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Words are powerful, flexible, variable little nuggets. We use them to attempt to share ideas and opinions and lessons. How a listener or reader interprets spoken or written words can be very different from the speaker’s or writer’s intended meaning. Perception can be affected deliberately: Some choose to not hear, or to immediately deny, what doesn’t fit their beliefs and opinions.
Small changes in your choice of words or delivery can greatly affect how your statement is perceived, for better or worse. One can also make deliberate changes when quoting a speaker to cast the speaker in a different light (for better or worse) than when the speaker said the original words.
If you’re the speaker, you know what you intend to say. Your choice of words, your tone & inflection, your body/facial language, and your emotion, all can affect whether the listener will understand. But – it takes two to tango. The listener has a responsibility to actively listen to get your meaning.
It’s not always easy to set aside personal history and upbringing and programming and belief systems. And those factors can create filters and impedances to open communication.
We use words to attempt to influence others. A series of speakers spoke to Attorney General Phil Weiser about the pending UCHealth acquisition of Estes Park Health. Each speaker attempted to influence him. I spoke in favor of the acquisition. Get it done now – who knows when/if there will be another opportunity?
I also told the A.G. later that I will actively advocate for an operating board that fairly represents Estes. That was one of two or
three big concerns in the room, making sure that we will have sufficient voice in that board. I will use my influence to try to make that happen.
We use words to praise. I don’t manufacture praise, it must come spontaneously from the heart. Some very praiseworthy people:
Eli Ertl, Brian Berg, and the grounds crew for making our town so beautiful with the flowers, expert arborist work, and more.
The Salud Foundation and leadership and donors for helping extend through at least one more fiscal year.
The Estes Recycling Committee for their dedication, including the August 9th Estes Recycles Day. Keep Estes Beautiful? They are doing real work to make that happen.
The nurses, techs, support teams, physicians, and all who continue to provide compassionate care at EPH regardless of all the extracurricular stuff swirling about.
Our employed and volunteer firefighters, who have been instrumental in turning recent potential big problems into quickly snuffed issues.
As mayor, I don’t expect privacy for my words. I feel that every comment I make, public or private, in my mayor capacity, must be honest and consistent. Anything I say privately can easily become public. I’ll continue to strive to be consistent in my message, in open forums and behind closed doors.
Using words or tones that are ambiguous or flippant or facetious isn’t appropriate for a mayor. “Corporate speak” is certainly offlimits, it’s a transparent attempt to fluff over issues.
Many people have what I call a “crystallized” set of beliefs and opinions. They’ve decided how they feel about all things, and they be-
come immovable. I contend that a person can have strong beliefs and still be a great listener to alternate viewpoints.
Citizens who write letters to the Town Board or who come to speak at our meetings hope to influence the board toward a certain decision. We owe a fair listen to all of them. Some of my decisions have absolutely been impacted by public comment. It’s not the volume of comments, it’s the insights presented by these people that often helps me adjust and balance my thinking.
Some use angry words, some offer insults or accusations of misbehavior. “What’s happening in the backrooms? Who’s getting paid under the table?” They might exaggerate circumstances to make their case. They might use satirical nicknames to attack others. This is far too common in today’s society, and I generally don’t respond to the items that arise from deep negativity. As a public official, the trustees and I hear it all. There’s also words of praise and thanks and grateful comments. And we appreciate those as well. Most important are the many opinions and ideas, presented in civil methods to help us weigh issues and make decisions.
Bottom line? Your choice and use words are critical to open dialogue. Using the right words and reasonable tones in every communication, including in Town business, gives us the best chance to overcome differences, to collaborate, and to take Estes to the future. And listening? That’s the secret sauce.
2025 Collector Holiday Ornament Now Available
The Town of Estes Park's Helping Hands Committee is proud to announce the release of its 2025 Collector Holiday Ornament, now available for purchase to the public.
Since 1986, the Helping Hands Committee has created commemorative holiday ornaments that celebrate the spirit and landmarks of Estes Park. Proceeds from ornament sales fund provide college scholarships for local high school seniors and help individuals in need through the Town's partnership with Crossroads Ministry.
The 2025 ornament is available for $17, and a limited selection of ornaments from
previous years are available for $5 to $10. This year’s ornament, which features the regal Mountain Lion, was photographed by local artist Darrell Spangler.
Where to Purchase:
Online:
dms.estes.org/Forms/HolidayOrnaments
In person:
Town of Estes Park Finance Department, 170 MacGregor Avenue
Peak Hallmark, Upper Stanley Village, 459 E Wonderview Avenue #4
kswanlund@estes.org or 970-577-3721 for shipping details.
Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Avenue
Shipping Information:
1–2 ornaments: $8.00
3–4 ornaments: $15.00
5+ ornaments: Contact Karin at
Credit card payments are accepted; additional processing fees may apply.
The 2025 ornament design and more details can be viewed at estes.org/ helpinghandsornament.
This annual tradition not only celebrates the beauty of Estes Park, but also strengthens the community through charitable giving and educational support. Start your collection, find the perfect gift, and give back — all with one ornament.
Town Now Accepting Applications For 2026 Community Initiative Funding
The Town of Estes Park appropriates funds to support local organizations that help meet the needs of Estes Valley residents, subject to Town Board goals and availability of funds. Included in this program are Community Initiative Funds, for which the Town is currently accepting applications from organizations serving the Estes Valley.
To apply for 2026 funding, organizations must complete and submit a Community Initiative Funding Application and supporting documents by August 31st, 2025. Applications are available online at estes.org/communityfunding under the “Community Initiative Funding” dropdown. Completed applications should be emailed to Management Ana-
lyst Suzanna Simpson at ssimpson@estes.org.
The Town Board will prioritize funding requests at a budget study session in October. Funding is ultimately subject to Town Board approval of its budget in November. Organizations receiving funds for 2026 will be required to submit a final project report, structured as an educational news article, by May 31st, 2026.
For more information on the Town of Estes Park’s funding for outside entities, please visit estes.org/communityfunding For more information, please contact Suzanna Simpson at 970-577-3700 or ssimpson@estes.org.
Double The Impact Of Your Gift To The Estes Park Museum
The match campaign continues! Thanks to a generous Estes Park Museum supporter, your donation will double when you give before August 15th Join other Museum supporters who have already given $3,185 during this campaign.
Make your donation now to the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. to meet the $7,000 goal. You can donate online at estes.org/museum with the designation "2025 Match Campaign" or send a check to EPMFF, 200 4th Street, Estes Park, CO 80517 with the memo,
On July 29th, police stopped a 33-yearold male in the area of Big Thompson Avenue and Steamer Drive. The driver was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, failure to drive in a single lane, driving without a valid li-
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 July 27th , 2025, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 17 calls for service. This included:
“2025 Match.”
The donor wants to help the Estes Park Museum to continue its recent efforts to make a substantial impact for this community, including offering high quality community education programs, exhibits that offer visitors amazing stories about the unique history of Estes Park, collection care of over 35,000 artifacts, and staffing to manage all this and so much more!
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference for the Estes Park community!
cense, and speeding. He was booked and released.
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
• Alarm Activation: 6
• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 5
• Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA): 1
• Assist: 1
• Smoke Investigation: 1
• Possible Illegal Burn: 1
• Gas Leak: 1
• Service Call: 1 estesvalleyfire.org
Become An Estes Park Museum Member Today
Did you know that by roughly 1880, elk could not be found in Estes Park? Estes Park citizens re-introduced 25 elk from Yellowstone National Park in 1913 and then 24 more in 1915. They were transported via train to Lyons, then to Estes Park in converted Stanley Steamer Mountain Wagons.
Love history? Love Estes Park? Don’t miss out on the Estes Park Museum’s 2025 Membership Drive! Join the Estes Park Museum Members Program today and support our mission to conduct activities that preserve, share, and respect the unique history of Estes Park.
The 2025 Membership Drive has a goal of increasing the current membership base by 30 individuals by September. The drive will culminate in a Members’ Social on August 22nd, followed by a membersexclusive Museum program on September 4th
The membership program is administered through the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. (EPMFF), a
501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the Museum through fundraising and advocacy. Through this pay-what-you-can program, individuals can become members by donating as little as $35 to the EPMFF, granting access to exclusive content, events, programs, and more.
Help the Estes Park Museum reach its goal of 250 Members by September by giving what you can with the following suggestions:
$35 Supporter (minimum)
$55 Contributor
$125 Advocate
$300+ Patron
For more information or to join the Museum Members program today, visit estes.org/museum. (Please designate online donations as “2025 Drive Campaign.”) You can also join by sending a check with “membership drive” in the memo to the EPMFF at 200 4th Street, Estes Park, CO 80517. All membership donations go to the General Fund.
Estes Recycles Day Collects Documents To Shred, Electronics, & Much More
The League of Women Voters Community Recycling Committee will host its annual Estes Recycles Day on Saturday, August 9th, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Events Complex Main Parking. The event is open to residents and small businesses.
As usual Rotary will provide Onsite Shredding of documents. The fee is $15 per 30 lb box. One hundred percent of shredding proceeds go to EPHS scholarships. The shredded paper is transported and pulped and turned into other paper products, such as paper towels. (Documents shredded at home by individuals must go in trash to the landfill.)
This year the Estes Park Rotary Clubs (Noon and Sunrise) are also accepting walkers, crutches and wheelchairs for their Crutches for Africa project. For more information specific to this project visit crutches4africa.org or email c4a@crutches4africa.org.
At Electronics, computers and monitors will be accepted for $5; TVs for $10-$20, depending on size; and smoke detectors for $5. Large electronics will be limited to five per vehicle. Most smaller electronic items
such as phones, cameras, blenders, hair dryers and similar will be accepted for recycling without charge.
Recycling at the Scrap Metal station includes microwaves (remove the glass plate). Metal items must be 50% metal or more by weight and contain no refrigerants. Large items will be limited to five per vehicle. No major appliances can be accepted.
Bike tires and tubes will also be collected at the event. Eco-Cycle will be on site to load the accepted materials and transport them to its Boulder facility.
Generous funding from Village Thrift Shop, Premier Members Credit Union of Estes Park and Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, along with a Community Initiative Grant from the Town, offsets the significant costs associated with running this popular event and allows us to offer you much lower fees for electronics recycling.
We need more volunteers! If you can help at the event, please email Lisa at EstesRecyclesDay2025@gmail.com.com as soon as possible.
Additional information is at lwv-estespark.org.
Estes Chamber Seeks Board Of Directors Candidates
By: Estes Chamber of Commerce
Are you looking to develop your leadership skills? Is networking top-of-mind, to get to know other business owners in town? Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact on the Estes Valley? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you might be the ideal candidate for the Estes Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
“Serving on a board of directors offers so many professional and personal benefits,” said Chamber President Colleen DePasquale. “For some, it’s about expanding their network and gaining experience in organizational governance, and for others it’s about contributing to the strategic direction of our local business community. We offer all of this, and more, to our Board members, who are intimately involved in directing the future of the Chamber and our programming.”
The Estes Chamber has two seats on the Board that are opening, due to term limit expiration. Board applications will open on August 1st and be accepted through the 29th, when they begin a rigorous review process led by the Nominating Committee and then the Chamber Executive Committee. Once reviewed, the applications will go the board for approval. Approved applications will be voted on by the Chamber membership by the end of October, with winning candidates notified after the November 5th board meeting. The new board members will be sworn in on December 3rd, at the State of Estes Park event, and begin serving three-year terms starting on January 1st.
Those interested in applying for the Chamber Board should review the requirements and complete an application at business.esteschamber.org/form/view/3 7052.
Historic Fall River Hydroplant Opens On Select Dates For
The Summer Season
The Historic Fall River Hydroplant has opened its doors for the summer season. Located at 1754 Fish Hatchery Road in Estes Park, this plant was constructed in 1909 to produce electricity for the Stanley Hotel and surrounding areas. Operating as an interpretive site since 2002, the Historic Fall River Hydroplant will be open August 8th and 22nd, from 12 – 4 p.m. Guided tours will be given at 12, 1, 2, and 3 p.m., no reservations are required, and admission is free.
Beginning in 1909, this hydroelectric plant produced electricity for The Stanley Hotel and surrounding areas. Eventually, F.O. Stanley sold the plant to the Public Service Company of Colorado and by 1945, the Town of Estes Park purchased and maintained the facility. The site produced electricity until it was severely damaged in 1982 by the Lawn Lake Flood. Discover the power of early hydroelectricity, the growth and changes of Estes Park, and the devastating disaster that took this plant offline.
Learn more at estes.org/museum.
One Of The Nation’s Top 10 Most Booked Speakers Is Coming To Estes Park, & She Wants Your Questions
“How to Get Along with Anyone, Despite Your Differences”
Date: Tuesday, September 9th, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Place: Estes Valley Community Center
Lower Level
Cost: Admission is free, but registration is required
What if you could ask one of America’s top experts in communication, leadership, and human behavior your most burning question and hear her answer it live?
On Tuesday, September 9th, Estes Park Health Foundation is bringing Kelly McDonald, one of the Top 10 Most Booked Speakers in the U.S., to town for an unforgettable evening of insights, connection, and community.
This exciting event is Estes Park Health Foundation’s gift to the community in appreciation for your continued support. As a thank you, we're not just offering a world-class speaker and a delicious dinner, we're also giving you the chance to be part of the conversation.
Ask Kelly Anything. When you register, you’ll have the opportunity to submit a question in advance, whether it’s about handling difficult personalities, navigating conflict, or finding common ground with people who see the world differently. Kelly will select a range of questions to address during her talk.
Named the #1 “Hot Speaker” by Successful Meetings Magazine and featured in Forbes, INC., Fast Company, BusinessWeek, and CNBC, Kelly has worked with powerhouse organizations like Nike, NASA, Toyota, and Harley-Davidson. She’s known for making people laugh, think, and walk away with practical tools they can use immediately.
Her presentation, "How to Get Along with Anyone, Despite Your Differences," is perfect for anyone who’s ever struggled to connect with someone in their life, whether that’s a neighbor, coworker, family member, or friend. Kelly delivers eight actionable strategies and four simple words that can change the way you handle tough conversations, without frustration, fear, or friction.
Seating is limited and this event will fill up. Don’t miss your chance to hear from one of the most sought-after voices in the country, enjoy a catered meal, and ask the question that’s been on your mind.
Register now and reserve your seat. Let’s talk, connect, and learn together.
RSVP by September 2nd; use the QR code or call 970-577-4370.
See you there!
Quota Club provides scholarships primarily to women for career development or a return to school later in life. If you are a local resident interested in receiving scholarship monies email: akasper45@yahoo.com with questions or for an application. Visit: estesparkquota.com
Kris Hazelton photo Elephant's head, or pedicularis groenlandica
My Uncle Bill is a mere nine years older than I am. I have always looked up to him as if he were an older brother whom I don’t get to see often. In the early ’70s, before I was a teen, Uncle Bill invited his nibblings (nieces and nephews) to search for insects with him near the sandstone ledges that hover above the Des Moines River. I was thrilled. It wasn’t the bugs I was excited about, but the chance to help my entomologist uncle with his insect collection.
