6,400 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
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Editor: Kris Hazelton
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Applications Available For Transportation Advisory Board
Applications are currently being accepted for two volunteer positions on the Transportation Advisory Board. To learn more about the board and to view meeting minutes, projects, and associated links, please visit www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter along with the Town’s volunteer application, located at www.estes.org/volunteering, no later than 5 p.m. Friday, July 12.
Rooftop Rodeo Parade Slated For July 8
A Salute to the American Cowboy Estes Park’s annual Rooftop Rodeo Parade is slated for Monday, July 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. and features horse mounted riders, floats, first responder vehicles, rodeo queens from around the state and more. Due to downtown road construction, this year’s parade will feature a new route that will begin and end at the Estes Park Fairgrounds.
Free parking for parade spectators will
be available in the Event Center Parking lot. Prime parade viewing will be along Manford Avenue, State Highway 7, U.S. Highway 36, and 4th Street. Road closures along the route will begin approximately 9 a.m. Roads will reopen once the parade concludes.
For more information and to view the parade route please visit www.RooftopRodeo.com/parade
Photo EP NEWS
Courtesy photo
Old Fall River Road Open To Vehicles For The Season
Travelers Are Reminded To Plan Ahead For Timed Entry Reservations
Old Fall River Road opened for the season to vehicles on Sunday, June 30. This historic road normally opens to vehicles in early July.
Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which starts next to Endovalley Picnic Area and ends at the top of Fall River Pass and merges with Trail Ridge Road at Alpine Visitor Center. This road follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the narrow and winding nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route is one-way uphill only.
Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited from traveling on
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 June 23rd, 2024, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 17 calls for service. This included:
• Alarm Activation: 1
Old Fall River Road.
During certain hours of the day, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will need a timed entry reservation. There are two reservation options available: Timed Entry or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road. Timed Entry Reservations are required to enter the park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. These reservations provide access to areas of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road corridor, including access to Old Fall River Road. To learn more visit go.nps.gov/romo/timedentry. For more information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/romo or call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
• Odor Investigation: 2
• Assist: 1
• Possible Illegal Burn: 1
• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 6
• Gas Leak 2
• Mutual Aid: 2
• Search and Rescue: 1
• Wildland Fire: 1 Estes Valley Fire www.estesvalleyfire.org
Photo courtesy RMNP
Estes Valley Land Trust Announces Breakfast With RMNP Superintendent Gary Ingram
The Estes Valley Land Trust will host a breakfast event on Saturday, July 20th with special guest Gary Ingram, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Ingram will share insights from his first year as Superintendent, as well as his vision for the future of the Park.
Ingram has held a variety of positions during his 30-year career with the National Park Service. Most recently, Ingram served as Superintendent at Cumberland Island National Seashore, Fort Frederica National Monument, and Jimmy Carter National Historic Park.
The Estes Valley Land Trust has partnered with RMNP to identify and protect private lands that provide ecological buffers along Park boundaries. Conservation easements that abut the Park help to extend important wildlife corridors, mitigate wildfire risk, and improve visitor experiences. “For many years, the National Park Service has been a crucial partner as we’ve worked together to conserve land and manage recreation,” said Jeffrey Boring, Executive Director of the Estes Valley Land Trust.
This breakfast will take place at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20 at the Bear Gulch Ranch conservation easement.
The Bear Gulch Ranch Conservation Easement is a spectacularly beautiful, privately owned property conserved by the Estes Valley Land Trust. The land trust has received permission from the landowner to offer this special member breakfast. Located off Highway 7 near the Salvation Army’s High Peak Camp, this 340-acre conservation easement has mesmerizing views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker and Mount Lady Washington. “Visiting Bear Gulch Ranch is a treat and something you won’t forget,” said Boring. “I want to thank the landowner for welcoming our members for this special event.”
Registration is required and can be completed at: evlandtrust.org/rsvp. Please plan to carpool as parking is limited for this event.
Registration is $20 per person for land trust members. Non-members can join the land trust for $35 and receive free entrance to the event. Breakfast includes eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, pastries, juice, and coffee.
This event is outdoors, and attendees must bring their own camp chairs. Please come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and jacket.
Legislative Town Hall At The Estes Valley Library - July 8
Please join your Colorado legislators – Senator Janice Marchman (SD 15) and Representative Judy Amabile (HD 49) – at a Town Hall meeting on Monday, July 8, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Hondius Room at the Estes Valley Library.
The 2024 legislative session that wrapped up in mid-May was extremely busy and produced a lot of legislation. This session included bills concerning property tax, housing, employment issues, oil and gas issues, environment, gun safety, health care, transportation, and many
other diverse topics. So please come meet your State Senator and State Representative to find out what passed and what did not, and what legislation they would like to introduce in the next session. Town Halls are an excellent way to get updated information and to ask your questions. This is an in-person meeting, free and open to the public. We hope to see you there.
Remember that library lot is paid parking from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with limited free parking for registered Town residents. Parking garage by Visitor Center is free parking all day. (See estespark.com/parking/)
Firework Safety Tip For 4th Of July Celebrations
Check fire restrictions in the area. Fire Restrictions & Bans - Estes Valley Fire Protection District
1. Have a working garden hose or bucket of water readily available
2. Ensure that used fireworks are submerged in a bucket of water for at least 20 minutes after use.
3. Dispose of used fireworks wet, in a plastic bag, in a covered
trash can. Properly disposed fireworks reduce the chance that used fireworks will start a fire.
Please note that ALL fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in the state of Colorado. Please come and join the fun at the Town of Estes Park’s sanctioned firework display put on by licensed professionals and keep your home firework fun on the ground, legal and safe.
Judy Amabile
Janice Marchman
Thank You To Participating Local Businesses For A Successful Paint Estes Pink To Support Cancer Care In Estes Park
Estes Park Health Foundation would like to thank all the local businesses that participated in our successful campaign to fund local cancer care via Paint Estes Pink in support of Crowns for the Care and Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo in 2024.
The Foundation is proud to have had the help of the following businesses this year:
You Need Pie, Bear & Bee, Bank of Colorado, Shear Magic Day Spa, Longhorn Liquor Mart, The Estes Park Resort, Ember Restaurant & Bar, Lake Estes Marina, Estes Park RideA-Kart, The Egg of Estes, Mary Janes, Wynbrier Home, The Vortex Barbershop, Simply Christmas, Cabin Fever, Lumpy Ridge
Brewing Co, T. W. Beck Architects, Peaks Hallmark, Estes Park Team Realty, Historic Park Theatre, Inspired Artisan Market & Studio, The Barrel, Snowy Peaks Winery, Estes Park Brewery, Spur 66 Liquor, Country Market, The Mad Moose, Estes Park Health, Elk Ridge Dentistry, Elena’s Barking Lot, Avant Garde Aleworks, American Legion Post 119, El Mex-Kal, Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill, Bank of Estes Park, CABINtique, First Colorado Realty, Lumpy Ridge Brewery, Estes Valley Community Center, Mother’s Cafe, Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course, and the Estes Park Visitor Center. Thanks to each of these amazing local businesses, the Foundation and all our
hard-working volunteers have been able to raise awareness of the need for continued support of cutting-edge technology and cancer care via our convenient local medical resource, Estes Park Health. By visiting our local supporting businesses to shop, dine, or simply enjoy a fun Rocky Mountain summer experience, you are strengthening our beautiful community and access to quality healthcare for both residents and visitors.
You can also support cancer care at Estes Park Health by contributing directly at GiveToEPH.org/pink or by reaching out via email giving@eph.org.
PEO Summer Friendship Breakfasts
The Estes Park PEO Group invites any visiting or interested PEO to join us for a Friendship Breakfast at the Ember Restaurant at the Estes Park Resort on Lake Estes. The summer dates are: July 12, August 9, and September 13, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Just show up and join us.
Estes Park Village Band To Present Patriotic Concert On July 4
The Estes Park Village Band will present its annual Fourth of July Concert at Performance Park, Estes Park’s beautiful outdoor performance facility located on west Elkhorn Avenue. The free concert, featuring patriotic music and marches, will begin at 7:00 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. The concert will be performed, rain or shine, and will conclude by 8:15 p.m. so audience members can travel to their favorite fireworks-viewing area before the fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m.
The band will be performing a variety of patriotic selections celebrating America’s history, culture and traditions through music. Free American flags will be distributed to the audience before the concert begins.
This is the band’s 42nd year of performing for the Estes Park community and its visitors. Sharing the conducting duties for Saturday’s program will be Melinda Workman and Chuck Varilek.
The concert will begin as it always does, with the “Star Spangled Banner.” Other patriotic songs the audience will hear include “This Is My Country,” “Let Freedom Ring,” and “American Salute.”
There will be no shortage of marches performed at this concert. You can expect to hear Karl King’s “Home Town Boy,” and Henry Fillmore’s “Hallelujah Trombone.”
Scott Anderson will be featured as a vocal soloist on “This Is My Country,” and “The Ultimate Patriotic Sing-Along,” both arranged by Estes Park resident Jerry Brubaker.
Michael J. Arnott will be featured as vocal soloist on “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a tribute to our first responders who put their lives on the line for us every day. Michael J is a featured performer at the Barleens Dinner Show in Apache Junction, AZ.
Matt McDaniel will be featured on bagpipes as the band performs “Amazing Grace,” remembering the people who died on Sept. 11, 2001 in the terrorist attacks on America.
In what has become an Estes Park tradition, the Village Band will honor our military in the performance of a special selection, “Armed Forces Salute.” Directed by Workman, this arrangement features the theme songs of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Air Force. Members of the audience who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their family members, will be asked to stand and be recognized with applause during the performance of their service theme song.
The band will conclude their concert with their traditional closing march, “The Stars And Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa.
The Estes Park Village Band is a community band made up of musicians from the Estes Park area as well as from surrounding communities. The band received its 501c3 tax-exempt status in 2023 and now has its own website, www.estesparkvillageband.com. New members are always welcome to perform with the band.
For more information contact Chuck Varilek at 970-227-8704.
Estes Park offers major attractions for the sport’s top cowboys, cowgirls
The heat of rodeo competition and the heat of summer collide during a lucrative series of events that surround the Fourth of July holiday.
Hundreds of contestants will have a chance to cool their minds and bodies when they make their way to Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Friday, July 5Wednesday, July 10, at Granny May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. Like so many tourists who make their way to this town every summer, rodeo cowboys and cowgirls converge on the community to not only enjoy the scenery and atmosphere, but they also have their chance at big money.
Take Shelley Morgan, a barrel racer from Eustace, Texas. She and her main mount, Kiss, have been running hot in their home state, so a trip to the cool mountain air is the perfect reprieve for the talented duo. Morgan is a four-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier who is sixth in the world standings heading into the holiday week.
She must like Estes Park,” Morgan said of Kiss, a 10-year-old sorrel mare, on which she won Rooftop Rodeo last July. “She was feeling it that night.”
The dynamic duo will return to Estes Park for this year’s rodeo with a repeat title in mind. Morgan, who finished third in the 2022 world standings after winning the aggregate championship at that year’s NFR, just missed the finale last year, placing 23rd overall – only the top 15 contestants on the money list in each event at the conclusion of the regular season advance to Las Vegas to run for the titles.
