Estes Park News, August 18, 2023

Photo by Christopher B. Barnard

Ph:

Owners/Publishers: Gary & Kris Hazelton

Editor: Kris Hazelton

Operation Manager: Andrew Donaldson ads@estesparknews.com

Office Manager: Tim Buck office@epnews.com Press

Two Separate Incidents In Rocky Mountain National Park With One Fatality Above Chasm Lake And Two Others Seriously Injured

Last Saturday afternoon, August 12, a 21-year-old female from Severance, Colorado died after an approximate 300foot fall. A 25-year-old male from San Angelo, Texas also fell approximately 300 feet and suffered critical injuries. The two individuals fell while descending in the Flying Dutchman couloir. This couloir is located inside Rocky Mountain National Park between Longs Peak and Mount Meeker.

Park visitors in the area contacted park rangers via cell phone in addition to activating a personal locator beacon. Bystanders provided initial care to the seriously injured male. Park rangers, a park paramedic and an Estes Park Health paramedic provided advanced medical care on scene. Because of the severity of the 25-year-old male's injuries, park rangers asked for assistance from a Colorado Air National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate

Flight for Life air ambulance at Upper Beaver Meadows and flown to Medical Center of the Rockies.

Overall, 31 people were involved in this rescue operation including Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members assisted by Estes Park Health, Rocky Mountain Rescue and Colorado Air National Guard.

As is standard protocol, this incident is under investigation. Recovery operations for the female were hampered by weather and took place on Monday. Her body was transferred to the Boulder

County Coroner's Office. The woman's name will be released after positive identification has been made and next of kin

are notified.

Late Friday afternoon, August 11, a 64year-old male from College Station, Texas took an approximate 60-foot tumbling fall above the Ledges on the Keyhole Route on Longs Peak. A bystander provided critical care to him until park rangers arrived on scene. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members provided advanced medical care. Because of the location and severity of the man's injuries park rangers asked for assistance from a Colorado Air National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate him via a hoist operation, using a winch operated cable. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group assisted with helicopter hoist operations. The man was transferred to a Flight for Life air ambulance at Upper Beaver Meadows and flown to Medical Center of the Rockies. RMNP Search and Rescue Team members hiked out and reached the Longs Peak Trailhead at midnight on Friday night.

Join The Next Trustee Talk Aug. 24

Community members are invited to join Trustees Barbara MacAlpine and Cindy Younglund for a Trustee Talk Thursday, Aug. 24 at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Room, 170 MacGregor Ave. This is an opportunity for commu-

nity members to discuss local issues with members of the board in an informal setting. The topics for this Trustee Talk session will be patrolling and law enforcement in the Estes Valley and community impacts on climate change.

operated cable. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group assisted with helicopter hoist operations. The man was transferred to a

Air Rescue Operation on August 12, 2023. Photo Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park

View looking up from Chasm Lake on August 12, 2023.

Photo Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park.

Should Estes Park’s 1% Sales Tax Be Renewed??

Part 1 - Reviewing the Town’s work over the past decade

In 2014, Estes Park voters approved a 1% sales tax to fund streets, trails, the construction of a community center, and emergency communications. Voters approved this sales tax, known as Ballot Issue 1A, for a period of 10 years, sunsetting at the end of June 2024. As this taxing timeline ends, I want to reflect on the benefits the measure has delivered to our community. I also want to share what could be next -- because you have told us there is more work to be done.

When voters approved the 1% sales tax, they ensured that the millions of visitors that enjoy our town could share in the cost of the work we need to do to keep Estes Park a great place to live, work, and visit. In fact, estimates developed by Visit Estes Park indicate that as much as 83.5% of local sales tax is generated by visitors to Estes Park. Using sales tax to fund important town projects allows us to keep our portion of property taxes very low. In 2022, the 1% sales tax generated approximately $4.2 million to fund streets, trails, construction of the community center, and emergency communications.

How have we been spending the 1A revenue that expires in 2024?

Streets

60% of 1A revenues are used to fund the construction, repair, replacement, expansion, rehabilitation, and renovation of existing Townmanaged streets:

11.4 miles - overlaid

136 locations patched

37.8 miles - chip-sealed

78.5 miles crack-sealed

All told, approximately 88% of Town roadway segments have been crack-sealed, chipsealed, patched, or overlaid through the 1A program. This is in addition to 8,854 potholes patched with the spray pothole patcher machine purchased and operated with 1A funds. The Town road system’s quality score increased

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

On 7/20/23 at 10:02 p.m. police were dispatched to the 500 block of Prospect Ave. for a welfare check on an intoxicated male. On scene police contacted a 33 year old male from Estes Park and found he was wanted on a warrant out of New Mexico for a probation violation. The male was arrested and booked into the Larimer County Jail.

On 7/23/23 at 6:08 p.m. police were called to a report of an assault in the 700 block of Moraine Ave. On scene they contacted a 49 year old male from Longmont, CO and charged him with third degree assault and domestic violence. He was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.

On 7/23/23 at 6:08 p.m. as police responded to the 700 block of Moraine Ave.

EVFPD firefighters generally respond to medical calls in their personal vehicles, allowing for a faster response. On other incidents, firefighters respond to a fire station to respond in department apparatus with specialized equipment.

During the week of August 6th, 2023, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 13 calls for service.

from 65 out of 100 in 2015 to 79 today thanks to work funded through 1A.

Community Center

25% of 1A revenue is remitted to the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District to support the construction costs of the Estes Valley Community Center. This facility opened on March 3, 2018, and is a vibrant hub for community activities and enrichment.

Trails and Emergency Response

Trails expansion (12.5%) and emergency response (2.5%) round out the allocation of the 1A revenues and funded the construction and expansion of public trails within the Estes Valley and emergency communication radios used by the Police and Public Works departments. This fraction of the sales tax provided approximately $3.6 million in new revenue since 2014, which staff has leveraged to bring in an additional $6.3M in grant funds to expand the Town's trail system by over 4 miles along Fall River Road, Fish Hatchery Road, Dry Gulch Road, U.S. 34, MacGregor Avenue, Brodie Avenue/Safe Routes to School, 4th Street, and Graves Avenue.

Looking forward – what a renewed 1% sales tax could look like

1A has made a tremendous difference in our community. The condition of our roads is better, we have new trails and a new Community Center, and our emergency communications radios are up to date. That said, there is still work to be done.

Through the Strategic Planning process, the Town Board determined that it was necessary to reevaluate the needs of our community as we approach the end of the 1A sales tax. Using community feedback from the biennial community survey, the Comprehensive Plan process, and the 2019 Stormwater Master Plan process, Town staff have developed a preliminary 1% renewal package for your feedback. Stay tuned for the next article, later this week, where I will provide an overview of the preliminary package and opportunities for feedback.

where they also contacted a 42 year old female from Longmont, CO who was reportedly in violation of a restraining order. The female was charged with violation of a restraining order, arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.

On 7/23/23 at 10:10 p.m. police were called to a disturbance in the 1100 block of S. St. Vrain Ave. On scene they contacted a 67 year old male from Estes Park who was charged with harassment, issued a summons and later released.

On 8/5/23 at 12:56 a.m. police were called to the 1100 block of Fairway Club Circle on a report of a subject making numerous calls to the same people after being warned to stop. On scene they contacted a 46 year old male from Estes Park and charged him with harassment. The make was issued summons and released.

This included:

• Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC): 1

• Smoke Investigation: 3

• Odor Investigation: 1

• Alarm Activation: 3

• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 2

• Assist: 3

Carlie Bangs To Serve As Housing And Childcare Manager

The Town of Estes Park welcomes Carlie Bangs as its Housing and Childcare Manager – a newly created position. Bangs will serve as the community’s liaison for projects that are designed to meet the significant need for workforce/attainable housing and childcare. Bangs has significant experience working with local government and local partners. She not only served as a Trustee on the Town Board, but has also held positions at the YMCA of the Rockies, the EVICS Family Resource Center, and most recently the Rocky Mountain Conservancy.

As longstanding needs expressed by the community, workforce/attainable housing and childcare options are a priority outlined in the Town Board’s Strategic Plan for many years. The Town’s efforts to date include pursuing partnerships, supporting other organizations’ efforts through grants, making policy changes to incentivize development of workforce/attainable housing, and even planning for the use of Townowned properties to help address the needs. As this work continues, the Housing and Childcare Manager will play a critical role in organizing and supporting these investments in Estes Park’s workforce and families and the broader community.

Bangs brings valuable insight to her new role. She commented, “Childcare and housing issues have been a focus for me since having my second child in 2017, when I learned firsthand how difficult it is to raise a family in the Estes Park community.” She continued, “That experience influenced my decision to

run for local government and increase the representation of the "young working class" on the Town Board. Throughout my experience on the board and with great community collaboration, we were able to establish a plan, develop programs and incentives, and increase awareness of the issues surrounding childcare and housing.”

Estes Park has continued to make strides to address the issues that face many individuals and families in the workforce. With the passing of local ballot measure 6E in November 2022, our community has voiced the continued desire to prioritize the needs of the working class through the funding of childcare and housing initiatives.

Bangs continued, “As the Housing and Childcare Manager, part of my role will be to develop and implement the budget for 6E funds to address childcare and housing needs using data-driven, transparent decision making and future-focused sustainability. I am eager to build upon relationships I've established over the past 10 years and be part of a lasting impact in the community I call home. I now have three daughters and my devotion and passion to this cause has only intensified as I watch them grow up. It is an honor to serve the Estes Park community in this role.”

For more information, please contact Carlie Bangs, Housing and Childcare Manager, at cbangs@estes.org and 970577-3894.

Carlie Bangs

Children + Exploration: Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Formula For Next Generation Nature Lovers

In addition to educational Field Institute courses for adults taught by subject matter experts, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy is continuing to offer additional nature exploration opportunities for Estes Valley school children. “If you want children to love and value the outdoors,” says Danielle Wolf, the Conservancy’s interim education director, “You have to put them in the outdoors!”

This fall, the Conservancy will sponsor the Outdoor Explorers Club again. This program evolved from the successful afterschool Outdoor Explorer Club program offered during the 2022-23 school year which led kindergarteners through 5th graders in a variety of outdoor education activities ranging from animal ecology to nature photography and gardening. During the spring semester, the program included field trips into Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) where the children engaged in exploration-based play and learning. In addition, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offered several Outdoor Explorer Camp programs over this summer.

The Outdoor Explorer Club was the result of generous support by the Brown and Sessel families who fund some of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy education fellowships designed to encourage talented and passionate young people to apply their gifts to teaching and program development in the national parks. Enter two such education fellows, Olivia Gonzales and Zoe Woods, who last fall developed the dynamic curriculum from sources such as Project Learning Tree. They launched the Outdoor Explorer Club in partnership with Estes Park Elementary School with a generous grant from the Northern Colorado Community Foundation.

“The Outdoor Explorer Club and Outdoor Explorer summer camps are more important than most people realize,” said Conservancy Executive Director Estee Rivera. “A child might live within a few miles of an RMNP entrance station and still not have the opportunity to visit the park because adults in their life must work weekends or just long hours. The Conservancy helps get children to our national park, whether they’re down the Front Range or just down the street.”

Wolf said the Outdoor Explorer Club helps meet a need for more after-school

programs identified by the Estes Park community as a critical need for families. Research also has documented the value of outdoor play—following trails, climbing rocks, balancing on tree trunks, jumping over creeks, and making up games—to physical, intellectual, and emotional development.

“It’s easy to forget these intrinsic benefits when you see the fun and joy kids are having whether they’re playing a made-up game called ‘Bobcat Princess’ or teaching themselves about the science of deposition at RMNP’s alluvial fan by observing the river and handling and evaluating rocks through exploration-based learning,” says Wolf.

Parents of children in the Explorer Club have articulated the desire for more programs like this as an option for their children. One parent stated, “My child loves this and comes home tired, but content. We wish this program was available every day!” Many children have participated in both semesters of club and enjoy the free play that is allowed. When asked what their favorite part of club is, student responses ranged from “snack!” to “getting to play with my friends and jump from rocks!”

"Having Outdoor Explorers as an afterschool opportunity has been an invaluable experience for my daughter. She gets to learn, grow, and become more confident in the outdoors in a safe environment with her peers and qualified instructors,” said parent Elise Booth. “The outdoors provides different learning opportunities than can be found in other, more traditional after-school care settings. The environmental stewardship awareness that develops with the respect and understanding of the natural world surrounding our children is essential for preservation and protection of our environment for future generations."

The fall schedule for Outdoor Explorers Club is a six-week after school program that begins Sept. 12th. Sign up for the afterschool Outdoor Explorers Club and outdoor programs for the entire family at https://bit.ly/RMCFamilyPrograms. To support these and similar education outreach programs, visit www.RMConservancy.org and donate to the Next Generation Fund.

Young Outdoor Explorers having fun while learning about deposition at the Alluvial Fan in Rocky Mountain National Park with Conservancy team member Carlie Bangs. Rocky Mountain Conservancy photo

Art Center’s Plein Air Quick Paint And Auction This Saturday

Ever wonder how an artist can turn a canvas or paper into a work of art, using oils or acrylics, pastels and watercolors? Imagine doing so in 90 minutes! You are invited to come observe these visiting plein air artists create such “magic.” Be-

tween 8:30 and 10:00 you can watch the transformation from a blank canvas to a work of art. Come to Riverside Plaza, this Saturday, August 19. After the artists have completed their work and have framed and hung their pieces, you

can view them and then the real excitement begins with the auction, which will begin around 10:30. Register and join in and perhaps come away with a newly created work of art. This event is sponsored by Visit Estes Park.

Builda bundle. Savea bundle.

Bus:970-586-9547

Estes Park Archives Fundraiser For Kula Community On East Maui

When Isabella Bird visited Hawai'i in 1873, she docked at least two times in Lahaina, Maui, describing it as "thoroughly beautiful and tropical looking, with its white latticed houses peeping out from under coco palms, breadfruit, candlenut, tamarinds, mangoes, bananas, and oranges, with the brilliant green of a narrow strip of sugar cane for a background."

