FREE
XlX-1008
Estes Park News is dedicated to bringing the Good News of the Estes Park community.
March 20, 2020
Just Breathe This beautiful photo of the sunrise on Longs Peak this week reminds us that we are all in this together and we remain Mountain Strong. Photo by Alan Shadduck imagesofestespark.com
2 » Friday, March 20, 2020
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 March 8, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 16 calls for service. This included: • Emergency medical (assist EPH): 3 • Detector/Alarm Activation: 2 • Elevator Rescue: 1 • Gas Leak: 2 • MCV: 3 • Helicopter Standby: 1 • Fire: 1 • Smoke Investigation: 1 • Assist: 2 Estes Valley Fire www.estesvalleyfire.org
epnews.com
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. On March 14 at 10:08 p.m. police contacted a 62 year old male in the 1600 block of Soaring Circle Drive who was wanted on a warrant out of Larimer County for failure to appear on a traffic offense. The male was transported to Larimer County Jail.
Dollar General Hours And Senior Hour Dollar General will be closing at 6 p.m. every evening for the near future. Note: Between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. every morning will be Senior Hour. Only 60+ will be allowed in to shop. At 9 a.m. the store will open to the rest of the community. Good luck and stay safe, DG Mgmt.
4,000 copies were printed this week, and distributed FREE to hundreds of Estes Valley locations including Allenspark, Glen Haven & Lyons.
Local Readership With A National Online Audience
Ph: (970) 586-5800 Fax: (970) 692-2611
Opinions of our columnists are not necessarily the opinions of this newspaper. Owners/Publishers: Gary & Kris Hazelton Editor: Kris Hazelton General Manager: Andrew Donaldson ads@estesparknews.com Classified Ads: Tim Buck office@epnews.com Press releases: kris@estesparknews.com All editorial, photo content & graphic design is copyright of Estes Park News, Inc. & can not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Estes Park News, Inc. ©2020 For subscription information contact us.
Deadlines
Reserve space: Monday by 4:00 pm Final submissions: Tuesday by Noon Classifieds: Deadline Wed. by Noon Estes Park News, Inc. Independent & locally family owned.is Our Multi-Media Studio at 1191 Woodstock Drive #2 Mail: PO Box 508 Estes Park, CO 80517
estes.org
An Update To The Community From Estes Park Mayor Todd Jirsa COVID-19 operational precautions at the Town of Estes Park As we all watch the COVID-19 situation unfold across the world and now, in our own county, I wanted to reach out to provide some updates and encouragement on behalf of the Town government. It helps me rest easy to know that so many community partners are once again pulling together to face adversity. It's something we can count on. I hope this helps you rest easier, too. We don't want to contribute to the sense of panic that we're seeing in some places, and we want to see our community continue to flourish while taking some precautions. In fact, the Town is taking some precautions that we want to share with you now... Our goal at the Town of Estes Park is to continue to serve the community with critical municipal services while doing our part to ensure the health of our fellow community members and visitors. No town services are adversely affected by COVID-19 at this time, and we hope to keep it that way. We have been carefully monitoring this rapidlyevolving situation and listening to the expert advice of our public health partners. Based on current public health recommendations for social-distancing measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Town of Estes Park has elected to cancel all non-critical public meetings, programs and facility rentals at public-facing Town facilities through April 13. Facilities included are Town Hall, the Estes Park Events Complex, Estes Park Visitor Center and Estes Park Museum. Cancellations include Town Board study sessions, advisory boards and educational programs. Staff are making every effort to notify af-
fected groups, and groups are encouraged to contact their normal staff liaisons with any questions. Decisionmaking meetings such as those of Town Board and Planning Commission have not been canceled at this time. Town facilities remain open with normal operating hours at this time. The organization has taken extra measures to ensure our facilities are cleaned, our employees are following public health cleanliness guidelines, and our employees do not feel any pressure to come to work if they are sick. A decision whether or not to close any Town facilities would come after recommendations from public health officials. We appreciate your patience as we make necessary operational adaptations. Customers in need of Town services are asked to contact staff via phone and email when possible. We ask that you do not come to Town Hall or other Town-operated facilities unless it is necessary, and please refrain from doing so if you are feeling ill. We encourage voters to return their completed Municipal Election ballots via mail, and conduct other town business online or over the phone when possible. Town business travel is now restricted, to exclude any out-of-state travel or travel to the Denver metro area. These new operational provisions are intended to help reduce community anxiety around the spread of COVID19 and ensure we are doing everything we can to help. You can count on us to provide further updates on Town operations as this situation develops. We're in this together. -- Mayor Todd Jirsa See more from the Mayor on page 16.
Friday, March 20, 2020 ÂŤ 3
epnews.com
April 7 Municipal Election Update How to return your ballot or have a ballot reissued April 7 The Town of Estes Park will hold the next regular Municipal Election on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. as a mail ballot-only election. Ballots were mailed to all registered voters March 16. Absentee ballots can be requested through April 3. Voters may cast ballots now through April 7 at 7 p.m. Returning ballots In an effort to maintain social distancing and minimize the spread of COVID19, the Clerk's office is encouraging voters to return ballots through the mail. The return ballots require standard postage of $0.55. The Town Clerk's office is establishing a drive-up ballot drop off at the main entrance to Town Hall on MacGregor Avenue, adjacent to Bond Park. The drop-off location will be available beginning Thursday, March 19, and continue through Monday, April 6, weekdays only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Election judges will also be available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, April 7. Voters are asked to park in one of the designated drop-off parking spaces and an election judge will be available to accept your ballot. The Larimer County offices on Brodie Avenue are not accepting ballots for the Town of Estes Park Municipal Election.
All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. April 7, when the polls close, in order to be counted - postmarks do not count. Swearing-in of newly elected Town Trustees will be at the April 28 Town Board Meeting. Need a ballot? Voters should email townclerk@estes.org or call 970-5774771 if they did not receive a ballot by Monday, March 23, or if the ballot was spoiled. A ballot can be reissued and mailed, or voters may pick up a reissued ballot during normal ballot drop off hours listed above. Sample ballot The April 7 election will determine the Mayor and three Trustee seats on the Board of Trustees. Candidates for Mayor are Wendy Koenig and Charley Dickey. Candidates for Trustee are Patrick Martchink, Cindy Younglund, Barbara MacAlpine, Ward A. Nelson and J. Scott Webermeier. View biographies and official statements from the candidates at estes.org/candidates. The ballot also contains a question on the sale of the Dannels Fire Station to the Estes Valley Fire Protection District. A sample ballot is available at estes.org/elections. For more election information, please visit estes.org/elections, or contact the Town Clerk's office at 970-577-4777 or by email at townclerk@estes.org.
Cancelled: League Of Women Voters Meetings The Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters have cancelled the following meetings that are sponsored by the League due to our concerns over the health risks posed by the COVID19 virus. March 24th Community Recycling Meeting - this was originally scheduled from 6-8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of the Rockies. This meeting will be rescheduled, hopefully to sometime in June, but we will keep everyone posted as soon as that decision is made. April 22nd League Update on Broadband - this meeting will most likely be rescheduled for some time in the fall.
The League has two candidate forums scheduled: April 8th (Hospital District Board) and April 16th (Recreation and Parks Board) from 6-8 p.m. at Town Hall. These forums will most likely not be open to the public due to the COVID-19 virus risks. We hope to be able to either live stream or record them to be shared. We will inform the public accordingly. As always, our concern is for the health and safety of our Estes Valley residents. We will continue to make decisions based on those concerns and will keep you informed of how we plan to proceed with all upcoming programs and events.
Computer Repair From Anywhere.
4 Âť Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
March 17 Operational Update - COVID-19 The Town of Estes Park strongly encourages following public health recommendations on social distancing. Don't shake hands. When possible, increase the distance between people to six feet to help reduce spread. Consider cancelling trips and not attending public gatherings. Follow CDC guidelines on travel. Larimer County has issued a public health order to cancel or postpone gatherings of 50 or more people. The county is also urging the following: People at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (aged 60 or over, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant people) not attend events, public areas, and business locations where 10 or more people will be gathered. Avoid all nonessential travel. Travel in and out of the community is highly discouraged. State Order: Governor Polis has issued an order restricting the operations of restaurants, bars, gyms and theaters for the next 30 days. While we know this is an important step, we understand this will be difficult for the businesses and their employees. https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/state-healthdepartment-issues-public-health-order-closing-colorado-bars-restaurantsgyms Utility bill grace period: In light of the Governor's order, the Town is working on a policy to provide assistance to commercial utility customers, ensuring no services are disconnected due to delayed payments during this hardship. Support our local restaurants when you can! https://www.facebook.com/groups/EstesParkDelivers/ Special Town Board Meeting tomorrow: The Town Board will hold a special meeting March 18 to discuss provisions for COVID-19 Town operational
Originally scheduled for June 13 at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, Estes Recycles Day has been postponed because of concerns over the rapidly evolving COVID-19 virus. We will report a new date when the situation becomes clearer. In the meantime, please hold on to those hard-to-recycle materials for future disposal.
issues, emergency declarations, and have a discussion on holding virtual meetings in the future. The agenda is available at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings, and the meeting will be streamed/recorded via www.estes.org/videos. Public participation is encouraged by commenting in advance by emailing townclerk@estes.org or calling 970-577-4777. Those who choose to attend will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines in the board room. Avoid scams: It didn't take long for bad people to leverage COVID-19 for criminal purposes. Cybersecurity researchers have identified several fake COVID-19 tracker maps that infect people's computers with malware when opened. The tactic is one of many ways hackers and scammers are capitalizing on people's fears about coronavirus to spread malware. There are reports from all over the world of increased activity of this nature, all under the disguise of COVID-19 information. Please be extra cautious of scams during this event. Electric rate hearing postponed: The electric rate hearing is tentatively rescheduled to June 23, pending board action. Background and updates at www.estes.org/electricrates. Applications to Community Development: Department staff will be available by advance appointment Wednesday, March 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Estes Park Events Complex, with special provisions for social distancing, to accept applications and payment for the next submittal cycle. Please email planning@estes.org or call 970-577-3721 in advance to schedule a few minutes with Community Development staff during this time frame. Read our recent updates and find more community resources/links at www.estes.org/covid-19
Estes Recycles Day Postponed
ESTES
RECYCLES
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 5
epnews.com
COVID-19 Operational Updates From The Town Of Estes Park According to public health officials in Larimer County, there are still no documented cases of COVID-19 in Estes Park at this time. However, we understand that testing facilities are operating on delays and we must be proactive in doing our part to help limit the spread of COVID-19 to help protect our staff and our community. Our primary goals are to support the public health and welfare while keeping our staff well and maintaining our ability to continue providing our municipal services to the community. The Town will close all of its facilities to the public beginning March 17 to continue through March 31, with reevaluation to occur by March 27. Access to Town-operated public restroom facilities will remain open with enhanced cleaning practices. Town staff will continue working in their offices or in the field, or by teleworking, practicing social distancing measures and assisting the public via phone and email. Our goal is to maintain town services as much as possible. Closures include Town Hall, the Estes Park Visitor Center, the Estes Park Museum and the Estes Park Events Complex. Cancellations for the Events Complex are extended through April 18, to include cancellation of Bigfoot Days (April 18). Please contact these departments directly if you need to reschedule a meeting or event: www.estes.org/staff-directory. The Town is currently evaluating options to hold the Town Board meetings virtually and at this time, the meetings are still scheduled with current information available at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings. The Town Board will also hold a special meeting March 18 to discuss COVID-19 related business to ensure the Town can continue municipal services during the pandemic. Advance public input on the Town Board meeting is encouraged via email to town-
clerk@estes.org. Meetings are streamed and recorded via www.estes.org/videos.The Estes Valley Planning Commission meeting March 17 has been canceled. Ballots are being mailed this week, as scheduled, for the Municipal Election. Voters are strongly encouraged to vote by mail. The Town is also making special provisions to accommodate an outdoor ballot drop-off on MacGregor Avenue in front of the main entrance to Town Hall. More details to come. The Town of Estes Park is not a public health agency and therefore will not be providing original information on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects in our community. Our goal is to connect the public with the experts in this area. We strongly encourage the community to follow these agencies' updates and public health guidelines, including washing hands frequently, staying home if you're sick, and social-distancing (maintaining at least 6' of separation from others) in all situations. We especially encourage high-risk individuals to diligently follow tailored guidelines to mitigate their risk of getting sick. a. CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index. html b. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus c. Larimer County Department of Health and Environment: https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid19 We urge visitors and prospective visitors to follow the advice of the CDC, State and County Health departments in limiting travel to help reduce spread of the virus. Businesses in Estes Park may have varied operations, so please check with individual businesses on their operational status.
Estes Valley Conservatives In deference to everyone’s health, public policy and an abundance of caution our Meet and Greet scheduled for March 28, 2020 has been cancelled. We want to minimize everyone’s possible exposure to the COVID-19. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 11 at 2 p.m. in the Estes Valley Library’s
Hondius Room. Our guest speaker is Dr. Robert Hardaway, Professor of Law at the University of Denver College of Law. He is an expert on the Electoral College. Please see our website: estesconservatives.com for any additional information regarding meetings and cancellations.
Paid for by Charley Dickey
6 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Delivery by Bird & Jim The flying birds will be in effect starting Monday 3/16/2020 During these challenging times we will be offering delivery while we feel it is safe for our community and employees. View menus at birdandjim.com/menus Call 970-586-9832
Limited hours 12:00 pm-7:30 pm (place last order by 7:30). Free 5 mile or less delivery, $10 to Estes Valley. We will deliver outside of city limits but sorry not Glen Heaven and Allenspark.
Bottles of wine 30% off pick-up only. Pick up still available (five people allowed to pick up at the same time, 6 feet apart)
Definitions Of COVID Screening & Testing Terms In an effort to help our residents and visitors be aware of the status of the COVID-19 virus in the Estes Valley, we want you to know that there are still, as of the writing of this article, no positive or positive cases of COVID-19 in the Estes Valley. We continue to constantly stay in touch with the Larimer County and state of Colorado and the CDC for up-to-the-minute information. Larimer County still has only one known case of COVID-19, in Johnstown, CO. Further updates will be posted as information becomes available. Please visit eph.org for much more extensive information. All of us have seen news reports about the global COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak. It’s important to understand what the terms you see and hear actually mean when referring to a person’s status in regard to screening, testing, and results. If a person meets criteria for testing, at their provider’s discretion, a person may or may not be swabbed. The swab sample is sent to the Colorado Health Department (CDPHE) for testing. While waiting for results, the tested person is instructed to self-quarantined in their home. The person is NOT considered “positive” for anything at this point. The current testing results are extremely backed up and at this time we don’t have an accurate guide as to when positive test results will be received. A patient will be notified by a provider of their positive or negative result. If you have questions, please call the Estes Park Health COVID-19 Hotline at 970-577-4400. To protect the health of our community, our patients, and our staff, on March 13, 2020, Estes Park Health started limiting visitation. Also, EPH has begun rescheduling non-critical patient appointments and elective surgeries that are currently booked. EPH will continue to be open for emergency services and certain other supporting clinical services. MEDICAL: Certain appointment types will be rescheduled for future times to minimize non-critical visits to Estes Park Health. The following appointment types will be re-scheduled by staff as soon as possible: ***Well-patient visits and checkups at our Physician Clinic that are booked thru March 31. (Our clinic staff will help rebook these.) ***All classes that are attended by non-EPH employees that are booked thru March 31. Notification will be sent
to all registered participants. ***Community meetings (for example, Quilters, EDC, and others) that use EPH conference rooms that are booked thru March 31. ***Elective surgeries and outpatient GI procedures performed in our surgical suite that are booked thru March 31, unless there is compelling reason for urgent performance per the overseeing physician. (Our staff will help rebook these.) ***Non-medical services onsite: If you need help with billing services, if you need to speak to a financial assistance counselor, or if you need social worker assistance, or other types of non-medical assistance, we ask that you call our main phone number (970-586-2317) and work with our staff to take care of these questions and issues over the phone or otherwise electronically. VISITOR RESTRICTIONS: Through March 31, 2020, no visitors are allowed at Estes Park Health. At that time, EPH will evaluate whether these restrictions can be lifted. We will have staff available at the front lobby and Emergency Department entrances to help you understand our most recent procedures for keeping patients and staff safe. OPEN OUTPATIENT SERVICES: Limited rehabilitative services, Specialty Clinic essential visits, chemo/infusion, wound care, diagnostic imaging essential visits, lab, pain management procedures on a case-by-case basis and coumadin clinic essential visits will continue. LIVING CENTER: Please do not visit the Living Center. We understand that connecting with family members is very important, and there are a variety of alternative ways you might consider connecting with them. These may include telephone, email, text, Skype, or Facebook. Or, you can call often to check-in with us regarding your loved one. If you have any concerns, please contact Michelle Gordon at 970-586-8103 x 4448. We appreciate your understanding as we are working hard to protect our residents and staff. These steps are necessary in order to help keep our community, providers, and staff safe through this event. Estes Park Health is committed to your care, and these steps will help us through this event with a much higher degree of safety. EPH has a COVID-19 hotline now available for advice or information. You may call 970-577-4400 at any time to access this service.
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 7
epnews.com
Estes Park Health Community Service Announcement To protect the health of our community, our patients, and our staff, Estes Park Health is limiting visitation effective at noon on March 13, 2020. Also, EPH will begin rescheduling non-critical patient appointments and elective surgeries that are currently booked on March 16, 2020 and beyond. EPH will continue to be open for emergency services and certain other supporting clinical services. MEDICAL: Certain appointment types will be rescheduled for future times to minimize non-critical visits to Estes Park Health. The following appointment types will be re-scheduled by staff as soon as possible: ***Well-patient visits and checkups at our Physician Clinic that are booked thru March 31. (Our clinic staff will help rebook these.) ***All classes that are attended by nonEPH employees that are booked thru March 31. Notification will be sent to all registered participants. ***Community meetings (for example, Quilters, EDC, and others) that use EPH conference rooms that are booked thru March 31. ***Elective surgeries and outpatient GI procedures performed in our surgical suite that are booked thru March 31, unless there is compelling reason for urgent performance per the overseeing physician. (Our staff will help rebook these.) ***Non-medical services onsite: If you need help with billing services, if you need to speak to a financial assistance counselor, or if you need social worker assistance, or other types of non- medical assistance, we ask that you call our main phone number and work with our staff to take care of these questions and issues over the phone or otherwise electronically. VISITOR RESTRICTIONS: Through March 31, 2020, no visitors are allowed at Estes Park Health. At that time (or earlier if the situation dictates), EPH will evaluate whether these restrictions can be lifted. OPEN OUTPATIENT SERVICES: Rehabilitative services, Specialty Clinic, chemo/infusion, wound care, diagnostic
imaging services, lab, pain management procedures, and coumadin clinic will continue to operate on a normal schedule for now. Estes Park Health Community Service Announcement LIVING CENTER: Please do not visit the Living Center. We understand that connecting with family members is very important, and there are a variety of alternative ways you might consider connecting with them. These may include telephone, email, text, Skype, or Facebook. Or, you can call often to check-in with us regarding your loved one. If you have any concerns, please contact Michelle Gordon at 970-586-8103 x 4448. We appreciate your understanding as we are working hard to protect our residents and staff. These steps are necessary in order to help keep our community, providers, and staff safe through this event. Estes Park Health is committed to your care, and these steps will help us through this event with a much higher degree of safety. EPH has a COVID hotline now available for advice or information. You may call 970-577-4400 at any time to access this service. Please visit our website at eph.org for much more information Resources Available to the Community Estes Park Health suggests that all Estes Valley community members use the following websites to stay updated on the most recent COVID-19 developments. • Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Global Cases Map • Larimer County Department of Public Health and Environment (LCDPHE) • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Covid-19 in Colorado • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) • Eph.org has links to all of these sites and is now active *If you go to the LCDPHE website, you can sign up to receive their email which shares recent updates about COVID-19.
