Women’s Bible Study Fellowship Thursdays @ 9:15 AM
Call Becky Finger at 970-430-1066 or Reen at 970-568-2749 for more information
Men’s Bible Study Fellowship Thursdays @ 5:30 PM
Call Bruce Finger at 970-481-4685 for more information
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In context as mayor, I’m not talking about our basic philosophical or spiritual beliefs that guide our path through life. I’m talking about our ability to hear various opinions, to gather information from many sources, and to have all of that input change how we think about a topic.
travel, but STRs and their variants are so very important to give all options to our guests.
It's not a moral compass, it’s a practical compass. Your input, when it affects my opinion, doesn’t throw me off my true north. Instead, you give me a wider and more thorough understanding of the issue at hand. You’ve enhanced the sum of my understanding.
I’m glad to get input right now regarding hosted short-term rentals. In our preliminary look at the August 27 board meeting, we allowed community comment – it was excellent insight that added several revelations to my understanding. Our ace Town Clerk Jackie Williamson presented her research of how other municipalities and counties define and manage hosted shortterm rentals -- it was wonderfully enlightening. It’s still a very malleable subject. We’ll have another study session in the not-far future where we’ll be presented with several different options.
I like projects at this stage, when all possibilities are on the table. And this topic is important to our vacation community, and very important to many of our residents for their economic survival.
While doing this, we have to respect our traditional types of lodging, which are a mainstay in Estes, and which have suffered through the pandemic and the ups & downs of the economy and many other factors. My wife and I generally stay in traditional hotels and motels when we
2024 Denver Broncos Schedule
9/8 @ Seattle Seahawks on CBS 2:05
9/15 Pittsburgh Steelers on CBS 2:25
9/22 @Tampa Bay Buccaneers FOX 11:00
9/29 @New York Jets on CBS 11:00
10/6 Las Vegas Raiders on FOX 2:05
10/13 Los Angeles Chargers on CBS 2:05
10/17 @ New Orleans Saints Prime 6:15
10/27 Carolina Panthers on CBS 2:25
11/3 @ Baltimore Ravens on CBS 11:00
11/10 @ Kansas City Chiefs CBS 11:00
11/17 Atlanta Falcons on FOX 2:05
11/24 @ Las Vegas Raiders on CBS 2:05
12/2 Cleveland Browns on ESPN 6:15
12/8 Bye Week
12/15 Indianapolis Colts on CBS 2:25
12/22 @ Los Angels Chargers FOX 2:05
12/29 @ Cincinnati Bengals TBD 11:00
1/5 Kansas City Chiefs on TBD 11:00
Also at the August 27 board meeting, I cast the single dissenting vote in a hearing. While I won’t get into details here because of the quasi-judicial nature of proceedings, I can say that it was the impassioned commentary of the various residents that swayed me in this case. Some comments were very soft-spoken but still quite intense. After four or five comments, I could see through the eyes of those other citizens. The balance tipped just enough for me at the end of that particular vote. So, again, input from citizens impacted my opinion and my vote.
My position on the board of the Larimer County Behavioral Health Policy Council two weeks ago to approve $3 million in grants to 41 recipients was an easy one. Not much convincing was needed for these good causes. There was a good presentation about all of the applicants, and who was chosen and why. I feel very good about making the motion in that meeting to move those grants forward. I do want to remind the various agencies in Estes to apply for those grants in subsequent years: While Estes was represented in the grants awarded, we certainly could have more applicants and likely more awards.
On the community front, I will help welcome all to the Scottish Festival and ride in the Tattoo (thanks to Peggy Sue Young); I spoke at the YMCA International 30-year celebration last week (CEO Julie Watkins is a true visionary for world peace); I speak at the noon Rotary this week and the Estes Park Woman’s Club next week; I chose and handed out the Mayor’s Award at the Plein Air festival at the Estes Park Art Center; I
held my first Mayor’s Coffee at the Community Center; I’ll be part of the filming of a video that will help PRPA apply for a grant to fund our first battery to store renewable energy; I’ll welcome all to the Upper Thompson Sanitation District announcement of their WIFIA Loan; and much more. I would be remiss to not mention the great work by Greg Muhonen and his crews and contractors to get the Loop work done early. While there’s still many smaller items to address and tuning & tweaks to be made, we’re in a very good place and we can finally begin to see the much better flow. The Labor Day weekend was a wonderful example of the elimination of gridlock and backups. I’m very much looking forward to next summer.
Here’s my parting note, related to the Loop. I was approached about trying to rename the Loop Roundabout, “Dieter’s Donut.” Those who know the Donut Haus history know where that comes from. Now we may not be able to make that happen officially in the foreseeable future, but how about if we call that roundabout The Donut (or Dieter’s Donut) informally? That seems like a fine idea to me. Estesians, take a whirl around The Donut in your jalopy! You can contact me at ghall@estes.org, through my phone at Town Hall at 970577-3706, or by requesting a meeting at https://dms.estes.org/Forms/mayormeetingrequest.
Household Hazardous Waste Day
Saturday, September 14
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Estes Park Events Complex parking, Larimer County residents are invited to bring their household liquid and chemical wastes, paints, flammables, household cleaners, aerosols, and batteries for proper disposal, free of charge.
The event is presented by the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County Household Hazardous Waste Program (HHW).
No light bulbs, no propane tanks, no business wastes, and no containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.
For further information contact Linda Hammett, lhammett@larimer.org (970) 498 5771.
Día de los Residuos Domésticos Peligrosos
Sábado el 14 de septiembre
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
On 8/27/2024 at 9:04 p.m. police officers responded to a report of a verbal disturbance. The report was the suspect followed the victim home after a traffic dispute in the 500 block of Columbine Avenue. On scene, police contacted a 37 year old female from Estes Park and charged her with harassment. She was issued a summons to the Estes Park Municipal Court.
On 8/30/2024 at 1:20 a.m. police stopped a 58 year old male from Larimer County in the 500 block of Big Thompson Avenue for a traffic violation. The male was found to be driving under the influence and was charged with DUI, failure to stop at a stop sign an failure to drive in a single lane. He was arrested and later released on a summons from the Estes Park PD.
On 8/30/2024 at 1:16 p.m. officers responded to a REDDI report in the 6300
EVFPD firefighters generally respond to medical calls in their personal vehicles, allowing for a faster response. On other incidents, firefighters respond to a fire station to respond in department apparatus with specialized equipment.
During the week of August 25th, 2024, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 20 calls for service. This included:
de las 9 a.m. a las 2 p.m.
Estacionamiento del complejo de eventos de Estes Park,
Se invita a los residentes del condado de Larimer a traer sus desechos líquidos y químicos domésticos, pinturas, productos inflamables, limpiadores domésticos, aerosoles y baterías para su eliminación adecuada.
El evento es presentado por el Programa de Residuos Domésticos Peligrosos (HHW) del pueblo de Estes Park y el condado de Larimer. El servicio de eliminación de los residuos domésticos peligrosos es gratis.
No se aceptan bombillas, tanques de propano, desechos comerciales ni contenedores de más de 5 galones.
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Linda Hammett, lhammett@larimer.org (970) 498 5771.
block of Highway 36 and found the driver to be DUI. The driver was a 51 year old male from Broomfield, CO. He was charged with DUI and failure to drive in a single lane, arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
On 8/30/2024 at 6:45 p.m. officers responded to a report of a dog attacking another dog at Community Drive at Matthew Circle. On scene, a 64 year old female from Drake, CO was charged with vicious animal prohibited. She was issued a summons to the Estes Park Municipal Court.
On 8/31/2024 at 6:45 a.m. officers responded to a report of a suspect assaulting a 27-year-old male victim in the 1600 block of Soaring Circle Drive. On scene, police determined that the suspect harassed the victim. A 43 year old male from Estes Park was charged with harassment and issued a summons to the Larimer County Courts.
Learn With The League Meeting
Wednesday, September 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion Hall, 850 N. St. Vrain
Join the Estes Park League of Women Voters as we kick off our season of programs, beginning with this in-person event. All are welcome. No registration necessary. Coloradans will likely be asked on the November ballot to follow Alaska’s example and adopt Final-Four Voting for most state and federal offices.
Celeste Landry of the Colorado LWV will explain this proposed statutory reform. Attendees can participate in a sample election and learn about the instantrunoff tabulation. Celeste will answer your questions about Final-Four Voting and Instant-Runoff Voting elections.
Celeste Landry, our keynote speaker for this program, grew up in Louisiana which didn’t hold primaries. Celeste moved to Colorado in 1994. She has been a member of the League of Women Voters for more than two decades. Celeste is a founding member of the Boulder County League’s Voting Methods Team. That team as well as the state Colorado League’s Alternative Voting Methods Task Force educate voters about a variety of voting methods.
Our League proudly serves the community as a nonpartisan education and advocacy organization, neither supporting nor opposing individual candidates or political parties.
Celeste Landry
Elk Fest Celebrates The Majestic Elk Rut In Estes Park
Elk Extravaganza returns to Bond Park in Estes Park, promising a weekend of wildlife wonders and entertainment
Get ready for an exhilarating weekend of nature, music, and entertainment as Elk Fest makes its grand return to Bond Park in Estes Park Saturday, Sept. 28, and Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. This free, eagerly anticipated, signature event of the Town of Estes Park, is set to captivate both local residents and visitors alike.
the festival, the fun-for-the-wholefamily bugling contest, promises laughter and memorable moments.
Revered MC Jeremiah RisingBuffalo Maybee is from the Northern Arapaho/Seneca nations and is proud to strengthen indigenous voices within the Estes Park community, of which his ancestors have lived for centuries. His passion is to create stronger community ties between local communities and tribal voices in order to heal from the past and unite for a more positive future of the Estes Valley.
Generously presented by Estes Park News and further bolstered by the unwavering support of Quality Inn, Visit Estes Park, YMCA, and Mile High Note Game Calls, Elk Fest promises a comprehensive lineup of engaging activities and experiences. Commencing in 1999 as a commemoration of the awe-inspiring elk rut (mating season) that graces Estes Park, the festival has grown into a beloved tradition.
Anticipate a vibrant array of arts and crafts vendors showcasing their talents, tantalizing food trucks offering an eclectic range from Asian fusion delights to classic corn dogs and irresistible funnel cakes. The event will showcase live raptors in collaboration with the esteemed Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Educational sessions featuring esteemed wild-
Energetic and captivating, High Lonesome will grace the stage on Saturday, while Sunday's entertainment will be perfectly set by the melodies of Katya Grasso and The Soft Spokes.
While the enchantment of elk is a hallmark of Estes Park and the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, it's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, deserving of respect and distance. Elk can exhibit unpredictable behavior, particularly the males (bulls)
during this season of heightened aggressiveness as they protect their females (cows). The safety of both attendees and these majestic creatures is paramount, so maintaining a safe distance is essential.
life experts from Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide a deep dive into the natural wonders of the region.
Unwind at the Wallowing Hole beer tent, thoughtfully presented by The Rotary Club of Estes Park. For those seeking a touch of excitement, inflatable ax throwing awaits, offering a unique and invigorating experience. The highlight of
For those eager to plan their Elk Fest adventure, the complete schedule can be found at www.estesparkeventscomplex.com/elkfest.html . Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of this annual extravaganza that encapsulates the essence of Estes Park's natural beauty and vibrant community spirit.
For more information please visit our website at EPElkFest.com or call Kayleigh Schissel at 970-577-3904.
Estes Chamber Of Commerce And Economic Development & Workforce Council (EDWC) Announce New Programs Launching This Fall
By: Estes Chamber of Commerce
“The team has been working hard since the development of the Economic Development and Workforce Council to reinvigorate the programming formerly led by the EDC, and elevate the education it provides to continue to enhance the resources we can provide to our members and community,” said Colleen DePasquale, President of the Estes Chamber of Commerce.
New programs launching this fall include:
Sprint Program: “Modern Strategies For Managing Small Business Profit and Cash Flow” will be hosted on September 17th
Ryan Jordan, Backpacking Light and BASE graduate will be facilitating our first Sprint Program. Modern Strategies For Managing Small Business Profit and Cash Flow is a 2-hour course that equips small business founders, entrepreneurs, and operations managers with modern, advanced techniques to optimize their cash flow using profit-first methodologies, automation tools, and modern analytical practices. Participants will learn to optimize business financial models, automate financial processes, and create actionable financial reports for rapid, effective decision-making.
Workshop attendees will leave with the tools required to create their own customized weekly, monthly, and quarterly KPI reporting and decisionmaking strategies, operational banking strategy, generative AI scripts and strategies for financial analysis, and a cash-flow decisionmaking matrix that will allow them to consistently and easily manage accounts payable, payroll, credit card usage, longterm debt, operating expenses, profit, savings, and reinvestment strategies.
Business Accel erator Service of Estes (BASE) returns on October 21st
11/18, 12/9, 1/6,1/20, 2/3, 2/24, 3/10, 3/24 and 4/7. Thanks to the generosity of the Estes Valley Library, the program will run from 8:30am to 1:00pm in the Hondius room.
This is a “theory light – application heavy” program designed with three key objectives:
The BASE Program is available for any business who has an economic impact on the Estes Valley. The program consists of eleven half-day workshops focused on improving and growing the participants’ business. BASE Program dates are 10/21, 11/4,
To provide tools and techniques for improving the participant’s company by aligning their business model with the realities of a changing business environment. These tools and techniques will be applied either in the class session or as “homework” to be finished before the next session.
To build a cohort that can help one another during and after the program. To help each leader improve their ability to “intercept the future” of business in Estes Valley.
By the completion of the program,
participants will be able to: Define their target customer and, more importantly, their evolution. Express the Value Promise offered to their existing and emerging target customers.
Define the changes to their business that are needed to stay relevant to their target customer now and in the future.
Discuss the probable, plausible, and possible state of their business three years hence.
