ⓡ
Monday, March 4, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).
Laser Cutter: Advanced Techniques Ⓡ
Tuesday, March 5, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
repeated Thursday, March 7, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Level up your laser cutter skills! Learn how to create 3D boxes, how to use cut mode for line art, and advanced training in Inkscape.
Embroidery Machine Training Class Ⓡ
Monday, March 11, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).
Have a dog, cat, or very ambitious hamster? Sew them an interactive snuffle mat: strips of fabric arranged to create pockets and folds where treats or kibble can be hidden.
Makerspace Crafternoon: Solder a Spinning Top Ⓡ Tuesday,
Embroidery Patterns: Advanced Techniques Ⓡ
Wednesday, March 13, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Through Inkscape and Ink/Stitch, learn vector editing to create custom embroidery designs.
Cliffhanger Used Books
Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the Post Office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, and music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.
Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Library Foundation and the Estes Park Woman’s Club, awardwinning and globally recognized author Minh Lê will visit Estes Park on Tuesday, March 12.
Minh Lê has written picture books like Drawn Together, win ner of the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, and Lift, an Eisner Award nominee. He also writes popular middle grade graphic novels, including Green Lantern: Legacy and Enlighten Me.
Lê has been a contributor to national publications like The New York Times, HuffPost, NPR, and Reading Rainbow. He is also
a federal early childhood policy expert who has worked in education at the national, state, and local levels – both in and out of the classroom. Fun fact: Lê was named one of 100 Coolest Dads in America by Fatherly.com in 2018!
Students of all grades will enjoy face time with Lê during three presentations and book signings at the Estes Park School District schools on March 12. Homeschoolers are invited to join; please view the full schedule and instructions for how to check in at estesvalleylibrary.org/events.
Author visits like these are made possible by collaborative community efforts between the Estes Valley Library and the Estes Park School District, and couldn’t be accomplished without contributions from nonprofits like the Friends of the Library Foundation and the Estes Park Women’s Club. Thank you!
From jewelry to t-shirts and tote bags, dioramas to paintings, and even a garden bench (yes, you read that right!), the Makerspace at the Estes Valley Library is full of human-crafted magic.
cutter and the embroidery machine.
This March, you’re invited to explore all that the Makerspace offers. We’ll be celebrating the good work of local makers while highlighting maker services and book collections that can guide you on your creativity journey. We hope you’ll join us for open crafts, workshops, classes, and more.
While many Makerspace services are for the adult crowd, remember that the Makerspace is for all ages! Teens and tweens can check out one of our many structured teen and tween programs this month, including soldering a spinning top or sewing a snuffle mat. These classes fill quickly, so make sure to reserve your seat early.
Throughout the month, drop in for one of our rotating open crafts. The Library team will provide a concept, supplies, and instructions for a variety of activities, including crystal prisms, wire jewelry, candles, bath bombs, birdhouses, and so much more. Pop by – no registration required – and make an item to take home with you. It’s the perfect time to learn a new skill in an easygoing environment.
Looking to level up your Makerspace equipment skill levels? Check out our new “advanced techniques” classes and learn sophisticated methods for the laser
Makerspaces are collaborative spaces where library patrons can access tools, equipment, and technology for handson projects and creative pursuits. The adoption of makerspaces in public libraries varies widely across different communities, so we are especially thankful to the many donors who have made our wonderful, shared Makerspace available for free to the Estes Valley.
Exercise your creativity and be a maker this March! Learn more about Maker March programs and collections at estesvalleylibrary.org.
As Black History Month draws to a close, it might be a good time to remind ourselves of the many good things that are done by members of one culture toward those of another. We often find ourselves inundated with news of just the opposite…the ‘mistreatment’ of a member of one culture, by that of another. Fortunately, if we will allow it to catch our attention, there are many more kind things that are done to members of other cultures, than unkind. However, sadly, the latter are the ones that seem to get most of the attention…even months and years later. Let’s notice some of the other.
I loved the account of an older African-American woman stranded on the side of an Alabama highway at 11:30 one night during a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she was in desperate need of a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her…quite unusual in the conflictfilled 1960’s. The man drove her to safety, helped her get assistance for her broken down car, and sent her home in a taxi-cab. Although in a big hurry, she took time to ask him his name and where he lived. He told her, she thanked him, jotted a note to herself, and left in the cab. A week went by and a knock came on the man’s door. To his surprise, a giant combination color TV and stereo record player was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: “Dear Mr. James, thank you for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Bless you. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside, just before he passed away. God bless you for unselfishly serving others. Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.” The story was told by an anonymous author. My thanks to the author.
It happens in other ways as well. I was sitting at our local McDonalds one day. In a booth near mine a group of young men were enjoying their meal and having a great time sharing, in their native tongue I assume, the plans for the day and their visit to Estes. Suddenly, a man arose from a booth nearby and approached their booth. He said, loudly, angrily, “You are in America! Speak English!” One of our local residents, a tall man, who sports a sheathed knife (like Nick’s in the Crocodile Dundee movies) quickly arose and made his way to the table. He said, quietly, but firmly, to the verbal abuser, “Do we have a problem here?” The man cowered and made a hasty departure from the restaurant. Our friend then said, to the group of young men, “Most of us aren’t like him. Enjoy your visit. Welcome to Estes Park.” And most of us are not like the abuser. But let’s be sure that we let that be known every way that we can. We love our visitors…all nationalities, languages and origins.
One very rainy night there was a knock on our door. Three people, including an obviously pregnant lady, stood on our deck, soaked. In broken English they explained that their car had broken down and they ‘needed a ride into town’. My heart went out to them. We climbed into my car, went to McDonalds, got them dinner, then a voucher for a couple night’s sleep, a little bit of money for future needs, and bid them ‘Godspeed’, with my prayers for their ongoing journey. Not much…and you would have done the same.
As you know, Jesus was once asked the question: “And who is my neighbor?” by someone who wanted to avoid any responsibility to others. Jesus’ answer was the story about a man of a very different culture who saw the opportunity…the need…to help someone who might normally have wanted little to do with him. We call him the ‘Good Samaritan’ and, hopefully, we, like Mr. James above, and our friend at McDonalds, will do all that we can for our ‘neighbor’, whom Jesus would say, is anybody that we can be …and who needs us to be…a neighbor to, whether it is a special month or not.
Bob Lewis
The February Woman's Club meeting at the American Legion was Valentine festive with plenty of fellowship and delicious Chimichurri beef fajitas and salads. We also had some lovely dessert items for purchase thanks to talented bakers in the club for a mini fundraiser. Thank you ladies!
It was our pleasure to induct a new member to the club. Welcome Linda Swoboda. You have an array of talents, and we certainly look forward to knowing you better.
