Estes Park News, October 4, 2024 by Estes Park News, Inc

Photo by Mary Moore

5,700 copies were printed this week, and distributed FREE to hundreds of Estes Valley locations including Allenspark, Glen Haven & Lyons. A National Online Audience With Loyal Local Readership

Ph: (970) 586-5800 Fax: (970) 692-2611

Opinions of our columnists are not necessarily the opinions of this newspaper. Owners/Publishers: Gary & Kris Hazelton

Editor: Kris Hazelton

Office Manager: Tim Buck office@epnews.com

Tech Operations: Andrew Donaldson ads@estesparknews.com

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Press releases: kris@estesparknews.com

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Classifieds: Deadline Wed. by Noon

Paving Projects At Beaver Meadows And Fall River Entrances

Contractors will be re-paving entrance gate lanes and repairing damaged concrete curbing at the Beaver Meadows Entrance in Rocky Mountain National Park beginning Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3 then again starting Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10. The paving will take place during daylight hours and in only one lane at a time. Be prepared for longer lines on these days.

Contractors completing the Fall River Entrance project will be paving beginning Monday, October 7 through Thursday October 10. Because only one lane will be operational with alternating traffic, visitors entering or exiting the Fall River Entrance should expect potential delays of more than 20 minutes.

Paving will not occur at these locations on Fridays or weekends.

For more information on Rocky Mountain National Park, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.

Old Fall River Road In Rocky Mountain National Park Will Close For The Season To Vehicles Beginning October 8

Old Fall River Road will be closing for the season to vehicles beginning Tuesday, October 8. The road will be closed to all uses through Thursday, October 10, for park staff to conduct road maintenance. Old Fall River Road will reopen temporarily to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers for Friday, October 11 through Monday, October 14. Starting, Tuesday, October 15, Old Fall River Road will close again to all uses for continued road maintenance through Friday, October

18. On Saturday, October 19, the road will reopen to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers through November 30.

Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails. On December 1, the road will revert to trail status and bicycles and leashed pets will not be allowed on the road.

For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.

Spirits & ‘Grass Festival

November 2

A Celebration of Colorado’s Craft Distilleries and Mountain Bluegrass Music

The Town of Estes Park, the Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival, and Elkins Whisky present Spirits & ‘Grass at the Estes Park Events Complex Saturday, Nov. 2 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. This spirit-sipping, foot-stomping event will feature sampling from 30 distilleries, five bluegrass bands on two indoor stages, bar games, vendors, food trucks, and more. Bottles from your favorite distilleries may even be purchased to be enjoyed later.

Spirit sampling tickets cost $45 per person and include a souvenir tasting

Lodging specials for attendees can be found through event sponsor,

Fall colors on Old Fall River Road.

Photo courtesy RMNP

glass. Music festival only tickets cost $25 and do not include a glass or sampling. You must be 21+ to attend. For more information and to pur-

chase tickets please visit www.EPSpirits.com.

Quality Inn of Estes Park.

Photo courtesy of Estes Park Events Complex

The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

On 9/24/2024 at 7:43 p.m. police contacted a 30 year old male driver from Greeley, Colorado in the 400 block of Dry Gulch Road for his vehicle being broken down in the roadway. The driver was found to have a warrant for a misdemeanor/traffic charge. The male was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.

On 9/25/2024 at 11:49 p.m. police stopped a 22 year old male from Northglenn, Colorado at Grand Estates Drive at Lakefront Street for a traffic violation and found him to be DUI. The male was charged with DUI, DUI per se and failure to display lamps when required. The male was ar-

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 September 22nd, 2024, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 33 calls for service. This included:

Alarm Activation: 8

rested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.

On 9/28/2024 at 2:23 p.m. officers responded to a report of a dog locked inside a hot car in the 100 block of Wiest Drive. The dog was removed from the vehicle and moved to a cooler location. A 28 year old female from Denver, CO was charged with animal cruelty and issued a summons to the Estes Park Municipal Court.

On 9/29/2024 at 12:40 a.m. officers responded to a report of an unprovoked assault with injury in the 500 block of Steamer Parkway. On scene they charged a 49 year old male from Novato, CA with third degree assault and harassment. He was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.

Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 9

Possible Illegal Burn: 2

Good Intent: 1

Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA): 4

Bicycle Accident: 1

Smoke Investigation: 1

Assist: 6

Gas Leak: 1

Estes Valley Fire www.estesvalleyfire.org

The Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. and Estes Park Museum want to thank the 27 of donors who contributed to the 2024 Match Campaign. The campaign raised $8,035, marking a rousing success!

The private donor gave to support the most current and pressing opportunities for the Museum through this general fund campaign match. Donations will be used to continue success in community education programs, exhibitions, collections care, and staffing.

The one-to-one match displays the financial commitment the community has in aiding the success of the Estes Park Museum. This endeavor is necessary for the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. in achieving their mission to support the Museum through fundraising and advocacy. Each charitable donation had twice the impact during the campaign and the support is greatly appreciated! Thank you to all who helped reach the goal and made the 2024 campaign a success!

Estes Park Housing Authority Successfully Acquires Fall River Village

The Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA) is proud to announce the successful acquisition of Fall River Village, marking a significant milestone in addressing the growing need for workforce housing in the Estes Valley. This transaction will enable EPHA to provide much-needed additional housing units for the local workforce in the coming months.

The acquisition, a product of months of dedicated effort, would not have been possible without the invaluable partnership with the Town of Estes Park. The Town’s commitment of the Workforce Regulatory Linkage Fee along with its confidence in EPHA, including the approval of a moral obligation for the debt service reserve, were instrumental in making this achievement a reality.

EPHA also extends its deepest gratitude to the local community, visitors, and Visit Estes Park for supporting the passage of the Lodging Tax Extension (6E) ballot initiative in 2022. The funding generated by this initiative was crucial to the success of the acquisition.

Additionally, EPHA would like to thank the transaction team whose ef-

forts ensured the success of this acquisition. Some of our partners include Hilltop Securities, Gilmore and Bell, Belford and Martell, and our lending partners at NBH Bank, all of whom played key roles in making this transaction and the additional housing a reality.

EPHA would also like to extend our appreciation to Grand Hotel Heritage Group, their commitment to seeing this transaction through was steadfast and their vision to partner with EPHA to bring additional housing to the Estes Valley was crucial.

Additionally, EPHA would like to recognize the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority for their preliminary selection of Fall River Village to receive a $7,000,000 investment from Proposition 123. While still subject to the full underwriting process, this potential investment is critical for the success of Fall River Village.

This acquisition represents a significant step forward in providing highquality workforce housing, and EPHA looks forward to continuing its mission to enhance housing availability for the Estes Valley.

Community members often serve on volunteer boards without formal education. Are you clear on your board roles and responsibilities? Should the treasurer provide a P&L at every meeting, and should you be expected to understand it? How do you maintain a strategic focus on the future and include conversations to reveal risks and their mitigation?

Nonprofit Board Leadership: Learn How To Be An Effective Board Member

By: Karen McPherson

Estes Nonprofit Network

Board training is one of the most frequently requested topics from nonprofit staff and board members. Well, come on down! Pam Cannell of Cannell & Company leads a workshop designed to provide existing board members and community leaders who are interested in board service with the strategic tools and resources to be effective board members. One or multiple board members from the same organization are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity if you are interested in continued education on governance and outstanding board service.

This workshop is held at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies on Oct 21, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Lunch is provided. The deadline to register is October 16.

All programs are FREE for Estes Valley nonprofit staff and volunteers; $50 for community members, government agencies, nonprofits not serving in Estes Park, and for-profits. Registration is now open via EPNonprofit.org

The Estes Nonprofit Network is committed to strengthening the Estes Valley nonprofit industry by providing education, resources, and collaboration opportunities.

It Can Impact Your Life

Locally, Representative for House District 49 is up for election. The district encompasses western Larimer, Boulder, and Gilpin counties. The candidates are Steve Ferrante (Republican) and Lesley Smith (Democrat). The League of Women Voters of Estes Park is hosting a joint “Meet the Candidates” event. Come drop by!

Date: Tuesday, October 15

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Location: Estes Valley Community Center, Lower Level

HD 49 Democratic candidate Lesley Smith is a former Boulder Valley School District board member and had a 30-year career as an environmental scientist with a focus on water at CU Boulder. She served on the city of Boulder’s Water Resources Advisory Board after the Great Flood of 2013, and she's currently the CU at-Large Regent.

teaching/training church leaders. Spent the past three years at the capitol observing proceedings and testifying in committee hearings.

Why should HD 49 be important to you? Examples of laws passed by the Colorado General Assembly this year that could affect you:

HD 49 Republican candidate Steve Ferrante graduated Criminal Justice Training Center 1984 20 years Law Enforcement (Detective, SWAT, Patrol, etc.) Testified in court proceedings, written and executed search warrants, etc. Pastor 20 years. Property Manager 11 years. Over 25 trips to African nations

Affordable housing; Affordable prescription drugs; Allowing more Accessory Dwelling Units; Changes in Colorado income tax credits; Changes in landowner liability for recreational use; Changes in property taxes for individuals and businesses; Financial help for Colorado outdoor recreation; “For Cause” eviction law changes; Gun billsrelating to concealed weapons, storage, and gun purchases; Ozone mitigation; Public school funding;

Right to Repair agricultural and digital equipment; Veterans support; Wildfire prevention

Our League proudly serves the community as a nonpartisan education and advocacy organization, neither supporting nor opposing individual candidates or political parties at any level of government. For more information see www.lwv-estespark.org

Steve Ferrante

Lesley Smith

Gordon McLaughlin, District Attorney Coming To Estes Park - October 6

Gordon McLaughlin, District Attorney for Judicial District 8, will be in Estes Park for a Meet & Greet on Sunday, October 6. This event is scheduled from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Library and is free and open to the public.

Gordon has been our District Attorney

since January 2021, and during his first term has made major strides in criminal justice reform, community safety, and transparency.

He is a leader on criminal justice policy, and has developed innovative solutions that have become recognized as models -both statewide and at the national level -for effective criminal justice systems that make our communities safer.

Some of his innovations include an Adult Diversion Program that allows treatment and rehabilitation for low-level offenders. Another program is the expansion of Restorative Justice to address the needs of victims, community members, and offenders. In addition, the D.A.’s office has a “competency docket” to provide local services to restore offenders to competency in order to stand trial or receive treatment.

Gordon’s tenure has made Larimer County a leader in prosecuting fentanyl death cases, with him supporting legislation for holding dealers accountable.

His future plans include establishing a Domestic Violence Team and a Veterans Court to focus on providing resources and support for victims, and access to mental health treatment.

In matters specific to Estes Park, Gordon emphasizes community engagement and transparency. To foster trust in law enforcement, he provides regular updates to local officials about his office’s initiatives and cases.

Gordon is a career prosecutor, but also with experience in defense. He graduated from Cornell University, and obtained his law degree from the University of Colorado.

Please meet Gordon on October 6 and witness firsthand his compassion and deep commitment to justice and community safety. Gordon’s website is McLaughlinforDA.com.

Discussion On Abortion Rights Amendment

The Importance of the Abortion Rights Amendment for all Coloradans: the facts behind the amendment on the November ballot is the topic of the next LWV Zoom Coffee meeting.

Go "Behind the Scenes" with Leah Audin, co-chair of the LWVCO Reproductive Freedom Statewide Task Force Zoom Coffee

Saturday, October 12, 10 - 11 a.m. All are welcome Registration required; Go to www.lwv-estespark.org for your Zoom invitation

Our League proudly serves the community as a nonpartisan education and advocacy organization, neither supporting nor opposing individual candidates or political parties.

Gordon McLaughlin

Leah Audin

Leah Audin, co-chair of the LWVCO Reproductive Freedom Statewide Task Force

Estes Park Aviation Club Meeting October 9th

The October meeting of the Estes Park Aviation Club will be held at 6:30 p.m. October 9th at the American Legion Hall. The public is invited to attend. The subject of the speaker presentation at the meeting is what should be of special interest to the Colorado public - the aviation slurry and water fire bombers role in fighting forest fires in Colorado. Neal Standard of the Estes Park Aviation Club will present a history of aviation fire bombing in Colorado and a description of the present day aircraft in the fire fighting mission in Colorado. Neal will be accom-

panied by an acquaintance of his, Derek Brown who has taken professional grade pictures of some of the fire fighting aircraft.

The Aviation Club meeting is Wednesday, October 9th at the American Legion Post 119 Hall, located at 850 No. St. Vrain Ave. in Estes Park.

As always, the Aviation Club meeting is open to the public with food and drink for purchase at 5:30 p.m. Our gathering is open to all interested, so if you like flying, planes, space, or just talking to aviation enthusiasts, please come join us!