Definitions Of COVID Screening & Testing Terms From Estes Park Health All of us have seen news reports about the global COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak. It’s important to understand what the terms you see and hear actually mean when referring to a person’s status in regard to screening, testing, and results. A “positive screening” does NOT mean that a person is infected with COVID19. It simply means that the person meets CDC criteria for testing based on the person’s travel history, age, and some symptoms. Again, this does not mean the person is positive for COVID-19. If a person does have a “positive
screening” (based on answering the CDC-provided questions and exhibiting certain symptoms), a doctor or nurse will swab that person’s nose. The sample is sent to the Colorado Health Department (CDPHE) for testing. While waiting for results, the tested person is appropriately quarantined. The person is NOT considered “positive” for anything at this point. If the CDPHE tests the sample and the results indicate a positive test, the person is listed as “presumptive positive” and all appropriate treatment given. Note that a “presumptive positive” test
does not mean the person actually has symptoms. A person can carry the COVID-19 virus but appear to be healthy. Finally, the CDC will retest the person’s sample to affirm if it is indeed positive; if it is, the person would be listed as “positive for COVID-19”, and appropriate treatment and quarantine would be con-
tinued until the virus has run its course. Again, “positive screening” is just answer to certain questions – it does not mean the person has been tested for, or has, COVID-19. If you have questions, please call the Estes Park Health COVID-19 Hotline at 970-577-4400.
8 Âť Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Estes Park EDC Releases COVID-19 Guidance For Estes Valley Businesses The Estes Park Economic Development Corporation (Estes Park EDC) is working with officials from Larimer County and the Town of Estes Park to monitor and respond to the threat of Covid-19 Coronavirus in the Estes Valley business community. As a premier mountain destination, we’re grappling with an issue that could have enormous financial impacts in addition to the overwhelming human impact it’s already having. At the Estes Park EDC, we believe it is our role and responsibility during this time to prioritize two things: the economic sustainability of our businesses and community while also playing a constructive role in supporting local health officials, government leaders and partners. Through that lens, we will continue to make decisions and offer services informed by the latest science-based information and business trends while being guided by our Board of Directors and stakeholders. With the summer tourist season on the
horizon, businesses in the Estes Valley should prepare for a range of outcomes. The Estes Park EDC is prepared to support businesses experiencing financial impacts resulting from the pandemic and accordingly, we urge affected businesses to contact President/CEO Adam Shake at ashake@estesparkedc.com or by calling 970-577-1031. We are in daily conversations with local, county, state and federal organizations about business relief options and we need your feedback to inform these conversations. Consulting firm McKinsey & Company recently released a thorough analysis which outlines three possible economic scenarios resulting from the crisis: a quick recovery, a global slowdown, and a pandemic-driven recession. That information can be found at https://www.mckinsey.com/businessfunctions/risk/our-insights/covid-19implications-for-business We are privileged to serve you and the community.
Helping Our Senior Citizens And Vulnerable Neighbors The situation around Coronavirus continues to unfold. Across our Albertsons and Safeway stores in Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and New Mexico, we know that some of our most vulnerable neighbors are senior citizens and other at-risk populations, such as pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems, who have been advised to avoid leaving home as much as possible. We are sensitive to the fact that everyone is anxious to make sure they have the items they need, and we also know that everyone wants their neighbors to stay safe and healthy, too. Starting March 19th, Albertsons and Safeway stores will reserve
every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated. We are asking that our customers help us reserve this shopping time for those most at risk in our communities. We thank our customers in advance for their compassion and understanding toward their neighbors and friends, and in helping us maintain this temporary operations guideline. Our regular store hours are being updated continuously on our websites. For the best information on when your local store is open, please visit https://local.safeway.com/.
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 9
epnews.com
March 18, 2020 Our favorite sweet old guy, Bob Brunson (may he rest in peace) sent me an email in April 2014 with the subject line, “Clever Gems. ” I hung onto it all this time, knowing at some point we would all be in need a few Clever Gems to add some sparkle to our homebound days. Now is the time. Moods are swinging like tires on a rope, our social lives have been reduced to something akin to an eighth grade dance: nobody looks at each other, talks to each other or gets too close lest we catch cooties. There is way too much space and time between us, which makes extroverts grumpy and introverts—well, we’ll never know how they’re feeling. In Spain, where my brother lives, nobody is allowed on the streets except to walk the dog. The dog-rental business is booming! Only one person is allowed in a car, so my sister-in-law is now driving alone to work an hour away, as are each of the other two people she carpooled with until a few days ago. Nothing about COVID-19, nor the world’s reaction to it, makes any sense. Having never gone through a pandemic of this proportion before, we don’t know what to do. We’re muddling along, trying to keep angst at least six feet away. Next time (and something like this will happen again) we’ll be better prepared. Meantime, here are those Clever Gems by comedian Steven Wright to bring some twinkle and a wink to these tentative times: 1. Borrow money from pessimists—they don't expect it back. 2. Half the people you know are below average. 3. 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name. 4. 82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot. 5. A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good. 6. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. 7. If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain. 8. All those who believe in psycho kinesis, raise my hand. 9. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. 10. I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left me before we met.
11. OK, so what's the speed of dark? 12. How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink? 13. If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something. 14. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane. 15. Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy. 16. Hard work pays off in the future; laziness pays off now. 17. I intend to live forever. So far, so good. 18. If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends? 19. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines. 20. What happens if you get scared half to death twice? 21. My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder." 22. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name? 23. A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. 24. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. 25. The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread. 26. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research. 27. The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard. 28. The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up. 29. The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body is required to be on it. 30. Everyone has a photographic memory; some just don't have film. 31. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you. 32. If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work? Our beloved planet seems to be slowing to a stop. It will be much easier to stay upright if we can find the balance between the prudent and the playful. You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com. © 2020 Sarah Donohoe
EVICS Event Cancellations EVICS will be canceling the Be Ready Fair in Estes Park. We are abiding by the regulations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during these uncertain times. The CDC advised on Sunday that organizers should cancel all events with more than 50 people for the next 8 weeks. Thank you all for helping us stay strong in our communities by practicing social distancing when possible and following the CDC’s guidelines. EVICS appreciates everyone’s willingness to participate and all our partners’ contributions in this year’s Be Ready Fair and we will let you know if it can be rescheduled later on this year. In addition, due to the current public health situation, EVICS will be resched-
uling the Annual Early Childhood Conference to a later date (to be determined). Please continue to reach out to our team via email or phone for any assistance you may need, and we will do our best to answer questions, provide services, and connect you to other resources as we all work together to navigate these uncertain times. The EVICS office will be open on a limited schedule to attend to families in need from noon till 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. EVICS can provide families with diapers and feminine hygiene kits for moms! (please contact us at office@evics.org or call 970-586-3055 for more information).
To our valued Park Supply customers: Employees, customers, and our communities are foundation of Park Supply. Our highest priority and commitment is to keep all members of that foundation healthy and safe during the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Because of our commitment, we’d like to inform you of our operation efforts. Currently, our store is open and operating during regular business hours. We are following public health guidelines and have increased cleaning efforts and have educated our employees on best practices. If you are unable to visit our location at this time, please call to setup delivery or curbside pickup, along with taking payments over the phone. If you are showing symptoms or have been exposed to those showing symptoms, please refrain from coming into the store. As a company, we are monitoring the situation as it evolves. We are ready to adapt our strategy as we learn more about COVID-19 and will keep you posted. Thanks for your continued trust and we appreciate your business Park Supply Company Sincerely, 411 Highway 7 PO Box 1469 Your team at Park Supply Estes Park, CO 80517 970-586-6305
10 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Larimer County Public Health Director Orders Cancellation Of Large Events, Issues Expanded Guidance To Community Rather than waiting for additional positive test results, Larimer County public health officials have issued proactive protective measures to minimize the impact of COVID-19. Larimer County Public Health Director Tom Gonzales has issued a public health order requiring the cancellation or postponement of events with more than 250 attendees and the closure of senior community centers in Larimer County. This order is intended to prevent an increase in the number of people with serious infections, resulting in an overwhelmed healthcare system. He is also urging the following:
• The cancellation or postponement of events with 50 or more attendees for the general population. • People at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (aged 60 or over, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant people) not attend events, public areas, and business locations where 10 or more people will be gathered. • Elective surgeries and non-critical medical appointments should be postponed until further notice to conserve medical resources. • Avoid all nonessential travel. Travel in and out of the community is highly dis-
couraged. However, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is not recommending closures of child care facilities or prohibiting the operations of them. The County has outlined specific guidelines to child care facilities, available at www.larimer.org/health. “We are looking at what actions have been successful in other communities and we are implementing those measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Larimer County, ” said Gonzales. “Social distancing is the most effective way to slow the spread. This means avoiding
events, gatherings, and public places and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible. ” Larimer County officials also want to stress that it is their intent to keep all essential services open, including gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, medical centers, and parks. However, increased restrictions may be required. Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith stated, “Our community plays the most important role in this response. Officials are asking the community for voluntary compliance on the social distancing recommendations as well as with public health mandates to avoid a strain on public safety resources. We understand that these measures can be challenging. However, self-regulation is critical to reducing the likelihood of more restrictive measures being needed in the future. ” Larimer County has issued guidance regarding social distancing, cleaning, and disinfection for: • retail and business facilities, • houses of worship, • public transportation, taxis and rideshares, • restaurants and grocery stores, • gyms and recreation centers, • private businesses. Lori Hodges, the Larimer Director of Emergency Management added, “With every community member doing their part and following direction from our public health experts, we will be better able to meet our community’s essential needs as this event unfolds. ” More information regarding COVID-19 in Larimer County can be found at larimer.org/health. Additionally, residents are encouraged to follow LCDHE’s Facebook and Twitter accounts @LarimerHealth.
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 11
epnews.com
From Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith Surreal. That’s the best way I can describe our current situation. For the last decade, we’ve planned for and conducted exercises for countless natural disaster and emergency scenarios, everything from floods to long term disruptions of our power grid. We’ve always known that a pandemic was possible, but now that the world is upon one, it is surreal. I find myself reflecting on the words of FDR in his first inaugural address as our nation faced what we know as the Great Depression , when he said to our nation - “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” President Roosevelt certainly wasn’t denying that we had a momentous challenge ahead of us, but he was instead emphasizing that the biggest threat to our nation was panic. Those words are hauntingly predictive of the situation we face today. No, we don’t know what challenges tomorrow brings. To be honest, most of us haven’t effectively wrapped our arms around the changes in the last 24 hours. However, one thing must be acknowledged. Our creator made us resilient beings. We have the ability to adapt to tremendous change. As I’ve extensively studied and even witnessed first hand, responses to disasters, I’ve come to understand that what most unnerves people is often the unknown. When we face massive snow-
storms or devastating wildfires, we know how they occur and despite their damage, we understand generally how they will subside. While those events may disrupt utilities and supply chains, we understand what recovery will look like. And we can mentally define the threat- and it’s not our fellow citizens. However, when we face a disaster with such as significant unknown, like the current COVID-19 pandemic, it isn’t always so easy to define “the enemy,” which can play with our minds. Medical experts and scientists are working at a feverish pace to decipher fact from myth, to move unknowns to knowns and to find ways to slow the spread, treat the sick and develop a vaccine. I have tremendous faith and confidence that they will achieve their mission. It won’t be without some missteps. That’s just a practical reality. But let their be no doubt, they and we will overcome. In the meantime, we need to focus our energies on persevering. That’s where our societal power exists- in our ability to adapt and overcome. What is most
To Our Community of Family and Friends:
As you know, the state of Colorado has closed all restaurants and bars to sit-down service due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is to protect us all from gathering too closely together. However, Good News, our two restaurants will be open for the next 30 days in a “carry-out” capacity, with our full menus, with limited hours. So we’ve got you when you’re hungry! We will be happy to make you a stack of take-and-bake pizzas to get you through, or a huge pan of lasagna for later.
Just give us a call at 970 586-8282 for either restaurant. We’ll get to work on your “To Go” order and we’ll let you know how and where to pick it up.
Rest assured, we are taking all precautions of cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces. We also have extra hand sanitizers for your use too! Thank you, and see you soon!
Rob, Julie and the family of Poppy's Pizza & Grill and Mama Rose’s Restaurant
important is for us to step up, not step away from the challenges. We will be defined by how we treated our neighbors during this crisis. I implore each and every one of you to be that beacon of hope, in your family, in your workplace and in your neighborhood. Please don’t be that person who hoarded- be that person who was caring and charitable with your neighbors. If you can read my words, you are in a position to help someone in need. If not with money, than with the even more important resourcedeeds. Don’t let social distancing foster social isolation. Instead, consider ways that you can use this time away from school or the office as a way to reconnect. Talk to friends and consider setting new routines like gathering on a neighbor’s porch to get to know and support each other. Many of us long for the community that existed long ago. Now is an opportunity to practice that! To the students and other young adults out there- now is you’re generation’s
chance to shine. It’s the chance to prove that you are up to the challenges that bewilder us in the older generations and I firmly believe you are up to it. You will forever regret if you do not find a way to help out others and in doing so, you will find the best part of yourself! No, I don’t know what tomorrow looks like, but I commit that I will use every bit of God given talent and energy to help and serve this community as we find our way through the current storm. I know it is difficult for so many, but rest assured we will come through and we can come through stronger for the challenge. Let me leave you with one more quote, a famous response from NASA lead flight director Gene Kranz during the Apollo 13 moon landing mission (coincidentally 50 years ago in April of 1970). As the astronauts aboard the craft faced what looked like certain doom, the Director of NASA expressed what seemingly everyone felt when he said “This could be the worst disaster NASA’s ever experienced” to which Gene Kranz responded- “With all due respect sir, I believe this is gonna be our finest hour!” Let this be our Apollo 13 moment. Let this challenge represent our finest hour!
12 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
COVID-19 Prompts Reminders From Clerk Myers As a community, we are learning daily you’re late) about best practices with respect to Complete a First Time Registration COVID-19. Although the risk of being Request a Duplicate Title affected by the illRequest a Duplicate Registraness here in tion Card Northern ColEstimate Registration Fees orado is relatively Change Your Address low at this point, social distancing Report Release of Liability (if has been sugyou sold a vehicle) gested. Here in Replace Tabs or Plates our public facing Apply for a First Time Disabilareas, we ask that ity Placard you practice soYou can renew your plates cial distancing (even if you’re late) at our selfANYTIME you Angela Myers serve kiosks, which are located are not feeling Larimer County Clerk in grocery stores – still a public well. place, but you may have to go to the groHowever, this doesn’t have to mean cery store anyway and can pick less busy that you can’t accomplish your business hours if you desire. Go to needs! We have many remote options www.Larimer.org/Kiosk for location dethat are always available to you. Please tails. know I and the staff in my office remain There are many processes you can accommitted to supporting your needs. complish over the phone - simply call Elections 970-498-7878, Option 5, and a fully From election results to applying to be trained technician can help you. Your an election judge to updating or initiatpatience is appreciated – hold times may ing your own registration – you can find be a bit longer as call volumes rise. the information and handle those If you just have a question, you can processes via our website at www.Vote“chat” in real time with a fully trained Larimer.org. This website will link you technician by going to to the Secretary of State’s website, as apwww.Larimer.org/Motorv and clicking plicable. If needed, you are welcomed to on the yellow “Let’s Talk” box in the botcall our office at 970-498-7820 or email tom right-hand corner. The box will us at Elections@Larimer.org. only be available if a technician is availRecording – Public Record/Marriage able to receive your message. License If you do find that you must come into You can search the public record, see a the office, making an appointment in digital document image, and actually advance will mean that you are very purchase/ download that document quickly in and out (really…no waiting in from the comfort of your home or busiline at all). To make an appointment go ness by going to www.Larimer.org/Easy- to www.Larimer.org/BookATime. Access. There is no charge to register And, if all else fails and you have to and conduct your search – you only pay come in on the spur of the moment, for the documents you download. check the wait times in our offices before If you will be getting married in coming, that will give you an idea of the Larimer County within 30 days, you can number of people you will encounter in complete the Marriage License Applica- our lobbies and how much time you will tion online at www.Larimer.org/Record- be spending here. Simply go to ing. Although both parties to the marwww.Larimer.org/WaitTimes to see riage will still need to come into the those details for the Loveland and Fort office to get the actual license, completCollins offices. ing the application before arriving will There is nothing more important than greatly reduce your time in our public your health and the health of our staff. spaces. During this window of time or anytime, As always, you can call us at 970-498please be discerning about coming into 7860 or email us at public offices when you are not feeling Recording@Larimer.org, before coming well – you will be grateful when others in, to see if a trip is really necessary. do the same. It’s very likely that most Vehicle Licensing who read this won’t be affected by this unique illness…but, if nothing else, this There are many Vehicle Licensing is a great reminder to do what our transactions that you can now accomMothers always told us – don’t share plish online by going to your “bug” with others when your sick, www.Larimer.org/Motorv. This website cover your mouth when you sneeze or will link you to the state website when cough, and wash your hands (correctly!). needed. Be well everyone… Renew Your License Plates (even if
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 13
epnews.com
Estes Park Museum To Begin Temporary Closure In alignment with the recommendations of public health agencies, the Estes Park Museum will begin a temporary closure of the museum gallery and cancellation of events beginning March 17 to continue through March 31, with reevaluation to occur by March 27. The meeting of the 1917 Book Club slated to take place on Wednesday, March 18 will be postponed until a later date. Please stay updated with the museum on our Facebook page and website at www.estes.org/museum. The Museum
closure is included with the closure of all Town of Estes Park facilities to the public through March 31. The mission of the Estes Park Museum is to conduct activities that preserve, share and respect the unique history of Estes Park. For more information, visit the museum's website at www.estes.org/museum or contact Director Derek Fortini at dfortini@estes.org.
