This Saturday, February 8th Tickets will be available at the door! See pages 16 & 18
Into The Wild
A coyote hunts the hidden corners of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Photo by Mary Moore
5,000 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
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Get Excited For Estes Park Bigfoot Days April 25-26, 2025
Estes Park Bigfoot Days is the ultimate celebration of all things Squatchy! The festivities kick off Friday, April 25 with our exclusive Bigfoot BBQ, a ticketed dinner featuring celebrity guests. On Saturday, the fun continues with a free outdoor festival in Bond Park. Enjoy appearances and talks from TV Bigfoot celebrities and experts, thrilling half marathon and 5K runs, captivating Colorado Bigfoot stories, film screenings, live music, family-friendly outdoor activities, craft and food vendors, a Bigfoot calling contest, and so much more! Don’t miss this legendary weekend of adventure and discovery!
BIGFOOT BBQ
Friday, April 25, 2025
Want to hang out and dine with our Bigfoot celebrities? This Bigfoot-themed dinner will feature food, drinks, music, photos and mingling with our special guests. We are excited to announce that Mireya Mayor will be making a return visit to Estes Park Bigfoot Days in 2025. We are also excited to announce that Cliff Barackman will be returning to us for BFD 2025. As you know...he was the cool evidence analyst on Animal Planet's hit show Finding Bigfoot. He is also the owner and curator of the North American Bigfoot Center in Oregon and has been doing bigfoot field research since 1994. Welcome back Cliff. Another speaker at this year's event, please welcome David Paulides, author of the Missing 411 book series, Bigfoot investigator, and filmmaker to the line up. He is also the founder of the North American Bigfoot Search group. Tickets for the BBQ now available at EPBigfoot.com
BIGFOOT HALF MARATHON
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Celebrate Bigfoot Days weekend with a road half marathon & 5k, finishing downtown amidst the infamous Bigfoot Days Festival. Once you're done racing, grab your first Lumpy Ridge Brewing beer on us and enjoy a full day of family fun! Learn more and register here: runningwildevents.com/bigfoot.html
BIGFOOT DAYS FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The free outdoor festival will feature appearances and talks from Bigfoot TV celebrities, live music, axe throwing, inflatable games, craft and food vendors, a
Bigfoot calling contest, Colorado Bigfoot stories, and much more!
2025 Bigfoot Days Vendors
Redemption Road Coffee
Mountain Man Snacks
One Crafty Giraffe
Southern Soul Food Truck
Empty Feather
Dale Novak Illustrations
Gabba Gabba Naturals
Junque Food
Fehlman Enterprises
Meta Markings
By George! CBD
Lost Tribe Gems
Inside the Staves Woodcrafts
Sasquatch Outpost
Bloomberries Food Truck
Rich Brownies
Backbone Adventures
Treasured Wellness
Wagon Wheel Smokehouse
Andiamo Woodworking & Design
The Marshmallow Express
For more information, visit EPBigfoot.com or call the Estes Park Events Center at 970-586-6104.
Aviation Club Celebrates The 40th Anniversary Of STS-51C
Forty years ago, the first space shuttle mission dedicated to the Department of Defense soared into space. Next Wednesday, February 12, the Estes Park Aviation Club will celebrate this anniversary. Relive this highly classified flight and learn about the crew that flew it. One crew member was an astronaut who played a critical role in Apollo 13 and later flew to the moon himself. The crew also included an astronaut, who sadly, would lose his life in the Challenger tragedy one year later, almost to the day. And the Shuttle pilot for this mission is a current Estes Park resident who, perhaps, might make an appearance. Come see how this reusable space plane pulled off a mission that was so classified that even the launch time wasn’t revealed until nine minutes before liftoff.
near Denver. He was inspired to pursue a career in the Space Program by his father, who was an electrical engineer at Bendix Aerospace. After watching the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo flights, Barry got a degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering and spent most of his career working on Space Shuttle and Titan IV rocket missions. While working in Denver, he would come up to Estes Park on weekends to hike in Rocky and spend money in town. He is now a full-time resident of Estes Park.
Presenter, Barry Power, spent a lot of time working on the STS-51C mission at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin)
Since our normal meeting place, the American Legion, is undergoing a facelift, the February 12th meeting will be at The Wapiti Colorado Pub (formerly Nicky’s) at 1350 Fall River Road. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. (not the usual 6:30), however, all members (visitors and guests as well) are invited to come at 5:00 p.m. for an optional social time, with food and drink available for purchase from Wapiti. The Aviation Club meetings are open to the public and all interested parties are invited to this fascinating program on a crucial Space Shuttle mission.
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
On 2/01/2025 at 4:44 a.m. police contacted a 41 year old male from Denver in the 500 block of Prospect Avenue who was wanted on an outstanding warrant for his arrest for possession of a controlled substance. The male was ar-
EVFPD firefighters generally respond to medical calls in their personal vehicles, allowing for a faster response. On other incidents, firefighters respond to a fire station to respond in department apparatus with specialized equipment.
During the week of January 26th, 2025, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District
rested and transported to the Larimer County Jail.
On 2/01/2025 at 3:42 p.m. police contacted a 31 year old male from Estes Park at 170 Macgregor Avenue pursuant to a report of a car tire being intentionally damaged. The male was charged with criminal mischief and issued a summons into court.
(EVFPD) responded to 14 calls for service. This included:
Curious About Estes Park’s Sister City, Monteverde, Costa Rica?
Members of Estes Park Sister Cities Association (EPSCA) and others interested in learning about our sister city, Monteverde, are invited to an evening of conversation with Carlos Delgado Torres, an Estes Park resident, EPSCA board member and former mayor of Monteverde. This free event, “An Introduction to Monteverde” will be held at the Estes Park Museum on Tuesday, February 18 from 7-8 p.m.
Estes Park and Monteverde have been sister cities for over 20 years and have much in common. Both are small in size but major tourist destinations due to our world renowned national parks and cloud forest reserves. Costa Rica is a global leader in ecotourism.
Since 2004, a number of high school
student exchanges and adult delegation visits have fostered this mutually beneficial relationship. This March nine EP High School students and their teacher chaperones will travel to Monteverde and then host Monteverde students here in Estes Park on a future exchange. Several adult exchanges are also being planned.
EPSCA is part of Sister Cities International (SCI), a network of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers who run sister city programs that promote peace and strengthen local communities. More than 500 US cities have developed 1800 partnerships reaching 140 countries. Larger cities often have more than one sister city. Twentyfive Colorado cities partner with sixtyeight sister cities around the world and one US tribe.
Special Valentine Deal: Double Date With The Dead At Frozen Dead Guy Days
Love is in the air, and it’s cold as ice! This Valentine’s Day, share the love (and the chills) of Frozen Dead Guy Days with our Double Date with the Dead special Valentine’s Day deal.
For just $176, you and three friends can experience all the frosty fun without breaking the bank. But hurry before this deal disappears. Bring your crew, your boo, or even a couple of adventurous couples and party like the dead! Get your Double Date with the Dead pack now before it’s too late.