Estes Park

Estes Park quota is excited to celebrate 75 years os service to Estes Park. Established in 1949, the women’s service club is committed to improving the community through yearly grants and service projects. The areas that the Club focuses on are: hearing and speech, service to disadvantaged women and children, service to youth, service to seniors, community service, Colorado service, students grants for women returning to school, ambulance drives and medical equipment loan closet.

To celebrate the 75th Anniversary, Quota is hosting an Open House for all former and current members on October 5th, 2-4 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies with a program at 3 p.m. Please RSVP by calling 970-214-6350.

What’s with the pillowcase these days? Up until now, when you made your bed after doing the laundry, you tucked your bare pillow under your chin, worked your pillowcase all the way up over the pillow, and put the finished product at the head of the bed. That was that. You were free to go for a hike or lay in a hammock and read a good book or spend time playing your favorite instrument or tossing the ball with the kids.

But something has changed. With Blissy ads blanketing every device screen within a pillow’s throw of a charger, we are being blitzed into believing a pillowcase is not just any old pillowcase. I’d never heard of Blissy until I repeatedly saw their ads in a daily email newsletter within the last couple of months. The ads are telling us that people are clamoring to buy Blissy’s luxurious, buttery soft silk pillowcases. People are clamoring for a pillowcase? I’m having a Cabbage Patch deja vu moment.

For a mere $110 you can “melt into sleep” by laying your head on one Blissy full-price, king-size pillowcase. That’s more than I am willing to pay for a complete set of bedding—an upper and a lower sheet and two pillowcases—in a cabin-appropriate plaid flannel. Why would I want to crawl into bed and put my head on cold, slippery silk when I can cuddle up like a hug with cozy flannel?

My pillowcase? I’m happy with it, if happiness is what a pillowcase makes someone feel. I can get a set of two on sale at Target for under five dollars, which leaves me $105 to spend on outdoor gear, art supplies or to make a donation to people who are struggling after hurricane Helene wiped them out. The last thing I want or need is an icy, $110 pillowcase!

Those ads though. They won’t stop pestering us! Take laundry detergent sheets, for example. I received an envelope of laundry detergent sheets for Christmas last year and was thrilled with the cardboard packaging. No plastic anywhere! So I bought more online. Next thing I knew, I was seeing multiple laundry sheet ads on practically every site I visited. There were warnings made by one brand about another brand, “articles” comparing the top five brands, and tests that concluded laundry sheets in general are evil. How did “they” know I cared? Is there no privacy online? (Don’t answer that, Big Brother.)

Folks will believe just about anything they see online. The ad says people are clamoring for a pillowcase…so we’d better

rush out and join the pandemonium! The prominent agent of this behavior, I believe, is laziness. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read a post on social media that says something like this: “We are coming to Estes Park and hope someone will tell us which hikes we should take, where we should stay, and where we should eat.”

The people who post such codswallop have not bothered to scroll down to read the plethora of answers to almost identical posts. They want someone else to hand them their answers so they don’t have to do their own research.

That’s how it works with the election as well. My head spins from the multitude of lies spewed daily. I’m not referring to honest mistakes, which every one of us makes from time to time. I’m referring to outright, intentional misleading statements. I do my best not to believe any of them until I can read and digest from several reliable sources. It takes time, and generally speaking, people (not you, of course) are lazy and don’t want to put in the work so they believe what they hear without question.

It is best not to blindly believe everything we see and hear without that research. It is equally important not to spread (mis-)information without factchecking first. It’s common sense to do so and it takes discipline and hard work.

That said, here is a fact I know is true because my nephew Jeffrey taught it to me firsthand: if you have trouble getting that pillowcase up over your naked pillow by holding the pillow under your chin and then violently shaking it into the case, try this instead: turn the pillowcase inside-out and slide your arms inside the wrong-side-out pillowcase until your hands reach the far corners of the case. Pick up the pillow by its corners with your hands, which are inside the case, then shrug the pillowcase off your arms and onto the pillow. Work the case up the pillow. The pillowcase will become rightside-out while you hold onto the corners of the pillow. Then place the pillow at the head of your bed and you’re finished. Go for a hike, read a good book, or play with the kids. Easy peasy. That’s the truth.

You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.

Quota Festival Of Trees Seeking Sponsors And Tree Decorators

Mark your calendars for Estes Park Quota’s Festival of Trees kick-off event on Wednesday, November 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This highly anticipated holiday fundraiser supports Estes Park Quota, a local non-profit organization, who gives back to the Estes Park community through philanthropic gifts and service. We hope you will join us and view our spectacular display of holiday trees adorning the lobby of the Estes Park Resort. We expect to have close to 50 trees this year all decorated in various themes by individuals and businesses in the Estes Valley. You can purchase tree chances for $1 per ticket, 6 for $5, 13 for $10. Six spe-

cial trees will be given away on the night of the kick-off. This special evening you can enjoy complimentary homemade holiday cookies and hot cocoa. Enter our children’s coloring contest to win a prize! We may even have a special visitor from the North Pole that all the children young and young at heart will be excited to see. The holiday trees will continue to be displayed until December 15th when we will have our drawing at 3 p.m. Thank you to our amazing in-kind sponsors, Ember Restaurant & Bar, Estes Park Resort and The Estes Park News. This event is free and open to the public!

The holiday trees are ready to be distributed to individuals and businesses ready to decorate them in whatever theme they choose. Guidelines are available on our website. The trees are due on Monday, November 11th, 2024. Please feel free to call Lori at 970-232-5511 or Gail at 970-481-2372 with any questions. Business sponsorships are being sought for this year’s fundraiser. Our sponsors are integral to making this event a success. For more information and to learn more about sponsorships please contact EstesParkQuota@gmail.com or visit our website www.estesparkquota.com.

Estes Park Quota is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the local community with philanthropic gifts and service. Their emphasis is assisting hearing and speech impaired individuals, disadvantaged women and children, providing education scholarships and service to seniors.

Get Your Tickets For Crossroads Vintage Fundraiser

Our Vintage fundraiser is a time we set aside to celebrate all the good work that’s being done through Crossroads. We have typically had around 160 people at this event. The excitement in the restaurant and ballroom is incredible, and we would love to have you join us. Your ticket to the event is just one way you can invest in the work we’re doing in the community. We will have two individuals from the Estes Valley share their personal testi-

monies of how Crossroads has impacted their lives in a positive way and how this inspires them to give back. In addition this, you will have the opportunity to meet staff members, board of directors, volunteers, business owners, and tons of other supporters who make it possible for Crossroads to meet the basic needs of neighbors who live in the Estes Valley. I hope you join us. Please consider buying a ticket today.

thesparklingspa@gmail.com www.facebook.com/thesparklingspa

One Hour with Jesus

As Summer Draws To A Close

It's been a very busy September! Here’s a “catch-up” column. I get a lot of questions from groups and individuals. When I know the answer, I answer in real-time. Some answers might be of broader interest. The items below came from my engagement with the EP Woman’s Club, the Rotary Clubs, the QUO Ecology Panel, Mayor’s Coffee, Trustee Talks, Town Board meetings, individual meetings and many other interactions.

Downtown Parades and Events: The Catch the Glow parade and Halloween are planned as usual. The Rodeo Parade in 2025 will occur, though there is some discussion about the best place for it. There were some equine and staffing advantages related to having it close to the Events Center. The status of the Scottish/Irish Festival parade in 2025 will be determined by the leader of the festival. I very much enjoy that great and popular event.

Virginia & Riverside eastbound turns merging: A citizen asked about some merging murkiness at Virginia Drive and Riverside, where traffic simultaneously turning right onto eastbound Elkhorn. This should now be clarified now with the new pavement markings. (Virginia Drive eastbound turners should yield.)

may offer more in future forums.

Communication During the Fire: 1470 AM was up and running as a Town broadcast during the Alexander fire. Also, as long as you have access to the internet, the website and email blasts are also good options. Estes Park now has multiple fiber communication paths to/from town, so we’re in much more robust shape than we were a few years ago.

The confusion of communication early in a crisis, and when the shape of the crisis is rapidly changing, can make it difficult to get immediate, complete, accurate information. To me, this means it’s better to err on the conservative side and publish cautionary notes to potential visitors until information stabilizes.

Single Reliable Accessible Source of Information: For local fire-related issues, the Town is the primary provider of information – for example, impacts to Town services, evacuation information, and law-enforcement related information. The best current route/closure information would be released concurrent with evacuation notices. Updates on the fire itself will come from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and will be published by the Town as necessary to keep the residents and guests informed. The AHJ is the appropriate authority (Town, County, State, Federal, or other) who is in command of the incident.

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Did Loop contractors have to pay for parking when they were up here working? If they parked in a paid lot during paid-parking season, yes, the Town checked for payment. If they were actively working parking lots, with vehicle warning lights illuminated, or otherwise obviously working, the Town did not check for payment.

USPS in paid parking? The USPS purchased commercial loading permits for vehicles that use the Riverside and Post Office lots.

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Will the Loop contractors receive a bonus for early completion? The Federal Highway Administration determines that; the Town is not involved in those negotiations. If paid, this is not Town dollars, but from the FHWA budget.

Preplanning: Anyone who can plan for their actions during an evacuation, should plan. This is true of all, including those who are challenged in their ability to transport themselves. Some may have difficult creating their own plan and should seek help before a crisis for assistance. It is incumbent upon guests, residents, and hotels (including the Y) to have personal/business evacuation plans.

Does the Town have an evacuation plan? Yes, the Town, LCSO, and Estes Valley Fire Protection District have an evacuation plan. It relies on pre-set polygons but is adjusted for each event. The Town learned a lot in 2020; these lessons have been incorporated into evacuation procedures.

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Please join us at 450 Valley Road Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30 pm Children welcome

Why haven’t more personal wind turbines been built like the one on Highway 7? Despite our often very windy conditions, the Estes wind is erratic, and these domestic turbines generally don’t get a great return on investment. You’ve got costs for installation, operations & maintenance, insurance. The Town regulates these as Accessory Uses under our Development Code. There are two categories, for different zones: "Micro wind energy conversion systems" and "Small wind energy conservation systems. Both are subject to additional standards found in the development code.

Fire/Evacuation Follow-ups: I’ve received many questions about these topics. I’ll put a couple items here. I

What resources are there to guide us to the best evacuation routes? The Fire District provides many good resources for thinking through a personal evacuation plan. The best routes are typically the state highways, but that can change depending on the incident. The EVFPD describes the different routes out of Town on their "Evacuation Resources" page.

My discussions with Chief Stewart and Town Administrator Machalek give me high confidence that there is very good fire/evacuation planning at the Town, County, and beyond. The shape of the disaster will always impact the specific shape of the interlocking incident command

Knitting & Crocheting Get-Together

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, October 8, 2024, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 5:007:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 5:007:30 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.

2024 Denver Broncos Schedule

9/8 @ Seattle Seahawks LOST 20-26

9/15 Pittsburgh Steelers LOST 6-13

9/22 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers WON 26-7

9/29 @ New York Jets WON 10-9

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

Quota Club provides scholarships primarily to women for career development or a return to school later in life. If you are a local resident interested in receiving scholarship monies email: akasper45@yahoo.com with questions or for an application.

Service Spotlight: Family Night

Since 2006, EVICS’s mission has been to provide services that strengthen and support children and families within the Estes Valley. To achieve this goal, all our programs are filtered through four objectives: create social connections, offer concrete support in times of need, enhance the knowledge of parenting and child development, and to help advocate for the social and emotional competence of children. To that end, our service spotlight will be an ongoing series highlighting the different services and events that support that framework.

Family Night is a monthly event created to give families a night of community, connection, education and fun! We provide a free dinner and invite guest speakers or host a family friendly activity for the evening. Come get to know other families in your community, make connections, and enjoy a night out with your family. We meet monthly from 5:00-7:00 pm at

the Presbyterian Community

in the classroom downstairs.

Our fall calendar is booked! We would love to see you at any of these nights:

October 19th: Fall Fest and Costume Swap

Bring your old costume from last year and recycle it for someone else to use! We will have popcorn and cider and have a fun fall activity!

November 14th: Suicide Prevention Night

Traci Sandoval, Program Director at the Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, will be present to discuss REPLY: Resiliency Education Protecting the Lives of Youth, covering topics that include mental wellness and support specific to young families.

December 12th: Christmas Party

Join us as we celebrate the season together! Come for a holiday activity and themed snacks!

Church

the Rockies located at 1700 Brodie Avenue

Estes Valley Watershed Coalition To Sponsor Fourth Annual Fishing Line Cleanup

We have all seen discarded fishing line and tackle lying on the shore of Lake Estes as we walk there. Additionally, there is fishing line with hooks that have been snagged in the branches of trees and bushes along the lake and river. Each year, many birds and other animals are injured or killed by becoming entangled in fishing line at Lake Estes. You may have seen the Canada geese at the lake and golf course with fishing line wrapped around their legs. Additionally, fishing line can harm aquatic life and is a plastic pollutant that takes more than 600 years to degrade.