Estes Valley Community Center Closure Update Estes Valley Community Center Closure – In response to the threat of novel coronavirus and in accordance with Governor Polis’ March 16th mandate regarding a 30-day closure, the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District (EVRPD) will not re-open the Estes Valley Community Center until April 16th. Please understand that this plan is tentative and subject to change due to the possibility of further mandates. In addition, operations at the facility upon reopening will remain subject to the guidelines set forth by federal, state and local health professionals, as well as the EVRPD Board of Directors. Community center staff will be reaching out to members over the next 48 hours regarding temporary changes to membership policy as a result of the closure. Presently, there is no plan to close other EVRPD facilities to the public. However, heightened sanitary practices and measures are being implemented at all EVRPD facilities to help curb the spread of the virus. In addition, EVRPD is also asking employees and patrons to voluntarily practice basic sanitary habits to avoid the risk of exposure, as suggested by the Center for Disease Control and Preven-
tion. Steps to reduce the risk include: • Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing • If soap and water are not readily available, using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol; cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick • Cleaning and disinfecting frequentlytouched surfaces daily • Staying home if you are sick, except to get medical care The aforementioned practices can be effective in reducing the spread of novel coronavirus in public settings. However, the best way to limit the chance of infection is to exercise personal discretion when evaluating the potential for exposure. For further updates regarding the status of all EVRPD facilities, please visit: https://evrpd.colorado.gov/ or www.facebook.com/evrpd
14 Âť Friday, March 20, 2020
Mission Partners Sponsor Support Partners Mentoring Youth
epnews.com
2020 Taste Of Estes Cancelled
Estes Park Quota deeply cares about our community and is proud and privileged to raise funds each year to provide your support of the youth we serve in the scholarships and grants to nonprofit orMission Partners are local companies ganizations that serve our community. seeking deeper community involvement Estes Valley! We also provide funds for ambulances while directly supporting Partners' viand AED devices to benefit the commusion of enriching lives and building nity. This year we will community through youth mentoring. be granting $23,500 This is a year round sponsorship opporby the end of April. tunity that is tied to our mission. ComThe Taste of Estes is munity support and corporate sponsorone of our two major ship help us cover our costs as we do not annual fundraising accharge our families for the mentoring tivities, which involves services. It costs $1,500 to serve one the YMCA of the youth in the program for one year, Rockies and over 20 which is a worthwhile investment when local restaurants. This considering the many benefits the proyear, at the direction gram brings to local youth. For more inof Larimer County formation please call 970-577-9348 or Department of Health email kathyw@partnersmentoringyto cancel events with outh.org. 250 attendees for Special thanks to The Estes Park more, Estes Park Mountain Shop and the Bank of Estes Quota has cancelled Park and the Bank of Colorado for being the 2020 Taste of the first three businesses to sign up as Estes. With the assisMission Partner Sponsors in 2020. Parttance of our great ners Mentoring Youth is so grateful for restaurants, we will be back in April 2021. In the meantime, please remember to support our local businesses and nonprofits. And if you would like to consider a donation to
Estes Park Quota, so we can continue our work serving this community, donations can be sent to Estes Park Quota, PO Box 1273, Estes Park, CO 80517.
epnews.com
Comments From Town Trustee Candidate Cindy Younglund Throughout these last few weeks I have zens that were displaced or effected bebeen meeting many of the department cause there was no business. After a few directors learning about what projects days my staff came to me in tears conare currently being implemented and cerned if they are going to have work, those projects that are in the master plan and worried how to take care of their but years away. In visiting with some of families, as so many of their friends the citizens the question were having to move has come up about my away. I told them as long business back ground and as they were willing to how I see myself working come to work we would with the budget and unfind something for them derstanding the town’s fithat needs done. I would nances. match whatever their In fact, I have been hanhours and pay was last dling most of our business year during the same decisions for over the past time. I also opened up 20 years. As many busiour units after bringing ness owners know when in port-a-potties for emowning a relatively small ployees and displaced business you wear most of citizens free of charge. the business hats, which is By the request of the my case as well. town we closed our Cindy Younglund doors to paying guests Our lodge, Wildwood as I could not trust them Inn, consists of 34 condo like units nestled on seven acres border- to use the port a potties, and not flush the toilets, as all the sewer pipes were ing RMNP. My many years of handling compromised downstream. the financial aspects of our business including payroll, budgeting, advertising, Months later after applying for grants managing supply orders, day to day opwe were notified that we would be reerations, as well as operating a full serv- ceiving some grant money for our device Day Spa. Along with managing the astating losses during the flood. It did upkeep of all seven of the buildings and not take me long to come up with an the grounds I am in charge of all imidea to give back to our community by provement projects as we have been esopening and funding a college invest actablished for over 25 years. I can honcount for each of our employee’s chilestly say that I am more than capable of dren. You can just imagine how overhandling, efficiently and effectively, all come with emotion these parents were aspects of running a successful business. when we told them of our plan. It was so gratifying to give back to people that With seven full time employees, most having been with me for 18+ years I be- work so hard for you and to help the younger generation so they can further lieve I have been able to provide them their education and maybe someday with a livelihood that they most likely come back to Estes Park and continue to would not find with other employers. I be a vital part of our great community. want to share a story that you may not have heard. It will show you just how In this difficult time with COVID19, I passionate I am about supporting our hope that my story will bring some joy employees and their families and how and show you how something so devaswe all can make a difference in creative tating can bring change and restore ways. some faith in society. As your Trustee I plan on leading by example just as I was When the flood of 2013 hit Estes Park it was hard to wrap my head around the raised. visible devastation but what was often Please mark my name overlooked was our employees and citiCindy Younglund for Town Trustee
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 15
From Candidate Barbara MacAlpine As a candidate for Trustee, I have been they are more manageable. That’s the meeting with leaders of organizations in most important lesson to be learned. hopes of encouraging awareness involvHere in Estes Park, we have a lot of sening local issues. Today my spotlight is on iors at higher risk of complications from the Residents. Because of the coronavirus COVID-19. A rapid increase in cases pandemic (COVID-19), I stopped meet- could overwhelm our medical facilities, ing directly with people, but I still have and we must not let that happen. information to share. I’m deeply conThe Larimer County Public Health Dicerned about COVID-19 rector has stated that peoand the effects it may ple at higher risk from have on our community. COVID-19 (age 60 or Estes Park, local organiolder, those with underlyzations, Larimer County, ing health conditions and and the State of Colorado pregnant women) should are taking prudent acnot attend gatherings of 10 tions, swiftly and decior more people. That’s sively in order to protect good advice for protecting us. However, our outoneself and, more imporcome from the pandemic tantly, for protecting othis primarily up to us as ers. Computer simulations individuals. To protect and experiences elsewhere our community, we show definitively that should change some of meeting in groups draour behavior now, before matically increases the it may be too late. likelihood of faster, out-ofOther countries were hit Barbara MacAlpine control spread of COVIDhard earlier by COVID19 in the community as a 19, and we have the advantage of learnwhole. We should also be aware that coning from their experiences and mistakes. tagious people do not necessarily show The numbers of cases in hot spots symptoms. started slowly and then shot up very rapYou have probably read about a numidly. The sudden rise overwhelmed hos- ber of things we can do to protect ourpitals and other medical facilities, result- selves and others. Check on your friends ing in needless deaths. However, as and neighbors, but avoid unnecessary countries began strict adherence to sogroup social contacts until the pancial distancing (limiting direct social demic is over. We can beat this, but we contacts), the sharp rise in victims at must all take care of each other as a some locations became less pronounced. community. Please stay safe. There are still many on-going cases, but
16 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Help Restore The Historic Stanley Home
Come work with us to restore the beautiful Historic Stanley Home! The challenge for the nonprofit Historic Stanley Home Foundation is to return this historic home to its early 1900s state. To accomplish this, we are seeking col-
laborators with specialized skills in electrical work, plaster renovation, plumbing, woodwork, painting, floor restoration and landscaping. View our video about the inspiring Stanley’s and their stunning home at www.historicstanleyhome.org Please contact us to find out more about this exciting project. JoAnn Batey (970) 586-9806 or joannbatey@gmail.com Historic Stanley Home Foundation
Keeping The Lights On: Town Utilities And COVID-19 ing this hardship -commercial or resiAs we watch the world around us dential. Our staff will assist you with a change and alter our daily lives to avoid payment plan. an invisible threat, I want to reach out We have tightened up our operations with a message of reassurance about the in many ways to mitigate the risk of basics you rely on at your home and business...water, electricity and internet. spreading COVID-19. Our employees I can assure you that these Town of Estes are dispersed, both in offices and in the field. Some are teleworking, others are Park services will continue to serve you practicing social-distancing to reduce and your most basic needs. Water and electricity are services we of- the risk to our teams and the critical services they provide to the community. ten take for granted. But during uncertain times like these, you may find your- Business-related travel outside of our service areas is now prohibited. Finally, self wondering if your water or electric our staff is supported with paid leave to service will be affected. This also goes stay home if they feel ill, to ensure they for the customers coming online with the new Trailblazer Broadband internet. don't feel pressure to work further reducing the risk to our customers. We do not know yet how many people Our team is proud to support our cusCOVID-19 will directly affect in Estes tomer communities, and our motivation Park, but we can be certain it will affect to provide the services you need is only our community more than it has already. increased during challenging times like The Town of Estes Park has extensive exthese. perience maintaining its utility services The Town of Estes Park encourages the during emergencies - and you have told us repeatedly that we excel here. We take community to follow these agencies' guidelines for public health updates and great pride in that. tips, including washing hands freOur Water and Power & Communicaquently and staying home when sick. tions teams plan, prepare and train for continuing our operations during tough The Town especially encourages highrisk individuals (including individuals times. We've also taken measures to ensure your tap continues to run our high- over 60 years of age and those with chronic health conditions) to diligently quality drinking water, and your lights follow guidelines to mitigate the risk of come on at the flip of a switch... getting sick. Continuity of operation plans ensure Centers for Disease Control and Prewe have the staff available to keep water vention: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ and electricity and internet available 2019-nCoV/index.html around the clock, and that we're able to Colorado Department of Public Health respond quickly to your customer servand Environment: ice needs. As we watch more and more www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/ facilities around us shut down, you can 2019-novel-coronavirus be certain that Town of Estes Park utilities will not. Larimer County Department of Health and Environment: You should also rest assured that the www.larimer.org/health/ Town will not disconnect any services to communicable-disease/ customers unable to pay their bills durcoronavirus-covid-19 A message from Mayor Todd Jirsa
All Church activities and services suspended
See pccrusa.org for updates & “Virtual Zoom” worship opportunities
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED - GUARANTEED WORK 1751 NORTH LAKE AVE - ESTES PARK
970-586-2557
SNYDERSAPPLIANCE.COM
Friday, March 20, 2020 ÂŤ 17
epnews.com
Red Envelope Dinner Thank You!
Partners Mentoring Youth would like to thank everyone who came out and celebrated with us, and a special thanks to Julie and Rob Pieper for hosting this special night at Mama Rose's! The energy in the room was great, the food and service were wonderful, and Celeste Fraser, Gwendolyn, and Laura Trump were engaging as they shared the importance of mentoring for our youth and families. This was the 17th Annual Red Envelope Dinner Fundraiser benefiting Partners Mentoring Youth in Estes Park. Every dollar donated will support our Estes Park mentoring program, and will ultimately help kids in our community thrive. If you were unable to attend, but would like to make a donation or get involved as a volunteer, please call 970577-9348, email kathyw@partnersmentoringyouth.org or visit Partners Mentoring Youth's website at www.partnersmentoringyouth.org.
Stanley Home Foundation Offers ThanksStill Seeking Additional Antique Furniture Items which you will soon see placed in F.O. and Flora's beautiful summer retreat. We are still gathering furniture, so if you have any of these furniture items, please let us know: parlor couch, fainting couch, dry sink, pine or farmhouse table, chandelier, umbrella stand, trunks, victrola, gramophone, clothes, lamps, and large, vintage oriental rugs, lace edged sheets The Historic Stanley Home Foundation and pillow cases, handwork samplers, would like to thank the community for etc. the wonderful response we've had to our We also need the following items that request for late 1800-early 1900 furniture might help make the rooms come alive for the Stanley Home. Many of you have and be more realistic to the time period: so generously donated period pieces
things you'd find in a kitchen: ie; old tins, coffee grinder, coffee bin, ironing board and iron, cooking utensils, rug beaters, milk bottles, spice boxes, food and detergent boxes, crocks, etc. Things you'd find in a man's smoking room: humidor, smoking cabinet, brass spittoon, and antique board games. Again we are thrilled with your response as we continue our efforts to make the Stanley Home as realistic as it was when it was first occupied in 1904. If you have questions or donations, please call Keiley Anderson, (970) 5801088.
18 » Friday, March 20, 2020
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, DON’T JUST STAND THERE, PRAY SOMETHING! We are experiencing desperate times and desperate times call for desperate measures. Most of us have gone through a time of desperation in our lives. It may have been a time of illness…of our self or some family member…or a time of financial setback or loss, or a threat against our self or our nation. But we have seen such. And so did those who lived before us. Notice some of those times when desperation was felt and what they did to finally get their problem resolved…and desperation vanished. In the days of Joel, a prophet of God, the land was overtaken by locusts. Millions of them swept through the land, devouring every bit of their crops and vineyards, wiping out their livelihoods, their food supply, and destroying their sense of wellbeing. “Before the locusts it is like a garden of Eden, after them a desert waste.” What did Joel do? What God told them to do! He fasted and prayed and urged the people to do the same. And the result? God said: “I will repay you for the years that the locust have eaten. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the Lord your God.” In Jesus’ day he was continually met by desperate people. A woman made her way through a crowd to where Jesus was. She was desperate, having had for a long time a bleeding problem that no doctor could heal. Now, penniless and her physical problem still present, she made her way to Jesus. “If only I can touch his clothes, I will be healed!” You know the rest of the story. Jesus said: “Daughter, your faith has healed you, your bleeding has stopped!” Shortly thereafter Jesus responded to a desperate dad whose daughter was close to death. As they went, the word came that she had died, but when Jesus arrived and took her hand and said: “Little girl, wake up!” He presented a very ‘live’ 12-year-old to her parents. Similar stories…of a desperate plea coming from the father of a demon-possessed boy and a Canaanite mother of a demon-possessed girl, resulted in the healings of both. The Bible is full of accounts that show that when desperate people take their desperation to the Creator and our Savior, great things happen. When all of man’s efforts fail, let our desperate measures show just how desperate we are. And that brings us to our crisis and our resulting desperation. We have watched and listened as the news of the Coronavirus has brought the world to a standstill. And what have we done? We have looked to all the things that God’s human creatures have, and will find, to cure this virus. Everywhere we look, panicked people are going into selfisolation, storing up all kinds of emergency and food items, avoiding even common courtesies with other people, withdrawing from public gatherings that worship God and serve others. (Satan must love it!) I wonder how many of us have ‘thought to pray’ about the epidemic, and especially pray with such fervency that it over shades some of those other needs in our lives because of its great importance to us. In the Bible James chided: “You receive not because you ask not.” Jesus had urged: “Ask and you shall receive.” Our nation, among all the nations of the world, has been known to be a praying nation, mostly because so many claim a belief in and relationship with the God to whom Joel cried out. Many believe in and celebrate the Jesus that God sent and Who wielded such power in solving the problems that cause so many people’s desperation. Therefore you would expect that we would be setting the pace in ‘prayer and fasting’ to show God how we rely on and look to Him for deliverance in this desperate time. Let’s do it. Bob
epnews.com
Bigfoot Days Festival Cancelled
The Town of Estes Park’s Events Division announces the cancellation of the Bigfoot Days festival scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at the Events Complex. This decision adheres to the COVID-19 recommendations put into place March 15, 2020 by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which call for the cancellation of events for 50 people or more:
“As of March 15, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, recommends that event organizers (groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more.” Events Director Rob Hinkle commented, “The Town of Estes Park Colorado is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and adapting its operations to do our part with the paramount goal of supporting the health and welfare of our residents and guests. We expect to hold Bigfoot Days again in spring 2021.” For information on the status of other upcoming events, stay tuned to the Events Complex website: www.estesparkeventscomplex.com. For additional information on the Town of Estes Park’s adaptations to the public health recommendations on COVID-19, please visit www.estes.org/covid-19.
Community Outreach Bringing People Together Community Action Response Five Things You Can Do Our Community Has Never Been So 1. Think of others, consider your acDependent On One Another……… tions, and be kind: every person in our By: Drew Webb community is facing the challenges of Our community and country are facing COVID-19 in some way – from needing extraordinary and uncommon times of basic provisions, to help while they are historical magnitude. Turmoil and sick and suffering. events like the COVID-19 crisis can 2. Connect and reach out to your unite us as a nation, as we put aside our neighbors: as self and family-isolation bias, personal and political opinions, and increases, let’s find new ways to stay realize what is best for common human- connected and check in on one another ity – kindness, compassion, considerafor physical and mental well-being. tion and love. Share phone numbers and stay in touch. Events in the world move so quickly, 3. Make the most of local online and as we go about our day-to-day lives, groups: stay up to date, share informasometimes it’s a global challenge that tion with your friends and neighbors, snaps us out of apathy to come together and be a positive part of community for the greater good of our community conversations using platforms such as and those in need. Nextdoor. Make sure everyone has acIn the most recent Newcomers bulletin, cess to critical news bulletins, including we stressed our concern about the health from the town of Estes Park. and well-being of our members and the 4. Safely support vulnerable or isolated community, and finding creative ways to people: different groups in our commustay connected. This is especially impor- nity are at increased risk, and social isotant for the less fortunate, elderly and lation and loneliness are key concerns those considered most vulnerable. Our for all ages. There are things you can do, objective is to keep this beautiful moun- such as volunteering for local support tain town strong and healthy. services or grocery shopping for an isoConsider the personal pressures every- lated family, friend or neighbor in need. one is feeling, and be patient with your Make sure our elderly and most vulnerfamily members, friends, neighbors and able have access to care, food and peace especially those with the greatest need. of mind. Practice consideration for others. En5. Take the time to talk to young peocourage everyone to do what they can to ple – explain the significance of what we support the community and particularly are facing and encourage consideration vulnerable and isolated people during of older people by practicing social disthe COVID-19 crisis. tancing Let’s Rise to the Occasion Everyone needs to take a break from We are asking everyone to take steps the updates and the media overload. that will help our community and fami- Nature is not shut down……Get outside lies cope during these unprecedented and take a walk ,but keep your distance. times…
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 19
epnews.com
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) Recommendations For Persons At Higher Risk Get ready for COVID-19 now Take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious longterm health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease. • Stock up on supplies. • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others. • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often. • Avoid crowds as much as possible. • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. • During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. Have supplies on hand • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time. • If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications. • Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home. • Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time. Take everyday precautions Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Take everyday preventive actions: • Clean your hands often • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or
sneezing, or having been in a public place. • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. • To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something. • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places. • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc. • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones) • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick. • Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships. If COVID-19 is spreading in your community Take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus. • Stay home as much as possible and don’t invite groups to your home. • Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, it could last for a long time. (An outbreak is when a large number of people suddenly get sick.) Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the
spread and reduce the impact of disease. Have a plan for if you get sick • Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. • Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick. • Determine who can care for you if your caregiver gets sick. Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs • Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor. • If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*: o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath o Persistent pain or pressure in the chest o New confusion or inability to arouse o Bluish lips or face *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. What to do if you get sick • Stay home and call your doctor. • Call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take
care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed. • If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home. Follow CDC instructions for how to take care of yourself at home. • Know when to get emergency help. • Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency warning signs listed above. What others can do to support older adults Community support for older adults • Community preparedness planning for COVID-19 should include older adults and people with disabilities, and the organizations that support them in their communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration. o Many of these individuals live in the community, and many depend on services and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their health and independence. Family and caregiver support • Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand. • Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a backup plan. • Stock up on non-perishable food to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores. • If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.
20 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Daffodils Cancelled
Diaper Bank Diapers are available for families in need to pick up at our EVICS Office. Sizes 0 to 6. The diaper bank will be open Monday- Friday 12-2pm EVICS is also providing wipes and feminine hygiene kits for moms!
B A N C O D E PA Ñ A L E S Los pañales serán para familias que los necesiten y puedan recogerlos en la oficina de EVICS. Tallas: Recien nacido a 6.
El banco de pañales estará abierto Lunes a Viernes 12-2pm. EVICS también proveerá kits de productos de higiene femenino para las madres! 970-586-3055 office@evics.org
EVICS Office 1182 Graves Ave, Unit A Estes Park, CO 80517
Out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our staff and volunteers, and with respect to the recommendations from our government and public health officials as they relate to COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to suspend Daffodil Days this season. For those who have made a donation to the American Cancer Society in the hope of receiving or having flowers delivered, we regret the current circumstances that are prohibiting us from delivering the flowers. Please know your donation comes at a critical time when our mission to help those touched by cancer is in great need. Please also note that we have honored our agreement with our suppliers and – even though we will not be receiving the flowers – have paid them for what had been ordered. The health and safety of our volunteers, staff, and the cancer patients who rely on us, is our top priority. And we know the needs of people facing cancer will continue – and our mission of attacking cancer from every angle is critical. We cannot allow an innovative research grant to go unfunded – it could be the next big breakthrough. We cannot turn our back on a patient needing to travel to access a clinical trial – it could be his or her only hope. We cannot miss a phone call or a chat from a
cancer patient with a question – we could be the only ear he or she has to turn to. Your donation to Daffodil Days is helping to ensure we are here today for those facing cancer, and will be here tomorrow for anyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis. Specifically, your dollars are making a difference right now: $500 could help provide 10 patients and caregivers with a night of free lodging when they have to travel for cancer treatment. $200 could provide wigs for three patients in treatment. $100 could help provide four patients a ride during treatment or to a followup appointment. $25 could help one person get free information, support, and access to resources through our 24/7 helpline at 1.800.227.2345 or via live chat at www.cancer.org. We thank you for your continued support of our American Cancer Society mission. Sincerely, Megan Clarkson Community Development Manager, American Cancer Society Your local Estes Park team thanks you for your generosity and truly regrets this cancellation.
THE RICH FLANERY TEAM. THE PINNACLE OF LENDING.