Bill had several display cases full of insects, each mounted with a pin right through the abdomen. From the itty bitty biters to the oversized, iridescent-winged variety, his insects fascinated me. I didn’t want to know anything factual about the mysterious beings, I just wanted to look at them. They were so primeval, with terrestrial arthropod names that led me to believe they were directly related to dinosaurs.
Because of Bill’s history with insects, I wasn’t surprised when he recently sent an email from North Carolina, where there are cockroaches. (Actually, cockroaches exist in every U.S. state but some states have more than others. Although cockroaches are often referred to as bugs in casual conversation, scientifically, they are classified as insects. Bugs are a subset of insects; subset being a highly scientific term.) Here is Bill’s message to me:
Uncle Bill: I am perpetually searching for a question that Google cannot answer and I think I HAVE found it: How does a small cockroach end up upside down on a hardwood floor struggling futilely to turn itself over?
[I have not admitted to my uncle of above average intelligence that this question had never crossed my mind.]
Bill continued: The answer I found was why the insect cannot right itself: In essence, a small cockroach on its back on a hardwood floor is likely struggling due to its shape, the surface on which it lies, and the effects of aging or exposure to insecticides.
[Note to self: beware of insect repellent. Using it may cause me to fall, especially as I age. I could land on my back and find myself futilely struggling to get back up. Better to get bit by a mosquito than to fall down and lie there, wiggling and squiggling.]
Initially, Bill said, I thought Google had answered the question, however, they did not address the essence of the question: How did the the cockroach end up on its back in the first place?
[I did not immediately respond to my dear uncle because honestly, I got lost in a memory. I recalled a wildly popular dance we did a lot in college to the song “SHOUT” by the Blues Brothers. With each “A little bit softer now,” we danced lower and lower to the ground, until eventually the dance floor was crowded with people on their backs, legs and arms stuck up in the air, waving and wiggling like cockroaches on their backs, trying to get themselves flipped over!]
While I was caught up in this Kafkaesque memory, another email came through from Unc.
Uncle Bill: I finally read thru the long version of the answer: When a small cockroach ends up upside down on a hardwood floor, struggling to turn itself over, it's often due to a combination of factors related to its anatomy and environment:
1. Top-heavy build and high center of gravity
Cockroaches have a somewhat topheavy build due to their bulky bodies and long legs. Their center of gravity rests high up on their backs. This makes them prone to tipping over, especially if they lose their balance or are startled.
2. Smooth surfaces and lack of traction
Hardwood floors, like other smooth surfaces in human dwellings (tile, countertops), offer little to no grip for cockroaches. In their natural environment, cockroaches can typically right themselves by grasping onto leaves, twigs, or other debris. On a smooth surface, they may lack the necessary leverage and traction to flip back over.
3. Weakened muscles or neurological effects
• Age and weakness: Older or weakened cockroaches may simply lack the strength and coordination to regain their footing.
• Pesticides: Many insecticides used to control cockroaches are neurotoxins that affect their nervous system. These toxins can cause muscular spasms and loss of coordination, making it difficult for the cockroach to maintain its balance and flip itself upright.
• The legs may curl inward and lose their ability to support the cockroach's body, leading to it ending up on its back.
These are good explanations, Uncle Bill ceded, yet Google did not find an answer to my question of how the cockroach goes from front to back.
My cousin Elliot was following along as his father contemplated the perils of a cockroach’s topsy turvy life. At this point Elliot offered a suggestion:
Elliot: Due to the lack of a solid answer to your question, I would be curious to observe a cockroach tip over. Does it happen when they take a turn at too high a speed? Does a startled cockroach instinctually jump? Is there a new method of pest control implied here, such as sudden loud noises? [See answer #1 above]
Really is a lot to wonder about, Elliot concluded. What an amazing world. I'm craving a pavlova for some reason now.
[I can’t explain it. I am only witness to it. And now you are, too.]
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
Once again we all have an incredible reason to love this community.
Thanks to your generous support, we were able to provide school supplies to more than 135 students across all three Estes Park schools last week—giving them a strong start to the new school year.
Bright Christmas has been serving families in Estes Park since 1984—41 years of compassion in action! While our name is often associated with holiday giving, we also work year-round to support families, including through our annual School Supply Distribution.
None of this would be possible without the ongoing contributions and sup-
Bright Christmas Provides School Supplies To More Than 135 Students
port from our incredible community— donors, board members, volunteers, and our local schools. Thank you for helping us spread joy and create a more caring, connected Estes Park.
If you'd like to learn more about Bright Christmas or support our work, please visit the website at estesparkbrightchristmas.org.
Together, we can continue to spread kindness and brighten lives throughout Estes Park, sparking joy in our community.
Donations may be mailed to:
Bright Christmas, PO Box 2981, Estes Park, CO 80517
Or, scan the QR code above to donate
securely online.
Una vez más, todos tenemos una razón increíble para amar a esta comunidad.
Gracias a su generoso apoyo, la semana pasada pudimos proporcionar útiles escolares a más de 135 estudiantes de las tres escuelas de Estes Park, brindándoles un excelente comienzo del nuevo año escolar.
Bright Christmas ha servido a las familias de Estes Park desde 1984: ¡41 años de compasión en acción! Si bien nuestro nombre suele asociarse con las donaciones navideñas, también trabajamos todo el año para apoyar a las familias, incluyendo nuestra Distrib-
ución Anual de Útiles Escolares.
Nada de esto sería posible sin las constantes contribuciones y el apoyo de nuestra increíble comunidad: donantes, miembros de la junta directiva, voluntarios y nuestras escuelas locales.
Gracias por ayudarnos a difundir alegría y crear un Estes Park más solidario y conectado.
Si desea obtener más información sobre Bright Christmas o apoyar nuestra labor, visite estesparkbrightchristmas.org.
Juntos, podemos seguir difundiendo amabilidad e iluminando vidas en Estes Park, generando alegría en nuestra comunidad.
Las donaciones pueden enviarse por correo a: Bright Christmas, Apartado Postal 2981, Estes Park, CO 80517
O escanee el código QR para donar de forma segura en línea.
Bank Of Estes Park Producing “Impossible” Results
Bank of Estes Park was founded right here in Estes Park in 1965, making it the oldest, and only local, bank in town. Despite the bank’s small size, it is currently producing results that when compared to other state and national trends would seem impossible. For several years now, the bank has been running a very unique rate strategy (among other things!) which has allowed it to offer the lowest loan rates in town while simultaneously offering the best deposit and savings rates for its relationship clients. This has resulted in volumes and results that exceed even the highest performing banks on a state and even national level—for a small town bank in Estes Park, such results would seem impossible, however…
pricing, and relationship strategy has resulted in much higher volumes of accounts and loans, leading to a higher Return on Assets (1.40%, compared to 1.12% second place, and to .91% last place), and to net income growth that is simply unprecedented (117.7% growth—over 3.5 times the average of
the other banks in town, and among the top rates in the country). This combination of factors in a bank is beyond extraordinary.
Pulling year over year FDIC data from June 2025, the above graph is a comparison of Bank of Estes Park to peer banks as well as to the other banks in town, using the most common ratios used to measure bank performance.
Bank of Estes Park’s strength and performance ratios surpass all banks in town, and the combination of them puts the bank among the top performing banks in the state in not the nation. Its Capital Ratio, the primary measure of a bank’s health and strength is 11.35% (189 basis points higher than the next highest in town). The bank is 32.28% liquid (181 basis higher than second place, and 905 basis points higher than last place in town). Its Net Interest Margin of 4.30%, compared to the 2.79% and below of the others in town, is a result of the bank’s “community relationship” rather than “transactional” focus (we fund our loans locally and organically through real banking relationships, not through institutional borrowing, or brokered CD’s, etc.). And while the asset growth of others has stalled or gone negative, Bank of Estes Park has grown by 11.23%. Additionally, the bank’s multi-year rate,
There are many reasons why and how the bank has been able to accomplish these “impossible” achievements, but they all really boil down to the only thing that matters to us anyway—service. We serve our clients, our community, our employees, and our shareholders—we have carefully and strategically managed this bank in a way that other banks have not, leaving us in the unique position of being able to continue to offer the best service, products and pricing to this community, thereby continuing to produce these results on an ongoing basis. And since we’re the only local bank, you know that your money stays right here, fueling the local economy and nonprofits that you care about as much as we do!
And as Bank of Estes Park turns 60 years old this year, we invite you to save the date—September 12th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Come join us for food, drinks, a ribbon cutting, and a small celebration of the amazing things a small, local bank can do in the best little town on Earth. We might even surprise a few locals with a prestigious Golden Antler Award, among a few other fun things, so come ready for some fun! More information to follow!
The Director Is Retiring/Leaving?!: Plan For Turnover In Leadership
The leader of your favorite nonprofit will, statistically speaking, not be there forever. But, leadership transitions don’t have to be chaotic—when done right, they can strengthen an organization’s future.
The Estes Nonprofit Network brings Gina Moran of Knudsen Coaching and Consulting to Estes Park to guide leaders through building a dynamic succession plan that goes beyond “a document on a shelf” and fosters a culture of leadership continuity. Attendees will assess their current leadership strategy, explore five essential elements of succession planning, and create an actionable framework to ensure smooth, strategic, and sustainable transitions. Participants will leave with a workbook, practical tools, and a roadmap to develop leadership at every level. This workshop is built for Executive Directors, board members, HR profes-
sionals, and nonprofit leaders looking to build leadership continuity and long-term sustainability. This topic responds to nonprofits' desire for content related to Governance & Organizational Leadership, Leadership & Workforce Development.
The Estes Nonprofit Network’s mission is to serve and strengthen the nonprofit industry in the Estes Valley through education, resources, and collaboration opportunities. Find us online at epnonprofit.org or email us at info@ epnonprofit.org.
Estes Valley Residents: We Need Your Help!
As some may know, a small local group is on a mission to establish a Dementia Day Center in Estes. This center would offer a stimulating day program for local adults with dementia, also giving much needed respite for caregivers. Members of our group include Mary Mesropian, Jane Stuart, Carl Robicheaux, Madison Casey, LoAnne Forschmiedt and Pete Sinnott.
However we are discovering that many in Estes are unaware of this initiative. We have the expressed support of the Town, the Medical Community, The Rotary Club of Estes Park and St. Bart’s Church.
We have partnered with the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center to act as Fiscal Sponsor and submitted our 501(c)(3) application.
To insure sustainability we have established a fundraising goal of $500,000 prior to opening the facility in early 2026. To date, 49 generous folks and organizations have pledged or donated $247,000 and so we need your help to bring this much needed service to Estes.
To find out more about us, go to our website: estesdementiadaycenter.org
To donate: Make your check payable to Rotary Club of Estes Park Foundation, EDDC on the memo line, P.O. Box 1365, Estes Park Co. 80517. This donation is tax deductible.
To make a pledge that will be processed upon receipt of our 501(c)(3) status, contact Pete Sinnott at psinnott22@gmail.com.
The OBBB Act – Immediate Action May Be Required
By: Paul Mueller, CPA; Mueller Pye & Associates, CPA
Although the massive One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) contains numerous new tax provisions, some tax breaks are set to expire much sooner than originally anticipated.
These include many of the energy-related tax breaks enacted in 2022, which were supposed to be available through 2032. Specifically:
• The 30% income tax credit for solar panels, wind turbines, and other clean energy property installed on your main home ends on December 31st, 2025 (rather than 2032). If you have projects underway or are in the “thinking stage,” you need to act quickly to ensure those projects are completed and operational by the end of this year.
• The $7,500 income tax credit for purchasing a new electric vehicle and the $4,000 income tax credit for purchasing a used electric vehicle, both end on September 30th, 2025 (rather than 2032). If you were planning a purchase, you'll need to complete the purchase and take possession by the end of September.
• The various income tax credits for energy-efficient residential home improvements, including doors, windows,
insulation, heat pumps, and water heaters (among others), end on December 31st, 2025 (rather than 2032). These items will need to be purchased and installed by the end of this year to qualify.
The OBBB reinstates some tax breaks and adds a few new ones that are in effect right now:
• 100% Bonus Depreciation is back for property placed in service after January 19th, 2025. Property placed in service this year before January 20th, 2025, will only qualify for 40% Bonus Depreciation.
• Section 179 expensing for furniture, equipment, and certain vehicles is doubled from $1.25 million to $2.5 million, effective for property placed in service after December 31st, 2024.
• Up to $10,000 of interest expense on loans borrowed this year to purchase a new car may be deductible without having to itemize deductions. The deduction, however, will begin to phase out for single taxpayers when Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeds $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers).
Paul Mueller is a resident of Estes Park, and the Managing Director of Mueller Pye & Associates CPA, with offices in Loveland, CO, and Katy, TX.
Estes Valley Land Trust Announces Breakfast Event Focused On Wolverine Reintroduction
The Estes Valley Land Trust will host a breakfast event on Saturday, August 16th focusing on Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s plan to reintroduce wolverines. Wolverines are a native species to Colorado but were extirpated from the state in the 1900s due to unregulated harvest and poisoning. It’s very unlikely to see a wolverine in the contiguous United States and only about 300 inhabit Washington, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.
In 2024 a bipartisan group of legislators passed a bill to reintroduce wolverines and Colorado will soon be home to the largest species of land weasels, an animal known as one of the most tenacious predators in North America. Dr. Bob Inman, Sensitive Forest Carnivore Program Manager with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will discuss the statewide restoration plan, the life history and habitat requirements of wolverines, and whether you should expect to encounter a wolverine during one of your hikes.
The breakfast is scheduled for 8 a.m. at Hermit Park Open Space located at 17 Hermit Park Road in Estes Park. Hermit Park Open Space is owned and managed by Larimer County and protected by a conservation easement held
by the Estes Valley Land Trust.
“Hermit Park Open Space is a beautiful area along Highway 36, nestled between USFS lands and other conserved properties,” said Jeffrey Boring, Executive Director of the Estes Valley Land Trust. “It’s a perfect site for one of our summer breakfasts, with outstanding views and a large covered pavilion.
Larimer County is an outstanding conservation partner and has always been very accommodating to the land trust and our members.”
The event will begin with a hardy breakfast catered by Big Horn Restaurant and will include eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, pastries, juice, and coffee. Dr. Inman’s program will begin around 8:45 a.m. and end with a question and answer session with the audience.
Registration is required and can be completed at: evlandtrust.org/rsvp.
Registration is $20 per person for land trust members. Non-members can join the land trust for $35 and receive free entrance to the event. Entrance fees into Hermit Park Open Space have been waived for this special event. This event is outdoors. Please come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and jacket. Seating may be limited, so camp chairs are recommended.
Crutches4Africa
Recycling Opportunity
August 9th
Our final collection for Crutches4Africa will be held during the Estes Recycles Day on August 9th from 9 a.m. until noon at the Events Complex Main Parking. Look for a Highlander with the Crutches4Africa logo sign at the back end of the Shredding Section. We welcome used assistive devices you no longer need: crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, back braces, etc.
After the August 9th, you will have to contact this organization for any assistive equipment you want to recycle. To contact Crutches4Africa, phone: 303-877-2803 or email: c4a@crutches4africa.org; To view their website go to www.crutches4africa.org.
