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Estes Park Museum Gallery To Begin Temporary Closure
A recent discovery of webbing clothes moths in the Estes Park Museum gallery will prompt a temporary closure of the space while pest mitigation work takes place. Out of an abundance of caution, all textiles on display will be placed through a freeze - thaw cycle and in-depth cleaning process before being put back on display. While the artifacts are off display, the gallery environment will undergo a thorough cleansing to curtail any future occurrence.
Mitigation will be performed by staff and the Museum gallery will re-open after all work has been completed. The work is anticipated to take approximately three weeks, with hopes to reopen in early January. Please check the Museum’s website, www.estes.org/museum for the most recent updates.
Go Behind The Scenes With Estes Park’s Town Government
Ever wondered what goes on during a typical day at Town Hall? How does our local government operate? What facilities does the Town of Estes Park own? All of these questions and many more will be answered during the 2025 Community Information Academy.
The Town of Estes Park’s biennial Community Information Academy (CIA) – formerly the Citizens Information Academy – is a sevenweek series designed to familiarize participants with Estes Park’s municipal government and encourage active participation from community members. During CIA, participants meet with Town Trustees and staff and expand their knowledge of overall Town operations. The course reviews the responsibilities of Town departments including Public Works, Utilities, Internal Services, Community Development, Finance, the Town Administrator’s Office, Town Clerk and Human Resources, Events and Visitor Services, Police, and the Municipal Court.
Classes will take place Wednesday afternoons from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Estes Valley Library, beginning February 5 and continuing through March 26.Five sessions will cover the Town departments listed above, and a sixth will focus on the local Special Districts in Estes Park. There will be no session March 19.
A short application is required prior to admission, and participants are expected to attend all sessions.Priority for admission to the program is given to Town residents, but individuals who live outside Town boundaries are welcome to attend if space is available. Minimum class size is 15; the maximum is 22. Attending CIA is not a prerequisite for election or appointment to a board or commission; however, CIA participants who subsequently served on Town boards and commissions have found it very helpful.
CIA consists of six weekly three-hour classroom sessions, as well as a Town facilities tour, and is free of charge.
Please contact Public Information Officer Kate Miller at kmiller@estes.org or 970-577-3701 for more information and to request an electronic application. Applications are accepted through January 23, 2025. The Estes Valley Library and the Town of Estes Park are partners in offering this civic engagement opportunity.
EPH Urgent Care Announces Holiday Hours
The Estes Park Health Urgent Care located at located at 420 Steamer Drive has some different hours coming up over the holiday. On Christmas Eve, the Urgent Care will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Urgent Care will be closed Christmas Day. If you have an urgent problem on Christmas Day, feel free to use the Estes Park Health Emergency Department.
Drop Off Christmas Trees Dec. 26 - Jan. 17 At The Fairgrounds
The Town of Estes Park's free Christmas tree drop-off site will be open Mondays through Thursdays beginning Dec. 26, from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The site will be open through Jan. 17.
Please note the drop-off site will be closed New Year’s Day. The drop-off will be located at the Community Drive entrance to the Estes Park Events Complex/Fairgrounds; follow the signs to the fenced drop-off location. Trees must be stripped of ornaments, tinsel, and other decorations. No wreaths, garland, artificial trees, or tree stands will be accepted. Trees must be dropped during the specified hours in the iden-
tified area. Dropping trees after hours or in other locations will be considered illegal dumping and may be subject to a fine.
The Town offers this free service as a convenience and cost-saving measure for residents, with the added benefit of keeping discarded trees/slash out of the landscape.
The trees are chipped and discarded in the Larimer County landfill.
The high acidity of the chipped product makes it unsuitable for mulch or compost. For more information, please contact the Town of Estes Park Public Works Department at 970-577-3587.
Town Of Estes Park Christmas And New Year’s Closures
Town of Estes Park local government facilities will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday. Staff will resume normal operating hours Thursday,
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
On 12/11/2024 at 5:19 p.m. police contacted a 58 year old female from Estes Park in the 400 block of E. Wonderview who was wanted on a warrant for a misdemeanor. She turned herself in at the Estes Park Police Station and she was
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 December 8th, 2024, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 10 calls
Dec. 26. Town facilities will also be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1 for the New Year’s Day holiday, resuming normal operating hours Thursday, Jan. 2.
booked and later released on a PR bond.
On 12/11/2024 at 7:15 a.m. officers were tipped to the location of a 30 year old male from Estes Park in the 1100 block of Big Thompson Ave. who was wanted on a felony warrant. The male was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
for service. This included:
Alarm Activation: 3
Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 2
Odor Investigation: 1
Gas Leak: 2
HazMat: 1 Assist: 1 www.estesvalleyfire.org
The 1917 Book Club Returns In January 2025
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the 1917 Book Club, hosted by the Estes Park Museum, will explore local title, He Came & Stayed: Pieter Hondius, The Estes Park Years by Dr. James Pickering. The program will take place from 10 – 11:30 a.m. in the Museum Meeting Room. Light snacks will be provided. This program is free and open to the public. It is strongly encouraged that par ticipants read each book prior to the program to take part in the discussion.
This biographical history provides a detailed account of the life and accomplishments of one of Estes Park's most important, yet largely overlooked, early residents. By 1915, Pieter Hondius Sr. had become the largest single landowner within the new Rocky Mountain National Park. In 1904, he married Eleanor Estes James, the only daughter of the pioneer family which established Elkhorn Lodge. In the years that fol-
lowed, Pieter Hondius Sr. went on to initiate a series of successful and farsighted business ventures, which made him one of the wealthiest, wellrespected, and most civically engaged citizens in the Estes Valley. The richly detailed text is illustrated by nearly 100 period photographs, some of which have never been seen locally. Dr. Pickering will be in attendance to contribute to a lively discussion facilitated by Museum staff.
1917 Book Club titles can be purchased at the Museum Gift Shop, Macdonald Bookshop, Peaks Hallmark, and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Additionally, the title is available to check out at the Estes Valley Library. For any questions regarding the event, please call or email Curator of Interpretation Mikaela Fundaun at 970-5773762 or mfundaun@estes.org.
YMCA Sustainability Director At Next Learn With The League
Hear from the YMCA Sustainability Director Amy Wolf on Wednesday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the American Legion Hall, 850 N. St. Vrain. YMCA of the Rockies has been a steward of the Rocky Mountain regions
of Colorado for generations. We have adopted an emissions reduction goal that aims to cut our greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 50% by 2050. Amy Wolf is the first Environmental Sustainability Director for YMCA of the Rockies. In this presentation, Amy will cover the our emissions reduction goal. We will also discuss our plan to reduce our impact on the local environment and fully engaging staff and visitors in our efforts.
Amy’s work includes leading three Youth-Led Solutions:
• Climate Action project teams with members from Russia, Sweden, France, Scotland, and Peru on projects like “That’s a Wrap on Plastic Wrap” – a project that replaced plastic wrap in the housekeeping departments of both facilities with reusable totes
• The development of a waste audit and activity handbook available in three languages
• Creating and scaling climate-focused educational modules to be used as training for all YMCA of the Rockies staff at both centers.
All are welcome. No registration necessary.
Amy Wolf, Environmental Sustainability Director.
Park Hospital Board Approves 2025 Estes Park Hospital Budget
On Friday, Dec. 13, the Park Hospital District Board unanimously approved the 2025 budget, and the mill levy on taxpayers of 7.505 budgeted at $4,396,016. The mill levy did not change from the previous year.
The 2025 budget includes operating revenue of $60,277,612 and operating expenses of $62,92,112.
With taxes, investment income, gifts from the EPH Foundation, etc., the net position increase is projected at $1,464,993.
CEO Vern Carda said at the initial Dec. 11th meeting that slow progress is being made as Estes Park Health climbs out of a financial hole.
“If we had not made some hard choices, we would not have seen progress in the budget or found an affiliation partner, UCHealth,” Carda emphasized. “This upcoming partnership will ensure the Estes Valley has quality health care for decades to come. I’m proud of the work the administration, the staff, and the Board has done to make this progress possible.”
In 2022, EPH faced a loss of more than $8 million. In 2023, that loss was $1.7 million. 2024 is project to show a half million-dollar loss. The 2025 budget projects a $1.4 million net in-
crease.
“We’ve developed our budget around the objectives we want to achieve,” Carda said. “We are investing in quality, personnel, service, and safety, as well as taking care of our aging physical plant.”
A proposed capital budget of about $3 million includes a new nurse call system, a breast health center that is part of a Diagnostic Imaging renovation, the relocation of cardiac rehabilitation, as well as work on the roof and parking lots.
“Our budget is our best estimate at this point in time,” Carda stated. “There are many things that will occur that we don’t have control over, and we will be forced to react to. The hospital is not a factory. People’s medical needs can’t be predicted.”
The Board considered a list of procedural objections submitted by the Estes Valley Voice. According to law, electors can object to the budget. The Estes Valley Voice is not an individual elector. Even so, in the spirit of transparency, the Board consulted with attorneys about the procedural objections and determined EPH has been in compliance with statutes throughout the budget process.
Fugitive Arrested On Multiple Charges After Evading Police
On Dec. 16, 2024, at approximately 11:04 p.m., an Estes Park Police Officer observed someone driving a white Audi erratically in the 500-block of South Saint Vrain Avenue (CO 7.) When the driver of the Audi noticed the marked police vehicle, they abruptly turned onto Stanley Avenue at a high rate of speed. The officer followed the vehicle, which continued to accelerate, ignored multiple stop signs, and weaved dangerously between shoulders.
After the officer activated emergency lights, the driver accelerated more and passed another vehicle over double yellow lines, reaching speeds exceeding 65 miles per hour. The officer lost sight of the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, a Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputy observed the vehicle traveling eastbound on North Saint Vrain Avenue (U.S. 36) at over 100 miles per hour. The vehicle was eventually stopped by officers at the intersection of Fish Creek Road and North Saint Vrain Avenue, where the driver was taken into custody without further incident. The driver was identified as a 38 year old male and was the only occupant of the vehicle.
The male was arrested and taken to the Larimer County Jail and booked on the following charges:
• Drove vehicle while under the influence of alcohol - three or more priors (F4)
• Vehicular eluding - (F5)
• Reckless driving – (MT2)
• Possessed an open marijuana container in a motor vehicle (TIA)
These charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Estes Park Police Chief Ian Stewart commented, “This is a strong example of proactive policing by officers of the Estes Park Police Department. It also highlights the great cooperation between local law enforcement agencies, most notably the EPPD and the LCSO. I am thankful this individual was safely apprehended for his actions last night and that there is one less fugitive in our community.”