Our featured speaker was Barbara Jo Limmiatis, Program and Outreach Services Supervisor from the Estes Valley Library. Her enthusiasm and detailed explanation of the library programs was most interesting. She acknowledged the Woman's Club role in establishing and helping to maintain the Estes Valley Li-
brary. The Early Literacy Programs provides an amazing variety of services for young children including outreach to area preschools and kindergartens. One of her most important thoughts for all of us is that if you have a need, the library is a good place to start.
A new proposed project for the club is to provide parents of newborn to threefour years children with a copy of the American Academy of Pediatrics book. "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child - Birth to Age 5" in either Spanish or English. These books will be distributed by physicians at Estes Park Health and Salud Clinic. Our next meeting will be March 13, 2024 at The Landing of Estes Park. The Big Horn will be catering and our program topic will be "Town Coordination - Events and Happenings.” Please remember advance reservations are needed by March 2nd to attend the luncheon and program at epwcreservations@gmail.com. We look forward to having you join us.
The Estes Park Senior Citizens Center (EPSCC) is honored to host the popular local musical duo Neilson/Nicholson. This daytime concert takes place Tuesday, March 5, from 12:00 to 1:30 at the EPSCC, 1760 Olympian Lane. Everyone is invited to attend this free concert, and refreshments are provided.
Skip Neilson and Karen Nicholson are both Estes Park locals and have been working together for over five years. Skip and his wife have owned property in Estes Park for almost 30 years and have been fulltime residents since 2014. Karen’s family has owned property in Estes Park since the 1940s. She and her husband have been full-time residents since 2003. Neilson/Nicholson’s music emphasizes harmonies in a mix of acoustic takes on rock, folk, country, and original songs. They have played regularly at such Estes Park venues as Full Throttle Saloon, Bob & Tony’s, the American Legion, Elk Meadows RV Park, Aspen & Evergreen Gallery, The Slab, Bird & Jim’s as well as festivals including Autumn Gold,
EVRPD Summer Music evenings at the marina, Pumpkins & Pilsners, and the Annual Arts & Crafts Fair. Karen and Skip also play in the Estes Park-based rock band Sugar Mountain. Their performance schedule and news updates can be found on their Facebook page, and live video clips can be found on YouTube, both accessed via @Neilson/Nicholson.
For the concert, you are welcome to bring your lunch or pre-purchase a hot meal. Place your order before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 4. For this event, the Senior Center will be serving fried chicken (three pieces) with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables. The cost of the meal is $7 for EPSCC members and $10 for non-members. If you become an EPSCC member for just $35 per year, you will not only enjoy meal discounts but also gain access to all the amazing activities. For more information about the EPSCC or to order a meal for the presentation, please call the Senior Center at (970) 581-2195.
The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary (EVSR) invites proposals from charitable organizations, in the Estes Valley, for grants to support programs and projects that benefit the Estes Valley community. To apply for funding, go to portal.clubrunner.ca/5242 and locate the 2024 Community Grants application. Please print and fill out the application and then email the completed application, and all required backup documents, to estessunriserotary@gmail.com no later than March 31, 2024. You will be notified in May if you are a grant recipient.
Mar 4 – 8
Monday, Mar 4 Denver Omelette (ham, mushrooms, onions & green peppers) w/ Hashbrowns & fruit
Tuesday, Mar 5 Fried Chicken (3 pc) w/ Mashed Potatoes, gravy & vegetables
Wednesday, Mar 6 Salisbury Steak (topped w/ vegetables) & Potato Salad
Thursday, Mar 7 Chicken Salad Croissant w/ Pasta Salad
Friday, Mar 8 Fish & Homemade Chips w/ soup of the day
Monday, Mar 11 Breakfast Burrito (eggs, cheese, refried beans & potatoes in floured tortilla) w/ green chili on the side
Tuesday, Mar 12 Country Fried Steak w/ Mashed Potatoes, gravy & vegetables
Wednesday, Mar 13 Chicago-style Italian Beef in a hoagie bun (topped w/ Jardiniere (pickled) vegetables) & Homemade Chips
Thursday, Mar 14 Meat Lasagna w/ garlic bread & side salad
Friday, Mar 15 Creamy Tuscan Shrimp (w/ sun dried tomatoes & spinach) w/ garlic bread & side salad
Meals are $7 for current 2024 EP Senior Citizens Center members and are by reservation only. (Or 3 meals for $20; use pre-paid meal tickets.) Exact cash or check payment required. Reservations must be made by 1:00 PM at least one business day in advance. Note, if you want to reserve a meal for Monday, Mar 4th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Mar 1st. For reservations call 970-581-2195 and leave a detailed message. Pre-paid meal tickets and membership forms are available at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center located at 1760 Olympian Lane.
The Center is OPEN Monday thru Friday 10 – 1 TriFit M-W-F 10:30-11:15 AM; Circuit Balance Class Mondays 1-1:45 PM
Fluid Movement & Balance Class Tuesdays 10:30-11:15 AM
Yoga Thursdays 10:15-11:15 AM
Mahjong Tuesdays 10 – 2; Board Games 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 11:30-1:30
Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA)
Two Bridge Groups: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesday of the month & Every Thursday 12:30 - 4 PM
Reserved Meals-to-Go delivered to your vehicle or EAT at the Senior Citizens Center Check out our website: estesparkseniors.org or call for the latest information
To The Editor:
Ordinance 01-24 is on the ballot being mailed to Estes Park voters in early March.
It is a badly flawed concept. The crux of the issue is requiring approval of 60 % of property owners within 500-foot radius of a proposed zoning change, zoning map amendment, text change in various sections and subsections of the Development Code, planned unit developments and variances.
Too many unanswered questions! Is this one vote per household? What about joint ownership per title? Does that mean that all owners of the property (could be multiple owners or a business entity) get a vote or only one owner per property? Owners in residence? Secondhome owners? Who decides? The approval has to be in writing? What form does that take? What is the time frame for this approval process? How are the owners to be contacted and at whose expense?
The initiative sites multiple sections (9) of the Town’s Development Code where 60% of voters within the 500-foot radius must approve of the project. Do you know what Section 3.3.A.1-3 is? How about 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, or 3.3.A1 or 2 – to name a few. None of those sections are explained or defined in this flawed ordinance. Who knows what those sections are unless you have studied the Town’s
Development Code in detail?
Last year the Comprehensive Plan for the Town was updated by a group of citizens working with Town staff and consultants. One of the conclusions of that plan was to begin a much-needed revision of the Development Code. Does this poorly-conceived ordinance mean the sections sited must remain the same?
The process to update the Development Code may recommend a new/revised zoning district for the community. Does that mean that 60% of the Estes Park property owners must approve the change because that will change the map? When does that happen? Who pays for that? Do the Estes Park property owners who reside in Texas get to vote on that? They are, after all, property owners.
