The Town of Estes Park will give away 400 free blue spruce saplings to celebrate Arbor Day 2024. This distribution event takes place outside the Estes Valley Library, 335 E. Elkhorn Ave., on Saturday, April 27, from 12 to 2 p.m. or while supplies last.
Trees will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two trees per person. Care instructions for the saplings will be provided. New this year is the option to use a free potting station, with pots and soil provided. Support for this event comes from Platte River Power Authority, which donated the funds for the saplings, pots and soil; and the Estes Valley Library, which is hosting the event. The Town of Estes Park is proud to receive the designation of “Tree City, USA” in 2024. This is the Town’s 27th year to achieve the title from the Arbor Day Foundation. More information on this designation is available at arborday.org/programs/treecityusa. For more information, please contact Brian Berg, Parks Supervisor and Certified Arborist, at 970-577-3783 or bberg@estes.org.
Applications are currently being accepted for volunteer positions on the Estes Park Planning Commission. To learn more about the boards and commissions and to view meeting minutes, projects, and associated links, please visit www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings.
The volunteer application is available on the Town’s website at www.estes.org/volunteering. A resume and cover letter are required to be submitted with the volunteer application. These positions are open until filled, and interviews are anticipated to be held by the end of May.
Brian Schaffer, Fire Chaplain at Estes Valley Fire Protection District, was nominated and awarded the Chaplain of the Year from the Rocky Mountain Police and Fire Chaplains.
“Chaplain Schaffer’s unwavering dedication and compassionate spirit have truly set a standard of excellence. This recognition as Chaplain of the Year is not only well-deserved but also a testament to the profound impact he has had on the lives of those he serves. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement. Your Estes Valley Fire family loves you!” Fire Chief Rick Lasky
Chaplain Schaffer is the sole Chaplain for the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD). The EVFPD consists of 58 members [and their families]. Chaplain Schaffer is a constant presence in the firehouse. He attends our weekly training sessions and often speaks at the beginning of each training on personnel wellness and self-care. He gives practical tools for our members to implement proactive measures before the stressors pile up. Chaplain Schaffer attends all department functions including bimonthly "family dinners," award cere-
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.
monies, graduations, open houses, etc. He provides opening prayer (upon request) and invocations and benedictions as appropriate. Chaplain Schaffer usually highlights a member or the organization during this time. In 2023/2024
Chaplain Schaffer was essential in getting the Chaplaincy SOP and Job Description written and passed by the board of directors allowing greater functionality to be performed by the Chaplain in the Estes Valley. In addition to the above-mentioned duties that Chaplain Schaffer performs, he is also the head of our Peer Support Team which has eight members. He organizes lunches for our team, trains at his place of employment and manages our chaplain budget which he gives funds to members in need. Often Chaplain Schaffer tasks the members of the Peer Support Team to reach out to select members of the EVFPD culminating in all members getting a phone call or an in person check in. Chaplain Schaffer is deserving of the 2024 RMPFC Chaplain of the year for all of his volunteer efforts for the EVFPD and the Estes Valley Community.
Congratulations Chaplain Schaffer!
During the week of April 14th, 2024, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 7 calls for service. This included:
•Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 3
•Down Power Line: 2
•Alarm Activation: 1
•Mutual Aid: 1
Estes Valley Fire www.estesvalleyfire.org
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
On 4/15/2024 at 2:02 p.m. a 22 year old male from Estes Park turned himself in for an outstanding warrant at the Estes Park PD. The male was wanted on a warrant arrest for a traffic offense. He was arrested and later released on bond.
On 4/15/2024 at 6:14 p.m. police were called to the 500 block of Stanley Avenue on a complaint of an assault. On scene, police contacted a 39 year old female from Estes Park and charged her with assault. She was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
On 4/16/2024 at 2:46 p.m. police arrived in the 1600 block of Manford Avenue to contact a 15 year old juvenile female from Boulder County, Colorado who was wanted on outstanding warrants. The warrants were for misdemeanors x 3 and she was arrested and transported to the Boulder County Juvenile Assessment Center. The legal guardian and administrators were informed of the arrest.
On 4/17/2024 at 1:43 p.m. police contacted a 19 year old female from Larimer County, CO in the 1200 block of Gray Mountain Drive for a civil issue and she was found to have a warrant for a misdemeanor – failure to appear. She was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
On 4/17/2024 at 4:15 p.m. police contacted a 76 year old female from Estes Park in the 200 block of Park Lane who was wanted on an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor – failure to appear. She was arrested and later released on bond from the Estes Park Police Department.
On 4/17/2024 at 2:30 p.m. a 75 year old male from Estes Park turned himself in for an outstanding warrant at the Estes Park PD. The male was wanted for a traffic offense – failure to appear. He was arrested and later released on bond from the Estes Park PD.
On 4/17/2024 at 2:41 p.m. police contacted
a 63 year old male from Estes Park in the 1300 block of Kinnikinnic Court. The male was wanted for a misdemeanor. He was arrested and released on bond from the Estes Park PD.
On 4/17/2024 at 4:33 p.m. police contacted a 36 year old Estes Park male on East Riverside Drive at Ivy Street. He was wanted for a misdemeanor-failure to appear, was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
On 4/17/2024 at 5:23 p.m. police contacted a 57 year old male from Estes Park in the 100 block of Davis Street who was wanted on a warrant for failure to appear. The male was arrested and later released on bond from the Estes Park PD.
On 4/17/2024 at 1:00 p.m. police were called to the 1300 block of Manford Avenue on a complaint of an assault. On scene, they contacted a 30 year old female who was found to be wanted on a warrant/misdemeanor for failure to appear. She was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
On 4/17/2024 at 3:02 p.m. police contacted a 39 year old Estes Park female in the 200 block of East Riverside Drive who was wanted on an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor –failure to comply. She was arrested and later released on bond from the Estes Park PD.
On 4/17/2024 at 3:50 p.m. police contacted a 28 year old Estes Park male in the 300 block of South Saint Vrain Avenue for an outstanding warrant. He briefly refused to comply with orders, and was eventually safely taken into custody. He was wanted on a warrant for a felony – parole hold. The male was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
On 4/20/2024 at 9:25 p.m. police stopped a 33 year old male driver from Estes Park in the 500 block of Big Thompson Avenue on a REDDI report. The male was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). He was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
Talk Thursday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Room, 170 MacGregor Ave. Trustee Lancaster is attending in place of Trustee Hazelton, who was previously scheduled for this session. This is an opportunity for community members to discuss local issues with members of the board in an informal setting. This session will be an open discussion on local issues.
A senior student at Loveland Classical Schools, Julia Dicks, is the winner of the Larimer County 2024 “I Voted” sticker design contest.
Julia’s design was chosen from public voting. “Larimer County residents cast their vote throughout the week of April 8-12 and I’m thrilled to announce Julia Dicks, a senior at Loveland Classical Schools as the winner of the “I Voted” sticker design contest,” Larimer County Clerk & Recorder Tina Harris said.
The announcement was also made on the Larimer County Clerk & Recorder’s social media channels https://www.facebook.com/LarimerCountyClerkAndRecorder and X [formerly Twitter]
https://twitter.com/larimer_clerk, as well as the Larimer County Clerk & Recorder’s website at https://www.larimer.gov/ivotedsticker
In February, local area high school students were invited to participate in Larimer County’s first-ever “I Voted” sticker design contest. After an internal review of the submissions made, the top ten finalists were selected.
When polls opened to the community on April 8th, residents were encouraged to cast their vote with the winning design to be featured on the stickers issued to all Larimer County voters in the November 2024 General Election.
The Estes Park Housing Authority recently closed on the purchase of a new property to add to workforce housing in Estes Park. Grand Estates, located at 507 Grand Estates Dr. Estes Park, CO 80517, consists of 16 two-bedroom units that now qualify as workforce housing. Households that are interested in renting
a unit at Grand Estates can visit the EPHA office at 363 E. Elkhorn Ave., Ste. 101, Estes Park, CO 80517 to complete an application and be added to the wait list. If you are currently on a waitlist for other EPHA properties, please call our office at 970-591-2535 to be added to the Grand Estates waitlist.
The Estes Park Housing Authority provides a variety of housing options and services for qualified low-to-moderateincome households. We understand the unique challenges facing the people who live and work in this beautiful valley, and we are here to help! We are excited to announce the Workforce Rental Assistance Pilot Program in partnership with Crossroads Ministry. With increasing housing costs across the Estes Valley, EPHA recognizes the need to assist households with more affordable options and keep rent below 35% of household annual income. This program will support renters within the Estes Park R3 school district boundary that work for a local business, with monthly rental subsidy or a one-
time grant to assist with their security deposit and first month’s rent. Crossroads Ministry administers a successful emergency rental assistance program and EPHA is excited to expand this program to serve more families in our community. Households interested in the program should fill out an application from the Crossroads Ministry website (crossroadsep.org/get-help) and call 970-577-0610 after the application is complete to schedule a meeting with a Crossroads Client Advocate. For more information about the Workforce Rental Assistance Pilot Program, contact Jeff Mabry at the Estes Park Housing Authority by email, jmabry@estes.org, or by phone, 970-5417048.
Does U.S. – China Trade Rivalry Trigger the Tiawan Invasion?
Staying well informed and up-to-date on the prevailing American issues of our time has never been more difficult or complicated than it is right now. Understanding real facts and unbiased information that directly affect you, your children, and your grandchildren has never been more important. Where else can you find that kind of critical knowledge in Estes Park? The New York Times? The BBC? CNN or Fox?
The Answer: The Great Decisions Forum hosted at the friendly confines of the Estes Valley Library.
sonal experiences. The Forum is apolitical and focuses on building understanding that we need to be educated voters and wise taxpayers. Diversity of ideas is heartily welcomed and embraced by all during our discussion.
For the month of May topic is US – China Trade Rivalry
Dr. Jonathan Chanis, National Committee American Foreign Policy.
Each month the Forum meets to discuss a key social, economic, and security issue to gain a full understanding of how government policies and events affect us and shape our immediate future. Forum moderators (a local Estes Park neighbor of yours) leads the group through a short, high quality video lecture. Each video features a nationally recognized subject matter expert. Forum attendees then freely discuss the topic exchanging ideas and per-
China’s economic rise and its current policies of increasing the role of the state in the economy have led some U.S. policymakers to seek to deny China access to U.S. technology and investment. This is seen as a necessary corrective to decades of predatory Chinese economic policies. Is this a wise strategy, and how effective can it be?
This month’s subject matter expert is the venerable Dr. Jonathan Chanis, National Committee American Foreign Policy.
Please join us for our next great session next Thursday, May 2nd at 11 a.m. in the Wasson Room at the renowned Estes Valley Library. Attendance is free and open to the public. Have an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons.
Rocky Mountain National Park is proposing a change in its current camping fees at four campgrounds beginning next year, in 2025.
The park is proposing a 10-dollar increase to overnight fees at four reservation campgrounds including Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, Aspenglen and Timber Creek Campgrounds. This proposed increase in summer fees would be from $35 to $45 per night. There is also a proposed additional increase of $10 for the new electrical sites that are being constructed at the Moraine Park Campground. The proposed fee for these forty-nine electrical sites is $55 per night.
There are no fee changes to group sites, the Longs Peak Campground which is a first come, first-served summer campground with no water available, or winter rates.
These proposed campground fee increases are based on comparable fees for similar services in nearby campgrounds.
The proposed fee increases are necessary for Rocky Mountain National Park to improve and maintain high-quality visitor services. While basic park operations are funded by direct appropriations from Congress, the recreation use fees collected by the park are used to support new projects and the ongoing maintenance of park facilities that directly enhance the visitor experience.
The Federal Lands Recreation En-
hancement Act (FLREA) is the legislation that allows the park to collect entrance and amenity fees. This law allows parks like Rocky Mountain National Park to retain 80 percent of the fees collected in park for use on projects that directly enhance the experience of park visitors. The remaining 20 percent of all collected fees is distributed for use throughout the National Park System.
Some of the projects funded through the collection of entrance station and campground fees at Rocky Mountain National Park include:
Hazard Tree Mitigation: The park is among many areas along the Rocky Mountains where trees have been dying from a beetle epidemic. Recreation fee monies have funded extensive mitigation of hazard trees in or near developed areas and other popular park facilities, such as campgrounds, parking lots, road corridors, housing areas and visitor centers.
Campground Improvements: The park continues to use recreation fee monies to replace tent pad log linings, fire rings, maintain walking paths and repair and replace picnic tables.
Hiking Trail Repairs and Improvements: Many hiking trail repair projects have been funded by recreation fee monies, such as repairing washed out sections of trail, the installation of bridges, and the installation of vault toilets at heavily used trailheads.
Bear Management: Park entrance and campground fees help keep bears wild at Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks in part to fee dollars collected over the past 20 years, 100% of the park’s garbage cans, recycling bins, and dumpsters are now bear-resistant. The park has also gone from zero food storage lockers to 352. Your recreation fees also help support visitor education programs focused on black bears.
Public engagement is an important part of the park’s planning process. Rocky Mountain National Park is accepting public comments on the proposed fee increases. Please submit all comments to: parkplanning.nps.gov/RMNP_
FrontcountryCampground_Fees_2024
Comments may also be submitted via mail to:
Rocky Mountain National Park Office of the Superintendent
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
Please be advised, before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. Although you can ask in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so.
All public comments on the proposed fee increases will be accepted through May 23, 2024.
For additional information on Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
Bison are the largest land animal in North America and were once widespreadmore than 60 million roamed the US in the 1800s. By the 1870s, however, fewer than 400 remained. Today, bison are on their way back.
The Estes Valley Land Trust will host a virtual breakfast at 9 a.m. on May 11 to discuss the prairie ecosystem and the return of bison to Colorado’s Great Plains. “Bison are known as keystone species and their behaviors are tied to the life cycles of many other plants and animals,” said Jeffrey Boring, Executive Director of the Estes Valley Land Trust. “The story of Bison recovery is more complex than just the return of a single species that was on the brink of extinction.”
and shape the prairie ecosystem. Other keystone species of the shortgrass prairie, such as black-tailed prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets, co-exist with bison and will also be discussed.
Guest speaker Dr. Henry Pollock, the Executive Director of the Southern Plains Land Trust, will discuss bison grazing habits, their wallows, the way they move and poop and shed their fur, their life and death, and how these behaviors create
Come meet and greet Steve FerranteHouse District 49 and Ben Aste-County Commissioner District 3 on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the Hondius Room at the Estes Valley Library, 335 E. Elkhorn Ave.
Bison are also important spiritual and cultural symbols for some Tribal Nations. These animals provided Indigenous people nutrition, hides for clothing, lodging and blankets as well as bones for tools and other implements.
Dr. Pollock has nearly 15 years of experience as a wildlife biologist and aca-
demic researcher. As the Executive Director of the Southern Plains Land Trust, he and his family moved to the Heartland Ranch, a 43,000-acre ranch near Lamar, Colorado where bison and other native wildlife thrive.
The Southern Plains Land Trust purchases land for wildlife. “Our members are very familiar with the Estes Valley Land Trust’s business model - we hold conservation easements for a variety of public benefits,” said Boring. “The Southern Plains Land Trust approach is differ-
ent, and it works very well. I’m excited for our members to learn more about their important work.”
This virtual event will be hosted via Zoom on Saturday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made at: evlandtrust.org/rsvp. This event is for EVLT members only. Not a member? Join us here: evlandtrust.org/donate. There is no charge for the online breakfast and attendees receive two free cinnamon rolls from Cinnamon’s Bakery, if registered by May 6th. Quantities are limited and details on where to pick up the cinnamon rolls will be emailed to those who register.
About the Estes Valley Land TrustFounded in 1987 by Estes Park residents, the Estes Valley Land Trust is a nationally recognized land conservation organization that has preserved over 10,000 acres of land in the Estes Valley. Please support land conservation by becoming a member of the land trust at www.evlandtrust.org/donate.
This Saturday and Sunday the 27th and 28th of April, three local watercolor artists KC Benson, Scott Rashid, and Greg Miles, will be offering a watercolor class upstairs in the Estes Park Bank Building at 255 Park Lane, in Estes Park. Each of the instructors will be presenting unique techniques that they use to generate watercolor paintings.