The Rich Flanery Team has been serving the Estes Park Community for over 20 years.
So, give us a call today at (970) 577-9200 and let our team get to work for you!
Rich Flanery Loan Officer – NMLS# 256117
Phone (970) 577-9200 501 Saint Vrain Lane, Suite 101, Estes Park, CO 80517
mortgagesolutions.net/richflanery
Equal Housing Lender ©2020 Mortgage Solutions of Colorado, LLC, dba Mortgage Solutions Financial NMLS #61602, headquartered at 5455 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, 719-447-0325. AL 21883; AR 104413; AZ BK-0928346; Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight Under CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act License 4130456 & CA Finance Lenders Law License 603H857; CO Mortgage Co. Registration; CT ML-61602; DC MLB61602; DE Licensed by the Commissioner, 20424, exp. 12/31/20; FL MLD902; GA 37525; IA MBK-2013-0042, IA MBK-2014-0038; ID MBL-7290; IL MB.6760816, for licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org; IN 17441; KS MC.0001684; KY MC83187; LA Residential Mortgage Lending License; MD 19702; ME 61602; MI FR0018740 & SR0018741; MN-MO-61602, MN-MO-61602.1, MN-MO-61602.2; MO 19-1769; MS 61602; MT Lender & Servicer Licenses 61602; NC L-157264; ND MB102837; NE 2000, NE61602; NJ Mortgage Lender, Licensed by the NJ Dept of Banking & Insurance; NM 02464; NV 4668 & 4399; OH RM.850123.000; OK ML010480, ML011367, ML011368, ML011644; OR ML-4912; PA 43167; RI Licensed Lender 20122869LL, RI Licensed Mortgage Servicer 20153143LS; SC MLS-61602, OTN1, OTN2, OTN3; SD ML.05086; TN 109443; TX-SML Mortgage Banker Registration & Residential Mortgage Loan Servicer Registration; VT Loan Servicer 61602-1; WA CL61602; WI 61602BA & 61602BR; WV ML-32877; WY MBL1022 and SL-2600.
MSFR_03-03-2020
Our team has over 80 years of combined experience in helping families find the home loan to fit their needs. We offer a full range of products – FHA loans, VA loans, Conventional loans, Rural Home loans and many more. We are looking forward to working with you to make your dreams come true in a practical way. But it starts with a conversation.
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 21
epnews.com
Charley Dickey-Candidate For Mayor Of Estes Park Leadership is "a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". This is an attribute of a Mayor, that and the thick skin that comes with adversity and personal attacks. In my short time in Estes Park, 10 years, I have been involved in many leadership positions. When I first moved here, I was surprised to learn about the demise of the old Chamber of Commerce, I learned of the Estes Valley Chamber of Commerce (EVPC) but is had a minimal membership and really wasn’t representing many of the businesses. I started Estes Park Business Association after being told the Chamber was a bad word. I grew that organization to equal the same size of EVPC and together with the help of Rob Pieper and Rich Flannery merge the organization into EVPC and joined the Board. The first year we grew the membership to over 100 and had representative from many different sectors. While on that Board I created “Explore Our Store” and began a “Business After Hours”. Both achieved the goal of introducing businesses to the community and to themselves. I represented the EVPC on the Estes Park in Bloom, Shuttle Committee and the Halloween Candy distribution to the downtown businesses. People like Judi Smith carried on the “Business After Hours” after 5 years and Abi Huebner lead the “Explore Our Store” numerous times. Chuck Scott and Kirby Hazelton continued the Halloween handout. My involvement with the businesses has been a pleasure, from communications to surveys, I believe I have helped the flow of information to and from the Town. As you may know, while President of EVPC, I work hand in hand with
Chuck Scott to create a task force to start a new Estes Chamber to represent all the businesses. This was a long time coming and something I am most proud of.
Charley Dickey There are many areas of concern that impact all of our community whether some of us want to believe it or not. Childcare has an effect on Retired people. Retired people have an effect on housing. Businesses have an effect on the town government. All these segments are connected. We must have a vibrant community that all the parts work together to give us a good life. I realized this early on and began advocating for economic development and diversification. The town struggled to do this for years to no avail. I, with the help of Greg Rosener, started a task force to create the Estes Park EDC which has the mission to recruit and retain businesses. This was a massive undertaking that took more than a year to complete. Out of that effort came so much that I can’t all their accomplishment, reports and financial assistance to our small businesses. Credit goes to Jon Nicholas and Adam Shake (two members of the task force) for taking that ball and running with it. Finally, Leadership isn’t always being the person out front, sometimes it is the person pushing from the rear. I have been involved in both.
From Mayoral Candidate Wendy Koenig Dear People of Estes Park, Bill and Judy Howell held a meet-andThis has been a week of sobering greet for me at their home on Friday. events. Former Red Cross workers, during their careers they provided services to victims I grew up in Estes Park, on North of 13 disasters. The small, but very enCourt, across from the Lovenburg famgaged group of attenily. On warm sumdees shared their conmer nights I played cerns with me about hide-and- seek and the safety of our kick-the-can with townspeople, quality of their children. The life here, marijuana, only restriction my the Loop, and the how parents imposed on changes to the IGA me was be home for might affect relations the 10:00 p.m. news between the Town and announcement: Do county residents. you know where your children are? Covid-19 is having a sobering effect on my Last Tuesday memcapacity for face-toories of those nights face engagement here. so long ago, washed Having had high levels over me as I attended Wendy Koenig of engagement while a the memorial for trustee during fires Mark Lovenburg. Six years younger than me, Mark died a few and the 2013 flood, I am not liking the weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. social distancing effect that the pandemic is having. His final wish, to be remembered via a memorial fund for the boys’ swim team. On a positive note, in response to My son, a current volunteer coach of the Covid-19 Town Administrator Travis swim team, and a former member of the Machalek has begun providing updates team, organized the fund. To which doto candidate Dickey and me to ease the nations are being accepted. Yes Mark, transition from current to future mayor your kindness, perseverance and work and trustees. He reports that Town Staff ethic are not forgotten. Peace to you. and Board are in contact with Estes Park Health, Estes Valley Library, Visit Estes On Wednesday, I attended the Trustee Park, School District and County Health Candidate Forum. Hosted by the local Department the lead Covid-19 organiLeague of Women Voters. zation. Estes Park Health is rescheduling Gleefully I admit that, after being on non-emergency office visits and its stage for their Mayoral Forum, I was Emergency Room is open. quite content being in the audience as The status of the pandemic is evolving candidates deftly fielded difficult quesrapidly, so seek updates daily. tions with honesty and directness. Congratulations to one and all. What I share here was gleaned from actively listening to the people with The next day, I went to Estes Good Samaritan Village to have lunch with Joy whom I’ve engaged and should not be Gimar. Upon arrival, I found all but one construed as their official statement. door to the building locked. With enLet’s move forward together. Be safe. trance for family and friends only. A With respect, sober reminder of the risks of Covid-19. Wendy Koenig And gratitude for the staff who’re impleCandidate for Mayor-Estes Park, menting safe-keeping procedures for our Colorado friends there.
22 Âť Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
A fun coloring page for your kids to enjoy. Thanks, Tim Buck for helping entertain us during our social distancing time.
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 23
epnews.com
Community Foundation Of Northern Colorado And The United Way Of Larimer County introduce The Northern Colorado COVID-19 Response Fund Partnering to accept donations to support local nonprofits The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado and the United Way of Larimer County have established the Northern Colorado COVID-19 Response Fund. As with other disaster response initiatives, the objective is to provide leadership and collaborative funding to support those who face the greatest need. The COVID-19 coronavirus has stunned the world and is taking its toll on every individual and organization, including our community’s nonprofits. To help respond to this unprecedented challenge, this effort will provide funding to local nonprofit organizations that work with people disproportionately affected by the consequences of COVID19. Initially, these recipients include human service organizations that address food insecurity, especially for youth and older adults. “This initiative reflects the core of why the Community Foundation exists,” said
Ray Caraway, Community Foundation president. “We have the infrastructure, relationships, and experience to convene community resources and respond rapidly when action is needed.” “This fund is designed to be nimble and will evolve to meet the greatest needs of the community as they unfold,” said Annie Davies, United Way of Larimer County chief executive officer. “We appreciate the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Community Foundation to connect generous businesses and individuals to a meaningful and local opportunity to help those affected by the pandemic.” “The Food Bank of Larimer County is at the very front of this when it comes to food,” said Amy Pezzani, Food Bank of Larimer County CEO. “We serve over 1,000 families each day.” “As a part of the emergency response plan, the Town of Estes Park is referring people who need assistance to Estes Park’s Crossroads Ministry,” said Brian Schaffer, the organization’s executive director. ”We will be delivering food boxes
to those confined to their home as well as adding others to our Meals on Wheels list to receive a hot, nutritious meal” As a basis for this initiative, the Foundation is contributing $50,000 dollars and the United Way is contributing $100,000. Both organizations are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions from private foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors.
The Community Foundation and United Way of Larimer County will administer grants from the COVID-19 Fund with the assistance of community volunteers who will sit on the grant selection committee. Donations can be made to either organization. Grants will be distributed to nonprofit organizations throughout Larimer County through the course of the crisis. The goal is to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs. COVID-19 Response Fund expects to disburse an initial round of grants by March 31, 2020. Neither United Way nor the Foundation will charge an administrative fee for this fund. “We all have a responsibility to protect
the most vulnerable among us from contracting COVID-19,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “We are all in this together, and we all have people we love who are particularly vulnerable — our parents, our grandparents.” To assist in this critical work, you may donate to the Fund through either the Community Foundation or United Way. Community Foundation of Northern Colorado: Donate online at www.coloradogives.org/COVID-1. Checks may be made payable to the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, 4745 Wheaton Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525, with COVID-19 Fund in the memo line. Visit www.nocofoundation.org/COVID19 for additional information. United Way of Larimer County: To donate text LARIMERUNITED to 41444, make an online donation at https://impact.uwaylc.org/Corona, or send checks to United Way of Larimer County, 525 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521 with COVID-19 in the subject line. To learn more about community resources & volunteer opportunities, please visit www.uwaylc.org. The Community Foundation and the United Way are both 501(c)(3) public charities so gifts to any of our funds provide donors with the maximum tax deductions allowed by law.
Coping With Closure By: Judi Smith
We are lucky to have such a cohesive, caring community. Yes, it is inconvenient to have closures effecting what we thought would be happening, but if that protects the health and well-being of our populace, it is well worth it. The Covid19 virus seems to breed exponentially when large groups of people congregate. The germs can survive on surfaces (counters, doorknobs, hands) for days after contact and can transmit to anyone touching that surface. So staying home, or in your own workspace away from infected people, is advisable. Our local schools, community center, library, and many other community gathering places are closed for varying estimates of time. Individuals who need to meet are using email and conference calls or learning to Skype. Like everything else, we can do this! Yes, it requires an increase in housework, daily disinfecting of kitchens and bathrooms, tables and counters, doorknobs and drawer pulls. However, this illness is not a deadly plague. If exposed,
young, healthy individuals will get sick, but should not retain any lasting effects. On the other hand, the very young and the elderly, or those with autoimmune or other chronic conditions, must avoid contact. Over half our Estes population falls into this category. For many of us, our workdays will remain quite normal. Our lines of communication are open (including this newspaper). Our banks are operational. Our grocery stores and our pharmacies continue to function, although some supplies are difficult to obtain. (Good neighbors do not horde because that leaves someone else without enough.) Our restaurants, lodging, and shops are taking extra precautions to keep the general public safe. The federal and state governments are working on creative ideas to assist those whose income is impacted. Our Town decision makers, both elected officials and staff, are on top of both necessity and options. For some of us, our workdays still exist, but may be altered. I always have a list of things waiting to be done. Maybe I will have time for some of them!
There’s the paperwork my accountant would like to have ASAP. There are articles I have been meaning to write (to get ahead and avoid the rush to deadline). There is always filing to be done in my office, both paper and computerized documents. Moreover, there may be time to create that ever elusive A to Z list of disposal options. For anyone who is not working – consider this a “stay-cation.” Along with daily disinfecting, it offers a chance to “catch up.” What have you not been able to fit into your average day? Do you have a book waiting to be read? Have you studied the candidates and decided how to vote? Is there a closet to reorganize? How about a refreshing hike in the Colorado outdoors? (RMNP is open and, if you are healthy, there is presumably no reason not to enjoy it.) Caring for each other is what makes us a close-knit community. A village, not a city! Consider the next two weeks a gift. How often do you receive time with no directive on how it must be spent? Enjoy your planning and spending!
24 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Breaking Down Colorado’s 2019 Human-Bear Interactions Illustrates The Need For People To Change Behavior To Keep Bears Wild In 2019, Colorado Parks and Wildlife documented 517 reports of bears entering dwellings, 303 vehicle break-ins and 5,369 total bear calls from April 1 through Dec. 31. Thanks to a modernized tracking system these numbers provide a tremendous amount of insight on human-bear interactions. It is the agency’s hope that the release of this data serves as a wakeup call to Colorado residents. Concentrated, community-wide efforts must be made to live appropriately with bears in mind. While the public and media tend to focus on the number of bears CPW has to put down - that number is only part of the overall story. In 2019, 92 bears were euthanized, or 1.7 percent of the year’s reported bear conflicts. While these numbers vary year over year, this data sheds a new light on the overall picture and how simple steps can be made throughout our communities to keep Colorado’s bears wild and alive. The agency’s wildlife conflict data tracking system launched on April 1. It allows CPW to comprehensively track statewide reports ranging from simple sightings, to food source attractants provided, to property damage done by a bear, livestock depredation, aggressive behavior and more. As our ability to more efficiently and effectively track conflict data grows, we are committed to sharing this information to help all Coloradans understand our role in living with bears. The data outlines a major problem and potentially documents only half of what actually takes place. CPW recognizes that among the 5,369 bear reports from April 1-Dec. 31, there are likely an equal number of human-bear interactions that go unreported. The following sections break down the types of reports into categories and what each can mean to the well-being of Colorado’s bears, whose population is estimated between 17,000-20,000 (black bear is the only species in Colorado). Trash - 1,728 One-third of all bear reports CPW received in 2019 involved trash. Trash is by far the leading cause of bear habituation, and open dumpsters or trash cans provide an all-you-can-eat buffet when left unsecured. Bears are highly intelligent and resourceful animals. Bears that find
food around your home or in your community often lose their natural wariness of people. Once they find garbage, the next place they may look to for more food is inside your home. Communities or HOA’s can help reduce human-bear conflicts and avoid attracting bears to your neighborhood or property by enacting a trash ordinance. Below is a list of known Colorado municipalities that have a bear-focused trash ordinance already in place (29).
type of bird feeder (hummingbird, suet and seed) you have out on your property, including those on upper levels, is about as easy of a meal that a bear can get. Birdfeeders should not be placed outside from March through the end of November for any reason. Letting your bird feeders turn into bear feeders teaches bears that it’s safe to come close to people and homes looking for food. And for bears that can become a deadly lesson.
Other municipalities in the process of developing trash ordinances for bear proofing include Idaho Springs, Gunnison and Lyons. If you must leave trash outside, buy a bear-proof container/dumpster, build a bear-proof enclosure or install an electric fence. To avoid attracting bears, clean containers regularly with ammonia or bleach. Birdfeeders - 397 A seven-pound bag of bird seed equates to 12,180 calories for a bear. A 50-pound bag of bird seed has over 87,000 calories — a reward well worth the effort of breaking into your garage to get. Bears want to get the most energy they can with the least amount of effort. Any
Other ways to attract birds to your property include placing a nesting box out, creating a bird garden, hanging flower pots or having a bird bath. Add brightly colored, trumpet shaped flowers around your home to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and a variety of beneficial insects. Water, especially running water, actually does a better job of attracting a wider variety of birds yearround than a bird feeder. Just keep your water sources smaller. Bears don’t sweat, so larger ponds and uncovered hot tubs can actually attract bears looking for a place to cool off. Be responsible about attracting birds and you’ll be doing your part to keep bears wild. Other Food Attractants - 1,171 Black bears are omnivores and will eat
just about anything. Other major food sources we find around homes that attract bears include fruit trees, bee hives, chicken coops and livestock. While fruit may be a part of a bears natural diet, that does not mean a bear should be gorging itself on your apple tree mere feet from where your kids play outside. Additional food sources include pet food, BBQ grills, compost, livestock feed and fridges/freezers in your outer buildings. These items must always be cleaned up and/or properly secured. Vehicle Break-Ins - 303 That equals 303 preventable occurrences if people had only kept anything with a scent out of their cars. Imagine the damage a bear would do inside your car, and the unwanted “present” it could leave behind. Keep car doors and windows closed and locked if you park outside. Make sure there’s nothing with an odor in your vehicle, including candy, gum, air fresheners, trash, sunscreen, lotions and lip balms. Dwelling Break-Ins (houses, cabins, garages) - 517 This number is certainly conservative as it does not include the many incidences where a bear was reported in a garage after the owner left it open, nor sheds that bears got into to get food. It only accounted for bears in homes, cabins or garages where there was forcible entry. These numbers should highlight the elementary principles of locking the doors to your home, keeping your garage door closed and your windows closed and locked. Build bear unwelcome mats as a deterrent to place in areas a bear may want to access, replace exterior leverstyle door handles with good quality round door knobs that bears can’t pull or push open, install sturdy gates or bars on lower level windows to help keep bears out. Screens don’t keep bears out. Please see our Bearproofing Your Home webpage for more helpful tips Locations Suitable bear habitat in Colorado can be anywhere west of I-25, but bears are found each year on the eastern side of I25. There were over 150 reports of bears on the eastern side of I-25 in 2019. Bears were reported as far east as Morgan County in the northeast, the town of Pritchett in the southeast, near Las Animas and Limon. Continued on next page
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 25
epnews.com
Rocky Mountain National Park Modifying Operations To Implement Latest Health Guidance Rocky Mountain National Park is modifying operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of today, March 17, 2020, the park is still open however, park visitor centers including Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, Fall River Visitor Center and Kawuneeche Visitor Center are closed until further notice. At this time, restroom facilities are still available at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Any programs that were previously scheduled including snowshoe walks, full moon walks, field trips and Earth Day events have been cancelled. The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels. Please visit www.nps.gov/romo and follow us
on social media @RockyNPS. If planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, in order to minimize contact with our entrance station staff, please purchase your entrance pass on-
line ahead of your visit at go.nps.gov/rockyfees and follow the prompts. Your email confirmation will serve as your pass. Take a screen shot of your email if you are concerned about your cellular coverage. If you choose to recreate in the park be extra cautious and follow responsible
and safe practices. Now is not the time to engage in extreme winter mountaineering activities or to travel solo into the park’s wilderness. “Spring” in the Colorado Rockies is “winter” elsewhere.
when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by most importantly, staying home if you feel sick. Please maintain a safe distance of six feet between yourself and other groups; wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness. If you have no intention to travel given current events or you are ill, research shows that even photographs of nature help ease stress and anxiety. Virtually visit Rocky on www.nps.gov/romo to view webcams Prepare and plan for dramatically chang- and soak up beautiful photographs on ing weather. Advise someone where you Instagram and Facebook @RockyNPS are going, your intended route, when we’ll be sharing even more gorgeous you will be back. Don’t rely on your cell images in the days to come. Breathe phone. Park resources are limited, and deeply in the comfort of your home staff may be slow to respond to emerand plan for your next visit to Rocky gency incidents. Mountain National Park. You’ll enjoy it The NPS urges visitors to do their part more than ever!
A bear sniffs around a trash can it knocked over in Boulder on July 2, 2019 (Photo courtesy CPW).
The top five areas in Colorado with the most bear reported issues in rank order are: Area 8, Area 14, Area 2, Area 15 and Area 18. See the map below to see how we define our areas. Notes: - Once your property has been visited by a bear and it has been rewarded with a human-provided food source, that homeowner is legally obligated to remove that attractant. If they do not, they could be issued a citation for feeding or attracting wildlife, a misdemeanor
charge. - If you do not have a food source at your property, you will not experience issues with bears. If you do not have a food source at your property, but your neighbor does, then it is possible to have a bear come too close for comfort. It takes a community-wide effort to reduce human-bear conflicts.
