5,100 copies were printed this week, and distributed FREE to hundreds of Estes Valley locations including Allenspark, Glen Haven, & Lyons. A National Online Audience With Loyal Local Readership
Ph: (970) 586•5800 Fax: (970) 692•2611
Opinions of our columnists are not necessarily the opinions of this newspaper.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy Announces Release Of Dr. James H. Pickering’s New Book — When The Park Was Young: Chapters In The Early History Of Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy is proud to announce the publication of When the Park Was Young: Chapters in the Early History of Rocky Mountain National Park, the newest work by Dr. James H. Pickering, Estes Park’s Historian Laureate and one of the foremost chroniclers of the region’s past. The book is available now in two editions: a signed and numbered hardcover collector’s edition and paperback.
When Charles Russell Trowbridge arrived in Estes Park on July 1st, 1915, to open the new national park, he faced an extraordinary challenge: with only three full-time rangers and a modest $10,000 budget, he was charged with overseeing 358 square miles of newly designated public land. In When the Park Was Young, Pickering explores how Trowbridge and his early successors met those challenges— laying the foundation for what would become one of America’s most beloved national parks.
that shaped the park’s formative years—including the furor that erupted
worlds apart. They exist in time, continually subject to, and shaped by, the human history that takes place in and around them.”
Dr. Pickering has served as Estes Park’s Historian Laureate since 2006 and is a longtime board member and past president of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. His latest work continues his decades-long dedication to preserving and interpreting the intertwined histories of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
When the Park Was Young: Chapters in the Early History of Rocky Mountain National Park is published by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy and is available now at RMConservancy.org/shop.
In five engaging and meticulously researched chapters, Pickering examines how early park superintendents navigated the monumental task of building infrastructure, managing concessions, and welcoming visitors to a fledgling national treasure. He brings to life the conflicts, characters, and controversies
in 1919 over the concession awarded transportation pioneer Roe Emery, a decade-long dispute that involved both park advocate Enos Mills and, ultimately, the sitting Secretary of the Interior.
Richly illustrated and thoroughly documented, When the Park Was Young sheds light on the formative years of Rocky Mountain National Park, revealing patterns that continue to shape its story to this day. As Rich Fedorchak, the park’s former Chief of Interpretation, notes in his foreword, “Park histories like Jim Pickering’s demonstrate, and remind us, that national parks like Rocky Mountain do not exist, and never have existed, as
Hospital District Service Plan Approved By Larimer County Commissioners
At the Monday, November 10th meeting of the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners, the commissioners approved the Park Hospital District’s amended service plan. With this approval, which was the final step in the planned partnership between UCHealth and Estes Park Health, the closing process can be completed.
The effective date for the partnership will be Monday, December 1st, when Estes Park Health and its employees join UCHealth.
The effective date was determined following the completion of regulatory and con-
tractual work, and Park Hospital District public comment sessions, clearing the way for the partnership to officially begin.
On December 1st, EPH’s current employees will become UCHealth employees; both organizations are committed to minimizing any disruptions to patient care.
Pickering signs copies of his new book at an exclusive gathering for Conservancy members.
249 West Elkhorn Ave. • Near the Water Wheel
Gorgeous Vintage Native American Hand Made Jewelry, Pottery and Rugs
89 Years in Downtown Estes Park!
RMNP Souvenirs and Great Book Selection!
Estes Park Museum Shop Celebrates First Year Of New Operation
Join the Estes Park Museum for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 14th, presented by the Estes Chamber of Commerce to celebrate a successful first year of the new shop. The event will be held at the Estes Park Museum with light refreshments provided. After the ceremony, the Museum Gallery will be open to explore, with staff present to answer questions. This event will kick off the Museum’s 2025 Holiday Sale, with a minimum of 15% off everything in the shop!
The Estes Park Museum Shop was reopened in the fall of 2024 as an additional way for the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. (EPMFF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to support the Estes Park Museum through fundraising and advocacy. In addition to financial support, the shop enhances the gallery experience for guests
by offering a number of unique items reflecting a Museum visit. Through programs like the Museum Shop, the EPMFF supports the Estes Park Museum in its mission to conduct activities that preserve, share, and respect the unique history of Estes Park. In addition to celebrating the first year of new shop operations, the EPMFF is pleased to announce that as of August 2025, the shop has passed the breakeven point, producing a revenue stream that has outpaced the initial investment funds and ongoing shop expenses. As a result, the shop is now operating in a net positive, enabling future opportunities for expansion and increased support for the Museum. The EPMFF Board and Estes Park Museum staff look forward to the continued growth and success of the Museum Shop.
It’s Blue Santa Time!
Sponsored by the Town of Estes Park’s Police Department Auxiliary, the Blue Santa program purchases and delivers non-perishable food and hygiene products to adult disabled, homebound, and elderly community members who need extra holiday cheer in December. Estes Park has between 90 and 100 Blue Santa recipients each year. Nominations for community members to receive a delivery should be submitted no later than November 30th, 2025. Nominations can be emailed to BlueSanta@estes.org or submitted through the online nomination form at estes.org/bluesanta. Please note that any household receiving Bright Christmas is not eligible for Blue Santa. If you would like to help with this worthwhile and needed project, you can:
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 November 2nd, 2025, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 14 calls for service. This included:
mail your monetary donation to the Blue Santa Program, c/o Estes Park Police Auxiliary, PO Box 1287, Estes Park, CO 80517; leave a donation in one of the Blue Santa jars around town; or donate to the Blue Santa Program via debit or credit card at estes.org/onlinepayments.
Scroll down the page to the “Police Department Services Payment.” Select “EP Police Dept Donations” and then type “Blue Santa” in the description and your donation amount in the “Price.” You can then check out and receive a receipt.
All donations are used to fund items for Blue Santa recipients, and the Blue Santa program is only possible through your compassion for those in need and your generous donations. Questions should be directed to BlueSanta@estes.org.
• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 4
• Alarm Activation: 3
• HazMat: 1
• Assist: 1
• Smoke Investigation: 2
• Odor Investigation: 1
• Elevator Rescue: 1
• Vehicle Fire: 1 estesvalleyfire.org
2026 Rooftop Rodeo Tickets On
Sale Beginning November 19th
The Town of Estes Park is pleased to announce that tickets for the 2026 Rooftop Rodeo will go on sale November 19th, 2025 at rooftoprodeo.com at 10 a.m. The 2026 Rooftop Rodeo takes place nightly from Monday, July 6th, through Saturday, July 11th at the Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way.
Standard ticket prices, including fees, are $29.48 for general admission, $42.58 for
box seats, and $20.74 for senior citizens, military personnel (I.D.s required), and children (ages 3-12). Admission is free for children aged two and under. General admission discounts of 25 percent are available for groups of 15 or more and will apply automatically at checkout.
Each night of the Rodeo features unique themes and/or promotions:
Monday, July 6th: Family Night
Tickets for children (ages 3-12) are just $7.64 each (including fees)
Tuesday, July 7th: First Responders Night
First Responders and their families pay just $15.29 per person (including fees) for general admission.
Wednesday, July 8th: Locals Night
Locals receive a 25 percent discount on general admission with online coupon code "80517" (only when ordering tickets online or purchasing in advance at the Event Center office)
Thursday, July 9th: Military Appreciation Night
Military personnel and their families pay just $15.29 per person (including fees) for general admission (I.D. required).
Friday, July 10th: Paint Estes Pink
We encourage you to proudly wear pink to show your support for breast cancer awareness and research.
Saturday, July 11th: America 250/Colorado 150
We commemorate America 250/Colorado 150 during the final night to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s entrance into the Union.
Gates open each night at 5 p.m. The preshow begins at 6:45 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 7 p.m. Rooftop Rodeo Parade will take place on Monday, July 6th, 2026 at 10 a.m.
For more information about the Rooftop Rodeo, visit rooftoprodeo.com. Ticket purchasing inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events Office at 970577-3900, or events@estes.org.
Join The Next Trustee Talk Nov. 20 At The Estes Park Senior Citizens Center
Community members are invited to join Mayor Pro Tem Cenac and Trustee Kirby Hazelton for a Trustee Talk
Thursday, November 20th at 10:30 a.m. at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, 1760 Olympian Lane. Coffee and light refreshments will be pro-
vided. This is the second of two Trustee Talks per year that will be held at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center. This is an opportunity for community members to discuss local issues with members of the board in an informal setting.
Photos by Kris Hazelton Estes Park News 2018
Start (Or Finish) Your Holiday Gifting At Sip’n’Shop
By: Estes Chamber of Commerce
The Estes Chamber is teaming up with local businesses to for their third annual holiday bazaar on Friday, December 5th
“Every year, we get such wonderful feedback on this event; people truly enjoy having an opportunity to shop so many local vendors in one location,” said Chamber President Colleen DePasquale. “This year, we are making the event free, so even more people can join us in sharing holiday cheer while they either finish their holiday shopping or kick-off their gift giving season,” she added.
Vendors will be set up inside at The Barrel from 5 – 7 p.m. with unique items to fill stocking and help locals check folks off their gift list, while also supporting small businesses and artisan shops.
are perfect for anyone on your list.
Creativity Cabin — Add a handmade touch to your holidays with custom earrings, festive ornaments, and gift certificates for creative experiences.
“This is the time of year when we love to create events that bring our locals together and our local love supporting each other, so it’s a win-win for all the businesses involved and our community,” said Ingrid Bush, owner of The Barrel. “Plus, we all get to start our holiday shopping with a drink in our hands and crowds of people we enjoy being around,” Bush continued.
This year’s vendors include:
Glacier Lily — Discover a beautiful selection of boutique treasures — from luxurious hair products and wellness items to jewelry, gift cards, and holiday gifts that
Inspired Artisans — Explore hands-on art kits and interactive “makeyour-own” projects — perfect for crafting something special this season or gifting a creative experience.
Aspen and Evergreen Gallery — Find artful gifts and cozy keepsakes including ceramics, jewelry, greeting cards, coasters, heat pads, scarves, and magnets — each piece crafted with local charm.
The Spice Rack — Treat yourself to a delicious assortment of spices, pastries, treats, and holiday gift items — the perfect mix of flavor and festivity.
Fia and Blue — Get in the Christmas spirit with festive décor, specialty coffees and teas, and other fun holiday finds that bring warmth to the season.
Additional vendors are being added, so mark your calendar for Friday, December 5th, starting at 5 p.m. at The Barrel on Moraine Ave and come see all the local shops. As always, The Barrel will be mixing-up festive cocktails and attendees are welcome to enjoy the food truck on-site or bring their own food to enjoy while they are sipping and shopping.
Support Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership Through Better To-Go Fundraiser Dinner On December 11th
By: Jay Shields, Manager & Executive Director, Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership
Better To-Go Fundraiser Dinner — Great Food, Great Cause, Great Company
Each fall, the Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership (EVRJP) invites our community to come together in the spirit of connection, compassion, and good food. This year, we’re serving up all three with our Better To-Go Fundraiser Dinner on Thursday, December 11th, 2025 — a takeout event with great food for an even greater cause.
We’ve partnered once again with our
friends at Mama Rose’s Restaurant, who have crafted a special menu just for the occasion. Choose from:
● Portabella Ravioli with a tomato cream sauce - a mouth melting experience (vegetarian choice)
Each entrée comes with garlic bread, a family-style house salad, and a delicious dessert to finish strong. Pick up your meal between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on December 11th, and enjoy knowing your dinner is making a difference.
Before you pick up your meal, swing by for our Better Together Social Hour between 4:15 and 7 p.m. It’s casual, it’s fun, and it’s all about connection. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and conversations with EVRJP staff, volunteers, and supporters. It’s a welcoming space to reconnect, laugh, and celebrate the people who make this community special.(Think of it as happy hour — only much happier.)
Thanks to the generous donation of all meals by Mama Rose’s, every single dollar raised goes straight to EVRJP programs that help strengthen our community.
Your contribution supports:
● Community Group Conferencing – bringing people together to repair harm and rebuild trust
● Restorative Community Mediation – resolving conflicts with understanding and empathy
● Facilitated Conversations – opening the door to healing dialogue
● Community Conversations – creating spaces to explore issues that matter
● Student Support Programs – helping youth learn and grow through restorative
practices
Order your meal. Share a laugh. Support something that truly matters.
Reserve your pickup time and be part of this year’s Better ToGo celebration.
100% of your donation stays right here in the Estes Valley, helping to create a more restorative, resilient, and responsive community.
To learn more about EVRJP and the work your contribution supports, visit estes.org/restorativejustice or contact us at restorativejustice@estes.org or 970-5773829. Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
Place your order by December 7th using the QR code here.
Contributions are welcome — simply scan the QR code (Venmo on the left or Square on the right) below, or visit estes.org/restorativejustice to donate.