Who: Sponsored by the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition

What: Fishing Line and Tackle

Cleanup - We will clean around Lake Estes and along the Big Thompson River between the golf course and the lake.

When: Saturday, October 12, 2024, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Rain date: October 19)

Where: Meet at Fisherman’s Nook, Lake Estes. From U.S 34, turn onto Lakeshore Drive, which ends at Fisherman’s Nook

Please bring:

• Gloves to protect your hands from hooks and other hazardous material you might encounter during the cleanup.

• While some utility buckets will be available for the collected fishing line, tackle, and trash, if you have a bucket, please bring it.

• If you have waders, these will be useful to retrieve the line that hangs

over the river and can only be reached from the water.

• Water will be available to refill your bottles, but please bring any food and drinks you may want while you are participating.

Please RSVP: www.evwatershed.org/events

We look forward to seeing you next Saturday, October 12th!

Coen Daley 10th Grade

Congratulations to Coen Daley, the Estes Park High School Student of the Week for October 4, 2024.

Coen is the son of Julia Daley.

At EPHS Coen’s favorite class is weight lifting because he gets to move a lot and learn about how to get stronger. He is in the art club and the gaming club. Both of these clubs allow him to be creative and hang out with his friends.

Outside of school, he likes to participate in karate. He enjoys fishing, hiking, skateboarding, archery, weapon smithing and universal weapon training. He has one sister who he is teaching how to skateboard and the art of karate and jujutsu. He is very proud he is getting stronger due to his weight lifting class and out-

side of school he has gotten a lot better at skateboarding and karate.

A place Coen would love to visit is Japan because he loves the tradition, history and culture.

Coen’s favorite positive quote is, “Don’t give up even when you have been through hell and back 50 times.”

The best piece of advice he’s been given is “don’t give up.”

After high school, Coen said, “I would really like to start a metal band. I really like this type of music and if I started my own band I would get to hang out with my friends and play music.”

Debunking The Confidence Myth

A friend recently asked if I had any tips to help build confidence. I told him something I’ve come to believe deeply: Confidence, like most things in life, is sometimes a feeling and other times a decision. This distinction is important because we often wait for a feeling of confidence before we act. But if we rely solely on how we feel, we risk missing out on opportunities that require us to act first—and (maybe) feel confident later.

The truth is, doubting ourselves is a natural human experience. It's something we all go through, no matter how successful or accomplished we may become. Take Mike Tyson, for example. In an interview, Tyson—arguably the greatest heavyweight boxer in history—was asked what his worst bad habit was. His answer? "My low self-esteem."

That hit me. Here’s a man who’s been on top of the world and yet still struggles with low self-esteem. If someone like Mike Tyson can feel doubt or insecurity, it’s a reminder we all will, at some point, get in our own way. Self-doubt isn’t a reflection of our worth or abilities—it’s simply part of the human condition.

That’s where the decision aspect of confidence comes in. When self-doubt creeps in, it’s tempting to think we should wait until we feel confident before moving forward. But that’s just not how it works. Confidence isn’t always the prerequisite for action—it’s often the result of action.

It’s a powerful shift in perspective. If you spend your life waiting until you feel like doing something, you’ll spend a lot of time waiting. But if you take action, you’ll often find the confidence you were hoping for shows up after the fact.

Of course, there are moments when feelings—especially in the form of intuition—do matter. Sometimes a gut feeling tells us something is right, even if it scares us or makes no logical sense. Those are the moments when following our instincts can lead to a kind of confidence that feels deeply grounded. For me, one of those moments was when I decided to move to Estes Park based solely on a gut feeling. I’d never even visited Colorado, but somehow I knew it was where I was meant to be. That choice didn’t come from logic; it came from a sense of certainty I couldn’t ignore. But moments like that are rare. Most of the time, the feelings that stop us from acting aren’t gut instincts; they’re fears and doubts. And those are the feelings we need to push through.

Next time you find yourself waiting for confidence to arrive before taking action, try flipping the script. Make the decision to act first. Take the first step, even if it’s small, and notice how the feeling of confidence grows as you move forward. It doesn’t matter if you’re stepping into a new job, starting a creative project, or learning a new skill, confidence is built through experience. And experience only comes when we make the choice to act— regardless of how we feel.

Think about the last time you felt unsure but pushed through anyway. Maybe you started a new job, delivered a presentation, or even tried something like running your first 5K. You might not have felt confident in the beginning, but by showing up and taking those first steps, you gained confidence along the way.

This is a concept Steve Chandler talks about in his work on being a “doer” versus a “feeler.” Many of us fall into the trap of being feelers—waiting until we feel like doing something before taking action. We want to feel ready, motivated, or confident before we make moves. But feeling like doing something is a luxury, not a necessity. Doers, on the other hand, act in spite of their feelings. They don’t wait for motivation to strike; they create momentum through action.

Ultimately, being confident doesn’t mean eliminating self-doubt. It means choosing to act and trusting you’ll figure things out along the way. Heck, even Mike Tyson struggles with low self-esteem, but it didn’t stop him from becoming one of the greatest boxers of all time. Likewise, your self-doubt doesn’t have to stop you from achieving your goals. Confidence isn’t some elusive trait reserved for the lucky few—it’s something you can cultivate by simply deciding to do so.

So, what are you taking action on? Email me at chazz@higherelevationscoaching.com to let me know and get signed up for my weekly mailing list to help motivate and hold you accountable.

Fine Arts Guild Presents Conductor

Scott

O’Neil’s Behind The Baton

Conductors spend hours studying a score, striving to get inside the mind of the composer and then conveying the composer’s vision to the performing musicians and ultimately the audience. But often there are underlying stories and if the conductor knows those as well, the presentation of the work can be more nuanced and memorable.

Scott O’Neil, former resident conductor of the Colorado Symphony will present Behind the Baton, an evening of uncovering the stories behind some of the great works in the world of music. The program will be held at the Estes Park High School Auditorium, October 12, 7 p.m. Tickets are available on line at www.fineartsguild.org, at Macdonald Book Shop and at the door.

Mr. O'Neil served as the Resident Conductor for the Utah Symphony and the Colorado Symphony for over 15 years and has guest conducted extensively on

the west coast, Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and Ohio. He has worked as an orchestrator and arranger with such diverse artists as Bela Fleck, Weird Al Yankovich, Jack Black, Ingrid Michaelson, Wu Tang Clan, and the John Denver Estate. In 2015 he presented a TedTalk entitled "Inside the Score," based on music he composed for Arrow Electronics.

As a leadership speaker, he presents live programs for Music Paradigm, addressing top CEO's from around the world, as well as training high school students in leadership and conducting through the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy. His program, Behind the Baton, can be heard daily on Colorado Public Radio and has included discussions of the stories behind Mozart’s Piano Concerto #17, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, and Joseph Hayden’s homage to Mozart, Symphony #98.

By: Brad Manard

There have been several bull elk elevated to name status in RMNP. Many have dominated the rut in Moraine Park during the fall season. Years ago, Samson was famous for his visits to the YMCA of the Rockies. Kahuna was the King of Moraine. Altas is dynamic in his bugle and recognizable “split 5” antlers. And Droptine is famous for his distinctive, yes, drop tine. It's that curved tine on his left antler that drops down instead of up.

This unique feature has been evident each year as Droptine’s antlers have regrown and grown bigger each year. The close replication from year to year indicates a genetic component impacting the length and shape of the antlers. It is a feature that has allowed identification of the elk from year to year.

Droptine - An Amazing Bull Elk

Droptine, it is not unusual to hear him called Kickstand. Somewhere along the way a photographer must have looked at the antler, flashed back to their younger years, and thought of their childhood transportation. Both names fit quite well.

Over the past couple of years, I have taken literally thousands of images of Droptine. I find him both dynamic and

At times, Droptine will get agitated, his hormones raging. He will scrape his antlers deep into the grass rubbing against the ground. Activating his glands to secrete his scent, he marks his territory letting others know his dominance. Then he will lift his head, dry grass caught in his antlers like a crown on a king, and he will move about as if blessed with royal power. Droptine tended to hang near the drive in

Droptine’s unique antler feature is so distinctive, he has actually earned two names. While predominantly he is

accommodating. Oftentimes, he has worked his significant harem near the road. He is a diligent and determined bull elk, moving around the cows of his harem, circling to bring them back together, and bugling in a powerful announcement of his intentions.

Moraine Park. While it is great for photographers, it is also precarious. I remember one particular morning, he kept working his cows back and forth. He would push them closer to the throng of wildlife photographers standing on the road.

Periodically, photographers caught up in the moment of capturing amazing elk images did not realize the growing uncertainty of their situation. Capturing images of Droptine, they would lower their camera from focusing on the dynamic bull elk. That is when they would realize the cow elk were edging toward the safety zone. At that point, like the elk being herded, the photographers would move in a wave away from the elk giving them a respectful and safe space.

ing into a powerful, high pitched scream echo across the meadow. Then the bugle calmed into a vocalized glunking of low tones one after the other.

When Droptine stopped, he scanned his harem, raising his head in triumph. His antlers reached beyond the middle of his back showing the impressive twist of his back tines and the kickstand. Beautiful antlers, symmetrical and perfectly mirror each other with the exception of one dangling tine hanging like the twist of hair on Elvis’ forehead.

Then he was off again, corralling the females. Sometimes patient, at times prancing along, and often moving fast as he pushed the females back together. He was working constantly, sweat dripping from his body, saliva from his mouth, his throat bobbing as he panted.

That is when he would find a hint of

One morning, as Droptine worked, another bull elk snuck in from the opposite side of the meadow. You could almost hear the exasperation in his snort as Droptine began his trot toward the intruder, head down, antlers back. For a moment they faced off. Antler to antler, they interlocked, each pushing, each determined. The battle was not long as it was evident in size and power that Droptine was the dominant elk. Soon, the challenger surrendered, deciding on his own self preservation. Droptine watched as the defeated elk turned toward the meadow. Successful, Droptine turned his head slightly, lifting his nose to a curl. The sound began low before quickly erupt-

shade. He had fought off the competition, chased away the lesser bulls. Droptine had maintained his harem, and they too were tired from a morning of moving as they fed. He had survived the challenges of the morning, and now was the time to rest, waiting for his strength to return, for breeding to happen, and to confront new challenges.

With that, my camera would lower to my side. I would stand for a moment appreciating Droptine’s power and determination. He would rest for round two, inevitable as the evening approached. It was then, after a nap of my own, I would return with my camera to honor him with images captured.

Photos by Brad Manard

Curent Exhibit

“Reflections”

News From The Art Center Of Estes Park

Photography by Carol Gregory and Ceramics by Susan Anderson

October 4 - November 11

Opening Reception Oct. 4, 5-7 p.m.

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

Liberating Latin American Genre Fiction: Author Talk with Silvia Moreno-Garcia Ⓡ

Wednesday, October 9, 5 - 6 p.m., online

Learn about Latin American genre fiction and bestselling author Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing process (including her newest book, The Seventh Veil of Salome) during this virtual talk. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Book Club for Mortals: A Bittersweet Season Ⓡ

Thursday, October 10, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Wasson Room & online

What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library

Discuss end-of-life issues and our shared mortality. October’s featured title, A Bittersweet Season: Caring for Our Aging Parents – And Ourselves by Jane Gross, is an enlightening, wise account about the challenges and joys of later-life caretaking.

Think Again Book Discussion Ⓡ

Thursday, October 17, 10:15 - 11:45 a.m., Wasson Room & online

Discuss this year’s Conflict Resolution Month title, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant. Share your thoughts and hear insights from fellow community members. The first 12 people to register will receive a free copy of the book!

ALL AGES

Tech Help with Digital Navigators of Larimer County Ⓡ

Wednesdays & Thursdays, 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.

Pumpkin Hexi Coasters Ⓡ

Wednesday, October 9, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Makerspace

repeated Thursday, October 17, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Makerspace

Create a quilted pumpkin coaster through the art of English paper piecing. Recommended for adults, teens, and tweens.

Bookmarks with Cricut Design Space Ⓡ

Thursday, October 10, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Makerspace

Learn the basics of our new Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Design Space by designing your own bookmark. Recommended for adults, teens, and tweens.

Hunter Education Course Ⓡ

Sunday, October 13, 1 - 4:30 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.

Fall Gnomes Ⓡ

Saturday, October 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace

Craft a set of three festively fall gnomes using pre-cut wood forms, craft glue, and acrylic paint. Recommended for adults and teens.

Game Night! Ⓡ

Saturday, October 19, 2 - 4:30 p.m., Hondius Room

Play board games including classics like Clue and Candyland, or new games like Blank Slate and Bologna. All ages welcome – bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Snacks and refreshments provided.