The one thing barrel racers know is times will be fast at Granny May Arena. Morgan and Kiss set a new standard when they rounded the cloverleaf pattern in 15.84 seconds.
“She did feel like she was running in Estes,” Morgan said. “You can feel when she’s not running and when she’s overrating the barrels. Did I feel like she was going to do that good? No, but I knew it was going to be fast.
“I know she’s done good there before, so a lot of times you try to go where you know the horse likes that setup. I was second on the ground, so that helped some. We didn’t know what Estes was going to be like, because it had rained quite a bit in previous days.”
The footing held up, and so did Morgan’s time.
“I just tried to focus on my position and put her in the right spots,” she said. “It seems we do a lot better when I trust her and let her do her job.”
Rodeo’s a unique sport in that the contestants must rely on animals to succeed. In the three roughstock events –bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding – scores are based on a 100-point scale, with half the score coming from the animal. Waylon Bourgeios and Richmond Champion shared the bareback riding title with matching 85.5-point rides, while Stu Wright posted an 87.5 to win saddle bronc riding.
His nephew, Stetson, is the winningest cowboy competing today with eight gold buckles, five of which have come in the all-around category. Stetson Wright won Rooftop Rodeo’s bull riding, posting the highest marking of the six-day rodeo, an 88-point ride on Cervi Rodeo’s Theodore.
In the timed events, the fastest runs in each discipline take the titles.
The biggest names in ProRodeo make their way to Estes Park every summer. They want all the perks the town has to offer, and they want the big bucks that are available at Rooftop Rodeo.
Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.
Rooftop Is Just Right For Rodeo
Photo credit Phillip Kitts/Avid Visual.
Most mornings I get up and make coffee, then sit down to read the news and check the weather for the day. Sometimes the day is nice enough that I take my coffee and sit outside, enjoying the freshness of morning sights sounds and smells. This morning I couldn’t do that however, because it was raining. Hard.
I checked my phone to see how the rest of the weather day was going to shape up. I faced the window, phone in hand, and brought up the report. Currently there was a 30 percent chance of precipitation. I looked out at the pouring rain.
Thirty percent chance.
I tapped my phone screen. “Hello! Anybody in there?” I paused. “Have you looked outside recently? It’s raining!” The screen went dark. My phone was ghosting me.
How can a weather app be so wrong? If it’s raining, shouldn’t it say that currently there is a 100 percent chance of rain? How can the humidity be 93 percent when you can’t see the trees because the rain is coming down as heavy as a stage curtain? What would we need to add to the sheets of rain to bring the humidity to 100 percent? If I jumped into a lake would I only be 93 percent wet? Same concept.
I don’t get it. (My Joe says if the phone indicates a 30 percent chance of precipitation and I look outside and see rain, that means we’re in the 30 percent bracket. The other 70 percent of the area is dry. Does his flip phone read the weather this way? Is he onto something?)
My phone came with a weather app that I used for years until I got fed up with its misinformation. (It must be run by the opposite political party than I belong to.) To replace the inept weather reports I’d been relying on, I began shopping for the best free weather app out there.
I asked around. Everyone has a favorite and everyone agrees their favorite is seriously flawed. I read reviews but anymore
we can’t trust reviews; so many are fake. I downloaded one app, only to remove it in short order and download another.
I discovered that the icons in every app are confusing. For yesterday’s forecast I saw a cloud with water drops, indicating there would be rain but the accompanying description said partly cloudy (which could equally mean partly sunny, depending on your half-full or half-empty outlook). So what was it going to be? It didn’t rain.
Most often I see the word drizzle on my phone. Right now in fact, under the cloud icon is the word drizzle, yet there is an alert reading Flash Flood Warning. I didn’t know a little drizzle was capable of causing a flash flood. But what do I know? I’m not a meteorologist. That’s why I need a weather app.
Even the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—the governmental agency that fathered weather.gov.) doesn’t get it right. From NOAA: “Each year, the United States averages some 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,300 tornadoes and 2 Atlantic hurricanes, as well as widespread droughts and wildfires.” This means they’re getting lots of practice predicting weather events. You’d think they’d have it all figured out.
After a long, drawn out trial and error period, I finally I settled on the best way to tell the weather. I hung a foot-long cord from the flagpole out back. When the cord is dry, it’s sunny. When the cord is wet, it’s rainy. When the cord is swinging (or standing at a 90 degree angle from the pole if you’re in Estes Park), that means it’s windy. If the cord is white, there’s snow and if it’s stiff, it’s freezing. If the cord is gone, it’s been stolen.
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
Once you explore our independent living or assisted living options, you’ll find one that feels like home. At Good Samaritan Society – Estes Park Village, our residents enjoy fulfilling, maintenance-free lifestyles where they can connect with others in a caring community that features:
• Housekeeping and maintenance help
• Nutritious and delicious meals
• Outpatient therapy in your twin home or apartment
• Social, wellness and spiritual activities
Find customized services and comforts for yourself or a loved one in a place where friendly neighbors and supportive staff redefine what home feels like.
Schedule a tour today Call (855) 332-9532.
Estes Park Private Garden Tour
Saturday, July 13, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Mrs. Walsh's Garden, starting point Starting at 8 a.m., pick up native plants especially curated for Estes Park and surrounding Rocky Mountain areas. Tour from Mrs. Walsh's Garden will start at 9 a.m.
The Estes Park Garden Tour includes six private and one public garden, Mrs. Walsh’s Garden on the west end of Elkhorn Ave. Mrs. Walsh’s Garden (MWG) is a hidden gem, with a stunning backdrop of a granite cliff. It is designed as a walled garden filled with native plants that thrive in Estes Park and the mountains. It was started in the late 1990s on land purchased by Mrs. Walsh’s granddaughter who wanted to save the land from development, while honoring her grandmother. The Garden was severely damaged during the 2013 flood, and has
since been replanted and maintained by the Town’s Parks Division with significant involvement of volunteers.
The Tour starts at Mrs. Walsh’s Garden at 8am where ticket holders can obtain native plants, especially chosen for their suitability for the mountains, for a requested donation. At 9 a.m., folks will be sent off with directions to visit the private gardens. Carpooling will be encouraged, as some of the properties have limited parking. There is a free public parking lot across the street at Performance Park. Plants not distributed in the morning will be transported to one of the private gardens on the Tour and you can get additional plants after you have seen some of the plants in the gardens.
All tour tickets must be purchased online. Here is the link to register. Or go to the CoNPS Event Calendar at www.conps.org.
Come Join Us For A Delightful Evening Of Three 1-Act Plays!
The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies will present an evening of three one act plays, July 19 & 20 at 7 p.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m. at the Estes Park High School. The Back Row by Joey A. Chavez set in a movie theater with an aging former movie star and a young movie house manager. Starring Kathy Littlejohn and Henry Thomas directed by Jenn Bass. Enemies by Neith Boyce and Hutchins Hapgood, a married couple struggling to find meaning in their marriage. Starring
Greg Lanning and Jenn Bass, directed by Lars Sage While The Auto Waits by O. Henry and adapted for the stage by Walter Wykes a story about two people pretending to be someone they are not. Starring Samantha Workman, Douglas Patarroyo, Denise Shank and Rik Forschmiedt, directed by Lars Sage.
Each play has delightful twists and turns and pack a punch in a short amount of time.
We hope you will join us!
Peaked Estes Park Cruise Weekend Set
For August 23-25
Peaked Automotive Events is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Peaked Estes Park Cruise Weekend, set to take place from August 23rd to August 25th. This unforgettable weekend promises an exhilarating blend of automotive excellence, scenic cruises, and community camaraderie in the breathtaking setting of Estes Park, Colorado.
Event Highlights:
Date: August 23rd - August 25th
Location: Estes Park, Colorado
Key Activities:
Scenic Cruises through the picturesque landscapes of Estes Park Showcases of top-tier modified and exotic cars
Exclusive Pre-Meets
Exciting automotive competitions and awards
Peaked Estes Park Cruise Weekend is designed to bring together car enthusiasts from all over, providing a unique platform to display their prized vehicles, connect with like-minded individuals, and create lasting memories. With a backdrop of stunning mountain views and the charming ambiance of Estes Park, this event is set to be a highlight of the summer for automotive aficionados.
Schedule of Events:
Friday:
Arrival and Check-in
Welcome Pre-Meet from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Cousin Pats
Saturday:
Scenic Cruise 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Pre-Meet presented by Stancewars 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday:
Peaked Estes Park Cruise Weekend Car Show 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
"We are excited to bring together the automotive community for a weekend of thrilling events, scenic drives, and unforgettable experiences," said Joshua Kleine, Founder of Peaked Automotive Events.
"Estes Park provides the perfect backdrop for this unique gathering, and we can't wait to see the amazing cars and enthusiastic participants who will join us."
About Peaked Automotive Events: Peaked Automotive Events is dedicated to creating exceptional automotive experiences that foster community and showcase automotive craftsmanship. With a passion for cars and a commitment to excellence, Peaked hosts a variety of events throughout the year, each designed to bring together car enthusiasts from all walks of life.
For more information and to register for the Peaked Estes Park Cruise Weekend, please visit www.peakedentertainment.com/events/est es-park-cruise-weekend, or contact us at contact@peakedentertainment.com.
Contact: Joshua Kleine Founder, Peaked Automotive Events, Joshua@peakedentertainment.com, www.peakedentertainment.com
Follow us on social media for updates and sneak peeks:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Peaked.co
Instagram: www.instagram.com/peaked.co
Don't miss out on the automotive event of the year! Join us for the Peaked Estes Park Cruise Weekend and experience the thrill of the open road, the beauty of Estes Park, and the camaraderie of the automotive community.
Find Waldo In Estes Park!
Local Businesses Join Forces in Beloved Annual Event Celebrating “Shop Local” Where’s Waldo? In Estes Park, of course! Celebrating its twelfth anniversary in July 2024, Find Waldo Local has become a beloved summertime event in communities nationwide. This year, Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association are again teaming up with 310 independent bookstores nationwide, including Macdonald Book Shop, for some hide-and- seek fun designed to encourage residents to patronize their local businesses. There is no charge to participate, and the hunt lasts for the entire month of July.
Staci Reed owner of Macdonald Book Shop.
Families love joining the scavenger hunt to find the iconic children’s book character, with his red-and- whitestriped shirt and black glasses, hidden in twenty-five local businesses, including Inkwell & Brew, The Taffy Shop, Frames, Games & Things Unnamed, Outdoor World, Hyk, & Kirks Flyshop. Find Waldo Local is a wonderful way to support the Shop Local movement by increasing foot traffic to a variety of stores. “I remember participating in this years ago with my kids before we owned the bookshop. It was so much fun going around town & looking for Waldo in real life! I loved getting into stores I didn’t frequent & what a fun afternoon it was doing something as a family that didn’t cost us anything but time. I’m hoping this will be something fun for our local families as well as for our tourists.”