Discount Package Details
compared to the regular price of $196). That’s just $44 per ticket!
Ticket price includes the world famous Coffin Races, top national bands like Lotus and Keller Williams & family friendly frozen games!
The event takes place March 15 at the Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way. Go to frozendeadguydays.com to secure your tickets today!
For more information about this amazing festival, go to frozendeadguydays.com
Carlos Delgado
New Dates Announced: Level-Up Your Small Business Marketing
By: Estes Chamber of Commerce
“Often, small businesses can feel overwhelmed by the thought of marketing their offerings, on top of the ever-growing operational to-do list; that’s why the Chamber is partnering with Fractional CMO Lori Wiles to make it more manageable,” said Chamber President Colleen DePasquale. “This two-part series will provide our local business owners with a solid foundation for long-term success and a plan for effective, resultsdriven marketing. In both sessions, participants will also learn time-saving tips and AI tricks that will simplify your marketing efforts – it’s a series no one should miss!”
Registration is available on esteschamber.org Just look for the calendar, under the events tab.
Session 1: Building your brand and marketing strategy
February 12th, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
By focusing on your brand and marketing strategy first, you’ll ensure that your marketing resonates with your target audience, creates consistency and drives breakthrough results. Plus, it allows you to measure and refine your efforts over time to continuously improve your outcomes. In this first session, you’ll learn how to create a marketing strategy tailored to your business. Key topics include setting clear objectives, identifying your target audience, prioritizing mes-
sages, and more. You will leave with a marketing strategy template in hand to create your own marketing strategy and plan.
Session 2: Moving from strategy to "what's my plan?"
March 26th, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
With your foundation in place, it's time to move into building your execution plan. We'll start by seeing what questions you had while developing your marketing strategy from session one. Key topics in this session include the customer journey, content strategy, growth priorities and identifying marketing tactics for your execution calendar. Note: you must attend session 1 to attend session 2.
About Lori Wiles, Fractional CMOLori is a Fractional CMO from Loveland, Colorado that focuses on small business marketing. She is a seasoned marketing and branding expert with over 30 years of experience across start-ups, mid-sized businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. She has a passion for "strategy first" and specializes in developing strategic, measurable objectives, solving complex problems, building compelling brands and messaging, generating leads, and leading teams to success. Lori is also a guest lecturer in Strategic Communications at the University of Kansas and serves as a small business coach and trainer at the Larimer County Small Business Development Center.
Public Library Board Vacancy
The Estes Valley Public Library District is seeking a new member for its governing Board of Trustees. The vacancy is for the remaining three years of a four-year term ending December 31, 2027.
The board welcomes applicants with leadership skills, a business or governance background, and a love of the library. An ideal candidate will also have experience with construction oversight.
Interested parties should visit estesvalleylibrary.org to become familiar with the Board’s bylaws and code of ethics, as
well as the Library’s policies and strategic plan.
Applications received by the Library on or before February 7, 2025 will be given first priority. Those with questions can contact the Board nominating committee at trustees@estesvalleylibrary.org, or Library Director Claudine Perrault at 970-586-8116. Ready to make a positive impact on our community? Visit estesvalleylibrary.org/board today to apply.
Trail Ridge Quilters’ Donation To Estes Park Health Foundation
On Tuesday, January 28, the Trail Ridge Quilters presented a check to Estes Park Health Foundation for $9,226.23. These funds were raised during our three sales in 2024 where we sold a total of 254 individual items.
The money will fund grant requests by four departments at Estes Park Health: Emergency Medical Services, Environmental Services, Rehabilitation and Outpatient Pediatric Services, and Diagnostic Imaging. The grant requests allow these departments to replace, upgrade or add
needed equipment and supplies to enhance patient care. In addition to the monetary grant for Diagnostic Imaging, the quilters donated ten finished quilts to be used for patient warmth and comfort as needed (see photo above).
The Quilters thank the town of Estes Park and nearby communities for supporting our sales and purchasing our beautiful, unique and hand-crafted quilts and home linens. Your patronage makes our annual donations to Estes Park Health Foundation possible. We are planning sales this summer through early fall so watch local newspapers, posters, and Facebook for dates and locations.
We are currently in the process of creating a special quilt to be auctioned at Estes Park Health Foundation’s first annual gala fundraiser this May, “An Evening of Mountaintop Medicine.” Please watch for information about the gala in this newspaper and other media outlets.
Cato Kraft, Estes Nonprofit Network’s Executive Director, launched a year-long lifeline this week to the rest of the state as a Governor’s Fellow. She joins a cohort of roughly 30 Coloradans who represent a diverse cross-section of demographics, experiences, and expertise: venture capitalists, college educators, economists, technology developers, entrepreneurs, military veterans now in civilian roles, mayors, and over a handful of foundation and nonprofit leaders. Kraft is one of two in the fellowship representing Northern Colorado, and the first Fellow from the Estes Valley over the fellowship’s ten-year tenure. Her area of expertise is rural nonprofits.
Kraft’s participation in this prestigious program would not have been possible without the generosity of local and statewide supporters who believe in the power of rural leadership. The Estes Park Quota Club awarded her a scholarship covering half of the program tuition, while additional support came from the Mayor’s Fund, led by Town of Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall, and a statewide scholarship from the Boettcher Foundation. To ensure Estes Valley nonprofits have a voice at the highest levels of statewide leadership, the Estes Nonprofit Network’s Board of Directors stepped up to cover the remaining costs of her travel and participation.
“Without the support of these local scholarships and community gifts, I simply
wouldn’t be here,” said Kraft. “This is a once-in-a-career opportunity, and I’m
deeply grateful to the Quota Club scholarship committee, Mayor Hall, the Boettcher Foundation’s commitment to rural leadership, and my board of directors. Their collective support is a powerful reminder of why Estes Valley and our nonprofit industry are so special. I hope to make our community proud over the next 10 months!”
Fellows kicked off their 10-month commitment with a presentation by the Colorado Polling Institute. They talked about the loop between polling, how the data is used, and how candidates access that data to adjust messaging. Imagine a room full of hands shooting up every other sentence to say how this kind of data loop might work in their industry, how the outcomes affect a certain community they serve, or how the polling data doesn’t allow for x,y,z…what may have started as a sit-andlisten lecture turned into a thought-provoking rave.
Fellows will meet next month in Colorado Springs. Presentations and meetings with civic leaders in the Springs will continue this cohort’s experiential tour before hitting Fort Morgan, Grand Junction, and Glenwood Springs. Energetic living room conversations across industries may be the juiciest outcome of this Fellowship so far. But don’t some of the best ideas happen on a cocktail napkin?
If you have a question for Cato or want her to report back on something, drop her an email at cato@epnonprofit.org.