A bear looks inside an Estes Park home after breaking through a screen door (Photo courtesy CPW.)
26 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Lucky & Chase Need New, Forever Homes!
Mar 10 - Mar 16, 2020 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
46º 43º 49º 47º 32º 49º 53º
28º 33º 33º 22º 17º 17º 33º
Tr Tr Tr Tr 3.0 Tr Tr
Apr. 8 Full Moon
Lucky is two years old and he wants nothing more than to be loved. He is sweet, but he is afraid to trust people. He does well with the dogs at the kennel and he is good at his foster home. He enjoys walks and is a loving little guy. Lucky is a border collie mix and is house trained. A quiet home, likely without other pets would be best for him at this time. Call for an appointment to meet sweet Lucky at 970-2861652. Chase is a three year old terrier mix that weighs 15 pounds. He does well with kids and other dogs. He is currently living at the Animal Hospital of the Rockies. Call 970-2861652 to make an appointment to meet sweet Chase. He is such a cute little guy! All pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a nonprofit 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, please call 970-2861652.
Lucky
Chase
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 27
epnews.com
The Complexity Of Paper Recycling By: Judi Smith
drug, package), and compostable papers (paper towels, facial tissues, and toilet With today’s emergency, it seems silly paper). This is an incomplete list. Then to continue to address the education needed to decontaminate the recycling, there are the “combination” packaging yet that is a step in the right direction to products, looking to meld the advantages of plastic and/or metal, with the resolve tomorrow’s emergency. Oh, not cost-saving of paper – often, but not altomorrow as in the day after today, or ways, resulting in products that have liteven the day after this emergency is resolved, but 5 years, 10 years, 20 years in tle recycling capability at all. (Check the future. They have made an interest- with your individual collection agency for specifics on what they accept.) ing discovery in China. The enforced Thrown into the single stream bins, paquarantines and isolations happening there have seriously lessened the air pol- perback books will eventually be shredded and soaked, turned into paper pulp lution over major Chinese cities, where to become something else. However, masks are often required to leave the books are a valuable transfer of knowlhouse (in ‘normal”, non-emergency, edge and/or entertainment. Cliffhanger, non-quarantined times). our local used bookstore, welcomes doA major contribution to the greenhouse gases is the methane produced by nations of nearly all used books (and also CDs, DVDs, and sheet music). Shardecomposition in the landfill. The best solution is to quit disposing of things all ing is better than recycling. The few restrictions are available by phone or at together, but that it not an overnight project. So let us address more of the re- https://estesvalleylibrary.org/support/escycling options at the Residential Recy- teslibraryfriendsfoundation/booksalecling Center (RRC – for households) and donations/ Corrugated cardboard at the TS is sinthe Transfer Station (TS – for busigle streamed with other recyclables colnesses), starting with paper. lected from businesses. As I understand Paper comes in many forms: books it, if corrugated cardboard is included in (softback and hardback), corrugated cardboard, computer (office) paper, mi- the single stream, it costs Larimer County over $60 a ton to send it to the dlevel papers (artist papers, school paMaterial Recovery Center (MRF). If sepper, florescent colors, construction paarated into a single stream, the MRF per, notepads, paperboard, newsprint, and phone books), tissue paper, various pays Larimer County. Corrugated cardboard is collected separately at RRC. forms of plain wrapping paper, (meat, Hopefully, they are now taking that bin
Build a bundle. Save a bundle. Susan J Fereday, Agent 501 Saint Vrain Lane Estes Park, CO 80517 Bus: 970-586-9547 susan.fereday.ggvw@statefarm.com
1203025
Bundle auto, home and life for big State Farm discounts. So let me show you how State Farm can help protect all the things that matter most – for a lot less than you think. GET TO A BETTER STATE.® CALL ME TODAY.
State Farm, Bloomington, IL
®
straight to the Recycle America MRF, without mixing into single stream. Even $100 a ton (fee saved + collected revenue) is quite a savings. During each reincarnation, the paper pulp degrades slightly. Computer/ office paper is a high end, easily recycled product. The paper bin at the TS recycles white or pastel office paper. If collected separately, it can actually be recycled back into paper. Single stream, if not too badly contaminated, skips this first rung of the reproduction ladder to join other, lower-grade products. Individuals who wish to recycle shredded paper may do so in the TS office paper bin, but must pay the business fees to use the facility. At the Residential Recycling Center (RRC households) may recycle computer paper (at no fee) in the single stream
bin. This bin also encompasses the various forms of midlevel papers. No shredded paper, paper towels, tissue paper, facile tissues, or toilet paper is are accepted n single stream. Compostable paper, like paper towels and facial tissues, whether made from virgin paper (trees), recycled paper, or bamboo (new growth, grown for that purpose), are not recyclable. This is the lowest rung on the paper ladder. However, Estes has no viable public composting – yet. If you do not compost at home, and you do not relish taking these items down the mountain to a composting entity, the only disposal option is the landfill. At our house, we purchased terrycloth bar towels and real handkerchiefs. I am amazed at how much we save. One roll of paper towels now lasts us about six months.
28 Âť Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Cowboy Brad Crossroads Benefit Concert Rescheduled For May 17th you know we have an opportunity before us to double donations in the months of April and May due to a generous matching grant of $50,000 from one of our faithful supporters. We want to take full advantage of this gift knowing that all the money raised will be going to feed hungry families. Our goal is to raise over $100,000 in two months. Spring is the time to plant seeds in order to have a harvest in the summer, so please consider plantExecutive Director for Crossroads Mining some of your seed money into the istry, Brian Schaffer, has a message for work we’re doing in the community. We everyone. “Our previously scheduled believe your investment will produce concert with Cowboy Brad has been much fruit in the lives of our neighbors rescheduled for May 17. We are trusting who call the Estes Valley their home. We that we will be experiencing a much are in need now more than ever before healthier climate by this new date, so we so we can continue to help our neighwith gather together to enjoy some great bors who are struggling through a chalmusic and celebrate the work Crossroads lenging season of unknowns caused by is doing in the community. Even though the Coronavirus. Please consider makour Neighbors in Need Challenge offiing a donation online at www.Crosscially begins on April 1st, but we are acroadsEP.org/Give or mail a check to PO cepting donations now to help with the Box 3616, Estes Park, CO 80517. Thank influx of people who are coming to you for being generous!� See you at the Crossroads for assistance. As many of Concert on Sunday, May 17!!
Healing Waters Remains Open + ( $ / , 1 * :$7 ( 5 6 ) 2 8 1 ' $7
$ F &KDULWDEOH 2UJDQL]DWLR
+HDOLQJ :DWHUV SURPRWHV XQLTXH ZDUP ZDWHU H[HUFL IRU UHVLGHQWV DQG JXHVWV RI WKH (VWHV 9DOO
Dear friends and family of Healing Waters, We remain open to anyone who would like to enjoy the benefits of our warm water exercise and therapy pool! Please be assured that we are diligently working to keep everyone safe by disinfecting all surfaces between clients. Importantly, we ask that if you feel sick or have cold symptoms please stay home. %HQHÀWV RI + ,QFOXGH ‡ )LWQHVV ‡ &RUH 6WUH $'$ &RPSOLDQW ‡ %DODQFH ‡ 3UH 3RVW &HUWLÀHG 3HUVRQDO ‡ 5HKDELOLWD 7UDLQHU $YDLODEOH
&$// 72 6&+('8/( $ 7285 $332,170(17 % %LJ 7KRPSVRQ $YH (VWHV 3DUN &2 _ _ HVWHVKH
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 29
epnews.com
More Opportunities To Support Partners Mentoring Youth Partners Mentoring Youth is a participating organization (#61) selling Duck Adoptions in the 32nd Rotary Duck Race Festival. $19 of every $20 Duck adoption goes to the participating organization (#61) circled on the adoption form. Online adoptions cost $22, with $19 going to the participating organization (#61) circled. Contact 970-577-9348 or email kathyw@partnersmentoringyouth.org for a paper Duck Race adoption form or purchase one online at www.epduckrace.org Reloadable Safeway Giving Cards are available at the Estes Park Partners Mentoring Youth Office. You load the card by using, cash, check or a credit card. Then you pay for your groceries or gas at Safeway with your Safeway Giving Card. Call 970-577-9348 or email kathyw@partnersmentoringyouth.org for more information.
First Colorado Realty Goes Platinum! Christian Collinet, Jeremy Collinet, Julia Daley, Breeyan Edwards and Tom Thomas of First Colorado Realty have been granted the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Service Certified® Platinum. A Quality Service Certified (QSC) award status is the only recognition in the real estate industry based on independently validated customer satisfaction survey results. After the conclusion of real estate transactions, clients of QSC agents receive a survey, asking them to rate the agent on various aspects of the service process. The surveys are administered and the results are received and compiled by LRC. Client feedback from the surveys becomes part of the agent’s credentials. An overall satisfaction rating is displayed on the consumer website (www.RatedAgent.com) where buyers and sellers have the ability to select a real estate professional based upon each agent’s validated record of service satisfaction. “Nothing is more important to a prospective client in
selecting a professional than the service results achieved with past clients,” says Larry D. Romito, President and CEO of QSC. He adds, “Consumers have greater confidence in service reliability, results and satisfaction with a Quality Service Certified real estate professional because they know that the agent’s service record has been validated by an independent third party.” Quality Service Certification, Inc., based in San Juan Capistrano, California, is recognized as the real estate industry’s earliest advocate and the leading provider of independently administered customer satisfaction surveys. With nearly a 20 year history and over one million post-closing surveys sent, QSC’s unique “closed” survey process ensures that consumers access legitimate reviews from actual home sellers and buyers reports on past customer satisfaction. QSC is the only source for objective and validated agent ratings designed to help consumers make informed choices in selecting real estate professionals. For more information contact QSC at 888-547-4772.
Leading Estes Park in Quality Service!
Breeyan Edwards 970-646-6555
Christian Collinet
Jeremy Collinet Paul Marcotte photo pauljmarcottephotography.com
970-302-1850
970-231-8570
Julia Daley
720-937-0806
Tom Thomas
970-481-3619
Work continues on the roundabout at the intersection of Wonderview & MacGregor.
EP News Photo
30 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Love In The Time Of COVID-19 In a world where we now feel a daily overload of bad news, we focus on the good in life, even during tough times. Today I feel like I’m living in an alternative universe. Last Friday, March 13th, was the first time it really hit me. It wasn’t until I walked into Safeway and saw the empty shelves in the paper product aisle that I truly realized that what was happening was real. I’m a pretty happy person generally. I get to marry people, volunteer at the Village Thrift Store, take Zumba and Tai Chi classes at the Rec Center, hike in Rocky and write these columns. My reality again changed when I got the notice that the Rec Center was closing - no Zumba with Patricia or Tai Chi with Mike. When I went into the thrift store for my usual Friday volunteer shift, there was the notice: closed until March 31st. I just don’t know how many brides will cancel with me because they are afraid to travel. And yet and of course, we are all hoping and expecting these closures and changes will be temporary. The Coronavirus has created a new normal affecting us all in multiple ways. First of course is the virus itself and the question of how many people will become ill, how many will die. Next is certainly the markets. As a retired woman, I worry about my retirement account which supplements my monthly social
security payments. Will it be gone sooner than later? Fears crop up and we become anxious of the future. Tiny little things we can’t even see have changed what we thought tomorrow was going to bring. I’m almost 70 so of course I remember other difficult times. The world during the cold war was certainly a scary time. My father, a union man worked out of town a great deal during the early 60s. This was the time of the President Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis. My family lived an hour away from New York City, a ground zero place if ever there was one. My mother had the task of explaining what was happening in this new dangerous world and what we had to do to survive. We had a full basement where the furnace, washer and other essential large appliances stood on the cement floor. That was the cold and very uninviting place we were to run to if we heard sirens. According to my mother, we were supposed to live down there for a minimum of two weeks in order for the fall-out to disperse. My mother’s fear during that time was palpable and five of us children lived within that pocket of fear. After 13 days of tense negotiations with Nikita Khrushchev finally backing down, we got through it and life returned to normal.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Yazlynn Baby, Yazlynn two years ago on March 22, I gave birth to you. I look at you now and I am amazed how much you have already learned. The way you play, explore, and laugh is so special. I wish you all the best for your 2nd birthday, my PELITOS DE KIWI! Your smile is the most adorable thing in the entire universe. You are a wonderful child as well as your sister and I hope for you to stay this way. My little one, happy birthday. I still remember the day you said your first word, a day your parents and sister will never forget. You make us laugh with joy every
day. We wish you a bright future and fun childhood. Always stay happy, as you are now. We love you as we love your sister, you are our beautiful princesses. You and sister are the sweetest gifts I have ever received. You have already succeeded in changing our lives, making it complete and happy. You are our lifetime happiness, Yazlynn we wish you a happy birthday and we love you so much! My little travieza, we love you! Dad, Sister, Mom & pet Chuchin.
Growing up in the 60s changed like the Walt Disney Show. One moment it was black and white and then it became “living color.” This was one of the most divisive decades in our history. Beginning with the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Bay of Pigs event, this period was also marked by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War with its antiwar protests, political assassinations and ending with Watergate on the horizon. We got through it – all of it. The medical crisis that most reminds me of today came through another tiny, but deadly virus in the early 80s through the 90s. Those were the early days when AIDS carried such a stigma that no one wanted to talk about it out loud and people whispered about who was sick or in the hospital. Much like today, the fear of touch or being in close contact was foremost in everyone’s thoughts. Don and I met in New York City when I got back from Mexico City in 1969 and we became best friends. I left for Colorado 14 years later and got a call one day from another friend saying he died. Then my high school friend, Will disclosed he had AIDS and died about a year later. It was too late for Will and Don but the world got through it and now we have HIV drugs advertised on regular networks. Just 20 years ago, we worried of the world falling apart because of a large box sitting on our desks. It was a new century. People were excited but also anxious about computers. Would they still work when the clock turned over in 2000? Had they been programed for this date change and would we lose all our data? It turned out to be basically nothing. They worked exactly the same. We got through it. And then, the horrific day of 9-11. I was working for Crisis Advocates. I heard what happened, the planes flying into the World Trade Center, listening to NPR while getting ready for work. I remember calling Donna, my co-worker and asking her what she needed. We both needed to come to work. That day, not a single piece of work was done. And yet, amazingly we got through it, though at a loss of over 6,000 people. The World Trade Center site has become a beautiful, moving memorial. This year I got married. My honey-
moon was to be an April trip to Italy where I would hopefully meet other Dalnodars (my maiden name) in the Dolomite Mountains bordering Austria. Unfortunately, and obviously that trip has been canceled. Due to some tiny little virus way beyond my control. Such is the way of love in the time of COVID19. I’m almost over it but not quite. I’m still disappointed but I know we will go to Italy at a later date. I will get through it. Today we must all face something new that will abruptly change our lives in many ways – the coronavirus. We have all watched daily on TV or through our phones or iPads as it moved from China to Italy and Iran and into the United States. Every day brings new numbers of people infected with the virus. And yet, as scary as this is right now, this too shall pass. We will get through it. I, along with many of you, grew up in times of uncertainty and great change. And yet here we are. Living in this beautiful place called Colorado. We now have a choice. We can choose to live above our fear by demonstrating compassion, using only what we need, protecting the vulnerable and recognizing we are all in this together. We can shop locally and support our community. We can support our vulnerable communities – think Crossroads Ministry’s needs for food and financial assistance for their clients and Estes Valley Crisis Advocates’ shelter with extra gloves, hand sanitizer, tissues, and bleach to keep their spaces safe. And we can keep this in mind from Shine: “Try to remember that anxiety is a blend of fear and hope, and see if you can keep the hope part in mind too.” Virusanxiety.com has lots of tips and ideas for how to get through this. And remember, we will get through this. Peace, Mary PS- I didn’t forget about Women’s History Month. Please watch for that column, already written, at a later date. Mary Mesropian has lived in the Estes Park area since 1994 and was the Volunteer Coordinator of Hospice of the Estes Valley in the late 90s until 2000 when she became Executive Director of Estes Valley Crisis Advocates. She retired from EVCA in 2016 and is now a Celebrant, officiating weddings and other ceremonies. Her email is maryruthdancer@yahoo.
Easter Daisies in bloom
Photo by Marcia Tavel
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 31
epnews.com
1820 FALL RIVER ROAD
$2,950,000
1042 LEXINGTON LANE
tŝƐŚŝŶŐ LJŽƵ Ă ǁŽŶĚĞƌĨƵů ^ƉƌŝŶŐ͊
Commercial Riverfront
5 Bed/4 Bath 4000 sq. ft.
BEAUTIFUL INCOME-GENERATING resort on Fall River.
1880 SKETCHBOX LANE #5
$799,000
GREAT INVESTMENT: House, apartment and guest suite.
$369,000
507 GRAND ESTATES DRIVE, J
$315,000
1370 RAVEN CIRCLE, UNIT A
$499,900
Exceptionally Nice Cabin
New Listing
Maintenance Free Living
WARM, INVITING stand alone vacation rental cabin. Turnkey, income producing!
DRAMATICOPENFLOORPLANinthisPineMeadow,endunit,townhomestylecondominium.
RARE RANCH MEADOW Duplex Condominium. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus loft.
3303 NIMBUS DR.
1120 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE
503 RIVERROCK CIRCLE
$1,150,000
$459,000
In-law Suite
New Listing
$819,000
Style, Quality, Value
MAGNIFICENT TIMBER FRAME house completed in 2019. Furnishings included.
CLASSIC ESTES PARK charm in this 3 bedroom/3bath home, dbl garage.
LUXURY FURNISHED 5 bed/ 4 bath, 4,200 sq ft residence at Riverrock.
VARIETY OF FLOOR PLANS
1857 HIGHWAY 66
2250 BLUE SPRUCE COURT
Starting at $3,000
Text 896276 to 970-237-4137
Enjoy a Rocky Mtn Getaway WHY BUY A SECOND HOME? Choose a timeshare for your vacations.
$590,000
Open space to the west
SECLUDED, RANCH-STYLE HOME. Gorgeous kitchen, 4 bedroom/3 bath.
Mike & Marie Edwards
Broker/Owner
970-231-0495 Wayne Newsom
Broker Assoc
970-586-4425
ESTESPARKREALESTATE.COM
Vicky Holler
Broker Assoc.
970-222-6692 Linda Schneider Broker Assoc.
970-227-0998
$675,000
BRIGHT 3000 SQ FT home in quiet location. 4 Bedroom/4 bath + lg garage.
Molly McGee
Broker Assoc.
970-308-3217 Scott Thompson Broker Assoc
970-590-9941
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Sarah Metz
Broker Assoc
352-424-1000
Mary Murphy
Broker Assoc
970-214-6350
Darya Valkavets
Broker Assoc.
720-400-0787
Office: 970-586-4425
“Where the EstesValley has been coming for real estate solutions since 1985!”