EDWC is proud to work with our new facilitator, Bill Welter. Bill is a consulting-educator with over 50 years of experience spanning four separate careers: military (USMC), engineering, business consulting, and education. He’s a founding Principal of MindPrep Resource Center, a small business that specializes in helping middle managers, business leaders and professionals become better thinkers and leaders. He does this through writing, workshops, team facilitation, and one-on-one coaching. If you are interested in learning more or signing-up for these great events, contact Colleen DePasquale at director@estsechamber.org
2024 Oshkosh EAA Air Venture Topic Of Next Aviation Club Meeting
The September meeting of the Estes Park Aviation Club will be held at 6:30 pm September 11th at the American Legion Hall. The public is invited to attend.
Graham Nelson, an Estes Park Aviation Club member and treasurer of the club, will be showing and discussing photos of the 2024 Air Venture Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in in Oshkosh, Wisconsin July 22nd to July 28th, 2024. EAA Air Venture is the world’s greatest aviation celebration, and for the nearly 700,000 aviation enthusiasts who attend the event Air Venture is Oshkosh. More than 10,000 aircraft arrive at Wittman Regional Air port (the busiest airport in the world during the week of Air Venture) and other airports in east-central Wisconsin along with thousands of show planes such as homebuilt aircraft, vintage airplanes, warbirds, ultralights, seaplanes, and aerobatic aircraft fill the grounds each year.
Mr. Nelson attends the fly in every year
and each year sees new and amazing celebrations of flight. For instance, 2024 was the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Snowbirds Flight Demonstration Team gave amazing performances in commemoration. Mr. Nelson spent a busy two days trying to take in as much as possible. It has been estimated if a person stopped to spend five minutes on each plane in an eight hour day on each of the around 10,000 planes it would take over two years to see them all.
The Aviation Club meeting is Wednesday, September 11th at 6:30 p.m., at the American Legion Post119 Hall, located at 850 No. St. Vrain Ave. in Estes Park. As always, the Legion is open to the public with food and drink for purchase for dinner at 5:30. Our gathering is open to all interested, so if you like flying, planes, space, or just talking to aviation enthusiasts, come join us!
Habitat For Humanity Opens Selection Process For New Homes In Estes Park
Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley is pleased to announce the opening of the homebuyer selection process for new homes to be constructed in Estes Park.
Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley recently received approval to build another five homes in Estes Park. Work is being completed to install the needed infrastructure and begin construction this fall.
St Vrain Habitat will be building brand new, two story, 3–4-bedroom homes on Raven Avenue.
Interested applicants must complete an application, an online orientation, and an interview. All steps of the process, program guidelines, and application information are available on the website, www.stvrainhabitat.org.
Habitat is looking for homebuyers
who are willing to partner and who meet the guidelines and criteria. If you have questions about the process, you can email info@stvrainhabitat.org for assistance.
Volunteers will also be needed to help build this project. Application documents can be dropped off at the Estes Park Housing Authority at 363 E. Elkhorn Ave. #101, Estes Park, CO 80517.
For more information, please contact: St Vrain Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Services, 303-682-2485 ext. 110.
About Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley: St. Vrain Habitat was established in 1988 and has completed 125 homes and 62 critical repairs for individuals and families in the St. Vrain and Estes Valleys.
Estes Park School District R-3 Shows Promising Academic Growth In State Assessments
According to state and federal laws, Estes Park District R-3 (EPSD), along with all other districts in Colorado, administers the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) and PSAT/SAT to students at the end of each school year to measure their progress. These assessments provide a common measure of students' achievement against the Colorado Academic Standards in English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science.
On August 29, the Colorado Department of Education publicly released results from school districts throughout the state. The data EPSD received reflects assessments administered in April 2024. During this time, students in grades 3 through 8 took the CMAS for ELA and math. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 took the CMAS science assessment. High school students in grades 9 and 10 took the PSAT, while grade 11 students took the SAT, assessing their proficiency in reading, writing, and math.
Superintendent Ruby Bode shared, “The results demonstrate that our district’s students are making noteworthy academic growth. The data confirms what we have observed through our district summative assessments already: while we are seeing district-wide growth gains, the most significant improvements are in math. Moving forward, our focus will be on maintaining these gains in math while strategically enhancing reading and writing skills across the upper elementary, middle, and high school levels. This data, coupled with our district assessments, provides us with a clear roadmap for our improvement planning.”
The overall rate of student participation in the 2024 assessments ranged between 87.7% and 95.5%, an improvement from the 2023 range of 80.5% to 92.2%. (Note: Colorado law allows parents to excuse their children from taking state-required tests.)
While achievement on the assessments remained consistent with the previous year, with the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations still below the state average, the growth data reveals a more encouraging story.
In ELA, 35% of students in grades 3-8
met or exceeded expectations, compared to 44% statewide. In math, 25% of students met or exceeded expectations, compared to 34% statewide. Science results showed that 26.7% of 5th, 8th, and 11th graders met or exceeded expectations, compared to 32.7% statewide. For high school students, 59.3% met or exceeded expectations in ELA, compared to 62.9% statewide, while 18.4% met or exceeded expectations in math, compared to 34.9% statewide.
However, what is not immediately visible in these achievement scores is the substantial academic growth our students have made. On the ACCESS for English Language Learners assessment, 73.2% of students demonstrated typical to high growth, up from 63% the previous year, with a median growth percentile (MGP) of 51, surpassing the state median. This growth underscores the district’s commitment to improving student outcomes for English language acquisition.
Similarly, on the CMAS ELA assessment, students in grades 3-8 achieved a 51 MGP, and a 49 MGP in math—both significant increases from the previous year, reflecting the district’s improvement efforts and the dedication of our educators.
Both achievement and growth measurements will determine the accreditation rating that the schools and district will receive from the Colorado Department of Education, with results scheduled for public release on September 10. Every parent with a student attending school in the district last year has received a letter from the principal of their student’s school, along with individual student performance reports. This information is important for understanding each student’s college and career readiness.
Superintendent Bode expressed optimism, stating, “I am hopeful that the impressive growth shown by our students will be reflected in improved accreditation ratings. These results are more promising than those from the previous year, and I credit this progress to the hard work of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the support of our families.
First-grade teacher Kate Schneider beams with pride as her students eagerly raise their hands to share their creative ideas.
Over time I have amassed an odd collection of responses to various columns I’ve written. Any one of them is not enough for an entire follow-up column, but a group of them makes for entertaining reading. Below, you will find some sharing the loose theme of “words.” [My comments in brackets.]
From James W., regarding a column about perforations: “My contribution to perforation pondering is this. 'Way back in the dim recess of time, computer printers used paper that had holes along both edges. Called ‘tractor feed’ it gave bored people something to do, tearing the hole strips off the pages of a document.
“Now, being an English Department at CSU and intellectuals with little to do, we professors began wondering what the word would be for those strips of holes along the periphery of the paper, and of course we invented the answer. From now and forever they shall be known as peripherations. Stay holistic, JW.” [When going through old stacks of paper, it’s fun when you find a page with the tractor feeds still attached. It’s kind of like finding a cassette tape. Useless, but a trigger for memories of an earlier time and place.]
Also from James W.: “Just to say I enjoyed your ‘Words’ column. One of my favorites—I have a plethora—is callipygian.”
My response: “I had to look up callipygian. Wikipedia has a picture and I must grant that she has the buttocks of a nubile young thing. Thanks for introducing me to a new word.” [The word means having well-shaped buttocks.]
James’s reply: “Glad you learnt a new word. I used to call my late wife callipygian, which she was, and she’d reply by saying, ‘Oh, you're just being ubiquitous!’ And I never knew what the hell she meant.” [Sounds like you met your match, JW.]
Will C. had this to share: “You wrote a while back that place names seem to have inconsistent rules in use and spelling. One of the rules the US Gov' usually follows is that if a place is named after a person who’s still alive, you use an apostrophe in the place name. Like Mike’s Camera in Boulder. If someone has passed on with a place named after them the apostrophe is usually dropped. Like Longs Peak. When Stephen Long was still alive the mountain was spelled Long’s Peak on maps. When he passed the apostrophe was dropped and we have the spelling we have now.” [In junior high I wrote a poem about the lowly apostrophe. I’ll try to find it and run it next April during National Poetry Month.]
From Terri S.: “I just looked up the word strophe. It’s a word you will like!”
[How could I not look it up?] A strophe is one section of a poem. In ancient Greece, odes were composed of three parts, the first of which was the strophe. [Like an insect, which has a head, a thorax and an abdomen. The head is the strophe!]
Apparently book lovers around the world go by different catch phrases. In our country we are called a bookworm Craig L. sent a list of other nicknames for book lovers:
Reading horse (Danish), library mouse (Lithuanian), chapter maggot (Finnish), book eater (Greek), page mage (Croatian; a mage is a learned person), book fool (Chinese) and my favorite: ink drinker (French).
Carole C. said, “I have been reading a book on writing short stories. One section is called ‘How To Make Your Story Sound Prettier.’ The author talks about the study of words—phonoaesthetics When words and sentences sound pleasant together it's called euphony—as opposed to cacophony. So I thought it was very interesting when you wrote about the word moist and whether or not it sounded pleasant to some people. Interesting that you should write about how a word sounds as I was reading about it in another piece. A new word for me—euphony.” [And for me too. Want to know a secret? I pause every time I see the word cacophony because my mind pronounces it “CACK-a-phone-ee.” Always has; always will.]
Amy W. sent this: “My sister posted this on Facebook yesterday and being of Scottish heritage I saved it to pass on to the rest of the family and friends. I thought maybe the Thunker could use it in some future column:
“Word for the day: Hurkle-durkle, a 200 year-old Scottish term meaning to lounge in bed long after it’s time to get up. Happiness is hurkle-durkling. I wonder how many foreign languages have phrases for similar kinds of happiness.” [It’s not only fun to do—lounge— but it’s fun to say. Almost as fun as saying serendipity.]
There are more responses to my column but I only have room for one last message from my Uncle Bill: “Velleity. I found this word intriguing. It means a notion that does not have sufficient volition for someone to act. I thought it might make an interesting article to explore the various gradations of volition and what people do with them.”
Me: “Hmmm…I’m not familiar with the word. Do you have the volition to write a column about it?”
Him: “I am stuck with velleity.” [Readers, do you have something to say but don’t want to write a column every week? I can run your one-and-done column in this space, at my discretion. Don’t let velleity stop you!]
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
Stanley Home Museum and Education Center Presents Vino on the Veranda with Cornelius Bond Friday Sept 13, 2024
Everyone knows of Bond Park, but do you know who Bond was?
Please join us for a delightful evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres, friends, and history on the charming Stanley Home veranda. Soon you will be immersed in the stories and life of Cornelius Bond, a reenactment provided by Tom Bryant. He will be talking about his role in creating the road from Loveland to Estes Park and his relationship with F.O. Stanley. Knowledgeable docents will provide tours after the presentation.
Time: Transportation from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Museum begins at 5:30 pm, performance starts at 6:00
Admission: $35 per person
Tickets required, purchase at stanleyhome.org (970)235-0062
Wine sponsored by Snowy Peaks Winery
All proceeds support the Historic Stanley Home Foundation
Estes Valley Photo Club Speaker Series Presents Brooks Falls: Bears, Bears, Bears With Peter Ismert
The Estes Valley Photo Club will be meeting this Monday, September 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Library, 335 E. Elkhorn Avenue. The presentation that evening will be Brooks Falls: Bears, Bears, Bears by Peter Ismert.
This presentation was originally scheduled on August, 22, 2024.
Join this presentation by Peter Ismert to learn about photographing bears at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Peter will also discuss logistics about how to travel there and tips on camping at the Brooks Falls campground.
Peter Ismert is an award winning conservation photographer and environmental scientist who creates images and visual stories that engage our emotional connections with nature and illustrate the work being done to protect and restore ecosystems. Many of his images have been published in local media outlets, online photography and conservation magazines, government scientific publications, and have been shown in local and
online photography galleries.
The speaker series is a free event sponsored by the Estes Valley Photo Club.
You do not have to be a member of the Estes Valley Photo Club to attend. The public is welcome.
Please forward any questions to Deena Sveinsson at sveinssons@beyondbb.com. Mark your calendar for this informative and interesting event!
Genealogical Society Meeting September12
and women.
The Estes Park Genealogical Society will meet on Thursday, September 12, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Library for a discussion of “Immigration” the story of how we all came to America.
Pre-history migrations, colonists, European waves of 1830-1930, and smaller groups of new arrivals to this land of opportunity.
How and when did people first come to this America? Genetics and archaeology combine to tell the story of the first immigrants. Colonizers were the second immigrants followed by the searchers for freedom and opportunity from Europe.
When and from where did they come? Forced immigration: the slave trade of Africans, Asians, Islanders,
What about the non-Europeans and the flow of others from south and middle America.
We have so many different stories of origin both recent and far in the past. It is easy to forget just how diverse is our citizenship. What is your origin? Did you come from near or far a leader, follower, rich or poor? Adventurers all.
The EPGS meets the second Thursday of every month from January through November in the library, offering a wide variety of programs and workshops. More information about the Society can be found on its website estesparkgenealogical society.weebly.com Anyone interested in family history research is welcome to attend these free public programs. Come join us.
By: Kris Hazelton, Estes Park News
The annual elk rut has officially begun and the bull elk are busy bugling, gathering their harems of females and challenging one another for breeding rights. The elk are amazing and wonderous
look larger. For photographers, a good rule of thumb is "give them room, use your zoom. Keep you dog leashed and quiet. Do not allow them to bark, lunge at or chase wildlife. Elk view your dog as a predator.
animals that are fun to watch but remember, these are wild animals competing for dominance and the bulls are especially "pumped-up" at this time of year.
Avoid potential accident, injury or death by always viewing from a safe distance. If an animal is carefully watching you and appears "jumpy," you are way too close. Avoid eye contact and back away. Raise your arms to make yourself
safe distance. Never attempt to touch or feed wildlife, it's dangerous and illegal. Remember, there's a reason it's called wildlife.
Never block traffic. "Elk jams" are a danger to everyone - blocking traffic creates all kinds of potentially dangerous situations. Be sure to pull completely off the roadway, out of the way of through traffic.