When development applications are submitted to the Town, the process is long and involved. The community Development Department works with the applicant. Department heads review the application. The Fire District is consulted. The planning commission is involved. Ultimately the elected Trustees determine what is in the best interest of the Community. Let everyone do their jobs.
Vote no on Ordinance 01-24.
Eric W. Blackhurst
The Blue Canyon Boys, known for their innovative original music and pitch-perfect vocal harmonies, will soon perform at Estes Park's American Legion Post 119 (850 North Saint Vrain Avenue). The concert will take place on April 6 at 6:30 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at legionlisten.org.
After winning first place in the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Con-
test, the Blue Canyon Boys went off at full tilt, taking the bluegrass circuit by storm, performing in illustrious venues across the country plus the occasional international festival.
This event is part of "Listening at the Legion," a budget minded concert series that brings nationally acclaimed music creators and performers to our little town. Please visit legionlisten.org to learn more.
The Peak to Peak Concert Series spotlights musicians living in the Estes Valley. The Student Recitals concert on Saturday, March 16th features students of music teachers Annaka Hogelin, Denise Stookesberry, Rachel Wilke, and Melinda Workman. Students of many age groups and ability levels from beginner through advanced will be represented. They will be performing vocal, piano and flute pieces. The concert will be held at 2 p.m. at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 2000 Ptarmigan Trail Drive. A reception follows the concert to meet and greet the musicians.
The recital will feature 24 students representing four teachers in Estes. Annaka Hogelin’s piano students are Zoe Horak, Gemma Kraft, Mary Maley, Gwen Pawson, Marlen Rojas, Casey Schmitt, Linnea Schmitt, and Luna Youtz. Natalie Workman and Lela Fortini, vocal students of Denise Stookesberry, will per-
form. Rachel Wilke’s piano students are Grace Bergman, Isaiah Hoskins, Ellie Kostadinov, and Tobin Plummer. Melinda Workman’s students performing on piano include Maya Branewie, Lucy Franklin, Sam Franklin, Zelie Franklin, Aspyn Hartzog, Hadley Hartzog, Weston Hartzog, Ariel Kosch, Hera Wharton, and Natalie Workman. Amelia Watry will perform on both flute and piano. Please join us to enjoy an afternoon concert and support these fine musicians!
The Peak to Peak Concert series is sponsored by the Oratorio Society. Concerts are free, but donations are encouraged.
Ecological sustainability can only be achieved by working together to change our sub-conscious actions learned over years of survival in a consumption-based economy. We have been carefully taught, by TV commercials and “the Joneses,” to believe that replacement is always better than repair; that new necessarily means best. The problem lies in the word “always.” With electronics “new and improved” carries some weight, but, if you are looking for furniture, those handcrafted items that have met the test of time will often outlast the brand-new mass-produced plastic version of the same thing. It’s a judgement call.
The first step of ecological retraining is to abhor all the single use items abundantly available to purchase, use, and discard. When faced with your own single use customs, replace them with reuseable, whether it is something you buy or something you already have. In our household we have replaced paper towels and paper napkins with terrycloth bar towels and paper tissues with men’s handkerchiefs. (Yes, we still use paper for some cleanups, tearing off only what we must have. One package of paper towels now lasts more than a year.) Packaging from certain products that we purchase repetitively is retained for future use. (We once made a set of children’s
blocks from decorated paperboard donut boxes.) Egg cartons make marvelous drawer inserts to hold small office supplies, earrings, etc. Simply keep your eyes (and your mind) open when you open packaging.
bits until the microscopic pieces in the air are small enough to breathe without noticing. Yes, they have been confirmed in the air over Rocky Mountain National Park and internally in both animals and humans. (Yes, I still use some of it, primarily plastic “glad” tubs with tight fitting lids for storing and carrying food. I find this one of the most difficult things to relinquish, but I am working on it.)
The second step is to avoid plastic whenever possible. Plastic lasts too long, breaking down into smaller and smaller
At work or in the home office: bring a reuseable cup for use in the employee lounge, forgo the single use option whether plastic, polystyrene (often called styrofoam) or simple paper. None of those are recyclable in Estes Park. Reuse file folders and manilla envelopes. Repaired with tape when needed, they last for years. Most importantly: consistently use both sides of paper. Unless it requires
shredding, I tear partially used paper into halves or quarters and staple them into pads for handwritten notes.
At home: go vegetarian once a week. What they now call “animal farming” causes greenhouse gas (ghg). Most plants have the opposite effect. And on that subject, place a plant in each room of your house to improve the breathable air. Paper diapers are a convenience, not a necessity. Consider the advantages of using cloth, or of using cloth at home and paper when away. Set an example and train tomorrow’s leaders to think ecologically, before they get addicted to conveniences that will not exist when they become adults.
Out and about: carry your own reuseable bags (we keep ours in the car) and your own reuseable travel cup. A wellinsulated cup will keep your hydration cold or hot and there is no temptation to resort to single-use or short lived solutions like water bottles. Carpool! If you live close and drive gas powered cars to the same meeting, ride together and cut your greenhouse gas contribution in half.
At home: conduct a Home Energy Audit, available for free from Town of Estes Park Power and Communication.
www.Estespark.colorado.gov/energyefficiency In order to improve you must know where to start.
Agree? Disagree? Questions? Comments? RRRcyc@signsandwishes.com.
is to educate and encourage people on the how and why of physical everyday movements. By understanding proper body mechanics, participants will improve balance, conserve energy, prevent falls and physically prepare themselves for planned surgeries. Through an educational start up series of six Balance & Body Mechanics classes, attendees are taught through presentations, 3D computer anatomy, hands on practice and exercises that are safe and easy to perform at home.
Christine Schwartz is a 10-year Estes Park resident and a Board-Certified Physical Therapist Assistant. She has firsthand knowledge of what happens after surgery, a fall or general weakness after an illness while working for Columbine Health Systems. Common everyday actions such as standing up,
walking, climbing stairs and getting into vehicles can cause fear, anxiety and withdraw from life. These are a few of the most retaught activities seen in skilled nursing rehab facilities.
Next series will be on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m., April 3rd – May 8th, kindly offered within the Jazzercise studio at 600 S. St. Vrain Ave., Unit 1, Estes Park. Classes are $25 each or $125 for the series. Increase your muscle memory today for a more stability future. Visit www.straightupstability.com or 970-480-1643 to register.
To further serve Stability Up Stability in partnership with Covell Care & Rehabilitation and UC Health are also offering Free Balance Screenings the first Monday of each month from 1:00-3:30 p.m. at the Good Samaritan of Estes Park. Please visit www.straightupstability.com for more information and to reserve your 20 minutes time slot today.