During the two days, the instructor will discuss their individual styles of painting and show a variety of techniques to create their art. After the instructors show their methods, the attendees will have time to duplicate those techniques and subsequently use them to create their own paintings.
On Sunday the attendees will spend the afternoon painting with the instructors
present to answer any questions that may arise. Scott, KC, and Greg will be painting on Sunday so the students can see what it takes for the artists to create paintings.
Everyone attending the class will have several hours to create their own watercolor paintings. The instructors will show their framed art and discuss the mat colors and frame types they decided upon to have their art framed.
The two-day workshop will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on the 27th and 12 p.m.-4 p.m. on the 28th. To attend the workshop, go to KC Benson Watercolors.com and click the green ink at the top of the page. Furthermore, please bring watercolor paint, watercolor paper, brushes, containers for water, subject matter that you might want to paint, lunch and snacks. See you on the 27th at 9:00 a.m. upstairs in the Estes Park Bank Building at 255 Park Lane, in Estes Park. See you this weekend.
By: Estes
of Commerce and Bank of
We have all heard about data breaches and may have even know folks who have had to deal with the fallout of personal information being unprotected. In some cases, we may never know any negative consequences. In other situations, it can be scary and leave a lasting impact. The consistent news coverage can leave many of us wondering what to do and how to protect ourselves.
The Bank of Estes Park is partnering with the Estes Chamber of Commerce to present a community event to do just that – help us all learn how to be Be Prepared, Not Scared: Protecting Your Money and Information in the Modern World. Join us on May 16th, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the American Legion for a valuable evening of education, sharing, and Q&A.
“As we have been saying for a while
to help
neighbors avoid being the next victims of the bad guys… We will also be announcing a valuable new security service for our community at the event, so we hope to see you there,” Applegate added. This event is open to the public and free to attend and learn. Heavy appetizers, beverages, and scary but true stories and great ways to protect yourself will be served. Seating is limited, so please register early at business.esteschamber.org/events/details/bank-of-estes-park-presents-beprepared-not-scared-protecting-yourmoney-and-information-in-the-modern -world-9607. Registration includes one beverage per person, cash bar will also be available.
When someone is an amateur, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not good at what they do, it just means they don’t get paid to do it. Today we are going to enjoy some poetry written by amateurs.
my dad kept a file of the poems I wrote over the years. I think this one was his favorite:
First is a poem by Basia Miller, the sister of my friend Lauren. It is an “ars poetica,” a poem that explains the art of poetry, or in this case, gives instructions for writing poetry. (Note: the word lowering rhymes with glowering and is defined as dark with imminent violence.)
Directions for Finding a Poem
Abandon the weight of the world and welcome the edge of a dream drawing you toward unknown coherence.
Your willingness may change you into a lowering cloud, ready with rain.
Drift into the valley where you find the foot of one mountain blending with the next.
Climb the path unfurling there.
Of a sudden, let what’s missing pour down—
First, thunderstorm with bold lightning,
Then rampaging stream that stretches and curves to feed every root and gift all the waiting seeds.
Afterward, revel and roll among plentiful fields and play there as promises unfold.
Now that you’ve read it through, go back and read it again, paying special attention to the single letter s. When the s finally appears after being absent for several lines, it brings a Stream of consciousness. The weather-S lets in storm and struggle and then we are soothed with several more s words.
Here is a clever little ditty by 93-yearold Harry Jones, written one night when he couldn’t sleep: Ode to an Ice Cube
Thank you, little ice cube. You’ve cooled my lemonade. To do so, I regret to say: What a price you’ve paid.
You started out so wonderfully cold but quickly shrank as you grew old.
Soon you’ll just be water While others of your ilk Will be cooling whiskey sours or a youngster’s glass of milk.
Be proud you’ve served a purpose. Be glad you cooled my drink. ‘Twould be sad to have lived and died as useless, don’t you think?
I better include one of my own, being quite an amateur myself. Here is a poem I wrote in 1979 after I’d been home for a weekend and returned to school. I probably wouldn’t remember it except that
Loneliness
Only hours before, I was wrapped in the warmth of my family, autumn crispness in the air. Now I am trapped in the cold of a dorm room— it has suddenly turned to winter. No one cuddles here.
Finally, I want to share a poem written by George Bilgere, not an amateur at all. Billy Collins, the poet we read in last week’s Thunker, described Bilgere’s work as “a welcome breath of fresh, American air in the house of contemporary poetry.”
Crusoe
When you've been away from it long enough, You begin to forget the country Of couples, with all its strange customs And mysterious ways. Those two Over there, for instance: late thirties, Attractive and well-dressed, reading At the table, drinking some complicated Coffee drink. They haven't spoken Or even looked at each other in thirty minutes,
But the big toe of her right foot, naked In its sandal, sometimes grazes
The naked ankle bone of his left foot,
The faintest signal, a line thrown
Between two vessels as they cruise
Through this hour, this vacation, this life,
Through the thick novels they're reading,
Her toe saying to his ankle,
Here's to the whole improbable story Of our meeting, of our life together And the oceanic richness
Of our mingled narrative
With its complex past, with its hurts And secret jokes, its dark closets And delightful sexual quirks, Its occasional doldrums, its vast Future we have already peopled With children. How safe we are
Compared to that man sitting across the room, Marooned with his drink
And yellow notebook, trying to write A way off his little island.
Whether a professional poet, an amateur dabbler, or simply someone who appreciates verse, may at least one poem sooth you, help you find more purpose than an ice cube, cuddle you out of loneliness, or throw you a line of comfort and safety before the next National Poetry Month in April 2025.
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
Quack! Bank of Estes Park is proud to once again be a major sponsor of the annual Duck Race, put on by the Rotary Club of Estes Park. This event has been a town tradition since 1989, and has returned more than $3 million (and counting!) to local charities and community groups! You can adopt a duck for $25 (or buy a “Quack Pack”—6 for the price of 5), selecting the organization(s) that you would like to receive a donation ($23 from every adoption goes to the nonprofit or organization of your choice).
Then all you have to do is sit back on May 4th, and cheer your ducks on during as they race down the river! Or better yet, come downtown and join in the fun!
There are three major cash prizes for winners--$10,000, $6,000, and $4,000, as well as a vacation prize, followed by hundreds of prizes donated by local merchants. Go to www.epduckrace.org for more information and to adopt your ducks!
Estes Park High School choirs will be performing the final concert of the school year Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m., in the EPHS Auditorium 1600 Manford Avenue. Choral ensembles scheduled to perform include the Treble Choir, Tenor/Bass Choir, Concert Choir, and Major13. The choirs are under the direction of Dr. Alan Denney. Pieces to be performed by the various ensembles include Virtual Insanity, Poison Ivy, Shadows On The Mountain, Meu Berimbau, Over The Rainbow, and many others.
Concert Choir will be performing Jake Runestad’s moving tribute to Ludwig Van Beethoven, A Silence Haunts Me. The work is based on what is referred to as the Heligenstadt Testament, a letter Beethoven wrote to his brothers inform-
ing them that he was going to commit suicide. Beethoven did not commit suicide as he died over a decade after the letter was penned by the composer. In addition to the Beethoven tribute, the choral department’s accompanist and University of Northern Colorado doctoral piano student, Qingzhou Zhang, will perform the 1st movement of Beethoven piano sonata #30 in E Major, Opus 109.
To close this special evening, all graduating choir seniors will each perform a solo. The concert will conclude with the seniors performing a group selection.
The concert is free and open to the public. Call (970)586-5321 more information.
Without sponsorships, there wouldn’t be an Estes Park Duck Race. Local businesses and citizen donors propel the event, supply the major prizes, and help offset the costs of putting on the fundraiser that has delivered over $3 million to Estes Valley nonprofits and charities since its inception in 1989.
“As the Duck Race has grown, so has our list of Major and Associate sponsors as well our gratitude for their support,” said Bill Solms, this year’s sponsorship coordinator. “Without their belief in our cause we wouldn’t have a Duck Race.”
This year, Poppy’s and Mama Rose’s Restaurants have agreed to be the named sponsor. Their generous donation will enable the Rotary Duck Race to be promoted and live streamed by the Rocky Mountain Channel and Nick Molle as well as on the website: www.epduckrace.org
In turn, sponsors’ contributions are published in local media, on the Duck Race website, in videos on the Facebook page that promotes the event, and on The Rocky Mountain Channel on Race Day. Sponsorships are either paid for or “in-kind”, which include donation of goods or services equal to or greater than the cash amount.
Sponsors sign on because they are proud to support an event that this year will be raising money for 63 different charitable causes in the Estes Valley. An additional bonus for Major Sponsors is
the hand-decorated large yellow duck they receive to thank them for their support. These sponsor ducks are proudly displayed after the race at places of business around the Estes Valley.
“We have been so fortunate to have the support of our sponsors,” Solms said.
“Their backing has allowed us to of fer exceptional prizes.”
The 2024 duck race will fea ture three major cash prizes of $10,000, $6,000, and $4000. A two-night vacation stay package with accommodations was donated by Delaware North Parks and Resorts, parent company of the Holiday Inn Estes Park.
In addition to the major prizes, hundreds of other prizes are being offered by local merchants. The generosity of all these businesses allows us to continue the Duck Race tradition for a 36th year.”
Venue sponsors this year donating $1000 are Quality Inn and Visit Estes Park.
The cost to be a Major Sponsor is $500. Major sponsors to date include Alpine Gardens, Ameritech Windows, Backbone Adventures, Bank of Estes Park,
Bank of Colorado, Briggs Carpet Care of Estes Park, Cheley Colorado Camps, Dallman Construction Co. Inc., The Design Center of Estes Park, Docter Construction, The Egg of Estes, High Peak Camp – The Salvation Army, Karol Rinehart, Penelope’s Old Time Hamburgers, John P Poskey TAMU ’94, Peter and Stephanie Sinnott, Premier Members Credit Union, Shotts, Merryman & Company, Snowy Peaks Winery, State Farm, The Rock Inn, The Thompson Group, Town of Estes Park, Trailblazer Broadband, Westover Construction, YMCA of the Rockies.
The cost for Associate Sponsors is $100 - $499. Associate Sponsors to date include Ann Wise & Stephen Riedlinger, Chuck and Dale Bonza, Paula Edwards, ScoBabe Blessed – Jim and Robin Scritchfield, Wayne Newsom, Jack Overly, Garrett Group International, Alan and Kathy Groesbeck, Elkhorn Law Office, Mel and Gray Rueppel, A la Carte Kitchen Store, Dennis Gellhaus, Kevin Mullin, Pet Supply, Ed’s Cantina,
and Park Supply.
In-kind sponsors include Ace Hardware of Estes Park, Creativity Cabin, Estes Angler, Estes Park News, Estes Park Trail Gazette, FrontDesk Inc, John’s Well Service, Nicky’s Resort, Holiday Inn/Delaware North, The Rocky Mountain Channel, Wapiti Colorado Pub, and the Wheel Bar.
“This is a very giving group and many of them have been sponsors of The Rotary Club Duck Race for many years,” Solms said. “We truly thank them and appreciate their continued support.”
If you are a business and have not yet committed to sponsorship, please go to www.epduckrace.org/sponsors to complete an easy on-line form and download an invoice.
To adopt a duck or a flock, visit www.epduckrace.org/adopt-ducks,then choose a participating charitable or nonprofit organization from the list shown. Each organization and its work is described by a brief summary. Whichever Organization(s) the adopter selects will receive $23 of every $25 duck adoption fee paid. Quack Packs are also available (buy 5 and get a 6th duck free).
The Estes Park Rotary Duck Race Festival is held annually on the first Saturday in May. The Annual Duck Race continues a tradition started in 1989, which has returned over $3 million to local Estes Park charities and groups. 2024 marks the 36th annual Duck Race.
EI-EI-O is held at the PCCR Fellowship Hall on Wed, May 15, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Registration closes May 10.
Make informed decisions, take advantage of your superpowers (and those of others), and build relationships—all an important part of the office and serving clients. The Estes Nonprofit Network invites you to dive into some ideas that may be new to you: Emotional Intelligence (EI), Evolutionary Insights (EI), and Optimization of People (O). Attendees will engage in interactive discussions, skill development activities, and practical applications tailored to nonprofit professionals.* Additionally, individual consults are offered for deeper exploration post-event.
The Network welcomes Dr. Erika Michalski, Founder & Chief Encouragement Officer of Strategically Authentic (www.stratauth.com). She is a self-described, “fun, glitter-loving nerd audiences can't get enough of!” Her certifications related to talent development,
performance consulting, and emotional intelligence supplement her bachelors, masters, and doctoral work in education and leadership development. She is a small-teams, big-dreams kind of gal. This free workshop is part of the Estes Nonprofit Network’s 2024 education programs tailored specifically for local nonprofit staff and volunteers. *The cost is $50 for community members, government agencies, nonprofits not serving in Estes Park, and for-profits. Giddy up!
Registration closes May 10.
The Network’s next program responds to nonprofit leaders’ most requested topic: organizational assessment. Jana Sanchez of Alchemy with Words will lead a three-part workshop on "Nonprofit Lifecycle Organizational Evaluation Tools." This will be held on June 5, June 26, and July 17 from 9 a.m. - noon. All information and registration can be found on epnonprofit.org. Questions? email alison@epnonprofit.org
The next meeting of the Merry Marthas will be held on Friday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies on Brodie Avenue. Merry Marthas is a group of women who sew, knit, crochet, or weave and then donate their finished projects to local charities. New members are always welcome whether experienced or a beginner. For more information, please call the church at 970-586-4404.
In January of 2024, the Museum completed the successful conversion of all its lighting fixtures to LED at the Museum Annex building which serves as the Collections and Research Facility. The upgraded lighting not only makes the facility more eco-friendly but saves an estimated $2,300 annually.
The project was funded by the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. Fundraising since 2016, the Museum Friends & Foundation plan to finance a number of building upgrades to the Annex Facility in 2024. The first pinnacle of the fundraising goal of $500,000
Project Schedule and Traffic Impacts
- Phase I
Monday, April 22, in coordination with The Loop Project, the construction team will be moving the east temporary traffic signal to just north of the traffic circle on Moraine Ave. Flaggers will be in place to guide motorists through the alternating lane closure until the traffic signal is set up and functioning. The movement of the traffic signal with help minimize the potential impacts for motorists traveling between the two projects.
Work hours range from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Single-lane, alternating travel through the work zone with temporary traffic signals in some locations, and flaggers in place in some locations.
Visit the project website and sign up for emails or alerts at www.codot.gov/ projects/us34us36resurfacing
KREV-LP Schedule
Monday-Friday Schedule
6am-10am Morning Music
10am-11am Folk Music
11am-1pm Midday Music
1pm-3pm Afternoon Classical
3pm-5pm Popular Music by Years
5pm-7pm Dinner Music
7pm-8pm Grass Fed (Eclectic Rock)
8pm-11pm Jazz Time
11pm-6am Night Music
Pop Music
3pm-5pm Mon-Fri
Monday: 1950-1963
Tuesday: 1964-1975
Wednesday: 1976-1983
Thursday: 1984-1999
Friday: 2000-Current
Saturday Schedule
6am-10am Saturday Morning Chores
10am-Info Hour AWWW
11am-Noon British Rock
Noon-1pm World Music
1pm-2pm World Music
2pm-4pm Estes Park Spanish Radio
4pm-7pm Dinner Music
7pm-8pm Grass Fed (Eclectic Rock)
8pm-11pm Jazz Time
11pm-6am Night Music
Sunday Schedule
6am-8am Praise
8am-10am Sunday Morning Hymns
10am-11am Gospel
11am-1pm Instrumental Music
1pm-2pm German Hour
2pm-3pm World Music
3pm-5pm Afternoon Classical
5pm-7pm Dinner Music
7pm-9pm Jazz Time
9pm-11pm Evening Classical
11pm-6am Night Music
has been met, coupled with $600,000 from the Town for expansion of the Annex, allowing for work to begin. The conversion of LED lighting was the first step in creating an ideal, professional museum facility for the community of Estes Park. There are currently over 35,000 locally significant artifacts stored within the Museum collection.