Never get between two bull elk. Situations can change very rapidly during the rut and you never want to be caught in between two rival animals or a bull and his harem.
Don't ignore the cows, they can still be dangerous, any time of year, not just during calving season.
Enjoy watching the rut but please remember - elk are wild animals. Be aware and be respectful. View quietly from a
Jim Ward photo
Jim Ward photo
Estes Park News photo
Estes Park News photo
Estes Park News photo
Annual Meadow Closures Now In
Place For Elk Rut Season In Rocky Mountain National Park
Beginning on Sunday, September 1, annual meadow closures went into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park to prevent the disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating season. Meadow closures are also in place for safety and enjoyment of park visitors who are enjoying wildlife viewing during the elk rut season.
Meadow closures will be in place between the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Areas that are closed include meadow areas in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow. During the specified hours, these meadow areas will be closed to all travel on foot or via horseback off established roads and trails. Meadow closures will remain
in effect through October 31, 2024. Fishing locations along the Fall River, Thompson River, and Colorado River that are accessed by walking through closed meadow areas are closed to fishing between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities that visitors enjoy each fall. Keep your distance and view wildlife with respect. When viewing elk keep back at least 75 feet (23 m). This is the length of two school buses. It is our responsibility to keep our distance. Don’t keep approaching wildlife until they react to you. As always, elk calling and the use of spotlights or vehicle headlights for spotting wildlife is prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes Park Health Announces Flu And COVID Vaccine Clinics
Estes Park Health is taking appointments for flu and COVID vaccines, with available dates over the next two months.
The community clinics are slated for:
* Thursday, 9/19
* Thursday, 9/26
* Thursday, 10/3
* Thursday, 10/10
Times are every 10 minutes from 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. with a lunch break from noon to 12:30 p.m.
The vaccine clinic will take place in the Physician Clinic, Hall A, ortho rooms. Appointments are for one person only,
except for spouses or families of up to four. If the family is larger than four people, please book another slot. People who are booked in a group must have the UCHealth My Health Connection and must complete the online check-in to help the check-in at the front desk faster. If patients don’t want to download the app, their appointments need to be one per slot as the front desk check-in time is longer. Please arrive 15 minutes early to accommodate for the line and check-in process. Check in at the front desk before going to the clinic location.
Photo courtesy RMNP
Sponsorships Available For National Philanthropy Day
By: Karen McPherson, Estes Park Nonprofit Resource Center
National Philanthropy Day returns to the YMCA of the Rockies on November 21, 2024. Sponsors–whether businesses, individuals, or nonprofits–are inspired to celebrate fellow donors, volunteers, and do-gooders. Sponsors join the YMCA of the Rockies to make this event free to a sold-out room of 350 people.
The top tier of sponsorships is sold out; big thanks to those who stepped up early. Three sponsorship levels are available, ranging between $250-$1000.
This annual event is a well-deserved toast to our local Culture of Philanthropy. Spon-
sorship opportunities may be found at bit.ly/enn-npd24sponsors or via epnonprofit.org.The deadline to pledge your sponsorship is September 18.
The Estes Nonprofit Network serves and strengthens the Estes Valley nonprofit industry by providing education, resources, and collaboration opportunities. The YMCA of the Rockies co-hosts this event; their partnership is invaluable.
National Philanthropy Day sponsors invite donors, volunteers, and do-gooders to gather in a room of 350 community members. Sponsorship pledges can be made from $250$1000.
Fall River AA Group Hosts
Barbeque Picnic
Potluck
Fall River Group Of Estes Park meeting since 1969. We’re having a Barbecue Picnic Potluck-barbecued hamburgers, hot dogs, and potato salad. Saturday, September 7 at 2 p.m. followed by meeting. Located at 453 West Elkhorn, Estes Park.
St. Bartholomew’s Annual Pastie & Chutney Fundraiser
St. Bartholomew’s Church is having their annual pastie and chutney sales! There will be regular pasties, gluten-free pasties, and chutney available this year. Quantities are limited. You may order up to two bags of pasties (regular and gluten-free bags contain six pasties) and two jars of chutney. The order form can be found on the church’s website at
www.stbartsepiscopalchurch.org. Payment may be either via credit card or check, though credit card payment is preferred. Should you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Shirey via email at c.shirey65@gmail.com, text or phone 936-7665637.
The Estes Valley Crisis Advocates Song Of Success
"One Hundred Women Who Care -Estes Park"
There is a memorable Simon and Garfunkel song "A Bridge Over Troubled Waters." So many of the lyrics remind us of the amazing work of our Estes Valley Crisis Advocates. EVCA's staff and volunteers host Estes Park's "Safe House." They join our police officers and ambulance teams "when darkness comes and pain is all around. When tears are in your eyes they will comfort you." These dedicated men and women are surely a "bridge over troubled waters" in the truest sense of the word. What an extraordinary song! And what an amazing organization in service to our community!
At a recent meeting of "100 Women Who Care-Estes Park," the members voted to donate the evening's proceeds to Estes Valley Crisis Advocates. $9,700 was raised in the course of their one-hour gathering. How proud they are to contribute to such a worthwhile nonprofit in Estes Park.
The local chapter of "100 Women Who Care" meets three times a year.
At each meeting three nonprofits are introduced and highlighted. By secret ballot one of the three viable charities is chosen to receive the members' contributions. It's just that simple. And it's just that rewarding that the cumulative generosity of "100 Women Who Care" can be a "bridge over troubled waters" in furtherance of the services and goals of our Estes Valley Crisis Advocates.
The next meeting of "100 Women Who Care-Estes Park" will be at Seven Keys near Lily Lake off Highway 7 on September 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Any and every woman of our Estes Valley area is cordially invited to attend, to share, and to enjoy memorable fellowship. Contact Janet Collison at janet.collison@gmail.com for further information and to RSVP if you wish to stay for dinner. And when you have a moment, read once again the words of Simon and Garfunkel's beautiful song and give thanks for the people and mission of our Estes Valley Crisis Advocates. Simon and Garfunkel could have been writing an anthem for them!
Lisa Zahn, left, and Mary Liz Adair, right, of “100 Women Who Care” present a check for $9,700 to the staff of Estes Valley Crisis Advocates.
Each fall, bears eat, eat, eat as they get ready to sleep, sleep, sleep. This period of massive caloric intake is called hyperphagia. Bears can consume up to 20,000 calories a day! Their quest for calories has begun and we would like to remind you about some important facts:
1. Black bears have big appetites. They are mostly vegetarian but they aren’t picky - anything slightly edible will do. They consider our trash, their food.
2. Black bears are nosey. They are curious and follow their noses to food. Bears can smell food five miles away!
3. Black bears are busybodies. They can
actions. We can do better!
Estes Valley CAN be a great place for people, bears and other watchable wildlife. We want a healthy bear population so that we all can continue to have memorable wildlife experiences, and we want bears in their natural environment where they can be seen...from a safe distance.
Bears are intelligent, resourceful and amazing animals. As the calendar is rolling through the end of summer with fall in sight, bears will be entering the stage of hyperphagia when they need to eat up to 20,000 calories a day to get ready for hibernation.
be active anytime, anywhere, day or night.
4. Black bears are smart. They learn quickly to identify food, packaging and containers. Once bears find an easy meal they’ll be back for more.
5. Black bears are naturally shy. They usually avoid people, but once conditioned to human food, they may become aggressive.
6. People’s actions can alter bear behavior. Bears that eat human food (and trash) are drawn close to homes and businesses and may become problem animals.
Estes Park has increasing numbers of bear activities and incidents. This summer Estes Park Police have noted increased bear incidents, primarily due to trash management. Multiple bears frequent the town after dark, particularly the commercial area downtown.
These close calls present a safety hazard for our residents and guests. The increase in incidents is likely the result of our past
People need to be especially cautious with their garbage and food attractants. Giving bears easy access to food allows them to become comfortable in an area. If they find food they can become aggressive and will act to defend it. A bear protecting its food source can be very dangerous.
Get in the habit of being bear-responsible. It’s like recycling — at first it’s a little extra effort, but soon it becomes a better way to live. And you can be proud you’re helping to make Colorado a better place for people and bears.
Help protect Colorado’s bears by taking the following steps to bear-proof homes and personal property:
Keep Bears Out
Close and lock all first floor windows and doors when you leave the house and at night before you go to bed.
Install sturdy grates or bars on windows if you must leave them open.
Keep car doors and windows closed and locked if you park outside. Make sure there’s nothing with an odor in your vehicle, including candy, gum, air fresheners, trash, lotions and lip balms.
Close and lock garage doors and windows at night and when you’re not home; garage doors should be down if you are in the house but not outside.
HyperWHATia? Hyperphagia! Your Actions Can Save The Life Of A Bear
Install extra-sturdy doors if you have a freezer, refrigerator, pet food, birdseed, or other attractants stored in your garage.
Remove any tree limbs that might provide access to upper level decks and windows.
Replace exterior leverstyle door handles with good quality round door knobs that bears can’t pull or push open.
Get Rid of Attractants
Don’t leave trash out overnight unless it’s in a bear-proof enclosure or container. Be sure to research all local ordinances and regulations if vacationing.
Clean your trash cans regularly.
Don’t store food of any kind in an unlocked garage, flimsy shed or on or under your deck.
Don’t leave anything with an odor outside, near open windows or in your vehicle, even if you’re home. That includes scented candles, air fresheners, lip balms and lotions.
Clean-up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck, cleaning your grills after each use. Don't allow food odors to linger.
Only feed birds when bears are hibernating, generally Nov. 15 - April 15. If you want to feed birds when bears are active, bring in liquid or seed feeders at night or when you leave the house.
If you have fruit trees, pick fruit before it gets too ripe. Don't allow fruit to rot on the ground. Electric fences provide good protection for small orchards.
When camping do not leave coolers, food or pots/pans out when you're not in camp. Place them in a locked, hard-sided vehicle.
Teach Bears to Remain Wild
If a bear comes close to your home, scare it away. Loud noises like a
firm yell, clapping your hands, banging on pots and pans or blowing an air horn sends most bears running.
Utilize electric fencing, unwelcome mats and scent deterrents like ammonia to teach bears that your property is not bearfriendly.
If a bear enters your home, open doors and windows and ensure it can leave the same way it got in. Don’t approach the bear or block escape routes.
Never approach a bear. If a bear won’t leave, call your local CPW office or Colorado State Patrol.
If a bear presents an immediate threat to human safety, call 911.
For more information on how to stay bear aware during this busy bear season, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Living with Bears page.
Kris Hazelton / EP NEWS
Kris Hazelton / EP NEWS
Kris Hazelton / EP NEWS
Sister Cities Annual Membership Meeting October 2
The newly-revived Estes Park Sister Cities Association (EPSCA) will hold its annual membership meeting from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, in the lower level meeting space at the Estes Valley Community Center (EVCC), located at 660 Community Drive. EPSCA President Carlie Bangs encourages interested persons to attend to learn more about the sister city relationship with Monteverde, Costa Rica, and to consider joining EPSCA and possibly becoming a member of the organization’s board of
directors.
From July 14 to 21, a delegation of seven local EPSCA members traveled to our sister city of Monteverde, so an update and report will be presented on activities and accomplishments during that trip. The current board of directors, which formed in 2023 following a lapse in activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will share information about the local organization’s objectives and plans for future activities and programs, including a reciprocal visit by a delegation from Monteverde this
autumn. Typical Costa Rican snacks and beverages will be served during the annual meeting. EPSCA is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of connecting the Estes Park community with our partners in Monteverde, building relationships through citizen diplomacy. During the pandemic, EPSCA’s 501(c)3 taxexempt status was deactivated but has been reinstated by the Internal Revenue Service. The association’s registration with the Colorado Secretary of State also lapsed, but has since been restored.
Trustee Cindy Younglund (on behalf of the Estes Park Town Board) and Monteverde Mayor Yeudy Ramírez signed a "letter of intent" to continue the official town-to-town relationship.
Este Park Sister Cities Association is directly connected to the Town government, operating through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). And the relationship with Monteverde exists through an official town-to-town partnership agreement, signed by the mayors of both towns.
Future plans include additional exchanges intended to reestablish rela-
tionships with Estes Park’s sister community of Monteverde. As always, these exchanges have a goal of building a strong future of collaboration and citizen diplomacy. Interested persons are encouraged to visit the EPSCA website at www.epsistercities.org to learn more about the organization.
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Seven local residents traveled to Estes Park's sister city of Monteverde, Costa Rica on an exchange trip from July 14 to 21. After signing a letter of intent to continue the relationship, the local delegation posed for a group photo with their hosts.
48th Annual Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival This Weekend
Get your tickets today for the 48th annual Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park. Join us to find out what keeps Coloradans coming back for more family fun every year. The festival has something for everyone – featuring, world class Scottish Highland Athletic competitions, Irish and Highland dance performances, dog exhibitions, folk and rock musical performances, Scottish and Irish food, drinks and crafts.
Due to town-wide construction in Estes Park, the parade will take place on the festival field following the opening ceremonies on Sunday. It will feature the Parade of the Clans and Dogs of the British Isles, escorted by local pipe and drum bands.
The Estes Park International Tattoo –one of the largest and longest-established military music displays in the United States – will take place during the Festival on Friday and Saturday evenings. There will also be a new Sunday matinee Tattoo performance.
The Festival is a Colorado nonprofit and has been a top attraction and highlight in Estes Park for 48 years. The Festi-
val needs your help to keep going for generations to come. There are several ways to help. Purchase tickets to this year’s Festival and Tattoo and / or make a donation via the Festival website. Your donation is tax deductible.
WHEN: Friday, September 6th to Sunday, September 8th, 2024
Festival open: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Festival Parade: Following the opening ceremonies on Sunday, September 8th
Estes Park International Tattoo: 7:30 p.m. on September 6th and 7th and a matinee at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 8th
Estes Park Folk Concert: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 7th
Estes Park Ceilidh Rock Concert: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 7th
WHERE: Estes Park Event Complex, 1209 Manford Avenue, Estes Park
HOW: Get your tickets today. Visit ScotFest.com or tickets available at the gate. Children five and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Bible Study Classes At Mountain View Bible Fellowship Church
Community Bible Study in Estes Park invites you to Study and Grow Together this year as our class studies the books of James, Joshua, Job, and 1 & 2 Peter.