Nicole
Alison
Alison@TheInspiredLivingGroup.com
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Dexter is a sweet orange and white tabby who is very friendly and outgoing and he does well with other kitties.
Max is about six years old. He was in a rural shelter for over a year. While he was there this guy was pretty neglected and he could benefit from some TLC. He is settling in nicely at his foster home and they say he is an easy boy to have around and is good with other dogs. Max is a big guy at 90 pounds and would benefit from losing some weight. He currently does one zoomie when he is really happy and excited. He would be a great couch potato friend.
Barbie is not quite ready for adoption just yet so she will need a foster to adopt home. She weighs 11 pounds and is two years old. She loves to cuddle.
Peaches is a special female puppy that is about five month old. She weighs about eight pounds, is a sweetheart and very lovable.
Charlie Brown AKA Ringo Star is a sweet nine month old male mix who weighs about 40 pounds. He loves other dogs and is hoping you want to meet him and see what a cutie pie he is
with his adorable underbite. He is crate trained and very gentle to walk on a leash.
Please call (970) 286-1652 if you’d like to meet or foster any of these special pets.
All pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a non-profit organization that is your local humane society. You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to P.O. Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.
For more information about the Pet Association, please visit petassociationestespark.com.
On Sunday, March 10, the Midland University Choir will perform a concert at 10:00 a.m. in Hyde Chapel. The concert is free and open to the public.
The flagship ensemble of the Midland University Vocal Music Program, the 50voice University Choir performs an eclectic mix of choral repertoire at concerts throughout the fall and spring semesters. University Choir has performed as a feature choir at the Nebraska Music Educators Convention, and hosts the annual Midland University High Honor Choir. Our spring tour includes performances at Wahoo High School, Scottsbluff High School, the YMCA of
the Rockies in Estes Park, Arapahoe (Colorado) High School, Elizabeth (Colorado) High School, and Central City High School.
The concert will be held in the newly renovated Hyde Chapel on the YMCA grounds. The recently completed renovation has readied Hyde Chapel for the future while honoring its rich history. To enhance the connection to nature, the chapel received a larger window, offering stunning views of the mountain surroundings. New wood flooring, a new audio/visual system and a redesigned parking lot now offer a more accessible worship space.
Quinton and Catherine Eastep celebrating 44 years!
Perfect love Q & C
Together forever, you & me!
“God smiled on us with the blessing of each other.”
Two are better than one” Ecclesiastes 4:9
Even if this reaches you on a 60-degree day, we all know Winter is upon us for a little while longer—and with it are cold temperatures, heavy snowfalls and ice, and dry, chafing air. While parts of the country are lovely in winter, there’s no escaping the fact that colder temperatures and bleak weather can take their toll.
Wintry weather also brings higher energy expenses. Home heating units often pump out warm air constantly just to keep the house comfortable— and at great costs, too. Thankfully, today’s technology can help make winter more bearable, utilizing Trailblazer Broadband’s high-speed fiber internet not only connects you to the most reliable network available but also helps keep your home warm and snug.
just a bit warmer than everyone else or when the temperatures drop drastically.
The Atomi Smart Ceramic Tower Space Heater is one option to consider. The Atomi can heat up to 750 square feet, perfect for small rooms. Its safety features are also top-notch, including notifying your smartphone if the heater tips over. Then, you can easily shut it off from your phone. Its base sits evenly on multiple flooring types reducing the likelihood of tipping over at all.You can also connect the Atomi Smart Space Heater to Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free voice control through your home network.
Smart Clothing (Jackets and Shirts)
The EPHS Swim and Dive team did great at the state competition. They all placed and represented our school well. Bella Capo placed 15th
Maddie Fraley placed 18th
Annalise Anderson placed 8th
Laurel Williamson placed 16th in the 200
Freestyle
The 200 Relay Free team placed 19th
Together with “smart technology,” it all adds to saving money this winter and beyond! Below we highlight some of our favorite tech to help you get through the coldest months more comfortably. These unique items will make you and your loved ones feel cozier all winter, from Bluetooth devices to smart thermostats and even smart clothing.
Smart Thermostats
One of the best upgrades you can make to your home this winter (or any season) is to install a smart thermostat that monitors and controls your heating and air conditioning. Smart thermostats can sense temperature changes in different rooms and can be easily programmed to get warmer or cooler at various times of the day. Smart thermostats can connect to your home’s internet network, and through Bluetooth, to your smartphone and other devices for easy control.
Even more conveniently, many smart thermostats are controllable through voice-activated technology like Alexa or the Apple Home Kit (using Siri). And according to the federal government’s Energy Star program, which researches and provides consumers with reliable information on energy-efficient products and services, smart thermostats can save homeowners up to 30% on their energy bills.
Several solid options exist, including the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. Google’s device is particularly impressive because, over time, it learns your temperature preferences in each room and at different times of the day. Using a Smart Thermostat can more effectively heat your home than conventional thermostats—and because of its “smart” features and controls, it saves energy costs, too!
Smart Space Heaters
If you’ve reduced your energy bills by lowering your home’s temperatures a tad, but find that you or others in your household still feel cold, consider adding a smart space heater to those chillier rooms. Smart space heaters are ideal when one or two people prefer the temps
Have you heard about smart clothing for personal warmth? Smart clothing, especially jackets and shirts, can safely and steadily heat your body in different zones that you can control. And you can even quickly recharge them when you’re on the road with your car’s charging ports.
The DEWBU Heated Jacket, for example, has multiple heating zones. It also comes with a convenient 12V Battery Pack that can keep it powered longer on the go. Also, check out smart shirts from Venture Heat, which makes different styles for women and men. Bluetoothenabled, you can control Venture Heat’s smart shirts ten-temperature settings with your smartphone, helping to finetune the perfect temperature to keep you feeling comfortably toasty on even the most frigid days!
Smart Hats
Growing up, you may remember hearing that you can lose nearly half your body heat just through the top of your head. While science has proven that that was not exactly accurate, you can still lose around 10% of your body heat off your head alone. So grandma was right—you should keep your head covered in colder weather!
Believe it or not, there are actually smart hats available for you to get the most coverage for your noggin! For example, iLive Beanie is not only fashionable in a cute, wintry way, Its Bluetoothenabled speakers connect directly to your smartphone, doubling as a musiclistening and hands-free calling device, too!
The internet and smart technology can’t stop Mother Nature’s annual blast of wintry weather. By utilizing these smart devices and a reliable fiber internet connection like Trailblazer Broadband’s, we bet you’ll cope better than you ever have before!
Trailblazer Broadband and the Town of Estes Park provide this article for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with nor do they endorse any of the companies or products mentioned in the article.