The project began with a consultation with Efficiency Work Business for an energy audit. The study showed that there would be significant advantages if the switch was made to LED lighting. With installation provided by Mac Elec-
tric, rebates and an energy grant were pursued to lower the cost of the overall project. With over 100 fixtures/bulbs replaced, the project has been completed.
“There are a number of benefits to the conversion to LED lighting,” Estes Park Museum Director Derek Fortini commented, “besides the ecological impact and significant electrical savings, LED lighting is better for the preservation of artifacts.”
Thank you to the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. and its members for making such projects possible!
Have you ever been inextricably drawn to the wild? Or did you have a moment where you just couldn’t resist something? What calls out to some wild part of your soul, and how did you rise up to answer that call? As part of Earth Week, come prepared to answer the call of the wild, live on stage—or come to listen.
The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies (FAGR) is inviting you to a Story Slam at 2 p.m. this Sunday, April 28th at the Historic Park Theatre. A Story Slam needs no introduction if you are already an avid aficionado of The Moth, but if not, you are in for an extra special treat. Story Slams are live story-telling competitions where storytellers share personal vignettes—without notes—connected to a theme. Be prepared to be at the edge
of your seats as story tellers share personal stories about their own brushes with the wild.
Come to share your own story or to discover how riveting live storytelling can be. Stories must be true, told without notes, and connected to the night’s theme. Volunteer audience members will help crown the night’s winner of the Story Slam. Besides bragging rights, the winner earns a gift certificate to Macdonald Book Shop and second-place earns a gift certificate to Inkwell and Brew—the perfect gifts for any lover of stories. Come wow us with your words and wit on this incredible night of storytelling—or just come to listen to a good yarn.
We are delighted to welcome back our host for the evening, Nick Ross. Ross has hosted story slams for The Moth for the last nine years in Denver. Ross is himself a passionate storyteller with a background in theatre and film; he performs regularly at Chaos Bloom Theatre and Rise Comedy—and for one memorable night, he’ll be right here in Estes Park for our own Story Slam sponsored by Visit Estes Park.
The Story Slam tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for youth under the age of 18 for advance tickets. You can buy your tickets at:
www.fineartsguild.org/story-slam. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for youth the night of the Story Slam. The Historic Park Theatre opens its doors for this event at 1:30, and the program starts promptly at 2:00.
The Estes Park Cycling Coalition is excited to be holding our spring General Meeting May 1 where we will be discussing details of “Bike Estes Day” which includes Bike to Work Day and Costume Bike Parade, new projects, trail maintenance and group rides.
This meeting is for everyone who enjoys cycling and wants to be involved or just wants to hear what is happening in the Estes Valley for cycling. There is renewed energy in working toward our long-term goals of advocating for cycling of all kinds, increasing mountain biking trail opportunities, and improving cy-
cling connectivity in and around the Estes Valley.
Please join us Wednesday, May 1 at Vert CoWorking: 1230 Big Thompson Ave in Estes Park. There will be a meet and greet (BYOB) at 6:30 and the meeting will start at 7 p.m.
The Estes Park Cycling Coalition is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose Mission is to promote and increase cycling of all kinds in the Estes Valley, through advocacy, education, partnerships and community building. The Coalition strives to cultivate a biking
culture in the community and make the Estes area a destination for cyclists. If you are not a member and want to join, we can sign you up at the meeting or visit our website at www.bikeestes.org.
For more information on the Estes Park Cycling Coalition, please contact Chair Mike Lewelling at board@bikeestes.org.
Scouting has been in the Estes Valley since the 1920s, when the first local troop of the Boy Scouts of America was chartered. Today, the scouts of Estes Park Troop 8 continue this prestigious legacy. Through scouting, the youth of Estes Park gain access to unrivaled experiences and invaluable skills that stay with them throughout their lives. Estes Park Troop 8 is lucky enough to have one of the best scouting programs in the country, which can mainly be attributed to two things: nearly unlimited access to the most pristine wilderness in the country and, of course, living in one of the most generous communities in the country.
Estes Park Troop 8 is an entirely volunteer organization. The leadership, equipment, meeting space, time, everything is 100% donated by parents and community members. As an example, Troop 8 has proudly had a partnership with the American Legion for years, which generously provides the troop with a full-time office and meetings space. As another example, Troop 8 was recently able to purchase much-needed replacement tents for its aging inventory. This was only made possible through the donations made by this community at its in-
augural Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser in October of 2023.
This Saturday, April 27th, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Estes Park’s Troop 8 will be hosting its second annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at the American Legion. Thanks to the amazing staff, leadership, and members at the Legion, 100% of ticket proceeds and other donations will go directly to your local scouts. We are once again asking for the community’s support and generosity as we work to build this fundraiser as a core annual event in the Estes Valley, and something kids in scouting can depend on for generations to come. Join us as we serve a delicious dinner and learn about your local scouts.
Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under, and $50 for our family special (2 adults and 2 children). Takeout options are available, just specify online or in your mail!
RSVP tickets can be purchased with a credit card online at estesparktroop8.square.site. Cash or check payments can be made by mail, made out to Estes Park Troop 8, to the following address: Estes Park Troop 8 PO Box 3364
Estes Park, CO 80517
If you are interested in supporting Estes Park Troop 8, but are unable to join us for dinner, please consider making a general donation online or by sending your generosity in the mail. Questions, comments, or concerns can be directed to estesparktroop8@gmail.com. Thank you and we hope you say hello when you see your scouts out in the community!
Are you discouraged when you see trash along Estes Park’s roadsides and trails? If so, we have a plan to return these sites to their natural beauty, and we need your help.
This Saturday, April 27, we will hold the annual town spring cleanup event and send all this trash to the Larimer County Landfill.
Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot on the east side of the Visitor’s Center for route assignments and to collect your orange bags. Each route is designed to require about 1 ½ hours to clean up.
We recommend that you wear a longsleeved shirt, long pants, sturdy footwear, work gloves, and bring sun protection, hand sanitizer and tick spray. Bring a friend to make it go twice as fast!
Quickly you should see orange bags popping up all over Town. After noon Town workers will pick them all up and deliver them to the Marina, where Rocky Mountain Dumpsters will take care of the rest.
We are thankful to the Town, the Rotary Club of Estes Park, Rocky Mountain Dumpsters, and the EVRPD for their assistance.
If you have a group that would be willing to do a little larger area, we would be happy to hear from you. We can give you an assignment ahead of time, and you can pick up bags at the Marina the week prior to the event.
Several groups have already signed up, but we still need more volunteers! There is no need to sign up in advance -- just show up on Saturday morning. In case of inclement weather, please come and pick up a route and orange bag and do your pickup at your earliest convenience.
We thank you for your participation in this valuable community event. For additional information, please contact Tara Moenning at tara@aspenbrookinvestments.com or Beth Weisberg at weisberg.family@verizon.net.
Having fun, staying motivated and creating community about running is shared at the weekly “Tuesday Evening Fun Runs.” Organized by the Estes Park Running Club, the free weekly events welcome all abilities- walkers, strollers, joggers, and runners. Reaching fitness and race goals at the June 16th, Estes Park Marathon & Half Marathon can be achieved with weekly runs among likeminded friends. Don’t miss out and be left at the start line!
Organizing weekly runs began in August 2014 and has grown in popularity among locals, visitors and traveling running teams staying in Estes Park. Runners and walkers adventure out yearround on a 5K route that navigates thru scenic areas of Estes Park. On Tuesday evenings, the group meets at 5:50 p.m. and departs at 6:05 p.m. from local businesses or local trails. Routes are announced each month and will frequently change for seasonal conditions. From December to April, downtown Estes Park offers festive lighting and maintained pathways, which provide a safe route for runners and walkers. Starting in April thru November, routes can include the Fish Creek Trail, Fall River Trail from Historic Hydroplant, High Drive trail connections, and Downtown Estes Park. Additional distances can be added to the 3.1 mile route for those seeking more mileage. Business partners welcome the Club Runs from The Barrel, Rock Cut Brewery, The Holiday Inn, Estes Park Yoga, Lumpy Ridge Brewery, Avant Garde Aleworks, and Latitude 105 Alehouse.
Creating community, means welcoming all abilities and ages to join in the runs. We have a wide range of fitness levels showing up for the Tuesday runs. Recreational joggers, as well as the Olympic bound athlete who seek altitude-training benefits. Friends, families, teammates, and co-workers will meet at the Fun Run, to share training miles and fun social time. Participants are allowed to bring their pet dogs, if they remain on leash and are well behaved. If you are training for a race or focusing on achieving a fitness goal, join us! Throughout the year, members will register for targeted races and incorporate this fun run into their training.
Estes Park offers a unique training lo-
cation. The high elevation makes the body adjust by increasing red blood counts for better oxygen absorption. Athletes can take advantage of this natural adjustment and effectively enhance their conditioning. EPRC offers occasional running clinics and additional workouts throughout the week, for those seeking more club opportunities. We request participants dress appropriately for the changing weather conditions and bring head lamps during the winter months for better lighting. The Tuesday Fun Runs are designed to bring people out of the wood-work and solo training modality. We welcome athletes to continue to build up our running community together!
Upcoming races organized by the Estes Park Running Club include the Duck Waddle 5K on May 4th, part of the Rotary Club’s Duck Race Festival. Participants will have the opportunity to adopt a Duck for the river race thru their Duck Waddle 5K entry. On June 15th, the Longs Peak 5 Miler is the perfect family race celebrating Father’s Day. On June 16th, 2024 is the 21st Estes Park Marathon & Half Marathon, which provides spectacular courses starting from the Dao House on Highway 7 and descending to the finishing line at the Estes Park Track. Considered to be Colorado’s most scenic destination race event and selected by Forbes Magazine as a “TOP 7 Scenic Course in the USA”, the Estes Park Marathon and Half Marathon invokes inspiration and the joy of running. September 11th, Memorial 5K Walk and Stair Climb. The Fall season, Rut Run 5K, is held on September 28th at ELK FEST! , and offers a scenic downhill course finishing at Performance Park.
The Estes Park Running Club is a 501c(4), non-profit organization that promotes fitness and wellness lifestyles that benefit youth and families. We fundraise for local youth programs thru a variety of fitness events.
For more information about Estes Park Running Club races, go to www.epmarathon.org . Friend us on Facebook or Instagram at: Estes Park Running Club or Estes Park Marathon and Half Marathon or Estes Trail Ascent.
Contact: Belle@epmarathon.org
Merchants Donating Prizes as of 4/22/2024
221 Spruce Cabin
Alpenglow Images & Accents
American Legion Post 119
Art Center of Estes Park
Aspen and Evergreen
Avant Garde Aleworks
Awesome Shirtworks
Bank of Colorado
Big Horn Restaurant
Big Red of the Rockies
BLADES
Blake Trading
Briggs Carpet Care of Estes Park
Brownfield's
Brunch & Co
Cabin Fever of Estes Park
Cabintique
Casa Grande
Castle Mountain Lodge
Chrysalis at the Stanley
Classic Hair Designs
Coffee on the Rocks
Colorado Homestead
Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill
Creativity Cabin
Dawn Wilson Photography
Delaware North Parks & Resorts/Holiday Inn Estes
Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Domino's Pizza
Dr Grant Spencer, Chiropractor
Earthwood Collections
Elements of Touch Wellness Spa
Elizabeth Guild
Emily Gordon Photography
Enchanted Florist
EP Greens
Estes Gold and Silver
Estes Park Brewery
Estes Park Knife Co.
Estes Park Pet Lodge
Estes Park Pet Supply
Estes Park Pilates
Estes Park Trolleys
Estes Park Yoga
Estes Valley Library Friends & Foundation
Fashion Express
Favorite Things
Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies
Frames Games & Things Unnamed
Full Potential Wilderness
Fun City
Guardians Of The Park
H&R Block
Hands Down Best in Town Therapeutic Massage
Heart of the Rockies Gentle Yoga Studio
Hunters Chophouse
iii - initials included inc.
Inkwell & Brew
IntaJuice
Jazzercise Estes Park
Jeep Jeep Tacos
Knight Sky Pictures
La Cocina De Mama
Laura’s Fine Candies
Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival
Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
Moose Creek Western Mountain Blown Glass
Move Freely Massage
Mt. Everest Gift House
MURPHY'S RESORT
Ole International Kitchen
Once Upon a Hive
Open Air Adventure Park
Ore Cart Rock Shop
OUTDOOR WORLD
Penelope's Old Time Hamburgers
Plum Creek Shoe Station
Post Chicken and Beer
Quality Inn
Red Rose Rock Shop
Resinated Wood Works
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Rocky Mountain Connection
Rocky Mountain Conservancy
Rocky Mountain Gifts and T-Shirts
Rocky Mountain Souvenir
Rocky Ridge Music Center
Saddle and Surrey Motel
Safeway
Scott and Karen Thompson
Scratch Deli and Bakery
Sky Pond Photography and Video Productions
Smith Sign Studio & Wishes Fulfilled
Smokin' Dave's BBQ
Snowy Peaks Winery
Sports Hound - Buckles of Estes - Toy Mountain
Stanley Home Museum
Sticks-N-Stones STUFFED
Subway
The Barrel
The Beef Jerky Experience
The Bull Pin
The Mad Moose
The Old Fashion Candy Store
The Phat Bear
The Sweatshirt Center/ Mountain O'clock
The Taffy Shop
The Wapiti Pub
The Wellness Way
The Wheel Bar
Three Blessed Gems
Twin Owls Steakhouse
VAMART Cleaning Services
Village Barber Shop
Village Goldsmith
Wayfinder Restaurant
Wear Me Out T's
Welcome Estes Park
Wild Horse Gift Shop
Wynbrier LTD Wildlife Gallery
You Need Pie!
Diner & Bakery
Duck Race Sponsors as of 4/22/2024
Named Sponsor:
Poppy's and Mama Rose's
Venue Sponsors:
Quality Inn
Visit Estes Park
Major Sponsors:
Alpine Gardens
Ameritech Windows
Backbone Adventures
Bank of Colorado
Bank of Estes Park
Briggs Carpet Care of Estes Park
Cheley Colorado Camps
Dallman Construction Co. Inc.
Design Center of Estes Park
Docter Construction
High Peak Camp - The Salvation Army
Penelope's Old Time Hamburgers
John P Poskey TAMU '94
Peter and Stephanie Sinnott
Premier Members Credit Union
Shotts, Merryman & Company
Snowy Peaks Winery
State Farm
The Egg of Estes
The Rock Inn
The Thompson Group
Town of Estes Park
Trailblazer Broadband
Westover Construction
YMCA of the Rockies
Associate Sponsors:
A la Carte Kitchen Store
Chuck and Dale Bonza
Paula Edwards
Elkhorn Law Office
Garrett Group International
Dennis Gellhaus
Alan and Kathy Groesbeck
Kevin Mullin
Wayne Newsom
Jack Overly
Mel and Gray Rueppel
Jim and Robin Scritchfield - ScoBabe Blessed
Ann Wise and Stephen Riedlinger
Estes Park Pet Supply
Ed's Cantina
Park Supply
In Kind Sponsors:
Ace Hardware of Estes Park
Creativity Cabin
Estes Angler
Estes Park News
Estes Park Trail Gazette
FrontDesk Inc
John's Well Service
Nicky's Resort
Holiday Inn/Delaware North
The Rocky Mountain Channel
Wapiti Colorado Pub
Wheel Bar
Quota members recently delivered a check from their Disadvantage Women & Children Committee to the Estes Valley Crisis Advocates.
Quota member, Patricia Gaultier Owen, EVCA Michelle Fanucchi- Program Director, Quota member, Stephanie Hearty, EVCA Anna Jones-Client Resource Manager and Quota member, Mary Murphy.
Spring is here and it’s time for the first Community Yard Sale to be held this Saturday, April 27 - 8 a.m. until noon, "weather permitting." The sale will be held at the Masonic Lodge -1820 S. St. Vrain Ave. Spaces are available for rent for just $20.00. For details call: 970-577-8585.
