EstesPark-LivingWell-Summer2025-8.25x10.5-Full by Prairie Mountain Media

CLOSE TO HOME HERE FOR YOU

At Estes Park Health, we know you’d rather spend your time enjoying the beauty of Estes Valley — not traveling for special medical care. That’s why we bring specialty care to you. With more than 20 medical specialties available right here in your community, you get the expert diagnosis and compassionate treatment you need without leaving town.

SPECIALTY CLINICS

UR COMMUNITY. NITY

Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopedic Surgery Pediatrics & Infusion Dermatology

Fa y g y Internal Medicine Neurology

Podiatry Pulmonology (including Asthma & CPAP fittings)

Respiratory Therapy Sleep Lab Urology

Estes Park Health also provides:

Diagnostic Imaging Rehabilitation Laboratory Services

Unleash Your Inner Artist

INSIDE THE OPEN, WELCOMING SPACE ON WEST RIVERSIDE DRIVE, GUESTS ARE PRESENTED WITH A VARIETY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS PROJECTS, ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED, THAT THEY CAN MAKE THEMSELVES.

After visiting Estes Park during the summer for several years, the

Aldridge family decided

at Estes Park’s Creativity

By Lisa Truesdale for Estes Park Trail-Gazette

to trade their hectic life in Austin, Texas, for the beauty of the mountains –a more laid-back lifestyle and time to spend together. They made the move in 2017 and Patti Aldridge arrived with an ambitious plan. After experiencing periods of burnout from her years working for a busy medical practice, she determined that “creativity taps into the inner part of us that keeps us balanced.” Seeking more balance in her family’s life, she set out to create a space where all families could relax, connect and build something together. Therefore, in 2019, Creativity Cabin was born. Inside the open, welcoming space on West

“We offer an experience, with a bonus at the end that people have a tangible souvenir to remind them of their experience in Estes Park.”

Riverside Drive, guests are presented with a variety of art and craft projects, with all supplies included, that they can make themselves. The most popular are the fired ceramics, which come in many unpainted forms like mugs, animal figurines, plates, ornaments and decorative items. They’re painted by the participants with helpful staff instruction, if needed, and then they’re left to be glazed, fired and picked up in a few days to

Cabin

a week, depending on how busy it is.

“We offer an experience, with a bonus at the end that people have a tangible souvenir to remind them of their experience in Estes Park,” says Patti. “The mountains hold a spirituality and a healing. I love when I have the opportunity to add to someone’s experience in a town I grew up visiting and now am blessed to live in.” It’s also a family affair, with Patti’s children, Issac and Grace, helping out when they’re not in school, and her husband, Mike, stopping by when he’s not teaching nursing at UNC.

Since many of the store’s customers are tourists who may leave town before their piece is done, Patti will ship their completed piece to them. However, if a makeand-take piece is desired, Creativity Cabin offers non-

(Photo courtesy: John Berry/Creativity Cabin)

fired options, like painting a tote bag or canvas, etching designs on glass or using acrylic paint on decorative ceramics. Creativity Cabin hosts daily technique classes and in-store parties. They often team up with other local businesses like Snowy Peaks Winery, Macdonald Bookshop, The Barrel and Brownfield’s for special events.

As for those who claim to not have a creative bone in their body, Patti is always ready with a rebuttal. “One of our missions is to break

down the idea that any of us are not creative,” Patti says. “With a little instruction and a lot of willingness to try, we can all do better than we thought we could. It brings me so much joy to see someone excited about what they created, especially if they started off believing they aren’t creative.”

342 W. Riverside Drive. In the summer, Creativity Cabin is open for walk-ins 1 to 5 p.m. every day, with morning appointments available.

Creativity Cabin hosts daily technique classes and in-store parties and often teams up with local businesses for special events. (Photo courtesy: John Berry/Creativity Cabin)

Patti Aldridge, owner, Creativity Cabin.