Salvation Army Planning For Christmas In July
By: Brian Schaffer
The Estes Park Service Extension Unit for the Salvation Army has been active in the Estes Valley for over 35 years. You might ask, “What does the Salvation Army do in our little mountain town?” Glad you asked! After each of the major floods, local emergencies and fires, there has been resources sent up from the Intermountain Divisional office to support the partnering agencies who are working hand-inhand with recovery efforts. The funding resources along with a mobile canteen to feed people are at the beck and call of the Estes Park Service Extension Unit which is extremely helpful when local resources are overloaded or just not sufficient for the demand. One recent example of the partnership we have with the Salvation Army happened during the global pandemic. Large quantities of groceries and emer-
gency kits were made available to Crossroads Ministry to distribute to those in the community who needed them. There was also housing assistance extended through their large network of providers. As the Executive Director of Crossroads Ministry, I am very grateful for the partnership we have enjoyed for many years with the Salvation Army. It’s always good to know we have a large organization just a call away when we need additional resources.
For many years the biggest way we have been able to benefit from these additional resources is through the Red Kettle giving program that many of you are familiar with. Each year for a few days after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, there have been hundreds of volunteers who have given of their time to ring bells beside the Red Kettles in hopes that people will contribute a few bucks or a handful of coins to help the less fortunate in our community. To pull this off each year is a big undertaking, and due to a variety of circumstances the Red Kettle campaign didn’t happen. Therefore, we are planning to organize a Christmas in July campaign where we will have bell ringers at Safeway every day to raise awareness and funds to support the work being done in the community. If you’re interested in serving as a coordinator for this event, please send me an email at brian.crossroadsep@gmail.com. Thank you! Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, one of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to observe other people’s Christmas trees. I like to take note of their tree topper (a star, an angel, or something else?), if they have garland or tinsel, colored lights or all white (or even bubble lights), and of course I enjoy looking closely at their ornaments. Every ornament has a story and I love to hear those tales.
Who made that one? How long ago? Oh, you made it! When you were six. That explains a lot!
Where were you when you bought this one? Denmark? Tell me about that trip.
This pinecone reindeer was a gift? From whom? Your son when he was in kindergarten. Precious!
You inherited that one from your parents? What a treasure! Do you know when they got it? On their honeymoon in 1956. No wonder Saint Nick has only has one eye and his jolly suit is more faded Bronco orange than Santa red.
After I’ve heard the stories and the hostess is off pouring more wassail for her guests, I casually make my way to the back of the tree where the real stories are! Back-of-the-tree ornaments are the ones that aren’t top tier decorations but aren’t bad enough to get rid of. (Liken them to pieces of string in the junk drawer: too short to use but too long to throw away.*) I would guess every tree has at least one back-of-thetree ornament and most have many more. They may be ugly or broken or have missing parts or remind us of a person or place we’d rather forget. You see, a back-of-the-tree ornament’s inferior ranking doesn’t necessarily have to do with appearance. Joe and I have a few unattractive ornaments hanging front and center on our tree, like the antique clear glass ball with the faded paint chipping off (circa 1945), and we have some rather lovely decorations that hang in the back because they don’t give us warm fuzzies. Take the puckered satin red and green chili pepper. I label all of my ornaments so I know it is from 1999 and was a gift from a former co-worker of a former spouse before he was “released” from that place of employment. For 25 years I’ve hung that ornament on the back of the tree. This year I put it up, then took it down. I am finally ready to relinquish the red hot chili pepper. What caused me to keep the bauble for all those years? Some years I didn’t even take it out of the storage bin, but left it neglected with the other misfit ornaments and glitter dust until after Christmas when I packed up all the
decorations until next year. A year later, there it was, ignored at the bottom of the bin, where I took it out and shamefully hung it where no one could see it.
If you’re looking for a variation on the white elephant gift giving theme, consider a back-of-the-tree ornament exchange. You know that braided wreath made out of salt dough that was baked and then shellacked? Now that the shellack has lost its sheen and the dough has turned gray, it’s time to let it go. I bet a puckered satin red and green chili pepper would look perfect on your tree.
Which leads us in a roundabout way to the traditional cookie exchange. I bake my favorite recipe and you bake your favorite recipe and n’er the twain shall meet. Your favorite is not my favorite and vice versa. When I come home from a cookie exchange I open the cookie container and assess the odd mix of bars, balls and flat, frosted, sprinkled, coated sweets. I take a bite out of each of them and then let the rest turn stale so I can feel ok about throwing them away. I figure everyone else is doing the same with the cookies I took to the exchange. If all the partygoers made gingersnaps and buckeyes and those pretzels with melted Rolos in the middle, I’d be more enthusiastic about a cookie exchange. But my gingersnaps—many cookie aficionados would rather not eat a crunchy, molasses-y biscuit if they had their druthers.
My sister told me about a friend who goes to a cookie dough exchange. Each person takes home a ball of dough from every participant. The dough can go into the freezer and be baked at will. That way the dough doesn’t necessarily have to be made into a Christmas cookie.
I don’t care what anybody says, chocolate chip cookies are not a Christmas cookie, but they’re perfect for a snowy, windy day in late January. On such a day, you can pull from the freezer that dough you got from the dough exchange, bake up some golden brown cookies with oozy chocolate morsels and the day will improve dramatically. And if the dough is for a cookie you aren’t fond of, you can always bake it up, shellack it, and hang it on your tree—in the back.
*Credit for this delightful string description goes to the father of my friend Joan S.
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
(No service Tuesday…Dec. 24) Please join us at 450 Valley Road Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30 pm Children welcome https://estesparkco.adventistchurch.org !"#$%&'(%)$%)*(%&)) +,-.)+%/)
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Sketching And Painting Nature Classes With Scott Rashid Thursday Mornings
Have you ever wanted to learn to paint using watercolor? If so here’s your chance, Scott Rashid, the director of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI) among other things is an accomplished watercolorist who has been painting birds for more than 35 years.
Every Thursday morning, from 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m., attending artists will be in the studio creating watercolor paintings. Each attendee can choose what they would like to paint. You can bring photographs or unfinished paintings to work on during each session. While attending the class, you will have the opportunity to create paintings of birds, animals, trees, flowers, whatever interests you.
Each class will begin with the artists either beginning a piece of art or working on something they have brought from home. While the participants are painting, Scott will demonstrate a variety of techniques and give advice to the attendees as they paint.
Each morning we will meet upstairs at the Estes Park Bank Building 255 Park Lane. Attendees will need to bring pencils and their watercolor supplies. To attend Sketching and Painting Nature, go to www.carriep.org/seminars/workshops and click the link Painting and Sketching using Watercolor.
See you at the Estes Park Bank Building 255 Park Lane Estes Park. Looking forward to drawing and painting every Thursday at 8:00 a.m, throughout the winter.
White-headed Woodpecker watercolor by Scott Rashid.
Small Mountain Owls Is Next Topic At Scott Rashid’s CARRI Program
Come join members of CARRI for their next presentation in our Winter Speaker Series. On Thursday December 26th members of CARRI will present Small Mountain Owls. The presentation will be held upstairs at the Estes Park Bank Building at 255 Park Lane (across from the Estes Park Police Station) at 6:30 p.m.
Small Mountain Owls is the name of CARRI’s director Scott’s most recent book with the same name. This program will cover the natural history of Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Sawwhet Owl, Boreal Owl, and the Flammulated Owl, as they are all found within RMNP. Scott has been working with these owls researching and rehabilitating them for more than 30 years.
Scott has documented the first nest of
a pair of Flammulated Owls in RMNP and the first ever Boreal Owl nest in RMNP. He has documented each species’ preferred habitats, nests, and feeding, not to mention courtship, growth of their young and more.
Each fall, Scott and his researchers have been trapping and banding these owls as part of their research. During the program, you will learn the results of these banding operations. You will find out how many of these birds are captured by CARRI members each fall and where they may spend the winters.
Join us for a fascinating program about these small owls. The program will be held at the Estes Park Bank Building 255 Park Lane at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday December 26th. Enter from the parking lot and walk upstairs. Tickets are $10.00 at the door.
Nesting Flammulated Owl.
Restless Spirit Winter Band Playing At
Raven’s Roast December 21
Restless Spirit Winter Band is playing on December 21 at Ravens Roast Coffee Shop from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Ravens Roast is located on our beautiful Riverwalk in Estes Park—just a couple of doors down from East Riverside to the west. This will be their new home on Wednesdays in the summer. They are grateful to have such a beautiful and fun place to play music. The band’s music this Saturday will be Appalachian Old Time.
Go to wwwrestlessspiritmusic.com for more information.
Estes Park Health Rolls Out New Patient Transport Chairs Thanks To Village Thrift Shop Grant
Thanks, Village Thrift Shop!
The Village Thrift Shop gave a grant to the Estes Park Health Foundation for a new patient transport chair for Estes Park Health (EPH). But the story doesn’t stop there. The resourceful team at EPH worked with a vendor to stretch the grant dollars even further. With additional funding from the Estes Park Health Foundation, the hospital was able to purchase not just one but four brand-new patient transport chairs.
These wheelchairs, now on display in the EPH lobby, are a game-changer. They are designed for greater comfort
and adaptability, with features such as improved stability, better brakes, and other thoughtful amenities that make them easier to use for both patients and staff.
This picture captures the spirit of the occasion when hospital staff gathered to pose for a photo with the new chairs. A hospital visitor joined in the fun, making the photo even more memorable.
Stop by the lobby to see these wonderful additions and join us in celebrating the incredible community partnerships that make moments like this possible.
Estes Park Jazz Big Band To Present Special Concert
The Estes Park Jazz Big Band will present a special Christmas concert on Sunday, December 22, starting at 7:00 p.m. The free concert will be held at Hyde Chapel, YMCA of the Rockies.
This concert will continue the celebration of the Christmas season at the chapel. This concert will feature all Christmas music.
Chuck Varilek will direct the local jazz band which is in its 33rd year of providing music for Estes Park residents and visitors.
Featured vocalists will be Jan McCown and Denise Stookesberry. McCown will sing “This Christmas,” and Stookesberry will sing “Let It
Audience members will be encouraged to sing along to any or all of the songs if they wish.
The Big Band will perform several other Christmas selections in big band style including “Silent Night,” “Silver Bells,” “The Christmas Song” and “Winter Wonderland.” Several members of the band will be featured as soloists throughout the concert.
The Estes Park Jazz Big Band is made up of musicians from Estes Park and surrounding communities.
For more information about the band or the concert, please contact Chuck Varilek at 970-227-8704.
Crutches4Africa.org
Sunrise Rotary and Noon Rotary have been collaborating on a project titled Crutches4Africa. It is a 501(c)(3) organization and is the international project of Mountain Foothills Rotary Club in District 5450. David Talbot is a Rotarian and a polio survivor. He and his wife Candice, founded this organization after witnessing people in Africa struggling to move due to the effects of polio. Crutches4Africa is now a worldwide organization and every person participating in it is a volunteer. No one is paid. They do this out of the goodness of their heart to provide mobility devices to people stricken with polio. They are living Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.