32 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Mountain Brokers
The Mountains Are Calling... We'll Guide You Home – RE/MAX 1200 Graves Avenue, Estes Park
Office: 970-586-5324
New Price
www.1340TallPines.com $985,000
www.11935PeakToPeak.info $674,999
www.225MillsMoraine.info $244,000
Call Kirk or Peggy
Call Kirk or Peggy
Call Kirk or Peggy
New Listing
www.EstesCabinCondo.com $385,000 Call Kirk or Peggy
www.1050FallRiver.info $1,550,000
2222 Highway 66 #5 $510,000
Call Kirk or Peggy
233 Jug Ct. $53,000 Call Maria or Javier
Call Dave Lasota
Under Contract
2760 Fall River Rd A5 $230,000
1850 Raven Ave. $490,000
Call Gene
909 Whispering Pines Dr $596,900
Call April
Call Dave Lasota
New Listing
689 Little Prospect Rd $499,500
Call Maria or Javier
Broker Owner CRS, CMAS
Call Kim
Under Contract
51 Wolf Dr $39,000
Kirk Fisher
1070 Crestview #4 $439,000
Call Dave Kiser
Peggy Lynch CRS, GRI, CDPE, ABR, SRES, QSC, CLHMS
371 Whispering Pines Dr. $550,000
755 Elm Rd.4 $199,000
Call Maria or Javier
Call Mike Baker
Broker
Broker
Javier Gomez
Maria Gomez
Broker, CRS, CMAS
Broker
Broker, SRES
720-936-1463
970-213-8692
970-213-9479
970-232-6231
Heidi Riedesel
Carla Spreng Webb Broker 480-695-9293
Gene Whannel
April Allen
970-586-1000
970-586-1000
970-219-0907
Mike Baker
Dave Kiser
Dave Lasota
Kim Lemirande
Cindy Miller
Broker
Broker
Broker, SRS, CMAS, GRI
970-231-2989
970-412-7283
970-481-1880
Broker, ASP, ABR, CDPE
970-888-1654
Broker, GRI, CMAS
970-691-7083
Renee Hodgden
Broker
970-481-7002
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 33
epnews.com
Coronavirus And Our MedX Community The safety and well-being of our patients and members always come first at MedX of Estes! MedX of Estes Physical Therapy clinic is open and continues to serve our patients and community. Unfortunate but necessary, Jared Polis Governor of Colorado advised all gyms (as well as cafes, restaurants, casinos, etc) close for 30 days, and so the following is referencing the MedX PT clinic only at this time. In response to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, we are committed to following updates and keeping patients, MedX members, employees and the Estes Park community informed and safe. MedX of Estes is monitoring all updates from the CDC and other credible agencies related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and working alongside our local and federal health agencies to provide the best care and communication during this time. According to the CDC, the risk to the general population is low but we are using an overabundance of caution to protect the health and safety of our patients, members, employees and community. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: ● Successful completion of your plan of care is important in helping you return to your prior home/work/recreational activities and to becoming a healthier, stronger you. MedX of Estes Physical Therapy clinic is open. Any closure or changes in hours will be communicated to current patients as those decisions are made. ● For the safety of other patients and
our team members, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment if you: ○ Have visited, or been in close contact with anyone who has visited the following countries/regions in the last 14 days: China, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Colorado counties such as Summit/Pitkin/Gunnison/Eagle ○ Have any of the following symptoms: FEVER, COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH ○ Have been in contact with someone with known or suspected Coronavirus (COVID-19) ● Our employees are taking extra precautions in addition to normal protocol to maintain safe and healthy treatment environments. This includes, but is not limited to employee education on appropriate sanitization methods, proper hand hygiene, social distancing and encouragement to stay home when showing symptoms of illness. STAYING WELL The most effective way to stay healthy and minimize spread of infection is to follow best health practices as recommended by the CDC : CLEAN YOUR HANDS OFTEN ● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. ● If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that con-
THE GOMEZ TEAM
Javier Gomez Broker 970 213-8692
estesparkproperties@gmail.com
Mountain Brokers
Maria Gomez Broker
970 213-9479
maria@estesparkproperties.realestate
51 Wolf Dr. Drake .92 of an acre in Cedar Springs estates. Enjoy the snow caped mountains with great views of Storm Mountain and Longs peak in the distance. Abundant wild life visits the area. Mostly flat lot, easy to build. Electricity at the property line. Will need well and septic. Comes with loafing shed. Could be used as pasture for your horse. Very low HOA. Easy access to National Forest close by. Roads maintained by Larimer county. Listed at $39,000
1200 Graves Avenue, Estes Park New Listing
371 Whispering Pines Dr. Carriage Hills
New Price
Single level living!! 3 bed/3 bath home on 1 acre corner lot in quiet Carriage Hills. Open floor plan with eat in kitchen. Watch the frequent wild life from the sun room. Enjoy the chilly evenings in front of the crackling wood burning fireplace in the living room. Easy access via circular driveway. Oversize 2 car garage w/ handicap access ramp. Spacious laundry room. 12 year old roof. Peaceful neighborhood close to downtown/golf course/hospital/RMNP but feels like you are far from everything. Listed at $550,000.
233 Jug Ct Enjoy the twinkling lights of Loveland and Longmont in the distance from your perch above 7000 ft. Sloping SE facing lot with great views of flat lands and the valley below. 5.57 acres. Private and serene on a quiet cul-de-sac. Off the grid with no electricity in the area but perfect for a solar system. Rocky outcroppings with pine and aspen groves and plenty of wild life. Borders national forest and close to forest access roads for hiking and mountain biking. Less than 30 minutes to Loveland and Estes Park. Possible owner financing with the right terms!! Listed for $53k.
New Listing
tains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. ● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. AVOID CLOSE CONTACT ● Avoid close contact with people who are sick ● Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick . COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES ● Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. ● Throw used tissues in the trash. ● Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. WEAR A FACEMASK IF YOU ARE SICK ● If you ARE sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are
● If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty. PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING ● Don’t shake hands. Instead, bump fists or elbows. ● When possible, increase distance between people to six feet to help reduce spread. ● Consider whether you want to take a trip or attend public gatherings. ● Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people. FOLLOW CDC GUIDELINES ON TRAVEL If there is ongoing spread in your community, consider reducing the number of large group gatherings or activities. Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places if school is closed.
HIGH RISK POPULATIONS ● Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including: ■ Older people (over age 60), especially those over 80 years. ■ People who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney not able to wear a facemask (for examdisease, or diabetes. ple, because it causes trouble breathing), ■ Older people with chronic medical then you should do your best to cover conditions are at greatest risk. your coughs and sneezes, and people People at higher risk should take action who are caring for you should wear a now to be prepared for this virus if there facemask if they enter your room. Learn is an outbreak in their community. what to do if you are sick. For people at higher risk, preparing ● If you are NOT sick: You do not need means being ready to stay at home as to wear a facemask unless you are caring much as possible if there is an outbreak for someone who is sick (and they are in the community and paying extra atnot able to wear a facemask). Facemasks tention to everyday actions like staying may be in short supply and they should away from sick people, washing your be saved for caregivers. hands frequently, and avoiding crowds. CLEAN AND DISINFECT cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/spe● Clean AND disinfect frequently cific-groups/high-risktouched surfaces daily. This includes tacomplications.html Everyone’s daily prebles, doorknobs, light switches, counterventive actions are important in tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, reducing spread to people who may extoilets, faucets, and sinks. perience more severe illness. ● If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ detergent or soap and water prior to dishttps://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdinfection. phe/2019-novel-coronavirus ● Wash your hands often with soap and www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/news/ warm water for at least 20 seconds, espestate-health-department-issues-publiccially health-order-closing-colorado-barsafter going to the bathroom; before eat- restaurants-gyms ing; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
34 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
News From The Art Center CANCELLATIONS The Art Center Board of Directors determined that in light of the present circumstances and recommendations due to this virus situation to cancel the Opening Reception of photographer
Curtis Ghent’s “The Back Roads” that was scheduled for the evening of March 20th. In addition, the special presentation by David Johnson the afternoon of March 22nd is also cancelled. It is hoped that these events can be rescheduled at a later time. ART CENTER REMAINS OPEN While there will not be an opening reception, “The Back Roads” exhibit will be open for viewing during the Art Center’s normal winter schedule of Friday
The Financial Cost Of Cancer
through Monday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. At this time, we feel that the gallery is spacious enough to practice the recommended “social distancing” and still enjoy the art work on display. We also have wipes and hand sanitizer available. So, if “cabin fever” begins to set in, come by the Art Center for a change in scenery and enjoy some artistic beauty for a little while. For those with children at home, it may be a good time to share the experience of visiting an art gallery with them. The Art Center of Estes Park is a nonprofit organization which provides a facility to support the work of local and regional artists, striving to promote exhibition, education, and excellence in the visual arts. Proceeds benefit the artist and contribute to the Art Center’s education and community outreach. The Art Center is located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue, in Middle Stanley Village, below Safeway and above Subway. For more information, please call the Art Center at 970-586-5882 or visit our website at www.artcenterofestes.com.
Real Estate Sales V Property Management V Vacation Accommodations 1861 RAVEN AVE. B3 $349K Full of natural light and comfort. This 2 bedroom condo features an open floor plan, gas fireplace in the living room and a patio off of the master bedroom. 2nd story deck off of main living area looks out onto views of mountains and Lake Estes. Enjoy being close to town and easy access to escape into Mother Nature too. Lots of storage space inside the condo and in the 1 car attached garage. Well established HOA. Come take a look and make an offer!
Judy Anderson
Eric Blackhurst
Abbey Pontius
GRI, MRE, ABR, Broker
Broker Associate
Broker Associate
970.586.2950
QUICK CLOSE – MOTIVATED SELLER!
www.KeyToEstesPark.com
866.586.2950
170 S. St. Vrain, P. O. Box 656, Estes Park, CO 80517
WONDERFUL CARRIAGE HILLS HOME This 4 bedroom 3 bath home is located in New Carriage Hills on .49 acre lot with wonderful Listing southern exposure. The main level has an open kitchen and living room area with a large window to take in the view of Twin Sisters. Recently added to the main level is a master suite with walk-out to private deck and an efficiently designed handicap bath with large walk-in shower and walk-in jetted tub. 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath are upstairs with another bedroom suite downstairs with 3/4 bath. Completing the property is a detached oversized two car garage. Call Trisha for an appointment to view 2411 Larkspur, offered for $519,000.
My name is Jeff Miller. My wife and I moved to Estes Park a little over five years ago. Most of our working background has been in the insurance business as we have owned an independent insurance agency for the past 35 years. I have helped my clients protect their finances with several different types of coverage to include Life Insurance, Medical Insurance, Medicare Supplement Insurance plus supplemental plans such as Cancer and Heart Attack / Stroke. Little did I know I would be diagnosed with Cancer. That happened, the first time, eleven years ago. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed a second time three years ago. Fortunately we owned Cancer Insurance and the insurance company has paid us over $40,000 since the initial diagnosis. We have discovered there is a critical need for sharing the following information because many Coloradans have either never heard of Cancer Insurance or mistakenly believe it pays only what their Medical Insurance doesn’t pay or don’t know that the benefits are paid directly to the patient! Did you know…. 1 out of every 3 Americans will be diagnosed with Cancer before they die? 3 out of every 4 American families will be directly affected by Cancer? Over 60% of all Cancer related costs are NON-MEDICAL? The projected cost of Cancer in the U. S. in 2020 is $174 Billion Dollars? Cancer bankrupts more American families than any other disease? If you have Medical insurance, why would Cancer cause bankruptcy? Consider the following…. When you hear your doctor say…. ”I’m sorry to tell you this but you have Cancer”…. what are you going to do? If you’re like most
people, you will do whatever it takes to lengthen or save your life. Where do you start? There are approximately 13 specialized Cancer treatment facilities in the country. Some examples are Stanford University (California), The Mayo Clinic (Minnesota), Sloan Kettering (New York) and MD Anderson (Houston). Although these are considered excellent Cancer treatment centers, you will probably begin by consulting with a local facility. Regardless of where you seek treatment, it is going to create financial costs you might not expect. The 60% of NON-MEDICAL expenses are NOT paid by your medical insurance. What are examples of those expenses? The costs include Loss of Income, Deductibles, Co-Insurance, Prescriptions, Hospital Stays, Travel to Treatment Centers, Experimental Therapy, Rehabilitation and any other unexpected costs. Did you know…. There are Cancer insurance plans that pay up to as much as $200,000? There are Cancer insurance plans that pay benefit payments for life? Cancer benefit payments are not affected by any other insurance you have? All Cancer benefit payments are paid directly to YOU? You can also protect yourself from a Heart Attack or Stroke. What would it cost you for a Cancer insurance policy? The premium can be as little as $3.00 per month (minimal coverage and part of qualified group). What can you do to protect you and your loved ones from financial loss? Where can you get help? Call me (Jeff Miller) at 501-840-2015 or send an email to jmillerassoc@gmail.com.
Vote For Koenig, Nelson, & Martchink For Town Board To Ensure Effective Government Transition As We Deal With Current National Crisis To The Editor: As we deal with the Corona Virus, it’s important to elect Board members who can effectively address town needs, and a mayor who can effectively communicate
with the County, State, and Federal officials. Wendy Koenig and Ward Nelson were Town Trustees during the 2012 fires and 2013 flood, and have the necessary experience to ensure smooth transition of our Town government as we deal with this crisis. Patrick Martchink is currently on the Board, is current on Town issues, and has effectively represented the citizens of Estes Park. I urge you to vote for Wendy Koenig for Mayor, and Ward Nelson and Patrick Martchink for Trustees. Bill Pinkham (former mayor)
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 35
epnews.com
Key Updates On The Library Facility Closure We at the library continue to carefully monitor advisories and recommendations from our state, county and local health professionals. Based on up-tothe-moment advice regarding coronavirus precautions, we made the decision to close the library building as of last Monday. We expect that closure to last at least until April 2. As a service-minded organization, this was a difficult decision. Yet experts remind us that a coordinated societal effort will “flatten the curve” of the virus’s reach, helping protect our most vulnerable populations. Here are the key updates and reminders we want to share: Do you have library materials checked out? Keep those items and enjoy them during the closure. All due dates will be suspended, so no worries about renewals. And we are fine-free. All outside book drops have been closed. When will the library re-open? Not until at least April 2, subject to the latest advisories at that time. We will monitor developments on a daily, and often hourly, basis. Library Wi-Fi will continue to be available throughout the closure, accessible from the parking lot. Practice safe distancing, if you’re out and about. Cliffhanger Used Books and the Twig Mini-Branch at the Community Center are also closed. The AARP Tax Assistance Program was suspended nationally as yet another precaution, and while no appointments are being taken, we’ll update whenever these services can resume. Those are the key closure updates. Yet while our public spaces may be closed, we want to assure you we are working remotely to keep serving you.
Most of all, please know that if you need to contact us, we are here throughout! Maybe you have a library question. Maybe you just want to connect and say hello. Email us anytime at answers@estesvalleylibrary.org. Or reach out through the library’s Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you: keeping in touch, without the current risks of touch! Last Monday afternoon, staff gathered files, laptops, monitors and all the workat-home essentials needed for this extended closure. Collaborating by phone, email and videoconferencing, our creative staffers are focused on exciting words like “online,” “virtual,” and “remote.” Some great remote services already exist, like our Digital Collections packed with 600,000 books, audiobooks, music, and movies that you can access from home 24/7. Other remote service plans are quickly in development. Watch the library’s website, email announcements, Facebook, as well as the “Estes Park News” for regular updates and announcements. While updating our website daily, we’re also compiling a resource page with reliable information resources on the coronavirus from national and local sources, and any related resources for those impacted by these difficult times. We at the Estes Valley Library continue to express gratitude to all our patrons and community partners during these unusual circumstances. Our mountain village is navigating through a time of disruption and uncertainty. Together, we will support one another, and the library is dedicated to being a part of that community unity.
Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Grant Application Deadline Fast Approaching The deadline for the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary (EVSR) 2020 Community Grants Application Program in March 31, 2020. Charitable and other tax-exempt organizations in the Estes Valley are encouraged to submit a grant application which supports programs and projects to benefit the Estes Valley community. Awards will be announced in late April. The grant application and guidelines can be found on the home page of the EVSR website, https://portal.clubrunner.ca/5242. Email the completed form to estessunriserotary@gmail.com (preferred) or mail the application to P. O. Box 4261, Estes Park, CO 80517. Funding for the Community Grants primarily comes from the two fundraising events the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary conducts each year, The Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show and Autumn Gold,
as well as through donations from community business partners and individual contributors. The EVSR greatly appreciates these partnerships as it allows ESVR the opportunity to give more back to our community. Rotary is a service organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide. Rotarians provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build peace in the world. Rotary is dedicated to promoting truth, enhancing good will and friendships, and being beneficial and fair to all concerned. Nearly 1.2 million men and women belong to over 31,000 Rotary clubs in over 160 countries. Membership is by invitation and reflects a cross section of each community. The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club is committed and dedicated to supporting the Estes Valley community.
1857 Highway 66 Serene, natural mountain surroundings with great views in every direction; lot sits adjacent to RMNP property. Spacious, well-maintained, and beautifully updated, this one-level home is move-in ready. cabiGorgeous kitchen offers quartz counters, birch cabi nets, walk-in pantry, breakfast nook, and separate formal dining. Cozy up to the beautiful stone, gas log fireplace and enjoy peace, wildlife, and mountain tranquility in this special home. Get creative in the bonus room, perfect for your hobbies. Broker Remarks: Secluded, quiet, private, and just minutes lovto downtown Estes and RMNP. Home has been lov alingly well-maintained. Enjoy the outdoors on this al most 1-acre landscaped lot. Updates include: fresh exterior paint, 6-panel solid doors, a 3-year old roof with a 30-year warranty, new Anderson windows, 1.5-year-old water heater, Sunsetter awning on front patio, asphalt driveway, and more. 2-car detached garage has a separate, insulated workshop. $590,000
Text 896276 to 970-237-4137
Kay Rosenthal PhD, RN Retirement Party Postponed After 45 years in the nursing field, Kay Rosenthal PhD, RN is retiring. You might know Kay from her work at Estes Park Medical Center, Salud's Healthy People Project, Harmony Foundation, Inc., Options for Healthy Living, or the Larimer County Department of Health. Kay’s retirement reception has been postponed at this time, due to current health situations. Watch the EP News for a future date for her celebration.
970-590-9941 MYESTESPARKREALESTATE.COM
320 East Elkhorn Avenue
R
970-586-2345 300 E. Elkhorn Avenue ANGE EALTY, LTD. The Oldest Real Estate Company In Estes Park
Beautiful Mount Meeker View lot with Cabin!
57 County Rd 113 S, Allenspark
$129,000
Ann Racine
Mike Tracy
(970) 215-3883
(303) 817-5709
Broker/Owner, GRI, CRS
www.RangeRealty.com
Broker
Toll Free 1-888-319-2345
36 Âť Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Now Is The Time To LEAN-IN To Your Community Now is the time to LEAN-IN to your community. Organizations and citizens are encouraged to visit EstesVolunteers.org to see how they might help care for individuals and the nonprofits providing essential services during COVID-19.
Dances Of Universal Peace Cancelled In consideration of current closures due to COVID-19, we will not be holding the Estes Park Dances of Universal Peace on the third Saturday of this month, March 21st. This time of having our world turned upside down leads us to exploring new ways of deepening our inner beauty and peace as well as connecting and comforting each other. There are many of the
Dances of Universal Peace on you tube led by wonderful leaders and musicians in places all over the world that you experience singing and meditating virtually. One can also use this time to explore other cultures and practices through Ted Talks and other books and podcasts. It can be a time to deepen your own skills of playing a musical instrument and singing. We will stay in touch about the possibility of the dances on the next third Saturday April 18th. For more information you can call Linda Bensey at 970214-7719. Be well and stay healthy and strong in body, mind and spirit.
Dental Screening For Estes Park Youth This past month, the Estes Park schools and local dentists in cooperation with the Estes Park Kiwanis Club offered a free dental screening for all school students that had not recently had a dental exam. Approximately 120 students, ages from kindergarten to 12th grade participated. Gentle coaxing by the dentists was common for a tooth vision of the tight-lipped little ones and there was a joyous exit for all with a no cavities response. All students left with a new tooth brush and dentifrice. There were
many cavity free mouths yet 22 of the total group were identified as needing important and immediate dental care. The schools have sent advisory letters to the parents and guardians of the students in this category along with guidance on how their child can get the needed dental care. Dental health has a strong relationship to overall body health. Hats off to all the participants for this important support to protect the health of our Estes Park youth.
Kiwanians Wayne Otto and Jay Blackwood along with young ones pointing to what the dentists were looking at during their dental screening.
EPNonprofit.org has a dedicated page for Caring During COVID-19 that aggregates news, services, and needs from nonprofits. We are better together! Strong Nonprofits = Strong Communities.