Congratulations
As a four-year Estes Park Trustee and current candidate for Mayor, I have been writing "focus articles" for the newspapers. Articles so far have focused on "Citizen Participation," "Downtown Construction," "Sustainability," "Strategic and Comprehensive Plans," and "Housing." Because leadership has been an issue under discussion, this sixth article is focused on "Leadership."
I believe everyone on the Town Board is a leader in the sense that they are all informed and committed. Some issues before the Board are controversial, and we all listen to citizen input and try to arrive at fair decisions that support making Estes Park a better place, now and in the future.
involve imposing my will or controlling people. It involves understanding a situation, allowing others on the Board or the public to speak, and showing respect for their viewpoints.
I was recently asked how I would provide leadership as the Mayor. My first response was that I would show respect to the people who live here, to our town staff, and to our visitors. An important component of respecting others is listening to them to determine what their concerns are.
Governing in Estes Park is a collaborative effort; there are seven members of the Town Board, including the six Trustees and the Mayor. Each of us speaks freely and has one vote. With a thorough knowledge of how our town governance works and with an understanding of the issues, I would coordinate meetings and lead from a position of strength. My leadership style does not
The Mayor also represents the town to the county and to the Platte River Power Authority, our electricity provider. I have positive experience with both.
As indicated in my Town candidate statement, I have considerable leadership experience. At Trinity University, I helped to coordinate the science departments, held several governing positions, and received the Faculty Distinguished Service Award. I was also elected as chair of the national science and technology librarians’ association. Here in Estes Park, besides my service on the Town Board, I played major roles in establishing the Estes Valley Community Garden, and I serve as the treasurer with my HOA Board.
I have found that most people will do what is best for the town or organization as a whole if they feel that they are being heard and respected. It is an honor to be a member of our Town Board and serve our community. I have taken this commitment seriously, have enjoyed my four years as a Trustee, and look forward to another four years as your Mayor.
Barbara MacAlpine Estes Park
To The Editor:
The ballot in the upcoming election contains a citizen initiative on rezoning. Approval of this measure would require the consent of a majority of local property owners before a developer could rezone a parcel in order to build denser housing than current zoning allows.
This measure is favored by citizens who want a say in what happens in their neighborhood. It is opposed by developers, builders, and contractors who are motivated solely by profits.
These developers do not wake up to find their views blocked by a three-story apartment house.
These builders do not have to watch their property values sink as dozens of cottages are built adjacent to their homes.
These contractors do not have to deal
with noise and light pollution, water runoff and increased traffic.
They benefit financially from building dense housing on a parcel of land previously zoned for just a few homes. Then they go on to their next project, leaving the adjacent property owners with the consequences.
They invoke phrases like “affordable housing” and “workforce housing” before Boards, Councils and Commissions, when they know that few of those in the workforce will be able to afford these houses.
Property zoning was put in place long ago, with the goal of protecting neighborhoods. Voting YES on this ballot measure will maintain that protection.
Signed, Terry A. Rustin
Here’s the continuation of my efforts to help you get to know this candidate for mayor. Thanks to the EP News for continuing to print articles from both candidates to help you be best informed.
I’ve been asked why I’m running for mayor. After a long and productive professional career, why not just slip into quiet retirement? The short answer is that I believe that my methods of leadership would be the best fit to help the Town and community move forward over the next years. Read on for more detail.
I feel that I’ve collected my lifetime of experience, knowledge, responsibility, practicality for this opportunity. I’ve had extensive managerial/executive training and worked with all manner of people and people issues and have learned the wisdom of coaching and candor with humanity.
Real leadership can be kind without being weak. Everyone won’t agree on everything, but decisions need to be made. In most cases, the leader has the opportunity and responsibility to listen to others and weigh those opinions and analyses, before making a decision. In my early career, I found that I didn’t have all the answers, and that I needed other people to help me understand the issues and potential solutions.
Whatever the decision or direction, he/she must be able to articulate why they made the decision that they did.
I do recognize that the Board and Mayor only have one employee (the Town Administrator). Still, my experience will help me to support, maintain, and nurture a culture of empowerment, humanity, and respect. And yet – a leader has to step up in a timely fashion and have tough conversations when necessary.
I’ve been working hard to make Estes a better place for two decades. In 2022 and 2023, as a capstone to my information technology career, I was nominated by my peers around the state and selected as a finalist in the Colorado CIO of the Year awards. For many years, I oversaw the collaborative consortium of healthcare IT executives around the state through the group called C4. At Estes Park Health, I was involved in emergency preparedness, and received lots of FEMA education for that purpose. I worked with the Town, the State, Larimer County, and many other entities to ensure that we were as prepared as possible for natural or man-made disas-
ters. I wrote the All-Hazards Vulnerability Assessment for several years for the hospital, which then became a guide to actions to mitigate the vulnerabilities.
When the fires pushed us all down the hill, I set up a communication shop in a friend’s basement in Loveland and ensured communication to the citizens during the crisis. And so on.
Quick hits on some topics:
I voted for ballot initiative 6E back in 2022; I support most efforts to develop affordable workforce housing; I do support the Fish Hatchery housing project.
I support the 1% tax renewal and the proposed allocations of that revenue.
I oppose the state legislative bill SB24033, the Lodging Property Tax Treatment, but am a bit conflicted on it, since many STRs do seem to reach the level of commercial activity. I’ll watch the progress and evolution of the bill this year.
I have concerns about the citizens’ initiative to require 60% approval of rezoning, subdivision, variance. Mayor Pro Tem Marie Cenac’s comments a couple of weeks ago in the Trail-Gazette echoed several of my concerns, I agree with Marie’s statements, and Eric Blackhurst’s affirmation of her points.
I do need to understand the noise ordinance and how to keep appropriate “peace” in our beautiful mountain haven.
I do not think the Town should subsidize the movie business.
I am happy to see the influx of diverse groups in Estes, I find most of these newcomers to be remarkably productive members of our town.
My leadership is needed in Estes. I can help reinforce what the Town Board is doing well, while helping develop a culture of greater openness to comment, candid debate, and so on.
I appreciate Barb MacAlpine’s recent summaries of various housing, finance, and construction topics. I think that’s good education for us all, and if you haven’t read them, I encourage you to do so.
I’ll continue to answer questionnaires and attend forums.
So, what else will help you get to know me, to know how I can help lead your town? You can find my contact information on the candidate page on the estes.org website. Let me know what will help your understanding of me, the candidate. Ever onward.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife received 3,526 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears in 2023, which is a 21 percent decrease from the average number of reports received in 2019 - 2023. Trash continues to be the number one source of conflicts between humans and bears.
