Two moose in RMNP nicknamed Burt and Poppy. This pair has known each other since they were yearlings and are seen frequently with each other. It is believed that her first calf, the one she had this year, is his baby from last year.
Photo by Deena Sveinsson
See more about photographer Deena on page 31. deenasveinssonphotography.com
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Estes Park, 1962. The population of the Estes Valley was about 2,300 and that year, 1.7 million people visited Rocky Mountain National Park. (Currently over 12,000 people live in the Estes Valley and 4.2 million people visited Rocky Mountain National Park last year.) Prior to the Urban Renewal improvements after the Lawn Lake flood, downtown was very different place. There were several gas stations downtown, and there were no trees, no benches and no flower beds. The street was all angled parking in front of the stores and the sidewalks were narrow. There was no Safeway. A very small quaint food market, Brodies, was the only place to buy groceries. The high school was located in the building that is now Town Hall.
considerably in the last sixty-two years, yet we are still being served by the same 6,349 square feet post office. We long ago outgrew this facility and it’s time for a dialogue about the need for a new post office for our community.
this too will just keep become more and more difficult for them.
Estes was truly a seasonal destination. After Labor Day, many of the businesses downtown shut down for the winter. I remember walking downtown in the winter and the windows of many businesses were lined with old newspapers to stop the fading effect of the harsh winter sun. Most of the lodging properties, including the Stanley Hotel, were shuttered until late spring.
On May 13 of that year, we dedicated our “new” post office, in the location it sits today. Local and state dignitaries attended this auspicious event. The junior high band played and the president of the student council, William Van Horn, (yes the same William Van Horn) recited “An Ode to the Flag.” The post office building was 6,349 square feet and owned by the JT Clough family of Greeley. It was a great location choice in 1962.
Our community has changed and grown
The current downtown location is awkward and inconvenient at best for most Estes Park residents. This was painfully evident during the Downtown Estes Loop construction. But this location was a problem long before construction, and it will continue to be a problem. The current post office has only a couple parking spaces on site. Staff, postal trucks and customers compete daily for parking spaces with downtown visitors. Signage with shortterm limits and cones reserving spaces for mail delivery vehicles are only band-aids to a problem that will just keep getting worse. And parking is just part of the problem…
This undersized facility is inadequate to serve the needs of the current population. The average size of post offices in the U.S. today is over 13,000 square feet -- more than twice the size of our aging facility. In 1962 there was no Amazon and no Wayfair. The number of parcels the United States Postal Service (USPS) handles has exploded exponentially with the advent of online shopping. Our existing post office facility is woefully inadequate to allow our dedicated postal employees to efficiently handle all these parcels. They do a fantastic job making the best of what they have, however frustrating it must be for them. When my kids outgrew their shoes, I didn’t get angry at the kids or criticize them for problems they had hiking or playing sports wearing ill-fitting footwear. The same rings true for our postal workers, they are making do, but
From a downtown perspective, the location of the current post office has great potential for redevelopment. This is a rare, choice piece of property in our downtown core. With the completion of the Loop, the high visibility and downtown proximity of this property lends itself to some great potential new and exciting opportunities for our downtown business district.
Many communities have faced and addressed this same issue. Fort Collins and Loveland have both moved their main post office out of the downtown core to the periphery of town, with more parking, easier access for customers, and adequate space for postal operations. Exactly where a better location would be is a subject for community discussion, but I think that just about anywhere in town out of the crowded downtown core, would be an improvement for a vast majority of Estes Park residents. So why hasn’t this happened already? The USPS has a very attractive lease with the owner of the building and there would be a cost to moving to a new facility. Although the current building and site pose significant operational challenges for our local staff and is problematic for its customers, the officials at the USPS have little incentive to consider a change, especially if the community has not expressed any dissatisfaction with the current facility. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “ Well, it may not be “broke,” but it is certainly worn out and obsolete. Our community and our postal workers deserve better.
I believe it’s time for a community dialogue on this issue. If the majority of the community is happy with the status quo, then that would be the end of the discussion. If, on the other hand, the community agrees it is time to consider a new post office, then we need to pull together in a coordinated effort with residents, businesses, the Town, and our elected officials to communicate to the decision makers in the USPS that Estes Park is beyond overdue for a new more efficient post office in a more optimal location and to ask them to begin the process for relocating our post office.
Frank Lancaster Town Trustee
Magnificent fall leaves line the sidewalks on Elkhorn Avenue as another beautiful weekend approaches. Photo by Kris Hazelton
Cleave Street Construction Resumes Oct. 21
The Cleave Street Improvements project—on hold since May to accommodate the summer guest season—will resume on Monday, Oct. 21, with the Town’s Power and Communications Division performing utility work on the west end of Cleave Street. Concurrently with this utility work, the Town’s roadway improvements contractor, ABC Asphalt, will begin its work on the east end of Cleave Street.
To facilitate this utility and roadway work, on-street parking will be prohibited within the Cleave Street right-of-way beginning on Oct. 21. Deliveries to Cleave Street businesses will be accommodated daily, and access to parking on private property will be maintained when pos-
sible. To allow for concrete curing time requirements, there will be intermittent access restrictions to private parking and the Big Horn parking lot. Alternative parking options are available on Big Horn Drive and in the Spruce and Tregent parking lots.
The anticipated completion date for Cleave Street Improvements is May 2025. For more information about this project, contact Civil Engineer Jamin Rucker at 970-577-3736 or jrucker@estes.org, or Town Engineer Jeff Bailey at 970-5773586 or jbailey@estes.org. Information about all current Public Works projects is available at www.estes.org/publicworksprojects.
2024 Paid Parking Season & Daily Trolley Service Conclude Oct. 20
The Town of Estes Park’s 2024 paid parking season will conclude Sunday, Oct. 20, at 5 p.m. This is also the final day of daily transit service on the Red Route (downtown trolley). On Monday, Oct. 21, staff will be removing and/or transitioning signage to reflect the transition to free parking in all public parking areas until Memorial Day weekend 2025.
Those seeking weekday transportation services during the winter months are welcome to contact Via Mobility
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
On 9/30/2024 at 7:46 a.m. officers responded to the 1500 block of Prospect Mountain Road on a complaint of a verbal disturbance. On scene, they contacted a 33 year old female from Estes Park who had assaulted a victim and damaged a vehicle in the presence of children. The female was charged with domestic violence, third degree assault, child abuse and criminal mischief. She was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail
On 10/03/2024 at 1:01 a.m. police stopped a 33 year old male driver from Commerce City, CO in the 100 block of Stanley Avenue for a traffic violation and he was found to be DUI. The driver was charged with DUI, speeding (25-39 over posted limit), failure to drive in a single lane and posses-
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 29th, 2024, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 15 calls for service. This included:
This day, October 11, in history
(viacolorado.org/), which offers on-demand, door-through-door service within the Town of Estes Park and some portions of surrounding Larimer County. Via Mobility’s service is open to riders of all ages and abilities. Rides can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by calling 303-447-9636. Same-day scheduling is available on a limited basis. For the most up-to-date Town parking and transportation information, please visit www.estes.org/parking and www.estes.org/transit.
sion of drug paraphernalia (discovered after the arrest). The male was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail
On 10/04/2024 at 7:50 p.m. police contacted a 44 year old male driver from Denver, CO in the 500 block of Big Thompson Avenue and found he had a warrant for his arrest. The warrant was for a misdemeanor and he was arrested and later released on a PR bond from the Estes Park Police Department.
On 10/05/2024 at 2:19 a.m. police stopped a 40 year old male driver from Broomfield, CO in the 300 block of Wonderview Avenue who was driving a vehicle that was reported stolen an hour prior. The male was charged with third degree motor vehicle theft, arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
Alarm Activation: 2
Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 5
Possible Illegal Burn: 2
Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA): 3
Assist: 1
Extrication/Rescue: 2
Estes Valley Fire www.estesvalleyfire.org
1992 - First ever, 3-way presidential debate (Bush-Clinton-Perot).
1986 - Reagan and Gorbachev open talks at a summit in Iceland.
1978 - Dodgers Bob Welch dramatically strikes out Reggie Jackson in 9th
1975 - "Saturday Night Live" premieres with guest host George Carlin.
1939 - Albert Einstein informs Franklin D. Roosevelt of possibilities of atomic bomb.
Town Encourages Public Participation In Budget Process
The Estes Park Town Board will review the proposed 2025 Town budget during a study session and public hearings in October and November. The first study session was held on Oct. 9 in the Town Board Room of Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Avenue and if needed, an additional study session was held Oct. 10. Public hearings on the budget will take place during the Oct. 22 and Nov. 12 Town Board meetings with final adoption anticipated Nov. 12. The public is encouraged to attend and comment at these public hearings, which take place at 7 p.m. in the Town Board. Meeting agendas and materials are provided at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings.
Each study session will include presentations on different operations within the Town government. The morning of the Oct. 9 study session will focus on a General Budget overview, the Capital Improvement Plan, Employment Compensation and Benefits, Legislative, Judicial, Town Clerk’s Office, Human Resources and Benefits, Town Administrator’s Office, Town Attorney, Police, Finance, Community Reinvestment Fund, Community Center Fund, Emergency Response Communication Fund, Wildfire Mitigation EVFPD Fund, Vehicle Replacement Fund, Fleet Maintenance Fund, Facilities Fund, Information Technology Fund, Risk Management Fund, and Outside Entity Base Funding. The afternoon of the Oct 9 study session will focus on Workforce Housing and Childcare, Community Development (Planning and Building Permits Divisions), Visitor Center, Events, Museum, Parks, Conservation Trust Fund, Open Space Fund, Street Operations, Stormwater, Streets Improvement Fund, Trails Improvement Funds, Transit, Parking, Power and Communications, Water, and ending with an overall Budget Wrap-Up Summary.
Each year, the process begins with creating a budget schedule early in the year. Strategic planning meetings are held earlier in the
year with the Mayor and Board of Trustees to determine priorities and give guidance for budget preparation. Next, departments begin to review their budgets and consider potential needs for the following year. The Departments then prepare their base budget requests along with decision packages for change requests with the Strategic Plan in mind and submit them to the Finance Director in June or early July. A base budget is then prepared with no operational changes as a starting point for budget development. Next, the departments rank the decision packages for the entire General Fund, identifying the prioritized changes they would like to submit to the Town Administrator for consideration. The Town Administrator, working with the Finance Director, then identifies the changes to be included in the recommended budget. The Finance Director then prepares the proposed budget to be reviewed with the Town Board during the budget study sessions. After the budget is approved in November, it is printed and submitted to the State of Colorado by the end of January.
The budget process requires Town staff and its elected Town Board to make difficult decisions to balance the Town’s limited revenues with the cost of providing its core services, as well as to consider the evergrowing demand for expanded public services. Although approximately 6,000 residents live within Town limits, millions of guests also rely on the Town’s services. Instead of property taxes, which are kept low for its residents, sales taxes drive the Town’s general fund revenue so that visitors share the tax burden and support services like streets maintenance, parks, police services and many more.
Town of Estes Park financial information, including budgets and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, are available at www.estes.org/finance. For more information, please contact the Finance Department at 970-577-3560.
Substantial Completion Of Downtown Estes Loop Celebrated With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Oct. 3
The substantial completion of the Downtown Estes Loop was marked with a small ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 3. The project partners gathered along the new trail at the Big Thompson River. Mayor Gary Hall led the ceremony with additional speakers from FHWA, CDOT, Flatiron Construction Inc. and the Town of Estes Park, including Town Administrator Travis Machalek and Public Works Director Greg Muhonen. The completion of the Downtown Estes Loop comes after more than a decade of work including funding acquisition, public outreach, environmental studies, project design and construction. Many current and former Town Board members, staff and partner agencies involved in the project over the years were
in attendance and honored. The Downtown Estes Loop has been a monumental effort involving hundreds of professionals, with the support of so many community partners and organizations. The Town would like to thank the Estes Park community, and especially the downtown business community, for its immense patience during the challenges of construction. We hope the community experiences a greatly improved experience visiting, parking, and traveling through downtown. The road and sidewalks are fully open for public use. The project is in its final stages completing the punch list items and landscaping. For more information about the Downtown Estes Loop, please visit downtownestesloop.com.
A special Edgar Allan Poe themed dinner experience
October 30, 2024 ‘Boston to Baltimore’ Menu $95/person ~ Wine Pairing $50/person One Seating at 6pm
The Poe Menu:
‘TELL-TALE HEARTS’
“I heard a slight groan, and I knew it was the groan of mortal terror. It was not a groan of pain or of grief —oh, no! —it was the low stifled sound that arises from the bottom of the soul when overcharged with awe. I knew the sound well. Many a night, just at midnight, when all the world slept, it has welled up from my own bosom, deepening, with its dreadful echo, the terrors that distracted me. I say I knew it well. I knew what the old man felt, and pitied him, although I chuckled at heart.”
Hearts of Baby Romaine/Artichoke Hearts/Beets/Blood Orange Vinaigrette
‘RAVEN’
“Much I marveled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly, Though its answer little meaning— little relevancy bore; For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being Ever yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber door — Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door, With such name as ‘Nevermore’.”
“THE thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that gave utterance to a threat. At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitely, settled —but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.”
Chesapeake Blue Crab Cake/Amontillado Sherried Mushroom Cream/Potato Pavé/Roasted Tomato
‘COGNAC & ROSES’
“At the site of Poe’s original grave (which is marked with a commemorative stone) ‘he’ would pour a glass of Martell cognac and raise a toast. He then arranged three red roses on the monument in a distinctive configuration and departed, leaving the unfinished bottle of cognac.”
Rose & Lemon Curd Syllabub/Martell Cognac Cream/Chocolate Truffle
SEASONED
An American Bistro
Photos courtesy Town of Estes Park
The next meeting of the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group will be held Tuesday, October 15 in the Hondius Room at the Estes Valley Library. Monthly meetings are always held on the third Tuesday of the month from 3:30-5:00 p.m. All affected by this progressive neurological disease are welcome to attend to bring their own experiences, strength and hope and come together for the good of the group. Questions, comments? Call Linda Hanak at 970-443-8146.
BASE Program Returns
By: Estes Chamber of Commerce
The Estes Chamber of Commerce has been diligently working to transition from the Economic Development Corporation to the newly formed Economic Development & Workforce Council (EDWC).
“An amazing council, comprised of local business leaders has gathered to create new and exciting programming,” said Chamber President Colleen DePasquale. “While we were working on the 2024-2025 BASE program, we didn’t want to be stagnant so Ryan Jordan, an EDWC member, has created our first Sprint program. The program was offered to our past BASE graduates and our current BASE applicants. The program was held earlier this month at the Estes Valley Library, and it was a great success. We’re already looking forward to more Sprint programs,” she added.
The newly formed EDWC has also initiated the return of the Business Acceleration Service of Estes (BASE) program. The BASE Program is available for any business who has an economic impact on the Estes Valley. The program consists of eleven half-day workshops focused on improving and growing the participants’ business. BASE Program dates are 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, 12/9, 1/6,1/20, 2/3, 2/24, 3/10, 3/24 and 4/7. Thanks to the generosity of the Estes Valley Library, the program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Hondius Room.
This is a “theory light – application heavy” program designed with three key objectives:
To provide tools and techniques for improving the participant’s company by aligning their business model with the realities of a changing business environment. These tools and techniques will be
applied either in the class session or as “homework” to be finished before the next session.
To build a cohort that can help one another during and after the program.
To help each leader improve their ability to “intercept the future” of business in Estes Valley.