Crutches4Africa.org
Sunrise Rotary and Noon Rotary have been collaborating on a project titled Crutches4Africa. It is a 501(c)(3) organization and is the international project of Mountain Foothills Rotary Club in District 5450. David Talbot is a Rotarian and a polio survivor. He and his wife Candice, founded this organization after witnessing people in Africa struggling to move due to the effects of polio. Crutches4Africa is now a worldwide organization and every person participating in it is a volunteer. No one is paid. They do this out of the goodness of their heart to provide mobility devices to people stricken with polio. They are living Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.
Bill Howell, President of Sunrise Rotary, offered his garage as a collection site for donated items. If you have an assistive device you no longer need or want, bring it to our Rotary meeting on the first four Thursdays of the month at the American Legion at 11: 30 AM. I will collect them and deliver them to Bill at his home.
We have been offered an empty RV to serve as a collection site, but I need a 16 foot site where I can park it. If you know of a place, please contact me at anneslack@aol.com.
“Mobility, Health, Dignity, Access: We toil together to enable those we may never see. Hobbled in life by some illness, accident or act of violence. Many are hopeless. The generous donations given to Crutches 4 Africa are the tools we use to help raise the hindered, to lift them from the dust, and help them on their way.”
To contact Crutches4Africa, phone: 303-877-2803 or email: c4a@crutches4africa.org; To view their website go to www.crutches4africa.org. Please help us with this very worthy cause. Thank you, Annie Slack, 970-231-6697
Ann Kasper, Peggy Lynch, Cato Kraft, Jean Austin and Linda Polland.
The 1917 Book Club March Meeting
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025 the 1917 Book Club, hosted by the Estes Park Museum, will explore local title, A History of the Southern Estes Valley: With Special Emphasis on Carriage Hills by Robert W. Lea vitt. The program will take place from 10 – 11:30 a.m. in the Museum Meeting Room.
Please note this month’s meeting with take place on Tuesday, rather than a regular Wednesday.
Light snacks will be pro vided. This program is free and open to the public. It is strongly encouraged that participants read each book prior to the program to take part in the discussion.
The book details the growth of Carriage Hills and nearby subdivisions. Most of Carriage Hills was once owned by the Earl of Dunraven as part of his famous land grab in the Estes Valley. Over several years of research regarding the Southern Estes Valley, Leavitt discovered an early ranch (the second one in the Estes Valley) and identified the owner as a man named James McLaugh-
lin. The land passed through several owners until it was finally developed as the Carriage Hills subdivision. As Carriage Hills grew to several hundred homes, a fierce battle erupted over the proposed annexation by the Town of Estes Park. Though annexation was ultimately rejected, it involved issues that still resonate today whenever annexation is discussed. Mr. Leavitt will be in attendance to contribute to a lively discussion facilitated by Museum staff.
1917 Book Club titles can be purchased at the Museum Gift Shop, Macdonald Bookshop, and Amazon. Additionally, the title is available at the Estes Valley Library (holds can be placed on circulating copies if all are checked out). For any questions regarding the event, please call or email Curator of Interpretation Mikaela Fundaun at 970-577-3762 or mfundaun@estes.org.
For any questions regarding the event, please call or email Curator of Interpretation Mikaela Fundaun at 970-5773762 or mfundaun@estes.org.
Estes Park Museum Members
Permanent Gallery Tour
On Friday, February 7 at 4:00 p.m. Estes Park Museum members will have the opportunity for a guided tour of Destination: Estes Park, the permanent exhibition in the main gallery of the Museum. Museum Director Derek Fortini and Curator of Interpretation Mikaela Fundaun will discuss Estes Park History, historic artifacts, local art and artists, and much more. Museum members may bring a plus one to this event, no RSVP necessary. During this after-hours tour, members and their plus ones will explore features of the permanent exhibit including the 1909 Stanley
Steamer Runabout, historic films, oral histories, and artifacts dating throughout Estes Park’s history. The Estes Park Museum gallery strives to connect the beautiful natural setting to the stories of growth and development of this unique mountain community. Not a member, but want to attend this and other special events at the Museum throughout the year? It’s easy to join by emailing Jeanna Edwards at jedwards@estes.org or by calling (970) 577-3766, or stop by the Museum to sign-up.
The Museum gallery is open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The biggest event of the sports year is this Sunday—Super Bowl LIX. (That’s 59 for those who are Roman numeral illiterate.) Fans will gather all over the world to watch two teams play a brutal sport that has been proven to be bad for everybody’s health. It’s super damaging for the players because for some, their brains can be severely injured or their lives are shortened from all the head bashing they do. The big game is harmful for the spectators due to all the unhealthy food and drink they consume during the game.
Plus, there is the destruction gambling causes. Sports betting has been legal since 2018 but legalizing gambling didn’t make it good or right. It’s as harmful as the tackles on the field and at the buffet table. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about.
We’re taking up residency on the couch, staying in the moment and worshipping the almighty game of Football and all the food that goes with it.
This Sunday more than one hundred million enthusiasts will gather to cheer for their chosen team (the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs. Kick off is at 5:30 p.m. New Orleans time.) Everyone will eat. It’s part of the game. A traditional selection of noshes will include potato chips and dip, pizza, wings, Lil’ Smokies in the crock pot, a veggie tray no one will touch, and nachos with queso.
And that’s where we are headed— straight to the queso, made with RoTel tomatoes, picante sauce, and Velveeta.
Ah yes, Velveeta! That wonderfully ooey, gooey sunflower-orange block of very meltable…cheese?
Sorry. Not cheese. In 2002 (and not until then!) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined Velveeta does not meet the technical definition of cheese. It does contain milk and cheese cultures, but it has a lot of other processed ingredients that disqualify it as real cheese.
Now we know it’s fake cheese. That doesn’t mean we’ve stopped eating it. Before the FDA got involved, in 1996, domestic sales reached 8.75 pounds of Velveeta per American. Granted, that was almost 30 years ago, but in my limited exposure to the stuff, I see it as much as ever in a variety of forms at pot lucks and football parties. It’s amazing we aren’t all walking around with orange faces!
(Which leads me to ask: how much Velveeta does the Orange One eat, I
wonder.)
Scalloped potatoes, queso dip, broccoli cheese casserole, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese soups, tuna melts, broiled open-faced sandwiches and of course, macaroni and cheese. All blessed with a good dose of Velveeta. I grew up knowing macaroni and cheese as a casserole Mom made from scratch with elbow macaroni and Velveeta cheese sauce. It got brown and bubbly on top and was so perfectly gooey that there were never any leftovers. Younger generations think the Kraft boxed stuff with the powdered cheese packet is the true mac ’n cheese. But macaroni swimming in a homemade oozy Velveeta sauce is the true mac ’n cheese and has been for almost 100 years. In fact, in a 1930s survey, twothirds of Americans preferred Velveeta to natural cheese. We can make macaroni and cheese with cheddar, let’s say, but why would we when we have the “pasteurized prepared cheese product,” Velveeta?