ADULTS

Wilderness Survival Skills for Women Ⓡ

Sunday, October 6, 1:30 - 3 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.

TEENS & KIDS

Teen Advisory Council Ⓡ Thursday, October 3, 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.

Fall Acrylic Night Light Ⓡ

Saturday, October 5, 2 - 3 p.m., Makerspace

repeated Tuesday, October 8, 4 - 5 p.m., Makerspace

Engrave an acrylic night light with an autumn-themed design.

Use tissue paper, modge podge, and hole punches to craft autumnthemed candle jars. All supplies provided.

Murder at the Pizzeria: A Murder Mystery Game Ⓡ

Wednesday, October 16, 5:307:30 p.m., Hondius Room

It’s opening night at Bella Morte’s but before anyone can say, “Mamma mia!”, rival chef Karl Ickbread is found dead in the pantry! Whodunit? Practice your reading and mystery solving skills during this fun game. Pizza and refreshments provided. Recommend for ages 9 and up.

Lego Club: Color Challenge Ⓡ

Thursday, October 17, 4 - 5 p.m., Hondius Room

Explore different building and engineering challenges with Legos. This month, create designs of your choice using only one color.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Library Storytimes

Baby Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.

Preschool Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.

Read to Therapy Dog Annie: Sat., October 5 at 11 a.m.

Storybook Explorers: Sat., October 12 at 11:15 a.m.

Read to Therapy Dog Bo: Thurs., October 17 at 11 a.m.

Fire Station Storytime Ⓡ

Thursday, October 10, 10:3011:15 a.m., Dannels Fire Station repeated Friday, October 11, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., Dannels Fire Station

Join us for stories and activities about fighting fires. Climb on the fire trucks and take photos, too! Parent & Caregiver Café Ⓡ Wednesday, October 16, 10 - 11 a.m., Hondius Room

Calling all parents and caregivers of young children! Gain insight on early learning activities designed for children from birth to age 5. Refreshments provided.

MAKERSPACE TRAINING CLASSES

Crochet a Mini Pumpkin Ⓡ

Tuesday, October 15, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Makerspace

repeated Tuesday, October 15, 4 - 6 p.m., Makerspace

Learn the basics of crochet to create a tiny pumpkin – perfect to decorate your desk or locker for fall.

Make a Fall Candle Jar Ⓡ

Wednesday, October 16, 11 a.m.12 p.m., Makerspace

Learn the 3D Printer Ⓡ Monday, October 7, 5:30 - 7 p.m. For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).

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.

Welcome To Wonderbooks, A New Read-Along Collection At The Library

Do you remember the “turn the page” read-alongs from a few decades ago?

You’d pop in a cassette, press play, and listen to the audio of a book as you read the story.

What’s old is now new-andimproved, and here at the Estes Valley Library, we’re excited to introduce Wonderbooks ReadAlongs to our collection.

Read-Alongs are a combination of a physical book and an audiobook: they come equipped with a rechargeable audio player embedded in the front cover. With the push of a button, children can listen to engaging narration, sound effects, and music as they follow along with the text – transforming the reading experience into a more immersive experience.

The narration can be paused, rewound, or fast-forwarded, giving young readers control over their pace and allowing them to revisit sections as they build confidence in their reading.

“I've seen first hand how Read-

Alongs motivate children to love books and stories while building skills such as comprehension, focus, and vocabulary,” said Melanie Kozlowski, Children’s Librarian.

“The technology is all contained within the picture book. Parents will love that there are no additional acces-

sories or equipment to keep track of."

"This is another format that we hope helps kids get excited about reading, which we're always focused on encouraging at the library,” added Kathleen Kase, Acquisitions Librarian.

As the Commission on Reading reported in Becoming a Nation of Readers, “The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.”

Ready to check out Wonderbooks and foster a love for independent reading with the littles in your life? Visit estesvalleylibrary.org/read-alongs today to browse the new collection.

Think Again During Conflict Resolution Month

Intelligence is often seen as the ability to think and learn, but in a rapidly changing world, there’s another set of cognitive skills that might matter more: the ability to rethink and unlearn.

In this year’s Conflict Resolution Month title, New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant investigates how we can embrace the joy of being wrong, bring nuance into charged conversations, and build schools, workplaces, and communities of lifelong learners.

As it turns out, we don’t have to believe all of our thoughts or internalize all of our emotions. Think Again is an invitation to let go of views that are no longer serving us, and to prize mental flexibility, humility, and curiosity over aggressive certainty.

This October, the Library, along with Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership, joins agencies and organizations throughout Colorado by participating in Conflict Resolution Month, an annual opportunity to reach across divides and build connections within your community.

Free copies of Think Again are now available at the Estes Valley Library

and can be reserved at estesvalleylibrary.org/crm. Pick up your copy and plan to gather for community book discussions – offered in-person and online – on Thursday, October 17 or Wednesday, October 23.

Later in the month, on October 30, join us for a special Conflict Resolution Month event: a film screening of Undivide Us, a film that challenges the idea that citizens who disagree are not capable of civil conversation.

Together with Restorative Justice, KUNC Radio, and Rocky Mountain PBS, attendees are invited to the Estes Park Museum to enjoy dinner, watch the film, then engage in a discussion led by Dr. Martín Carcasson, Director of the Colorado State University’s Center for Public Deliberation. Take an opportunity to learn how division and polarization manifest in our lives, and how we can change the ways in which we relate to one another. Visit estesvalleylibrary.org/crm to learn more about Conflict Resolution Month and sign up for these great programs. This signature series is made possible thanks to the generous donors of the Friends of the Library Foundation.

Author Melissa George To Host Book Signing Event October 6

Local author, Melissa George, is excited to announce that she will be participating in a book signing for her debut novel, The Enterprize, on October 6th at Raven's Roast Coffee Lounge. The event will be held from 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Melissa George is a dystopian writer residing in the quaint town of Estes Park. The Enterprize is set in a desolate future where all crimes are punishable by death.

The novel follows a fifteen-year-old criminal, Iris, who's been hiding beneath the floorboards with her brother her entire life. When her and her brother are discovered, they are sent to a deadly competition to compete for the chance to pardon their crimes on national television. The only problem with the Enterprize? Get voted out, and you’re executed. Alliances are

drawn. Secrets hidden. Loyalties tested and betrayal at every turn. Who can she trust when even her heart is at odds? With only one leaving the Enterprize alive, Iris must discover a way to outlast the others. All while somehow, keeping her brother alive.

The Enterprize is available for preorder now at melissageorgebooks.com. The novel's release is October 4th, and Melissa could not be more excited to personally sign every copy sold at Raven's Roast.

Raven's Roast can be found on Riverside Plaza, facing south, at 164 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517.

“WHY

ME, LORD?”

My wife, Martha, and I have been blessed, during our years of service, to minister in several islands of Hawaii…Kauai, the Big Island, and Maui. While in Maui one of the couples we met lived fifty miles away from our place of worship. They faithfully arrived each Sunday, bringing beautiful flowers from their home in the Hana region to decorate the building for worship. While there, we ‘survived the road to Hana’ (that’s what local tshirts celebrated) and spent a very pleasant evening with Howe and Jane. At bedtime we were ushered to our beautiful upstairs bedroom with huge windows that looked out over neighboring estates, including one belonging to Kris Kristofferson, one of my favorite country music artists. Unbeknownst to us, during the night, as we slept, our veterinarian host did an emergency procedure on Kris’s wife, Lisa’s, cat. He sadly shared with us the next morning, ‘the cat did not make it’, and he would be going to console Lisa for her loss. While we were there Kris was ‘on tour’, or I would have enjoyed an opportunity to meet someone I had for a long time highly regarded…especially for that one song…a song that I, like millions of others, can identify with, a song about our relationship with God. Kris Kristofferson passed away this week and I want to share his words.

“Why me, Lord? What have I ever done to deserve even one of the blessings I’ve known? Tell me, Lord, what did I ever do that was worth loving You or the kindnesses You’ve shown? Lord, help me, Jesus, I’ve wasted it. So help me, Jesus. I know what I am. Now that I know that I’ve needed you so, help me, Jesus, my soul’s in your hand.” He continues, “Tell me, Jesus, if you think there’s a way I can try to repay all I’ve taken from you. Maybe, Lord, I can show someone else what I’ve been through myself, on my way back to you.” He concludes with, “Jesus, my soul’s in your hand.” Today that is true!

The repetition of Kris’s ‘Why me, Lord?’ message is often heard. It is being heard from the lips of many anguished in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, as people return to the place where their home once sat, only to view the devastation that has taken place. It slips quietly from the lips of patients after the doctor’s diagnosis of cancer or another deadly disease. It is uttered by the lips of parents who have just been informed of the fatal accident involving their son or daughter, taking them from them. “Why me, Lord?” in such cases is a shout-out toward God, whether or not He was responsible. In some of those cases, an honest asking of this question, can lead to a re-looking at one’s life and a determination to do better. However, all-too-often, it results in people turning away from Him Who said, “All things work together for good to those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

On the other hand, “Why me, Lord?” in Kris’s song refers to the wonderful Grace of God that all who truly ‘love Him and are called according to His purpose’ will enjoy. “By grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not by works that no man can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8, 9) (Ask for our free booklet: ‘Blessings in Christ.’)

“Why me, Lord?” is your song, and mine, if we, like Kris, recognize that there is really nothing that we can do to ‘deserve’ all the ‘kindnesses’ that God has brought into our lives. As another song suggests, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” But, as Kris also suggests, there is something we can do…and the Bible speaks well to that. Read it regularly for the answer. But, in Kris’s words, “perhaps you can show someone else what you’ve been through yourself, on your way back to Him!” I’d love to hear your story, like we’ve heard Kris’s.

Bob Lewis

Transformative Dementia Care Symposium Offers Hope And Joy For

A local non-profit organization, Dementia Together, announces its annual educational symposium: Living Well with Dementia. This event, geared toward families who are caring for loved ones living with dementia, introduces the SPECAL® method, which brings a revolutionary and simple way to provide contentment and joy on the dementia journey. The SPECAL® (pronounced “speckle”) method provides

Families

for a memory café type social gathering held in an adjacent room while care partners are attending the symposium. This customized memory café will be offered to the first 15 registered participants who are residents of Estes Park. Providing key information about the person living with dementia must be completed by October 16th, so that the memory café activities can be customized to each participant’s needs and

practical strategies that can be immediately implemented by families seeking to promote lifelong well-being for loved ones experiencing cognitive impairment.

Living Well with Dementia will be held on October 23rd, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center in Estes Park. Registration is open until October 21st. To register for Living Well with Dementia educational symposium, visit dementiatogether.org.

“’Life-changing,’ ‘relief,’ and ‘hope’ are the most common words used by family care partner participants who attend our SPECAL® classes and workshops,” Cyndy Luzinski, executive director and Master SPECAL® Practitioner explained.

Care partners attending the symposium will also have an option to bring their loved one living with dementia

interests.

For more information on Dementia Together or the Living Well with Dementia educational symposium, email help@dementiatogether.org.

ABOUT DEMENTIA TOGETHER: Dementia Together, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Northern Colorado which offers education, enrichment and hope for those living with dementia, their care partners, families, and the community. Dementia Together has emerged as a trailblazer in North America, transforming Northern Colorado into a beacon of hope for dementia care through its pioneering implementation of the SPECAL® method. This innovative approach, developed by the Contented Dementia Trust, in England, is revolutionizing how we support individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Local Journalist Patti Brown To Discuss The Changing Landscape Of News on October 8th

The Estes Park Senior Citizens Center (EPSCC) is honored to welcome Patti Brown, editor of the Estes Valley Voice, for a special presentation on Tuesday, October 8, at noon. Patti will discuss the significant changes in the news industry over the past 25 years, focusing on how the publishing model has evolved. She will emphasize the importance of community support for local journalism as a public good, beyond just an advertising return on investment. This event is free and open to the public, with light refreshments provided. The EPSCC is located at 1760 Olympian Lane.

The Estes Valley Voice is a locallyowned, independent online news source serving the Estes Valley com-

munity. Patti Brown, who leads the publication, holds master’s degrees in both journalism and social work. While she remains a licensed clinical social worker, her career for the past two decades has focused on writing and editing.

In addition to her editorial work, Patti has taught courses in sociology and political science while pursuing a PhD at Iowa State University. She is deeply committed to the role of a free press in fostering civic engagement and community dialogue.

Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch or pre-purchase a hot meal by placing an order before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7. For this event, the Senior Center will be serving chicken cordon bleu with roasted potatoes and vegetables. The cost is $7 for EPSCC members and $11 for non-members. If you become an EPSCC member for just $35 per year, you will not only enjoy meal discounts but also gain access to all the amazing activities. For more information about the EPSCC or to order a meal for the program, please call the Senior Center at (970) 5812195.

