Estes Park News, March 8, 2024

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Birds Of Spring At Next EV Watershed Program

Come listen to Scott Rashid and learn about birds of spring in Estes. Scott Rashid is the Founder and Director of CARRI where members research and rehabilitate birds. Scott will be discussing the natural history of spring birds that

can been seen around the Estes Valley. The following birds are the focus of Scott’s talk: the hummingbirds and bluebirds. Please make sure and register to join us in person or via Zoom at www.evwatershed.org/events.

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Reclamation To Release Water To Big Thompson River Through March

Releases from Olympus Dam to the Big Thompson will begin refilling Horsetooth Reservoir

On Tuesday, March 5, the Bureau of Reclamation began releasing ColoradoBig Thompson Project water to the Big Thompson River due to ongoing work at Pole Hill Powerplant. Releases from Olympus Dam in Estes Park will begin slowly, at a rate of about 40 cubic feet per second and potentially increase to as high as 440 cubic feet per second by mid-March. The water will be diverted north to Horsetooth Reservoir at Dille Diversion Dam, roughly one mile upstream from the mouth of the canyon.

The initial lower volume releases coupled with increased daylight and increasing seasonal temperatures will help to slowly melt ice in the river—avoiding major impact from existing snow and ice. Small, temporary ice jams occur normally in the winter, but larger jams that present a hazard to bridges, culverts or other infrastructure should be reported to Jim Struble (970-593-2074) or Bernie Lodge (970-347-7265).

With the anticipated releases, the Big Thompson Canyon will experience flows that are above average for this time of

The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

On 2/26/2024 at 3:55 p.m. police stopped a 20 year old male driver from Estes Park at 1240 Big Thompson Ave. for a traffic violation. Upon checking his driver license it was discovered he had a misdemeanor warrant out of Denver for failure to appear for a traffic offense. The male was arrested and later released on PR bond.

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 25th, 2024, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District

year. Anglers and people with homes and businesses near the stream banks should prepare accordingly and maintain awareness of river conditions.

The Colorado-Big Thompson Project (C-BT) is one of the largest and most complex natural resource developments undertaken by the Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the project’s local partner, Northern Water. C-BT stores, regulates and diverts water from the Colorado River west of the Continental Divide to provide supplemental irrigation water for 615,000 acres east of the Rocky Mountains. In addition, the C-BT provides a supplemental municipal and industrial water supply for more than 1 million residents in Northeastern Colorado, as well as providing recreation in the area. It also produces enough electricity to power nearly 68,000 households.

Inquiries or general questions about Reclamation should be directed to Anna Perea, Public Affairs Specialist, at 970290-1185 or aperea@usbr.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

On 2/27/2024 at 12:31 p.m. police were called to 555 Prospect Ave. on a report of a protection order violation. On scene EPPD determined that a 29 year old male from Estes Park was seen on security camera following the victim around the outside of EPH after the victim told him to go away several times. The male was charged with a violation of protection order, harassmentfollowing in a public place and domestic violence. The male was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.

(EVFPD) responded to 11 calls for service. This included:

• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 5

• Alarm Activation: 2

• Assist: 3

• Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC): 1 Estes Valley Fire www.estesvalleyfire.org

Pole Hill Powerplant

Frank Lancaster Running For Town Trustee

I was honored last May to be appointed to fill the term of Trustee Webermeier who passed away unexpectedly earlier in the year. I believe in my interim role as Trustee, I’ve contributed to the board in positive ways, bringing my experience in local government, policy development, and public service. I would like the opportunity to continue serving the community in this role.

I have a broad depth of experience serving in local government, the majority of which has been here in Estes Park and Larimer County. I am a Colorado native and a graduate of CSU with a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and a Masters in Business Administration. I served Larimer County for 31 years in several capacities, including County Forester, Natural Resources Director, Solid Waste Manager, and 18 years as County Manager. In 2012 we had our dream come true and moved to Estes Park where I served as Town Administrator from 2012 to my retirement in 2019. I have been recognized for my public service, receiving the Colorado City/County Management Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 and the Fort Collins Convention and Visitor's Bureau 2012 Chairman's award for contributions to the tourism industry throughout Larimer County.

rience and local knowledge to the table.

Local government touches our lives more than any other level of government. At its core, local government is caring individuals living in a community and supporting each other, providing services, making the community stronger, while improving the quality of life of all community members. There are many challenges facing our community over the next few years.

Increasing population and growing numbers of visitors will continue to stress our transportation, utilities and land use resources. The cost and availably of housing impacts our workforce, and all who live here. Together we must mitigate the growing threat of floods and wildfires and the impacts of climate change in our region. To be a vibrant community, we need a vibrant population, and we need to be welcoming to our visitors and residents of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds.

In my years of service, I have faced many opportunities and challenges, including the response and recovery of the 2013 floods, numerous wildfires, transportation issues, land use issues, economic development, infrastructure improvements and environmental protection and conservation of our open spaces. As trustee, I can bring this expe-

As a destination community, we need to balance the needs and wants of the visitors, businesses, and residents. I am a firm believer in a triple bottom line approach to policy development, not just looking at dollars, but striving to balance the economic, social and environmental needs of the community. I believe in the mission of the Town “to provide high-quality, reliable services for the benefit of our residents, guests and employees, while being good stewards of public resources and our natural setting.” I would like the opportunity to bring my time, talent and experience to continue to serve this special community we call home.

Dan Derman Named One Of The Top 100 Keller William Agents In Colorado

The Thompson Group is proud to announce that team member Dan Derman has been recognized by Keller Williams as one of the top 100 agents in the State of Colorado. We recognize the hard work and dedication that Dan puts in to meet all client needs while constantly going over and above what a normal agent would provide. This recognition of Dan’s achievement is a reflection of his dedication to providing 5-star customer service to all his clients. Please join us in recognizing Dan for this remarkable achievement and be assured that all clients of The Thompson Group win when we achieve this level of recognition.

Frank Lancaster

Nathan Harger-Candidate For Town Board Trustee

Growing up we spent a lot of time in Estes Park due to my dad being from here. I've always wanted to live here and a little over two years ago my son and I were able to start calling Estes Park home. This has truly been a lifelong dream for both of us.

A little bit of information about myself. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM.

After high school I attended college at Texas Christian University where I received a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation in 1998 I moved back to New Mexico and started a career in law enforcement. After retiring from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office in 2018 my son and i moved to the Austin, TX area, where I went back into Law Enforcement for the Taylor, TX Police Department for a little over three years. I then decided it was time to step away from law enforcement and follow my dream of moving to Estes Park. I currently work as the maintenance lead at Trout Haven Resorts and have been so employed for over two years. I also have a background in construction

Nathan Harger

and worked as a diesel mechanic. The best job I have had and my proudest accomplishment is being a dad. I am the father of a middle schooler who, luckily, still likes to spend time with me. We spend most of our free time outdoors engaging in all the activities that Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park have to offer. Having a love of Estes Park my whole life what drew me to it was the quaint mountain town it has always been. I believe that there has to be progress and certain things will always change or give way to change. That being said I would like to see Estes Park progress as a charming quaint mountain town. I believe that as a government employee we have a duty to listen to fellow citizens and ultimately do what is best for them and the town. I also understand that this is not always the same thing. I believe that my career background as well as my love for Estes Park will keep the two paths running parallel and keep this the quaint mountain town that it is.

Spring Forward This Weekend!

In 2024, daylight saving time will begin at 2 a.m. this Sunday, March 10. It will mean losing an hour of sleep and moving the clocks around your house forward one hour, though your cell phone will likely automatically adjust. The sun will rise and set an hour later.

Celebrate Our Local Women of Impact Thursday, March 7th At The Barrel

Thursday March 7th, from 4:00 p.m. –5:30 p.m. This event is made possible by Bank of Colorado and Efficiency Works

Meet, greet, and honor Estes Park’s Women of Impact at our second annual event, ahead of International Women’s Day.

“We believe Women of Impact connect, en courage, engage, and enable positive change by inspiring actions that move our community forward, not only when they are ac tively engaged in a project or event, but also through living their lives with passion and purpose and embracing changes that innovate us for the future,” said Colleen DePasquale, President, Estes Chamber of Commerce.

“Estes Park has a long history of prominent women leaders that continues today. Bank of Colorado is proud to support these local Women of Impact, who make our community a better place. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to recognize them publicly and say “Thank you,” says Ryan Bross, SVP, Bank of Colorado.

Please join us in celebrating these local women leaders, who were nominated for by their peers, colleagues, friends, and family, as exemplary role models who have strong and powerful voices, who display optimism and persistence, and who have a strong sense of self confidence that they instill in others. Tune into the Estes Chamber on Instagram to read more about each woman, throughout the month of March.

Alissa Anderson of New Roots Real Estate & EPEF, Town of Estes Park Hous-

ing Manager Carlie Bangs, Jenn Bass of Pirate Face Productions, community volunteer Jan Boatman, Ingrid Bush of The Barrel, Susan Taylor of YMCA of the Rockies, Julie Ferguson of Hyk the World, Rebecca Gelsinger from Visit Estes Park, Deborah Gibson from Rams Horn Village Resort, Alison Gilbert of The Inspired Living Group, Erika Goetz from Estes Valley Fire Protection, Patricia Guerra Rountree of Estes Park School, Bobcat Boosters and former business owner Kristen Hill, Suzanne Jurgens of Upper Thompson Sanitation, Ania Leahy from Estes Egg, Kathy Long of the League of Women Voters - Estes Park, EVICS Director Laurie Dale Marshall, Shannon McGlothlen of Raven's Roast Coffee Lounge, Estes Park Elementary Principal Erin Miller, Maricruz Ortiz Murillo for Dia de los Muertos, Mary Murphy of Quota Club and First Colorado Realty, Jennifer Newhouse of Estes Proactive Fitness, Estes Village Operating Owner Vita Panchenko, Kyle Patterson of RMNP, Anastacia Galloway Reed of Inkwell & Brew and Macdonald Bookshop, Alex Shaughnessy of Avant Garde, Suzanna Simpson from Town of Estes Park, Mindy Stone of the Estes Pet Association and Crossroads Ministry, Dawn Wilson from the Estes Park Trail Gazette, and Nicole White from The Inspired Living Group

The Women of Impact program is generously sponsored by Bank of Colorado and Efficiency Works. The public celebration of their recognition is made possible by The Barrel. Please register at esteschamber.org, under the events tab. There is a $10 cover charge.

Aviation Club Hosts Speaker From Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum

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

tion, Space and Science Museums. Before coming to Wings he served as the Curator for the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston.

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-

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.

Stewart Bailey

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 will be held on 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!

Business Owners Encouraged To Pave The Way To The Future Of The Estes Park Museum

Local business owners, whether historic or brand new, are being given the opportunity to have their name and logo etched into stone at the Estes Park Museum. For a $1,000 donation, an 8” x 8” paver stone can be engraved with an etched image and custom text to be lined along the pathway between the Museum and Museum Annex. The sidewalk 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 completion 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.

I slowed as I approached a table set up for Girl Scouts—and their mothers—to sell boxes of cookies. The girls saw the sugar glaze in my eyes when they asked if I wanted to buy a box. They didn’t need to ask twice. I wanted them all! I thought about filling my trunk with dozens of boxes because I am a lifetime member of Girl Scouts USA and I want to support girls. All girls. Boys too, of course, but today, International Women’s Day, I’m focused on girls.

But too many cookies in a house does not a healthy home make. Joe and I have been doling out Trefoils ever since; two apiece after dinner. We’re saving the best for last (Thin Mints, of course). It would be so super-dooper easy to consume an entire sleeve of Thin Mints without pause, which is why we will only eat them in the presence of the other with a limit of two apiece.

I grew up selling Girl Scout cookies, going door-to-door in my neighborhood with my order sheet in hand. I can picture the pastel-shaded columns with the six or so varieties to choose from, and the wagon I loaded up with boxes for delivery. I felt proud to be a Girl Scout and I felt supported by my neighbors.