The Rotary Club of Estes Park and Sunrise Rotary are sponsoring this project. Crutches4Africa is a 501(c)(3) organization and is the international project of Mountain Foothills Rotary Club in District 5450. David Talbot is a Rotarian and a polio survivor. He and his wife Candice, founded this organization after witnessing people in Africa struggling to move due to the effects of polio.
Crutches4Africa is now a worldwide organization and every person participating in it is a volunteer. No one is paid. They do this out of the goodness of their heart to provide mobility devices to people stricken with polio. They are living Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.
“Mobility, Health, Dignity, Access: We toil together to enable those we may never see. Hobbled in life by some illness, accident or act of violence. Many are hopeless. The generous donations given to Crutches 4 Africa are the tools we use to help raise the hindered, to lift them from the dust, and help them on their way.”
Please help us with this very worthy cause.
Thank you, Annie Slack Past President 2024- 2025
anneslack@aol.com
970-231-6697
Post 119 Charitable Foundation Honors Its
At Wednesday’s weekly free lunch for members of American Legion Post 119, the Charitable Foundation honored both its dedicated volunteers, as
Supporters & Volunteers
well as those who have contributed financially to the recent projects undertaken at the Post. By the way, if you haven’t been in lately, drop by the Legion and check out its fabulous remodel.
Brad Buggs, Ken Arnold, Bill Smith were honored with tile plaques for their unending hours of volunteer service to the post. All three of these amazing men are members of the Sons of the American Legion and volunteer many hours every week in support of the Legion's operations and mission. Cindy Minier was honored for all her hours of administrative support for both the Foundation and the Legion. John Minier was also honored for his last two years as Commander of Post 119.
Krumme Foundation, Mary Banken and Terry Rizzuti, Jim and Carol Whiteneck, Dan and Tami Scace, and Mark Holdt and Leslie Glover. Christann and Bob Higley, very generous donors to the Foundation, had also honored Donald Corey, a WWII Torpedo Bomber Tail Gunner with a tile commemorating his memory. Gary Kyle was honored posthumously for his generous Legacy gift to the American Legion upon his passing.
The tiles honoring these individuals will be placed on the Post’s Honor Wall in the very near future. And remember that anyone, including you, can honor any individual with a tile on this community Honor Wall. It's not just for veterans or for those who have passed. Please stop by the Post and take a moment of quiet reflection as you inspect this great community treasure – Post 119’s Honor Wall.
The Tundra Comes Alive
By: Brad Manard
As a tour operator with RMNPhotographer Tours, we are on the tundra almost every day. From the day Trail Ridge Road opens around Memorial Day to early July when the gate to Old Fall River Road is unlocked to mid-October when the snow dictates both roads close, we are above 11,500 ft. It gives me the opportunity to watch the tundra change from brown in early June to flowers popping out later in the
month when the elk are beginning to migrate up. The fun varmints — the least chipmunks, golden mantled ground squirrels, speedy pika, and families of marmots— are racing across the rocky tundra.
By July, the treeless peaks have turned green attracting groups of bull elk, their antlers growing an inch a day. Cow elk
have brought their calves to the mountain top to feed in the cooler elevations, and when weather warms, they can be found lying on the patches of snow for air conditioned relief.
This year, more than past years, I have seen moose crossing the barren plateaus over the Continental Divide. While moose cows and calves tend to stay within the protection of the forest, the bull moose have been crossing at the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park and moving toward green pastures in State Forest State Park.
Just this week while on a tour, we stopped in a pullout to watch a herd of elk. Covering the grassy hillside, the mountains of Wyoming were far off in the distance. My excited guests were awestruck by so many elk, an animal they had never seen. The guests counted, thrilled with the spectacle. Turning in excitement, one announced, “There are 128 elk.” I can hear him returning home, telling friends of the enormous amount of wildlife they had encountered, sharing video from his cell phone.
On another morning, bull elk, hanging out at the top, lined themselves along the road nibbling the fragile grasses of the well-developed tundra soil. Our tour guests were excited by the antlered road block. The tourists, used to seeing deer back home, were captivated by the massive elk. Their faces lit up at the double layers of brown fur that provided the elk warmth. More impressive were the fuzzy antlers that would become tines like ice-picks during the rut. Capable of fighting off challengers, they were also known to poke holes in the side of a car’s metal door when the driver’s curiosity caused them to drive too close.
On one special morning, six massive elk fed on the dwarfed willows around a small glacier pond. As we photographed these dynamic animals, more dynamic moose appeared over the ridge. Three bulls, two with nice sized antlers strode around the opposite side of the pond, stopping to step into the water, their heads down as they refreshed themselves.
The moose continued to move toward us as we backed away to ensure our safety. As we did, the moose stopped on the ridge before heading down toward the opposite valley. There with the morning sunlight
outcrops to disappear into a small hole they called home.
Then, just as we approached the treeline going down, a special treat. Along the side of the road, hopping from brush to foot high pines and into the shrubs, we watched a snowshoe hare searching for food. “He’s so much bigger than the cottontails back home,” one guest exclaimed, “and he’s got white feet.” To them, this was a special moment in the mountains.
Life on the tundra is fully alive during
behind them, we captured a beautiful silhouette of the bold creatures standing on top of the world.
Exhilarated, we drove to a rocky area along Trail Ridge Road. There, to the delight of the children on the tour, pika and marmots, with an occasional ground squirrel, jumped from rock to rock. Their mouths were full of flowers and grasses to line their den for the winter. Entertaining and cute, they would fly across the rocky
the green of July and August. As the brown begins to return, the animals migrate to lower, warmer elevations while the varmints seek the shelter where they will sleep much of the winter.
I get it. I love the summer in Estes Park. And during the snowy parts of the winter, wildlife photography can create the white of incredible scenery surrounding the animals. But like the animals, a migration to warmer climates is
in store.
If you ever make it to Clearwater Beach, Florida in February, look me up. We’ll go out and photograph tropical birds in 80 degree weather. Maybe we'll even capture an alligator lurking in the sweltering waters so much closer to the equator. In any event, like hibernating marmots, we’ll be warm.
Brad Manard
Work Toward Your Own Financial Independence Day
We're just past the Fourth of July, our national Independence Day. This celebration may get you thinking of the many freedoms you enjoy. But have you thought of what you might need to do to attain financial freedom?
Your first step is to define what financial independence signifies to you. For many people, it means being able to retire when they want to, and to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle. So, if this is your vision as well, consider taking these steps:
• Pay yourself first. If you wait until you have some extra money “lying around” before you invest for retirement, you may never get around to doing it. Instead, pay yourself first. This actually is not that hard to do, especially if you have a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, because your contributions are taken directly from your paycheck, before you even have the chance to spend the money. You can set up a similar arrangement with an IRA by having automatic contributions taken directly from your checking or savings account.
• Invest appropriately. Your invest-
ment decisions should be guided by your retirement goals, along with how long you have before you need the money and how comfortable you are with different levels of investment risk. If you deviate from these guideposts — for instance, by taking on either too much or too little risk — you may end up making decisions that aren't right for you and that may set you back as you pursue your financial independence.
• Avoid financial “potholes.” The road to financial liberty will always be marked with potholes you should avoid. One such pothole is debt — the higher your debt burden, the less you can invest for your retirement. It's not always easy to lower your debt load, but do the best you can to live within your means. A second pothole comes in the form of large, unexpected short-term costs, such as a major home or auto repair or a medical bill not fully covered by insurance. To avoid dipping into your long-term investments to pay for these short-term costs, try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liq-
uid, low-risk account.
• Give yourself some wiggle room. If you decide that to achieve financial independence, you must retire at 62 or you must buy a vacation home by the beach, you may feel disappointed if you fall short of these goals. But if you're prepared to accept some flexibility in your plans — perhaps you can work until 65 or just rent a vacation home for the summer — you may be able to earn a different, but still acceptable, financial freedom. And by working a couple of extra years or paying less for your vacation home expenses, you may also improve your overall financial picture. Putting these and other moves to work can help you keep moving toward your important goals. When you eventually reach your own “Financial Independence Day,” it may not warrant a fireworks display — but it should certainly add some sparkle to your life.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by our local Edward Jones Financial Advisors. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Fine Arts Guild Hosts 2 Star Hotel Concert At Performance Park
The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies invites you to join them for a concert at Performance Park on August 9th at 7:00 p.m., featuring 2 Star Hotel, an eclectic rock band with European and American folk melodies and a hard rock drive. Their all-original music is at times haunting, at other’s urgent, but always warm, expressive, and artful. The concert is free with an opportunity to contribute to the Guild’s scholarship fund. Scholarships are given to graduating high school seniors who will pursue further study of the arts, including performance, production, and education, and to students participating in the Youth Theater program.
learn
501 Saint Vrain Lane
Saint Vrain Lane
202 Estes Park, CO 80517 970-586-9078
202 Estes Park, CO 80517 970-586-9078
Estes Park Aviation Club Welcomes Lt. Col. Terry Armstrong On August 13th
The August meeting of the Estes Park Aviation Club will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13th at the American Legion Hall, Post #119. The public is invited to attend.
Our speaker will be Lt. Col. Terry Armstrong, PhD, (Ret). Lt. Colonel Armstrong served 21 years in the US Air Force, first as a T-38 instructor and then as an F-15C combat and instructor pilot. He led combat missions over Iraq during Operation Southern Watch with 150 combat flight hours. His duties have included command of a Test and Evaluation Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Chief of Flight Safety at Ramstein AFB, Germany and Director of Special Test Programs at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico be-
fore retiring.
Dr. Armstrong has a long list of impressive aviation awards. He holds a PhD in aerospace engineering and his teaching awards include many salutations as a college assistant professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering at New Mexico State University. In addition to Terry's credentials (WHEW!) he has built and flies a homebuilt Pulsar airplane (pictured)!
The American Legion Hall is located at 850 N. St. Vrain Avenue in Estes Park. The Legion is open to the public with food and drink for purchase at 5:30 p.m. Our gathering is open to all interested so if you fly planes, are just interested in space subjects or just talking to aviation enthusiasts, come join us!
In response to the wonderful article in last Friday’s Estes Park News concerning our stolen Estes Park Pet Association donation jar, we want to thank so many people, including Daniel W., who came in to the store only to give a donation, and all of the kind, generous people who filled up our jar. The donation will be on its way to the Association this week.
All of the above would not have happened without the excellent, kind, and concerned people at the Estes Park News who wrote and published the article. Thank you, Estes Park News! Thank you, everyone who donated! You know who you are. You are heroes!! Toni Miller, Miller’s Indian Village
Donation Jar Stolen From Local Store –Help Support The Pet Association
Toni Miller, owner of Indian Village in Estes Park, reported that the donation jar she keeps on the counter for the Pet Association of Estes Park was stolen sometime this week. The jar, which she regularly donates from— matching whatever amount customers contribute—had a significant amount of money in it at the time it was taken.
Toni has reported the theft to the police, but unfortunately, there's not much they can do at this time. If anyone has information or saw anything suspicious, please contact Kirk Jellsma with the Estes Park Police Department at (970) 586-4000.
If you'd like to help make up for the stolen funds, or just support a great
cause, donations to the Pet Association of Estes Park are always welcome. This organization does incredible work in our community by rescuing, caring for, and finding loving homes for animals in need. They also offer veterinary assistance programs and work hard to ensure every pet in our area is safe and cared for.
To donate or learn more, visit their website at petassociationestespark.com, or you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to P.O. Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Let’s help turn this loss into a reminder of just how generous and supportive our community can be.
Thank you.
Lt. Col. Terry Armstrong, PhD, (Ret)
Learn About The True Authorship Of A Lady’s Life In The Rocky Mountains
Learn about the latest high-tech efforts to ascribe true authorship of Isabella Bird’s A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains with local Estes Park historian John Meissner on Thursday, August 21st, 7 p.m. at the Maude Jellison Library on the campus of the YMCA of the Rockies.
English travel-writer Isabella Bird arrived in Colorado territory in September 1873, and over the course of the next three months mailed letters home to her sister that served as starting material for her popular book A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains Miss Bird claimed the letters were essentially published as written, with only light editing to correct obvious misspellings or mistakes, and apologized for their clumsiness and lack of polish. In truth, where surviving letters are avail-
able for comparison, it is obvious the letters were extensively edited and supplemented with outside source material, including contemporary almanacs, travel guides and newspaper articles, which she or her sister borrowed heavily from, without attribution.
Whether or not her sister was actually the main author or ghost writer of A Lady's Life is a topic of increased speculation.
This lecture is free and open to the public.
Directions to the YMCA Maude Jellison Library: Upon entering the YMCA off of Spur Highway 66, take the second left and then the first right into the parking lot of Hyde Memorial Chapel where you may park and easily access the Maude Jellison Library, located directly behind the chapel. Call or text Robert at 970-481-4203 with any questions.
Live Bluegrass/Americana Roots Music At The YMCA
Don’t miss the McDailey’s Trio, Rural Roots Bluegrass ensemble, performing a free show on Monday, August 11th at 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Maude Jellison Library located on the campus of the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center. This performance will feature special guest artist Erin Youngberg on bass. In case of rain the show 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 Route 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.
Health Guidance for Larimer County Amid Poor Air Quality
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) is providing guidance due to the poor air quality from active wildfires in western Colorado. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory for the Front Range Urban Corridor, affecting everyone in Loveland, Fort Collins, and nearby locations. Health Officials are advising people in areas with visible smoke or odor to avoid outdoor exposure and reduce physical activity, both indoors and outdoors.
"If you can see or smell smoke, it’s recommended that you avoid outdoor physical activities. We are advising people to avoid outdoor exposure, especially for youth, seniors, pregnant people, and those with heart and lung conditions, until conditions improve. In portions of Larimer County, the Air Quality Index has jumped above 150, which is considered unhealthy for all people," says Larimer County Public Health Director Tom Gonzales.
Monitor Air Quality: If you see or smell smoke or if the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 150, keep outdoor activities short and light. This is especially true for pregnant people, children, elderly, and for those that have heart or lung conditions.
Sensitive individuals, such as those with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, should stay indoors as much as possible, even if smoke or odor is not noticeable.
Recommendations to Protect Yourself and Your Family:
Keep Indoor Air Clean: Close windows and doors. Use air conditioners that recirculate indoor air, avoid using air conditioning units that draw in air from outside, and check and replace filters regularly. Consider using indoor air filtration devices with HEPA filters. You can build your own indoor air filter using a box fan and furnace filter; learn how at larimer.gov/airquality. If it's too hot inside, consider going to an air-conditioned public place like a library or shopping center for temporary relief. Watch for Symptoms: If you experience symptoms like severe coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor immediately or visit an urgent care center.
Stay Informed: Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) regularly at AirNow.gov. For more information on air quality in Larimer County please visit larimer.gov/airquality.
Next Knitting & Crocheting Get-Together September 8th
You are invited to our (fun and free!) knitting and crocheting get–togethers in the Hondius Community Room at the Estes Valley Library on: September 8th, 5-7:30 p.m.
October 6th, 5-7 p.m.
November 3rd, 5-7 p.m.