To join in the fun, people can simply pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Estes Park!” stamp card at Macdonald Book Shop or the Estes Valley Library. With each miniature Waldo they spot, searchers get their card stamped or signed by the participating shop. Eagle-eyed hunters can also look for Waldo’s special 2024 gold medal hidden in Macdonald Book Shop! Collecting store stamps or signatures at twenty or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers entry into a grandprize drawing for Waldo books and other prizes, including goodies from For Bare Feet, Flavors of the Rockies, Munchin House, Simply Christmas, The Taffy Shop, Inkwell & Brew, Estes Village, Kind Coffee, and Alteatude. All participants are welcome to attend the celebration party at Macdonald Book Shop on July 31, 2024 from 4-6 p.m.
Martin Handford’s collections of crowd scenes took the world by storm in the late 1980s, and since then the books have held a cherished place on bookstore shelves, in family libraries, and in classrooms around the world. More than 80 million Waldo books have been sold worldwide, and they’ve been translated into over thirty languages.
For more information about hunting for Waldo in Estes Park, call Macdonald Book Shop at 970-586- 3450. To see a map of all participating stores, visit www.indiebound.org
Dennis Edwards To Perform At YMCA Of The Rockies
On Sunday, July 7, Dennis Edwards will introduce attendees to his all-wood alphorn from the Swiss/German music tradition in Hyde Chapel. The presentation, “Hear it Live; The Swiss/German Alphorn,” on Sunday evening begins at 7:00 p.m. in Hyde Chapel. This performance is free and open to the public. In his 60-minute presentation at the
Estes Park YMCA of the Rockies, Fort Collins resident, Dennis Edwards will explain the history of the alphorn, how the horn is played, and his experiences performing the alphorn in Switzerland, Germany, and Colorado. Dennis will play compositions on the Alphorn by the composers Hans-Jurg Sommer, Lothar Pelz, and Dennis Armitage. The alphorn is an ancient instrument from the Swiss/German music tradition. Dennis’ alphorn was hand-crafted in the Black Forest region of Germany by Herr Fritz Schuselle of Friesenheim, Germany. Before moving to Fort Collins in 2019, Dennis taught high school physics and AP physics at Ramstein High School, Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. He played french horn with his town band, Mackenbach Musikverein 1883. In addition, he performed with Hofgassler Alphorn Ensemble of Homburg (Saar), Germany. During his college years, Dennis played french horn in the University of Notre Dame Band, the Band of the Fighting Irish.
Estes Park Special Olympics Tuesday Bowling Fun
Estes Park Special Olympics organizers are hosting bowling fun at the Bull Pin, 555 S. St. Vrain Ave. on Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. All ages are welcome to participate.
For more information, contact Audri Smith at 970-451-3762 or email epspecialolympics@yahoo.com.
Royalty A Big Part Of Rooftop
Miss Rodeo America to be part of visiting-queen program in Estes Park
The pageantry of rodeo is an interesting mixture of culture, the Western lifestyle and world-class competition. It comes together in the most magnificent of ways during Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, at Granny May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds.
From wild horses and bulls to athletic feats done horseback to the beauty and grace of royalty, there is much to see in a two-hour show in the middle of this mountainous community at the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a popular destination, with more than 4 million visitors annually.
Hundreds of those will be in town for Rooftop Rodeo, including five visiting queens. They come from as far away as Kentucky and as close as Colorado, and they bring a variety of backgrounds with them.
Miss Rodeo Colorado Georgia Strimenos is 22 years old from Larkspur, Colorado, who has a degree from the University of Wyoming. She is traveling to ProRodeos across her home state and beyond to raise awareness to the game and the Western lifestyle.
Miss Rodeo Nebraska JoSee Stalls was raised on a ranch outside Ogallala, Nebraska, near her state’s Panhandle region, not far from the northeastern corner of Colorado. She also is 22 years old and has a degree from the University of Wyoming.
Miss Rodeo Missouri is Jordan Todd, a 25-year-old graduate of the University of Central Missouri who is working toward her juris doctorate degree from the University of Missouri School of Law.
Miss Rodeo Kentucky Zoey Norris is a 22-year-old student at the University of Kentucky. She is from Breeding, Kentucky.
The crown jewel
Rodeo America Emma Cameron, who earned her title this past December after serving as the 2023 Miss Rodeo New Mexico. She is the official ambassador of ProRodeo.
“You hit the ground running, and you have that whole last week of the (National) Finals in Vegas,” Cameron said of her busy schedule. “Then right after the new year, you get on the road to Denver and have to learn as you go. The support system behind Miss Rodeo America makes it a really smooth, enjoyable transition, so I’ve been really grateful for that.
“You learn so much that you didn’t know, not only about rodeo and how rodeos work, but also about yourself and how you see the world and what you want to do. It’s a really phenomenal experience.”
The visiting queens will be joined by eight young ladies who are vying for Rooftop Rodeo royalty. Four will be in competition for Miss Rooftop Rodeo and attendant, four are vying for princess and two are hopefuls for wrangler.
All will have a chance to grow mature while also looking up to the ladies who have already earned major titles. The pageant system is set up as the perfect intermediary for the rough-and-tumble competition and the poise and refinement of women who love the sport and the Western lifestyle.
Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org , or call (970) 586-6104.
of royalty is Miss
Photo credit Miss Rodeo America.
Mark Igel, owner of The Taffy Shop said, “Thanks to all of the people who made it possible to be voted #1 "Best Candy Store" in the USA Today Readers Choice Top 10. Thank you to all of the employees and customers who have created a network of friends over many decades who make this the ‘best’ store.”
“Also, thanks to the Estes Valley Fire Protection District, Town of Estes Park, CSO's and the Estes Park Police Dept...and all of you that made the trip to West Elkhorn for the five minutes of daring posing in the street for the picture that we will look back on fondly for years to come.”
Photo by Barb Davis
Barb Davis photo
Genealogical Society Meeting
Thursday, July 11
The Estes Park Genealogical Society will meet Thursday, July 11, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Library. Glenn York, past president of the Larimer County Genealogical Society will present a program titled “Cowboy Up: The Life of a Real Cowboy.”
Glenn will share the story of an interesting ancestor, Glenn Hollingsworth, wo was born to an Iowa Quaker family and grew up on a Kansas homestead. As a young man he went to Deadwood, SD to work as a teamster. In 1893 he went to eastern Montana where he worked on the open range and cattle ranches over the next 70 years. Times were tough but experiences were epic.
Glenn is an avid genealogist and serves as the delegate to the National Genealogical Society for the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies. He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, National Genealogi-
cal Society and the Genealogical Speakers Guild, along with many other genealogical and historical societies. He also facilitates monthly DNA study groups and has assisted many individuals in discovering their biological families through his understanding of genetic genealogy.
The public is invited to come and listen to a story of the life of a real cowboy, as Estes Park concludes Rodeo Week.
The Estes Park Genealogical Society meets on the second Thursday of every month from January through November in the library, offering a wide variety of programs and workshops. More information about the Society, including how to become a member, can be found on its website estesparkgenealogicalsociety.weebly.com. All who are interested in genealogy and family history research are welcome to attend these free public programs.
CABINtique To Host Vintage Pottery Sale On July 13
When you spend time at CABINtique, you might feel like you have stepped back in time. People gather around the table, pull up a chair and sit a bit. Owner, Carey Stevanus encourages people to share their memories of Estes Park and the good old days. One of the items in her shop that people reminisce about the most is the Rocky Mountain Pottery. Many people remember stopping by the shop downtown and buying a pinecone mug and having their name painted on it. Do you still have yours?
The shop on Elkhorn Avenue is long gone now, but the memories have lasted a lifetime. The shop was located in the old Transportation Building which most might remember as the Park Theater Mall. The Estes Park factory closed in 1970 long before a fire destroyed the building in 2009. Rocky Mountain Pottery Company (aka ROMCO) was founded in Denver in 1953 by Leland Huston and moved to Loveland in 1957. Many might remember the first pieces that resembled wood grain and had a pine scent. The factory was located on Highway 34 where tourists were sure to pass by before or after visiting Estes and RMNP. In the late 1950s the hand-painted pinecone design became their most popular line. The pottery came in three different colors. The pinecones and artists had a unique style that is easily recognizable. Some artists could even pick out their own pinecone pieces. As the pottery business became successful
the Hustons opened two other outlets in Estes Park and Colorado Springs.
A Facebook group in Loveland reminisces often about the days when the factory was producing the pottery and those who worked there. Many people have wonderful memories of the Hustons and working for them as well as collecting the pottery themselves. However, there is one collector in Colorado who might have the largest collection. Suzanne Silverthorn wrote a book titled, Cabin Style in 2004 about cabin collectibles. ROMCO is featured in the book as one of several brands of pinecone pottery collected by cabin enthusiasts over the years. Silverthorn collected the pottery herself while she was writing the book and continued for many years. She is now ready to sell the collection and allow others the opportunity to own these amazing pieces.
CABINtique carries ROMCO pottery on a regular basis, but this will be a unique sale of over 150 pieces of vintage Rocky Mountain Pottery. This is your chance to find one of those pieces your mother or grandmother owned that you wish you would’ve kept.
We would also love to hear your stories about when you worked at the factory, how you knew the Hustons or when you might’ve had your name painted on a mug.
Be sure to stop by and share your memories with us at CABINtique on Saturday, July 13th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
EPH Wins Telly Award For Non-Broadcast Video Production
EPH Marketing & Communication Specialist Wendy Rigby won a bronze Telly Award for non-broadcast video productions in the category of “Fitness, Health & Wellness” for her video featuring Dr. Jennifer McLellan performing colonoscopies. You can watch the award-winning video at youtu.be/RVUSV8xPj8w.
Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards annually recognizes excellence in television and video across all screens. Rigby’s videos about services offered at Estes Park Health run on monitors in the EPH first and second floor lobbies. You can also watch her work on many of the pages of eph.org.
YOUR FUNDS ARE SAFE, SECURE, AND INSURED BY THE NCUA
Old Fall River Road Opening Day
By: Brad Manard
The first time I drove up Old Fall River Road, years ago as a young photographer seeking adventure, I was both thrilled and intimidated. The rock overhangs looked ominous, the switchbacks menacing, and the dropoffs dangerously forbidding. Yet it was so beautiful, incredibly beautiful.
Today, with RMNPhotographer Tours I drive it nearly every day, and its beauty continues to capture my sense of adventure. So much so, on the day early in July when Old Fall River Road opens, I try to be one of the first to drive up. One year, I was the second vehicle when the ranger opened the gate. My quest to be #1 continues.
On Saturday, July 3, 2021, I was at the gate before sunrise, driving up with anticipation. With the absence of cars since the previous October, would there be animals wandering about? Would I see bighorn sheep on the opposite cliff side, elk in the valley willows, a bear lumbering over the rocks, or a moose in Willow Park?
I drove excited, watching through the trees. On an early switchback, I saw the sun peek over the foothills from the prairie miles to the east. For a moment, I stopped in the middle of the road watching, thankful for the sunrise experience. Content, I drove on pulling into the Chasm Falls parking area. There, I walked the tricky steps down to the base of the falls. On the platform, I stood and listened to the wonderful sound of tumbling water in a beautiful moment of solitude. I was alone and at peace in the mountains.
Climbing back up, I continued on toward Willow Park. There, I parked my SUV on the side of the road and began the easy walk back to the ranger cabin. I was surrounded by quiet and comforted by the silence. Alone in this special place, as I neared the cabin I stepped to
where the trees opened to the meadow.