Just a few years after that, when my younger sisters were handling the cookie sales, we three girls were introduced to a record album we played over and over until we knew every word of every story and every song. The album gave us permission to believe in the power of girls. But it went beyond that. Still today—because we do still need it today—it opens the door for everyone to be the person they want to be. Even a boy who was born to be a girl, or who simply wants to wear a dress. Or a girl who can run faster than a boy. It’s ok to be a boy with a doll, to cry (like a girl, some would say), to be bald as a ping pong ball…in other words, every girl and boy can be free just to be. Free to Be…You and Me. Marlo Thomas’s Free to Be…You and Me was released in 1972 and it changed the lives of so many children who were allowed to hear the message: every child, no matter which gender, can wear whatever, like whatever or whomever, behave however they want. (And they should be able to make these choices without fear, I add.)

Indirectly, the Free to Be album teaches adults an inclusive style of gender-neutral parenting. Mommies can be doctors, women don’t have to get married if they

don’t want to, daddies can stay home, do the laundry, scrub the toilet, change the sheets—and wear a pink, frilly apron to make dinner.

The first time I saw a guy wearing nail polish, I looked again. How odd, I thought back then. But today? Who cares? I don’t wear the stuff but if somebody else wants to, be my guest. Long hair, short hair, no hair, dreads, tattoos, piercings, bra, tutu, stilettos (I do ask myself why anyone would want to wear those!), lipstick, bow tie, pin stripes, stand up or sit down—we have the right.

Yes, some of the ideas we’re talking about here may make us squirm. But over time I have grown to accept them. American scholar Joseph Campbell coined the phrase, “Follow your bliss” at about the same time Free to Be… was released. If someone drops the f-bomb, I recoil from the word but I must tolerate it. If a responsible adult wants to tote a gun around, I abhor it but I accept it, as long as my right to live a healthy, free life is not compromised. In return, gun people must tolerate the books I want to read. They don’t have to read them but they should leave them on the shelf so I can read them. Nobody is getting hurt by my books. (We can’t say the same about the guns.)

As long as no one is getting hurt, what business is it of yours and mine? If a white person and a Black person love each other, how does that affect me? It doesn’t, except that I get to see two human beings treat each other with respect and dignity. How can that be a bad thing? If two people of the same sex go into a bedroom and close the door, should I be upset? As long as they are consenting adults, it really doesn’t change my life, so why should I care? It doesn’t appeal to me personally, but neither do peas, so I just don’t partake.

More than 50 years ago an album in a bright pink cover entertained us with stories and songs telling us we were free to be who we were—and it was ok to become who we wanted to be. Fifty-plus years later, our society is struggling to hang onto this message. We are backsliding. In the (near) future, will we all be free to be…you and me?

You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.

©

2024 Sarah Donohoe

Peak To Peak Concert Series Presents Estes Valley Student Recitals

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 25 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 perform. Rachel Wilke’s piano students are Grace Bergman, Isaiah Hoskins, Ellie Kostadinov, Lillian Layton, 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.

Village Thrift Shop Grant Applications

Grant applications for 2024 from the Village Thrift Shop (VTS) are now available for charitable organizations providing services to the Estes Valley community. Nonprofits 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.

pleted application package should be returned via mail, e-mail or hand delivered by the end of March.

The Village Thrift Shop is a nonprofit 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.

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 com-

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.

Chocolate For Lent

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.

The Estes Valley Community Center Announces “KUDOS” Program To Recognize Outstanding Team Members

KUDOS is our way of bringing attention to team members who provide a high level of customer service at the Community Center. Recipients are selected by the number of positive reviews submitted by our guests on KUDOS cards, available at the Community Center front desk.

Our first team member to receive the

KUDOS award is Lori Charbonneau. Comments from some of Lori’s many KUDOS cards include, ““Lori is so great about telling me about new classes that could help me. Excellent customer service; thank you! The world needs more people like Lori!”

Guest Services Supervisor Carly Paxton commented, “Lori joined our team as a Guest Services Lead in June 2023. Her tenacity to provide excellent customer service to the community while acting as a positive role model has been such an asset to the Community Center.”

Before moving to Estes Park in 2020, Lori taught 4th grade in the St. Vrain Valley School District. She loves hiking and snowshoeing and appreciates the friendliness of locals. Lori enjoys interacting with EVCC guests and is happy to be team member at the Rec. Full Circle: Lori’s first job was working behind the front desk at a Community Center!

Climate Change, Conservation And Christianity

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 Biology 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 many scientific review panels. 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.

Texas Wildfires Relief Fund

The fires raging through the Texas panhandle have yet to be contained, but damage to property and livestock is already extensive and heartbreaking.

Two smaller communities in western Texas, Canadian and Fritch, similar in size to Estes Park, are dealing with fires of immense magnitude. The Windy Deuce fire surrounding Fritch has grown to 142,000 acres, while the Smokehouse Creek fire engulfing Canadian is an incredible 1 million acres in size. For comparison, the entirety of Rocky Mountain National Park contains 266,000 acres.

Throughout every season, Texas residents have been incredibly generous supporting the Estes Park area financially, both through their tourism dollars and more than occasionally through relocation. It is now our chance to return the favor, by getting funds directly into the hands of those most in need.

As with last year's fires that ravaged Maui in Hawai'i, the Estes Park Archives will be in charge of a local fundraising effort throughout March, with the total

amount collected delivered in early April directly to local Texas fire departments and/or impacted residents.

Every dollar contributed will be turned over to firefighters or those individuals and families suffering significant loss, whatever their local governing bodies deem most essential. Someone from the Archives will visit in person and make sure this occurs, without any donation dollars being spent on transportation or lodging during this visit.

Please stop by either 200 Moraine Avenue or 240 Moraine Avenue any Saturday or Sunday in March during normal business hours and contribute what you can. We are not a non-profit, and there are numerous other Texas state (for example, the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund, as well as the Texas Farm Bureau) or national charities you can contribute to if you want to deduct contributions from your state or federal income tax.

Call 586-4889 for directions or any other questions. Thank you for your help and generosity.

Chamber Orchestra Concert

Featuring Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto

The Oratorio Society of Estes Park reminds us of their concert of classics for chamber orchestra this Friday, 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 direc tion 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 clar inetist, Anton Stadler. In addi tion to the solo clarinet, the or chestration adds flutes, bassoons, horns and strings.

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.

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

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.

Satellite photograph of Canadian, Texas, on February 28.

Photo courtesy Maxar Technologies

Peaches, Max, Charlie Brown And Dexter Seeking New, Loving Families

Peaches is a special female puppy that is about five month old. She weighs about eight pounds, is a sweetheart and very lovable.

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.

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.

Dexter is a sweet orange and white tabby who is very friendly and outgoing and he does well with other kitties. 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.

Dexter

Peaches

Max

Charlie Brown

Women On A Mission: The Early History Of The Elizabeth Guild

Community partner supports Estes Park Health

From bake sales and style shows to Holiday Houses and blood drives, the women who founded and ran the nonprofit Elizabeth Guild in support of Estes Park’s “new” hospital back in 1975 were an incredibly robust group of volunteers who extensively documented their early efforts.

Recently, Estes Park Health came into possession of an old “historian’s notebook” from the original years of The Elizabeth Guild. It covers 1972 to 1986.

The idea for a hospital in Estes Park was first brought up at a Chamber of Commerce meeting way back in 1967.

In 1968, the Park Hospital District – a special taxing district of Larimer County – was formally established. It didn’t take long for the women of Estes Park to establish their own organization in support of the much-needed healthcare facility.

The group was named The Elizabeth Guild in honor of a woman whose husband was a major donor of the Hospital District.

The organizational meeting of a group of local women took place on Oct. 16, 1972. Forty-six women gathered at the Lake Estes Motor Inn. People paid $6 a year to become a member.

In a newspaper article about the event, Jeannette Denny is quoted as saying, “We’d better get something done if we want a hospital!”

Thrift Shop idea is born

The Guild grew quickly to more than 150 members. One of their first projects was the establishment of a “Nearly New Shop” in Estes Park, both as “a money raising project for the hospital, and as a service to the people of the town.” The Guild used a newspaper article to try and find a suitable space.

At that same time, the Quota Club threw its support behind the project, voting that each member of that club donate at least one item for the Guild to sell.

In December of 1972, the Guild launched a drive to collect “usable household goods, outgrown but good clothing, toys, etc.”

In early 1973, the group announced the thrift shop would open in the old Imprinter Shop in the Park Center Mall.

An article from January 19, 1973, announced the grand opening for a shop with the name “The Discard Depot.” The quote from the group said, “On sale will be many fine things previously donated.”

Having a better idea for a name, the group opened “The Elizabeth Guild Nearly New Shop.” In March of 1973, the shop moved to the Loveland Savings and Loan Building.

Later that same hear, the Nearly New Shop moved locations once again to the Highlander Motel under the name “The Elizabeth Guild Shop.”

In February 1975, the shop moved to its new location in West Park Center. It remains in West Park Center today. The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Shop is Estes Park’s oldest thrift store.

Getting the word out and fundraising

As early as 1972, Guild members went on radio and television to explain the plans for the organization.

In 1973, the group voted to place a sign on the hospital property designating the future home of Elizabeth Knuttson Memorial Hospital. An announcement of the January 1973 meeting said, “members are reminded to bring recipes with specific instructions on making, cooking,

or baking for the cookbook The Guild is planning to publish.” In April of that year, a call went out for proof-readers and volunteers to put the cookbook together. That book, entitled “From Our Kitchens to Yours” went on sale in July of 1974.

In March of that same year, the membership voted to sponsor a Bloodmobile program. The Bloodmobile was to come to Estes Park twice a year from the Bonfils Memorial Blood Bank in Denver.

Back when newspaper writing was more embellished and poetic, the article said, “Giving blood is giving of yourself so that another might live. It is the knowledge that you can help your fellow man in time of need.”

The first blood drive took place on June 11, 1973. Estes Park Health still hosts quarterly blood drives today in support of the UCHealth Garth Englund Blood center.

Groundbreaking for the new hospital also took place in 1973 on November 24.

In 1974, The Elizabeth Guild really branched out its fundraising activities, sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Dance at the Holiday Inn. In advertising the event, The Guild noted that the ‘Good Time Gang” would play music and there would be a drawing for a door prize. The donations went to create a fund for a Cardiac Monitoring System for the new hospital. The St. Patrick’s Day dance occurred for several years.

Around that same time, Beta Kappa held benefit bridge parties to raise money and The Elizabeth Guild held bake sales.

In July 1974, The Guild accepted their first check for $100 in support of the emergency room fund.

In making the donation, Madame Kathryn said, “When the Lord created the earth he said as long as the earth remains there will be seed time and harvest. I feel I must give to receive love and luck. Love is the greatest gift. He who

understand love understand God, for God is love.”

Jack’s Cottage Inn set up a Wishing Well in its dining facility in the fall of 1974, donating proceeds to The Elizabeth Guild.

In one of its longest-lasting traditions, The Guild initiated a “Christmas Idea House” in the mid-70s. The event was put on for several years with different themes like Holly Days, Calico Christmas, and Christmas Bells.

In April 1978, Bernadette Ferrell who attended the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley and planned to become a nurse was awarded the first scholarship awarded by The Elizabeth Guild.

In May of that year, The Guild recognized volunteers who gave their time and talents to the hospital. They received special pins based on the number of hours of time they donated.

Fast forward to 1984. The Channel 9 Health Fair in Estes Park offered basic medical tests at a small fee or no charge.

In 1985, The Guild raised money for showing spring and summer fashions at a style show.

Hospital serves Estes Park and the town’s many visitors

The Elizabeth Knuttson Memorial Hospital was dedicated, and the doors opened to the community on April 15, 1975. In 1986, the name of the hospital was changed to Estes Park Medical Center. In 2018, the name changed again to Estes Park Health to reflect the many different services provided to area residents and visitors.

Times have changed, and so have fundraising efforts. But the rich history of The Elizabeth Guild and the determination of energetic hospital supporters deserves recognition.

Over the years, The Elizabeth Guild has raised more than $4 million for Estes Park Health. The group is a vital supporter of the Estes Valley’s hospital.

In the early 70s, the Bloodmobile came to Estes Park twice a year from the Bonfils Memorial Blood Bank in Denver.