Several choices for study:
*Tuesday morning women and children in person class 9:15-11:00 at Mountain View Bible Fellowship
*Tuesday evening women's virtual group 5:30-7:00
*Tuesday evening men's group 5:30-7:00
at Mountain View Bible Fellowship Classes start September 10th, however people are welcome to join anytime throughout the year!
Together we will be growing in our knowledge and discipleship of Jesus through this caring, in-depth Bible study in our community.
For more information or to register go to https://estespark.cbsclass.org or contact Nicole at cousfam@gmail.com
Community Art Festival Saturday, September 14
Enjoy a day filled with live music, art and friendly competition at the 1st Annual Community Art Festival hosted by Bear & Bee, Makers’ Studio & Boutique in partnership with Visit Estes Park and the Estes Arts District. The event will take place September 14 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Stanley Village Shopping Center parking lot in front and inside of Bear & Bee.
There will be Live music by local artists including Stepmother Nature and Greg Miles. The day will kick off with a mural unveiling, followed by the Chalk Art Event featuring local artists and
community members. Sign up to compete in a friendly creative competition including pottery wheel throwing, woodburning, tote bag decorating, and for the kids a painting contest. The winning pieces from each category will win some amazing prizes.
Come shop handmade items from our local makers booths, enjoy live music, and free kids’ crafts. The event is free to attend and $15 per competition entry.
For more information, please visit www.BearAndBeeInspired.com.
Fall Gardening To Support Spring Success
The Estes Park Garden Club invites you to hear from three talented local gardeners, each sharing a different aspect of fall gardening that will bring beauty and health to your spring garden! The session will be held this Monday, September 9, at 10:30 a.m. in the Hondius Room at the Estes Valley Library
Eli Ertl will speak about the seed collection process including timing of seed collection, methods of seed collection, seed cleaning, seed storage, and germinating seeds vs. direct seeding.
Joan Sapp will speak about how to plant beloved daffodils to welcome spring. She will also give honorable mentions to a few other worthwhile bulbs.
Resources for Our Community The Topic Of The Rotary Club Meeting September 12
We have a special program at the Rotary Club of Estes Park’s September 12th meeting. The topic will be “Resources for Our Community.” Jennifer Maley and Brad Maggetti will be presenting about collaboration between the public and school libraries. We meet at the American Legion and the public is invited to attend. The meeting starts at 12 p.m., if you would like to join us for lunch it starts at 11:30 a.m. and costs $20.
Please RSVP to noonrotary@aol.com by 12 noon on Tuesday, September 10th if joining us for lunch.
Everyone is welcome to our free knitting and crocheting get-togethers!
We meet in the Hondius Community Room at the Estes Park Library.
Our next 2024 meeting dates are:
Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Bring your woolly project, and let’s craft together.
If you’d like to learn to knit or crochet, we can teach you! It’s free.
Just show up! We’ll provide yarn and knitting needles or crochet hooks for you to use during the meeting.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Daley at email jenny@knittingjenny.com.
Brad Maggetti, Public Librarian
Jennifer Maley, School Librarian
Frank Lancaster will share his fall landscape checklist to help your garden get off to a healthy start next spring. Everyone is invited to attend.
A Tribute To Green Ears
By: Brad Manard
Her name was silly yet so obvious.
Green Ears…I had known, admired, and respected her for four years. She was a beautiful creature, deeply caring mother, and a patient and gentle soul. I had observed all of these characteristics with an appreciation for her goodness.
I first meant Green Ears four years ago (2021) at the Beaver Ponds boardwalk in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a June morning, and I had walked to the end of the wooden walkway, camera in hand.
That’s when we met. She was in the middle of the marshy meadow, two green tags - one in each ear, with her less than month old moose calf at her side. I don’t remember exactly, but I probably gasped a bit at the sight of her and her baby. Then with a deep breath and a smile, I lifted my camera viewfinder to my eye.
As I stood near the walkway railing, camera at the ready, Green Ears strolled along the stream eating aqua grass as she did. I had only brought my 150-600 mm lens with me. Nothing smaller. So as she walked along, she quickly filled the frame, her ears moving beyond the edges.
Standing behind the railing of the wooden platform, I hoped she would not be frightened. But that was not Green Ears nature. She was calm, patient with photographers, and did not show aggression. That was our first encounter.
In 2022, through the night of May 31, it snowed five inches. The day before, I had seen Green Ears and her new calf tucked into the willows in Moose Meadows between the Beaver Ponds and Deer Junction. On the morning of June 1, I went to Moose Meadows where I
crossed the far end of the meadow and worked my way along the treeline to the opposite end hoping to catch a glimpse of Green Ears.
When I saw her, she was lying in the fresh snow, beautiful brown with a hint of red against the snow covered willows. Showing my respect, I stayed a safe distance away while photographing her beauty against the white backdrop.
That’s when it happened. It was one of those special moments a photographer dreams of. With my camera on Green Ears, her new calf appeared from the willows to greet her mother. Softly, her young head moved to rest gently on her mother’s muzzle. My camera lens opened and closed at the sight of the tender mother/daughter moment.
Today, it is still one of my favorite photography experiences. Yet Green Ears gave me other wonderful photography moments.
In 2023, she spent a couple of weeks in the Beaver Ponds near the boardwalk. Her new calf would nurse then test young legs running and splashing, a child at play.
On May 30, I photographed Green Ears and her calf lying quietly in the grass. Two days later, she was nursing
her calf, nuzzling her baby as she did. Then two weeks later in the middle of the afternoon, I stood on the boardwalk platform with a dozen curious tourists and my RMNPhotographer Tour of four guests. No moose were in sight when suddenly Green Ear’s calf surprised us. She scooted from the willows to the opposite side of the boardwalk as tourists pointed, excited to see the calf until…
Looking for her baby, Green Ears stepped to block the boardwalk staring down at the platform full of people. We watched for a moment, and as I held the large group back, one tourist asked me, “Can we walk down there?”
Stunned, I answered, “No, no, no, no, no. We wait for Green Ears to join her calf.” A few moments later, the moose I’d photographed so many times moved down into the marsh to lead her calf away from the crowd.
Green Ears continued her mothering way this summer.
will
On June 17, 2024, my wife, Carolyn, and I went for a picnic in the quiet beauty of Endo Valley. We were enjoying the serenity and our hamburgers with Doritos and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Then, across Fall River, Green Ears appeared with her calf of the year. As our hamburgers returned to our plates, we watched her feed, her calf by her side. Seeming oblivious to us, the moose and calf enjoyed the greens along the river.
Last week, when I learned of Green Ear’s death, a wave of sadness rushed over me. She had been an amazing mother and a gentle soul. She was a beautiful moose whose patience allowed us to photograph her and her calves each year.
ing ways. My only comfort is the belief that her offspring will carry on in the same vein.
Rest in peace, my gentle friend. You are missed.
I
miss seeing Green Ears, mothering her babies at the Beaver Ponds, Moose Meadows, and Endo Valley. I will miss her glancing about, noticing me at a distance, and returning to her mother-
Photos by Brad Manard
30th Annual Autumn Gold Festival
$10,000 Raffle Drawing Returns
The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club is selling $100 raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the following prizes: $10,000, $2,500 and five, $500 cash prizes.
The Raffle drawing will take place at the 30th Annual Autumn Gold Festival in Bond Park on the weekend of Sept. 21 and 22.
The Sunrise Rotary Club is selling only 350 raffle tickets, so you have a one in 50 chance of winning a cash prize. The odds are quite good that your ticket will win one of the cash prizes listed above!
This year, all Raffles are sold on-line. To purchase an Autumn Gold Raffle for $100, go www.estesparkautumngold.com. Click on BUY A RAFFLE and follow the prompts. After you click on the SUBMIT and GET TICKETS tab, you will receive a confirmation email from Zeffy, and the Sunrise Rotary Club will be notified immediately. Your ticket is your email receipt. The entire process takes only a minute.
arships for Estes Park High School graduating seniors for college or vocational school, grants for local nonprofits and other Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary projects. Whether or not your ticket wins a cash prize, your purchase of a $100 raffle ticket makes a difference for a student who wants to pursue secondary education or vocational school.
The actual raffle drawing will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, but you do not have to be present to win. The Sunrise Rotary Club will contact the raffle winners by phone and email after the drawing.
The 30th Annual Autumn Gold: A Festival of Bands, Brats and Beer is an annual, free, family-friendly event featuring live award-winning bands, a classic car show, face painting, games for kids, food vendors and much more. Check out our website for more information.
Rocky’s Backyard Ultra Returns To YMCA Of The Rockies On October 5th!
For those new to the world of ultrarunning, the concept of a Backyard Ultra might seem a little...well, wild. Unlike a traditional race with a set distance or time, a Backyard Ultra is a last-personstanding event with no set end time or date. Here’s how it works: runners must complete a 4.167-mile trail loop every hour on the grounds of the YMCA climbing 500 feet per lap, on the hour. That’s right—every hour, no matter what. This continues until only one runner remains
to complete a lap within the hour.
In 2023, Tim Pearl from Longmont went 25 hours, running 104 miles to win. New for the second year is a customized belt buckle for anyone that reaches 24 hours and a $1,000, winner takes all cash prize!
Whether this is your first time running on a trail or you think you have what it takes to be the last person standing, Rocky’s Backyard Ultra is for you!
Please note that there is an optional platform processing fee. To offset that fee, each raffle comes with one complimentary food voucher from the Autumn Gold Kitchen and one complimentary beverage voucher (alcohol included) from the Autumn Gold Beer Garden. These two vouchers are a $15 value!
Proceeds from raffle tickets go to schol-
• Presentation-1:45 p.m. – Sunday’s Classic Car Show Trophy Presentation
• Drawing -2 p.m. – $10,000 Grand Prize Raffle Drawing
For more information visit our website: www.estesparkautumngold.com.
Like us on Facebook https//www.facebook.com/AutumnGoldEstesPark/.
FALL HOURS
Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8
p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m. KEY
Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Capturing Human Drama Through History: Author Talk with Garrett Graff Ⓡ
Tuesday, September 10, 12 - 1 p.m., online
Don’t miss this moving conversation
What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library
with New York Times bestselling author Garrett Graff. An expert at capturing human drama, Graff will speak about his body of work with particular focus on his oral histories about 9/11 and D-Day. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
Book Club for Mortals: The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly Ⓡ
Discuss end-of-life issues and our shared mortality. September’s featured title, The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly by Margareta Magusson, is a wise, funny, and eminently practical reminder that, no matter your age, there are always fresh discoveries to be made.
Living with an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World:
Author Talk with Nate Klemp, PhD Ⓡ
Wednesday, September 18, 12 - 1 p.m., online
Explore pathways back to openminded living with New York Times bestselling author and philosopher Nate Klemp. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
A Deep Dive in Character Development: Author Talk with Liane Moriarty Ⓡ
Saturday, September 21, 5 - 6 p.m., online
Chat with author Liane Moriarty about her newest novel, Here One Moment, a tale of free will and destiny, grief and love, and the struggle to maintain control in an uncertain world. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
repeated Sunday, September 22, 14:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Interested in hunting in Colorado? Join Colorado Parks & Wildlife certified hunter education instructor Eris Audette for this Conclusion Class (the online course must be completed first). All information provided at calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org.
Paint a Fall Sign Ⓡ
Thursday, September 12, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Thursday, September 26, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Makerspace
Add to your autumn décor with an adorable fox sign! Paint and assemble a pre-cut wooden piece, then add a bow and hanger. Recommended for adults, teens, and tweens.
ADULTS
Power Outage Preparedness Ⓡ
Monday, September 9, 6:15 - 7:45 p.m., Wasson Room
Sudden power outages and disasters can occur without warning, often creating frustration and confusion for customers. Join Town of Estes Park Power & Communications staff to learn how to best prepare for an outage event.
Wilderness Survival Skills for Women Ⓡ
Tuesday, September 10, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
Sharon Saternus, founder of Femme Trek, will lead a wilderness survival basics workshop tailored to female day hikers. Topics will include shelter building, signaling and navigation, and more.
Sourdough Starter for Beginners Ⓡ
ALL AGES
Tech Help with Digital Navigators of Larimer County Ⓡ
Wednesday, September 11, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dream Study Room
Thursday, September 12, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dream Study Room
Wednesday, September 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dream Study Room
Thursday, September 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dream Study Room
Build your digital skills, including using your smartphone, accessing websites and accounts online, improving online communications, and more. Appointments required; sign up at calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org. Service offered in English and Spanish. Presented by AmeriCorps service members.
Hunter Education Course Ⓡ
Sunday, September 8, 14:30 p.m., Hondius Room
brary.org.
DIY Protein Bar Ⓡ
Wednesday, September 18, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Hondius Room
repeated Wednesday, September 18, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Make high-energy protein bars with ingredients like rolled oats, seeds, protein powder, chocolate, dried fruits, and more. Allergy note: peanut and tree nut products will be used.
KIDS & FAMILIES
Library Storytimes
Babies: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.
Preschoolers: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.
Read to Therapy Dog Bo: Sat., September 7 at 11 a.m.
Storybook Explorers: Sat., September 14 at 11:15 a.m.
Storytime Friends Block Party Friday, September 6, 10 - 11 a.m., Hondius Room
Saturday, September 7, 10 - 11 a.m., Hondius Room
Drop in and build blocks at different stations around the storytime room! Recommended for ages 0-5. Please note that block parties will take the place of regular storytimes this week. Around the World Crafts Ⓡ Friday, September 13, 3:45 - 5 p.m., Hondius Room
Make and color Mexican tin folk art, Chinese dragon wooden gliders, European stained glass window clings, and velvet mandalas. Presented as part of the community-wide Welcoming Week celebration.