Startled, my eyes popped, and I jumped back frightened. A few feet to my left, lying on the ground curled up in sleep was a large bull moose, its velvet antlers not yet fully grown yet still intimidating. When I jumped, he woke, his head coming up surprised by my presence.
Freezing, I did not move. I had already disturbed him, and I did not want to be a threat. As he watched me, I slowly backed away down the trail toward Old Fall River Road. As I did, he calmly looked about. Much to my relief, he lowered his head once more to sleep.
With the bull moose sleeping, I worked my way up on the hillside through the trees to a point where my camera could see him, yet I was not a threat. There I sat on a log and watched him sleep, every now and then pressing the shutter button of my camera to capture the moment.
In time, the sun crested the mountain. Shining on the bull moose, he warmed and slowly began to wake again. First, his head lifted, and he looked about, his
was there, and I was not to bother him before breakfast. Then he turned and moved gangly into the willows where he began to nibble on the green willow leaves.
As he wandered into Willow Park, I moved down to the cabin sitting on the steps. From there I took pictures. Other people were now walking in from Old Fall River Road, and I would halt them with a raised hand. Then in a quieting motion, I would point toward the willows. That is when they would start, just a bit, rising up on their toes when they saw the magnificent bull moose.
Over the next half hour, he fed as he slowly moved across Willow Park. Once on the other side, as wildlife will do, he magically disappeared into the trees.
Moments later when I returned to my car, thrilled with the experience, I thought of the bull moose. The way he had awakened from his sleep much as I might, his stretching and neck turning, his body shaking in a shiver as the sun warmed him.
The moose, I knew, had awakened
nose in the air. Then his body straightened from the curl he’d slept in. His back legs pushed upward, his front knees pushed on the ground under him until he lifted to stand.
Like I would do, he arched his back stretching, leaned over his front legs extending his back. And as if in a shiver, he shook. Standing still for a moment, he turned his head side to side as if cracking his neck. Finally, lifting his back leg, his head turned toward his backside, and his antler went under the leg to scratch his belly. I thought of my own waking routine. Once awake, he looked up at me. It was not a “good morning” welcome as much as a bold moose telling me he knew I
from a good night’s sleep in the quiet of Willow Park along Old Fall River Road and was looking forward to the day ahead.
Adventure Begins With These Library Programs
Summer is synonymous with adventure: long days full of possibility, exciting vacations and trips, warm weather that invites grand quests and outdoor romps. This year’s Summer Reading Program is all about adventure – and how it begins at your local library.
The Estes Valley Library’s Makerspace, located on the second floor, is perfect for adventurous spirits. This month, join us on July 8 to make origami albums, or on July 11 and 15 to craft scrapbooking pages. These projects will give us cause to relive our adventures by documenting them in journals, photo collages, and more.
Tweens and teens can get creative in the Makerspace with henna tattoos! On July 20, learn about the history and meaning of henna. Attendees will use stencils, special henna markers, and paint to create their own (temporary) tattoo designs.
Looking for a culinary adventure? We’re learning how to make pizza on July 18. Roll the dough, shape the crust, add toppings, and at the end, take your creation home to bake for dinner! Many thanks to our friends at Poppy’s Pizza & Grill for supporting this program.
On July 25, we’re bringing back a popular cooking adventure: crepes. This pro-
gram has been a hit in past years. We’ll use special griddles (and lots of delicious sweet and savory ingredients) to make a delectable snack spread.
Of course, we’re also adventuring through books. Stop by the library to check out our Summer Reading Program display table in the atrium, where it’s easy to find your next adventurous read.
Then, spread the good word about your favorite reads: on July 16, join our “Bring Your Own Book Club” at Inkwell & Brew (your first beverage will be on us!). Attendees can share what they love about their books, and everyone can leave with a fresh TBR (To Be Read) list full of tried-and-true recommendations.
Summer Reading Program is a reading challenge for everyone. Pick up a book (audiobooks count!) and log your minutes reading (or listening). Track your time online via the Beanstack app – it’s easy to use and available 24/7 – and you could win great prizes like books, toys, gift cards, and more.
Readers of all ages can adventure with us this summer, thanks to the generous donors of the Friends of the Library Foundation. Summer Reading Program is made possible by their support. Ready to join in the fun? Learn more at estesvalleylibrary.org/SRP2024.
Chasing A Dream For Colorado: Enos Mills In A Living History Performance
remember the life and legacy of Enos Mills through a living-history performance on Monday, July 15 at 7 p.m. The program takes place at the Maude Jellison Library at the YMCA of the Rockies, as part of this summer’s program series for all ages.
A sickly boy not expected to live to adulthood, Enos Mills (1870-1922) seemed a most unlikely candidate to grow into a legendary mountaineer. Yet his 1884 arrival in Colorado was the start of an abiding reverence for nature. Five years later, a chance meeting with John Muir inspired him to wonder: could he do for the Rocky Mountains what Muir did for Yosemite?
the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park. The performance recounts major episodes from Mills’ remarkable career that included being an innkeeper, a naturalist, a prolific writer, a coast-tocoast lecturer, and innovator in the field of guided nature interpretation, leading 257 guided trips to the summit of Longs Peak. The story evokes a time when grizzlies still roamed Colorado and when a national park was an elusive vision.
As a history re-enactor, Kurtis Kelly has had the opportunity to bring the Enos Mills story to audiences throughout the Front Range. He regularly portrays historic characters for audiences of all ages, from grade schools to retirement communities.
With unwavering determination and against many odds, Mills championed the six-year campaign to create a wilderness sanctuary in Colorado’s northern mountains. Those efforts fulfilled what he called his life’s “greatest dream” upon
The July 15 event is free and open to everyone, and no registration is required. The program will take place outdoors, weather permitting, but will move indoors if necessary.
Local actor-storyteller Kurtis Kelly will
Sylvester Stallone is back in movie houses across the country. Most of us probably don’t know how difficult it was for him to ‘break into’ the movies. As a struggling actor he was broke…hocking his wife’s jewelry, selling his favorite dog for $25.00 because he couldn’t afford to feed it, weeping as he walked away. Just when he hit bottom he watched a boxing match between Mohammed Ali and Chuck Wepner. He was so inspired that he wrote a script for a boxing movie, ‘Rocky’. He wrote the draft for the script in three days and tried to sell it. He got an offer for $125,000 for the script, but he refused. The reason? “I want to be Rocky.” They turned him down. The studio said, “No! We want a real star!” They said “he looked funny and talked funny!” He walked away…with the script. They offered him $250,000…he refused, $350,000…he refused. He would act out his own script. Finally, they agreed, gave him $35,000 for the script and let him be Rocky. The rest is history. The movie won many awards at the Oscars. It was inducted into the American National Film Industry as one of the greatest films ever.
I love the story for many reasons. I enjoy Stallone’s movies. I like hearing about his rising out of a very difficult time in his life, to become the star he is today. However, I love the story because I see in it a lesson for all of us today. ‘Whose script am I writing?’ I wonder as I read his story. I think that many of us really want others to ‘act out’ scripts that we write…even consciously writing scripts for them. We’re like two lumberjacks in the northwest. One, quite short, told his huge co-worker, “If I was as big as you I’d go out in the woods and find me the biggest bear and tear him limb from limb!” His friend, smiled and said gently, “There’s lots of little bears!” We need to act out our own scripts.
It often begins at home, as we write ‘scripts’ for our children. In “A Christmas Story’ movie a boy got his mouth washed out with soap for a bad word he uttered. “Where did you hear that word?” his appalled mother asked him…but he didn’t tell her his Dad used it often. In this family ‘the script’ was written for one’s children…not the ‘writer’. I remember an incident where a man’s daughter was killed in a car accident, driving drunk. He said, “If I get my hands on the guy who gave her the booze, I’ll kill him!” He went to his cupboard to ‘get a shot’ to settle his nerves…but his bottle was missing, later found in the wrecked vehicle. Parents need to write scripts they will follow. Children would readily admit, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather one would walk with me, than merely point the way. The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear. Precept is sometimes confusing, but example is always clear.”
But it goes beyond family, doesn’t it? We ‘write the scripts’ for our politicians, people at work, other drivers, etc.…telling them what to do, then being unhappy…even angry…when they don’t do what we want. Many running for office do not ‘write their own scripts’, telling constituents what they do and have done, instead attacking those of others. It applies to many such things in our lives. Remember ‘arm-chair quarterbacks’?
Life’s greatest teacher, Jesus, acted…then wrote…his own script. He ‘lived’ his ‘taught’ script. “Love one another as I have loved you!” “As I have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.” His disciples will do the same. Paul wrote: “Be imitators of me, like I am of Christ!” He often would say things like, “Remember how I lived among you!” He told the Philippians: “These things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful…as parents, as citizens, as Christians…to say, like Jesus, and Paul…and Stallone: “I wrote the script, and I’m the one living it out!” Bob Lewis
July 20th Weed Roundup –New Location In Stanley Park
Noxious weeds are once again having a banner year, so keep removing and bagging these invaders. Removing and bagging flowers and seed heads will help curtail your weed population next year. Time and persistence will give native plants a better chance! The 16th Annual Weed Roundup will be held July 20th from 9:00 to noon at a NEW LOCATION – 380 Community Drive (north of the Skate Park). No early birds or illegal drop-offs; follow the signs. Do not block traffic on Community Drive. Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) volunteers will be on hand to answer weed questions and direct traffic flow. Educational displays and information will be available from Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA), Larimer County Natural Resources, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Bring in your weeds – no slash, pine needles, cones, dirt, trash – in paper yard bags for free disposal. Please remove/shake off dirt from plant roots. Excessive weight of wet weeds and dirt is a safety hazard for our volunteers. Only bag flowers and seed heads rather than entire plants. Read our weekly Estes Valley’s Weed Alert articles (published April through September in the EP News) to help identify invasive plants and manage seed producing plant parts for disposal. Weeds and trash can be disposed of year-around at Waste Management for a fee. Bags of non-weed materials or native plants will not be accepted at this event. Paper yard bags are available for purchase at local hardware stores.
If you want ELSA to continue to sponsor these events, please adhere to the guidelines. Owning property in the Estes Valley can be challenging and different! Bagging mature weeds this time of year is not ideal weed management and not how you want to spend your time. Be proactive – learn your native plants and manage the invasive plants in a timely manner with a weed management specialist if you don’t have the time, energy or expertise to manage your property. A list of weed management specialists who can help is available at: larimer.org/naturalresources/weeds/applicators. Also refer to the information and Helpful Documents at estes.org/weeds
Other Monitored Weed Drop-offs are scheduled for August 17th and September 21st. These events are being made possible with the support from Estes Land Stewardship Association, the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County Natural Resources, Estes Valley Land Trust, and donations. Twenty Ob-Noxious Weeds in the Estes Valley weed booklets are available year around at the Estes Valley Library, Ace Hardware, Park Supply, Estes Park Lumber, Today’s Nails and www.estes.org/weeds. Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) meets the first Thursday of the month (February, March, April & November) at 9:30 a.m. in the George Hix Room at US Bank. The next meeting is November 7th. For more information about ELSA contact elsa.weeds@gmail.com
Noon Concert Tuesday, July 9
With Guitarist And Instrumental Composer Richard Geppinger
The Estes Park Senior Citizens Center (EPSCC) is excited to welcome back the immensely talented and renowned musician from our very own Estes Valley community. We invite everyone to join us for a concert by Richard Geppinger, happening on Tuesday, July 9, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at 1760 Olympian Lane. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be available. Feel free to bring your lunch or pre-order one by the previous day (details below).