Bill Howell, President of Sunrise Rotary, offered his garage as a collection site for donated items. If you have an assistive device you no longer need or want, bring it to our Rotary meeting on the first four Thursdays of the month at the American Legion at 11: 30 AM. I will collect them and deliver them to Bill at his home.
We have been offered an empty RV to serve as a collection site, but I need a 16 foot site where I can park it. If you know of a place, please contact me at anneslack@aol.com.
“Mobility, Health, Dignity, Access: We toil together to enable those we may never see. Hobbled in life by some illness, accident or act of violence. Many are hopeless. The generous donations given to Crutches 4 Africa are the tools we use to help raise the hindered, to lift them from the dust, and help them on their way.”
To contact Crutches4Africa, phone: 303-877-2803 or email: c4a@crutches4africa.org; To view their website go to www.crutches4africa.org. Please help us with this very worthy cause.
Thank you, Annie Slack, 970-231-6697
Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.”
Denise Stookesberry
Jan McCown
A Sleigh to Remember
Ballet Renaissance extends a special thank you to Tim Phillips of the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies for his talent and generosity building a sleigh for BR’s upcoming production of the Nutcracker. The sleigh is an important part of the storyline, and transports Clara and Fritz to the Kingdom of Sweets, where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and the rest of the characters in Act 2. Phillips donated his time and talent to craft a beautiful sleigh, and loaned several pieces of furniture and a large Christmas tree for the production. Ballet Renaissance first presented “The Nutcracker, Act 1, Scene 1: Party Scene,” in December of 2019, with plans to add sections of the Nutcracker each subsequent year until the entire production was in place. COVID slowed these plans, but did not stop them. This fall, Ballet Renaissance restaged “Party Scene,” and added “Battle Scene,” “Angels” and 5 of the 7 Divertissement from Act 2. The performance features 51 students and 5 adult dancers, including guest artist Sharon Wehner as the Sugar Plum Fairy. The performance will take place Friday Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. on stage at the Estes Park High School Auditorium.
2024 Denver Broncos Schedule (9-5)
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 LOST 16-23
10/17 @ New Orleans Saints WON 33-10
10/27 Carolina Panthers WON 28-14
11/3 @ Baltimore Ravens LOST 10-41
11/10 @ Kansas City Chiefs LOST 14-16
11/17 Atlanta Falcons WON 38-6
11/24 @ Las Vegas Raiders WON 29-19
12/2 Cleveland Browns WON 41-32
12/8 Bye Week
12/15 Indianapolis Colts WON 31-13
12/22 @ Los Angeles Chargers FOX 2:05
12/29 @ Cincinnati Bengals TBD 11:00
1/5 Kansas City Chiefs on TBD 11:00
There is no admission fee, though will be an opportunity for guests to give a gift, if they so choose, via cash, check or Venmo at the door.
The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies, Village Thrift Shop, Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, Estes Park Rotary Duck Race, Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, Center Stage School of Dance, Estes Park Schools, volunteers and generous philanthropists make this performance possible.
For more information visit balletren.org.
Tim Phillips poses with Ballet Renaissance students and the sleigh he built.
DECEMBER 21 6PM
DOWNTOWN ESTES PARK
Estes Park Holiday Lights Recycle Project
The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary is partnering with the Youth at the Estes Park High School to host the first annual old/bad holiday light string recycling project that started November 1, 2024 and runs through January 15, 2025.
dents and the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club who will regularly empty the collection boxes between November 1, 2024-January 15, 2025.
Collection locations:
• Estes Park High School Lobby
• Estes Park Middle School Lobby
This project lets you drop off old/bad holiday light strings for recycling, such as rope lights, mini’s, and the older lights that we all grew up with, rather than have them end up in the landfill.
Residents in and around Estes Park are invited to dispose of old/bad holiday strings of lights during this free recycling project through January 15, 2025.
This project is an educational and service project for Estes Park High School and Middle School students, the Estes Park Middle School (Rotary) Interact Club, the Estes Park Art Stu-
• Estes Valley Recreation Center
• The Estes Valley Library
• National Park Village (lobby between Country Market and Mad Moose)
Only holiday light strings will be collected. Items NOT included are artificial trees, garland, wrapping paper or ornaments.
For more information about this recycle program, contact Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club at evsr@evsr.org or call or text Dean Belka at 402-4995664.
WINTER HOURS
Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
Holiday Hours
Closed Tuesday, December 24; Wednesday, December 25; Wednesday, January 1
KEY
Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.
ALL AGES Orna-mania!
Friday, December 20, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
Celebrate the holiday season by creating festive, handmade ornaments! Drop in during these open crafting times; whether you’re an experienced maker or a beginner, the Makerspace will be fully stocked with materials for a wide variety of projects.
Game Night Ⓡ
Saturday, December 21, 2 - 4:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Play classic board games like Clue and Candyland, or try new challenges like Blank Slate and Bologna. All ages welcome – bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Refreshments provided.
Tech Help with Digital Navigators of Larimer County Ⓡ
Thursday, December 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dream Study Room
Build your digital skills, including
What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library
using your smartphone, accessing websites and online accounts, improving virtual communications, and more. Appointments required; sign up at calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org. Service offered in English and Spanish. Presented by AmeriCorps service members.
Show & Tell:
Favorite Books Edition Ⓡ
Tuesday, December 31, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Read a few good books this year? Share the love! Stop by this casual session for refreshments and community recommendations. We’ll provide notepads and pens so you can jot down ideas for future reads.
Magic of Masks Crafting
Thursday, January 9, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
You’re invited to participate in the annual Community Mask Challenge. Register and pick up a canvas from the Art Center of Estes Park, then visit the Makerspace to use our supplies and equipment to adorn your mask.
ADULTS
Monthly Writing Group Ⓡ
Monday, January 6, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Wasson Room
Calling all writers, aspiring writers, and anyone interested in writing! Join us on the first Monday evening of every month to share your writing, enjoy others’ work, and receive and provide feedback. All genres and forms are welcome.
Journeys Large & Small, Inside & Out: A Personal Writing Workshop with John Calderazzo Ⓡ
Tuesday, January 7, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Hondius Room
In this lively workshop, led by CSU English Professor Emeritus John Calderazzo, we’ll use examples and writing prompts to discover (or rediscover) compelling personal stories that are floating through and around us all the time, just waiting to be sprung loose.
Show & Tell for Grown-Ups: The Ride of Her Life Ⓡ
Monday, January 13, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Fireside Theater
In this fun and casual program, bring something important to you that’s connected to our One Book One Valley title, The Ride of Her Life. Themes include the 1950s, horses and horseback journeys, the kindness of strangers, maps, and more. Prefer to be an audience member? You can join us to just listen.
TEENS & KIDS
Book vs. Movie Club:
The Muppet Christmas Carol Ⓡ
Saturday, December 28, 1 - 3 p.m., Hondius Room
Book or movie—which did you like best? Discuss A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, then watch the Muppet film adaptation while enjoying pizza and drinks.
Lego Club: Free Build Ⓡ
Saturday, December 28, 3 - 4 p.m., Hondius Room
Explore different building and engineering challenges with Legos.
End of Winter
Reading Program Party Ⓡ
Thursday, January 2, 5 - 6 p.m., Hondius Room
Wrap up the first ever Winter Reading Program with games, crafts, snacks, and a celebration of your awesome season of reading!
Teen Advisory Council Ⓡ
Thursday, January 2, 6 - 7 p.m., Hondius Room
Monthly meeting for tweens and teens (ages 11-18) who would like to recommend ideas for library programming, designs for future teen space, and collection purchases for their age group.
Horse String Art Ⓡ
Saturday, January 4, 2 - 3 p.m., Makerspace
Use embroidery floss and pre-nailed boards to create unique horse string art. This is a One Book One Valley themed program.
Lego Club: Make a Horse Ranch Ⓡ
Tuesday, January 7, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Hondius Room
Explore different building and engineering challenges with Legos. This month, create your own horse ranch in this One Book One Valley themed program.
Dungeons & Dragons Ⓡ
Tuesday, January 7, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Makerspace
Fantasy, gaming, and role-playing fans: join us for the original Dungeons and Dragons. No experience, purchase, or previous knowledge required. Just bring your imagination!
Make a Stick Pony Ⓡ
Wednesday, January 8, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Celebrate One Book One Valley with a fun craft! We’ll be making stick ponies using long wood dowels, hot glue guns, pre-cut fabric, and themed accessories.
Arbor Day Poster Contest Ⓡ
Wednesday, January 8, 4 - 5 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Saturday, January 11, 2 - 3 p.m., Makerspace
Create a poster to help promote Arbor Day in 2025! We’ll provide the supplies, you supply the creativity. We’re partnering with the sign makers of the Estes Valley for this fun contest; full details at calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org.
Young Chautauqua Club Ⓡ
Thursday, January 9, 4 - 5:15 p.m., Hondius Room
Teacher and facilitator Katherine Du-
mont will lead participants through research about the life, words, and mannerisms of a historical character. Young Chautauqua Club culminates in live, costumed performances in February and March 2025.
KIDS & FAMILIES
Library Storytimes
Baby Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.
Read to Therapy Dog Bo: Thurs., January 2 at 11 a.m.
Read to Therapy Dog Annie: Sat., January 4 at 11 a.m. & Thurs., January 9 at 11 a.m.
Storybook Explorers: Sat., January 11 at 11:15 a.m.
Early Childhood Music Ⓡ Saturday, December 21, 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.
Storytime Friends Block Party
Thursday, December 26, 10 - 11 a.m. Hondius Room
Friday, December 27, 10 - 11 a.m., Hondius Room
Saturday, December 28, 10 - 11 a.m., Hondius Room
Drop in to play with storytime friends! Explore stations with different types of blocks and shapes. Recommended for ages 0-5. Please note: block parties are in place of storytimes on these dates.
Decorate a Dala Felt Horse Ⓡ Saturday, January 4, 2 - 3 p.m., Hondius Room
Make a traditional Scandinavian folk decoration during this open craft time! We’ll be using low-temperature hot glue guns to create red felt horses with buttons, ribbons, and shapes.
MAKERSPACE TRAINING CLASSES
Learn the 3D Printer Ⓡ
Monday, January 6, 10 - 11:30 a.m. repeated Monday, January 6, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult).
Learn the Laser Cutter Ⓡ Monday, January 13, 10 - 11:30 a.m. repeated Monday, January 13, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult).
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
FOUNDATION
Cliffhanger Used Books
Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the Post Office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, and music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Wednesday, December 25.
KEY
Ⓡ: Registration required. Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.
“The Bell Still Rings For All Who Truly Believe…”
Earlier this month, magic was made at the Estes Valley Library: local children enjoyed a literary-filled holiday ride on the Polar Express.
On December 6 and 7, the Library hosted its annual storytellings of the beloved children’s book classic, The Polar Express. Excited children and their guardians, many dressed in pajamas and other festive attire, spent the evening experiencing holiday cheer.
timeless story of a boy who finds himself on a magical train on Christmas Eve.