(Photo courtesy: John Berry/Creativity Cabin)

Ceramics including mugs, animal figurines, plates and ornaments are the most popular projects. (Photo courtesy: John Berry/Creativity Cabin)

Bring the OUTDOORS INWARD

By Rebecca Furuta for Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Kerry Shamblin is known for blending self-care and compassion while focusing on autonomy and mindfulness in her classes at Estes Park Yoga.

“I first learned yoga in India and I really saw the benefits in mind and in body,” says Shamblin. “Now I have a studio with five regular instructors, so we offer a variety of styles and personalities that welcome everyone and we teach yoga from the ground up.”

Shamblin purchased Estes Park Yoga from the previous owner in 2023 with the ambition to empower students and instructors, a vision to gather the most experienced teachers, and the heart to price classes for

obtainable frequent practice.

“We offer a variety of pricing options, from punch

cards that reduce the cost to $11 per session to unlimited monthly passes that allow

people to come as often as they wish. We want yoga to be affordable and accessible

Kerry Shamblin is known for blending self-care and compassion while focusing on autonomy and mindfulness in her classes at Estes Park Yoga. (Photo courtesy: Estes Park Yoga)

(Photo courtesy: Estes Park Yoga)

“We are so lucky to be surrounded by so much beauty in our yoga practice.”

to the community,” says Shamblin.

The mission is working, the studio is thriving, and the dedicated yoga community is growing.

The supportive environment at Estes Park Yoga also plays a significant role in the studio’s success. Located in the lower Stanley Village, the space is a welcoming place for both teachers and students. “Our studio is a place where everyone can feel comfortable and supported, and that connection really enhances the experience,” says Shamblin.

Estes Park Yoga provides a unique mountain yoga experience in the summer months, offering outdoor

the

from the outside world and focus inward during their practice.

classes at the Estes Park Resort Pavillion. Students benefit from having both a beautiful outdoor setting during the warmer seasons and a cozy, peaceful indoor studio when the chilly weather sets in. “We are so lucky to be surrounded by

so much beauty in our yoga practice,” says Shamblin.

Despite the enchanting setting, Shamblin encourages her students to disconnect from the outside world and focus inward during their practice. “I encourage people to close their eyes, connect

with their body, and slow down. In today’s world, with technology and social media, it’s easy to disconnect from your body. We give people an hour to pause and reflect and do something for themselves, and no one ever regrets spending that hour

Community is bigger than a place. It’s a trust that’s ear ned, help that’s given freely, and an attitude of showing up when it matters most. As a community bank, we follow those same principles. Because we know that community isn’t just somewhere you live, but something you live by.

Despite

enchanting setting, Shamblin encourages her students to disconnect

(Photo courtesy: Estes Park Yoga)

the Meadows Go Beyond

By Courtney Johnson for Estes Park Trail-Gazette

As the “base camp” to the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park is known for its beauty, endless recreational opportunities and a friendliness like no other. In other words, “Estes is a magical town,” said Reed Woodford, CEO of KMAC Guides. While there is plenty to see from the comfort of your car, there are many ways yearround to get a more elevated experience. Going beyond the tourist hubs and short walks from the car, there are plenty of opportunities to make

your visit more memorable, whether visiting from the Front Range or as an outof-towner.

Booking with an outfitter or guide, even if you’re a “local”, can take your visit from ordinary to extraordinary. Receiving local treatment not only enhances safety, but it also allows for educational opportunities and a different perspective of the area. “Our trips take people off the beaten path,” said Darren Christiansen, manager of Kirk’s Fly Shopthe only full-service fly fishing shop in town since 2002. “We head off-trail following where the river takes us up into the wild country. It’s an up close and personal experience, not on the same

As the “base camp” to the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park is known for its beauty, endless recreational opportunities and a friendliness like no other. (Photo courtesy: KMAC Guides)

roads and trails as anyone else,” he says about their 4, 6 and 8-hour tours. Kirk’s tours will help you catch cutthroat trout and other wild fish in Rocky Mountain National Park or on the Big Thompson River.

Since 1987, KMAC Guides have been leading tours for rock climbing, hiking, summiting Longs Peak, climbing their two Via Ferrata courses, and more visitor guidance. For locals it offers a chance to see the town from another view, while out-of-town visitors are left breathless, taking it all in.