In 1974, the Elizabeth Guild really branched out its fundraising activities, sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Dance at the Holiday Inn. In advertising the event, the Guild noted that the ‘Good Time Gang” would play music.

In 1973, the Elizabeth Guild voted to place a sign on the hospital property designating the future home of Elizabeth Knuttson Memorial Hospital.

One of the Elizabeth Guild’s first projects was the establishment of a “Nearly New Shop” in Estes Park, both as “a money raising project for the hospital, and as a service to the people of the town.”

Jack’s Cottage Inn set up a Wishing Well in its dining facility in the fall of 1974, donating proceeds to the Elizabeth Guild.

Estes Park Duck Race Seeks Sponsors

Sponsors are needed to support the 2024 Estes Park Duck Race Festival. Their incredible generosity funds the prizes that are an essential part of the Duck Race. In 2024, those prizes include cash prizes totalling $20,000 plus one two-day stay in an Explorer Cabin at Camp Hale (near Vail, CO). Sponsorships ensure that over 90% of every duck adoption goes to the participating organization selected by duck adopters. Sponsor donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law and help make the Duck Race the largest single fundraiser in the Estes Valley for many of the participating charitable and non-profit organizations. Sixty-three organizations will share in the proceeds from duck adoptions for the 2023 Duck Race.

“It’s gratifying to help so many local non-profit and charitable organizations, many of whom rely on the funds they get from the Duck Race to meet their budget needs each year,” said Bill Solms, 2024 Duck Race Sponsorship Chair.

“Support from our sponsors crucial to the success of the Duck Race Festival.” This year there are four levels of sponsorship: Named Sponsor, Venue Sponsor, Major Sponsor and Associate Sponsor. Donations for Major and Associate levels of sponsorship may be in cash or in-kind.

• Named Sponsor. This year we will once again have one Named Sponsor of the Estes Park Duck Race Festival. The Named Sponsor donates $5,000 and re-

Chess Club Meets

Thursday Afternoons

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). Beginners or learners are always welcome!

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.

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!

ceives all of the benefits of being a Major Sponsor plus additional benefits that include commercials aired on the Rocky Mountain Channel. We are pleased to announce that Poppy’s Pizza and Grill and Mama Rose’s Restaurant will be the Named Sponsor.

• Venue Sponsors donate $1000 or greater. In return they receive:

* their company logo and name placed at the venue location they are sponsoring;

* P.A. announcements recognizing their sponsorship at the venue on race day;

* plus all the benefits of a Major Sponsor.

• Major Sponsors donate $500 or greater. In return they receive:

* weekly listings of their logo in the Estes Park News;

* postings on the Duck Race Facebook page that can be shared to the Major Sponsor’s own page;

* display of the Major Sponsor on the Duck Race website;

* a large personalized “Sponsor Duck” to display at their place of business;

* the publicity of having each Major Sponsor duck swim across the finish line at Riverside Plaza on Race Day;

* display of Sponsor’s Ducks and announcement of the Sponsor’s name over the PA system as their Sponsor Duck crosses the finish line;

* a short video of each Major Sponsor

with their Sponsor Duck created when they receive their Sponsor Duck which will be posted on the Duck Race Facebook page;

* the opportunity to have table and two chairs at Riverside Plaza, without charge, to promote their business during Race Day festivities;

* and major sponsors will be recognized during the livestream of the duck race.

• Associate Sponsors donate $100$499. In return, Associate Sponsors names:

* will be listed weekly in the Estes Park News;

* will be placed on the Duck Race Facebook page;

* and can be shared with their own page

* and will appear on the Duck Race website.

The 36th Annual Estes Park Duck Race Festival will once again be an in-person event, with the ducks racing down Fall River, on Saturday, May 4, 2024. This year’s festival will feature live music, entertainment and activities for adults and children, drawing crowds to Estes Park from all over Colorado and beyond to enjoy the day. The 2024 Rotary Duck Race Festival will feature music and family entertainment at Nicky’s Resort and the Wapiti Colorado Pub, Performance Park, George Hix Riverside Plaza and Bond Park. “We couldn’t hold the Duck Race without the support from all of our

sponsors,” said Solms.

The annual Rotary Duck Race Festival in Estes Park is one of the oldest duck races in the United States. Over the past 35 years, the Rotary Duck Race Festival has impressively returned over $3.2 million to the non-profit and charitable organizations who have participated in selling duck adoptions. This year’s 63 participating organizations deeply appreciate the support of the sponsors, who make it possible to help them carry out their mission to make the Estes Valley a better place to live.

For every duck adopted online for $25, the charity selected on the online adoption form will receive $23. The balance will be retained by the Rotary Club of Estes Park to offset operational costs of the Duck Race Festival.

To be a Duck Race sponsor and have your information on all printed materials, sponsorship commitments must be received no later than Tuesday, March 31, 2024. To obtain a sponsor invoice or application form, or for questions, go to www.EPDuckRace.org, click on the sponsors tab and follow instructions. Alternatively, you can contact Bill Solms at Sponsors@EPDuckRace.org.

The Estes Park Rotary Duck Race Festival is held annually on the first Saturday in May. The Annual Duck Race continues a tradition started in 1989, which has returned over $3 million to local Estes Park charities and groups. 2024 marks the 34th annual Duck Race.

Senior Thoughts From EPHS Sports Captains

Boys Basketball Captain Oliver Tapia Villegas

"Basketball this year was way different than any of the past four years that I have been a part of. This year, we did become more of a family and played not only for ourselves but for each other. This year was massive as far as growing our spirit within our team, school, and community. Something is starting to shine in our program and I'm glad to say that I was able to see it start." -Oliver

Tapia Villegas

Girls Basketball Captain Elizabeth Miles

"We had lots of fun and lots of L's and not a lot of W's but most of all lots of giggles from your #JVWarriors!" -Elizabeth Miles

Wrestling Captain Elliott Flavin

"My favorite aspect of wrestling this year has been getting to know all the new incoming wrestlers and our new coach. It’s been awesome to see everyone have some success and get stronger as the year progressed. I hope my teammates continue to actually enjoy wrestling and most im-

portantly, never ever give up even when things don’t go your way. Thats the whole point of this sport…to be disciplined and practice, experience humility in both failure and success, learn how to support others, and be a part of a team. I’ve gotten to know these guys and I know they will be great and our new coach will be a huge asset to them in this sport. He’s been great to learn from and become friends with." -Elliott

Flavin

Students Attend HOSA Conference

2nd Ashley Fernandez Organizational Leadership

2nd place Alexa Rojas

3rd place Miqmar Dolma

Extemporaneous Writing

Family Medicine Career Test

2nd place Miqmar Dolma

3rd place Nirmala Guvaju

Anatomy & Physiology

Emma Rountree got Top 10 Nutrition

Emma Rountree got Top 10 Medical Assisting

Nirmala Guvaju

Veterinarian Science

Kysa Marske got Top 10 Health Care Issues

Nirmala Guvaju got Top 10

Photos and submission by Quinccey Pauls

HOSA (Future Health Professionals) is a wonderful organization that helps prepare students for a future in the medical fields. EPHS students did well at their conference in many different fields of medicine. Congratulations to all!

Photo and reporting by Quincey Pauls

Elizabeth Miles

Oliver Tapia Villegas

Elliott Flavin

What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library

WINTER HOURS

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

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. In March’s featured title, The Last Lecture, a professor shares the lessons he’s learned after being diag-

nosed with terminal cancer.

20 Years of Dragon-Riding: Author

Talk with Christopher Paolini Ⓡ

Thursday, March 14, 2 - 3 p.m., online

Chat with master storyteller and international bestselling author Christopher Paolini about his return to the World of Eragon with Murtagh, a stunning continuation of the epic fantasy. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

On Retelling Greek Classics:

An Exploration of the Modern Epics with Madeline Miller Ⓡ

Thursday, March 21, 5 - 6 p.m., online

Join Madeline Miller, bestselling author of The Song of Achilles and Circe, as she talks about her process of retelling Greek classics as modern epics in fiction. 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!

Alcohol Ink Nature Cards

Friday, March 8, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Makerspace

repeated Thursday, March 21, 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

repeated Friday, March 22, 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, add essential oils, and include a wick to make your own jarred candles.

Gnome Plushies

Wednesday, March 13, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Maker-

space

Use soft and fuzzy supplies to create a cozy, snuggly friend.

Birdhouses

Thursday, March 14, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Makerspace

Craft a custom home as birds return to the Estes Valley for spring.

Bath Bombs

Friday, March 15, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Makerspace

Make your own fizzy bath bomb, perfect for turning your tub into an at-home spa experience.

Crystal Prisms

Monday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Makerspace

Create a decorative prism that will refract light when placed in the sun.

Tree of Life

Tuesday, March 19, 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

Wednesday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Makerspace

Assemble and paint a working HO scale clock tower.

ALL AGES

Make & Play Your Own Board Game Ⓡ

Saturday, March 16, 2 - 4:30 p.m., Hondius Room

Design a board game of your own with challenge cards, customized dice and spinners, and other crafty materials. All ages welcome.

Dungeons & Dragons Ⓡ

Tuesday, March 19, 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.

TEENS & KIDS

Makerspace Crafternoon: Sew a Snuffle Mat Ⓡ

Saturday, March 9, 2 - 4 p.m., Makerspace

repeated Thursday, March 21, 4 - 6 p.m., Makerspace

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, 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.

Artwork Wednesday: Duct Tape Wallets & Roses Ⓡ

Wednesday, March 20, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Makerspace

Get crafty with duct tape! We’ll be

making heavy duty wallets and beautiful rose pens.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Library Storytimes

Babies: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.

Preschoolers: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.

Storybook Explorers: Sat., March 9 at 11:15 a.m.

Read to Therapy Dog Bo: Thurs., March 21 at 11 a.m.

Hora del Cuento Bilingüe Ⓡ

Friday, March 8, 4 - 5 p.m., Hondius Room

Friday, March 22, 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.

Music & Movement Ⓡ

Saturday, March 16, 11 - 11:30 a.m., Hondius Room

Develop listening and motor skills in this lively, interactive program with music in both Spanish and English. Únete a nosotros en este programa interactivo en el que incluiremos bailes, canciones y crearemos ritmo. Incluiremos música tanto en Inglés como en Español, a medida de que desarrollemos nuestras habilidades auditivas y motoras.

MAKERSPACE CLASSES

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).

Embroidery Patterns: Advanced Techniques Ⓡ

Wednesday, March 13, 5:30 - 7 p.m. repeated Thursday, March 14, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Through Inkscape and Ink/Stitch, learn vector editing to create custom embroidery designs.

3D Printer Training Class Ⓡ

Monday, March 18, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).

Intro to 3D Modeling Ⓡ

Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Learn TinkerCAD and receive an introduction to parametric and mesh modeling basics.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION

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.

KEY

Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.

Make Spring Break A Staycation At The Estes Valley Library

A visit to the library might seem like an unlikely choice for spring breakers, but if you’re staycation-ing this year, there are great reasons to make the Estes Valley Library part of your plans.

In the spirit of Maker March, kids and teens will enjoy our special week-long “Program-Arte” series, where budding artists can discover new skills and put them into practice. Workshops will take place Monday through Friday (times vary) in the Hondius Community Room. Registration is strongly recommended, so visit estesvalleylibrary.org/events to reserve your seat.

March is one of the snowiest months in the Estes Valley, which could translate to some extra time inside. Stock up on athome fun with the Library of Things. We’ve got old fashioned fun like board games (we just added Ticket to Ride!), and new fangled items like karaoke machines and laser tag kits.

Other treasures are waiting to be discovered in the rest of our collection. Have you checked out a video game yet? We currently have over 80 to choose from! Borrow ones for PlayStation 4, xBox One, Nintendo Switch, or PlayStation 5. All are listed in our online catalog

at estesvalleylibrary.org/videogames, or stop by the downtown location and visit the Young Adult section on the first floor.

These activities – and others, like Ozobots, cookie and cake baking, and origami – are just plain fun. They can also help build dexterity, create opportunities for physical movement, and increase cognitive function. Most importantly, they’re a great way to foster connection and make memories with family and friends.