The Estes Park Archives had planned to spend one day in Lahaina next month during the three-state, month-long Isabella Bird Sesquicentennial Celebration running throughout September, but it is now more important to allow recovery efforts to come to the fore after last week's devastating wildfires, and to focus instead on raising funds for impacted families. The toll from the largest natural disaster in Maui's history will soon surpass the deadliest natural disaster in Colorado's history, that of the 1976 Big Thompson Flood.

Although Lahaina has suffered the brunt of damage on Maui as far as loss of life and housing, Kula, an upcountry community on East Maui, closer in size and topography to Estes Park, has also been devastated by fire, and has not yet received the attention and will not receive the same financial relief as that currently pouring in to Lahaina.

We are encouraging a local grass-roots effort to raise money for Kula homeowners who have lost everything, and

will visit the Kula Lodge (which survived the blaze) on September 15 to distribute money raised in Estes Park and northern Colorado directly to impacted families.

To that end, please stop by 240 Moraine Avenue during 9-5 business hours between August 21 and September 10, sign the giant sympathy card, and contribute $1.50 (for the 150th anniversary of Isabella Bird's visit to Hawai'i and Colorado) per signature, 100% of which will go directly to Kula families in need.

This is not a tax-deductible contribution, and we are not a 501c3 nonprofit. We just happen to be going to the islands next month as part of a group commemorating Isabella Bird's 1873 travels, and wanted to spread some "aloha" from Colorado. We feel putting money directly into Kula pockets (rather than indirectly through tourism dollars) is now a more meaningful way to demonstrate how we are all knit together by shared experience.

If you feel more comfortable giving your donations to the Hawai'i Community Foundation and the Maui Strong Fund, any of a number of other reputable local charitable organizations in Maui or national or international philanthropic organizations with Hawai'i representation, please contact 586-4889 for website addresses, toll-free numbers and locations.

TDS Rewards EPH Employees Who Donate To The Employee Assistance Fund

TDS is teaming up with Estes Park Health to encourage employees to donate to the EPH Employee Assistance Fund.

The second group of winners in the 2023 Hospital Employee Recognition Program was announced in early August. Names were drawn from employ-

ees who make contributions through payroll deductions. Two more drawings are scheduled for this year.

The August winners are Lidia Burreson, Forrest Jones, Paxon Riding, Chris Farnham, Matt Makelky, Nicolas Mize, Michael Vergoth, Michelle Peterson Mayur Nadig and Marybeth Roberds.

Forrest Jones, Mayur Nadig, Chris Farnham, Kevin Mullin with the EPH Foundation, Tariq Bhatti with TDS, and Michael Vergoth celebrate in the EPH lobby.

This morning, after I’d read the news, had done the NYT mini-crossword and Wordle, and read the daily message from Fr. Richard Rohr, this text from my friend Kris showed up on my phone: “It is the quintessential beautiful summer day at your house and mine. I just took a short walk and wondered, ‘Am I doing all I can to soak up summer before it flies away? Am I appreciating it and being mindful of it?’ Probably not. I need to do better.” (Note: Even though Kris wants to do better, already she is great at recognizing the positive in situations. She has a way of warming the coldest, most blustery day.)

I replied: “Are these thoughts you’re having (and I am too) a product of our age or are 20somethings having similar thoughts? ”

Imagine the college grad who is driving to an interview for her dream job when she gets a flat tire and misses the interview altogether. At that age I don’t imagine the young woman would shrug off her disappointment and sit home by herself that night thinking, “I’m so grateful to have The Big Bang Theory reruns to watch.”

Or the young father whose infant has been crying since before the sun came up and whose toddler is having a meltdown because the pear slices are touching the banana slices in his bowl. Poor Dad is probably not taking time to appreciate the moment. Nor is businesswoman Mom, crammed into economy class on an airplane, her knees crushed against the seatback in front of her while the passenger next to her keeps coughing. All she wants is to get home to her family. In the moment, she’s probably not grateful that she travels for her job. As time passes, these young folks may be roused from sleep in the night but it probably won’t be because they’re worried they can’t afford new tires, or due to the cry of a baby. Perhaps they’ll be awakened gently by the soothing hoot of an owl, and they’ll give thanks. Not for material possessions but for their sense of purpose, for their contentment with place, for their feelings of peace. (“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” ~Epicurus)

For most of us, it takes a lifetime to get to this place of fulfillment. As I told Kris through our text exchange, I spent part of this morning asking how it would feel to fully appreciate what we have. I tried breathing deeper, opening my eyes and really looking, thinking positively, staying in the now, and I still felt inadequate.

I don’t believe it is possible to live in the moment every minute of the day. Because—it’s life. But when we are aware, more moments give themselves to us. Even the not-so-pleasant experiences can be recognized as blessings and we are able to more easily forgive those who have wronged us. It may take most of our lives to get there, but we can do it. ("Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” ~Charles Dickens)

Recently I spent an afternoon visiting a

friend in her mid-eighties. We sat on her deck, surrounded by her colorful potted flowers, talked of poetry and told stories of lost loved ones and found families. Louise is as fit as Richard Simmons, which she proved when she climbed up onto her deck table in order to open her sun umbrella, then hopped back down without hesitation. Small yet mighty, she could have scared off the bear that tried to break into her home a week earlier. But, knowing Louise, she would have blessed the bear instead, if she’d been home.

During our visit, Louise told me she had just returned from a five-day private retreat. I asked her what she did with her time. Did she read? Write? Talk with others at the retreat center? None of these things, she told me. She gave herself precious time away in order to “prepare to go.” Of course she doesn’t know when that will be—none of us knows our final departure date and time. But she wants to be ready and is looking forward to what comes next after wrapping up her time on earth. Louise is wellpracticed at this exercise of gratitude; she is grateful for here and now, and for what is to come. (“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.”

~John Ortberg)

I’m not there yet but I’m working on it. One small way is by remembering the advice of Anne Frank, a young woman wise beyond her 14 years: “Go outside and try to recapture the happiness within yourself; think of all the beauty in yourself and in everything around you and be happy.” If she could have this attitude, hiding in a cramped space for more than two years under Nazi persecution, certainly I can be grateful for my privileged life in this free country.

I’ll finish today’s thoughts about mindfulness with a poem called “Green Apples” by Pulitzer Prize-winner Ruth Stone (1915-2011). It reminds me of when, as kids, my sisters and I would pull sleeping bags out onto the deck to sleep. We would lie three abreast and hold hands, appreciating together the wonders of the night:

In August we carried the old horsehair mattress

To the back porch

And slept with our children in a row. The wind came up the mountain into the orchard

Telling me something: Saying something urgent.

I was happy.

The green apples fell on the sloping roof

And rattled down.

The wind was shaking me all night long;

Shaking me in my sleep

Like a definition of love, Saying, this is the moment, Here, now.

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

© 2023 Sarah Donohoe

Forever Friends

Shown here are six moms who all met in Estes Park over 30 years ago, raised their kids together, and have been friends ever since. Their six girls were all friends growing up (five of the six born in Estes Park, and met as infants). This group met up for a mother/daughter weekend in Breckenridgeand all 12 showed up (plus three grandkids)! Ages eight weeks to 70! This group shares a really special bond, something only possible in our small unique town!

Special times for the Almonds, Greggs, Shafers, Vendegnas, Wilsons and Winslows.

A Collection of Many Things

Ephraim Pottery

Motawi Tileworks

Firefly Jewelry

Holly Yashi

Sterling Silver • Glass

Copper • Wind Chimes

Moving Sand Art

239 W. Elkhorn Ave

Under the Clock Tower

Read A Book (2)

“Censorship reflects a society’s lack of confidence in itself.” Potter Stewart

In the summer of 1964 I joined a workshop for high school English teachers at Vassar College, led by two marvelous professors. Between early morning and late afternoon seminars we were encouraged to wander in the library stacks and discover books not previously encountered. What a delicious assignment!

“One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present.” Golda Meir

One day I pulled Knut Hamsun’s GROWTH OF THE SOIL, unaware it had earned him 1920’s Nobel Prize in Literature. By the time I learned the Norwegian’s political views were tarnished (he supported Hitler in WW2 and was prosecuted) I had finished the book. It wasn’t my first encounter with a controversial writer, nor will it be my last.

“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” Ray Bradbury

Why do some humans cower before provocative ideas? What do they fear, and what do they hope to protect? Self-ap-

pointed thought czars wage campaigns against the Bible, Shakespeare, Barney and Barbie, seeking what Michael Daly labels “the specter of smut.” They seem not to understand that censorship breeds defiance. Do you know anyone whose curiosity remained tethered after encountering the siren letters NSFW?

“Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” Isaac Asimov

PEN America lists 1,600 books banned in the 2021-22 school year. Between July and December last year Texas banned 438 books, Florida 360, Missouri 312, with South Carolina and Utah not far behind. Titles included ANIMAL FARM, MAUS, 1984, CHARLOTTE’S WEB, THE GRAPES OF WRATH, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, THE LORAX and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary.

“Ignorance is not bliss, it’s stupid. Banning books shows you don’t trust your kids to think and you don’t trust yourself to be able to talk to them.” Anna Quindlen

“It’s not age appropriate!” is a frequent refrain. Molly Bloom’s monologue in ULYSSES is clearly inappropriate for younger readers, but where does one draw the line? What criteria best honor societal comity while promoting individ-

ual growth? Parents play a critical role in encouraging and guiding children to read and, early on, what to read; it can get contentious as tots become teens. When you were a teenager did you heed adult warnings about ANY book? I was fortunate; our parents never kept books from my siblings and me, and they periodically suggested titles; Lizzie and I practiced the same policy with Eileen and Patrick. Civilization has not yet collapsed.

“Puritanism is the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.”

H.L. Mencken

Teens and young adults who select texts to read will cherish some and dismiss others. We cannot protect our children from life. They will encounter loneliness, disappointment, anger, despair, confusion, and pain. Reading books that reflect real life will, in Jefferson’s phrase, “inform their discretion,” contributing to understanding human experience. We yearn to protect them, but that is as impossible as it is undesirable.

“You can cage the singer but not the song.” Harry

Belafonte

As toddlers become tweens, curiosity about life expands. Questions rise about “taboo” topics: sex, race and religion. How does the human body operate? What does it mean to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer? Why does prejudice exist? What is racism’s legacy?

What is the source of one’s deepest beliefs? Individuals who delay or avoid these questions ultimately weaken our so-

cial fabric.

"You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive."

James Baldwin

What is the purpose of literature, if not to inform, entertain and persuade? When we see the world through the eyes of others, we train the mind for flexibility; we fuel the imagination and improve communication skills, helping us more fully understand what it means to be human.

“Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too.” Voltaire

If the mountebanks who seek to muzzle Sherman Alexie, Judy Blume, Stephen King and Toni Morrison prevail, there will be little left on library shelves but pusillanimous pablum. We will have lost more than we can afford to cynics who, in Oscar Wilde’s words, “know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

“Censorship always defeats its own purpose, for it creates [a] society incapable of appreciating the difference between independence of thought and subservience.”

Henry Steele Commager

Reader response welcome: ftm7522@gmail.com

Estes Park Archives This Saturday

Occasionally, a business or building outside of Estes Park played an important role in Estes Park's early history.

Case in point is the Lyons train depot in Lyons, Colorado, which, beginning in 1885, served as the muster point for horse teams, stage coaches and Stanley Steamers carrying tourists to Estes Park after arrival in Colorado via a Chicago, Burlington & Quincy passenger train. No railroad ever reached Estes Park, so from the 1870s forward, the Union Pacific, Burlington, Kansas Pacific, Rock Island and other rail lines published yearly booklets and pamphlets extolling the virtues of Estes Park without a way for out-state travelers to get there directly.

Instead, rail companies depended on local transportation providers to get tourists and cargo the rest of the way from Longmont, Lyons or Loveland to Estes Park, and certainly through the 1800s, Lyons and the North St. Vrain provided the closest, shortest and most comfortable route to the Rocky Mountains.

Lyons historian Kathleen Spring will be in Estes Park this Saturday, August 19 at 9:00 a.m. to share stories of the Lyons Depot, which is listed on the National Register. Her program will be held at the Estes Park Archives meeting room on 240 Moraine Avenue. Admission and parking is free, and no reservations are required. Call 586-4889 for directions or more information.

Emmy-Award Winning Hollywood Writer/Producer David Wiemers Returns To Estes Park

Hollywood Writer and Producer, David Wiemers has returned to his home in Estes Park. David won the Emmy in 1988 for writing/producing “Jim Henson’s Muppet Babies.” He was also nominated for five Primetime and Daytime Emmy’s for Disney’s “DuckTales,” a show he created and which is still on the air today.

Over the years, David not only created many of Disney’s top animated television shows (“DuckTales,” “Chip ‘n Dale’s Rescue Rangers,” “TaleSpin,” and “Tarzan,” but he also worked in situation comedies. He wrote and produced such memorable series as “Murphy Brown,” with Candace Bergen, “Newhart,” with Bob Newhart, “Harry and the Hendersons,” starring Bruce Davison, “Major Dad” with Gerald McRaney, and “Frasier” with Kelsey Grammar.

David was raised in Estes Park and went from Kindergarten through 12th grade here. His father worked in the Rocky Mountain National Park and his mother worked at various jobs around town. For 10 summers, David worked for Carl and Berniece Roby at the infamous “Dude Drive Inn,” which helped put him through college.

After high school graduation, David at-

tended San Diego State University where he graduated in 1975. Hollywood was the next step and his big break came when Michael Eisner took over the Walt Disney Company. David was one of the first writer/producers hired by Eisner and he wrote and produced Disney’s first ever animated series, “The Wuzzles,” back in 1984.

David retired from show business back in 1910 and now spends his time lecturing on cruise ships. He lectures about his Hollywood career and, to date, has lectured on more than 88 cruises around the world.

Mayor Wendy Koenig and her husband Roger attended one of his cruises, going to Antarctica in 2017. Wendy and Roger and David grew up together – they were all next door neighbors growing up. “Wendy is like my little sister. We’re still close. Our families were best friends. We have memories going back over 50 plus years,” said David.

