“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”

By; Larry Strong

Hank Williams wrote and sang about that lonesome whippoorwill who was too blue to fly and a midnight train whining low. A robin weeping when the leaves begin to die who’s lost the will to live. Ol’ Hank was so lonesome he could cry.

There are times when we need space, time away from anybody. But truth is, we have been made for rela tionship—fellowship with other people. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity. ” Maybe you are going through a tough time and feel a lit tle like that whippoorwill or robin Hank sang about. Or, you may be that friend who is coming alongside someone who is lonely, going through adversity or both. Bless you!

We need folks around us who love and help us all the time and especially when we’re in need. None of us was intended to journey through this life alone. Asking ourselves who loves me like that isn’t enough. Are we asking ourselves, “Who do I love like this, at all times even midst adversity? We may have someone in our life right now who could really use our friendship, some time over a cup of coffee or a walk around Lake Estes. It doesn’t take much to be a friend like that does it?

The guys at Men on Fire know the importance of being kind to one another and tenderhearted. We value giving and receiving an encouraging word. We strive to bring out the best in affirming other’s strengths. We want to be a man who builds others up not one who tears people down. We recon’ there’s enough of that going around without our help. While being an encourager and “builder-upper” sounds noble, part of our inspiration to act accordingly is because these simple ideas are embedded in God’s Word. Sometimes our actions need to be contrary to our feelings. Doing the next right thing shouldn’t depend on how we feel. Acting our way toward right thinking can be more effective than waiting till we have our mind and feelings right. Working on this stuff is easier when other guys are striving for the same thing. There is power in “WE!” At Men on Fire we find strength from other men in the good fight of faith.

Men on Fire meets Saturday’s at 8:00 a.m. for “Breakfast with a Purpose” at the American Legion 850 N. St. Vrain. Every Saturday we benefit from encouragement, affirmation, deepening our relationship with the Lord and practicing how to be a better man and friend. It’s always a great time to do a “check-up from the neck up” as well as getting our hearts “adjusted” if need be. So consider yourself invited. Breakfast is free for our first time guys. From out of town? Come hang out with us. No matter where you’re at on your faith journey you’ll be welcomed. See ya’ Saturday!

Calling All Business Owners

The Estes Park High School Senior Picnic parent committee is asking for small donations from business owners in the form of gift cards. These gift cards will be given away as prizes to our graduating seniors at the Senior Picnic on May 18, 2023.

If you our your business would like to

Civic Education And Participation

By: Judi Smith

In a few months, this country will be 247 years old. We began with a belief that all “men are created equal” and had a right to be a part of the decision making that governed the country. We formed a government that was founded upon the inalienable right to participate. Of course, in the early days of our country, this was only Anglo-Saxon, male citizens and some states even had religious requirements, but over the years, we have broadened our outlook on voter qualifications, among other decisions made by the people. We are a representative democracy. We elect our peers to devote their time and effort to consider the options and decide the laws of the country, the state, the county, the district, the municipality. What we did not consider, early on, is that these decisions are made by the people who participate. There is a learning curve to management of a country. One must study the history and immerse oneself in the dreams of the future. One must learn about all the customs and cultures, all the existing laws, the history of past laws (no longer on the books and why). This training was, once upon a time, restricted to royalty. Today, we the people – vote.

We need individuals who participate. We need young people and elders. We need business owners and work-force (and entrepreneurs who are both). We need leaders and followers. We need variety of all types. How else are we going to make decisions for all the people by all the people – who participate.

tries’ government systems. Additionally, the school district emphasizes the 5 E’s which are, “Excellent Educational Experience, Every Student, Every Day” and the Global Outcome of Compassion and Global Awareness in our social studies classes. These values are foundational to understanding the dynamic relationship between any government, be it local, state, or federal, and each citizens’ rights and responsibilities."

donate, please email EPHSseniors23@gmail.com and provide your name and the best way to contact you and someone from the parent committee will reach out to you.

Thank you for considering a small donation and let's congratulate our graduating seniors of 2023!