By the completion of the program, participants will be able to:
Define their target customer and, more importantly, their evolution.
Express the Value Promise offered to their existing and emerging target customers.
Define the changes to their business that are needed to stay relevant to their target customer now and in the future.
Discuss the probable, plausible, and possible state of their business three years hence.
“The EDWC is proud to work with our new facilitator, Bill Welter. Bill is a consulting-educator with over 50 years of experience spanning four separate careers: military (USMC), engineering, business consulting, and education. He’s a founding Principal of MindPrep Resource Center, a small business that specializes in helping middle managers, business leaders and professionals become better thinkers and leaders. He does this through writing, workshops, team facilitation, and one-on-one coaching,” DePasquale said.
Applications are available at esteschamber.org. Select the “economic development” page, under the “our chamber” tab on the homepage, or visit https://esteschamber.org/58394-2/
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen DePasquale at director@esteschamber.org.
League Of Women Voters Zoom Coffee 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, cochair 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.
Leah Audin, co-chair of the LWVCO Reproductive Freedom Statewide Task Force.
One Hour with Jesus
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Estes Park Museum Annual Membership Appreciation Party
The Estes Park Museum will host its Annual Membership Appreciation Party on October 17, 2024 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Museum. Members will learn about recent successes from Museum Director Derek Fortini. In addition to hearing about the latest achievements, members will have the opportunity to view installed paver stones and visit the newly renovated Museum Annex. The Annex is the professional collections and research facility that the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. have been fundraising for improvements since 2016. Members will be the first to see the Heisterkamp Family Reference Library, where researchers can utilize secondary source material and request access to undigitized archival material and artifacts from the collection for reference purposes. Additionally, members will see upgrades to the building including a renovated processing room, installed LED lighting, revamped entry and offices, and remodeled artifact storage space. Members will hear about the upcoming installation of compact shelving for artifact storage, a museum quality HVAC system, and a building addition currently under design. The evening will include a social with light appetizers and the opportunity to mingle with staff while perusing the newly opened Museum Shop, Annex basement exhibit workshop, and the temporary exhibit One of a Kind: Art from the Estes Park Museum. Museum Director Fortini will present the online collections database, digitized local newspapers, the digitized oral history
recordings, and will share what the future holds for these three accessible online services.
Thanks to Safeway, You Need Pie!, Claire’s Restaurant and Bar, Poppy’s Pizza and Grill, and two anonymous donors for their generous sponsorship, creating a nearly cost-free event!
Want to attend the event and hear the
latest updates on the Estes Park Museum? Memberships start at $35 and entail many benefits beyond supporting local history, including a Shop discount and early access to certain tours and programs.
Memberships can be obtained online at estes.org/estes-park-museum-friendsfoundation-inc, by mailing a check to “Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation” (write “membership” in memo line) 200 4th Street, Estes Park, CO 80517, or by visiting the Museum Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Please join us at 450 Valley Road Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30 pm Children welcome
Last week I had a lot to say about pillowcases. Obviously I didn’t say enough because I heard from several readers with input on the subject. Here are a few: [my comments are in brackets.]
but the pillow itself! More time for reading; less time spent changing sheets.]
Ann B. said, “This is weirdly timely as I am just going in to put the new pillowcases I bought on the pillows and put them at the head of the bed. Night night …. sleep tight. Zzzzz. [In my column I had stated that I didn’t see what all the hype was surrounding Blissy brand pillowcases. So I asked if hers were Blissies.]
Ann replied, “Oh my, no! They are so cheap the pillowcase hem is only sewn halfway around and the same color stripes are stampprinted on. Don’t even ask about the mattress pad. Online ordering is not so great sometimes. [See, I’m not the only one who doesn’t fret about the condition of my pillow case. Did I mention that Ann and I met at a cheap pillowcase support group?]
My cousin Coleen W. defended the beauty of having a Blissy and other slippery pillowcases:
“I’ve bought some Blissys and given them to my girls at Christmas, always on sale and the prices have never approached $110. I’m fairly certain I’ve paid $60 some thing per. I’ve recently located another brand of silk pillowcase on Amazon, Zimasilk, from $27.19 to $34+ depending on color/pattern, and I love them. I like the silk cases because I have fine, thin hair, and it’s always in much better shape after sleeping on silk rather than cotton, polyester, blends, or microfiber. In general, though, the silk is very fragile, and several of mine have shredded near the zipper, so must be hand washed very carefully and of course hung to dry. Hope this helps if you ever reconsider.” [This is so funny! I have never spent two seconds thinking about my pillowcase! And here my cuz has done all this research and experimenting. We humans are a funny lot! Imagine how boring life would be if we were all the same. (Quoting my mom here.) I'm glad Coleen found a pillowcase she likes and I’m happy she is willing to give it the TLC it needs. She does not need our cheap pillowcase support group.]
I heard from a couple of men as well. James W. said, “When my kids were small and cute and we ate at a Mexican restaurant they enjoyed honey on ‘sofa pillows.’ Sopapillas.” Then James recalled growing up in Estes Park: “When I was a kid and helped Mom clean our ten cabins in EP, I couldn't manage to hold a pillow with my chin, so I'd hold the pillow in my teeth, which Mother hated for me to do. Also, we had a washing machine with a wringer, and I would fold wet pillow cases in half lengthwise, then put the open end into the rollers. This resulted in a delightful ballooning of the pillow case, with bubbles, threatening to burst the seams. Again, Mom didn't want to catch me doing it.”
One last comment from James about Macdonald Book Shop, where his books are on sale:
“As a lad I used to buy comic books at Macdonalds. I tried to split my business fairly and buy some comics at the Silver Spruce pharmacy, until the day the mean ol’ owner lady phoned my mother to report that little Jimmy was attempting to purchase a Wonder Woman comic book. Shocking. But I still like Wonder Woman, and old pillowcases fresh from the clothes line.” [I bet James could buy a pillowcase with Wonder Woman imprinted on it. You see Wonder Woman here as she first appeared in 1941.]
Mary S. asked, “So, does anyone else put two pillow cases on each pillow cause that’s the way your mom taught you? I think it either had something to do with being farm kids and we were just filthy all the time (10 people in a one-bathroom house) or we had feather pillows and Mom only got them cleaned when the pillow cleaner truck came to town.” [Mary S., meet Moe. C., below. He ran the pillow cleaner truck out of business.]
Barbara F. is in our camp: “We just got new pillows (cheaply) at COSTCO that have a silky ‘dust cover.’ Now the pillowcases slide on (and off) so easy we have to pin them on with bobby pins. Job done. I'm sitting outside reading a book.” [Barbara is onto something. Not the pillowcase
Moe C. said, “I just leave my Kirkland pillows in the plastic wrappers they come in. No ‘bed head’ in the morning, and I just take them into the shower with me once in awhile for a cleaning. I expect them to outlast me.” [As you can probably guess, Moe is the facilitator of our cheap pillowcase support group. He has all the answers.]
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
Save The Date: Estes Chamber Community Gumbo Dinner Is November 14th
By: Estes Chamber of Commerce
The Estes Chamber’s mission is to connect business and community. What better way than by bringing everyone together for dinner - a Community Gumbo Dinner to be exact. The Chamber is teaming up with local businesses and leaders, including Premier Members Credit Union, Carl Robicheaux of Elkhorn Law, Visit Estes Park, Bank of Estes Park, Bank of Colorado, Lonigan's, and Holiday Inn, for a Cajun-style gathering at the American Legion.
“Giving back means more to us here at Premier Members. We see our communities as family, friends, and neighbors –so we are always looking for ways to support them. Premier Gives provides the community with funds and employee community outreach hours to support many initiatives. We are happy to be here for our third year as your Sponsor for this year’s Gumbo Dinner, and we are thrilled to celebrate all the organizations and their journeys who work tirelessly to strengthen our community,” said Julie Gilmore, Estes Park Branch Manager of Title Sponsor, Premier Members Credit Union.
The Community Gumbo dinner will be a delicious Louisiana-style meal prepared by our resident gumbo-master, Carl Robi-
cheaux of Elkhorn Law. “Making an authentic Cajun gumbo has always been a part of my life,” Robicheaux said. “My father taught me how to make traditional Cajun gumbo (never tomatoes). He learned how to cook gumbo from his mother who learned it from her mother. Dad taught me that the number one ingredient in a GREAT gumbo is LOVE. No measuring of other ingredients is ever needed. When LOVE is the main ingredient then the color, smell and consistency tell you when your gumbo is ready to serve. Joie de Vivre and Laissez les bon temps rouler,” he added.
Gumbo is limited, so pre-register on the esteschamber.org website (https://business.esteschamber.org/events/details/community-gumbo-dinner-9280)
$15 for Gumbo
$7 for Children
$15 Regular To Go (16 oz.) : Pre-order!
$7 Child to Go: pre-order!
$22 Bulk to Go (24 oz.): Take it home and freeze it!
$20 Gumbo at the Door
If you can't stay for dinner but want to enjoy a bowl of Gumbo at home, you can also pre-order yours to go. You'll be able to pick up at the American Legion during the event.
Carl Robicheaux of Elkhorn Law making his famous gumbo.
Estes Park Museum Match Campaign Raises Over $14,000
The Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. (EPMFF) and Estes Park Museum want to thank the 29 donors who contributed to the 2024 Match Campaign. The campaign raised a total of $14,135, marking a rousing accomplishment!
A private donor wanted to make a $6,000 donation to support the most current and pressing opportunities for the Museum through a general fund campaign match. Museum members and supporters stepped up immediately in less than one month giving $8,135 to support the campaign. Donations will be used to continue Museum successes in
community education programs, exhibitions, collections care, and staffing. Each charitable donation had twice the impact during the campaign and the support is greatly appreciated!
This remarkable response to the campaign displays the financial commitment the community has in aiding the achievements of the Estes Park Museum. This endeavor is necessary for the EPMFF in achieving their mission to support the Museum through fundraising and advocacy.
Thank you to all who helped reach the goal and made the 2024 campaign a success!!
Sidewalk Sale In Estes Park This Weekend-October 12 & 13
This weekend, October 12 & 13 is the traditional weekend for Estes Park’s end of the season Sidewalk Sale. Many shops will be having some amazing sales and thinning out their summer inventory. Be sure you are ready to shop!
Twice a year in May and October, businesses throughout our town display their merchandise on the sidewalks, featuring low cost and clearance merchandise. Hours of the sale run from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and will be held rain (or snow) or shine.
Carey Stevanus, owner of Cabintique, vintage cabin and camp decor and gift store located on Highway 7 is planning
a very special sale. She said, “This is going to be a big sale! I’ll have lots of vintage, knotty pine furniture and clearance items up to 75% off!”
Ann Taylor, owner of Colorado Homestead featuring unique Western, cabin and country decor store on downtown Elkhorn Ave. is excited for the sale and is planning on a sale of fleece throws, mugs and jewelry, among other things.
Many other merchants around town will be offering unique merchandise at discount prices. Make sure you get to the Sidewalk Sales to do some personal and holiday shopping and grab some fantastic deals!
Photo by Jessica Payne
Jessica Payne Is The October Estes Valley Photo Club Contest Winner
Jessica Payne is the winner of the October Estes Valley Photo Club Contest with this wonderful photo of a bull and cow elk!
This is what Jessica said about the photo: "A Kiss for a King… A cow elk shows a little affection during rut season.”
Why not join the Estes Valley Photo Club for your chance to have your photograph appear in an issue of EPNews!
Please find us on Facebook under Groups and then select Estes Valley Photo Club. You do not need to be a resident of the Estes Valley to join. We welcome all members!
All members have the opportunity to enter our monthly photo contest. We are now accepting submissions for the next Photo Contest.
Here are the rules:
You must use the hashtag #estesvalleyphotoclubcontest
Each member can enter two photographs,
The photographs must be taken in Colorado. Please state general location. DO NOT include specific locations, You may enter any subject, no watermarks or logos.
Quota Festival Of Trees Kick-Off Event November 13
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 special 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 970481-2372 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.
Did You Know?
In 2023 American Legion Post 119’s dream of an Honor Wall came to fruition, with the wall being dedicated on August 30, 2023. But that was not the culmination – it was just a beginning. There is more to do – landscaping, flowers, sidewalk enhancements. And while that’s cool, that’s not what will hallow this wall. The wall will continue to grow in honor, stature, and in our hearts each time someone’s name is added. That will continue to happen for years to come. We are inviting everyone in the Estes Valley to consider honoring someone with a tile. We can tell you from personal experience, it makes you feel good. To date we have over 160 honored individuals on our wall. None of them are honored for
their wealth or what they received. Each and every one is honored for what they gave. What they gave for their country. What they gave for their community. What they gave for their family.
It is the Estes Valley Honor Wall - it is not a veterans’ wall, though many are honored here. It is not a memorial wall - you or your honoree need not be dead! But many tiles are in remembrance of those who have passed. It has been said that we die twice: once when our soul leaves our mortal body, and finally when our name is uttered for the last time here on earth. By having these loved ones memorialized on this wall, though they be passed, may their names be oft repeated, and may their
We are public power. Doing right by you.
Platte River Power Authority was created 50 years ago by Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland to provide locally generated electricity. Today, we’re transitioning to a noncarbon future built on technologies like wind and solar, working hard to ensure it’s one rooted in equity and reliability.
souls forever dwell among us. Many of the honorees on this wall did not choose the path they were forced to follow – WW I and II, Korea, Vietnam, the war on terror… financial struggles and grief. But they all walked their path with endurance, conviction, and integrity. Many among us have walked paths not of our choosing. But by the example of our ancestors, we walk whatever path arises before us with dignity, character, and perseverance.
Many in our community have chosen to honor someone with a tile on this wall. And while those who they honor are to be admired and respected, it is those doing the honoring who are just as deserving of approbation. Honoring others speaks volumes about you. We are our deeds, and our deeds are us. When your deed is to honor others, you bequeath honor upon yourself.
anybody else. And when you respect your soul, you remind others to do the same.
Let us take a moment to reflect on honor and respect. Honor for ourselves guides our morals. Respect for others guides our manners. Respect is what we give to others. Honor is what we bestow upon ourselves. Honor may not win us power… but it earns us respect. And respect earns power. We don’t need anyone’s permission to always be our true, honorable, respectful selves.
Some of the tiles on our wall were placed by individuals in honor of themselves. And that is magnificent, for it is holy work to honor and respect the precious self that you are. If you don’t honor and respect yourself, neither will
And this brings us to today – still expanding our wall in the name of honor and remembrance. We invite all of you to participate in this great community endeavor. Swing by American Legion Post 119 and pick up a tile request form, to honor either a loved one, or yourself. But as you set aside a moment for the purpose of honoring and thanking those most deserving, be mindful to do this every day of the year – not solely in an action such as this. Thank you, Estes Park, for all you do to support American Legion Post 119 – and for supporting your loved ones and our community.
Elizabeth Guild Holiday Sale
Tuesday, October 15th
The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Store 427 W. Elkhorn Ave. would like to invite you to their opening day Christmas Holiday Sale Tuesday, October 15th starting at 10:00 a.m.
Volunteer Pat Parker, who creates their Christmas and other displays, has been working diligently to prepare the store for this event. Each year customers eagerly wait as glimpses of Pat's creations fill them with anticipation.
Besides holiday items "The Guild" has a great selection of clothing (most items $3.00 or less) and other low priced quality items available at their store.