Discover the musical magic of Richard Geppinger, an accomplished composer and performer with an eclectic discography spanning four CDs and one DVD. From enchanting Celtic tunes to captivating classical pieces and dynamic progressive rock, Richard's music promises to enthrall. Since relocating to Estes Park, CO in 1988, where he spent nine years as a cabinetmaker at the YMCA, Richard has continued to create and inspire. Richard has been performing professionally since 1997 and plays all the instruments on his recordings, with electric guitar being his focus. His memoir, "One Street Off Main," published in 2015, continues to garner acclaim. With his music featured in TV commercials and across numerous websites, Richard was celebrated as CD Baby's Featured
Artist of the Month. Derek Sivers, president of CD Baby & Hostbaby, raves, "We get about 100 new albums a DAY coming in here now, and Richard's 'World of Colors' CD is one of the best I've ever heard." Don't miss this opportunity to experience the mesmerizing soundscapes of Richard Geppinger live! Richard recently performed his 33rd concert at Children’s Hospital in Denver, which is his passion. You can find Richard online at https://www.facebook.com/richard.geppinger, and if you are interested in having Richard perform for your public or private events, you can contact him at geppinger95@gmail.com.
Attendees are welcome to eat lunch during the concert. Bring your own meal or pre-purchase one. The meal on Tuesday will be smothered chicken with onions, mushrooms, and green peppers, with a loaded baked potato. The cost of a meal is $7 for EPSCC members and $11 for non-members. Become a member of the EPSCC for just $35 per year and take advantage of lunch discounts and all the great activities. You must order your meal before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8. For more information about the EPSCC or to order a meal, please call (970) 581-2195.
Estes Valley Quilt Guild Meeting July 10
The Estes Valley Quilt Guild is having a Christmas in July meeting with a sewing day to be held at Peak-to-Peak Stitching, in their new classroom. If you’ve been interested in learning to quilt or are curious about quilting, feel free to drop by and check out our fun group. You can browse the shop while you are there. Please email estesvalleyquiltguild@yahoo.com if you are planning to stop by. All future and new quilters are welcome! Come anytime between 1:00-8:00 p.m. on July 10 with projects to work on. At 3:00 we’ll take a break and have a project demo with a holiday theme. When we’re hungry for dinner, we’ll take a break and walk to a nearby restaurant or feel free to bring something to eat while
you sew. At 6:30 there will be a short business meeting and show and tell of holiday projects. Sew all day or drop in for a few hours.
If you’d like to set up your sewing machine, please let us know so we can reserve a space for you. If you plan to do hand sewing work, a reservation is not required. To register for a sewing space, email estesvalleyquiltguild@yahoo.com. Please leave your name in the message. Peak to Peak Stitching is located at 363 E. Elkhorn, Suite 201 (second floor of the US Bank Building). Parking is limited in the downtown area. Carpooling and use of the parking garage are recommended (after you drop off your machine).
Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu
Monday, July 8
July 8 – July 12
Breakfast Burrito (eggs, cheese, refried beans & potatoes in floured tortilla) w/ green chili on the side
Tuesday, July 9 Smothered Chicken (6 oz) (topped w/ mushrooms, green peppers & onions) w/ Loaded Baked Potato
Wednesday, July 10 Beef Pot Roast w/ Rice, gravy & vegetables
Thursday, July 11 Chicken Parmesan w/ Spaghetti, garlic bread & side salad
Friday, July 12 Shrimp Basket (8 fried) w/ Homemade Chips & soup of the day
July 15 – 19
Monday, July 15
Denver Omelette (ham, mushrooms, onions & green peppers) w/ Hashbrowns & fruit
Wednesday, July 17 Monte Cristo Sandwich (ham, turkey, swiss & cheddar cheese on TX toast) w/ apple coleslaw
Thursday, July 18 Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta w/ garlic bread & side salad
Friday, July 19 Fish & Homemade Chips w/ Pasta Salad
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, July 8th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, July 5th. 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.
Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA)
Aspen Club Blood Pressure Check 4th Wed. of the month 10:00 – 1:00; Presentations (TBA) Two Bridge Groups: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesday of the month & Every Thursday 12:30 – 4:30 PM Reserved Meals-to-Go delivered to your vehicle or EAT at the Senior Citizens Center Check out our website: estesparkseniors.org or call for the latest information
Rocco is a funny, happy dog! He’s a lover of people and dogs big and small. Rocco is about three years old, weighs around 53 pounds and is housetrained. He’s ready to be adopted.
Delilah is ready for her new forever home. She came to us in rough shape, she was very thin, her coat was a mess and she was pregnant. After having eight beautiful puppies she is spayed and loving being a dog. Delilah has re-
ally become a fun loving, dog loving, sweet girl. When you look in her eyes you can see all the love she has to give. Delilah weighs 86 pounds is about 6 1/2 and has been around cats. Please consider giving this lady her deserved life.
Maya is about a year old, good-natured and weighs 46 pounds. She is great with other dogs and would make the perfect pet companion for you.
Goose is a short haired border collie mix who weighs about 55 pounds. He was raised with kids and is good with dogs and cats as well. He is about 2 1/2 years old.
We also have two puppies, Ghost and Speck. They are about six months old, likely border collie/husky mixes. They are both so cute! They currently weigh about 30 pounds.
Please call (970) 286-1652 if you’d like
to meet or foster any of these special pets.
All pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a non-profit organization that is the Estes Valley’s only humane society. You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to P.O. Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Delilah Ghost
Goose Rocco
Be ‘Bear Aware’ While Camping And Backpacking In Colorado Bear Country
Colorado is home to a large population of black bears, estimated at 17,00020,000 in the state. As humans venture into Colorado’s great outdoors to spend time in nature, it is important to take active steps to avoid conflicts with bears.
Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easily accessible human food, trash or other attractants with strong odors. A bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its fear of humans. When bears become too comfortable around humans, they can destroy property or even threaten human safety.
“Properly storing your food, using bear boxes and bear-resistant canisters and locking your property keeps you safe and can save a bear’s life,” said CPW Area 15 Wildlife Manager Adrian Archuleta, who covers the Durango area.
“If you have even a sighting here in Durango, please report it to CPW, so we can be aware. If a bear does come into camp, try to scare it away. Yell, bang pots and pans, or use your car horn, air horn or a whistle and make sure the bear has an
smell that will attract them.
Safely store food, beverages and toiletries in campsite lockers called bear boxes (if provided), in bear-proof containers away from your tent or locked in the trunk of your vehicle.
Stash your trash. Put all trash in bear-proof trash receptacles or bear canisters. Keep a clean campsite. Scrape grill grates after use and clean used dishes.
Never bring food or anything that smells like foodwhich includes toiletries, sunscreen and even the clothes you wear when cooking - into your tent.
Lock cars and RVs whenever you leave your site and at night and close windows. What if a bear tries to enter a campsite?
may require approved bear-resistant food containers for food and garbage (e.g., Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness).
Respect forage areas. If your usual trail runs through berry patches, oak brush or other known food sources, be extra vigilant. Make extra noise by periodically clapping or calling out to alert bears to your presence.
What if you surprise a bear on a trail?
Stay calm, stand still and speak to it in a firm tone of voice. The bear will most likely identify you and leave. Never run from a bear. If the bear does not leave, slowly wave your arms to make yourself look bigger. Continue facing the bear, slowly back away and keep slowly moving away until the bear is out of sight. If the bear gets within 40 feet, use bear spray.
If a bear attacks, do not play dead. Fight back with anything available, including trekking poles, small knives, or even your bare hands.
escape route. When you are backpacking or camping in an undeveloped area, secure your food properly and avoid attracting bears."
CPW recommends the following outdoor best practices to minimize encounters with bears:
CAMPING
When camping in bear country, the easiest way to avoid bears is to not have anything in your campsite that has a
Try to haze it away with loud noises such as yelling, banging pots and pans together, or use your car horn or an air horn to scare the bear away. Notify CPW park staff if a bear enters a campsite. As an extra precaution, carry bear spray when you go camping.
BACKPACKING & HIKING
Understanding bear behaviors and your surroundings can help avoid unwanted encounters with wildlife on
Stay alert at all times. Avoid using headphones and be extra cautious at dawn and dusk.
Keep dogs leashed at all times. NEVER feed or approach a bear.
Double bag food and pack out all food waste (including apple cores or banana peels) to avoid encouraging bears to see trails as a food source.
Practice the “Know Before You Go” Leave No Trace principle, as some areas
Sharing outdoor spaces with wildlife makes Colorado a wonderful place to live. Bear sightings from a safe distance can be a rare and wonderful experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Staying bear aware while on trails and camping helps keep bears wild and helps reduce human-bear conflicts.
For more resources and information on how to be “bear aware,” visit cpw.state.co.us.
trails.
YMCA Library Musical Performance
The McDailey’s, a rural roots Bluegrass ensemble, will be performing a free show on Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m. outdoors at the Maude Jellison Library located on the campus of the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center. This is part of the Summer 2023 Magical Mondays@The Maude series. Every Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the Maude Jellison Library a special performance will take place free and open to the public. In case of rain the shows will be moved inside to the lower level of the library.
For information on future performances call 970-5863341 extension 1133. Directions to the Maude Jellison Library: upon entering the YMCA grounds from Spur 66, take the second left turn (at the top of the slope). Take the first right turn into the parking lot of Hyde Chapel from where the library is easily accessed.
By The McDailey’s
Writing Your Own Permission Slip
I took up long distance running in college as a way to both rest and recharge my brain in between study sessions. Then I discovered it was a way to orient myself on campus, slowly taking in the landmarks, memorizing the names on the street signs. For years, I used running as my way to familiarize myself with each new neighborhood or city I moved to. Eventually, I started running “competitively” (I use this term loosely because I was never really in competition with anyone else but my own times). Marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks—I did a few races every year.
Then something happened and I stopped enjoying it. I thought maybe it was just a slump, so I continued to push through. But weeks turned into months and I was dreading every run day. Still, I felt like I couldn’t stop because what would I do if I didn’t run? Who would I be if I stopped being a runner, something that had become such an ingrained part of my identity? It’s what I’d been doing for years, so I kept doing it.
That is until one day I was out on a run and I was absolutely miserable. Every single step was not just making me more unhappy mentally; it was actually hurting me physically. My lungs felt like I was breathing in shards of glass, and my knees were aching. But I was still almost a mile from home, so I told myself I’d run the next three-quarters of a mile and walk the rest as a cool down.
Except every. single. step. felt like an eternity of discomfort.
And that’s when I heard what I have come to refer to over the years as The Voice. It sounds a lot like the regular voice in my head except it’s wiser, more self-assured and confident, more resolute. It said, “You don’t have to keep running. You can stop right now. You don’t have to run a single step more. It’s okay to walk.”