December 8th, 5-7 p.m.
It’s fun and free! Just bring your knitting or crocheting projects, and let’s have fun together, talking and creating. If you need any help or advice with your project or pattern, we can help! No need to book or reserve a seat. Just show up! Come knit or crochet for a bit or all of it!
These get–togethers are hosted by Kim Snow.
Email: mtn.tribe@yahoo.com for more information.
Celebrate Creativity At The Estes Park Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show
Spend your Labor Day weekend surrounded by beauty, music, and community spirit at one of Estes Park’s most cherished traditions, the Estes Park Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show, presented by the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary!
Held in the heart of down town at Bond Park, this longrunning festival features 94 tal ented artisans from 15 states, each offering unique, handcrafted treas ures—everything from dazzling jewelry and colorful paintings to intricate art glass and more.
Admission is free, and the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday.
Musicians will entertain the crowds every day and the children’s Arts and Crafts tent will let kids show their creative side and work on their own artistic creations. The Fairy Lady and Fabulous Faces by Linda will entertain the young ones with face painting and
This year, 40% of our vendors are brand new, making it the perfect time to reconnect with your favorite artists and discover exciting new talent!
Back by popular demand, our Silent Auction will run all three days, with special pieces from each artisan up for bid multiple times a day—so there’s always a new treasure to win. Join us in Bond Park for a weekend of art, music, family fun, and community joy — all against the breathtaking backdrop of Estes Park. Don’t miss it!
Movement At Home & In The Community
More than one-third of our older population falls each year, and you don’t want to be part of that statistic. Learn how you can keep yourself or a loved one safe at home and in the community. Understand hazards in your home, what to look out for in a community setting, strategies to mitigate those hazards, and age in place. This program will take place in Estes Park, Wednesday, August 13, noon-1:30 p.m. at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, 1760 Olympian Lane.
SUMMER HOURS
Mondays - Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
Registration is required for most programs! Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to secure your spot.
Discuss end-of-life issues & our shared mortality. Grief Is A Sneaky Bitch is a comprehensive & compassionate guide (with a bit of profanity) to navigating loss by therapist Lisa Keefauver after becoming a widow & realizing that although 100% of us experience loss, we’re living in a grief illiterate world.
Returning to Romance Through Food & Flirty Fun in Fiction
Wednesday, August 20, 5 - 6 p.m., online
Bring an appetite for sizzling drama as New York Times bestselling author
Casey McQuiston discusses their latest romantic comedy, The Pairing. ALL AGES
Woodland Welcome
Tuesday, August 12, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
Learn to paint & assemble a laser-cut, woodland-themed shelf sitter featuring a rustic wood slice & welcome sign — choose between a bear or raccoon. A School of Life event.
Saturday Social: Cards & Board Games
Saturday, August 16, 2 - 4:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Play board games including classics like Clue & Candyland, or newer games like Blank Slate & Bologna. All ages welcome – bring your family, friends, & neighbors. Refreshments provided.
Create a Light-Up Card
Tuesday, August 19, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace repeated, August 21, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Makerspace
Enjoy a hands-on introduction to paper circuits by assembling pre-cut materials to create a light up greeting card. A School of Life event.
ADULTS
Tech Help with Digital Navigators of Larimer County
Build digital skills like using your smartphone, accessing websites & accounts online, improving online communications, & more. Appointments required.
Perspectives: Take Better Photos with Your Phone
Tuesday, August 12, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Makerspace
Join local fine art photographer Shawn Whitney for this hands-on workshop to learn the strategies profes-
sionals use to create stunning images without purchasing expensive gear. A School of Life event.
The Artist’s Way: A 12-Week Journey to a More Creative Life
Wednesday, August 13 & 20, 5:156:15 p.m., Quiet Room; Sessions 10 & 11 of 12
This 12-week workshop, facilitated by local mindset & movement coach Chazz Glaze, will help you discover (or recover) your creative self by using The Artist’s Way, the classic tool for anyone interested in living more creatively.
TEENS & KIDS
Solder a Stained Glass Butterfly Saturday, August 9, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Tuesday, August 19, 3:30 - 5 p.m., Makerspace
Teens & tweens are invited to learn the basics of soldering while making a stained glass butterfly. A School of LIfe event.
Lego Club: Make a Classroom Tuesday, August 12, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Hondius Room
repeated August 23, 3 - 4 p.m., Hondius Room
Explore different building & engineering challenges with Legos. This month, create a classroom. A School of Life event.
Interested in learning how to play Dungeons & Dragons? Want to think strategically & make new friends? Join other tweens & teens for this classic fantasy-world game.
Teens & tweens are invited to bring their friends to play video games, experiment with new crafts & enjoy snacks.
Artwork Wednesday: Magnet Making
Wednesday, August 20, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Makerspace
Creative kids, tweens, & teens are encouraged to experiment with different art mediums. This month we will be making magnets out of a variety of materials. A School of Life event.
KIDS & FAMILIES
Library Storytimes
Baby Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.
Read to Therapy Dog Annie: Thurs., August 14 at 11 a.m.
Storybook Trail & Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, August 13, 10:30 - 11 a.m., Stanley Park
Join us to read the newest Storybook Trail addition, The Three Little Pigs, & complete a scavenger hunt on the playground with friends.
Storybook Explorers
Friday, August 15, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m., Hondius Room
We’ll read Cat's Colors & engage in early learning activities inspired by the story, including yarn wrapping, an activity that helps with fine motor skills.
MAKERSPACE CLASSES
Learn the Laser Cutter
Monday, August 11, 10 - 11:30 a.m. or 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Makerspace
For ages 10 & up (participants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult).
Introduction to Sublimation
Monday, August 18, 10 - 11:30 a.m. or 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
Learn the basics of sublimation printing using our heat press & mug press to create personalized items. For ages 13 & up (participants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult).
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Study Session
Thursday, August 14, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room
Learn more about the Board of Trustees & meeting topics at estesvalleylibrary.org/board.
Regular Meeting
Monday, August 25, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room
View meeting agenda & packet materials at estesvalleylibrary.org/board.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Cliffhanger Used Books
Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the Post Office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, & music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kelly Pemrick
Welcome, Estes Park School District New Staff!
We are excited to welcome Mrs. Kelly Pemrick back to our team! Mrs. Pemrick recently graduated from National Louis University. She first moved to Estes Park in 2012 and worked for about two years at YMCA of the Rockies. After a few years in Salt Lake City and the Chicago area, Mrs. Pemrick moved back in 2017. She has spent the last eight years working at Bennett Preschool, the Estes Valley Library, and the Estes Park Elementary School. She is so excited to be returning to EPES as a third-grade teacher this year! In her free time, Mrs. Pemrick loves to read, go to plays and concerts, and hang out with her friends, husband, and cat.
Brad Wens
We are excited to welcome Mr. Brad Wens to our team. As a proud Estes Park local, he is beyond excited to join the Estes Park School District as a new English teacher. Growing up in this community shaped who he is, and he feels incredibly lucky to now give back to the place that gave him so much. Mr. Wens graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in English Education, where he developed both a deep love for literature and the tools to help students discover that same excitement in their own way. His passion for teaching was sparked by the incredible educators he had here in Estes, like Dan Copeland and Marsha Weaver, as well as strengthened by the mentorship of current teachers such as Andrew Virdin, who helped guide him as he grew into this role. Mr. Wens is so excited to play a bigger role in this community and help guide students to find their voice and passion through literature. This opportunity truly feels like coming home to him.
Hunter Hamilton
We are excited to welcome Hunter Hamilton to the district. Mr. Hamilton is thrilled to be joining the team here in Estes Park as a special education teacher in the Integrated Learning Classroom (ILC). He has been part of the surrounding community since 2011 and has been an educator for 17 years. Over the course of his career, he’s
taught mostly in elementary, with some experience in middle and high school settings. Special education, literacy intervention, and math intervention have been areas of focus. He’s excited to bring these skills into this new role and work alongside fellow educators, families, and community agencies to create the most supportive and inclusive programming possible for our students. Outside of school, you’ll most likely find him outdoors with his wife and their dog. Mr. Hamilton loves mountain biking, bikepacking, ultrarunning, backpacking/thruhiking, skiing, and many of the other incredible ‘-ing’ adventures these mountains have to offer. He also enjoys playing music and connecting with others through creativity and community. Mr. Hamilton is looking forward to a great year ahead and to getting to know the students, families, and staff that make Estes Park such a special place to live and learn!
Libby Brubaker
We are excited to have Libby Brubaker. Mrs. Brubaker is thrilled to be back as a fulltime special education teacher after a five-year adventure as a stay-at-home mom. She has two wild and wonderful boys—Abel (7) and William (4)— who are experts in the art of getting dirty, running, climbing, listening to loud music, building, creating, and delivering very sweet snuggles. Naturally, Mrs Brubaker and her husband Nick participate in all of these activities…whether they like it or not. Mrs. Brubaker is incredibly grateful for the support of her family and beyond excited to return to what she loves, loves, loves doing… teaching special education! She can’t wait to meet all my middle schoolers and work alongside a fantastic staff. Cheers to an amazing year!
Brianna Gress
We are excited to welcome Brianna Gress as our new Secondary Choir Instructor at Estes Park School District. Ms. Gress recently earned her Bachelor of Music Education with a Choral Emphasis from the University of Colorado Boulder, graduating with high honors. She brings a wealth of experience from her work with the Colorado Children’s Chorale, Westview Church, and the Boulder Symphony Music Academy, as well as extensive student teaching at both middle and high school levels.
Ms. Gress is a passionate, student-
centered music educator who strives to foster creativity, inclusion, and confidence through choral music. In addition to her classroom experience, she has served as President of CU Boulder’s ACDA Student Chapter and Music Director for an a cappella ensemble, demonstrating strong leadership, organization, and a commitment to excellence.
Peter Blomberg
We are excited to welcome Peter Blomberg back to the Estes Park Elementary School as a fifth-grade teacher this year after teaching in the third grade this past spring. He has worked in schools for almost twenty years, with most of those years at the elementary level in the fourth and sixth grades in Wyoming. Outside of teaching, Mr. Blomberg enjoys the outdoors, playing music, reading, and traveling.
Alex Jizba
We are thrilled to welcome Alex Jizba as our new Secondary School Science Teacher. Mr. Jizba is really excited to be working in Estes Park this year! He has spent eleven years teaching outdoor education across the country and nine years teaching middle school in Commerce City. Mr. Jizba is hoping that teaching at Estes Park Schools District will provide him with a unique opportunity to blend both of those worlds. He enjoys watching, coaching, and playing soccer. He adopted a cat this summer. Mr. Jizba is very much looking forward to meeting all of the students and staff soon and joining this wonderful community!
Nicholas Pierce
We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Nicholas Pierce as our new Band Instructor at Estes Park Schools. Mr. Pierce brings over a decade of experience leading music programs across Colorado, from elementary to high school and even at the university level. He joins us from the Platte Canyon School District, where he revitalized the 6–12 music program and led bands and choirs, started jazz and rock ensembles, and served as Music Director for school musicals.
Mr. Pierce holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from the University
of Denver and a Bachelor’s in Music Education and Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder. He is passionate about community-building through music and has a proven record of growing programs, elevating student performance, and creating unforgettable learning experiences. We are excited for the energy, expertise, and heart he brings to Estes Park.
Steven Schauf
We are excited to welcome Steven Schauf to our District. Mr. Schauf will be a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher. He was raised on a dairy farm in Sparta, WI, which has now been converted to a Wedding Venue, Country Reflections. Mr. Schauf has worked in various industries, including carpentry, building custom homes, as an electrician, and in equipment sales, both before and during his teaching career. He still has a small contractor/handyman business.- St. Joseph's Apprentice, LLC. Mr. Schauf has been teaching Agriculture and Technology Education/Engineering at both the collegiate and secondary education levels for 35 years in both Wisconsin and Colorado.
Angela Barberi
Estes Park High School is thrilled to welcome Angela Barberi, a veteran educator bringing her passion for empowering students through visual arts and publications! Ms. Barberi joins our team with 27 years of experience, dedicated to helping students explore their artistic potential.
Coming to Estes Park from Pensacola, Florida, Ms. Barberi is eager to share her strong background in real-world application of the arts and projectbased learning with her students. Her focus is always on the students, helping them discover their unique voices and create impactful projects. She has a master’s degree in educational leadership and was one of the first art educators in the nation to receive National Board Teacher Certification in Adolescent Art. For eight years, she was also a Kennedy Center Partner in Education, reflecting her commitment to innovative and engaging arts experiences.
Ms. Barberi is especially looking forward to working with Estes Park High School students in visual arts and publications, fostering an environment where students can be their most innovative, creative, and inspiring selves. Get ready for a dynamic and enriching year in the arts at EPHS!
A Texas newspaper reported the story. A Galveston housewife had a pet parakeet named Chippie. She made several mistakes. She was vacuuming floors, and she decided to clean out the bottom of Chippie’s cage with her vacuum cleaner. Mistake #1: The phone rang. She answered the phone without turning off the machine. You guessed it. Sssssp! Chippie got sucked through the tube, into the canister. Mistake #2: She dropped the phone, shut off the vacuum, and opened up the canister. There was Chippie - feathers askew, dirt all over his little body, stunned but alive. She rushed him into the bathroom. She held Chippie under the faucet and turned it on full blast. Mistake #3: She saw her hair dryer. She turned it to ‘Hot’ and ‘High’. Mistake #4: It did the trick but it nearly finished Chippie. The next day a reporter called to check on the bird. “How’s your poor parakeet?” he asked. The reply was about like you’d expect: “Well, Chippie doesn’t sing much anymore. He just sits there and stares.”
I have the feeling that many in America these days can relate to Chippie. We’ve had our ‘cage’ vacuumed, we’ve felt sucked into the dirt bag, stuck under the faucet, and hit with a blast from a hair blower. As a result, we don’t sing much anymore. We just sort of sit there and stare. Where has our ‘happiness’ gone? Many in our nation are afraid: afraid of being deported…many have; afraid of being fired…many have; afraid of losing senior benefits, SNAP and other low-income family helps; and the list goes on. Others are angry, frustrated. Such people just ‘stare’, they don’t sing much anymore’.
I believe each of God’s people was ‘born to sing’. Martha and I climb into our car on the way to worship on Sunday and sing our favorite song: “This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” And follow that up with: “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” I believe that such is the nature of the people of God. And we need to keep that positive spirit despite someone…or life…doing things to take it away from us. There are lots of Chippie-style circumstances that steal our songs. Life sucks us into the tube. People pour cold water on our dreams. Disappointment and disaster blow us away. Many believe Murphy’s Law: ‘What can go wrong, will go wrong’.
Grief is defined in terms of loss, and life hands us a lot of losses. We can lose our jobs, our health, our money. We can lose our friends, our marriages, our self-esteem. Life is full of accidents, diseases, and heartaches—the unexpected. Cavett Roberts says “‘Time’ (magazine) one week and ‘doing time’ (in prison) the next.” There is no guarantee that life will be fair or the sailing will be smooth. You’re going to get blown off course. It’s a foregone conclusion. It happens to all of us. Somewhere in the trauma of such things, like Chippie, many people lose their songs. They just sort of sit there and stare.