The high school civics class is directed by Bob Regan, who said, “President Abraham Lincoln said in his Gettysburg address that government ought to be ‘of the people, by the people and for the people.’ This is why we teach Civics/Current Issues at Estes Park High School. The responsibility to vote is a powerful citizen act that demonstrates a commitment to the core principles of our democracy. Students must be well-informed to appreciate and contribute to the majority rule while respecting minority rights, worth of the individual, equality of all persons, individual freedom and the necessity of compromise. This course provides the student with a cohesive overview of federal, state and local government that allows for active participation in the process of our representative democracy.”

Jason Bradley, who teaches Civics at the Middle School contributed, "We have state standards from the Colorado Department of Education in the area of Civics, such as the nature of relationships between nations, the structure and function of different types of governments, and the critical responsibilities of citizenship in the US and in other coun-

We have a District Election coming up in May. There will be candidate races for Estes Park Health (EPH),Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD), Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District (EVRPD), and Upper Thompson Sanitation District (UTSD). There will also be Ballot issues for EVFPD, EPH, and UTSD. Information can be found on the League of Women Voters of Estes Park website; in both local newspapers, Trail Gazette and Estes Park News, or from the Districts themselves.The Estes Valley Library has created a web-page that contains links to each District’s election news at estesvalleylibrary.org/resources/voters/ Note: While EPH, EVFPD, and UTSD elections are by mail, the EVRPD election will be held in person at the EV Community Center. Both adults and students are invited to participate in League of Women Voters (LWV) events. There was an LWV Forum (EPH candidates) Thursday, April 13 at Town Hall, and an LWV Zoom Coffee, at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, (for the EVFPD issue with David Wolf, Fire Chief). Recordings are available from the League. www.lwv-estespark.org Also use this same website to register for (or listen to) April’s second LWV Coffee, at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 15, for the EPH issue with David Batey, Chair of the Hospital Board.

There also was a review of the new Skate Park plans on Thursday evening (April 12). These designs will be on display at the Community Center. Go by and check them out! Share your opinion!

Estes Valley resident students K-12 are invited to practice vote in local elections. Grades K-8 will vote for EVRPD candidates. Student ballots for high school will contain everything from the adult ballot. Although each District has their own ballot for adults, all Districts share one Junior Election ballot. Parents are encouraged to discuss the election with their children. (They are welcome to take ballots home for this purpose.)

Students attending EPMS and EPHS can vote at school. Other Junior Election Voting Precincts, where students can obtain a ballot and vote, are at the Estes Valley Library, the Community Center, and the Learning Place (all in-person elections). For information contact juniorelection@signsandwishes.com

TAMALE FUNDRAISER!

FRESHLY MADE FROM OUR LOCAL HISPANIC COMMUNITY!

APRIL 27TH

CALL TO PLACE

YOUR ORDER OR SCAN FOLLOWING QR CODE.

ACCEPTING ORDERS APRIL 11TH-21ST

Flavors:

Sliced green chili peppers with cheese

Sweet Tamale with pineapple & rasins

Green chili with chicken

Red chili with pork

Pick up your order on April 27th at Mothers Cafe from 2:30-4:30pm

Lil Cat, Minnie, Bo And Ginny Need Loving New Homes

Lil Cat is about five years old. She had an owner that left her behind. She has not lived with other pets, so would probably do best in a quiet home. She is a beautiful girl who is currently living at the Pet Lodge.

Bo is about three years old and a very sweet boy. He’s easy to walk on leash, he loves car rides and going for walks. He's great with other dogs. Just look at those ears, how cute!

TAMALE FUNDRAISER!

HECHOS POR LA COMUNIDAD HISPANA!

ABRIL 27TH

LLAMEN PARA COLOCAR SU ORDEN O PUEDE ESCANEAR EL CODIGO QR DEBAJO.

ACCEPTANDO ORDENES DEL 11 DE ABRIL HASTA EL 21 DE ABRIL.