There are, of course, plenty of things to do outside during spring break. Borrow the birdwatching kit and see which feathered friends are returning to the Estes Valley. Plan an adventure with the State Parks pass: for example, head over to Lory State Park for a hike and a picnic.

You can also stop by for a visit! There are Open Crafts happening every weekday in the Makerspace – drop in to create wire jewelry, crystal prisms, scented candles, and more. Or, snag a new book and snuggle up next to the fireplace to enjoy some quiet, restorative time.

This spring break, enjoy the wonders of your public library. View these programs, collections, and more at

9th Annual SnowyGrass Music Festival Returns To The Original Location Of The First Rocky Mountain Folks Festival

On July 12-14, SnowyGrass Music Festival, in partnership with Snowy Peaks Winery, Tandem CPAs, Visit Estes Park, and Estes Park Condos, will celebrate nine years in Estes Park, Colorado. It will be held at Stanley Park, 380 Community Drive–the first location of the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in August of 1991 (now held in Lyons, Colorado). Music workshops, bluegrass jam circles, onsite camping, food and art vendors, craft beverages, and local and regional nonprofits will be present.

SnowyGrass was founded by Candice Mohr of Snowy Peaks Winery in 2016. For the first seven years, SnowyGrass was located at Baldwin Park just behind the winery. She wanted to celebrate 11 years in business in Estes Park and thank the community for its support. The winery had already been supporting live music every Friday by featuring music in

its tasting room. In 2017, UpStream Enterprises, LLC took over managing the festival. It grew from a one-day festival into a three-day festival with camping and workshops, featuring Colorado bands and National acts such as Lindsay Lou, Becky Buller, Seldom Scene, Jeremy Garrett, Special Consensus and more.

This year’s festival will feature Darol Anger and Bruce Molsky, Fireside Collective, Travis McNamara (Trout Steak Revival), Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, Jake Leg, Slay, Foggy Mountain Spaceship, David Lawrence & The Spoonful, Lost Penny, Friendly Reminders, Timber, Charlie Stevens Band, and Mighty Holler.

For more information on tickets, schedule, or to donate, visit www.snowygrass.org

How often do you think seriously about dying? Likely, most often when we read the ‘obits’ of people we’ve known who have passed away, especially if those people are considerably younger than ourselves. Recently a much-younger, dear Longmont friend, came in from working outside, sat down to ‘take a nap’, and never woke up. Besides his loss, I had a regret…that it wasn’t me who had passed on, instead of one who had many more year’s potential. Like me, many regretted and mourned his leaving us so soon.

All probably regret such losses also. But, what is the thinking of those on the verge of dying? It would be helpful to have them share. An Australian nurse, Bobbie Ware, whose role is counseling those who are knocking on death’s door, has made enlightening discoveries regarding such people’s regrets in life. She catalogues them in her book, ‘The Top Five Regrets of The Dying’. I hope her sharing of such peoples’ regrets can be of help to us who may still have time to make adjustments so that we don’t harbor those same regrets as our time nears. I’ll list them, and then we’ll spend a little time on each. Those regrets were: (1) “I wish I had lived my life the way I wanted to, rather than the way others expected me to!”; (2) “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard!”; (3) “I wish I had had the courage to express my true feelings!”; (4) “I wish I had worked harder to maintain my friendships!”; (5) “I wish I had allowed myself to be happier!”

The most commonly stated regret of all was about having lived life the way others expected, instead of the way one wanted to. How many dreams were left unfulfilled because parents, partners, children, society, ‘expected’ a different direction be pursued.

The second most common regret was that the dying person had ‘worked too hard’. Often this regret reflected the awareness that the person had lost out on precious relationships with their children or spouse, because they were gone too much or so involved with their work, even when home, that they missed out on precious years of interaction with their ‘significant others’. One little boy expressed it well, as he walked away disappointedly, “All I ever get is a ‘busy signal’!”

In the pursuit of keeping the peace, many people suppress how they truly feel until it is too late. In Reba McIntyre’s song: ‘The greatest man I never knew’, about her now-deceased father, she shared, “He never told me that he loved me…I guess he thought I knew”. How often this is true of husbands, wives, parents, children, friends. As someone has expressed, ‘Don’t give me flowers when I’m gone…do it now!” Don’t delay sharing your true feelings, do it while you, and they, can be blessed by that sharing.

How are you about maintaining friendships? I would guess that quite often each of us calls to mind some dear friend of the past, thinks ‘I need to write them…give them a call’…and then lets the urge evaporate without following through. As you read this, reflect on some…and then follow through, make that call, write that card or letter.

Finally, many people, Ware points out, early in life, embraced habits that imprisoned them throughout life robbing them of potential happiness. She said: “Fear of change had them pretending to themselves and others that they were content and happy, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have true joy in their lives again.”

As we close thinking about the ‘regrets’ that people harbor during the final days of life, we come to the most important of all. Most people should face death with a realization that, if the Bible is true, they are soon to face a very just God. “It is appointed unto man once to die, and then the judgment.” And, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” As we ponder these words, we still have time to make changes.

What’s on our ‘bucket list’? - ‘No regrets when our time comes!’

Bob Lewis

Estes Park Genealogical Society Program Based On F.O. And Flora Stanley

Estes Park Genealogical Society is presenting a local history program based on F.O. and Flora Stanley, their 1904 home that became the Stanley Home Museum and “The Journey for a Stanley Home Museum Docent,” by Estes Park local, Dr. Thomas Bryant. Join us for this free program on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Library to learn how the Stanleys became the most influential people in the history of Estes Park.

The Stanleys came from a large and interesting family in Maine. F.O. and Flora witnessed an era of remarkable scientific and industrial change. The Stanley twins were exemplars of that era's spirit. As a young man, F.O. crossed paths with a Civil War hero and a famous arctic explorer. Learn how transportation affected invention, and vice versa.

The Stanley Home Museum, located at 415 W. Wonderview Ave., preserves the Stanley’s historic home that is owned, preserved and operated by the Stanley

Home Foundation and is open for guided tours by trained docents.

Dr. Thomas Bryant practiced general surgery, before retiring to Estes Park with his wife Joy, in 2020. With an interest in history, Tom soon joined the Stanley Home Museum Board and began training tour docents. He also has an interest in genealogy and can trace his family roots back to Charlemagne.

Tom grew up in a small town in Iowa. He first visited Estes Park in 1959 on a family vacation, returning many times. Educationally, he spent seven years at the University of Iowa obtaining his BS and MD degrees. Five years later, he completed a surgical residency in Akron, Ohio. Tom and his wife, Joy had their first daughter during that time. Dr. Bryant practiced general surgery for the next 36 years in Iowa, Ohio and Colorado. Joy was an instructor of nursing with special interests in pediatrics and obstetrics. Tom and Joy Bryant have three daughters and one son and two grandsons and one granddaughter.

The presentation will touch on Tom’s family history and early life in rural Iowa. His wife's family history features an adventurous female painter who traveled to Paris in 1864. What does that painter's life share with the Stanley Home?

The Estes Park Genealogical Society presents monthly history and genealogical programs at the Estes Valley Library on the second Thursday, 1 p.m., through November. Recent winter programs were presented by our society members at Raven’s Roast Coffee and at the Estes Park Senior Center. For more information about EPGS, visit our website at estesparkgenealogicalsociety.weebly.com.

Knitting & Crocheting Get-Together

Everyone is welcome to our free knitting/crrocheting get-togethers!

We meet in the Hondius Community Room at the Estes Valley Library.

Our 2024 meeting dates are:

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 7, 2024, 3:00-5:00 p.m. (Wool Market!)

Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Bring your woolly project, and let’s craft together.

If you’d like to learn to knit, we can teach you! It’s free.

Just show up! We’ll provide yarn and knitting needles for you to use during the meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Daley at email jenny@knittingjenny.com.

March 8 – March 14

How Can Business Owners Plan For An Exit?

If you’re a business owner, you always have a lot to do and a lot to think about. But have you put much thought into how you’ll eventually leave it all behind?

Even if you’re a few years away from that day, it’s a good idea to create an exit strategy. If you’re like most other owners, most of your net worth may well be tied up in your business — so how you exit that business can have a big impact on your finances and your retirement.

As you begin the exit strategy process, you’ll need to examine some basic questions, such as how much you want for your business and how much it’s worth. But you’ll especially need to plan for the mechanics of your exit — that is, just how you’re going to sell or transfer ownership of it.

Essentially, you have three main options:

• Internal sale or transfer – You could sell or transfer your business to someone affiliated with the company, such as a family member, business partner or even a group of employees. The advantages of this method are that you’ll have greater control over the timing of your exit, and you’ll be able to provide greater continuity for your employees, clients and suppliers. One potential disadvantage is that your net sales proceeds may be less than what you’d get from selling the business to an unrelated third party.

• External sale or transfer – The biggest benefit of selling or transferring your business to an unrelated third party is that you can potentially maximize your net sales proceeds. But you’ll need to consider some tradeoffs, too. For one thing, a sale to an outside person or business usually requires a long and possibly expensive due diligence process. Also, you’ll have less control over the timing of your exit than you would if

you sold the business to an internal source.

• Liquidation – If you liquidated your business by selling all your assets and shutting down operations, you could end up with far fewer net proceeds than if you sold the business to an internal or external source. However, you could raise cash pretty quickly. But if you chose to liquidate or dissolve your business, it could potentially be disruptive for your employees, clients and suppliers.

Because everyone’s situation is different, there’s no clear-cut formula for deciding which of these exit options is right for you. And it isn’t simply a matter of numbers, either, because you’ll need to consider some intangible factors, too. How will your family be affected by your choice? How would you feel if your business was in someone else’s hands, or no longer existed? You’ll need to work out these issues, along with the financial ones, before you decide on your business exit strategy.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. You may want to consult your financial, legal and tax advisors, and possibly work with a commercial banker and a business evaluation expert. By drawing on several sources of expertise, you can feel more confident that you’ll make a decision that’s appropriate for your needs.

One final suggestion: Don’t wait too long before you begin putting together your exit strategy. Time goes fast — and when the time comes for you to say goodbye to your business, you’ll want to be prepared.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by our local Edward Jones Financial Advisors. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

March Meeting Announcement For Estes Valley Quilt Guild Meeting

The Estes Valley Quilt Guild will meet on March

13, at 6:45 p.m. Dana Jones will present Quilt Around the Block: Creating Quilts from Blocks Traditional to Contemporary.

From traditional blocks to modern blocks, from repeated blocks to one-of-akind blocks, from blocks you know to those you’ve never seen — quilters past and present love blocks. This trunk show includes more than 20 quilts from a range of quilting genres, including ones Dana designed and ones designed by others, and all constructed with blocks. Plan to join Dana on this colorful trip around the block.

Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu

Mar 11 – 15

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

Mar 18 – 22

Monday, Mar 18 Corned Beef & Cabbage

Tuesday, Mar 19 BBQ Pork Ribs (4) w/ Baked Beans & coleslaw

Wednesday, Mar 20 Texas Cheesesteak (roast beef w/ onions, mushrooms & cheddar cheese on TX toast) w/ Pasta Salad

Thursday, Mar 21 Chicken Parmesan w/ Spaghetti, garlic bread & side salad

Friday, Mar 22 Salmon (4 oz) w/ Rice Pilaf & soup of the day

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 11th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Mar 8th. 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

First time guests are welcome for free. All levels of quilters are welcome; we

learn from each other. Come early to visit with your quilting friends. Bring your show and tell. The location is Mountain Bible Fellowship Church, 1575 South St. Vrain.

Master Classes Enrich Protégé

Ballet Renaissance Protégé students had the opportunity to enjoy two special Master Classes with Guest Artist Alexandre Hammoudi, former soloist with American Ballet Theatre. Hammoudi’s recent visit was his tenth in as many years.

Born in Paris, France, Hammoudi studied with the Paris Opera Ballet, the

Academy of Dance Salle Pleyel in Paris, the English National Ballet, and the School of American Ballet in New York. He danced professionally with National Ballet of Cuba and American Ballet Theatre and is fluent in both Spanish and French.