The Elizabeth Guild has been a community partner of Estes Park Health since the 1970s and has raised over $4 million through sales at their store. Their donations each year fund scholarships for Estes Park Health staff continuing education as well as critical
medical equipment for patient care.
"The Guild" thanks all volunteers for their consistent hard work and thanks the community for their generous donations.
The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Store is open Tuesday - Saturday (10 a.m. - 4 p.m. April - October) (10 a.m. - 3 p.m. November - March).
Donations can be made TuesdaySaturday 10:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. behind the store. "The Guild" accepts donations such as gently used clothing and accessories, home decor, kitchen and household items, vintage items, framed artwork, craft items, books, tools, sports equipment and more. They are unable to accept items such as large furniture or large electronics. They ask that clothing and other items to be donated are clean and free of damage. Call (970) 586-7205 for questions.
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.
Democrats & Independent Voters:
Why does this true Democrat want a Republican to be a County Commissioner? What other counties or towns impose sweeping change of road names? Why don't commissioners publicize changing road names?
Unnamed bureaucrats have convinced Commissioner ShadduckMcNally that one-of-a-kind road names will help locate emergencies. Familiar names can be confused with one another. She and her cohorts dictate that hundreds of roads should be renamed, without wide publicity. Since we don't know that roads have new names most of us may not report emergencies accurately. That she ignores the unintended effects of renaming roads is enough to criticize but not to dismiss her.
I dismiss her because she dismisses the people who live on those roads. She ignores their nearly unanimous dissent. Worse: her furtive renaming of roads prevents most of the people of her district from knowing that she is dismissing the consent of the governed. She derives her power not from the consent of the people but by concealing the disruption which she and her cohorts are causing.
Democrats don't like to challenge other Democrats. Revealing these faults grieves me. A Republican will relish exposing renaming roads as an example of unneeded government interference.
Bipartisans in Larimer County who want Commissioners Kefalas and Stephens to live up to their boast that they govern transparently and responsively should vote for Ben Aste for Commissioner of District 3. I talked to him for a couple of minutes. He is a genial fellow.
Answers for the other two questions? Ask Commissioner McNally or visit Larimer County Rural Addressing Project
Meet The Candidates 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 30year 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.
tantes del Estado de Colorado. El distrito abarca la parte occidental de los condados de Larimer, Boulder y Gilpin. Los candidatos son Steve Ferrante (Republicano) y Lesley Smith (Demócrata). La Liga de Mujeres Votantes de Estes Park está organizando un evento con los candidatos conjunto, "Conozca a los candidatos." ¡Venga a asistir!
Fecha: martes, el 15 de octubre
Hora: 5:00 p.m. a 6:30 p.m.
Ubicación: Centro Comunitario del Valle de Estes, el nivel inferior
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 teaching/training church leaders. Spent the past three years at the capitol observing proceedings and testifying in committee hearings.
La candidata demócrata del distrito 49, Lesley Smith, es exmiembro de la junta del Distrito Escolar del Valle de Boulder y tuvo una carrera de 30 años en la Universidad de Colorado en Boulder como científica ambiental con enfoque en el agua. Trabajó en la Junta Asesora de Recursos Hídricos de la ciudad de Boulder después de la gran inundación de 2013 y actualmente es la regente general de la Universidad de Colorado.
Why should HD 49 be important to you? Examples of laws passed by the Colorado General Assembly this year that could affect you:
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 bills -relating 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 ¡Conozca a los candidatos! ¡Se puede impactar su vida!
Al nivel local, se presentarán elecciones para el representante del Distrito 49 de la Cámara de Represen-
El candidato republicano por el distrito 49, Steve Ferrante, se graduó en 1984 del Centro de Capacitación en Justicia Penal, pasó 20 años en la aplicación de la ley (detectives, SWAT, patrulla, etc.). Testificó en procedimientos judiciales, escribió y ejecutó órdenes de allanamiento, etc. Servía como pastor durante 20 años. Administrador de propiedades durante 11 años. Hizo más de 25 viajes a naciones africanas para enseñar y capacitar a líderes de iglesias. Pasó los últimos tres años en el capitolio estatal observando procedimientos y testificando en audiencias de comités.
¿Por qué debería ser importante para usted la HD 49? Ejemplos de leyes aprobadas por la Asamblea General de Colorado este año que podrían afectarlo:
Vivienda asequible; Medicamentos recetados asequibles; Permitir más unidades de vivienda auxiliares; Cambios en los créditos fiscales a los ingresos en Colorado; Cambios en la responsabilidad de los propietarios de tierras para uso recreativo; Cambios en los impuestos a la propiedad para individuos y empresas; Ayuda financiera para la recreación al aire libre de Colorado; Cambios en la ley de desalojo “por causa justificada”; Proyectos de ley sobre armas - relacionados con armas ocultas, almacenamiento y compras de armas; Mitigación del ozono; Financiamiento de escuelas públicas; Derecho a reparar equipos agrícolas y digitales; Apoyo a los veteranos; Prevención de incendios forestales.
Nuestra Liga se enorgullece de servir a la comunidad como una organización no partidista de educación y defensa, que no apoya ni se opone a candidatos individuales o partidos políticos en ningún nivel de gobierno. Para más información, se puede ver: www.lwv-estespark.org
Lesley Smith
Steve Ferrante
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 WON 34-18
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
Abigail Watry 10th Grade
Congratulations to Abigail Watry, the Estes Park High School Student of the Week for October 11, 2024.
Abigail is the daughter of Doug and Mary Kay Watry.
At EPHS, Abigail is in HOSA (future heath professionals), Key Club (student led community service organization), 911 Explorers and Knowledge Bowl. She plays basketball, volleyball and is in band. Her favorite class currently is Anatomy/Physiology. During her freshman year she lettered in volleyball, basketball, band, choir and academics. She was in the Patriot League Honor Band and went to the state marching band competition where they took 3rd place. In her free time she likes to bake and sew (her grandma taught her how), hike, read, ski/snowboard, paddle board and hang out with friends. Abigail has a lot of family in Colorado that she enjoys spending time with. She has worked the last two summers to help pay for some of her club sports and her trip to LA. She enjoys going to musicals with her little sister and her mom.
When asked a place she’d like to visit, she said, “I loved our trip to Canada
Estes Valley Watershed Coalition Sponsors 4th Annual Fishing Line Cleanup This Saturday
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, 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 Lakefront Street, 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 this Saturday, October 12th!
and am looking forward to traveling to Europe after my senior year.”
Abigail’s favorite quote is “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light” by Albus Dumbledore. She said, “It reminds me to stay positive no matter what and it is from one of my favorite books.”
The best piece of advice she’s ever received is “It’s the things you don’t do in life that you regret.”
When asked her plans after high school, Abigail said, “I am planning on going into the health field but have not determined my specialty or what college I will attend. I am looking forward to my international trip and spending time with family and friends before moving.”
Water Division Completes Initial Service Line Inventory
The Town of Estes Park Water Division has completed the inventory of service lines according to the requirements specified by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the EPA. This inventory was done to identify and replace any possible lead service lines in our system. Our inspections did not find any lead service lines. All the service lines were identified as galvanized steel, copper, or plastic. As required, the results have been reported to CDPHE.
The inspections targeted a random sample of service lines that, based on general industry practice, could have been lead. Our rocky terrain and high system pressure are incompatible with
lead pipes, and the results of our inspections indicate the same. CDPHE specifies that water utilities should continue identifying and documenting service line materials over time. Based on the initial findings, staff do not anticipate finding any lead service lines on our system.
Property owners with structures built before 1960 may call the Town’s Water Division to request verification of their service line material. Privately owned service lines made of galvanized steel are likely past their useful life and the Water Division will recommend replacement. For more information or assistance, please contact the Water Division at 970-577-3619.
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,
this Saturday, October 12, at 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.
Making Christmas Brighter For Families In The Estes Valley For 40 Years!
As we celebrate our 40th Christmas season of spreading cheer and support, we are deeply thankful for the kindness and generosity of our community. Last year, thanks to the incredible support of our community, we were able to make the holidays brighter for 125 families with the provision of gifts, new shoes, food, and gift cards. Earlier this year, we also provided 110 students with new backpacks full of essential school supplies, collaborated with other agencies to support families and children, and provided 50 new children’s winter coats to the Crossroads Coat Drive. How Families Can Receive Assistance Register for Our Christmas Program:
● Location: Crossroads, 1753 Wildfire Road
● Dates & Times:
○ Fridays: Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
○ Saturdays: Nov. 2, Nov. 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
○ Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
● What to Bring:
○ ID
○ Proof of residence in the Estes Park School District
○ Income information
Note: On-site registration is required to participate in the program. You do not need to be a current client of Crossroads to participate.
Ways to Support Bright Christmas 1. Sponsor a Family:
● Purchase gifts for a registered Bright Christmas family.
● Contact: brightchristmas.ep@gmail.com
2. Make a financial contribution:
● Your tax-deductible donation helps us continue our work.
● Send to: Bright Christmas, PO Box 2981, Estes Park, CO 80517
3. Donate New, Unwrapped Gifts:
● Contribute new un wrapped toys or gifts for children 0-9
● Contribute holiday wrapping paper/gift bags/tissue paper
● Drop-off Location: Collection box at Ace Hardware
¡Haciendo
la Navidad más Brillante para las Familias de Estes Valley Durante 40 Años!
● Purchase a children’s book at Macdonald Book Shop and drop it in the box located there.
Get Involved and Stay Connected
● Facebook: Find us at Estes Park Bright Christmas
● Email: brightchristmas.ep@gmail.com
● Local News: Watch for updates in the Estes Park News
● Call: Nancy Almond 970-227-3638 or Mary Murphy 970-214-6350
Bright Christmas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Thank you for helping us bring joy and support to families in need this holiday season!
the POSSIBILITIES
Mientras celebramos nuestra 40.a temporada navideña de difundir alegría y apoyo, estamos profundamente agradecidos por la amabilidad y generosidad de nuestra comunidad. El año pasado, gracias al increíble apoyo de nuestra comunidad, pudimos alegrar las fiestas para 125 familias con regalos, zapatos nuevos, comida y tarjetas de regalo. A principios de este año, también proporcionamos a 110 estudiantes mochilas nuevas llenas de úles escolares esenciales, colaboramos con otras agencias para apoyar a las familias y a los niños. También proporcionamos 50 abrigos de invierno nuevos para niños a la colecta de abrigos de Crossroads.
Cómo pueden recibir asistencia las familias
Regístrese en nuestro programa de Navidad:
● Lugar: Crossroads, 1753 Wildfire Road
● Fechas y horarios:
Viernes: 1 y 8 de noviembre de 1:00 p. m. a 4:00 p.m.
Sábados: 2, 9 de noviembre de 10:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m. El Martes: 12 de noviembre de 4 p.m. a 7:00 p.m.
Qué traer:
● Idenficación con foto
● Comprobante de domicilio en el Distrito Escolar de Estes Park
● Comprobante de ingresos
Nota: Se requiere registro en persona
en el sio anotado arriba para parcipar en el programa. No es necesario ser cliente de Crossroads para parcipar.
1. Patrocine una familia:
Formas de apoyar a Navidad Brillante
● Compre regalos para una familia registrada en Bright Christmas
● Contacto: brightchristmas.ep@gmail.com
2. Haga una contribución financiera:
● Su donación deducible de impuestos nos ayuda a connuar nuestro trabajo
● Envié a: Bright Christmas, PO Box 2981, Estes Park, CO 80517 3. Done regalos nuevos sin envolver:
● Contribuya con juguetes o regalos nuevos sin envolver para niños de 0 a 9 años
● Contribuya con papel de regalo/bolsas de regalo/papel de seda para las fiestas
● Lugar de entrega: Caja de recolección en Ace Hardware
Parcipe y manténgase en conexión
● Facebook: encuéntrenos en Estes Park Bright Christmas
● Nocias locales: Esté atento a las actualizaciones en Estes Park News
● Llame a: Nancy Almond 970-2273638 o Mary Murphy 970-214-6350
Bright Christmas es una organización sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3).
¡Gracias por ayudarnos a llevar alegría y apoyo a las familias necesitadas en esta temporada navideña!
Crossroads Coat Drive Helps Neighbors In Need Stay Warm This Winter
Once you explore our independent living or assisted living options, you’ll find one that feels like home. At Good Samaritan Society – Estes Park Village, our residents enjoy fulfilling, maintenance-free lifestyles where they can connect with others in a caring community that features:
• Housekeeping and maintenance help
• Nutritious and delicious meals
• Outpatient therapy in your twin home or apartment
• Social, wellness and spiritual activities
Find customized services and comforts for yourself or a loved one in a place where friendly neighbors and supportive staff redefine what home feels like.
Schedule a tour today Call (855) 332-9532. Senior living options available now
The annual Crossroads Ministry Coat Distribution on Friday, Oct. 4th, was a huge success. Crossroads collected more than 550 coats and other winter gear that the organization was able to give away free to people in the commu-
nity who need them in anticipation of winter. People who came to look at the coats, jackets, fleeces. and vests took more than 400 of them. A big thank you to everyone who donated.
Photo by Trenton Ming
By: Brad Manard
I first photographed wild horses on Pryor Mountain in Wyoming. The white palomino wild stallion Cloud, born in 1995, brought significant interest to the historic horses. Cloud’s PBS’ Nature series of three documentaries was the only continuous documentation of a wild animal from birth in the Northern Hemisphere.
I remember first arriving on the mountain top to see bands of wild horses running free. I was awestruck by their unrestrained power. They were majestic in their presence and exuded a sense of freedom. Since that moment, I have been intrigued by America’s wild horses.
Wild Horses Of North America
caped, they were captured by Native Americans and spread across the continent.
As these feral horses escaped to run wild, in the 1900s there were two million mustangs running free. By 1971, when Congress gave them federal protection, there were only 17,000 wild feral horses still roaming. They lived year-round in small bands of three to 10
Spanish explorers in 1520, they now roam the beach of Corolla and along the Outer Banks.
It is where I learned a valuable wildlife photography lesson. While photographing a band of eight, they were backlit along the ocean. I wanted to get on the ocean side for better lighting, yet knew on the open beach there would be no protection between me and the wild horses. Still, my inexperience
ment.
While there were horses in North America millions of years ago, by 10,000 years ago they were locally extinct. In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors reintroduced horses with the same genetic lineage as the original North American horse. When some of those horses es-
individuals including a dominant stallion, subordinate adult males and females, and offspring. Feral wild horse "herds" are made up of several separate, small "bands" sharing a territory.
In 2015, I was able to photo wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Brought by
and enthusiasm got the best of my good sense.
I left the jeep and those around me, walking down the beach away from the massive animals allowing myself space. As I photographed, my eyes focused in the viewfinder, the stallion moved up the beach. When I lowered my camera, I realized I was between the mustang and his band including the wild mares.
That is when, from way up on the sand dunes, a second stallion came galloping toward the stallion. It was only minutes before the two mustangs were face to face, then rising up on their hind quarters, battling hoof to hoof, biting each other as they fought for the mares.
I knew I had made a horrible mistake, and began walking back toward the Jeep and groups of people. Halfway to them, I turned photographing the stallions in battle. In that instant, they both turned running and in five strides, they were on me. As I dove out of the way, I hoped that a hoof would not crush my ankle. Landing in the sand, I could feel the vibration of the thundering hooves as they stormed past my ankles.
In the past three years, I have photographed wild horses at Sand Wash Basin in western Colorado. Beautiful, amazing horses, the herd roams free on 158,000 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Genetic analysis indicates the highest similarity of horses derived from Spanish breeds.