Originally Velveeta contained real cheese. Here is the story: in 1916 a cheesemaker had a problem keeping his Swiss cheese together. Chunks were breaking off his wheels of cheese. (It was all those holes!) So he began shipping the broken-off bits to a cheesemaker in Monroe, Pennsylvania who took two years to devise a way to mix cheese pieces with other ingredients to create a velvety sauce. (Velvety = Velveeta) This new cheese stuff became a huge hit across America and Europe. But when Kraft bought the company in 1927, it took the real cheese, which only had three or four ingredients, and added enough chemicals that the list on the box rivals the tome War and Peace in length. Kraft used to advertise the almost-neon brick in its foil wrapper and sunny, bright box as “Tasty! Nourishing! Buttersaving! Children need its vital food elements.” Vital food elements? This is Velveeta we’re talking about here, not One A Day vitamins.
We all know how bad Velveeta is for us. But it’s the Super Bowl! Melt some up, pour it over a hot dog (nobody knows what those are made of!) and enjoy the game.
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
Witches!? In Salem?! On Stage At EPHS February 21 & 22
Estes Park High School and Thespian Troupe 7284 students are busy rehearsing their latest production, Witches!? In Salem?! by Matt Cox.
Witches!? In Salem!? is a fast-paced, comedic take on the infamous Salem Witch Trials—reimagined with modern flair! This original play turns history on its head as it explores the chaos, confusion, and outrageous misunderstandings that swept through the 17th-century Puritan town. When strange things start happening in Salem, rumors fly, and accusations of witchcraft fly even faster. But in this hilarious, over-the-top pro-
duction, witches, townsfolk, and even the skeptical judge must all face one wild, supernatural twist after another.
With quirky characters, sharp wit, and unexpected surprises, Witches!? In Salem!? blends historical events with modern humor, providing an unforgettable night of theater that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. Will the witches be revealed? Or will the town descend into utter mayhem? You’ll have to come to the show to find out!
Neva Case- Abigail Williams, Goody Good, Sarah Dustin
Sofia Cowell-Edward Bishop, Farmer John #2, Wealthy Boston Man
Owen Brandewie-Reverend Parris
Lily Shields- Mary Warren, Farmer John #1, Martha Corey, A Bostonian
Farrah Collins- Cotton Mather, Xanatar,
John Proctor
Jade Ertl-Lydia Dustin, Unnamed Villager, Sign Person
Robin Scott-Ephraim Wildes, Weird member of the congregation, Governor Phips
Rylan Godbey-Thomas Putnam
All performances will be on stage at the EPHS Auditorium February 21 at 7 p.m. and February 22 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are available at estesschools.org and at the door.
Join us for a night of laughs, suspense, and a little bit of magic—perfect for history buffs, and anyone looking for a good time!
Stanley Home To Host Square Dance Fundraiser At The Estes Valley Community Center February 22
The Stanley Home Museum and Education Center is hosting a Square Dance Fundraiser at the Estes Valley Community Center on February 22nd at 7 p.m. Tickets for this event should be purchased ahead of time on stanleyhome.org. However, tickets will be available at the door as well. This event is open to families. Kids can learn the dance patters as easily as adults. The Square Dance will feature a live caller and live Old-Time Band.
The live caller will be Bob Zuellig. Originally from Missouri, he carries a love for the natural world fostered among the streams, rivers, and forests of the Ozarks. Over the last two decades, he has studied Ozarks and Missouri Valley fiddling as well as various square dance traditions of Missouri, Kentucky, and West Virginia. His fiddling, calling, and teaching are
lively, straightforward, and to the point. By the end of the night, Bob will have you dancing with confidence to basic figures and regional gems. Bob currently resides with his family in Fort Collins, Colorado where he co-founded the Central Rockies Old-time Music Association, (www.thecroma.org). Bob will coordinate a live Old-Time Band with some of the most talented musicians on the Front Range.
Square dancing originated on the East coast where FO and Flora Stanley met, married, and spent their winter months. Early settlers brought with them their various national dances, which we now call folk dances, but which were the popular dances of the day in the countries of their origin - the schottische, the quadrille, the jigs, and reels.
Larry Edelman, who has travelled extensively across the United States and Europe calling and cataloging square dances has documented that Square Dancing is an oral tradition that is only learned from caller to caller and geography creates different dance styles. He describes callers as links in the chain of the oral tradition of calling dances. While he recognizes that innovation can occur in calling dances, it is especially important to revere where the tradition of calling dances emanated from. No experience is necessary. The caller will teach each individual dance pattern to participants. Pie and light refreshments will be served. Bring the family for a family “date night.” This event is sponsored by You Need Pie, YMCA, Bank of Colorado and the Stanley Home Museum and Education Center.
For moreinformation contact, Lisa O’Sullivan Carroll, director@stanleyhome.org
Free Tax Preparation Service At The Estes Valley Library
February 3 through April 14, volunteers from the AARP Tax Aide program are once again offering free income tax preparation with electronic filing of federal and Colorado income tax returns. Appointments can be made through the Library in person, by calling 970-586-8116 or by visiting estesvalleylibrary.org. Some restric-
tions apply, such as no residential rental property income or out of state returns. Full-year residents aged 18 and above must file a Colorado tax return before October 15, 2025 to claim your TABOR sales tax refund (the amount varies depending on your income level).
Square dance caller, Bob Zuellig.
It’s almost here. That cheerful day, famous for hearts, chocolates, flowers, and greeting cards. It’s also a perfect day to settle in for an hour of stories spanning classic mythology to fairy tales to Shakespeare’s sonnets. Join local storytellers Kurtis Kelly and Kerry Aiken for a whimsical assortment of tales, poetry, and humor, all with a Valentine’s Day theme.
Attendees will enjoy a medley of readings that include the epic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, and the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “Sweethearts,” plus a bit of old-time radio lore, along with Shakespeare’s famous sonnets and the humorous verse of Shel Silverstein.
The festive program will take place Friday, February 14 at 1 p.m. and repeated at 4 p.m., in the comfortable setting of Raven’s Roast Coffee Lounge.
Following up on their popular holiday readings from last December, Aiken and Kelly are joining together again.
Drop in for either session held at 164 East Elkhorn Avenue in Riverside Plaza. This Readers’ Theater event is free, and everyone is invited. While listening, attendees can also enjoy the many Raven’s Roast specialties available for purchase, including yummy coffees, teas, hot cocoa, and bakery treats.
Next Knitting And Crocheting Get-Together March 10
You are invited to our knitting and crocheting get–togethers in the Hondius Community Room at the Estes Valley Library on:
Monday, March 10, 5:00–7:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, 5:00–7:30 p.m.
It’s fun and free! Just bring your knitting or crocheting projects, and let’s have fun together, talking and creating.
If you need any help or advice with your project or pattern, we can help! No need to book or reserve a seat.
Just show up! Come knit or crochet for a bit or all of it!
These get–togethers are hosted by Kim Snow.
Email: mtn.tribe@yahoo.com for more information.
Sunrise Rotary Invites Charitable Organizations To Apply For Funding
The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary (EVSR) invites proposals from charitable organizations, in the Estes Valley, for grants to support programs and projects that benefit the Estes Valley community. This year (2025) we will be focusing on the youth of Estes Valley. To apply for funding, go to portal.clubrunner.ca/5242 and locate the 2025
Community Grants application. Please print and fill out the application and then email the completed application, and all required backup documents, to estessunriserotary@gmail.com no later than March 31, 2025. You will be notified in May if you are a grant recipient. For more information please email: estessunriserotary@gmail.com.