Estes Park Woman's Club To Meet October 9th

Please join us for the Woman's Club Luncheon on Wednesday, October 9th at the Mountain Calvary Lutheran Church. Located at 950 N. St. Vrain Avenue, the luncheon and meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. for fellowship and lunch catered by the Big Horn. Menu will include fall coleslaw and Southwest roasted corn and hominy, stuffed chicken with spinach and artichokes/roasted red pepper sauce. Vege-

tarian option of stuffed acorn squash and rice pilaf /squash medley. Dessert of cobbler and a gluten free choice. Our guest speaker will be Estee Murdock, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. We certainly hope you will join us. Please remember that advance reservations are needed to attend the luncheon and meeting at epwcreservations@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing you next week.

Oct 7 – 11

Monday, Oct 7 Breakfast Burrito (eggs, cheese, refried beans & potatoes in flour tortilla) w/ green chili on the side

Tuesday, Oct 8 Chicken Cordon Bleu w/ Roasted Potatoes & vegetables

Wednesday, Oct 9 Meatball Sub Sandwich (topped w/ green peppers, onions & mozzarella cheese) w/ Pasta Salad

Thursday, Oct 10 Quiche (w/ bacon & vegetables), Broccoli Salad & fruit

Friday, Oct 11 Fish & Homemade Chips w/ soup of the day

Oct 14 – 18

Monday, Oct 14 Denver Omelette (ham, mushrooms, onions & green peppers) w/ hashbrowns & fruit

Tuesday, Oct 15 BBQ Platter – Pulled Pork & Beef Brisket w/ Baked Beans & coleslaw

Wednesday, Oct 16 Country Fried Chicken w/ Mashed Potatoes, gravy & vegetables

Thursday, Oct 17 Meat Lasagna w/ garlic bread & side salad

Friday, Oct 18 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, Oct 7th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Oct 4th. For reservations call 970-581-2195 and leave a detailed message. Pre-paid meal tickets and membership forms are available at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center located at 1760 Olympian Lane.

The Center is OPEN Monday thru Friday 10 – 1

TriFit M-W-F 10:30-11:15 AM

Circuit Balance Monday 1-1:45 PM Fluid Movement Tuesday 10:30-11:15 AM

Mahjong Tuesday 10 – 2 Yoga Thursday 10:15 - 11:15 AM

Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA)

Aspen Club Blood Pressure Check Wednesday 10:00 – 1:00 (TBA); 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

Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu

St. Bartholomew’s Fall Festival

Food is love and both will be available in large amounts at the Fall Festival at St. Bart’s, 880 MacGregor on October 19, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In addition to the famous pumpkin spice doughnuts, St. Bart’s cooks are creating other baked goods, many gluten free, including pies, cakes, cookies and all kinds of breads.

Frozen foods such as soups. Casseroles, and quiches will be featured, things to pull out of the freezer when you don’t feel like cooking

Pre-ordered pasties, St. Bart’s tradi-

tional little meat pies, and jars of chutney may be picked up the day of the Festival.

At noon the men of the church will take over the kitchen and serve a hamburger lunch.

Crafts of all kinds, knitted, quilted, creative marvels to make Christmas shopping easy will be on display in the church parish hall.

So bring a friend or two. You can shop all you want and then we’ll save you a seat where you can relax with a treat.

Estes Park Health Introduces New Registered Dietitian

new registered dietitian. She joined the EPH team in August of 2024. Ericson helps patients in and out of the hospital.

“A registered dietitian provides education and counseling to patients regarding their nutrition needs and to understand how to adapt their eating patterns to accommodate their new diet or restrictions,” Ericson said.

Working as a baker for many years, Ericson received a lot of requests from customers to make their favorite desserts gluten free, sugar free, or dairy free. She began to learn more about nutrition and what ingredients were appropriate to use. She enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen.

Ericson began attending her local community college and taking as many nutrition classes as she could. She got a letter in the mail from Colorado State University to come join their program. She moved to Colorado to attend the program there. Pursuing further education, she attended University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) to get her master’s degree.

“At Estes Park Health, I have helped patients manage their GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease),” Ericson noted. “I’ve helped out with wound care and diabetic diets for the outpatient clinic.”

Before she worked at EPH, Ericson worked at the Medical Center of Aurora where she helped a wide variety of patients with different needs, from food tube feeding to helping patients in rehab recover from a fall or broken bones.

Estes Park Health has introduced outpatient nutrition counseling. This is a great way for people to manage their health by learning more about what to eat and how to eat.

“The services that we will offer are geared toward what insurance covers,” Ericson explained. “Medicare covers diabetes and renal diets. I will also work with other insurance companies if patients have GERD or other diseases that could benefit from dietary help. I love that I get the creativity to design nutrition handouts or presenta-

tions. I really like seeing how it makes it easier for patients to understand. Most of the nutrition education that is available to people is black-and-white writing. It’s not interesting and the information is ultimately not absorbed. I feel like what I create for them is easier for them to understand and re-

member.”

Ericson believes it is important for a small Community Access Hospital like Estes Park Health to have a registered dietitian on staff.

“For a lot of patients, this might be the only opportunity they have to receive this type of education,” she stressed. “They might not receive that when they’re an outpatient or living at home. A lot of what you find on the internet you can’t really trust all the sources. I can use my education and training to collaborate with all these different resources and then make it easy for them to understand.”

Ericson still enjoys baking. While she studied at UCCS, she had the opportunity to work with other nonprofits and develop whole grain products.

“A lot of the baking I do now is whole grain focused using Colorado-grown grains,” she added. “I’m teaching people while I’m baking how to support their local communities and farmers.”

To learn more about outpatient nutrition counseling at Estes Park Health, call the EPH main number at (970) 586-2317 and ask to be connected to the registered dietitian.

To listen to a podcast featuring Ericson, go to: tinyurl.com/hsecvn4f.

Rosa Thomson and Mary Liz Adair take a break to enjoy biscotti and coffee as they are setting up the food court for the Fall Festival at St. Bart’s Episcopal Church on October 19.

Amanda Ericson is Estes Park Health’s

Helping to create menus for patients who are in the hospital at Estes Park Health is just one of the ways a registered dietitian can help with nutrition.

Registered Dietitian

Amanda Ericson joined the Estes Park Health team in August of 2024. Photos by Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Health

EPH Imaging Department To Offer Breast MRIs

New service slated to begin in midOctober 2024

Along with traditional yearly mammograms and the occasional ultrasound test, women at risk of breast cancer can also be screened with a sophisticated machine called Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI. Estes Park Health is adding breast MRIs as a new service in the Diagnostic Imaging Department. Technologists use the same machine outfitted with a special breast coil to help create pristine images of the breasts and surrounding tissue.

An MRI uses powerful magnets, radio waves and a computer to create images radiologists read.

“MRI works with a high strength magnetic field,” explained EPH Radiologist Dr. John Knudtson. “There’s no radiation involved. It uses a totally different way of looking into the tissue. The MRI is better at separating out the different tissue types to determine which ones are normal and which ones are abnormal. It’s by far the most sensitive way to find breast cancer and in the cases of patients who have breast cancer, to be able to find out where the disease is, how much is there, where it all is, and get the patients the appropriate care and staging that they need.”

EPH Diagnostic Imaging Manager Jenn Hardin was one of the first women to help try out the new breast MRI scan.

“It was very quick,” Hardin observed. “It was comfortable to lay on. There’s a lot of cushioning underneath it. So, my ribs didn’t hurt. My sternum didn’t hurt. Having my arms down by my side really wasn’t too bad.”

The breast MRI exam only takes 15 to 18 minutes to conduct. Along with mammography and ultrasound, it provides doctors with a wealth of information.

“All those things work together in unison to provide you with the best information possible,” Dr. Knudtson noted.

MRI can be especially useful to image women with dense breasts, to gauge the impact of chemotherapy, or to stage a malignancy.

“The MRI machine that we have al-

Genealogical Society Meeting Thursday, October 10

The Estes Park Genealogical Society will meet Thursday, October 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Library. Local historian Jim Pickering will present a program on his new book project titled “Albert George Birch and his World.” Pickering is building a comprehensive data base on the career of Denver newspaperman Al Birch (1883-1972), best known in Estes Park as the builder of the iconic stone cottage on the KnollWillows above Town Hall and the Estes Valley Library. His program is sure to be engaging for both genealogists and history buffs. What discoveries is Jim making about Al Birch and his cottage? What methods is Jim using in his research? Come listen to

his program and find out!

Jim Pickering received his undergraduate education at Williams College and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Northwestern University. As a professor of English, specializing in American literature and American studies, he taught at Michigan State University, serving as the director of the Honors College; and at the University of Houston, where he served as dean, provost, and president. Jim Pickering has been our Estes Park Historian Laureate since 2006. He has written 47 books, articles, and reviews of the history and literature of the Estes Park region of Colorado. Each is thoroughly researched and documented with extensive notes. Estes Park is indeed lucky to have such an accomplished author to enrich our knowledge of local history.

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 estesparkgenealogicalsociety.weebly.com.

Anyone who is interested in genealogy and local history is welcome to attend these free public programs. Come join us!

ready had all the software and the capability,” Dr. Knudtson said. “We did need a new breast coil which is specifically used just for breast imaging. The breast coil we purchased is state-of-the-art. It’s much more comfortable than some of the older breast coils. It’s about as good as you can get in terms of capability and comfort.”

offer this test at Estes Park Health.

“This is what I love,” he said. “This is my passion. It’s what I’ve done extra training in. It’s really what I’ve enjoyed doing in trying to impact the patients’ lives. I certainly can’t prevent cancer, but I want to try and get as much information to the patient as I can so that they can feel empowered and get as much done here so that it is as convenient and comfortable as it possibly can be. I want to help them get through what is always going to be a very difficult journey.”

The new test will benefit patients of all ages. That’s important since many Estes Valley women are seniors.

“As you age, your risk for breast cancer does increase,” Dr. Knudtson emphasized. “Even if you don’t have any family history, even if you haven’t had any problems previously, the majority of breast cancers still happen in older women who have no family history at all.”

Until now, Estes Valley patients would need to travel to other medical facilities in the area to get this important test. Dr. Knudtson says he is excited to

Hardin echoed Dr. Knudtson’s sentiment.

“We are so excited to be able to offer this new service line to our community,” she commented. “Having MRI breast is going to really enhance our breast cancer screening as well as women’s health in general.”

For advanced breast imaging conducted by compassionate professionals, think Estes Park Health. Mountaintop Medicine, Quality Care.

To watch a video about breast MRIs at Estes Park Health, go to: youtu.be/Vb5Z6M09wgQ.

The breast MRI exam only takes 15 to 18 minutes to conduct. Along with mammography and ultrasound, it provides doctors with a wealth of information.

Photos by Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Health

Dr. John Knudtson is Estes Park Health’s on-site radiologist.

Photo by Robert Burns

Treasure Tables Coming To The Event Center October 26

More than 500 people are expected on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Estes Park Event Center for the annual Treasure Tables shopping day.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local and regional vendors will offer many one-of-akind items for the holidays from pies to soaps, fine art to pottery. Don't miss this event, which has taken place annually for more than a decade.

Treasure Tables is offered by P.E.O. Chapter IY (our scholarships support female students) and is funded by vendor fees.

Upon arrival (there is plenty of free parking) you will be greeted by a deli-

cious bake sale also offered by Chapter IY. Walking into the event center, you will find a wide variety of vendors. A food truck also will supply lunch or it's a short drive into downtown Estes Park.

"Many locals make stopping at Treasure Tables the traditional opening of the holiday season," said IY President Amy Fox. "Last year if you remember we had a blizzard, but we still had a great time and sales were brisk. Please join us!"

Vendor spots are still available so contact us now to get ready for big sales on Oct. 26. For vendor information contact peo.treasure.table@gmail.com.

Estes Valley Quilt Guild October Meeting

Sew Day has been set for our regular meeting date on Wednesday, October 9th. Please join us at Peak-to-Peak Stitching (2nd floor of the US Bank building in downtown Estes Park). The sewing day will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The plan is to have pizza and salad brought in for dinner, or you can go out for dinner. We will have a show and tell to-

ward the end of the day. If you can’t join us during the day, plan to drop by for our October meeting to begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by show and tell. Please email estesvalleyquilt guild@yahoo.com to reserve your sewing space by October 7. Space is limited.

Photo Contest For 2025 Rotary Friendship Card For Local Discounts

The Rotary Club of Estes Park is holding a photo contest for the 2025 Friendship Card for local discounts. There is no charge to enter, and the winner will receive photo credit on the card and two 2025 Friendship Cards. The deadline to submit photos is October 25.