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 37
epnews.com
Things To Do With Estes Valley Recreation And Park District Issued by our Executive Director, Tom Carosello:
Estes Valley Community Center Closure – In response to the threat of novel coronavirus, the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District (EVRPD) closed the Estes Valley Community Center at 9 p.m., Friday, March 13th. The community center will remain closed for an in-
Aaron Tulley New Assistant Manager Of Golf Operations
own “Born to Move” Les Mills Virtual Series. Visit https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com, or visit evrpd.com for more info. Annual Golf Clearance Sale at the 9Hole Course Please check evrpd.com for updates if COVID-19 causes a postponement be-
After 39 great years of working at the Estes Park Golf Course, Mark Miller will be retiring. Austin Logan, the former Assistant Professional, has been promoted to Head Professional/Manager of Golf Operations. Aaron Tulley was hired as the new As-
definite duration, but we will continue to seek guidance from federal, state and local health professionals – as well as the EVRPD Board of Directors – regarding the appropriate time to resume operations. The nature of activity at the community center involves direct physical contact with various types of equipment, as well as personal-hygiene activities in shared spaces (locker rooms). Although we are extremely diligent with regard to keeping the facility clean and disinfected, it is not yet known just how contagious the virus is and exactly what measures will best reduce the risk of transmission. Due to its success as a multi-generational facility, there is typically a predictable flow of attendance by different age groups throughout each day. If the facility were to remain open during a school closure, the result could be an increase in the “mixing” of populations exceeding the norm, which could expose vulnerable groups to a higher risk of transmission. As a precautionary measure for our patrons and employees, we deemed a closure necessary at this time. Les Mills Virtual Workouts And, while you’re at home…we have our Les Mills Virtual Workouts for you! Kids can join in the fun, too with their
tween now and the sale weekend. Our Annual March Golf Sale is scheduled for this weekend at the 9-Hole Golf Course - 690 Big Thompson Avenue; The pro shop will be open from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (weather permitting). Sales will include, but are not limited to: • All Clothing 40% Off (or more) • BOGO Golf Shirts • All Shoes 70% Off • Accessories & Golf Balls 30% Off • Sale Wall (Final Clearance) Items 70% Off • Clubs, Bags, Push Carts 30% Off • Full sets of used clubs $20 - $30 per set • Used golf bags $10 - $20 • Wide assortment of individual clubs $2 each • Free Disc Golf all weekend • $5 Green fees all weekend • Door prize drawing entry for spending $10 or more* • Purchasing any season pass gets you three entries into drawing for door prizes* *Door Prizes: Pro Shop Credit, Datrek Estes Park Golf Course Duffle Bags, Estes Park Golf Course Bag Tags, and more!
sistant Manager of Golf Operations and his first day of work was March 4th. Aaron joins us from Omaha, NE where he has spent the last two years working for a Civil Engineering firm. Aaron grew up in Estes Park and graduated from Estes Park High School in 2011. After high school, Aaron attended Doane College in Crete, NE where he played baseball and obtained his bachelor's degree in 2015. Aaron's work history includes small business management, civil engineering, and work in the service industry including two years of prior experience at EVRPD. We're very excited to welcome Aaron to the team! Stop by the golf course to introduce yourself, welcome Aaron back to Estes Park, and congratulate Austin on his promotion to Head Professional/Manager of Golf Operations!
Photo by Lisa Gonzales
38 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Neighbors In Need Challenge Newcomers Health Concerns And Response By: Drew Webb
In light of the increasing recommendations from the City of Estes Park, State of Colorado, World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and many healthcare organizations that are directing citizens to minimize involvement in group gatherings, Newcomers is suspending all Newcomers sponsored events for at least March and April. This will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Specifically, we are cancelling the following: • March and April Wine & Cheese • March and April General Meetings • April Homecoming Party • All Interest Group activities For those individuals who have registered for the March General Meeting, your payment will be refunded. The Board carefully considered this action. Ultimately, our strong conviction is that the health of our active and prospective members plus our community at large must be the top priority. Since Newcomers is one of the largest social clubs in the Estes Valley, it is important that we are responsible in practicing social distancing to avoid the chance to spread the Coronavirus. We encourage other local organizations to
take the same precautions. Our Newcomers’ mission is to help our members make new friends and learn more about our community. We will be finding creative ways to stay connected with each other virtually and will provide you with information about how we may work together to help keep our lovely mountain community strong and healthy. We have much to offer to each other and to our community in this challenging time. The Tech Committee is exploring online solutions like video conferencing and virtual meeting software services that can keep our members engaged in some Interest Groups like our various book clubs. If you have ideas for how we might work, play, laugh and support each other virtually over the next 60 days, we’d love to hear from you. Please email our membership team at membership@estesparknewcomers.org if you have any questions, concerns or ideas. This is a rapidly changing situation, so please watch your email, Facebook and website for updates For now, be strong, be well, breathe deep and enjoy nature. We look forward to working with you to be a force for good for our members and for our community.
Here’s an update from the Executive Director of Crossroads Ministry, Brian Schaffer: “In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we want to share how we're responding to our neighbors who are experiencing great need. We are working tremendously hard to ensure Crossroads Ministry stays open to serve our neighbors. Crossroads is the closest food source for many of our Estes Valley residents in need. We are committed to keeping our shelves stocked and doors open. We are also working closely with families in our housing programs, schools, churches, and support service agencies. We want to assist them as much as we can in this season of financial uncertainty. A person doesn’t have to be an existing client to receive help, so come by if you need something. If you become aware of someone who is struggling with food, housing, or other basic necessities, please send them to our ministry center at 851 Dry Gulch Road. More information available at www.CrossroadsEP.org Over the last week we have been serving more clients than normal and expect a steady increase in the amount of people coming in for help. Schools are closed for a few weeks so we’re expecting this will put a strain on working parents who will be forced to stay home to care for their children. We also anticipate a need for more food and funding to support people who are being let go from seasonal employment and business closures. As a part of the emergency response plan, the Town of Estes Park is referring people who need food assistance to Crossroads. We are delivering food boxes to those confined to their home as well as adding people to our Meals on Wheels program to receive hot nutritious meals. In times like these, we realize how
much we rely on one another. Here's how you can help us and our neighbors today: Host a Food Drive in your neighborhood to help replenish our food pantry Donate online or mail in a check to PO Box 3616, Estes Park, CO 80517 Be attentive and responsive to the needs of your neighbors We value the health of people and for this reason we are taking action to limit person-to-person contact as we carry out our mission of practicing Christian love by providing basic human services to Estes Valley residents in need. • Effective Tuesday, March 17th, our lobby is closed to the public until April 6th. We will evaluate conditions prior to April 6th and decide whether to reopen. • Food distribution is taking place in our parking lot. Our volunteers walk to a person’s vehicle to take their food order and then go inside to prepare it. Once the food items are collected, the volunteer delivers it to the person’s vehicle. If a person is not in a vehicle, then he/she will wait outside at the side door of our food pantry while volunteers package up their food items. • Case management is being scheduled via phone, email, or in person at the side door of our building. Once an appointment is established each person meeting with our case manager will be escorted by a volunteer into the building one at a time. Most appointments can be done over the phone and documentation can be dropped off at our building to finalize the process of services. • Easter Blessing food distribution will take place on Friday, April 3rd. Food boxes will be delivered to a person’s residence or the person can drop by Crossroads to pick it up. A Crossroad’s representative will be calling people to take their order and make arrangements for delivery prior to April 3rd.
Meeting Notices Early Worms AA Meetings Early Worms AA meets at 7 a.m. every morning except Sunday in the basement of Saint Bartholomew’s Church at 880 MacGregor Ave. For more info, please call 970-586-1090 or 970-443-3538.
Women’s AA Group Tuesdays at 6 p.m. St. Bart’s Church. 880 MacGregor Avenue. 11 step prayer and meditation meeting, every last Tuesday of the month.
Estes Park Al-Anon Al-Anon Group in Estes Park meets from 7-8 p.m. every Friday at U.S. Bank. 363 E. Elkhorn Ave. Call (970) 481-3367 for more info.
Fall River Group of AA
EP News photo
The Fall River Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets daily at noon. Also
Sunday- 7:00 p.m.-open Monday-5:30 p.m.-Women’s Study & 7:00 p.m.-open Wednesday 7 p.m.-open Friday 7 p.m.-open Meeting location is 453 W. Elkhorn Ave. We welcome friends and visitors to attend these open meetings.
Park Al-Anon Park Al-Anon meets Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at St Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 880 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park.
AA Allenspark Monthly Meeting The 4th Thursday of every month is the AA Potluck Anniversary Meeting 5:30 p.m. Allenspark Fire Dept. Community Room Downstairs.
New Horizons Group of Narcotics Anonymous
Thursdays at 7 p.m. - Open meeting. 453 W. Elkhorn.
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 39
epnews.com
Estes Park Nets $395K In GOCO Grants For Thumb Open Space, Big Thompson Recreation Area Today the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board awarded two grants totaling $395,000 to projects in Estes Park. The Town of Estes Park, in partnership with Estes Valley Land Trust (EVLT), received a $350,000 Local Park and Outdoor Recreation (LPOR) grant to purchase a 65-acre property and create a public open space. The Town also received a $45,000 Mini LPOR grant to enhance the Big Thompson River recreation area. With its LPOR grant, the Town will acquire the 65-acre section of land and create Thumb Open Space. The property features two large rock outcroppings called “Thumb” and “Needle” that have been popular among climbers and hikers for years, but private ownership has hindered public access. GOCO funding will assist with the purchase of the property and the development of a publicly accessible open space, preventing future development there. Although the property has always been privately owned, hikers and climbers have been exploring the rocks since the 1940s. The Thumb and Needle are especially popular among beginner climbers; Tommy Caldwell, an Estes Park local and professional climber, recalls learning to climb there as a child. “The Thumb and Needle are iconic natural features in our community,” said Travis Machalek, Town Administrator for the Town of Estes Park. “Establishment of Thumb Open Space will create and ensure public access to this property so that current and future generations can enjoy the scenic beauty, hiking, and climbing opportunities that it offers.” Purchasing the property will also better protect its scenic and wildlife habitat values. “The Thumb Open Space property is highly visible from the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway,” said Jeffrey Boring, executive director of EVLT. “Purchase by the Town will enable the land trust to amend the existing conservation easements and prohibit the development of any structures. Even a single home, driveway, and utilities would have fundamentally changed the character of the steep, rocky mountainside; now that won’t be possible.” Once the purchase is finalized, the Town and community will develop a management plan to protect the scenic, wildlife, and recreation values of the property. Restrictions such as seasonal closures or access limitations will be de-
veloped as needed to preserve sensitive natural resources. Access will be limited until the management plan is complete. A grand opening is slated for fall 2021. Separately, the Town received a Mini LPOR grant to make improvements to the Big Thompson River recreation and picnic area to better accommodate its residents and nearly four million annual visitors. Currently, several amenities there are in a state of disrepair. The project includes the addition of a shelter, new picnic tables, a concrete path to improve ADA accessibility, an irrigation system, and landscaping. The recreation area is a staging point for local hiking clubs, cross country meets, and Rocky Mountain National Park visitors and campers. Project enhancements will serve a variety of user groups, provide an enhanced wildlife viewing area, facilitate outdoor education programming, and support the town’s commitment to “placemaking.” To assist with the landscaping, irrigation, and maintenance work, the town will employ youth seasonal workers. Additional youth from the local Builders Club will assist with assembling the area’s new picnic tables. The Parks Division will work closely with the town’s ADA coordinator to ensure the area’s design offers adequate access to visitors of all ages and abilities. Construction in the area is slated to begin in August with completion in spring 2021. To date, GOCO has invested more than $57 million in projects in Larimer County and conserved more than 64,000 acres of land there. GOCO funding has supported River Bluffs Open Space, Fish Creek Trail, Lory State Park, and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, among other projects. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts, and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more than 5,200 projects in all 64 counties of Colorado without any tax dollar support. Visit GOCO.org for more information.
Wildlife Responder Available To Help Knowledge, experience, skills to assist and educate individuals with and about wildlife encounters/situations. Specialty is elk, deer, bears, mountain lions. Part of Rocky Mtn. Cat Conservancy Research. If you see a kill site, call asap, or if you want more information or help with a wildlife situation, call Jayne the “Bear Lady” at 970-685-8756.
$300,000 Micro Loan Fund Created For Local Small Businesses Bank of Estes Park has created a $300,000 pool of funds for small business “micro loans, ” designated especially for the Estes Park area. Frequently, small businesses need smaller loans— from $5,000 to $50,000—for start-up costs, working capital, debt refinancing, inventory, furniture, fixtures, equipment, leasehold improvements, etc. But for various reasons, they cannot obtain traditional bank financing, or sometimes even SBA financing. However, as I used to teach business and economics students at Metropolitan State University of Denver many years ago, these smaller businesses are critical to the local economy—and especially so, at the stage where they need that extra little bit of help to launch, or to grow so they can meet demand. Bank of Estes Park is the only truly local bank in the Estes Valley, with its headquarters located right beside Bond Park in Downtown, another branch on south St. Vrain, and a satellite branch down in Niwot. Why does that matter? It matters because we are not like the other banks in Estes Park, who are remote branches of large multi-state or national banks. Estes Park is our home, our community, our local economy, our customers, our neighbors and our friends. We care about and perform for our local community on a level that really isn’t even possible for the other banks in town. And that is the reason behind our creating this large pool of funds designated for small businesses in the Estes Park area. For nearly five years we have recognized this as a need in Estes Park, and have been working behind the scenes on this solution—evaluating different ap-
proaches, considering every alternative, getting it right… Ultimately, what we did was partner with the largest Community Development Corp in the state—Colorado Lending Source. The $300,000 pool of funds will be available through its Main Street Loan Program, will be designated for small businesses in the Estes Park area, and application is easy. Simply go to www.coloradolendingsource.org/loans/colorado-mainstreet, and complete the application process—the loan will be originated and serviced through them, with reasonable pricing, and terms as long as eight years. And as those loans repay, the pool of funds will naturally grow as well, planting economic growth and vitality at the ground level in Estes Park, long into the future. It is not required that the businesses bank with Bank of Estes Park, though we certainly appreciate the organizations and community members who do bank with us, who understand the difference, and who do recognize the tremendous benefits that are brought to this community by having a truly local, community bank in town—without you, we quite literally wouldn’t exist. Compared to the other banks in town, and with a total of only 26 employees in the whole company, we are a small, local business, by almost any definition. So, out of our gratitude for your business, and for the success this community has brought to our little bank, it is our pleasure to create this pool of funds to help the other small businesses in town “take that next step” in their growth, even if they are unable to obtain traditional bank financing.
40 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
Re-Elect Patrick Martchink To The Editor: For the past four years I have had the pleasure of working with Patrick Martchink on the Estes Park Town Board. Patrick’s work as a physical therapist puts him in touch with the needs of local athletes, as well as the needs of many of our older citizens. In addition, as a husband and father of two children,
Patrick does an outstanding job of representing the young, working families of Estes Park. He demonstrates a thoughtful, science-based approach to understanding and addressing problems. He is well prepared to continue providing good leadership during difficult times; I strongly support his re-election. Ron Norris, Estes Park
Wendy Koenig For Mayor To the Editor: For over a decade I have worked closely with Wendy Koenig. I am delighted that she is running for Mayor. No one is better prepared to lead our Town: Wendy has an unparalleled knowledge of Estes Park and its history. In her eight years of previous experience on the Board of Trustees, Wendy has shown that she listens and responds to the citizens of Estes Park. As a long-time local business
owner, she understands the economic issues of our community. Finally, as we begin to face the public health impact of Coronavirus, Wendy’s training as a scientist, and her personal working relationships within our community, make her an exceptionally well-qualified choice to help us through difficult times. Please join me in voting for Wendy! Ron Norris, Estes Park
Barbara MacAlpine For Trustee To The Editor: Estes Park Trustees have a particularly important role to play when dealing with complex, controversial problems. Our community is faced, right now, with significant public health and economic issues. Barbara MacAlpine’s knowledge of
science, her enthusiasm, and her ability to bring people together to find solutions, make her an excellent candidate for Trustee. Please join me in voting for Barbara. Ron Norris, Estes Park
Supporting Ward Nelson For Town Trustee To The Editor: I would like to thank the Estes Park News for the opportunity to encourage you to elect Ward Nelson to the position of Town Trustee. I believe that trust is a vital part of being Trustee. I have known Ward for many years and know him to be a very trustworthy and dedicated individual for his family, his neighbors and his community. He is open minded and fair in his thinking and an excellent person for the job. I believe that his goal as a Trustee is to make Estes Park the best it can be for all of our varied population. He is dedicated to the preservation of
the uniqueness is Estes Park and at the same time encouraging well thought out planning for our future. I have worked with Ward on a home owners association board and know the he is a very good listener, is open to and gives careful consideration to alternative solutions and is able to recognize and formulate good compromises. I believe all of these characteristics are a prerequisite for a good Trustee. Be sure to vote and please cast your vote for Ward Nelson. Lynn Weissenrieder
Our Letter To The Editor Policy
Our goal is to always provide the best service possible to our community. We accept and print letters to the editor regardless of the submitters opinion or subject matter. We try to print everything as space allows. We welcome opinions from all perspectives because it provides the opportunity for each of us to learn and develop our own opinion on any important issue. We, however, do not print letters that are hateful, hurtful, or vicious towards another individual or group of people. This has always been our policy because we believe a courteous, respectful approach to communicating is the best way to make a real difference. If you would like to submit your letter to the editor, email it to kris@estesparknews.com.
Vote For Wendy Koenig For Mayor To The Editor: Intelligence, listening skills, awareness, experience and absolute completion. All this in Wendy Koenig. She was a trustee on the Town Board from 2010 to 2018, serving as Mayor pro tem successfully. She is very determined
and extremely optimistic about the future of our town. Estes Park will move forward in a positive direction with her guidance as Mayor. Our hope is that you vote for Wendy Koenig on April 7th. Randy and Karen Martin
The What If’s Before Restorative Justice To The Editor: Coming back from a hike in Ouzel falls my roommate and I stumbled across a road works project where workers had replaced old road signs with new undamaged ones. This left a series of downed stop signs littered down on the side of the residential portion of CO-7. At first, we thought nothing of the several signs stacked on the side of the road. However, as we continued down the highway, we noticed that there were several people taking the signs and bringing them into their homes or taking them away into their trucks. Then we started to think, were the signs abandoned property? The signs were no longer being used to direct traffic so what could be the harm. From here we pondered what we could do with one of those signs ourselves. The walls of our dorm room had been very much lacking in any kind of decorations, making it feel like home. What would be better than a stop sign to decorate and make our room look amazing, like those quintessential dorms one sees in the movies. At this point we decided to park our car, get out, and try to take the downed stop sign. Almost immediately the chief of police and several other officers caught us. I was in complete shock by how this incident played out. I became so uncertain about the effects of what this potential theft charge would have on my future. I thought nothing of taking the downed sign, and just wanted to decorate the walls of my room. I began to reflect on my actions and think about the “what if ’s” of this particular scenario. I thought about the future of my education and my academic
career, and then future job opportunities, and how this would affect my friendships and my family. A theft charge could so easily and drastically change all of these factors, affecting my livelihood in both the near and distant future. I could have lost scholarships to my university, or even lost admission to my university. A few weeks after this incident I received a call from the Estes Park Police Department who invited me to take part in their restorative program. I immediately jumped at this opportunity. Restorative Justice allowed me to avoid my court date and rid me of the stress and anguish that I put on myself after this incident. Instead the program allowed me to right of my misbehavior and realize the mistakes I had made. I was able to meet with community members, police officers, and restorative justice facilitators to tell my story and provide an apology for the damage I had done. Although some may seem this as a low-level attempted crime, through RJ I was made aware that, even though the signs were downed on the side of CO-7 and appeared to be abandoned, crimes of any sort, especially in a residential area make people feel unsafe within their own homes and could affect several people’s wellbeing. I am very thankful to have been able to take part in Restorative Justice as it saved me from going down a potentially life changing course and realize that my actions do indeed affect others. The moral of this story is to think twice before acting impulsively, instead of thinking about yourself first, think of the repercussions that your actions may have on others. A Restorative Justice client
Surviving The Coronavirus To The Editor: School closings, sports event cancellations, food hoarding... We live in a new Coronavirus-induced world. Yet some personal health facts remain unchanged. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer good advice for preventing community spread and personal infection: apply social distancing, sanitize surfaces, wash your hands, don't touch your face. But, there's more... Does anyone wonder why uncounted numbers of infected people develop no symptoms and only 20 percent of symptomatic people require hospitalization? It's because they have an effective immune system able to fight off the virus. But the CDC does not talk about that, perhaps for fear of offending powerful animal food industries.