When such happens how do you get your song back? Here are five points on how to get singing again. First, you’ve got to choose to sing. Some people choose to be croakers, whiners, complainers. You can’t always choose what happens in life but you can choose your attitude. Second, you need to take ‘singing’ lessons. You’ve got to search out and study ‘singers’. You can’t hang around with ‘croakers’. You’ll become like the people with whom you associate. Third, you must think positive thoughts. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) Positive attitude teachers say, “It isn’t what you think you are; it’s what you think, you are.” Paul urges: “Think on things that are: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.” Fourth, you must get out of yourself. Selfishness robs us of our songs. People whose thoughts are turned inward, cannot sing. Fifth, fill your life with the Lord Jesus Christ. There’s a great song by L.B. Bridges that reminds: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know. Fills my every longing. Keeps me singing as I go.” May God help us to keep singing. Bob Lewis
Tracks & Stacks: Call For Musicians
Are you an Estes Valley musician who would like to perform in a unique setting? Would you like to have a professionally recorded version of one of your performances? Have you considered submitting your original songs to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest? We’ve got the opportunity for you!
Technology Arts Librarian Shari Baze and local musician Jason Lenz have teamed up to develop an extraordinary night of musical exploration featuring Estes Valley musicians at the Library called Tracks & Stacks.
There will be six “stages” in various locations across the Library, mocktails, charcuterie cups, an art sale benefitting the Friends of the Library Foundation, and more. Performers will get two 15minute sets on the night of November 22nd, 2025, while participants take in all the Library has to offer. Artists will be filmed for their future use and promotional purposes.
Our goal is to showcase the vibrant Estes Valley music scene while highlighting the multitude of creative resources available at the Library. We are also encouraging all musicians who perform to submit their final recordings to NPR’s 2026 Tiny Desk Concert
to shine a spotlight on the diverse musical talent that is thriving in the Estes Valley. A tiny desk, handcrafted in the Makerspace, will be featured in each recording to ensure they are compatible for submission.
Event partner Jason Lenz shared his inspiration for wanting to create this opportunity at the Library, “In 2014 NPR started the Tiny Desk Contest to find and showcase undiscovered musical talent across the United States. By 2025, submissions had grown to a record of 7,500 nationwide recordings. Over 100 submissions were from Colorado, and two were from Estes Park. We have a flourishing music scene with a lot of talent in the valley that is pushing the level of musicianship and songwriting. If you enjoy listening to undiscovered talent, this is the concert for you. All songs performed at this event will be original music created by the performers. This is the perfect opportunity for soloists, small ensembles, and bands to push themselves into 2026 with original material.”
Learn more and submit your application at estesvalleylibrary.org/ tracksandstacks no later than Friday, September 12th, 2025.
Old Timer Tom Atkins Is Turning 90!
Happy birthday to Tom Atkins! Stop by Kind Coffee on August 12th from 6:30-9:30 a.m. and have a cup of coffee and a muffin on us. Share a memory or two — if you can remember!
Just name one of his daughters and the Kind baristas will serve you up a cup of Joe. Hope to see you there!
Catch The Celtic Spirit At The Senior Center On Tuesday, August 12th
Everyone is invited to enjoy a free midday concert by local favorite Celtic Spirit on Tuesday, August 12th, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center (EPSCC), located at 1760 Olympian Lane. Light refreshments will be provided, and guests are welcome to bring their own lunch or pre-order a hot meal (see details below). Donations of appreciation for the musicians are encouraged and always welcome.
Celtic Spirit, led by Nancy Maple and Nan Lederer, fills the room with lively music from Northumbria, Scotland, and Ireland. Both Nan and Nancy play the fiddle, and Nancy also plays the bodhran, a traditional Irish drum, adding rhythm and texture to the group’s sound. Rounding out the group are Joe Stewart on guitar, Rick Vincent on bass, and Rex Armstrong, who brings the Celtic flavor with concertina, Irish flute, and penny whistle. “Our music is just like what you might hear in an Irish pub,” says Nancy, inviting listeners into the spirited and joyful atmosphere the band creates.
The group is well known around Estes Park and can often be found performing at local spots. You can catch them on Monday mornings at 10:30 at Mountain Berry Café along the Riverwalk, and on Wednesday afternoons at 1:00 at Raven’s Roast Coffee Shop. They also appear regularly at Snowy Peaks Winery, Tahosa Coffee House in Allenspark, and private events. To book Celtic Spirit for a gathering or celebration, contact Nancy Maple at 970-443-2415 or nancymaple467@vgmail.com.
For those who would like to enjoy lunch during the concert, Tuesday’s meal will be a hot turkey sandwich served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables. Meals must be ordered by 1 p.m. on Monday, August 11th. Cost is $9 for EPSCC members and $12 for non-members.
Membership at EPSCC is $35 per year and includes access to discounted meals, programs, and a wide range of activities. To order a meal or get more information, call the Senior Center at 970-581-2195.
Social-Memory Cafe In Estes Park: Ice Cream Social
This month on Thursday,August 14th, the Social-Memory Café will be having our annual ice cream so cial at St. Bartholomew’s Church (880 MacGregor Ave.) from 10–11:30 a.m. We will be enjoying summer and ice cream related activities including making our own sundaes.
We welcome all in Estes Valley where cognitive and memory loss (due to any form of dementia) is part of your lives and who would like to enjoy fellowship and fun with one another. Please come with a caregiver, family member, or friend. If you are still living / driving independently feel free to come on your own.
Whether you have come to a Social-Memory Café before or want to check this gathering out, we meet at St. Bartholomew’s Church 10–11:30 a.m. every second Thursday of each month. SocialMemory Café is a free, relaxed, social gathering for Estes Valley community members experiencing memory loss due to any form of dementia. We look forward to seeing you!
For more information call the church office at 970-586-4504 or Jane at 970430-8105.
August 11 – 15
Monday, Aug 11 Breakfast Burrito (eggs, cheese, refried beans & potatoes in flour tortilla) w/ green chili on the side
Tuesday, Aug 12 Hot Turkey Sandwich w/ Mashed Potatoes, gravy & vegetables
Wednesday, Aug 13 BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich w/ Tomato Salad
Thursday, Aug 14 Chicken Primavera (w/ Alfredo Sauce & vegetables) w/ Pasta, garlic bread & side salad
Friday, Aug 15 Shrimp Basket (8 fried) w/ Homemade Chips & soup of the day
August 18 – 22
Monday, Aug 18 Denver Omelette (ham, mushrooms, onions & grn peppers) w/ Hashbrowns & fruit
Tuesday, Aug 19 Chicken Fajita (w/ grilled red bell peppers & onions), Rice, Refried Beans, guacamole, sour cream & corn tortillas
Wednesday, Aug 20 Monte Cristo Sandwich (ham, turkey, swiss & cheddar cheese on TX toast) w/ Pasta Salad
Individual Meals are $9 for current 2025 EP Senior Citizens Center members and are by reservation only. (Or 3 meals for $25; 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 11th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Aug 8th. For reservations call 970-581-2195 and leave a detailed message. Pre-paid meal tickets and membership forms are available at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center located at 1760 Olympian Lane.
The Center is OPEN Monday thru Friday 10 -- 1 TriFit M-W-F 10:30-11:15 AM Circuit Balance Monday 1-1:45 PM
Mahjong Tuesday 10 – 2 Tai Ji Class Tuesday 10:15 – 11:15 AM
Pound Unplugged + 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursday 10:15-11:15 AM Chair Yoga 2nd & 4th Thursday 10:15-11:15 AM Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA)
Aspen Club Blood Pressure Check 4th Wednesday 10:00 – 1:00 Aspen Club Presentations 2nd Wednesday 12:00 – 1:30
Bridge Group Every Thursday 12:30 – 4:30 PM with lessons in the morning Canasta, Euchre & Pinochle 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesday 1:00-4:30
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
Presbyterian Community Church Of The Rockies Announces The Reopening Of Meditation Trail
The 2013 flood totally devastated the entire Estes Valley. Roads were washed out, homes washed away, and we became the “Porta Potty” capital of the world. And what did this town do in the middle of this tragedy? They had a “decorate your porta potty” contest. It was wonderful!
Unfortunately, one of the important areas destroyed by the flood was the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies’ meditation trail. This trail had been the dream and passion of one person, Kent Dannen, a long-time member of the church. To see it torn apart by the flood was devastating to everyone, but especially to Kent. However, with the help of many dedicated church people—even a church youth group from Nebraska—we are pleased to announce that the dedication and official reopening of the meditation trail will be this Sunday, August 10th, immediately following our Sunday worship service.And it is with Kent in mind that the renewed trail has been
The trail is open to all residents and visitors to this area. It is a wonderful trail with benches and points of meditation along the way. So, take as much time as you wish and stay as long you want. Enjoy the wonderful setting in this area we call paradise. There are plenty of parking spaces on the church’s lower parking level right next to the trail which begins just to the left of the stone marker. We hope that everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to escape the relentless rush of daily life and reflect on the things that make life so precious.
The Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies is located at 1700 Brodie Ave., Estes Park. Our Sunday morning services are at 10 a.m. Come join us as we worship God in this most beautiful of places.
named in his honor. Unfortunately, Kent passed away this last February before he could see his dream come to fruition.
The nonprofit Ballet Renaissance, committed to educating and inspiring youth and the community through the art of classical ballet, is offering classes and performance opportunities to students (ages 4+) in Estes Park again this fall.
Interested students are encouraged to attend Placement Week (August 18th22nd) at no charge.
Protégé, Ballet Renaissance’s inviteonly, tuition-free program for particularly committed students who meet age and readiness requirements, works hand-in-hand with community classes. Protégé invites will be extended to eligible students following Placement Week.
For information, please email balletren@balletren.org.
Estes Valley Photo Club Speaker Series Presents “So You Want To Publish A Book? How & Where You Begin” With Amy-Jo Aronson Silverman
The Estes Valley Photo Club will be meeting on Thursday, August 14th, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Library, 335 E. Elkhorn Avenue. The presentation that evening will be, “So You Want to Publish a Book? How and Where Do You Begin?” by Amy-Jo Aronson-Silverman.
Amy-Jo Aronson-Silverman, a former teacher, has always loved animals, travel, writing, and photography. Lucky for her, in retirement, she gets to enjoy them all. It took her almost 80 years to
publish her first book, but she finally did it. If Amy can do it, you can too! In this presentation, Amy will share with you what she learned about the process and give you some tips to help you along your own path toward becoming a published author.
The speaker series is a free event sponsored by the Estes Valley Photo Club.
You do not have to be a member of the Estes Valley Photo Club to attend. The public is welcome.
Please forward any questions to Deena Sveinsson at deena@deenasveinssonphotography.com.
Mark your calendar for this informative and interesting event!
Join The Estes Valley Quilt Guild On August 13th
On Wednesday, August 13th, join the Estes Valley Quilt Guild for our next meeting. Our guest speaker is a “reformed” (her words) CPA from Fort Collins: Pat West has been quilting since 1997. She began designing her own quilts about 16 years ago when she retired. She’s a life- long gardener, which has inspired her own botanical appliqué quilts. Pat will bring several quilts and the photographs which in-
spired them.
The meeting begins at 6:45 p.m., but come early to visit with your quilting friends. The location is Mountain Bible Fellowship Church, 1575 South St. Vrain.
Don’t forget your Show-and-Tell! If you made the mystery table runner, we would love to see it. First time visitors are free.
Feeding The Community Through “The Market At Crossroads”
By: Brian Schaffer
Feeding the community through
“The Market at Crossroads” is one of our most utilized resources that we provide to neighbors who find themselves in a challenging season. The groceries are given out free of charge as a means of grace and mercy toward our neighbors. We don’t want anyone to go hungry in the Estes Valley, and this is why we are constantly asking for help with dropping off food items, organizing food drives, and making financial donations. We are only able to stock our shelves and coolers because of the generous support from people like you. Thank you for being a part of feeding hungry humans that live in our town.
Our second biggest resource that we provide is housing assistance to prevent eviction, and eventual homelessness. An important step in the qualifying process is to review the lease agreement, and make arrangements with the landlord to pay a portion of
the client’s monthly rent. Helping a family maintain stable housing saves them from negative consequences, and provides a healthy environment for positive outcomes. It’s amazing to hear stories of how our assistance has given people a new lease on life. A fresh start, new beginning, second chance, renewed energy, positive outlook, and a revitalized purpose.
A new lease on life is a common phrase, but what about a new leash on life? I was thinking of this as I was walking my dogs with a new leash my wife had purchased at the Farmer’s Market. Our eldest canine does fine walking a line with the new leash, and rarely pushes the boundaries by going faster than I’m walking. While the other hound likes messing around, and always wants to go faster than I’m going. He is slowly learning that I control his speed, direction, and the length of the leash. That’s why he likes going to the dog park better than taking
walks with me. It’s where he is unleashed to be footloose and fancy free. He can run as fast as he wants, wherever he wants, and gets to meet new friends. Afterwards, he looks forward to coming home to the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of his family. And now, for the rest of the story. While at the dog park, I thought I heard someone yell, “Put him on a leash!” I looked around, and I didn’t know if this meant the dog or the strange guy howling. I didn’t stick around long enough to find out, but I did imagine for a moment how it would feel to have a new leash on life. Think about it. If you’ve been on a short leash most of your life, then you’ve probably grown accustom to how far you can go before you feel the pressure pulling you back to your comfort zone. You know your boundaries, and it would be a little scary if you all of sudden discovered you could go farther into areas you’ve never had ac-
cess to before.
There is a risk assessment involved in determining whether you would want to trade out a short leash for a longer one. With more freedom to wander, you could get tangled up into things you never had to worry about before. However, you won’t ever know until you give it a try.
Are you comfortable in your leash on life, or are you ready to be released into new territory? Book a trip to an island oasis, sign up for a class, volunteer somewhere, chase a dream, make the biggest donation you’ve ever made, or tackle something on your bucket list. At least, give it a try. What’s holding you back?
“Sing like no one is listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like no one is watching, and live like it is heaven on earth.” I look forward to hearing about your adventures.
CrossroadsEP.org
Stanley Home Museum To Host Isabella Bird At Vino On The Veranda
&
The Stanley Home Museum and Education Center will host Isabella Bird for the second Vino on the Veranda event August 15th, 2025,from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at stanleyhome.org. A special pricing rate is available at $20.00 per person and $50.00 for a family.
Lucy Franklin will portray Isabella Bird. Isabella Bird (1831–1904) was a remarkable 19th-century British explorer, writer, photographer, and naturalist. She is best known for her extensive travels and vivid travelogues that documented life in various parts of the world—at a time when few women undertook such journeys alone. She was born in Yorkshire, England. Her first major journey was to the United States and Canada in the 1850s. She later published "The English-
woman in America" (1856), her first travel book.
She traveled to Hawaii, Japan, China, Korea, India, Tibet, Persia, and beyond. Not only was Isabella Bird a prolific traveler, but she was also a prolific writer. In total, she published ten books about her travels from 18561902. In her book, “A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains,” published in 1879, Isabella Bird described Colorado, "I have found a dream of beauty at which one might look all one's life and sigh."