Prepare with Pedro Storytime Ⓡ Thursday, September 19, 4 - 4:45 p.m., Hondius Room
Saturday, September 14, 10 - 11 a.m., Makerspace
repeated Tuesday, September 17, 1011 a.m., Makerspace
Learn how to make (and maintain) a sourdough starter so you can have access to fresh bread any time you’d like!
TEENS & KIDS
Lego Club: Build a Zipline Ⓡ
Wednesday, September 11, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Hondius Room
Explore different building and engineering challenges with Legos. This month, we’ll be building and testing zipline designs.
Teen Advisory Council Ⓡ
Thursday, September 12, 6 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
Monthly meeting for tweens and teens (ages 11-18) who would like to recommend ideas for library programming, designs for future teen space, and collection purchases for their age group.
Arbor Day Poster Contest Ⓡ
Saturday, September 14, 2 - 3 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Tuesday, September 17, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Makerspace
Create a poster to help promote Arbor Day in 2025! We’ll provide the supplies, you supply the creativity. We’re partnering with the sign makers of the Estes Valley for this fun contest; full details at calendar.estesvalleyli-
Join Pedro the Penguin as he learns how to be prepared for and take action during emergency situations. Attendees will receive a free Pedro activity book to take home. Recommended for ages 4-8.
MAKERSPACE
3D Printer Training Class Ⓡ Monday, September 9, 5 - 6 p.m.
For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).
Laser Cutter Training Class Ⓡ Monday, September 16, 5:30 - 7 p.m. For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Meeting
Monday, September 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room
View the agenda and meeting materials at estesvalleylibrary.org/board.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Cliffhanger Used Books
Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the Post Office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, and music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
KEY
Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.
An Adventurous Pirate, A Mysterious Disappearance,
Or A Cross-Country Cowgirl: Which Story Has Your Vote?
Amina al-Sirafi should be content. After a storied and scandalous career as one of the Indian Ocean's most notorious pirates, she's survived backstabbing rogues, vengeful merchant princes, and one actual demon to retire peacefully with her family. But when she's tracked down by the wealthy mother of a former crewman, she's offered a job no bandit could refuse: retrieve her comrade's kidnapped daughter for a kingly sum. The chance to have one last adventure with her crew, do right by an old friend, and win a fortune that will secure her family's fu-
and her doctor had given her only two years to live. Annie, who wanted to see the Pacific Ocean before she died, bought a cast-off brown gelding named Tarzan, donned men’s dungarees, and headed south in mid-November, hoping to beat the snow. Annie had little idea what to expect beyond her rural crossroads; she didn’t even have a map. She did have her ex-racehorse, her faithful mutt, and her own unfailing belief that Americans would treat a stranger with kindness. Riding more than four thousand miles, through America’s big cities and small towns,
ture forever? It seems like such an obvious choice, yet the deeper Amina dives, the more it becomes alarmingly clear there's more to this job, and the girl's disappearance, than she was led to believe.
Mia, the irreverent, hyper-analytical twenty-year-old daughter, has an explanation for everything – which is why she isn’t initially concerned when her father and younger brother Eugene don’t return from a walk in a nearby park. They must have lost their phone, or stopped for an errand somewhere. But by the time Mia’s brother runs through the front door bloody and alone, it becomes clear that the father in this tight-knit family is missing. The only witness is Eugene, who has the rare genetic condition Angelman syndrome and cannot speak. What follows is both a ticking-clock investigation into the whereabouts of a father and an emotionally rich portrait of a family whose most personal secrets just may be at the heart of his disappearance. In 1954, sixty-three-year-old farmer Annie Wilkins embarked on an impossible journey: She had no money and no family, she had just lost her farm,
Annie and her four-legged companions inspired an outpouring of neighborliness in a rapidly changing world.
For over a dozen years, the Estes Valley community has made it a tradition to read and discuss a shared book through the annual literary celebration called One Book One Valley. What will we read next? Now through September 16, we’re seeking your vote to choose the 2025 title.
Visit estesvalleylibrary.org/onebook to learn more about this year’s finalists: The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty, Happiness Falls by Angie Kim, and The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts. Submit your vote (one per person, please) and we'll reveal the winning title in early November. One Book One Valley takes place in January.
Thanks to generous support from the Friends of the Library Foundation, One Book One Valley is an opportunity to celebrate literacy, storytelling, and community through the shared reading of a single title. Learn more and vote now at estesvalleylibrary.org/onebook.
Local Author Aimie Runyan’s Mademoiselle Eiffel Book Release Party
MacDonald Bookshop is excited to host the book release party of local author Aimie Runyan's new book Mademoiselle Eiffel. A captivating historical novel set in nineteenth-century Paris, Mademoiselle Eiffel tells the story of Claire Eiffel, a woman who played a significant role in maintaining her family's legacy and their iconic contributions to the city of Paris. Aimie is a multi-published and best selling author of historical and contemporary fiction. She has been nominated for a Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
Writer of the Year Award, a Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice selection, and a four-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards.
Please join us for this frese event on Thursday, September 12th from 5:307:00 p.m. Aimie will read an excerpt from the book and will have a time for Q & A. Light refreshments will be served and books will be available for purchase.
This will be an evening you won't want to miss!
A lifelong preacher friend, Lynn Anderson, advised me and all Bible students to take time each day to read (preferably out loud) five chapters of Psalms, thus completing reading the entire one hundred fifty chapters of the book each month. I’ve been doing that for a couple of months and would certainly recommend that to each of you. Most of the sentiments of the book we can identify with at various times in our lives. This certainly true of the Psalmist’s word in Psalm 107, and certainly in the aftermath of the recent fires…for those directly impacted by the flames. In the Psalm he pictures people devastated by circumstances of life. “Some wandered in desert places…having no place to dwell in”; “Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners of affliction”; “Some suffered for their own misdeeds, enduring afflictions caused by their own misdeeds”; “Some were endangered by the natural environment… the deeds of the Lord…their courage melted away, they were at their wits end”. The result: “They cried out to the Lord in their distress and He delivered them from their distress.” The rest of the Psalm urges: “Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of men!”
I’m sure that everyone who went through the recent fires in our area…especially Storm Mountain…can identify with the helpless feeling expressed in the Psalm, and a great deal of despair resulting from devastation they experienced. I’m also sure that most ‘cried out to the Lord’ at some point, grieving losses they have to deal with, now that the fires are past. But, the question arises, ‘How will the Lord deliver them out of their distress?’ One of the ways He ‘delivers’ is through His people and their responses to the needs of others. God’s servant, the aged John, penned God’s word for His people to have guide their ways. John wrote: “If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need and closes his heart to him, how does God’s love abide in him?” The remedy: “Let us not love in word or talk, but love in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:17, 18)
And, ‘loving in deed and in truth’, is what has been shown by people in our area as they’ve considered our neighbors’ plights. In last week’s EPNews you read reports of the funds being raised by the Estes Valley Fire Relief Fund and the great deal of effort and good being done by Crossroads Ministry, Cornerstone Church, and other caring groups in our area. Since we at the Church of Christ have a contact on the mountain who will be keeping us abreast of specific needs of various families,’ we have / and will take up special collections to meet some of those needs. In addition, we are working with Rick Spear to provide water to Cedar Park / Storm Mountain Fire Recovery Group people to re-charge water supplies of residents and provide showers and drinking water for volunteers assisting with clean-up. Our goal is to fund Rick to take loads of 1700 gallons to Storm Mountain to help the victims of the Alexander Fire during coming weeks.
The Psalmist concludes:
“Let us thank the Lord, for His steadfast wondrous love for the children of men. Let them extol him in the congregation of His people and praise Him in the assembly of the leaders.” Let’s continue to serve, praise together.
Bob Lewis
Fine Arts & Craft Show Next Weekend Sept. 14 & 15 In Bond Park
The 49th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival is almost here! Sponsored by the Fine Arts Guild, the juried show in Bond Park draws artists from Colorado and across the country. This two day
show, September 14th and 15th will include artists sharing their creations in leather, wood, fiber, ceramics, jewelry, photography, painting, wearable art, mixed media, candles and personal
care products. A free Kids Corner will provide half masks and all kinds of decorations for kids to express their creativity in making a mask their own. Vibhaus Kendzia will provide musical entertainment and Bloomberries food truck will be onsite for food and drink. Show hours are Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Whether you’re looking for a special birthday gift, starting your
Christmas shopping, or looking for something for your house, a this is a great place to do it.
Estes Valley Quilt Guild September 11 Program
Dana Jones will present "Around the Block: Creating Quilts from Blocks Traditional to Contemporary," on September 11 at 6:45 p.m.
From traditional blocks to modern blocks, from repeated blocks to one-of-a-kind blocks, from blocks you know to those you’ve never seen — quilters past and present (and likely future) love blocks. This trunk show includes more than 20 quilts from a range of quilting genres, including ones Dana has designed and ones designed by others. She hopes you’ll come away from this presentation proud to be a chip off the old block of our quilting foremothers and our quilting mentors and peers. Plan to join us on this colorful trip around the block. First time guests are welcome for free.
All levels of quilters are welcome; we learn from each other. Come early to visit with your quilting friends, and bring your show and tell. The location is Mountain Bible Fellowship Church, 1575 South St. Vrain.
Roy Dearen To Perform 60s And 70s Classic Hits On September 10
Everyone is invited to a free concert with Roy Dearen from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10. Enjoy “Roy’s Very Favorite Songs of the 60s and 70s”, including the Beatles, Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Eagles, Elton John, and so many others. Roy sings vocals while playing electronic keyboards. Not only does Roy recreate the fabulous songs of the 60s and 70s, but the use of advanced technology allows him to reproduce the wonderful harmonies of these songs live and in real time.
Roy has a playlist of over 170 songs, each one for which he claims to have a special affection. You may recognize Roy from attending one of his special tribute shows presented each year in the fall, such as his concert of Beatles songs. Roy has performed solo as “Faded with Minor Rust” at Performance Park, the American Legion, Snowy Peaks Winery, Cousin Pats, and many times at the EPSCC. If you are interested in having Roy perform at your upcoming private or public event, contact him at roykdear@yahoo.com. For the concert, you are welcome to bring your own lunch or pre-purchase a hot meal. Place your order before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9. For this event, the Senior Center will be serving country-fried steak with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables. The cost of the meal is $7 for EPSCC members and $11 for nonmembers. 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 performance, please call the Senior Center at (970) 581-2195.
Social-Memory Cafe In Estes Park
September 12
This month’s Social-Memory Café is coming up soon, Thursday, September 12th. We will be celebrating fall and Rocky Mountain animals by enjoying activities, sing-a-long music, games and your stories about animals you have seen here. Whether you have come to Memory Café before or want to join us for the first time, you are welcome! We meet at St. Bartholomew’s Church (880 MacGregor Ave.) from 10:00 – 11:30. (We meet every second Thursday of each month, same time, same place.) It is free and open to anyone in Estes Valley who is experiencing any level of memory loss due to any form of dementia, with a friend, caregiver or family member.
Research and the medical community encourage social activity & friendships for all of us and we know living with dementia as a caregiver or the person themselves can be isolating. If it is hard to encourage your loved one to try something new or even leave the house, you can refer to our Social-Memory Café as a “meeting,” an “appointment” (doctor approved!), or an invitation to have some fun with friends. Please know you are welcome to come enjoy fun and friendship. Hope to see you there!
For more information call St. Bart’s church at 970-586-4504 or Jane (MC coordinator) at 970-430-8105.
Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu
September 9 – 13
Monday, Sep 9 Breakfast Burrito (eggs, cheese, refried beans & potatoes in flour tortilla) w/ green chili on the side
Friday, Sep 20 Shrimp Basket (8 fried) w/ Homemade Chips & soup of the day
Meals are $7 for current 2024 EP Senior Citizens Center members and are by reservation only. (Or 3 meals for $20; use pre-paid meal tickets.) Exact cash or check payment required. Reservations must be made by 1:00 PM at least one business day in advance. Note, if you want to reserve a meal for Monday, Sept 9th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Sept 6th. 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.
Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA)
Aspen Club Blood Pressure Check 4th Wed. of the month 10:00 – 1:00; Presentations (TBA)
Two Bridge Groups: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesday of the month & Every Thursday 12:30 – 4:30 PM
Reserved Meals-to-Go delivered to your vehicle or EAT at the Senior Citizens Center
Check out our website: estesparkseniors.org or call for the latest information
Three Things That Relieve Anxiety
Lately, I've been riding the rollercoaster of anxiety more often than normal. Maybe it’s because I’ve been traveling and out of my routine. Maybe it’s because the election is right around the corner. Or because I’ve started dating again and feeling all the emotions that arouses. Or because ‘tis the season for wildfires. Or any number of other things. More than likely, it’s some combination of many things.
But I’m no stranger to these feelings. Over the years, I’ve learned numerous techniques for managing anxiety, from breathwork to nutrition to longwinded, trademarked, acronymed approaches that cost a lot of money to learn and become certified to facilitate.
Honestly, though, what’s been working for my anxiety lately has been so simple and comes down to three things anyone can integrate pretty much anywhere, anytime: expression, water, and movement.
Expression
Before we try to change our anxious state, we have to acknowledge it. We can’t just strong arm ourselves to feel differently. We need to allow ourselves to feel what we are feeling. Yet, the story we tell about those feelings, anxious or otherwise, is more important than the feelings themselves.
For example, if I’m feeling anxious, I might say, “I feel anxious because…” and fill in the blank. The very act of acknowledging this helps me understand what’s triggering me and provides a map for actions I can take. Note I didn’t say, “I’m anxious,” but, rather, “I feel anxious…” That slight separation of my identity from the feeling is just enough space to not be consumed by it.
This practice is what psychologists call "affect labeling," which is simply naming our emotions as we experience them. Research shows doing so reduces our feelings’ intensity, like dialing down the volume on a blaring radio. Even if you don’t know exactly why you’re feeling anxious, you can simply acknowledge how that feeling is manifesting in your body—rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, shaking, inability to sit still, wanting to cry…This is still an effective form of affect labeling.