David and his partner, Paul Turner, have a summer home on Prospect Mountain and a winter home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “It’s the best of both worlds,” said David, “Although much of my time is on a ship around the world. How bad a retirement is that?”

Could this undated W.T. Parke photograph be more accurately dated utilizing the makes and models of automobiles in the foreground, or the size and shape of the Lyons Depot in the background? Photo courtesy Ray Sahm

David Wiemers

School Board Election - Two Open Director Seats For EP School District R-3

Do you want to serve students, public education, and your community?

The Estes Park School District R-3 calls for nomination of candidates for school directors to be placed on the ballot for the regular biennial school election to be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

At this election, two (2) director seats will be up for election for a term of office of four years. To be qualified, a candidate must have been a registered elector of the school district for at least 12 consecutive months before the election. A person is ineligible to run for school director if he or she has been convicted of committing a sexual offense against a child.

A person who desires to be a candidate for school director shall file a written notice of intention to be a candidate and a nomination petition signed by at least 50 eligible electors who are registered to vote in the regular biennial school elec-

tion. Nomination packets (which include the notice of intention, petition, and other important documents) may be obtained at the Estes Park School District R-3 Administration Office, 1605 Brodie Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado 80517. Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Due to the time needed to put petition material together, we ask that you schedule an appointment by emailing Erin Copeland or calling her at 970586-2361 ext. 3001. Completed petitions should be submitted, by appointment, to Erin Copeland no later than 3:30 p.m. on September 1, 2023.

You may find additional information on how to become a candidate on the Colorado Association of School Boards website

Read more about the Estes Park School District Board of Education at www.estesschools.org.

Open House At Estes Valley Community Garden

Community Gardeners and their families, friends and neighbors, Estes Park visitors – everyone is invited to drop in to see what’s growing in our high-elevation, short-season Garden. So far this year it’s looking pretty nice!

Open House will be Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Board members will be on hand to answer questions and accept your application for a 2024 plot if you’d like to join us.

You’ll find us at 380 Community Drive, the corner of Community Drive and Manford Avenue, just north of the Estes Valley Community Center (Rec Center). Park along Community Drive where it turns north towards the Skate Park, or next to the Tennis Courts via the first left turn past the Garden from Manford Avenue. Or stroll over from any of the parking areas in Stanley Park.

We’d love to see you at the Garden! Visit evcg.org for more information.

Photo by Shane Bristow

16th Annual Handmade In Colorado Expo In Bond Park August 25-27

The 16th annual Handmade in Colorado Expo is a juried event showcasing some of Colorado's best fine art and contemporary craft. The event will feature a vast array of independent designers producing original handcrafted goods from a wide array of media including metals, paper, glass, fibers, food, fabricated objects, clay, paint, wax, gems, and more. All work sold will be created from both emerging and experienced artisans from Colorado. This event is the designed for Locavores who will only find Colorado made items sold by exhibitors that will interact directly with their customers. This event has free admission and some great Local live music. Come support your local artists and craftspeople in their pursuit of creativity

made by hand. This 9 day celebration of local art takes place during 4 awesome weekends in Estes Park, Downtown Denver, Glenwood Springs, and in the Vail Village.

Experience Great shopping, awesome Live Music, and live art at the longest running and best festival exclusive to Colorado artists and crafters!

Times & Location: Estes Park – Bond Park (MacGregor Ave, Estes Park) is located on MacGregor Ave. and Elkhorn Avenue, the main street in the center of Downtown Estes Park.

Friday (August 25) 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday (August 26) 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., & Sunday (August 27) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Don’t miss it!

Treasure Tables Arts & Crafts Sale

Saturday, October 28

has annually given scholarships to local Estes Park High School graduates.

In addition to home-baked items from IY, the vendors offer an array of unique and hand-crafted items for sale. Local authors will be selling their books, artisans will be selling pottery, local photographers will be selling their images.

Join us for a free admission arts and crafts show in Estes Park on Oct. 28. Vendor spots still available!

The event is called Treasure Tables and features free parking and more than 50 vendors welcoming the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Event Center at the fairgrounds, 1125 Rooftop Way.

Food trucks will be available and a special bake sale also will take place.

Treasure Tables is an annual eclectic arts and crafts fair sponsored by a local Philanthropic Educational Organization, Estes Park Chapter IY, with IY proceeds going to benefit women of all ages in furthering their college education through P.E.O. International.

Founded in 1869 by seven young college women, P.E.O. International has grown and has helped more than 116,000 women by giving nearly $400 million in scholarships and financial aid. In addition, Chapter IY Foundation

If you want to get a jump on holiday shopping, make a day of it in Estes Park at the fairgrounds. There's plenty of parking, lots of food will be available to eat on-site or save for dinner, and you're sure to find one-of-a-kind items.

Last year, Swedish dishcloths were a big seller.

If you would like to be a vendor, there's still time to buy your table, which will be seen by up to 500 people on the big day. Tables cost $110 or $120 depending on the location in the event center. Last year, more than 60 vendors turned the event center into a lively pre-holiday marketplace. For more information or to rent a table contact: peotreasuretables@gmail.com.

You will find fanciful soaps, lotions and essential oils, keepsakes and ornaments, art work, woolen personal wear, candles, stained glass art, books, pottery and food products.

Additionally, you can feel good about supporting P.E.O’s mission to help women reach their goals through education.

Third Monitored Weed Drop-Off This Saturday, August 19

move/shake off dirt from plant roots. Excessive weight of wet weeds and dirt is a safety hazard for our volunteers. Bag flowers and seed heads rather than entire plants. Read our weekly Estes Valley’s Weed Alert articles (published April through September) to help identify invasive plants and manage seed producing plant parts for disposal.

Please read, heed, and weed responsibly!

The Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) has been serving the Estes Valley for over 16 years in promoting good land stewardship, weed identification and education, and free educational materials including the most popular Twenty Ob-Noxious Weeds in the Estes Valley Identification and Management Guide. Now is the time to remove mature noxious weeds that contain seeds that will be next year’s -- and many more years -- weeds. The next Monitored Weed Drop-off will be held this Saturday, August 19 from 9:00 a.m. to noon located north of the Waste Management transfer station at 666 Elm Road. No

early birds or illegal drop-offs; the gate will be closed until the 9:00 a.m. start. Do not block the driveway entrance shared with recycling. The line will form up-the-hill/north of the entrance on the east-side of Elm Road. Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) volunteers will be on hand to answer weed questions at-a-distance and direct traffic flow. You will unload your paper yard bags into the dumpster or truck. We have limited dumpster capacity, so a maximum ten paper yard bag limit will be imposed – no plastic bags. When we are at full capacity, the drop-off will end. Noxious weeds only, not native plants! No slash, pine needles, pine cones, trash, yard waste or dirt! Please re-

Unauthorized drop-offs at this location (w/video surveillance) are considered theft of services. No bags of non-noxious weed materials and general yard waste will be accepted at this event. Paper yard bags are available for purchase at local hardware stores. If you want ELSA to continue to sponsor these events, please adhere to the guidelines. Owning property in the Estes Valley can be challenging and different! Bagging mature weeds this time of year is not ideal weed management and not how you want to spend your time. Be proactive – learn your native plants and manage the invasive plants in a timely manner with a weed management specialist if you don’t have the time, energy or expert-

ise to manage your property. A list of weed management specialists who can help is available at larimer.org/naturalresources/weeds/applicators Also refer to the information and Helpful Documents at estes.org/weeds

These events are being made possible with the support from Estes Land Stewardship Association, Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, and donations. Depending on participant adherence to regulations and funding sources, another Monitor Weed Drop-off/ Weed Roundup will be held September 16. Free Twenty Ob-Noxious Weeds in the Estes Valley Identification and Management Guide weed booklets are available year-round at the Estes Valley Library, Ace Hardware, and Town Hall Public Works and Police offices. Electronic versions are posted on the Town of Estes Park website: www.estes.org/weeds ELSA meets the first Thursday of the month (February, March, April & November) at 9:30 a.m. in the George Hix Room at US Bank. For more information about ELSA contact: elsa.weeds@gmail.com Thanks for being good stewards of your property and surrounding areas!

Sister Cities Is Back In Estes Park!

After a two-year hiatus and a complete reorganization, the Estes Park Sister Cities Association (EPSCA) is functioning again with a new board of directors, a membership drive starting in September, and plans for future activities and programs. Through its affiliation with Sister Cities International, Estes Park has been partnered with the town of Monteverde, Costa Rica, for almost 20 years.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought EPSCA to a standstill, with no activities undertaken since 2019.

EPSCA is a nonprofit organization,

with the purpose of connecting the Estes Park community with our partners in Monteverde, building relationships through citizen diplomacy. During the

with the Colorado Secretary of State also lapsed, but the EPSCA board is working to have it restored soon.

and refreshments will be served. The annual membership in EPSCA is $30 per individual.

pandemic, EPSCA’s 501(c)3 tax-exempt status was deactivated but has recently been reinstated by the Internal Revenue Service. The organization’s registration

Given the reinstatement of EPSCA’s tax exempt status, a membership drive is set to begin next month. The newly seated board of directors has scheduled a festive membership recruitment party on Wednesday, September 13, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Estes Park Museum, located at 200 Fourth Street. Anyone interested in the Sister Cities relationship between Estes Park and Monteverde is invited to attend. There will be a brief informative program explaining the goals and plans for EPSCA,

In the meantime, interested persons are encouraged to visit the emerging EPSCA website, still under construction at www.epsistercities.org to learn more about the organization. Future plans include two exchanges intended to reestablish relationships with Estes Park’s sister community, Monteverde. Both would occur in 2024, including an educational youth exchange focusing on science and culture, and an adult exchange focused on tourism and business, as well as relationships with nearby national parks and libraries. As always, these exchanges have a goal of building a strong future of collaboration and citizen diplo-

ESTES PARK

Sunday, August 20

No Hands Brass Band

Sunday, September 17

Lionel Young Band

Irrepressible exuberant, brilliantly versatile, full-throated brass band sound

High energy electric violin, smooth vocals with a bent for the blues, jazz, funk, and soul

Produced by Max Wagner

EPH Nurse Practitioner Joining Team At Behavioral Health Services At Longview Campus

For the last ten years, Family Nurse Practitioner Lena Belleau has been serving patients at Estes Park Health in several capacities. First, she worked as an Emergency Room nurse, moving to Family Practice and finally working as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for the past three years.

“I have enjoyed my time at Estes Park Health,” Belleau said. “I love my co-workers and I have enjoyed the small-town community. I feel like I have made a difference in my patients’ lives. I enjoy the combination of both medical and psychiatric care.”

In her most recent role at EPH, Belleau has been handling psychiatric patients. This care includes complicated medication management, diagnosis, intervention, and treatment of patients with serious mental health issues.

Now, Belleau is taking on a new challenge with Behavioral Health Services at Longview Campus in Fort Collins. When complete, this recently constructed facility will include inpatient care for psychiatric patients and substance abuse patients. The campus will also include a Behavioral Health Urgent Care available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Urgent Care is where Belleau will be working.

Musikgarten

Early Childhood Music Classes Begin September 11

Belleau will continue to work at EPH through the end of August. During the month of September, she will be available for consultation with EPH primary care providers to help patients during the transition.

“If I have been acting as patients’ primary care provider, I encourage them to make connections with someone else in our clinic, specifically Dr. Paige Dekker and Dr. Cynthia DiLauro who are accepting new patients at this time,” Belleau stated.

Belleau’s plan is to eventually be available twice a month for appointments at Estes Park Health.

She is excited about her new role at the Longview Behavioral Health campus funded and built by Larimer County which will be run by SummitStone Health Partners.

“There is a growing homeless population in Loveland and Fort Collins,” Belleau pointed out. “By having Behavioral Health Urgent Care available around the clock, the goal is to help with medications, placement, and withdrawals without these patients ending up in area emergency rooms.”

For more information about this new project, go to https://summitstonehealth.org/acute-care/.

Estes Park Chorale Begins New Season

The Estes Park Chorale, a community chorus now in its 53rd year, will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 13th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. New singers are always welcome. No formal audition is required, just a desire to sing and the ability to attend Wednesday rehearsals.

This season, in addition to presenting our regular Holiday and Spring Concerts

in Estes, we will also be preparing to perform in a special concert at Carnegie Hall in New York with the renowned composer and conductor John Rutter in May 2024.

If you love to sing and would like to find out more about the Chorale, please join us for our first rehearsal. All voice parts are welcome! More information can be found at www.estesparkchorale.com.

Local music instructor and performer Annaka Hogelin will begin teaching weekly Musikgarten early childhood music classes for children up to age 5 on Monday, September 11 at the Jazzercise Studio in Estes Park.

Thirty-minute Family Music classes will begin at 10 a.m. for newborns through 3.5 years. Annaka will teach forty-five minute Cycle of Seasons classes for children ages 3-5 at 10:45 a.m. Each series includes 13 classes.

A free preview class will be held in the Hondius Room at Estes Valley Library on Saturday, August 26 from 11:00-11:30 a.m.

Musikgarten, an internationally recognized early childhood music education program, will engage children and their caregivers in singing and movement activities to attune the ear, refine the voice, and develop a rhythmic body. Activities include bouncing, dancing, singing, chanting, storytelling, and playing simple musical instruments, all while developing the foundations of musical literacy and enhancing the bond between child and caregiver.

Parent Deanna Ferrell, who has registered her son for the Family Music class, says, “Music is one of the great joys of

life, we are so excited to share it with our toddler. We are thrilled to start his early music education, right here in Estes!”

Teacher Annaka says, “I’m so excited to bring this program to Estes Park - the curriculum is thoughtfully developed

and based on current research, the folk tunes are rich, and the activities are fun! I wish I had had the opportunity to experience be a part of program like this when I was a young child.”

For more information and to register your child, visit imperfectmusician.com/musikgarten.

The Imperfect Music Studio was founded in 2023 by Dr. Annaka Hogelin. Annaka started teaching private music lessons two decades ago and has served the Estes Park community since 2019. The studio currently offers early childhood music classes, as well as piano and woodwind lessons.