First Annual Santa Crawl Brings Festive Fun To Estes Park
The 12 Pubs Of Christmas
Pirate Face Productions is excited to announce the First Annual Rebel Pop! Santa Crawl taking over downtown Estes Park on Saturday, December 21st
This holiday event will transform local bars into festive wonderlands, featuring holiday cocktails, live music, and local artists.
Perfect for spreading holiday cheer, each participating bar will showcase talented artists, giving attendees the chance to sip, shop, and celebrate in a lively, festive atmosphere. With Visit Estes Park on board as a partner, the Santa Crawl is set to be an afternooninto-evening popup holiday cocktail party and bazaar that promises a unique, memorable experience.
Don your best Santa hat, elf shoes or onsie, grab your friends, and join the festivities for a day of holiday fun like no other.
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Location: Highway 7 and Downtown Estes Park Bars
Time: 4:00 p.m. into evening
Participating artists:
The Wheel: Bekah Blackburn, Gail Baniak, Kristina Hoerle
The Twisted Griffin: Megan McMillen Kirk
Lonigans: Ashley Goedken, Flora n Steve, Anastacia Reed MacDonald
Books
Public House: Wade Johnston
Bogey’s: Torae' Today
Cheerful elves from the Estes Park Newcomers Club welcomed folks and helped kids write letters to the North Pole. Then, master narrator Kurtis Kelly read the famous book aloud, complete with sound effects and special character voices. Children and their adults were captivated by the
When the story was over, conductor Kent Smith announced, “All aboard!” Tickets were punched and passengers were ushered onto a beautifully decorated trolley. The tour traveled along Elkhorn and riders enjoyed viewing the downtown holiday lights, singing holiday songs and ringing their jingle bells. The trolley ride culminated with a sighting of Santa and Mrs. Claus at their “We Believe Inn” near Town Hall.
Upon returning to the Library, everyone was invited to enjoy hot chocolate and decorate sugar cookies. Children left with a book of their choice and their very own Polar Express bell to commemorate the evening. Many thanks go to all who volunteered their time and festive spirit to this muchloved annual event. The Polar Express celebration and giveaway books and bells were made possible by generous donors to the Friends of the Library Foundation, which supports the Library and its magic-making all year long.
Happy holidays from all of us at the Estes Valley Library!
Access to exclusive drink specials requires purchasing a commemorative cup for $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Cups can be picked up starting at 4:00 p.m. at Lonigans and will be your pass to festive drinks throughout the crawl. Be sure to return to Lonigans at 9:00 p.m. for a festive costume contest to close out the night!
The goal is to create something fun and fresh to bring the community together during the holidays. It’s all about celebrating local creativity and spreading joy.
The Barrel: Beth Engle, Buffy Ayers, Will from Estes Paws
Avant Garde: Ronda Suarez
Ed’s Cantina: Tracy Lytle-Seitzman
American Legion: Dawn Gass, Sally Joy
Full Throttle: Steven Schultz
Lumpy Ridge: Molly McGee
Latitude 105: Christina Scott, Linghui Wang
For more information and updates, visit pirateface.net/santa-crawl.
GOD’S GREATEST GIFT - A CHILD BORN, A SON GIVEN, OUR COUNSELOR
It was a time when God’s people needed hope. They were under great oppression from the Assyrian army and would soon be taken into captivity. At just the right time God’s prophet foretold the future arrival of a ‘Gift’ that God would give to His people. “To us a Child will be born, for us a Son will be given. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
We also live in a time when all people need hope. We need the promised ‘Gift’, a Son who was given to us. “For (to) you is the Son given” is what the prophecy is saying. And at this time of year we are very mindful of that ‘Gift’. So it would be a good time to ‘unwrap’ that Gift and see what we’ve got. I’ll do this over a couple of weeks.
The prophet reminds us that He is a ‘Wonderful Counselor’. Do we often think about what that means? In a counseling class at Nebraska University our professor admonished the class, “Every counselor needs a counselor!” Then he asked: “Who’s yours?” Several class members who were Christians pointed skyward. Our professor, a skeptic, said, with a smirk, “Oh, you believe in prayer.” To which we all nodded, smiling. To all of us, we ‘need a counselor’ and Jesus was prophesied to be a ‘Wonderful Counselor’. But what does that mean? What does it take to be a counselor? First of all, of course, it takes a counselor who can understand what we are going through. All too often, purported counselors are like the psychiatrist who was asked. “How can you listen to your many clients’ problems?” He laughed: “Who listens?” If one doesn’t listen, he can’t know. If he doesn’t know, he can’t help. Every good counselor will have the ‘awesome power of the listening ear’. Jesus always urged His people to share their problems and struggles with Him. “Pray without ceasing!” was a message Jesus shared in various settings. He gave His disciples… us…a ‘model prayer’ in Luke 11. A hymn writer advised us well. “Are you weary? Are you heavy-hearted? Are you grieving over joys departed? Tell it to Jesus. Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden? Have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden. Tell it to Jesus. Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow? Are you anxious what will be tomorrow? Tell it to Jesus.”
A ‘wonderful counselor’ will also know what it is like to experience what his client is going through. Our ‘Wonderful Counselor’ came to the earth so that He could do just that. “He was tempted in all points like as we are.” (Heb. 4:15) And He cares, because He knows what it’s like! A fellow grad student at Nebraska University, Suzie, was in a wheelchair every waking hour. She drove her van sitting in it, she moved around campus in it, totally confined to it. Once our class hosted a ‘talk to a counselor’ forum where people called in to share their struggles. One young man called and Suzie took his call. He shared some deep concerns and then paused. “But, then, you wouldn’t understand, you’ve never been in a wheelchair!” Suzie said softly: “Only 38 years.” Silence. Then, “Oh, you do understand!” Our wonderful counselor knows, cares, and has the power to help us if we will let Him.
The question is: What are we doing with this gift…this Son who was promised? He came, and has made Himself available to each of us. There is no person who is ‘Giftless’ this Christmas. HE has been given to every person. The sadness is that often ‘gifts’ go unaccepted, unopened, or unused. The Harvard Business Review reports that nearly 40% of shoppers will buy gift-cards this year. Sadly, their statistics also show that on average every family has $300.00 worth of gift-cards that go unused and uncashed in their home. It’s no less true when we think of God’s ‘Gift’.
What about us? Are we benefitting from our ‘Gift’? ‘To us a Son is given!’ Bob Lewis
5th Annual Holiday Shoppe Begins At The Old Gallery In Allenspark
Not through shopping for everyone on your list? No worries! This is the last weekend of the 5th Annual Holiday Shoppe at The Old Gallery in Allenspark. You’ll be able to find unique, memorable and handmade gifts this Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m.4 p.m.
Thoughtful and unique gifts include handmade ornaments, paintings, jewelry, ceramic and glass holiday decorations, cards, calendars, yarn, holiday signs, artisan soaps, specialty teas, candles and fabric goods. Twenty-seven local and regional artisans have been hard at work creating these special gifts for the holiday season. There will be
offerings from several guest artists during the Holiday Shoppe this year as well.
Ceramic Artist Heather Kegel said, “As a potter, getting ready for the holidays always starts early, at the end of the summer. October is kind of a blur and is always so busy, but come November, it’s worth the hustle and bustle when I see all of the beautiful things I’ve created!”
Located at 14863 Highway 7 at the entrance to Allenspark, The Old Gallery is 20 minutes south of Estes Park and 20 minutes from Lyons. It’s a beautifully renovated 1940s log structure that is a non-profit center for community, art and visitors. The Old Gallery
provides art, education, entertainment and social services to area residents and visitors, including the Community Cupboard Food Bank, Community Closet, art and yoga classes, concerts, potlucks and more.
“The Old Gallery really captures the spirit of this mountain community. It’s a beautiful place for our artists to display and sell their work and a unique spot to find one-ofa-kind holiday gifts,” said The Old Gallery Artists Communication Coop Julie Neri. For more information: info@theoldgallery.org 303-747-2906.
Pet Owners Urged To Watch Pets Carefully,
Don’t
Feed Deer During Rut
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging residents to be cautious and keep pets leashed around deer while they are in rut, or mating season, as they may become aggressive. In the past few weeks, several attacks involving deer and dogs have been reported to CPW across the Front Range. Pet owners should carefully watch their pets even while in backyards as some attacks have occurred in neighborhoods found in deer habitat. Before letting pets loose into yards, turn on lights and make loud noises to ensure wildlife leave the area. CPW has also received reports of residents intentionally feeding deer, which is illegal and especially dangerous during the rut when they can act more aggressively. Feeding deer habituates wildlife, harms their digestive systems and can contribute to the spread of disease.
“Wildlife are able to find food on their own during winter,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Matt Martinez. “They do not need our help. If you’re feeding deer, you are bringing a wild and potentially dangerous animal into close contact with yourself and pets. You’re not only jeopardizing your own safety, but you’re also putting your neighbors at risk.”
During the rut, bucks persistently pursue does to mate. They can view any animal, like pets, as a threat to their chance for reproduction and are known to attack perceived threats.
Deer are a main staple in the diet of
many predators in Colorado. During winter months, deer and elk travel to lower elevations with better food resources, and carnivores will follow them.
“If you have deer in your yard, close to your home, you can expect mountain lions and bears to be there too,” said Martinez. “Hazing deer from the area by making loud noises or using lights to encourage wildlife to move to wilder spaces can reduce risk.”
Feeding deer unintentionally is also harmful. Any fruit which falls from trees should be picked up to avoid attracting wildlife. Bird feeders placed too low to the ground can be a food source for deer and bears. Residents with reports of wildlife feeding or to ask more questions can contact their local CPW office.
CPW recommends:
Give deer at least 100 feet of space when viewing.
Keep dogs on a leash.
On walks, with or without your dog, stay as far away from deer as possible.
Don’t allow dogs to roam free.
Check your yard before letting your dog outside.
Never let your dog chase deer or other wildlife.
Never leave food outside that could attract wildlife.
Tell children not to approach deer or any other wildlife.
Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu
Dec 23 – 27
Monday, Dec 23 Country Fried Chicken w/ Scrambled Eggs, Hashbrowns & Biscuit
Tuesday, Dec 24 Ham Dinner (topped w/ pineapple) w/ Sweet Potatoes, vegetables & dessert
Wednesday, Dec 25 CLOSED
Thursday, Dec 26 Irish Beef Stew in a bread bowl w/ side salad
Monday, Dec 30 Frittata (eggs, cheese, bacon & vegetables) w/ Hashbrowns & fruit
Tuesday, Dec 31 London Broil Steak (6 oz cooked medium well) w/ Twice-Baked Potato & side salad
Wednesday, Jan 1 CLOSED
Thursday, Jan 2 Black-Eyed Peas w/ Ham Hock & corn bread
Friday, Jan 3 Shrimp Basket (8 fried) w/ Homemade Chips & soup of the day
Meals are $7 for current 2024 EP Senior Citizens Center members and are by reservation only. (Or 3 meals for $20; use pre-paid meal tickets.) Exact cash or check payment required. Reservations must be made by 1:00 PM at least one business day in advance. Note, if you want to reserve a meal for Monday, Dec 23rd, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Dec 20th. 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 Qi Gong Tuesday 10:15-11:15 AM
Bridge Group Every Thursday 12:30 – 4:30 PM with lessons in the morning 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
Bucks compete for dominance during rut.
CPW photo
Photo by Jim Ward
What Is The Quota Loan Closet
Estes Park Quota, as a service to our community, opened the Medical Equipment Loan Closet in 1952 with a walker, a cane and a wheelchair and the volunteers worked out of a member’s home. That first year the Loan Closet served 27 people. The Loan Closet now has over 624 pieces of medical equipment valued at almost $100,000.00, available for loan to all of Estes Valley and our visitors. Since the 1980’s, the Quota Loan Closet has been housed on Estes Park Health property. Staffing for Loan Closet is done totally
Allen Waterhouse 12th Grade
Congratulations to Allen Waterhouse, the Estes Park High School Student of the Week for December 20, 2024.
Allen is the son of Fran and Michell Waterhouse
At EPHS, he participates in the tabletop game club. He plays Magic The Gathering and board games (DND).
Outside of school Allen has worked at Safeway for two years as a courtesy clerk and cashier. He likes to ride motorcycles, watch anime, play video games and watch movies. He enjoys being outside and relaxing.
He would like to visit Tokyo, Japan because he’s interested in the culture and while there he’d visit museums and the Studio Ghibli theme park.
His favorite quote is “Judging a person does not define who they are, it defines who you are.”
The best piece of advice he’s been given is “If you give up you will never succeed,
through the volunteer efforts of 14 Quota members who are available to check out or accept returns of equipment seven days a week.
In 2023, 258 individuals checked out 475 pieces of equipment. Quota is a non-profit organization so the service is free with a refundable deposit and/or donation. The funds donated support the repairs and replacement of our equipment. For information on how to secure medical equipment from the Loan Closet, visit estesparkquota.com or call Linda Polland at 719-337-3318.
but if you don’t give up you will always succeed.”
Currently he is attending the Thompson Career Center (TCC) and taking Tech and Cyber Security classes. After high school he would like to become an engineer working on prosthetics.
Local Robotics Team Wins Tournament
Local robotics team, The Bad Batch, competed in their first robotics competition of the season on December 14th The privately sponsored robotics team has three members: Blake Ingram, Brayden Gooch and Tavin McGill.
lence Award the team had to prove to be a strong competitor and be among the top percentage in the Teamwork Challenge, Driver Skills and Autonomous Coding. The team must also have a highly rank team interview and
VEX Robotics is the world’s largest advanced robotics competition program. It was created for students all over the world to compete using a robot of their own design. In VEX IQ Competitions, teams are tasked with designing and building a robot to work alongside other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. STEM concepts are put to the test as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communications, engineering and more.
At this past week’s competition the team brought home two trophies, one for winning the Teamwork Challenge Award for having the highest score in the finals round. The second award was the top award of the competition, the Excellence Award.
The Excellence Award recognizes overall excellence in both the judged award and the performance award categories. To be considered for the Excel-
a high scoring complete engineering notebook that details the entire build process of their robot. The hard work of these three boys shined. They hope to continue their season with the same momentum and success.
The Bad Batch would like to thank their generous sponsors for helping make this season a reality. The Bad Batch is run under a sponsorship umbrella called Dark Side Robotics. The vision of Dark Side Robotics is to provide an advanced robotics program to kids who wish to go above and beyond and who have the commitment and drive to do it. Thank you to our very generous sponsors: B&E Builders, Ingram Drilling, Simply Christmas, Claire’s Restaurant, The Ore Cart, The Wheel Bar, The Grubsteak, The Taffy Shop, Third Point of Performance, MacGregor Ranch and Craftsmen in Leather. They couldn’t have made this season happen without them.
THE GOMEZ TEAM
Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Welcomes Dave Arterburn
Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary President Bill Howell and Membership Chair
Stacey Cole-Winsor welcomed Dave Arterburn into the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club at the 7 a.m. meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Stacey Cole-Winsor is also his sponsor.
priority programs including the UH60V Program, CH-47F Block II and Future Attack/Reconnaissance Aircraft. Dave also served as the Principal Investigator for three Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Ground Collision Severity research projects as part of the
Dave. Arterburn is a retired Master Army Aviator with over 38 years in Army Aviation. He has served as an experimental test pilot as well as served in engineering, acquisition and academic positions supporting major helicopter development and unmanned system research programs for the US Army and other government agencies. Prior to retirement in July 2021, Dave served as the Director, Rotorcraft Systems Engineering and Simulation Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Dave has served as Chief Engineer for the UH-60M Upgrade and the OH-58F Kiowa Warrior Programs. He also served as the Chief of the Technical Management Division for the Armed Scout Helicopter Project Office. While at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Dave served as the Principal Investigator for the UH-60 and UH-60M MEDEVAC Medical Interior Upgrade programs and as Chairman of multiple Technical Assessment Teams providing subject matter expertise for the Program Executive Office – Aviation on
FAA UAS Center of Excellence managed by Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE).
Dave is an advocate for the Rotary motto 'Service Above Self' which conveys a humanitarian spirit. Welcome Dave! We all look forward to the ideas on the spirit of community that you bring to Rotary!
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. For more than 110 years, Rotarians have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
Join us! Learn more at: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/5242.
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/EstesValleySunriseRotary
Dave Arterburn, Stacey-Cole Winsor and Bill Howell.
Crossroads Ministry Is Busy This Holiday Season
By: Brian Schaffer
I’d like to share an email we received from an individual who we’ve grown to love through our interactions with her at Crossroads. This neighbor has become a part of our family and we feel blessed to know her!
“I wanted to take a few minutes to thank Crossroads for all the blessings you have shared with me. You all stood outside on that Thursday when we all came to pick up our Thanksgiving boxes. Everyone there seemed like they wanted to be there and they made me feel so wonderful. Another one of my neighbors got a box and we put everything together for a wonderful Thanksgiving luncheon. I wanted to do something nice for all of us to fellowship and give thanks for our blessings. We fed 18 people and there were leftovers for us to share. Some of the neighbors brought some sides and desserts, but Crossroads had supplied us with all we needed for a wonderful time. Now, we are planning our Christmas cookie exchange and chili get-together.
I can’t tell you how much Crossroads has blessed me. I have met so many wonderful people, started new friendships, and feel like a true member of my beautiful community now. I am sitting in my wonderful apartment enjoying the true reason for the season. God blesses us each day. I feel safe and secure living here. I have friends who are in my Women’s Bible study who live nearby if I need them. Or they need me.
Brian, you have my permission to share this with donors and volunteers and all the staff there. As we approach Christmas, I believe that God has you all in place to help us in need. I want donors to know that their donations are having a great impact on people’s
lives. If you ever doubt, is it worth it, don’t. Your help is appreciated even though we may not be able to thank you in person.
May the Lord bless all of you as you continue the work that is obviously in your hearts. Thank you, thank you so much. I really can’t say it enough.”
One of the many life-giving outcomes that flows from the fulfillment of our mission is a culture where communities of neighbors love each other no matter where they’re at, what they’ve done, or who they’ve become. I’m speaking of a heartfelt love embedded with pure motives to accept people where they are in life’s journey. And best of all, choosing to love them unconditionally in whatever way is most appropriate for the uniqueness of each individual person. The bedrock of our community is layered with a solid value that “Loving our Neighbors better than ourselves” is a foundation we’re willing to stand on.
Crossroads Ministry is thankful for the privilege we have to love our neighbors in a very tangible way through groceries given out from “The Market at Crossroads,” housing assistance to prevent homelessness, and utility assistance to keep the lights on and the living room warm. Providing resources to meet needs is delivered in a personal way through relationships with our staff and volunteers. If you’d like to give of your time serving neighbors in our community, then please visit our website for a list of opportunities. www.CrossroadsEP.org. If you’d like to give financially to help us meet the needs of those living in the Estes Valley, then you can make an online donation or send in a check to Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park, PO Box 3616, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Give The Gift Of Mentoring!
As we prepare for the holidays and reflect on how we can make a difference now and into the new year, please consider the ways you can Give the Gift of Mentoring with Partners:
1. Donate to Partners' The Spark Campaign. Our annual year-end appeal is centered on giving local kids the gift of mentoring by raising $160,000 to support our programs by December 31, 2024. Visit: https://power edbypartners.org/spark/ to learn more and donate.
2. Businesses are invited to also donate to the Spark Campaign as a Sponsor or a Corporate Donor at: poweredbypartners.org/spark
3. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Partners to help local youth at: poweredbypartners.org/mentoring/ #beamentor
4. Give of yourself. Make inquiries to the office you live closest to. Visit: poweredbypartners.org/get-involved
Thank you all in advance for your support! Have a Happy Holiday Sea-
son!As we prepare for the holidays and reflect on how we can make a difference now and into the new year, please consider the ways you can Give the Gift of Mentoring with Partners:
1. Donate to Partners' The Spark Campaign. Our annual year-end appeal is centered on giving local kids the gift of mentoring by raising $160,000 to support our programs by December 31, 2024. poweredbypartners.org/spark to learn more and donate.
2. Businesses are invited to also donate to the Spark Campaign as a Sponsor or a Corporate Donor at: poweredbypartners.org/spark
3. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Partners to help local youth at: poweredbypartners.org/ mentoring/#beamentor
4. Give of yourself. Make inquiries to the office you live closest to. Visit: poweredbypartners.org/get-involved
Thank you all in advance for your support! Have a happy holiday season!
Celebrate Christmas Eve At The Christian Church Of Estes Park
The Christian Church of Estes Park invites the community to join them for their annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Tuesday, December 24, at 5:30 p.m. This special service wel-
"Our Christmas Eve service has become a cherished tradition, and we’re excited to offer a peaceful space for all to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas."
comes both local families and visitors to celebrate the birth of Jesus in a warm and friendly setting.
As a family-oriented church, the Christian Church of Estes Park is known for its loving congregation. Whether locals or visitors, everyone is invited to come together for an evening of music, worship, and fellowship.
The service will feature a selection of traditional Christmas songs and hymns, along with meaningful Christmas readings that reflect the true spirit of the season. Pastor Aaron will share a heartfelt message, and the service will conclude with the candlelight singing of the timeless carol, "Silent Night."
"We look forward to celebrating Christmas with our community and sharing in the joy of the season," said Pastor Aaron Dorman.
Everyone is invited to attend this special Christmas Eve celebration, which will take place at the Christian Church of Estes Park, located at 4655 US Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado.
About The Christian Church of Estes Park The Christian Church of Estes Park (CCEP) is a non-denominational Christian church located in Estes Park, Colorado, that seeks to build generational, transformational disciples of Jesus.
Through meaningful worship, community outreach, and enriching programs, the church invites all to join its mission of love and service rooted in Christ.
For more information, please contact the Christian Church of Estes Park at office@ccep.life or visit their website at ccep.life.
A Year Of Transformation At EVICS Family Resource Center
By: Rut Miller, Executive Director
As 2024 comes to an end, we at EVICS Family Resource Center are filled with gratitude and hope. This year has been one of profound change—not just in the programs we offer or the technology we've modernized, but in the lives of the children and families we serve. As the new Executive Director of EVICS Family Resource Center, It has been my honor to lead this incredible team through a season of growth, challenge, and transformation. Behind every service we provide, there is a story of families moving from crisis to stability, from uncertainty to resilience, from feeling invisible to finding their voice. This year, we have been privileged to walk alongside families facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. We’ve seen parents arrive in tears, overwhelmed and unsure of how to provide for their children. We listened to their fears, sat with them in their struggles, and shared moments of raw emotion— crying together as they opened up about their hardships. But we’ve also celebrated their victories, watching them transform into confident, resilient individuals equipped to create better futures for their children.
Our compassionate staff is the heart of this transformation. With open arms and listening hearts, they welcome every family that walks through our doors. They do more than provide resources—they build relationships based on trust, respect, and shared humanity. It’s this deep connection that makes the success stories so powerful.
One family came to us earlier this year with little hope. They were facing housing instability, financial crisis, and overwhelming stress. Through the support of EVICS, they accessed stable housing, gained employment, accessed childcare tuition assistance and built a safety net of resources and connections. Today, their children are thriving, and the family is stronger and more united than ever.
A Year of Impact Across Colorado
Stories like this one are echoed across the state, as Family Resource Centers like EVICS make a measurable difference in the lives of thousands. EVICS is one Family Resource Center in the state of Colorado; according to the 2023-2024 FRCA Annual Impact Evaluation:
Economic Stability: Families demonstrated significant improvements in housing, employment, and financial
Join United Women In Faith For A Christmas Tea And Cookie Party December 21
Please join us at Estes Park United Methodist Church, 1509 Fish Hatchery Rd. for this Christmas Tea Party on Wednesday, December 18 from 1-3 p.m. If you wish, bring cookies to share (either homemade or store-bought) for a cookie exchange. However, come even if you cannot bring cookies. You may take home a variety in exchange. Please let us know that you are attending by emailing uwfaith@epumc.org. All are welcome!
security. Nearly one-third of families in crisis due to low income and savings moved out of crisis.
Health Improvements: Families in crisis for mental and physical health saw remarkable progress, with over 70% achieving stability.
Building Resilience: Families reported increased resiliency, social connections, and access to support—all critical in preventing child maltreatment and fostering healthier environments for children.
Through these efforts, Family Resource Centers served nearly 10,000 individuals statewide this year, and EVICS is proud to be part of this movement.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Families
As we enter 2025, we are filled with hope and determination to do even more. Our plans include expanding our programs, enhancing our resources, and ensuring our staff continues to offer the compassionate, culturally attuned support that makes EVICS a lifeline for so many.
We also look forward to sharing our 2024 Impact Report in January, where we will highlight the incredible achievements made possible through your generosity.
Thank You for Making This Possible
To our donors, volunteers, and partners: thank you. Your belief in our mission has allowed us to turn crisis into hope for countless families. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community.
As we celebrate this holiday season, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year 2025. May it be filled with Peace, Love and joy, and the knowledge that you are making a difference in the lives of families in our mountain home.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As the year draws to a close, there’s still time to make an end-of-year gift that can change lives right here in Estes Valley. Every contribution—big or small—helps families find hope, stability, and strength. Together, we can ensure that every child and family in our community has the chance to thrive. Your support matters now more than ever.
The Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (CCCTC) - Enhancing Impact For Affordable Child Care
Established in 1999, the CCCTC aims to encourage private support for Colorado child care programs, including those funded by EVICS. Monetary contributions to EVICS supporting childcare programs qualify for this credit. Along with the applicable Federal and State income tax deductions, donors receive a 50% tax credit against their Colorado income tax. While EVICS benefits from 100% of your donations, donors could achieve tax savings of up to 70% of their donation amount.
This is a two-generation win-win for children, families, and the entire Estes Valley community.
Thank you for considering a donation to EVICS. Let’s make Estes Valley a place where every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.
Make your contribution payable to: EVICS Family Resource Center PO Box 3373
Estes Park, CO 80517
For more information or to make a donation online, please visit us at www.evics.org or contact us directly at (970) 586-3055. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. We are located at 1182 Graves Ave., Unit A. Estes Park, CO. 80517.
Estes Park Teen Breaks Record
By: Lisa Foster
Estes Park teenager Ellie Kostadinov became the fastest female under the age of 19 to complete the renowned athletic test-piece of mountain biking along Utah’s White Rim Road in a single day last month.
The White Rim, a 100.7-mile-long rugged dirt road located in Canyonlands National Park, draws thousands of athletes each year to test their mettle against the harsh conditions of the trail and the other athletes who aim to make their mark in the unofficial competition to ride it the fastest.
Kostadinov, 15, completed the feat in just 9 hours, 7 minutes and 33 seconds on November 2, 2024. She beat professional mountain bike racer Lauren Aggeler, whose time of 9:10:04 was set in 2023 when she was 19 years old.
The White Rim Road was built for private mining interests in the 1950s and is commonly referred to as a “trail.” The name is derived from the distinctive layer of White Rim Sand-
the challenges bikers face when riding the road.
The two most common modes of experiencing the White Rim Road are four-wheel-drive vehicles and mountain bikes. 4WD trips usually take two to three days, and mountain bike trips typically take three to four days.
The Canyonlands National Park website states, “The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks make the White Rim loop a challenging mountain bike ride, and require extreme caution for both vehicles and bikes during periods of inclement weather.”
The “Fastest Known Time (FKT)” movement has become the benchmark for athletes to try their luck at meeting athletic challenges across the globe. These challenges are distinct from traditional races in that the competitors participate independently at a time that suits them instead of at a pre-set race time where they compete against each other on the same day. Computer Apps like Strava and Garmin Connect compile and store the data from athletes who share their races and workouts and provide methods of tracking performance metrics and analyzing activities.
stone that the road traverses across. This layer is the remnant of an ancient sand dune in a prehistoric marine environment. White Rim Sandstone is more resistant to erosion than the surrounding layers of rock and dirt, and the white color makes it stand out impressively in the otherwise brown and orange landscape.
The 100-mile loop gains 7,703 feet of elevation and passes below the iconic Island in the Sky mesa. Sweeping views of the Colorado River, the Green River, and famous arches and towers such as Musselman Arch, Washer Woman Arch, Candlestick Tower, Moses tower and Zeus tower are some of the scenic highlights of the road. Hairpin turns, loose dirt, steep grades, stretches of deep sand, dry washes, and the rigors of a desert environment are some of
“Ellie chose to ride her Specialized Epic HT race bike with a 36T/52T gear ratio,” he noted. “She rode with 2.5 liters of electrolyte mix and water stored on her bike frame in lieu of a backpack. She packed 1,200 calories of carb-rich gels in her pockets, and carried a small headlamp, a tool kit, a rain jacket and an iPhone for pictures,” he said, “Though she was riding so fast that she never got the chance to take any.”
“The conditions on the route were far from ideal, with long and deep sandy sections, and very windy conditions on the second half of the route. Despite all the challenges, Ellie stayed very motivated and showed a great level of maturity and discipline in executing her ride plan,” crowed her proud Dad.
The website cyclingfkt.com lists the FKT’s for the White Rim Road Cycling Challenge. The categories are unsupported, supported, single speed and tandem team. These categories are broken down by age groups (including the 19 and under age group that Kostadinov won) and overall winners.
Kostadinov participated in the unsupported category, which means she carried all of her own water, food, supplies, and took kit. Those competing in the unsupported category can’t accept help from any outside source, even in the event of a mechanical issue.
Athletes commonly have pacing partners—companions who help set and maintain the pace of the ride--but these fellow riders can’t physically aid the athletes in any way.
Kostadniov’s father, Alex, accompanied her and paced her on her recordbreaking ride, though Kostadinov chose to accelerate and leave him “in the dust” for the last 11 miles in order to beat the record.
“Since she is a minor, I rode with her, but kept my distance and didn’t influence her effort in any way. She promptly left me at the top of the Shafer Trail (Mile 89) and finished the loop a full 12 minutes ahead of her tired and cramping Dad,” said Alex.
“She cleaned the entire route including Hardscrabble, Murphy’s and Shafer without ever putting her foot down or pushing her bike,” Alex noted. “She made only three stops, totaling seven minutes, to replace a lost contact, remove her rain jacket and to use the bathroom.”
A little over halfway into the ride, severe wind gusts picked up and slowed the duo’s pace. “By Mile 60 Ellie was feeling great and had built a 46-minute advantage, in position to finish nearly an hour faster than the previous record holder. Unfortunately, once we started heading north, we encountered some very gusty headwinds that decreased her time advantage to only two minutes at the top Shafer Hill,” he explained.
After cresting Shafer Hill, Kostadinov “put the hammer down,” leaving her father behind, and completed the remaining 11 miles in only 32 minutes to claim the new FKT by two minutes and 31 seconds.
Kostadinov first biked the White Rim Road in 2023 and described it as “the best day of my life.” She said that the natural beauty combined with the exhilaration of the physical effort made the ride unforgettable.
In breaking the record in 2024 she explained, “It was extremely hard and rewarding. I can’t wait to go back.”
Kostadinov is a member of the Estes Park Mountain Bike Team, coached by Josh and Dana Cramer and Phil and Chloe Bogardus. Ellie raced impressively well in the 2024 High School League season, where she stood on the podium in four out of the five races. She placed third in the Yampa Regional Championship and finished in the top ten for Junior Varsity Girls at the Colorado High School League State Championship in Glenwood Springs in October.
“My favorite thing to do is ride my bike,” she said. “My goal is to ride my bike for a college team in a couple of years, while earning my degree. And,” she grinned, “I can’t wait to beat another record!”
Ellie Kostadinov at the start of the White Rim Trail for her 2024 record breaking ride.
Ellie Kostadinov riding the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, November 2023.
Ellie Kostadinov racing in the Colorado High School League race in Fruita, CO, October 2024.
Gratitude For Cindy Kingswood, The Longest-Employed Person At Our Local Hospital
Cindy Johnson Kingswood, RN, retired this month after 43-½ years as a nurse at our local hospital. Her commitment to this community and her patients grew from her passion for caring. She graduated from Estes Park High School and immediately returned home to Estes Park after graduating from nursing school in Kansas. Cindy has worked in almost every nursing area of the hospital starting back when it was Elizabeth Knutsson Memorial Hospital, then called Estes Park Medical Center, and now Estes Park Health. She has cared for patients “from the womb to the tomb,” working from the birthing center to the emergency department and nearly everything in between. She has seen many CEOs, administrators, and board members come and go, many of them proudly proclaiming their commitment to be here for the long run. But Cindy has been the one with commitment and loyalty, one who has truly stayed for the long run.