Rotary Club Of Estes Park Presents Bridges Of Estes
Thursday, February 13th
Jean Tasker will speak about the main function of Bridges of Estes to bridge the gap between the holistic wellness needs of cancer patients with local resources and support. We meet at the American Legion and the public is invited to attend. The Noon Rotary starts at 12 p.m. If you would like to join us for lunch it starts at 11:30 a.m. and cost $20. Please RSVP to noonrotary@aol.com by 12 noon on Tuesday, February 11 if joining us for lunch.
2025 Duck Race Adoptions To Start February 27
The Rotary Club of Estes Park will commence the sale of duck race adoptions on February 27, during the Kickoff Event with the 74 nonprofit and community organizations selected to participate in its annual service project, The Great Estes Park Duck Race.
This year’s Kick-off Event will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, 101 South St. Vrain Ave. The Duck Race leadership team strongly encourages all participating organizations to attend, as they will be briefed on the new 2025 race format and other exciting changes planned for this year.
With adoption sales open, organiza-
tions are urged to reach out to supporters, friends, and family to encourage them to adopt a “flock” of ducks in their name.
“The excitement is building for this year’s event. Online sales have been a big part of the race’s growth over the past three years, and we want to help our organizations increase their adoption sales to achieve outstanding results,” said Larry Williams, the Club member coordinating with the organizations.
As in previous years, adoptions can be purchased online at The Great Estes Park Duck Race website (www.EPDuckRace.org) in the name of any par-
One Hour with Jesus
ticipating organization. For each duck adopted at $25, the designated organization earns $23, with the difference retained by the Club to offset operational costs.
“The main purpose of The Great Estes Park Duck Race is to give people an opportunity to support the organizations that provide vital services to residents and visitors of the Estes Valley,” said Scott Thompson, the Club Member appointed Big Duck for the 2025 race. “For many organizations, this event represents their largest fundraiser of the year. The process is simple: go online, adopt ducks, and sup-
port a cause you care about! Plus, you could win an awesome prize!”
To follow updates on the 2025 race, visit the event website at www.EPDuckRace.org and the Rotary Club of Estes Park website (portal.clubrunner.ca/5241). - - - - - -
The Great Estes Park Duck Race, presented by the Rotary Club of Estes Park, is held annually on the first Saturday of May each year. This annual tradition started in 1989, making 2025 the 37th annual duck race. Over the years, it has earned more than $3 million for local Estes Park charities and civic groups.
Please join us at 450 Valley Road Sunday mornings from 10am to 11am Children welcome. Check website for answers to her questions. https://estesparkco.adventistchurch.org !"#$%#&'%$"'%()*+(%,-% .'(/(0%('1,+2%1,3)+*4%
What Is The Quota Loan Closet?
Estes Park Quota, as a service to our community, opened the Medical Equipment Loan Closet in 1952 with a walker, a cane and a wheelchair and the volunteers worked out of a member’s home. That first year the Loan Closet served 27 people. The Loan Closet now has over 624 pieces of medical equipment valued at almost $100,000.00, available for loan to all of Estes Valley and our visitors. Since the 1980s, the Quota Loan Closet has been housed on Estes Park Health property. Staffing for Loan Closet is done totally through
the volunteer efforts of 14 Quota members who are available to check out or accept returns of equipment seven days a week.
In 2023, 258 individuals checked out 475 pieces of equipment. Quota is a non-profit organization so the service is free with a refundable deposit and/or donation. The funds donated support the repairs and replacement of our equipment. For information on how to secure medical equipment from the Loan Closet, visit estesparkquota.com or call Linda Polland at 719-337-3318.
Wine & Chocolate Festival This Saturday At The Estes Park Events Complex
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience! The 2025 Wine & Chocolate Festival is coming to Estes Park this Saturday, Feb. 8, offering a day filled with indulgence, relaxation, and discovery. This premier 21+ event combines the rich flavors of fine wine, decadent chocolates, and local delights with
live music, exciting activities, and picturesque mountain views.
What to Expect: Sip and savor a curated selection of wines from local wineries and vineyards while delighting in the sweet offerings from artisanal chocolatiers and other gourmet vendors. Explore unique goods, treats, and hand-
crafted items from a variety of local businesses. Enjoy the signature sound of Ryan Flores, blending Latin Gypsy music styles such as Flamenco, Tango, Mariachi, and more, creating an energizing and danceable vibe. Immerse yourself in glow-in-the-dark mini golf, capture memories with a fun photoshoot, or have your caricature drawn by the talented local artist, Jason Sauer.
Event Details: This Saturday, Feb. 8, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way.
Exclusive Lodging Offers: The Quality Inn Estes Park and Holiday Inn Estes Park are proud sponsors of the Wine &
Chocolate Festival, offering discounted hotel rates for attendees. Make it a weekend getaway and enjoy the comfort and convenience of these top accommodations.
Don't Miss Out! Celebrate love, friendship, and the finer things in life at this year’s Wine & Chocolate Festival. Tickets are selling fast, so secure yours today for an unforgettable day of fun and indulgence.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit estesparkeventscomplex.com/ wineandchocolate. (If not sold out, tickets will be available at the door as well).
The Amazing Migration Of Elk
By: Brad Manard
It was Christmas 2017, our first to be celebrated in Estes Park. As a family, we sat down below the antler chandelier around the rosewood table for a traditional holiday dinner with all the fixings including my favorite, sweet potato pie. Our family gathered with smiles of Christmas joy, when we looked out the window.
They were everywhere with more coming. Elk! From our dining room window, we could see them moving across Moraine Avenue, blocking the road, and wandering into our yard. It seemed like a hundred of them - maybe more.
Ignoring our warm, wonderful holiday meal, we rushed to the raised deck to watch the elk walking around and
out onto the deck, our jaws hung open as a group of maybe one hundred and fifty elk moved toward town from RMNP. As we watched in delight, another herd moved through the Country Market parking lot. Tourists pointed in amazement while we gathered our wits pretending to act like locals, explaining the migration. Soon, the two groups came together as we watched maybe 250-300 elk bunched together in the field.
through the yard. Looking straight down, a cow stood staring up at us as curious as we were about her. It was a Christmas parade. Young elk, mature cows, and spike bulls were filling our yard with their presence and elk duds. I must have been a very good boy to get such a Christmas surprise.
That day, the food tasted delightful. There were laughs and giggles of a family not used to such surprise visitors as we retold our experience of the elk. It verified that our decision to buy a house in Estes Park was a perfect one. I was home.