Of the 3,526 reports CPW received in 2023, 1,795 resulted in property damage to a shed, garage, home, vehicle, fence, etc. Around 92 percent of property damage reported from bears is linked to an attractant of some kind, with over 51 percent linked to trash, 20 percent to livestock, chickens and beehives, and 19 percent to bird seed, pet food, barbeque grills, coolers and refrigerators.
CPW bear reporting system
In 2019, CPW launched a new bear reporting system to help wildlife managers track and quantify bear activity and conflicts across the state. The data collected is used to see overall trends and identify sources of conflict on a localized, regional and statewide level. Since its implementation in April 2019, CPW has recorded 21,310 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears.
The data from the annual bear cycle informs CPW’s wildlife managers where bears are at and what they are up to, helping CPW identify sources of conflict and make educated management decisions. If you see a bear causing trouble in an urban area, call CPW to report it.
Human-bear conflict reduction grants
In an effort to help communities coexist with bears, CPW provides local Colorado communities with financial resources to support efforts that reduce human-bear conflicts through its Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program. Last spring, CPW awarded nearly $1 million in funding to local communities, municipalities, businesses and nonprofit organizations for projects working to create innovative ways to reduce human-bear conflicts and keep communities safe. Follow the links above to learn about human-bear conflict reductions grants and find out if your community is eligible.
“Collaboration with local communities is vital to successfully reducing humanbear conflicts and CPW cannot do it alone,” said CPW Grant Manager Travis Long, manager of the Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program. “Without individuals and communities taking some action and following proper guidelines on living with bears, the number of conflicts will not go down. Fortunately, the funding CPW provides can help empower communities to take the proper actions.”
Recapping bear reports from 2023
There are an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 bears in Colorado and every year the majority of incident reports involve bears trying to access human food
sources. 2023 was no different with trash continuing to be the number one source of conflicts. Other constant sources of conflict included birdfeeders, livestock and bears accessing open garages and other human-originated items that are left unsecured. These conflicts could all easily be reduced if the public takes some simple steps around their homes and properties to prevent bears from accessing them.
Nature and human behavior play a role in the amount of bear activity that we see annually. Drought conditions and other factors that may influence the availability of natural food crops for bears, such as a late freeze, vary across the state, as does the behavior of people when it relates to human-bear interac-
when conflicts first begin, wildlife officers can educate the community, make site visits to homes to help them secure attractants and can haze bears in an attempt to reinforce their natural fear of humans. In some circumstances, wildlife officers can attempt to relocate bears out of conflict areas to alleviate safety concerns or before that animal's behavior escalates to a dangerous level which may require euthanization. However, wildlife officers stress relocation is not a fix-all solution as there is no way to unteach a bear once it learns that homes, garages or vehicles might contain food.
Below is the number of reports and bears euthanized and relocated by CPW annually since 2020:
2023: 3,526 reports, 33 relocated, 63 euthanized
2022: 4,147 reports, 59 relocated, 94 euthanized
2021: 3,598 reports, 51 relocated, 66 euthanized
2020*: 4,806 reports, 118 relocated, 158 euthanized
*2020 was a notoriously bad year for natural forage production with drought conditions and a late spring freeze severely limiting berry and shrub oak availability. These conditions led to a disproportionately high number of human-bear conflicts.
tracted to the scent of rotting food.
Clean the grill after each use, clean-up thoroughly after cookouts.
If you have fruit trees, don't allow the fruit to rot on the ground.
Talk to your neighbors and kids about being Bear Aware.
Cars, traveling and campsites:
Lock your doors when you’re away from home and at night.
Keep the bottom floor windows of your house closed when you're not at home.
Do not keep food in your vehicle; roll up windows and lock the doors of your vehicles.
When car-camping, secure all food and coolers in a locked vehicle.
Keep a clean camp, whether you’re in a campground or in the backcountry.
When camping in the backcountry, hang food 100 feet or more from the campsite; don’t bring any food into your tent.
Cook food well away from your tent; wash dishes thoroughly.
Protecting your chickens, bees, livestock:
tions.
In 2023, the majority of the East Slope received adequate temperatures and rainfall to produce natural forage for bears. Compared to 2022, reports on the East Slope remained steady with CPW’s Northeast region receiving 905 reports and the Southeast regions receiving 696 reports.
CPW’s Northwest region has the largest bear population in the state and received 1,228 reports, a 35 percent reduction from the previous year. Despite good natural forage in the area, an unreasonable number of bears were reported entering homes. Reports remained steady in CPW’s Southwest region at 697.
Report bear sightings and conflicts to CPW
One concern CPW is aware of from the public is a reluctance to report bear activity over a belief it will lead to the bear being put down. Data shows that of the 3,526 reports wildlife managers received on bears in 2023, only 1.8% led to euthanization. The vast majority led to wildlife officers getting involved early enough to prevent the need to euthanize a bear.
When CPW is made aware, especially
Become Bear Aware
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers a reminder that by taking some simple precautions, you can avoid human/wildlife conflicts and help to keep bears wild.
Bear-proofing your home:
Keep garbage in a well-secured location. Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors: ammonia is effective.
Keep garage doors closed, Do not leave pet food or stock feed outside.
Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
Bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts. Attract birds naturally with flowers and water baths. Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15.
Don’t allow bears to become comfortable around your house. If you see one, haze it by yelling at it, throwing things at it and making loud noises to scare it off. Secure compost piles. Bears are at-
Keep chickens, bees and livestock in a fully covered enclosure, especially at night.
Construct electric fencing when possible.
Don’t store livestock feed outside.
Keep enclosures clean to minimize animal odors.
Hang rags soaked in ammonia and/or Pine-Sol around the enclosure as a scent deterrent.
CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
We are nearing springtime and “Easter” will soon be upon us. For many people this time of seasonal transition portends a welcome respite from the winds of winter and the beginning of warmer weather. Springtime also is when that which seemed to be dead such as grass,
flowers, and one’s golf game begin to show signs of new possibilities, a rebirth. Another aspect of this changeover is that of “Easter.” Many people think of sweet treats like chocolate bunnies, jellybeans, colored eggs, and plastic grass in a basket. There are thoughts of hiding confectionary treats in one’s yard for delighted little ones to search out. Yet is that all that there is to this time of year? And there is the seemingly odd term “Good Friday,” what makes it good?
This question is deeper than one might imagine. I hope to explore this with anyone interested in discovering the answer to a seemingly simple but eternally complex reality. Despite our superficial celebrations centered on sweet treats and ostensibly unrelated items like eggs and bunnies, there is a much greater reality many are unaware of. Some may dismiss the reality of this season. Some are oblivious or indifferent to it. Yet ignorance and indifference do not negate historic reality.