So, I did. As I walked, I started thinking about when I would run again. Take a few days off and get back into my program. Maybe a week. Maybe I just needed some extra recovery time. But as I was negotiating with myself, The Voice
spoke again. This time it said simply, “You never have to run again if you don’t want to.”
It was a terrifying statement for me to hear at that time, but it was the permission slip I needed. One I had to give myself. Because nobody else was going to write it for me.
Over the years I’ve come back to that moment so many times when all I needed was to sign my own permission slip. Permission to stop doing something I didn’t want to do, like running. Permission to start doing something I had previously sworn off, like wearing makeup. Permission to do something badly (a serious struggle for my inner perfectionist), like learning to play guitar. Permission to rest, say no, do nothing, read junk food fiction, travel to India instead of contributing to my retirement account, not finish all the food on my plate and even *gasp* throw it away, cry, let myself be angry and express it, let go, hold on, give up, go dancing, not put away the laundry, be human.
So often we wait for something outside ourselves to say it’s okay to do (or not do) what we want. A certificate that says you’re “qualified.” Your bank account to say you have “enough.” Your boss to give you the time off. The yoga instructor to cue child’s pose. Your doctor to tell you to take a sick day…
But you’re not in elementary school anymore. You don’t need your mother’s signature to say you can go on that metaphorical field trip. YOU are the one who gets to write your own permission slips now. As in RIGHT NOW, this very moment.
What have you been denying yourself permission to do, be, have, desire? Email me at chazz@higherelevationscoaching.com and share with me how this month’s column shifted that for you. I’ll send you a printable permission slip—not that you need it, but because it’s nice to have a tangible reminder. And maybe like my day on that run you’ll circle back to it again and again for years to come.
Photo by Stephaine Abegg
Planting Seeds Of Hope
An exciting townwide effort has attracted the gifts of time, talent, and money by a wide array of organizations, businesses, and individuals, all to promote the joy of gardening and improved health of Estes Park neighbors.
With the partnership of the Estes Park Housing Authority
dents who have been eager to have garden plots near their homes.
Community Response –Many Estes Park businesses, organizations, and individual volunteers stepped forward with enthusiasm and tangible sup-
(EPHA), the non-profit Estes Valley Community Garden (EVCG) board of directors coordinated efforts with others across the town to build a new set of raised garden beds for use by residents of the Falcon Ridge Apartments and Townhomes located off Dry Gulch Road in Estes Park. Falcon Ridge was built in response to the acute shortage of workforce housing in Estes Park offering a mix of apartments and townhomes affordable for households earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income.
Benefits – In addition to the soul enriching experience of planting and nurturing vegetables and flowers, the harvest from gardens improves access to fresh vegetables and reduces food insecurity with improved health outcomes. Low intake of fruits and vegetables by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants is a persistent public health challenge. The Falcon Ridge project provides solutions by lowering barriers for access to fresh and healthy produce.
The Garden - The Estes Park Housing Authority (EPHA) identified high interest by residents in gardening opportunities that seemed out of reach for Falcon Ridge families. The non-profit Estes Valley Community Garden stepped forward to foster broad community support to meet the need. Many joined to build a fenced set of raised beds for use by resi-
VBS-Vacation Bible School runs July 15-19 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 950 N. Saint Vrain Ave.
For children entering K – 6th Grades (2024)
To register call Mount Calvary at 970586-4646.
Hope to see your children as we celebrate the savior! Bible stories, crafts, game activities, snacks, music! Joy! For registration and more information please contact Pastor Paul Rhode at 303746-8687.
port to make the dream of the new garden facility a reality. The Rotary Club of Estes Park and the Estes Park Sunrise Rotary each provided essential funding to pay for construction materials. The list of sponsors includes: Rotary Club of Estes Park, Estes Park Sunrise Rotary, Estes Park Lumber, ACE Hardware Affordable Tree Service, Park Supply, Estes Park Tire & Auto and Cave Cat Gardens.
Thanks also for the special service provided by High Plains Excavating and Soil Rejuvenation for fast delivery of needed supplies.
The raised garden beds project is indebted to more than 60 people who generously contributed approximately 266 volunteer hours to design, plan for, build, and fill the beds.
We salute the leadership and extensive time contributed by EVCG members Dave and June Boon and Ren Gobris, plus Rod Stalder, Steve Neilson, and Mel Causer (The Newcomers Club), The YMCA Elevate Gap Program (approximately 40 individuals), and John Shirley, Aaron Levengood, and Teneal (Affordable Tree Service).
A Summer for Growth & HarvestingThe project provides Falcon Ridge residents with a convenient and secure place to grow fresh vegetables for their families which reduces food costs. This effort fulfills the hopes of many individuals and organizations, making the project a win/win and a wonderful opportunity for community-wide collaboration. Jessica Moffett (EPHA), Ren Gobris (EVCG), YMCA Elevate Volunteers, Annie Slack (Rotary Club of Estes Park), Jean Rissmiller (Sunrise Rotary).
Program On Volunteering & Traveling In Malawi, Africa
Estes Park residents and RMNP Bear Lake Volunteers Jim and Carol Nussbaumer invite one and all to a presenta-
4000 villages. The goal for 2024 is again 4000 wells installed.
Carol returns to the Embangweni Pri-
tion about their other volunteer loves in Malawi, Africa. The presentation will be in the Fellowship Hall of the Community Church of the Rockies (1700 Brodie Avenue, Estes Park) at 7 p.m. July 16, 2024.
The Nussbaumers have made regular trips to Malawi for 25 years, staying from thre weeks to three months each trip. In 1997 they made a “one time” trip to Malawi so Carol could assist the newly-formed School for the Deaf in the town of Embangweni. While there, Jim heard about Marion Medical Mission (MMM) and in 1999 began going as part of the MMM Shallow Wells Team.
mary and Secondary Schools for the Deaf almost every year for visits of up to six weeks. A retired speech therapist, she works with the students to develop speech and language, assists with evaluations of in-coming learners and with hearing testing. She also teaches Primary classes and Secondary School classes as requested by teachers – generally English but ranging into almost all subject matter. Except math!! After school hours, she leads teacher workshops on a wide range of topics.
This team of volunteers spends three or six weeks each fall helping to install shallow wells (protected water) in very remote villages. The program presently serves parts of Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique and in 2023 installed over 4000 wells in more than
The program will also contain a short safari to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. South Luangwa is one of the best and least crowded areas to see a wide variety of African animals. It is home to four of the “Big 5” – lacking only the rhino. Being only a moderate drive from Malawi’s capital city, this is a popular place for MMM volunteers to spend a few days at the end of their official working visit.
Nebraska Picnic July 14
It’s
Brodie Avenue, Estes Park (please note the change in location). We will gather at 4:00 p.m. and start serving at 4:30 p.m.
If you have any connection to Nebraska, whether a local or a visitor, come meet your fellow Cornhuskers for a fun gathering. Wear your Nebraska gear proudly as we sing the Husker fight song.
“Big Red” hot dogs, as served at the stadium, will be provided (while they last), along with plates, napkins, utensils and condiments. Kool-Aid, invented in Hastings, Nebraska, will be free flowing at the KoolAid stand, as well as water. We request that you bring a potluck item to share and lawn chairs. Please RSVP to estesfornebraska@gmail.com. We hope that you will be able to join in the fun.
Donation jars will be available for any contributions to help defray the cost of the event.
that time of year when the Cornhusker fight song bellows through the valley. Mark your calendar so that you can plan to attend the 5th Annual Nebraska Picnic on Sunday, July 14 at the Presbyterian Community Church, 1700
St. Francis Of Assisi Anglican Summer
Potluck Picnic This Sunday
Come one – Come all! Summer Potluck Picnic on Sunday, July 7th following the 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. Hamburgers, Brats, & Beverages will be provided.
Bring a side dish to share.
Please RSVP (970) 577-0601 so we’ll have enough food! Join us for Church, Fellowship, Fun and Good Food.
3480 St. Francis Way, Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 577-0601 y stfrancisestespark.com. Turn onto Little Valley Rd. from Fish Creek Rd. and follow the signs to St. Francis.
Restless Spirit Celtic Band To Play July 6 & 7
Restless Spirit's Celtic band will be playing at Snowy Peaks Winery on Saturday night (not the usual Friday night) July 6th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Our full five piece band will be playing songs from Scotland, Ireland, Northumberland and a little bit of Americana. Candice, owner of Snowy Peaks, is one of our best supporters of local musicians in Estes Park. We are all very grateful! We are also playing on Sunday, July 7 in the afternoon on the Riverwalk from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with our four piece band at Raven's Roast Coffee Shop. We
Note: This is not an historical picture of a picnic at St. Francis of Assisi Anglican Church. You must come & see the true beauty of our San Damiano-Inspired Church of St. Francis.
Historic Bunce School And Museum Open July 4 In Allenspark
Step back to 1888 and visit a one-room schoolhouse in Allenspark. The Bunce School and Museum is open on July 4, July 13, July 20 and Aug. 3 and 31.
On July 4 the school will be open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., on all other Saturdays the school will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A special day to visit will be Saturday, Aug. 3 which is the annual Bazaar at the Hilltop Guild, a short walk from Bunce School.
The school was built in 1888 and restored by Guild members in 1996. For some years after it was a school, it served as a lending library for local residents. Bunce School and Museum holds county, state and national historic designations. The Guild owns and maintains
the school and grounds as a museum of the period when it opened in 1888 through 1945.
It is located just off scenic Highway 7, about four miles south of Allenspark on Bunce School Road.
Young visitors are invited to take part in an indoor "scavenger hunt" as they identify antiques and explain how they were used in the old days. Volunteers are on hand to explain how school used to take place in the mountains in the winter time.
"Kids are intrigued by the old days," said Mary Rushing, Guild member and Bunce volunteer. "And some adults who drop by attended one-room schools in rural areas when they were young."
Allenspark's
Hilltop Guild Bazaar Is Aug. 3
For more than 70 years, the first Saturday in August has belonged to the Hilltop Guild's annual Bazaar in Allenspark. Mark your calendar for this year's bazaar on Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and enjoy homemade arts, food, and crafts.
New this year will be Polaris Malamute Rescue, an organization that promotes the breed and provides homes for malamutes. A volunteer will bring two dogs and lots of information on this mountain breed.
If the weather is fine, you will be able to stroll from food trucks to vendors, from the jelly hut to the White Elephant, while enjoying live music. Inside the Kelley House, Guild members will showcase their handicrafts. The loom room will feature woven items from shoelaces to rugs. Several handmade quilts will be for sale. The ever-popular "scrubbies" for kitchen tasks also will be available. Handmade knitted washcloths and embroidered tea towels always sell quickly.
Several art vendors will be on hand and more vendors are welcome to set up. More than 500 people traditionally visit the Bazaar during the course of the day. For more information go to www.hilltopguild.com
Back again will be free haircuts by Hair on Wheels. If your beard is getting bushy and long hair is getting in your eyes, these volunteers will solve all your problems.
Dandelion jelly will be for sale, too, made by Guild volunteers from dandelions picked in the Kelley House front yard.
"It tastes like mountain sunshine," said Jen Bell, the jelly Queen who organizes a team that makes more than 600 jars of different flavors each year.
Additionally, homemade baked goods will be for sale and several food trucks will be on the premises. There's plenty of parking and admission is free.