For more information about Ballet Renaissance and Protégé, visit www.balletren.org

Oliver Tapia Villegas 12th Grade

Congratulations to Oliver Tapia Villegas, the Estes Park High School Student of the Week for Friday, March 8, 2024.

Oliver is the son of Maria Villegas and Antonio Tapia.

At EPHS, Oliver plays soccer and basketball, is President of Student Council, National Honor Society and the Senior Class. He’s a member of Key Club, 911 Explorers, Youth in Action, Superintendents Council and the section leader for the saxophones in the marching band. His favorite class is Film as Literature as he loves analyzing movies. He’s earned three varsity letters in soccer and two varsity letters in basketball and attended Colorado Boys State last summer and earned an all conference honorable mention for soccer. Oliver was a nominee for Youth Philanthropist of the Year and has been on the honor roll throughout high school.

Outside of school, he loves hiking and would like to get more into camping and being outside. He enjoys spending time with friends and family. Oliver loves going to the beach and hopes to live closer to it someday. He has two siblings and feels lucky to work with his family at their restaurant, Burgers and Gyros on Moraine Avenue.

A place he’d love to visit is Spain. He wants to go to see all of the small details of the ar-

February 23, 2024

chitecture.

Oliver’s favorite quote is “I think it’s possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary” by Elon Musk. He said, “I really like this quote because it is so real, every person can choose to live up to what they believe in and achieve their dreams but realize its going to take work, nothing comes for free.”

The best piece of advice he would give someone is to always chase your dreams and to never give up and to be kind to everyone. Also, it’s okay to say “no” if you’re not in a position to do something at the time and don’t have time to do it.

After high school, Oliver said, “I plan to go to college at Colorado Mesa University to study business and then get my real estate license.” After graduation Oliver wants to go on a trip with his friends either around the US or to Hawaii.

“Tools Up” At EPHS Auto Shop Program With Grant From Estes Park Rotary

A new and long-anticipated Auto Shop program is now offered at Estes Park High School.

“We have been searching for a skilled mechanic to teach Auto Shop for years,” says EPHS Principal Mary Barron. “We are so lucky to have found T.J. Appel so we can now offer this program to our students.”

T.J. Appel, the teacher for the new program at EPHS, is a senior master technician for Subaru. Currently the program is only for Juniors and Seniors and is limited to 10 students. But plans are to expand the program next year and into the future.

Until now, students were working with spare tools, and some borrowed from Appel’s own toolbox. This limited the types of repairs they could do – until now.

Hearing that the students needed a

be found quickly and efficiently.”

This semester the students are learning the basics of electrical systems, studying how to perform vehicle inspections, replacing brake components, performing fluid services, and learning how engines and transmissions work.

In the future the school is planning to offer multiple auto classes that will go more in depth into vehicle systems, computers, and the technology side of things. Plans include building a half scale vehicle from scratch so the students can see everything that goes into a vehicle.

The class currently includes students who want to be automobile technicians, students who just want to know how to repair vehicles, and one student who wants to use the skills he learns in this class to become an aircraft technician.

The automotive industry will need

complete set of tools, the Rotary Club of Estes Park (Noon Rotary) presented the school with $4,800 to purchase a full, 1004-piece set of Teng Tools including a cabinet workstation.

“The new toolbox will allow students to learn and perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles. With these tools, we will be able to do almost anything and everything on a car,” says Appel.

“Multiple students will be able to work on cars at the same time,” he continued. “These tools have a lifetime warranty, so they will be replaced if any do break. And the workstation that comes with the tools will provide a safe space to store and organize the tools so everything can

more than 500,000 new technicians by 2026, and shops around the United States are feeling the technician shortage.

The funds provided by Noon Rotary came primarily from proceeds of Friendship Card sales. Additional funds for the tool purchase came from the Estes Park Rotary Club Foundation, using profits from last year’s Cowboy Brad concert.

You can help local youth, charitable organizations and more by buying your own 2024 Friendship Card – a $10 bargain that provides discounts in local stores. www.facebook.com/ EPFriendshipCard.

Hammoudi and students, PCCR Estes Park, February 2024.

Students Lincoln Dammes, Santiago Salgado Garcia, Kenneth Cromer, Kaiden Smith, Raul Perez-Rodriguez, Matthew Asche, Cameron Glover; Auto Shop teacher T.J. Appel; Noon Rotary Community Service Director Beth Weisberg; Estes Park Rotary Foundation President Jim Whiteneck.

LISTED BY TOM THOMAS

Midland University Choir To Perform At YMCA Of The Rockies

This 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.

Coming In April: High Octane Colorado Bluegrass At The American Legion

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 Contest, 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.

2774 Ypsilon Circle - $1,625,000

1884 Stonegate Drive - $1,695,000

2800 Kiowa Trail ~ $1,425,000

CHRISTIAN COLLINET

Extension Of 1A Sales Tax Critical To Estes Park’s Future Flood And Wildfire Abatement

To The Editor:

Candidates for Mayor and Town Board of Trustees expressed their views on a number of important issues posed in the recently compiled Estes Valley Residents’ Association (EVRA) Voter Guide. None of those issues are more important than extension of the 1% Sales Tax which is on the April ballot. The original tax was passed as Question1A in 2014 to fund construction of the Community Center, the Valley’s Emergency Communication System, expansion of the Multi-Purpose Estes Park Trails System and fund the Town’s Street improvement program.

These accomplishments have all been significant and important contributions to the quality of life in the community. Prior 1A funds were used wisely. The Community Center speaks for itself as an important asset for residents and tourists alike. The Streets Improvement Program has raised the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) from 40 to close to 80. The Emergency Communications Center proved it worth during the East Troublesome Fire and the new trails lead residents and tourists to many natural attractions and are well used.

Extensive analysis by town staff, balancing obvious needs and relying on feedback from residents, (both in person and through the Town’s 2021 National Community Survey), guidance from the 2022 Comprehensive Plan, the 2019 Stormwater Survey, and consultation with experts and elected officials at the local and county level led to approval of a ballot questions calling for extension of the sales tax with the following proposed allocations.

Allocation of funds from the 1A Sales Tax Extension

Street Maintenance 46%

Stormwater Infrastructure 28%

Trail Expansion and Reconstruction 12.5%

Wildfire Mitigation 9%

Powerline Wildfire Mitigation 4.5%

The Estes Valley Residents’ Association (EVRA) strongly favors passage of the 1A Sales Tax extension with these allocations. The extension prominently features provisions to mitigate the natural disasters that have plagued the Valley since it was first settled and are now

growing threats. It provides a formal and significant civic commitment to mitigating natural disasters, maintaining an adequate system of public streets, and furthering the Trail Project. It’s not a question of whether we will face another Valley wide threat fire like the East Troublesome or floods like 2013 or even 1976. It is undeniably WHEN and whether we will be prepared? Approval of the 1A extension assures that funds will be available for the allocated projects and not subject to future Town Boards’ discretion.

The benefit of funding these projects with a sales tax versus other funding mechanisms is that our visitors pay the lion’s share (83.5%+) of the costs for our improvements. This is only fair; visitors, who greatly outnumber residents, share the benefits of these improvements, and should be expected to carry a substantial share of the costs.

Special attention is warranted in the case of the stormwater management system. It is our opinion that this program will move forward regardless of ballot approval. Without funding from the 1A Sales Tax, we believe the Town will turn to creation of a special utility district where residents and property owners throughout the Valley will have little if any voice taxation (user fees) or operation of a project that primarily benefits the Town’s commercial districts. Absent that draconian method of funding, we wholeheartedly support the program as part of the 1A tax allocation. Extension of the 1A Sales Tax is essential for Estes Park and its future and a fair way to fund necessary projects.

At the time the Estes Valley Residents’ Association (EVRA) 2024 Voter Guide was prepared, extension of the 1A Sales Tax was supported by Mayoral candidates Mac Alpine and Hall and Trustee candidates Darby, Lancaster, Theis and Younglund. Trustee candidates Harger and Ingel indicated opposition to the extension. Trustee candidate Brown was undecided.

We urge you to vote for the extension. The Estes Valley Residents’ Association (EVRA) Voter Guide is available on Facebook.

Mike Kennedy in behalf of the Estes Valley Residents Association

Sunrise Rotary Invites Charitable Organizations To Apply For Funding

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.

Lady Psychiatrist's Booth, San Diego’s singer-songwriter/guitarist Ashley E. Norton and violinist/mandolinist/singer Stephanie Groot, will soon perform at Estes Park's American Legion Post 119 (850 North Saint Vrain Avenue). The concert will take place on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at legionlisten.org. After five years on non-stop tours with their band Whitherward, the duo has paired off for multiple dates throughout

the southwest alongside their first studio project featuring Laura Hall from the hit TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" There is also a new album on the way with music that ranges from comedy, creepiness and all heart.

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.

What’s Going On At Crossroads?

By: Brian Schaffer

Last week I was asked how my Dad is doing and I was able to share a little bit about his transition in life. He has experienced a lot of changes since Mom passed away. One of them involved selling the farm and moving to a neighboring town where he has a group of men, church family and other supportive connections for this new season. I’m actually flying to Arkansas on Wednesday to check up on him. We will be buying him a new iPhone and donating his old one to a museum. Yes, it’s an old one and this little device has given him a run for his money. Most every time I’m on the phone with him, he shares his frustrations with the daily tasks of trying to navigate in a digital world. For many years he relied on my Mom to keep up with the new technology that was required to pay bills online, registrations, downloading apps on the cell phone, etc. Now, that Mom is no longer around to accomplish these necessary tasks, he is left struggling to adapt to these technological advancements. Even though he had a successful career at Boeing aircraft as an engineer, he hasn’t done much with technology since he retired in 1998. Jumping in the deep of the pool is not as easy as it seems and his patience has run thin in his pursuit to gain more knowledge. Is it really true that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?! How does a person prepare for the changes that are undoubtedly coming with the future?

What are the consequences if you don’t adapt to the new ways of doing business? For my Dad, he feels inadequate and has been forced to ask people for help which hasn’t been all bad for him. He has a greater appreciation for the younger generation that are showing him the digital ropes. I still remember some wise words that were shared with me when I first began working in my twenties. It was “Leaders are Learners.” I was encouraged to never stop learning new things. You don’t have to change the way you do things every month, but it is good to be aware of what’s changing and how it could make life easier if you stay in the “know.” At Crossroads, we are continually working with neighbors to help them navigate the digital world we

live in. It’s just one of many ways we’re taking good care of our neighbors.

Here are a few things to keep you in the know on what’s going on at Crossroads:

Our Neighbors in Need Challenge will begin April 1st through May 31st where every dollar is doubled up to $100,000. What a great time to give!

Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Wednesday, April 24, from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at the YMCA of the Rockies.If you’ve been involved as a volunteer anytime in the past year, we would love to have you join us for a nice breakfast with about 70 other folks who are connected to Crossroads. An invitation will be sent out soon, but plan now to be a part of this.

Westover Homes Tour benefiting the work of Crossroads Ministry will take place on Saturday, June 15th. The day will begin with a brief time at Crossroads with drinks and goodies to get your day started, and then from there, people will head out to enjoy the beautiful homes that have been selected for the tours. You will not want to miss this opportunity! More details will be coming soon on how you can sign up for this special day.

We were awarded a grant from Larimer County Behavioral Health Services to support mental health counseling sessions with locally licensed counselors, Courtney Carroll and Kristie Capo. Crossroads doesn’t have this expertise so we contract with these counselors to help meet the needs. This has been such a lifeline for so many people who would have never been able to afford this service.

We were awarded a second grant from Larimer County Human Services—Office on Aging to purchase a 2023 Ford Transit van to support expanded services that we will be rolling out sometime in April. In addition to this grant, we were offered a special discount from a retired Ford executive, Joe Holtzman, that we were able to apply towards the purchase. Thanks Joe!

We are so grateful for the countless number of people who partner with us to make sure our neighbors are taking good care of.

AA & Al-Anon Meetings

AA of Glen Haven

Every Monday night at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Early Worms

Monday thru Saturday at 7:00 a.m. (Monday through Saturday hybrid meetings with Zoom #796 839 839 PW:Worms20) at St. Bartholomew Church, 880 MacGregor Ave.