To the Editor:
WOW…if you missed last week’s annual Taste of Estes, you truly missed out! Estes Park Quota would like to say thank you to all who helped make the 37th Annual Taste of Estes was our greatest success ever. The participation of our wonderful restaurants, generous sponsors, basket donors and the many community members that came out for an evening of wonderful food and fellowship, was phenomenal.
The money raised through this event helps to fund a variety of Estes Park Quota’s community projects here in Estes Park. These projects include the Loan Closet at the hospital, Student Grants, Hearing and Speech projects, Service to Youth, Service to Seniors, and Community Action projects, as well as many additional community needs.
There are so many wonderful people and businesses we would like to thank. Let us start with OUR SPONSORS. You all make this event financially possible for us, so that all our ticket sales are able to go right back into our community, so thank you very much: Bank of Estes Park, Bank of Colorado, Edward JonesDerek Vinge, Estes Park News, First Colorado Realty, Investment Center of Estes Park, Kind Coffee, Richardson Realty, State Farm - Susan Fereday. and last but certainly not least, The YMCA of the Rockies.
Next up are our PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS: You all give so much of your time, energy and amazing food and drink to make this night the success that it is. The food this year was absolutely wonderful, so a huge thank you to: (in alphabetical order) Avant Garde Aleworks, Bird & Jim, Cinnamon’s Bakery, Claire’s Restaurant & Grill, Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill, Ed’s Cantina & Grill, Estes Park Distilling Company & Bob & Tony’s, Himalayan Curry & Kebob, Lonigan’s Saloon & Grill, Mangia Mangia Pizzeria, Oskar Blues Fooderies, Rock Cut Brewing Company, Rocky Mountain Deli, SereniTEA Tea Room,
Snowy Peaks Winery, Starbucks,The Egg of Estes, The Post Chicken & Beer, The Spice Rack, The Taffy Shop, The Wild Restaurant, YMCA of the Rockies, You Need Pie!
Many of our local businesses generously provide GIFT BASKETS for our drawing. Thank you so much for donating these incredible baskets - A la Carte, Alteatude, Artist Collective, Aspen & Evergreen, Blades, Colorado Homestead, Craftsmen in Leather, Earthwood Artisans, Estes Park Pet Supply, Frames Games & Things Un-named, Guardians of the Park, HYK, Images of Rocky Mountain National Park, Inkwell & Brew, Kirk’s Fly Shop, Macdonald Book Shop, Mary Jane’s, Morgan’s Closet, Omnibus, Peak to Peak Stitchery, Rocket Fizz, Rocky Mountain Connection/Outdoor World, SereniTEA, ShannonAgains, Simply Christmas, Sterling Pony, Sticks N Stones, Stuffed, The Grey House, The Joy House, The Sugar Shack, The White Orchid, The Whisper-ing Wood, Trendz, Twisted Griffin, Village Barber Shop, Wild Spirits Gallery, Wishful Creations and Wynbrier Home.
For advertising, we cannot thank The Estes Park News enough for all their ads and constant support, as well as all those in town who hosted one of our many posters; thank you! Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all our many non-Quota volunteers and helpers, (our spouses/significant others, friends and family). We couldn’t have pulled off all the little intricacies of the evening without you!
The many things Quota does in this community would not be possible without the kind and generous help of all of you that participated in one way or another! We hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as we did, and that you will plan to join us again next year!
Thanks for everything!
Vicki Wright & Susan Cordes Co-Chairs, Taste of Estes Estes Park Quota
Bank of Estes Park is proud to support the Estes Chamber of Commerce. The bank has been involved with the chamber since it was still an idea, through its formation in 2019, serving on its board, and financially supporting it from then to now, and into the future.
The mission of the Chamber is to be the champion for business, dedicated to promoting a strong business climate in the Estes Valley area and enhancing the quality of life for its members, making Estes Park a better place to live, work, and play. The Chamber’s mission clearly aligns with ours, as the only truly local bank in town, which allows for a strong partnership in working together to constantly improve our hometown. Some examples of our recent collaborative projects are the 2023-2024 Golden Antler Awards (recognizing community members who have made a tremendous difference in our town, and granting $5,000 to local non-profits), as well as the upcoming community event, “Be Prepared, Not Scared: Protect Your
Money and Information in the Modern World” (a free community event, designed to help educate our local consumers and businesses).
The bank is proud to be an Alpine Member of the Chamber, which means that we have committed to pay $20,000 in cash sponsorship/donations (in-kind donations don’t count toward this membership level), over a four year period. The goal of this level of giving is to substantially support the Chamber, and help ensure that it has an increasingly reliable budget, for a longer period of time than usual, and in return the bank is listed as a high-level sponsor of virtually all of the Chamber’s events each year. It’s a win/win collaboration for the Chamber, for Bank of Estes Park, and for our community.
We highly encourage any local businesses who are not yet members of the chamber to go to www.esteschamber.org to find out more about the benefits of membership, and to join at whatever level best fits your business and budget.
Creation Care at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies10 a.m. Saturdays
This month so far, we have learned about Owls, Poetry of Wild Spaces, and Insects. The series continues with Reverend Kent Dannen, who will be at PCCR at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. Rev. Dannen will present on how to develop a meditation trail. The topic will be based on experience at PCCR but will apply to any church property or camp. It will include both indoor and outdoor settings and use examples from various poets. Please join us at 1700 Brodie Ave. this Saturday!
Estes Valley Chamber Singers, under the direction of Richard Dixon, will be giving their annual spring concert on Sunday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. This will be a very unusual and special concert as it features three major works; two of which are by Estes Park composers: Richard Dixon and Robert Howard, and the third by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo.
Robert Howard’s “Asian Sketches” is an earlier work of his and shows his mastery of beautiful choral writing. “Asian Sketches” is in four movements: Night in the Villa by the River for four-part choir, My Thoughts are With a Boat for men, The Still Pool for women, and My Love is Like the Grasses for four part choir. The text of the pieces come from Chinese and Japanese poems.
Ola Gjeilo’s ”Dark Night of the Soul” is the most performed of his works, and is written for SATB choir, piano and string
quartet. This hauntingly beautiful piece draws its text from three stanzas of The Collected Works of St. John on the Cross. Richard Dixon’s “Elegy” received its world premiere on Saturday April 20th at the Peak to Peak concert series. “Elegy” is for solo flute and strings, and features Robert Howard as the flutist.
The program opens with “Praise to the Lord” arranged by F. Melius Christiansen, the founder of the St. Olaf Choir. This is followed by Jake Runestad”s “Let My Love Be Heard.” This beautiful choral piece has become his most performed choral piece and depicts the depth of one’s love for another. The program concludes with Richard’s arrangement of “Shenandoah” for eight voiced choir, and “Soon-ah Will Be Done” by William Dawson. This concert is free, but donations are always welcome. Mark your calendars and come join us Sunday May 5th at 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies.
Bennett Kemp has been recognized as the most outstanding Chemistry student at Estes Park High School this year. She has the top grade for both semesters combined. Bennett works incredibly hard to excel in school and Chemistry is no exception. She comes in with a positive attitude daily and appreciates learning new things. Bennett will attend the awards ceremony at the School of Mines on Sunday, April 28th where she will be given a medal from the ACS and will be recognized with other top chemistry students throughout the state. She will be accompanied at the awards ceremony by per parents Karis and Randy Kemp, and her Chemistry teacher Pam Frey.
Bennett and her family moved to Estes Park from North Carolina when Bennett started high school. She is currently a sophomore at EPHS. She loves to read, play games with her family and friends
and engage in activities that help her community. She has been playing the violin since she was in the second grade and practices weekly. Bennett is the President of Key Club and is also active in the Environmental club and National Honor Society. She feels her strength is English and she loves reading and analyzing text. She enjoys her telescope and is leaning towards a science career pathway that might include space science and hopefully a little Chemistry. She would like to contribute something meaningful in science in her lifetime. She would also like to travel and explore other cultures as well as learn another language.
Bennett is capable of doing anything she sets her mind to. There is no doubt that she will accomplish what she sets out to do and will do it well. She is truly a shining star at Estes Park High School. Great job Bennett!
From Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Colorado is fortunate to have a diversity of wildlife. Our elk population is larger than that of any other state or Canadian province. In addition, our state is home to an abundant, thriving deer population.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife— whose mission is to protect and enhance the state’s wild creatures—knows how much people love Colorado wildlife. They love to watch the animals, learn about them, photograph them, hunt them and, on occasion, even feed them. We know people mean well when they give tidbits to wildlife. What many don’t realize is that feeding big game is bad for the animals and dangerous for people. It’s also against the law. There are lots of good reasons why.
While putting out food for animals like foxes and deer seems harmless, repercussions can be disastrous. Please don't feed the wildlife!
It is illegal in Colorado to intentionally place or distribute feed, salt blocks or other attractants for big-game animals. This problem is mainly associated with deer.
the city limits. It may become necessary to kill these lions for public safety,” she says.
What’s dinner for the neighborhood fox family is also a meal for other wild animals living near your home. Normally reclusive and wary, black bears will leave the woods and become accustomed to finding a meal in your backyard if you leave them something to eat.
Over time, predators such as bears and mountain lions become less wary and more emboldened. They’re more likely to attack pets and people, and when that
hasten the spread of disease. Diseases can spread between wildlife and livestock, as well as to domestic animals and people. CPW is most concerned about devastating diseases, such as brucellosis and tuberculosis, which can be transmitted to humans.
We all know junk food is bad for people, but it’s even worse for wild animals. Deer, elk, and pronghorn are ruminants. That means they have a four-chambered stomach that serves as a 'fermentation vat'. They can eat lots of vegetation and
In the winter, deer herds tend to move to lower elevations closer to homes and businesses. Some people may feel the deer do not have adequate food sources in the wintertime and believe that supplementing their diets with grain, corn or hay is helpful. In fact, the contrary is true.
“People who feed deer do more harm than good,” says Trina Lynch, a district wildlife manager with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife launches controlled, emergency feeding of big-game animals only during extremely harsh winters when substantial numbers of animals are threatened. In all other cases, big-game animals are better off left to obtain their food naturally.
According to Lynch, there are several reasons why a Colorado law passed in 1992 makes it illegal to feed big game animals. One important reason is that deer are the primary prey of mountain lions. “Concentrating deer by feeding can attract mountain lions well within
happens, it can spell death for bears and lions, which often must be destroyed to ensure public safety.
The normal feeding behavior of big game animals allows them to spread out as they graze or browse. Artificial feeding disrupts that behavior and prompts deer to crowd together in small areas where they are more likely to be chased by dogs and hit by cars.
You may delight in seeing a deer grazing in your yard. Your neighbor, however, may become irate seeing his rose bushes chomped to a stub. For farmers and ranchers, the losses can be costly from big game munching on crops or hay. Additionally, luring wildlife to your yard by putting out food could set the wild animals up for death if they have to cross highways to get to feeders or if they encounter harassment from domestic pets.
What’s worse, once wildlife stop using their historic ranges, that land could end up being developed, which means the animals lose valuable habitat forever.
Concentrating deer by feeding them can also increase stress on the deer and
stop doing it,” he says.
People who attract deer to their neighborhood also run the risk of damaging their property and their neighbor’s property. “Some people are under the impression that if they supply a food source to the deer it will prevent the deer from damaging their ornamental plants. On the contrary,” says Lynch; “it usually results in greater damage to your plants.”
Instead, Lynch recommends:
• barriers
• repellents
• landscaping with native plants
Birds
Colorado Parks and Wildlife understands peoples' desire to use backyard bird feeders to supplement natural food for songbirds. However, birdfeeders should not be placed outside from March through the end of November for any reason. Bird feeders are very likely to become bear feeders, and full bird feeders quickly teach bears that it’s safe to come close to people and homes looking for food. This is dangerous for bears and people alike.
Any type of bird feeder (hummingbird, suet and seed) placed on your property, including those on upper levels, create one of the easiest meals a bear can find.
digest it very thoroughly.
“Habituation to artificial feeds that do not meet their nutritional needs often results in deer that are in poor condition,” explains Bob Davies, a wildlife biologist in Colorado Springs. Unlike natural foods, treats from people often cannot be digested properly by big game. In fact, "human food" can stop a wild animal’s digestive system, causing it to get sick and die.
Big game depend entirely on native vegetation, such as grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Those plants provide all the nutritional requirements the animals need to survive in Colorado, even through winter. Eating non-natural kinds of foods can result in nutritional problems for wildlife, or even death.
Although commercial feeds are available at many stores, Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists warn against using them. "Some of these products may indicate they will attract certain wildlife species, including deer,” says Davies. “People should be aware that if they place feed out and deer consume it, they may be breaking the law. Fortunately, once people learn about the negative impacts that occur when deer are fed, most
A seven-pound bag of birdseed equates to 12,180 calories, which is an easy and valuable meal for a bear.
Other options to attract birds to your property include nesting boxes, 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 sources, especially running water, do a better job of attracting a wider variety of birds year-round than a bird feeder.
Keep your water sources small. Bears don’t sweat, so larger ponds and uncovered hot tubs can actually attract bears looking for a place to cool off.
Bird feeders are only appropriate when placed outside in the winter months when bears are hibernating. Be responsible about attracting birds and you’ll be doing your part to keep Colorado's wildlife wild.
Under Colorado law, intentionally feeding big game animals is illegal. The prohibition applies to bears, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, mountain goats and mountain lions. Violators face a $100 fine.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife hopes you won’t face such a fine and that we’ve explained why it’s best to simply let Mother Nature take care of wild animals. If you don’t, you quite literally could end up loving our wildlife to death.
Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.
I’ll Be Waiting For You: Author Talk & Book Signing with Mariko Turk Ⓡ
Tuesday, April 30, 4 - 6 p.m., Fireside Theater & Hondius Room
Natalie and Imogen are wildly different and yet inseparable, and one thing ties them together: their love of the supernatural. Meet Mariko Turk, author of the new YA novel I’ll Be Waiting For You, during this book launch, author talk, and book signing. Denver-based author and bonus guest Jessie Weaver will be in attendance, too!
Genius, Power, & Deception on the Eve of WWI: Author Talk with Douglas Brunt Ⓡ
Wednesday, May 1, 1 - 2 p.m., online
Chat with author Douglas Brunt about his debut book (and instant bestseller), The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel, a nonfiction work about the mysterious disappearance of one of the world’s greatest inventors. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
Mother-Daughter Murder Night:
Author Talk with Nina Simon Ⓡ
Wednesday, May 8, 5 - 6 p.m., online
Join author Nina Simon to discuss her lighthearted “whodunnit” about a grandmother-mother-daughter trio of amateur sleuths. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
Book Club for Mortals:
The Night Lake Ⓡ
Thursday, May 9, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Wasson Room & online
Discuss end-of-life issues and our shared mortality. May’s featured title, The Night Lake, tells the story of finding a way forward through tragedies that seem like they might be beyond surviving.
ALL AGES
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
Saturday, April 27, 12 - 2 p.m., Library Entrance
In honor of National Arbor Day, stop by to pick up your free tree sapling from our friends at the Town of Estes Park. Supplies are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. Presented with support from Platte River Power Authority.
Game Night! Ⓡ
Saturday, April 27, 2 - 4:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Play board games from our
own collection as well as ones generously provided by Frames, Games, and Things Unnamed. All ages welcome –bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Snacks and refreshments provided.
Watercolor Botanical Art Class Ⓡ
Tuesday, April 30, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
In this workshop, participants will learn basic watercolor techniques used in botanical painting. All skill levels welcome! Recommended for adults and teens; please note that the class is a companion program to the The History of Botanical Art presentation on April 23.
Tech Help with Digital Navigators of Larimer County
Wednesday, May 1, 1 - 7:30 p.m., Dream Study Room
Thursday, May 2, 1 - 7:30 p.m., Dream Study Room
Schedule an appointment and build your digital skills, including using your smartphone, accessing websites and accounts online, improving online communications, and more. Service available in Spanish on Wednesdays. Presented by AmeriCorps service members.
Craft Homemade Cards Ⓡ
Tuesday, May 7, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Tuesday, May 7, 1 - 2 p.m., Makerspace
Express your creativity by making greeting cards to celebrate special occasions and/or show love to friends and neighbors. All supplies provided and all ages welcome.