The Vino on the Veranda event takes place on the front porch of the historic Stanley Home with the breathtaking view of Longs Peak that Isabella so beautifully describes.
The Stanley Home Museum and Education Center is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on preserving, and protecting “Rockside,” the summer home, built in 1904, of F.O. and Flora Stanley. The Stanley Home Museum and Education Center provides docent led tours of the home, as well as regular cultural and educational programming.
For more information, contact Lisa O’Sullivan Carroll, director@stanleyhome.org.
Bunce School Museum Open On Select Days This August & September
Three Saturdays remain for members of the public to visit the Bunce School Museum in Allenspark. Hours for each date will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include August 16th, August 30th (Labor Day weekend), and September 20th (Hilltop Guild's Fall Festival).
The Bunce School Museum is located a short walk from the Hilltop Guild's Kelley House at 18720 Highway 7. Admission is free.
The old schoolhouse is owned and operated by the Guild. It was built in 1888 by V. H. "Dick" Rowley and was named after J.H. Bunce, an early settler in the area. The school served the local communities of Riverside, Raymond, Heathermeade and Peaceful Valley.
Allenspark had its own small school.
The Bunce School Museum was granted Historic Designation in May 1986. Ten years later, the Guild purchased the property and building from the Allenspark Fire Protection District, thus rejoining original property belonging to the Kelley family.
Today, members of the Hilltop Guild volunteer at the schoolhouse and help children and their parents remember what life was like in the late 1800s into the 1900s.
"It's a beautiful drive coming up from Estes Park or Lyons," said Mary Rushing, lead volunteer. "You and your family are most welcome to join us for a trip back in time."
The 10th Annual Estes Park Wine Festival This Weekend In Bond Park
It’s time to sip great wines, enjoy live music, savor delicious food, and soak in the festive vibe—all in one unforgettable experience at the 10th Annual Estes Park Wine Festival. The fun will take place this Saturday and Sunday, August 9th and 10th, in beautiful Bond Park in downtown Estes Park. The festival will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The Estes Park Wine Festival is a 21+ event. Ticket includes a wine glass, wine tote and unlimited tastings, along with live music, retail vendors, artisans and food vendors. Non-drinker and designated driver tickets are available at the gate for $10.00. There is no re-entry, feel free to bring your own snacks, chairs, wagons and blankets. There will also be a wine-check so you don't have to carry around your purchased wine! VIP Tickets also include VIP Tent, wine bar and catered food from Claire's Restaurant. Tickets are on sale now at estesparkwinefestival.com.
Wineries Attending
Apple Valley Cider Company
Avanti Winery
Bad Bitch Cellars
Blanchard Family Wines
Blendings Winery
Bookcliff Vineyards
Chill Switch Wines
Deep Roots Winery
Dragon Meadery
Evergood Adventure Wines
Hunters Moon Meadery
Lanoue Dubois Winery
Mad Marmot Meadery
Manitou Winery
Meadkrieger Meadery
OBC Wine Project
Snowy Peaks Winery
Sweetheart Winery
Taboche Winery
Vinnie Fera Winery
Wine Barrel
Music Lineup: Saturday, Aug. 9th
10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.:
Music Lineup: Sunday, Aug. 10th 11 a.m.-12 p.m.:
EVICS & Local Families Enjoy Camping In Rocky Mountain National Park
This past weekend, twelve local families came together for a one-of-a-kind overnight camping experience under the stars in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hosted at Glacier Basin Campground from August 2–3, the family camping night was a partnership event with Rocky Mountain National Park and brought together community, adventure, and education—all wrapped in classic Colorado mountain weather.
The night was full of adventure with warm fires and plenty of s’mores to go around.
Park Rangers Connor, Irelanda, and Emily played a central role in making the night memorable. They helped fam-
ilies pitch tents, build safe campfires, and led informative talks on nature safety—offering a hands-on learning experience for both kids and adults. In the morning, families gathered to
enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast generously prepared by Maricruz Ortiz, capping off the weekend with full hearts and full bellies.
EVICS Family Resource Center extends deep thanks to Rocky Mountain National Park, Park Rangers Connor, Irelanda, and Emily, and Maricruz Ortiz for their time, dedication, and partnership throughout the summer. This event was more than just a night outdoors—it was about building stronger families, resilient children, and lasting memories. This is what community looks like.
Morgan Starner
Wendy Woo ICONIX
Billy Bower
Nick Critchlow
Rusty 44
Christian Church Of Estes Park Hosts "CCEP Reunion Week" Celebration This August
Worship in the Park, BBQ Competition, & Family Fun to Commemorate 30 Years of Faith & Community
The Christian Church of Estes Park (CCEP) is excited to invite the community to “CCEP Reunion Week,” a joyful summer celebration of the church’s 30th anniversary. While CCEP officially marked three decades of ministry last November, the church has planned its biggest celebration yet for the week of August 17th, 2025, bringing together past and present members, friends, and the wider Estes Park community.
The week’s highlight event will be Worship in the Park on Sunday, August
17th at 10 a.m., held at the Osprey Shelter at Stanley Park near Lake Estes. This special outdoor service will be followed by a communitywide celebration featuring a BBQ competition, potluck lunch, and family-friendly games, including a bounce house and dunk tank.
“We’re calling it a reunion because it’s not just about the years. It’s about the people,” said Lead Pastor Aaron Dorman. “Whether you've been part of CCEP for a long time, recently joined, or just want to celebrate with us, you’re welcome. This week is about honoring our past and looking forward to our future, together.”
Founded in 1994 with a small group of believers meeting in a local hotel conference room, CCEP has grown into a vibrant congregation of over 250 people. The church’s mission has remained focused on building generational, transformational disciples of Jesus through worship, service, and community outreach.
The entire Estes Park community is warmly invited to join the celebration and reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and experience the joy of fellowship in the heart of the Rockies. For event details and full Reunion Week schedule, please visit: ccep.life/30years.
Are You Sure? I’m Certain!
By: Larry Strong
Growing up as a kid was bittersweet. I have a lot of great memories but mixed in are some that I would just as soon not remember. Long before there was a term “Domestic Violence,” that’s what our house was filled with. Most every night or weekend, I had a simmering expectation that my mom and dad were going to get into it. When alcohol became part of the equation I was both sure AND certain. Walk ing around on eggshells try ing to keep some peace as an eleven-yearold wasn’t something I signed up for. And when the cops showed up (way too often) I can remember feeling shame on top of being scared. I recall wishing the police man would just take me with him because all heck was gonna break loose after he left.
cross. He took my sin upon Himself so that I could also have the assurance and certainty of eternal life, by believing in Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God. “And this is eternal life that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
Fortunately, and by God’s grace, I was able to restore a loving relationship with my mom and dad in later years. More important, I helped them find their own faith in a loving God. Their faith journey came late, but it’s NEVER too late to find faith. And that is the point of this article.
God’s Word defines faith as, “Being sure of what you hope for and certain of that which you don’t see.” (Hebrews 11:1) I’m grateful that my faith is rooted not only in something I can trust, but SOMEONE I can trust. For me, that someone is Jesus Christ. I have faith, being sure and certain that Jesus laid down his life for me on a
Being sure and certain of my parents’ faith in the Lord gives me great joy. It also gives me the assurance and hope that I will be reunited with them in heaven one day. This is the hope all followers of Jesus have. Truth is, faith is a journey. Every Saturday, the guys who show up at Men on Fire bring their individual faith together with other men on a journey of faith. Our mission is to encourage, build up and inspire each other to grow in our faith. We want our faith to be “faith in action.” Faith that translates to reflecting God’s character in our own lives and making a positive impact in our families, friends and community. MOF meets every Saturday, 8 a.m. at the American Legion, 850 N. St. Vrain. Join us for breakfast burritos, donuts, and coffee.
So, where are you at with being sure and certain? Here’s a guarantee. No matter where you’re at on your personal faith journey, you’ll be welcomed, accepted and encouraged at Men on Fire. How can I guarantee that? Simple. It’s just how we roll. Now you may be thinking, “Larry, are you sure about that?” I’m certain! See you Saturday.
Ghost Town Legends: Hell With The Fires Out
By: Ethan Knightchilde
When my first-hand explorations of old west ghost towns began decades ago, the tale of Stanton, Arizona, was one of the first that grabbed my attention and set my imagination going. Its legend begins with a defrocked-priestturned-Machiavellian-criminal named Charles P. Stanton. On his arrival at Antelope Station, he quickly saw a situation that today seems best suited as a premise for a Sergio Leone western.
Among the town’s primary businesses were a general store owned by G. H. Wilson and a station run by William Partridge. Bad blood existed between the two, but sources differ on whether the rivalry began when pigs raised by Wilson damaged property owned by Partridge or whether that was the final incident in an ongoing conflict. Stanton seized upon the opportunity, convincing Partridge that “the owner of the pigs” was out to get him. Taking the threat at face value, Partridge shot Wilson to death in the street. In the aftermath, Wilson’s partner John Timmerman took over the store’s operations, and Partridge’s creditors turned the station over to Barney Martin.
When Antelope Station earned the establishment of a post office, Stanton, as postmaster, promptly renamed the settlement after himself. With a gang led by Francisco Vega allegedly as his instrument, he targeted the businesses’ new principals, Timmerman and Martin, along with anyone else who stood in his way.
On a trip to Wickenburg, Timmerman was robbed and murdered. Stanton immediately took ownership of the store, claiming the nowdeceased partners had left it to him. Regardless of suspicion, no one dared challenge his assertion.
Eventually, only Barney Martin stood between Charles Stanton and total control of the town. In the summer of 1886, after years of violent harassment, the Martin family finally packed up and left for Phoenix. Their failure to arrive prompted a search; weeks later, the charred remains of their bodies and wagon were discovered off the stage road east of Seymour. Stanton was arrested for complicity in the massacre, but whether from lack of evidence or fear of reprisal, he walked free. Unchallenged and seemingly untouchable, he then took what he wanted and did as he pleased. Later that year, an unfortunate Mexican girl became the focus of his unwanted attention. The girl’s brother, seeking to
Jesus Above Everything: Fixing Our Eyes On Christ
By: Cornerstone Church – Hebrews Series, Week 6
How well do you know your Bible? I’ll bet you didn’t know the book of Hebrews was written in the original Greek as one long, continuous thought. No chapter breaks, no paragraph indentations—just one powerful message, flowing together with words like therefore, because, and since. Why would the author do that? What does that tell us about how we should read and respond to it? Join us this weekend at Cornerstone Church as we explore the answers to these questions.
Over the past several weeks, we’ve discovered Jesus as greater than the angels, greater than Moses, and the One who leads us into God’s true rest. Each step along the way has been connected—like links in a chain—bringing us to where we are now.
This weekend, we’ll explore Hebrews 4:14–5:10 and see Jesus as our Great High Priest—the One who understands our weaknesses and gives us direct access to God’s throne of grace. Join us at either location for the same message:
avenge his family’s honor, shot Stanton to death inside the store once belonging to Wilson and Timmerman. This particular story was initially intended for inclusion in Ghosts of the West: The End of the Bonanza Trail Though we cut it from the documen-
tary for various reasons, the film’s narrator, Barron Christian, had already recorded the voice track, and we included it as an extra on the Special Edition DVD.
This summer, Ghosts of the West returns to the movie house where it began its journey: the Historic Park Theatre, built when the film’s events were still in living memory. Screenings start at 2 p.m. on August 14th, August 28th, and September 11th. As the film’s writer-director, I will be on hand when possible to answer questions about the entire project after each program.
Visit HistoricParkTheatre.com for information and tickets. Visit KnightSkyPictures.com, the production company’s official website, to view the film’s trailer, gallery, production info, and online store. The theatre box office still has a few of the last remaining copies of the DVD that includes the story of Stanton.
Portions of this article originally appeared in the screenplay for Ghosts of the West and the companion book, Ghosts of the West: Tales and Legends from the Bonanza Trail, by E. S. Knightchilde.
• Cornerstone Church Meeting in Allenspark – Saturday at 6 p.m., 1423 County Rd 84W (Wild Basin Rd & CO 7), Allenspark, CO 80510
• Cornerstone Church of Estes Valley – Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 2200 Mall Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517
You won’t want to miss this week’s message with Wayne Weissman as we continue learning why Jesus is truly above everything.
Our mission is to empower youth and community members to achieve their full potential through mentoring, prevention education, and strategic partnership.
Work with one youth for an average of three hours per week for a minimum of a year
Build a one-to-one friendship and engage in group activities with other partnerships
Stay in regular contact with a Program Coordinator from Partners for training and support Must be 21+, pass a background check, and have reliable transportation for self and youth
Work with one youth for an average of one hour per week for an entire school year
Build a one-to-one friendship and offer support in the school setting
Stay in regular contact with a Program Coordinator from Partners for training and support
Must be 18+, pass a background check, and have reliable transportation to youth's school
Support regular group mentoring activities by transporting youth to planned activities and helping our program staff facilitate the activity Commit to attending at least six activities each year Must be 21+, pass a background check, and have reliable transportation for self and youth
Our kids are ages 7-18, with diverse interests and needs. We focus on providing services to youth who are facing challenges and need extra support.
We match youth with mentors based on shared interests, common values, and logistical preferences. Partners provides volunteers with training and support, to help every mentor succeed.
Our program has impressive results, and the local youth who participate gain social skills, improved confidence, better decision-making abilities, and hope for the future.
Partners currently has mentoring programs and volunteer opportunities in all of Larimer County and northern Weld County.
A Great Day For Junior Golf & Junior Golfers At Nan Ryan Invitational
The weather was perfect, a recordtying 156 avid golfers played, and the 22nd annual Nan Ryan Invitational beat last year’s money record with a total of $11,360 for the Estes Park Junior Golf Program! This bring the total generated by the tournament to $87,815!
“I am so excited and thrilled that this community, along with neighboring areas, support this program,” said Nan Ryan, Tournament Organizer. “And I’m especially delighted that we had twelve Junior golfers participating, and eight players from one family!”
“And proof of what this program pro-
excited that my son will begin his golf journey through the same Estes Park Junior Golf Program,” added Austin.
“Golf offers young people countless positive values— discipline, integrity, perseverance—and our community’s unwavering commitment ensures that this program continues to shape the next generation of leaders through the game we all love.”
duces, all eight boys on the All-Junior teams grew up through the Estes Park Junior program!”
“Estes Park has made tremendous strides in junior golf over the years,” stated Austin Logan, Director of Golf. “Thanks to the continued support of our wonderful community, the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District has proudly provided uninterrupted access to quality junior golf programming, equipment, and golf course use for nearly 30 years.”
“I was fortunate to be part of this program as a young junior, and now, I’m
The staff at the 9hole golf course is exceptional in its ability to handle this event, keep play moving and things running smoothly. Hats off to the Pro Shop Staff of Karen Riley, Taylor Dalton, Kirsten AllbrightBuoto, Sadie Keller, and Ian Woerth! Steve Bugno and his maintenance crew had the golf course in great condition, and Wally Wester got everyone off the first tee on time! Frank Lambreno and Todd Owen kept play moving on the course.