The ladies of the Hilltop Guild earmark much of the money made at the Bazaar for local college scholarships.
The “Danger Zone”
Approaching the three year anniversary of Men on Fire, I’ve reflected on the amazing journey this brotherhood of men has been. I doubt a book will be written but it’s certain that our story is worthy of being told. Every Saturday, as men gather at the American Legion, another paragraph on another page of another chapter of our continuing saga gets written. Each man who has been a part of MOF, played a role and remains an ongoing character is a contributing au thor to our story. I’m extremely grateful for having the honor of standing alongside these characters—this motley crew we call Men on Fire.
Describing MOF is a bit like trying to nail JELL-O to the wall. How does one define a group of men with no bylaws, official hierarchy, or membership requirements? Our “leaders” are not “picked” by anyone. They are simply men who choose to stack hands above and be yond the norm. To borrow a principal many of our men understand, “They are trusted servants. They do not govern.”
The fact MOF has survived, grown and thrived with no organizational structure is miraculous. Something (or Someone) special keeps the deal going. As I ponder the past three years, it has dawned on me that in addition to all the traits a Godly man desires to demonstrate in his life, the guys who are part of Men on Fire desire to become more “dangerous.”
You see, a man who understands that his pride can get the best of him is dangerous. He will decide to pursue humility and a humble spirit is profoundly dangerous. A man who embraces a life of integrity is dangerous. A man who becomes willing to build authentic relationships with other men is dangerous. Men who genuinely reach out to help a
brother in need are dangerous men indeed. Married men who strive to love and serve their wives the way God intends are dangerous. For those same men with kids, those dads are dangerous and they will most likely raise dangerous kids. A man willing to sacrifice his time, talent, finances and energy for a noble and worthy cause is extremely dangerous. Finally, a man who has made his decision to surrender his life to Jesus is dangerous. After all, Jesus is our example and Jesus was flat out dangerous.
We will have celebrated Independence Day by the time you’re reading this. I can’t think of a better time to remind us that those who said “ no” to the tyranny of the British Empire were dangerous men—and women. Their willingness to stand for what they believed in and die for their freedom was a dangerous act. Long live freedom and being dangerous to protect it.
Men on Fire meets Saturday’s at the American Legion at 8:00 a.m. We are a brotherhood of men who desire to grow in our personal relationship with Jesus and make a difference in our families, community and beyond. We understand faith is a journey and we’d love to have you bring yours. MOF is non-denominational. No matter where you’re at on your faith journey you’ll be welcomed. It is said that “desperate times require desperate measures.” We believe desperate measures requires dangerous men. We could stand a few more dangerous men so join us this Saturday in THE DANGER ZONE at Men on Fire, 8:00 a.m., American Legion, 850 N. St. Vrain. From out of town? Join us!
The White Elephant offers a wide selection of gently used household items at bargain prices while the nearby book hut has a wide selection of books and puzzles.
Live music will include Robbie Leavitt of the Reckless Ramblers from approximately 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nancy Maple of Rustic Spirit will provide music of the type you might hear in an Irish pub. From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. the open mic will feature Sharon Arms and the local all-female band Three Moose Morning plus others who want to sing or play at the festival.
"This year, more than $11,500 in scholarships went to students in Estes Park and Lyons," said Peg Daley, president of the Guild.
Historic Bunce School and Museum, a one-room schoolhouse, is located within walking distance of the Kelley House and will be open on Aug. 3, too.
"Kids love to see what it was like in the old days," said Mary Rushing, volunteer. The Guild is located at 18729 Highway 7 between Lyons and Allenspark. Bright outdoor flags will mark the location. Join us!
With the opening of Trail Ridge Road, this family of marmots gathered to observe wildlife watchers from all over the world. Photo by Alan Lipkin
Marmot Trio
The church, located at 16 Washington Street in Allenspark, is pleased to be bringing Joe Uveges to Allenspark for two presentations for the community and surrounding areas.
Allenspark Community Church Special Events
On Saturday, July 27th, at 9:00 a.m., Joe will lead a mini-conference entitled “Teach Them To Hear Me.” Joe, in addition to being a friend of Pastor Ralph Patrick, is a working musician based out of Colorado Springs where he has resided with his family for almost 36 years. In the world of singer/songwriters, he achieved modest success. He toured fairly extensively, released 9 albums, and has performed more than 3200 shows, either solo or with his band/duo.
His life changed dramatically in the spring of 2016 when his son, Andrew, took his own life, a development that left their entire family (and friend group) devastated. The journey from devastation, through grief and shame, to acceptance, to grateful acceptance and then to
mysticism is a story of the miraculous intervention of the Divine into one life. Joe will tell this story, interspersed with songs, with a wide-open heart and a willingness to answer questions.
That evening at 7:00 p.m., Joe will present a musical concert of his compositions as well as some of his favorites from other song writers. There will be a free-will offering. He will also lead the music on Sunday morning, the 28th, at the 10:00 a.m. service.
We invite you to attend any or all of these events - they are open to everyone; no reservations nor tickets are needed. For more information, call the church at 303-747-2821
During spring and early summer, newborns of many species are making an appearance. Here, an elk tends to her new calf. Photo by Alan Lipkin
By: Judi Smith
Colorado Waste Laws
The attention to disposal options is increasing and visitors expect Colorado to be as aware and responsible as wherever they reside. Many simply assume that recycling is the same everywhere, but it isn’t. Currently each MRF, each community, each hotel sets its own rules, subject to governmental dictates. On our recent travels, each place we spent the night had different rules for what goes into the recycling bucket. Additionally: One hotel had recycling and landfill in the room, plus a compostable food waste collection at breakfast. One hotel had recycling and landfill in the room. One hotel had landfill in the room and recycling for the floor. One had landfill in the room and recycling in the lobby. And others offered only landfill. It is possible but a nuisance to carry recyclables home. The eventual hope is that, someday, Colorado, and even the Nation, will establish minimum standards and supplements, above that minimum, will be optional (and well published). With the changes expected from the still relatively new EPR laws (Extended Producer Responsibility), there will be changes in the packaging that floods the market. As governments become more aware of what individual companies are promoting, interest in regulation is increasing. Already laws in California forbid deceptive markings that encourage recycling of non-recyclables. This will help simplify and resolve confusion, especially for plastics.
In an effort to reach these goals, all avenues are being considered. During this last session, Colorado passed several bills that contribute to restricting the growth of GHG from energy sources. Such changes take time and many of these will come to the point of enforcement July 1, 2025. Others are in force today.
Until last Monday there was a law prohibiting local governments from passing laws that restrict the sales and use of plastic. On Monday, SB21-1162 completed its date of enforcement, repealing that prohibition. Now: on and after July 1, 2024, a local government may enact, implement, or enforce an ordinance, resolution, rule, or charter provision that is as stringent as or more stringent than the requirements set forth in the act. Now, Estes can make its own decisions regarding plastic.
Of course, the other parts of 1162 were already in force. With limited exceptions, businesses with four or more Colorado locations, or with National affiliation, can no longer hand out plastic single-use carry-out bags, fee or no fee. Bags made of recycled paper are still permitted for a 10-cent governmental fee. As of June 1, expanded polystyrene take-out boxes can no longer be purchased by restaurants for use as restaurant take-out boxes.
The EPR laws, now enacted by 33 States, require that companies, who make, use, or import (into the State) packaging supplies, to join a Producer Responsibility Organization and pay a fee based upon the quantity and recyclability of their packaging material. These fees will be used to expand and improve recycling. This is also expected to provide recycling throughout rural areas of states with wide open spaces. Of course, each State's law varies in its particulars. My explanation relies heavily on Colorado's version, HB22-1355.
Bills in recent years are improving the ecological standing of Colorado. In 2021, the GHG Reduction Roadmap required a continuing reduction of greenhouse gases to below the levels of 2005. The 2023 GHG Reduction Roadmap 2.0 further extended this reduction. 2025, 26%, completed 2030, 50%, on target 2035, 50%, 65% 2040, 50%, 75% 2045, 50%, 90% 2050, 90%, 100%.
HB24-1449, creates new fees for waste haulers and landfills. Those on the Front Range must pay 74-cents per cubic yard from July 1’24 to Jan 1’25 and 78-cents per cubic yard after that date. The remainder of Colorado must pay a fee of 2-cents to 4-cents per load transported (to the landfill). The new Colorado Communities Enterprise Fund, which will replace the organizations from the original HB22-1159, will use these “enterprise funds” to “award grants and other funding, to provide technical assistance to local governments, nonprofit and for-profit businesses, public and private schools, and institutions of higher education throughout the state in pursuit of a circular economy for waste management, including waste diversion and aversion. The act also creates the statewide voluntary sustainability program to support businesses engaging, or looking to engage, in sustainability efforts.” leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1449
With these laws and those from the 2024 Session addressing use of renewable energy and other forms of ecological law, I think Colorado is making strides to become the “green" State everyone thinks that we are. Agree? Disagree? Questions? Comments? RRRcyc@signsandwishes.com
Photo by Paul Marcotte www.pauljmarcottephotography.com
Dolores Davies passed peacefully from the hands of the loving caregivers at Life Care Center in Longmont, into the waiting arms of Jesus on June 18th, 2024 at the age of 93.
Dolores Davies
Dolores was born Mary Dolores Rochford on April 4, 1931 to William Rochford and Margaret Ryan in Albany, New York. She was the oldest of five children – a brother, Billy who died in childhood, and four sisters whom she dearly loved – Marjorie Hides (Bob), Ann Megan (Bill), Carol Brazinski (Mike) and Joyce Martucci (John).
She grew up in Watervliet, New York where she graduated from Watervliet High School in 1949. In 1950 she married John Dorman and they made their home in Watervliet until 1962. For health reasons, the growing family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona until settling in Colorado in 1964. Tragically, John Dorman died in a motor vehicle accident in December 1966. The family was living in Estes Park at that time and remained there until 1980. Dolores spent the rest of her life in the Boulder area.
In 1969, as a widow with nine children, Dolores married Tom Davies and together they welcomed Tom’s daughter, and a new son into the family. Primarily a homemaker as the children were growing up, she later worked at Nicky’s Restaurant in Estes Park, and at the University of Colorado Boulder. She studied to be a CNA and provided home health care services to many people.
Dolores was gifted with a beautiful singing voice, and a great appreciation of music and drama. She sang in the Church choir, played guitar and acted
in many community theater performances over the years. She loved to cook and bake and passed on many wonderful recipes and skills to her family. She treasured her Catholic faith, and always enjoyed the social aspects of her Church community, particularly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, as she was extremely proud of her Irish Heritage. She loved to surround herself with photographs of her family.
It was hard for her to outlive four of her eleven children, being predeceased by her sons Johan Dorman and Toby Dorman, and her daughters, Maria Kikuyama (Roy) and A.J. Mullan (Bill).
She is survived by her sons: Scott Dorman (Dot) of Estes Park, Colorado; Mark Dorman (Cathy) of Eureka, California; Ryan Dorman (Jennifer) of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Stan Davies of Ward, Colorado and her daughters: Kim Roland (Royce, dec.) of Minden, Nebraska; Heidi Linner (Jim) of Norton, Kansas and Laurel Davies of Monroe, North Carolina. Dolores is also remembered and loved by twenty-six grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart of Mary Church, Boulder on July 12th at 10:00 a.m.