The Town of Estes Park is committed to providing accessible information and services.
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And The Philanthropy Day Nominees Are….
By: Estes Nonprofit Network
Each year, community members nominate individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and youth who demonstrate a deep commitment to philanthropy in Estes Park. A heartfelt thank you to all the nominees for their hard work in this community. Winners are chosen by an independent committee and announced at National Philanthropy Day on November 20th at the YMCA of the Rockies. RSVP to this FREE community event via epnonprofit.org/npd.
Youth Philanthropist of the Year
● Estes Park High School Key Club
● Estes Park Middle School Environmental Resiliency Team
● Mica Bertucci
● Youth In Action
Katie Speer Individual Philanthropist of the Year
● Denise Shank (Posthumously)
● Janet Collison
● Ken Arnold
● Niki Gassmann
Enduring Service Award
● Alice League
● Alissa Anderson
● Belle Morris
● Bob Leavitt
● David Batey
● Dawn James
● Dr. Jim Pickering
● Judy Brannon
● Laura Trump
● Tom Washburn
Shavlik Nonprofit of the Year
● Bridge of Estes
● Estes Valley Crisis Advocates
● EVICS Family Resource Center
● Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club
Business Philanthropist of the Year
● Bank of Estes Park
● Estes Park Mountain Shop
● High Plains Excavation & Aggregate
● Kind Coffee
● Mueller Pye & Associates, CPA, LLC
● Sabir Sherestha and Paras Poudyal, Rajiv Poudel, Owners of The Hive, Lonigan's, Himalyan Curry & Kebob, Flavors of the Rockies, and the Estes Village Store
See also pages 20-21
YMCA Expands Early Childhood Education
With New Toddler Room At Estes Park Center
YMCA of the Rockies is pleased to announce the expansion of its Beverly K. Booe Early Childhood Education Program at Bennett, with the addition of a second toddler room opening in January 2026. The expansion will allow the program to serve more toddlers, ages 12 months to 2 years from the Estes Valley community, helping to serve a great need. Families may choose flexible enrollment options: Monday–Wednesday, Thursday–Friday, or fullweek (Monday–Friday), from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuition is $65 per day.
Rooted in a nature-based, child-led curriculum, the Beverly K. Booe Early Childhood Education Program serves local families year-round and provides limited summer access to YMCA guests. The pro-
gram emphasizes developmental milestones through outdoor exploration, music, movement, and art.
“Nature is a critical element for child development, helping children build creativity, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive skills,” said Susan Taylor, Program Director at YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center. “Our location provides a unique opportunity for children to safely explore the outdoors and grow in a nurturing, forested environment.”
Families interested in enrolling or learning more are encouraged to visit ymcarockies.org/camps-and-childcare/preschool or contact Program Director Liz Price at EPrice@ymcarockies.org.
Turkey Trot 5K At The YMCA Of The Rockies
The Annual Turkey Trot 5K is right around the corner! Join us at Estes Park Center on November 27th for a fun-filled morning in the Rockies.
Free to join, all ages welcome, and dogfriendly-so lace up, grab your flock, and let’s trot!
9 a.m. | YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center Start at the Sweet Memorial Program Building.
Free Tax-Aide Service Seeking Volunteers For A Variety Of Roles
Since 2005, the Estes Valley Library has partnered with Tax-Aide to host this valuable service to our community. TaxAide is sponsored by the AARP Foundation, but there is no requirement for volunteers to have AARP membership. There are about 20 volunteers, which allows for flexible volunteer scheduling, with many volunteers taking vacations to warmer climates during tax season, which will be from Tuesday February 3rd
IRS restricts the complexity of returns volunteers can prepare and selects the tax software, which currently is TaxSlayer®. Training will include the preparation of federal and Colorado tax returns to gain familiarity with the tax software and with using Chromebooks. One perk for volunteers is the free electronic filing of their own federal and state income tax returns.
– Tuesday April 14th, 2026 this year. January is when we hold all training and take online tests, so all volunteers need to be available from January 12-31.
This past tax season, over 450 free income tax returns were filed. Not every volunteer prepares income tax returns, although most do. Other roles needed are:
• Client Facilitator: greet clients, review intake forms and tax documents;
• Technology Assistance: ensure Chromebooks, printers, WiFi equipment work properly.
Many current volunteers had no prior experience in accounting or tax law. The
New volunteers will be invited to a two-hour orientation in early December 2025 at the library. Training for all new and returning volunteers will take place at the library from Monday January 12th through Saturday January 17th, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day for five days, with daily breaks for lunch (there will be no training on Thursday January 15th). Additional training will be provided as needed to prepare volunteers to take the IRS and Colorado tax online certification tests, which all volunteers are required to pass each year by the end of January. All tests are open book. For additional information, please contact Local Coordinator Lori Hendrickson via email at estesvalleytaxes@gmail.com, or by telephone at 970-415-1372.
When I began thinking about today’s column, a song from The Mikado starting forming an earworm in my mind:
“I’ve got a little list…” Because I do have a little list, and as soon as I write all the list items down, the song will stop playing in my head. This is a list of things that drive me up and over the global maximum on the grumpy graph. If I send these peeves out there into the clouds of goodness floating about, perhaps their negative energy will dissipate into the atmosphere and they won’t nag at me anymore. I’ll be gruntled.
(I just learned this week that being gruntled means being pleased, satisfied and contented. Ergo, being disgruntled is the exact opposite of being gruntled. This tickles me. An onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like what it is, like blurp or sizzle. Gruntled is the opposite of an onomatopoeia. Gruntled sounds like it means grumpy, but it doesn’t, it means happy. Therefore, I’ll be gruntled to share my little list.)
But first: Instead of gruntled, Joe often says he is contented. I use the word content. Are they the same? If you use one over the other, no one should be disgruntled about it because in general, they’re interchangeable. But to the grammarian, they are different. Content is more common as a predicate adjective (“I am content.”)
The adjective contented commonly precedes a noun (“The contented puppy.”) So, Joe is content and he is a contented man. The fact that he is both content and a contented man makes him a pleasure to be with. The phrase predicate adjective is so goofy it makes me want to throw armfuls of leaves in the air and let them tumble down around me in a shower of autumn gold. Since studying grammar in tenth grade, I’ve forgotten what a predicate adjective is. Today it’s amusing to think about what the heck a predicate adjective might be, along with imperfect subjunctive and stealth imperative.
Back to my little list…
1) The word primer, meaning an elementary textbook used to introduce a topic of study, is spelled in a way to rhyme with timer but it is pronounced with a short i, to rhyme with trimmer. This goes against all English spelling rules and trips me up each time I see primer but am expected to say primmer
2) Perfect just isn’t so. Let’s say the clerk at the tire store asks how he can help me. I reply that my left rear tire is flat. “Perfect,” he says. I hear it almost every time I interact with someone providing customer service. Upon placing my order in a restaurant, a common comeback from the server is, “Perfect.” She could more accurately say, “Good choice!” If each person at
the table placed the perfect order, we would be exceptionally flawless, and who can tolerate such perfection?
2a) Same goes with “guys.” Maybe ten or 15 years ago it was okay to call a group of people “guys,” but today I’d like to hear something more wellrounded. “How are you guys this evening?” can simply be, “How are you this evening?” or “How are you all?” or “you folks” or “you two (three, four…)?” “Guys” is passé.
3) When someone says, “I would be lying if I said…” my teeth hurt as if I’d just chomped through a jawbreaker. To me, this statement implies that there is an option to lie and in my world lying simply is not an option. A sometimes-I-lie-and-sometimes-Idon’t approach does not instill trust, and we’re rather short on that these days.
Other times I’ve heard a friend say, “Oops, I lied,” when really she simply unintentionally provided misinformation. That’s different from lying. To lie is to purposely tell an untruth. “Oops, I made a mistake,” allows me to trust my friend. “I lied,” sets me on edge.
4) How do surge protectors multiply? We have a box of spare ones in the store room. Whenever I look in that box, which isn’t often, I swear there are more than last time. How many surge protectors does one household need? Perhaps we should keep them in separate boxes to pre-
vent their propagation.
5) Have you buried your nose in a bouquet of roses lately? Don’t bother. They don’t have a scent anymore. “They look better though,” my friend Vandra said. But is a rose really a rose if it doesn’t smell like one? The nose knows.
6) I don’t want gummy vitamin supplements. I want a capsule for growups. It’s getting harder and harder to find capsules or tablets. Everything is in sugar-loaded gummy form. I don’t need to mask my vitamins as kiddie candy, thank you very much.
My little list has grown. It looks like I’ll be continuing it in the future. Don’t touch that dial!
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
The student thespians of Estes Park High School have been hard at work rehearsing for “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical!” Plan to support the amazing cast and crew at one of their performances on November 13th, 14th, and/or 15th
Costumes - Rae Fitzgerald, Sophia Mabry, Zayne Villanueva
Tickets are now available and can be purchased by scanning the QR code. We’re just a few short days away from opening night. Come enjoy this rockin’ musical and our local students!
The people of Estes Park are very fortunate to have some extremely creative local artists, and two of them will participate in the Estes Park Museum’s fundraiser November 22nd and 23rd at Ember at the Estes Park Resort.
Cheryl Pennington is known for her perceptive hand-coloring of historic photographs from our area. Her popular artwork is displayed at the Allenspark Gallery as well as several shops in town. She contributed a scene of Estes Park from about 1905 taken from Little Prospect Mountain. It shows what the early village looked like with dirt roads, tourist tents, and some recognizable buildings still standing today. It will be in our silent auction.
and the Gazebo Restaurant. With his multiple talents, Greig is predicted to design some amazing tablescapes.
Greig Steiner, famous for being able to express himself in many artistic mediums, will be creating two tablescapes for our show with theme: Celebrating Generations, Then and Now. Greig is also well-known for his vibrant stage sets which he started producing in 1952 at the Pasadena Playhouse and he continued to design over 100 sets in Estes Park for the Darkhouse Theater from 1959-1963. His artwork has been featured several times at the Estes Park Museum. Greig’s loose charcoal sketches capture natural images beautifully. Two local structures in town were
Plan to come to the Colorado Creative Tablesetting/Scaping event next weekend, enjoy the wonderful tablesetting creations and bid on the unique auction items which include a very rare 12-setting Royal Doulton group of dinnerware with matching serving pieces. We heartily thank the people and businesses who have contributed valuable resources to this event: major sponsors are Allnutt Funeral Services and Susan Fereday State Farm Insurance Agency; sponsors are Antiquarians, Bank of Colorado, Cheryl Pennington, Claire’s Restaurant and Bar, Colorado Homestead, Ember at Estes Park Resort, Estes Park News, Greig Steiner, Inkwell and Brew, Macdonald Book Shop, Peaks Hallmark Card Shop, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Smith Sign Studio, and Ann Wise.
Building
Tracks & Stacks: Six Small Concerts, One BIG Night Out
Earlier this fall, Estes Valley musicians were asked if they would like to perform in a unique setting and receive a professionally recorded copy of their performance to submit their original songs to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. Seventeen bands and musicians shared their work for consideration by a panel of community judges to fill six stages at the Estes Valley Library. After careful consideration, winners were selected, including Snowbelt, Zizania, Jingle Jangle Jabroni, Mystic Peddler, JavaMusiK, and Jessica Rose. The inaugural event has been dubbed “Tracks & Stacks.”
On the evening of November 22nd, 2025, these talented musicians will bring the Library to life in a way the community has never experienced. Attendees will enjoy performances from musicians across various genres, along with mocktails, charcuterie, and an art sale hosted by the Friends of the Library Foundation, featuring donations from local artists. Each performer will offer two 15-minute sets, ensuring you won’t miss a beat!
With this extraordinary night of musical exploration, we are shining a spotlight on the diverse artistic talent that thrives in the Estes Valley. The event is the product of a creative collaboration between local musician Jason Lenz and Technology Arts Librarian Shari Baze, showcasing the vibrant Estes Valley music scene while highlighting the multitude of creative resources offered at the Library. Baze has even handcrafted tiny desks in our Makerspace that will be featured in each band's recorded session, ensuring their videos are compatible for submission to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest.
This night honoring the arts would not be possible without support from our partners at Knight Sky Pictures, LLC., Graze Craze Charcuterie Boards & Boxes, and, of course, the community members who have shown their enthusiasm by reserving almost every seat in the house for this unforgettable evening, where the Estes Valley’s creative spirit takes center stage. Learn more at estesvalleylibrary.org/tracksandstacks.
Cowboy Brad To Perform At YMCA Of The Rockies
On Sunday, November 30th, Cowboy Brad will perform a Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. in Hyde Chapel. This concert is a part of the Chapel Ministry’s 2025 “Holiday in Hyde” Advent Celebration. The concert is free and open to the public, with a love offering collected.