Much to our delight, this was not the last time to experience the elk migration. A year later, around the first of November, my wife, Carolyn, and I were having dinner at Bird and Jim’s. Stepping
Several years during the first week of November, the migration moved along Big Thompson River through Park River West, past Coffee on the Rocks, and into downtown Estes Park. We would pull into our development only to find elk everywhere blocking the road, eating branches from the trees, and trimming the dry grass. They surrounded my car, noses near the window and big bodies blocking my movement. They were beautifully intimidating and acted like they owned the road, which they did. As I asked myself how they had come to be in town, they were probably asking themselves, why my house was on their field.
zoom lens focused on a big bull in the middle. Standing tall among many, many cows, it looked like he was searching for one. Kind of a “Where is my girlfriend?” moment.
A few days later on a RMNPhotographer Tour returning from RMNP, we’d only seen a couple of elk in the distance. Our guests had hoped to see more, so I drove into town where I guessed I could find a couple or a hundred. Circling the round-about, I saw them coming across Highway 34 from the Stanley Hotel. I pointed and my guest squealed with excitement. The road was blocked,
two hundred. Cars lined the road watching their slow movements. It was a history lesson of what our land must have been like before Joel Estes settled in the valley.
This is our Estes Park. This is the home we share with deer, elk, moose, and other powerful animals and pesky varmints. Many mornings, I’m out photographing them, searching Rocky Mountain National Park for incredible animals
and unique, beautiful images. And when I don’t see any in the park…
It’s not unusual to get a text from Carolyn. Last week, as I drove down Deer Mountain, my phone chimed. Pulling
This year, returning home by way of Estes Park Medical Center, standing packed together on an empty lot were a hundred or more. While they moved in a slight wave, they went nowhere except in a circle. As I photographed them, my
thick with elk as a large, dominant bull pushing from the back of the herd.
On the evening I wrote this, I had just returned from Loveland where before I reached the canyon along the river, among the trees there were an estimated
over, I looked at the text. “If you’re not seeing anything in the park, forty elk just walked through our yard and headed down to the river.”
I drove home to get some wonderful images of migrating elk.
by Brad Manard
Photos
WINTER HOURS
Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8
p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
Registration is required for most programs! Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to reserve your spot.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Dystopian Tropes from an Indigenous Perspective: Author Talk with Waubgeshig Rice
Tuesday, February 11, 5 - 6 p.m., online
You’re invited to a conversation with Waubgeshig Rice, the bestselling au-
What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library
thor of Moon of the Cursed Snow, as he discusses the hotly anticipated sequel, Moon of the Turning Leaves. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
I Am Nobody’s Slave:
Author Talk with Lee Hawkins
Tuesday, February 18, 12 - 1 p.m., online
Listen in on a conversation with journalist and author Lee Hawkins as he examines his family’s legacy of post-enslavement trauma and resilience. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.
ALL AGES
Mountain Mornings:
A Creative Neighborly Craft
Friday, February 7, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Tuesday, February 25, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
As we celebrate the spirit of community this February, connect with your neighbors and the stunning natural beauty of our surroundings by painting and assembling a wooden lasercut mountain scene. Recommended for adults and teens.
Handmade Valentine’s Day Cards
Saturday, February 8, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace repeated Saturday, February 8, 2 - 3 p.m., Makerspace
Use our wide variety of papercraft supplies to design your own cards, and
learn how to make pop-up cards, 3D designs, and origami hearts. All ages welcome.
Mixed Media Wood Houses
Thursday, February 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Monday, February 17, 5:307:30 p.m., Makerspace
repeated Thursday, February 20, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
Explore our monthly theme, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” by building mixed-media houses from found materials. All supplies will be provided; feel free to bring any personal items you’d like to incorporate. Recommended for adults and teens.
Neighborly BINGO!
Saturday, February 15, 2 - 3 p.m., Hondius Room
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for some good ol’ fashioned games of bingo! All ages welcome.
Young Chautauqua Performances
Saturday, February 22, 4 - 6 p.m., Fireside Theater
Sunday, February 23, 2 - 4 p.m., Fireside Theater
Watch historical figures come to life! This year’s theme is The American Frontier and the Wild West. Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to see the full schedule of performances.
ADULTS
Tackling Wicked Problems in the Estes Valley Community
Thursday, February 20 - Saturday, February 22, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, Estes Park Museum
This three-day workshop, led by CSU’s Dr. Martín Carcasson, will cover the basics of deliberative engagement, a set of tools and processes designed to help communities manage issues that don’t have clear solutions. Presented in partnership with Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership.
Makerspace Monthly Meetup
Monday, February 24, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
Whether you’re an experienced artisan or a curious beginner, this creative gathering is a time to connect with fellow makers, explore various crafting techniques, and work on a project of your choosing.
TEENS & KIDS
Young Chautauqua Club
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4 - 5:15 p.m., Hondius Room
Teacher and facilitator Katherine Dumont will lead participants through research about the life, words, and mannerisms of a historical character.
Young Chautauqua Club culminates in live, costumed performances in late February and early March.
Lego Club: Make a Neighborhood Tuesday, February 11, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Children’s Room
repeated Saturday, February 15, 3:304:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Explore different building and engineering challenges with Legos. In celebration of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” work with other participants to create a Lego neighborhood!
Make a Tiny Tin House
Tuesday, February 11, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Makerspace
Use recycled materials, miniature accessories, moss, hot glue guns, and other decorative items to craft tiny tin houses in this “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” program.
Dungeons & Dragons:
Brawling Neighbors
Tuesday, February 18, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Makerspace
Work together to help feuding neighboring villages resolve their differences. Beginner and experienced Dungeons & Dragons players welcome! Refreshments provided.
Beaded Friendship Bracelets
Wednesday, February 19, 4 - 5 p.m., Makerspace
In honor of February’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” theme, we’ll be using elastic and a variety of beads to make friendship bracelets. Channel your inner Swiftie and make a bracelet to trade!
KIDS & FAMILIES
Library Storytimes
Baby Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.
Storybook Explorers: Sat., February 8 at 11:15 a.m.
Read to Therapy Dog Annie: Thurs., February 13 at 11 a.m. & Thurs., February 27 at 11 a.m.
Read to Therapy Dog Bo: Thurs., February 20 at 11 a.m.
Early Childhood Music
Saturday, February 15, 11 - 11:30 a.m., Hondius Room
Children ages 6 and under (and their caregivers) are invited to join musician and music educator Annaka Hogelin for songs, movement, rhythm, and fun.
MAKERSPACE TRAINING CLASSES
Learn the Laser Cutter Monday, February 17, 10 - 11:30 a.m. For ages 10 and up (participants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult).
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Study Session
Thursday, February 13, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room
Learn more about the Board of Trustees at estesvalleylibrary.org/board. Regular Meeting
Monday, February 24, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room
View the agenda and packet materials at estesvalleylibrary.org/board.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Cliffhanger Used Books
Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the Post Office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, and music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Registration is required for most programs!
Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to reserve your spot.
“Won’t
You Be My
Neighbor:”
Connect With Your Community
For the third year running, the Estes Valley Library has dubbed February “Won’t You Be My Neighbor Month.” In the spirit of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, themed programs, collections, and resources inspire us to connect with each other and find wonder in the seemingly everyday things.