Dolores will be interred with her husband, Tom Davies, at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the American Stroke Foundation
Please visit Allnutestespark.com to leave messages for the family.
Celebration Of Life For Verd Bailey
There will be a Celebration of Life for Verd Bailey held on Saturday, August 3. This date would have been his 75th birthday. Hours of the event will be from 2-4 p.m. at the Bailey home located at 2405 Firerock Place in Loveland, CO.
Verd died April 20, 2024 at the age of 74.
Verd is survived by his wife, Cherri, five children and nine grandchildren. His full obituary may be seen on the Estes Park News website at tinyurl.com/2em8md3u
AA & Al-Anon Meetings
AA of Glen Haven
Every Monday night at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
Early Worms
Monday thru Saturday at 7:00 a.m. (Monday through Saturday hybrid meetings with Zoom #796 839 839 PW:Worms20) at St. Bartholomew Church, 880 MacGregor Ave. Early Worms Women's Meeting 12 p.m. Mondays
St. Bartholomew, 880 MacGregor Ave. Mixed Nuts Al-Anon Group
We meet Friday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Church. The meeting is hybrid with Zoom #285 426 3644 PW: serenity.
One Day at a Time
Location: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies 1700 Brodie Ave, Estes Park
When: Tues and Thursday @ noon. Please park in back, Meetings are held downstairs in Room 6.
Alcoholics Anonymous Fall River Group, 453 West Elkhorn, Estes Park.
Current Schedule for 2024 Zoom ID 999 829166 for AA Meetings
Monday-12 p.m.-In Person-O, D Monday-7 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, BB Tuesday-12 p.m.-Zoom-O, D Wednesday-12 p.m.-In Person and
Zoom-O, D
Wednesday-7 p.m.-In Person and Zoom- O, D
Thursday -12 p.m. Zoom-O, D Friday-12 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, D
Saturday-12 p.m.-In Person and Zoom-O, D
Sunday -12 p.m.-In Person and ZoomO, D
Last Friday of each month is birthday night; 6 p.m. Potluck, 7 p.m. Speaker. *** Contribute via VENMO @ EstesCowboy
Other 12 Step Meetings Held at Fall River Group
Thursday-7 p.m.-Narcotics Anonymous “New Horizons” Group O, D-In Person and Zoom 705 555 830 **O=open to all D=discussion BB=Big Book
Zoom Meetings-Everyday at noon Zoom #999 829 166 (no password needed).
Monday Zoom Big Book study at 7 p.m. #654 598 884 (no password needed).
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Zoom #999 829 166
Online AA and NA Meetings at www.intherooms.com
There are 70 AA Meetings and 30 NA Meetings a week.
Ho u sekeepi ng – staff
Responsible for having assigned cabins & lodge rooms cleaned by check-in time at YMCA of the Rockies, a camp, conference & family retreat center located outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Flexible work schedules are available for those living offgrounds. If living on-grounds, the position is 40 hours/week with minimum 6-week work agreement if able to stay for the month of July. Work agreements are available up to 8 months with opportunity for growth into yearround employment. This position pays $14.42/hour and the Rocky Mountain Living Package is available for those interested in working 40 hours/week.
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reservAtio n s A g e n t
This position is responsible for making reservations for individuals and families at YMCA of the Rockies, a camp, conference, and retreat center located outside Rocky Mountain National Park. The position is on-site, 40 hours/week, and 14.42/hour. This is a seasonal position with a work agreement up to 8 months with the opportunity for possible growth into year-round employment at YMCA of the Rockies. All seasonal positions at YMCA of the Rockies offer the opportunity to opt-in to the Rocky Mountain Living Package which includes housing in dormitory style rooms, 3 meals per day, 7 days per week, access to all YMCA of the Rockies facilities and many more employee perks. Visit jobs.ymcarockies.org/seasonal for more information.
j o b s .ym c a rockies or g
Sky Run RMNP is hiring a FT or PT Accounting Clerk. Assist Accounting Manager with various accounting and Owner Statement processes. Weekday hours available, $19 - $20 per hour. We look forward to hearing from you.
Apply on line with resume https://app.joinhomebase.com/loc/ skyrun-rm/job/accounting-clerk
MAIL / PACKAGE DELIVERY
Perform a variety of functions to accomplish the distribution of mail and packages. Vehicle and gas supplied. Must be able to lift up to 70lbs. Competitive pay. Part time, 2, 3 or 4 days per week.
Call Robin at 970-232-5514
Ideal candidates will have prior cash handling and customer service experience. Additional requirements include attention to detail, strong computer and problem solving skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced team oriented environment. Year round position with excellent benefits including medical, dental, 401(K) and paid time off. $19-$21/hour.
Please apply at :
bankofcolorado.com
NOW HIRING!
Warehouse & Warehouse-Driver
Front Desk/Operations
Friendly customer serviceoriented personality with attention to detail. Team player who will assist with multiple departments. Full time, yearround. Weekend work is necessary. $20.00 to $22.00 per hour DOE plus $1.00 per hour bonus May through October.
Apply at, mail or email resume to: Fawn
SEASONED requires a confident, talented and dedicated SOUS CHEF who would like to stretch their boundaries, create amazing cuisine and further their career. Chef has worked under 14 Michelin stars. Serious responses to rcorey@mepconsult.net OR 303.667.3768.
Ln #7 Estes
and
Work orders, troubleshoot, vendor comm, snow shoveling, mowing Computer skills, lift 50+ lbs, English, Spanish a plus, valid DL Weekends, holidays, rotating on call a must
Please send resume and cover letter to: dawn@skyrun.com
AssistA n t Ho u sekeepi ng
Director
Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Housekeeping Department at YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center, a family retreat and conference center located outside Rocky Mountain National Park. This position requires supervising seasonal housekeeping staff and overseeing the housekeeping office and daily schedule. This is a full-time, year-round position paying $55,000 - $63,300/year with generous PTO/vacation, health benefits, discounted childcare, YMCA of the Rockies family membership and more.
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Seeking team players to work at Experience
NOW HIRING!
Retail Clerks
Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Stores
Seasonal: May-October Full-time or Part-time Weekends & some holidays required in Estes Park Visitor Center & Rocky Mountain National Park
$20-20.50/hr
Now hiring
(Must live in Estes Park)
Airport Drivers • Tour Drivers
Non CDL Drivers
$18-20 an hour Plus tips, Fulltime/Partime
$4/hr shift differential pay for morning and nights. Tour Guides/drivers for small groups.
Apply within at: Estes Park Shuttle 551 South Saint Vrain Ave
Homes
2 bed, 1 bath, 1 office/small room, home for rent. Large yard, pets welcome, no pet deposit or pet rent. $1,875.00/ month plus utilities. estesparkproperty@ gmail.com
Condos
1 BD, 3/4 BA, some pets OK. $1500/mo., Call 970-481-5188
Commercial Rentals
Office Space for Rent
1377 Sq. Ft., Conference Room, 3 Private Offices, High Traffic Area with Great Exposure, Open Lobby Area, Printer Room. 351 Moraine Ave. Suite B 970-227-4865 nathan@kinleybuilt.com
Mobile Homes
Sites available for RV & Other Vehicle Storage in Estes Park. Call 970-412-9672
Services
PUT YOUR BABY IN THE CORNER! EXOTIC & SPORTS & MUSCLE & COLLECTIBLE CAR STORAGE. LIMITED SPACE, TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED. Located in Estes Park: CALL OR TEXT 941-421-9300
SERVICES
Sewing/Alterations
Remixed Custom Sewing Services. NEW LOCATION! Small Furniture, Restoration, Cushions and Industrial Repair. Call for appointment 970-492-5446
Piano Tuning
Susan Novy, local piano tuner. Call for appt. 577-1755 www.estesparkpiano tuner.com
RVs
2011 Heartland
Toy Hauler 3010 5th wheel trailer for sale. Excellent condition. Call 970-481-6452
Business
Estes Park Historic Walking Tours. EPHWTours.com for tickets $15.00 per person. Tours begin at the Enos Mills statue in Bond Park. Please check in 10 minutes before the tour begins.
Equipment
Canon 200-400 F-4 with 1.4 Built in Extender. $7500 Call 970-481-5977
Music
FOR SALE: Grinnell Tom Thumb Piano ideal for young musicians $300 inc. delivery and tuning 303-823-6699
Misc.
First Annual Community BBQ - FREE!
July 6th 12PM-3PM At the Estes Park Masonic Center 1820 S Saint Vrain Ave. We supply the Hamburgers, Hot dogs and Brats, Drinks- Ice Tea and Lemon-aide. You bring the sides and your own service. Sponsored by The Longs Peak Masonic Temple Association. Come see the historic Masonic Lodge Building
Misc.
Bighorn Ram Mount $1200 Call 970-481-5977
REAL ESTATE
Homes
Private, Cozy Bungalow located in a private setting; just walking distance to town. Enjoy this home; full-time, weekends or for summer vacations. Two bedrooms (1 being non-conforming due to absence of a closet), One Full Bath and a 1/2 bath for the Primary Bedroom. Large Living room with exposed trusses and light from the East and West. Enjoy the patio that overlooks the spacious lot with ample parking, a bunk house/office with electricity & Heat (124 sqft) and a garage/work area (324 sqft). Estes Park Water and Electricity; Xcel Natural Gas and Estes Park Sanitation District for wastewater. Updated Roof; Washer and Dryer hookups. The Group/ Chad Brent/ 970-290-4709
Rocky Mountain Transit Management
Now hiring and training CDL Class B with passenger endorsement. Seasonal through October. $30.36/hr Call (970) 577-7477 for inquires
Commercial SALES
Misc. Notices
Commercial Spaces for sale and lease. Call Eric. Anderson Realty. 586-2950
Garage Sales
Pine Tree Cabin 1310 Strong Ave. 10am - 5pm Sat. July 6th Home Goods and Decor, Furniture, Wall art, Tools, Shopsmith Table Saw.
CARRIAGE HILLS.
1991 S Morris Ct. 8am, Fri 7/5- Sat 7/6 Wedding & Home Decor, Power Tools, Dog stuff, etc.
Garage Sale
Friday, July 5th Only 8am to ?
530 Far View Ln Tools, Furniture & More!
Estate Sales
ESTATE/MOVING SALE
Need to have one, but seems overwhelming. We do the work, you make the $. Local, Affordable, References. CALL JUDI 970-215-5548
Help needed to get sentimental artwork returned. On June 28, an unfortunate mistake took place. There was a garage sale held at a home on Dry Gulch Road and the homeowner’s late husband’s (Ron Ball) original drawings were mistakenly taken during the sale, instead of the prints that were available for purchase. The prints that were taken were framed pieces (that were not for sale) that have very special sentimental meaning to Ron’s widow. If anyone knows the whereabouts of these drawings and frames, please get them back to her at 2190 Dry Gulch Road. Thank you!
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
Gale Baniak - Owner/Barber
Racheal Giroux - Barber
970-586-2000 • 415 W. Elkhorn Ave. 100 feet North of the Bighorn Restaurant No Appointment Necessary (for straight razor shaves only)