Learn to Solve a Rubik's Cube Ⓡ
Tuesday, May 7, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Thursday, May 9, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
Invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and architecture professor Erno Rubik, the Rubik’s Cube is a 3D combination puzzle that takes just a little knowledge and practice to solve. We’ll provide the cube and the know-how! Recommended for adults & teens.
Estate Planning Basics: Ensuring Your Assets Pass to the Right People Ⓡ
Monday, April 29, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Hondius Room
If you possess any assets or property, estate planning is essential. In this class, learn what you can do now (and on your own!) to ensure your assets are transferred to the right individuals. Presented in partnership with the Association of Financial Educators.
Election Information with the League of Women Voters of Estes Park
Thursday, May 2, 12 - 2 p.m., Library Atrium
The League of Women Voters of Estes Park will be on hand to help with voter registration, important election dates, and other information about voting in local, regional, and national elections.
May Day Celebration Ⓡ
Wednesday, May 1, 3 - 4 p.m., Hondius Room
Dance around the Maypole, make a flower crown, braid ribbons, and browse the Seed Library! Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Smash Plate Mosaic Art Ⓡ
Wednesday, May 1, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Makerspace
Smash plates and cups, then use the pieces to create a beautiful piece of mosaic artwork. This program will use hammers, broken glass, and pottery in a contained and supervised environment and is recommended for ages 9 and up.
Teen Advisory Council Ⓡ
Thursday, May 2, 6 - 7 p.m., Hondius Room
Monthly meeting for tweens and teens (ages 11-18) who would like to recommend ideas for library programming, designs for future teen space, and collection purchases for their age group.
May the 4th Be With You Ⓡ
Saturday, May 4, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Celebrate Star Wars Day with crafts (including making your own lightsaber!), robots, free comic books, a photobooth, and more. Wear your Star Wars themed clothing or costumes!
Youth Health Fair
Thursday, May 9, 4 - 6 p.m., Hondius Room
Learn about mental and physical health resources available locally for tweens and teens. Presented with Partners Mentoring Youth and Larimer County Department of Health and Environment. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
KIDS & FAMILIES
Library Storytimes
Babies: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.
Preschoolers: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.
Read to Therapy Dog Annie: Sat., May 4 at 11 a.m.
Storybook Explorers: Sat., May 11 at 11:15 a.m.
MAKERSPACE CLASSES
Learn the Laser Cutter Ⓡ
Monday, May 6, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Study Session
Thursday, May 2, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room
View the Board of Trustees information at estesvalleylibrary.org/board.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Cliffhanger Used Books
Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the Post Office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, and music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
KEY
Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.
The Estes Valley Library invites you to connect with yourself before the busy summer season arrives. In celebration of “Mind, Body, May,” we’ll be focusing on programs, collections, and resources that keep us feeling our best, inside and out through the month of May.
Many Estes Parkians are currently prepping their bodies for summer hiking and other outdoor adventures, which makes May a perfect time to consider how exercise and the brain are con-
neighbor can increase our own happiness and sense of fulfillment. Crafters of all ages can stop by the Makerspace on May 7 to create homemade greeting cards, perfect for special occasions or just brightening someone’s day. We’ll have all supplies on hand, so just drop in for either of the two sessions (11 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1 p.m.–2 p.m.).
Active, lifelong learning is a key part of maintaining a healthy, vibrant mind. Did you know that the Library offers
nected. On May 22 and 29, meet up with other readers for a two-part discussion about Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise & the Brain, the bestselling book by author and renowned psychiatrist John Ratey. Attendees can join in-person or virtually for face time with Dr. Ratey himself, as well as an interactive conversation with Chazz Glaze, Salud’s Community Health Educator. Doing something kind for a friend or
free access to Universal Class, a resource that offers over 500 self-paced online courses? All you need is your library card to begin learning about subjects like entrepreneurship, psychology, web development, writing skills, and so much more.
Take some time to refresh this May: the Library is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with yourself – and others. Learn more about these programs and resources at estesvalleylibrary.org.
The Estes Valley Astronomical Society is offering a free public lecture this Saturday, April 27th at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory. The goal of EVAS is to promote amateur astronomy and education in the Estes valley.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest and most complex space-based observatory ever built. It is currently at its observing spot, nearly one million miles from Earth.
Our speaker is Erin Wolf former Program Manager and Technical Lead for the JWST at BAE Systems, Inc (formerly Ball Aerospace). Erin’s presentation recounts the JWST design
levels.
Prior to joining BAE Systems, Inc in 2017, Wolf worked on Webb at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center for eight years. She also contributed to Landsat 9’s TIRS-2 instrument and to the fourth Hubble Servicing Mission. She has worked on many payloads in the past, with an emphasis on cryogenic systems and IR detectors.
Wolf is a member of the Society for Women Engineers (SWE) and has been involved with the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE). She has received various
and build lifecycle, with updates from newly released images. Less than two years into its mission, JWST has broken the record for the oldest galaxy ever observed by nearly 100 million years. It is seeing some of the first galaxies to form after the big bang 13.8 billion years ago. And some of those galaxies are bigger than our theories say they should be at such a young age of the universe! So, what do we know now about the origins of our Universe that Webb has illuminated? And what can a new mission, SPHEREx, tell us about what drove early universe Inflation?
awards for her work on Webb, including the NASA Silver Achievement Medal, Group (2014) and NASA Exceptional Public Achievement Medal, Individual (2023) and was recognized as a Mentor of the Quarter at Ball. Wolf is a lifetime Girl Scout and Gold Award recipient. Wolf received a B.S. in physics from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA and attended the Systems Engineering master’s program at Johns Hopkins University, MD.
Erin is currently a program manager for the SPHEREx program at Ball Aerospace. SPHEREx is NASA’s middle-class explorer program (MIDEX) Infrared observatory that will survey the sky in optical and near-infrared light which serves as a powerful tool for answering cosmic questions. In her role, Wolf fosters the mentorship of junior engineers and provides growth opportunities for all career
The Estes Park Memorial Observatory is just north of the high school at 1600 Manford Ave. Park in the teacher’s parking lot between the high school and the observatory. The doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. The presentation, including a question and answer period, lasts about an hour. After the presentation, weather permitting, we will look through our 16 inch dome telescope at various celestial objects.
As I looked at the pictures of each of the teenagers and teacher from Columbine that we mourned again last week, and thought about the 400-plus other school and mass shootings that have taken place since Columbine, I visualize one question being asked by each grieving parent and other loved ones, being about the fairness of it all. “Why us, Lord? Why did our loved one perish at the hand of these hateful shooters?” Of course, none of them would have wished this on another family, but the tragedy of loss is so devastating, and the sadness so unending and, almost, unbearable. It happens on many occasions throughout our life experiences. “Why me, Lord? Why my child, Lord? Why my partner, Lord? Why us, Lord?” That injury, that shocking diagnosis, that horrible unexpected loss, they feel so overwhelming. And they often hit us as being so unfair. A song writer verbalized it like this: “Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder, why it should be so all the day long, while there are others living around us, never molested, though in the wrong.” “It’s not fair, Lord!” we cry out. Toward the end of Christ’s earthly ministry he was with Peter and other chosen disciples. After asking Peter to revalidate his love for, and commitment to Himself, he gave Peter some insight into fearful and painful things he would face in days ahead. He would ‘be bound and led where he did not want to go’, referring to Peter’s eventual death for his faith. Upon hearing these ominous words, Peter, seeing another apostle, John, standing nearby, said…as perhaps we might have…“Lord, what about him?” Jesus said, “What is that to you? You must follow me! Feed my sheep!”
What does this say to each of us? It reminds us that most everything in our life is pretty much an individual matter. Jesus saves us individually. God blesses each of us individually, giving us gifts and abilities and opportunities individually. He also allows us to face challenges individually. That often demands that we be stretched to the ‘breaking point’ as we deal with loss and grief. But, if we are His, we know that He will not abandon us, being there for us during life’s most difficult challenges and losses. Peter came to understand that that was the message that Jesus was sharing with him…that He would be there with him as faithful Peter went through those challenges and his eventual demise…on a cross. And he knew that He would be waiting ‘on the other side’ to welcome His faithful servant Peter, after he had endured his ‘individual’ challenge. And we know the same, don’t we? When we move past these challenges…like the loss of those precious ones at Columbine, and the many who have died similarly…as we faithfully serve the Lord Jesus, “Feeding His sheep”, as Peter was told, we will receive the blessings prepared for faithful servants. But, we might ask, “What about those teens who were taken from us?” And Jesus would answer us as He answered Peter. “That is not for you to try to fully comprehend, you follow me!”
I like the way Chuck Swindoll put it: “Some couples seem uniquely allowed by God to endure hardship…while others are hardly touched by difficulty at all. It’s so easy for the Peter within us to lash out and bitterly lobby for the Equal Wrongs Amendment before the Judge. His response remains the same: ‘My child, just follow me. Remember, you’re not John…you’re Peter.’” May God help us all to trust ‘the Judge of all the earth, Who will do right.’ (Exodus 15:26)
In the meantime, we will continue to grieve with all those whose loved ones have been lost in all the untimely shootings that have plagued our nation. And pray that such tragedies will soon come to an end.
Bob Lewis
April 26 – May 2
Cinco de Mayo has been a popular tradition in Estes Park for more than 20 years. With over 700 people attending, it would not be possible to host such a big event without a dedicated team of volunteers. Volunteers help with serving food, designing and setting up decorations, hosting children’s activities, coordinating with local nonprofits, and much more.
Many students and young people are part of this effort. That includes students from Eagle Rock School in Estes Park, who have been helping over the years, going back to 2014. They created the festive “Viva Estes Park” banner that adorns the food serving table. Other connections have been made regionally. Volunteers from Silver Creek Academy Program in Longmont have traveled to Estes Park in recent years to assist in a variety of roles, helping to ensure the success of “Cinco.”
20 años. Con una estimación de más de 700 asistentes, no sería posible celebrar un evento de tal magnitud sin un dedicado equipo de voluntarios. Los voluntarios ayudan a servir la comida, a diseñar y colocar la decoración, a organizar las actividades infantiles, a coordinarse con las organizaciones locales sin ánimo de lucro, y mucho más.
Muchos estudiantes y jóvenes participan en este esfuerzo. Eso incluye a los estudiantes de la Escuela Eagle
With this outpouring of support, Estes Park’s Cinco de Mayo is an evening for everyone. It takes place on Sunday May 5 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Estes Park Event Center at Stanley Fairgrounds. Enjoy an authentic and complimentary Mexican dinner from 6 to 7:30 p.m, with dance performances, followed by live music, kids’ activities, door prizes, and much more, with festivities throughout the evening.
Cinco de Mayo in Estes Park is made possible through the assistance of several major partners: Crossroads Ministry, Ascent Escrow and Title, the Town of Estes Park, Salud Family Health Center, the Estes Valley Library, the Estes Park News, the Estes Park Education Foundation, and Estes Park Rent All. This support ensures a meal and a festive evening for everyone. Cash donations are welcomed, but not required.
Our community is encouraged to save the date of May 5 and join in the festive spirit of Cinco de Mayo.
Voluntarios entusiastas están listos para recibir el Cinco de Mayo
El Cinco de Mayo es una tradición popular en Estes Park desde hace más de
Rock en Estes Park, que han estado ayudando a lo largo de los años, remontándose a 2014. Ellos crearon la festiva bandera "Viva Estes Park" que adorna la mesa de servicio de alimentos. Otras conexiones se han hecho a nivel regional. Voluntarios de Silver Creek Academy Program en Longmont han viajado a Estes Park en los últimos años para ayudar en una variedad de funciones, ayudando a asegurar el éxito de "Cinco".
Con esta avalancha de apoyo, el Cinco de Mayo de Estes Park es una tarde para todos. Tendrá lugar el domingo 5 de mayo de 6 a 11 p.m. en el Centro de Eventos de Estes Park en Stanley Fairgrounds. Disfrute de una auténtica cena mexicana de cortesía de 6 a 7:30 p.m., con presentaciones de baile, seguida de música en vivo, actividades para niños, premios de entrada y mucho más, con festividades durante toda la noche.
Cinco de Mayo en Estes Park es posible gracias a la ayuda de varios socios importantes: Crossroads Ministry, Ascent Escrow and Title, the Town of Estes Park, Salud Family Health Center, the Estes Valley Library, the Estes Park News, Estes Park Education Foundation, y Estes Park Rent All. Este apoyo asegura una comida y una noche festiva para todos. Las donaciones en efectivo son bienvenidas, pero no obligatorias. Animamos a nuestra comunidad a que reserve la fecha del 5 de mayo y se una al espíritu festivo del Cinco de Mayo.
Join us at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center (EPSCC) for "Your Life Your Legacy" pre-planning seminar. Discover the value of pre-planning a funeral and learn the four simple steps to ensure all your final arrangements are in place. This insightful presentation will be held at the EPSCC, located at 1760 Olympian Lane, from 12:00 to 1:00 on Tuesday, April 30. Enjoy light refreshments as you gather valuable knowledge for the future. All are welcome!
Speakers Jennifer Hershelman and Dawn Shields of Allnutt Funeral Services are providing vital assistance to Estes Park families, offering relief from both emotional and financial burdens through pre-planning. By engaging in these conversations ahead of time, families can navigate difficult moments with greater ease, sparing loved ones from the challenges of unplanned arrangements during times of loss.
If you would like more information about pre-planning, please contact Dawn at Dawn.Shields@DignityMemorial.com, (970) 586-3101, or visit Allnutt’s website at www.AllnuttEstesPark.com.
Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch or pre-purchase a hot meal by placing an order before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29. For this event, the Senior Center will be serving a BBQ platter of pulled pork and beef brisket, with baked beans and coleslaw. The cost is $7 for EPSCC members and $10 for non-members. If you become an EPSCC member for just $35 per year, you will not only enjoy meal discounts but also gain access to all the amazing activities. For more information about the EPSCC or to order a meal for the program, please call the Senior Center at (970) 581-2195.
Bank of Estes Park is proud to support the Pet Association of Estes Park. It was founded in 1973 with the goal of helping homeless animals in the area in need and to educate youth and the community about the humane care of animals, serving the entire Estes Valley. The bank supports their mission in multiple ways, including the Picture Your Pet With Santa fundraiser in our lobby every year.
On a personal level, all of our (Applegate) dogs have always been rescues, and we have tended toward older, larger, black dogs, as they can be more difficult to find homes for. But the newest addi-
tion was an exception—our little oneeyed Molly, which was a rescue from the Pet Association, and who has become as much an Applegate as I am! Actually, if I’m being honest, I would not want to put Brandi in a position of choosing between me and Molly, because I’m not confident where I would be sleeping after her choice (kidding… mostly…).
All of the dogs in the picture are prior or current rescues of the Pet Association. Please go to www.petassociationestespark.com to view adoptable dogs and cats, to find out more information, or (if you are able to help) to make a donation.
Apr 29 – May 3
Monday, Apr 29 Quiche (w/ bacon & vegetables), Hashbrowns & fruit
Tuesday, Apr 30 BBQ Platter – Pulled Pork & Beef Brisket w/ Baked Beans & coleslaw
Wednesday, May 1 Hot Turkey Sandwich w/ Mashed Potatoes, gravy & vegetables
Thursday, May 2 Chicken Piccata Milanese (lightly breaded chicken breast, pan fried w/ capers & lemon) w/ Pasta, garlic bread & side salad
Friday, May 3 Fish & Homemade Chips w/ soup of the day
May 6 – 10
Monday, May 6 Shepherd’s Pie (mashed potatoes, beef, gravy & vegetables) w/ Biscuit
Tuesday, May 7 Chicken Cordon Bleu w/ Roasted Potatoes & vegetables
Wednesday, May 8 Philly Beef Sandwich (topped w/ mozzarella cheese, green peppers & onions) w/ Homemade Chips
Thursday, May 9 Chicken Alfredo w/ Pasta, garlic bread & side salad
Friday, May 10 Signature Salad w/ (8 grilled) Shrimp (greens topped w/ tomatoes, corn, cheese, craisins, pecans & croutons) w/ ranch dressing
Meals are $7 for current 2024 EP Senior Citizens Center members and are by reservation only. (Or 3 meals for $20; use pre-paid meal tickets.) Exact cash or check payment required. Reservations must be made by 1:00 PM at least one business day in advance. Note, if you want to reserve a meal for Monday, Apr 29th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Apr 26th. For reservations call 970-581-2195 and leave a detailed message. Pre-paid meal tickets and membership forms are available at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center located at 1760 Olympian Lane.