An easy way to share love with a neighbor or friend is with a handmade card. Stop by on Saturday, February 8 to create Valentine’s Day greetings in the Makerspace. Take your pick between a morning or afternoon session and use our wide variety of papercraft supplies to design pop-up cards, 3D designs, and origami hearts.
This deliberative engagement and facilitator training event, taking place at the Estes Park Museum from February 20-22 will teach us how to weigh competing values and make trade-offs if we encounter contentious issues with no clear answer. Anyone who is interested in making their voices heard, better understanding others’ perspectives, and problem-solving collaboratively is invited to attend. Registration is required and can be done at bit.ly/deliberative-engagement.
Keep on making with two house-themed programs in the Makerspace this month: Tweens and teens can craft tiny tin houses on Tuesday, February 11, using recycled materials, miniature accessories, moss, and other fun decorative items. On February 13, 17, and 20, adults and teens can build mixed media wood houses from found materials. All supplies are provided; attendees are welcome to bring any personal items they’d like to incorporate.
What about our proverbial houses? How can we build community connections? Check out our three-day workshop, presented with Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership, about “Tackling Wicked Problems in the Estes Valley.”
Connection-building activities that are already in progress? The Library’s support of the Town of Estes Park’s Community Information Academy, or CIA, continues. The sixweek, biennial program began on Wednesday and is hosted in the Hondius Community Room. Attendees are learning about how our municipal government operates, meeting with staff and elected officials, and touring various Town facilities.
And just for fun: the Library hosted the second annual Daniel Tiger Day last Saturday. With support from the Inspired Living Group and the Friends of the Library Foundation, dozens of little readers and their adults enjoyed a tea party, crafts, face-painting, trolley tours around the neighborhood, and more.
Learn more about these programs and other Won’t You Be My Neighbor goodness at estesvalleylibrary.org.
Benefit Your Brain By Taking A Puzzle (Or Leaving One!)
The everyday stress of life can feel overwhelming. Your mind is often racing with thoughts of work, family, problem solving, and a myriad of other demanding subjects. Scientific research provides many reasons to include solving jigsaw puzzles as a braincalming activity.
“Particularly during periods of high stress, becoming immersed in a puzzle can be like practicing mindful meditation,” says Dr. Michelle McCoy Barrett, a clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert. “Relaxing your mind and body, decreasing stress, and even slowing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure… Puzzles are more than just a way to pass the time.”
Next time you visit the library, pursue a puzzle via our new display in the atrium: Take A Puzzle, Leave A Puzzle. Like our Books-to-Go service, puzzles of various levels of complexity are free for anyone to take!
Come try out a new-to-you puzzle and while you’re at it, drop off any of your puzzles that you’ve already put together and are now ready to share with the next puzzler. Patrons are not required to leave a puzzle in order to take one, but in the spirit of our neighborly theme this February, why not share the love and the brain-boosting benefits?
Stop by soon to take a peek at the new display – and take home your next puzzle.
Please note that puzzles have not had their pieces counted or other quality checking work. Thank you in advance to all puzzle donors for contributing full sets in good condition.
Cliffhanger Used Books-Endless Pages, Unbeatable
What could be more comforting on a cold, windy winter day than curling up with a good book? Estes Park has the perfect place for you to find that perfect book at a reasonable price — Cliffhanger Used Books, located downtown next to the Post Office. We have every category of book you can think of from mysteries to biographies to travel to cookbooks, as well as DVDs, at a wide range of prices. We have a room of bargain books, which are usually older
books, priced at four books for $1.00. Our paperback mysteries are $1.00 while hardcovers are $5.00. We have monthly specials at reduced prices, and every Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday when three different categories are on sale for $1.00 per book.
Our specials this February are history and biography, priced at $3.00 for hardcover and $1.50 for paperback. Romance novels are also on sale this month.
Hardcovers are $3.00 and paperbacks are the bargain price of four for $1.00, so you can read lots of romances as your Valentines Day treat!
Cliffhanger is operated by the Friends of the Estes Valley Library Foundation.
All of our books are donated, and all of the enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff are volunteers. Proceeds from the sales at Cliffhanger go directly to the Estes Valley Public Library to fund various programs.
Your can also support our wonderful library by becoming a member of the
Friends. The cost is $20.00 for a single and $30.00 for a family membership. If you join at the Library Lovers level of $100.00, you will also receive a ticket to the Friends annual event in June. We have a number of sales each year which are open only to members of the Friends where all books in the store are $1.00 each. Pick up a membership form at Cliffhanger. Stop by and chat with our friendly Cliffhanger volunteers. We are sure that we can help you find a book that you will enjoy!
THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF LIFE… “WE’RE LANDING IN 20 MINUTES”
We’ve been watching the late tragic news about two airplane crashes - an airliner / Blackhawk helicopter crash in Washington DC last Wednesday, and a Medivac plane crash that killed six people in the Philadelphia area on Friday. You might recognize our title message as being received by Hamaad Raza from his wife who was on Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas to Reagan National Airport. No doubt, she would have heard these words: “This is your Captain speaking. Please make sure your seat belts are fastened, your seat in an upright position in preparation for landing.” You also know that the plane never ‘landed’ in the way she and he were predicting, crashing after a horrific collision with another aircraft. Among the 64 occupants on board, were about 15 members of a North America Figure Skating group, led in their training by former Olympics’ Medal winners, training the young skaters for future Olympics competition. Many of these young skaters had spent years in training for that ‘future’ they were counting on. They, and others on that plane, were ‘predicting’ that they would enjoy an extended life to complete the things they had planned for their futures. And, this is the way that it should be. The Bible says: “Where there is no vision, people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18) Steven Covey, author of ‘Habits of Highly Effective People’, says that “Successful people will know (plan) where they are going” in advance, if they are to ‘become all they can be.
However, everywhere we look, we see examples of those who have ‘planned’, only to have those dreams squashed. Bible-writer, James, shares the best way to plan our future: “Go to, now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, spend a year there, trade, buy, sell, and get gain’. You know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life?...a vapor appearing for a little time, then vanishing away. You ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” (Jas. 4:13-15) Jesus, himself, told a story about one who made this mistake…a pompous man who viewed his abundantly producing fields and stewed about: “where shall I put my grain and my crops?” His plan: “I will pull down my barns and build greater ones to hold my crops”. Then, he said, “I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.’” He planned an abundant and pleasure-filled retirement, “But, God said, ‘You fool, tonight you will die, and, then, whose will these things be?” (Luke 12:16-21) Perhaps, we find ourselves being very much like him, making our plans excluding God, rather than saying: “If the Lord wills, we will do this or that.”