“When you are thousands of feet above ground on a cliff face and hundreds of feet above Estes Valley, it’s mindblowing,” said Woodford.

The employees at outfitters like KMAC Guides, Kirk’s Fly Shop and Green Jeep Tours live and work in Estes Park, leading to a real local experience. It allows them to share their passion about the place they call home and the place they, too, play. “It makes the experience and time in the area more meaningful,” said Nikki Schultz, managing director of Green Jeep Tours, which also leads tours throughout Rocky Mountain National Park.

“Local guides understand the beauty and nature that you are looking at. They also can teach guests about the history of the area and how important the residents, especially Enos Mills, were in turning the area into a national park.”

From the comfort of a Jeep designed to take it all in, or by following in the footsteps of a proud townie on a trail, you can turn a humdrum visit through Estes into an exceptional one. Small groups led by experts offer families, friends and even co-workers a chance to disconnect, bond and get to know the magic of a town that’s always a top-rated destination in North America. Well-versed in principles from Leave No Trace to trail etiquette, they

1987, KMAC Guides

will lead you through a day of fun, safely from start to finish. “When you learn so much about the mountains, wildlife and flora of the area, you appreciate it more,” said Schultz. “When you are educated about what you are looking at, it makes it more fulfilling.”

Whether you are making the roughly 90-minute drive from Denver International Airport or a short drive from a nearby town, experience Estes Park on a whole other level with the expertise of a year-rounder. “When people and families are in Estes for even a few days, it allows them to take in so much

Since

have been leading tours for rock climbing, hiking, summiting Longs Peak, climbing their two Via Ferrata courses, and more visitor guidance. (Photo courtesy: KMAC Guides)

HEY, ESTES PARK! The Best of Estes Awards are back, and it’s your chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible local businesses and service providers that make our community truly special. Hosted by the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, this annual competition is all about giving you a voice to celebrate your absolute favorites!

What are we celebrating? EVERYTHING

YOU LOVE ABOUT ESTES! From the cozy cafes where you grab your favorite meal to your go-to spot for unique gifts, from the service providers who always go above and beyond to that perfect scenic hike, every single vote counts.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Cast your vote online: The poll is open now at EPTrail.com/Vote. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s your prime opportunity to show some love for your favorite local gems. Feel free to vote in just one category or all of them — it’s entirely up to you! The eagerly anticipated results will be unveiled in the fall edition of LivingWellinEstesPark. This special issue will showcase the cream of the crop, chosen by you, the residents and visitors who know Estes Park best.

So, take a moment, recall your best experiences, and let your voice be heard! Support your favorite businesses, service providers, and destinations by voting in the Best of Estes Awards!

Dr. Hannah Fields returns to Estes Park Health as family medicine physician

ESTES PARK (June 10) –Estes Park Health has announced the return of family physician Dr. Hannah Fields, who will begin seeing patients at the end of July. Fields, a Colorado native raised in Boulder, brings a deep background in medicine and public health along with a passion for preventive care and lifestyle medicine. Her extensive academic and clinical experience includes degrees in biochemistry and psychology from the

HEALTH NEWS

University of Colorado Boulder, a medical degree from the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine and a master’s in public health from Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.

She previously served as medical director for Salud Family Health Centers in Estes Park and also worked with the Harmony Foundation and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Most recently, she practiced at

Madison Healthcare Services in Minnesota before deciding to return to Colorado to be closer to family.

“I am excited to come home to Estes Park where we have our home,” Fields said. “This is an active and vibrant community invested in their health, and I am excited to help empower people to enhance their understanding about their health.”

Fields is currently pursuing a second board certification in lifestyle medicine, focusing

on preventing and reversing chronic diseases through non-medication treatments such as nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and social connections.

She will be moving back to Estes Park with her husband and two dogs. Appointments can be scheduled by calling

Larimer County urge residents, visitors to enjoy wildlife from a distance

LARIMER COUNTY.

(July 14) – Health officials in Larimer County are reminding the public to avoid contact with wild animals after three bats in the area tested positive for rabies, a fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system.