Fortunately, good advice on boosting our immune system is readily available on the internet from trusted sources like WebMD and Healthline. And the advice is always the same: • •Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits and leafy greens •Refrain from dairy, other fatty animal products, and sugar-laden foods •Maintain daily exercise of 30-60 minutes •Minimize your stress level and get adequate sleep Did I mention that this advice works great for all other nasty bugs as well? Sincerely, Everett Prang Estes Park, CO
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 41
epnews.com
Roger Tackman
04/17/1959-3/4/2020 Roger Tackman was born in Bay City, Michigan, son of Barbara and Earl Tackman (predeceased). He went to high school in Saginaw Michigan and graduated in 1977 from Douglas MacArthur High School. After graduation he made the move to his beloved Colorado. He enjoyed anything involving the great outdoors, fishing especially held a special place in his heart! Roger, who was known and loved by many, had a heart the size of the universe. He was a thoughtful and
Photo by Tim Nicholson
selfless man; he would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. He was someone you could call on at any time of the day and he would be there. He was an amazing friend, loving husband, caring father and dotting grandfather; his memory and the impact he had on so many lives in his 60 years on this earth will never be forgotten. Roger was quite literally a “handyman, ” his hands created, fixed and built many beautiful works that will forever be a reminder of his presence. He built his career in carpentry, remodeling and creative building were his specialties; he could see what could be, the potential of a home, a bathroom, a backyard and he put everything he had into what he did. He took pride and joy in his work, not only for himself but for the people he served. Roger was preceded in death by youngest brother Kevin and older sister Linda. He is survived by his wife Tammy Tackman; son Kyle Ingham; daughters, Calynn, Megan (Richard), Amber (Jimmy), along with his five grandchildren; brothers Gary (Teresa), Lloyd, Daniel and Paul along with his sister, Mary.
Barbara MacAlpine For Town Trustee To The Editor: Thank you Barbara MacAlpine for an educated acknowledgement of seniors (we’re not dead yet!) as a large contingent of the Estes Park population, contributing heavily to the community through volunteer activities, program participation and financial generosity. Very refreshing compared to other trustee candidates referring to ‘meeting the needs of an aging population,’ or referring to young families, children, and
workforce, and leaving seniors out altogether. Seniors are here to stay and will not ‘age out’ of Estes Park. They will keep coming along with all other ages for all that the Estes Valley has to offer. Trustees and candidates, would you please be mindful of all in our community when making decisions for what’s in the best interest of Estes Park? Your service and efforts are greatly appreciated! Donna Pierce
Celebration Of Life For James (Jimmy) Harrington 6/8/64-3/4/20 There will be a Celebration of Jimmy’s life with a Mass in the beautiful chapel at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home in Aurora at S. Parker Road in the near future. The service has been postponed due to the virus.
42 » Friday, March 20, 2020
EMPLOYMENT » Place and View Ads at EPNews.com « EMPLOYMENT
NOW HIRING
CDL DRIVERS
Part Time, Flexible Hours $20-25/hr plus gratuity Call Nick at 970-980-9023
PT Housekeeper 1-2 days/wk, 4-6 hrs/day. Must speak English, be responsible, reliable. Late April-mid Oct. Excellent pay. Near YMCA. 970-586-3720. Swiftcurrent Lodge
Harmony Foundation is Hiring! If you have food service, dish washing, or housekeeping skills, we would like to invite you to apply for full-time, part-time, and temporary positions. Please stop by our office at 1600 Fish Hatchery Road on Saturday 21st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm to fill out an application. If you would like an application emailed to you please send us an email to hr@harmonyfoundationinc.com. Applicants who are offered employment will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test.
Check Out Our Current Openings... • Senior Living Housekeeping Assistant $13.50 per hour
• Senior Living Medication Aide (Resident Care Specialist) Starting wage 13.50 per hour + Differential Please apply on line at www.good-sam.com
Year Round. Full-Time positions qualify for benefits which include health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability and paid time off.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Join Our Team TEMPORARY POSTIONS AVAILABLE Food Service Worker/Cook EVS Techs/Housekeepers Apply online at: eph.org
555 Prospect Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517 970‐577‐4458
epnews.com
The Ridgeline Hotel is looking to add a motivated and committed Facilities Supervisor to our team. This position is full time, year round, with bene‐ fits and PTO. Must be able to work nights and weekends and have a valid driver’s license. Position is responsible for assisting the planning, implementation and supervision of all day to day Maintenance Department activities for the operation of The Ridgeline Hotel and Trendz. Essential Functions: • Responsible for the daily operation and performance of general maintenance of commercial systems, including: electrical, refrigeration, plumbing, building repair and winter-keeping, for the facilities. • Supervise and/or coordinate the activities of Maintenance associates. • Oversee major and minor repairs to all Delaware North facilities • Assist in developing capital budget for Maintenance Department. • Assist in overseeing contract/sub-contract repairs at Delaware North facilities. • Assist in planning of new construction, remodeling, and alteration projects. • Direct all activities for the start-up and shut-down of all facilities, with respect to security, water, sewer, electricity, propane, equipment, and snow removal. • Oversee departmental compliance with all GreenPath initiatives, applicable codes and regulations including but not limited to Life Safety, NFPA, OSHA, NEC, and UPC. • Other related duties at the direction of the general manager. Education, Experience and Skills: • Minimum of five years’ experience in general maintenance, general electric electrical, general plumbing and refrigeration. • Proven ability to supervise others. • Valid driver’s license. • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. • Excellent customer service skills and problem solving ability. • Ability to adhere to GuestPath’s Universal Service Standards Please apply online at www.delawarenorth.com UPPER THOMPSON SANITATION DISTRICT
SECRETARY / RECEPTIONIST
Celebrating our 49th year of environmental stewardship, the Upper Thompson Sanitation District endeavors to attract and retain a competent, positive, energetic and highly motivated professional individual. Our organization is committed to delivering quality customer service with a mission to ensure preservation, protection, and enhancement of the environment and our community. We are looking for an exceptional individual to join our team who possesses a strong desire to contribute to the growth, success and mission of the Upper Thompson Sanitation District. We are currently accepting applications for a full-time Secretary/Receptionist. The successful candidate offers superior professionalism, communication skills, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, working in a varied task setting requiring concentration and prioritizing of duties. Desirable experience includes advanced education or applicable training, proficiency in MS Office and prior office experience. UTSD is a drug and tobacco free workplace. Prior to employment, the successful candidate is required to complete employment and substance screening, including a background investigation.
Join Our Team Medical Assistant /LPN Physician’s Clinic
Full Time SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE
Salary range is $37,000-$54,000 and includes an attractive and competitive employee benefit package, including medical/dental/vision insurance. We are committed to attracting an exceptional person to work with our team, share our vision, and our passion to be the premier sanitary sewer provider in the Estes Valley. The complete job description and employment application are available online at www.utsd.org or at the District Administration Office, located at 2196 Mall Road, M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Application and resume may be delivered, emailed, or mailed to Upper Thompson Sanitation District; ATTN: Chris Bieker, District Manager, P.O. Box 568, Estes Park, CO 80517. Email: chris@utsd.org Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Upper Thompson Sanitation District (UTSD) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or gender expression, religion, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, or sexual orientation in employment or in any program or activity conducted by the District. The District will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities. If any person has a disability and requires a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact District Manager, Mr. Chris Bieker, three days before the event via email at chris@utsd.org, or telephone at 970.586.4544, or dial 711 to connect with Relay Colorado.
Apply online at: eph.org
555 Prospect Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517 970‐577‐4458
Aldrich Builders is seeking entry level or experienced full time framers and trim carpenters. Must have reliable transportation and work well with others. Pay commensurate with experience. To schedule an interview, please call 970-586-5796.
EMPLOYMENT » Place and View Ads at EPNews.com « EMPLOYMENT
epnews.com
Latitude 105 Alehouse is hiring
BARTENDERS!!!
Part time and full time opportunities available. We pay weekly! Please apply online at www.delwarenorth.com
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 43
Join Our Team
Join Our Team
Registered Nurse Physician’s Clinic
Medical Assistant /LPN
Full Time
Physician’s Clinic
Full Time
SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE
SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE
Apply online at: eph.org
Apply online at: eph.org Boys & Girls Club Summer Youth Development Specialist Join the fun this summer at the Boys & Girls Club in Estes Park! This position will help to foster a fun, safe, and positive summer experience for kids between the ages 6-18 years old. This individual will assist in one or more of the following activity areas: education, technology, sports, recreation and the arts. We offer flexible schedules and a fun work environment. Term dates are May 26, 2020 - July 31, 2020, pay scale is $13.00 - $15.00 per hour. Interested applicants should go to https://www.be-
555 Prospect Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517 970‐577‐4458
greatlarimer.org/careers/
to find out how to apply.
Painters full and part time positions available. 970-518-4001 JOIN OUR TEAM!
Full details on open positions can be found at estes.org/jobs. The Town of Estes Park is accepting applications for:
Help us Help Others Become a CAREGiver Starting at $15 per hour No Medical Background required Flexible Schedule Training and Local Support provided Rewarding & Meaningful Job! Apply online at HomeInstead.com/northerncolorado or call for more information 970‐494‐0289
555 Prospect Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517 970‐577‐4458
YEAR-ROUND OPPORTUNITIES
Housekeeping Crew Leader Hiring for Part-Time and Seasonal Positions Preschool Classroom Aide Museum Volunteer Family Reservations Agent
Employee Perks Staff Culture Flexible Scheduling Our Mission Year-Round Full Benefits YMCA Retirement Plan
Resident Assistant Office Driver
Building Permit Technician Close Date: April 20, 2020 by 5pm. Emergency Services Dispatcher Close Date: Open until filled Journey Lineworker Close Date: Open until filled Mechanic II/III Close Date: Open Until Filled Planner I Close Date: Open until filled Seasonal Position Events Maintenance Worker Close Date: July 31, 2020 Parks Maintenance Worker Close Date: Open until filled Volunteer/Committee Board Positions Estes Park Board of Appeals Plumbing Experience Close Date: Open until filled Parks Advisory Board Close Date: Open until filled (Committee application required) Applications are available at: Town Hall 170 MacGregor Ave. Room 130 (Mon-Fri 8 am – 5 pm) or www.estes.org/ jobs Return Application to: Town of Estes Park, Attn: HR; by mail to PO Box 1200, Estes Park, CO 80517; or via Email to HR@Estes.org or via Fax to (970) 577-4770. 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 gearing up for end of summer and the fall season and hiring for the following positions starting at $13.80/hr.: • Checker • Courtesy Clerk • Day-Stocker • Overnight Stocker • Bakery Clerk • Deli Clerk • Produce Clerk • Seafood Clerk • Cake Decorator • Meat Cutter Get your application at: www.careersatsafeway.com. After your application has been completed, please call our hiring manager Ann at 970.586.4447.
RENTALS
RENTALS
RENTALS
Apartments
Townhomes
Commercial Rentals
2 BR 1 BA townhouse 1 car garage, W/D No pets, no smoking $1700/mo + utilities + deposit Available April 303-956-7685
Commercial Rentals HISTORIC APARTMENT RESIDENCE Original Nat’l Park Visitor Center, 351 Moraine Avenue near the Center of Estes Park 973 Sq. Feet – Vaulted Ceilings, 1 Bedroom ¾ Bathroom, Large Living Room / Fireplace Kitchen with Dining Area 970-586-8846
COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE DELUXE OFFICE SUITE High Quality Finishes. at Signature Square Private Setting Located On 351 Moraine Avenue. River. Reasonable Rates. Original, restored National 6 Offices Available. Call Park Visitor Center. Bret Freedman 973 square feet; vaulted 970-215-2494 beam ceilings & stone fireplace, kitchen/breakout; Commercial 1100 Sq. Ft. 3/4 bathroom with shower: mountain views; landbusiness space. Great parking, awesome visibility scaped property & parking. 970-586-8846 from Hwy 7 - reasonable rate. Call Mark @ 214-616-9430
44 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
RENTALS
SERVICES
SERVICES
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
SALES
Commercial Rentals
Home Repair/Service
Piano Tuning
Homes
Commercial
Estate Sales
3600 sq. ft. Commercial Zoned Building 2 12x12 garage doors, office/showroom, large parking lot. 970-231-6360
ESTATE/GARAGE SALE; Need to have one, but seems overwhelming. We do the work, you make the $. Local, Affordable, References. CALL NOW 970-215-5548
Class A Office 2014 Construction, Full Service, Furnished or Unfurnished offices in Downtown location, Near Town Hall. $450 to $550 per month. All internet options including Fiber available. Includes Conference Room, Handicap Restrooms, Copy and Scanning Facility, Coffee Room. Call Thom at Verus Commercial, Inc. 970-586-2448
SERVICES
Susan Novy, local piano tuner. Call for appt. 577-1755 www.estesparkpiano tuner.com
HOUSEHOLD Furniture Alpha Home Improvements 303-747-9077 •Over 25 years experience installing carpet,tile wood, vinyl, laminate •Free estimates
Home Repair/Service
Check out this move-In Ready ranch style home on full acre lot. Call Deb Youngbluth with Keller Williams 1st Realty Partners/Mike Nelson Team at 303-517-2283
Misc.
Condos/Townhomes
Other-Misc Cabinet in excellent condition 970-412-3478
2 Story CONDO 2BR/2BA. Stove/Refrig/DW/W-D.FP. $306,300. 514 Grand Estates Drive B3 970.599.1569
Commercial Need Help Around The House? I do household Concrete Services: chores, yard work, houseDriveways-Patios-RV keeping, run errands, auto Demo-haul-frame-pour detailing & yes... I do winCall Today for your FREE dows! I am a long time Estimate resident having now lived Alfonso Regalado in Estes Park for 38 yrs! 970-412-0332 Plenty of references! Call Janice at 970-215-6612. Let me help you!
ELECTRONICS
FREE HP LaserJet 2420 printer plus extra laser toner cartridge. 970-586-5596
TRANSPORATION
Estate Sale Fri, Sat, & Sun Mar 20-22 9am - 2pm all 3 days 1861 Raven Ave Building D, Unit #1 Tools, Patio Table & Chairs, Ladders, Bar Stools, Twin Beds, Sewing Machine, Flat Screen TV’s, Step Stools, Household items/bedding, Office Furniture & Supplies, File Cabinets, Lots of Camping Gear, Fly Fishing Waiters/Boots, Holiday Decor. Cash or check only.
2014 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4. 106,000 miles. $16,000. 816-260-0941
Commercial Spaces for sale and lease. Call Eric. Anderson Realty. 586-2950
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER APPLIANCE REPAIR
ARCHITECTURE
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 970-586-2557 snydersappliance.com ACCOUNTING Tax Minimization
QuickBooks Support
CLOUD@CCOUNTING
MuellerPyeCPA.com
970.667.1070
ATTORNEYS
epnews.com
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
ATTORNEYS cont.
COMPUTER SERVICES
CARPET CLEANING
CHIMNEY SWEEP
CLEANING SERVICES
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 45
ENGINEERING
FLOORING
DECK BUILDING/REPAIR
DRYWALL CONTRACTOR
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
ELECTRICIANS
CLEANING SERVICES cont. CELEBRATING
25 YEARS 1993-2018
Design | Build | Remodel
General Contractors | Timber Frame & Log Homes Serving the Colorado Northwest Mountains since 1993
970-586-7711 | www.ldwatkins.com
46 Âť Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
GENERAL CONTRACTOR cont.
HANDYMAN SERVICES cont.
HOT TUBS & POOL SERVICES
970-586-1685 Custom Homes, Additions, Kitchens, Baths, Historic Renovations, Remodels and Design Work
Charles Santagati 1191 Graves Ave glaciercreekinc.com Full service general contracting since 1998
INSURANCE
02817$,1 9,(: &216758&7,21 ,1& %5,$1 '21$+8( *HQHUDO &RQWUDFWRU ‡ +LVWRULFDO 5HVWRUDWLRQ 5HPRGHO ‡ *DUDJHV 'HFNV ‡ +RPH 5HSDLU ‡ 6QRZ 3ORZLQJ ‡ 'ULYHZD\ 5RDG 5HFRQVWUXFWLRQ ‡ *URXQGZDWHU 0LWLJDWLRQ ‡ 6HSWLF ,QVWDOODWLRQ ‡ 6NLG 6WHHU 6HUYLFH
‡ ‡ 7DKRVD UDQFK#JPDLO FRP
INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE
/,&(16(' ,1685('
720.438.1088 jharris@sevenwest.build • EXCAVATION AND SEPTIC INSTALLS • INTERIOR TRIM • STRUCTURAL FRAMING • COMPLETE HOME RENOVATIONS • WE PROVIDE SUB-CONTRACTING SERVICES TO GENERAL CONTRACTORS Licensed and insured. NAWT certified, Boulder County Public Health license number A-082-16. General Contractor License Number CON-16-0212
We oer Enhanced Cleaning Services for COVID �19 fight!
LINEN SUPPLY -LAUNDRY SERVICE
OPTOMETRIST
HEARING & TINNITUS CARE Cory D. Workman, Au.D. Phone: 970-586-5255 • Hearing Aids / New & Repair • Hearing Evaluations • Hearing Protection • Ear Care / Wax Removal • Dizziness / Balance
GLASS - NEW / REPLACEMENT
1186 Graves Ave., Ste. B Estes Park, CO 80517 Fax: 970-577-7260 drcory@estesparkaudiology.com www.estesparkaudiology.com
HOME LIGHTNING PROTECTION
LIGHTNING DEFENSE SYSTEMS TIM STOLZ Owner
P.O. Box 4590 Estes Park, CO 80517
970-518-4001
testolz@hotmail.com www.lightningdefensesystems.com
PAINTING
Call us for all of your painting or staining needs!
• Residential/Commercial • Log Homes/Decks • Free Estimates • 4 Year Warranty
• Interior/Exterior • Power Washing • Local References • Licensed & Insured
Tim Stolz, Owner • 970-518-4001• 26 Years Experience e-mail: testolz@hotmail.com • www.bestway-painting.com
epnews.com
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
PAINTING cont.
PLUMBING AND HEATING
POWER GENERATION
Friday, March 20, 2020 « 47
ROOFING
TREE SERVICE
PRINTING
PROPANE PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPHY
Property Pruners
REAL ESTATE PEST CONTROL
Full Tree Service, Landscaping and Fire Mitigation. Snow Removal and Yard Cleaning 343 S. St. Vrain Ave. #6 Estes Park, CO 80517 Steven@EPPruners.com Office: (970) 966-5113 propertypruners.com
Licensed & Insured
WINDOW CLEANING
RENTAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
PHYSICAL THERAPY
48 » Friday, March 20, 2020
epnews.com
1090 Pine Knoll Dr
800 Macgregor Ave~H4
790 Big Horn Dr~B
$749,000 2809 Fish Creek Rd
NE W
$250,000 667 Cedar Ridge Cir
Antler’s Pointe~#7
$732,300 Hummingbird Dr Lot
$249,000 175 Curry Dr Lot
$98,700 1830 Stonegate Dr Lot
$395,000
$595,000
$599,000 Deer Path Ct Lot
$109,000 117 Wiest Dr~Commercial
$369,000 2734 Ypsilon Cir Lot
$195,000
Call us to use our FREE Moving Truck.
$169,000