Early Worms Women's Meeting

12 p.m. Mondays

St. Bartholomew, 880 MacGregor Ave.

Mixed Nuts Al-Anon Group

We meet Friday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Church. The meeting is hybrid with Zoom #285 426 3644 PW: serenity.

One Day at a Time

Location: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies 1700 Brodie Ave, Estes Park

When: Tues and Thursday @ noon. Please park in back, Meetings are held downstairs in Room 6.

Alcoholics Anonymous Fall River Group, 453 West Elkhorn, Estes Park.

Current Schedule for 1/4/2024

Zoom ID 999 829166 for AA Meetings

Monday-12 p.m.-In Person-O, D

Monday-7 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, BB

Tuesday-12 p.m.-Zoom-O, D

Wednesday-12 p.m.-In Person and Zoom-O, D

Wednesday-7 p.m.-In Person and Zoom- O, D

Thursday -12 p.m. Zoom-O, D

Friday-12 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, D

Saturday-12 p.m.-In Person and Zoom-O, D

Sunday -12 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, D

Last Friday of each month is birthday night; 6 p.m. Potluck, 7 p.m. Speaker.

*** Contribute via VENMO @SamuelCherman

Other 12 Step Meetings Held at Fall River Group

Thursday-7 p.m.-Narcotics Anonymous “New Horizons” Group

O, D-In Person and Zoom 705 555 830

**O=open to all

D=discussion

BB=Big Book

Zoom Meetings-Everyday at noon

Zoom #999 829 166 (no password needed).

Monday Zoom Big Book study at 7 p.m. #654 598 884 (no password needed).

Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Zoom #999 829 166

Online AA and NA Meetings at www.intherooms.com

There are 70 AA Meetings and 30 NA Meetings a week.

Salud Family Health Encourages You To Prioritize Your Health By Focusing On Healthy Eating & Scheduling A Colorectal Screening

March is not only National Nutrition

Month but also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to reflect on the importance of a healthy diet in preventing colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, but it is largely preventable with proper screening and lifestyle choices.

How to Help Prevent Colorectal Cancer with Nutrition

When it comes to lifestyle choices, there is a strong link between what we eat and our risk of developing colon cancer. Diets high in red and processed meats (like bacon, hot dogs, and delistyle cold cuts), as well as low in fiber, have been associated with an increased risk of developing this type of cancer. On the other hand, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been shown to lower the risk.

Studies show that for every 10 grams of fiber (which comes from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, & other plant sources) you consume daily, your risk of colorectal cancer decreases by about 10%. Ten grams of fiber is equivalent to eating 2/3 cup of black beans, for example. Similarly, for each additional serving of vegetables you eat per day, you lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer by 24%.

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also play a significant role in reducing your risk of developing colon cancer.

The Importance of Screening for Early Detection & Treatment

In addition to good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight, proper screening is also recommended to help prevent colorectal cancer. Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for adults beginning at age 50, as well as for younger individuals with certain risk factors, such as a family history of the disease or certain genetic conditions. Screening tests such as colonoscopies can detect precancerous polyps or earlystage cancer, allowing for their removal or early treatment. Screening can help detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable. When colorectal cancer is detected at an early stage, before it has

spread to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is over 90%.

Of course, people are often hesitant to talk with their doctor about this disease because they dread the idea of a colonoscopy. While that is one standard screening procedure, it is not the only option available. Depending on your age and other risk factors, you might be eligible for a high-sensitivity fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or a stool DNA test. Only your medical provider can help you decide the right screening method for you. Whatever you decide, it’s essential to get screened.

How to Schedule a Screening Today

Salud Family Health encourages all eligible patients, existing or prospective, to schedule a colorectal screening. If you are 50 years of age or older, or if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, please contact our clinic at (303) MYSALUD (6972583) or (970) 484-0999 to schedule your screening today. Early detection can save lives, so don't delay – take control of your health and schedule your screening now.

The Salud Estes Park clinic, located at 1950 Redtail Hawk Drive, is accepting new patients. For more information, please visit saludclinic.org. To schedule an appointment, call (970) 484-0999.

At Salud Family Health, we provide quality, affordable primary health care services to keep you and your family healthy. Salud accepts Medicaid, Medicare, CHP+, and most private insurance plans. We serve all members of the community regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Con motivo de los Meses Nacionales de Concientización sobre la Nutrición y el Cáncer Colorrectal, Salud Family Health le anima a dar prioridad a su salud enfocándose en una alimentación saludable y programando un examen colorrectal

Marzo no es sólo el Mes Nacional de la Nutrición sino también el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre el Cáncer Col-

orrectal, lo que lo convierte en el momento perfecto para reflexionar sobre la importancia de una dieta saludable en la prevención del cáncer colorrectal. El cáncer colorrectal es el tercer cáncer más frecuente, diagnosticado tanto en hombres como en mujeres en los Estados Unidos, pero se puede prevenir en gran medida con exámenes de detección y opciones de estilo de vida adecuados.

Cómo ayudar a prevenir el cáncer colorrectal con la nutrición

Cuando se trata de elecciones de estilo de vida, existe una estrecha relación entre lo que comemos y el riesgo de padecer cáncer colorrectal. Las dietas ricas en carnes rojas y procesadas (como tocino, salchichas y embutidos), así como las dietas pobres en fibra, se han asociado a un mayor riesgo de desarrollar este tipo de cáncer. En cambio, se ha demostrado que las dietas ricas en frutas, verduras y cereales integrales reducen el riesgo.

Los estudios muestran que por cada 10 gramos de fibra (provenientes de frutas, verduras, cereales integrales y otras fuentes vegetales) que consuma diariamente, su riesgo de cáncer colorrectal disminuye aproximadamente un 10%. Diez gramos de fibra equivalen a comer 2/3 de taza de frijoles negros, por ejemplo. Del mismo modo, por cada porción adicional de vegetales que consuma al día, reducirá en un 24% el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer colorrectal. El ejercicio regular y el mantenimiento de un peso saludable también pueden desempeñar un papel importante en la reducción del riesgo de desarrollar cáncer colorrectal.

La importancia del examen para la detección a tiempo y el tratamiento Además de una buena alimentación y de mantener un peso saludable, también se recomiendan exámenes de detección adecuados para ayudar a prevenir el cáncer colorrectal. El examen de detección del cáncer colorrectal se recomienda a los adultos a partir de los 50 años, así como a las personas más jóvenes con determinados factores de riesgo, como antecedentes familiares de la enfermedad o ciertas afecciones genéticas. Los exámenes de detección, como las colonoscopias, pueden detectar pólipos precancerosos o cáncer en esta-

dio temprano, lo que permite su extirpación o tratamiento a tiempo. Los exámenes de detección pueden ayudar a detectar el cáncer colorrectal en sus estadios iniciales, cuando es más tratable. Cuando el cáncer colorrectal se detecta en una fase temprana, antes de que se haya extendido a otras partes del cuerpo, la tasa de supervivencia a cinco años es superior al 90%.

Claro que, a menudo, las personas dudan en hablar con su médico sobre esta enfermedad porque les aterra la idea de someterse a una colonoscopia. Aunque se trata de un procedimiento de detección estándar, no es la única opción disponible. Dependiendo de su edad y de otros factores de riesgo, podría ser apto para una prueba de sangre oculta en heces de alta sensibilidad, una sigmoidoscopia flexible o una prueba de ADN en heces. Sólo su médico puede ayudarle a decidir cuál es el método de detección más adecuado para usted. Decida lo que decida, es esencial hacerse los exámenes de detección.

Cómo programar un examen de detección hoy mismo

Salud Family Health alienta a todos los pacientes elegibles, existentes o potenciales, a programar un examen colorrectal. Si tiene 50 años o más, o si tiene otros factores de riesgo, como antecedentes familiares de cáncer colorrectal, comuníquese con nuestra clínica al (303) MYSALUD (697-2583) o (970) 484-0999 para programar su examen de detección hoy. La detección a tiempo puede salvar vidas, así que no se demore: tome el control de su salud y programe su examen de detección ahora.

La clínica Salud Estes Park, ubicada en 1950 Redtail Hawk Drive, está aceptando nuevos pacientes. Para obtener más información, visite saludclinic.org. Para programar una cita, llame al (970) 484-0999.

En Salud Family Health, ofrecemos servicios de atención primaria de calidad y accesible para que usted y su familia se mantengan saludables. Salud acepta Medicaid, Medicare, CHP+ y la mayoría de los planes de seguro privados. Servimos a todos los miembros de la comunidad, independientemente de si tienen seguro o su capacidad de pago.

Mayoral Candidate Gary Hall Looks Ahead To 2028

As we approach the election for mayor and Town trustees on April 2, let’s look ahead. The four-year term for mayor and the new trustees takes us to 2028. The mayor for the next years needs to be a strong, transparent communicator and needs to be a wise leader who fits the culture of Estes Park.

So, what should we do here and now to head in the best directions for the there and then? Let’s consider Estes in 2028. What do we need to focus on? Where will we need to be aggressive? Where will we need to find a pool of patience when things take longer than we’d like?

sources of energy. While I know there’s controversy over the natural gas plant plans, I do believe that PRPA is committed to long-term evolution of their energy-producing methods. While we need to continue to urge and move in the right renewable directions, we need to work with them to support the “in-themeantime” needs. I will focus on the better future – but I’ll be patient with the necessary ups and downs to get there.

Evolution takes time.

2028 Parks, Weather, Fires: As hikers say if bad weather chases them off a high hike, “The mountains will still be there.” Will Rocky Mountain National Park be thriving in 2028? I certainly think so. This great national treasure is in good hands with Superintendent Gary Ingram and his crew. In his recent Trail-Gazette article, he speaks of fire protections, staff housing, tourist management. (More on the latter two below.) The increasingly volatile weather patterns of recent years concern all of us. If there is any positive out of the recent fires in and around RMNP, it’s that the fires have reduced some of the available fuel by burning some of the worst pockets of beetle-kill trees. From the Park to the Town to individual citizens, fire-danger mitigation efforts must continue apace. Not much debate there. I’m on it.

2028 Electricity: We need to continue to work with our partners at PRPA to move to the energy sources of the future. However, these great progressive steps rarely happen as quickly as we’d like. Still, consider how far Colorado has come in recent years with renewable

2028 Tourism: In 1948, visitors to RMNP exceeded one million for the first time. In 1968, two million. In 1978, three million. It wasn’t until 2015 that four million came. This was during what I call the post-flood “vacation desperation” boom, as the road rebuilds continued. The pandemic & fire year of 2020, of course, knocked the numbers way down, but since 2016, other than that tough year of 2020, attendance in the park has averaged 4.5 million annually. We know that the RMNP team has worked very hard in recent years to manage the surge. Our Town actions to improve traffic flow and keep our infrastructure improvements on pace will all help to ensure that we can handle the certain continued growth. I’ll be focused on those goals to ensure that our visitors and residents can coexist well.

2028 Short-Term Rentals: In my opinion, STRs and Workforce Housing are separate issues. I understand the study from a couple of years ago that made the correlation, but I’m finding it difficult to ascribe to that connection. These are different issues. We have to solve and support both. We can do so. Estes Park has been a destination for visitors from around the world since its

earliest settled days, and they’ve stayed in lodges, RVs, tents, motels, the Stanley, VRBOs, etc. Estes Park will certainly not cease to be a desired destination. I have stated my opposition to the state bill 24033, the Lodging Property Tax Treatment (commercialization). Here in Estes, I feel that we have to find the right way to permit privately owned STRs to continue to operate successfully. I see this as part of the magic of our valley for some visitors. The last couple of years have been turbulent on this topic; let’s find the right path forward together. We can progress aggressively on workforce housing – and find a way for STRs to coexist in our mountain haven without impairing workforce housing progress.

2028 Workforce Housing: Given the right leadership, and with the good work that has been done by our Town staff and partners in recent years, and the momentum that is building, I very much believe we can continue to substantially close the gap between needed units and available units. This is something that takes long-term, focused commitment. I’ll bring that commitment, to help ensure that we have more opportunities for housing for the workers who take care of so much of the business of Estes, for the Town, the school, the hospital, retail, restaurants, hotels, and all.