Lena (Pavlish) Belleau, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C

Photo courtesy of Musikgarten

EPH Is Decorating Infusion Center With Local Art

Estes Park Health is teaming up with the Art Center of Estes Park to decorate our Infusion Center with beautiful art by area artists. We are asking for donations to our nonprofit, so we make this exhibit permanent. Anyone interested in donating can contact the Art Center of Estes Park by phone or by email at info@artcenterofestes.com. EPH will place a plaque by the art with the name of the piece and the name of the artist.

The Outpatient Infusion Clinic at Estes Park Health provides a valuable service for patients needing chemotherapy, antibiotic or other types of infusion. The clinic partners with UCHealth for cancer care. Patients can be cared for locally instead of making a long drive after therapy. Photo courtesy Estes Park Health

Pablo Picasso’s wrote these timeless words: “Art cleanses the soul from the dust of regular life.”

Picasso’s quote shows that art revitalizes and brightens the ordinary.

At Estes Park Health’s Infusion Center, patients deal with medical complexities and uncertainty. Each visit brings them

closer to healing, yet many of daily struggles. This is where art plays a huge role. Your contribution will act as a trigger for change, filling our environment with art that touches the soul. Your help will allow patients to discover beauty, hope, and strength during tough times. Your donation will help establish a creative sanctuary, providing patients with a place of comfort and inspiration on their journey to recovery.

The Elizabeth Guild's Ongoing Support Empowers Estes Park Health Foundation's Scholarships And Healthcare Initiatives

The Elizabeth Guild, a steadfast community partner of Estes Park Health since the 1970s, continues to make a profound impact on the healthcare landscape of the Estes Park community.

With an unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare education and providing critical medical equipment, The Elizabeth Guild has raised over $4 million through their thrift store sales, enabling vital contributions to scholarships and patient care.

The cornerstone of The Elizabeth Guild's efforts is their thrift store, located at 427 W. Elkhorn Ave. in Estes Park.

Embracing the spirit of community collaboration, the thrift store has become a hub for both local shoppers and generous donors. During the Winter Hours (November to April), the store welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Summer Hours (May to October) extend from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For those seeking more information, including donation hours and guidelines, call 970-586-7205.

The Elizabeth Guild's philanthropic reach extends beyond the thrift store. Notably, they contribute significantly to the Foundation's scholarship program, which aids in the professional development of Estes Park Health employees.

This year, the Guild's donations have made a tangible impact on the lives of four deserving individuals:

EPH Podiatrist Keeps Estes Park Patients

On Their Feet

Our feet are amazingly complex. We have 28 bones in the foot and ankle, 30 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all of which work together to provide support, balance, and mobility.

It’s no surprise then that people often experience injury, pain or disease involving the feet and ankles that requires the help of a qualified specialist, like Dr. Paxon Riding of Estes Park Health. He’s a podiatrist who helps patients in the clinic and performs surgery in the operating room.

“It’s hard to avoid problems with your feet,” Dr. Riding pointed out. “Anywhere it’s not fun to have pain or problems, but when you have to use both your feet anytime you do anything, it’s tough to get away with not taking care of it for too long.”

EPH patient Rhonda Silberberg of Estes Park is a retired speech language pathologist who has lived in Estes Park for the last 16 years. She relies on Dr. Riding to provide routine foot care. As a diabetic, that’s important for her.

Sometimes the fix is almost immediate. Other times it takes time, investigation and trial and error to solve the issue. For patients like Rhonda, not having to travel to see a specialist like Dr. Riding is a welcome convenience.

“Oh my gosh,” she noted. “We were going down the mountain. It took us an hour to get there. I’m just glad he’s here. He’s nice. He’s gentle. He’s knowledgeable.”

• Jillian Howard, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Health and Human Services, with aspirations for a Master's degree in Clinic Management;

• Iryna Irkliienko, dedicated to the study of Health Care Administration;

• Jessica McEndaffer, embarking on her journey towards an RN/BSN degree; and

• Sheila Shirley, committed to attaining an MS in Radiologic Sciences.

These scholarships not only elevate the skills and knowledge of the recipients but also enhance the overall quality of healthcare provided by Estes Park Health.

"The Elizabeth Guild's longstanding partnership with Estes Park Health Foundation exemplifies the remarkable potential of community collaboration," said Kevin Mullin, President of the Estes Park Health Foundation. "Their contributions through scholarships and support for critical medical equipment underscore their dedication to fostering a healthier and more vibrant community."

The Elizabeth Guild's generous commitment to Estes Park Health Foundation is a testament to their belief in the power of education, quality care, and community engagement. Their tireless efforts embody the values of collaboration, compassion, and empowerment, making them a cornerstone of the Estes Park healthcare ecosystem.

“Since I have diabetes, I can’t safely clip my toenails by myself,” Silberberg said. “We come To Dr. Riding about every 10 to 12 weeks. Being a diabetic, I’m at risk for neuropathy. You can get infections and then eventually your foot would be numb, and you wouldn’t be able to tell if you had anything wrong with it or not.”

Dr. Riding treats conditions like ingrown toenails, plantar faciitis, bunions, hammer toes, lesions and ankle pain. He sees patients from babies to seniors.

Dr. Riding said his favorite procedures are those he has planned for pre-operatively, set what time and tools he needs, imagined how he wants it to go and it happens that way. He notes that people who live in the Estes Valley are proactive when it comes to wearing the right gear. The right gear includes good shoes and the right socks to prevent fatigue, injury or accidents.

For those who are experiencing foot problems that are nagging, painful or debilitating, Dr. Riding is available to get them back on their feet.

“Come see us if your feet hurt,” he said. For specialty care to keep you upright and active and enjoying Colorado life at its best, think Estes Park Health.

To watch a video about EPH podiatry services, go to youtu.be/vylONtBGXs0.

Dr. Paxon Riding is a podiatrist at Estes Park Health.

Estes Recycles To The Max In Record-Breaking Event

Estes Valley residents showed up in force on Saturday, August 12 to support Estes Recycles Day, with a record-breaking turnout of 504 cars and trucks unloaded at the Events Center parking lot.

The League of Women Voters Community Recycling Committee organizes this annual event with the support of volunteers both from within its membership and the Rotary Club, and with additional help from many individuals and organizations across the Estes Valley. In addition to running the shredding station, Rotary provides insurance coverage for the event each year.

The town again provided the venue, tables and traffic cones and partnered with Larimer County Household Hazardous Waste Program (HHW) to collect household batteries at the event. Three huge metal drums of batteries were collected and carefully sorted for safe disposal.

Scrap metal, microwaves, bike tires and tubes, documents to be shredded, compact fluorescent lights, smoke detectors, old TVs and computers, and a wide ar-

ray of other electronics were gathered over the space of three hours. Volunteers were kept energized with coffee courtesy of Kind Coffee.

Event attendee Peter Reuman arrived to recycle scrap metal and electronics. "I filled my whole car with old electronics and I couldn't believe they only charged me $10! It was a really extensive opera-

tion!” he said.

Gosia Pisowicz recycled two computer monitors, a flat screen TV, remote controls and cables, some old home phones and a radio.

“I was truly amazed to see so many cars lined up to recycle,” she said. ‘It made me a little emotional to see so many people involved in such a great event that gives our community an easy and affordable way to dispose of items. The planning

and organization with so many cars going through was impressive. All the volunteers were really pleasant and helpful. I am grateful to everyone involved."

Thanks to generous grant funding from Premier Members Credit Union, Village Thrift Shop and Sunrise Rotary operating expenses for the event were highly subsidized this year allowing families to recycle at very little cost and resulting in a large and very successful event.

Much Obliged For A Successful Summer Sing -Along

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, friends and neighbors, buckaroos and buckarettes, saddle pals from near and far -- the summer Cowboy Sing-along program series in Bond Park has come to an end for 2023. This, our 27th year of the series, was enjoyed by large audiences from throughout the world and featured unexpected elk and deer walkthroughs.

I thank the following organizers, sponsors and friends who made this year’s series possible:

Aspen Winds on Fall River

Wear Me Out T’s Bank of Colorado

Bank of Estes Park

Beef Jerky Experience

Bruce Benbrook and the businesses at Benbrook Plaza

Bob and Evelyn Bangarter

Brownfield’s Souvenir and Outdoor

Gear

Colorado Homestead

Creativity Cabin

The Estes Park News

Gerald Mayo and Estes Park Team Realty

Hyk

Jazzercise of Estes Park

Richard and Linda Klapper

Moose Creek Western Wear

The Old Fashion Candy Store

The Ore Cart Rock Shop

Plum Creek Shoe Station

The Sugar Shack

The Taffy Shop

The Thompson Group Realty

As always, I thank Ann and Steve Taylor of Colorado Homestead for organizing the sponsorships and for providing the souvenir chocolate bars, wildflower seeds and wooden souvenir bookmarks each evening.

Thanks also to Gary and Kris Hazelton and the Estes Park News for their weekly ads and promotion of this tradition in Bond Park. And to Hobert Office Services for their assistance in printing materials for the shows.

I thank Mark Rashid, Melinda Morris, Karen Severese and Steve Tice, the musicians who sat in with me during some of the performances this year. Thanks to the photographers, videographers and NPR radio producer Maeve Conran, who helped to document this summer’s festivities. And thanks to The Cowboy Brad Dancers from Camp Timberline for regularly joining in the fun.

And especially, I thank the many visitors and residents who stopped by Bond Park to listen and help create some fun memories this summer.

Happy trails, “Cowboy” Brad Fitch

www.cowboybrad.com

Celebrate The 150th Anniversary Of MacGregor Ranch On August 23

legacy entrusted to us, to ensure that the generations to come will also stand here, celebrating the achievements, memories, and shared moments that make this ranch a cherished part of our history,”

Todd Jirsa, Ranch Trustee

ing Co., Avante Garde Aleworks and Rock Cut Brewery.

Port-a-potties and handwashing stations will also be available.

This community picnic is made possible by Visit Estes Park, Estes Chamber of Commerce, You Need Pie! Diner & Bak-

Join friends and neighbors to celebrate the 150th anniversary of MacGregor Ranch on August 23rd. Established in 1873 by Alexander and Clara MacGregor, the ranch is honoring its legacy and bringing the Estes Park community together to honor one of the earliest families who made many impacts on the town's development.

“The MacGregor family ran this ranch for generations with a deep sense of pride for the tradition of ranching, which continues today thanks to the folks who preserve and maintain it as a working cattle ranch and a youth education center,” said Colleen DePasquale, executive director, Estes Chamber of Commerce.

Let this anniversary be a pledge by this community, to safeguard the

“Now MacGregor Ranch offers a window into the past, to one of the earliest businesses in town that has such a significant impact on our community; we’re looking forward to supporting this anniversary, and 150 more years,” DePasquale added.

The community picnic will be held on Wednesday, August 23rd, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The event is free, and will feature live music from Chain Station & Lost Penny. There will be a Children’s area sponsored by Estes Chamber of Commerce and an Old Time Taffy Pull sponsored by The Taffy Shop.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic dinner or enjoy fare from one of the food trucks on-site. Dessert will be provided by MacGregor Ranch and You Need Pie! Diner & Bakery. Beer will be for sale from Lumpy Ridge Brew-

ery, The Taffy Shop, Avant Garde Aleworks, Rock Cut Brewing Company, Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co., Estes Park Trail Gazette, North End Property Owners Association, Estes Valley Library, EVICS Family Resource Center, and the YMCA of the Rockies.

Estes Park News/file photos

Cherry, Gabby, Jake, Jack, Muffin, Huckleberry & Finn All In Need Of New, Loving Families

Cherry is a fun and sweet girl. She is one year old and weighs about 35 lbs. She would love to live with a doggy friend.

Gabby is a chihuahua mix. She is about 10 years old and weighs 15 pounds. She is good with other dogs, cats and kids. She loves to be held and is in good health and just had a dental cleaning. Gabby is in foster care but is looking for a new loving family.

Jake and Jack are 8 and 10 years old. Their person adopted them together from Larimer Humane Society last October. Sadly, their new mom has had some serious health challenges and is unable to care for them. They love going for walks and are so loving with people. Jake and Jack are looking for two new homes.

Muffin is about 10 months old. She does not seem to care much for other animals but we will see how she does

as she settles in. She seems to be a very friendly, laid back and sweet girl.

Huckleberry is 2-3 years old and approximately 50 lbs. He is very playful and gets along with other dogs.

Finn is also around 50 pounds and 23 years old. Even though they have cute names that go together, Huckleberry and Finn are not really friends. Finn would probably be better as a single dog. He is selective with his dog friends but he is a very playful guy. Please call (970) 286-1652 if you’d like to meet any of these special pets. Don’t shop, please adopt!

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.

Gabby

Muffin

Jake and Jack

Finn

Huckleberry Cherry

Isabella Bird Presentation At Longs Peak Reunion This Weekend

The 2023 Longs Peak Reunion, August 18th-20th, 2023, will be celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Isabella Bird's Oc tober 1873 historic climb of Longs Peak with Rocky Mountain Jim Nugent.

The August 19th event will be held at American Legion Post 119 in Estes Park, featuring 'A Lady Climbs Longs Peak: Isabella Bird in Her Own Words." Relive the famous climb with a slide show and readings from A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains, narrated Fran Bagenal, who like Isabella was born and reared in England. Fran will also speak as part of a panel of women involved with Longs Peak. In 1998, she was rescued from a mishap on Lamb's Slide at the foot of the East Face of Longs, involving a high speed tumble (which she refers to as 'Fran's Slide) by a team led by Jim Detterline, whose life will also be celebrated August 19 presentation is produced and narrated by Stan Adamson, editor/publisher of the last five editions of Paul Nesbit's Longs Peak: Its Story and a Climbing

Honoring Jim Detterline

Longs Peak Reunion 2023 Historical Symposium

August 19, 2023 American Legion Post, Este Park, CO

“Longs Peak is a citadel. I mean it’s a castle with defenses. And the Keyhole Route just so intricately snakes its way 270 degrees around the mountain, sneaking through the mountain’s defenses to get to the top. ” – Mike Caldwell, 2009.