Thanks also to Bishwa Lama and Viktoriyia Smatrytskaya for their tournament sponsorship and generous support, and for the $20 gift card for each player from Hunter’s Chophouse, Robin Autorino for the decadent caramel filled chocolate golf balls, and Andrew Kessler for Ride-A-Kart cards.
The Men’s Team of Chris Layton, Clark Gibbons, Skye Stiner, and John Peterson won the Men’s team title, while the Longmont team of Lynette Gormley, Sheryl Szymenski, Marie Beatty, and Deb Shier won the Women’s team title. The Mixed Team title went in Michael Riley, Karen Riley, Wally Wester and Steve Bugno in a scorecard playoff, while the Denver team of Chris, Kim, Britton and Bellamy Berve took the Junior Team title. The All-Junior Team crown went to Ezra, Micah, Jonah and Ian Keller.
“The boys have been a part of the Estes Park Junior Golf Program for several years now,” stated Laura Reese, mother of Eli, who played in one of the All-Junior teams. “They LOVE it! It has been such a wonderful experience. I’m so grateful for the work you do raising money for this incredible program!”
In the Long Drive Contest, Philip Keller won Men’s, Sadie Keller won Women’s, Ezra Keller won Junior Boys and Bellany Berve won Junior Girls. In Closest to the Pin, John Law won Men’s, Marie Beatty took
Women’s, Joaquin Terry won Junior Boys and Bellamy Berve won Junior Girls.
Dale Hurd and Gavin Morris tied for Men’s Putts, while Nancy Fuller won Women’s Putts. Rene Archambault won Men’s Tee Guess and Deb Shier won Women’s. Eli Reese and Latham Morris tied for Junior Boys Putts while Ian Keller won Junior Boys Tee Guess. Bellamy Berve walked away with Junior Girls Putts and Tee Guess.
Winners in the very popular Raffle were Sharon McIntyre (two nights at the Stanley), Nancy Fuller (Scottie Scheffler signed golf ball), Lee Kennicke (Range Finder), Richard Lane (US Open Cap), Karen Riley (Max Greyserman signed golf glove), Dot Dorman (Odyssey Putter) and Drew Webb (Cleveland Wedge). Gift certificates for Chrysallis Gift Shop at the Stanley went to Aaron Tulley, Carla Webb, John
Minier, and Robin Harding, while gift certificates from Rob Tiegen at Estes Park Chiropractic went to Judi Cunningham and Jill Hurd. Estes Valley Rec Center day passes were won by Eliah Johnson, Jerry Rupert, Luke Doiron, Kate Simon and Sadie Keller.
“Without the help of all participants and the generous people who donated money for Junior Golf, we couldn’t have had this successful event,” stated Ryan. “Juniors hold the future of this great game of golf, and these contributions help make it possible for golf to continue to grow.”
The Keller Family – eight players in the Nan Ryan Invitational and their gallery.
All-Junior Team winners the Keller boys: Jonah, Micah, Ezra, and Ian.
Men’s Team winners John Peterson, Skye Stiner, Clark Gibbons, and Chris Layton.
Women’s Team winners Lynette Gormley, Deb Shier, Marie Beatty, and Sheryl Szymanski.
Mixed Team winners Mike and Karen Riley, Wally Wester, and Steve Bugno.
The Berve Family from Denver, winners of the Junior Team event.
Keller Family Wins Big At Nan Ryan Invitational
It isn’t often when eight members of one family, with an age range of 66 years, can play together in a golf tournament!
But that’s what happened July 26th when eight members of one family
“I grew up golfing and am very thankful to the Estes Park Junior Golf Program for helping grow my love and game of golf,” stated Sadie. “Through the generosity of the program and the Nan Ryan Invitational, I was able to get
teed it up in the 22nd annual Nan Ryan Invitational at Lake Estes Golf Course.
The group was led by grandfather Duane Brandau, along with Uncle John Law, Father Philip Keller, and five Keller grandchildren, Ian, Jonah, Micah, Ezra and Sadie.
And they had a gallery – the sixth grandchild Maggie, Mom Sarah, Aunt Connie Law, and Grandmother Janet!
They didn’t come just to play…they WON! The four grandboys took first place with their All-Junior team, Sadie won Women’s Long Drive, Ezra won Junior Boys Long Drive, John won Men’s Closest to the Pin and Ian won Junior Boys Tee Guess.
All of the Keller six grandchildren have come up through the Estes Park Junior Golf Program, which the Nan Ryan Invitational supports. And in keeping with their love of golf, Sadie works in the Pro Shop at the 9-hole Lake Estes Course, while Ezra handles the golf carts at the 18-hole Estes Course.
Estes Park Men's Golf Association Results For August 4th, 2025
Congratulations to all participants in the annual Team Scramble event. This is one of the most popular team competitions of the year. Congratulations goes to the winning team of Josh Tracy and Doug Fleck with close seconds by teams of Nelson Burke/David Arterburn and Jerry Ballinghoff/Roger Erwin. It was another beautiful day to play golf in Estes Park, CO.
clubs, balls and more so I could play as a junior. My whole family has loved the opportunities EP Junior Golf has given us and it was so exciting to play in the tournament to give back.”
“I was very excited when I received the entries for these two teams, and found that the six grandchildren all were products of the Program this tournament supports,” said Nan Ryan, Tournament Organizer. “I also know that the boys in the other All Junior Team have gone through the program – a real testament to the great work that golf professional Austin Logan and his team are doing to encourage and enhance junior golf in this area.”
“I am so thankful for the Estes Park Junior Golf Program,” said Sarah Keller, mother of the six. “Because of the program and its generosity, all six of my children have been able to learn the game of golf. EP Junior Golf will be our first ‘thank you’ when Ezra wins his first PGA tournament!”
Hats off to our Junior golfers, and the people who support them.
Estes Park Women’s Golf Association Results For August 5th, 2025
It was a beautiful, warm day on the course on Tuesday, August 5th for the EPWGA — Estes Park Women’s Golf Association. It was the first of our three-day Club Championship. Those not playing in the tournament participated in a follow the field game. Here’s the leaderboard for our follow the field game of “Mutt & Jeff”:
1st place — Johanna Gengler
2nd place — Ingrid Drouin
3rd place — Kimberly Ames 4th place — Karen Hall
Congratulations to the winners! This is such a fun group of golfers! If you’d like more information about EPWGA, please contact Diane Butler at dibutler04@gmail.com.
Tennis Anyone?
Residents and summer visitors are invited to join the Estes Park Tennis community. We play at the tennis courts in Stanley Park, near the high school. Men's and women's doubles on weekday mornings and mixed doubles on Sunday's late afternoon. We would love to see you on the courts. For more information call Sally at 970-577-9752.
All the Keller golfers, with their gallery!
AA & Al-Anon Meetings
Al-Anon (a 12-step program for family and friends of alcoholics)
Thursdays from noon-1 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave.in the upstairs lounge, Estes Park.
AA of Glen Haven
Every Monday night at Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
Early Worms
Monday thru Saturday at 7 a.m. (Monday through Saturday hybrid meetings with Zoom #796 839 839 PW:Worms20) at St. Bartholomew Church, 880 MacGregor Ave.
Early Worms Women's Meeting
12 p.m. Mondays
St. Bartholomew, 880 MacGregor Ave. Mixed Nuts Al-Anon Group
We meet Friday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Church. The meeting is hybrid with Zoom #285 426 3644 PW: serenity.
One Day at a Time
Location: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave., Estes Park
Tuesday at Noon Open discussion
Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Open discussion Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Meetings are in the lounge on the main floor by the front entrance to the church. Park upstairs by the main entrance of the church.
Alcoholics Anonymous Fall River Group, 453 West Elkhorn, Estes Park.
Current Schedule as of 6/17/2025
Zoom ID 999 829166 for AA Meetings
Mon.-12 p.m.-In person and Zoom-O, D
Monday-7 p.m. In Person and Zoom-O, BB
Tuesday-12 p.m. In Person and Zoom-O, D
Weds.-12 p.m. In Person and Zoom-O, D
Weds.-7 p.m. In Person and Zoom-O, D
Thurs.-12 p.m. In Person and Zoom-O, D
Friday-12 p.m. In Person and Zoom-O, D
Sat.-12 p.m. In Person and Zoom-O, D
Sun.-12 p.m. In Person and Zoom-O, ABSI
Sunday-7 p.m.-In Person and Zoom-O, D
Last Monday of each month is birthday night; 6 p.m. Potluck, 7 p.m. Speaker.
*** Contribute via VENMO @FallRiverGroupAA
Other 12 Step Meetings Held at Fall River Group
Thursday-7 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous “New Horizons” Group-O, D
In Person and Zoom 705 555 830
**O=open to all D=discussion
BB=Big Book
Zoom Meetings-Everyday at noon Zoom #999 829 166 (no password needed).
Monday Zoom Big Book study at 7 p.m. #654 598 884 (no password needed).
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Zoom #999 829 166
Online AA and NA Meetings at www.intherooms.com
There are 70 AA Meetings and 30 NA Meetings a week.
Ronald Froehlich
Ronald L. Froehlich, age 83, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on July 30th, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born on January 28th, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, Ron was the son of Julius and Thelma (Ferris) Froehlich. He graduated from Davenport High School (Iowa) in 1960 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1967. He married Elaine Gibson on September 21st, 1969, in Flint, Michigan.
A devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and decorated veteran, Ron is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elaine; his sons and daughters-in-law: Jason (Dee) Froehlich of Ankeny, Iowa; Scott (Jennifer) Froehlich of Waukee, Iowa; and Andrew (Manta) Froehlich of Loveland. He is also survived by his sisters Judy (Gary) Riessen of Montrose, Colorado, and Sally (Ralph) Boney of Orion, Illinois; his brother Ed (Sandy) Froehlich of Davenport; and his beloved grandchildren: Adam (Lauren), Elly, and Owen; Jacob, Ben, and Katelyn; and Tyler.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: Roger, Bob, David, Sidney, and Gerald.
Ron proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed as a broadcast specialist. For his service, he received several military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal. He began his career as a newspaper reporter in Flint before joining the Maytag Company in 1970 as part of the public relations department. In 1985, he founded Froehlich Communications, an advertising, graphic design, and public relations agency, which he led until his retirement. In retirement, Ron became a published author. His novel, No Matter the Season, was released in 2014. He was an avid tennis player, poker enthusiast, and enjoyed hosting family and friends at their mountain retreat in Estes Park, Colorado.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many friends, loved ones, and care professionals who supported Ron during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dementia Together in Fort Collins, Colorado.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies in Estes Park, with lunch to follow.
Dianne Elizabeth Van Horn-Ingels-Moss
Dianne was born August 8th, 1941 to Paul Hamilton Van Horn and Mary Jo Janosec Van Horn. She died on November 29th, 2024 of natural causes at her home in Palm Desert, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Moss, adopted brother, Tom Van Horn, first husband, Hugh Ingels, and her parents. She is survived by her brother, William Van Horn (Joanie Marland) and sister, Kimber Van Horn, nieces and nephews, Jennifer Trauscht-Van Horn (Joe Ferriter), Julie Gardner (Steve), Cody Van Horn, and Justin Van Horn.
Raised in Estes Park, Colorado, Dianne grew up at the Hobby Horse, the family dude ranch, which is now called Discovery Lodge. She was the Rooftop Rodeo queen in 1958 and graduated from Estes Park High School in 1959. Dianne attended Loretta Heights College, University of Hawaii, graduated from University of Colorado-Boulder, then earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from New York University.
In December of 1995 Dianne married William Moss and maintained homes in both Dallas, TX and Indian Wells, CA. Earlier in life, she was married to Hugh Ingels and resided in Colorado Springs, CO and in Denver, CO. She did not have any children but took a strong interest in mentoring her nieces and nephews.
Dianne’s first job was with Bon Witt Teller in New York City, serving as the Director of Purchasing. She was a real estate agent in Colorado Springs. Her professional accomplishments included service on the boards of several NYSE corporations, including Fannie Mae and the Del Webb Corporation. She cochaired the Mortgage Finance Committee of the National Association of Realtors and founded Carterea Investment Corporation, a Dallasbased private investment and consulting firm. Under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W.
Bush, Dianne received presidential appointments to the National Housing Task Force and the National Institute of Building Sciences. She also served on the Board of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), advancing U.S. foreign policy through global economic development.
Dianne was a philanthropist, giving generously to those in need; a world traveler, taking her family to Africa and the Middle East; a patron of the arts and education, establishing scholarship funds; and an enthusiastic Dallas Cowboys fan.
Jesus Christ was Diane’s Lord and Savior. Raised in the Catholic church, worship with the Episcopalian church, spending time each day reading devotions, meditating on God’s word and in prayer. She is resting in His arms. A private family service is planned to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Jude’s Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, at stjude.org, or by calling (800) 8055856.
Karen Lewis McClure
Karen Lewis McClure, 85, of Estes Park, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22nd, in the mountain home she cherished, surrounded by the people she loved most.
Karen was born on April 5th, 1940, to Ruth (Lewis) and John James McClure, Jr. She spent her early years in southeastern Texas and in New Orleans where she graduated from Metairie Park Country Day School in 1957. Karen went on to attend Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, earning her degree in Sociology in 1961 — a college track she chose because it offered her the greatest freedom in selecting electives. Karen loved to learn, and she filled her college years with wide-ranging studies. She remained closely connected to Smith throughout her life, joining Smith Clubs in all the communities she called home. Her time at Smith was a deeply meaningful and enduring part of her life, and a source of lifelong friendships.
After graduating from college, Karen married and moved to the Midwest, where she began raising a family. During those early years, she devoted herself not only to her home but also to her community. She created environmental education programs for a local zoo and nature center, where she also taught, and dedicated countless hours to the Junior League, among other efforts. When the family relocated to New Orleans, Karen’s strong sense of civic duty remained unwavering. She continued her volunteer work with the Junior League, supported the local public radio station, and contributed to the development of educational programs for the newly opened Louisiana Nature Center. While still living in New Orleans, Karen also earned her master’s degree in education from the University of New Orleans – a reflection of her lifelong love of learning. During the hot New Orleans summers, her love of the outdoors drew her to Estes Park, Colorado, where she initially vacationed and later began working at a local summer camp.
Perhaps Karen’s greatest love was for the Colorado Rocky Mountains. In the mid-1980s, she moved to Denver, where she established a suc-
cessful residential real estate business. True to her spirit of engagement, she became active in several community organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Colorado Mountain Club, the Tuesday Morning Class, and Ski Meisters, to name a few. Karen eventually retired to Estes Park, Colorado – a place she fondly referred to as God’s Country. True to form, she poured her time and energy into the community while fully embracing the natural beauty that surrounded her. She continued her Rotary Club affiliation and enjoyed working as a seasonal volunteer at Rocky Mountain National Park. It was in Estes Park that she met the love of her life, Dave Evans, and together they lived what her family describes as her fairy-tale ending – a true happily ever after.