2028 Infrastructure and Staff: Well, the Loop construction will be long done, and we’ll know how successful it is – and whether we’ve had to adjust the shape of it. On the broader front, I very much appreciated Bill Brown’s published research and comments last week on the 1% sales tax renewal. I do feel that there’s been a tremendously increased pressure on our infrastructure (and Town staff) in the last dozen years, between floods and fires and pandemics and the tourism surge and all. In my first decade up here prior to the 2013 flood, I felt that the Town was already understaffed in some service areas, and there were some services and departments that hadn’t been created yet that needed to be created. And, there were substantial issues with infrastructure that needed to be addressed. I continue to support the 1% and feel that it is part of our path to 2028 success – and beyond. However, I do believe that we must always be conscien-

Habitat For Humanity And Ordinance 01-24 On The Ballot

Habitat for Humanity has long enjoyed support in Estes Park and we hope to continue to provide homeownership opportunities in the future. In my capacity as Director, I seldom speak to specific proposed local ordinances. However, I feel compelled to do so as it relates to Ordinance 01-24 given the profound negative impact this ordinance will have on our work. Marrying the different and various interests of the public with the needs of the community is very difficult and land use policy is not easy to get right.

Having said that, we know from 35 years of experience there is already an

incredibly public, transparent, and enormously complex process required to approve a residential construction project. Numerous government departments and agencies are required to approve each respective build. This Ordinance, regardless of the intent, would add an extraordinary and unprecedented barrier to this process. I would encourage those interested in this topic to read the Resolution approved by the Estes Park Housing Authority’s Board of Directors at their February 14th meeting specifically raising their opposition to this Ordinance.

Habitat for Humanity is very con-

tious, good stewards of our Town finances when it comes to staff increases. There’s been many very positive developments in Estes with our Trailblazer broadband utility, daycare improvements, workforce housing progress, community development, the Events Center, and much more. Let’s continue to move forward rather than slip back.

2028 Arts: There are a lot of artists and musicians in this Town, an inordinate amount, I think, for our small size. The Estes Arts District’s master plan is – a work of art, with lots of great plans, including hoping to gain designation as a Colorado Creative District, like Telluride and Salida and many other towns and areas have achieved. These efforts deserve our citizens’ support and fandom. As a local musician, I’m very much a supporter of their efforts.

2028 National and World Factors vs. Local: We can all hope that the broad political world finds its way back to civility. Keep moving toward the light. In the meantime, the best approach for us locally is to actively model and advocate civility, acceptance of varied opinions, humanity, and the golden rule. We are a bright and beautiful valley and working together helps us be that shining city on the hill (or, in this case, the shining city on the mountain).

So, how do we get there? First by envisioning our future. Next by ensuring that we have the right folks in place at the Town, both staff and trustees. Also, by living together and working together with humanity. But it will take a lot of work. Our leaders must excel at practicality and responsibility, and must have a strong willingness to take on the burdens of progress and working through the challenges. As a child of a 30-year USAF veteran (my father) and my mother (also a veteran in her younger years), I have the ethics, discipline, sense of responsibility instilled in me. I’m programmed to be practical and humane, and my communication skills are top of line. And I work hard. I can help define and execute the steps to get from Point A to Points B, C, D, and beyond.

Let’s do it together.

Gary Hall

cerned about land use policies that make it more difficult to increase housing as those policies (intended or not) disproportionally negatively impact lower income populations and households of color. We are strong advocates across the country for land use reform and this ordinance actually changes land use rules in absolutely the opposite manner. By merely not responding to a neighbor’s request, neighbors can block a request for any reason – nefarious or not. We believe this will increase discriminatory practices without the burden of public dialogue.

David Emerson

Gary Hall

Mark Igel For Town Council

To The Editor:

Ten years ago Mark Igel became the owner of the historic Original Taffy Shop. In the ensuing period, he took a long-term business that was on its last leg and breathed new life into the original Taffy Shop. Its neon sign now shines bright each night, hours have been expanded, credit cards are now accepted and above all taffy flavors have expanded and nationwide shipping is at an all-time high. It was a major overhaul. It’s this type of thinking and action that Mark Igel can bring to the Estes Park Town Council.

Mark has lived in Estes Park for 36 years and has been a public servant for the majority of that time. For 20 years he served the Estes Park Fire Department as an EMT and Paramedic caring for the immediate needs of the community and making many friends. Today, he continues as a volunteer. He also started a sign company, “Signs of Life” to aid the underserved in the Estes Valley.

After marriage, he began raising seven children. He volunteered for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with his sons. In 2003, he purchased a theater in Estes Park, up-

dated equipment and re-named it, “Reel Mountain Theater.” Igel and his family entertained the Estes Valley for eight years before giving up the theater when digital became the very expensive “new norm.”

Igel believes that Estes Park has given him great opportunities since he first moved here and now it is time for him to reach even higher with community service. Mark Igel believes that the Town Board should stand for its citizens first which, in turn, will provide a pleasant experience for visitors.

Igel said, “The Trustees must ensure that local government runs efficiently, while exploring new ideas to encourage a healthy future.”

I have known Mark for some 10 years now, when he bought the original Taffy Shop.

He is energetic and full of new ideas –just what Estes Park needs. I urge your vote for Mark Igel for the Estes Park Town Council.

Bill Melton

Estes Park, Colorado and Cedar Hill, Texas

Voting For Ballot Issue 01-24

To The Editor:

Vote yes on Ballot 01-24 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.

Arguments have been made that this Ballot initiative is not necessary, citing the example of the denial of Rezoning of 685 Peakview in 2023.

"The system worked," but did it?

Property owners were the driving force behind the denial of the 685 Peakview rezoning request. Collecting over 1600 petition signatures and submitting over 300 public comments in opposition.

But the composition of the Trustees is about to change in 2024.

Several candidates were previous contractors or served on Planning and De-

velopment Boards and are currently on the Workforce Housing Authority.

How will the new Trustees future votes be impacted by their involvement with these groups?

The Ballot Initiative is not an opposition to Workforce Housing, Affordable Housing or Attainable Housing.

It is for the right of Property owners in the established neighborhoods to have a right to defend their investment and family homes that would be impacted by a rezoning.

Vote YES on The Ballot proposal extending right to residents.

Return power to the citizens of Estes and our neighbors in adjoining Larimer County who cannot even vote for trustees or mayor, but would be affected with rezoning adjacent to their Estes Park property.

Give Estes Park "residents" a voice.

Jackie Adams

Focus On This Candidate’s Priorities

Why do I hope to be your mayor?

I’ve had the honor of serving as a town trustee for the past 4 years, during which I learned how our town government works, why many decisions have been made, which town staff to ask for clarification on important projects, and how our priorities and budget have been set. The first year was a steep learning curve. After 4 years of service on the Town Board, I would like to provide my experience, continuity, and leadership as we enter more challenging times.

Some of my specific priorities include the following:

Communication with the Public I would make myself available through monthly Mayor Chats and continue participating in the Trustee Talks.

I would hold office hours at least three days a week. I would also respond to phone calls and emails, but I think faceto-face communication leads to greater understanding.

At least once a week I would attend a meeting of a different local organization to talk about town issues and solicit input from the members. I would also regularly visit different businesses and personally take the pulse of how things are going in the downtown and the outlying business community.

During an interesting interview this week with members of the Trail Gazette Editorial Board and staff, I offered to meet once a month with Editor Mike Romero. I think this would be mutually valuable; information is a two-way street.

I would promote more outreach with public meetings, surveys, and other efforts to get public input on projects or problems. I’d like to see some of that pinpointed toward underrepresented groups, like racial or foreign minorities, school kids, younger people, and our senior population. We need to ask how Estes Park could better serve everyone.

Communication within the Town

Urges A “Yes” Vote On Ordinance 01-24

To The Editor:

If you want a say in decisions that impact you and your neighborhood, vote YES on Ordinance 01-24. This citizeninitiated ballot item is about changing the balance of power towards citizens.

In an opinion last week Mr. Blackhurst notes that the code is complex, then states the concept behind Ordinance 0124 is flawed, and I disagree. The Code is complex, but many of us believe we are intelligent enough to work through the complexities, study the impacts of decisions, and look at these issues from the landowner perspective, the one who in-

vested heavily in a neighborhood.

Thomas Beck outlines the process well, but I disagree that “there will be no rezoning ...” There will be rezoning that follows the process. Going forward, new zoning will have the stamp of approval of those directly impacted by it. Yes, it’s a high bar, but don’t we have the same high bar in terms of what we expect from our elected officials and other decision makers? I do.

We’re supportive of resolving issues around workforce or attainable housing, but a NO vote will not solve those problems. They are much more complex

Board. My goal is to reach consensus with respect. I would work one-on-one with new Board members to bring them up to speed and to answer their questions. They will have a lot to learn as they serve the town. Work on the “big issues.” We all recognize the people issues, like housing, childcare, and other workforce challenges such as hiring and retaining staff. I would continue to monitor the efforts of the Housing Authority as it works with 6E funds to increase workforce housing opportunities, and I would continue to watch and research how other mountain communities address similar issues.

We must also address dangers with fires and floods, maintaining close cooperation with our fire district, RMNP, Larimer County, and national and state forest agencies. I met the new fire chief when he interviewed here in January and look forward to more interactions when he comes on board in April.

There are many environmental sustainability issues that need attention. The town received a list of recommendations from the task force report that was produced in 2022. I would continue to encourage work on those recommendations, using my own environmental background as a resource.

As your mayor, I look forward to working with our electricity provider, as a Board member with the Platte River Power Authority (PRPA). I have followed PRPA policies, plans, and management personnel since 2016 and would contribute a familiar and cooperative outlook.

than rezoning. If there are unintended consequences by passing this Ordinance, let’s deal with them responsibly and with all interests in mind.

If flawed, changes can be made following the process concerned citizens followed. A YES vote is simply a swing in the balance of power towards citizens’ rights. Who can be against citizens’ rights? My guess is only those that would want to take away some of the limited power that citizens have. Vote YES and get back some of your hard-earned citizens’ rights.

Dan Scace

Facilitating the Estes Park Development Code update with broad public participation. We expect to update our Development Code within the next two years. I have served as the Town Board non-voting liaison to the Planning Commission for the past four years, and I understand the work of that group. My goal is to address land use and building regulations that will facilitate our need for additional housing while recognizing and valuing established neighborhoods and maintaining our extraordinary natural environment. I would encourage sustainable solutions that protect our present and secure our future.

Barbara MacAlpine Estes Park

Barbara MacAlpine

The War On Opioid Drugs

By: Judi Smith

Most of us, when we hear about court cases concerning drugs, our mind goes straight to the illegal category. But drug addiction can result from a prescribed medication. Even a drug designated as “non-addictive" (physically) can lead to an uncontrollable desire to increase dosage, minimize time intervals, or continue beyond the prescribed period in an effort to spend some pain free time. “Just this one" can be a dangerous decision, starting down an increasingly dark road, but people addicted to drugs are not necessarily criminals.

other approved use is the Law Enforcement Co-Responders Program Expansion in Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and University of Colorado Health (UCH). And, of course, there are the administrative and evaluation costs of the council itself.

For the remaining 20% funds available, the state will accept fund requests for infrastructure and law enforcement efforts to control the manufacture and importation, trafficking and dealing of illegal forms of these drugs.

Why Is Good Friday “Good” (Article 2 of 4)

We like to think that, by nature, humans are good. Yet what defines good? In the absence of an absolute standard, god is a relative term. What happens when one party considers an act to be good and another deems that same act to be the embodiment of evil.

world apart at the seams?

The war on drugs has taken a new and beneficial turn. In 2021 there were several lawsuits against legitimate medication manufacturers and their distributors for a variety of charges related to deceptive marketing and, in some cases, record-keeping for opioid products. Not all suits were successful, but many were. While some cases benefited private individuals, others were filed in the public interest. The end result was funds to address the opioid crisis.