“Easter” and therefore “Good Friday” have origins in antiquity. For the intellectually adventurous, for those not confined by current social and ideologic constraints, indulge your curiosity for a brief time.
According to the Bible, God created the heavens and the earth as well as human-
ity. God had an active personal relationship with the humans he created. This congenial interaction would remain intact if the specific conditions of the relationship were adhered to. God gave great liberty and authority to those He created. They had but one restriction, not to eat the fruit of a specific tree. This prohibition was not punitive but was set in place on order to offer those He created and loved the option to make a choice.
They could choose to follow
God’s plan and enjoy the liberties, relational access, and self-control such an arrangement would provide. The other option would be to forego the instructions of God and go a different route.
Satan tempted our ancestors with the allure of knowledge they did not possess as he also accused Creator God of malintent. The created ones chose to call God’s intentions and integrity into question and take the deceptive bait of Satan.
This is known as the fall of mankind.
This fall set in motion a series of catastrophic events that reverberate into modern times. Humanity’s relationship with God was severed due to this Luciferian influenced fall. The hatred we see today, the dearth of authentic compassion and consideration of those who are different in our world, the wars and conflicts engulfing the globe today all have their origins in this fall. Truly, it was paradise lost.
You can read much of this in the first 4 chapters of the Bible (Genesis 1-4).
As such the stage was set for Good Friday.
More next week.
Join us for a “Good Friday” remembrance at the High School on Friday March 29, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to come a respectfully recall the significance of this time.
At Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death.
Our objective is “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.”
Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling ses-
There are lots of decisions to be made each week and we want to be on the journey with people as they need help making the most strategic choices for their current situation and for their future. I heard recently that decisions are like hats, haircuts and tattoos. Some decisions you try on for a brief period of time and if you don’t like how it looks, you take it off. With these decisions you can try on several each week without much consequences. Other decisions are like a haircut that you have to live with for a few weeks before you have an opportunity to make it look better or try something different.There may be mo-
we are looking to accomplish some of this through a program that Jess Borries and Aaron Bojan are developing that involves “life coaching” in areas of money management, career development, navigating Medicare options, and many other important aspects in life that will help our neighbors maintain a healthy state of well-being. What is well-being? It’s quite complex, but in a nutshell, a sense of well-being grows as a person’s needs are met. Their need to have a sense of security, access to jobs or growth opportunities and social-emotional outlets such as connections, networks and support systems. We be-
tle more permanent such as a tattoo. Like in the movie “We’re the Millers” when a youngster got a chest tattoo that read “No Raggrets” that he wore around for everyone to see. Good thing there are shops today that can help erase or fix some of the tattoos gone wrong. With this in mind, we are always working with neighbors who are at varying stages of decision-making and we want to help them in whatever way we can to improve their current situation and create possibilities for a better future. At Crossroads,
providing everyone the opportunity for wrap-around services to increase the likelihood of them living fully into the best life ever.We rely heavily on our staff of volunteers and key community partners to help accomplish this. The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado has put together a valuable research project on Community Intersections, and how we can increase wellbeing for all as we work together. Read the full report at www.NoCoFoundation.org/intersections
sion. It is respectful and confidential with no intention of leading to any conclusion, product or course of action.
Death Café is for adults and will meet in the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Library in Estes Park from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. on the following dates: March 9, April 6 and May 4.
Space is limited to 20 adults. To RSVP, please text Deborah at 970452-9191.
Estes Park Special Olympics organizers are hosting bowling fun at the Bull Pin, 555 S. St. Vrain Ave. on Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. All ages are welcome to participate. For more information, contact Audri Smith at 970-4513762 or email epspecialolympics@ yahoo.com.
Kristie S. Wellborn, a beloved member of the Glen Haven community, has recently passed away. She was born in Boulder, CO and grew up in Westminster, CO. After graduating high school, Kristie pursued her passion for the performing arts by traveling across the United States in musical theater.
Eventually, she settled in Glen Haven where she made a lasting impression with the local community in Glen Haven. Kristie worked at the Estes Park radio station, having a morning show. Later, she worked at “Locals” restaurant, where she enjoyed connecting with patrons through her warm and welcoming demeanor.
Kristie’s love for animals was evident in her support for The Estes Park Pet Lodge. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to this local establishment in her honor and memory.
Kristie S. Welborn will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all those whose lives she touched. Her vibrant spirit and zest for life will forever be remembered.
Please visit Allnuttestespark.com to leave condolences to the family.
Did you ever give up chocolate for Lent?
Well...this year on Sundays following the service, you're invited to participate in "Chocolate for Lent"-a guilt-free and low calorie experience to grow in your faith with friends.
Bring your favorite chocolate (here is where the calories come in) and favorite friend to church on Sundays in Lent and participate in this year's Lenten program.
The joy of chocolate meets the spiritual challenge of growth and transformation into the risen Christ!
Dates: March 10, 17, 24 (no session on March 3rd)
Saint Bartholomew's
Episcopal Church, 880 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park.
Be sure to watch the movie Chocolat before the program on Sundays. It's available on Paramount+ and Prime Video.
All are welcome and are invited to come to our Mid-Week Soup Suppers and Lenten Services. Our theme for our Lenten journey is “You Were There.” The suppers began on Wednesday, February 21 and run each Wednesday through March 20. We have a Soup Supper from 5 to 5:30. From 5:30 to 6:30 we will gather for the Holden Evening Prayer Service. We are extremely excited and blessed to have Jan Schaffer McCown as our accompanist. Jan’s talent on the piano and voice is inspirational and beyond words. Jan is highly appreciated in the Estes community. Each week we will
hear firsthand from a Biblical character, Simon Peter, Barabbas, Judas, Pontious Pilate and the Centurion as they share their experiences with Jesus. Please plan on joining us at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 2000 Ptarmigan Trail (across the street from Good Samaritan).
We look forward to seeing each and everyone of you.
Feel free contact me with any questions –Bruce Brackman (Faith Life, Care Coordinator) 816 520-1825, 970 5863900 or brucebrackman@gmail.com.
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Daniel Carrol Mausbach, age 72, from a sudden cardiac event at home surrounded by his family. Dan was born on July 3,1951 to a large farm family in rural Humphrey, Nebraska. He was seventh in a birth order of 12 growing up with six brothers and 4 sisters. He attended early schooling at Saint Mary of the Angels, finishing out high school at Humphrey Saint Francis in 1969. He spent his early years tied to a tractor farming and setting up bowling pins at the local bowling alley on Tuesday nights. In high school he worked at the Monroe Alfalfa mill, moving to Omaha to work as a machinist for Control Data. It is here where he met the love of his life, Debra (Debi) Lynn Wheeler, lovingly know as Sunshine. They were married on August 30, 1974 in Omaha in the colors of orange and cream. Together they started their lives in Colorado where he worked on the Viking Lander with Martin Marietta. On a Fall Friday evening in September Debi went into labor at a local high school football game. On September 6, 1975 they were blessed with their first child, Danielle Dawn. They would later welcome sons Ryan Jacob on July 13, 1977 and Mathew Daniel on May 2, 1980.