Please email your favorite Estes Valley/RMNP photo (landscape view) in high resolution, jpg format to EPFriendshipCard@Gmail.com. A panel of judges will select the winning photo. Cropping and slight color correction is allowed for photos, but photos with anything added or taken away through a photo editing program will be re-

jected. Only one photo is allowed per person.

All decisions of the judges are final. The winner will be notified via email. The winning photo may also be used on other marketing materials for the Friendship Card. Owner of the photo will not receive any other compensation other than photo credit and two 2025 Friendship Cards.

The Rotary Club of Estes Park established the card in 2019 as a fundraiser for club projects and community grants. Since its debut, the Rotary Club has provided grants to Crossroads Ministries, area volunteer Fire Departments, Bright Christmas, Blue Santa, EVICS, Community Corner Café, Polio Plus, a childhood enrichment program for underprivileged children in Albania, and other worthwhile causes. Proceeds are not used for club expenses.

“Our local merchants never cease to amaze me with the continuous support they provide to the community. There were 78 local businesses that participated this year, and Rotary is very grateful for each one of them” stated Karen Thompson, Chairman of the Friendship Card project. “I would especially like to thank the Estes Park News for their continuous advertising throughout the year.”

It’s not too late to buy a 2024 Friendship Card and use it for your Christmas shopping in Estes Park! The Friendship Card costs $10, is valid until December 31, 2024, and is currently available for sale at Cabintique, Quality Inn, Estes Park Visitor Center, Country Market, The Mad Moose, Safeway Guest Services, Macdonald Book Shop and Wynbrier Home.

Need To Talk? Mental Health Gathering Wednesday Nights

Maria Medina is starting up a support group, “The Talk,” for people who struggle with mental health and need to talk about anything that is going on in their heart. Maria is the author of “The Girl From Brooklyn: My Story Of Living With Depression.” From the Amazon book description, “Maria is an enthusiastic person who grew up in Brooklyn. She has struggled with depression, learning disabilities, and mental illness her entire life. When she was encouraged to move to Estes Park, Colorado, she connected with helpful mental health professionals and new friends. This is her hopeful story of living with depression and never giving up hope.”

The group will meet every Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at her home. Please call Maria at 970-342-4076 for more information.

From Maria, “Thank you to Marla at Low Income Housing.”

Blessing Of The Animals At St. Francis Of Assisi Anglican Church

This Friday, Oct. 4th And Sunday, Oct.6th

By: Bishop Owen Williams

Friday, October 4th is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of our Parish Church. St. Francis loved the birds and animals as his Sisters and Brothers. It has been a long tradition that we invite the animal friends and companions to our parish church in Little Valley for a special Blessing, in honor of their Patron Saint, Francis. Pictured are some of the pets that were Blessed by Bishop Williams last year. So, gather your animal companions and come to St. Francis Anglican Church at 4 p.m. on October 4th

aspen leaves are turning, are incredibly beautiful. Making this walk and praying this devotional helps us grow in our love for God and in His love for us. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus chose to embrace every aspect of human life, including the suffering of death. He embraced human agony on the Cross in a way no one else ever had before Him or ever will again.

At the end of the walk, at the “15th Station,” there is a statue of the Risen Christ, reminding us that Jesus Christ overcame the

For those who cannot make it on Friday, we will also Bless the animals on Sunday, October 6th following our 9:30 Holy Communion service - around 11 a.m.

Following the Blessing of the Animals, please feel free to join us as we continue our weekly Friday afternoon walk of the outdoor “Way of the Cross.” Also called “Stations of the Cross,” it takes us along the path to Christ’s Crucifixion. The views, especially as the

death of the Cross and welcomes us into Life Eternal at the end of our earthly life.

Known as “The Little Church in the Woods,” St. Francis Church is a Traditional, Apostolic and Evangelistic Christian church nestled in the midst of the pines and aspens in Little Valley. If you have any questions please call Bishop Williams at (970) 577-0601. The church is located at 3480 St. Francis Way, Estes Park, CO 80517. Turn from Fish Creek Rd. onto Little Valley Rd. and follow the signs to St. Francis. Join us every Sunday for the Service of Holy Communion at 9:30 a.m. (Morning Prayer is offered at 9 a.m.). And see our website at stfrancisestespark.com.

Nicole White, REALTOR - 2023 Realtor of the Year

Nicole@TheInspiredLivingGroup.com - 970-567-9971

Alison Gilbert, REALTOR - 2022 Realtor of the Year Alison@TheInspiredLivingGroup.com - 970-227-0561

Inspiring Others to Live Their Dream in Estes Park FindEstesParkHomes.com the INSPIREDLIVING group

Free Movie And Open House

Channel will present the documentary film, Wild Ride on October 8th in The Historic Park Theatre. Admission is free and the open house begins at 5:30 in the lobby of the theatre.

Come take a Wild Ride with The Rocky Mountain Channel! Hang with Nick, Sean, Lauren and friends for an open house at the Historic Park Theatre on Tuesday, October 8th for a movie on us! Fun begins at 5:30 with a gathering in the lobby of the coolest and longest operating movie theatre in the country! There’s a cash bar and the movie is free. All are invited as our gift to the community we love. Come share your Peak to Peak stories, relax in the

Produced and directed by Nick Mollé and Sean Doherty, Wild Ride is an edgy, somewhat humorous, and moderately irreverent journey along the Peak-to-Peak Highway. The heterogenous cast of characters and their stories are supported by the penetrating music of Clay Rose and Gasoline Lollipops along with a special appearance of The Blue Canyon Boys. There’s even an appearance by Cowboy Brad Fitch and Mark Rashid.

Come join the fun and visit the quirky destinations along this only in Colorado experience as a guest of the Rocky Mountain Channel at The Historic Park Theatre. Doors open at 5:30.

EPHS Homecoming 2024

The Estes Park High School Student Council wants to celebrate our amazing Homecoming Week. We want to thank the Estes Park Fire Department, Estes Park Police Department, Town of Estes Park, NAPA, High Plains Excavation, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Estes Park 18 Hole Golf Course, Mountain View Services and all of the local businesses who allowed us to paint the town purple! The efforts by these businesses truly made this a community event. Special thanks to our parent volunteers Shannon Faith and Kristen Hill for being the bridge between our school and community!

The Estes Valley Community Fund Expands Vital Services For Crossroads Ministry

Tucked in a valley among the Rocky Mountains, sits the unique town of Estes Park. But what makes Estes so unique? Is it that it is considered the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park? Or home to the famous and haunted Stanley Hotel? Maybe it is unique because of its balance between solitude and being only an hour from Denver. Or perhaps, it is the fact that Estes Park relies on its nonprofit sector to keep life moving in the small mountain town. With over 110 nonprofits in the Estes Valley, the nonprofit sector is one of the biggest employers in the region.

The nonprofit sector in Estes is like one large, well-oiled machine. The Estes Nonprofit Network serves and strengthens the Estes Valley nonprofit industry, providing education, resources, and collaboration opportunities. They also work to ensure that no two organizations are offering the same services, to avoid duplication.

This high volume of nonprofit organizations means that the Estes Valley relies on philanthropic funding to power nonprofits and the impact they make in the community. One funding vehicle is the Estes Valley Community Fund, an endowment at the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado (NoCo Foundation) established in 1999 that is supported by Estes residents. A committee (the Estes Valley Community Fund Committee, or Estes Valley CFC) comprised of community members provides input to the NoCo Foundation’s Board and staff, recommending grants to support different nonprofits in Estes.

One nonprofit that has benefited from the Estes Valley CFC over the years is Crossroads Ministry. Crossroads Ministry was founded in 1982 and is a Christian service agency that helps Estes Valley residents in need. During the early years, Crossroads provided food pantry and emergency services for low-income residents.

Over the decades, their services, programs, and operating budget have grown to meet increased needs in the community. Through funding from the Estes CFC, Crossroads was able to buy a box truck, allowing them to pick up more food from the Larimer County Food Bank to bring to their community.

Along with its food pantry and emergency support, Crossroads now offers more services, including utilities and rent assistance; disaster relief assistance; medical, dental, vision, mental health, and prescription medication assistance; Meals on Wheels, gasoline and transportation assistance; clothing, household goods, laundry, and shower services; and resource navigation. By expanding their services, they have been able to help even more members of their community in a more holistic way.

Crossroads has received several

grants from the Estes Valley CFC. One of the first grants Crossroads received from the CFC was to pay for a professionally facilitated strategic planning session. This brought Crossroads Ministry to a new level, helping to solidify and strengthen their mission. Since 2007, Crossroads Ministry has received $72,000 in grants from the Estes Valley CFC.

Brian Schaffer, the Executive Director of Crossroads Ministry stated that because of grant funding and support, they had the opportunity to build a framework and structure to be able to provide different services quickly.

“When we have grant-funded things, that allows some of our other non-designated funding to go into a reserve and build up for when something comes up,” Brian said regarding how they stay nimble and quickly respond to the community’s needs.

While Crossroads is always prepared to update its services to accommodate those needs, Brian mentioned that there has been a recent focus on housing and how to help the aging population. The median age in Estes Valley is around 60, meaning a lot of the residents are older and may need more assistance with daily tasks.

Crossroads assists the Estes Valley residents, including the elderly population by delivering meals directly to their homes, providing transportation when needed, and helping with other services they may need in their homes.

Crossroads has been able to make a large impact in the Estes community thanks to the grants they have received from the CFC over the decades.

“[Support from the CFC has] inspired, encouraged, and allowed us to grow, expand, and develop in areas that we’ve dreamed about and envisioned. Without the extra funds, we wouldn’t have stepped out to grow into those areas as quickly as we have,” Brian said when asked about the impact these grants have made on Crossroads.

Nonprofits like Crossroads rely on funding to keep them running and providing necessary services to community members who need it most.

The Estes Valley Community Fund was established to help provide nonprofits with funding for specific projects, large and small, that will allow them to continue to make an impact in their community for generations to come.

About the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado- The NoCo Foundation is a nonprofit, public foundation that stewards more than 600 individual funds and over $200 million in assets. We play a unique leadership role by bringing people and resources together around important regional issues. Together with community partners and organizations, we are a confluence of ideas, impact, and solutions. Community is our business. Learn more at nocofoundation.org.

Peak To Peak Concert Features Jillian Krickl And Craig Winston In Concert

The Peak to Peak Concert Series is pleased to present Jillian Krickl and Craig Winston in concert, performing vocal and classical guitar selections including works by John Dowland, Manuel Maria Ponce, and more. The con-

Estes Park and is thrilled to perform here. She welcomes any chance to return, whether it's an opportunity to hike, perform, work, or give back to our beautiful town.

cert will be held on Saturday, October 12th at 2:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 2000 Ptarmigan Trail in Estes Park. There will be a reception following the performance to meet the musicians. The Peak to Peak Concert Series is sponsored by the Oratorio Society of Estes Park. The concerts are free, but donations are encouraged and gratefully accepted.

Jillian Krickl, soprano, began her musical career while she was an undergraduate at The University of Chicago, singing professionally for nearby services and events beginning her junior year. Upon graduation, she was hired as a staff singer at Holy Name Cathedral where she sang for over a decade. In addition to her engagements at Holy Name, she enjoyed a prolific and fulfilling career performing with multiple professional groups in Chicago and New York as an ensemble member, soloist, and director.

Craig Winston is a classical guitarist from Denver, CO. He delivers a captivating musical performance of colorful and diverse repertoire. His current program, Registro, focuses on music from the 20th century by Antonio Lauro (Venezuela), Eduardo Sainz de la Maza (Spain), and Manuel Maria Ponce (Mexico). The selections draw influence from the national styles of each composers’ home country to mix with modern and traditional art music. Echoes of Flamenco, South American ballroom, and Mexican popular songs mingle with flavors of the late Romantic period and French Impressionists, as well as jazz and popular styles of the past century, in an energetic and inspired musical experience.

Jillian now resides most of the year in Los Angeles and is a staff singer at St. James in the City Episcopal Church under the baton of James Buonemani. She has expanded her career to include backup singing engagements (including performances with Josh Groban and Sarah Brightman), and she is also focused on developing as a singersongwriter in the genre of downtempo electronica.

Jillian has long held a deep love for

Craig holds a Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the Lamont School of Music, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance from New Mexico Highlands University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Lewis & Clark College. He also studied jazz guitar at Berklee College of Music.

Craig grew up in Las Vegas, NM and has been an active performer all his life. He first learned as a rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He has written, recorded, and produced albums and toured around the country with a variety of rock, metal, and electronic groups.