The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) issued a public notice urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets from exposure to rabies, which is most commonly carried by bats, skunks and raccoons in Colorado. Though rare, other wild mammals may also carry the virus.

“Bats and other wild animals play a key role in our environment, but

they can also carry serious diseases like rabies,” said Tom Gonzales, Larimer County Public Health Director. “Keeping a respectful distance and knowing when to call for help are essential to staying safe.”

Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites or scratches. Once symptoms appear in

humans or animals, the disease is almost always fatal. However, rabies can be prevented if medical treatment is received shortly after exposure.

To reduce the risk of exposure, health officials advise never feeding or touching wild animals and teaching children to do the same. Residents should secure trash cans and remove outdoor pet food, which can attract wildlife. Pet doors should be closed at night, and all pets, horses and livestock should be kept current on rabies vaccinations to avoid illness or lengthy quarantines in the event of exposure.

If a bat is found inside a home, the bat should be confined to a single room by closing doors and windows

to help animal control safely capture and test the animal. Residents should avoid handling the bat, especially with bare hands, and contact NOCO Humane Animal Protection & Control at 970.226.3647, ext. 7.

Anyone who may have been bitten or scratched, or who was asleep in a room with a bat, should seek medical care immediately and call LCDHE at 970.498.6666.

Post-exposure treatment can prevent the onset of rabies in those exposed.

The health department partners with NOCO Humane to test animals and assess the risk to the public.

For more information and a map of rabid animal

Dr. Hannah Fields, Estes Park Health

Rabies is most commonly carried by bats, skunks and raccoons in Colorado.

Discover Estes Park’s Delicious Side

By Sarah Fuhrey Huber for Estes Park Trail-Gazette

The Hive buzzes into Estes Park

Estes Park Brewery is now The Hive at Estes Park Brewery – both in honor of the brewery’s bestselling honey wheat stinger and a nod to the welcoming vibe atop the rooftop dining area. Under new ownership, Estes Park’s first brewery was acquired by business partners Sabir Shrestha and Paras Poudyal at the end of 2024 and recently reopened after

an extended renovation. Shrestha and Poudyal are also the pair behind The Wild Rose Restaurant and Himalayan Curry & Kebob in Estes Park, among other ventures. “The brewery is a way for us to give back to the community,” said Shrestha, the chef behind The Hive’s menu. “Because we have other restaurants, we are able to offer prices that are reasonable for families and larger parties coming to our resort town.” The Hive offers a laid-back evening out for couples and friends, as well as a cozy landing place for families after a day of hiking. What’s on tap, of course, takes center stage. “We went

The brewery menu inspires the food selections.

(Courtesy Photo: The Hive at Estes Park Brewery)

Estes Park Brewery is now The Hive at Estes Park Brewery (Courtesy Photo: The Hive at Estes Park Brewery)

THE HIVE OFFERS A LAID-BACK EVENING OUT FOR COUPLES AND FRIENDS, AS WELL AS A COZY LANDING PLACE FOR FAMILIES AFTER A DAY OF HIKING

back to original recipes and are focusing on excellent quality,” Shrestha said. The restaurant’s namesake, the Stinger Wild Honey, is a bar favorite, as is The Shining, which is brewed with a rare British all-star pale malt to render a full body and unique flavor. For a

“We went back to original recipes and are focusing on excellent quality.”

fun twist, adults can order traditional root beer floats for the kids while indulging in their own Stinger root beer float, a bit of childhood and adulthood in a glass. The brewery menu inspires the food selections, including the Alpine Redbird, or chicken glazed in bourbon

sauce. Those looking for a Colorado-style meal will savor the Altitude burger, available in elk meat or Angus beef and featuring grilled onions, cheddar, chipotle mayo and maple bacon. Pizza options include the Brewer’s Pie: elk sausage, caramelized onions and banana peppers atop an airy crust, all drizzled with garlic parmesean.