A week ago, I visited the McCullough Wild Horse Herd on BLM land near Cody, WY. Driving the roads, searching for the horses, I had no luck. Then as I was leaving, off in the distance I saw a vehicle a mile down a two wheel path. Putting my zoom lens out, I saw a man with a tripod. My senses told me there must be horses nearby.
Loosening my shock absorbers as I drove the path, I neared the man with the tripod and saw a small watering hole surrounded by a herd of forty-five wild horses. From a rise above the horses, I photographed as they interacted. Drinking the water, rolling in the dust, cooling themselves in the water, lying in the mud, and play-fighting on their hind legs while wrapping their hooves over each other’s shoulders.
Someone at the Jeep videotaped the entire incident, and within days the video exceeded a million views online. I later saw the video dubbed by a knowledgeable horse person describing the horse’s behavior. He kept describing me as “the stupid human.” Sadly, he was correct in his assess-
For forty-five minutes, I captured what felt like historical images of feral wild horses, descendents of Spanish Mustangs. Not only were they awe inspiring, but it seemed I had stepped back in time to when life was simpler. I flashed back to my boyhood watching Bonanza, and I thought I saw Little Joe’s black and white pinto stallion prancing among the mares.
Sources: American Wild Horse Conservation, Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center, Visit North Carolina, Wild Horses of Sand Wash Basin, and The Mustangs at McCullough Peaks–History and Legend
Photos by Brad Manard
News From The Art Center Of Estes Park
Current Exhibit
“Reflections”
Photography by Carol Gregory and Ceramics by Susan Anderson
Now - November 11
Sponsored by Jim and Anne Sneary “Reflections”
Come see the new exhibit “Reflections” featuring photography by Carol Gregory and Ceramics by Susan Anderson. This show, “Reflections,” is a composite of Carol Gregory and Susan Anderson's art as it reflects their journey through life. They each have had very separate journeys and very different forms of art, but it is this dedication to their art that brings them together in this show.
Carol Gregory: This show is a reflection of my life as a photographer. The images displayed represent my journey through time capturing the beauty of nature. My passion for photography has spanned over sixty years and this collection represents my favorite Colorado landscapes and my newest wildlife images.
National Parks with my family. I received my first camera when I was ten years old and have been searching for new and exciting subjects to photograph throughout the years. Now, at the age of seventy-five, I am still hiking to those unique vantage points for landscapes, enduring the frigid cold and scorching heat to get that perfect opportunity and waiting for hours on end hoping for the ultimate wildlife shot. I am traveling extensively to work on my bucket list, knowing that my years are limited.
I love having the opportunity to share my collected works with you and I hope that you find something that will grace the walls of your home and bring you long term pleasure.
Susan Anderson: I have been practicing
I am a Colorado native and have always had great love for nature. I spent the summers of my childhood visiting the
the art of making objects in clay for more than 50 years. I began after the birth of my second child with the goal of learning to make a set of hand-made dishes. It took me many years to master the art of “roundness,” to the satisfaction of my very linear husband. Once I accomplished that, I began to alter the rims of my plates and bowls, nudging them more towards art, while maintaining the goal of beautiful, functional pieces. In graduate school, I began my pursuit of sculpture in clay. Today, I consider myself an artist-potter, with an emphasis on images from the natural world, from many cultures around the world, and from the hidden history of women.
I have been fortunate to travel, mostly in mountains and developing countries and the Himalaya. (My husband and true
companion doesn’t like flat places, nor places with bathrooms!) One of my greatest influences was learning about the Buddhist cultures of Asia. Their tradition of spirit houses has been a spring board for many new images; I hope to honor the natural world and remind viewers that great care must be taken to stay aware of the power and beauty of the natural world, our Mother Earth.
My most recent work, which I call “putting my life back together,” springs from the past four years, after my husband suffered a lifealtering stroke. Suddenly my largerthan-life hero was confined to his bed, unable to speak or to commu nicate with me and our family, unable to do our favor ite things – camping, hiking and biking. These simple bowl forms are an expres sion in clay of my work reassembling my life as I adjust to my role as caretaker. These bowls are cut into pieces and re assembled in newer shapes, a metaphor for my creative process since our lives were so dramatically altered.
Classes & Workshops
“Painting in Three Different Styles” with Cathy Goodale
Wednesday, October 16 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In this workshop you will take a scene from landscape or a structure you like and paint it in three different styles of painting, realistic, impressionistic, and abstract. Create a triptych, maybe your
house or a familiar spot in your yard you love. Take some photos as the year progresses. Start by using two values and expanding to three values. Why does color confuse value?
Art Center members: $72 | non
“Landscape Painting” in Oil or Pastel with Cliff Austin
Thursday & Friday, October 17 & 18 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cliff is an award-winning fine artist whose studio is in Aurora, CO. A graduate of the Denver Institute of Technology and the Rocky Mountain School of Art, he has been painting (both in studio and en plein air) and illustrating since 1980. This exciting twoday workshop will give students the opportunity to explore various techniques in oil and pastel for approaching landscape painting and for planning ahead… including creating notans. In addition to “how to” demos and tutorials designed for each individual’s natural way with pastels or oils, there will be plenty of one on one and ongoing critique. Art Center members: $170 | non-members: $189 | Materials provided
Find us online at www.ArtCenterOfEstes.com or on social media at Facebook (ArtCenterOfEstes) and Instagram (ArtCenterOfEP). The Art Center of Estes Park is a nonprofit organization located at 517 Big Thompson Avenue, in Middle Stanley Village. For more information, please call the Art Center at 970-586-5882.
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.
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!
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone:
Author Talk with Lori Gottlieb Ⓡ
Tuesday, October 22, 12 - 1 p.m., online
Examine the truths and fictions we tell ourselves with bestselling author and licensed therapist Lori Gottlieb. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
ALL AGES
Tech Help with Digital Navigators of Larimer County Ⓡ
Build your digital skills, including using your smartphone, accessing websites and accounts online, improving online communications, and more. Appointments required; sign up at calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org. Service offered in English and Spanish. Presented by AmeriCorps service members.
Hunter Education Course Ⓡ
Sunday, 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 the Conclusion Class (the online course must be completed first). All information provided at calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org.
Pumpkin Hexi Coasters Ⓡ
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.
Fall Gnomes Ⓡ
Saturday, October 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
Craft a set of three festive 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, so bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Snacks and refreshments provided.
ADULTS
Access Granted Ⓡ
Monday, October 28, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Wasson Room
Are you accessible in an emergency? Join Megan Hodde from the Town of Estes Park Emergency Communications Center to learn about Access Granted, a program designed to prepare residents to better connect with during emergency situations.
TEENS & KIDS
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
repeated Wednesday, October 23, 45 p.m., Makerspace
Use tissue paper, modge podge, and hole punches to craft autumn-themed candle jars. All supplies provided.
Murder at the Pizzeria: A Murder Mystery Game Ⓡ
Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 - 7:30 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.
Hocus Pocus:
Movie & Spell Book Craft Ⓡ
Saturday, October 26, 12 - 2 p.m., Hondius Room
Get in the spooky spirit! Use recycled books to make your own spell book while watching the Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus. Refreshments provided.
KIDS & FAMILIES
Library Storytimes
Baby Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 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
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! Presented with the Estes Valley Fire Protection District.
Parent & Caregiver Café Ⓡ
Wednesday, October 16, 10 - 11 a.m., Hondius Room
Calling all parents and caregivers of young children! Gain insight about early learning activities designed for children from birth to age 5. Refreshments provided.
Early Childhood Music with Annaka Hogelin Ⓡ Saturday, October 26, 11 - 11:30 a.m., Hondius Room
Children ages 6 and under (and their caregivers) are invited to join musician and music educator Annaka Hogelin for songs, movement, rhythm, and fun.
MAKERSPACE TRAINING CLASSES
Learn the Laser Cutter Ⓡ Monday, October 21, 5:30 - 7 p.m. For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Regular Meeting Monday, October 21, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room
View agenda and packet materials at estesvalleylibrary.org/board.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Cliffhanger Used Books
Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the Post Office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, 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.
Bridging A Digital Divide: Free Tech Help Is A Success At The Library
Over the past several months, dozens of Estes Park residents have been developing and improving their digital skills via free tech help with Larimer County’s Digital Navigators.
Sponsored by AmeriCorps and as part of a regional partnership between the Estes Valley Library and the Loveland Public Library, Digital Navigators have been trained to work one-on-one with community members to identify and achieve digital literacy goals.
Participants have enhanced skills like accessing and using social media, communicating via email and video channels, navigating the internet, using Microsoft Office and Google applications, and much more. With over 120 appointments served locally since the program’s implementation in March 2024, Digital Navigators are bridging the digital divide in the Estes Park community.
Digital equity encompasses three critical areas: affordable internet, access to suitable devices, and digital skills training. These basic essentials are still out of reach for millions of Americans, but because of efforts like the Digital Navigators program, communities like Estes Park and the rest of Northern Colorado are prioritizing plans and budgets to improve digital literacy October 7-14 is Digital Inclusion Week, which highlights the ongoing, community-based work that is the lifeblood of digital equity. “Celebrate” by booking your own Digital Navigator appointment, available on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All services are free and no question is too basic. Bring your smartphone or laptop, or if you’re in the market for a new device, learn how to research and select the right one for you. Learn more, and book your appointments, at calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org.
Service Spotlight: Mom & Baby Nourishment Class
One of the services we are excited to highlight this week is our Mom and Baby Nourishment class. Though many would think that nourishing your infant would be the most natural thing, often, that just is not the case. Whether nursing, bottle feeding, formula or breastmilk, learning what is best for you and your child can be a challenging road. Here at EVICS, the Mom and Baby Nourishment class is a feeding support group to walk alongside you wherever you may be on that journey. Retired nurse Lesta Johnson RN, MSN, IBCLC is here to help guide and lead you along the way. Not only is she the facilitator for the Mom and Baby Nourishment class, she also leads the childbirth class which is a two week course occurring quarterly.
The next meeting of the Mom and Baby Nourishment class is Thursday October 17th at 10:30 a.m. at the EVICS office. The next childbirth class will be held December 1st and 8th from 3-6 p.m. The childbirth class requires signups, so if you are interested, please contact the EVICS office to reserve your spot. Remember, it takes a village! We are here for you. We have several ways for you to help further our mission at EVICS. If you are interested in giving of your time, check out our website at evics.org for all our volunteer opportunities. If you would like to donate financially, click the “Donate” button on our website or mail a check to PO Box 3373.
Another Great Season Of Noxious Weed Removal
The Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) along with the Town of Estes Park (TOEP) hosted three very successful Monitored Weed Drop-off events this past season in July, August and September 2024. 647 tall yard bags of weeds were collected with 262 folks in attendance at our new location 380 Community Drive. The good news is that several individuals indicated they were identifying and digging immature weeds earlier to avoid bagging, and they were seeing improvement in their property after a couple of years of persistence. Volunteers served over 100 hours on-site at these three events. ELSA receives support from the TOEP Community Initiative funding, Larimer County Natural Resources, and donations.
Weed Drop-off events. The Weed Alert articles are also available on the TOEP website: estes.org/weeds Other Helpful Documents are also featured on the website including the Weed Management Plant List and Applicators & Consultants to help you manage your property. There has been an increased interest in being good stewards of one’s property! ELSA encourages all land owners,
renters, HOAs and POAs to make booklets available to their members, and encourage weed management in their neighborhoods. Noxious Weed Violations and Code Compliance are being managed by the TOEP Police Department – ce@estes.org or 970586-4000.
This year ELSA distributed over 2,000 Twenty Ob-noxious Weeds in the Estes Valley weed booklets. Weed booklets are available year around at the Estes Valley Library, TOEP Public Works Office and TOEP Police Department, and seasonally at Ace Hardware, Park Supply and Estes Park Lumber. The weed booklet is also available electronically at the TOEP website: estes.org/weeds.
Thanks to EP News for publishing the weekly Estes Valley’s Weed Alert articles from April thru September, and featuring articles for the Monitored
The Estes Land Stewardship Association was formed in 2008 to address environmental threats to the Estes Valley and surrounding areas. Awareness and educational materials from ELSA are showing positive results in the Estes Valley. ELSA meets the first Thursday of the month (February, March, April and November) at 9:30 a.m. in the George Hix Room at US Bank or TOEP Parks Division building. Our next meeting is November 7 at the TOEP Parks Division building 600 Big Thompson Ave at 9:30 a.m. The Estes Land Stewardship Association can be contacted at elsa.weeds@gmail.com.
Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter K.C. Clifford At American Legion
From Oklahoma City, K.C. Clifford is a three-time Woody Guthrie Awardwinning singer-songwriter. She studied opera at Indiana University, training to become the adept vocalist she is today, but chose instead to pursue her own songwriting with performances that offer impactful stories of life experiences. For K.C., songwriting has been therapeutic since she began. In recent years, K.C. has co-written new music with Dan Walker, keyboardist for Heart and Ann Wilson.
K.C. and Dan will perform together for us on Saturday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m., at American Legion Post 119. Tickets are available online at legionlisten.org/kc-clifford and in person at Post 119 (850 N. St. Vrain Ave.).
This event is part of "Listening at the Legion," a budget-minded concert series that brings nationally acclaimed music creators and performers to our little town. Please visit legionlisten.org to learn more.
I mentioned my appreciation of Kris Kristofferson and his music last week. ‘RIP - Kris’. However, another memorable event occurred during our time on the Big Island of Hawaii…and it involved Kris as well. While there we attended a special showing of a movie that had just recently been filmed in the islands. It was entitled: ‘Molokai: The story of Father Damien’. (You might pull it up on your computer.) Kris had a significant role in the film. But, the true hero of the story was a priest named Father Damien, who went to a devastated area and people…lepers…in the mid-1800s. For years, many nations had been ‘shipping’ people diagnosed with leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) to a sparsely populated region of Hawaii, the island of Molokai, to live out their lives. Since there was little medical or other help for the inhabitants, the 600+ people were mostly abandoned. The Catholic Church decided to send four priests, a different one for three months each year, due to the obvious danger of them being infected by the disease.
One young priest, Father Damien, wasn’t supposed to go, but he took his ill brother’s place. Upon his arrival there, and seeing the suffering of the lepers there he set about to, in the words of one reporter, “bring hope to their hell of despair.” He soon let the diocese know that he desired to fulfill the years’ long ministry among these people. He quickly became the doctor of their souls as well as their bodies. A formerly lawless area became a place where the law of love prevailed, as the lepers began to imitate their young spiritual leader. They worked together to build roads and a reservoir, to turn shacks into painted houses, build a hospital, even eliciting the help of nations that long had failed these people. Damien dressed ulcers and wounds, personally fed ill sufferers, eating ‘poi’ with them, prayed with the dying, built coffins, dug graves. His stated goal: “I make myself a leper with the lepers that I may gain all for Christ.” Not surprisingly, after years of giving himself to these people, he, preparing to take a bath, stepped into scalding water. The skin blistered but there was no pain, a sure sign that he was now one of them. He worked even harder…until he could no longer. He became bedridden and passed away after sixteen years, being laid to rest in the place where he deemed himself ‘The happiest missionary’. But, Damien’s influence did not end with his passing. All over the world people had heard about his life’s efforts and were inspired to follow His example of service. Monetary and other help began to flow in from people and nations, helping to build hospitals and other facilities to attend to the growing leper numbers,
But…why take time to think of Damien in this issue of EPNews? I guess there’s hope in my heart that we can be inspired to do something for a currently growing number of ‘hopeless’ feeling people in our nation. Mahatma Ghandhi said that Damien’s sacrificial work inspired his campaigns and work in India, leading to the independence of his people and securing aid for multitudes. But can it work with us? What is our Molokai?