Program of Presentations

10 a.m. Welcome and Greetings Mayor Wendy Koenig (C) *

10:05 “Giants of Longs Peak: Doug

12:20 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

1 p.m. “A Lady Climbs Longs Peak: Isabella Bird in Her Own Words”

Fran Bagenal (C) and Tom Bosak (C)

The Reunion this year celebrates 150 years since Isabella Bird climbed Longs Peak with “Rocky Mountain Jim” Nugent, so we are featuring women on the Peak, then and now.

1:25 “Women on Longs Peak: Climbers and Their Stories” a Panel

• Lisa Foster (C)

The Estes Park Village Band, The Jazz Big Band and Longs Peak Reunion are combining forces to honor former Longs Peak Ranger Jim Detterline, who died in 2016. "Jim was truly a Renaissance man" said Mike Caldwell of Estes Park.

The groups created a GoFundMe page in Jim's name to create a memorial plaque to be placed in Estes. The amount of donations will determine the size of the plaque.

If anyone would like to contribute, please visit GoFundMe and enter Jim Detterline to get started. In addition, there is a live silent auction, ending Au

How I wish I had heard those words from my wife, Martha, nearly a month ago! Martha had gotten up that morning feeling something was wrong. “My head feels funny”, she said, “and my right leg doesn’t seem to have its usual strength!” She sat down weakly on the floor and I wondered to myself, “Should I call an ambulance?” If I had told her my thoughts and she had said, “Please…do it now!” I would not have hesitated. However, because both of us thought this was something that would soon pass, I did not make that call. I helped her into bed, hoping that rest would make things okay. She got through the day and following night with me assisting her to the bathroom, back to bed, etc. She was able to share her situation with one of my sons, who called another son, Kirby, who has our healthcare power of attorney, who took Martha to the EPMC Emergency Unit where tests showed that she had suffered a slight stroke. She went by ambulance to MCR hospital in Loveland and, following treatment there, to the Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Center in Johnstown, where she is due to ‘graduate this week, following the excellent care she received at both places, and the multiple prayers sent heavenward by people from many states, and God’s generous response to those prayers. So, one might say, “All’s well that ends well! No harm done!” But that’s far from the truth…because I didn’t make that phone call immediately, Martha, through the loss of blood to several brain cells, those cells died, and will never revive. A day later…was too late! While, through proper medication and rehab, nearby brain cells will rally to do some of the things the dead cells did, and the use of those body members that were affected, will largely regain their usefulness. Nevertheless, with proper immediate action…which I failed to take…those brain cells would be alive. ”Please…Do it now!”

My son, Kirby, knew the need for such immediate action. He and his daughter, set out one morning to climb a ‘Fourteener’. As they drove toward the foothills to begin their hike, Kirby told Lindsey, “I don’t feel just right, I think I’ll stop by the doctor’s office and see what he thinks.” The doctor, after a quick examination, said: “Kirby, you’re not going to the mountain, you’re going to the hospital. You’re having a heart attack! If you had gone up the mountain, Lindsey would be dragging your body down!” “Please, do it now!”

In my articles I’ve tried not to talk about personal family situations. But, I share these to challenge us to reflect on times in your lives when you have tended to ‘put off’ doing something that had or could have had, positive results, had you not ‘put it off’. Through my years as a preacher, I’ve heard dozens of people, wiping away tears as they looked at the still body of a loved one, saying “I never told him/her how much I loved them…and now it’s too late!”, Others, have had situations similar to the ones I’ve recounted where they needed to act quickly to: rescue…teach…encourage…praise, until the opportunity had passed by and damage and loss had occurred.

In the Spiritual realm, this is so important. “Like father, like son!” We’ve heard said so many times. Many years ago a music artist by the name of Harry Chapin wrote about a boy who had a ‘too busy’ dad who, when the boy was denied his father’s attention, he, still loving his dad, would say, adoringly, “I’m gonna be like you, Dad. I’m gonna be just like you!” And when his dad was older and longing for that son’s affection and time, sadly shared, “The boy is just like me.” And it certainly happens in our raising of children today. Parents who should be active teaching their children God’s Word… after showing an interest in it themselves…attending worship services, praying together, and those things that will have an eternal impact on their children often fail to ‘do it now!’ The Bible tells a story about a man named Lot, whose family lived in Sodom when God determined to destroy the city because of wickedness. Angels warned Lot, but, “Lot tarried!” the Bible says. Due, perhaps in part, to that his failure to ‘do it now’, Lot lost sons and daughters, his wife, and so much more. Lot would tell us: “Do what God tells you now!’.

So, as I close this article, don’t be guilty…as I was…of failing to “Do it now!” Love your spouse, love your children, and those around you and, seeing opportunities and needs arise, ‘do the right thing!’…and do it now!

May God bless all of us as we strive to do so!

Bob Lewis

Estes Park Health Seeing Covid Cases, Not Hospitalizations

August 18 - August 24

Estes Park Health is seeing COVID cases, but not an increase in hospitalizations. COVID is still around and causing illness, but most patients are needing simple symptom-supportive care without severe disease requiring a stay in the hospital.

The Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) is moving toward terms of “common” COVID and “severe” COVID to differentiate between the kinds of disease the virus is causing.

“Heading into the fall season, please follow good hand hygiene practices,” said Grace Moran-Hanna, RN, BSN, Estes Park Health’s Infection Prevention

Program Manager. “Good hygiene reduces intestinal illnesses by up to 40% and respiratory illnesses by up to 21%. Coupled with respiratory etiquette of covering your mouth with cloth or tissue when coughing or sneezing, followed with proper disposal and hand hygiene, will greatly reduce the chances of getting ill or spreading illness.”

Current COVID variants show similar spike proteins with few differences, although COVID is continuing to evolve as viruses do. The FDA has said a new monovalent XBB-lineage of the Omicron variant vaccine will be available at the end of September for the 2023-2024 season.

Please work with your healthcare provider to plan for our upcoming fall and winter respiratory season, which also includes the possibility of influenza and RSV.

Back-To-School Mentor Drive

It’s back-to-school time in Northern Colorado! That means we are all working to get students prepared for another school year. Many local students need more than standard school supplies–notebooks, #2 pencils, and binders–to be successful at school. Mentoring can help fill the social-emotional gaps some students face in the academic setting, as mentors provide them with additional support, advocacy, and companionship.

To help us provide mentors to the students enrolled in our mentoring program, Partners is currently running a Back-to-School Mentor Drive! Mentors are volunteers who dedicate one hour per week to meeting with their mentee at their school throughout the school year. Mentoring partnerships do all sorts of activities together–playing sports on the playground, making crafts in the art room, working on school in the library.

This volunteer role offers a lot of flexibility, and Partners provides training and on-going support to ensure volunteers are successful as mentors.

Make a big impact in Partners’ proven mentoring program. We are currently seeking volunteers in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Estes Park. If you are interested in learning more, we have a few options:

Give us a call to chat with our staff about our volunteer roles

Fort Collins/Loveland 970-484-7123

Greeley 970-378-6501

Estes Park 970-577-9348 (or email: kwhitacre@poweredbypartners.org)

Or fill out a quick form and our staff will get in touch to answer your questions and let you know about next steps. Go to poweredbypartners.org/get-involved/#volunteer.

The FDA has said a new monovalent XBB-lineage of the Omicron variant vaccine will be available at the end of September for the 20232024 season. Image courtesy of the World Health Organization

Pastie And Chutney Season Has Begun

Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu

Aug 21 – 25

Monday, Aug 21 Turkey, Bacon & Swiss Cheese Croissant w/ 3-Bean Salad

Tuesday, Aug 22 Beef Fajitas (w/ bell peppers, onions & flour tortilla) w/ Rice, Refried Beans & guacamole

Wednesday, Aug 23 Smothered Chicken (6 oz) (topped w/ mushrooms, green peppers, & onions) w/ Spaghetti Squash Gratin

Thursday, Aug 24 Meat Lasagna w/ garlic bread & side salad

Friday, Aug 25 Signature Salad w/ (8 grilled) Shrimp (greens topped w/tomatoes, corn, cheese, craisins, pecans & croutons) w/ ranch dressing

Aug 28 – Sept 1

Monday, Aug 28 Taco Salad w/ Chicken

Tuesday, Aug 29 BBQ Pork Ribs (4) w/ Baked Beans & coleslaw

Wednesday, Aug 30 Chicken Salad Croissant w/ Tomato Salad

Thursday, Aug 31 Pork Loin w/ Roasted Potatoes, vegetables & apple sauce

Friday, Sept 1 Shrimp Alfredo w/ Spaghetti, garlic bread & side salad

Pastie and Chutney Orders

It is a long journey from Cornwall, England to Estes Park, but the pasties (pass-tees) are here! A pastie is a round piece of dough filled with savory meat and vegetables. It is folded in half to make a “D” shape with a crimped edge. Traditionally eaten by tin miners in Cornwall, it is an easy hand-held sandwich. Several parishioners at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church are currently busy in the kitchen making pasties!

St. Bartholomew's has served our community with this pastie tradition since 1986, and we need your help to continue our fundraiser tradition! All the profits from this fundraiser will go to local, national, and international non-profit organizations. In the past, some of these organizations have included Salud, Crossroads, and Habitat for Humanity of the Estes Valley.

Order your pasties by going to the church website at www.stbartsepiscopalchurch.org beginning on August 11th or type in the following link to be taken directly to the order form: forms.gle/sG42dPKRx-

phKtV2VA. On the website you will find the order form to fill out and submit to the church office. We suggest you place your order early because there is a limit of two bags of pasties / customer and two jars of chutney / customer. A bag of regular pasties (six pasties / bag) costs $26 and a bag of gluten-free pasties (six pasties / bag) costs $28. Half-pint jars of chutney cost $10 / jar. Last year we soldout of everything, so place your order as soon as possible. Your order will be available for pick-up on October 21st during the St. Bartholomew’s Fall Festival from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. We can accept checks or credit cards as forms of payment. We will also have our Fall Festival on October 21st which will include an extensive food and bake sale, a small boutique of fall (Thanksgiving and Halloween) and Christmas/Winter items for $25 or less, and hot coffee and donuts to snack on in a conversation circle. If you have any questions regarding the order of pasties and chutney or the pick-up date, please contact Carolyn Shirey at c.shirey65@gmail.com or 936-766-5637.

Estes Park Special Olympics

Tuesday Bowling Fun

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.

Meals are $7 for current 2023 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, Aug 21st, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Aug 18th. 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, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10-1; Tuesday 10-2) TriFit M-W-F 10:30-11:15; Yoga T-T 10:15-11:15; Circuit Balance Class Mondays 1-1:45 PM

Mahjong Tuesdays 10 – 2

Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA)

Two Bridge Groups: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wed. 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’s

Happening At The Estes Valley Library

SUMMER HOURS

Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Sundays, 1-5 p.m.

Special Hours

Closed Monday, September 4 for Labor Day KEY

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

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Sign up at estesvalleylibrary.org

The Mortal Instruments Series:

Author Talk with Cassandra Clare Ⓡ

Wednesday, August 23, 6-7 p.m., online Join globally recognized and international bestselling author Cassandra Clare as she discusses her newest series, The Last Hours. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Atomic Habits: Book Discussion Ⓡ

Tuesday, August 29, 5:30-7 p.m., Quiet Room

Connect with community members and discuss Atomic Habits by James Clear, the bestselling book about creating good habits, breaking bad ones, and getting 1% better each day.

A Year Inside College Admissions:

Author Talk with Jeff Selingo Ⓡ

Wednesday, August 30, 12-1 p.m., online

Learn from author Jeff Selingo, who immersed himself in the world of admissions for a year to answer the question on the minds of teenagers and their guardians: how do colleges select their freshman class? Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Life, Love, Family, & Food:

Author Talk with Lidia Bastianich Ⓡ

Thursday, September 7, 5-6 p.m., online

Enjoy an intimate evening with television host and author Lidia Bastianich as she talks about her memoir, My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

ADULTS

Sign up at estesvalleylibrary.org

Voter Registration Drive

Tuesday, August 22, 5-7 p.m., Library lobby

The League of Women Voters of Estes Park will be on hand to help with voter registration, important election dates,

and other information about voting in Estes Park and Colorado.

Sharing the Care Campaign: Fast-Forward Film Screening Ⓡ

Saturday, September 9, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., American Legion Post 119

Take a pragmatic look into your and your family’s future with this documentary screening of Fast-Foward. Free to attend and lunch will be provided. Presented with UCHealth, Bloom Healthcare, and Home Instead of Northern Colorado.

TEENS & KIDS

Sign up at estesvalleylibrary.org

Marble-ous Machines Ⓡ

Saturday, August 19, 4-6 p.m., Hondius Room

See computing in a new way and learn about binary math by getting hands-on with marble-driven computers, calculators, and logic games. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Book vs. Movie Club: Matilda Ⓡ

Saturday, August 26, 12:30-2 p.m., Hondius Room

Book or movie—which did you like best? We’ll discuss the book, Matilda by Roald Dahl, then watch the movie adaptation. Snacks and drinks provided.

Lego Club: Tallest Towers Ⓡ

Saturday, August 26, 3-4 p.m., Hondius Room

Explore different building and engineering challenges with Legos. This month, we’ll attempt to make the tallest towers possible! Recommended for ages 6-12.

Pill Bottle Survival Kits Ⓡ

Saturday, September 2, 2-3:30 p.m., Makerspace

Create a pill bottle kit that could help you survive if stranded in the wilderness. All supplies provided. Recommended for ages 10-18.

CD Scratch Art Ⓡ

Wednesday, September 6, 5-6 p.m., Makerspace

Tap into your creativity with making unique scratch art on old CDs. All art skill levels welcome.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Learn more and sign up at estesvalleylibrary.org

Library Storytimes

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

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

Read to Therapy Dog Annie: Wed., August 23 at 4:30 p. m.

Pajama Storytime: Wed., August 30 at 4:30 p. m.

Read to Therapy Dog Annie: Wed., September 6 at 4:30 p. m.