The Hive is open seven days

What’s on tap, of course, takes center stage at The Hive. “We went back to original recipes and are focusing on excellent quality. (Courtesy Photo: The Hive at Estes Park Brewery)

Inspiring Wonder Under Dark Skies Making the most of Rocky Mountain Park

By Sarah Fuhrey Huber for Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Rocky Mountain National Park after dark is its own dreamworld, complete with some of the top stargazing sights in Colorado.

“You’re not dealing with the daytime lines, you don’t have Taylor Swift blasting from somebody’s speakers, and you have the peacefulness of the evening,” said Thomas Pemberton, owner of Estes Park Tour Guides. He offers private tours nearly every day of the year, and children age 16 and under tour for

free. “When a kid sees a bull moose across an alpine lake at midnight under a full moon, that’s how you inspire the next generation,” he said. Pemberton’s stargazing tours are designed for maximum awe and wonder. He starts by learning his guests’ goals — from astrophotography to

simple shots through the telescopes. Pemberton caters to the evening by listening to Native American star stories. “We adapt the tour to what the group wants,” he said. Generally, the tour lasts about three hours, and the group will move a few times for optimum vantage points of constellations,

Rocky Mountain National Park after dark is its own dreamworld, complete with some of the top stargazing sights in Colorado. (Courtesy Photo: Estes Park Tour Guides)

GREAT VIEWING SPOTS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK VARY

“WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE AND HOW MUCH OF A CHALLENGE YOU WANT IN A HIKE.”

meteor showers, planetary alignments and other skyward glory. Pemberton sets up viewing devices at each stargazing stop, as well as hot chocolate and latenight snacks.

Great viewing spots in Rocky Mountain National Park vary by “what you want to see and how much of a challenge you want in a hike,” Pemberton said. For those who want to stick close

to a park entrance, stargazing from Sheep Lake is a good choice. Guests seeking more of a hike often enjoy the trail to Fern Lake. Estes Park Tour Guides has also led people near the boulder fields of Longs Peak under moonlight. While Pemberton said every season is magical to stargaze in Colorado, the summer is a popular time for families with kids.

More than one family has said their nighttime skygazing experience has been life-transforming. One parent told Pemberton that “their kid has always been timid and he thought the tour would be scary, but he was so enthralled,” he recalled, adding, “There’s nothing like the first time you see the Milky Way.”

Estes Park Tour Guides, 517 Big Thompson Ave, Building H, Unit 202, Estes Park, 970.559.9280, estesparktourguides.com

Thomas Pemberton, owner, Estes Park Tour Guides (Courtesy Photo: Estes Park Tour Guides)

HEARING HEALTH

Smart ears, smarter living

How audiology and fitness tech are converging

Hearing Center

In the last year I entered the world of fitness tracking with a wrist worn bit to help me be fit. (See what I did there?) I started to log steps, track sleep, set goals for activity and try to meet them, and became attached to my “numbers”. My wife also joined me in this adventure around this time and has done much of the same. It has made me think more about my health and what I am doing to stay on top of my game. How did I sleep last night? My wrist lets me know each morning with a report. How active was I yesterday? Again, my wrist has the report. You may ask, what does this have to do with the ear? Here’s what I think.

At the national American Academy of Audiology convention in Nashville, Tennessee in ApriI 2017 heard a speaker mention that 2017 was the “Year of the Ear”. He spoke about innovations in hearing technology and the possibility of combining hearing and fitness

technology in the ear. I was fascinated and there are already several non-hearing aid products on the market which allow a user to enhance their hearing in an environment while listening to music and tracking their fitness statistics. So, as the speaker spoke about a single device worn in the ear that could track fitness, aid hearing, allow the user to listen to phone calls and music, connect with other devices to enhance hearing (such as a Bluetooth enabled TV), and many more I began to wonder about the technology already on the market. I wondered how much people know about these solutions and how they are being used.