Each evening our hearts are touched by news of the massive devastation that has…is…taking place in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and nearby states. Who’s to deal with the ‘despair’ of those people as they wrestle with deaths of loved ones, loss of property, livelihoods, uncertain futures, and the myriad of other things plaguing thousands of hearts right now? Where are the ‘Damiens’ at such a time? Most common answers: “Let FEMA take care of it! Let the government do it!” There are things we ‘Damiens’ can do. One thing, of course, is fervently praying. Several times a day, pausing and asking a loving God for His help for these despairing people. Secondly, let’s take those pleas for help by the ‘Salvation Army’, ‘Gofundme’s, and other such pleas for our help to help meet the Helene needs. I’m going to help! I hope you will too! Bob Lewis
Keep Voting For Solid Investment Moves
It’s Election Season again. Over the next several months, you’re bound to hear an array of promises from the candidates and speculation from the pundits on what those promises, if enacted, could mean for the country. But how might these possible outcomes affect your financial future?
When considering this question, keep these points in mind:
• Campaign promises aren’t always kept. Presidential candidates often proclaim that they intend to institute major changes in tax or spending policies, or both. But the reality is that our political system is generally resistant to major changes, which may be good for investors, because the financial markets dislike the uncertainties accompanying these types of changes.
• Economic progress doesn’t always depend on Washington. Even when political leaders do succeed in enacting laws and regulations, the results can be unpredictable. Major economic indicators, such as jobs, interest rates and inflation, can move in unexpected directions, given prevailing policies.
• Financial markets can do well – no matter who’s in charge. Since 1970, the stock market, as measured by the S&P 500, has returned, on average, over 10 percent annually. And that’s under every political combination –Democratic president with Democratic Congress, Republican president with Republican Congress, or one party holding the presidency with the other holding Congress.
The fact is that many factors outside political leaders’ control drive financial markets. To cite just one example, it’s the Federal Reserve, not the president or Congress, that sets interest rates, and the Fed itself may do so in response to unforeseen or unexpected economic events, such as the supply chain backlogs brought on, in part, by the pandemic. And other events, including natural disasters, global political or military conflict, oil production,
Estes
and so on, also will have an impact on our economy and financial markets. Therefore, instead of making investment decisions based on the political scene, “vote” for some tried-and-true strategies. For starters, try to build a diversified portfolio. While diversification can’t protect against all losses or guarantee profits, it can help shield you from market volatility that might primarily affect one asset class. In certain circumstances, if you only owned stocks and the market dropped, your portfolio could decline more than if you also owned bonds, which frequently move in a different direction than stocks.
Here’s another suggestion: Invest for the long term. At times, the financial markets experience short-term downturns, but you may not want to overreact by selling investments to “cut losses.” After all, if you’re not invested in the market, you could miss the early stages of a potential next rally, which is often when the biggest gains are made. Consider holding quality investments as part of a strategy that’s appropriate for your risk tolerance, time horizon and personal goals.
Elections can give political leaders a lot of influence – but when it comes to making the right investment choices, you’ve got the power.
Investors should understand the risks involved of owning investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The value of investments fluctuates and investors can lose some or all of their principal.
Past Performance does not guarantee future results.
The S&P 500 is an unmanaged, index not available for direct investment and is not meant to depict and actual investment.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by our local Edward Jones Financial Advisors.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Community Cookbook Now Available
" I Want That Recipe," an Estes Park Community Cookbook is now available. The cookbook is a collection of recipes from the hearts of individuals who chose to share their recipes. Some are generational, some are family favorites, and some are international. If you wish to purchase one or more cookbooks please contact Pete McKellar at (970) 214-2807 or email pmckel10@hotmail.com or Linda Brown at 512-797-3321 or email
October 14th Garden Club Meeting
Please join us for the next Garden Club meeting on October 14th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the EV Library Hondius Room. What a great opportunity to learn about the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. Steve Goff will be sharing his involvement with this citizen science project. It’s a network of volunteer observers report daily rainfall information which is made available to many local, state, and national organizations including NOAA and others. What a great way to become involved in our community.
The second part of this meeting will give you the opportunity to help plan the calendar of events for 2025. This year we had a great variety of events and presentations ranging from tips to get ready for the spring planting sea-
son, dealing with the critters seeking to thwart our most valiant efforts, wildflower walks, seed collection, knowledgeable presentations from experts, and garden tours. This is the time to become involved with the club so the EV Garden Club can offer the types of events that interest you for 2025. Our club has a great group of very talented individuals. The club needs you to become involved so that we can continue. We certainly look forward to seeing you on October 14th with your energy and ideas. Members check your email for an outline of ways to participate. Anyone in the public wishing to know about gardening in our specialized environment you are most welcome to attend! See you on Monday, October 14th in the Estes Valley Library Hondius Room.
Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary, Sweetheart
Love, Tony
Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu
Oct 14 – 18
Monday, Oct 14 Denver Omelette (ham, mushrooms, onions & green peppers) w/ hashbrowns & fruit
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 14th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Oct 11th. 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
Remove Tangle And Entrapment Hazards From Yards And Decorate
A warm fall weekend in Colorado presents an excellent opportunity for the state’s residents to take a look around their properties and remove potential tangle and entrapment hazards for wildlife.
Hammocks, garden equipment and recreational sports equipment such as soccer and volleyball nets all present potential danger to wildlife, especially antlered deer, elk and moose. But even more obscure objects such as tires and
Responsibly To Protect Curious Wildlife
door rat traps that have latched onto the face of a curious deer.
District Wildlife Manager Cody Rarick has intervened to free three deer from various predicaments in Archuleta County alone in recent weeks. One had a bucket lid removed from around its neck, another had a garden plant cage wrapped around its torso that had to be cut away, and another had hard plastic that appeared to be from a bicycle pedal stuck around a
bucket lids can become inconvenient accessories to curious animals that venture close to human-occupied spaces.
That’s why Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks Coloradans to assess their outdoor spaces and remove potential tangle hazards for antlered wildlife that are in migration from summer habitat to winter range while they seek mating opportunities. It’s also important to keep wildlife in mind when decorating for holidays, including Halloween.
“Right now is a good opportunity to clean up your yard and to remove items a curious animal might stick its nose in or get wrapped up in,” said
free it. In other instances, they can remove the object.
Some cases do not require human assistance if the entanglement is not preventing the animal from eating or drinking or if there is low risk that the animal could get caught up in other items that would prevent it from being mobile. In those instances, the animal will be free of the burden when it sheds its antlers.
“We need to know about these situ-
hoof that impaired it from walking.
People can do their part to be a good neighbor to wildlife by putting away summer recreational and landscaping equipment that is not in use and by making sure holiday lights and decorations are secured tightly wherever they are hung.
Bucks can be especially prone to these situations this time of year. During the rut –
CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Steve McClung out of the Durango office. “And when you’re putting up various holiday decorations, keep wildlife in mind. We see animals get wrapped up all the time, and all of these impairments can affect their mobility, vision and ability to eat and drink.”
CPW officers respond every year to incidents where antlered animals have become dangerously entangled. Common hazards include hammocks, holiday decorations and garden items such as tomato cages. Additionally, several deer have been caught this year in out-
or breeding season – bucks will rub their antlers on objects to mark territory and signal their presence to other bucks. The rut has started for deer and will hit its peak in mid-November through December. When animals such as deer and elk become entangled, the stress involved and the physical exhaustion caused by trying to break free can lead to death. Wildlife officers can often get deer untangled if they are nearby and notified in a timely manner. In some cases, they will cut off the animal’s antlers to
lights and decorations be placed higher than six feet or attached tightly to trees and buildings. Lights or artificial webs that hang low or are draped insecurely over vegetation easily get tangled in antlers.
“Deer are curious and want to check out something that’s hanging along their path or a bucket to see if it’s food,” McClung said. “They may stick their nose in and get those objects stuck around their face or get the handle caught on an antler.”
It has also become increasingly popular for people to bring holiday decorations onto public lands for social media photo opportunities. CPW reminds the public to pack out whatever they pack in and to never leave decorations out where they can present a danger to wildlife.
If you see wildlife that does become entangled, report it directly to CPW by calling the office local to you or through Colorado State Patrol dispatch if it is outside of normal business hours. When calling CSP, they will relay your information to the on-call wildlife officer in your area.
Be prepared when calling with infor-
ations quickly,” McClung said. “It’s best if we can get to these animals before they’ve undergone too much stress and have exhausted themselves.
Darting them also creates stress and can lead to mortality if the animal has already been stressed too much.
“If the animal is not tethered to what it is tangled in, it can be difficult to chase them through a neighborhood and get into a position to dart them, or sometimes they disappear and we never catch up to help them. The sooner we get information, the more likely we will be able to assist that animal.”
Halloween decorations can create a real scare when antlered wildlife get tangled up in them. These hazards can be prevented by the public doing its part.
Because Halloween decorations have grown in popularity, CPW has responded to increased incidents in recent years. CPW recommends holiday
mation regarding the animal’s location and time observed, its behavior, whether it is tied to an object or still mobile and if the hazard is preventing the animal from eating, drinking or breathing.
Never try to free an animal from an entanglement yourself. A stressed animal may act more aggressively and their hooves and antlers can cause serious injury.
During the fall breeding season, it is important to give antlered wildlife more space and to use increased caution in their presence. During the rut, these animals have a one-track mind looking for a mate. They can become agitated if any other animal, object or person appears to be posing a challenge. Dogs are often targets and can be badly injured by a buck’s antlers. Deer can become aggressive toward humans, too, so stay well away from them. Attacks get reported around the state each fall.
Deer regularly found in neighborhoods may appear docile and not pay much attention to the presence of humans much of the year but may behave more aggressively this time of year.
To learn more about living with wildlife, go to the CPW website.
A mule deer buck is pictured with a bunch of garden materials tangled in its antlers. Photos courtesy CPW
A tranquilized deer is pictured with a hammock and aluminum pole tangled in its antlers in 2023 in Durango. John Livingston/CPW.
A CPW employee cuts mesh fencing away from the antlers of a mule deer buck.
CPW officers remove a tomato cage from the antlers of a mule deer buck.
A mule deer buck is pictured with Halloween decorations stuck in its antlers.
A mule deer doe is pictured with a bucket lid stuck around its neck.
St. Bartholomew’s Fall Festival Oct. 19
Christmas shopping can begin early and painlessly at St. Bart’s Episcopal Church Fall Festival on October 19 at the church, 880 MacGregor from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
A variety of quilted items, handwarmers, Thanksgiving and Christmas table decorations, placemats, table runners, wreaths, fabric ornaments and fall tea light centerpieces will all be featured.
If shopping makes you hungry there are always St. Bart’s famous pumpkin spice doughnuts, and other baked goods (many of them gluten free) to
enjoy in the relaxing spaces set up in the parish hall. A hamburger lunch at noon will be provided by St. Bart’s men’s group.
And if a successful morning of shopping means you don’t want to cook when you get home take with you some of the frozen items, soups, quiches, and casseroles available.
A special treat this year, thanks to a good chokecherry crop, will be Colorado chokecherry jelly packaged in crystal tea cups.
It’s all in the parish hall at the church, easy access, plenty of parking, and volunteer clerks who are happy to see you.
Treasure Tables Opens On October 26
More than 500 people are expected to visit the Estes Park Events Center for the annual Treasure Tables shopping extravaganza on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors from the Allenspark area, the Front Range and beyond will be showing off their wares in pottery, photography, soap-making and more. Arts and crafters may still find a booth available. Go to peo.treasure.table@gmail.com.
The event is sponsored by local PEO chapter IY and much of the money raised will go to scholarships for women in college and graduate school. Parking is free and there is no admission charge. You will be greeted by a delicious bake sale and a food truck will be on site for lunch. Start and finish all your holiday shopping in one place and support educated women!
MaryAnn Martin makes handwarmers for the Fall Festival October 19 at St. Bart’s Episcopal Church. The hand warmers can be heated in the microwave to keep frostbite at bay.
Hand-made soaps by vendor Amy Fox
Local Photographer Deena Sveinsson
Deena Sveinsson, a local Estes Park wildlife and conservation photographer recently traveled to San Francisco, CA to view her photograph in a photo exhibition at the California Academy of Science. Her photograph, “The Fast and
the Furriest” was selected as a finalist in the 2024 Big Picture Natural World Photography Competition. The exhibition showcased the Winners and Finalists from this years’ photography competition.
“With my moose photograph, I was excited to show the world that moose can have playful spirits and unique personalities,” Deena said.
“I hope people can appreciate the stars of this movie poster-like photograph, Tom Moose, Moose Willis and my favorite, Gerard Antler.”
Right: Deena’s photograph “The Fast and the Furriest”
the INSPIREDLIVING group
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
Supporting Darrell Osburn’s Battle Against Pancreatic Cancer
Harmonies of Hope
Darrell Osburn is a very seasoned, talented musician and devoted “You Can Live History” Civil War & Revolutionary War battle reenactment producer. Darrell has been struck with pancreatic cancer. As he faces this formidable foe, we rally around him with love, support and harmony.
A Life of Music & History. Darrell’s passion for music and living history inspired countless lives. His soulful melodies brought joy to audiences everywhere. His Civil re-enactments honored the past and educated the future. See youcanlivehistory.com Darrell has been entertaining fans all over Colorado and in Estes Park since the 1970s. The first band he performed with in Estes was called Revelation in the early 70s then later his band called Aura in the late 70s, they played at the Rock Inn. Over the years Darrell and his sister Karen, brother Gary & Rod, all played numerous venues throughout Estes Park as The Osburns since 2007. They started playing in Estes Park at the Stanley Hotel. They also played at the Estes Park Fairgrounds, Estes Park Resort, Mary’s Lake Lodge, The Masonic Lodge in Estes Park, Crags Lodge, Lonigan’s and the American Legion Post 119. More recently he played in Full Throttle at the Elk Meadow Lodge and private parties and many fundraisers. They have also played at the Dao House Estes Park and Carter Lake in Loveland. Darrell also plays at the Inverness in Englewood, CO and other venues. Darrell & his brother Gary have also played with the Mountain Town Rockers.
period clothing. Darrell and his brother and other band members have played Civil War balls in Castle Rock and in Kansas throughout the years.
Darrell was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April of 2024. He has had several rounds of chemotherapy and is expected to have surgery before the end of this year.
Now it’s our turn to give back. Darrell & his
siblings have given so much to this community, so please everyone, help him out, in his time of need. Let’s help Darrell fight this battle against pancreatic cancer.
Your contributions will help alleviate medical expenses, daily living costs and alternative therapies.
Join the chorus of support by donating. Every donation, no matter how small, echoes!
The Battle Plan-fight on!
In 1996, Darrell established “You Can Live History” to teach school children about the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. Darrell holds outfittings and dress rehearsals and directs these kids as they reenact each of these Civil War and Revolutionary War battles in
His treatments have included chemotherapy and is now moving towards massive surgery, and he will need ongoing care as he fights this battle.
Your support means everything to the Osburn family & Darrell.
To donate, you can do via Venmo, if you have a Venmo account. Or as an alternative, you can send a check to Darrell Osburn.