Make A Stick Pony Ⓡ

Saturday, August 19, 12:15 a.m.- 1:15 p. m., Hondius Room

Prepare for the 150th anniversary of MacGregor Ranch by making a stick pony to race at the community birthday party on August 23.

Parent & Caregiver Café Ⓡ

Saturday, August 26, 10-11 a.m., Hondius Room

Adults and kids are invited to enjoy play stations, giveaways, and healthy snacks as you learn about how the Library can support your role as a caregiver. Recommended for caregivers of children ages 6 and under but all are welcome!

Musikgarten

Saturday, August 26, 11 a.m.- 11:30 a.m., Hondius Room

Sample a music class series for young children with Annaka Hoglin, musician and music educator.

ALL AGES

Sign up at estesvalleylibrary.org

Intro to A. I. Ⓡ

Wednesday, August 23, 6-7:30 p.m., Wasson Room

repeated Monday, August 28, 6-7:30 p.m., Wasson Room

Chat GPT, Mid-Journey, Dall-E…

What are these AI systems and how do they work? We’ll explore answers to these questions as we learn the tools and concepts of artificial intelligence.

Game Night! Ⓡ

Thursday, August 24, 5-6:30 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.

Computer & Phone Assistance

Wednesday, August 30, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., Makerspace

Having an issue with your computer and/or phone? Need to learn a fix or a new feature? Pop in with your device and our tech team will do our best to help.

MAKERSPACE CLASSES

Sign up at estesvalleylibrary.org

Learn the 3D Printer Ⓡ Thursday, August 24, 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

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

Learn the Laser Cutter Ⓡ Monday, August 28, 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

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

Learn the Embroidery Machine Ⓡ

Tuesday, August 29, 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

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

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 6 p. m.

KEY

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

Get “1% Better Every Day” With Atomic Habits

This August, as we head back to the “School of Life” at the Estes Valley Library, we’re exploring practical strategies that will show exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the

pealed to you, what didn’t, and how to apply Clear’s approach to your own life.

In Atomic Habits, Clear draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, awardwinning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.

The first five people to sign up for the discussion will receive a free copy

Explore The Last Hours In This Virtual Chat With Fantasy

Author Cassandra Clare

tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

On Tuesday, August 29, connect with fellow community members as we discuss the bestselling book Atomic Habits, where author James Clear reveals how, ”we do not rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems.” The author shares an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible.

We’ll gather at 5:30 p.m. to exchange thoughts about what from the book ap-

of the book to keep. Please note that by acquiring a copy, you commit to attending the program. Free copies are made possible by generous donors at the Library Friends & Foundation.

Join us for skillbuilding and conversation with your habit-making neighbors, and “get 1% better every day” with Atomic Habits. Learn more about August programs and School of Life, and sign up for this book discussion, at estesvalleylibrary.org/august.

Cordelia has lost everything that matters to her. Even worse, she is now bound to an ancient demon, Lilith, stripping her of her power as a Shadowhunter. After fleeing to Paris, Cordelia hopes to forget her sorrows in the city’s glittering nightlife. But reality intrudes when shocking news comes from home: London is under new threat by the Prince of Hell, Belial.

In The Last Hours series, author Cassandra Clare tells the tales of Shadowhunters, or warriors trained since childhood to battle demons. Chain of Thrones, the third and final installment of this 1903 Edwardian-Victoria era series, evil hides in plain sight and love cuts deeper than any blade. Cordelia will crusade to save her family and her city, all while risking everything, even her soul.

On Wednesday, August 23 at 6 p.m., join the Library Speakers Consortium for an exciting evening online as we chat with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Clare about Chain of Thrones.

Cassandra Clare started writing her de-

but YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, and turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006. Her successful series include The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, and The Last Hours. The Daily Mail has said, “Clare’s ability to tell a fresh new story is worthy of applause.”

The Library Speakers Consortium is a program that grants the Estes Valley Library, other member libraries, and their patrons, access to acclaimed authors via virtual visits. All events are streamed live, free to attend, and include audience participation through an interactive Q&A session.

Unable to attend the live presentations? Past recordings are easily accessible and available to watch anytime by visiting the Library Speakers Consortium site at libraryc.org/estesvalleylibrary.

To browse the full list and register for an upcoming talk including Cassandra Clare’s, check out the Estes Valley Library website at estesvalleylibrary.org/events.

Community Yard Sale & Pancake Breakfast August 26

There will be a Community Yard Sale & Pancake Breakfast held on August 26th "weather permitting" from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. The event will take place at the Masonic Lodge located at 1820 S. St. Vrain Ave.

Spaces are available for rent for only $20.00. For more details call 970-5778585.

Estes Park Women’s Golf Association Results Of Play – Tues., August 15, 2023

The women play a game of “Better Nine” on Tuesday, in which only the player’s scores from their best nine holes were counted.

The winners were:

1st Place – Pam Vendegna

2nd Place – Jan Tindall

Tied for 3rd Place – Diane Butler, Clau-

Congratulations to all the winners. The women’s league season will conclude at the end of September. If you would like more information about the league, please contact the league President, Carla Spreng-Webb for more information at Carla.Spreng@gmail.com.

dia Irwin, Judi Cunningham, Marianne Casey and Linda Bowie.

Happy 50th Anniversary Michael

And Linda Kleineider

Michael and Linda Kleineider celebrate their 50th anniversary this weekend in Estes Park, Colorado. The couple met in 1970 at Perry's Bar in Estes Park where Mike had grown up. Linda (Hicklin) was a local hairdresser, and had just won the Miss Colorado Pageant. In 1973 they married at Moraine Amphitheater inside Rocky Mountain National Park. They have three children, Justin, 47, Michelle, 44, and Stephanie, 42 years old. Some of their favorite moments are with their twin grandchildren Paige and Breck, both age seven, the children of Michelle Kleineider Shumard and her husband Jason.

Linda raised their three children while also teaching cosmetology at Warren Technical School, and working in a hair salon. Mike worked in the Electrical field for 40+ years and still thrives in Sales. They currently reside in Golden, Colorado and are very active with their family, the Colorado outdoors, and time spent at their Golden Gate Canyon home, amongst wildlife and beautiful scenery. It is with great honor that Justin, Michelle and Stephanie are able to celebrate their parents LOVE every day, and feel blessed to be raised by the couple.

Get Free ‘Growing Readers’ Book Baskets At The Library’s Parent & Caregiver Café

In Colorado, between 40-60% of children aged five or younger are cared for by family members, friends, or neighbors while they’re parents are at work. Yet, due to the personal nature of these arrangements, few family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) caregivers are included in the state’s efforts to increase the quality of childcare.

The Estes Valley Library is proud to announce that this year, we were awarded a Growing Readers Together grant. Growing Readers Together is a Colorado State Library initiative supporting libraries engaging FFN caregivers in early literacy.

With funds from the Growing Readers Together grant, Early Literacy Librarian Melanie Kozlowski created “book baskets” full of resources, tools, and activities designed to assist at-home childcare providers with developmental learning. The baskets were delivered to homes around the Estes Valley and are already in use.

Grant funds have been hard at work elsewhere: The Library added additional Launchpad Playaways to our in-

ventory, which are tablets preloaded with educational content that can be checked out via our Library of Things. Next time you visit the Youth Room, relax in the new bean bag chairs or try out the giant LiteBrite in the computer nook.

What else is the grant doing? On Saturday, August 26 at 10 a.m., the Library invites you to our “Parent and Caregiver Café,” an opportunity for kids, parents, and caregivers to interact and learn about all the Library has to offer while also receiving early learning giveaways. Snacks and beverages will be provided. The first five years of life are critically important to children’s future learning and success. Every time we connect with young children, it’s not just their eyes that light up – it’s their brains, too. By reading to children and simply exposing them to books, parents and caregivers can have a positive impact on children’s brain development and literacy.

Sign up for the Parent & Caregiver Cafe on the Library’s website at estesvalleylibrary.org/events.

YMCA Library Musical Performance By

The McDailey’s, a rural roots Bluegrass ensemble, will be performing a free show on Monday, August 21 at 7 p.m. outdoors at the Maude Jellison Library located on the campus of the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center. This is part of the Summer 2023 Magical Mondays@The Maude series. Every Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the Maude Jellison Library a special performance will take place free and open to the public. In case of rain the shows

will be moved inside to the lower level of the library.

For information on future performances call 970-586-3341 extension 1133. Directions to the Maude Jellison Library: upon entering the YMCA grounds from Spur 66, take the second left turn (at the top of the slope). Take the first right turn into the parking lot of Hyde Chapel from where the library is easily accessed.

1700 WILDFIRE ROAD

• Seller will provide 2 year reduced interest rate adjustment, contact Gene for details

• 1 bdrm/1 bath condo, 771 sq ft, $375,000

• 2 bdrm/2 bath condos, 933 – 1,080 sq ft, $434,000- $506,000

• 3 bdrm/2 bath condos, 1,223-1,244 sq ft, $533,000-$549,000

• One indoor parking garage, Washer/Dryer, granite countertops, SS appliances, ceiling fans

I’m On Fire! (Literally)

By: Larry Strong

September 25, 1977 was a day my life changed. Actually, it was a day my life was saved…with a little help from my friends. That Sunday morning was a beautiful early fall Indiana day without a cloud in the sky. It was my turn to cook breakfast for roughly 15 guys at the downtown #1 Engine House in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Before I had a chance to crack any eggs the alarm sounded. I re member hearing the dispatcher de scribing “Report of thick black smoke coming from the Allen County Tire Company.” My first thought was breakfast was going to have to wait— for probably quite a while.

I never finished cooking breakfast that day as nine firefight ers, including myself, were in jured and trans ported to a local hospital. I was caught in a backdraft, with the explosion knocking me on my back. I recall looking up through my face mask and seeing nothing but flames. I tried a couple times to roll over attempting to crawl out from the debris on top of me but I was stuck. I was getting burned so I tried to tuck my neck down as far as I could under the collar of my bunker jacket like a turtle. Being trapped under burning debris is not an optimal place to get stuck. I don’t recall how many times I tried to extricate myself from that mess. Nor do I know exactly how long I laid there helplessly hoping that by some miracle this was not going to be my “Last Alarm. ” The miracle I was hoping for came in the form of my fellow courageous, selfless and undaunted brother firefighters who followed the hose line I was on, extinguished the spot fire I was under and pulled me from that pile of debris that was so close to being my grave. To this

day, I think about them risking their own lives to save mine. They never paused or hesitated to do what needed to be done. That’s more than just bold, courageous, brave or selfless. That’s letting love lead.

Men on Fire (I know that’s kind of funny in context) meets Saturday’s at 8:00 a.m. for “Breakfast with a Purpose” at the American Legion, 850 N. St. Vrain here in Estes. We’re a band of brothers representing diversity in our faith journey’s and multiple denominational experiences. We’re committed to growing in our personal relationship with the Lord as well challenging each other to learn more about who a real man of God is and what he looks like. We desire to be bold, courageous, selfless, honorable men of integrity including learning how to “let love lead.”

We’re starting a new series, “Men of Courage” and would love to have you join us. No matter where you’re at on your faith journey you’ll fit in great. Perhaps you just need some healthy fellowship, encouragement, friendship or a few good laughs. Maybe you have some questions about your own faith journey or struggling with faith of any kind right now. Come check us out. You’ll be glad you did.

Last, I want to thank all our first responders who serve our community. The Estes Valley Fire Protection District recently began multiple week training under Chief Capo’s leadership. We pray protection over them along with all the brave men and women who respond to the call of duty. Thank you for letting love lead!

523 SAINT VRAIN LANE, ESTES PARK

CALL/TEXT 970-231-8570

CHRISTIAN COLLINET

$699,500 | 2 Bed | 2 Bath | A1 zoned

540 Laurel Lane #9

Knowledge, experience, skills to assist and educate individuals with and about wildlife encounters/situations. Specialty is elk, deer, bears, mountain lions. Part of Rocky Mtn. Cat Conservancy Research. If you see a kill site, call asap, or if you want more information or help with a wildlife situation, call Jayne the “Bear Lady” at 970-685-8756.

Blessing Of The Animals Service At Presbyterian Community Church

The service will consist of prayer, hymns, and of course the blessing of our pets. All are welcome to attend the service. You don’t need to be Presbyterian or even have a pet. We will gather to thank God for all God’s creatures and the special place they have in our lives.

All pet animals – dogs, cats, horses, llamas, birds, fish and others – are welcome to receive individual blessing. If your pet would not be comfortable, bring a picture or other representation, such as a toy animal.

Come and join us for our Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, August 20th at 1:00 p.m. The service will be at the church’s outdoor chapel. All are invited.

The service bears witness to our dependance on other creatures and our stewardship responsibility for their care and recognizes the sacredness of all creation.

The outdoor chapel is on the east side of the main church building, in the trees toward Fish Creek. The church is located on the south side of Brodie Avenue, across from the high school athletic field. The address is 1700 Brodie Avenue. There is ample parking in the church’s main lot and in a small lot across the drive from the outdoor chapel.

THE GOMEZ TEAM

Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Concert

Sung By Cowboy Brad Fitch Sept. 3

On October 30th, 2022, Gordon Lightfoot played his final concert in Winnipeg. He was 83 years old singing some of his most popular songs to a crowd of Canadian fans. A few months later on May 1st, 2023, he passed away quietly in Toronto of natural causes. This singersongwriter grew up in a small town in Ontario. He began singing in coffeehouses in Toronto, and from there his popularity grew. One of his first big hits came in 1971 with a song called “If You Could Read My Mind.” It’s a song about someone struggling to find the right words to express how they were feeling. Yet, by singing about his inability, he was able to heart-to-heart connection. There’s just something that happens in music that brings everything together, and Gordon knew how to do this as he shared his musical talents with others. Some of his other fan favorites were

“Sundown,” “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” and “Early Morning Rain.” You may be wondering why I’m sharing all of this. Well, it’s because I would like you to join me on Sunday, September 3rd, to enjoy the songs of Gordon Lightfoot sung by our own Cowboy Brad. We will host this benefit concert in the newly renovated Hyde Chapel at 5 p.m. The Chapel is located on the beautiful campus of the YMCA of the Rockies. Our concert is free of charge, but we will have jars at the doors for whatever contribution you’d like to make to support the work of Crossroads Ministry. Just think, you can listen to some great music and then grab a bite to eat afterwards. It could turn into a date night for you and your friends! We would love to have you join us, so put it on your calendar now.