Today, in 2025, you can go to an audiologist and purchase a hearing aid which is bluetooth enabled and can communicate with your smartphone allowing you to listen to music and

adjustments can be made to make your experience even better. I believe this is only the start of great things to come.

hear phone calls. You can use your smartphone as a remote control to tailor your listening experience in real time right as you need it. There are hearing aids that can use services through your smartphone to trigger other devices in your home. For example, when the hearing aid is placed into a TV listening program, your TV and entertainment system is turned on automatically. When you are finished watching TV and change back to a normal listening program, the entertainment system is turned off. These changes can be triggered through the smartphone or even through a wrist worn device such as an Apple Watch. The experience with the hearing aids can be more controlled by you and when you return to the audiologist the changes and adjustments you have made are read back into a computer and

In the future hearing aids and ear level technology will continue to move forward and become more and more integrated with our lives and yet be seamless. When technology seems almost magical in it’s ability and it continues to improve we know we are living in an amazing time. The ear is a wonderful and amazing organ system and the technology available today and in the future to improve our hearing and ears continues to amaze me. The simplest act of listening to a loved one and being able to follow a conversation with friends is just the start for hearing technology. Connecting people to their world in their way is the future and this will not be limited to hearing, it will include fitness, entertainment, transportation, real time information, and even help in an emergency situation. Imagine all of this in the ear with a single device. The future of technology for and in the ear is moving quickly and I am excited for it!

If you or someone you care about is struggling with hearing or is interested in these new ear and hearing technologies, contact an audiologist. I personally am always excited to share these innovations with patients and the public alike. Hearing and good health go hand-inhand and as technology continues to become better we will see the ear become the prime real estate of communication, health and better living.

Cory Workman, Au.D. Board Certified Audiologist

Cory Workman, Au.D.

Cory Workman, Au.D., Community

Today, in 2025, you can go to an audiologist and purchase a hearing aid which is bluetooth enabled and can communicate with your smartphone allowing you to listen to music and hear phone calls. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Estes Park Health launches community resource line for non-urgent social services

ESTES PARK (July 7) –Estes Park Health has launched the Estes Valley Resource Line, a new non-urgent phone service designed to connect residents of Estes Valley and Larimer County with vital social services and support.

The free and confidential line offers information and assistance on a range of topics, including caregiver support, aging, end-oflife care, and resources for housing, food and transportation. It serves as a direct connection to the hospital’s social work and case management teams.

“This service aims to fill a critical gap in support as the community adapts to fewer

home health and hospice services,” the hospital said in

a statement. Although not a crisis or

physician hotline, the number provides guidance during major life changes due to medical needs. Calls can be made Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by leaving a voicemail at 970.235.3088. A social worker will return the call within 48 business hours.

Estes Park Health has also posted a new video on its website titled “Facing Your Fears: Straight Talk About the Dying Process,” presented by Tani Bahti, RN, CT, CHPN. The 48-minute program offers insights into the physical and emotional aspects of the dying process and includes advice for families supporting loved ones in their final moments.

The video is available at eph.org/our-services/socialservices.

Estes Park Health, founded in 1975, provides medical services ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics and serves more than 18,000 patients annually.

The new non-urgent resource line from Estes Park Health offers a connection to the social work and case management teams at the hospital. (Photo: Nani Chavez/Unsplash)

From Partners to lasting mentors

By Darian Armer for Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Peter Benton says it was decades ago that he lived in the Midwest and took part in a mentoring program at the elementary school across the street. Yet it was only recently that the first grader he mentored back then came to visit him in Estes. That first grader, he’s 30 now. “He actually just came to visit us in Estes,” Benton says with a chuckle. “I’ve found mentoring to be really rewarding.”

After living in Estes Park for 3 years, Pete saw an ad in a coffee shop for Partners, a local nonprofit whose mission is to empower youth and community members to achieve their full

potential through mentoring, prevention education and strategic partnership. “I figured I would mentor again, and it has proved to be the same,” he says. Benton will begin his second year as a Partners mentor with the same kid as last school year. “I feel very blessed. He’s 9 years old and in fourth grade. He’s got a great spirit. I connected with

him instantly and we’ve done a lot of fun things,” Benton says.

Kathy Whitacre, program coordinator for Partners, says being a mentor is all about building a relationship with the mentee and doing something fun. “We try to get them to do both,” she says. “Then they can start setting goals. Sometimes that’s help with reading

“If

you put something into the relationship, you definitely get it back. You just have to put it out there and see what happens.”

or a certain subject, and sometimes that means help with peer relationship skills.