1508 S Laredo Ct, Aurora, CO 80017. Please note the Venmo QR code below.
A benefit for Darrell will be held at Cousin Pats on Friday, October 25 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Entertainment and food provided. Music by many local bands!
Thank you all for your support in his time of need!
Rocky’s Backyard Ultra: Endurance, Community, And An Unforgettable Weekend
This past weekend, 65 runners converged at the YMCA of the Rockies for the second annual Rocky’s Backyard Ultra, an event that tested both physical and mental endurance in a unique race format. Hosted by Running Wild Events, this year's race saw participants from across Colorado and beyond, including several local runners from Estes Park.
For those unfamiliar with the *Backyard Ultra* for mat, here’s a quick ex planation: the race is a last-person-stand ing endurance event. Runners must complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour. The catch? If they fail to finish the loop within the hour, they’re out. The race continues, hour after hour, until only one runner remains. It’s a test of stamina, pacing, and mental fortitude, with no set finish line.
of community that comes from shared challenges. Whether participants ran a few laps or through the night, each runner contributed to the energy of the event as they achieved their personal distance goals.
As the race continues to grow in popularity, we look forward to seeing more runners take on the Backyard challenge in future editions of this unique event. Congratulations to all who participated and a special
thanks to the volunteers, supporters & sponsors who made it possible.
The next race hosted by Running Wild Events will be the Chase the Glow 5k on December 21st at 6 p.m.
This brand new race, following the Sweets Stroll festival, will tour the
Race Highlights:
Among the 65 participants, three runners achieved a monumental goal by completing 24 laps, earning them the coveted 100-mile buckle. However, it was Simon Pfreundschuh from Fort Collins, CO, who emerged as the overall winner, running an impressive 29 laps—equal to 121 miles—in 28 hours and 53 minutes. His remarkable feat of endurance showcased the spirit of the Backyard Ultra: pushing limits far beyond what most would consider possible.
Seven runners from Estes Park participated with Justin Michiels completing 13 laps for a total of 54 miles, making him the top performer from town. A Test of Endurance and Community Spirit
The essence of Rocky’s Backyard Ultra is more than just distance—it’s about the runners’ determination to push beyond their limits and the sense
BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CONDO
Private location in Ranch Meadows complex with gorgeous views • Turn-key detached unit • Tastefully updated throughout • Convenient to Lake Estes Trail and Estes Park activities •
Ada is a three year old, 42 pound Husky. She loves walks, people and other dogs. Ada rides great in a car and has the prettiest eyes. She loves to chill in the sun.
Onyx is a four month old male kitty who loves to cuddle. He is sweet and very friendly and does well with other kitties.
Rocco is a funny, happy dog! He is about three years old, weighs 53 pounds and is housetrained. He’s a lover of people and dogs, both big and small
Goose is a short haired border collie mix who weighs about 55 pounds. He was raised with kids and is good with dogs and cats as well. He is 2 1/2 years old.
Max is seven years old and weighs about 80 pounds. Just look at those eyes! He is so sweet and good with other dogs.
Please call (970) 286-1652 if you’d like to meet or foster any of these special pets.
All pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a nonprofit organization that is the Estes Valley’s only humane society.
You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to P.O. Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.
For more information about the Pet Association, please visit petassociationestespark.com.
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 concert will be held this 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Spacious 4 Bed / 3 Bath
1190 Marys Lake Road 1125 Upper Broadview Road
By: Jonathan Romig
I grew up running around the streets of Estes, climbing on the rocks, going to the library, working at Miller’s Indian Village. After graduating Colorado State University, I moved out to the East Coast where I worked in finance, then as a pastor. I never thought I would return to Colorado, but just a few years ago our family moved back and I began working at a local nonprofit called Providence Network.
I knew I wanted to do something to help our most vulnerable neighbors in Denver, but
From Estes To The City: Loving Our Denver Neighbors
I’m not a licensed professional counselor, not a caseworker, and can’t live on site (as many of our staff do). But I can tell people about our work and share stories of changed lives. That’s how I got into development (a.k.a. fundraising). Over the last two years I’ve been giving tours, hosting lunch and learns, and driving thousands of miles to spread the word.
As of the January 2024 Point-In-Time (PIT) Report by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI), there are 9,977 people experiencing homelessness in Denver. About 25% struggle with substance use, 10% with domestic violence (half are women), and 23% with mental health. And yet, there’s good news! Providence Network, along with other great service providers in Denver, are providing compassionate and thoughtful care to our most vulnerable neighbors.
What makes Providence Network so special is that we enable healing from the inside out, getting to root traumas that so often lead to addiction. We do this by providing transitional and longterm affordable housing, a healthy community, addictions counseling, holistic wraparound services, and 24/7 staff support. We are a Christian faithbased transformational housing organization where people are thriving,
many for the first time in their lives.
One of our recent graduates writes:
“Providence Network allowed me to find my inner strength, through God and community. After graduating I was able to continue my healing and recovery by moving into the sober-living apartments, where I was able to reconcile with my wife and daughter. Words can never express the amount of gratitude and joy that fill my heart. I have 5 and 1/2 years of sobriety and recovery. Now I get to give back to my community.”
If you know someone who could benefit from our recovery program, send them to providencenetwork.org/gethelp to apply.
While I’m no longer an Estes Park resident, others in town are getting in-
volved. Erik Stensland of Images of Rocky Mountain National Park (imagesofrmnp.com), located just off of Bond Park, has contributed several of his beautiful photographs of RMNP to our recovery homes. Beauty matters for recovery. What we see every day, whether it’s a garden or a photograph, makes a difference in sustaining longterm flourishing. Thank you, Erik, for partnering with us to enable lasting recovery!
Providence Network is a $2.6 million organization that relies on the generosity of individuals, families, foundations, churches, businesses, and organizations to make this work possible. While about 30% of our expenses come from resident program fees, we fundraise the rest. If you would like to learn more, subscribe to our newsletter, The Providence Post, or to donate, please visit providencenetwork.org.
If you would like a tour of our homes or want to connect next time I’m up in Estes, you can email development@providencenetwork.org.
Thank you and may you flourish!
Three short-term transitional recovery homes.
Jonathan gives a thumbs up with the staff team in front of Erik Stensland’s photograph of Longs Peak
Dinner at Providence House, Est. 1988
Jonathan with staff and residents of Silver Lining House, a home for young men in recovery
My Personal Thanks To The Community For A Successful Benefit Event
On Monday evening 9/30/24 a special benefit event was held at The American Legion to help raise money for my cancer fund. I am happy to say that it was a resounding success! So much so that I was completely overwhelmed when I arrived there to see that it was completely packed! From the bottom of my heart I wish to thank everyone who participated ~ all of you who were in attendance and especially all of the musicians who donated their time and talent to put on a memorable show for everyone. And very special thanks to my musical brother Mayor Gary Hall who organized the event. Thank you Gary! It really meant a lot to me!
I also want to give a shout out to the musicians that have influenced me here in Estes Park and helped to guide my musical career here. I would not be where I am now if not for these talented musicians and friends. The musical community here is much like a family, helping each other and performing together whenever possible. Below is a list of the musicians whom I have collaborated and performed with since moving to Estes Park 18 years ago. This list also serves as a brief history of my musical career here in Estes Park:
DICK ORLEANS ~ When I first moved here in 2006, I had been performing in bands for over 30 years in San Diego, and I was actually “burned out”. I wanted to take some time off and live a normal, peaceful life for a while. But Dick Orleans heard that I was a professional musician, and soon coerced me into sitting in with him at his weekly Friday night “Friends Of Folk” shows at MARY’S LAKE LODGE. Once I started sitting in with him, I got the bug to perform again, and that got the ball rolling for me.
JUSTIN FAYE ~ Justin was starting to perform all over town and wanted someone to perform with, so he asked me join him as a duo. Together we performed around town at various venues, including LONIGAN’S, ED’S CANTINA, THE LEGION, and eventually we ended up as the house band at THE STANLEY HOTEL. I also helped Justin to record the first demos of his songs in my home studio.
JON PICKETT ~ Before Jon was in
CHAIN STATION, he was a local musician jamming around at various venues with different “bands” and situations. I was also jamming around at this time, and Jon and I (along with Justin Faye, Gary Hall and others) ended up performing (jamming) together at quite a few venues. Jon and I are local musical brothers who also ended up both being tour guides in RMNP! TOBY and JODY TOBIAS ~ Toby and I had played music together in various bands in San Diego over the years. Toby was also my room mate and we became like brothers and kept in touch over the years. In 2009, Toby found himself unemployed due to the economic downturn, I talked him into coming to Estes Park to start a band with me. I was playing with Justin Faye at The Stanley, and we had Toby sit in with us. It was a good start and looked promising, so Toby and Jody moved here and we started THE DENNIS ~ TOBIAS BAND. And I have to give a shout out to KAREN SHEA who was working at MARY’S LAKE LODGE at the time and hired the DENNIS ~ TOBIAS BAND as the house band for Tuesday night Ladies night. That got the ball rolling, and our band just took off after that. I’m sure we played every possible venue in town at the time. Thanks to Karen for helping to give us our start!
move away to Tennessee, I had James and Kim join up with me and we continued playing the venues that the DENNIS ~ TOBIAS BAND had been performing in. We became “THE MOUNTAIN TOWN TRIO.”
SKIP NEILSON ~ I met Skip when
the MOUNTAIN TOWN TRIO was performing at ELK MEADOW LODGE. He was a professional musician who had recently moved to Estes Park from Texas. Soon he became the “utility player” for the MOUNTAIN TOWN TRIO, sitting in with us at various gigs and even recording with us on our demo CDs. Skip and I also formed a short lived side band with BRETT WILSON called “ROCK CREEK.”
of the songs they were playing, so I introduced myself to them. The very next day, Darrell called me and asked me to join their band! So for a while I was a member of THE OSBURN BROTHERS BAND. So later, when THE MOUNTAIN TOWN TRIO wanted to expand into a 5-piece band, we asked Darrell and Gary to join us. We then became “THE MOUNTAIN TOWN ROCKERS”. Eventually they split off from us and became THE OSBURNS with their brother Rod and sister Karen.
BRAD FITCH ~ Brad hired me to be the part time bass player in his “TROPICOWBOY BAND” which is the John Denver Tribute. Brad and I also played together in a few short lived side bands such as “GLACIER GORGE” that we put together with MARK and SCOTT RASHID. And I helped Brad record one of his albums at my home recording studio. I have been performing with Brad on and off since then. We are musical brothers.
MARK RASHID ~ Mark and I became friends after I started performing with THE TROPICOWBOY BAND which he is also a member of. Besides performing together in that band, as mentioned above, we also performed together in “GLACIER GORGE” and a few other short lived side bands along with BRAD FITCH and SCOTT RASHID. Mark and I now perform together in The BLUE SKY MOUNTAIN BAND.
JAMES MOELLERS & KIM SMITH
~ Shortly after we met in 2008, James and I started playing music together as a duo called “TWISTED SAGE”. After a while we were joined my local harmonica master MARK PACK. Later, after forming the DENNIS ~ TOBIAS BAND, James started sitting in with the us as an extra side man. Around this time we met KIM SMITH, and she also started sitting in with the band. So when Toby and Jody finally had to
GARY HALL ~ I met Gary early on and we immediately started jamming and performing together in various bands and situations. Gary also became one of the side men for THE DENNIS ~ TOBIAS BAND at certain gigs when we needed an extra player or two. Eventually I also joined Gary’s band “THE REALLY MOST SINCERELY DEAD,” his local Grateful Dead tribute band. We also played together in NEIL McPHAIL’S band “THE BLUES DOCTORS”. Gary eventually became a member of THE MOUNTAIN TOWN ROCKERS, and now we perform together in THE BLUE SKY MOUNTAIN BAND.
KAREN NICHOLSON ~ I briefly became the bass player in Karen’s band “AMPLIFIED SOULS” during the time when GARY HALL was also in the band.
DARRELL & GARY OSBURN ~ I first met the Osburn Brothers when they were performing at an outdoor event at The Stanley Hotel. I liked a lot
The Rotary Club Of Estes Park Presents Peter Teahen
Thursday, October 17
Fellow Rotarians and cousins Peter Teahen and John Ockenfels, piloted a single piston-engine airplane around the world in 2023 to raise awareness and money for Rotary’s End Polio Now program. The flight took 90-days, made 37 landings in 19 countries, and involved 24 fundraisers. Peter and John departed Cedar Rapids, Iowa on May 5, 2023 in their 1977 Cessna T210M airplane, and successfully returned home 90-days later on July 30. Peter will share their power-
ful story of: “Around the World: Flight To End Polio” at the next Rotary Club meeting.
We meet at the American Legion and the public is invited to attend. The Noon Rotary starts at 12 p.m. If you would like to join us for lunch it starts at 11:30 a.m. and cost $20. Please RSVP to noonrotary@aol.com by 12 noon on Tuesday, October 15th if joining us for lunch.
SCOTT RASHID ~ Scott and I met through his brother MARK RASHID when we formed the side band GLACIER GORGE together with BRAD FITCH. Scott eventually became the drummer for THE MOUNTAIN TOWN ROCKERS and we now perform together in THE BLUE SKY MOUNTAIN BAND.
BRETT WILSON ~ Brett and I met many years ago when Brett’s band at the time “PEREGRIN ROAD” was performing in Estes Park. Since then we have performed together at various functions, and we also put together a special Christmas show at the Legion a few years back featuring local bands and musicians performing original and traditional holiday music. We also performed together with SKIP NEILSON for a short while in the side band “ROCK CREEK.” Brett and I now perform together in THE BLUE SKY MOUNTAIN BAND.
COLIN TREACY ~ We met Colin recently when we started auditioning members for our latest band. He passed the audition, and now has become part of our band family as the keyboardist in THE BLUE SKY MOUNTAIN BAND.
And last but also very important to us in my musical journey is JAN TENZER. Jan has served as the unofficial leader of the “FAN CLUB” of all of the various bands that I have performed in over the years. She has put a lot of time and effort in to promoting and supporting our music, and we certainly appreciate her energy! Thank you Jan, we love you!
Kevin Dennis
John Ockenfels & Peter Teahen
By: Larry Strong
“Humble In Victory, Generous in Defeat”
“sheep who have lost their way?”
Eric Liddell was the missionary portrayed in the movie, “Chariots of Fire.” He was fiercely competitive, desiring to use his God given talent to the fullest. He gave no quarter on the track but his meekness, kindness and gentle spirit won the admiration of those who he defeated. He became known as a guy who was, “ridicu lously humble in victory, utterly generous in defeat.” By all accounts, Eric Liddell was strong, bold, confident, courageous, uncompromising and unbelievably compet itive. He was determined to win. But amongst all those qual ities of character, there was one he sought most. Meek ness.
When we think of meekness it’s easy to think of a lamb. A lamb is to meek as “sly” is to a fox. The phrase, “As meek as a lamb” has caught on because sheep are seen as shy, unthreatening and not the brightest animal in the petting zoo. The other aspect of sheep is they can be easily influenced and led astray, which is why they need a Shepherd to care for and protect them. Have we lost the true meaning of meekness somewhere along the way? Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest and not self- aggrandizing. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others. There was a reason Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the world.” Seems like the ruthless power hungry mob thirsty for domination are maybe confused. I wonder if we’ve gotten confused right along with them like
At Men on Fire, guys are working to shed some character stuff. I would put pride at the top of the list. Pride can be as out of control as a wildfire consuming everything and everyone in its path. Pride is destructive and, honestly, rooted in deep insecurity. The most insecure kid on the playground is always the bully. The writer of Proverbs says, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, is stronger than he who captures a city.”