In 2022, Colorado (Attorney General Phil Weiser) filed its own successful suits. The money from these court verdicts and settlements will fund the ongoing efforts to combat opioid addiction and trafficking. The lion's share (60%) of these funds was reserved for use in 19 local regions and will be distributed gradually, in the spring and fall of each year (2022-2038). Cities and counties had three choices regarding their 20% of the funds: to work independently, to forego participation (yielding funds and decisions to the region), or to meld the money into the regional fund and act as one, participating in decisions. Estes chose this latter position, which increases flexibility and minimizes expense while retaining a local voice. The council consists of six voting members (Larimer County Health Dept., Larimer County, Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington and Estes Park) plus non-voting advisory members (administration and technical advice.) In Trustee Cindy Younglund, Estes Park is very lucky to have someone with medical training to serve as our voting representative to the Region 2 Opioid Abatement Council. The council created a two-year plan and now meets monthly to consider requests for funds for treatment, prevention, and other efforts. Of course, the heart of the matter is care coordination for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) – programs through jails, schools and caregivers. However, treatment is also intended to cover program and provider evaluation, staff and caregiver training, stigma reduction in the community, and the creation of “safe space." Prevention programs, both school based and in the community, are included in an effort to abate overdose deaths and other forms of harm. An-

Beyond Colorado, on the national level: founded and co-chaired by our own Representative Joe Neguse, the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus is attempting to address the dual issues of overdose and poisoning. While other opioids can also be deadly, Fentanyl is particularly dangerous due to the apparently intentional manufacture to look like other medications. Many fatalities are completely unaware they have taken a synthetic opioid. These double crises (accidental overdose and intentional poison) require different approaches to find solutions.

Bills that the caucus has introduced in Congress: The Innovate to Save Lives Act offers a tax incentive to small business for research and development into the crisis. This is an attempt to discover creative solutions to an overwhelming crisis. The Combat Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act will provide uniquely talented individuals to assist in detection, prevention, and prosecution. Today, everything, even criminal activity, is located on the web. A lot can be accomplished by tracing internet activity. These bills join Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act of 2023, sponsored by Joe Neguse and Doug Lamborn (also from Colorado), which increases fentanyl education in public schools. It is vitally important that our children, starting younger than I imagined and reaching into adulthood, understand the importance of not accepting “Tylenol," “Advil," etc. from an unidentified source, even through the hands of a friend, who may not know precisely what they have.

Perhaps, now that we have the funding that gives us a chance of winning the “war," we can offer the assistance required, both in recovery and in preventative education. We must understand the possibility of addiction and avoid the complications it creates in our lives, our families, and those around us. We must support the efforts of those involved in the battle, including those in recovery. Most of all, we must realize that anyone can develop OUD from unforeseen circumstances. It effects young and old, conscientious and irresponsible, ill-advised and intelligent individuals.

Agree? Disagree? Comments? RRRcyc@signsandwishes.com

How is the conflict resolved? Who or what determines the standard of good or evil. Is it the individual’s conscience? Is it a societal norm? Do we consider cultural norms to be relative to a geographic location or people grouping and therefore situationally relevant? What happens when cultures or people groups clash? Do we force one to be subservient to the other because we do not value them. Do we hold some to a lower level of value because they are the minority, less vocal, or less influential in our society?

Globally we seem to be at a boiling point. There is a hot war in Eastern Europe and another in the Middle East. There is unrest in Central America. Many countries are shouldering untenable debt levels. There are political, military, and religious tensions on every continent. There is talk of a “great reset”, future pandemics, election tampering, etc. Who do we trust? Where do we turn to for answers when we try to discern what is right and wrong, good or evil.

Some people want to force their opinions and beliefs on others. Some people refuse to speak of anything controversial out of fear of reprisal. A virtual world is being created where internet relationships are supplanting real authentic human interactions. Artificial Intelligence is now writing songs and generating pornography. Do we have a hopeful future or one destined for acrimony, violence, and oppression?

Is the any hope that political elites, academics, social justice warriors, poets, or professional victims will find the solution to the issues that are tearing our

If we look back to history, we will discover there was a group of people who were given a list of rules to follow so that they could be looked upon as acceptable. The list of rules was long and detailed. It covered tort issues, marital disputes, commerce, hygiene, discipline of children, property disputes, international relations, and a host of other matters. These “rules” were known as the Mosaic Law or simply “the Law”. What the Law revealed was that no matter how good people try to be, no one is perfect. The Law revealed a reality that is in direct conflict with the thought that people are basically good at heart. There is an aspect of everyone, no matter how small it may be, that keeps mere humans from being thought of as perfect. One need look no further than to small children to discover the reality that selfishness is but one of many corrupting influences we all must deal with. We may temper this through discipline, familial examples, rewards and punishments, etc. Yet, there is an underlying influence of humanity that renders perfection as the lost element, “unobtaineum.” (Refer to the first five books of the Bible for more information.)

We will never be able to bring humanity into a utopian existence by our will, intellect, plotting, or through force. Yet despite the endless failures to adequately resolve the myriad conflict throughout history, there is hope.

Good Friday is indeed appropriately named. Help and hope manifested on a 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.

Easter At The Christian Church Of Estes Park

Mark your calendars! Easter is approaching. We are excited to invite you to the Easter celebration at the Christian Church of Estes Park. Pastor Aaron Dorman will be starting a new teaching series on Easter Sunday called "It Doesn't Get Better Than This." The morning will be full of faith, family, and fun as we celebrate God giving us His best through Christ’s redemptive work. We hope to see you there!

Schedule of Events:

8 a.m. Service Option

9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. Easter Celebration

10:30 a.m. Service Option

Easter Celebration

Face painting, photos, and light refreshments between 9:30 a.m. and 10:20 a.m.

Easter Egg Hunt Time and Age Breakdown (Rain or Shine)

2 - 4 years old: 9:40 a.m. onward at the playground

5 - 7 years old: 9:40 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. on the field

8 - 11 years old: 10:05 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. on the field

Location: 4655 US Hwy. 36, Estes Park, Colorado 80517

About The Christian Church of Estes Park

The Christian Church of Estes Park (CCEP) is a non-denominational Christian church located in Estes Park, Colorado, that seeks to build generational, transformational disciples of Jesus. Through meaningful worship, community outreach, and enriching programs, the church invites all to join its mission of love and service rooted in Christ. For additional information, visit CCEP’s website at www.estespark.church.

Allenspark Community Church Holy Week Services

“Hallelujah! Christ the Lord is Risen!

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

Holy Week begins on Sunday, March 24th with a Palm Sunday service at 10:00 a.m. lead by Pastor Ralph Patrick.

Something new at the church this year will the addition of two services during Holy Week. Pastor Patrick will facilitate a Maundy Thursday communion service on March 28th at 6:00 p.m. and also a Good Friday service at noon on the 29th Easter Sunday, March 31st, begins with

a Sunrise Service at 7:00 a.m. followed by breakfast. The men of the church will prepare pancakes and we ask that if you attend the breakfast to please bring an egg or potato casserole to share. The Easter Festival Service will follow at 10:00 a.m.

The Allenspark Community Church, located at 16 Washington Street in Allenspark, extends a special invitation to everyone to join us in any or all of the services of this special time, and wishes everyone a very Blessed Holy Week.

Michael Cowan

Michael Cowan passed away peacefully with family by his side March 2, 2024. He was 69 years old. Born in Ithaca New York, Michael started to play hockey when he was four and continued until he was 61. He was an electrical engineer working in the pharmaceutical field with such companies as Amgen.Throughout his life he worked in Norway, California, South Korea, India and Colorado.

Michael had a fierce love for his family and his sweet dog Parker. He enjoyed traveling, hockey, reading and gardening.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents David and Jane Cowan, brother Michael, sister Shirlee and nephew John Allen.

He is survived by his loving wife Julie Krohn, sisters Carolyn Clark, Patricia Wiggins (Oliver), Suzanne Conklin and Mary Cowan-Hollis (Kevin) His two sons, Sean Cowan and David Cowan (Kelsi), three grandchildren, nieces and a nephew.

There will be a celebration of Michaels life in the fall in Ithaca, New York.

Kristie S. Welborn

Kristie S. Welborn, 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. 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 c to leave condolences to the family.

Death Cafe Continues To Meet In March, April & May

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-

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 970-452-9191.

Beverly Anne Henderson

Beverly

Anne Henderson passed away following a short illness, she was 90 years old. She was born on May 23, 1933 in Independence, Iowa and was the second child born to Donald Louis and Mildred (Graf) Borchers. Beverly is survived by her daughter Tracey (Scott) Randel, son Craig Duane Henderson, and daughter Susan (Todd) Fontenot. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Beverly is preceded in death by her parents, a brother Tom Borchers, and her husband of 50 years, Duane Edwin Henderson.

most loving individual to many, many people. Her physical presence will be deeply missed...and her cookies too, but her greatest gifts for all to remember, is the loving and caring memories that she shared and instilled in each and every person she knew.

While Beverly did not want a long obituary, it should be noted that she had many interests during her life, most of which were collecting friends with her gentle kindness. She was always a caretaker and as the years came on, she still functioned in that role to the very end, finding ways to work around her physical difficulties. She had a kind and quiet faith and was a

The family would like to give special thanks to Stephani Kossuth, Tracey Hess and Ellie Bourke and the caring and loving staff and friends she made at Good Samaritan Assisted Living, for making this part of her journey so special. They would also like to thank the Estes Park Health Hospital staff who so kindly cared for their mother during this journey.

Donations in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Denver Ronald McDonald House, or Estes Park Good Samaritan Assisted Living Facility in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 1302 Graves Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517.

Please visit allnuttestespark.com to leave messages for the family.

Silver Saddle Inn

Now hiring:

Front Desk Agent

Flexible Hours, Full time

$18/hr - $22/hr DOE

Must be non-smoker.

Apply in person: 1260 Big Thompson Ave. or email resume: info@estesresort.com

YMCa oF tHe RoCKies

tunn e l R oa d e stes P a rk, C o l o r a d o , 80511

aGe n te d e ReseRvas

El Agente de Reservas es el principal responsable de hacer reservas para individuos y familias tanto en Estes Park Center como en Snow Mountain Ranch. Esta es una posición de tiempo completo durante todo el año, con un pago de entre $19.90 y $22.25 por hora e incluye beneficios como descuentos en guardería para niños, una generosa cantidad de vacaciones y tiempo libre pago, seguro médico, dental y de vida, noches con descuento en las cabañas y habitaciones de la YMCA of the Rockies para familiares y amigos, y mucho más. Postúlate en nuestro sitio web, jobs.ymcarockies.org.

YMCa oF tHe RoCKies

2515 tunn e l R oa d e stes P a rk, C o l o r a d o , 80511

ReseRvatio n s aGe n t

The Reservations Agent is primarily responsible for making reservations for individuals & families at both Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch. Bilingual, Spanish preferred. This is a full-time, year-round position paying $19.90 - $22.25/hour and includes discounted childcare, generous PTO/vacation, health, dental, and life insurance, discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges for family & friends, and many more perks and benefits.

YMCa oF tHe RoCKies

2515 tunn e l R oa d e stes P a rk, C o l o r a d o , 80511

G u est ReGistRatio n Ma n aGeR

Primarily responsible for overseeing the Front Desk and Back Office with a high priority on delivering exceptional guest service to all guests, training, overseeing, and supporting Guest Registration seasonal staff & volunteers, problem-solving any issues that impact guest services, and ensuring accurate accounting and reporting processes. $18 - $21.90/hour with full benefits, employee perks, generous PTO/vacation, discounted childcare, and more.

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

Service Tech Wanted

Contact 970-586-4626

Operations Manager

Supervisory

$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

Now hiring Shuttle Drivers

Part-time/Full-time year round employment. Clean Valid Colorado Driver license (no special license needed). $18-20 an hour.

Apply within at: Estes Park Shuttle 551 South Saint Vrain Ave

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)

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.

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/

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Full details on employment opportunities and the application can be found at estes.org/jobs.

Full-time EMS Dispatcher I/II/III

Events Maintenance Worker I Internal Services Director Police Officer I/II/III

Limited Term Museum Collections Assistant Museum Visitor Coordinator

Seasonal

Community Service Officer Parks Maintenance Worker Utilities Ground Worker

The status of applications will be communicated via e-mail. By choice, the Town of Estes Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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.