The Center is OPEN Monday thru Friday 10 – 1
TriFit M-W-F 10:30 – 11:15 AM
Circuit Balance Class Mondays 1 – 1:45 PM
Yoga Thursdays 10:15 – 11:15 AM
Mahjong Tuesdays 10 – 2; Board Games 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 11:30 – 1:30
Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA)
Two Bridge Groups: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesday of the month & Every Thursday 12:30 – 4 PM
Reserved Meals-to-Go delivered to your vehicle or EAT at the Senior Citizens Center Check out our website: estesparkseniors.org or call for the latest information
“What that means is that we use small incisions throughout the shoulder.”
Working through five tiny incisions about a quarter of an inch in size, Dr. Bishop uses a lighted camera to navigate through the injured shoulder and see what he needs to at multiple angles.
The first small device he inserts into the body is an ultrasonic ablator to clean up the tissue.
“It doesn’t affect the tissue around it,” Dr. Bishop emphasized. “That’s what we use a lot to help visualize and manipulate tissue and clean up tissue.”
The surgeon also uses a small tool called a grasper which allows him to work with a tendon that was inflamed, irritated, and flipping in and out of its
normal groove.
“We need to manipulate that tissue to make it move over to its original location,” he said.
Two of the incisions were for suture anchors.
All in all, the procedure took a large team and about two-and-a-half hours. Varilek is expected to make a full recovery.
When Chuck Varilek is a retired teacher who continues to pursue his love of music by conducting the Estes Park Village Band the Estes Park Jazz Big Band. A recent slip on a patch of ice during a routine morning walk left him with a painful shoulder injury.
“I took a fall and messed up my shoulder and it ended up being I destroyed my rotator cuff amongst other things, so I’m getting those repaired,” Varilek explained. “As soon as I hit the ground, I knew I had messed myself up.”
Varilek went to Urgent Care for an xray. No bones were broken. He was referred to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gavin Bishop at Estes Park Health.
“The next imaging was an MRI,” Dr. Bishop said. “And the MRI confirmed our suspicion that he had a full thickness tear of his supraspinatus which is one of his rotator cuff muscles and tendons. And it was retracted.”
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder and allow for range of motion. Varilek could barely lift his left arm.
“The pain was reasonable for him, but really it was more the lack of function that was his bigger concern,” Dr. Bishop noted.
Varilek opted for surgery.
In the pre-op area, Varilek was given a regional anesthetic block in his shoulder. The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist used ultrasound guidance to place the medicine in the right area.
“I want my arm back and I’d like to be able to move it without having a lot of pain,” he stressed.
In the pre-op area, Varilek was given a regional anesthetic block in his shoulder. The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist used ultrasound guidance to place the medicine in the right area.
Then it was off to the operating room where he was placed under general anesthesia. When dealing with a tight space like the shoulder, Dr. Bishop uses an arm holding device to open up the area for his tools.
“We can really see everything we need to arthroscopically,” Dr. Bishop stated.
“The smaller holes can heal faster and hopefully have less impact on the soft tissue that isn’t being worked on,” Dr. Bishop explained. “There are different reasons why someone can tear their rotator cuff. Some of it could be slipping and falling. Some of it could be overuse. Some of it could be another type of injury. Patients tend to do well if we have the right diagnosis and do the right procedure. They tend to recover well and have a good outcome.”
Varilek went home the same day as his surgery. It will still take weeks of recovery and rehab, but he should be back on the bandstand soon. He’s grateful to get the help he needs close to home.
“I’d much prefer this to driving down to the valley and the drive back up and all that,” he added.
For convenient, expert orthopedic care close to home, think Estes Park Health.
To watch a video about rotator cuff repair surgery at EPH, go to youtu.be/nsNwLPROXMc.
“We
is about a year old, weighs 46 pounds, is very sweet and good with other dogs.
this handsome guy is about three years old, weighs about 50 pounds and is good with other dogs.
is about 13 years old. He will probably do best as an only child as he doesn't really seem to like other cats or dogs. He likes catnip, lounging in sunny spots and begging for treats. Sweetie Pie is declawed.
just finished raising her two babies. She is a sweet and fun three year old girl that is good with other dogs. She weighs ten pounds.
Please call (970) 286-1652 if you’d like to meet or foster any of these special pets.
All pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a non-profit organization that is your local humane society.
You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to P.O. Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.
For more information about the Pet Association, please visit petassociationestespark.com.
The Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Steve Stiell, recently said, “We have two years to save the world.” He also stated that none of the UN Sustainable Goals (i.e. eliminating poverty, ending hunger, establishing equality) will be accomplished if we do not successfully address the rising global temperature now
On the other hand, the Global Carbon Project has announced that it is already too late. To succeed, there must be a 45 degree drop in greenhouse gas (ghg) by 2030. Mr. Stiell stated that it is time to redirect trillions of dollars “from the energy and infrastructure of the past toward that of a cleaner, more resilient future.” He strongly recommended debt relief, emissions taxes, and financial reformation to increase climate finance.
In 1995, President Bill Clinton and Al Gore were concerned about climate warming. The rate that the World was pumping greenhouse gas into the atmosphere was growing at 1% per year. With 6-billion tons of carbon from burning coal, oil, and natural gas and another two billion tons from burning and logging the forests per year, CO2 had grown 30%; methane was 100% up; and the rise in nitrous oxide rose 15% (1860 to 1995). In those days, the United States contributed 22% of that total, all by itself, a 1995 average of five tons of ghg per person – per year. The White House announcement predicted a rise in temperature, including the possibility of sea-level rise and even a chance of floods, drought, and problems with water quality – by 2100! But we were not ready to listen.
We have now surpassed all of those predictions. Although methane levels were down in 2023 for the first time (still above 1995), overall ghg levels were, as usual, at a record high. Where in 1995 the annual rise was 1%, the 2023 rise was 10% above that. Luckily, we had those years of pandemic isolation which caused a significant drop giving us a 1.5% rise since pre-pandemic years. China has surpassed the USA as the largest contributor, but we remain securely in 2nd place. The decline in use of coal to generate electricity caused US CO2 emissions to drop 3%. However, looking at per capita records, the US is still double Europe, double China, and 800% of India. The prescription is to change the approach. Man is capable of changing the conditions that man created. We can see the necessity and we can do something about it. However, that means we must have an opinion, follow that opinion, and voice that opinion. Having an opinion can be difficult: It means listening to the facts from a variety of sources who disagree and forming our own personal belief. Following that belief means listing all the things we know we should be doing and then choosing which ones to do now,
regularly. Also a difficult decision. Voicing opinion is perhaps the most difficult. It means open commitment -- and not everyone will agree. However, a recent international poll conducted by Gallup showed 89% want stronger climate action from government.
Dark horizons? No worse than the 30s (Fascism), the 40s (WWII), the 50s (nuclear drills), the 60s (Vietnam). We are resilient and we can make the effort to fix this, if not governmentally, then through a ground swell. Isolation has invaded our lives destroying the usual social structure. A collective project can renovate community spirit, establish connectiveness, and promote compassion and empathy. With the closure of textile mills in North Carolina, ordinary people collectively pooled imagination to successfully create retraining programs, research facilities, and a 10,000 acre reforestation project.
There are good things happening in industry: Just after the 2013 flood, we discovered that Dupont makes recyclable carpets. Large indoor vertical farms are expanding the container concept, growing local food in cities, or in locations without fertile soil. Bright Line West is building a high-speed bullet train linking Southern California and Las Vegas, NV. Faced with a global unhoused population of one billion, companies, like Alquist 3D in Greeley, build 3-D printed houses with a poured foundation and traditional roof, doors, and windows. It takes about two weeks of 24-hour printing to complete each house. Tuna fish have been depleted by the swell of garbage in the ocean, affecting the food supply. Blue Nalu has succeeded in cell duplication, regrowing cells, and regenerating the production of fish. The Great Garbage Patch has been a recognized problem for years. Now, the ocean cleanup has invented a successful way to reduce the size with a customized U-shaped plastic fishing net that collects floating plastic which is then recycled into pellets to create new durable products. These barriers have been placed in major rivers as well as ocean locations. But the real answer here is to eliminate single use plastic.
Of course, there is also the government side of the issue. We need our governments, at all levels, to solidly back our endeavors – to take the lead. Without them success is 10 times more difficult.
Mr. Stiell’s final directive in his speech: “The only sure-fire way to get climate up the cabinet agenda is if enough people rise their voices. So, my final message today is for people everywhere. Every voice matters. Yours has never been more important. If you want bolder climate action, now is the time to make yours count.”
Agree? Disagree? Comments? Questions? RRRcyc@signsandwishes.com
On This Day, April 26, In History
1995-Coors Field, opens in Denver, Rockies beat Mets 11-9 in 14 innings.
1993-NBC announces Conan O'Brien to replace David Letterman.
1986-Actor/body builder Arnold Schwarzenegger weds newscaster Maria Shriver.
1966-Arnold "Red" Auerbach retires as Boston Celtic's coach.
1941-A tradition begins, 1st organ at a baseball stadium for the Chicago Cubs.
All three Estes Park third grade classes visited the Stanley Home Museum in April and enjoyed hearing the inspiring stories of FO and Flora Stanley’s early days in Estes Park and how they helped transform Estes Park into the community it is today. Many of the students were already familiar with FO Stanley’s history because, the day before they toured the museum, they had attended Kurtis Kelly’s performance in which he personified FO Stanley and told many of his stories in the first person.
Some students developed a new appreciation for indoor plumbing after learning what the chamber pots under the beds were used for, while others were amazed to hear the
ley’s inspirational lives.
Near the end of their visit, we ask the students to tell us one thing that they remember from the tour and their answers were wonderful. They have learned something new while also having fun.
The museum guides have thoroughly enjoyed having the 3rd grade classes visit the Stanley Home Museum again. The guides have so much fun sharing the Stanley stories and listening to the 3rd graders questions.
As a memento of their visit, each student was given a booklet that described four key character traits of the Stanley’s that enabled their successes in life: Visionary, Inventive, Persistent, and Generous. Each stu-
somewhat scratchy music emerging from an old record playing on the had-cranked gramophone in the parlor. They were not certain how musical sound was possible without electricity.
Everyone had a lot of fun in the kitchen because there were so many items that they had not seen before. The toaster didn’t look like any toasters they had seen, and they thought the meat grinder attached to the Hoosier cabinet was a coffee gridder. The ice box and the oldstyle telephone attracted a lot of questions as well.
The field trip ended in the gift shop with an 8-minute video by EmmyWinner Nick Molle about the Stan-
dent also received a coin with the four key traits written on one side and the museum logo on the other side.
We deeply appreciate that the booklets and coins were made possible by a generous Estes Park Woman’s Club donation and the creative contributions of Michael Young and Blake Robertson.
In the parlor of the beautiful 1904 home of F.O. and Flora Stanley on April 13th and 14th, the Stanley Home Museum hosted another High Teas and Tours weekend.
Many ladies and a few gentlemen attended the tea this time. We were fortunate have a lovely day with clear blue skies and bright sunshine shining into the parlor.
Some ladies were dresses in delightful period clothing and had worn their best fancy hats.
Jan Gehlhausen added to the spirited High Tea by bringing a bag full of fascinators (a formal headpiece worn as an alternative to a hat) to share with anyone who wanted to wear one.
SereniTea’s Tea Room and Café owner Daisy St. Pierre and her staff provided a splendid assortment of delicious petite sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted crème and jam along with mini chocolate Bundt cakes topped with a fresh raspberry, and lemon tarts for desserts, all of which everyone found incredibly tasty. Daisy selected several flavorful teas that were poured into lovely
antique teacups with delicate designs and colors. The teacups were donated by Blake and Susan Robertson.
Soft background music was playing as the guests visited with each other and consumed many cups of the flavorful variety of teas offered. Several guests toured the home with our interpretive guides, Lynn Waring, Teri Johnson, Kelly Meisinger, Dianna and Sam Franklin, who were delighted to tell the inspirational stories of Flora and F.O.Stanley to an enthusiastic group as they experienced the home.
A wonderful afternoon was had by all, with many asking when the next High Tea experience would be held. It is scheduled for Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th.
If weather permits, we hope to have some tea tables set up on the front porch.
Come join us and slip back in time while enjoying tea in this lovely setting with the exquisite view of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide.
Watch for all coming events at the stanleyhome.org website.
Estes-based nonprofit Ballet Renaissance will perform again this year in support of the annual Estes Park Rotary Duck Race Festival. The performance will feature select Ballet Renaissance students, including 2024 Protégé Participants, along with professional Guest Artists, and will take place at Performance Park on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free. Ballet Renaissance’s Spring 2024 Performance season
will also include performances for Estes Park’s annual Cinco de Mayo Festival (Sunday, May 5 at the EP Event Center), and at the opening of the annual Center Stage Spring Gala (Saturday, May 11 at the YMCA Ruesch). For further information, or to support Ballet Renaissance’s merit-based tuition-free Protégé Program or BR’s Forever Fund “Ayana’s Hope,” visit www.balletren.org.
The Rooftop Rodeo is pleased to announce that applications are available for the Rooftop Rodeo Royalty Program. The Rooftop Royalty is a youth development program for boys, ages 9-15 and girls, ages 9-25, to preserve rodeo and the western way of life in the town of Estes Park. The royalty program provides a unique opportunity to cultivate an atmosphere for youth development while representing organizations such as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the Rooftop Rodeo, and the Town of Estes Park. Girls and boys involved in the program work behind the scenes to promote the rodeo all while developing communication skills, speech and interview skills, and valuable skills which will aid them through school and beyond. The Royalty will promote western heritage throughout Estes Park, during rodeo week, and
other events throughout the year. The competition for Rooftop Royalty Queen, Attendant and Princess and Wrangler will take place on June 29 and 30 at the Estes Park Events Center. A free information clinic is being offered May 11. For more information about our royalty program visit www.rooftoprodeo.com or contact the Rooftop Royalty Coordinator Holly at royalty@rooftoprodeo.com.
The Rooftop Rodeo will take place July 5-10, 2024. Gates open each night at 5 p.m. The pre-show begins at 6:45 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 7 p.m. For more information about the Rooftop Rodeo or to purchase tickets visit www.rooftoprodeo.com. Inquiries about tickets may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events Department at 970-586-6104, or events@estes.org.
This Saturday, April 27
“Come along and listen to” the Estes Park Chorale singing songs from Broadway. The spring concert is at 7 p.m. this Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies.
Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at the door or at Macdonald Book Shop.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz” is written by Harold Arlen and reminds us that “the dreams that we dare to dream really do come true.” From “Neil Diamond-The Musical” comes “Sweet Caroline,” which reflects on the fact that even in 2024 with everything that is going on in
The first half of the concert was reviewed in the previous news release, and this article includes the balance of the numbers rounding out the entire concert. The concert features eight numbers by the 54-member Chorale and an additional eight selections performed by soloists, duets, quartets and a women’s sextet. Clarinet soloist, Kristi Fjarer, is a special background feature for “Sunrise, Sunset/Sabbath Prayer” from “Fiddler on the Roof.”
A touching number from the musical “Hamilton” is “Dear Theodosia.”
Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr had children near the same time and they sing a sweet, lyrical number about the effect of their children’s lives on them. Bob Gunn will sing the part of Aaron Burr, saying “I’m dedicating every day to you.”
As an aside, artistic director Denise Stookesberry stated that the Chorale contingent traveling to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall with John Rutter is adding an evening on Broadway with the live performance of “Hamilton.” It’s just one more treat of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Next the Luciana Quartet, featuring Miranda Dillard, Patricia Arias, Nelson Burke and Bob Gunn, will sing “Count Your Blessings” from “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin and “Not While I’m Around” from “Sweeney Todd" by Stephen Sondheim.