Slow to anger?
Humble, comfortable in your own skin?
Probably the least admired character quality in America today is meekness. But the greatest Person who ever lived was a meek and humble man. Jesus said, “Learn from Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble in heart.” Those who follow Jesus strive to demonstrate meekness and gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit-filled life. Truth is, meekness is one of the most powerful character traits we can develop—with God’s grace, our intentional sacrifice and a little help from a genuine friend. Men on Fire meets Saturday’s, 8:00 am at the American Legion, 850 N. St. Vrain. We’re a brotherhood of men from diverse life and faith backgrounds seeking sanity, stability and direction in a broken, fractured world. We’re not sheep but we’ve got a Good Shepherd keeping His watchful eye and heart on us. With God’s Word as our guide, our men find strength, encouragement and authentic friendship regardless of where they’re at on their faith journey. You will too. Join us Saturday, 8:00 a.m. at the American Legion. See you there!
Congratulations to Larry Nosbish for running away from the pack with a net 67. Plus, the skins game worked well with 6 net winners and 4 gross winners. Next Monday, October 14, brings to a close of the 2024 golf season.
1 Larry Nosbish -4 67
T2 Scott Logan -1 70
T2 Matt Quinn -1 70
4 Walter Coleman E 71
T5 Allen Arms 1 72
T5 Paul Besson 1 72
T5 William Brown 1 72
T5 Stan Gengler 1 72
T9 Rodney Unruh 2 73
T9 Drew Webb 2 73
T9 Steve Tice 2 73
T9 Greg Fyfe 2 73
T9 Jeff Lindberg 2 73
T9
Ghost Town Legacy: “That Land Of The West Is Gone Now”
By: Ethan Knightchilde
Theodore Roosevelt wrote the somber words above in his 1913 autobiography. It is a sentiment that resounds through America’s collective consciousness, for the gold and silver camps of the nineteenth century often died within years and sometimes months of being born.
In his book “Roughing It,” Mark Twain hinted at how those places continue to captivate us:
“You will find it hard to believe that there stood at one time a fiercelyflourishing little city, of two thousand or three thousand souls with...all the appointments and appurtenances of a thriving and prosperous and promising young city—and now nothing is left of it all but a lifeless, homeless solitude. The men are gone, the houses have vanished, even the name of the place is forgotten.”
shroud. Disquietude lingers amongst the abandoned and vanished buildings. And beneath it all rest the ghosts of those who had occupied these lands long before the Spanish or Americans
came to permanently alter the continent.
T15 Richard Smith 3 74
T15 Tom Keyworth 3 74
T15 Jim Toresdahl 3 74
T18 Stan Osborne 4 75
T18 Nelson Burke 4 75
T18 Pete Smith 4 75
T21 Ron Little 5 76
T21 Robert Wilczek 5 76
T21
In the July 12 edition of the Estes Park News, I described how my captivation with the subject at an early age eventually led to full-on “ghost town junkie” status as an adult. For decades, I have been exploring these sites. But after having traveled tens of thousands of miles, shot thousands of feet of motion picture film, and taken thousands of photographs, a burning question persists: what is it precisely about ghost towns that fascinates us?
Perhaps it is the way they play upon the imagination—the way the ghosts of the past feel so close that if you squint your eyes just right when the light is low, you can almost see the town and its inhabitants at the uttermost limit of vision.
There are times when it seems as if the sites are not wholly forsaken but are yet haunted by the ghosts of the past: of those who suffered through unimaginable trials and hardships and who brought with them into the wilderness their hopes, dreams, fears, and failings.
There is a palpable sense of loss holding the silent places of the West in a
Far more than a century has passed since the disappearance of the Old West, and its last vestiges are fast succumbing to the elements and its heedless inheritors. But the westward road beckons us still, and the echoes from the past continue to fascinate, intrigue, and even haunt us.
Discover the ghost town phenomenon for yourself. Come see the final screening of Best Documentary Award-winning “Ghosts of the West: The End of the Bonanza Trail” at the movie house where it began its journey: the Historic Park Theatre, built when the film’s events were still in living memory. Catch the last show of the year at 2 PM on Thursday, October 17. As the film’s writer-director, I will be on hand to answer questions about the entire ghost town project.
Visit www.HistoricParkTheatre.com for information and tickets. Visit KnightSkyPictures.com, the production company’s official website, to view the film’s trailer, gallery, and production info. [Portions of this article originally appeared in opening night programs for and the screenplay of “Ghosts of the West: The End of the Bonanza Trail” and the book “Ghosts of the West: Tales and Legends from the Bonanza Trail” by E. S. Knightchilde.]
By: Judi Smith
A Bit Of History
This particular column is strictly my socio-anthropological opinion. I am not a historian.
Back in European Medieval Times, life was simple and largely preordained. Woman were mothers and caretakers. Men were providers, supplying food and shelter for the family. Boys learned from their father and followed in his footsteps, educated from birth for a specific career. Europe was, for the most part, an autocratic world. Individuals became leaders, often on the battlefield, but also by good decision making which helped the community. Like everyone else, kings trained their sons to take over the family business and kingdoms became hereditary. You were born into your “place" in the world.
Somewhere around the 1400s, new concepts began to surface, including an unproven scientific theory, little more than a rumor, that the world was round and you could reach India and her spice trade by sailing west. An Italian sailor, unable to convince his own rulers that this concept was worth further investigation appealed to the Queen of Spain. Isabella herself was a dichotomy of the time, a partner with her husband in ruling Spain. She and Christopher and Lorenzo de Medici were all about the same age, old enough to attain some authority but young enough to crave adventure. However, the city of Florence, where Lorenzo held sway, did not have the funds to make it happen.
Never-the-less, the necessary investment was accomplished by the Spanish Monarchy and Christopher Columbus set sail with three fully staffed ships, ready to establish a new route to India, expecting clear sailing, devoid of the dangers attributed to Cape Horn.
After a long and arduous journey, 61 days of beer and biscuits amid Atlantic storms, they reached land. Assuming it to be the country they sought, they christened the existing inhabitants “Indians” and claimed the “West Indies" for Spain.
Columbus’s second trip, with 17 ships, began establishing European colonies. These original immigrants brought with them a concept of land ownership which was foreign to the tribes already in residence. While Leif Ericson had landed in what would become Newfoundland, Canada some 500 years earlier, his culture was that of Iceland and Greenland, not European. The sea-based Icelandic culture was not vested in land ownership like that of Europe. Result: his discovery was not well publicized. Columbus made two more trips, never aware that he had discovered, not India, but a “new” continent, full of cultures and peoples completely unknown to the Europeans. Today, with the growth of space exploration, we come ever closer to repeating that discovery, sometime in our future. What might we find and how will we interact?
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 testimonies
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.
Coat Donations Were Much Appreciated
By: Brian Schaffer
Our Coat Distribution was a success!
We collected over 550 coats and enough winter gear that we were able to freely give to neighbors in our community as they prepare for colder weather. We are so blessed to live among such generous neighbors! Many of the folks who receive winter gear have a place to call home, but for some of the people we serve they are experiencing a season of homelessness. As you can imagine, this comes with many challenges, but nothing too big that we can’t resolve together. We are committed to do our best to help people find a safe, secure place to lay their head at night. We have some great partner agencies in town and down valley that we collaborate with in this endeavor, so if you come across anyone in the days ahead that may need some assistance, please send them our way. We are located at 1753 Wildfire Road in Estes Park. We appreciate your support!
According to research done by the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care, the causes of homelessness in
Northern Colorado in many ways mirror those seen across the country. Below is data related to the self-identified factors causing homelessness, identified by those currently unhoused in Northern Colorado.
When an individual completes an intake with a homeless service program, they can give information on what factors contributed to their current experience of homelessness. Below are the top ten most common circumstances people listed as reasons for becoming homeless in 2023. Please note, people may identify more than one reason.
1. Relationship Problems/Family Breakup
2. Lost Job/Could Not Find Work
3. Unable to Pay Rent/Mortgage
4. Alcohol/Substance Use Problems
5. Abuse/Violence in My Home
6. Mental Illness
7. Disabling Conditions
8. Unable to Pay Utilities
9. Discharge from Jail
10. PTSD
Please Join Us At Flatirons Church
By: Larry Yarrington
The Flatirons Church message today was delivered by a guest speaker Crawford Loritz. I first met Crawford when serving as the organizer of the city of Chicago Marriage Life Conference, a position in which my wife and I served for five years. We first attended the conference in 1983 when we were first married. Crawford and his wife have played an enormous role in marriages for many years. However, while today’s message was associated with marriage, it has a much broader application. The first part of the message brought the listeners a touch of reality. People get caught up in the lie that life can be done without disappointment, hurt, and loss. We know it is not true, but we can get caught up in advertisements that life can be anything you want it to be if you have perseverance and own the right products. We are persuaded that the magic formulas exist just around the corner in something we do not yet have. Or perhaps, you are a person who has been so hurt and disappointed that you have given up hope. Some even become so hopeless, they choose to end their life. To move beyond that Crawford explains that our woundedness leads to brokenness and that can be a good thing.
Brokenness is a pathway to desperately seek God. Another story of Moses after the Exodus happened on the mountain with God. Moses had changed from a person broken by a disappointing life to a leader of over 2.5 million people. Moses had developed a desperation for God, to see Him in all His glory, even if it cost him his life. Of course, God loved Moses and wanted to keep him alive a bit longer. I ask myself at times… is my passion for Christ at the same level it was when I first met Jesus. It has increased but I do not yet know if it has reached a level of desperation. Desperation to me, is thinking I will not move or think a thought without asking God’s guidance. My wife is a praying person. She would not think of doing anything without prayer, sometimes with fasting. She reminds me to pray more often than I might tend to because, I can become desperate, but I do not live in that space. I pray when I get desperate enough or the circumstances drive me to prayer because I have tried everything else and failed. That is because my brokenness has not yet become painful enough to be desperate for God. It is more than it used to be, but I am content because God is still working on me.
Let us start with a fundamental definition. Brokenness, as Crawford talked about, is an acknowledgment of a need. Specifically, a need that cannot be met by the world and what it offers. It can only be met by someone who supersedes the world because He created it and can change your reality. In the rest of the sermon, Crawford talked about what brokenness can provide if we seek the right source of information. If all one feels is anger and disappointment, those emotions are not from God but the evil one messing with you with the goal of destroying you.
Brokenness leads to dependence. Crawford told a story of Moses being called by God for a special service. At the time, Moses brokenness had only led him to severe disappointment with self and what he had aspired to in his youth. We all have had that. Everyone either becomes detached from life or faces the reality that life did not happen the way we had hoped or expected. We mistakenly thought that what we aspired to would bring us the life we desired even if we were successful. We are not isolated individuals who can accomplish anything we want if we only persevere. Whether a follower of Jesus or not, a cursory reading of history is clear, we cannot accomplish much without others. Relationships are a key to finding freedom to be all God has designed us to be. We are dependent (I prefer the word interdependent) with others (not on others) to create a life that has purpose beyond our own goals and plans. I did not find mine until about mid 60s, when I had an epiphany. I discovered my wife more fully than ever before. On an occasion, I looked at her and realized what my life would have been without her. That opened my eyes to others God had placed in my life to lean on when needed.
Brokenness is also a pathway to deliverance. The first two paths are necessary but are still difficult to get to the point of transformation, in how we think about brokenness. This point brings tremendous hope in this life and in the one to come. Crawford relayed the story of Paul’s thorn in the side. 2 Corinthians 12:6-10. Deliverance is not the superficial ways the world thinks of it. Sometimes it is not a deliverance from something but a deliverance TO something. Paul discovered in His weakness; God’s power can be revealed in our lives. Often pride can keep us from being all God wants for us, because we are depending on our strength and not the infinite strength of God. I understand this well as my old body becomes weaker and I have pain in my joints. But it has delivered me to something more than I would ever have dreamed. I am retired but my purpose is greater than it ever was in my youth. My faith is stronger. God keeps my mind involved in the delivery of His message through writing. But, above all, it has led me to understand the joy of other people and what they contribute to my life by being able to contribute to theirs.
This was a message worth pondering, for a while, because it takes time and experience to be convinced it is true. At 84, I receive the message easily in my intellect, but applying it to my life, will take a miraculous work, a part of which I have only begun to realize. Slowly I begin to realize that what is important is not my knowing Jesus but His knowing me. It takes both but by far Jesus knowing and acknowledging me as His friend and Savior is grace beyond measure.
If you do not attend regularly elsewhere give us a try at Flatirons. We meet in the Historic Park Theatre every Sunday morning at 10 a.m.
Lee Weldin
Lee Weldin of Estes Park was born on September 22, 1934 in Long Beach, California. He passed away at TRU Community Care, a hospice facility in Longmont, CO, on September 21, 2024, just one day before his 90th birthday. Lee’s daughters had planned a surprise birthday party for September 21, but sadly he entered hospice care suddenly on September 17. The hospice facility kindly welcomed his family and friends for this birthday celebration. Lee went to meet his Lord when he passed away peacefully during that gathering, surrounded by those who loved him.
Lee always recalled his childhood and early years in Long Beach fondly. He attended military school as a young boy and graduated from Wilson High School. Throughout his life he loved sports, especially baseball, and was a big LA Dodger fan. He also played baseball and softball into early adulthood. Lee had intended to go to dental school and started down that path, but love happened … and he married Caroline Ridgeway on April 30, 1955. In the early years of their marriage, Lee was a traveling TV repairman. He would come to your home to fix your television set. Working in the LA area, he had some “famous” customers, and one was John Wayne’s mother! Later, Lee sold Marlite brand wall paneling products that are used in commercial applications. In time, he started a new business, Walls Ltd. Traveling throughout Colorado, Lee remodeled grocery stores (including the Safeway in Estes
Park) and fast food restaurants (such as Winchells Donuts and Pizza Huts) using commercial-grade products produced by Marlite.
Lee and Caroline had five daughters and all were born in Long Beach: Teri, Kathi, Nancy, Vicki and Wendy. The family also lived in Thousand Oaks and San Diego before briefly moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1972, and then to Wheatridge, Colorado in 1973. Estes Park became their permanent home in April, 1983, after they purchased the Riverview Pines Motel that had been heavily damaged in the 1982 Lawn Lake Flood. Lee was a “jack of all trades” and was able to repair the damage to the property with the help of family and friends. There were also two family homes included with the purchase of the motel. Lee’s sister, Jeanette, and her family lived in the second home. Jeanette and her husband, Pat, were co-owners of the property. After several years, Riverview Pines was sold. Lee continued to operate his business, Walls Ltd., after the sale of that property.
Lee also began developing film during their years at Riverview Pines. He established a new business, Estes Photo Express, in 1984 and operated in several different locations in Estes Park for 18 years. The final location was inside the old B & B convenience store on South St. Vrain Ave. The invention of cell phones with cameras soon made film developing obsolete and his Photo Express business was permanently closed in 2002. After that, Lee and Caroline focused on their love of antiques and their growing collection of “old” treasures to sell!
The couple always had an interest in antiques and began collecting items early on in their marriage. This hobby continued throughout their lives. At one time they had an antique store on Cleave Street in Estes Park. They also sold their wares at flea markets in both
Fort Collins and Boulder. Additionally, they would travel to weekend antique shows throughout Colorado and in neighboring states to sell their antiques. Of course, they would also come home with new treasures they purchased at these shows. Their collection continued to grow!