In the summer of 1976 Dan and Debi moved back to Nebraska on the night of the Big Thompson. Flood in Estes Park, Colorado. They set up shop in Lindsay Nebraska where Dan worked as a supervisor for Lindsay Manufacturing creating Zimmatic Center Pivots.
It was here where he began his life long career becoming “Dan the Man from American Family Land.” He proudly worked as an Insurance Agent for American Family Insurance up until the day of his passing. He served his clients for 46 years 2 months and 11 days, protecting their dreams and livelihood. With American Family he
achieved many prestigious accolades including 41 consecutive year All American Campaigns, Premiere Leader Award, Company Record holder for Life Insurance Sales and the ever coveted Championship Ring. He wore this ring proudly, becoming the infamous backup punter for the 1972 Miami Dolphins. There was many a time where he was asked for an autograph due to his “Super Bowl Ring.”
Dan will always be remembered for his zest for life and impacting others. He was always the biggest personality in the room handing out noogies, head locks, and bear hugs to the millionth degree. He is adored by his family and friends and has influenced more people than we will ever be able to count. But the biggest role he ever had was Papa to his three grandchildren, Camdyn, Reece and Jaelyn. They were the light of his life and he often blessed them with random texts of “Quiet Please,” “I’m not talking to you right now,” “Bad Dog” and “Thank you for all you do for our country.”
He is survived by his loving wife, Debi Mausbach whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this coming August; his children Danielle (Jeremy) Arnold and Ryan Mausbach; his grandchildren Camdyn, Reece and Jaelyn Arnold; his siblings, Ron (Adella) Mausbach, Lee (Gayle) Mausbach, Nick (Donna) Mausbach, Ted (Alberta) Mausbach, Patti (Mike) Gordon, Jane (Bob) Ford, Anna Mae (Jim) Kessler, Larry (Sue) Mausbach; Brother in law Robert (Lynette) Wheeler, and 34 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Mathew Daniel, his parents Lawrence and Winnie Mausbach, Father and Mother in law Gordon and Doris Wheeler, Sisters Sharon Mausbach and Helen (Andy) Peitzmeier, Brother Bob Mausbach, and Brother in law Scott Wheeler.
A celebratory Mass for Dan will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Following the Mass will be a reception to celebrate Dan at 1:00 p.m. at Eaton Country Club, 37661 CR 39, Eaton, CO 80615. Family will place Dan in his final resting place next to his Son Mathew in Saint Francis Cemetery in Humphrey, Nebraska this July.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church at 920 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517. Cards and donations may also be sent directly to the family at 383 Prospect Estates Court, Estes Park, CO 80517.
G
Primarily
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Lodging Front Desk
Friendly customer serviceoriented personality with attention to detail.
Ability to multitask. Weekend work is necessary.
$20.00 to $22.00 per hour DOE plus $1.00 per hour bonus May through October
Apply at, mail or email resume to:
Fawn Valley Inn, 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517
Email: Jamie@RockyMtnResorts.com
Now Hiring
Fulltime Guest Services
Agent (Front Desk)
Starting Wage - $18.50
Full Benefits including Paid Time Off
Apply careers.travelandleisureco.com (search for Estes Park)
Operations Manager
Supervisory and administrative managerial experience in lodging, property management or similar customer service industry. Responsible for daytoday operations of 120unit vacation rental management company in Estes Park.
$60,000 to $70,000 per year
Apply at, mail or email resume to:
Fawn Valley Inn, 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517
Email: Jamie@RockyMtnResorts.com
SEASONED An American Bistro
BARTENDER/SOMMELIER
SEASONED is seeking a qualified individual with knowledge of:
• Ordering/Inventory for Bar Program
• Classic Cocktails
• Creative Contemporary Cocktails
• Wine Knowledge & Wine Service
• Table Service
• Guest Interaction/Satisfaction
• Works well within a Team
Wednesday to Saturday Dinner Service & Sunday Brunch
Competitive Hourly Wage plus Gratuities
E-mail to rob@seasonedbistro.com or call 970.586.9000
We're Hiring! FT/PT positions available.
Seeking experienced Facilities
Attendant, Front Desk Associate
3-11, and Housekeeping
Apply today at The Estes Park Resort, 1700 Colorado Peaks Dr.
2
Service Tech Wanted
Contact 970-586-4626
Elizabeth Guild Thrift Shop
Hiring Part-Time Cashier
Apply at 427 W. Elkhorn Ave.
Store hours: Tues.- Sat., 10 to 3:00 (970) 586-7205
Office Manager
Our small, but dynamic real estate brokerage is seeking flexible part-time office help from someone who is great at multitasking and excels at keeping things organized. Candidates must have a pleasant, professional and upbeat personality, as well as excellent computer skills, effective communication skills, and the ability to learn/adapt quickly. General duties will include (but not be limited to) coordinating projects, organizing files, scheduling vendors, maintaining policy and procedures manual and other general office duties. This position is not a sales position and no real estate license or experience is required, however, this could be a great opportunity for someone wanting to enter the real estate industry. Part-time hours can be negotiable to work around other responsibilities. This position is not a remote position. $22-$24/hour DOE. Please email Sam@AlpineLegacy.com to apply and include your resume.
We’re hiring for the following positions starting at $21.01/hr.:
• Drive-up & Go Service Helpers
• Checker
• Courtesy Clerk
• Day-Stocker
• Overnight Stocker
• Bakery Clerk
• Deli Clerk
• Produce Clerk
• Seafood Clerk
• Cake Decorator
• Meat Cutter
Get your application at: www.albertsoncompanies.com
After your application has been completed, please call our hiring manager Ann at 970.586.4447.
House
PRIVATE OFFICE:
We have two private offices coming available on March 1, 2024, at 1180A Graves Avenue. All utilities are included, even high speed internet. Access to
Aldrich Builders is currently looking to fill 2 positions on our team. We are seeking a Project Manager as well as an Assistant Estimator. The Project Manager candidate will preferably have previous experience in construction or previous Project Management experience of some kind.
The Assistant Estimator candidate will preferably be good with numbers and have great communication skills.
If you think you would be a great addition to the Aldrich Builders team, please give us a call at 970-586-5796
NOW HIRING
Development and Communication Manager
Shift: Part Time, Monday-Friday, 25 hours/week
Pay Range: $30.00-$35.00
Please Apply at: sites.hireology.com/estesparkhealth/