Raised in Estes Park, CO, singer, songwriter and guitarist Brad Fitch has been playing professionally since he was 15 years old. “Cowboy” Brad is a well-loved and talented local performer, who captivates audiences with his soulful voice and skillful guitar playing. Whether it's intimate acoustic sets or energetic performances with a
for his songs to express the
of being
on this
recorded more than 20 albums featuring his original music.
band, Brad's passion for music shines through every note. Brad specializes in original folk and western music. He intends
wonder
alive
planet. Brad has
Everyone welcome! Everyone welcome!
Weekly Happenings Weekly Happenings
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY Cheeseburger & any draft beer $12.
MONDAY FRIDAY MARGARITAS $6/PINT. TACOS $4/EA. Bingo 6PM. Fish & Chips Special $14.
THURSDAY hAPPY HOUR ON STARTERS.
SATURDAY 25% off wings SUNDAY HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY EVERY DAY
QUEEN OF HEARTS JACKPOT THIS WEEK $7,356 queen of hearts Raffle 6-7pm.
HAPPY HOUR 3-5PM FOOD MENU AVAILABLE DAILY 11/28 random & true 7:30-9:30pm open late! xmas parade view!
TAVERN MUSIC LINE UP Free shows! today’s free show Neilson & nicholson 6-8pm CHECK OUT OUR 2025 LINE UP ON OUR WEBSITE OR SCAN
Oratorio Society Presents Concert Of Light & Hope
The Oratorio Society of Estes Park, led by its new director Denise Stookesberry, will present “Light Eternal: A Concert of Hope” November 21st at 7 p.m. and November 22nd at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. The concert will feature Sir John Rutter’s “Magnificat” and two movements from Elaine Hagenberg’s
“Illuminare,” both written for chorus and orchestra.
Elaine Hagenberg’s new work “Illuminare” is a piece that, in her words, “takes us through a season of beauty and goodness that has been disrupted by darkness and confusion. But as light gradually returns, hope is restored, illuminating our future and guiding us in peace.” Scott Anderson is the featured tenor soloist in this beautiful work.
Sir John Rutter’s “Magnificat” is one of his most popular works for orchestra, chorus and soprano soloist. Rutter was inspired by Latin-influenced music in this piece, which can be clearly heard throughout its lively time changes and syncopation. Soprano Valerie Dascoli will be the featured soloist. The Oratorio Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, began in 1988 with a performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” Since then, it has provided opportunities for Estes residents to play in an orchestra or sing in a chorus, presenting performances of larger, classic works to the community. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
Recycle Holiday Lights With Rotary & EPMS/EPHS Interact
Attention Estes Park! The Christmas season is approaching, and with it come decorations, lights, and even more decorations. The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary is partnering with the Estes Park Middle and High School Interact Club to recycle Christmas lights this holiday season.
So, whether your lights won’t turn on, or they go out halfway through the season, come drop them off! From November 1st to January 15th, donation bins will be located at the Estes Valley Library, Estes Park Elementary, Mid-
dle, and High School, as well as at the National Park Village. The Rotary and Interact are dedicated to helping the community in any way we can. All funds from recycling the Christmas lights will go straight back to the community. Interact is currently focused on donating to the National Parks Service through current and past fundraising, and you can be a part of that! We hope to see your lights soon!
For any questions, email Dean Belka at dbelka@aol.com or the Sunrise Rotary at evsr@evsr.org.
Denise Stookesberry
Valerie Dascoli
Scott Anderson
Fine Arts Guild Of The Rockies Presents: A
Help Keep Our Community Warm This Winter
Christmas Carol & Giving Guest Report
It’s almost the middle of November, December is just around the corner, and the Fine Arts Guild is once again in rehearsal for Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Opening the first weekend in December, this year will not be a Reader’s Theater production but does have a twist. Director Lars Sage has chosen a script by James Hutchison which uses just ten actors. We’ve added three more, but most actors play several characters which will be differentiated with minor changes to costumes, accent, and voice.
Craig Carrico will appear as Scrooge, David Czapp as Marley and others, and Teddy Endsley will once again play Tiny Tim and several other young characters. Put December 5th, 6th, and 7th on your calendar and join us for this Christmas classic.
beverages supplied by local establishments. It’s a joyous occasion, an opportunity to celebrate this most generous and giving community, and not to be missed!
November is also notable for the celebration of philanthropy in Estes Park. Hope to see you at the Estes Non-Profit Network’s Philanthropy Day celebration at the YMCA on November 20th where outstanding philanthropists and a philanthropic organization will be honored as the best among us. It’s an opportunity to investigate the many nonprofits in the community and the YMCA does an outstanding job of providing substantial hors d’oeuvres to accompany wine, beer, and non-alcoholic
November is also the closing of the Network’s Giving Guest program for the calendar year. Participating businesses ask customers to round up or make specific products available to support local nonprofits, and the proceeds are distributed in December to those nonprofits participating in the program. The Fine Arts Guild received funds for 2025 which helped to pay the costs of producing local theater productions and bringing people from outside the community to perform or to provide a service, such as the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s Shakespeare and Violence Prevention Program to the middle school students. Bear and Bee Inspired is a business that specifically supports the Arts and Culture, but other businesses participating in the program are: Kind Coffee, Estes Park Mountain Shop, Backbone Adventures, Trendz on the Park, Taharaa Mountain Lodge, Black Canyon Inn, Estes Park Condos, The Mad Moose, Country Market, and Glen Haven General Store. Please support them as they support our local nonprofits!
Do you have a closet stuffed with winter coats and items that you don't wear anymore? For whatever reason, it doesn't fit, it's out of style, or you just have too many. Those extra coats and other winter gear could really help a person in need. Why not donate them to The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Store? We are a nonprofit store that benefits our local hospital.
As temperatures drop, many of our neighbors are struggling to stay warm. The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Store is asking for donations of new or gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots.
Anyone who's been in Estes Park for the last 50 years can tell you, our store has been helping the community by
providing quality clothing and household items at reasonable prices. At this time the store is also filled with many wonderful holiday decorations.
So before you buy retail, stop by and see our selection of decor, clothes, and household items, plus unique antique and vintage treasures.
The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Store is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (winter hours) and is located at 427 W. Elkhorn Ave.
Donations are accepted Tuesday - Saturday, 10:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Please make sure all donations are free of stains, damage, and pet fur so that they may be enjoyed by the next owner.
Thank you!
What Is The Quota Loan Closet?
Estes Park Quota, as a service to our community, opened the Medical Equipment Loan Closet in 1952 with a walker, a cane and a wheelchair and the volunteers worked out of a member’s home. That first year the Loan Closet served 27 people. The Loan Closet now has over 624 pieces of medical equipment valued at almost $100,000, available for loan to all of Estes Valley and our visitors. Since the 1980s, the Quota Loan Closet has been housed on Estes Park Health property. Staffing for Loan Closet is done totally through the volunteer efforts of 14
Quota members who are available to check out or accept returns of equipment seven days a week.
In 2023, 258 individuals checked out 475 pieces of equipment. Quota is a nonprofit organization so the service is free with a refundable deposit and/or donation. The funds donated support the repairs and replacement of our equipment.
For information on how to secure medical equipment from the Loan Closet, visit estesparkquota.com or call Linda Polland at 719-337-3318.
Next Park Hospital District Board Of Directors Regular Meeting Will Be Held Thursday, Nov. 20th
The next regular monthly meeting of the Park Hospital District Board of Directors, which oversees operations of Estes Park Health, will take place on Thursday, November 20th at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting will be online and in-person at the Estes Park Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Avenue. You can register to join online by using this link:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Please note the different day for this month's meeting instead of the usual last Wednesday of the month due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
November Shines White For
Lung Cancer Awareness
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, symbolized by the color white, one of the four ribbons featured in the Estes Park Health Foundation’s Cancer Screening Fund logo.
Each ribbon represents a cancer that can change a life if caught early: breast (pink), colon (blue), lung (white), and prostate (light blue). Together, they symbolize hope, prevention, and the power of early detection.
The Cancer Screening Fund provides free breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer screenings for under- and uninsured residents of the Estes Valley. Crossroads Assistance Ministry and The Bridge of Estes provide additional help. Applications are open now
through the Estes Park Health Foundation.
Community support fuels this program. Every $500 donation funds one full screening, one more chance to catch cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
Any donation today helps ensure that no one in our mountain community faces cancer alone.
Give today at givebutter.com/cancerscreeningfund or call 970-577-4370 for more information.
Residents can donate or apply for a screening today by scanning the QR code.
One community. Four cancers. Countless lives saved. It all starts with you.
EVICS Hosts Successful Fall Gala Fundraiser
A village of generous and caring community members gathered last weekend to demonstrate their support for the efforts of the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS) Family Resource Center at its annual Fall Gala fundraising event.
The event, themed “It Takes a Village,” drew 115 supporters, including Estes Mayor Gary Hall and other town leaders, and raised more than $64,000 as of November 10th, with some donations still to be counted.
“Standing in that room surrounded by all of those people who believe in our mission reminded me that EVICS is not just an organization—it's a community,” said EVICS Executive Director Rut Miller. “Seeing our supporters, families, partners, and friends together in one space celebrating the work we do was incredibly moving and filled me with deep gratitude and renewed strength.
“The show of support demonstrated that EVICS matters. Families in Estes Park know they are not alone, and the community sees the impact of our programs every single day—from childcare support and youth engagement to mental health and family resources. The turnout shows that our community values children, believes in supporting families, and understands that when families thrive, the entire community thrives.”
One of the many highlights of the evening was a video message from Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse. “I want to thank everyone at EVICS for their incredibly hard work for the Estes community,” said Congressman Neguse. “We all know that it takes a village and this organization and community embodies that spirit. …you
remind us that when we invest in our children and our families we invest in the future of Colorado.”
“Seeing our work acknowledged by Congressman Neguse was emotional and affirming,” said Miller. “The night was filled with so many beauti ful moments. One of my favorites was hearing from families who bravely shared how EVICS has transformed their lives. Their stories made our mission real.”
The Gala is EVICS’ one major fundraising event of the year. The proceeds raised by the event help to en sure that EVICS has the resources to sustain programs that families de pend on. Without those re sources, many families in Estes Valley would go without critical support. These families power the valley’s visitor-industry workforce and play key roles in sustaining its economy. Investing in those families today builds a stronger, healthier Estes Valley for tomorrow.
The Gala wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of what we can achieve together. Our families are our community, and it really does take a village!”
EVICS would like to thank the incredible sponsors whose generosity made its Gala possible:
• Bank of Colorado
• Bank of Estes Park
• Jan & Jack Boatman
• Colorado Cottages
• Crocker Ranch
• Marcy & Dennis Hoshiko
• Keller Williams
• Kind Coffee
• La Cocina de Mama
• La Mexicana Carniceria and Mini Market
• Sandra & Rick Life
• Peggy & John Lynch
• Mountain O'Clock and Mountain Glow
• Mueller Pye & Associates CPA
• Realities For Children
• River Walk Caffe
• Yvonne & Max Salfinger
• Silver Moon Inn
“The way the community stepped up—through sponsorships, silent auction participation, and donations—surpassed our expectations,” said Miller. “It showed just how deeply people are invested in supporting Estes families.
“That support ensures that children have access to quality care, parents have the resources they need to stabilize their families, and youth have opportunities to grow and thrive.
• Don Smith
• Visit Estes Park
• Way Finder Cleaning Services
• Elizabeth Weisberg
EVICS is also deeply grateful to the Gala’s silent auction sponsors for contributing high-quality, meaningful items that helped raise critical funds:
• Ace Hardware Estes Park
• Belt Buckle of Estes
• Blanchard Family Wines
• Chris “Red” Brown – Red Hot Glass
• Brownfield's
• Colorado Rapids
• The Cox Family
• Denver Zoo
• Dude Dad
• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Estes Park Police Department
• Estes Park School District R-3
• Nong George
• Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
• Grand Lodge on Peak 7
• Mayor Gary Hall
• Iron Mountain Hot Springs
• KMAC Guides
• Peak to Peak Stitching
• Ride-A-Kart
• Rocket Fizz
• YMCA of the Rockies
And, finally, EVICS extends its heartfelt thanks to the Gala’s in-kind partners, whose contributions made the evening beautiful and unforgettable:
• Black Canyon Inn — for providing our stunning venue
• DJ Samix — for the fun party favors
• Enchanted Florist — for the gorgeous floral arrangements
• Happy Kids Childcare (Maricruz Ortiz) — for the delicious starters
• Jubilations Catering — for the incredible food
• North Peak Media — for capturing the evening in photos and video
• Pure Sound Productions — for the dance party
• Myra Rojas — for the elegant draping and décor
Winter Speaker Series At Highlands Camp & Retreat Center
Highlands Camp & Retreat Center is hosting a Winter Speaker Series. Talks will be given throughout the winter at Highlands on select Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. These talks are free and open to the community.