Buckle up your seatbelts for a “blast from the past” in “Rhythm of Life,” from the stage play and movie in the mid1960s. Big, happy times existed in the hippy movement and the Rhythm of Life Church centered prominently in this hugely energetic number, originally with Sammy Davis, Jr. staring at Big Daddy Brubeck. The Chorale will be blasting out the lyrics to “spread the religion of the rhythm of life.”
The Sympatica Quartet with Miranda Dillard, Denise Stookesberry, Steve Tice and Nelson Burke takes on the challenge of singing two special pieces a cappella.
the world today that “good time never seemed so good.” We hope these two featured quartets will circulate widely throughout the Estes Park community for a long time to come. Not to be outdone, the Chorale as a whole will tackle the a cappella world with a haunting arrangement by Robert Edgerton of “Somewhere” from “West Side Story.” Original music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim help us “find a new way of living” as well as reflect on how if we hold our hands we are halfway there.
As always, our accompanist, Michelle Gergen-Wisner, adds a true and faithful guide through many weeks of rehearsals. She will play not only what director Denise asks for, but also anticipates what she really wants. It’s been said many times and continues to be true that “We can’t do this without you, Michelle, and thanks!”
Narrator Steve Tice will insert insights and perspectives into the individual pieces as well as about the life and times of the Chorale as a whole. We also thank Sharon Groome for our poster and program design for this concert, which indeed sparkles as do the lights of Broadway.
Donations are welcome to help the Chorale on their adventure to Carnegie Hall and can be made at the concert or on the website: estesparkchorale.com. Also, anyone interested in joining the singers with the Chorale can obtain information there on the website. Individuals of any age or vocal music ability are welcome.
Spring 2024s concert, Estes Park Chorale Goes to Broadway'' concludes with one of our favorites. With music by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darton, and arranged by Christopher Wormald “The Impossible Dream,” from the 1965 musical “Man of La Mancha,” reminds us that “the world will be better for this,” that we should “strive when our arms are too weary to reach the unreachable star.”
expertise
mountain living. Amidst numerous options in the Estes area, Brandon chose RE/MAX Mountain Brokers for our commitment to excellence. He underscores our dedication to ongoing education, unparalleled local insight, and a supportive environment where every agent thrives individually. Brandon recognizes the unwavering ethics and intelligence of our team, making us the clear choice for him. We're thrilled to have Brandon on board, enhancing our mission to deliver exceptional service in mountain real estate.
Did you miss the Elevate Partners Fundraising Dinner on March 7th, 2024, at Mama Roses? It was a busy night in our Estes Valley Community with snow and several other community activities schedules on the same evening. You have been supporters and friends of Partners for so long, we don’t want to lose contact with you. All donations directly support the Estes Park Partners office and are tax deductible. Donations also qualify for the CO Child Care Contributions Tax credit, which provides a tax credit of 50% of your donation. More information on that at www.poweredbypartners.org/cccc. You can donate online at: https://poweredbypartners.org/get-involved/#donate. Choose either one time donation or reoccurring monthly donation. From the Dropdown box chose for type of donation choose Event Donation, and in the Notes section write in Elevate Partners 2024. Please fill in all your contact information. If you prefer to write a check, please send it to
Westover Construction has always been a big supporter of the work we’re doing at Crossroads. In just a few weeks they will be hosting a Westover Home Tour on Saturday, June 15th, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. as a way of raising support and
of the other homes to take in the vast creativity that flows from the masterful minds of the Westover team. Your ticket will not only get you into all the beautiful homes on the tour, but it will help support Crossroads with valuable re-
awareness for Crossroads Ministry. In cooperation with the homeowners, the Westover team has selected some of the houses they have constructed within close proximity of each other for the community to tour. If you’ve ever been inside one of the Westover homes, you will want to come and experience some
sources to take good care of our neighbors in the Estes Valley. Mark your calendars and come join us for this wonderful event! Keep an eye out for further information and details on how to purchase tickets.
-Brian Schaffer
Have you ever heard someone say they were saving up for a rainy day? What does this really mean? From what I understand it’s a pretty simple plan of set-
cloud formation I wanted to share with you that I saw while picking up my tax returns from Shotts, Merryman, and Company. I admit up front that I’m not a weather man so you might not find
ting aside money into a savings account for a time in the future when you might have an extra-ordinary need that goes beyond what you currently have available. This is all good and true, but what happens if there are too many rainy days and you run out of money? Just in recent months we’ve had several individuals and families stop by to see us that have used up their last few pennies in the piggy bank. It’s a horrible feeling to shake the bank until the last coin drops out and then the realization sets in that the rainy day fund is empty. A couple more sayings I heard growing up were related to “Pennies from Heaven” and “Showers of Blessings.” I’m not a meteorologist, but I have heard there are certain cloud formations that will give you an indication when a storm is coming. Cumulus clouds are known as “fair weather clouds,” so you generally won’t expect a big rain storm when you spot these in the sky, but instead you will have nice weather. Cumulus clouds are puffy clouds that sometimes look like pieces of floating cotton. A beautiful sight to behold when you’re outside with your head in the clouds. There’s another
any meteorological data to back up my findings. The cloud formation I’d like to introduce you to is the Stimulus clouds. They are similar to Cumulus, but instead of being filled with air they are filled with funding that can produce “showers of blessings” for those in our community that need some funds to replenish their rainy day account. The stimulus funds for Coloradoans will come through TABOR refunds for anyone in Colorado who filed a state tax return. Crossroads has already received some rain drops or rain donations from these TABOR refunds and we’re making sure they are being used to help those who need it most. We never give cash directly to those in need, but we do use the money to take good care of the various needs of our neighbors through a third-party relationship that provides housing, utilities, hot meals, or other qualified services. If you’d like to rain down a shower of blessing on someone with all or part of your TABOR refund, you can send it our way during April/May and it will be doubled. A double blessing will be produced for the giver and receiver!
Estes Park Special Olympics organizers are hosting bowling fun at the Bull Pin, 555 S. St. Vrain Ave. on Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. All ages are welcome to participate. For more information, contact Audri Smith at 970-451-3762 or email
epspecialolympics@yahoo.com.
Quota members from the Community Action Committee, Mary Murphy, Linda Polland and Stephanie Hearty deliver a donation to Crossroads Associate Director, Aaron Bojan. The donation is to be used for therapy for school-aged chil-
dren with a Crossroads partnering therapist, Courtney Carroll. This donation will be doubled during the "Neighbors in Need" matching grant and will provide approximately 25 hours of therapy for school-aged children.
Every garage or home most likely has a roll of duct tape laying around. It can be used to “fix” almost anything including a leaky tent or leaky faucet. It can patch a hole, attach two thingamajigs and even temporarily repair a whatchamacallit. Heck, if you wanted to attach a bunch of oranges to a lodge pole pine I bet duct tape would be just the ticket.
Now I’m not sure why anybody would want to tape a bunch of or anges to a pine tree. Would duct taping oranges to a pine tree change its identity? Would you be able to convince any body the pine tree with the or anges taped to its limbs was an orange tree? After all the effort of duct taping oranges to a pine tree it would still be a pine tree, albeit a strange looking one at that.
In the book of Matthew, Jesus says this, “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad.” He goes on to say, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.”
One doesn’t have to be a great theologian or bible scholar to figure out what Jesus was talking about. Whatever starts in our thoughts and heart that comes out of our mouth and ends up being produced by our lives identifies who we are. We either produce “good fruit” or not. If I’m entertaining unhealthy evil thoughts,
have a heart that is hateful and speak words that are hurtful I’m not producing good fruit. Duct taping good, healthy fruit to me won’t change my character or fool anybody for very long, not even myself.
I wish I could say I was proud of every thought in my head, every sentiment in my heart and every word that comes out of my mouth. I’m not. I would love to say all the “fruit” of my life was juicy, great tasting and ripe for the pickin’. I’m working on it but I’m not there yet either.
It is said, “misery loves company” and I reckon that’s true. Finding other folks to share our misery with isn’t hard. But I’d rather keep good company with a band of brothers working on improving the quality of their “fruit” and leaving misery in the rearview mirror. That kind of sums up Men on Fire.
Men on Fire meets every Saturday, 8:00 a.m. at the American Legion. Our aim is simple. We want to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus SO THAT we can become the men He designed us to be—little by little and by God’s grace. We know getting stuck in our past or fearing the future is no way to live. Do we have struggles? You bet. But we find great encouragement and strength from other men not settling for a life of rotten oranges.
Join us this Saturday. No matter where you’re at in your life and faith journey you’ll be welcomed, accepted and encouraged. American Legion, Saturday, 8:00 a.m. See ya’ there!
It’s every small business owner’s nightmare: opening a laptop or other device and discovering that ransomware or some other cyber attack is extorting their data and information. And with cyber attacks on the rise, more and more small and midsize businesses are coming to grips with the need to step up their own online and digital security.
Trailblazer brings fast, reliable 100% fiber directly into your business and leases the modem and router combination Nokia Gateway to facilitate service.
Beyond that, businesses and residents are responsible for setting up and managing their own internal networks. Basic elements of a computer network include hardware, software, and protocols. The interrelationship of these basic elements constitutes the network’s infrastructure, which may include multiple computers, terminals, printers, firewalls, data backup and storage, VPNs, ethernet cables, WiFi access points, and more.
At Trailblazer Broadband, we take cybersecurity extremely seriously, doing all we can to safeguard our high-speed fiber network at its source and keep it as reliable as possible. But individual internet users, including small businesses, must take precautions, too.
Below, we detail six of the ways small and midsize businesses can keep their devices, networks, and data—including their customers’ most sensitive information—protected from cyberattacks.
Believe it or not, many small businesses fail to ensure that all their devices are properly protected with strong anti-virus software. While keeping the main server protected is paramount, other devices like laptops and tablets (and yes, even cell phones) also need protection.
McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender are four of the most popular and well-regarded anti-virus software programs available, and many small businesses rely on them. These companies stay on top of cyber threats as they emerge and have features and options to better customize protection depending on your business’s particular needs and potential exposure.
Your anti-virus software is only as protective as it is updated—so be sure to keep on top of it by regularly checking for and installing updates. But don’t forget to update the built-in security settings of your devices as well!
Operating systems, such as Windows
business will employ both anti-virus software and a firewall to improve overall protection.
Let’s face it—no one wants to remember onerous and lengthy passwords when logging into devices and applications. But as annoying as it is, strong passwords really do make a significant difference in small business cybersecurity. Thus, it is essential that everyone in the business employs difficult and
and Mac, dedicate entire teams of software engineers and programmers to outwit clever cyber criminals and their latest schemes. They also test for previously unknown vulnerabilities in their operating systems’ codes, which necessitate frequent updates to overcome.
Though it can be a hassle to plan software updates for your business (and getting staff members to do so, as well), do not neglect this necessary part of doing business in the 21st century!
After installing anti-virus software, another way to make your small business’ cybersecurity more robust is to set up a firewall. Firewalls protect your system from viruses, malware, and ransomware before they enter the company’s network and jeopardize the devices and data connected to it. In a sense, the two measures—firewalls and anti-virus software—perform similar and complementary functions at different points in your system’s security.
A firewall helps prevent cyber threats from breaking through your system and network, while anti-virus software identifies and eliminates them once they are infected. Hence, ideally, a savvy small
At Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death.
Our objective is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives'.
Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling ses-
sion. It is respectful and confidential with no intention of leading to any conclusion, product or course of action.
Death Café is for adults and will meet upstairs in the Wasson Board Room of the Estes Valley Library in Estes Park from 2:30 – 4:30 on Saturday, May 4. To RSVP, text Deborah at 970-4529191.
unique passwords for their login credentials.
And no, the family dog’s name with an “!” won’t cut it—especially if it’s also being used for every streaming TV channel, shopping app, and social media login already! Discussing the importance of strong passwords with your team is critical, as is modeling good behavior by regularly changing the passwords of even the most senior staff—and even the business’ owner, too.
For businesses handling a large amount of sensitive information from customers and other third parties—especially credit card numbers, Social Security Numbers,
and banking details—encrypting that data is essential.
There are many professional encryption software options available for small businesses. Check out the details for more specific information and pricing to find the best fit. Also, make sure that the encryption “key” is kept in a safe and easily accessible place!
Our final suggestion is to establish a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which can make remote access to the business’ server and network by staff much more protected. Once enabled, a VPN securely transmits all the data sent from and received by the business’ devices online through a secure “tunnel,” before reaching a private server, where that same data is encrypted before being sent out again on the internet.
According to many cybersecurity experts, businesses employing remote workers or staff that travel or work from public areas like airports, hotels, or coffee shops should view VPNs as a requirement, not an option. However any business can benefit from the extra level of protection a VPN offers.
It’s easy to get comfortable and let your guard down—but you’ve worked too hard to let cyber criminals take it all away from you. Implement these six steps as soon as possible to keep your company protected. If you need additional support with networking, you may want to review this list of Estes Park IT Contractors.
And if you haven’t already, be sure to call us at 970.577.3770 to find out how to connect your business to the fastest, most reliable internet network in Estes Park!
Trailblazer Broadband is not affiliated with and does not endorse any cybersecurity or networking provider or protocol.
We are excited to announce the Estes ParkRun! A free monthly 4.2 mile race around Lake Estes Saturdays at 7a.m., May 25, June 29, July 13 and August 24.
Join us at the Bluebird Pavilion on May 25th to meet fellow runners & walkers in the Estes Valley.
movement by providing a welcoming and fun space for runners of all ability levels.
For more information, check out our website at www.runningwildevents.com/estespark-run.html
By: Larry Yarrington
hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.” Revelations 3:20. This verse shows the kind of relationship God wants with us. It cannot be something forced but gladly entered by both parties.
One of the things I enjoy about Flatirons Church is that it has several good speakers. Today, I heard from Ben Chavez and had never heard from him before. It was a continuation in the series about how to bring faith to life in our lives. His hypothesis was that, as Christians, we can thrive not merely survive. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32. The key word is to abide, meaning to act in accordance with. So, the first thing we need to come to grips with is Biblical Authority. I begin to accept that something has authority if what the authority said works in my life. Does it really lead to a better way to do life than other philosophies. Of my 84 years, I have been a follower of Jesus words for 44 of them. I have experimented with other philosophies and find some good things in them but find it difficult to put them into action. The Bible comes with relationship with the author implied. I can accomplish much because He empowers me to do so. The Bible is not like a magic wand that I wave and get three wishes. To get the most out of the Bible, Ben mentioned three essentials.
The Bible was written for us, not to us. It was written in the context of a culture quite different from ours. There is a difference in geography and thinking. Let us look at Eastern thinking versus Western thinking. Eastern culture has been around for thousands of years. Western thinking is relatively new and is based on different perspectives. Ben called our attention to Psalm 23 and particularly to the phrase, “He causes me to lay down in green pastures”. Growing up in the Midwest, green pastures meant something different than say the desert of Arizona or Israel. There are spots in the desert where water pools and creates little patches of green. In the Midwest, we think of lush green lawns. Learning to read in the context of the culture it was written in creates another layer in understanding.
Secondly, it is important to Read the Red. The scripture printed in red in some Bibles, are the words of Jesus. If He is my leader, then it is important for me to read His words enough that I begin to understand His voice. I relate to that in my communication with my wife. Even if she had a cold and her voice does not sound like hers, after 41 years of marriage I can tell it is Susan by the way she phrases ideas. A couple of important verses connected to Jesus are these. The first is found in Matthew 4:4 where Jesus replies to a question, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Another is, “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone
Third, God’s word is somewhat like a Swiss Army Knife. Such a knife has several useful tools for accomplishing tasks. Ben was referring to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. “All scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man (or woman) of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Four things are mentioned here for which the Bible is profitable. Teaching gives us understanding. I liken it to going to school. School gave me many tools which were useful information but had little practical value without experience. We get practical, experiential knowledge from reproof. We seldom enjoy reproof, at the time, but find later find that it had a good effect. We also gain experience from correction. Again, it may take time to understand the benefit. Both reproof and correction, we get from good parents as we mature. As adults, it comes lovingly from the community in which I (we) have friends. If we can get through the first three, true discipleship begins with training in righteousness. This training is experiential all the way. The Psalmist put it this way. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. Training in righteousness is more than getting light but passing it on. As I learn to considerately share my story of living within God’s word with others, I will begin to understand the power of the Word. “For the word of God is living and active, shaper than a two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intention of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.