Warm Winter Gear Distribution Friday, October 4

By: Brian Schaffer

Our theme this year has revolved around doing more in 2024. We are in a season of growth and development as we move into areas of unmet needs among our neighbors. In our strategic planning session that we convene each year with staff and board members, we decided to launch a couple new programs to provide wrap-around services for Estes Valley residents in need. One of the programs is called the Helping Hub where we assess non-medical needs within the homes of seniors and deploy trained volunteers to serve in a variety of ways to give them a little help. Another program is focused on providing transportation for seniors who are no longer driving and need assistance getting to medical appointments, grocery store, senior center, community center and at times, Crossroads. We were provided a multi-use van through a grant from the Larimer County Office on Aging that is helping us provide rides and delivery of necessary food items. We are very pleased with the initial impact this is already making. And if these new programs weren’t enough to keep us busy, we’ve been assisting the start-up of a new outreach effort to support cancer patients who live in our area. The group is called “The Bridge of Estes” and they are doing a wonderful job. We believe in fulfilling our mission to the fullest and this will always involve a loving

decision to do what is best for our neighbors. If someone is in need, we’re going to put love into action, come alongside our neighbor, and find a way to help them along life’s journey. For some, it will be a short-term fix while others may need us for a longer period of time. We’re in it for the long run! Thank you for partnering with us to make all of this happen in real time, every time, a neighbor asks for help.

On Friday, October 4th, from 10 a.m.1 p.m., we will be hosting our annual coat distribution for anyone in town who needs something warm to wear this winter. We have coats, jackets, gloves, hats, scarfs, and other winter apparel, so help us get the word out.

Just a quick shout out to a couple groups in town—The Inspired Living Group hosted a Fall Fest for the community, and Crossroads was one of their charities of choice that received cash donations from their event.

Thank you! Also, a few weeks ago the Estes Valley Board of Realtors hosted a mini-golf tournament and raised a generous amount of funds for Crossroads to help keep people housed in our community. Home Sweet Home is a beautiful thing! We are blessed to live in a community that really cares about the condition of our neighbors, and does something about it. This is a legacy we want to pass on to the next generation.

30th Annual Autumn Gold Festival – A Success!

The 30th Annual Autumn Gold Festival took place in Bond Park September 21-22 with non-stop music in Bond Park by five of Northern Colorado’s most popular bands paired with good food, raffle drawings, a classic car show & more. This is one of Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary’s signature fundraising events.

Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary announces the 30th Annual Autumn Gold Raffle Winners below. Proceeds from the Raffle will go to scholarships for promising Estes Park High School for college and vocational school. Each raffle ticket offered the buyer a chance to win the $10,000 Grand Prize or the $2,500 second prize and five $500 cash prizes.

2024 Autumn Gold Raffle Winners:

$10,000 Cash Prize: Dwight Stanford of Estes Park, Colorado

$2,500 Cash Prize: Heather Dyer of Tyler, Texas

$500 Cash Prize: Patricia Kilner of Superior, Colorado

$500 Cash Prize: John Gordon Slack of Estes Park, Colorado

$500 Cash Prize: Candace Johnson, of

Estes Park, Colorado

$500 Cash Prize: Connor Carson of Loveland, Colorado

$500 Cash Prize: Barbara Rowe of Waunakee, Wisconsin

Classic Car Show Winners:

Saturday, September 21st

1st Place: Gary Gray

2nd Place: Kerry Wilowitz

Sunday, September 22nd

1st Place: Tim Krull

2nd Place: Rick Spear

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors:

Sunrise Rotary and the Estes Valley Community have had a long history of mutual support and respect. Terri Martin, Director of Fundraising, said, “We are thrilled with the strong support of our many sponsors and are grateful for their commitment to our community and to Sunrise Rotary.”

Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary received $30,000 in sponsorships this year, and the club expresses its appreciation for the organizations and individuals who sponsored Sunrise Rotary’s signature fundraisers: the Labor Day Arts &

Bierstadt Lake Parking Area In Rocky Mountain National Park To Close For Vault Toilet Replacement Project

Beginning on Monday, October 7, 2024, the Bierstadt Lake parking area, located on Bear Lake Road on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be closed for a vault toilet replacement project. Weather and conditions permitting, this parking area, including a shuttle stop, will be closed for approximately six weeks. This project involves removing the existing vault toilet infrastructure which has exceeded its service life and installing a new vault toilet building. These needed improvements are funded by visitor recreation fees.

Due to the equipment necessary to complete this project, the size of the parking area and entrance and exit areas, the Bierstadt Lake parking area will be closed for the duration of the project. There will be no vehicle access and shuttle service will not be available at this stop. Vehicles will not be permitted to stop in the lane of traffic on Bear Lake Road to load/unload passengers.

There are numerous trails that lead to Bierstadt Lake, including from Bear Lake, Hollowell Park and Park and Ride. To board the park’s free shuttles and to access other destinations along Bear Lake Road, hikers will have to use alternate trailheads.

For more information on Rocky Mountain National Park, visit our website at www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.

Crafts Show and Autumn Gold: A Festival of Beer, Brats and Bands. Our sponsors make our endeavors of awarding scholarships and community grants a reality.

Diamond level Sponsor:

Mountain Sage Consulting

Platinum Level Sponsors: The Bull Pin

John & Cindy Minier

Chrysalis Gift Shop at The Stanley Hotel

Town of Estes Park

Mueller, Pye and Associates CPA

L.L.C.

Visit Estes Park

Egg of Estes

Bank of Estes Park

Gold Level Sponsors:

T.W. Beck Architects & Planners

Estes Valley Aesthetics

Bank of Colorado

Estes Park Mountain Shop

Nails by Sharon Burgit

Cousin Pat’s, “Your Late Night Eats”

Big Horn Restaurant

Grant Spencer Chiropractic, DC

Silver Level Sponsors:

Robert H. Foster L.L.C.

KeyBank

Steve & Joelma Misch

Crona & Associates, CPAs

Allnutt Funeral Service

Rocky Mountain Majesty

State Farm Insurance, Susan Fereday, Agent

Naming Sponsors:

Estes Valley Aesthetics

Richardson Team Realty

Community Hearing Center

Aldrich Builders

Anderson Realty/ Estes Park Rentals

Estes Park Team Realty, “Life Lived Right”

Pedersen Toyota

In-Kind Sponsors:

Visit Estes Park

Nick Molle Productions

Estes Valley Parks & Recreation District

Donut Haus

EPNews.com

Estes Park Trail Gazette

O’Reilly Auto Parts

The Estes Park Learning Place

Kind Coffee

Sinclair Quick-Go

Estes Drone Services

R&R Vision, Documenting Hope, Photography/Videography

Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary is grateful for the generosity of all the sponsors! Please visit our website for a link to all these Sponsor and/or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for 2025 www.estesparkautumngold.com

Photo RMNP

Be The Difference, Become A Volunteer Mentor!

Ready to make a difference in our community? Become a mentor with Partners!

We are currently seeking volunteer mentors to support Estes Park 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.

Partners needs community members from all backgrounds to match with kids from all backgrounds. Everyone who cares about kids could be a good fit!

We have several youths who have requested mentors who have shared lived experience to help them navigate unique challenges. Are you a male who speaks Spanish and English? Are you a female who likes to sing and dance? These are just a few examples. 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.

You can email our Estes Park office at kwhitacre@poweredbypartners.org or call 970-577-9348 or text 970-235-0165 for more information.

¡Sé la diferencia, conviértete en mentor voluntario!

¿Listo para marcar la diferencia en nuestra comunidad? ¡Conviértete en

mentor con Partners!

Actualmente estamos buscando mentores voluntarios para apoyar a los jóvenes de Estes Park que enfrentan desafíos sociales, académicos y personales. Los mentores pasan tiempo regularmente con sus aprendices, buscando actividades para hacer juntos, participando en la comunidad y trabajando en objetivos. Sólo una hora a la semana puede ayudar a un niño a ganar confianza, habilidades para la vida y esperanza para el futuro. Partners necesita miembros de la comunidad de todos los orígenes para relacionarse con niños de todos los orígenes. ¡Todos los que se preocupan por los niños podrían ser una buena opción!

Tenemos varios jóvenes que han solicitado mentores que hayan compartido experiencias vividas para ayudarlos a superar desafíos únicos. ¿Eres un hombre que habla español e inglés?

¿Eres una mujer a la que le gusta cantar y bailar? Estos son sólo algunos ejemplos.

Todos los roles de voluntario tienen horarios flexibles y la capacitación relevante ayuda a garantizar su éxito como mentor. Muchos voluntarios actuales informan que recibieron apoyo útil de nuestro personal y que convertirse en mentores es una de las cosas más significativas que han hecho.

Puede enviar un correo electrónico a nuestra oficina de Estes Park a kwhitacre@poweredbypartners.org, llamar al 970-577-9348 o enviar un mensaje de texto al 970-235-0165 para obtener más información.

“The Haunted West” Comes To Estes Park For One Night Only

On Saturday, October 5, the Historic Park Theatre will host “The Haunted West,” a multimedia lecture tailored for the season and set against the backdrop of the Old West’s ghost towns and mining camps. The special event features stories from a decades-long documentary project by Colorado-based Knight Sky Pictures.

“I’ve been asked whether I’ve seen ghosts at ghost towns since the first test screenings of ‘Ghosts of the West’ twelve years ago,” explains writer-director E. S. Knightchilde, referring to the Best Documentary Award-winning film. “It has always been a topic I avoided because my goal is documenting the past, not the paranormal.”

And yet, Knightchilde acknowledges that when exploring hundreds of historic sites across the western states, the odds for an occasional surprising—and sometimes unwelcome—experience increase dramatically. These encounters became the inspiration for his latest presentation and book. “The documentary core of the project has been long- established, so I felt it was now okay to talk about some of the things that I would never put into another book or film—except the lecture’s companion volume, Tales from the Haunted West.”

From the Colorado Rockies to the

Sierra Nevada, from the Oregon forests to the Arizona desert, Knightchilde’s “The Haunted West” is an anthology of five tales from five very different locations. Initially commissioned by a private group of Denver metro attorneys, the presentation begins with a forgotten city’s dramatic history and the somber reality of its last residents waiting for the end to come. Discussion of those figurative ghosts then segues into folklore and the supernatural with readings from his latest book.

“The Haunted West” will be followed by a screening of “Ghosts of the West: The End of the Bonanza Trail.” Both will take place at the Historic Park Theatre on Saturday, October 5. The lecture begins at 4 p.m. and the movie starts at 6 p.m.

Lecture-only tickets for Adults, Seniors and Students, and Children under 12 are $10, $8, and $6, respectively. Movie-only tickets for all ages are $12. A special lecture + movie combo offer is available for $19, $17, and $15 online.

Visit www.HistoricParkTheatre.com for information and tickets. (Note that combo pricing is only on The Haunted West listing page.) Visit KnightSkyPictures.com, the production company’s official website, to view the film’s trailer, gallery, and production info.

FFN WORKSHOP

FREE Friends, Family, & Neighbors (FFN) childcare training

Saturday,November 9th

8:30am - 4:30pm

Presbyterian Church 1700 Brodie Ave. I

Childcare Training CPR/ First Aid Certification

Learn about 6E childcare workforce incentives

You will receive a stipend for your participation in the full d ay training Lunch Provided On-site childcare

Limited Spots! Register Here!

FFN WORKSHOP

Capacitación GRATUITA sobre cuidado infantil de amigos, famili ares y vecinos (FFN)

Sábado, 9 de Noviembre 8:30am - 4:30pm

Presbyterian Church 1700 Brodie Ave. I

Formación en cuidado infantil

Certificación de RCP/primeros auxilios

Conozca los incentivos para la fuerza laboral de cuidado infant il que provee 6E

Recibirás una remuneración por tu participación en la capacitac ión de día completo.

Almuerzo proporcionado

Cuidado de niños en el sitio

Plazas limitadas!

¡Regístrese aquí!

Estes Park Returns To Monteverde, Costa Rica!

The Town of Estes Park has had a Sister Cities relationship with Monteverde, Costa Rica, for 20 years. The partnership was a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing an interruption in delegation visits. But exchange visits with our partner community resumed this past July –after a fouryear hiatus –with a trip to Monteverde by seven Estes Park residents. It was a reacquaintance and renewal trip, as our delegation made new connections to build a solid foundation for future endeavors. The agenda included in-depth conversations among healthcare professionals from both towns, educators in both communities, and people in both destinations with experience in tourism.

The delegation from Estes Park Sister Cities Association (EPSCA) was led by Cynda Basch, EPSCA’s liaison to Estes Park High School and a long-standing board member, along with Sister Cities board Vice President Dave Thomas

and his wife, Sue. The group also included Town Trustee Cindy Younglund, and teachers Rachel Graham, Jennifer Corzo García and Glenn Case. The group’s itinerary included dinner with library volunteers and a visit to the public library that was established in Monteverde through efforts of EPSCA and the Estes Valley Library. The EPSCA delegation also saw Monteverde’s impressive recycling program, public schools, a day care center, police station, schools, and a unique frog attraction (large naturally simulated terrariums). The group also enjoyed a horseback ride to a natural hot springs pool by a river, dance lessons, a night hike in the cloud forest, farmers’ and artisans’ market, ziplines, and hanging bridges. The EP delegation was graciously hosted by Monteverde’s mayor and vice mayor and had the privilege of rekindling the relationship between the two towns through the signing of a letter of intent to renew the Sister Cities partnership.