Water
You’ve probably heard about the importance of staying hydrated, but do you know how closely hydration is linked to anxiety? Our brains are about 75% water. When we’re dehydrated, our bodies release more cortisol—the stress hormone. This not only makes us feel more anxious but also affects
our cognitive function. So next time you’re feeling anxious, ask yourself, “Would I bet my right arm I’m at least 1% overhydrated?” If the answer isn’t a confident yes, start chugging. But water isn’t just about what we drink. There’s something inherently calming about being near a body of water—whether it’s a lake, river, ocean, or even a small pond. Science backs this up: The sound of water activates our parasympathetic nervous system, which calms our bodies and minds. This morning as I was feeling anxious about writing this article, among other things, I went for a walk around the lake. It calmed me down enough to gather my thoughts and create an outline.
Then there’s the bath or shower. Especially for empaths, bathing in water has an energetically cleansing effect. But for anyone, either really warm or really cold water can spike your dopamine levels, helping to counter the negative emotions of anxiety.
Movement
Finally, exercise. Whenever my head is in a negative place, I remind myself of the literal and figurative truth that my brain is attached to my body. So, move my body, shift my mind. The science behind this is astounding, but I won’t bore you with much of it here. Cardio-based exercise can be especially helpful for burning off cortisol and other anxiety-contributing hormones, but gentler movement like yoga or pilates can help release pent-up emotions.
For me, dancing is especially effective. It feels like I’m shaking off the gunk as I move, getting my heart rate up at the same time.
There’s no “best” way to move when you’re feeling anxious. It could be as simple as a walk (see above) or even just moving your hand across the page to journal out your feelings. What we’re trying to avoid is simply sitting and ruminating.
In the end, managing anxiety isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about discovering what works for you and integrating those practices when called for. What works for me may not work for you, and what works for you now may not work for your anxiety in November. But it’s important to remember your options when you need them.
And if you want to learn even more ways to manage anxiety holistically, email me at chazz@higherelevationscoaching.com to subscribe to my weekly emails.
EPH Teams With Blood Center For Local Donations
Donors can give at the hospital every three months
Blood is essential for life. It’s an elemental medical component for which there is no substitute. That’s why blood donor drives are so important.
Estes Park Health teams up with the UCHealth Garth Englund Blood Center once each quarter to host a blood drive at the hospital. Professionals from Fort Collins bring all the equipment they need to make these vital blood draws a success. Dozens of Estes Valley residents show up to help their neighbors in need.
Jeff Lindberg, 71, of Estes Park has been donating blood for decades.
“It’s just a good habit to get into,” he said. “I think it’s something a lot of people should do regularly, especially when they’re able to come up to Estes and have a session up here. If you’ve got good blood vessels, it’s easy. It doesn’t take too long, and it doesn’t really bother me afterwards.”
Others who show up are following in a family member’s footsteps.
“I remembered that my dad gave blood pretty much all his life,” noted Bob Hakenewerth. “He made it all the way to the 40-gallon club. It’s very easy. So, it’s a good thing.”
Joseph Dunn is the blood donor recruiter for UCHealth.
“We love to serve the community,” Dunn emphasized. “We do provide blood to Estes Park Health. So, this is a way to give back, is collecting blood for the community since we provide it to you guys. It’s been a good response, especially since we moved into the hospital. It has doubled what we normally collect. It’s good for your health. You burn 650 calories just lying here in the bed. It’s almost like an oil change for your body.”
The blood donated at Estes Park Health goes to support multiple facilities in northern Colorado, including
This precious resource is used for victims of trauma, cancer patients, and people having surgery among many others. Donating is one way Lorraine Darling lives out one of her mottos: Be kind.
“People need blood,” she noted. “If I can help, it’s an easy thing to do.”
Donors are screened and rewarded with a snack and some branded swag from EPH and the Blood Center. Folks like Don Marshall are happy to step up. It is a community service that doesn’t take long.
“I saw it in the paper,” Marshall said. “I live here in town, so it was easy to get over here and drop the blood off and go home. It’s something easy to do. It doesn’t take long. You can feel good about it after you do it.”
More than 80% of UCHealth blood products are the direct result of community-hosted blood drives. Estes Park Health is proud to help facilitate this important partnership.
The next blood drive at EPH is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.
To watch a video about the EPH hospital blood drives for the community, go to youtu.be/TQatqN-Ps7I.
EPH.
The blood donated at Estes Park Health goes to support multiple facilities in northern Colorado, including EPH.
Bob Hakenewerth donated blood during the August 2024 blood drive at EPH.
Photos by Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Health
An Opportunity To Sing!
The Estes Park Chorale, a mixed community chorus of over 50 voices, will begin our new season rehearsals on Wednesday, September 18th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Avenue. All interested singers are invited to join us!
both traditional classics and newer contemporary music. Our members are welcoming and come from all walks of life. No audition is necessary to join, just the desire to sing and the availability to attend rehearsals on Wednesday evenings. Interested singers are invited to come to the first rehearsal and check us out!
The Chorale, now in its 54th season, performs at least two concerts per season of varied styles of choral music,
More information on the organization and information on joining can be found at our website, www.estesparkchorale.com.
Oratorio Society Set To Begin Rehearsals For November Concerts
The Oratorio Society, under the direction of Robert Howard, will begin rehearsals in September for our November 22nd and 23rd concerts. The orchestra will begin rehearsals Sunday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies (PCCR) Fellowship Hall 1700 Brodie Avenue. Strings are always welcome. The chorus will begin rehearsals Monday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m., also
September 11th
Estes Park
Women's Club Meeting
Please join us for our first September meeting of the Estes Park Woman's Club.
After the summer season it will be good to get back together and catch up. We will be meeting at the MacGregor Ranch at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 11th. Lunch will be catered featuring sandwiches by Val Thompson of You Need Pie. We look forward to our guest speaker, the honorable Mayor Gary Hall.
Advanced reservations are needed to attend the meeting and the program. Contact epwcreservations@gmail.com. Morgan Morris, office manager at MacGregor Ranch, welcomes us to tour the museum and listen to the audio tour while we visit the ranch. Please remember to wear sensible clothing as we will be outdoors. Good walking shoes and a light jacket for our Estes Park weather. We look forward to you all joining us at MacGregor Ranch.
at PCCR, in the sanctuary. $10.00 dues. Please arrive 10 minutes early to receive your music.
Join Us for Table Settings 101
On September 15th or 16th
Within every tableware piece that has been shared or handed down through the family, there is a story. Celebrating those stories, as well as the creative ways to display these items—whether vintage or contemporary, formal or informal—is the inspiration behind a special event being hosted by the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation.
“Table Settings 101” will take place on Sunday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Estes Park Museum and repeated Monday, September 16 at 5:30 p.m. also at the Estes Park Museum, 200 Fourth Street. This special one-hour program, which is free and open to the public, will feature a variety of displays of creative table settings, with ideas on how best to utilize and arrange the tableware that many of us save for special occasions.
Table Settings 101 is a prelude event to the eighth annual Creative Colorado TableSetting/Scaping competition and non-competition, to be held November 15-17 at the Ember at Estes Park Resort. That weekend, participants will be provided space to arrange their own unique table settings around the theme, “Books and Movies, Then and Now”. Participants may choose from several entry categories. We also welcome non-competitive tables at this event. Bring your ideas, dishes and props and just enjoy the interaction with other participants. Those not entering a table setting are encouraged to
tators.
Table Settings 101 at the Museum on September 15 and again on the 16th will offer anyone considering an entry their opportunity to gain a sense of the style and set-up that might lead to a winning arrangement. Snacks and refreshments will be served, and Tablesetting Committee members will discuss the specific details of the competition and the registration process. Individuals, families, businesses, and children alike are all invited to consider entering, and the event will feature photographs from previous year’s winning entries. November’s Creative Colorado Table Settings event is a fundraiser for the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation. Full information and entry forms will be available on September 15/16, and online at: estespark.colorado.gov/museum/programs where you will click on the Tablesetting/Scaping tab lower on the page. No registration is required to attend the free September 15/16 programs at the Estes Park Museum. Business sponsorships are being sought for this year’s fundraiser. Anyone wishing to learn more about sponsorship is encouraged to contact Tara Moenning at tara@aspenbrookinvestments.com.
The Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc., is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Museum.
Lonigans Hosts Free Scottish Festival Weekend In Estes Park
Lonigans Irish Pub warmly invites the community to celebrate a lively Scottish Festival Weekend from September 6th to 8th. This free, family-friendly event will showcase thrilling entertainment, authentic music, and delightful festivities honoring Scottish culture.
Kick off the weekend with an electrifying show by Jack Dagger, the famed "King of Fling." Witness his astounding skills with sharp objects while participating in our spirited Guinness & Harp Beer Chugging Contest happening throughout the performance. It's an evening packed with excitement and friendly competition!
• Celtic Karaoke with KJ Riggo | 9:00 p.m.
Continue the fun by lending your voice to your favorite Celtic tunes during Celtic Karaoke hosted by KJ Riggo. Whether you're a seasoned singer or a joyful beginner, this is your chance to shine.
Saturday, September 7th:
• Axe Throwing Class with Jack Dagger & Beer Chugging Contest | 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Join Jack Dagger once more for an engaging demonstration followed by an axe throwing class suitable for all ages. Enhance your Highlander skills while enjoying rounds of the Guinness & Harp Beer Chugging Contest interspersed throughout the session.
• Live Music by Avourneen | 8:0011:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Avourneen, Denver's renowned Celtic band. Their dynamic performance will have you tapping your feet and dancing the night away.
Sunday, September 8th:
• Live Performance by Nick Wagner | 6:00 p.m.
Conclude the festive weekend with a captivating performance by local favorite Nick Wagner, offering a perfect blend of music to wrap up the celebrations.
Additional Highlights:
• Savor delicious Irish cuisine and explore an extensive selection of Irish and Scotch whiskeys.
• Enjoy a variety of drink specials available throughout the weekend. After the festival closes each day, the celebration continues at Lonigans. Whether you want to relax with friends, share a drink, or keep the party going, Lonigans will be the place to be!
Event Details:
• Dates: September 6, 7 & 8
• Location: Lonigans Irish Pub, Estes Park, CO
• Admission: Free and open to all ages
Join us at Lonigans for a memorable weekend filled with culture, entertainment, and community spirit. We look forward to celebrating with you! Several Youth In The Estes Valley Waiting For A Mentor
Did you have a mentor growing up? If not, do you with you did? Several youths in the Estes Valley are waiting for a mentor in our School-Based and Community Based Mentoring Pro-
grams. Please consider giving the gift of yourself as a mentor! Phone 970577-9348, text 970-235-0165, or email kwhitacre@poweredbypartners.org. Be the difference in the life of a local youth!
EPHS Seniors Create Parking Lot Art
Current Exhibit
Estes Valley Plein Air
News From The Art Center Of Estes Park
Estes Valley Plein Air Sale and Exhibition - August 30 – September 29
Estes Park welcomed well-known artists from all over the country for the 6th Annual Estes Valley Plein Air (EVPA) event hosted by the Art Center of Estes. 37 juried and invited artists had a limited amount of time to paint "en plein air," a French term meaning "in open air." They paint on location in Rocky Mountain National Park and within 50 miles of the Estes Valley. A plein air event has been a part of Estes Park for over 30 years and the Art Center is honored to continue this tra-
dition. This juried show features artists working in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, and gouache and the paintings completed during EVPA are now hanging in the Art Center until September 29.
The Gala and Awards Ceremony was hosted on Friday, August 30 during which time artists were presented with awards in several categories including Best of Show, Nocturne and Miniature awards. Judges Anne Sneary, RaDean Mynatt, Board President Diana Wade, and Mayor Gary Hall were tasked with the difficult choice of selecting the winners of this year’s Estes Valley Plein Air.
2024
EVPA Winners:
Quick Paint 1st
Place: Kathleen Lanzoni “Summer Breeze“ Watercolor (Sponsored by Mary Murphy)
Quick Paint 2nd
Place: Richard Sneary “Behind Park Theater” Watercolor (Sponsored by Bank of Estes)
Quick Paint 3rd
Place: Daniel Augustein “Longs from Estes” Oil (Sponsored by (Bank of Colorado)
Wine Label Contest
Award: Patricia Sweet “Cascading Light” Oil (Sponsored by Snowy Peaks Winery)
Estes Park Mayor's Award: Louise Sachett “View from the Stanley” Oil (Spon-
sored by Mayor of Estes Park, Gary Hall)
Artist Choice Award winner is Kathleen Lanzoni, “A Touch of Magic” Watercolor
Art Center Board of Directors: Suzanne Burnell “Morning Glory” Soft Pastel (Sponsored by Art Center Board of Directors)
Nocturne Award: Kathleen Lanzoni “A Touch of Magic” Watercolor (Sponsored by Fine Arts Guild)
Miniatures Award: Daniel Augenstein “Fall River Rocks” Gouache (Sponsored by Larry Purdy)
Best of Show Award: David Peacock “Big Thompson Creek” Oil (Sponsored by Denise Shank)
2nd Place Award: Patricia Sweet “Longs Peak” Oil (Sponsored by Visit Estes Park)
3rd Place Award: Jenifer Cline “High Ridge, Hidden Valley” Oil (Sponsored by Anonymous)
Artist's Choice Award (Sponsored by Bear & Bee, Maker's
Studio & Boutique)
The community has the opportunity to vote until September 28th, for the People's Choice Award sponsored by the Estes Arts District. We will announce the winner at the close of the exhibit. Come and enjoy the stunning works on display now at the Art Center.
For more information visit www.ArtCenterOfEstes.com or to help make events like this possible in our community please donate at www.ArtCenterofEstes.com/EventSponsorship. Even the smallest donations help the Art Center provide an exceptional experience to the artists as well as provide an enriching cultural experience for the community.
Find us online at www.ArtCenterofEstes.com or on social media at Facebook (ArtCenterOfEstes) and Instagram (ArtCenterOfEP).