I appreciated the message from Ben. It was a good reminder that I need to take an inventory of how well I really do with using the Bible as it is meant to be used. Not as a tool for judging others or simple tools to live life, but for diligent introspection of my own life and relationships. Just how well am I doing as a father, husband, or friend? The truth is I am a work in process. I am not what I want to be but am a whole lot better than I used to be. My hope is in the faithfulness of God. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6
If you do not have a regular church you attend, please join us at Reel Mountain Theater, 11 a.m. on Sundays. I am confident that you will feel welcome and will hear the truth as faithfully as the staff at Flatirons Church can manage it.
This spring, Cornerstone Church of Estes Valley, formerly known as Estes Park Baptist Church, celebrated its 50th anniversary, and it’s hard not to notice a revival in the making on its five-acre campus at 2200 Mall Rd.
Since Pastor Bruce Finger and his wife Becky first arrived in August 2020, attendance has grown steadily, programming has expanded, a home targeted for missionaries on furlough has been completed, and the Parsonage has been fully renovated—without debt.
“Homer and LaNelle were very instrumental in acquiring those five acres,” said Wilbanks, now a pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Vail. “He (Homer) was one of the deacons there at the time, and I was a youth minister down in Littleton, and we used to have our staff retreats up at Homer and LaNelle’s place.”
In 1977, the church dedicated its main building, a “two story, wood frame and moss rock structure,” with space for worship and education, according to re-
“They are a godsend,” said Charlie Butterfras, who has been attending Cornerstone since 1987 with his wife Kay. “I’m telling you for a fact, the Lord has His hand in this all the way.”
In fact, Butterfras said the campus is beginning to bustle again as it did under the pastorship of Tim Wilbanks and his wife Sheresa, a concert pianist, who both served during the 1990s.
“At that time, it was packed out,” Butterfras recalled. “Our little church would probably hold over a hundred people, and he (Wilbanks) had to have two services, and he preached both services … We loved it.”
EPBC was organized in November 1973 by the late Homer and LaNelle Clements, who operated a lodge on the west side of town where the congregation met during its first four years.
In March of 1974, EPBC constituted, and it incorporated the following month. In May of that same year, the church purchased the property on Mall Road, according to Larimer County records.
ports. Just a few years later, the congregation celebrated several other campus expansions as well.
By May 1992, the mortgage for all of this was paid off, Finger said.
“I found an old newspaper article that said they had a note-burning party,” said Finger, who served in a ministry role in Red Feather Lakes before taking the helm at Cornerstone. “When you think about it, they were able to build that church in the mid 70s with a note, and within 15 years or so, pay it off, so you know they had a great congregation of committed people.”
However, by 2020, due to nationwide trends and the pandemic, membership at the church had dwindled, just as the Fingers were seeking to volunteer with an area ministry.
“Our plan was just to come up to Estes and see what God had for us up there, so I started calling different churches and talking to them about what their needs were,” said Finger, who retired from IBM after 37 years to focus on
ministry. “Gary (Richardson) was the interim pastor, and he was very positive right away. He was like, ‘Why don’t you come over, and let’s have lunch, and we will talk?”
Finger soon learned the church had three pastors already, but after a tour of its aging facilities, he saw another way he could help.
“I said to him (Richardson), ‘Clearly you don’t need a teacher, a pastor, or anyone to help with ministry,” Finger said. “But there was so much deferred maintenance there, I asked him if he would be interested in utilizing my project management skills, and he said, ‘Wonderful. That is exactly what we need.’”
However, after all three pastors experienced health issues and other unexpected emergencies, the Fingers suddenly found themselves in the interim leadership role at the church.
“By February of 2021, there were no pastors there, and the head of the Colorado Baptists came in and asked if I would be willing to lead the church,” Finger said. “And that is how we started. We have been very blessed to have the opportunity. It’s God’s church, and He’s allowed us to be the temporary caretakers for the work He’s doing at Cornerstone.”
“We are a solid, Bible-based church,” Finger said. “I use an expository style and focus on teaching the truth of Scripture. If you look at our priorities, we put a huge focus on people. Our four P’s are Prayer, People, Preaching and Property.”
Not only has attendance grown, but also the congregation’s commitment level, with volunteers serving in everything from leadership and music to even construction management. This has allowed Cornerstone to complete approximately $250,000 of deferred maintenance over the past three years.
“We have a pay-as-you-go philosophy,” Finger said. “We are fiscally conservative, and we don't have any debt.
Clearly, God’s hand is evident in all that is being accomplished.”
Cornerstone is striving to be a missions-minded church, and this year, it has boosted its commitment to missions with 15 percent of tithes allocated to support missionaries, orphanages, and other evangelistic activities to spread the Gospel.
In addition to the new classes and other programming—from Bible Study Fellowship to a Summer Concert series— the church has also begun hosting a Spanish-language service on Sunday afternoons and will offer a second service Saturday nights, beginning in May.
“It’s a lot of extra work for our team, but our focus is on meeting the needs of the community,” Finger said. “We are very thankful to God for all these blessings, and we give Him the glory for all that’s being accomplished at Cornerstone.”
“With everything we do, we never want to get ahead of God,” Finger added. “We want to follow Him. We lead with prayer, and then go wherever God takes us.”
Starting May 4, Cornerstone Church of Estes Valley will begin offering a second service at 6 p.m. on Saturday nights. “We are beginning this as a way to reach a lot of the seasonal workers who can’t attend services on Sunday morning,” said Cor-
nerstone’s Pastor Bruce Finger. Though the message will be the same as the Sunday service, the worship music on Saturday will be more contemporary. For additional information, call (970) 430-1066.
Patti Latricia Williams nee Armstrong, was born June 4th, 1935 in Florida and went to heaven on April 15th, 2024 in Colorado. Her survivors include: Jim Williams, her beloved husband; Scott Williams, her son; Jessica Williams (Jeff) and Nicole Williams her granddaughters; Johanna Nall (Denny), her sister in law; Toni Cardona (David) her goddaughter.
Friends, called family include: Paula Cardona and family Greg and Cecil Jr.; Katie and Steve Soliday and family Stephanie, Beth, Abbie (Dalton); and Mieke and Hermann Groicher. Patti was preceded in death by her parents Loree and Charles Armstrong, her son Michael (Mickey) Williams, her sister in law Gladys M. Galloway, and her brother in law Donald L. Williams. Born in Florida with strong ties to Georgia, she graduated as a Florida State University Seminole with a degree in Education. Later, on a firsttime visit to Colorado, she fell in love with the mountains and made it her home. Patti’s first job was in the Denver area schools but she later moved to Fort Collins where she taught at Lincoln Jr. High, Washington/ Dunn Elementary, and in Wellington at Eyestone Elementary. She retired as an educator after 30 years.
During her years at Lincoln Jr. High, she met a fishing group of other educators and asked to join. Her love of fishing led her to hook the catch of her life, a handsome young teacher named Jim. They married and adopted two sons Mickey and Scott and lived in Northern Colorado (LaPorte, Bellvue, and Wellington). They kept busy with church activities and Scouts, as well as raising and showing St. Bernard dogs. After retirement
Michael (Mike) John Jackson, 68, passed April 8, 2024 after his courageous 16-year battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease; he was surrounded by family at his home in Littleton, Colorado.
Mike was born to Dale Omar and Dorothy Faulkner Jackson in Lewiston, Idaho. He loved school and always said he’d be content to be a professional student. Mike attended Lane Community College in Eugene, OR (Track and Field). In later years, he attended Front Range Community College in Fort Collins\Loveland Colorado and received his Associates in Electronics. Mike met the love of his life, Sheri Lewis and married in 1984 and by 1988 had decided to move to Estes Park, CO and called it home until 2017.
they moved to Estes Park, overlooking the mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest. Patti and Jim were always counted as some of the first locals to cross Trail Ridge Road when it reopened every year. In 2024, they moved to Good Samaritan Village in Loveland, Colorado, and on March 21st, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends.
Patti had a passionate love for Jesus; serving Him through church, Community Bible Study, and many lifelong friends. She enjoyed reading, sewing and quilting, garage and auction sales, hiking, mountain drives, mountain living, collegiate sports, the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos. Her time spent with family and friends was extra special, and if it was on the Ponderosa, even better!
Patti always let those around her know we were loved and how much joy we brought into her life. She will be missed by those left behind and she reminded us up until the end that she “…will be waiting at heaven’s gate when it’s your time.”
We would like to extend a special thank you and blessing for her caregivers on the assisted living, second floor, at Good Sam. We are most grateful for the loving care you gave our darling wife, mother, grandmother, momma Patti, friend, sister, our precious loved one.
A private memorial and burial will be held at a later date. Contributions in memory of Patti’s life can be made to Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park, Samaritan’s Purse or wherever God and His gospel are working.
Please visit Allnuttestespark.com to leave messages to the family.
To know Mike was to know his many passions in life such as music, dancing, tye-dye, weightlifting, rugby, ballet, hiking, karate, Tai-Chi, practicing Buddhism, photography, snow sports, religions, languages, competing in the Scottish Highland Games just to name a few. He also loved traveling and thoroughly enjoyed visiting places throughout the US, Europe, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Old Russia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Mike is survived by the Love of His Life, Sheri; his three children who are his pride and joy: Mark John and his wife Carrie in Clarkston, WA; Jesse Michael in Spokane Valley, WA; Mikki Lewis and their wife Patricia in Littleton, CO and ten grandchildren: (Mark) Leah, Tyler, LaAnnabra, Grace, and Harmony; (Mikki) Christopher, Tyler, Lilliana, Ivan, and Arya and two great grands: (Mark) Khione and Ignatius (Iggy) and a host of extended family, friends, in-laws and out-laws who loved him and will miss him dearly.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Dale Omar and Dorothy Faulkner Jackson, and his brother Terry (Buck) Wallace Jackson.
Mike’s outdoor Celebration of Life and Memorial Tree Planting Ceremony will be at our home in Littleton at 10211 W. Ottawa Place, Littleton, CO 80127 on Saturday April 27, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.’ish. All our appreciation to the Be a Tree Cremation Family.
In lieu of flowers, if you choose, donations in Mike’s memory can be made to: Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado, Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation, or Wild Animal Sanctuary, Denver – in association with “Be a Tree.”
Sheri and Family would like to thank Mike’s hospice team, Complete CO Hospice, for guiding us along Mike’s journey.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Gerald
this Friday, April 26th, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Cousin Pat's Pub and Grill, 451 S. St. Vrain Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517. Light snacks provided.
Now hiring (Must live in Estes Park)
Airport Drivers • Tour Drivers
• Office Reservationist Full
Non CDL Drivers
$18-20 an hour Plus tips, Fulltime/Partime
$4/hr shift differential pay for morning and nights.
Tour Guides/drivers for small groups.
Office Reservationist I
$18-20 an hour, One Fulltime Seasonal /One Partime Year-round
Apply within at: Estes Park Shuttle 551 South Saint Vrain Ave
Starting Hourly
$22.78 per hour approx. $54,000/yr
Applicant must be at least 18
Good physical condition work with weights of at least 50 pounds.
Minimum high school education.
Possess valid Colorado drivers license ability to obtain CDL.
Dependable transportation reside within 30 min of facility.
Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays when required.
The position is entry level/trainee. Job involves the performance of skills relating to wastewater lines construction, maintenance and repair. It will also include learning skills associated with a wastewater treatment plant operator. Position includes health benefits and retirement eligibility. Great opportunity for an individual looking to build a career.
Applications can be picked up at and returned to the District office located at.
1201 Graves Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517 Contact the office at (970).586.2866 or email the District Manager at tdrees@estesparksanitation.org
The position will be opened until filled. Estes Park Sanitation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Opening for YEAR-ROUND FRONT DESK AGENT
3 mornings and 2 afternoon shifts. $18 to $22 hour depending on experience. Opening for SEASONAL FRONT
Please apply in person 1450 Big Thompson Ave.
Silver Saddle Inn
Flexible Hours, Full time
$18/hr - $22/hr DOE
Must be non-smoker. Apply in person: 1260 Big Thompson Ave. or email resume: info@estesresort.com
Pay $21 - $23
General Maintenance & Repairs including work orders, inspections, site cleanliness, hot tub service, plumbing, painting, inventory and guest services.
Please email resume to roxann@letsvoyago.com
(summer). Apply at 160 W Elkhorn Ave.
Help Wanted (local housing option available)
Small family business seeking self-motivated, responsible person to clean vacation cabins part time.
Earn $20-$30/hr. Pay varies by project. Some flexible hrs allowed. Must be available weekends. Good transportation req. Email us at peregrineresortgroup@gmail.com.
As we mark our 53rd year of environmental stewardship, the Upper Thompson Sanitation District (District) is searching for an organized and thorough professional who is eager to contribute to our mission of preserving and enhancing the environment and community. Ensuring outstanding customer service is a primary focus, the successful candidate will also accurately establish new accounts, execute customer billing, and resolve customer concerns as well as provide telephone and other administrative support. This position will work closely with the District’s Collection Department in the management of customer accounts, review development and construction plans, and interpret and apply District Rules and Regulations. The work week is 40 hours, and the work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Required minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or general education degree (GED) and three to five years of customer service and administrative experience with an emphasis in managing customer accounts. The Customer Accounts Administrator will support the Receptionist/Secretary by performing general office and receptionist duties and assist other District staff as requested. This position requires proficiency in the ability to communicate effectively with fellow staff members and customers, resolve account discrepancies, and multi-task. The District is a drug and tobacco free workplace. Prior to employment, the successful candidate is required to Satisfactorily pass a post offer substance screening and background investigation.
Annual salary Range is $41,600 ($20.00/Hour) - $62,400 ($30.00/Hour) depending on education and experience. Employment with the District includes an attractive and competitive employee benefit package including health/vision/dental insurance, PERA 401a retirement plan, paid sick/vacation/holiday time off, clothing allowance, life and disability insurance and longevity pay. The complete job description and employment application are available online at UTSD.org, or at the District Administration Office, located at 2196 Mall Road, M-F 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Application, cover letter, and resume may be delivered, emailed, or mailed, to Upper Thompson Sanitation District; ATTN: Sheryl Ponzer, Customer Accounts Manager, P.O. Box 568, Estes Park, CO 80517. Email sheryl@utsd.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The District prohibits unlawful discrimination against customers, employees, or applicants for employment, or in any program or activity conducted by the District on the basis of age 40 and over, race, (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military or marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. 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 District business communications or events, please contact the District Manager (three days before an event) via telephone at 970-586-4544 or dial 711 to connect with Relay Colorado. Additional information may be found at https://utsd.colorado.gov.
UCHealth is hiring for a Medical Assistant Family Medicine position in Estes Park, CO!
Learn more and apply online at careers.uchealth.org.
Guest Services Rep/Guest Reservationist/Special Projects/ Computer Skills/Answering phones/emails/Texts. Customer Service/Telephone skills/problem solving skills
Written/oral communications skills required - Full Time Year Round Weekends required $20/$21 hr DOE
Apply on line with resume https://app.joinhomebase.com/loc/ skyrun-rm/job/guestservices.rep
Rocky Mountain Transit Management is now hiring for seasonal employment. We are looking for bus drivers, parking lot attendants, cleaners, and mechanics. Paid CDL training available. Give us a call 970-577-7477
Rams Horn Village Resort has a year round, part time position available in our Activities/Hospitality Department: Responsibilities include great customer service, weekly shopping, food prep, and assisting with weekend events for guests. Approx 8 hrs/wk. Can also work in Guest Services/Housekeeping department for full time employment, which includes summer bonus and benefits package. Fill out an application at Rams Horn Village Resort, 1565 Colo. Hwy 66. EEOE