Our Mountain Strong Village

By: Judi Smith

In my opinion, Estes Park does an amazing job of keeping the town solvent and managing to provide a core of badly needed services. On September 19, at a QUO Panel, it took Jason Damweber 20 minutes to merely list, without any detail, all the recent measures developed for ecological improvement. Not bad for a town many believe has no interest in such matters.

Crossroads, EVICS and other nonprofits outdo themselves to provide support for those individuals that are temporarily in need of assistance – valley wide. This is a vital part of the “Mountain Strong" network in our corner of paradise tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. During the Flood of 2013, residents of both the town and the valley needed more help than the normal day to day. The town government, our organizations (both for profit and non-profit), and the local residents worked closely together, even opened their homes to those without one. We each did what we could and we all survived.

The League of Women Voters Community Recycling Committee, the Sierra Club, the Conservancy, the Estes Valley Land Trust and the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, among others, all work tirelessly to ensure our environmental and ecological balance. As mentioned above, the town is concerned about clean air and clean water. New issues on this subject arise every day as we, the world, become more aware of the pickle that has developed

from ignoring the way we produce energy and the way we dispose of waste. This is not a subject that can be solved by government alone. We, each and everyone of us, will need to personally commit to changing “the way things are" into the way things must be. Restorative Justice works closely with our police department and with our schools. In this country you cannot be arrested for your opinion, nor for expressing your opinion. But you cannot spread untruths about someone else (libel) nor can you cause physical or emotional harm to another individual. We are a small community. When the oppressor and the oppressed must walk and talk, work and play together, they learn the skills that improve communication between them. It is an important skill to learn to disagree politely, and to respect those that disagree with you.

There is a value to disagreement. My mother used to tell me that “If two people always agree, one of them is unnecessary.” The truth is that each of us has different training, different experience and will see things slightly differently from other people. Sometimes we will agree with the majority. Sometimes we won't. We each have something to say and we must be willing to speak. However, we must also learn to embrace the right of everyone to their own opinion and develop the talent to work and play with whom we disagree. Estes does that well.

Agree? Disagree? Questions? Comments? RRRcyc@signsandwishes.com

Thank You To Community For A Fantastic EPHS Reunion

To The Editor:

Thank you to all EPHS Alumni that joined us for the reunion! The EPHS Class of 1989 would like to thank:

* Aaron Petrie for making the cool EPHS Alumni banner.

* Thank you to You Need Pie Diner & Bakery of Estes Park for the tasty breakfast burritos for those of us who were in the parade on the Alumni Float.

* Thank you to Cari Docter and Rob Blum with Doctor Docter Construction, LLCn- for the trailer and truck for the parade. Rob thanks for driving! And for securing the haybales.

* Bobcat Boosters - BACers for providing us a table at the Tailgate and for the donations for the Scavenger Hunt/Trivia contest.

* Ty Nagl and the Wheel Bar for allowing us to use the back room to gather after the game.

* Kevin Breithart for providing the music!

To Th Editor:

* Estes Park Ride A Kart to allowing us to play mini golf. **$168 will be donated to the Bobcat Boosters - BACersc**

* Cynda Xi Basch and Estes Park High School for the tour of the school and the opportunity to look at old year books. Thanks to those of you who brought snacks to share!

* The Bull Pin, Kyra Stark, and staffThank you for reserving the bar area for alumni to gather! We had a blast.

* EP Estes Park News, Inc. for the continuous support and helping us share the events in the newspaper. Thanks again for all who joined us! Please continue to post photos- please tag those you know and please tag yourself if you see your lovely face in a photo!!

Hope to see you all soon!

Go Bobcats!

Tricia Martin Kob- EPHS Class of 89 President.

Homecoming Parade Fun

What wonderful support of EPHS Homecoming downtown at the local stores! Fun! And what a great parade. Short route but really wonderful to watch. The police officers leading the parade were fabulous with great music and sirens! However, I was really disap-

pointed not to see the color guard as part of the parade. They are considered part of the band yet weren't included on any of the floats. Sad when inclusion is a critical part of high school identity. Hope they'll be included next year. Thanks!

Kay Rosenthal

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

Tuesday Noon Open discussion

Meets downstairs in Room 6

Park in the lower level parking lot Thursday 6:30 p.m. Open discussion

Meets upstairs in the lounge.

Park upstairs by the main entrance of the church.

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.

Invitation From Flatirons Church

By: Larry Yarrington

We are in a series on marriage at Flatirons Church and Jessie DeYong brought a powerful sermon. While it applies to marriage, it also applies to all relationships, so I generalized it a bit and added some context of Jesus with His disciples in a critical discussion about coming events.

17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” Matthew 20:17-19

I am not surprised that Jesus did not start this passage with, “Now you should all know this…”. I would have but I am not yet in the mindset of Jesus. Better than I was but a long way to go. Whenever you hear a little voice in your head that is condemning, that is not Jesus. Jesus’ voice comes as a knocking at the door to have fellowship. He does not call us out but calls us up. That is where most relationships start but tend to move toward calling out all the things the other would prefer you do. And vice versa. Relationships do not last long under such withering attacks. I would like to follow the points made by Jesse DeYoung in a His sermon at Flatirons Church to illustrate.

and oneness they shared. Again, all healthy relations have a tension between them as they each work to put the others needs ahead of theirs without denying their owns needs. In other words, the whole idea of relationship is to form a partnership in which each brings their own talents and insights to bear, so the partnership can form in unity. My Son and I have very different views of life. At one time, I thought it was my job to change his mind to think like I did. I did it because I was sure about some things in faith and the physical world that I thought would hurt him. That might have worked when he was a child but as an adult, it was disastrous. We can discuss those ideas, but I have had to learn that the relationship is more precious and carries a weightier message than my need to be right. It is hard at times because I believe faith plays an eternal role. But the Holy Spirit is the voice he needs to hear, not mine.

Memorial Service For Ray Kneller October 13

Please join us for Ray W. Kneller’s memorial service on October 13th, 2024 at 12 p.m. The memorial will be hosted at the American Legion 850 N. St. Vrain Ave., Estes Park. Please RSVP as soon as possible, either call or text with your name and head count at 970-402-0791.

My wife and I have very different approaches to driving. I am a bit more aggressive where she will slow down to let another car in. Before I talk, I should listen to Jesus’ voice and often do. But not always. I might say to her, “Susan, when you slow down to consider one person, are you thinking at all of the many other drivers you have inconvenienced.” That is calling out language. Or I could say, “Sweetheart, I love your heart of compassion for the person you just let in by slowing down. Would you consider that you may be putting us in danger and others with slowing down to let that person in?” That is calling her up in several regards. First the tone is softer and noncondemning. Secondly it suggests some things to consider. The question mark suggests I might be wrong, she is the driver and is in control of the car. Jesus also teaches us by His life and death that He is putting your needs ahead of His, humanly speaking. Being God, He had no needs but being human, He has many needs as the prayer in the garden before His arrest is clear. In fact, He had all the needs we as humans have. Humanly, Jesus could not but be aware of the pain and suffering ahead of Him. And, not to minimize that, but an eternal relationship between Him, and the Father is severed. For three days He was in hell separated from the Father and the love

The third point Jessie made was to move from being completed to being complemented. Again, Jesus sets the example. As God, he needed nothing to complete Him and He created us to be the same. I am not completed by anyone else, but I am complimented. The difference is that in not being uncompleted, something is missing in my design that is, needed for the life God created for me. Healthy relationship is complementary. I can do life without you, but I accomplish more and better with you because both of us are not seeking to be completed but to complement the other. Jesus did not need the disciples, but He did want partners in carrying the good news to the entire world. With a thought or word, Jesus could bring the good news to every nation and tongue. He does not need us to complete Him but to be in partnership with Him. Feeling uncompleted is a natural feeling in the world because advertising is designed to make you feel that way. Many people we interact with can also give us that feeling. The feeling is not truth. It may take another person, including counseling to help me complete me. The counselor cannot do it but can help lead me to do it myself. Being complimentary and desiring to be complementarian takes a lot of work and, I believe, a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. That is it, according to Jesse. A great sermon and practical in being all you can be. If I had to choose one to work on, it would be the first. My tendency is to be critical rather than offer suggestions. It is good to take one point of movement at a time, as Jesse suggested, to really focus on change that makes partners rather than enemies. And it makes me a little more like Jesus. If you are not regularly attending another church, consider Flatirons Church. We meet at the Historic Park Theater at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

Join the EVICS Childcare Provider Advisory Group

Are you a childcare provider passionate about supporting children and families in our community? EVICS Family Resource Center is creating a Childcare Provider Advisory Group, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

Email kylie@evics.org to join!

The Men's Group played our annual 3 Clubs and a Putter format this past Monday as if the game was not already hard enough! Congratulations to overall winner Mark Powell for a net 70. A shout out also goes to players with the best 9-holes scores: Front Nine winners were Bob Waddell, Michael Geist and Rod Unruh with net 35s. Back Nine winners were Mike Riley and Mark Powell with net 33s.

The Bird’s Nest

Now hiring dishwashers and line cooks $15-$25/hr. Please stop by or email info@thebirds–nest.com

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.

This position supports the work of the YMCA of the Rockies, which operates a mission-based family and group conference and retreat center serving more than 225,000 guests annually. The Philanthropy Database Coordinator is primarily responsible for overseeing all aspects of the department’s donor information systems. This position also includes some administrative functions and daily office activities for the Philanthropy Department. $19.49$21.05/hour with generous PTO/Vacation, participation in YMCA Retirement Plan, health, dental, and life insurance, and discounted childcare.

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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 :

We are looking for a front office team member to cover a leave of absence for approximately 3 months. There is a possibility after 3 months for full time permanent employment which would include paid time off, holiday pay and a retirement plan. Our office hours are Monday through Wednesday from 8AM-5PM and Thursdays from 8AM-3PM. If interested please drop off your resume in person to Estes Park Dental, 600 South Saint Vrain Ave., Ste. 6, Estes Park, CO.

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

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Full details on employment opportunities and the application can be found at estes.org/jobs.

Regular Full-time

Civil Engineer I-II (Stormwater)

Emergency Services Dispatcher I-III

Journey Lineworker

Police Officer I - III

Police Professional Services Director

Restorative Justice Program Coordinator

Street Equipment Specialist I-III

Winter/Seasonal

Visitor Information Assistant

The status of applications will be communicated via e-mail. By choice, the Town of Estes Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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.

Please drop off resume in person at: 360 E. Elkhorn Ave. or, Email to info@earthwoodartisans.com

Homes

We have units open to rent immediately. 1, 2 & 3 bedroom units open right away. We have single family homes, cabins, and apartments. Call us at 970-586-6500 to inquire.

House in Big Elk Meadows. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas, 2 fireplaces, fully furnished, 2 car garage, wrap around deck. Up to 6 month lease. $2500/month all inclusive except for propane. Email: ric.martin@ymail.com

Homes

1033 Tranquil Lane 3Br, 1.75Ba, garage, EV and hot tub hook up. Short distance from downtown . $2,800/mo. (970) 586-1685 glaciercreekinc@ gmail.com Commercial Rentals

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 nathan@kinleybuilt.com

Cleaning

Seeking contract part-time quality commercial cleaner/trash removal. Seeking also an experienced general maintenance handyman. Please call and leave message to inquire. (970) 480-5458

Sewing/Alterations

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

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 ASAP 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.

Consultation and Review of your health plan for those with Medicare and those under 65! Call Us First 970-672-1092. ncipsenioradvantage.com

and lease. Call Eric.

Multifamily garage sale Saturday 10/5 and Sunday 10/6, from 8am to 2pm Clothing, Kayaks, pontoon boats, tools, furniture and more, come and see 2341 Larkspur Ave, Estes Park,

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

Estate Sale

Saturday 8-2

Follow Judi’s Signs to: James St (Between W. Elkhorn & Wonderview)

Your opportunity to visit and explore this Beautiful 100 yr. Old Cabin filled with Treasures. Vintage Furniture, Rocking Chairs, Tables, Buffet, Secretary, Wash Stand, Vanity’s, Dressers, Chairs, Tables, Mirrors, Military trunks, Old Refrigerator/Ice Box, Lamps, Hanging Caldron, Elk trophy, Decor Items, Linens, Hanging Swing, Massage Table, Drafting Table, Kitchen Items, Aprons, Apt. size Refrigerator, Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets, Recliner, Dolls, African Art, Some Tools and MORE!