SABORES

RAJAS CON QUESO PASAS CON PIÑA

POLLO CON CHILE VERDE PUERCO CON CHILE ROJO

RECOJA SU ORDEN EL 27 DE ABRIL EN MOTHERS

CAFE DE APARTIR DE LAS 2:30 A 4:30

Sweet little Simone is a chihuahua/ Italian greyhound mix. She is about 11 years old and weighs 6.5 lbs. She will do best with other calm animals. She loves to go for walks and is in general good health, although she only has five teeth.

Ginny is about 11 years old. Her family moved overseas and could not take her with. She is currently in foster care. She takes a little time to warm up, but she is a sweet, good girl.

Please call (970) 286-1652 if you’d like to meet 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.

Taste Of Estes Is Back! Get Your Tickets Now

After a three year hiatus, it’s time to get your taste buds ready for a delicious evening at Quota Club of Estes Park’s 36th annual Taste of Estes event.

This fun community tradition features some of the area's best restaurants offering sa-vory samples of their menu offerings. At the event, you’ll enjoy an endless array of delicious food and beverages from

Avant Garde Aleworks

Bird & Jim

Cinnamon’s Bakery

Claire’s on the Park

Cousin Pat’s Pub and Grill

Estes Thai

Hunter’s Chop House

Mother’s Cafe

Oskar Blues Fooderies

Rock Cut Brewing

Rocky Mountain Deli

Seasoned; An American Bistro

SereniTEA Tea Room

Snowy Peaks Winery

Starbucks

Estes Park Sugar Shack

Sweet Basilico Cafe

Squatchy Donuts

The Egg of Estes

The Taffy Shop

YMCA of the Rockies

You Need Pie and a last minute addition of Full Throttle Distillery and Grill!

The Taste of Estes will be held on Thursday, April 20th, in the Assembly Hall at the YMCA of the Rockies, from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

A big shout out to the generous Taste sponsors: Bank of Estes Park, State Farm

- Susan Fereday, Investment Center of Estes Park, YMCA of the Rockies, Edward Jones - Derek Vinge, First Colorado Realty, Bank of Colorado, Richardson Team Realty, Estes Park News and Kind Coffee. The support for this event from these businesses is crucial to this event's success.

Taste of Estes is a fun springtime event where one cannot only enjoy great food and drinks, but also venture out and reconnect with friends and neighbors who may not have been seen during these long winter months.

The Estes Park Quota Club is a women’s service club which seeks to serve the community through supporting a variety of charitable purposes. Proceeds from the Taste of Estes tickets go to support the various projects that Quota adopts, such as the Medical Equipment Loan Closet, student grants, hearing and speech needs, service to youth and elderly, helping disadvantaged women and children, and supporting community needs such as providing AED devices for Estes Park Police Department and ambulances!

Tickets are now on sale at $25 for adults, and $10 for kids 12 and under. The tickets can be purchased at the Estes Park Visitor’s Center, Macdonald Book Shop, or from any Quota member. Get your tickets today, as this event is often a sell-out!

Don’t miss the Taste of Estes, a delicious Estes Park tradition. It’s the place to be on April 20th!

Month of the Young Child Celebrations!

Join in the fun opportunities and support all families in the Estes Valley!

April 27th Bingo/Lotería Night!

EVICS will be hosting a super fun family Bingo night at Mother's Cafe at the Estes Park Golf Course from 5pm7pm. Food, drinks, bingo, games and more!

Tamale Fundraiser!

Proceeds go to EVICS Family Resource Center future family and youth programming. Ordering opens Tuesday, April 11th, call office for orders 970-5863055. Watch EVICS social media and web page for more information!

Pick your tamales up and stay for Bingo Lotería!

¡Mes de las celebraciones del niño pequeño!

¡Únase a las oportunidades divertidas y apoye a todas las familias en Estes Valley!

27 de Abril Noche de Bingo!

EVICS organizará una noche de bingo familiar súper divertida en Mother's Cafe de 5:00 p. m. a 7:00 p. m.

¡Comida, bebidas, bingo, juegos y más!

¡Recaudación de fondos de tamales!

Varios sabores para elegir y los ingresos van a la programación futura de EVICS.

El pedido se abre el martes 11 de abril.Llame a la oficina para hacer pedidos 970-586-3055.Mire las redes sociales y la página web de EVICS para obtener más información!