The Art Center of Estes Park is a nonprofit organization which provides a facility to support the work of local and regional artists, striving to promote exhibition, education, and excellence in the visual arts. Proceeds benefit the artist and contribute to the Art Center’s education and community outreach. The Art Center is located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue, in Middle Stanley Village, below Safeway and above Subway. For more information, please call the Art Center at 970-586-5882 or visit our website at www.artcenterofestes.com.
Mayor Gary Hall
Kathleen Lanzoni & Anne Sneary
Rocky Mountain National Park Lifts Total Fire Ban-Restrictions Still In Place
The complete fire ban that was put in place in Rocky Mountain National Park on August 1, 2024, has been lifted due to current conditions. Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place where campfires are prohibited throughout RMNP, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and frontcountry campgrounds.
The use of portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves and
propane/butane-fueled gas stoves is allowed. Fireworks are always prohibited within the park. Park visitors are urged to use caution and vigilance regarding the use of fire in authorized locations.
For further information Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or contact the park’s Information Office at 970-5861206.
Pirate Face Productions Presents: Sebastien Bordeaux Live At American Legion Post 119
Get ready to swing into action on September 14th as Pirate Face Productions brings you an unforgettable night with Sebastien Bordeaux at American Legion Post 119. This cat’s a master of the stage, blending blues, rock 'n' roll, Americana, hillbilly swing, rockabilly, jazz, and country into a sound that’s pure dynamite. Fresh from his performance at Viva Las Vegas, Sebastien is ready to turn up the heat and get you rockin’!
Having shared the stage with the likes of Wayne "the train" Hancock, Sebastien’s bass lines are as smooth as they come. His music captures the essence of 1940s blues and 1950s rock 'n' roll, bringing those vintage vibes straight to your soul. With a debut album on WILD Records and a stage presence that’s electric, this is one show you won’t want to miss.
Event Details:
• Car Show: 5-7 p.m. – Roll in and check out a showcase of classic rides that'll have you drooling over chrome and curves.
• Swing Dance Classes: 7-8 p.m. | $10 – Lace up your dancin’ shoes and learn some swingin' moves that'll have you jivin' all night.
• Sebastien Bordeaux Performance: 810 p.m. | $10 – Catch Sebastien live as he brings the house down with a set of high-energy tunes.
• Pinup Girl Contest: Around 9 p.m. –The spotlight’s on! Watch or compete in this glamorous contest celebrating vintage style.
Join us at American Legion Post 119 for a night packed with music, dancing, classic cars, and a touch of pinup glamour. This is one event you don’t want to miss!
Rocco, Steve, Maya, Goose, Speck And Ghost Still Seeking New, Loving Forever Families
Rocco is a funny, happy dog! He is about three years old, weighs 53 pounds and is housetrained. He’s a lover of people and dogs, both big and small
We also have two young dogs, Ghost and Speck. They are nine month old border collie/husky mixes. They are both so cute! They currently weigh about 35 pounds.
Steve is an Aussie mix, he weighs 50 pounds. He is about two years old and loves other dogs and people.
Maya is about a year old, good-natured and weighs 46 pounds. She is great with other dogs and would make the perfect pet companion for you. Goose is a short haired border collie mix who weighs about 55 pounds. He was raised with kids and is good with dogs and cats as well. He is 2 1/2 years old.
Please call (970) 2861652 if you’d like to meet or foster any of these special pets.
All pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a nonprofit organization that is the Estes Valley’s only humane society.
You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to P.O. Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.
For more information about the Pet Association, please visit petassociationestespark.com..
Need A Refill?
By Larry Strong
There’s an old saying, “An optimist looks at the donut, a pessimist looks at the hole and a realist eats it.” As one who doesn’t focus on the hole, I believe the majority of folks are still “givers.” I contend most people sincerely want to be helpful to others. There is still a ton of good in humanity and chances are you doing your part.
Givers give. I know, profound right? But the danger with folks who find fulfillment in giving is being mindful that we can’t give what we don’t have. One can’t pour anything from an empty cup. One can’t go very far on an empty fuel tank either and nobody would intentionally head down the canyon running on fumes. But for some reason, we deceive ourselves into thinking that we can give emotionally, physically or spiritually and never fill up our “tank.” Truth is, most of us need a refill.
they tell you during the pre-flight safety briefing, “Place your mask on yourself first before assisting the person next to you.”
I’m not gonna tell you how to fill up your own cup. We all do that a little differently. But I’m gonna suggest to not wait till you're empty. Pay attention to the warning signs. Waking up feeling unrested. Being easily distracted and irritated. Feeling foggy, tight chested and an overall malaise. In simple terms, keep an eye on your emotional, physical and spiritual fuel tank. Why not stop to refill when your gauge is on half a tank? That’s just being smart and loving yourself enough to maintain a position to give and love others well.
There’s a whopping difference between self-centeredness and self-love. We all know what the former is and I think we tend to confuse it with loving oneself. In its most pure form, loving oneself is the realization that our ability to pour into others, give of our time, talent, gifts, and resources requires taking proper care of oneself. When you’re a priority, for the right motive and reason, you’ll have more to give others who need some help on their journey. After all, there’s a reason
Men on Fire meets Saturday, 8:00 a.m. at the American Legion, 850 N. St. Vrain. Honestly, I’ve come to see our weekly gathering as a “filling station” in so many ways. I think all of our guys feel “filled up” when they pull out of the Legion parking lot each Saturday—and it’s not just because of the awesome breakfast burritos, donuts and coffee.
So men, if you’re in need of a refill, come hang out with some really decent guys at Men on Fire. Or, if your tank is full and spilling over with lots to spare, we can use you. MOF is a very diverse bunch of guys, all on our individual life and faith journeys. Regardless of where you’re at in your relationship with God you’ll find yourself welcome, encouraged, affirmed and filled up. See ‘ya Saturday. From out of town? Come hang out with us!
Rocco
Steve
Maya
Speck & Ghost
Goose
Laws To Protect The Future
By: Judi Smith
Sometimes new laws simply authorize governmental entities to take action. Sometimes a new law is required to refine a past decision. Sometimes a law extends or completes something started in the past.
HB24-1449 replaced and reorganized the existing Front Range Waste Disposal Enterprise (FRWDE). Under the new title of Colorado Circular Community Enterprise (CCCE), it encompasses collection of the solid waste user fees and the (formerly RREO) grant program which funded our public bear resistant trash cans in Estes Park. It also ended the Pollution Prevention Advisory Board (PPAB) and their Assistance Committee (PPABAC), but the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC) is alive and well and has had “success in advancing innovative solutions for a sustainable circular economy.” Access information at www.coloradocedc.org
Under the Department of Personnel and Administration, SB24-214 creates the Office of Sustainability, a statewide agency dedicated to greening state government, making full use of the Inflation Reduction Act and other offerings of the federal government. It also orders a feasibility study of minisplit air conditioning. The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is directed by SB24-229 to create and manage the Neighborhood-Scale Alternatives Pilot Project transitioning to geo-thermal energy. Under HB24-1346 places the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) in charge of regulating efforts into underground sequestration of carbon dioxide. SB24212 requires the ECMC to provide technical assistance to local municipalities to draft code governing wind and solar generation and energy storage and transmission. The CEO will collect and maintain a repository of model codes and conduct a study of local permit rules for renewable energy and transmission projects.
HB24-1410 addresses changes to the Office of Just Transition in funding the transition of coal-based communities over the next six years.
Agriculturally, HB24-1249 offers income tax credit for farms or ranches that improve soil health , sequester carbon, increase water retention, build climate and drought resistance, or reduce the creation of ghg. (If the current experimentation of adding kelp to cattle feed is successful, this might qualify.)
Each year the General Assembly must issue a Colorado Water Conservation Board Projects Bill. This year, along with water storage and supply, agricultural projects, engagement and innovation, conservation and land use planning, assistance to water supply projects, watershed health and recreation, and drought planning. The Bill includes the Turf Replacement Program, Innovative Water Forecasting, the Shoshone Water Rights, acquisition on the Colorado River. Water is our most important resource (opinion).
Water quality protection was lowered by a Supreme Court decision (Sackett vs. EPA) in 2023. So, under HB241379, in order to regulate the discharge of dredged and fill material, Colorado (via the Water Quality Control Commission and the Eater Quality Control Division) will require permits henceforth. Also in the realm of water, SB24197 codify the recommendations of the Colorado River Drought Task Force and extends the Agricultural Water Rights Protection water-sharing tool statewide. Anyone interested in details please research this bill directly.
“Turf grass,” similar to Kentucky Bluegrass, consumes massive amounts of water. Natural grasses tend to survive on much less. Artificial turf has been found to increase heat, even to the point (as temperatures rise) of melting the plastic. SB24-005 forbids the installation of non-functional (streetscape and medians and other non-recreational land) turf grass, artificial turf, or invasive plants on governmental projects.
Under SB24-207, community solar gardens built after 2026 will offer 51% of service to low income families and investor owned electric utilities (IOEU) must provide solar capacity. For IOEU with less than 500,000 customers the requirement is 3.5 megawattts (mw) of stand alone solar energy, paired with storage. For larger IOEUs, the requirement is 50 mw and, under SB24-218, they are also required to keep abreast of population growth and governmental State climate goals with timely, critical and proactive electric grid investment encouraging solar, heat pump, and EV charging units expansion.
SB24-229 directs the Air Pollution Control Division to establish penalties and enforce rules set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Air Quality Control Commission aiming to reduce nitrous oxide (NOx) from oil and gas operations. In 2021, HB211266 created the Environmental Justice Action Task Force to propose practical means to address environmental justice inequities in disproportionately impacted communities. Today, SB241338 implements those recommendations, creating the Office I Environmental Justice to address certain communities, authorizing the Air Pollution Control Division to hire a petroleum refinery expert to assess gaps in public health protection, and establish a rapid response team to respond to air quality complaints.
Perhaps most important to our young generation interested in resolving the climate crisis: Similar to SB17-213 that authorized Colorado high schools to issue a Seal of Biliteracy with the high school diploma, HB24-014 authorizes Colorado high schools to provide a “Seal of Climate Literacy" to qualified graduating students.
Ready to make a difference in our community? Become a mentor with Partners!
We are a local nonprofit serving Northern Colorado for the past 47 years (with 28 years in Estes Park). Our mission is to empower youth to reach their full potential through mentoring, prevention education, and strategic partnership. Join us in changing lives and shaping futures!
We are currently seeking volunteer mentors to support Northern Colorado youth who are facing challenges socially, academically, and personally. Mentors spend regular time with their mentee, finding activities to do together, engaging in the community, and working on goals. Just an hour a week can help a kid gain confidence, life skills, and hope for the future.
Visit: poweredbypartners.org/get-involved/#volunteer to share your contact info and one of our staff members will reach out to get you more information. No commitment to get more info!
Partners needs community members from all backgrounds to match with kids from all backgrounds. With over 100 youth to match, everyone who cares about kids could be a good fit!
We are currently particularly seeking English speakers, Spanish speakers, people of color, and folks who identify as LGBTQ+ to meet requests from kids on the waitlist. We have several youths who have requested mentors who have shared lived experience to help them navigate unique challenges. This fol-
lows research that shows when mentors are paired with youth of the same demographic identities, they are more competent at helping youth overcome social barriers associated with those identities.
All volunteer roles have flexible scheduling and relevant training help ensure your success as a mentor. Many current volunteers report that they received helpful support from our staff and that becoming a mentor is one of the most meaningful things they’ve done.
Want to learn more? Attend an Information Session!
Come and learn more about our volunteer opportunities and various mentor roles! Staff and volunteers will be available to share information answer questions. Drop in whenever you are able!
Sept. 12
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Partners Office
530 S. College Ave, Fort Collins CO Sept. 21 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
LINC Library Innovation Center 501 8th Ave, Greeley, CO For links to the Zoom Meetings please visit our website at: poweredbypartners.org/mentordifference/ To connect directly with our Estes Park Office call 970-577-9348 or email kwhitacre@poweredbypartners.org.
Estes Park Women’s Golf Association Results For September 3, 2024
The Estes Park Women’s Golf Association played a game of 3-3-3 on Tuesday. The three best net scores on 3 par 3’s, 3 par 4’s and 3 par 5’s determined the winners.
Congratulations to:
First Place –Deb Mauk
Tied for Second Place – Judi Cunningham and Kim Ames
Fourth Place – Calle Russell
Tied for Fifth Place - Marilyn Soby
and Carla Spreng-Webb
Tied for Seventh Place – Kay Boyle, Dot Dorman, Chelsea Specht, and Jennifer Gergen
The league will conclude official play in late September. If you would like to join the Estes Park Women’s Golf Association for the 2025 season, please contact Diane Butler at dbutler04@gmail.com. New members are welcome!
Our Lady Of The Mountains 4th Annual Golf Tournament
On Friday, September 20th, Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church will host their 4th annual golf tournament at the Estes Park 18-hole Golf Course.
The golf tournament is a fundraiser for youth programs, and over the past three years has provided funds for many young parishioners to youth camps and retreats. The attendees all
were very grateful for the opportunity.
The public is invited to golf, sponsor a hole, provide prizes or make a donation to the youth activities of Our Lady of the Mountains Parish. The format will be a four-person scramble, with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the Church office at 970-586-8111.
Estes Valley Community Center Announces Community Swap Event
The Estes Valley Community Center (EVCC) is excited to announce a Community Swap Event on Saturday, September 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., taking place in the lower level of the Community Center. This event provides booths spaces for community
thrilled to host this event and support our community. The Community Swap is a fantastic way for people to discover new treasures while promoting sustainability and local connections. With back-to-school season approaching, it’s a perfect time for parents to pass on
members and small businesses to exchange or sell items, connect with neighbors, and promote sustainable living practices.
The Community Swap will include a wide range of items such as clothing, books, toys, and household goods. Attendees are encouraged to bring items they no longer need and swap or sell them for something new. The event aims to reduce waste, encourage reuse, and strengthen community ties.
Julie Bunton, Programs Manager at EVCC, shared her enthusiasm: “We’re
outgrown clothes and find something new. We look forward to seeing everyone there!”