UNIQUE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!

4 delightful homes/enchanting and private

With the crucial need for employee housing and shortage of residential rentals in the Estes Park area, this diverse property offers a variety of options and investment potential. Once used as Ranger cabins for RMNP, these 4 cabins were moved to this peaceful location in 1935. Comprised of: One - 3 bedroom 1bath; Two - 2 bedroom 1 bath; and One - I bedroom 1 bath, PLUS detached garage/workshop and detached shed for an abundance of storage. Each home is fully furnished and has its own unique character and charm, decorated with original knotty pine; delightful artistic finishes; efficient wood stoves, and a flagstone, wood burning fireplace. All homes have their own private laundry and doggie friendly fenced in yards, decks and patios. Within walking distance to Country Store/retail and 5 minute drive to the entrance to the RMNP. City water and sewer. Move-in ready, must see to appreciate! Call Trisha to tour this special property located at 1301 Strong Ave.,

Open House And Dedication At Crossroads Ministry

By: Brian Schaffer

We’ve been in our new building since October of last year, so if you’ve not been by to check it out, then I’d like to invite you to join us on Thursday, September 7th, from 4-5:30 p.m. for our Open House and Dedication Ceremony. You can walk through “The Market” and see the assortment of groceries we’re making available to our hungry neighbors. You can also tour the Resource Center where we host a variety of equipping opportunities to people living in the Estes Valley. You can explore the lower level (basement) to see where we have our board meetings, trainings and

support groups. We’re also finishing up a special space where we will begin new programs this fall, so we’d love for you to see it. The upper level is where most of our administrative offices are so you can visit staff and hear what they have going on. If you’d like, you can even hang out in my office and take a look at family pictures with me. All in all, this is going to be a fun-loving, easy-going, casual experience for you to meet some of our staff, volunteers, board members and new neighbors that live across the street from us. There will be light refreshments and drinks to tide you over until dinner so plan to be a part of this special event at Crossroads.

Estes Park Men’s Golf Association Results For August 14, 2023

Photo by Alan Lipkin

Bringing First Aid To Our First Responders

The American Legion Riders group at Post 119 of Estes Park, Colorado strives to maintain the image of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion.

Members wear the emblem, which symbolizes the integrity and the principles of this great organization. They uphold and secure the four pillars in which the American Legion was founded and focus on strengthening America, and taking care of the community.

Other well-known protectors of our community are our amazing First Responders. The Estes Valley Fire Protection District has recently been introduced to something they never anticipated they would have to add to their duty belts, the role of responding to active-shooter scenarios. Unfortunately, this is our reality these days and if the call comes, our volunteer

firefighters never hesitate to respond and place their lives in stressful and sometimes dangerous situations.

The Estes Park Police Department’s motto is “To Protect and Serve,” the EVFPD motto is “Prevent, Prepare, Perform.” Additional training is always an ongoing event within the departments to ensure the safety and security of our community and for First Responders to gain skills, knowledge, and self-esteem.

The EVFPD was recently given 10 protective vests from law enforcement agencies and three ballistic helmets, however the vests needed Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs). IFAKs are meant for the volunteer firefighter in case they are injured while rescuing victims during an active shooter event. When the American Legion Riders President Mike Staudte of Post 119 heard of the importance and need for

EVFPD’s volunteers he immediately brought it to the attention of the Riders during a meeting and it was unanimously voted to donate the funds and build the IFAKs with only the best medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The kits include tourniquets, QuickClot bandages, items to manage airway, bleeding control and a multitude of much needed medical gear to provide the best first aid for our First Responders. The Riders met at the American Legion Post 119 and built the kits under the instruction and advise of a combat veteran and Rider and presented the 10 fully packed IFAKs to the EVFPD during a family dinner on the 1st of August held at Station 71 located at 901 N. Vrain Ave.

The American Legion Riders are

looking forward to doing future fundraising and possibly a firearm raffle to raise more funds to help and raise awareness of the positive role of the American Legion and safety with our friends and partners within the community. This is only the renewed beginning of a great partnership with veterans, service members, our youth, community, and our First Responders-bringing “Unity Within Our Community!” For more information how anyone else can help the American Legion, First Responders, or our community, come see Vice Commander Scott Manning at the American Legion Post 119, 850 N. St. Vrain, Estes Park, Colorado 80517.

It’s A Small World

By: Judi Smith

Thirty years ago, we used to travel a lot, teaching workshops at tradeshow type events. We spent our 25th wedding anniversary in Hawai’i, on the island of Maui, doing just that: A workshop in the art of gold leaf and a lecture on business management – on the beach – with whales jumping in the background (making it difficult to hold the attention of attendees at my lecture.) Although that beach in Kehei is still there, the nearby city of Lahaina has been obliterated by fire.

Whoever thought a community in the middle of the ocean could burn? 80 mile an hour winds moved the fire so fast that there was little or no warning, not unlike what happened in the Marshall fire. As I write this the body count is at 99 and counting. With the help of cadaver dogs, officials are prepared for that number to double, maybe triple. Two have been identified. Officials have asked relatives of missing individuals to bring DNA samples. The sacred banyon tree, 150 years old, will likely not survive – although there is a chance that one (or more) of the 46 trunks could have roots, well below the surface, that escaped the disaster. Six days hence, the Kehei fire is contained but not extinguished. The Lahaina fire stands at 85%. We have not yet heard from Maui resident friends. However, like Estes, Hawai’i bands together in a crisis and makes room for family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and locals they barely know. CBS News visited with one household, now three generations and 20 people strong. They will survive. They will rebuild. But what can we expect when paradise burns, both on the island and here in Colorado? How can we avoid reoccurrence?

The increased heat originates from greenhouse gas (ghg) produced by fossil fuel energy sources ) coal, petroleum, natural gas) and from the gradual disintegration of organic waste (food and garden refuse). The rising heat of the Earth causes movement of air. The wind increases the size of hail. It dries out the terrain causing drought conditions, which contributes to the speed of the spread. Wind makes the fire harder to contain. Wind does not cause fires but increases the difficulty and danger of fighting them. They have not yet pinpointed the cause of the Hawaiian fires, which also spread to the Big Island. So far, their concentration lies in locating and identifying bodies.

Those of us who are concerned can approach the crisis in multiple ways.

1) Clearly, the survivors need support,

financially and emotionally.

2) We can build our own resilience: Be prepared! Sign up for LETA alerts! Pay attention to evacuation notices. Pack under Warning and be ready if necessary. Follow instructions from the LETA alert on which way to leave. Make sure our property can be easily located by first responders. Complete fire mitigation tasks and reevaluate often. The Eses Valley Fire District is willing to tour your property to help identify trouble spots.

3) We can invest in lifestyle changes that reduce greenhouse gases, both at home, and throughout the community: Compost organics. Eliminate plastics and other single use packaging. Consider a personal shift to renewable electric resources. Support those who are making governmental changes that promote “a step in the right direction,” locally, nationally, and world-wide. Laws that control waste. Measures that encourage community wide renewable energy.

The US Environmental Protection Agency is concerned about the condition of our air, water, and soil -- but they cannot do this alone. The Front Range has been cited by the EPA for non-compliance to federal levels of ozone. The testing showed our levels to be higher than NY-NJ, who got a similar rating reduction from serious to severe. The high levels of ozone are related to nitrous oxide levels from fossil fuels. The testing for nitrous-oxide over RMNP revealed microscopic bits of plastic in the air we breathe. The Colorado Department of Health and Environment is well aware and pursuing progress on addressing this predicament. But they cannot do this alone. These test results are a major consideration for both the Legislative and the Executive branches of government at the State level. But they cannot do it alone. Colorado cites and towns, responding to the interest of the State and of its citizens, are now conscious of the health hazards inherent in ignoring pollution. Counties and municipalities are developing ecologically sustainable plans and hiring environmental managers to pursue them. Currently, hundreds of industry, corporate, small business, non-profit, and governmental agencies are actively searching for environmental personnel to lead their compliance efforts and carry their organization forward into the pursuant changes. For those researching prospective career moves, this can be considered an “up and coming” field. Agree? Disagree? Comments?

Sustainable Odds And Ends

By: Judi Smith Ecologically: The annual Estes Recycles

Day is next week,

Saturday,

in the parking

lot

of

August 12, 9 a.m. – noon,

the Event Center

(off

Manford Avenue). This year, Estes Recycles will be accepting electronics, microwaves, smoke detectors, CFL lightbulbs, and bicycle tubes and tires plus scrap metal (anything >50% metal). The Estes Park Rotary Club will, of course, be on hand to shred private paperwork – on site –which is not available elsewhere in the Estes Valley and battery recycling will be provided by the joint efforts of Larimer County and the Town of Estes Park. Some quantity limitations may apply. All local residents should take advantage of this opportunity to recycle things that are, now and in the foreseeable future, not accepted by the Residential Recycling Center or by the Transfer Station on Elm Road. Go to www.EstesRecycles.org for details.

In Colorado, used electronics are restricted, by law, from entering the landfill or single stream recycling waste streams. Certified Electronic Recyclers must be prepared to disassemble the items (by hand). Sorting the materials by hand is a laborious exercise and, for this reason, electronic recycling costs. However, for the 2023 Estes Recycles Day, Grants from the Village Thrift Shop, the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary, and the Premier Members Credit Union will minimize the cost of electronic recycling. So, clean out your closets and your garage! Come celebrate recycling at Estes Recycles Day!

Socially: The strength of a village, such as ours, lies in our ability to network. After the 2013 flood, we each checked on our neighbors, on the people in our circles, and, sometimes, on people we had not yet met. If each of us knows 100 people, who know 100 people, who know 100 people, who know … … soon we are a fully connected community, or it feels like we are. But, again in 2013, we also discovered there were people who existed simply unconnected and did not know there had been a flood – so our Boy Scouts went door to door.

Sometimes, we do not take the time to

communicate as often as we should. Of course, stop in the grocery store to say hello to friends, but also help someone find what they are seeking. Invite an acquaintance over for coffee and get to know them better, but also cross that invisible line and discover someone outside your normal range. Expand your circle. Signup for the Town notices. Read a local newspaper. Come to Town Board, or listen on-line, or read the minutes. Estes does an amazing job of communication. No one should be unaware. Get involved. Contribute.

Economically: In a small community, even more so than a large metropolitan city, it is vital to shop locally, before reverting to looking elsewhere. Although not all goods are available in small towns, when we can satisfy our purchasing locally, it saves in multiple respects:

1. The time driving down valley to search for things available at home.

2. The expense of the trip, designated by the IRS to be $65 for 100 miles (including depreciation).

3. Perhaps more importantly, the contribution to air pollution of a trip to the Front Range. However, most importantly, money spent in the Estes Valley, in locally owned stores, restaurants, and service institutions, stays in the community. It goes into the pockets of local business owners and employees, who then spend it again in local businesses who hire local employees, who renew the circle once more. The more times our money circulates in our community, the stronger our economy.

Many individuals complain that local stores do not carry goods for local people. This is not entirely true, but it sometimes takes considerable time to acquaint locals with available products. If each shop would add 1 new item for locals and Estes residents would give those shops priority when purchasing, the local economy would benefit immensely, not just from the single purchase, but from the multi-layered circular economy that each purchase builds.

What do you wish was available in Estes?

Agree? Disagree? Comments? RRRcyc@signsandwishes.com

Photo by John West

Charles Laflin Kerr Professional Engineer (Ret.)

years for Rocky Mountain National Park as a seasonal employee in Facilities Management on several construction and maintenance projects.

Charlie was an Elder and for many years treasurer of the Pinewood Springs Community Church.

Richard O'Reilly Jr.

Born February 8, 1932 in Ogdensburg, NY to Leslie W. and Harriet Laflin (Davis) Kerr.

Charlie graduated from Watertown, NY HS in 1950 and St. Lawrence Univ. with a BS in geology in 1954. That year while a graduate student at the Univ. of Texas, he met and married Evelyn R. Chaney of Austin, TX. Their marriage ended in an amicable divorce in 1973. In 1979 he married Beverly G. Vanderpool of Fabius, NY.

With time out for college and military service, Charlie worked for the NY State Dept. of Public Works (later named the Dept. of Transportation) beginning in 1952. In his career with the department he worked at various times in the Watertown and Syracuse regions and in the Albany Bureau of Soil Mechanics. He was Engineer-inCharge of several highway and bridge construction projects, retiring as Construction Supervisor in the Syracuse region in 1989. Upon retirement he moved with his family to Estes Park. He then worked with CDOT for 12

In the past he was a tutor for Literacy Volunteers of America and a Little League baseball coach. More recently he was a tutor in Estes Park for English Language Learners, Habitat for Humanity volunteer and a driver for Meals on Wheels.

Charlie enjoyed doing things with his family, travel, woodworking, painting and photography.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Leslie, and his beloved wife, Beverly. He is survived by his sons, William (Kay) of Arlington, TX, Ward (Dee) of Sun Prairie, MN, Matthew (Lora) of Loveland, CO, and his daughters Jan Biggar of Salem, VA, Molly Kerr (Jeff) of Estes Park, CO, Suzi (Chip) of San Antonio, TX, his grandchildren, Charles, Jeremy, Christopher, Chaney, Grant Jr., Chris, Stacey, Jude, Bryce, Ellie and Adam, and his great grandchildren Alicia, Nathan, Maybry, Sophia, Luke, James, Stella and Phoebe.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Charles’s name to Rocky Mountain National Park Conservancy for Trail Improvements at rmconservancy.org/join-or-give/donate/

After a lengthy battle with several chronic conditions Richard C. O’Reilly Jr. passed away on 7-26-23 in Fort Collins, CO. He was preceded in death by his father Richard C. O’Reilly Sr., his mother Naydene Hensley-O’Reilly and sister Patricia Enenbach. He is survived by his wife Betty (Uhlemann) O’Reilly, sons: Dylan (Sarah), Logan (Meag-gan), and Brendan. His grandchildren Taylor, R.J., Maya and Leo and his siblings Tom, Mary Zagozda and John. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the

Special Olympics in Rich’s Honor. For more details on services please contact family at buo47@yahoo.com or call 970-330-3707. To leave condolences for Rich’s family, please visit www.LighthouseFamilyLFM.com

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

AA of Glen Haven

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

Also Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Glen Haven Town Hall.