The first talk of the series will take place on Wednesday, November 19th Hulda Bachman-Neeb will tell her family’s story of survival and freedom from Japanese jungle prison camps during WWII. Her Dutch family, residents in the Dutch East Indies, fell victim to the Japanese occupation and were interned in jungle camps
throughout the war. Hear about their journey from riches to rags, from fear and suffering, to the joy of freedom and recovery. The talk will last about an hour, with time for questions at the end.
Please join us for this fascinating talk by author and prison camp survivor, Hulda Bachman-Neeb.
Highlands Camp & Retreat Center is located at 1306 State Highway 7 Business Route, Allenspark, CO. Please contact Anna Judy with questions at ajudy@highlandscamp.net.
6th Annual Holiday Shoppe Begins At The Old Gallery In Allenspark
It’s not too early to begin making a list and checking it twice, thanks to the 6th Annual Holiday Shoppe at The Old Gallery in Allenspark. You’ll be able to find unique, memorable and handmade gifts every Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd, including a special shopping day on Black Friday, November 28th. The Old Gallery will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Unique holiday-themed gifts have been created by 13 local artists, including handmade glass, ceramics, paintings, jewelry, soap, textiles and candles. In addition, art created by 27 local and regional artisans can be found throughout the gallery and are available for purchase.
Natalia Rangel 11th Grade
Congratulations to Natalia Rangel, the Estes Park High School Student of the Week for November 14th, 2025.
Natalia is the daughter of Jose and Stacey Rangel and has two siblings.
At EPHS, Natalia is involved in Key Club, and her favorite class is Baking & Pastries.
Outside of school, she enjoys hanging outside and with friends and family, going downtown, shopping, eating, and riding her bike.
Natalia wants to visit Florida because she wants to “go to the beach and explore.”
Natalia’s favorite quote is "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.
”
If she had to choose one piece of advice to give, it would be, “If you don’t do it yourself you won’t end
up happy with the result you wanted.” The best advice she’s ever received is, “If you want it, then chase it.”
Natalia is most proud of keeping her grades and homework on track.
When asked about her plans for after high school, Natalia plans to go to college either for cosmetology or nursing.
On Black Friday, holiday shoppers can enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa bar and cookies, while they last.
Fused glass artist Sally Van Der Kamp
said, “Fall signifies the disappointment of the end of summer, but also the excitement of the coming holiday season for makers. I start my creation of my much-loved fused glass trees with a walk through the woods near our Allenspark cabin. As I enjoy the cooling weather, I search for the downed tree branches to craft into the tree stumps that hold my glass trees.”
Located at 14863 Highway 7 at the entrance to Allenspark, The Old Gallery is 20 minutes south of Estes Park and 20 minutes from Lyons. It’s a beautifully renovated 1940’s log structure that is a nonprofit center for community, art, and visitors.
The Old Gallery provides art, education, entertainment and social services to area residents and visitors, including the Community Cupboard Food Bank, Community Closet, art and yoga classes, concerts, potlucks and more.
“The Old Gallery really captures the spirit of this mountain community. It’s a beautiful place for our artists to display and sell their work and a unique spot to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts,” said The Old Gallery Artists’ Coop Communication Coordinator Julie Neri.
By: Estes Nonprofit Network
Each year, community members nominate individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and youth who demonstrate a deep commitment to philanthropy in Estes Park. Ten individuals (more than ever before) were nominated for their enduring service; they represent a profound commitment to philanthropy in the Estes Valley. Winners are chosen by an independent committee and will be announced at National Philanthropy Day on November 20th at the YMCA of the Rockies. RSVP to this FREE community event via epnonprofit.org/npd.
Alice League
And The Enduring Service Nominees Are….
dation has been one of her most rewarding experiences—helping local students access better educational opportunities and watching those “seeds for the future” grow. Through her volunteer work, she’s built lasting connections with others who share her commitment to community. Leading fundraising efforts has been both challenging and fulfilling, reinforcing her belief that generosity multiplies. Through her business, New Roots Real Estate, Alissa extends that philosophy—donating a portion of annual earnings to local nonprofits. “When
For nearly three decades, one of the most familiar phrases at the Art Center of Estes Park has been, “Just ask Alice!” As treasurer for 24 years and volunteer accountant for 11, Alice keeps the Center running smoothly—handling budgets, reports, payroll, filings, grants, and more. She also chairs the membership program, co-chairs the annual Plein Air Show, leads the Duck Race Campaign, serves on multiple committees, and contributes an incredible 120 volunteer hours each month. A talented artist herself, Alice sells wire-wrapped jewelry in the gallery year-round. Beyond the Art Center, she’s been active in countless community efforts: a 27-year member of P.E.O. Chapter AV, a 29-year Columbine Club member, and a key contributor to both the Estes Park Monument and Kahuna Memorial projects. She also supports the Stanley Home Museum as a docent and donor, belongs to Women Who Care of Estes Park, and even earned her pilot’s license in 1984, which led her to be a member of the local Aviation Club.
Alice says, “I made a commitment to help others improve their lives— through education, employment, and community support. Without volunteers, many nonprofits wouldn’t survive. I love paying it forward with my time, skills, and resources to make Estes Park a better place to live.”
Alissa Anderson
In 2016, Alissa helped form the steering committee that created the Estes Park Education Foundation and has served on its board since 2018 as Vice President and fundraising chair. She has been instrumental in building and sustaining Pumpkins and Pilsners, the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. Under her leadership, the Foundation has awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to local teachers and students over the past two years.
Alissa says philanthropy in the Estes Valley has profoundly shaped her life. Founding and serving with the Foun-
He has also contributed his expertise to the Estes Valley Planning Commission and volunteered extensively with school programs. Since 2020, Bob has served as president of the Estes Valley Amateur Radio Club (EVARC), which partners with Estes Park Public Schools to introduce middle school students to amateur “ham” radio. Each year, roughly 80 students participate in the School Club Roundup, and several earn their licenses with EVARC’s guidance.
our community thrives,” she says, “we all thrive.”
Belle Morris
For 25 years, Belle Morris has been a driving force for health, fitness, and community improvement in Estes Park. As founder and President of the Estes Park Running Club, established in 2006, she has built an organization that promotes running while giving back—raising over $260,000 for local youth programs, including EVICS Family Resource Center, Estes Park Learning Place, and the Estes Park School District. Belle has directed and participated in major events such as the Estes Park Marathon and HalfMarathon (22 years), Duck Waddle 5K, Trail Ascent, Rut Run 5K, Elkhorn Dash, and the Dasher 5K, attracting an estimated 20,000 runners and national attention from Runner’s World and Forbes.
In 2014, she launched the free weekly Evening Fun Run, fostering community connections—“People show up as strangers and leave as friends,” she says. Belle also partnered with the Estes Park Fire Department to create the Estes Valley 9/11 Stair Climb & 5K. Her civic impact extends to transportation and infrastructure: for 12 years, she served on the Town’s Transportation Advisory Board, shaping initiatives like the Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan, Downtown Loop, parking improvements, and new roundabouts. A former president of the Estes Nonprofit Network, Belle continues to champion community wellbeing and sustainable mobility.
Bob Leavitt
Bob has devoted decades to environmental preservation, community planning, education, and local history in the Estes Valley. As a long-time member and current Board President of the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, he leads efforts in fire mitigation, forest thinning, riparian restoration, and wetland rehabilitation along Fish Creek, creating habitats for beavers and other wildlife.
Bob serves on the Board of the Estes Valley Residents Association, as well as its predecessor, the Association for Responsible Development. He has also served on the
Board of the Carriage Hills Property Owners Association and has shared his knowledge of local history through a book and public presentations on the southern Estes Valley. Through these roles, Bob has made a lasting impact on both the natural environment and the community, inspiring stewardship, education, and engagement across the Valley.
David Batey
David Batey exemplifies philanthropy as “taking heartfelt action to make things better,” a principle reflected in decades of leadership and service in Estes Park. He served eight years on the Estes Park Health Board of Directors, seven as Board Chair, guiding the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and securing an affiliation with UCHealth to ensure long-term healthcare access for the Estes Valley.
As a five-year member of the Stanley Home Board, including a year as Chair, David helped establish the Stanley Home Museum and Education Center and secured a $250,000 History Colorado grant to repair the historic home. He also played a pivotal role in Estes Valley infrastructure and community development projects, including chairing the Estes Park Economic Development Corporation’s Broadband Committee to create municipal broadband and serving as a community representative for the Trailblazer Broadband Service. He led successful election campaigns for the Estes Valley Community Center and the 2014 Estes Park 1% sales tax, supporting roads, emergency communications, trails, and the Community Center.
David served five years on the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado’s local committee, three as Chair, helping establish objective grant evaluation processes. He also contributed to the Estes Park Trail Gazette Editorial Board for 10 years, co-authoring articles on housing challenges, and served four years on the Estes Nonprofit Network Board.
Dawn James Dawn has served for over eight years as an EVWC Board Director, supporting stream restorations, wildlife education, and wildfire mitigation projects. Dawn’s impact is measured not by titles or accolades, but by her consistent action and deep care for both the land and the people of this valley. Dawn also played a pivotal role in organizing and connecting the community around the fuel reduction container partnership, bringing together EVWC, Waste Management, and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District to provide residents with accessible, coordinated resources for wildfire mitigation.
“To me, philanthropy in Estes Park is about showing up for the place we love. It’s about lending a hand, sharing what we know, and working together to protect the natural beauty and resilience of our valley.”
Dawn shows up in the mud and weeds, leading by example—planting native species with students, coordinating volunteer days for trash pickup and invasive weed removal, and connecting agencies for fuel reduction programs. “This work has taught me that giving isn’t just about resources— it’s about relationships. It’s about listening, collaborating, and staying committed even when the path is steep,” she says. Her steady, selfless service strengthens both the natural and social fabric of Estes Valley, making homes safer, waters clearer, and the community stronger.
Dr. Jim Pickering
Prior to Dr. Jim Pickering’s work, few detailed accounts of Estes Park’s history existed. His research and writings have provided a comprehensive understanding of the town’s early years, growth, and ongoing relationship with Rocky Mountain National Park.
Jim first visited the Estes Valley in the late 1940s, became a part-time resident in 1992, and a permanent resident in 2013. Since 2006, he has served as the Town’s Historian Laureate, inspiring others to explore and document local history. He has also held leadership roles with numerous nonprofit boards, including the Estes Park Economic Development Corporation, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Library Friends, NoCo Foundation local committee, and the Trail-Gazette Editorial Board.
He is the author of over 40 titles, including the definitive two-volume history of Estes Park: This Blue Hollow: Estes Park, the Early Years, 1859-1915 and America’s Switzerland: Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, the Growth Years. Several of his works have been made freely available through the Estes Park Museum, and his local history programs have appeared on KREV and KSIR. Currently, he is researching a biographical study of Albert Birch to aid museum interpretation.
Through decades of tireless research, publications, public programs, and mentorship, Jim has created a lasting, richly documented record of Estes
Alissa Anderson David Batey Judy Brannon Dawn James Alice League
Park, preserving its history for generations to come.
Judy Brannon
For more than 25 years, Judy has devoted herself to serving a variety of nonprofits, most notably Crossroads Ministry. She served on the board for 17 years, holding every executive-level position, and excelled as President, guiding the organization through periods of growth and helping implement critical policies and procedures. Her leadership was widely respected, reflecting her wholehearted commitment to building Crossroads into an effective, efficient, and sustainable nonprofit.
After transitioning off the board, Judy continued hands-on service—helping clients in The Market, greeting neighbors, packing food bags for students, coaching, running errands, advocating, and contributing financially to ensure community needs were met. One of her most significant impacts has been offering Medicare classes and counseling seniors on navigating enrollment and maximizing benefits, improving
the health and wellbeing of Estes Valley’s older population.
Judy’s work reflects a deep humility and compassionate generosity. She quietly leaves her mark across the community, modeling service and unconditional love without seeking recognition. Her dedication, care, and unwavering support have strengthened individuals, families, and organizations alike, making the Estes Valley a better, more connected, and caring community because of her lifelong commitment.
Laura Trump
Laura Trump was a Partners Community-Based Mentor to her first mentee from March 2004 to June 2010. Her mentee benefited from getting to know
both Laura and her husband, Bob. Although this partnership officially ended when the mentee turned 18, Laura and her mentee continue to keep in touch to this day.