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Estes Valley Community Center, Lower Level
Vendor Booth Fee: $55
Admission: Free to the public
Are you looking for something to do this Fall and Winter? Like to play pool? New teams are forming now. The Fall season starts September 11th!
For more information, please contact Julie Bunton at julie@evrpd.com. If interested in playing or starting a team contact Joyce Hughes at (970) 586-2281
Helene Ault
Helene Ahlstrom Bana Ault passed away peacefully on the evening of April 26 at the age of 82 at the Hyland Hills Memory Care Center in Westminster CO. She was born in Buffalo NY to Elmer and Lois Ahlstrom. She is the oldest of three children, her sister Barbara Benevento of Bay Village OH and her brother John Ahlstrom of Summerville, SC.
After growing up in East Aurora NY she moved to Rocky River OH prior to her senior year of high school. She met Ron Bana a few years later and they were married in 1962. Her son Mark was born in 1963 and Kirk followed in 1965. The family then moved to Estes Park in January of 1972 to open and run the Red Arrow Campground. When Helene and Ron divorced in 1974, she made the decision to stay in Estes Park to raise her children. She had never had a job before but was determined to make it work. She started out selling Avon and cleaning houses then went to work at Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum and eventually became the manager. She was one of the first employees hired as they opened the new Estes Park Hospital. She stayed at the hospital for years working her way up to Assistant Administrator. She later went on to manage the downtown clothing store Bean Blossoms. She eventually got her real estate license and worked in that field until her retirement from Remax. She worked hard and was successful at everything she did. She was always
Park.
Helene met Chief of Police Robert Ault in the late 1970s and they were married in 1980. They spent the next 39 years happily married until his death in 2019.
Helene was active in the Quota Club for many years, she got a lot of enjoyment out of the many events she took part in including assisting in getting medical equipment to those in need. She also really enjoyed her yearly participation in the Bright Christmas.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert (Bob) Ault and her grandson, Tyler Bana. She leaves behind her sister Barbara, brother John, sons Mark and Kirk Bana, Stepsons Rodney and Mark Ault, grandchildren Trevor and Emily Bana, Heath and Heather Bana, Audrey Ault, Koby and Makenzie Ault Hensley, Alison and Katie Kuhlman and five great grandchildren. She loved her family and was never happier than when she had them all together.
Helene always had a smile and a laugh waiting for you whenever you saw her and was always willing to help anyone in need. She leaves behind a multitude of good memories. She had a kind heart and gentle soul and will be missed by many.
Services are planned for Sat. Sept. 21st, 2024 from 1-3 p.m. at the American Legions Post 119 in Estes Park, CO.
proud that she was able to stay, raise and keep her family in Estes
FALL RIVER GROUP of
ESTES PARK
Meeting Since 1969
Barbecue Picnic Potluck
Barbecued Hamburgers, Dogs, and Potato Salad
Saturday, September 7 at 2PM
Followed By Meeting
Located at
453 West Elkhorn
Estes Park, CO
AA & Al-Anon Meetings
AA of Glen Haven
Every Monday night at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
Early Worms
Monday thru Saturday at 7:00 a.m. (Monday through Saturday hybrid meetings with Zoom #796 839 839 PW:Worms20) at St. Bartholomew Church, 880 MacGregor Ave.
Early Worms Women's Meeting
12 p.m. Mondays
St. Bartholomew, 880 MacGregor Ave. Mixed Nuts Al-Anon Group
We meet Friday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Church. The meeting is hybrid with Zoom #285 426 3644 PW: serenity.
One Day at a Time
Location: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies 1700 Brodie Ave, Estes Park
When: Tues and Thursday @ noon. Please park in back, Meetings are held downstairs in Room 6.
Alcoholics Anonymous Fall River Group, 453 West Elkhorn, Estes Park.
Current Schedule for 2024
Zoom ID 999 829166 for AA Meetings
Monday-12 p.m.-In Person-O, D
Monday-7 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, BB
Tuesday-12 p.m.-Zoom-O, D
Wednesday-12 p.m.-In Person and
Zoom-O, D
Wednesday-7 p.m.-In Person and Zoom- O, D
Thursday -12 p.m. Zoom-O, D
Friday-12 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, D
Saturday-12 p.m.-In Person and Zoom-O, D
Sunday -12 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, D
Last Friday of each month is birthday night; 6 p.m. Potluck, 7 p.m. Speaker.
*** Contribute via VENMO @ EstesCowboy
Other 12 Step Meetings Held at Fall River Group
Thursday-7 p.m.-Narcotics Anonymous “New Horizons” Group O, D-In Person and Zoom 705 555 830
**O=open to all D=discussion
BB=Big Book
Zoom Meetings-Everyday at noon
Zoom #999 829 166 (no password needed).
Monday Zoom Big Book study at 7 p.m. #654 598 884 (no password needed).
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Zoom #999 829
166
Online AA and NA Meetings at www.intherooms.com
There are 70 AA Meetings and 30 NA Meetings a week.
Hilltop Guild's Fall Festival Is Sept. 21
Take a ride up to Allenspark on Saturday, Sept. 21, for the Hilltop Guild's Fall Festival.
The centerpiece of the festival will be a chili lunch -lots of different kinds -- from traditional meat and bean to white chicken chili and vegetarian chili. Doors will open at 10 a.m. and food service will begin at 11 a.m. and run to 2 p.m. The chili lunch will feature a bowl of chili, a piece of cornbread and a drink for $8. Desserts, pie or cobbler, will be $3 each.
The money raised will go to scholarships for students in Lyons, Allenspark and Estes Park. The Guild typically awards about seven scholarships a year to high school seniors, worth more than $11,000 total.
The Kelley House, home of the Hill-
top Guild, is located between Nederland and Estes Park at 18720 Highway 7 (Peak-to-Peak Highway) south of Allenspark. The festival is free and there's plenty of parking.
The Fall Festival also will feature a White Elephant rummage sale including costume jewelry, glassware, china, and kitchenware. Additionally, many handmade items crafted by Guild weavers and quilters will be sold in the Boutique.
The nearby Bunce School and Museum will be open, too. It's within easy walking distance of the Kelley House. Children love the old-fashioned oneroom schoolhouse.
"September is a beautiful time of year to visit the mountains," said Jen Bell, Fall Festival co-chair. "Please join us!"
Rams Horn Village Resort has year round full time and part time positions available in our Guest Services/Housekeeping Department: $17-19/hour, plus tips, a summer bonus, and benefits package for full time employees. We are looking for energetic, dependable people who are able to perform physical labor and who have strong customer service skills. Fridays and Saturdays are required. Fill out an application at Rams Horn Village Resort, 1565 Colo. Hwy 66. EEOE
Ho u sekeepi ng – staff
This position is responsible for having assigned cabins & lodge rooms cleaned by check-in time at YMCA of the Rockies, a camp, conference & family retreat center located outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Flexible work agreements and shifts available between September 9th through November 1st. This position pays $14.42/hour with great employee perks like YMCA membership, shift meal, and the opportunity to work with people from all around the world! Training provided –no experience necessary.
j o b s .ymc a r o c kies o rg
Join one of the nation's leading vacation rental companies and their team of dedicated hospitality professionals. Discover how far your career dreams can take you! Use the following link to see our current career options. https://app.joinhomebase.com/cmp /skyrun-rm
We’re hiring for the following positions starting at $22.61/hr.:
• Drive-up & Go Service Helpers
• Checker
• Courtesy Clerk
• Day-Stocker
• Overnight Stocker
• Bakery Clerk
• Deli Clerk
• Produce Clerk
• Seafood Clerk
• Cake Decorator
• Meat Cutter
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 our hiring manager Ann at 970.586.4447.
You've just found it! Fun family business
Outdoor World and Rocky Mountain Connection retail clothing and equipment year round stores needs you. Starting at $17.00-22.00 per hour. Retail selling, merchandising. Quickbooks expert. Store floor manager. You must be cheerful and like people. Choose your hours. Ages 15 to 80. Call Ernie 24 hours a day Mon - Sun. 970 232 8290.
Now hiring
(Must live in Estes Park)
Airport Drivers • Tour Drivers
Non CDL Drivers
$18-20 an hour Plus tips, Fulltime/Partime
$4/hr shift differential pay for morning and nights.
Tour Guides/drivers for small groups.
Apply within at: Estes Park Shuttle 551 South Saint Vrain Ave
Join Our Team!
Teller
Full or part-time
Ideal candidates will have prior cash handling and customer service experience. Additional requirements include attention to detail, strong computer and problem solving skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced team oriented environment. Year round position with excellent benefits including medical, dental, 401(K) and paid time off. $19-$21/hour.
Please apply at :
www.bankofcolorado.com
Village Goldsmith, Inc.
We currently have job openings for jewelry art lovers in our workshop/gallery Explore your creativity
SALES ASSOCIATE Fine jewelry retail sales
Open every day. We offer competitive pay, summer bonus potential, flexible scheduling. 235 West Elkhorn Avenue (970) 586-5659 villagegoldsmith@airbits.com
Garden Help Wanted 9-12 hours per week as needed. $25/hr. Call 970-297-8639
SereniTEA’s tea room has an immediate opening for a server position. Day shift. Apply in store.
LOOKING FOR ART LOVERS!
Join one of the top 10 Galleries in the USA featuring all American Art with 2 locations in Estes Park. Full and Part Time Sales Positions Available.
Retail sales experience required. Must be friendly and outgoing and willing to go the extra mile for our customers. We offer:
• Very competitive wages
• Attractive employee discounts
• Profit Sharing
• A great work environment surrounded by beautiful American art!
Please drop off resume in person at: 360 E. Elkhorn Ave. or, Email to info@earthwoodartisans.com
Cubz Den Attendant
This part time position with supervise children between the ages of 1-8 years old in our Cubz Den play area at the Recreation Center. Activities include, supervising the indoor play structure and play stations, leading art projects, and reading to the children. This after school program runs Monday -Friday from 3:00pm -5:30pm.
Soccer Referee
Looking for a Referee for Youth Soccer games on Saturdays from mid-September to mid-October. If you have basic knowledge of soccer rules, we will provide referee training.
Lifeguards -part-time
Support pool safety at the Recreation Center. We offer assistant with getting the lifeguard certification. Apply now to see if you qualify for assistance.
Personal Trainer
We are looking for Certified Personal Trainers to work with clients at the Recreation Center. Do you have a fitness background but are not certified as a Personal Trainer? We offer a program to assist with getting certified. Apply to see if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Competitive pay and a free membership to the Recreation Center. Apply on-line: evrpd.com
Estes Valley Recreation and Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
position assists guests at YMCA of the
Homes
3 Bedroom home in Estes Park by the golf course. Enjoy a quiet neighborhood, with elk and deer! Older but nice home with large living room, dining room, hardwood floors, one bathroom, fireplace and deck. Efficient furnace and “on demand” water heater. Available September 1, one year lease. $2500/mo, plus utilities. Deposit required. 970-371-5844 Leave a message, or dshull@airbits.com
Commercial Rentals
Retail Space available 9/1/24 at Water Wheel
Shops. 237 W. Elkhorn approx 200 sq. ft. Call 970-212-8645
Office Space for Rent
1377 Sq. Ft., Conference Room, 3 Private Offices, High Traffic Area with Great Exposure, Open Lobby Area, Printer Room. 351 Moraine Ave. Suite B 970-227-4865
Remixed Custom Sewing Services. Small Furniture, Restoration, Cushions and Industrial Repair. Call for appointment 970-492-5446 Piano Tuning
Susan Novy, local piano tuner. Call for appt. 577-1755 www.estesparkpiano tuner.com
with a positive dining experience which includes maintaining a positive and professional attitude, maintaining sanitary work and dining areas, operating commercial food service equipment (training provided), assisting with meal preparation (training provided), and keeping service lines clean and fully stocked with food and supplies. Flexible work agreements and shifts available between September 9th through September 27th. This position pays $14.42/hour with great employee perks like YMCA membership, shift meal, and the opportunity to work with people from all around the world!
Misc.
Selling Local, Free range Chicken Eggs
$5/dozen. Call Kylie @ 970-692-1394 for updates/info.
Bighorn Ram Mount $1200 Call 970-481-5977
Hobbies
MODEL RAILROADERS
Model Railroad components: HO engines, railcars, track. Most new. All for $150. obo 720-530-6446 2151 Larkspur Ave.
Commercial
Commercial Spaces for sale and lease. Call Eric. Anderson Realty. 586-2950
INSTRUCTION
Misc.
Private math tutor, Estes Park. Math teacher for 6 yrs. Call/text Steph for rates/scheduling. 360-710-4152.
Garage Sales
YARD SALE
1735 Gray Hawk Ct
Saturday, Sept 7th, 8-12
Chiminea, pressure washer, household items, new crafts, new jewelry, laser engraved coasters, $5 new sun hats, Halloween clothing and accessories, misc.
Sat 9/7, 2951 Fish Creek
Rd. No Early Birds - Starts @ 8am. Household goods, clothes, washer/dryer, Big Screen TV etc.
Lots of camping gear, quality men’s clothing, Wii gaming system, kitchen items, stereo system, vintage school desk and more!
Garage/Estate Sale
Saturday 9/7, 8am-2pm 1017 Pine Knoll Dr EP Daybed w/trundle & mattresses, mountain bikes, table and chairs, furniture, yard furniture, small chest freezer. Antiques, collectibles, household goods, games, cookbooks, and much more.
Garage Sales
Garage Sale. 2190 Dry Gulch Rd. Sept. 6-7, 9am - 4pm. Western Art, Books, New Items, Clothing, Misc.
1552 Country Club Drive Sat. Sept 7, 8:00 AM All proceeds go to Crossroads Ministryyou name the price to donate!
Saucer swing, tools, keyboard with stand, easel, Christmas decor, Bed comforters, nuts and bolts, Shortwave band radio, stained glass pieces etc.
Estate Sales
ESTATE/MOVING SALE
Need to have one, but seems overwhelming. We do the work, you make the $. Local, Affordable, References. CALL JUDI 970-215-5548