Early Worms

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

Early Worms Women's Meeting 12 p.m. Mondays

St. Bartholomew, 880 MacGregor Ave.

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

Current Schedule as of 8/13/2023

Monday 12 p.m. In Person at 453 West Elkhorn O, D

Monday 7 p.m. Hybrid (In Person and Online) Zoom 654 598 884 O, BB

Tuesday 12 p.m. Online Zoom 999 829 166 O, D

Wednesday 12 p.m. Hybrid (In Person and Online) Zoom 999 829 166 O, D

Wednesday 7 p.m. Hybrid (In Person and Online) Zoom 999 829 166 O, D

Thursday 12 p.m. Online Zoom 999 829 166 O, D

Friday 12 p.m. Online Zoom 999 829 166 O, D

Saturday 12 p.m. Hybrid (In Person and Online) Zoom 999 829 166 O, D

Sunday 12 p.m. Online Zoom 999 829 166 O, D

*Contribute via VENMO @SamuelCherman

Other 12 Step Meetings Held at Fall River Group

Thursday 7 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous “New Horizons” Group O, D Hybrid (In Person and Online) Zoom 705 555 830

**O=open to all

D=discussion

BB=Big Book

Zoom Meetings-Everyday at noon Zoom #999 829 166 (no password needed).

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

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

Note: The AA Meeting website has over 6,000 members and there are 69 AA Meetings a week plus NA has 30 meetings a week. Go to www.intherooms.com

Photo by Luanne Lathrop

YMcA oF THe rockies

Ho u sekeepi ng & Foo d service

$750 si gn- o n b o nu s !

Spend your fall in the mountains!

Join the Housekeeping or Food Service department at YMCA of the Rockies between September 2 – October 13, 2023 and earn a signing bonus of $125/week, up to $750 total possible. Housekeeping Staff are responsible for having assigned cabins and lodge rooms cleaned by check-in time and to meet the expectations of the supervisors and guests, while Food Service Staff are responsible for providing guests with a positive dining experience at our on-grounds café, grill, and dining halls. No experience required. On-the-job training provided. May live on or off-grounds and be eligible for the bonus. www.w orki nth erockies . or g

Historic Crags Lodge

Benefits Day 1

Apply online at https://careers.hgv.com/

by and see us or call us at 970-586-6066

Come and join our team! Village Laundry is in need of Attendants. Competitive pay, starting at $15.00 per hour. Flexible hours. Year round job. Send your resume to: villagelaundry1@gmail.com or pick up application at 172 S. St. Vrain Ave.

Ideal candidates will have prior cash handling and customer service experience. Additional requirements include attention to detail, strong computer and problem solving skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced team oriented environment.

Please apply at :

Aquatics Coordinator

Full-time year-round benefited position working at the Recreation Center assisting with the supervisor of the data-today operations of the aquatics program. This position will supervise lifeguards, develop, implement, and teach aquatics programs, maintain proper chemical readings for the pool and lifeguard on deck to ensure proper coverage. Minimum one year of supervisory experience and/or coordinator experience in an aquatic facility and two years of experience lifeguarding.

Recreation Center Front Desk Work at the Recreation Center greeting and checking in guests and setting up memberships. Available shifts are 8:30am-2:30pm and/or 2:30pm-8:15pm. Apply online at evrpd.com. EVRPD is an equal opportunity employer.

Join the Upper Thompson Sanitation District Team

Full-Time Treatment Plant Operator/Trainee

Full details on employment opportunities and the application can be found at https://utsd.colorado.gov/employment.

Upper Thompson Sanitation District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Bird & Jim

May I take your order? Have fun at work! Join the hospitality team at Bird & Jim! Servers Needed

Minimum wage--$70 per hour (min wage + tips) Email bird&jim@bird&jim.com or apply online at birdandjim.com/jobopprtinities

Now hiring Shuttle Drivers

Part-time/Full-time year-round employment. Clean Valid Colorado Driver license (no special license needed). $18-20/hr plus tips with a $4 morning and night shift differential.

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

Rocky Mountain Conservancy

Town of Estes Park

Retail Clerks

at the Estes Park Visitor Center

Seeking team players to work at the Conservancy Nature Store in the Estes Park Visitor Center

  Part-me Seasonal; 16-30 hrs/wk; $19.00 – 19.50/hr

Cash-handling experience required

Customer service experience required

Familiarity with computers and digital processes needed

High school diploma or GED required RMConservancy.org

See full posi on descrip on on our website before applying.

For applica on informa on, ques ons, or to apply, e-mail Opportunity@RMConservancy.org Or, call 970-586-0121

Housekeeping Supervisor Experience preferred $20.00/hr. - Benefits on Day 1!

Rocky Mountain Gateway

ESTES PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT R-3 VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT CUSTODIAN

Estes Park School District R-3 is accepting applications for one full-time, year-round head custodian, and one full-time, year-round custodian. Salary range is $17.09 to $21.68 per hour depending on experience, with single benefits. The successful candidate must be able to pass a drug test, background check, and physical demands/lift test. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, eligible to work in the U.S., and possess a high school diploma or GED.

Apply online at www.applitrack.com/estesschools/onlineapp

Only online applications accepted. Position open until filled.

Contact Brian Lund with questions: 970-586-2361, ext 3005.

Now hiring for a Cook Housing available. Apply in person.

3450 Fall River Rd.

ESTES PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT R-3 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

JOIN OUR TEAM!

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

Full-time

Capital Construction Project Supervisor

Civil Engineer I - II (term limited)

Emergency Services Dispatcher I – III

Events Maintenance Worker I

Journey Lineworker Police Officer I – III Water Superintendent

Seasonal Events Maintenance Worker

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

Hiring for FT/PT

Flexible Hours, No Experience Needed, Fun Work Environment Stop by to apply 1260 Manford Ave (970)-586-9282

Historic Crags Lodge 

Now Hiring

Part-time year-round employment for RMNP Tours and Weddings. Clean, Valid Colorado CDL Driver License, with Class B Pass. Endorse. Required. $28-30/hr plus tips.

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

Rocky Mountain Conservancy Cartographic

Technician in RMNP

This posi on supports the park GIS Specialist, including data management, field collec on, and use of other GIS products.

 Knowledge of database and GIS hardware required  Ability to communicate GIS concepts & technology verbally and in wri ng

 Per task agreement, candidates must be between 18-35 years of age

 No benefi ts, no telework op on; housing unit provided based on availability

See full posi on descrip on on our website before applying

To apply, submit cover le er, resume and 3 professional references to: Opportunity@RMConservany.org

RMConservancy.org

Seeking creative types and art/craft lovers for sales associate position at Patterson Glassworks. Must be able to work well with the public and our small staff. Tasks include sales, packing glass, shipping, cleaning etc.. Opportunities for creative work for the right person. Apply at 323 W. Elkhorn Ave Estes Park

YMca OF the ROcKieS

2515 tunn e l Ro a d es te s P a rk, color a do, 80511

B u i ld i n g Mai n te n a n ce tech n icia n

Assists with the maintenance and repair of all facilities at YMCA of the Rockies - Estes Park Center. The majority of the work will be repair or maintenance type as requested by guests and staff. Optional housing available, full benefits, generous PTO, discounted childcare on-site, and more perks. $18.00 -$21.30/hr. www.work i n the ro c k ie s.or g

ESTES PARK SCHOOL

DISTRICT R-3 High School

Secretary/Bookkeeper

Estes Park School District R-3 is accepting applications for a full-time secretary to the principal/bookkeeper at the high school.

Apply online at www.applitrack.com/estesschools/onlineapp

Only online applications accepted. Salary range is $19.16 to $21.68/hr. with single benefits for up to 215 days. Up to five years previous experience may be granted. Position is open until filled.

ESTES PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT R-3 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

HOUSEKEEPERS NEEDED!

Start now through mid November. Please apply in person at Castle Mountain Lodge at 1520 Fall River Rd.

Very competitive pay ($19 - $20 per hr DOE), full time. Year round positions a possibility if a great fit with our team.

You've just found it! Fun family business

Outdoor World retail clothing and equipment year round stores needs you. Starting at $17.0030.00 per hour. Retail, managing, selling, merchandising and cleaning. You must be cheerful and like people. Choose your hours. Ages 15 to 80. Call Ernie 24 hours a day any day. 970 232 8290.

ESTES PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT R-3 WORK WHILE YOUR CHILD IS IN SCHOOL. GREAT BENEFITS.

FULL-TIME NUTRITION SERVICE POSITION

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED

• At least 18 years old and eligible to work in the U.S.

• Able to pass post-offer/pre-work physical demands and lift test

• Able to lift 50 pounds routinely

• Willing to work hard and multi-task

• Team work and reliability a must

• Confidential and trustworthy

Apply online at www.applitrack.com/estesschools/onlineapp Only online applications accepted. Salary range is $16.09 to $18.19 per hour with single benefits. Up to five years of similar work experience may be granted. Position open until filled.

ESTES PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT R-3 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

YMca OF the ROcKieS 2515 tunn e l Ro a d es te s P a rk, color a do, 80511

d e l iveRY Ma n ageR $1500 s ig n-on bonus!

Responsible for all catering and refreshment deliveries for events at YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center. Training provided, full benefits and employee perks, discounted childcare, generous PTO/vacation, and more. www.work i n the ro c k ie s.or g

The Bull Pin is looking to hire Bartenders, Servers, and Cooks. Please apply in person or online at estesparkbowl.com

Tire Technician

Perform tire related and light automotive services. $15 - $20/hr depending on experience. Flexible time off options, at cost vehicle repairs. Valid drivers license required. Apply in person at 1633 Raven Ave or call (970) 586-8085 or email office@estestireandauto.com.

RENTALS SALES MISCELLANEOUS HOUSEHOLD

Cabins

1 bd cabin $1,400+ 970 619 0392

Leave message

Commercial Rentals

Professional office for rent. Single office with reception, waiting room, bathroom and amenities within office building to be used exclusively by you on Tuesday Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Inquiries should be sent: lasiocarpa@yahoo.com or 970-214-7081

Storage Units

Warehouse Space for Rent. 4400 sq. ft., 14 ft. doors. For more info call Jim @ 970-227-0346

Storage Unit 21’ x 16’ Call 970-586-3224

TRANSPORTATION

SUVs/CUVs

2013 Ford Explorer Limited 165,000 miles

$9300, Estes Park 970-502-9621

TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION

SUVs/CUVs

2012 Ford Expedition 4x4. 119k miles.

Aftermarket headlights, head unit, and WeatherTech accessories. Runs great, but has minor cosmetic issues with paint. Tires have decent tread left. $9000 OBO. (970) 237-0485 -Joe

Trucks

2001 Toyota Tacoma 3.4L V6 Manual Transmission 233,000mi $7000 Runs Great! (309)826-8093 (970)586-4605

RVs

1993 Coachman (Santara) Motorhome. $9,000/ OBO. Many upgrades. 71,000 miles. Leave message for Don in Loveland 970-667-6533

SERVICES

Landscaping

ROCK POINT

LANDSCAPE LLC

Lawn Services, Rock work, Flagstone Retaining walls, hauling & More! 970-308-0049

Sewing/Alterations

Remixed Custom Sewing Services. NEW LOCATION! RV Cushions, outdoor furniture, benches, leather and Industrial Repair. Call for appointment

970-492-5446

Piano Tuning

Furniture

Queen size sleeper sofa. Good condition. Rustic motif. $25.00. Call 402-216-5817

Kitchen Fridge, Range, Dish W., Micro: used$100 or best offer. Bath Vanity, Sink and Faucet6 ft., $100 or best offer. 281-989-4661.

Misc.

I have thirty chairs, I am looking for thirty souls to fill those chairs. Myself and my family are willing to open up our home and our hearts to help you see the comfort and hope in knowing the way of the Lord our God. I am driven by the urgency to spread his word for his coming is soon.

Contact Jorge and Andrea Fernandez 970-825-4044

REAL ESTATE

Light wood Dining Table with leaf and 4 solid wood chairs with upholstered seat cushions. Table and chairs are in good condition. The seat cushions need some love. Call David (702)285-4445

Garage Sales

Huge Muti Family Sale: Home Decor, Vintage Hats, Wreaths, Tools, Mower, Toys, Chain Saw and More. Friday, Aug 18th - Sunday. 8:00 - 5:00, 350 Prospect Mtn. COURT. off of Peak View.

Commercial

Commercial Spaces for sale and lease. Call Eric. Anderson Realty. 586-2950

Estate Sales

ESTATE/MOVING SALE

Gigantic Rummage Sale, Estes Park United Methodist Church, 1509 Fish Hatchery Rd, Friday/Saturday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Tools, hardware, glassware, quilts/linens, furniture, collectibles, kitchen/housewares, and much more!

Community YARD Sale & Pancake Breakfast August 26th - “Weather

Permitting” 8 A.M. until Noon. Masonic Lodge1820 S. St. Vrain Ave. Spaces available for rent $20.00

For Details call: 577-8585

1999 Chevy Suburban 2500. 454 Vortex motor, 141K miles. Seats 8. Fair cond. $3,500. Nathanael-970-692-4237.

Susan Novy, local piano tuner. Call for appt.

577-1755

www.estesparkpiano tuner.com

Art Decco Style Dresser and Vanity w/ mirror. From the late 1940’s. Both are in good condition. Mirror will need to be replaced. $350. Call David (702)285-4445

Need to have one, but seems overwhelming. We do the work, you make the $. Local, Affordable, References. CALL JUDI 970-215-5548

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER