Estes Park News, January 26, 2024

FREE

40 PAGES

XXIV-1206

Estes Park News is printed weekly and is free online daily for the most current updates.

Friday, January 26, 2024

Frozen Loch Vale Rocky Mountain National Park winter hiking at its best - frozen Loch Vale on a sunny January morning.

Photo by Alan Lipkin www.shutterstock.com/g/alanlipkin

2 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

6E Funds Are Making A Difference For Childcare Upon the passage of ballot initiative 6E in 2022, the Town of Estes Park worked diligently to create systems and processes to ensure the proper stewardship of the estimated $5 million collected annually to address issues related to childcare and workforce housing in the valley. The creation of a new Housing and Childcare Manager position, filled by Carlie Bangs, has helped usher into existence new childcare initiatives that local childcare providers have been quick to take advantage of. The passage of the 2023 Early Childhood Workforce Subsidy in October led to three eligible childcare centers receiving much-needed funding to address workforce challenges, including the requirement that all teachers receive a minimum wage of $20/hour. Mountaintop Childcare, Beverly K Booe Early Childhood Center at the YMCA of the Rockies Bennett Building, and Park Place Preschool at Estes Park Elementary School have all been approved to receive funding under this workforce subsidy program.

Christy DeLorme, who has owned Mountaintop Childcare since 2018 stated, “These funds will help us provide increased wages to all of our amazing teachers”. In addition to supporting wages, the 2023 Workforce Subsidy can be used for staff benefits, retention and recruitment bonuses, staff training, and housing.

“This is the first of many funding programs that will provide financial support and stability to childcare providers in our community”, stated Carlie Bangs. The workforce subsidy program is expected to be an annual subsidy for licensed providers, including home childcare providers. Home childcare providers are

5,200 copies were printed this week, and distributed FREE to hundreds of Estes Valley locations including Allenspark, Glen Haven & Lyons.

A National Online Audience With Loyal Local Readership Ph: (970) 586-5800 Fax: (970) 692-2611 Opinions of our columnists are not necessarily the opinions of this newspaper.

Owners/Publishers: Gary & Kris Hazelton Editor: Kris Hazelton Operations Specialist: Andrew Donaldson ads@estesparknews.com Office Manager: Tim Buck office@epnews.com Press releases: kris@estesparknews.com All editorial, photo content & graphic design is copyright of Estes Park News, Inc. & can not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Estes Park News, Inc. ©2024 For subscription information contact us.

DEADLINES Reserve space: Monday by 4:00 pm Final submissions: Tuesday by Noon Classifieds: Deadline Wed. by Noon Estes Park News, Inc. is Independent & locally family owned.

Our Main Headquarters is at 1191 Woodstock Drive Suite #1 Mail: PO Box 508 Estes Park, CO 80517

eligible for the annual subsidy when they have a Level 2 Rating on the statewide quality assurance program, Colorado Shines. EVICS Family Resource Center has been working alongside home providers to improve their rating so they are eligible for 2024 funds.

The Town Board and Larimer County Commissioners approved an annual funding plan for 6E funds in September 2023 that prioritized using childcare funds for capital projects, addressing workforce challenges, tuition assistance, and out-of-school programming. Out-ofschool programming is supervision for school-aged children when school is out of session, such as teacher professional development days, after-school or before-school care, and summer programming. Care and supervision of school-age children these days can be a huge challenge for working parents in the Estes Valley. Organizations such as the YMCA of the Rockies, the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, and the Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County have been providing these essential programs throughout the valley and 6E funds have been made available to support those programs.

Recently, the Town Board awarded a $75,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Club intended to support workforce challenges and stabilize their existing programming, while planning for future growth in programming. Currently, the Boys and Girls Club offers after-school programming for free to children 6-13 years of age out of the Estes Park Elementary School.

There are 35 children enrolled, with a waitlist of over 40 children. These funds will go directly to supporting current staff, recruiting more staff, and intend to

make a huge impact on the programming they’re able to provide.

The Estes Valley Recreation and Park District also received a grant at the end of the year to expand programming that serves four to six-year-olds in the Cubs Den at the Community Center. Children who are in preschool and Kindergarten have limited options for after-school activities as preschoolers cannot ride the bus, and Kindergarteners are not old enough to attend Boys and Girls Club.

EVRPD offers an after-school recreation program called Lil' Bobcats Playtime to serve families with children in this age group. With 6E funds, the program will expand to be able to serve children 5 days a week.

In 2023, over $300,000 in 6E funds were used to help address childcare challenges in Estes Park. Unused funds roll over to 2024 and the work will continue. Deputy Town Administrator, Jason Damweber, who developed the first 6E funding plan, stated, “We are thrilled to have this new revenue source to work with and I am pleased that much needed financial assistance is now finding its way to local providers. We still have a lot of work to do moving forward to ensure the sustainability of existing programming and to create new opportunities and options for parents of children beginning at infancy, but I am optimistic that the foundational work occurring now will lead to excellent outcomes in the not too distant future.”

Follow Housing and Childcare updates at www.estes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare. Questions or thoughts? Please feel free to reach out to Carlie Bangs, Housing and Childcare Manager at the Town of Estes Park, cbangs@estes.org.

epnews.com

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 3

"Behind The Scenes" With Doug Frisbie, President Of Estes Park Salud Foundation

Join us for our next Zoom Coffee on Saturday, February 10 from 10 - 11 a.m.

We will go "Behind the Scenes" with Doug Frisbie, President of Estes Park Salud Foundation. Doug will outline the 32 year history of the Salud Family Health Center here in Estes Park and how it is providing medical, dental and behavioral health services to our community today. All are welcome to this free community program.

Register for your Zoom invitation at www.lwv-estespark.org.

Facebook/Friday Focus/Town of Estes Park version “Estes Park Salud Foundation Today” Join us for our next Zoom Coffee on Saturday, February 10 from 10 - 11 a.m.

We will go "Behind the Scenes" with Doug Frisbie, President of Estes Park Salud Foundation. Doug will outline the 32 year history of the Salud Family Health Center here in Estes Park and how it is providing medical, dental and

behavioral health services to our community today. All are welcome to this free community program. Register at www.lwv-estespark.org for your Zoom invitation.

Doug Frisbie

Rental Management Concerns?

• Feel like you are not a priority?

• Dishonest communication?

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

On 1/17/2024 at 10:09 p.m. police stopped a 31 year old male driver from Estes Park in the 100 block of Moraine Avenue for speeding. The male was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and charged with DUI and speeding and later released on a summons.

On 1/19/2024 at 11:27 p.m. police were called to a report of an assault in the 2200

block of Eagle Cliff Road, Larimer County. On scene, police contacted a 24 year old female from Larve, Texas who was charged with domestic violence and third degree assault. She was arrested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.

On 1/21/2024 at 4:35 p.m. a 61 year old female from Fort Collins, CO turned herself in at the EPPD, 170 MacGregor Ave., to satisfy an arrest warrant for a municipal ordinance violation. The female was arrested and released on bond.

• Financial performance not up to your expectations?

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 January 14th, 2024, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 14 calls for service. This included:

• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 3 • Alarm Activation: 6 • Possible Illegal Burn: 1 • Assist: 2 • Structure Fire: 1 • Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC): 1 Estes Valley Fire www.estesvalleyfire.org

Estes Valley Vacation Rentals

720.340.8259

EVVR started after 3 local property owners shared similar negative experiences. Too many years of poor management, false promises, and excuses. We established an elite management company operated by property owners with Principles. Those are:

COMMUNICATION

INTEGRITY

• Open, Honest, & Timely contact.

• Monthly statements with Quarterly feedback.

• Simple 25% commission.

• NO NICKEL & DIMING!

• Respect & Empathy towards our owners & guests.

• Rental revenue held in Trust.

• Transparent & Open operations.

• NOTHING HIDDEN, NOTHING TAKEN!

TENACITY

COMMUNITY

• Determined, Resolute with promises.

• A team of proven Leaders focused on the owner & guest...

"WE WIN TOGETHER!"

• Independent & Local to Estes Park.

• EVVR Owners who Live In & Support our community.

CONTACT US: Trent Abbott - General Manager & Partner 720.340.8259 Trent@EstesValleyVacationRentals.com

SCAN ME

4 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Gary Hall Announces Bid For Estes Park Mayor I am running for mayor to serve the the Estes Valley Fire Protection District, Estes Park community. I have extensive and the leaders of other Estes Park ormanagement experience: personnel deganizations (the school district, the velopment, budget creation/oversight, YMCA, the library and many more). I team dynamics, project leadership, advocated for the Town broadband utilboard interaction/adity, and for other visement. I have the fiber lines to Estes to right personality to create safety nets for maintain a collaboraour services and tive, respectful culbusinesses. ture. I believe that All of this has given Estes would find me me substantial into be a strong, availsight into the needs able, connected leader. of our multi-generaI will take to heart the tional working and duties that our town retired community deserves to have done members. well.

Prior to moving to After 20 years in this Estes in 2003, I had a mountain paradise, long customer servGary Hall my wife Linda and I ice and information still say, with happy technology career amazement, “We live here!” based in Lincoln, Nebraska, at a naI retired last September after 18 years at tional database-management/directEstes Park Health. I served as Chief Inmarketing firm that was eventually purformation Officer and also had operachased by Experian. tional responsibility at times for many My wife and I moved here after both of other support and clinical departments. our daughters graduated from college.

I brought continuity through almost two Linda and I have climbed the Colorado decades of change and challenge, up14ers; we have our lifetime National graded key equipment and processes, Park passes. We're members of Trail and helped nurture and support staff.

Trekkers; we helped found the Estes My time at EPH was characterized by Park Marathon. We’re very active in the kindness, strength, and respect. community. As a lifelong musician, I’ve As a member of EPH’s senior team played with many musical groups in since 2010, I helped steer through many Estes. We consider this our forever challenges, including the flood, fire, and home, and we want Estes to continue to pandemic. I led EPH’s emergency prebe a wonderful place to live and thrive. paredness efforts for many years and The intent of my candidacy is to help worked with Town administration, that stay true.

Larimer County, the State of Colorado,

Events Survey Volunteer Opportunity The Town of Estes Park’s Events & Visitor Services Department is seeking volunteers to complete guest surveys at Town Signature Events. Survey volunteers will collect economic impact information for the Events Department. The survey volunteer will collect at least 100 surveys per event. The surveys include a short list of questions. For each event the volunteer works, they will enjoy the following: ● Free admission ● One comped meal from the Town

Concessionaire ● One free merchandise item To apply to be a Survey Volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Application at https://dms.estes.org/Forms/volunteerapplication, click “Events”, then click “All Events”.

For more information on volunteer positions, please contact the Town of Estes Park Events & Visitor Services Department at 970-586-6104 or events@estes.org.

Sprague Lake, RMNP

www.PhotosByMarsha.com

epnews.com

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 5

Mayoral Candidate Barbara MacAlpine Will “Focus On Citizen Involvement” Estes Park election time is coming! all residents.

Please vote and be involved with town Usually, a Board meeting is preceded governance. January 22nd was the final by a study session that provides inforday for town residents mation which may to file as official canbe helpful before a didates for the Town topic comes to a regBoard, with ballots to ular meeting. While be mailed out in public comment is March and votes to be not taken at study turned in by April 2nd. sessions, you can alMayor Wendy Koenig ways express your has decided not to run views via a webpage for re-election, and linked from the residents will vote for agenda or by emaila new mayor along ing the mayor and with four open trustee trustees at positions. Information trustees@estes.org. about the candidates You can generally may be viewed at Barbara MacAlpine watch meetings or www.estes.org/candistudy sessions ondates. line at www.estes.org/videos.

Have you attended Town Board meetWhat else do the mayor and trustees ings, or do you wonder what happens do? We provide input, approval, and folthere? Having served as a trustee since low-up for the Town’s annual Strategic 2020, I will address the latter question.

Plan and Budget. We all serve as liaisons An agenda is always posted a week in to citizen-boards and organizations at advance, along with a packet of informa- the town, county, and regional levels. tion that expands on agenda items.

For example, during my four years on These are available for anyone to read on the Board I have been the liaison to the the Town’s website at Planning Commission, Board of Adjustwww.estes.org/boardsandmeetings. ment, Sister Cities Association, and Meetings, which are held in the Town Comprehensive Plan Advisory CommitHall on the second and fourth Tuesdays tee. The mayor has additional responsieach month, follow a format that inbilities, including representing the town cludes time near the beginning for genin official and ceremonial functions, eral comments from the public and adpresiding over Board meetings, acting as ditional opportunities to speak on the liaison to the Town Administrator, specific issues under consideration. Your and serving on the Platte River Power input is welcomed and valued.

Authority Board (our electricity A Town Board meeting may include re- provider). ports from town advisory committees or Our biggest responsibility is to repreentities outside town government, action sent the people who live and work here. items submitted by the Planning ComAs a candidate for mayor, I hope to pubmission and various town departments, lish a weekly “focus issue” on topics of and ordinances or resolutions presented current interest or concern. Your quesfor approval. Before any vote, Board tions and comments are always welmembers ask questions, discuss views in come; please email me at a transparent manner, and request addi- bmacalpi@gmail.com. tional information from town staff.

Barbara MacAlpine While issues are sometimes contentious, Estes Park the Board tries to represent the views of

Free Tax Preparation Service At The Estes Valley Library February 2 through April 13, volunteers from the AARP Tax Aide program are once again offering free income tax preparation with electronic filing of federal and Colorado returns.

Appointments can be made through the Libray in person or by calling 970-

586-8116 or by visiting estesvalleylibrary.org. Some restrictions apply, such as no residential rental property income or out of state returns. Filing your Colorado return is the way to claim your TABOR sales tax refund of $800 for full-year CO residents aged 18 and above.

6 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

February Meeting Of The 1917 Book Club On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 the 1917 Book Club returns to the Estes Park Museum to explore local titles and authors. Discussions will take place every third Wednesday of the month from January through March, 2024. The program runs from 10 – 11:30 a.m. and is held in the Museum Meeting Room.

Light snacks will be provided.

Scott Applegate, President & CEO, Bank of Estes Park and John Minier, American LeThis program is free and open to the gion, Post 119. public. It is strongly encouraged that participants read each selection prior to the program to take part in the discussion.

The February pick is My Pioneer Life: Bank of Estes Park is proud to support American Legion is “to enhance the the American Legion, Post 119 through well-being of America’s veterans, their its 2024 Listening at the Legion profamilies, our military, and our commugram. This program raises funds by nities by our devotion to mutual helpbringing nationally acclaimed fulness.” For more information on the singers/songwriters to Estes Park for the initiatives and accomplishments of Post enjoyment of locals and tourists alike, in 119, you can go to www.esteslegion.org. a listening room environment. You can As the only truly local bank in town, view upcoming events and purchase Bank of Estes Park considers it an honor tickets at www.legionlisten.org. and a privilege to support our local Post Overall, Post 119 is committed to pro119—if you would like to join us in fividing a support network for veterans nancially supporting them, please go to and their families. The mission of the www.esteslegion.org/donate-now-1.

Bank Of Estes Park Supports American Legion, Post 119

The Memoirs of an Estes Park Frontiersman by Abner Sprague. “This collection of Sprague's own writings and photographs tells of his extraordinary life, from his family and upbringing in the frontier Midwest to the Spragues' journey across the plains in a covered wagon and eventual settlement on homesteads in Estes Park.”

Museum staff will facilitate a lively discussion.

For any questions, please contact Curator of Interpretation, Mikaela Fundaun, mfundaun@estes.org.

Courtesy photos

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 7

epnews.com

Now Available To The Public: He Came And Stayed, New Publication By Dr. James Pickering The limited edition of Dr. Pickering’s latest publication, I is now available to the general public. With a limited, first edition print of only 100 books, the collector’s edition features a hardback cloth cover, stamped title, author autographed, and numbered book

KREV-LP Schedule Monday-Friday Schedule 6am-10am Morning Music 10am-11am Folk Music 11am-1pm Midday Music 1pm-3pm Afternoon Classical 3pm-5pm Popular Music by Years 5pm-7pm Dinner Music 7pm-8pm Grass Fed (Eclectic Rock) 8pm-11pm Jazz Time 11pm-6am Night Music Pop Music 3pm-5pm Mon-Fri Monday: 1950-1963 Tuesday: 1964-1975 Wednesday: 1976-1983 Thursday: 1984-1999 Friday: 2000-Current Saturday Schedule 6am-10am Saturday Morning Chores 10am-Info Hour AWWW 11am-Noon British Rock Noon-1pm World Music 1pm-2pm World Music 2pm-4pm Estes Park Spanish Radio 4pm-7pm Dinner Music 7pm-8pm Grass Fed (Eclectic Rock) 8pm-11pm Jazz Time 11pm-6am Night Music Sunday Schedule 6am-8am Praise 8am-10am Sunday Morning Hymns 10am-11am Gospel 11am-1pm Instrumental Music 1pm-2pm German Hour 2pm-3pm World Music 3pm-5pm Afternoon Classical 5pm-7pm Dinner Music 7pm-9pm Jazz Time 9pm-11pm Evening Classical 11pm-6am Night Music

plate. This book is currently in production and will be delivered in early 2024.

The limited edition pre-order is available as long as supplies last.

Retailing for $59.95 (+tax), all proceeds from the publication benefit the Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation, Inc. with a mission to support the Estes Park Museum through fundraising and advocacy. Pre-orders can be placed by calling 970-577-3766 or emailing info@estesparkmuseumfriends.org.

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 followed, Pieter Hondius Sr. went on to initiate a series of successful and far-sighted business ventures, which made him one of the wealthiest, well-respected, 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.

8 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Joy Keown, former RMNP Artist-In-Residence, pictured while painting. Photo courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park Announces Return Of The Park’s Artist-In-Residence Program Applications are now being accepted for the summer 2024 program Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are pleased to announce the return of the park’s Artist-In-Residence program in summer 2024. This program has been on pause since the end of the 2017 summer season. First established in 1984, Rocky Mountain National Park was among the first National Park Service sites to offer an Artist-In-Residence program. Over 200 artists have served in Rocky’s Artist-In-Residence program, including painters, authors, poets, composers, quilters, musicians, and more!

The Artist-In-Residence program is open to artists of all creative disciplines and genres. Interested artists are invited to apply. Applications for the summer 2024 program will be open through February 9, 2024. For more detailed information on RMNP’s Artist-In-Residence program and to apply, please visit the park’s webpage at

https://go.nps.gov/romo/air.

When the application window closes, a panel of artists and park staff will judge the selection pool to select five to six artists to participate in the 2024 program. Selected artists will have the choice of serving in a two-week or three-week residency that will take place from mid-June through mid-September.

The park’s Artists-In-Residence will stay at the historic William Allen White cabin. During their stay, selected artists will provide at least two programs for the public. At the completion of their residency, the artists will donate a fully furnished piece of work representative of their stay to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. We thank Rocky Mountain Conservancy for their generous support of this program.

For more information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please call the park’s Information Office at (970) 5861206 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/romo.

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 9

epnews.com

Kitchen ghost. That’s what my friend Richard O. called my mom. “She comes for a visit when you’re in the kitchen,” he said.

I like it. When her spirit, her essence, is there in the kitchen with me while I bake, she’s my kitchen ghost.

And then he threw in a bit of typical Richard wisdom: “Remember, good moms always let you lick the beaters.

Great moms always turn them off first.”

Eeeeuuu!

Susan A. has a kitchen ghost too. Susan said, “After 45 years, I still carry my mom in my heart (and in many of my habits). I too have conversations with her, but she never responds, except in my imagination.”

I think that’s Susan’s kitchen ghost speaking to her. Our kitchen ghosts come whispering into our heads and hearts via our imaginations. I asked Susan if she could still hear her mom’s actual voice in her head.

“Alas, only her reproving voice, when she said ‘Susan,’ in that certain tone.”

Kitchen ghosts can still try to get us with that certain tone. But now we can simply chuckle and roll our eyes. (My fifth grade teacher Mr. Bastiaans sent me to sit in the school hall for rolling my eyes. Today I can roll them all I want. Our kitchen ghosts will laugh right along with us if we let them.)

Other readers responded to last week’s Thunker about baking [my comments are in brackets]: Karen D. said, “Baking, rather than cooking, is my special time. I do have a sifter, don’t regularly use it, but I have used it occasionally.” [She still has it! If she didn’t still use it periodically, I’d suggest she sell it and get rich. Vintage sifters are selling for at least $8.99 on eBay!] Karen continued, “Only a year ago did I buy a stand mixer. I really like it. I did not buy the $400 model of Kitchen Aid or whatever. I bought a Hamilton Beach for a little over $100 and it is working well. I bought a red one. I call it BIG RED. You Nebraska people would appreciate that.” [My mixer is the traditional white with black trim. I bet Karen’s baked yummies taste better since they are made with a BIG RED mixer.]

“Last week’s Thunker made me cry,” Gay N. said. “While I read it, I had cinnamon rolls baking in the oven for our breakfast. The house smelled so good on this cold, gray day. I love how you include your mother when you bake. I, too, include my mom in my activities.

When I wear my mom's jewelry, I say to her, ‘Mom, I'm taking you to Mah Jongg today.’” [That makes Gay’s mom a Mah Jongg ghost!]

Gay said, “I also use a Sunbeam Mixmaster. That's what my mom used and I followed her footsteps. I couldn't bake with anything else. I have bought numerous ones on eBay when mine go bad. As you might remember, I am quite a baker. Last week I baked two kinds of cookies and gave 5 dozen away to friends.” [Gosh, it’s too bad Gay moved across the country. She is quite a

baker. She made the best Easter cake I’ve ever had, using a vintage recipe that called for a velvety cooked frosting and coconut over all, of course.]

Rosemary A. said, “Baking for one, especially with gluten free (gf) flour, is a challenge. But reading your column today has inspired me to exhume my gf flour from the freezer where it has languished for months and whip up gf chocolate chip cookies.” [I asked how her cookies turned out. She said the cookies have replaced the flour in the freezer and she’ll have sweet treats for some time to come. She’s happy.]

My cousin-in-law Nancy, whose mother-in-law was my Aunt Betty, said, “When I was welcomed into the Taylor family I noticed many items in Betty's kitchen similar to my mother’s. [That would make a new bride feel welcome.]

And there have been family conversations about items we all remember from the '50s and '60s i.e., colorful aluminum drinking cups.” [Ah, those!]

“I also have fond memories of the Sunbeam mixer my mother used,” Nancy said, “until we cleared out her house before her current assisted living residence.” [As I said last week, it’s so hard to know what to keep and what to get rid of.] “And I fondly remember things about my grandmother's kitchen—the bowl for the mashed potatoes, the pie crust remnants baked into small cinnamon treats placed on a flour-sack towel to cool, the steps of a closed-off stairwell where she stored canned goods, and so much more.”

[Folks were so practical in our grandparents’ day. Using an old stairwell as shelves? Brilliant! Today we would cover up that perfectly usable space, paint the drywall and hang a picture.

Go figgr.

Finally, Ann B. shared, “Sadly Sarah, my mom wouldn’t allow me in the kitchen with her so I have no memories! I made my school lunch every morning in junior high which was a ‘dead’ egg sandwich (Mom called it that). She said I dropped it from the ceiling into the pan, slapped it between two pieces of bread and off I went. I didn’t eat it until four hours later. It just sat in my locker—and I never died.”

I prodded: Why wouldn’t her mom allow her in the kitchen?

“Oh Sarah, are you my cooking priest?” [Yes, I’m looking for that confession.]

Ann said, “I can’t believe I am sharing this. I was in college and I wanted to bake a chocolate cake and Mom wouldn’t let me so I locked her out of the house ( it was nice weather) and baked…When finished the cake weighed 30 pounds and wasn’t edible and I had to stay with my aunt for a couple of days.”

What Ann needed was a BIG RED mixer!

You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com. © 2024 Sarah Donohoe

Gary Hall & Linda Adam-Hall performing aco acoustic ustic Original, Americana, Folk, and MOre

Estes Park Legion Post 119

February 2, 2024 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

and every first Friday at the Legion, every month in 2024!

10 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

For life insurance, call a good neighbor.

Susan Fereday Ins Agency Inc Susan J Fereday, Agent 501 Saint Vrain Lane Estes Park, CO 80517 Bus: 970-586-9547

Call me and I’ll help you choose the right life insurance for you and your family.

We put the life back in life insurance.™

Gee, all my birthday celebrations, calls, good wishes, emails, and cards are over.

When you have four children, four inlaws, 11 grandchildren ( four in-laws), and six greats: you get a lot of messages.

I told you about going to Vegas in my last column. We did a lot more than the chopper ride. We gambled a bit, ate at all wonderful places, and went to a show of magic. When I got home, Marie and Jeff took me to Elways. Now I have Plantar fasciitis and my dream bubble is busted.

My trip to the podiatrist was no fun.

That shot hurt and so do the exercises.

I’m still not completely cured but I hobble on.

It was rather chilly in Las Vegas but when I returned home, I found that “rather chilly” sure was pleasant compared to the freezing weather that greeted me here! My dog Sunshine moves faster than I have ever seen her when she goes out to do her business. I should change her name to “Flash Gertrude.” Today seems quite a bit warmer if you call 43 degrees and cloudy “warm.”

Been so busy with traveling and celebrating that I have done little cooking. I was in Sam’s the other day killing time while Sunshine was being groomed at PetSmart. I could not resist the beautiful bag of sweet onions. So, I am going to try a new recipe. I have it in the crockpot right now. I love onion soup and this one sounds like a winner. It was on several sites, maybe some of you have prepared it already. I am using real sherry and not sherry vinegar.

Crockpot French Onion Soup State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI), 1311000 Bloomington, IL

6 servings 2-3 lbs. Vidalia (can use other sweet and white but Vidalia is best.)

¼ cup melted, unsalted butter 1 ½ tsp. sugar 1 ½ tsp kosher salt (less if using regular salt or salted butter. ) ½ tsp. black pepper 1 Tbs. regular sherry, not cooking sherry*. Or can use sherry vinegar. I use real and maybe a little more than 1 Tbs. *Cooking sherry has salt in it.

4-6 sprigs of fresh thyme (more for garnish) 2 bay leaves 5 cups beef broth (low sodium) 6 oz. Gruyere cheese, shredded 12 baguette slices Stir onions, butter, sugar, salt, and pepper into slow cooker (crockpot) until well coated with butter. (I have a setting for sauté, so I don’t need to melt butter ahead.) Place thyme and bay leaf on top of mixture, cover and cook on high for 6-7 hours. Stir about halfway.

Add broth, and sherry remove thyme, and bay leaf, cover and cook on high for 30 minutes till heated.

Heat broiler. Place soup in six ramekins or heat resistant bowls. Put two slices of baguettes in each ramekin and sprinkle evenly with cheese. Broil for about three minutes, six inches from broiler. Sprinkle a few thyme leaves for garnish and serve.

Now I cannot eat six bowls of onion soup so I plan on having someone over and I will freeze the rest for another time…just the soup, not prepared with bread and cheese. I will freeze those separately. I think the cheese will freeze well if I package it tightly…I will find out, won’t I! My email: esther.cenac@gmail.com Sunshine and I wish you a Bon Appétit.

Sunrise Rotary Invites Charitable Organizations To Apply For Funding Susan Landers Member for 7 years

Why I love being a member of Quota: I enjoy being a member of Estes Park Quota because it focuses its philanthropic work on supporting people in Favorite or memorable moment: the Estes Valley community. My husband and I moved here 7 1/2 years ago, My favorite moment is watching and I wanted to support our new com- our community support the Taste munity and make new friends. I am of Estes fundraiser over multiple fortunate to be part of a group of years. friends supporting Estes!

If you are interested in becoming a member of Estes Park Quota or finding out more about it, please contact President Mary Murphy at 970-214-6350 or Gail Albers at 970-481-2372

The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary (EVSR) invites proposals from charitable organizations, in the Estes Valley, for grants to support programs and projects that benefit the Estes Valley community. To apply for funding, go to portal.clubrunner.ca/5242 and locate the 2024 Community Grants application. Please

print and fill out the application and then email the completed application, and all required backup documents, to estessunriserotary@gmail.com no later than March 31, 2024. You will be notified in May if you are a grant recipient.

On This Day, January 26, In History 2010 - James Cameron's film, Avatar, surpasses his 1997 film Titanic, and becomes the highest grossing film of all time.

1998 - 25th American Music Award: Spice Girls and Babyface win.

1988 - "Phantom of the Opera" opens at Majestic Theater New York City for 4,000+ performances.

1986 - Superbowl XX: Chicago Bears beat New England Patriots, 46-10 in New Orleans Superbowl MVP: Richard Dent, Chicago, DE. 1979 - "Dukes of Hazzard" premieres on CBS. 1961 - "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" by Elvis Presley peaks to #1.

1954 - Ground breaking begins on Disneyland.

epnews.com

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 11

Magic Dragon - A 1960s Experience This Weekend At The American Legion Estes Park is home to a tribute band that guides you on a nostalgic experience. Magic Dragon is a live music group that presents a sonic tribute to the recordings of Peter, Paul and Mary. Care is taken to accurately reproduce the signature vocal arrangements and overall feeling of the hit songs we remember hearing on the radio.

The Estes Park American Legion brings you Magic Dragon this Saturday, January

Knitting GetTogether You are invited to our (fun and free!) knitting get–togethers in the Hondius Community Room at the Estes Valley Library on: Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

It’s fun and free! Just bring your knitting, and let’s have fun together, talking and knitting. If you need any help or advice with your knitting project or pattern, we can help!

No need to book or reserve a seat. Just show up! Come knit for a bit or all of it!

These knitting get–togethers are hosted

by Jennifer Daley.

Email: jenny@knittingjenny.com

St. Jude’s Novena May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us.

Say this prayer nine times a day.

By the eighth day, your prayer will be answered. Say it for nine days.

It has never been known to fail.

Publication must be promised.

Thank you Jesus.

Thank You, St. Jude T.M. Paid Advertisement

27 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, January 28 at 2 p.m. The Legion, at 850 N. St. Vrain Ave., supports veterans as well as the community at large. Open to the public, their “Listening at the Legion” concert series presents high quality live music that is accessible, budget friendly and welcoming to all.

More information, including how to purchase advance tickets, is available at legionlisten.org.

12 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Estes Valley Foreign Policy Association Announces 2024 Presentations The Estes Valley Foreign Policy Association (EVFPA) is pleased to announce the high-powered 2024 topic presentations in the Great Decisions forums. A major national election is just over the horizon. It is critical for you and your children to understand the issues that affect your family’s security and your pocketbooks.

The mission and purpose of the Estes Valley Foreign Policy Association, a non-political aligned non-profit organization, is to educate citizens on the important national issues of our time. Attendance is free. Presentations are given by leaders and executives from diverse fields.

Meetings are held at our fabulous Estes Valley Library located in beautiful downtown Estes Park. Be the best voter you can be in 2024 and participate in these free sessions.

Here are the topics for 2024: Mideast Realignment (Wednesday, Feb. 7th at 10 a.m. in our Library’s Wasson Room) by Dr. Marc Lynch – Political Science and International Affairs Middle East.

Climate Technology and Competition (Wednesday, Mar. 6th at 10 a.m. in our

First Estes Valley Foreign Policy Association Program - Mideast Realignment On February 7

Library’s Wasson Room) by Bud Ward Editor Yale Climate Connections.

Science Across Borders (Wednesrum attendees day, April 3rd at 10 a.m. in then freely discuss our Library’s Wasson the topic exchangRoom) by Mila Rosening ideas and perthal – Executive Disonal experiences. rector International The Forum is apoScience Reserve. litical and focuses U.S. - China on building underTrade Rivalry standing that we (Wednesday, May need to be edu1st at 10 a.m. in cated voters and our Library’s Waswise taxpayers. Dison Room) by Dr. versity of ideas is Jonathan Chanis – Naheartily welcomed Dr. Marc Lynch- Political Science and tional Committee Ameriand embraced by all during our discusInternational Affairs Middle East can Foreign Policy. sion.

The Future of NATO (Wednesday, Staying well informed and up-to-date Our February topic is Mideast ReJune 5th at 10 a.m. in our Library’s Wason the prevailing American issues of alignment son Room) by Sarwar Kashmeri – Proour time has never been more difficult The United States, European Union, fessor International Relationships. or complicated than it is right now. Un- and Middle East are at a serious crossUnderstanding Indonesia (Wednesday, derstanding real facts and unbiased in- roads. The US and EU have increased Sept. 4th at 10 a.m. in our Library’s Was- formation that directly affect you, your their military presence in the Middle children, and your grandchildren has son Room) by Dr. Charles P. Sullivan – East. The U.S. still has significant nanever been more important. Where else tional interests there and the area is a Southeast Asia Studies. can you find that kind of critical High Seas Treaty (Wednesday, Oct. 2nd key arena for emerging global power knowledge in Estes Park? The New at 10 a.m. in our Library’s Wasson politics. Can the U.S. continue to deYork Times? The BBC? CNN or Fox? Room) by Foreign Policy Association fend its interests in the Middle East The answer: The Great Decisions Fo- and globally with a lower level of miliEditors. rum at the friendly confines of the tary and political involvement, or Pandemic Preparedness (Wednesday, Estes Valley Library. should it recommit to a leading role in Nov. 6th at 10 a.m. in our Library’s Wasthe region? Our subject matter expert Each month the Forum meets to disson Room) by Carolyn Reynolds – is Dr. Marc Lynch – Political Science cuss a key social, economic, and secuFounder Pandemic Action Network. and International Affairs Middle East. rity issue to gain a full understanding of Watch for details and more informahow government policies and events afPlease join us for this great session on tion in upcoming issues of the EP News. fect us and shape our immediate future. Wednesday, Feb. 7th at 10 a.m. in the Forum moderators (a local Estes Park Wasson Room at the renowned Estes neighbor of yours) leads the group Valley Library. Attendance is free and through a short, high quality video lec- open to the public. Have an unforgetture. Each video features a nationally table experience for all the right rearecognized subject matter expert. Fosons.

Jim Dolan captured this beautiful photo of a coyote in Horseshoe Meadows during our recent minus 15 degree wind chill.

Jim said, “It sure was cold but the coyote didn’t seem to mind.”

Photo by Jim Dolan

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 13

epnews.com

Estes Park High School Band Boosters Thank The Community

Thank you for supporting the Estes Park High School band program. In early March, we are traveling to California with 43 students. Generous grants from the Town of Estes Park, the Estes Park Education Foundation and Sunrise Rotary made it possible to provide financial aid to six students. Estes Park Band Boosters raised additional funds for the trip by selling parking at Frozen Dead Guy Days and Snowygrass Music Festival, promoting adoptions for the Rotary Duck Race, selling mattresses, and helping at the Estes Park Marathon.

Parking revenue during the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival provided additional financial support to the band program. We thank these organizations for partnering with us.

While on the trip, band students will perform in the Disney Performing Arts program at Disneyland Resort. They will participate in a Soundtrack Session, where they will perform in a sound studio and take part in a simulated film recording session, complete with video playback and click track.

This school year, we have 55 students

in the high school band program, which is the highest number in the last 10 years. Estes Park High School Band Boosters supplement school district funding by raising money for marching band instructors, props and lodging at state competitions. Volunteers also repair equipment, push percussion instruments onto the field, sell concessions at football and basketball games, chaperone trips and cheer from the stands. We thank the following businesses that sponsored our travel trailer: Wild Spirits, Ltd., Community Hearing Center, Terra Construction, Glen Haven General Store, Creativity Cabin, First Colorado Realty, Taharaa Mountain Lodge and Twin Owls Steakhouse, Estes Park News, State Farm Sue Fereday, Bank of Estes Park, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Colorado Highlands Realty, Burgers and Gyros on Moraine Avenue and the New Village Pizza and Summit Church. The next performance of the Estes Park High School Concert and Jazz bands will be February 27 at the high school auditorium.

Estes Park High School Band Boosters

14» Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Serving our communities for 50 years and counting See how we’re working toward a noncarbon future and giving you the power.

Merry Marthas To Meet On January 26

Explore your energy: prpa.org/future

The next meeting of the Merry Marthas will be held this Friday, January 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies on Brodie Avenue. Merry Marthas is a group of women who sew, knit, crochet, or weave and then donate their finished projects to local charities. New members are always welcome whether experienced or a beginner. For more information, please call the church at 970-586-4404.

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 15

epnews.com

Locals Are Talking About The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Store The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Store would like to thank some of our most valued customers. Let's hear what they have to say about why they love shopping at our store.

Geno L. has been shopping at The Guild since 1991. Geno stops in almost every day and is often our first customer when we open. He says “The Guild's prices are easy on the pocket and I love the oldies music they play here."

Marilyn D. says "It's a great place to shop. People are helpful and nice. It's fun to find a treasure!"

Debra B. also says "It's all about the hunt for treasure and serendipity. I love coming to this store!"

These are all great reasons to stop in and shop and The Guild today!

The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Store is open Tuesday -Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

We have a great selection of quality clothing and household items. Donations are accepted every day that we're open in back of the store. It's always a good idea to call ahead as our needs and available storage space often change (970) 586-7205. Some items we're unable to take are large furniture and TVs. Please make sure any clothing or fabric items donated are free of damage, stains or pet hair.

Remember all proceeds from The Guild benefit Estes Park Health. Thanks to the donations we receive and our loyal customers we are able to support the hospital with a generous annual check which helps with employee scholarships and to buy life saving medical equipment.

Linda V.

Peggy S.

Debra B. and Marilyn D.

Linda V. says " I find all my favorite things at The Guild. It's the most beautiful and fun place to shop in Estes Park."

Peggy S. said " I've been shopping at The Guild since 1990! It helped clothe my four kids as I raised them, provided beautiful clothes for me when I went back into an office position, has a wonderful staff and music too."

Start Your Year Off Right Experience true 100% fiber-to-the-home internet from your only community broadband provider!

Register or Call for Service Availability

TrailblazerBroadband.com | 970.577.3770 Geno L.

16 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

“100 Women Who Care” Deliver $8,000 Donation

What a beautiful environment to present an $8,000 check from “100 Women Who Care – Estes Park” to the Stanley Home Museum. It was a proud moment, indeed, for Janet Collison and Mary Liz Adair to present a check on behalf of all the members of “100 Women Who Care” to Joann Batey, Executive Director of the Stanley Home Museum, and to Susan Robertson, a dedicated volunteer at the Stanley Home Museum. The plan is that these monies will be applied to funding for reparations and further restoration of the historical appearance of the front porch and roof of the Stanley Home Museum. F.O. and Flora Stanley built this magnificent home in 1904. In 2019, the Historic Stanley Home Foundation purchased the home for posterity.

Since then, members of our community have done a beautiful job restoring this architectural treasure. But as with any vintage home, ongoing restoration is

Denisse Espino Garcia 10th Grade Congratulations to Denisse Espino Garcia, the Estes Park High School Student of the Week for Friday, January 26, 2024.

Denisse is the daughter of Mayra Dianely García Rodriguez and Armando Espino Espino.

At EPHS, Denisse doesn’t have a favorite class, she likes them all, but she likes Spanish for natives with Mr. Case a little more than the others.

Outside of school she enjoys playing with her pets, walking her dog, skating, spending time with her cousin and going out with her friends.

When asked a place she’d love to visit, Denisse said, “I would really like to go and visit Egypt because that place really attracts my attention because of its cultures.”

Her favorite quote is “Even the smallest person can change the future.” She said, “This quote reminds me that no matter how small we think our efforts are, no

matter how insignificant we think we are, in fact, each and every one of us is important.”

The best piece of advice she’s ever received is to live as normal as possible, because things happen for a reason.

After high school, Denisse plans to continue school, study medicine and travel the world.

both laborious and costly. In this setting, however, it is a true labor of love!

The philanthropic organization “100 Women Who Care – Estes Park” began in August of 2021. Three meetings a year are held at various venues throughout Estes Park. At each gathering, members learn of the offerings and needs of three nonprofit organizations in the Estes Valley. The membership then votes on which organization will receive the donations from that meeting. Eight meetings to date have raised $59,800 for our local nonprofits! That is an average of $7,475 for each one-hour meeting!

The next meeting of “100 Women Who Care” will be held on February 8th at the Bird’s Nest on High Drive from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thereafter, dinner and memorable fellowship will follow. All are welcome! For further information please contact Janet Collison at: janet.collison@gmail.com.

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 17

epnews.com

Owls Of Northern Colorado At January 31 CARRI Program

Boreal Owls are one species that nest in the higher elevations of RMNP. Photos by Scott Rashid

Come join members of CARRI (Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute) for their twelfth presentation in our Winter Speaker Series. On Wednesday, January 31st, members of CARRI will present “Owls of Northern Colorado,” a program about the owls that can be found in Northern Colorado.

The presentation will be held at the Estes Park Community Center at 6:30 p.m.

There are eleven species of owls that either nest in or can be found in Northern Colorado. These owls include the Snowy Owl, Great Horned Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owls, Barn Owl, Burrowing Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Sawwhet Owl, Flammulated Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, and the Northern PygmyOwl. These owls’ range in size from the diminutive 7-inch Flammulated and Northern Pygmy-Owls to the 24-inch Great Horned and Snowy Owls. During the presentation, you will see images and video of the birds at their nests, vocalizing, delivering food to their young and more.

We will also show you where each species can be found, where they nest, how they raise their young you will watch the nestlings in their nests. You learn about the first documented Boreal Owl and Flammulated Owl nests in the history of Rocky Mountain National Park. Both of which were documented

and researched by members of CARRI. This presentation is the twelfth in CARRI’s Winter Speaker Series. Come join us at the Estes Park Community Center on January 31st at 6:30 p.m. for a fun and interesting presentation. Tickets are $10.00 at the door.

18 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

epnews.com

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 19

20 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library WINTER HOURS Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.

KEY Ⓡ: Registration required.

Visit estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.

BOOKS & AUTHORS The Stranger in the Woods Book Discussion Ⓡ Monday, January 29, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Wasson Room & online Local book club leader and One Book One Valley committee member Heather Heinz will facilitate a conversation about 2024’s title, The Stranger in the Woods.

Join community members and friends and share your thoughts! A One Book One Valley program.

Metabolical: Author Talk with Dr. Robert Lustig Ⓡ

Tuesday, January 30, 12 - 1 p.m., online Launch your new year with pediatric neuroendocrinologist and author Dr. Robert Lustig, who will discuss “the lure and the lies” of processed food, nutrition, and modern medicine. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Spice, Spirit, & Swoon: Author Talk with Tessa Bailey Ⓡ Thursday, February 8, 6 - 7 p.m., online New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey will discuss her new sports romance duology starting with her new book, Fangirl Down, about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

ALL AGES Community Seed Exchange Saturday, January 27, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Hondius Room Drop in for a community-wide seed exchange: bring the seeds you’ve harvested and get some new ones to take home. Representatives from the plants, trees, land management, and gardening organizations around town will be available to answer your questions. And, we’ll be debuting our newest collection: The Little Seed Library!

Pick It Apart: How Locks Work Ⓡ Tuesday, January 30, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace Through instruction and hands-on practice with clear locks, uncover the history of locks and an understanding of different lock types. Recommended for adults and teens. A One Book One Valley program.

Dungeons & Dragons: Session 0 Ⓡ Tuesday, February 6,

5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Quiet Room Calling all fantasy, gaming, and roleplaying fans: join us for an introductory session as we plan for a round of old school Dungeons and Dragons. Recommended for ages 16 and up.

Seed Bombs Ⓡ Tuesday, February 6, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace Use soil, clay, and regional wildflower seeds to make “seed bombs” that can be cast into open spaces to beautify your neighborhood. Recommended for adults and teens.

Create Your Own Gemstones Ⓡ Thursday, February 8, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace Craft a sparkly stone of your own using translucent polymer clay, mica powder, inks, and foils. Recommended for adults and teens.

ADULTS Alone: Solitude or Isolation?

A Living Room Conversation Ⓡ Wednesday, January 31, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Hondius Room & online What is the right mix of solitude and connection? Join us for a community conversation about how being alone can be both beneficial and challenging. A One Book One Valley program, presented with Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership.

TEENS & KIDS Book vs. Movie Club: The Hobbit Ⓡ Saturday, January 27, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Hondius Room Book or movie—which did you like best? We’ll discuss the book, then watch the movie adaptation. Snacks and drinks provided. A One Book One Valley program.

Young Chautauqua Club Ⓡ Thursday, February 1, 4 - 5:30 p.m., Hondius Room repeated Thursday, February 8, 4 - 5:30 p.m., Hondius Room Teacher and facilitator Katherine Dumont will lead participants through research about the life, words, and mannerisms of a historical character. Young Chautauqua Club culminates in live, costumed performances in late February.

Teen Advisory Council Ⓡ Thursday, February 1, 6 - 7 p.m., Hondius Room Monthly meeting for tweens and teens (ages 11-18) who would like to recommend ideas for library programming, design for future teen space, and collection purchases for their age group.

Makerspace Crafternoon: Buttons Ⓡ Saturday, February 3, 2 - 3 p.m., Makerspace Let’s make custom buttons and magnets! Cut out images from magazines, use any of our premade templates, or bring in your own art or photos. All skill levels welcome.

Artwork Wednesday: Sip & Paint Ⓡ Wednesday, February 7, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Makerspace Use watercolors, tape, and even salt to create a beautiful winter painting, all while sipping on sparkling apple cider.

KIDS & FAMILIES Library Storytimes Babies: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m. (no Storytime Fri., February 2) Preschoolers: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m. (no Storytime Fri., February 2) Read to Therapy Dog Annie: Sat., February 3 at 11 a.m.

Cirque du Wiener Dog Puppet Show Friday, February 2, 9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Estes Park Elementary School repeated Friday, February 2, 1:15 - 2 p.m., Estes Park Elementary School Watch a cast of daring dachshund puppets as they attempt to put on a circus variety show with amazing acrobatics, trapeze swinging, and a rousing tightrope finale! Homeschoolers and preschoolers are welcome! Adults, please bring an ID to check in at the Estes Park Elementary School office.

Bilingual Storytime Ⓡ Friday, February 2, 4 - 5 p.m., Hondius Room Únete a nosotros en nuestra Hora del Cuento Bilingüe, donde aprenderemos sobre la diversidad cultural de nuestra comunidad y buenos modales. Join us for our Bilingual Storytime, where we will learn about the cultural diversity of our community and good manners.

Daniel Tiger Day Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Estes Valley Library Meet new friends and neighbors during our first ever Daniel Tiger Day! We’ll be touring around town on a short trolley ride, then enjoying crafts, face painting, and a tea party back at the Library. No registration required – just drop in! Presented in partnership with the Town of Estes Park Mobility Services, We Move People, and Estes Valley Board of Realtors.

MAKERSPACE CLASSES Crochet Learning & Sharing Monday, January 29, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Learn and/or practice crochet with folks of all skill levels. We won’t be teaching any specific technique, but we’ll have both intermediates and experts on hand to help you improve.

Learn the Laser Cutter Ⓡ Monday, February 5, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).

Learn the Embroidery Machine Monday, February 12, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult).

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION Cliffhanger Used Books Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the Post Office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, and music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

KEY Ⓡ: Registration required.

Visit estesvalleylibrary.org to sign up.

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 21

epnews.com

What Did Local Readers, Listeners, & Viewers Borrow In 2023?

By: Kathleen Kase, Acquisitions Librarian, Estes Valley Library

The numbers are in! Estes Valley Library’s annual “most checked-out” list is a fun way to discover your next book, song, movie, or activity.

In Adult New Fiction, number one went to: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, a compelling story of the Chicken Hill neighborhood of Pottstown, Pennsylvania (my hometown!) in the 1920s and 1930s.

Author Elin Hilderbrand claimed the next spot with The Five-Star Weekend, an inspiring tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery.

In Adult Nonfiction, cookbooks often claim first place. This year, though, Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon by Melissa Sevigny snagged the top spot. Second place? The cookbooks have it with The Sustainable Mediterranean Diet Cookbook by Serena Ball.

Audiobooks are a great way to get your reading done while cleaning the house, driving to the valley, or taking a long walk. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver was the community’s most checked out audiobook last year, with Uncommon Type: Some Stories by actor Tom Hanks next in line.

Younger readers got in on the action, too. Picture books like Maisy Goes Camping by Lucy Cousins and Caldecott Honor winner Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems, topped their chart.

Glass Sword (from the Red Queen series) by Victoria Aveyard took the top spot in Teen Fiction. Make sure to check

out the Library’s partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium: Victoria Aveyard recently gave a virtual talk about fantasy world-building, which patrons can access at libraryc.org/estesvalleylibrary.

Library of Things origami kits topped last year’s list, followed by the telescope, scanner, and karaoke machine. Our community is busy crafting, stargazing, and singing!

Video games are another popular media type added in 2023. Pokemon Legends was borrowed the most.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Undertale, both for the Nintendo Switch, were also popular. If you haven’t browsed the video game selection yet, look for it in the Young Adult section on the first floor of the library.

Whenever we’re asked, “Who chooses what’s in the Library collections?” our answer is: “You do.” When you check out an item—physical or digital—it’s like a vote for the types of materials and topics you want.

Keep giving us your suggestions for items you’d like to see in the collections – you can request in person or through the “We’ll Get It For You” link atop the search catalog.

Hundreds of acquisitions in 2023 were the direct result of suggestions from readers like you. For titles we’re unable to purchase, we’ll happily order them through the statewide InterLibrary Loan service, Prospector.

What titles will top the lists in 2024? Remember, downloadable songs are available, too. So start “voting” now and keep reading, listening, and viewing all year long. Visit estesvalleylibrary.org today to begin browsing for your next favorite.

Hey Preschool Families!

Explore Your Neighborhood With Daniel Tiger Day In February Every day, four-year-old Daniel Tiger puts on his red sweater, ties his shoes, and invites other preschoolers into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is a TV series on PBS inspired by the classic Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. In the spirit of Mr. Rogers, characters connect with one another and find wonder in seemingly everyday things.

On Saturday, February 10, we’ll be celebrating our collective love of the Estes Park community with a Daniel Tiger Day at the Estes Valley Library.

Preschoolers and their families are invited to drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for an exciting lineup of activities.

Take a trolley ride around town and enjoy an “Estes Park Neighborhood Tour.”

We’ll sing songs and play games focused on early childhood learning while we drive by places like the Estes

Park Museum, Crossroads, Salud, the Rec Center, Community Garden, EVICS, Estes Valley Fire

Protection District, and more.

Back at the Library, participants will stop in the Hondius Room and exercise their creativity with fun crafts. We’ll make thankfulness cards for friends, celebratory crowns, and Daniel Tiger buttons. In the Children’s Room, visit the face painting station, then snap a photo with a Daniel Tiger cutout.

After first floor fun, head to the second floor and visit the Quiet Room for a tea party! Sip on juice from special tea cups and snack of apple slices, pretzel sticks, and shortbread cookies. We’ll picnic on the floor with comfortable blankets.

Thank you to our friends at the Town of Estes Park’s Mobility Services, We Move People, and the Estes Valley Board of Realtors for their valuable Daniel Tiger Day partnership.

Won’t you be my neighbor? Learn more about Daniel Tiger Day and other community-building programs at estesvalleylibrary.org.

¡Hola familias de Preescolar! Explora tu Vecindario con la Celebración del Día de Daniel Tigre en Febrero Todos los días, Daniel Tigre, de cuatro años, se pone su suéter rojo, se ata los zapatos e invita a otros niños en edad preescolar al Barrio de Make-Believe.

Daniel Tigre y su Vecindario es una serie de televisión de PBS inspirada en el clásico Mister Rogers Neighborhood. En el espíritu del Sr. Rogers, los personajes se conectan entre sí y encuentran asombro en cosas aparentemente cotidianas.

El sábado 10 de febrero celebraremos nuestro amor colectivo por la comunidad de Estes Park con el Día de Daniel Tigre en la Biblioteca de Estes Valley. Los niños en edad preescolar y sus familias están invitados a visitarnos en cualquier momento entre las 10 a. m. y las 3 p. m. para una emocionante programación de actividades.

Todos podrán tomar un paseo en tranvía por la ciudad y disfrutarán de un “recorrido por el vecindario de Estes Park". Cantaremos canciones y jugaremos juegos enfocados en el aprendizaje de la primera infancia mientras conducimos por lugares como el Museo de Estes Park, Crossroads, Salud, el Centro de Recreación, el Jardín Comunitario, EVICS, el Distrito de Protección contra Incendios de Estes Valley y más.

De regreso a la biblioteca, los participantes se detendrán en la Sala Hondius y ejercitarán su creatividad con divertidas manualidades. Haremos tarjetas de agradecimiento para amigos, coronas de celebración y botones de Daniel Tigre.

En la Sala de los Niños, podrán visitar la estación de pintura de caras y luego tomarse una foto con una imagen de Daniel Tigre.

Después de la diversión del primer piso, podrás dirigirte al segundo piso y visitar la Sala Tranquila para disfrutar de una fiesta de té. Podrás tomar jugo en tazas de té especiales y tomar un refrigerio de rodajas de manzana, palitos de pretzel y galletas de mantequilla. ¡Haremos un picnic en el suelo con cómodas mantas!

Gracias a nuestros amigos de los Servicios de Movilidad de la ciudad de Estes Park, Rocky Mountain Transit, We Move People y la Junta de Agentes Inmobiliarios de Estes Valley por su valiosa asociación al celebrar el Día de Daniel Tigre. ¿No serás mi vecino? Obtén información sobre el Día de Daniel Tigre y otros programas de desarrollo comunitario en estesvalleylibrary.org.

22 » Friday, January 26, 2024

WHERE HAVE ALL THE GREAT LEADERS GONE? As we approach the coming national election I think it important to think of some qualities of great world leaders as we consider our ballot. But, who is / was great?

How can we tell? A longtime publisher of the Washington Post, who had interviewed great leaders throughout the world during her time, Katherine Graham, was once asked what she considered to be the most important trait of the great leaders of the world whom she had met. She replied without hesitation, “The absence of arrogance”. This usually draws to mind people who think more about and have more concern for the people, than for themselves. Perhaps some good examples of ‘the absence of arrogance’ are these.

Ronald Reagan’s speechwriter wrote a book, ‘When Character was King’. In it she told how, after President Reagan had been shot, he had recovered enough to get out of bed and into the bathroom. There, as he splashed water on his face, some spilled out on the floor. He took paper towels and got down on the floor to clean up the mess.

An aide went to check on him and found the President of the United States on his hands and knees on the cold tile floor mopping up the water. He said: “Mr. President, what are you doing? Let the nurse clean that up!” Reagan’s reply: “Oh, no, I made the mess, and I don’t want someone else to have to clean it up!” We admire the ‘absence of ‘arrogance’.

Former President George Bush was often joked about by late-night comics. In one interview Jimmy Kimmel, asked if these unflattering jokes about him upset him.

Bush replied, “No. I love humor and the best humor is when you make fun of yourself.”

President Theodore Roosevelt, during his time in office, made a practice of taking co-leaders of government out late at night and having them gaze at the stars in the sky. After having them look at the incredible night sky for a few minutes he would say, “Gentlemen, I believe we are small enough now. Let’s go get some sleep.” After a long day’s work filled with tough decisions and stressful situations, Roosevelt’s routine was to look up at the stars in order to put his own importance into perspective. The enormity of God’s universe made him feel small enough to sleep at night. Another great leader, David, once wrote: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you have ordained, what is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you consider him?” (Psalm 8:3-4) We long for the ‘absence of arrogance’!

How much good could be done if our leaders had this spirit of humility and desire to serve God and those who elect them! William Barclay, Biblical scholar, rightly wrote: “Every economic problem would be solved if men lived for what they could do for others and not for what they can get for themselves. Every political problem would be solved if the ambition of men was to serve others and not to enhance their own prestige…When Jesus spoke of supreme greatness and the value of a man whose ambition was to be a servant He laid down one of the greatest practical truths in the world.”

Jesus, the greatest leader of men of all time, said: “I am among you as one who serves!” and announced: “The greatest among you is the servant of all.” Contrast that spirit of humility and service to the spirit of one man purported to have penned: ‘The Ten Most Humble Men in the World and How I Picked the Other Nine.’

I challenge us, as the campaign for the leadership of our nation and local offices moves forward, to note those who have shown themselves to be ‘arrogant’ and ‘self-serving’, choosing rather those leaders who are willing to ‘wash feet’…or bathroom floors…and who will think about the good of all, rather than their own selfish pursuits.

God bless America!

Bob Lewis .

January 127 - February 1

epnews.com

Peak To Peak Concert This Saturday Presents Mary And Barry Hannigan In Concert

The Peak to Peak Concert Series, sponsored by the Oratorio Society of Estes Park, presents Mary and Barry Hannigan in Concert on Saturday, January 27th at 2:00 p.m. at the Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 2000 Ptarmigan Trail Drive. There will be a reception following the concert to meet and greet the musicians. The concert is free, although donations will be graciously accepted.

The program includes Hamburg Sonata in G Major by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Intermezzo, Op. 117 No.1 and Intermezzo, Op. 117, No. 2 by Johannes Brahms, Allegro from Sonata in A Major, Op. 120, by Franz Schubert, Troubled Water (Based on the spiritual Wade in the Water) by Margaret Bonds, Sonata for Flute and Piano by Philippe Gaubert, and Sonata for Flute and Piano by Francis Poulenc.

“Some in the near-capacity audience were moved to tears” is Robert Miner’s description of flutist Mary Hannigan’s playing at a performance on the Simply Grand series at NPR affiliate station WVIA in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.

Notable performances include Market Square Summerfest in Harrisburg with the Ying Quartet, the national convention of the Music Teachers National Association, and the McGraw-Hill Young Artists Showcase for radio WQXR in New York City. She has recorded for S.C.I. and performed widely across the United States as soloist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician. She was a member of the Harrisburg Symphony for many years. She holds a Master of Music from Rutgers University and received her B.A. cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Colorado College.

Ms. Hannigan’s students have won recognition at the national and state level on many occasions: a former stu-

dent holds the piccolo position in the Chicago Symphony; others have been selected as masterclass performers for the National Flute Association Convention and have performed on National Public Radio’s “From the Top.” Barry Hannigan recently retired as the Ellen Williams Professor of Music at Bucknell University. He made his New York debut in Carnegie Recital Hall in 1984 and has since received rave reviews in major cities across the United States.

Paul Moor of Musical America wrote: “…he absolutely bowled me over…with his extraordinary proficiency.” Hannigan made his European debut at the Edvard Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, and has subsequently performed in Russia, England, China, Ireland, Norway, and New Zealand. He has appeared as guest artist at a host of American universities, such as UCLA, Yale, Cornell, and the Universities of Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Arizona State, and Texas.

Dozens of his performances have been aired on National Public Radio affiliate stations across the U.S. He is the recipient of many awards and prizes, including those from the Ford, Belin, Surdna, and Presser Foundations. He has also received a Solo Recitalist Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, an award intended to recognize the nation’s outstanding recitalists. Hannigan has recorded for Opus One, SEAMUS, Seesaw Music, SCI, and Radio Telefis Eireann in Dublin.

The mission of the Oratorio Society is to provide an opportunity for area musicians to perform major works of choral and instrumental classical music for the enrichment of the Estes Valley community. The Peak to Peak Concert Series provides a mechanism to spotlight local musicians. For more information, go to www.osep.info/peak-to-peak.

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 23

epnews.com

I Don’t Like Spiders And Snakes: A Maui & Hawaii Travelogue

Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu Jan 29 – Feb 2 Monday, Jan 29

Country Fried Steak topped w/ sausage gravy, Scrambled Eggs, Hashbrowns & Biscuit

Tuesday, Jan 30

Roasted Herb Chicken (1/2) w/ Roasted Potatoes & vegetables

Wednesday, Jan 31 BBQ Platter (Pulled Pork & Beef Brisket) w/ Mac ‘n Cheese & Baked Beans Thursday, Feb 1

Chicken Primavera w/ Pasta, garlic bread & side salad

Friday, Feb 2

Signature Salad w/ Shrimp (8 grilled) (greens topped w/ tomatoes, corn, cheese, craisins, pecans & croutons) w/ ranch dressing

Feb 5 – 9 Monday, Feb 5

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

Tuesday, Feb 6

Chicken Cordon Bleu w/ Roasted Potatoes & vegetables

Wednesday Feb 7

Swiss Mushroom Burger w/ Potato Salad

Thursday, Feb 8

Meat Lasagna w/ garlic bread & side salad

Friday, Feb 9

Fish & Homemade Chips w/ 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, Jan 29th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Jan 26th. 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, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10-1; Tuesday 10-2 TriFit M-W-F 10:30-11:15 AM; Circuit Balance Class Mondays 1-1:45 PM Fluid Movement & Balance Class Tuesdays 10:30-11:15 AM Yoga Thursdays 10:15-11:15 AM Mahjong Tuesdays 10 – 2; Board Games 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 11:30-1:30 Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA) Two Bridge Groups: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesday of the month & Every Thursday 12:30 - 4 PM

Reserved Meals-to-Go delivered to your vehicle or EAT at the Senior Citizens Center

Hawaii photo by Trudy Hewitt.

Estes Park resident Trudy Hewitt states, “Mark and I love Jim Stafford’s goofy song by the same title as this article. And I love the fact that Hawaii has no land snakes and only a few (very few) species of spiders.”

Have you been there? Have you been wanting to go? Do you know the history? How to pronounce all the crazy names? The differences in the islands?

Have you been confused by all the news reports surrounding the terrible fire that all but consumed the Historic town of Lahaina on Maui? Have you been wondering what led up to that fire, how it has impacted Maui’s people and animals, and where they went from here? So many pets were injured or abandoned as a result of that fire.

Come to the Senior Center at 1760 Olympian Lane on January 30 at 12:00.

Check out our website: estesparkseniors.org or call for the latest information

Trudy Hewitt will present a Hawaii travelogue focusing on Maui, give a Lahaina fire report, and update and share how you can help the pets on the island.

Trudy and her husband Mark are 24year Estes Park residents and own a condo in Kihei, Maui, as well as time shares much closer to Lahaina. She is a board member of the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center and has owned Mile Hi Realty Inc since 1976.

You can order a lunch for $10 ($7 if you are a member - only $35 annually for membership). The menu that day is 1/2 roasted chicken, roasted potatoes, and vegetables. Call 970-581-2195 not later than 1 p.m. on the 29th to order. Or bring your own lunch. Either way you can enjoy eating while you look at beautiful pictures and learn more about our gorgeous 50th state.

24 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 25

epnews.com

THE GOMEZ TEAM

LISTED BY TOM THOMAS

Javier Gomez Broker 970 213-8692

estesparkproperties@gmail.com

Maria Gomez Broker

970 213-9479

Mountain Brokers

maria@estesparkproperties.realestate

Open House Sun., Jan. 28 1pm–3pm

1200 Graves Avenue, Estes Park

Open House Sat., Jan. 27 1pm–4pm

NE W NEW LISTING

510 Stanley Ave $435,000

255 Bill Waite Road $650,000

Open House Sun., Jan. 28 1pm–3pm

PRICED REDUCED

2222 Hwy 66 Unit 13 $760,000 NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

880 Crabapple Ln $550,000

950 Big Thompson Ave #1162 $350,000

UNDER CONTRACT

260 Steamer Ct $729,000

0 Marys Lake Rd $349,000

26 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

The Mountains Are Calling...

We'll Guide You Home – RE/MAX www.WeSellEstesPark.com

Mountain Brokers 1200 Graves Avenue, Estes Park

Office: 970-586-5324

New Listing!

Spacious Home

Allenspark Area

951HighacresDr.com $725,000

1743 Avalon Dr $875,000

AllensparkHome.com $1,250,000

Workshop, Private Fenced Yard 4 bed, 3 bath, 2520 sq ft., .56 acres

Townhome Style Condo, End Unit 3 bed, 3 bath, 3305 sq ft., 2 car garage

Call Kirk or Bianca

Call Kirk or Bianca

Several Structures, Beautiful Acreage 6 bed, 6 bath, 4994 sq ft., 7.08 acres

Open House Sun., Jan. 28 1pm–3pm

New Listing

Open House Sun., Jan. 28 1pm–3pm

950 Big Thompson Ave #1162 $350,000 Call Javier or Maria

510 Stanley Ave $435,000 Call Javier or Maria

Call Kirk or Bianca

880 Crabapple $550,000 Call Javier or Maria

Open House Sat., Jan. 27 1pm–4pm

Price Reduced 2222 Hwy 66 Unit 13 $760,000 Call Javier or Maria

TBD Marys Lake Rd $349,000 Call Javier or Maria

1555 Raven Cir. G

1386 Raven Cir A $697,000

870 Elk Meadow Ct

$589,000

End unit, updated, air conditioned 3 bed 2 bath

Call Carla Spreng-Webb

4 Units

1301 Strong Avenue $998,000 Call Dave Kiser

3 bed/3 bath Ranch Meadow condo Spectacular views, many upgrades, no shared walls with neighbors

Call Renee

Kirk Fisher Broker Owner CRS, CMAS, CLHMS

Maria Gomez

Renee Hodgden Dave Kiser

Broker

Broker

Broker, SRES, ABR

970-586-1000 970-586-1000 970-213-8692 970-213-9479 970-232-6231

3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, loft, .42 acres

Call Renee

Elizabeth Dave Lasota Ryan Leahy Kim Lemirande Cindy Miller Carla Spreng - Gene Whannel Broker Lanning Broker Webb Broker Broker Broker Broker, SRS, CMAS, GRI Broker, ASP, ABR, CDPE 970-231-2989 719-985-1016 970-412-7283 970-556-0205 970-481-1880 970-888-1654 480-695-9293 970-481-7002

Bianca Bismark Javier Gomez Broker, CRS, CMAS

$799,995

Broker

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 27

epnews.com

“Road Work Ahead”

The Inspired Living Group

By: Larry Strong

to run with your Wrangler’s wrapped Like many of us, I’ve driven past multi- around your ankles. ple signs in town alerting “Road Work Men on Fire understands the basic Ahead” over the past number of months. principle of “slow is smooth, and “Road Work Ahead” warns us to do a smooth is fast.” At its core, this saying minimum of three things; adjust our emphasizes the importance of accuracy, speed, stay alert and be prepared to take consistency and a controlled pace. This necessary precautions. It’s funny how mantra adopted by Navy Seals reminds those three little words can communius to approach any situation with delibcate so much and I got to thinking about erate and careful consideration. Perhaps the symbolism of “Road Work Ahead” as nowhere in our life does this deliberate it relates to the road of life we find ourcareful focus apply more critically than selves traveling. our faith journey.

Adjust your speed. More often than Men on Fire is a band of brothers dedinot, accidents happen because of a high cated to equipping, preparing and inrate of speed. It’s called reckless for a rea- spiring men for a committed life of son and I think we could all stand a tad service to Jesus Christ and the world. more restraint on how fast we are travEvery man who shows up on Satureling on our life journey. I would day mornings at the American Leguess whoever came up with the gion understands he has “Road phrase, “stop and smell the Work Ahead” and will need to adroses” had realized they just his speed, stay alert and be were missing too much prepared to take necessary prewhile living life in the cautions. To the averfast lane. I age guy at Men doubt on Fire, he’s anyone learned not payon their ing attention to death bed is life’s “warning signs” gonna be has resulted with thankful for him being in the not investing ditch, up to his more time in axle in mud in the whom or what pouring rain, was really imsmack dab in the portant. middle of the night with his cell phone Stay alert. The battery dead and no old saying goes, charging cord. Fast ain’t “There are three kinds what it’s all cracked up to be. of people. Those who make things happen, those who watch Come join us on Saturday’s 8:00 a.m. at things happen, and those who ask, the American Legion. We’re a bunch of “What happened?” We’re living in a time guys from a wide range of faith and life where staying alert is advisable. experiences who gather to encourage each other as we navigate the “Road Be prepared to take necessary precauWork” we all have ahead of us. Our road tions. Getting caught with your pants down is what my mom used to call a “re- map is the Word of God which comes in handy when we need to “re-calculate” volting development.” I’m still not sure our route. Come help us hold the line. what that means but I do know it’s hard See ya’ Saturday.

Wildlife Responder Available To Help

Knowledge, experience, skills to assist and educate individuals with and about wildlife encounters/situations. Specialty is elk, deer, bears, mountain lions. Part of Rocky Mtn. Cat Conservancy Research. If you see a kill site, call asap, or if you want more information or help with a wildlife situation, call Jayne the “Bear Lady” at 970-685-8756.

Inspiring Others to Live Their Dream in Estes Park

Nicole White, REALTOR - 2023 Realtor of the Year Nicole@TheInspiredLivingGroup.com - 970-567-9971

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

TheInspiredLivingGroup.com

641 Findley Ct., Estes Park 5 bedroom, 4 bath, 5399 sq. ft. $1,695,000

2220 Eagle Cliff Rd., Estes Park 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 987 sq. ft. cabin $599,000

Stanley Hotel Residence

OFFICE SPACE IN PRIME LOCATION FOR LEASE

321 Overlook Lane – $599,000

REMODELED 3,000 SQ FT 150 amp electrical service; New HVAC; High Speed Internet; On-site parking, Spacious conference room, breakroom, open concept office area, two private offices, excellent storage solutions, unisex bathrooms, CH Commercial Town Zoning; Strategically located to downtown, Hwy 7 corridor, Moccasin bypass. Lease Rate: $4,200 per month, triple net.

Suite 101, 950 Comanche Street SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY

(303) 875-0277 evprw.o@gmail.com

2809 Fish Creek Road – $1,075,000 Fine Creekside Living

CHRISTIAN COLLINET FIRSTCOLORADOREALTY.COM

CALL/TEXT 970-231-8570 523 SAINT VRAIN LANE, ESTES PARK

28 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Estes Park Quota Announces Student Grant Recipients

Members of the Estes Park Quota Student Grant committee and the Quota Club Loan Closet Committee recently gathered at Estes Park Health to congratulate their 2024 Grant Recipients, Kaci Early and Jeanna Pierce.

Pictured here are Quota members Lynn Stepaniak and Linda Polland, grant recipients Kaci Early and Jeanna Pierce, Quotarians Ann Kasper, Marilyn Irwin and back row, Gail Albers, Peggy Lynch, Kathy Machin and Lori Smith.

Frank, Patrick, Davida, Brook And Brisket Are Seeking New, Loving Families For The New Year Adorable Frank is a gentle soul, he is about five years old and good with other dogs. Frank is looking for a foster to adopt home.

Patrick is one year old. He is a happy dog that loves people. He weighs 50 pounds and is good on a leash. He has lived with cats and is a friendly fellow.

Davida is playful and loves sitting on your lap. She is about two years old and good with other kitties.

Brook is a new mom and will be done raising her babies in the coming weeks. She is only two years old, housetrained and weighs around 12 lbs. She is sweet and cuddly. She is a Chihuahua pug mix.

Brisket is only 4-5 months old. He is

playful, friendly and sweet. This little guy is doing good with potty pads and will do well with his housetraining.

He loves to play and is good with other dogs.

Please call (970) 286-1652 if you’d like to meet or foster any of these special pets. Don’t shop, please adopt!

All pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a non-profit organization that is your local humane society. You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to P.O. Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.

For more information about the Pet Association, please visit petassociationestespark.com.

Patrick

Breeyan Edwards FirstColoradoRealty.com 970-646-6555 523 Saint Vrain Lane, Estes Park

430 OLYMPUS ROAD – $1,199,000

Frank

Davida

Brook

Brisket

544 MEADOWVIEW DRIVE – $1,375,000

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 29

epnews.com

You Know OUR Values, But What Value Do We Bring to YOU? From: The Thompson Group

A recent class-action lawsuit in Missouri ruled against the National Association of Realtors for price fixing by setting a standard where sellers pay the commission that is split between buyers agents and sellers agents which resulted in a $1.8 billion award. Many saw the verdict as targeting a profession people love to hate: the superfluous real estate agent who collects a hefty commission for merely opening a door. This view is not held by most Realtors and especially those at The Thompson Group. We strive to perfect the services offered to our clients so that they do not feel that way. The perception that Realtors are overpaid for the work they do is not shared by The Thompson Group. Our many years of experience make it look easy and when this is mentioned to us our response is “If it was so easy and the pay is so high, wouldn’t everybody want to be a Realtor”?

The Thompson Group has high moral and ethical standards that are evident in our “Value Statement.” (See the October blog on our website EstesParkHome.com.) Our values are high, but what about the value we bring to you, our clients? Here are the top 10 services that Realtors at The Thompson Group bring to our clients.

1. Realtors will save you money: The National Association of Realtors annual survey of buyers and sellers show that For Sale by Owner (FSBO) homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents.

2. Realtors are great at negotiating: Agents must negotiate with buyers, sellers, builders and other agents every day.

They can get very good at negotiating and can save you thousands of dollars, be it on the price of the home or often overlooked items such as inspections.

3. Realtors have your back: Realtors who operate as Buyers Agents or Sellers Agents, like those at The Thompson Group, have a contractual fiduciary duty to our clients and put their needs above our own.

4. Realtors know the market: We have talked with clients who say they follow the real estate market. That could mean they are signed up for one of our automated searches or they watch a real estate story on the news. Our agents are full-time and study the local market every day, giving them superior knowledge to better help our clients.

5. They can find great deals: Having the local market expertise allows Realtors to spot underpriced homes. We even have access to properties before they are listed and can keep an eye out for your perfect home before it goes on the market.

6. Realtors are well educated: In Colorado, a Realtor must take at least 168 hours of course study before they can even begin their career. Once their license is obtained there are continuing education requirements and many areas of expertise a Realtor can obtain by gaining certifications. At The Thompson Group we are Certified Mountain Area Specialists, Certified Luxury Home Marketers and Master Certified Negotiation Experts.

7. They keep you from wasting time

(and money): When buyers try to find a home on their own, they can, at times, end up wasting time and cash in the long run. They could let major, costly repairs go unaddressed, put bids on homes that end up being above their price range or take properties at their face value rather than negotiating using comparable sales data. With an agent from The Thompson Group on your side, you will have someone to keep you on track the entire time and who will do anything they can do to find a home that meets all your needs.

8. Paperwork and Documentation: We handle the extensive paperwork involved in real estate transactions. This includes contracts, disclosures, offers and any legal documentation required to help you buy or sell a home.

9. Networking: At The Thompson Group, we have a list of home service providers with whom we have personal experience; including lenders, inspectors, appraisers and contractors. Our personal relationships allow us to schedule any needed home repairs in a timely manner so you can get your home on the market quickly and in the best showing condition.

10. Marketing Strategies: Over they years we have developed effective marketing strategies to showcase your property to potential buyers. At The Thompson Group we have a full-time marketing manager who helps us with showcasing your property in the best light to reach the greatest number of buyers.

I know I said I would keep it to 10 things, but one additional thing that brings value to our clients is our neverending knowledge base. We learn from every client and every real estate transaction. In addition to being experts in the real estate market we have knowledge in local government regulations on zoning, building issues, short-term rentals, home maintenance, environmental issues, property rights, legal issues, trusts, ownership issues, insurance, lending, and the list goes on.

Might as well make it an even dozen things that Realtors at The Thompson Group do to bring value to our clients.

We give back to our community. You may already know about our involvement with Rotary and the Estes Park Duck Race. The Friendship Card is also a Rotary fundraiser and something we enjoy sharing with you. We support many local organizations including our churches and, in addition to Rotary, we serve on boards such as Crossroads Ministry and The Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District.

We could continue to go on and on or talk about the 166-point check list we use to ensure that all our home sellers get the same high-quality service, but it’s not all about us. We know that it’s all about you and how we can bring the best value to you. Give us a call at 970480-7820 or send an email to Team@EstesParkHome.com if you want to find out more about The Thompson Group values or what value The Thompson Group can bring to you. Have you scheduled your real estate review yet?

Call today.

January Is National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month and we (Partners) encourage you to Resolve to Make an Impact by becoming a mentor. More info and sign up on our website www.poweredbypartners.org The Estes Park Office needs adults volunteers (age 21+, with driver’s license, vehicle insurance, vehicle, and pass a background check) for youths who are waiting for mentors in our CommunityBased Mentoring Program. One youth

needs a male bilingual mentor (English and Spanish). The other youths need mentors who speak English. Volunteers say they get as much from volunteering with youth as the youth does. Make a difference in the life of a youth in the Estes Valley!

Contact us online on our website above, email: kwhitacre@poweredbypartners.org or call 970-577-9348.

Thank you to everyone who supported Mike and the PROM fundraiser for the Estes Park Nonprofit Resource Center!

Mike Richardson

Mindy Stone

Aaron Busche

GRI, CNE, ABR, NAR Green Designation

Broker/Owner

Broker Associate CMAS

Broker Associate CMAS, SRS, ABR, CNE

Mike@EstesPK.com

mindystone99@gmail.com

Aaron@EstesPK.com

(970) 215-2722

(970) 449-2645

(970) 470-9962

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY! iii has been “inhancing” the image of Estes Park businesses and organizations for over 26 years. It can be buttons or badges, patches or pens, blankets or bottles, clothing of color, logos and labels. You need it customized then iii is the place to go. Need a special hat – see iii. Engraved glassware – see iii. Need a heat transfer – see iii. Need embroidery – see iii. $142,500

970.586.2950

Abbey Pontius Eric Blackhurst Bruce Chalmers Broker

Broker Associate

www.KeyToEstesPark.com 170 S. St. Vrain, Estes Park, CO 80517

Broker Associate

30 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Long-Time Employees Explain Their Dedication To Estes Park Health Cindy Kingswood When she first took a job at Estes Park Health in 1981, nurse Cindy Kingswood never dreamed she would still be working here more than 42 years later.

“My goal was to work for the summer and then I’d find someplace else to go,” Kingswood remembered. “After the summer, I decided one year would look good on a resume. And then in that year, I met my husband.”

than 21 years.

“The HR Director came to me and asked if I wanted to come to work at the hospital,” McCleary explained. “And I told him ‘No.’ I had a job downtown. He said, ‘How about part time?’ Part time lasted three days. And then I was full time from then on.”

She started out in Materials Management as a buyer. Then she ran the Specialty Clinic for several years. The past

Kim Ramacher runs the coffee shop in the lobby. She has worked at Estes Park Health for 15 years.

Cindy Kingswood, RN, is a nurse in the General Surgery Clinic. She has worked at Estes Park Health for 42 years.

Health just touch your soul. I hope we can pass that along to them as well.”

In her current role, McCleary checks in patients, collects their co-pays, and verifies their insurance. She tries to expedite their visits as much as she can.

Her dedication to EPH is palpable.

“If we didn’t have Estes Park Health, there would be so many patients who would have to go down the hill and a lot of them just can’t do that,” McCleary stressed. “That’s why I feel like this is where this place needs to be. It’s a very good hospital. If you come in and interact with any of us, we will try and help you any way we can.”

How long will she keep working at EPH? “I’m going to work here until they tell me I can’t,” she stated.

Kim Ramacher When you walk through the front doors of Estes Park Health, Kim Ramacher’s smiling face is one of the first things you’ll see. As the person who runs

three years, she has worked for OutpaKingswood lives in Estes Park, close enough that she can walk to the hospital tient Registration. where she works as a nurse in the Gen“I enjoy the patients,” McCleary said. eral Surgery Clinic. She has served in “You get to know them, especially being several different roles during her tenure here as long as I have. You try to interact of more than four decades. with them as much as you can. You get “My first 27 years, I worked in the hos- to know their families. You get to know them as a patient. I really like that part. pital doing everything,” Kingswood recalled. “Since we are a rural hospital, we The people who come to Estes Park did med/surg, OB, ER, outpatient. Pretty much you name it, we did it. And then I spent 10 years doing home care and hospice before going to the clinic.”

Kingswood did not even plan on becoming a nurse, but life had different plans for her. She went to South America for a summer, performed some mission work, and changed her mind.

She said her favorite part about working at EPH is seeing patients.

“I love patient care,” she stressed. “I love getting to know people or seeing people I’ve known in the community for years. I also love my co-workers. I work with great people. We have a great staff in the clinic and that’s why I come to work.”

Donna McCleary For patients who check in for lab work, diagnostic imaging and surgery, Donna McCleary is a friendly – and familiar – Donna McCleary works in Outpatient Registration. She has been an Estes Park face. She has worked for EPH for more Health employee for 21 years.

the coffee shop, she is one of the helpful folks in the lobby.

“I have been in the coffee shop for more than four years,” Ramacher commented. “I like it because it’s not just about coffee. I greet everybody who comes in. I’ll do anything they ask me to do. And I like that.”

“Anything” often includes helping people using canes or wheelchairs, parking cars, even helping people navigate their way through the facility.

Ramacher started out as the medical/surgical unit coordinator, then, she worked in the kitchen and the lunchroom. For the past four years, you’ve been able to find her heading up the coffee shop.

“I open at 5:30 in the morning to catch the people who have been working all night long,” she explained. “We are open until 2:30 p.m. five days a week. I love the people. And I really love to work. I usually say, ‘I’m a working girl.’ That’s because I like to work 24/7.”

Besides coffee, Ramacher also sells specialty drinks, burritos, chips, muffins, ice cream and candy.

“I have lived in Estes Park for 20 years now,” Ramacher added. “Estes Park Health is very important to the community. We’re close for people. If there is an emergency, they can get here. If they need something more than that, we can fly them out. It’s very important for us to have this hospital in Estes Park.”

To listen to a podcast featuring this long-time Estes Park Health employees, go to blubrry.com/1471883/128494747/mountaintop-medicine-from-estes-parkhealth-long-time-employees-explaintheir-dedication-to-estes-park-health/.

You can also sign up to be notified by email each time we publish a new episode of Mountaintop Medicine from Estes Park Health.

Photos by Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Health

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 31

epnews.com

Estes Park Health Celebrates National CRNA Week Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are a vital part of our team at Estes Park Health.

This week, Jan. 21-27, is National CRNA Week.

CRNA Week is an annual celebration of the more than 61,000 practicing CRNAs in the United States!

According to National Today, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who is certified to administer anesthesia in the U.S. These nurse anesthetists account for approximately half of the anesthesia providers in the U.S., and they are the main providers of anesthesia in rural U.S. Historically, they have been providing anesthesia care to patients since the American Civil War and the CRNA credential came into existence in 1956.

CRNAs safely administer more than 50 million anesthetics to patients each year in the United States. These professionals

do heroic work and use their unique expertise to provide our patients with the best quality care possible.

Pictured are Alan Huna, CRNA, and Kaycee Simon, CRNA. The other member of our team is Sharon Amaya, CRNA. Thanks for everything you do for our community!

Meet The Buyers For The Trail Ridge Store & Café In RMNP The Trail Ridge Store & Café, located at the top of Rocky Mountain National Park, is looking for Local Vendors, Artists, and Authors!

Xanterra Travel Collection, the concessioner for the Trail Ridge Store & Café, is conducting Meet the Buyer interviews

Locally made Rocky Mountain souvenirs, tee-shirts, mugs, etc.

Handcrafted pottery, carvings, paintings, gifts, and jewelry Handcrafted local candies, jams, jellies, and snacks

with local artists, authors, and vendors the last week in January. Xanterra is always looking for locally made, unique, and good quality products for the guests who visit Rocky Mountain National Park and the Trail Ridge Store & Café.

Categories we are interested in from Local Vendors and Artisans are:

Xanterra Travel Collection will be scheduling meetings with each artist and the corporate buying team so they can discuss the process and possibility of incorporating these locally made products in the Trail Ridge Store assortment for the upcoming 2024 season.

Please contact Nancy Strong at the email address below. We are requesting product pictures, or a website URL be sent in the initial email.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts Rocky Mountain National Park 945 Moraine Avenue Estes Park, Colorado 80517 970-586-2133 nstrong@xanterra.com

32 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 33

epnews.com

Organic Disposal By: Judi Smith

Organic disposal is the removal of things that are related to or derived from living matter. In other words, things that are or were living, primarily food and plant life but also including such addendums as paper towels and fingernail clippings. When placed into the landfill organic matter produces methane gas.

Years ago, my greatest objection to methane was the fact that it was “smelly.” I identified methane with feedlots and landfills, with power plants and tailpipes, with pretty much any organic material (including oil and gas) in the process of decomposition. I considered carbon monoxide and methane (Landfills are generally about 50/50) to be on a par, very similar gases. My determined solution was to stay away from such things. Problem solved.

in winter and weaker in summer. That fits with what I learned in elementary school: that it is “hottest near the equator and coldest near the poles.” But times have changed. The poles are warming and losing their ice. The stratospheric air is warmer which can cause a change to a clockwise motion. The warm air moving north causes the cold air to travel south. The resulting weak, wavy jet streams cannot protect the continent.

See climate.gov understanding-arcticpolar-vortex (for more information). Final determination: If we keep the organic material out of the landfill, the amount of methane produced will be less, meaning less heat in the summer; less violent storms, fires, and floods; less frigid (below 0) winters.

Anaerobic composting, like the bottom

Now, my education has expanded. At www.recycle.com (Recycle Resource Systems, founded in 1986), I discovered some very clear descriptions of the Earth destroying capability of methane. We require oxygen to breathe. Methane (CH4) is 84 times as bad for the Earth as carbon monoxide (CO). The detriment to our natural environment comes from lack of oxygen, and from methane’s talent for holding heat, far greater than that of carbon monoxide, and therefore more of a contributor to the warming of the Earth.

While increased carbon monoxide is bad, methane production, left free in our breathable air, is far worse and shortens the timeline to become uninhabitable.

It seems strange to discuss global warming of the Earth when we are experiencing the frigid air prevalent this winter. According to UC Davis, “The polar vortex is a strong jet stream” traveling counterclockwise around the poles and keeping the cold air contained within the polar region. Normally it is stronger

of a landfill, will produce methane because it is done without oxygen. Organics contain carbon. Anerobic composting, without the influx of oxygen, produces soil over an extended time (sometimes as much as a year to fully process). It also produces methane (CH4). Aerobic composting requires the input of oxygen, often thought of as labor intensive, but today available through electric composters that turn at the touch of a button. The more you turn it, the more oxygen in the composting process. The more oxygen, the faster it processes and the less “smelly” it is because, properly done, aerobic composting does not produce methane.

Worm composting is also a viable alternative to the job of turning the composter. The worms aerate the mix as they move around which must be why the strawberry patch “grew itself ” when I was a child.

Agree? Disagree? Comments?

RRRcyc@signsandwishes.com

Village Thrift Shop-A Shining Gem In Our Community By: Brian Schaffer

Some people ask “why?” while others ask “why not?” Which one of these do you find yourself asking more of when preparing to make a decision? At times, it is beneficial to ask both of these questions of “why” and “why not” as a way to discover the deeper motives and values connected to your decision. There are lots of examples, but let’s consider this one: “Why would a group of people operate a store solely with volunteers and then give away all of their net profits?” For some people, they might not fully understand the why of this business model and ask, “Why would anyone do this?” But, for those involved in this store, they have a mission that would drive them to ask, “why not?” The store I’m talking about has a vision of raising as much money as they can through the sale of donated items, and then re-investing their hardearned money into qualified non-profit agencies that are making an impact in the community. Not only do they support non-profits, they offer affordable goods to the neighborhood. Believe or not, this store really exists and it’s located at 1138 Manford Avenue. It’s the Village Thrift Shop!

Crossroads Ministry has been a recipient of their generosity and outstanding partnership since its inception in 2016.

Many of the neighbors that we serve at Crossroads have been given designated vouchers to shop at Village Thrift for basic necessities such as clothing and household goods. Every year we have intentions of paying for the vouchers that were redeemed at the thrift shop,

but as of yet we have not had to pay for anything because of the generous partnership we have with the good folks at the Village Thrift Shop. Thank you so much VTS for helping take good care of our neighbors! In addition to the voucher program, we received a $15,000 grant from them in 2023 to help us purchase enough food for our hungry neighbors as well as assist in making a few rent payments to keep families housed.

What you might not know is that this extra-ordinary group of volunteers who serve at the Village Thrift Shop has given out over $1,000,000 dollars to support nonprofit organizations in the Estes Valley.

That’s One-Million-Dollars being reinvested into our community! To all our friends at the Village Thrift Shop—Keep up the good work!

Here's a statement from their website www.epvillagethrift.org : Village Thrift Shop, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization that serves the Estes Valley by funding grants to local non-profit agencies and providing affordable goods to individuals. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) and your donations are tax-deductible.

We rely on donations and volunteer labor to maximize the distribution of funds to the community; all moneys above basic expenses will be used for the benefit of the Estes Valley.

We are committed to responsible use of resources by recycling and putting quality donated goods back into the hands of the community.

2024 Spring Session Standings The Break-Fast Club Grace’s HeartBreakers Cued Up Stray Cats The Big Break MOB Linda’s Boys

35 28 27 27 25 24 22

If interested in playing or starting a team contact Joyce Hughes at (970) 586-2281

34 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Please Join Us At Flatirons Church Crossroads Thanks Dedicated Supporters By: Joy Basia

At CrossroadsEP.org, our mission is to practice Christian love by providing basic human services to Estes Valley residents in need. We cannot do this alone – so we thank all of our dedicated year round supporters. One of our campaigns that has existed for many years is the “Changed Lives” jar donation program.

You’ve likely seen the jars in various retail and restaurant locations throughout Estes Park. The Changed Lives theme is "Changing Lives with Your Change or

vors/Grandma’s /Cookies, Rocky Mountain Liquor, Rocky Mountain Majesty, Rocky Mountain Pharmacy, Rocky Mountain Souvenirs, Rocky Mountain Tees, Rocky Mountain SereniTEA, ShannonAgains Food & Gift Menagerie, Sierra Smallbird, Sterling Pony Jewelry & Gifts, Stuffed, Sugar Shack, Tesora Bella, The Barrel, The Grub Steak House, The Rock Shop, The Shining Moon Boutique, The Tea Room, The Trading Post, The Wildrose Restaurant, The Wapiti, Toy Mountain, Unique Col-

Spare Bills to Support Families in Need Locally."

We'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporting merchants: ACE Hardware of Estes Park, Antonio’s Pizza, Aspen Glo, Backbone Adventures, Bank of Estes, Bear’s Den, Big Horn Restaurant, Big Red of the Rockies, Blades, Blake Trading Company, Bob and Tony’s Pizza, Buckles of Estes/Sports Hound, Burgers & Gyros, Cabin Fever Jewelry, Caramel Corn, Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant , CBD, Chester’s Philly, Claire’s Restaurant, Craftsman in Leather, Country Market of Estes Park, Cousin Pat’s Restaurant, Dunraven at Estes Park Resort, Dakota Jewelry, Earthwood Collections, East Side Grocery, Ed’s Cantina and Grill, Egg of Estes Park, Elevations, Elkin’s Liquor, El MexKal Family Mexican Restaurant, Estes Park Distilling Co., Estes Park Knife Co., Estes Park Lumber, Estes Park Mountain Shop, Estes Park Pet Supply, Estes Park Souvenirs, Estes Park Sweatshirt Center, Estes Paws, Estes Thai, Estes Village, Fashion Express Tees, Favorite Things, Funky Moose, Green Jeep Tours, Highland Bard, Himalayan Arts, Himalayan Curry and Kabob, Hombre Barber, Hunter’s Chop House, Hyk Mountain Lifestyle, Kirk’s Fly Shop, KOA Campground, Lithium, Mad Moose Home & Outdoor Store, Mary Jane’s, Macdonald Book Shop, Mocha Angelo’s Espresso, Molly B Restaurant, Moose Creek Shoes, Mother’s Cafe, Mountain Blown Glass, Mountain Gear, Munchin’ House, Napa Auto Supply, Nepal's, Ole' Restaurant, Omnibus, Omnibus Gifts, Once Upon a Hive, Outdoor World, Park Supply Hardware, Peak’s Hallmark, Penelopes’s Burgers, Phat Bear, Plum Creek Shoe Station, Raven's Roast Coffee Lounge, Rocket Fizz, Rocky Mountain Candies, Rocky Mountain Connection, Rocky Mountain Deli, Rocky Mountain Fla-

orado Souvenirs, Waterwheel Gift Corner, Wayfinder Restaurant, Wild Horse Gift Shop, Wild Rose Restaurant, Wild Side 4x4 Tours, Wild Spirits Ltd., Whispering Wood and Wynbrier Home Gift & Specialty.

History of Donations to Changed Lives: $6,543 in 2018. $8,888 in 2019. $4,000 in 2020. $8,400 in 2021 $8500 in 2022 $16,000 in 2023 As you know, need has increased dramatically in recent years, so we are grateful that donations to Changed Lives in 2023, far exceeded past years!

Thank you for thoughtfully considering, "How can I make a difference for those in need in the Estes Valley in the coming years:" 1. If you are an Estes Park merchant without a Changed Lives donation jar and would like to have one, please contact Aaron.crossroadsep@gmail.com 2. If you have coins that have accumulated in your home or car and would like to make a difference with them, we’d love to hear from you.

3. If you feel inspired to send a monthly or annual donation of $10, $20, $50 or more -- or to be a Matching Partner with Changed Lives, your kindness will have a profound effect in the lives of many of our neighbors in need.

To give: Go to www.CrossroadsEP.org - simply click on donate now button, indicating “Changed Lives.” or send a check to Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park, 1753 Wildfire Road, Estes Park, CO 80517.

Thank you for assisting Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park in blessing as many lives as possible!

By: Larry Yarrington

It was an interesting story of Jesus gathering His disciples that Jesse DeYoung preached on this Sunday. As usual, the story is familiar to some and not known at all to others. Our church prides its call to invite you to belong before you believe. So, Jesse stated this with a reminder of all who are called to a Christian’s life.

“When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee.

Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.’” Mathew 4:12-16.

We have the very great pleasure to be the light of Jesus in a dark world, in the land of the shadow of death. I believe we can do that firmly without putting others’ view down. But it must come in the way of a personal story. A story does not assume a universal truth for everyone but an experience. If my experience is different than yours, the Lord has a way of straightening that out without my help. A particular incident happened when the disciples had been fishing all night without success. He said to Peter and those with him, put your nets down on the other side of the boat. Reluctantly Peter did as He was told. There was such a huge catch of fish that other boats were required to harvest the fish. Luke 5:1-8.

Peters take from that incident was not jubilation of an exceptional catch but a look at Himself in the face of the God who walked among us for a while. Occasionally, I will have that feeling. Feeling so totally exposed for all the self-centeredness one can imagine. But the greater experience is that Jesus did not come to judge but to save. Jesus is not surprised at our sin, but with perfect grace and mercy says to come and follow Him out of the darkness into the light. In fact, He offers them a place on His team to give their lives greater meaning. And they did. I wonder at the delay others have in following light and preferring darkness. Is it that somehow I have gone too far and cannot be redeemed. God’s grace is infinite, my sin is small by comparison But Jesus saw in these men qualities they could not see in themselves.

Jesse’s first point.

What does Jesus see in me that I do not see. Sometimes I have some clarity in that, and many times have no clue. But when you have followed the Lord long

enough, you just relax in His knowing. I do not need to know beyond seeing a person in need and offering a helpful hand. Or a kind word. Or perhaps a shoulder to lean on as they tell their story.

Jesse went on to talk about unity in diversity when he says, “Jesus empowers you to see beyond your differences.”

The twelve Apostles came from very different backgrounds. I think the Chosen offers a wonderful look at the different personalities and ambitions of the twelve. It is not different than the Christian church today. We are a group of people that can agree on little until the Lord helps us to see that our difference is of perspective, not of truth. Do not get me wrong. I am not saying that there are diverse ways to find truth, but we must be guided to that Truth which is not a concept but a person. It is Jesus who helps us see how our small facet of reality fits with yours into a function of singular purpose. If we try to put diversity together the way the world does, it only leads to greater division than before. We forget too often that Jesus was fully man but also fully God. Jesse’s last point was probably my greatest take away. If I am to become a disciple of Jesus, it demands a decision.

Whereas, before Jesus, I could live my life however I chose if I was willing to accept the responsibility and the consequences. Of course, the consequences were thought to never come because I was clever. But deciding to do life without God has consequences. As we age, we become more aware of things like temperance in the use of things. My stomach will not tolerate what it used to tolerate when I overstuffed myself. My emotional self has sharper limits. My spiritual self is more dependent on a God of grace and mercy. I appreciate more the idea that I do not have to save the world. It is way beyond my paygrade. So, there are things to which I must say no and some to say yes. I cannot judge you, but I know for myself, there are fewer gray areas than I thought. There is truth and there is its counterfeit, the lie. I answer only to Jesus, but I must admit His voice often sounds like a loving admonition of a friend. At that moment I have a decision to make.

This was a great sermon. I would invite you to find it and listen on flatironschurch.com. And if you have no church home, please consider joining us at 11 a.m. at the Reel Mountain Theater every Sunday for good teaching and wonderful fellowship.

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 35

epnews.com

EMPLOYMENT » Place and View Ads at EPNews.com «

Donna Quinn Donna E. Quinn (Bain) was born September 28, 1938, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Donald and Ruth Bain. She married Matthew H. Quinn on August 18, 1962. They lived in Racine, Wisconsin where Matt had a law practice for 35 years and Donna taught school.

They had two children, Peter F. Quinn (deceased), and Elizabeth B. Quinn (Estes Park, CO).

Donna was a ski instructor, rock climber, mountaineer, biker, and hiker. She and her husband Matt moved to Estes Park in 2005, as the perfect place to pursue the sports they loved. Her skiing took her to most of the major ski areas west of the Mississippi, many areas of Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and the Chamonix Valley, where she skied the High Route, a sixday excursion from Chamonix to Zermatt. She climbed volcanoes and mountains on three continents, and climbed areas from Joshua Tree to the Shawangunks and 23 of Colorado’s 14ers. She enjoyed being a member of

the Cream City Bike Club (Milwaukee), Saddlemasters Bike Club (Saddlebrooke, Arizona), and most of all Trail Trekkers Hiking Club (Estes Park).

She and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by climbing the North Face of Longs Peak (his request) and the Eiffel Tower in Paris (her request). She will be sadly missed by her husband, Matt, daughter Elizabeth, and her many friends.

A memorial service for Donna will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, 920 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park, 1753 Wildfire Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 or to Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, 920 Big Thompson, Estes Park, CO 80517.

Links are available at the website at www.allnuttestespark.com. Please visit the website to leave condolences to the family.

www.estesparknews.com

NOW HIRING! Experienced Maintenance

Full Time/Part Time $18.00 to $25.00 per hour DOE plus bonus* • General Maintenance and/or • Hot Tub Service • Landscaping/Snow Removal • Painting *Bonus is $1.00 per hour May through October Apply at, mail or email resume to: Fawn Valley Inn, 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 Email: Jamie@RockyMtnResorts.com

Are you looking for a great career opportunity right here in our beautiful Estes Park Community!

We’re hiring for the following positions starting at $21.01/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 Get your application at: www.albertsoncompanies.com After your application has been completed, please call our hiring manager Ann at 970.586.4447.

Help us help others.

Become a Care Pro • Starting at $20 • NO Medical Background Required • Flexible Schedule • Training & Local Support Provided • Rewarding & Meaningful Job! Apply online at HomeInstead.com/NorthernColorado or call for more information

970.494.0289 Each Home Instead® office is an independently owned and operated franchise of Home Instead, Inc., an Honor Company. © 2023 Home Instead, Inc.

Susan Fereday State Farm insurance is looking for a motivated service and sales agent for our growing and very busy Insurance agency.

Salary, vacation days and 401 K are provided. No weekends and paid holidays. Will need to be willing to be a licensed agent.

Training will be provided.

Email Resume to SUSAN.FEREDAY.GGVW@ STATEFARM.COM YmCa oF THe RoCKieS 2515 Tunnel Road estes Park, Colorado, 80511

Dining Room manageR This position is responsible for managing the on-site restaurant at YMCA of the Rockies, the Pine Room. Responsibilities include overall day to day operations in the front and back of house, supervising staff, updating the daily menu board and ensuring all food and drink line equipment is clean and functioning properly. $18 - $21.30/hour with full benefits, generous PTO/vacation, discounted childcare, and so much more.

www.workintherockies.org

36 » Friday, January 26, 2024

EMPLOYMENT » Place and View Ads at EPNews.com « EMPLOYMENT

YmcA oF tHE rocKiEs

JOIN OUR TEAM!

2515 tunnel road

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

Estes park, colorado, 80511

AssociAtion GAp proGrAm coordinAtor This position provides leadership, develops curriculum, manages projects, functions as a liaison, provides mentorship, fosters interpersonal relationships, and evaluates program performance all while building an intentional community among the Gap Program participants at YMCA of the Rockies. $50,000 $58,000/year with full benefits, generous PTO/vacation, YMCA membership, and many more employee perks.

epnews.com

Full-time Emergency Services Dispatcher I/II/III Events Maintenance Worker I Project Manager The status of applications will be communicated via e-mail. By choice, the Town of Estes Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

NOW HIRING! Hot Tub Service Tech

Full Time / Part Time $18.00 to $20.00 per hour DOE plus $1.00 per hour bonus May through October Apply at, mail or email resume to: Fawn Valley Inn, 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 Email: Jamie@RockyMtnResorts.com

www.workintherockies.org

NOW HIRING! Winter Work

• Light Maintenance • Snow Shoveling • Housekeeping • Hot Tub Service $18.00 to $20.00 per hour DOE Apply at, mail or email resume to: Fawn Valley Inn, 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 Email: Jamie@RockyMtnResorts.com

RENTALS

SERVICES

SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

SALES

Condos

Cleaning

Piano Tuning

Commercial

Estate Sales

Susan Novy, local piano tuner.

Call for appt.

577-1755 www.estesparkpiano tuner.com

Commercial Spaces for sale and lease.

Call Eric.

Anderson Realty.

586-2950

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

For Rent: Two bedroom condo, one bath, one car garage, washer/dryer annual lease, $2,150/month Pets negotiable.

Call 970-699-6727

HOUSEHOLD Apartments Perfect Winter Rental!

Furnished 1-bedroom apartment on Lake Estes. $1,300 monthly with all utilities included!

Long term rental available now until Memorial Day. Contact us at 1-970-779-7455

Commercial Rentals

Residential & Commercial Cleaning, Window Cleaning, Snow Removal 970-443-1283

20%OFF First Cleaning!

Quality Professional Cleaning Services.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Voted #1 Estes Park Favorite Cleaning Company.

970-585-8587

Sewing/Alterations

Office Space for Rent 1377 Sq. Ft., Conference Remixed Custom Sewing Room, 3 Private Offices, Services.

High Traffic Area with NEW LOCATION! Great Exposure, Open Small Furniture, Lobby Area, Printer Room.

Restoration, Cushions 351 Moraine Ave. Suite B and Industrial Repair.

Call for appointment 970-227-4865 970-492-5446 nathan@kinleybuilt.com

SALES

Heating

100% SEASONED, HARDWOOD, SPLIT FIREWOOD. Absolutely no pine or cottonwood.

Delivered Price $475/cord, 2 cord special $800, 5 cords $1675.

Professional arborists capable of any job, big or small! Fire mitigation.

Our Family Tree Service 720-840-6120

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT PRESS RELEASE THE ESTES PARK HOUSING AUTHORITY IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR A NEW BOARD MEMBER The Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to facilitating housing opportunities and services for citizens of the Estes Park R-3 School District to ensure a balanced and sustainable community. Are you interested in helping to solve our attainable housing crisis? Are you an active member of the Estes Valley Community seeking to positively impact the success of families and our diverse community members by providing an affordable place to call home? We are accepting applications for a recently vacated board position.

We are looking for persons willing to actively advocate for the Estes Valley Community and assist in the preservation, development, and programming to support housing initiatives. Board members examine policies, procedures, and financial reports of EPHA for this aim. Board members may be asked to sit on various committees on an as-needed basis. Committees may consist of Financial, Development, Personnel, or others as business and community needs dictate. Applicants must reside inside the Estes Park R-3 School District boundary and be available to fulfill a five (5) year term in a volunteer (unpaid) capacity. Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month in the US Bank Building Hix Board Room beginning at 8:30 AM. Board Applications are available on our website, esteshousing.org, or in our office at 363 E. Elkhorn Ave, Suite 101. Applications are due by 4:00 PM February 9th, 2024 unless extended.

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 37

epnews.com

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER APPLIANCES

970-586-4315

CHIMNEY SWEEP

EYECARE/GLASSES

rglibby@msn.com Estes Park, CO

ATTORNEYS

CLEANING SERVICES

Winter Hours

FINANCIAL SERVICES

CAMERAS

FLOORING

COMPUTER SERVICES CARPET CLEANING

Dan Wiedow dan@estesparkcomputers.com

(970) 586-5404

(

(

( # ' $( ' !& ( ! %( ( $% $( # ( " "# "(

6(59,1* (67(6 3$5. )25 <($56 SDUNIORRULQJ FRP

38 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER GARAGE DOORS

HEARING & TINNITUS CARE

MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Cory D. Workman, Au.D. Phone: 970-586-5255 • Hearing Aids / New & Repair • Hearing Evaluations • Hearing Protection • Ear Care / Wax Removal • Dizziness / Balance

1186 Graves Ave., Ste. B Estes Park, CO 80517 Fax: 970-577-7260 drcory@estesparkaudiology.com www.estesparkaudiology.com

HOME HEALTH CARE

PAINTING

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

HOT TUBS & POOL SERVICES PEST CONTROL

New Construction & Remodeling Specializing in Decks, Windows, Siding, Kitchen/Bath Remodels, and Exterior Painting Long time local serving the Estes area.

970-581-2670 • cornellhico@gmail.com cornellhomeimprovement.com

Elkins Construction

LOG RAILINGS & ACCENTS

Licensed and Insured

Custom Homes • Remodels Decks • Drawings 40+ Years Experience Tim Elkins Estes Park, Colorado 970.310.1683 elkskins22@gmail.com

MAINTENANCE/REPAIR SERVICES

DH D

IAMOND D ANDYMAN SERVICE

Home Maintenance & Repairs Snow Removal & Hauling • Painting

970-586-1685 Custom Homes, Additions, Kitchens, Baths, Historic Renovations, Remodels and Design Work

Charles Santagati 1191 Graves Ave glaciercreekinc.com Full service general contracting since 1998

Licensed & Insured

“Consider It Done!”

Dave 303-877-2007

Friday, January 26, 2024 « 39

epnews.com

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER PLUMBING

STORAGE

REAL ESTATE Call, Text or E-mail Today!

Aaron L. Busche CMAS, SRS, ABR, CNE

Realtor®

NOW !

ABLE AVAIL

Aaron@EstesPK.com Cell: (970) 470-9962 facebook.com/estesvalleymountainbroker

Certified Mountain Area Specialist Seller Representative Specialist Accredited Buyer's Representative Certified Negotiation Expert

Simply. Elevated. Real Estate.

• Unit Sizes: 800-1600 sq. ft.

• Boat & RV Storage • Fire Suppression System • Utilities Available

970.481.9807 Colexcav@gmail.com

TREE SERVICE

PRE-PLANNING ADVISOR Dawn Shields 970-909-4789 DAWN.SHIELDS@DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM

We at Allnutt-Estes Park Chapel have been serving families for over 35 years. As part of Dignity Memorial, we are committed to the highest standards at your time of need.

We can also put a plan in place to emotionally and financially relieve your loved ones of burden. This can be the greatest gift that you can offer them. Show them how much you care by protecting them now!

ROOFING

PRINTING

WINDOW CLEANING PROPANE

SECURITY HOME WATCH

SKIN CARE Now open!!!

• Full Leg Wax • Brazilian Wax • Half Leg Wax • Underarm Wax • Bikini Wax • Arm Wax Eyebrow care, facials, eyelash lifts and much much more.

Call us to make an appointment: (970) 310-4584 1180 Graves Ave, Suite 6, Estes Park, CO

40 » Friday, January 26, 2024

epnews.com

Your Local Real Estate Experts 343 Virginia Drive

255 Bill Waite Road

497 Pine River Lane

CO M

NE W

$419,000

Timeshares

starting at $7,500

430 Olympus Road

$1,199,000

NE W

ME

RC

$650,000

IA

LZ ON

ED

321 Overlook Lane

151 Curry Drive

ST RP ER MI T

.9 6/ AC RE

$599,000

2809 Fish Creek Road

$619,000

$175,000

544 Meadowview Drive

$1,075,000

Call us to use our FREE Moving Truck.

$1,375,000