Laura has also been a member of the Partners Advisory Council since December 2018 and mentored two mentees in our School-Based Program from October 2023 to July 2024. In addition to her work with Partners, Laura tutors GED students with the Estes Park Learning Place, plays in the Bell Choir, and has organized the Estes Valley Model Railroaders’ Rails in the Rockies event for several years.
Tom Washburn
Tom Washburn has served on the Partners Advisory Council since August 2018. He was also a School-Based Mentor from September 2016 to August 2018. In addition, Tom has volunteered with Partners as an Activity Volunteer from October 2015 to September 2016 and again from August 2018 to the present. He has assisted at the Partners’ booth during special events and helped supervise activities alongside another dedicated volunteer when the Program Coordinator was unavailable.
Beyond his work with Partners, Tom was an active member of the Longs Peak Rotary Club while it was operational.
And The Shavlik Nonprofit Of The Year Nominees Are….
By: Estes Nonprofit Network
Each year, community members nominate individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and youth who demonstrate a deep commitment to philanthropy in Estes Park. The Shavlik Nonprofit of the Year category is the most recent addition to the awards lineup. This year, four nominees were submitted. Winners are chosen by an independent committee and will be announced at National Philanthropy Day on November 20th at the YMCA of the Rockies. RSVP to this FREE community event via epnonprofit.org/npd. Bridge of Estes
Founded in 2024 by four local businesswomen, The Bridge of Estes was created to fill a critical gap in cancer care in the Estes Valley. Its mission is to connect patients with the resources, services, and support they need to manage the physical, emotional, social, and financial challenges of ongoing cancer treatment.
The Bridge partners with local providers to deliver free, confidential services for patients of all ages and all cancer types. While it cannot cure cancer, it ensures that no one faces their journey alone. By addressing treatment side effects and providing holistic support, The Bridge empowers patients and strengthens the community.
100% funded by local contributions,
public trainings, equipping residents with tools to recognize and respond to violence and trauma. All services are confidential and free, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, or immigration status.
Through support groups, community events, and strong partnerships, EVCA creates spaces where everyone feels valued. By integrating crisis response with DEI-focused initiatives, EVCA ensures that all community members can access support, feel empowered, and contribute to a safer Estes Valley.
all donations stay in the Estes Valley and are fully tax-deductible. Guided by values of compassion, grace, and respect, The Bridge of Estes exemplifies community-driven care, bridging gaps for patients and supporting local providers. Its vision is simple yet powerful: an Estes Valley where no one faces cancer alone.
Estes Valley Crisis Advocates (EVCA)
In 2024–2025, EVCA provided 24/7 advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other traumas, offering shelter, guidance through legal and medical systems, and a compassionate, steady presence in times of crisis. No matter the crisis (unexpected death, motor vehicle accident, abuse), when the call comes in, an Advocate puts their personal comfort aside and responds immediately to the need, supporting both the victim and the police department.
This year, EVCA expanded its community outreach and prevention programs, including youth education and
EVICS Family Resource Center
In 2024 alone, EVICS administered over $170,000 in tuition assistance, providing families access to quality early education while sustaining local providers. For decades, access to bilingual, culturally responsive care was a gap in the Estes Valley. Today, counseling and consultation are offered in both English and Spanish, reducing stigma and creating welcoming spaces for those who historically lacked access. The results have been powerful. Participation is now balanced at about 50% male and 50% female. This is especially significant in a cultural context where men of color often face added barriers to seeking help or being vulnerable.
EVICS also addresses the childcare shortage by supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers with training, professional development, and recognition, strengthening the broader childcare network. Advocates work alongside families to build resilience, social connections, parenting knowledge, and children’s social-emotional skills,
fostering long-term stability.
Equity and inclusion are central to EVICS’ work. Its bilingual mental health consultation program and culturally responsive services reduce barriers for people of color and non-English speakers, while childcare and family programs support households across income levels. Collaborative partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofits ensure no family falls through the cracks.
Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club organizes the Labor Day Weekend Art Festival and the Autumn Gold Festival in Bond Park, generating over $60,000 annually for scholarships, grants, and support for local nonprofits. These events also attract thousands of visitors, boosting local hotels, shops, and restaurants, and generating more than $40,000 in annual sales tax revenue for the Town of Estes Park.
Beyond fundraising, members actively address community needs, such as building a $6,000 playground for Estes Valley Crisis Advocates. Internationally, the Club raised over $40,000 to acquire a solar-powered water purification system for the Achuar tribe in Ecuador, producing 13,000 gallons of safe drinking water daily; members will travel to Ecuador to build and test the system.
Aligned with Rotary International’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), the Club fosters a welcoming environment through inclusive policies, diverse membership recruitment, mentorship, culturally sensitive programming, and ongoing feedback mechanisms. Leadership roles reflect the community’s diversity, and service projects are designed to meet the needs of all residents.
Through decades of local and global service, the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club exemplifies “Service Above Self,” strengthening the Estes Valley while uplifting communities worldwide.
Estes Valley Crisis Advocates
Belle Morris Bob Leavitt
Jim Pickering Laura Trump Tom Washburn
For the first time, The Pet Association of Estes Park is participating in the 2025 Colorado Gives Day fundraising drive.
Colorado Gives Day is Colorado’s biggest day of giving and one of the largest giving events in the nation. The campaign runs from November 1 through December 9. You can donate anytime during this window. Every donation to the Pet Association of Estes Park, no matter the size, directly contributes to saving lives and giving animals a second chance at a happy healthy future. Your donation supports rescue and adoption, spay/neuter services, shelter and veterinary care. Our rescued animals rely on your generosity to thrive. You can help by visiting www.coloradogives.org/organization/petassociationofestespark.
THe Pet Association of Estes Park
is joining bright christmas this year to provide food & toys to the furry family members
SEEKING donations of DOg Treats~cat treats Dog toys Cat Toys
Donations can be dropped off at Animal Hospital of the Rockies & Animal Medical Center & Estes Park Pet Supply
Oct 1-Nov 14
Seeking Bell Ringers For Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
The Estes Park Service Extension Unit for the Salvation Army has been active in the Estes Valley for over 38 years. You might ask, “What does the Salvation Army do in our little mountain town?” Glad you asked! After each of the major floods, local emergencies, and fires, there has been resources sent up from the Intermountain Divisional office to support the partnering agencies who are working hand-inhand with recovery efforts. The funding resources along with a mobile canteen to feed people are at the beck and call of the Estes Park Service Extension Unit which is extremely helpful when local resources are overloaded or just not sufficient for the demand. One recent example of the partnership we have with the Salvation Army happened during the global pandemic. Large quantities of groceries and emergency kits were made available to Crossroads Assistance Ministry to distribute to those in the community who needed them. There was also housing assistance extended through their large network of providers. As the Executive Director of Crossroads Assistance Ministry, I am very grateful for the partnership we have enjoyed for many years with the Salvation Army. It’s always good to know we have a large organization just a call away when we need additional resources.
sis Advocates is a direct recipient of support to help them fulfill their mission. In addition to this, the Estes Park Police Department has been able to assist stranded motorists, people experiencing homelessness during the late night hours, and others who find themselves in need during times when local agencies are closed. The emergency lodging, fuel assistance and Safeway gift cards have been made available through the partnership with the Salvation Army, so as a community we are extremely grateful for this wonderful organization that extends around the world and makes an impact in the Estes Valley.
Crossroads is not the only organization that benefits from the extensive network of resources. Estes Valley Cri-
The biggest way we have been able to benefit from these additional resources is through the Red Kettle giving program that many of you are familiar with. Each year for a few days after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, we have volunteers who give of their time to ring bells beside the Red Kettles in hopes that people will contribute a few bucks or a handful of coins to help the less fortunate in our community. It’s a great way to make a meaningful impact during the holiday season. I would like to invite you to join our team of Bell Ringers this year! We are only focusing on Safeway and the shifts are two hours which gives you plenty of time to greet people as you ring the bell for people in need. We will begin the bell ringing on the Friday after Thanksgiving. There are many days and time slots for you to choose from so visit our website to sign up to ring the bell at least once this year. We would be most grateful to you for this act of kindness.
Movies & Showtimes
CrossroadsEP.org
Nov 14 -Nov 20 2025 thth
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.
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.
Lion, was photographed by local artist Darrell Spangler. Purchase online at dms.estes.org/Forms/HolidayOrnaments, or in person: Town of Estes Park Finance Department, 170 MacGregor Avenue; Peak Hallmark, Upper Stanley Village, 459 E. Wonderview Avenue #4; or Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Avenue.
Shipping Information: 1–2 ornaments, $8; 3–4 ornaments, $15; 5+ ornaments: Contact Karin at kswanlund@estes.org or 970-577-3721 for shipping details.
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
Credit card payments are accepted; additional processing fees may apply. The 2025 ornament design and more details can be viewed at estes.org/ helpinghandsornament.
November News From The Art Center Of Estes Park
Join the Art Center of Estes Park for a new exhibit opening: “Brushstrokes and Beyond,” featuring artist member Eileen Van Baren, oil and acrylics, will open on November 14th. Eileen Van Baren has been painting for more than 60 years, bringing a lifetime of dedication and joy to her art. Living in Loveland, CO, she finds endless inspiration in the mountains, skies, and natural beauty that surrounds her. Her work reflects a careful attention to color, brush strokes, and in the fine details of realism. She enjoys working in multiple media, acrylics, oils and pastels, choosing the medium that best captures the mood and vibrancy of her subject.
Whether painting mountain landscapes or scenes of quiet beauty, Eileen's goal always honors the natural world with authenticity and heart. Beyond her studio, she is a proud of her role as a mother to two daughters and a grandmother to two grandchildren, who are a constant source of inspiration and joy in her life.
The opening reception will take place November 14th from 5 – 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
The public is invited to enter their name for the door prize donated by Eileen Van Baren. Entries can be made
between 11 a.m. on Friday, November 14th, to 5 p.m. on Monday November 17th, at which time a name will be drawn and the winner notified.
Considering participating in one of the Art Center’s upcoming art classes!
• Henna Tatoo (Mehndi style) Bookmarks with Deb Coombs
November 16th, 1 to 4 p.m.
Art Center members: $36; nonmembers: $40
We will be making two bookmarks, one with brown ink on brown paper, the other gold ink on black paper in a style that is reminiscent of Henna Tattoos.
You do not need to be able to draw —
if you can write your name, you can Zentangle®!
Come experience the joy of Zentangling and its unique
meditative, mindful and stress reducing practice. Deb Coombs is a Certified Zentangle® Teacher (CZT), long-time member of the Art Center and long-time resident of Estes Park. Materials/Supply List: Provided. (Listed are the items students are expected to bring to this class; items the teacher will provide to each student; and an additional note for “newbies” to Zentangle® classes about beginner’s kits that are available.)
Cathy Goodale
November 19th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Art Center members: $72; nonmembers: $80
We’ll study edge control and will be using a limited palette of complimentary colors or a split compliment. Bring some photos of winter landscapes. You will learn how beautifully these subtle gray colors can work together.
To register online: visit artcenterofestes.com, under Classes, or call 970586-5882.
Art Center artists are on display at five satellite locations: Bank of Estes Park, US Bank, VERT, Snowy Peaks Winery and Estes Park Health. New exhibits at Bank of Estes Park, US Bank and Snowy Peaks Winery have been put on display with new art and the public is invited to view them.
To learn more about the Art Center, visit our social media outlets – Instagram at @artcenterofep or Facebook at Art-Center-of-Estes-Park – or, visit our website at artcenterofestes.com.
• “Painting Winter Whites” with
WINTER HOURS
Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library
Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
SPECIAL HOURS
Closed on Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Registration is required for most programs! Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to secure your spot.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Books & Boba: Romance in All Its Forms
Monday, November 17, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Have a romance novel or any romance subgenre book that you think everyone should read? Bring it to the book discussion, share it with your community members, & get their recommendations while enjoying a free beverage from our neighbors at ALTEATUDE.
Monthly Writing Group with Aimie Runyan
Tuesday, November 18, 10:15 - 11:45 a.m., Wasson Room
Join us for this special mid-month session facilitated by bestselling author Aimie Runyan. All writers of all genres are invited to share your writing, enjoy others’ work, & receive feedback. Unlock the Secret Language of Connection with Charles Duhigg Tuesday, November 18, 12 - 1 p.m., Online
Get primed for the holiday season with the author of The Power of Habit & Smarter Faster Better to learn how to communicate & connect with anyone, anywhere.
Writing Romance for Any Genre Wednesday, November 19, 6:45 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room, Session 2 of 2
Join local bestselling author Aimie Runyan for this series to learn how to incorporate a romantic subplot into your work, from historical fiction to sci-fi.
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.
Spice Up the Season Potluck Saturday, November 15, 4:30 - 6 p.m., Hondius Room
Connect with neighbors, share recipes, & celebrate our love for reading & food. Bring a dish to share & enjoy a variety of homemade treats from fellow community members.
The Artist’s Way: A 12-Week Journey to a More Creative Life Tuesday, November 18 & 25, 5:156:15 p.m., Quiet Room; Session 11 & 12 of 12
This 12-week workshop 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.
Vengeance Served Spicy: Exploring the Greek Tragedy Agamemnon Thursday, November 20, 6:15 - 7:45 p.m., Hondius Room, Session 2 of 2
Spice up your season with a two-part journey into a timeless Greek play with themes of war, religion, power, violence, & the battle of the sexes.
Library After Dark: Tracks & Stacks
Saturday, November 22, 5 - 8 p.m., Library-wide
We are celebrating the best of local, creative talent with six amazing bands, mocktails, charcuterie, & a Maker Art Sale benefiting the Friends of the Library Foundation.
Join us for a spice swap to discover new flavors, share recipes, & explore what your neighbors are cooking. Small bags & measuring spoons provided for easy trading. We’ll also be kicking off our new, monthly Spice Club Kits.
TEENS & TWEENS
The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical
Saturday, November 15, 7 - 9 p.m., Estes Park High School Auditorium
We are proud to partner with the Estes Park High School to offer a free ticket to the musical for patrons who register for our Book vs. Musical discussion on Wednesday, November 19.
Young adults & teens who want to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons are invited to make friends, explore your imaginations, build cooperation, & strengthen problem solving skills.
Young Dragon Slayers
Wednesday, November 19 & 26, 3:305:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Interested in learning how to play Dungeons & Dragons? Want to think strategically & make new friends? Join other tweens for this classic fantasyworld game.
Book vs. Musical: Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief
Wednesday, November 19, 6 - 7 p.m., Hondius Community Room
Join us to discuss the book versus the Estes Park High School’s musical production.
Participants will receive a copy of the graphic novel while supplies last.
Create a festive decoration for the season using pinecones, feathers, leaves, & a variety of craft supplies.
Young Chautauqua Club
Thursday, November 20, 4 - 5 p.m., Hondius Room
Teacher & facilitator Katherine Dumont will lead participants through research about jumping into the skin of a fictional character & culminates in live, costumed performances in February 2026.
Spice Science
Wednesday, November 26, 1 - 2 p.m., Hondius Room
Join us to explore spices from around the world through our senses. We’ll learn how spices changed history, from medicine to maps!
KIDS & FAMILIES
Library Storytimes
Baby Storytime: Thurs. & Sat. at 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Thurs. & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.
Friday Kids Club: Jar Top Owls
Friday, November 14, 10 - 11 a.m. or 4 - 5 p.m., Hondius Room
Upcycle jar lids with bottle caps, wire, craft foam, & googly eyes to make a fun fall ornament. Designed for children ages 5-11.
Storybook Explorers:
Maisy Makes Gingerbread Saturday, November 15, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m., Hondius Room
We’ll read Maisy Makes Gingerbread, play with cinnamon-scented playdough & decorate paper gingerbread people.
Friday Kids Club: Cinnamon Ornaments
Friday, November 21, 10 - 11 a.m. or 4 - 5 p.m., Hondius Room
Spice up the season by making two different ornaments out of cinnamon. Designed for children ages 5-11. Storytime Friends Block Party Saturday, November 29, 10 - 11 a.m., Hondius Room
Storytime friends are invited to explore stations with different types of blocks to see what fun creations we can build together. Recommended for ages 0-5.
MAKERSPACE CLASSES
Introduction to Sublimation
Tuesday, November 18, 10 - 11:30 a.m. or 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
Learn the basics of sublimation printing using our heat & mug presses to create personalized items. For ages 13 & up (participants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult).
Makerspace Monthly Meetup
Monday, November 24, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
Experienced artists & curious crafters are invited to connect with fellow makers, experiment with various techniques, & work on a project of your choice.
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Regular Meeting
Monday, November 17, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room
Learn about the Board of Trustees & meeting topics 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. - 4 p.m.
Monday, Nov 17
Tuesday, Nov 18
Wednesday, Nov 19
November
17 – 21
Chicken Tenders (2) w/ Waffle (syrup on the side), Hashbrowns & fruit
Chicken Breast stuffed w/ Artichokes & Spinach w/ Roasted Red Pepper
Monday, Nov 24 Corned Beef Hash w/ Scrambled Eggs, Biscuit & fruit
Tuesday, Nov 25 Roasted Herb Chicken (1/2) w/ Roasted Potatoes & vegetables
Wednesday, Nov 26 Thanksgiving Dinner (limited reservations)
Thursday, Nov 27 CLOSED
Friday, Nov 28 CLOSED
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, Nov 17th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Nov 14th. 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
Fluid Movement & Balance 2nd & 4th Thursday 10:30-11:15 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
Enjoy A Free Concert With Local Favorites
Neilson/Nicholson
At The Senior Center
The Estes Park Senior Citizens Center (EPSCC) is honored to welcome the popular local musical duo Neilson/Nicholson for a special daytime concert on Tuesday, November 18th, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the EPSCC, 1760 Olympian Lane. Everyone is invited to attend this free event, and refreshments will be provided.
Neilson/Nicholson are Estes Park locals Skip Neilson and Karen Nicholson, who have been performing together for many years, delighting audiences with their engaging blend of acoustic rock, folk, alt-country, and original songs. Their music is known for its rich vocal harmonies and easygoing style that perfectly complements the mountaintown spirit of Estes Park.
In addition to performing as a duo, Skip and Karen are also members of the high-energy rock band Sugar Mountain. Skip, a guitarist and vocalist originally from Dallas, Texas, began playing music in his teens and has toured and recorded with various bands across the U.S., South America, and Europe. Karen, a vocalist from Hays, Kansas, has deep family roots in Estes Park and has been performing since childhood, contributing her vocals to numerous live and studio projects.
Neilson/Nicholson are well-known regulars at local favorites such as The
They also perform at private events, shows, and festivals throughout the area.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of hearing them yet, this is a perfect opportunity to experience their talent and warmth in an intimate setting. If you have, you already know why they’re a beloved part of the local music scene. For more about their upcoming shows, visit their Facebook page, and enjoy performance videos and recordings on YouTube. For the concert, you are welcome to bring your lunch or pre-purchase a hot meal. Place your order before 1 p.m. on Monday, November 17th. For this event, the Senior Center will be serving chicken breast stuffed with artichoke and spinach, with roasted red pepper sauce and au gratin potatoes. The cost of the meal is $9 for EPSCC members and $12 for non-members.
If you become an EPSCC member for just $35 per year, you will not only enjoy meal discounts but also gain access to all the amazing activities. For more information about the EPSCC or to order a meal for the event, please call the Senior Center at 970-581-2195.
Parkinson’s Support Group Will Meet November 18th
The next meeting of the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group will be held Tuesday, November 18th in the Hondius Room at the Estes Valley Library from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month. All affected by this progressive neurological disease are welcome to attend to bring their own experiences, strength, and hope and come together for the good of the group.
Slab, Snowy Peaks Winery, Full Throttle Distillery, Tavern at the Legion, Aspen & Evergreen Gallery, Bird & Jim’s, and Elk Meadow Lodge, among others.
The Long History Of Colorado’s Moose
By: Deena Sveinsson and Lena MQ Heilmann, Ph.D
As the days grow shorter and we feel a chill in the air, signs of winter start to appear across the Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park. The wonder of the moose rut has waned. Bulls have found their mates, and now they will retreat higher into the mountains, away from public view, for the winter. Cow moose keep their calves close, teaching them how to survive the harsh and snowy winters while carrying next year’s calf or twin calves. By the time spring returns, we’ll be waiting eagerly for the return of the adorable, wobbly moose babies.
For many Coloradans and visitors, spotting a moose still feels like a novelty. Most believe the species appeared here only in recent decades, following their official reintroduction in the late 1970s. However, new research shows that moose have long been part of Colorado’s landscape, with evidence suggesting their presence in the southern Rockies for centuries, if not thousands of years.
This summer, we were excited to learn more about the history of the moose across the entire state of Colorado, not just the Estes Valley. In August, The Conversation published the article “Moose have lived in Colorado for centuries – unpacking the evidence from history, archaeology and oral traditions,” written by a team of archaeologists, paleoecologists and conservation paleobiologists who challenge the common belief that moose are newcomers to Colorado. Using archaeological, historical, and Indigenous evidence, the authors argue that moose have long lived in the southern Rockies and should be recognized as part of the region’s natural heritage. They emphasize the importance of understanding this deeper history in the context of our present moment.
On an unusually rainy afternoon in Boulder, we met with the study’s principal author, William Taylor, Ph.D, Assistant Professor and Curator of Archeology, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History. Professor Taylor is a passionate educator who wants the public to “develop a different way of
thinking about ancient ani mals in Colorado” when we learn about the history of our state’s wildlife.
Growing up in Montana, Professor Taylor saw his first moose when he was five years old. Professor Taylor is fascinated by horses, reindeer, sheep and of course, moose, and he now specializes in the study of large mammals. One of his passions is working to improve and curate the fauna collections at the University of Colorado Mu seum of Natural History. In spring 2024, Professor Taylor came across an article about the history of the moose in Colorado, and realized that the University of Colorado Museum Collections were interfacing with this history. Questioning the accuracy from an archeological and historical sense, Professor Taylor decided to dig further into the history of moose in Colorado. “I started to question the source of the assertion that moose were never established in the area,” he told us. “I started getting curious and began to pull on the thread of historical archives.”
age of our identified moose observations are female and a significant percentage are juvenile moose,” says Professor Taylor. This evidence contradicts the narrative that moose in Colorado before 1978 were only transient bulls and the belief that moose never established a breeding population in Colorado.
Professor Taylor and his team identified at least 40 more recorded moose sightings in Colorado, many representing multiple animals at a time, including a captioned photograph from 1912 taken
To move past the limitations of written history, Professor Taylor and the research team looked at the archeological evidence of moose’s presence. They identified a number of archeological findings with evidence of moose in Colorado, including bones that date back to 9,000 years ago.
One of these sites is the Jurgens Archaeological Site, a former bison processing site, which is nine miles from Greeley. This site is a Paleo-Indian site that dates to more than 7000 BCE. The site contains bones of at least seventeen identified species beyond bison. One of these species is moose, which suggests that these species were hunted.
Another archaeological site with a published record of moose comes from Mesa Verde, dating to nearly 1000 years ago in the Four Corners region.
in the South Park area. This photograph depicts a hunter with a cow moose and juvenile moose kill.
While researching the archives at the Denver Public Library, Professor Taylor read through extensive notes from Dick Denney, the former Big Game Manager at the Colorado Division of Wildlife (now, Colorado Parks and Wildlife). Mr. Denney was responsible for creating the Moose Reintroduction Program in 1978-1979 and kept detailed records of numerous moose encounters in North Park that occurred decades prior to the reintroduction. While it is widely known that Milton Estes claimed bragging rights for shooting a bull moose in Estes Park in the mid 1800s, that was certainly not the only moose sighting in Colorado in that century. What was not widely known is robust historical record of cow moose, calves, and juveniles across Colorado, including in places like Steamboat Springs, Fairplay, and Hot Sulphur Springs. “A very large percent-
This research team tracked encounters of moose as far back as Colorado history can take us, from European settler encounters to Native American oral traditions. Professor Taylor pointed out that it is critical to realize the difference between the written historical records and the actual ecological and cultural reality. Because many people shared their experiences orally, there is likely an order of magnitude difference between the number of recorded encounters with moose and the true number of animals on the landscape in the past.
Moose are elusive and sometimes difficult to locate, even today, when Colorado’s moose population is at an estimated 3,500 animals. Back in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it would have been even more difficult to locate moose without the ease our current methods of capturing data, which include overhead flying, paved roads for driving or infrared spotting scopes. In those early days of written records, the moose, as well as the human population, were also far fewer in number.
“The truth is history can be sloppy, it’s biased and incomplete,” says Professor Taylor. “But even so, it is replete with observations of moose.”
As Professor Taylor reminded us: “Even if you have only one reliable moose bone at an ancient site, you have a big problem demonstrating their absence.”
The Moose Reintroduction is one of the most successful reintroduction programs in Colorado. Colorado is the envy of many states that have declining moose populations. Moose in Colorado are plentiful and healthy, allowing for both hunting and viewing opportunities for the public. There are Facebook pages dedicated to our moose showing residents of the state and beyond how majestic and special these animals are. We love our moose in Colorado.
As we wrapped up our conversation with Professor Taylor, he emphatically stated that his “core desire, is to put out what the empirical record says.”
Our conversation with Professor Taylor reminded us of the importance of collecting information from different and verifiable sources to make decisions and develop well-informed opinions. We are excited to see new research look more closely at the history of moose in Colorado, and we welcome this opportunity to look at our rich Colorado history and the past with an open mind to make educated decisions that will impact our wildlife in the future.
Photos by Deena Sveinsson deenasveinssonphotography.com
Learn About Avalanche Safety With Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Rocky Mountain Conservancy is collaborating with the Estes Valley Library and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) to host an educational presentation on avalanche safety.
On December 3rd, Mike Cooperstein from CAIC will lead an Avalanche Awareness Presentation at the Estes Valley Library, 335 E Elkhorn Ave, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. This free event is open to the public, but registration is required as seating is limited. This engaging introductory presentation will cover the basics of avalanche hazards, terrain recognition, and decision-making to help you stay safe in Colorado’s winter backcountry.
Avalanche Aware is a one-hour introduction to avalanches and avalanche safety developed by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), CAIC, and the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC). The program is designed for people of all ages and experience levels who want to learn about, or avoid, avalanche terrain, whether they travel on skis, snow-
shoes, snowmobiles, or foot. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is a program within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Executive Director’s Office. CAIC provides avalanche information, education, and promotes research for the protection of life, property, and the enhancement of the state’s economy.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy has
been the official philanthropic partner of Rocky Mountain National Park since 1931, supporting the park and other nearby public lands through research projects, trail restoration projects, search and rescue efforts, and education programs. Founded in 1916 by the Estes Park Woman’s club, the Estes Valley Library provides community-driven resources for people to share in the Estes Valley and surrounding areas. The Conservancy and the Library are excited to partner with CAIC to bring this essential information to residents of the Estes Valley.
To register, go to RMConservancy.org/ events.
Piano Masterworks By John Wolf At Next Peak To Peak Concert
The Peak to Peak concert series is pleased to present John Wolf, pianist, in a program of “Piano Masterworks.”
The concert will be held Saturday, November 15th, at 2 p.m. at the Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 2000 Ptarmigan Trail. The concert is free (though donations are appreciated), and a reception to meet the performer will follow.
The program includes outstanding and cherished compositions by four of the greatest composers for the piano. It begins with Mozart’s Sonata in F Major, K. 332, a lively and joyful piece with a beautiful aria for its second movement. The colorful, impressionistic Sonatine by Maurice Ravel follows. Beethoven’s Op. 110 Sonata in Ab Major is the next piece on the program. It is a late sonata by Beethoven and spans a large range of emotions.
The final movement is in an unusual form that alternates between a sorrowful aria and an inventive and ultimately triumphant fugue. The program concludes with Chopin’s beloved Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, a virtuosic and lyrical piece with an exciting ending. John Wolf retired to Estes Park, Colorado in 2020 to immerse himself in mountains and music. He holds a Bachelors of Music in piano performance and music literature from Southwestern University and a Masters of Music in piano performance and pedagogy from SMU. He has performed in solo recitals, as an accompanist, and as a soloist with the Southwestern Sinfonietta and Dallas Civic Orchestra, and performs regularly on the Peak to Peak concert series.
After graduation, Wolf pursued a career in public education and continued to teach piano privately. He was a sought-after accompanist for talented high school band, string, and choral students in San Antonio and Dallas for many years. He attends the Rocky Ridge Adult Piano Seminar on Longs Peak Road annually and is currently studying piano under the guidance of Hsing-ay Hsu, a concert pianist in New York City. He also plays regularly in masterclasses given by David Korevaar, Larry Graham, and Sergio Gallo. Mr. Wolf enjoys being a substitute teacher in the Estes Park schools and serves on the board of the Estes Valley Library Friends and Foundation.
Join PFLAG On November 18th
PFLAG will host a meeting on Tuesday, November 18th, at 2 p.m. at The Art Center of Estes Park, located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue, Unit 201. PFLAG is the nation's first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. With more than 360 chapters in the country, PFLAG creates inclusive communities where LGBTQ+ individ-
uals and their families can find understanding, encouragement, and belonging.
If you are an LGBTQ+ person, a parent, grandparent, family member, friend, or ally — or curious about how to support your neighbors — join us! For more information or any questions, please contact Reggie Johnson at president@pflagfortcollins.org.
Watch Out For Tax Scams
It’s tax season again — which also means, unfortunately, that it’s time for the annual array of scams aimed at taxpayers. Fortunately, by being alert, you can protect yourself from these attempts to defraud you.
Your first line of defense is to recognize the warning signs of potential tax scams. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) cites these common red flags:
• Promises of big payments — If you’ve filed taxes for many years, either by yourself or with the help of a tax professional, you probably have a pretty good idea of whether you’re getting a refund, and how much it will be. But scammers, often using social media, may promise huge refunds by essentially encouraging you to claim tax credits to which you’re not entitled and then charging large, upfront fees or a fee based on your refund amount.
• Suspicious websites — Watch out for strange-sounding or misspelled web links — these can take you to harmful sites, rather than the official site of the IRS (IRS.gov).
• Solicitations from charity imposters
— The many natural disasters we’ve experienced in recent years has brought out great support from people wanting to help friends, neighbors and even total strangers. However, these catastrophes have also encouraged scammers who solicit contributions to bogus charitable groups. To determine whether an organization is a qualified charity that can receive tax-deductible contributions, visit the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool on IRS.gov.
• Threats or demands — IRS impersonators may threaten you with large fines, or even arrest, if you don’t make immediate payments of what they claim you owe.
You can protect yourself from many tax-related scams by knowing how the IRS will or won’t communicate with you. Typically, the IRS will initiate contact with you through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. You can verify the legitimacy of any letter by visiting your secure IRS online account, under the “Notices and Letters”
section.
Other ways the IRS will contact you:
• Email — Only with your permission, with a few exceptions, such as criminal investigations
• Text – Only with your permission
• Phone — Only to discuss your case, verify information or set up a meeting
• Fax — Only to verify or request employment information
• In-person visit — Rarely done, and typically only following a letter
The IRS will not:
• Contact you or take payment on social media.
• Accept gift cards or prepaid debit cards as payment.
• Threaten to call law enforcement or immigration officials.
• Take your citizenship status, driver’s license or business license.
• Leave pre-recorded voicemails (robocalls).
• Mail tax debt resolution advertisements.
If you have doubts about any offers or communications, whether supposedly from the IRS or not, you may want to contact a trusted, qualified tax professional.
Also, be on guard for your elderly family members, as senior citizens are frequent targets of scammers. If you talk to these family members regularly, see if you can find out about any unusual offers or solicitations they may have received.
Finally, if you believe you are a victim of monetary or identity theft, you can report these issues using the IRS website at IdentityTheft.gov. You can also refer to IRS Publication 5027 — l Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers.
Tax scams and identity theft are serious threats — so do whatever you can to defend yourself.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by our local Edward Jones Financial Advisors.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
by Aaron Busche
Aurora Borealis over Lumpy Ridge
Photo: EPNews
Archie, Scrappy, Flora, & Gracie Need New, Loving, Forever Families
These two great pups are looking for their forever homes. Please make their wishes come true!
Archie is a heeler mix who is a fun boy. He loves to play and romp outside! Archie is housetrained and does well with dogs but would do best in a family without kids. If you’re looking for an adventure buddy, he’s your dog!
Scrappy is a very
happy guy who loves everyone. He is about one-and-a-half years old which means he has good energy and is very trainable! Scrappy has had a previous injury on his back end but it doesn't slow him down. He will be a perfect winter snuggler.
There are also two wonderful cats in need of new homes.
Flora is an eight-yearold grey and white kitty who might be a little overweight (but we won’t mention that
to her!). She is very sweet and loves a warm lap to snuggle up on.
Gracie is a kind and beautiful 10-year-old lilac point Siamese whose mom recently passed away. She would love a new place to call her forever home!
Call 970-286-1652 if you’d like to meet any of these special pets. Consider opening your home to an animal in need.
All pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a nonprofit organization that is the Estes Valley’s only humane society.
To donate or learn more, visit their website at petassociationestespark.com.
You can make a taxdeductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to P.O. Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Author Robert N. Ruesch On Growing Up At The YMCA: November 28th
Multi-published author Robert N. Ruesch will talk about Thanksgiving in the 1950s at Estes Park Center, YMCA. What would your life be like if you grew up in Estes Park, and the Rocky Mountain National Park was your backyard playground? Your friends were college students from across the USA and even foreign countries?
Robert will also talk about his childhood at Estes Park Center YMCA, from his book, In the Warmth of the Shadow. He will speak at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 28th, at The Maude Jellison Library, Estes Park Center. Rob-
ert’s recollection of “growing up in paradise” gives the listener an hour of what Estes Park was like in the 1950s to the 1970s.
Robert has written two books about the YMCA of the Rockies. His newest book, The Long Road Home, will also be available for purchase. This book chronicles the three-decade journey of his daughter’s addiction and current recovery. Told in the first person from the father and daughter’s standpoint, will give you an unfiltered look at the impact of drugs on families.
All books will be available for purchase and signing. Since 1907, the YMCA of the Rockies has been hosting families, conferences, and summer staff experiences. Robert’s exploits and experiences will entertain you and bring into focus the history of the YMCA and Estes Park.
Gracie
Youth are searching for meaningful connections as our world is increasingly disconnected and fractured. We know that youth thrive when they have positive adult role models, useful coping tools, and empowering skills to help support them through challenges in their lives.
Give The Gift Of Giving & Spark Holiday Joy!
That’s where Partners comes in. We have never stopped working to provide an ever-growing number of northern Colorado youth with the support they deserve. Participants in our high-quality mentoring and prevention education programs experience a significant improvement in their mental health, gaining confidence, trust, and hope.
Yes, One Person Can Make A Difference (and you don't have to wait for the holidays)!
• Become A Community-Based Mentor in the Estes Valley and make a difference in the life a local youth! Partners has four youth patiently waiting for four adults to volunteer and become a mentor for them. Must enjoy spending time with a youth, be 21 or older, have a reliable vehicle for transportation, and complete our screening
process (includes training).
• Like to golf and raise money for Partners? Learn more and register to participate in Pars for Partners on November 22nd, 2025 in Fort Collins at: poweredbypartners.org/eventscalendar/pars-fore-partners.
• Become a financial supporter of our youth mentoring programs as a donor or as sponsor during our Spark Campaign. Learn more and donate at: poweredbypartners.org/eventscalendar/the -spark-campaign.
• Share this information with your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and network!
Learn more at poweredbypartners.org or call the Estes Park Office at 970577-9348.
Thanks in advance for your support!
Local Craft Fair At Mother’s Cafe: Saturday, November 15th
Mother's Cafe has taken great joy over the last three years, serving the citizens of Estes Park great food in a cozy environment with warm service. We are so grateful for every patron we had the privilege of seating.
Mother's Cafe regrets deeply the decision made not to renew our lease, but we know organizations have to maintain their businesses as they see fit. We would like to publicly extend our deepest gratitude to the Estes Park Men's Golf Club, the Estes Park Women's Golf Club, Nan Ryan, Austin Logan, and our many regular patrons for your love and support through our tenure.
the Estes Park Pet Association, Estes Valley Health, and Crossroads. The craft vendors will have wares varying from clothing, to decor, to bath items, woodworking, and leather works. There are two vendors donating their proceeds to the efforts to relieve the fires that affected the community of Nederland.
We are also so pleased to announce that Kae Morgan will be performing for us during the morning hours of the fair! We are so lucky to have this talent performing for us. She will be at the songwriter's showcase at the Legion in the evening...please go support her!
This Saturday, we will have our last event: a local craft fair. We have about fifteen craft vendors, as well as representatives from three local nonprofits:
The craft fair will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will have browsing refreshment trays, beer, wine, and mimosas available during. Happy tidings moving into the holiday season, everyone!
A Quick Chat (GPT)
By: Larry Strong
“If you were the Devil, what would you do?” This was the question posed to ChatGPT and the response was— well—here’s the response.
“I wouldn’t waste my time trying to get you to worship me. No, I’d just convince you to worship no God at all. I’d tell you the truth is relative—your truth, my truth—until nobody knows which way is up. I’d whisper, ‘As long as you’re happy, it’s right.’
“I’d keep you busy. Too busy for prayer. Too busy for church. Too busy to ask eternal questions. I’d fill your hands with a phone so you’d never have time to fold them in prayer. I’d break families. Get fathers absent, marriages bit ter, and kids confused. If I can fracture the home, I can fracture the future.”
I asked ChatGPT what “Men on Fire” means. Here was the response.
“The phrase ‘Men on Fire’ can mean passionate or intensely motivated. When someone says ‘He’s a man on fire,’ it usually means the person is full of energy, drive, and determination. It can symbolize a spiritual or emotional awakening. In some religious contexts, it can describe someone who’s deeply inspired or spiritually passionate.
“I’d divide the church. Petty arguments, comparison, offense, celebrity culture. If I can get Christians fighting each other, they’ll never fight me. I’d desensitize you. I’d glamorize sin in movies, normalize it in music, laugh at it in comedy, and celebrate it in culture until what once shocked you now entertains you.
“I’d attack your identity, make you question who you are, where you belong and whether you matter. I’d whisper shame so loud you can’t hear God’s voice of love. And through it all, I wouldn’t even try to prove I exist. My greatest trick is to convince you I’m not real. Because if you don’t believe I’m real, you’ll never resist.”
“An example would be they were men on fire for their faith. They’re ‘on fire’ in a sense of being filled with the Holy Spirit, excited about their faith, and eager to live it out boldly. It could mean men being transformed by God’s power and striving to grow spiritually.
“It might also mean these men are actively living out their faith—serving others, spreading the gospel, and leading with courage and compassion. As a group name, it can convey a sense of brotherhood—men encouraging one another to keep their spiritual ‘fire’ burning and not grow lukewarm in faith. So, ‘Men on Fire’ would likely represent a group of men deeply committed to their faith, passionate in worship, and active in service and spiritual growth.”
I couldn’t say it better myself. Men on Fire meets every Saturday, 8 a.m. at the American Legion, 850 N. St. Vrain. Join us for “Breakfast with a Purpose!” this Saturday to see how close ChatGPT was to describing the brotherhood of Men on Fire. Or—just stop by for a quick chat.
We Must All Hang Together
"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
- Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790)
The Founders of America were united in their approach to hang together and accomplish something they could
never do on their own. I believe this value of being united and working together is under attack in communities across our nation, but I have not sensed this to be true in the Estes Valley. I think it’s because good people are standing up, and fighting with fervor to maintain the spirit of Unity. “United we Stand, Divided we Fall” was spoken by a few people you might recognize such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry and Abraham Lincoln. They believed wholeheartedly in being United, and pursued this until their dying day.
I would like to invite you to be United with us at Crossroads Assistance Ministry as we stand up for our neighbors
in need, and take action to ensure no one goes hungry, or finds themselves struggling to survive in our community. We value our many partnerships within the Estes Valley, the Front Range, and across our great nation. We believe it’s a good practice to not judge someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. The sole of their shoe feels something different than the sole of your shoe, and we will truly never know how they feel until we connect at a soul level. Speaking of shoes, I’ve discovered that loose shoes fall off, so make sure they’re tightly secured or they will come Untied. At Crossroads, we do all that we can to keep people from being tripped up from something as simple as an untied shoelace. Have you ever noticed that the words Untied and United have the same letters, but convey a totally different message? Staying United takes some effort and intentionality. Just as you can’t expect a shoe lace to stay tied day after day without checking it, so we as individuals must work together daily as a United force or we will eventually find ourselves Untied. United we Stand, Untied we Fall! Let’s commit to be United in our efforts to take good care of our neighbors in need, and this may be as simple as kneeling down to help tie someone’s shoe. For all you do, we say, THANK YOU!
Thanksgiving Events At Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church will be serving a potluck Turkey Dinner in honor of the celebration of Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 23rd immediately following worship at 10:30 a.m. Worship begins at 9 a.m. The turkey will be provided, please plan on bringing a Thanksgiving side dish to share. Please RSVP to pgrhode@comcast.net. Thanksgiving Worship will be celebrated on the Eve of Thanksgiving, Wednesday November 26th, at 6 p.m. All are welcome to join us in celebrating the great gifts and blessings of God in Christ Jesus!
Dan Sapienza Announces Candidacy For Larimer County Commissioner, District
Attorney and community leader Dan Sapienza this week announced his candidacy for Larimer County Commissioner, District 1.
Sapienza brings a unique blend of experience in small business, local government, law, and policy. He currently
1
Sapienza previously ran for the seat in 2018, stepping aside when John Kefalas entered the race. “Commissioner Kefalas has served Larimer County with integrity and dedication,” Sapienza said.
“He’s worked to make county government more accountable and transpar-
operates Poudre Legal Advisors LLC, a small law firm serving local businesses, governments, and nonprofits across Northern Colorado. His public service background includes years as a policy advisor and legislative analyst in Congress and with the Health District of Northern Larimer County focused on health care, affordability, and community well-being.
Sapienza also serves on the board of Salud Family Health and as a commissioner on the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority, and has volunteered with a range of community organizations throughout the region.
“As a small business owner and parent, I see firsthand the challenges of affordability and growth,” said Sapienza. “Larimer County needs to be proactive about housing, infrastructure, and regional connectivity. We can’t tackle those issues in isolation, collaboration between communities is key.”
ent while putting people and communities first. I want to continue that work — building on the strong foundation he’s helped create.”
“My goal is to ensure Larimer County continues to be a place where people can live, work, and thrive,” Sapienza said. “That means responsible growth, strong partnerships, and policies rooted in common sense and collaboration. I have the experience and community connections throughout the region to deliver results for the people of Larimer County.”
Sapienza’s campaign has already earned early support from community leaders including former Congresswoman Betsy Markey, Poudre School District Board President Kristen Draper, and Wellington Mayor Calar Chaussee.
For more information about Dan Sapienza’s campaign, visit dansapienza.com.
The District is accepting applications for a nutrition services team leader. Interested applicants must apply online at www.applitrack.com/estesschools/onlineapp/. Only online applications are accepted. See full posting at www.applitrack.com/estesschools/onlineapp/
School kitchen experience preferred. Salary range is $19.73 - $22.32/hr with single benefits. Up to five years of similar work experience may be granted. Position open until filed.
AA of Glen Haven
You've discovered the perfect fit! Thriving family adventure
Outdoor World and Rocky Mountain Connection year-round retail stores for clothing and gear are hiring. $18/hour. Stocking shelves, engaging customers. Bring your upbeat vibe and people skills. Flexible shifts on your terms. Ages 15 to 80 welcome. Reach Ernie anytime, day or night, every day of the week. 970 232 8290.
& Al-Anon Meetings
Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall
Early Worms
Monday through Saturday at 7 a.m. (hybrid meetings with Zoom #796 839 839 PW:Worms20) at St. Bartholomew Church, 880 MacGregor Ave. Early Worms Women's Meeting Mondays at 12 p.m.
St. Bartholomew, 880 MacGregor Ave. Mixed Nuts Al-Anon Group
Fridays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (hybrid meetings with Zoom #285 426 3644 PW:serenity) at St. Bartholomew Church One Day At A Time AA Meetings
Tuesdays at noon: Open discussion Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.: Open discussion **Please note: There will not be a meeting on Thursday, November 27, in observance of Thanksgiving. Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave. 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
Current Schedule as of 6/17/2025
Zoom ID 999 829166 for AA Meetings
Mondays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Mondays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, BB Tuesdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Women’s Meeting, Tuesdays at 2 p.m. — O, D
Wednesdays at 12 p.m., in person and
Zoom — O, D
Wednesdays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Thursdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Fridays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Saturdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Sundays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, ABSI
Sundays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Last Monday of each month is birthday night; potluck at 6 p.m., speaker at 7 p.m.
Location: 453 West Elkhorn Ave.
***Contribute via Venmo, @FallRiverGroupAA
Other 12 Step Meetings Held at Fall River Group
Narcotics Anonymous “New Horizons” Group, Thursdays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom (705 555 930) — O, D
**O=Open to all
D=Discussion
BB=Big Book
Zoom Meetings
Every day at noon, Zoom #999 829 166 (no password needed)
Zoom Big Book Study, Mondays 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 intherooms.com.
There are 70 AA meetings and 30 NA meetings a week.
JOIN OUR TEAM! Full details on employment opportunities and the application can be found at estes.org/jobs.
Regular Full-time
• Events Maintenance Worker I
• Groundworker - Limited Term
• Police Officer 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.
Local Resort seeks Housekeeping team for 2025-2026.
REQUIREMENT: Must have RECENT housekeeping and laundry Experience.
Great Starting Hourly Pay: Apply at 1260 Fall River Road (Office)
We’re hiring for all positions starting at $22.61/hr.:
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.
Kingswood Homes and Kingswood Home Services seeking Residential Project Manager for remodels, decks, or new homes. From initial meet to job completion. Solid carpentry background preferred. Duties include …. estimating scheduling of trades and materials.
manage site activities
contract management
people skills w/both vendors and client cost management
Send resume to mike@homesbykingswood.com.
Storage Units
Homes
House for rent -
3 bedroom, 1 bathroom in neighborhood west of downtown. $1,800 per month plus electric and water.
Great views, large screened porch, and a large lot. Call after noon (970) 231-6200.
Condos
Ponderosa Realty has several rental units open immediately!
We have a large variety from single bedrooms for rent up to a 3 bedroom home that allows for horses/livestock and several options in between. With Price ranges from $750/M to $2600/M we can fit into most budgets.
Call us at 970-586-6500 for details on your next home!
Condos and Apartments for rent on annual lease.
Call 970-203-5399
2 bedroom condo, one bath, includes washer & dryer, one car garage.
$2,150/mo.
1 bedroom condo, one bath, possibly furnished.
$1,995/mo.
1 bedroom apartment, nice kitchen, close to downtown.
$1,550/mo.
Condos
Comfortable townhome for rent in convenient Eagle View Condos. 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath. Fireplace, upgraded appliances, renovated full bath, washer/dryer, dedicated parking, 2nd floor heated sun room that can be an office or sitting room. $2000.00 month. 239-822-6012
Apartments
Perfect winter rental near Lake Estes! $1300/Month - all utilities are included. Available October 26 through Memorial Day. Fully furnished. 1 bed lodge room. Stunning lake and mountain views. A perfect seasonal rental in a peaceful, scenic location Contact us at 970-779-7455
Cabins
Winter rental at Colorado Cottages! $1300/Monthall utilities included. Available October 26 through Memorial Day. Fully furnished. 1 bedroom. Cozy fireplace. Prime location close to downtown, trails and RMNP. Contact us at 970-779-7455
Cabins
Available Dec. 1st (maybe sooner).
2 BD & 3/4 BA Cabin.
3 min. down Hwy 34. W/D hookups. $1700/mo (includes H20) + deposit + utilities. Nathanael 970-692-4237.
1 Bd in Glen Haven, fireplace, river, year round, $950/mo. plus deposit & utilities, 970-586-5846.
1 and 2 bedroom cabins starting at $1,200 per month and RV sites starting at $900 per month. Please call 970-577-5151 for more information.
Commercial Rentals
One office space with private parking:
$425/mo. plus utilities. Two offices connected with bathroom: $800/mo.
Studio apartment w/ private parking: $1050/mo. plus utilities.
Studio apartment combined with both offices: $1750/mo. plus utilities. 970-290-4488
For rent : 15’x 13’ x 10‘ tall storage unit. Some built in shelves. $225 / month. Outdoor vehicle storage also available. Call Mike 970-214-8844
TRANSPORTATION
Trucks
2025 Chevy Silverado 4WD 77,400 miles. 2 Keys & Fobs. Lockable Tool Box. Always in CO & WY. Nice bed liner and handy to load 4x8 sheets and still close the tailgate. Trailer Hitch receiver. 5.3L V8. $18,000. Call Scott at 970-593-2805 Services
call for details (970) 591-3301 SERVICES
Sewing/Alterations
Remixed Custom Sewing Services. Small Furniture, Restoration, Outdoor and RV Cushions, and Commercial Upholstery. Call for appointment 970-492-5446
Piano Tuning
Susan Novy, local piano tuner. Call for appt. 577-1755 www.estesparkpiano tuner.com
Reliable IT services for offices and homes. We provide computer troubleshooting, network support, Wi-Fi setup, cybersecurity, and ongoing maintenance. Whether you’re a growing business or a busy household, we keep your technology running smoothly. Call or Text (970) 627-7189
basement for
into 4+3 w/2 laundries. Views! Private & quiet end of cul-de-sac, huge deck, fireplace, completely remodeled. Listing on Zillow for photos. 2619 Sunrise Court Estes Park, CO Will co op 970-690-3216 Commercial
Bicycles
Two Trek bikes, like new, lots of accessories. $500.00 for both. PLUS
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
Northern Arboristry Tree Service/ Removal, Firewood, Cleanouts and Chainsaw Shop!
Chris Lowe 970-815-4252 northernarboristry@gmail.com
BARBER SHOP
Gale Baniak - Owner/Barber Racheal Giroux - Barber
970-586-2000 • 415 W. Elkhorn Ave. 100 feet North of the Bighorn Restaurant No Appointment Necessary (for straight razor shaves only)