Karen is survived by her husband, David Evans; her two children, John Rannells Howell (Gabriela), and Kristin Howell Blackwell (John); her brother Robert Lewis McClure (Kian); and her sister Jan Walker McClure (Michael). She was also an extra fun and deeply beloved “Nana” to her three grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.
Karen will be remembered for her cheery disposition and beautiful smile, her deep love of the outdoors, her passion for learning and travel, her selfless sense of civic duty, and especially for her genuine desire to connect with those around her.
A memorial service celebrating Karen’s life will be held on September 3rd at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, with a reception to follow. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
EP News photo
Marilyn Saunders
Saunders (née Baker), age 93, passed away peacefully on July 30th, 2025, in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Born on July 12th, 1932, in Kewanee, Illinois, Marilyn grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. She was the first daughter of seven children. Throughout her life, she remained deeply connected to her roots and carried with her the values of kindness, creativity, and generosity that defined her character.
Marilyn graduated from the Baptist Missionary Training School in Chicago in 1954 and was married to Paul Saunders from 1953 til his death in 2015. They lived several years in Pasadena, CA before moving to Colorado. Marilyn was a devoted member of the Estes Park United Methodist Church. Her faith was a guiding force in her life and a source of strength and community. She was especially cherished for the joy she brought to others during the holiday season when she and her husband Paul delighted children and families by portraying Mr. and Mrs. Claus—a tradition that reflected
their shared warmth and spirit of giving.
Marilyn had a lifelong love of reading and found great joy in crafts, quilting, and working on jigsaw puzzles. Her hands were rarely still— whether stitching together intricate quilts or piecing together puzzles with care and patience. These hobbies not only brought her personal fulfillment but also served as expressions of her creativity and attention to detail. She worked in the Pendleton Shop in Estes Park for many years.
She is survived by her brother Don Baker of Dunlap, IL; sisters Janet Yedinak of Mt. View, CA; Joanne McDonald of Encinitas, CA; and Jeanne Isabel of Sycamore, IL. Marilyn also leaves behind her daughter Debra Yardley of Birmingham, England; sons David Saunders of Fort Collins, CO; and Steven Saunders of Loveland, CO.
Granddaughters include Sarah Vorce of Las Vegas, NV, Heather Eason of Wilmington, NC and grandson Jason Yardley of Birmingham, England along with several great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Richard Baker and Robert Baker and husband Paul Saunders.
Marilyn’s generous heart touched many lives over the years. Her memory will live on through those who knew her best and loved her most.
May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing. A Memorial Service will be held on August 16th, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Estes Park United Methodist Church 1509 Fish Hatchery Rd. Friends and family invited to attend.
Estes Park Quota Club Wants To Help! EspañolEstes Park Quota Club quiere ayudar!"
The better you hear, the healthier your brain is! A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that using hearing aids can decrease the risk of dementia by 32%! Learn more about Quota Club's Hearing and Speech work in Estes Park at estesparkquota.com/contact-info
¡Cuanto mejor escuche, más sano estará su cerebro! Un estudio de la Escuela de Salud Pública Bloomberg de Johns Hopkins muestra que el uso de audífonos puede reducir el riesgo de demencia en un 32 %. Obtenga más información sobre el trabajo de audición y habla de Quota Club en Estes Park en https://estesparkquota.com/contact-info
In Loving Memory Of Paul Laurence Thomas
Paul Laurence Thomas passed away unexpectedly in his Estes Park, Colorado home on July 23rd, 2025, at the age of 57. Born on October 8th, 1967, Paul grew up in Kearney, MO. Paul returned to Kansas City to begin his professional career at NASB, after completing graduate school at University of Missouri in Columbia, MO.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Mandy, and his sons, Noah (18) and Elliot (16). He is also survived by his parents, Larry and Joann Thomas; his siblings: Laurie Stuckey, Lisa Johnson (Steve), and Todd Thomas (Tammi); his sistersin-law: Sarah Malcom (Jason) and Samantha Miller (Logan); his brother-in-law, Greg Wood; his parents-in-law, Rick and Anita Sikes; and his grandmother-in-law, Lois Williams. He is also survived by his 21 beloved nieces and nephews: Zekiel, Katharina, Elias (Catherine), Braden, Asa, Izabella, Vianne, Greta, Lucianna, Finnian, Dylan, Amelia, Olivia, Charlie, Cole, Luke, Elijah, Jude, Hallie, Benji, and Skye.
Paul spent nearly 30 years in dedicated service at NASB before retiring as CEO in 2022. He was not only a leader but also a friend and mentor. He led with compassion and humility. Paul’s favorite part of his job was making a difference in the community through NASB’s philanthropic endeavors. This passion extended into his personal life as well. Paul was involved in numerous community programs throughout the city—so many, in fact, that we won’t attempt to list them all for fear of leaving some out. He let his passions guide his service, which ranged widely and included helping homeless veterans secure housing, repairing and supporting access to bicycles for Kansas Citians, providing support to the recovery community, and championing programs that offer safety and mentorship to children in our community. Even after retirement, he continued to serve—right up to his last day—as a
member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Kansas City. While Paul was proud of his work at NASB and in the community, his greatest source of fulfillment was spending time with his wife and children, often embarking on epic adventures. With careful planning, purpose, and intention, Paul retired in 2022 to spend more quality time traveling with his family while his children were still at home. He kicked off retirement with a twoweek family road trip to Canada. He was especially proud to lead Noah on his first summit of Longs Peak— the tallest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park, a place deeply special to the Thomas family. Just this past summer, he and Elliot took a spontaneous three-week road trip to Alaska. There were many other adventures over the years. Paul was thriving and in the prime of his life—physically fit and active.
His final day was spent hiking to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park with Elliot, near the spot where he and Mandy were married nearly 21 years ago. We find comfort in knowing that his last day was nearly perfect. The only thing he would have changed was having Mandy and Noah there with them as well.
If you wish to share a memory of Paul for his wife and children to read in the future—whether a story, a photo, or a simple note—please send it to memoriesofpaulthomas@gmail.com. Your stories will help ensure that Paul’s remarkable spirit continues to inspire those he loved most for generations to come and bring comfort to his devoted wife and children.
Paul impacted countless lives and was a cherished friend and mentor to many. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 12th, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. A reception will immediately follow the service from 4-6 p.m.
Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Kansas City or loveenough4u.org, which provides scholarships to teens and young adults who need drug and alcohol treatment but cannot afford it.
Marilyn
Photo by Robert Burns
ho u SeKeepi ng Ma n a g eR
Primarily responsible for oversight of the leadership responsible for the cleanliness of and timeliness in preparing lodge rooms and cabins for guest occupancy. The Housekeeping Manager must effectively use forecasting techniques, scheduling and proper work assignments to successfully achieve this goal. The Housekeeping Manager will recognize and address productivity issues on a daily basis in coordination with the Director of Operations. This position pays $20.50$23.00/hour with medical benefits, participation in the YMCA retirement fund, discounted childcare, family membership, generous PTO/ vacation, and many more employee perks.
j o bs.ym ca r oc k ie s. o rg
Outdoor World and Rocky Mountain Connection retail clothing and equipment year round stores need you. Starting at $18 per hour. Retail selling, merchandising. You must be cheerful and like people. Choose your hours. Ages 15 to 80. Call Ernie 24 hours a day Mon - Sun. 970 232 8290.
We’re hiring for all positions starting at $22.61/hr.:
You've just found it! Fun family business www.estesparknews.com
To apply visit www.albertsonscompanies.com select Careers then search for Estes Park, CO to locate jobs After your application has been completed, please call 970.586.4447.
Patron Experience LibrarianChildren
40 hours/week, Non-exempt Pay range: $22.10 - $30.94/hr depending on experience Excellent benefits package: includes medical, dental, vision, retirement (PERA), 401(k) options, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), & more
Summary: The Patron Experience Librarian - Children curates our Children's collection, provides robust programming based on early learning principles, collaborates with community partners, and creates a welcoming environment for children & families from all walks of life. Fluent English/Spanish bilingual candidates highly desired, pay differential included Closing Date: 5 PM, Friday, August 22, 2025 or until filled
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION: Review full job description and apply at estesvalleylibrary.org/jobs
Only complete applications with cover letter and resume will be considered.
ho u SeKeepi ng - Staff
The Housekeeping Department is responsible for having assigned cabins and lodge rooms cleaned by check-in time and to meet the expectations of the supervisors and guests. Within the Housekeeping Department, there are two types of positions; Housekeeping - Staff and Laundry Attendants. Housekeeping - Staff are responsible for cleaning cabins, lodge rooms, lobbies, and public areas. Laundry Attendants are responsible for sorting, folding, shrink-wrapping, and stacking laundry. Laundry Attendants also load and empty washers and driers. Laundry Attendants must be able to drive to transport laundry to guest accommodations. In your application, please state whether you prefer Housekeeping, Laundry Attendant, or No Preference. This role will pay $14.81/hour and may work for a total of up to 8 months, with flexible work agreements available. YMca of
j o bs.ym ca r oc k ie s. o rg
Staff ho u Si ng Specia l iSt This position supports the work of the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center, which operates a mission-based family and group conference and retreat center, serving more than 150,000 guests annually. The Building Maintenance Tech – Staff Housing Specialist is primarily responsible for the maintenance and repair of all aspects of Estes Park Center’s staff housing, with a special emphasis on Glacier Lodge, the year-round staff housing neighborhood. The majority of the work will be ongoing building and grounds maintenance and repair as requested by the Buildings Maintenance Supervisor. Additional maintenance and repair work will also occur in all buildings at Estes Park Center. This position pays $20.50$23/hour with great benefits including on-site housing, health, dental, and life insurance, discounted childcare, generous PTO/vacation, ski passes, and participation in the YMCA Retirement Fund.
Now Hiring CDL Drivers
Year round Part-time CDL drivers with passenger endorsment starting at $32.00 an hour plus tips.
Apply within at: Estes Park Shuttle 551 South Saint Vrain Ave
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Full details on employment opportunities and the application can be found at estes.org/jobs.
Regular Full-time
• Police Officer I - III
• Street Equipment Specialist I/II/III
The status of applications will be communicated via e-mail. By choice, the Town of Estes Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Now Hiring
Shuttle Drivers: $20/hr to start. $4.00 early morning and late night shift differential.
Local Ride Drivers: $20.00-$22.00 an hour based on experience. 30-35 hours a week.
Tour Guides: $20/hr plus tip.
Apply within at: Estes Park Shuttle - 551 South Saint Vrain Ave
Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church
We are seeking someone with a compassionate heart and organizational skills to fill the part-time Pastoral Assistant position. This position requires knowledge of the Catholic faith, computer skills, record keeping, and the sensitivity to tend to parishioners’ needs. If a fun, interesting and faith-filled office environment suits you, please contact the office for more information.
Businessmanager@olmestes.org (970) 586-8111
Apartments
Workforce Housing AVAILABLE
Fall River Village, Grand Estates, and Peak View Apartments
2 Bedrooms-Price ranges from $1,499-$2,164
Fully furnished available at Fall River Village
Households that are interested can visit the EPHA office at 363 E. Elkhorn Ave., Ste. 101 to complete an application and be added to the waitlist. If currently on a waitlist for other EPHA properties, please call 970-591-2535 or email epha@estes.org to update your application to include these properties.
Discover your mountain haven in Estes Park.
Modern living, breathtaking views and endless outdoor adventure awaits. Live where nature meets home. Call now to tour! 970-488-3626
Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Commercial Rentals
OFFICE SPACE For Rent
Private Parking, 2 offices, each w/ separate entrances, shared bathroom. Rent 1 or both. $400 ea. 970-290-4488
Charming Private Office in Historic Downtown Estes Park 166 Virginia, Suite 1, Looking for a professional office in the heart of Estes Park? This beautifully renovated one-person office is located in a historic building right downtown, just steps from Bond Park, local banks, and the business district. Features & Amenities:
• Prime downtown location with signage on Virginia Drive
• All utilities included (except internet)
• Wired for Fiber Optics & High-Speed Internet via Trailblazer
• Access to a separate conference room with a large TV for Zoom meetings
• Shared kitchen with coffee setup
• Copy machine available for your business needs
Ideal for remote professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking a quiet, professional workspace in a vibrant setting. $500 per month. Call Thom at 970-586-2448 to schedule a tour!
Homes
3 bedroom, 2 bath with laundry and hook up for a hot tub, attached finished garage on a 1/2 acre lot. Great neighborhood and close to town. Rent is $3,000/mo. Pets are negotiable. Available August 1st. Contact admin@ glaciercreekinc.com
3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath charming home, close to town. $1,800/mo 970-449-3573 for info.
Storage Units
Manford Plaza storage unit for rent. 970-586-3828
TRANSPORTATION
Vans
2017 Nissan NV S
32,0000 miles, one owner, V6, rear wheel drive. $26,000 970-214-8844
Silver Saddle Inn
Now hiring: Front Desk Agent
Housekeeping
Apply in person: 1260 Big Thompson Ave. or email resume: info@estesresort.com
Ho u sekeepi ng Crew Lea d er
This position is primarily responsible for successfully leading a housekeeping crew out of YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center while cleaning cabins and lodges, with an emphasis on quality, accountability, efficiency and timeliness in preparing guest accommodations according to association housekeeping standards. The ideal candidate must be highly motivated and effective to lead others. This position pays $19.63$22.21/hour with great benefits including discounted childcare, on-site childcare, medical benefits, participation in YMCA retirement fund, and generous PTO/vacation.
Trailers/Campers
Ford Econoline 150, 1996 only two owners with ONLY 93K miles, truly excellent condition, electric folding double bed. Comes with storage cover, locally serviced, $7,900. A must see! 303-995-8130.
SERVICES
Landscaping
Expert Landscaping – 20 Years Experience From garden makeovers to custom outdoor spaces, I’ll bring your vision to life with quality and care. (970) 213-3102Orkin43@gmail.com
Piano Tuning
Susan Novy, local piano tuner. Call for appt. 577-1755 www.estesparkpiano tuner.com
Sewing/Alterations
Remixed Custom Sewing Services. Small Furniture, Restoration, Outdoor and RV Cushions, and Commercial Upholstery. Call for appointment 970-492-5446
Commercial FOR LEASE
1,400 sq ft - commercial space. Perfect for small business. 521 S. St. Vrain (Hwy 7). Long term lease. Call Anderson Realty & Management 970-586-2950
Commercial Spaces for sale and lease. Call Eric.
Anderson Realty. 586-2950
ELECTRONICS
Computers
text or call (970) 591-3668
Garage Sales
840 Old Ranger Drive Fri/Sat 8/8 - 8/9. 8am2pm
Antiques, Iron Bed, RV Tire Covers, Fishing Poles, Deer Hide, Coleman Stove, Furniture, Tools, Bedding, Misc Cords, Toro Blower/Vac, Dishes, Clothes, Household, Misc. All priced to sell!
Estate Sales
HUGE Estate Sale! Furn., tools, electronics, household, men’s clothing, patio furn., misc. Fri/Sat 8am-12pm 1765 Hwy 66 NO EARLY SALES!
ESTATE/MOVING SALE
Need to have one, but seems overwhelming. We do the work, you make the $. Local, Affordable, References. CALL JUDI 970-215-5548