All partnerships are unique with regards to what they decide to do.”

For instance, Benton says his mentee is teaching him Spanish, while he is teaching him a little French and about cycling. “Each kid and each circumstance is different,” Benton says. “If you put something into the relationship, you definitely get it back. You just have to

Photos courtesy: Partners

put it out there and see what happens.”

Whitacre says Partners is currently in its Back to School Mentor drive, where the organization is looking for new community members who are willing to be a mentor. You must be at least 18 years old and have graduated high school or earned a GED. School-based

program mentors have a time commitment of about one hour a week, with occasional monthly group activities. Whitacre says what it comes down to is being a positive adult role model.

For more information on how to become a schoolbased or community-

The Lear ning Place is an affordable nonprofit tutoring center Our Programs and Services include:

● One on One individualized tutoring (K-12 and adults) in person or online in all subject areas

● Tutoring with Homeschool families

● GED tutoring, support & testing (English and Spanish)

● SAT/ ACT and other Exam preparation

● Test Proctoring for Online University/ College courses

● Family Café - Monthly evenings of parent/ child lear ning activities & dinner

● Home Library Program - Books to take home to be part of your personal library

● Partnering with The Citizenship Project - helping individuals become US Citizens

● New “Welcoming & Belonging” Program with over 62 themed books.

● Partnering with the Educational Opportunity Center of Larimer County (EOC) assisting with College / Financial Aid / Scholarship applications and Career Development

“Believing education is the key to unlocking dreams, we support learners of all ages - inspiring a lifelong love of learning”

The staff at The Lear ning Place is composed of highly qualified, experienced, caring tutors. All of our tutors share a common passion for helping each individual to be successful by reaching for their dreams.

To lear n more check out our website: www.eplear ningplace.org or Contact Sue Yowell, Executive Director, 970-577-0020 / sueyowell@eplear ningplace.org

Ben Hetrick named interim chief nursing officer at Estes Park Health

ESTES PARK (June 10) –Estes Park Health has named Ben Hetrick, MS, BSN, RN, as its new interim chief nursing officer, a role he assumes immediately following a decade of service at the hospital.

Hetrick joined Estes Park Health in 2015 and brings a strong background in both nursing and health care informatics. He most recently served as the hospital’s director of information technology, a position in which he helped integrate technology to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

“I am excited to step into this position after ten years in various roles at Estes Park Health,” Hetrick said. “I have a tech and nursing background and

am interested in improving nurses’ lives with my nursing leadership skills and the use of technology”.

Hetrick holds a nursing diploma from Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in

Nursing from Penn State’s Nese College of Nursing. He earned a master’s degree in health care informatics from the University of Colorado College of Nursing in 2020.

At Estes Park Health, Hetrick has worked in numerous clinical roles, including med-surg nurse, charge nurse, and floating nurse in the emergency and operating rooms. His contributions include converting patient withdrawal protocols from CIWA to the Modified Minnesota Detoxification Scale (MINDS) and implementing a sepsis alert system to identify deteriorating patient conditions.

As interim CNO, Hetrick will oversee about 120 employees across

departments including nursing, pharmacy, EMS, case management, social work, employee health, infusion services and IT.

“Ben has been an instrumental and positive member of our EPH family,” said CEO Vern Carda. “I know he will continue his people-first attitude with the staff at the hospital while integrating technology and innovative solutions for improved patient care”.

Hetrick lives in Estes Park with his wife, Sarah, who works for the National Park Service at Rocky Mountain National Park. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys hiking, fishing, and backpacking, as well as video games, investing and tabletop games.

“This is my community,” he said. “It is important

Ben Hetrick, MS, BSN, RN, Estes Park Health

CALENDAR

JULY-SEPTEMBER

Mark your calendars and explore a variety of events happening in and around Estes Park.