Over more than four decades, she has helped so many individuals and families. Many of you have personally experienced this – when you or your family member needed care prior to and after surgery – or perhaps you or a family member benefitted from her compassion and assistance during the delivery of your child. Cindy remembers when the nursing home was built and so many of our elderly in the community benefited. And many of you or a loved one had visits in your home while healing or dying when
Cindy worked in Home Care and Hospice. It was such a privilege for people to stay in their own homes while healing or when they desired to die at home. (It should be noted that Home Care and Hospice were started by Cindy’s mom CJ Johnson and Lana McCallum, both nurses at the time). None of these services still exist.
While working in the hospital’s specialty clinic, Cindy has been attending board meetings with deep concern for patients and how they will be affected by decisions made in those meetings. Her caring has always extended past her working hours. Hearing that patients needed rides or meals delivered, cards of encouragement sent, or other personal needs, she has responded with compassion and dedication. I have no doubt Cindy will continue to do these things in this community that she loves dearly. She will undoubtedly miss seeing patients and her coworker friends.
A community celebration to thank Cindy will be held on Saturday, December 28th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Adams Room on the lower level of the Estes Valley Community Center, located at 660 Community Drive. Please come and show Cindy that this is her time to be cared about. Sharing stories and memories, written or in person, will be the greatest gifts she will receive.
I’m proud to be Cindy’s long-time friend since her first day at work 43-½ years ago.
Sue Thomas, RN
Allenspark Community Church Christmas Services
You are cordially invited to join the Allenspark Community Church in our seasonal services to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.
The log church, located at 16 Washington Street in Allenspark, will be decorated with garlands which represent the love and peace of Christ, sparkling lights symbolizing Christ being the light of the world, and poinsettias whose red leaves are thought to be a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.
A Tribute To My (Our) Friend
I met Judy Nystrom when she sold me my first home up here in 1994. She also gave me a ticket to my first Christian conference, it was at the YMCA.
It may have seemed like an unlikely friendship, but our love for Jesus and both being from the Chicago area made for a beautiful journey together! She always provided a safe haven for me when I was struggling and I know she provided the same for many, many
didn't ask me to pray for her children or grandchildren. When I got married and had a child of my own, she was more than welcoming, letting us know we were part of her family.
With a theme of “The Songs of Christmas,” the seasonal services began on Sunday, December 1st at 10:00 a.m. and will be held each Sunday through the 22nd
The Christmas Eve service on the 24th will include the lighting of the fifth Advent candle, signifying the birth of Christ. Pastor Ralph Patrick will lead this service which starts at 4:30 p.m. It will include seasonal hymns, reading the story of Christ’s birth, and special music by the church choir and guests.
The Allenspark Community Church looks forward to seeing you at any or all of our services of the Christmas season, and we wish all of you a very Blessed Christmas.
others.
She had a big, beautiful, generous, heart, as portrayed in Psalm 37:26, "He is ever merciful and lends; and his descendants are blessed." And there weren't many conversations when she
She had such an elegance about her, and knew almost everyone in town, going out with her made me think of going out with Julie Andrews with her famous "wave" to all those beckoning for her attention! Judy, thanks for the honor of being your friend, letting us take care of you for a while and for the joy of watching you & Jessie-doodle become such good buddies! We miss you Judy, the joy of your laughter and the beauty of your smile. Jesus gave this world a great gift in you!
Til we see you again...
Julie, Patrick, Joseph & Jessie
By: Charles
There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays
Busch, Associate Pastor Christmastime is breathtaking. The lights, the music, the tinsel. The Nutcracker’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” The holiday is such a special time for family. A time for reflection. A time for reconnecting. A time to remember and no matter how old I get, no matter where I’ve lived, there’s no
thought was the coolest thing ever. It was a little yellow robot that buzzed and beeped and whirred and twirled as it swept across the floor, arms swinging up and down. Why those? I don’t know. I suppose that’s the memory of a little boy fascinated with the simplest gifts. But there is one memory of home during the holidays that is more pre-
place like home for the holidays. Here at Cornerstone Church of Estes Valley we want you to consider us your “home for the holidays.” Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is Tuesday, December 24th at 5 p.m. Maybe it will help you remember the splendor or Christmases past.
I remember sitting in the dark watching the lights of the Christmas tree, listening to Christmas music while huge, fluffy white snowflakes fell silently on a blanket of snow in the yard. All over the city the snow was gently falling. No wind, just those big, fluffy snowflakes and 8 inches of snow covering the ground. Nowhere to go, no school the next day. Just me, the tree, the snow and songs about Christmas.
cious than any other, Christmas Eve.
I suppose it’s the nostalgia that really gets me. I love reminiscing and recounting Christmases of old. Playing board games with my siblings. Learning chess with my dad. Drinking hot cocoa. Snatching a fresh chocolate chip cookie, hot off the table spread with newspaper for cooling after coming in from hours of trudging up snow covered hills just to sled back down. And toys.
Perhaps my favorite toy as a child was a silly little Hot Wheels “Key Car” with a plastic key that was inserted in the back that launched the car across the floor when squeezed. There was a dip in the floor between rooms and the car would ramp up into the next room. I was enthralled. I believe my brother received what I
Christmas Eve was a special time for my family. Mom always made potato soup with bacon. Then, after supper we would gather around the living room as dad turned down the lights, lit the candles, and took up his worn leather Scofield Bible. Opening to Luke chapter two, with lantern in hand and by the light of the tree, he would read to us the greatest story ever told. The very reason for why we celebrate with trees, tinsel, lights and presents. Jesus the Savior of the world was born. God making peace with mankind. God’s Son, leaving His glorious, heavenly home to embark on a journey of humility, selflessness and sacrifice to make His home in the hearts of all who believe in Him. Peace on earth, goodwill toward men. That part of Christmas never gets old. Yes indeed, there is no place like home for the holidays. Especially a home where Jesus’ birth is celebrated. Are you longing for your family but can’t get home? Are you new to the area looking for something special for the holiday? Maybe you’ve always wondered about the real meaning of Christmas. I would like to invite you to our “home” this Christmas Eve. Cornerstone Church is located at 2200 Mall Rd., Estes Park, CO. Why don’t you come “home for the holidays.” We have a special treat for the kids and a great program lined up for you. Come experience the real joy of Christmas this year. See you at home!
AA & Al-Anon Meetings
AA of Glen Haven
Every Monday night at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
Early Worms
Monday thru Saturday at 7:00 a.m.
(Monday through Saturday hybrid meetings with Zoom #796 839 839 PW:Worms20) at St. Bartholomew Church, 880 MacGregor Ave.
Early Worms Women's Meeting 12 p.m. Mondays
St. Bartholomew, 880 MacGregor Ave. Mixed Nuts Al-Anon Group
We meet Friday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Church. The meeting is hybrid with Zoom #285 426 3644 PW: serenity.
One Day at a Time
Location: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave., Estes Park
Tuesday Noon Open discussion Meets downstairs in Room 6 Park in the lower level parking lot Thursday 6:30 p.m. Open discussion Meets upstairs in the lounge. Park upstairs by the main entrance of the church.
Alcoholics Anonymous Fall River Group, 453 West Elkhorn, Estes Park.
Current Schedule for 2024 Zoom ID 999 829166 for AA Meetings
Monday-12 p.m.-In Person-O, D Monday-7 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, BB
Tuesday-12 p.m.-Zoom-O, D
Wednesday-12 p.m.-In Person and Zoom-O, D
Wednesday-7 p.m.-In Person and Zoom- O, D
Thursday -12 p.m. Zoom-O, D Friday-12 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, D
Saturday-12 p.m.-In Person and Zoom-O, D
Sunday -12 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, D
Last Friday of each month is birthday night; 6 p.m. Potluck, 7 p.m. Speaker. *** Contribute via VENMO @ EstesCowboy
Other 12 Step Meetings Held at Fall River Group
Thursday-7 p.m.-Narcotics Anonymous “New Horizons” Group O, D-In Person and Zoom 705 555 830
**O=open to all D=discussion
BB=Big Book
Zoom Meetings-Everyday at noon Zoom #999 829 166 (no password needed).
Monday Zoom Big Book study at 7 p.m. #654 598 884 (no password needed).
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Zoom #999 829 166
Online AA and NA Meetings at www.intherooms.com
There are 70 AA Meetings and 30 NA Meetings a week.
Christmas Is Almost Here At St. Francis Of Assisi Anglican Church
By: Bishop Owen Williams
This coming Sunday we will be celebrating the Fourth Sunday in Advent. In the Anglican Calendar, we have been observing this Church Season of Advent, when prayers are offered to prepare for the “Second Coming of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ.”
Is this peculiar to St. Francis of Assisi Anglican Church in Little Valley? I have to say, in my experience, No! In fact, this is how I was brought up. My
nice, just to know that you are remembered. Rather, maybe we should remember that we are rejoicing in the Gift that Almighty God has given to us… Himself.
In the time when Jesus was born, the Hebrew custom of the start of a new day began at sundown. It has been the custom at Saint Francis Church to have the first Christmas Service after sundown on Christmas Eve. In keeping with the Gospel of Luke, the Shepherds were watching their flocks by night
family did not decorate or even put up and turn on Christmas lights until Christmas Eve. On the day before Christmas, we would bring in the tree, and decorate it in the afternoon. But we would not turn on the lights… not until after the Midnight Christmas Service. Then the house would be litup, as we would celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ for the next Twelve Days. Old Fashioned? Yes, I suppose! There is so much competition from the secular world. Maybe they are trying to distract us from the reason the Ancient Church set this Celebration of the Birth of Jesus just after the Winter Solstice. This distraction is to draw attention away from the Christ Child and focus on Christmas presents. As Tom Lehrer once wrote, “Relations, sparing no expense, will send some useless old utensil, or a matching pen and pencil, ‘Just the thing I need… How Nice!” The focus shouldn’t be on the material things, although a present or two is
when the Angel announced the Birth of the Saviour. We gather in our churches to give thanks for the Greatest Gift humanity has ever received. Our Christmas Eve Sung Service with traditional Hymns and Carols will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24th. Cookies and punch will be served afterward. We invite you to join us. Then, on Christmas morning, we will offer Holy Communion at 10 a.m.
St. Francis Anglican Church is a Traditional, Apostolic and Evangelistic Christian church nestled in the midst of the pines and aspens in Little Valley. We are located at 3480 St. Francis Way, Estes Park, CO 80517. Turn from Fish Creek Rd. onto Little Valley Rd. and follow the signs to St. Francis. If you have any questions or comments, please call Bishop Williams at (970) 577-0601. And see our website at stfrancisestespark.com.