Lee loved the outdoors and took his young family on camping trips in both California and Colorado. Living near Rocky Mountain National Park was a great place for him, and he loved spending time in the park. He never did get used to the snow, though, being a California boy! Lee did complain at times about the cold and snow, but his family knew deep down, he loved living in Colorado. In his younger years, Lee went on annual backpacking treks to Thunder Lake with friends employed by Rocky. They were able to stay in the rescue cabin there, and he cherished the memories made on those trips. Lee also played golf, and taught his grandson, Jeffery, how to play. He enjoyed a life-long love of fishing too, and taught his daughters and grandkids how to fish. Many happy memories were born while fishing with him! Lee continued to enjoy fishing into the last year of his life.
Another love of Lee’s was painting and it brought him much joy. He would give his paintings away to anyone who wanted one! Lee frequently painted natural mountain landscapes, old cabins, barns, and other buildings, flowers, structures along his beloved Route 66, special occasion paintings for family, and paintings of Disney and other childhood characters for the great grandkids. Shortly before he passed, his hands just did not work the same as they had. It then became impossible for him to paint, which deeply saddened him. For several years in his early 80s, he volunteered at the Estes Park Visitor Center. It was a good fit for him, with his love of Estes and amicable personality. Lee enjoyed that work immensely, until his hearing loss made it too difficult for him - and for those he was trying to help! He was quite sad to leave that volunteer position behind.
Lee loved to talk to anyone and everyone. He was an affable soul who made friends easily. He also delighted in telling jokes - including some inappropriate ones that at times made his family “roll their eyes!” Lee had a good sense of humor and found pleasure in making people laugh. He also liked telling stories about his past that the grandkids especially enjoyed hearing.
Prior to going into Hospice, Lee lived at Cinnamon Park Assisted Living in Longmont, CO, after it became too difficult for him to live alone in his home in Estes Park. He enjoyed living at Cinnamon Park and loved the staff who work there. Our family appreciates the excellent care given to him before he passed.
In preparation for his 90th birthday party, Lee’s daughter Vicki asked family and friends to tell what they love about him, so those special thoughts could be compiled and presented to him as a gift. Unfortunately, he passed before they were fully shared with him. Common themes included: his kindness and generosity: he’d “give the shirt off his back”; his sense of humor, jokes, and his laugh; his love of music; his ability to fix anything (but not without some swearing!); his love of telling stories from the past; his love of family; his strong work ethic; his loyalty to friends … And to quote a thought from two of his dear friends who knew him for many years: “As much as you try to pretend you are a grumpy old man, you are really a soft hearted and kind soul.” Yes, this is so true! These characteristics and more we will always remember and love about Lee. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Lee is survived by four daughters: Teri Salerno (Anthony) of Estes Park, Nancy Kuhlman (Keith) of Oshkosh, Nebraska, Vicki Weibel (Curtis) of Pinewood Springs, Wendy Ickes (Ed) of Ault; six grandchildren: Jamie Giles of Billings Montana, Lauren Gundy of Berthoud, Nicholas McDougall of Fort Collins, Faith Weibel Won of Parker, Jeremiah Allen of Loveland, and Anna Weibel of Thornton; five great grandchildren: Jacob Stewart, Joey Stewart, J.J. Stewart, Elissa Giles, and Carter Gundy; one great, great grandchild: Ariyah Sanchez; four siblings: Jeanette Aguilar, Virginia Askew, Robert Bonar and Judi Darnold, and many nieces and nephews! Lee was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Caroline, his daughter, Kathi, and his grandson, Jeffery Giles.
Lee’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Christian Church of Estes Park, 4655 US Highway 36. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Lee’s name to the EP Pet Association or to the animal shelter of your choice.
Michael Hugh Small
Michael Hugh Small, 70, of Estes Park, passed from this life and into the arms of the angels on August 12, 2024, after a valiant and courageous battle with prostate cancer. Born in Santa Rosa, California, he was the son of John Dennis Small and the late Francis Patricia Small. Michael graduated in 1971 from Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in Reno, Nevada. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno and Gonzaga University. After graduating from high school, he apprenticed as a baker at Harvey’s Casino Hotel in South Lake Tahoe, quickly becoming a talented and professional pastry chef and cake decorator. The gifts of his artistic talents led him to becoming a well-known ice carver who could produce any request from a single block of ice. Many conventions, weddings, and other celebra-
To The Editor:
tions throughout Northern Nevada were punctuated by the beautiful figures extracted from the ice by his gifted hands. When asked how he did it, he said, “I look at the ice and see the figure. Then I carve off everything that doesn’t belong until the final piece appears.” The thrill of adventure was a constant beckoning for Michael, and he answered the call again and again. After graduating high school, he visited Hawaii, where he fell in love with the beauty and spirit of the islands, returning multiple times throughout his life. Much to the dismay of his parents, he spent many months hitchhiking across the US and Canada with his buddies, exploring nature and unique cultures, getting to know the locals everywhere he went. Skiing was a lifelong passion for Michael, and he became very skilled at the sport, sharing his knowledge and inspiring his friends and relatives to join him on the mountain for a guaranteed fun time. His boisterous hooting and hollering while carving turns down the runs, many times dressed in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, brought cheers and laughter to the slopes. Michael had a tough time keeping his feet on the ground and took up the sport of hang gliding during his 20s and 30s. He took flight up and down the California coast, Northern Nevada mountains, and anywhere the winds would take
Healing Quilts Of Valor
I don't sew or quilt. I'm not a veteran. However, I was moved when I heard Sandy Lazaroff, USAF, Retired, and Group Leader of Front Range QOV, speak at the Longs Peak Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) meeting, I knew I had to help get the word out!
The Quilts of Valor Foundation® awards quality-made heirloom quilts to service members and veterans touched by war. Catherine Roberts', founder, was inspired through a dream. "The dream was as vivid as real life. I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter. Then, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair
him. Floating freely among the clouds, birds by his side, brought immeasurable joy and peace to his soul. Michael had a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world, leading him to find his home in Estes Park, Colorado surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. He was the owner of Estes Park Color and was a talented, successful house painter always feeling grateful to be living and working surrounded by the beauty of the National Park. He was an avid fisherman and never missed a chance to get his line in the water, always on the hunt for the perfect hole that just might deliver a whopper. His elaborate tall tales of his fishing adventures were shared frequently with anyone who would listen. Michael never married, but shared his love freely with everyone he met, worked for, and befriended. Michael entertained all who knew him through his gift of storytelling, often leaving his audience in fits of laughter. A keen sense of humor was woven into every life challenge or celebration and remained with him until his departure from this life. Friends became his family, and he was blessed with too many to count. Many nieces and nephews were the benefactors of his love, guidance, and joyful playfulness. To each, he was the “Funcle” (like a dad only cooler), and they will carry the memory of his contagious spirit and positive influence with them throughout their lives. Every kid should be fortunate enough to have an “Uncle Mikey.” His friends and family will deeply miss his colorful presence that lit up the room and turned every occasion into a lively affair.
Michael was a deeply spiritual man who shared his faith with others and lived the message of the gospels every
day. He felt deep compassion for those with difficult lives, especially the elderly, disabled, and abused or neglected children. His generosity in giving of himself and his resources to children and adults with special needs, helping the elderly, visiting the sick and dying, giving to the foodbank, and volunteering his time throughout his life, left him to die a financially poor man. The reality is, he died with enormous spiritual wealth, a result of his selfless giving right up until his last day.
Michael is survived by his father, Dennis Small, Dennis’s wife Nina, his siblings, Betsy Small, Patsy Kerr (Scott), Lorrie Cordain (Loren), Theresa Mathieson (Todd), Mary Scott (Tom), Veronica Hoffman, and Dennis Small, 20 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, and his many friends whom he considered and cherished as family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pat Small.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Jeanine Nabors, whose loving care for Michael made it possible for him to stay in his home in Estes Park while battling cancer. A special thanks to the Pathways Hospice team who supported and cared for Michael in his final days.
A celebration of life will be held October 20, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. in the Estes Park Community Center. In honor of Michael’s wishes, friends and family attending are asked to dress in colorful and/or Hawaiian themed attire, and to share memories and stories of Michael. Memorial contributions in Michael’s memory can be made to The Larimer County Food Bank or CASA of Larimer County.
A Fond Farewell
to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was: Quilts = Healing."
Since 2003 the foundation's volunteers have awarded over 390,000 Quilts of Valor. Each quilt sends a message of, "Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation."
I strongly encourage you to learn more about how you can help. Ways to support Quilts of Valor include: participating by volunteering your time and/or your sewing/quilting skills, donating fabric, supplies or funds, or nominating a service member or living veteran. Please visit the website www.QOVF.org or email Sandy at Sandra.Lazaroff@govf.org if you have specific questions.
To learn more about DAR please visit www.dar.org.
Kay Rosenthal
Dear Estes Park,
Thank you for being and for being your awesome, graceful, wonderland self, full of Colorado blue skies, wildlife, life, music, poetry, friends, and family. For 17 years this has been a cozy haven of mostly magical contentment. I have learned and grown here.
But as time has it, it is time to move on, to California and to the next great adventure, with my brother, his girlfriend, the new solar greenhouse, and our animal crews.
Thanks to all I have encountered here — some of the sweetest folks (and animals) in the world: the "hill" folk of High Drive, my parents, my adopted animals, Moosie, Pye, Angie-lope and Zuma who became a Coloradan, all the emergency personnel, hospital, doctors, dentists, and veterinary personnel, and of course, the aspen, the ever-
and never-changing mountains and pines, and always the deer and elk. They all have given me a place to be, a home, music, and poetry to celebrate it all.
I am grateful beyond words to know you. And take you with me on my next journey chapter. Yes, it's a long strange trip. But worthwhile.
With special mentions to former Trail Gazette managing editor John Cordsen, the Estes Park Chorale and Oratorio, Writers on the Brink, my late parents, Dale and Alice Harvey, and my brother, Tom Harvey and significant other Jackie Earnshaw, with whom I will be sharing the next great chapter and adventure of my life, with no cliffhanger endings, only happy beginnings.
With gratitude for the big and small, Juley Harvey
The Bird’s Nest
Now hiring dishwashers and line cooks $15-$25/hr. Please stop by or email info@thebirds–nest.com
Employment Opportunity with Estes Park Housing Authority
Maintenance Operations Manager
Are you looking to put your leadership, entrepreneurial, and maintenance skills to work in a long-term career opportunity? If so, Estes Park Housing Authority invites you to apply to our fast-paced and growing organization. The Maintenance Operations Manager role requires strong leadership, effective administration skills and abilities to manage the needs and improvements of our properties.
Hiring range is $65,000 - $85,000 for this full-time position and includes health, dental, vision, and PERA retirement benefits
Specialized training or education in facilities management and/or certified maintenance supervisory training with certification in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or boiler systems preferred. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in multi-family general maintenance, vacancy turns, and budget creation/management highly desired. Proficient computer skills required.
A completed EPHA Employment Application MUST be submitted for consideration of employment. Also, resumes are encouraged. Applications and full job description are available at the EPHA office or on our website.
Position open until filled.
EstesHousing.Org
363 E Elkhorn Ave Suite 101
Estes Park, CO 80517
Or call 970-591-2535 for additional information
The Estes Park Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer.
Employment Opportunity with Estes Park Housing Authority
Property Manager
Are you an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, hardworking individual looking for a long-term career in Estes Park? If so, Estes Park Housing Authority invites you to apply to our fast-paced and growing organization. This Property Manager role requires strong communication and effective customer service skills to deliver our services and products to the Estes Valley Community.
The hiring range is $50,000 to $65,000 for this full-time position and includes health, dental, vision and PERA retirement benefits
Knowledge of property management and Housing Tax Credits is preferred. Duties will include maintaining current compliance with various state, federal, and local programs. This necessitates management of property and residential needs, as well as a variety of administrative tasks requiring proficiency in computer skills.
Applications and job description available at the EPHA office or on our website www.esteshousing.org
363 E Elkhorn Ave Suite 101
Estes Park, CO 80517
Or call 970-591-2535 for additional information
Resumes are accepted and encouraged. Completed EPHA Employment Application MUST be submitted for consideration of employment.
Position open until filled.
The Estes Park Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer.
MAIL / PACKAGE DELIVERY
Perform a variety of functions to accomplish the distribution of mail and packages. Vehicle and gas supplied. Must be able to lift up to 70lbs. Competitive pay. Full or Part Time Call Robin at 970-232-5514
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.
Hiring Cleaning Tech and Supervisor Position $21 - $24 hourly
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
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.
You've just found it! Fun family business
Supportive Team Environment Apply now at www.Wayfindercleaning.com or call 970-585-8587.
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.
B u i ld i ng Mai
ho u Si ng Specia l iSt
This position supports the work of the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center, which operates a mission-based family and group conference and retreat center, serving more than 150,000 guests annually. The Building Maintenance Tech – Staff Housing Specialist is primarily responsible for the maintenance and repair of all aspects of Estes Park Center’s staff housing, with a special emphasis on Glacier Lodge, the year-round staff housing neighborhood. The majority of the work will be ongoing building and grounds maintenance and repair as requested by the Buildings Maintenance Supervisor. Additional maintenance and repair work will also occur in all buildings at the EPC campus. This position pays $21 - $23/hour with great employee perks and benefits including 60 day temporary housing, health, dental, and life insurance, discounted childcare, generous PTO/vacation, ski passes, and participation in the YMCA Retirement Fund.
j o bs.ym
Full Time/Part Time
$18.00 to $24.00 per hour DOE plus bonus* • General Maintenance and/or
Hot Tub Service • Landscaping/Snow Removal
Guest Services
*Bonus is $1.00 per hour May through October
Apply at, mail or email resume to:
Fawn Valley Inn, 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 Email: Jamie@RockyMtnResorts.com
Postal Contracter/Mail
Carrier position available!
Full time/part-time available. Reliability is paramount. Organize and deliver mail route. $165/day. Must work rain, snow or shine! Great job for all ages. Drug test and clean 5 year driving record required. Call Bryan for more details. 970-815-1938
Homes
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
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
SERVICES
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
Free Consultation and Review of your health plan for those with Medicare and those under 65! Call Us First 970-672-1092. ncipsenioradvantage.com
LOOKING FOR ART LOVERS!
Join one of the top 10 Galleries in the USA featuring all American Art with 2 locations in Estes Park.
Part Time
Sales Positions Available.
Retail sales experience required. Must be friendly and outgoing and willing to go the extra mile for our customers.
We offer:
• Very competitive wages
• Attractive employee discounts
• Profit Sharing
• A great work environment surrounded by beautiful American art!
Please drop off resume in person at: 360 E. Elkhorn Ave. or, Email to info@earthwoodartisans.com
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.
Misc.
King size bed wall unit with drawers, mattress/box springs included, 42” round rod iron patio table with 4 swivel chairs, 64x20x27 TV stand with glass doors and shelves, 32x13x36 book shelf, 55x43 framed mirror 970-218-6350
REAL ESTATE
Estate Sales
ESTATE/MOVING SALE
Need to have one, but seems overwhelming. We do the work, you make the $. Local, Affordable, References. CALL JUDI 970-215-5548
Save the date: Storm Mtn Holiday Bazaar ; 11/2 10-4 & 11/3 11-3. BTCA Building, 1479 US Hwy 34, E of Drake. Many locally handcrafted items. Soup Sunday fundraiser. Details at www.facebook.com/ peacefulridge, more info soon!
for sale and lease. Call Eric. Anderson Realty. 586-2950
