119 Estes Valley Honor Wall Dedication

With many in attendance on Wednesday August 30, 2023, the ribbon-cutting for the American Legion Post 119 Estes Valley Honor Wall was a celebration for the Estes Valley community.

Presiding over the ceremony was the 2023-2024 Post 119 Commander John Minier. As a graduate of the West Point Military Academy, and officer of the U.S. army, Minier spoke of the wall not being a memorial wall, but an honor wall to represent the past and present. The wall is a dedication to not only those in the armed forces, but also those who serve and sacrifice for and within the Estes Valley community. Mayor Wendy Koenig spoke about the impact of the honor wall within the community.

Mayor Koenig comes from family who have served in every American war dating back to the American Revolution. She stressed the importance of valuing our democracy and not forgetting those who served to preserve it. Also participating at the ribbon cutting were Post 119 foundation board members Mary Banken, Cynthia Krumme, Julie Piper, Terry Rizzuti, and Loren Shriver.

Estes Park architect, Thomas Beck with direction from the Past Commander of Post 119 from 2022-2023, Steve Irish designed the honor wall with the goals of honoring all those who serve within the community. Designed to fit a total of 2,400 plaques, the over 100 ft. wall surrounds the Legion’s outdoor space and frames the front door.

Thomas Beck has practiced architecture in Estes Park for more than thirty years and has integrated his designs throughout the community. Knowing and caring for this Estes Valley community, Beck took great care in not only prioritizing the client, but those who use and view the space. In much of his work, Beck makes it a point to incorporate the well-being of a building or space’s occupants.

As well as being the architect for the project, Beck was also the Construction manager. Those who worked on bringing the project to life are Robert Pavlish owner of Cornerstone Concrete creating the base for the wall; Skip Hicks with Hick Masonry installing all the buff sandstone; Ben McGovrins working with Mike Aldrich welding the entry gates; Aldrich Construction installing the gates; and Troy Gladson installing the Honor tile plaques to the wall.

Plaques are available for purchase on the American Legion Post 119 website, through an application at Post 119, or through contacting John Minier or any of the Circle 119 foundation board members.

Natural Beauty

Rails In The Rockies Celebrates 26th Anniversary

It’s coming! Rails in the Rockies is coming to town on September 23 and 24 at the Estes Park Event Center. This model railroad show is hosted by the Estes Valley Model Railroaders. This will be the 26th Anniversary celebration of putting on this special show for the enjoyment of all and sharing the fun and expertise of model railroading.

If you haven’t been for awhile…or never been…consider spending a few hours looking at a LEGO train layout, admiring the art work of the various layouts, browsing the vendors, playing the Seek and Search game, watching the complication of a train switching yard, enjoying children having fun with an interactive train layout, learning some history about real trains and model trains and watching demonstrations of track and scenery construction. All this for only $10.00 admission fee, children 12 and under are free and a special $20 rate for families. Cash is preferred.

Rails in the Rockies, September 23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., September 24 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Estes Park Event Center. Free parking and free shuttle to downtown Estes Park. Come join us. All aboard!