MAY 26-SEPTEMBER 1

ESTES PARK RETAIL RALLY

Shop your way through an Estes Park punch card and you’ll be entered into individual store prize drawings AND the grand prize drawing of $1,000! Visit the website below for a full list of participating Estes Park stores to get started. madmoose.com | 900 Moraine Ave, Estes Park

AUGUST 9-10

ESTES PARK WINE FESTIVAL

Downtown Estes Park welcomes 21 and older visitors to this 10th annual festival. Your ticket purchase gets you a wine glass, tote, enjoyment of live music, local art, shopping, varying food vendors, unlimited tastings, and even more for VIP ticket holders. Starts 11 a.m. | estesparkwinefestival.com | Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park

AUGUST 21-SEPTEMBER 28

ESTES VALLEY

PLEIN AIR 2025

On-site within a 50-mile radius of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, skilled artisans from all over will create works in open air within a limited timeframe. In the latter part of this over 5 week event, all artwork created will be available for viewing and purchase. artcenterofestes.com | Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave, Unit 201, Estes Park

AUGUST 21-24

SNOWYGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The bluegrass music will start Thursday night and keep going all weekend long for the 10th annual Snowygrass Music Festival! Plan to stop by the Snowy Peaks Winery Campy Hour, attend a workshop, enjoy food vendors, and of course, check out the line up list to see all performers. snowygrass.org | Stanley Park, 380 Community Drive, Estes Park

AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 1

ESTES PARK LABOR DAY

ARTS & CRAFT SHOW

This weekend of peak creativity and fun includes nearly 100 artists from over 15 states showcasing their handmade jewelry, fine art, photography, home decor, and more in a variety of mediums. Other show activities include live music, a children’s arts and crafts tent, and a silent auction. This fundraiser is hosted by the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club and proceeds support grants to area

Elk Fest. (Photo courtesy: Visit Estes Park)

nonprofits and scholarships for graduates of local high schools. estesartscrafts.com | Bond Park, 321 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park

SEPTEMBER 5-7

LONGS PEAK SCOTTISH-IRISH HIGHLAND FESTIVAL

Our very own celtic capital hosts the largest festival of its kind in the country during this September weekend. The heritage will be very much alive on the event’s 4 entertainment stages and through the dog

exhibitions, whiskey tastings, and athletic competitions. Opens 9 a.m. | scotfest.com | 1209 Manford Ave, Estes Park

SEPTEMBER 13-14

48TH

ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

About 100 artist tents can be found at this special autumn marketplace! Hosted by the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies, there will be a wide variety of mediums juried and displayed here. Starts 9 a.m. | fineartsguild.org | Bond Park, 321 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park

SEPTEMBER 20-21

ESTES PARK AUTUMN GOLD

Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary presents this 2-day event filled with beers, brats and bands. Join in on the raffle, family fun zone, spirits, and more food vendors all to help raise funds for local graduates. Starts 11 a.m. | estesparkautumngold.com

| Bond Park, 321 E Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park

SEPTEMBER 20-21

ESTES VALLEY MODEL RAILROADERS RAILS IN THE ROCKIES

This 26th annual show features working exhibits like tracks from the steam age, tiny “z” trains, toy train “G” gauges, foreign railroads, and everything in between from history’s rail innovations. Kids will be able to enjoy Thomas the Train, legos, all sorts of experimentation, and demonstrations. railsintherockies.org | Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park

SEPTEMBER 27-28

ELK FEST

Celebrate the herd of elks beginning to roam the meadows with this festival filled with performances, a Rut Run 5k, live music, education, bugling contests, food trucks, vendors, wildlife watching, etc. visitestespark.com | Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park

OCTOBER 4

PUMPKIN & PILSNERS FESTIVAL

Presented by the Estes Park Education Foundation, the whole family gets to partake in fall fun like pumpkin picking, pony rides, kids games, food trucks, craft beer, live music, and more to support the students, teachers and staff of the school district.

11 a.m.-6 p.m. | epeducationfoundation.org

| Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park

Estes Valley Model Railroaders Rails in the Rockies. (Photo courtesy: Visit Estes Park)

Pumpkin & Pilsners Festival. (Photo courtesy: Estes Park Education Foundation)