St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church Montessori Christmas Service
The Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, and his wife, Thea, were cofounders of the global Christian education movement known as Godly Play. According to his obituary in the national magazine “The Living Church” Berryman often re-
in more than 60 nations, including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Germany, Israel, Pakistan, and Russia.
Berryman was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1962 and was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1984. He
membered encountering the “God of Power” during his childhood, especially when he engaged with nature and was guided by supportive adults. He felt that the “church God” was more rigid and formal, and he began seeking a bridge between children’s experiences and formal Christian teaching. The Godly Play foundation said the Berrymans “embarked on a journey to develop a new approach to spiritual nurture that honors the centrality, capacity, and competency of children,” which led them to develop Godly Play. The Godly Play Foundation’s website shows a map and links to its presence
co-founded the Center for the Theology of Childhood in 1997 to continue to inspire research and theological discourse on the spirituality of children. That center is now part of the Godly Play Foundation. The center keeps a 4,000-volume library and a Godly Play room based at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Denver. Berryman retired in 2007 as executive director of the center and became its senior fellow. In his retirement, he was based in the Diocese of Colorado and worshiped at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church in Estes Park. He died August 6, 2024.
Christmas Eve Service At Presbyterian Community Church
The Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, located at 1700 Brodie Avenue, will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on December 24th at 5:00 p.m. Pastor Christine Dempsey will share the message of the birth of Jesus in a joyful, spirit-filled celebration including the Bell Choir, the
Chancel Choir and organist, Larry Gillum. The service will conclude with dimming the lights and filling the sanctuary with candlelight to welcome the Christ Child. Fellowship cheer, with hot cocoa and cookies, follows the service. All are welcome.
Last year’s Christmas Service at St. Francis.
St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 880 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park will offer a participatory Montessori Christmas service on Dec 24, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in thanksgiving for the remarkable ministry of Jerome and Thea Berryman. All are welcome, but especially children.
April 21, 1939 – November 10, 2024
Fred Archie Osmon
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Fred Archie Osmon on November 10, 2024. Born on April 21, 1939, to Francis Valena Swaim and Marvin Jabis Osmon, Fred lived a life defined by adventure, hard work, laughter, and a deep love for family.
Fred grew up the middle of three brothers, sharing an unbreakable bond with his older brother, Bob Osmon (July 4, 1936 – November 5, 2018), and his younger brother, Glenn Dale Osmon (October 31, 1947 – December 14, 2020). Their shared experiences shaped his strong sense of family and enduring kindness.
Fred began his career with Ford Motor Company before joining Detroit Art Services (DAS), where his leadership and vision elevated him to the role of president and owner. DAS thrived under his guidance until its acquisition by Roush Industries in 1997. After retiring, Fred embraced the beauty of Colorado, living in Steamboat Springs, Boulder, Estes Park, and Longmont, where he continued to explore life with curiosity and enthusiasm.
One of Fred’s greatest passions was riding motorcycles. He toured every state in the continental United States, savoring the open road and the
wonder of new adventures. Among his many stories was the time he hit a deer while riding—yet walked away with only minor injuries, a testament to his resilience and good fortune. His motorcycle journeys were symbolic of his free spirit and love for exploration.
Fred’s zest for life extended to his family, where he was twice blessed in marriage. He wed his first wife, Beverly Kay Twigg (May 27, 1940 –November 8, 2002), on August 21, 1960. Together, they raised two daughters, Stacy Gekiere (born July 7, 1962) and Jill Holmes (born February 6, 1966). On February 7, 1981, Fred married Marilyn Raye Osmon (born September 2, 1946), and with her, he welcomed two more daughters, Shauna Raye (born April 14, 1966) and Melissa Raye-Hovee (born August 7, 1970), into his heart. Fred’s love for his family was unwavering, and he cherished his seven grandchildren, who brought endless joy to his life.
Fred was known for his infectious laugh—a sound so full of life and joy that it inspired his daughters and grandchildren to be delightfully goofy just to hear it. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will forever live on through his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.
Co n fere n Ce Set u p & ServiCeS Ma n a g er
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 200,000 guests annually. The Conference Set-Up & Services (CSS) Department Manager manages and trains staff in day to day operations and is hands on in checking the quality work of crews to make sure meeting rooms are prepared properly. The CSS Manager will assist in training full time, seasonal, and volunteer crew members how to properly clean and setup meeting spaces and storage areas with quality and hold staff accountable. The Conference Set-Up & Services Manager will also evaluate practices using data and analytics to ultimately make the team more efficient.
$20.00/h - $22.25/h with full benefits, generous PTO/vacation, YMCA membership, and many more employee perks.
To learn more and apply, please visit jobs.ymcarockies.org.
j o bs.ymc aro ck ie s. or g
Receptionist position available at Van Horn Engineering. Full time/part-time available. Work Thursday and Friday. If interested call or text Lonnie (970) 443-3271, email resume to lonnie@vanhornengineering.com
Operations Manager
40 hours/week, Exempt
Salary range: $74,031 - $103,657
Excellent benefits package; includes medical, dental, vision, retirement (PERA), 401(k) options, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), & more
Summary: The Operations Manager is responsible for the Library's administrative functions, Library-wide project management, and supervising staff in areas of Accounting, Facilities, Human Resources, and Volunteer support. This position implements and evaluates service goals in order to fulfill community priorities as identified in the Library's strategic plan. Closing Date: 5 PM, Friday, January 10, 2025, or until filled.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:
Review full job description and apply at estesvalleylibrary.org/jobs Only complete applications with cover letter and resume will be considered.
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.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Full details on employment opportunities and the application can be found at estes.org/jobs.
Regular Full-time
Apprentice Lineworker
Emergency Services Dispatcher I-III
Finance Director/Treasurer
Police Officer I - III
Street Equipment Specialist I-III
The status of applications will be communicated via e-mail. By choice, the Town of Estes Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Cabins
Discover peace and tranquility in this charming log home, perfectly nestled along the scenic banks of the Big Thompson River. The gentle melody of the flowing river harmonizes with the rugged beauty of surrounding rock outcroppings, creating a truly enchanting setting. Step outside and explore the untouched wilderness just steps from your door. Inside, cozy up by the inviting fireplace on crisp mountain evenings. Outside enjoy the soothing sound the river provides as the perfect backdrop for unwinding. This serene property is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for birdwatching, exploring nearby scenic trails, and soaking in the natural beauty of your surroundings. Designed for year-round living, the home is equipped with 2 bedrooms and a remodeled bathroom. Whether you’re seeking adventure or quiet reflection, this rustic riverside retreat offers the perfect escape. Welcome to your mountain sanctuary!
30 day minimum rental, all inquiries call Tommy at (262) 833-7569
Homes
We have units open to rent immediately. 1, 2 & 3 bedroom units open right away. We have single family homes, cabins, and apartments. Prices from $850 to $3000 per month. Call us at 970-586-6500 to inquire.
Monthly lease/Furnished home in town
4 bd 2 ba. 2000sqft w/2 car garage $2850 plus deposit. 1 sm. dog ok with fee Renee 970-624-7191
Commercial Rentals
Retail or Office 480 sf, 1191 Woodstock Pam 402-730-4080
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
ESTES PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT R-3
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REGISTRAR - SECRETARY
Estes Park, Colorado is a special place to live. Estes Park Elementary School is a special place to work and seeks a highly qualified and ambitious individual to serve elementary school students and staff.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least 18 years of age and eligible to work in the U.S.
TO APPLY:
Interested applicants must apply online with Appli-Track: http://www.applitrack.com/ estesschools/onlineapp/. Only online applications are accepted. Salary range is $20.12 - $20.77 per hour, with single benefits. Up to 205 days per year. Up to five year’s credit for similar previous work experience may be granted for initial salary placement. FLSA non-exempt.
ESTES PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT R-3 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Home Repair/Service
Furnaces, Water Heaters, AC Systems, Mini Splits, etc.
Commercial Rentals
Coming available in December: Two Suites: First Suite has 992 sq.ft. Includes lobby with fireplace, 4 offices and handicapped bathroom. Rent is $992.00 a month plus NNN and utilities. The Second Suite has a lobby, 2 offices and handicapped bathroom. Rent is $888.00 a month plus NNN and utilities. Front door parking with both suites. Call Peggy Lynch 970-232-5588.
Big O Winter Claw. Four. Size 225/R60 R 17. Came off 2014 Outback. 80 percent tread and studs. In Loveland. $300.00 ask for Richard 970 278-7080
A d ve n t u re Activities d irector
The Adventure Activities Director is responsible for the Aerial Challenge Course, Climbing Wall Facilitation, the Gear Shop, and the Mountain Center Desk at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center. This position hires, trains, and supervises staff in all aspects of Adventure Activities, while also facilitating and developing programs to benefit guests.
$20.36/h - $24.17/h with full benefits, generous PTO/vacation, YMCA membership, and many more employee perks. To learn more and apply, please visit
Franklin Heating & Cooling franklinheatingcooling.com 720-810-4809
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
MISCELLANEOUS
Commercial Spaces for sale and lease. Call Eric. Anderson Realty. 586-2950
Winter is here! Seasoned firewood - $300/chord 303-868-4268
LEGAL NOTICE
Mens 3 pin plastic ski boots, Garmont & Scarpa size 9/10 and Fisher skis. Best offer. Mens Specialized Hard Tail Bicycle, older model, great condition. $200 OBO. 970-586-3530
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
Notice of a Public Hearing for Pinewood Springs Water District 183 Cree Ct., Lyons, CO 80540.
DATE: January 22nd, 2025. TIME, 7:00 pm. Virtual Meeting held via ZOOM video conference. A public hearing will be conducted for informing residents and soliciting public input, written or oral, regarding the projects (Water Main Replacement Infrastructure Project, SRF loan, 142171-Q-Pinewood Springs Water District) required Rate Change discussion.
Remote access: To obtain the Zoom login information, Contact pswdadmin@att.net or 303.823.5345 before noon on January 22, 2025. The SRF project point of contact is: Patty Peritz, Board Secretary @ 720.201.5190
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
rglibby@msn.com Estes Park, CO
970-586-2000 • 415 W. Elkhorn Ave. 100 feet North of the Bighorn Restaurant No Appointment Necessary (for straight razor shaves only)
Gale Baniak - Owner/Barber Racheal Giroux - Barber ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS INC. Over 50 Years Experienced
Home Sweet Home Property Services, LLC and Home Sweet Home CleaningResidential & Commercial “We Treat Each House Like It’s Our Own”
Teresa Mese hshpropertyservice@gmail.com Phone 970-699-6727 1191 Woodstock Dr, Estes Park
ELECTRICAL
• Service • Residential • Small Commerical • Generator Systems • Mini-Split Systems • Electric Car Chargers
880 Dunraven Ste B Estes Park, CO 80517
Matthew P. Heffernan heffwesi@live.com 970-480-5403