Sadly, some today surmise that this says that 'God willed’ these plane crashes …and the California wildfires, and other such tragedies. Not so! “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” (Jas.1:17) But...God has put into place many natural forces that, when disregarded, result in tragedies, mostly mechanical or human caused. It’s true with fires, plane crashes, etc. However, joyfully, sometimes, God ‘wills’ to intervene in providential ways to prevent tragedies. May He so bless each of us! I could wish that our country was run by men who would preface ‘Executive Orders’ with ‘If God wills’, and live by that rule. While that isn’t likely, it behooves each of us to live daily, making plans for ourselves and those we love, by acknowledging God’s 'will' over our lives, and accept His plans and direction for the way we live. Bob Lewis
Social-Memory Cafe February 13 In Estes Park
Our Social-Memory Café is a free, relaxed, social gathering for Estes Valley community members experiencing memory loss due to any form or stage of demen tia, together with a part ner, family member, or friend. If you are living and driving independ ently, feel free to come on your own.
This month on Thursday, February 13th, our theme will be Love and Friendship which we will celebrate with songs, snacks, conversation, games and activities. We welcome all in Estes Valley where cognitive and memory loss is part of your
lives and who would like to enjoy fellowship and fun with one another. Whether you have come to a SocialMemory Café before or want to check this gathering out, we meet at St. Bartholomew’s Church (880 MacGregor Ave.) from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., every second Thursday of each month. We look forward to seeing you! For more information call the church office 970586-4504 or Jane at 970-430-8105.
Our Future Depends on You
Estes Park Salud clinic has served the Estes Park Valley since 1992. We provide access to affordable medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services to anyone in our community, regardless of ability to pay. The Estes Park Salud Clinic is a non-pro昀t, community health center and depends on your ongoing support to offset the cost of services. In 2023, the clinic provided care to 2,109 patients through 6,582 visits. Salud serves one in three individuals and families in the Estes Park Valley!
The Estes Park Salud Foundation is a group of dedicated, local volunteers who are committed to ensure access to health care is available in our rural community.
Please send your donation to Estes Park Salud Foundation
CHECK: Estes Park
Salud Foundation PO Box 1484 Estes Park, CO 80517
CREDIT CARD: Scan QR code or visit estesparksaludfoundation.org/donate
1950 Redtail Hawk Drive Estes Park, CO 80517 saludclinic.org
Habitat For Humanity 101 And Critical Home Repair Services
Many people know Habitat for Humanity as a global nonprofit organization that builds affordable homes for people in need. But did you know that Habitat partners with homeowners to assist with repairs when homeowners are financially or physically unable to make changes on their own? Their Critical Home Repairs program provides essential assistance, ensuring qualified homeowners can live com-
construction of five homes on Raven Avenue in Estes Park and additional projects in Longmont. There will also be an in-depth discussion about the Critical Home Repair services, which help homeowners with necessary repairs to keep their homes safe and livable. Success stories will be shared, along with information about how community members can get involved. Since its founding in 1988, St. Vrain
fortably and independently, which also facilitates seniors aging in place.
To learn more about these homebuilding and repair programs, and how to get involved, the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center (EPSCC) will host an informative presentation by St. Vrain Habitat for Humanity, of which Estes Park is a part. The event will take place on Tuesday, February 11, at 12:00 p.m. at 1760 Olympian Lane. Chris Hirai, the Director of Development, and Krystal Winship, the Community Engagement Manager, will lead the discussion alongside AmeriCorps volunteers Jade Elder, who specializes in Home Ownership Services, and Lucy Dunne, who focuses on Volunteer Services.
This event is open to everyone, and attendees can enjoy light refreshments while learning about the impact of Habitat for Humanity in the local community.
Attendees will get an overview of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, its history, and its work in Estes Park and St. Vrain Valley. The presentation will cover current projects, including the
Habitat for Humanity has made a significant impact, building 125 homes and completing 62 critical repairs for families in the St. Vrain and Estes Valleys. The assessed value of homes built by Habitat in the region since 1988 is $38.7 million, and 89% of these homes are still occupied by their original homeowners. By addressing the need for affordable housing and essential home repairs, Habitat for Humanity continues to strengthen communities and improve lives.
Attendees are welcome to enjoy lunch while attending the presentation. Bring your own lunch or pre-purchase a hot meal. You must order your meal before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10. The meal on Tuesday will be ham dinner (topped with pineapple), sweet potatoes, and vegetables. The cost of a meal is $7 for EPSCC members and $12 for non-members. Become a member of the EPSCC for just $35 per year and take advantage of lunch discounts and all of the great activities. For more information about the EPSCC or to order a meal for the presentation, call (970) 581-2195.
Know The Warning Signs Of Alzheimer’s
This course helps people recognize the common signs of the disease in themselves and others, the importance of early diagnosis and how to identify next steps to take, including how to talk to their doctor.
• Estes Park: Noon–1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, Estes Park Senior Citizen’s Center.
Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu
Feb 10 – 14
Monday, Feb 10
Chicken Quesadilla w/ salsa & soup of the day
Tuesday, Feb 11 Ham Dinner (topped w/ pineapple), Sweet Potatoes & vegetables
Wednesday, Feb 12 Bleu Cheese Bacon Burger w/ Potato Salad
Thursday, Feb 13 Chicken Alfredo w/ Pasta, garlic bread & side salad
Friday, Feb 14 Salmon (4 oz) w/ Pecan Crust, Au Gratin Potatoes & vegetables
Feb 17 – 21
Monday, Feb 17 Breakfast Burrito (eggs, cheese, refried beans & potatoes in flour tortilla) w/ green chili on the side
Tuesday, Feb 18 Roasted Herb Chicken (1/2) w/ Roasted Potatoes & vegetables
Wednesday, Feb 19 Shepherd’s Pie (mashed potatoes, beef, gravy & vegetables) w/ Biscuit & side salad
Thursday, Feb 20 Chicken Parmesan w/ Pasta, garlic bread & side salad
Friday, Feb 21 Fish & Homemade Chips w/ soup of the day
Meals are $7 for current 2025 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, Feb 10th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Feb 7th. For reservations call 970-581-2195 and leave a detailed message. Pre-paid meal tickets and membership forms are available at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center located at 1760 Olympian Lane.
The Center is OPEN Monday thru Friday 10 – 1
TriFit M-W-F 10:30-11:15 AM
Circuit Balance Monday 1-1:45 PM Qi Gong Tuesday 10:15-11:15 AM
Bridge Group Every Thursday 12:30 – 4:30 PM with lessons in the morning Canasta & Pinochle 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 1:00 – 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
Five Ways To Use AI To Eat Healthier
If you’re anything like me, when open-source AI programs first launched, you were probably more than a little freaked out. But as I’ve started using it, I’ve found it’s actually a game-changer—especially when it comes to helping me eat healthier. No, AI isn’t going to act as Rosey in The Jetsons and cook your meals for you (yet), but it can take the mental load off meal planning, grocery shopping, and nutrition tracking. So if you want to eat better without spending hours researching recipes or standing in the kitchen, here are five ways AI can help:
1. AI as Your Meal Planning Assistant
Ever sat down to plan meals for the week, only to end up ordering takeout instead? AI can do the heavy lifting by creating meal plans tailored to your dietary needs, preferences, and even what you already have in your fridge. Try a prompt like this: “Create a fiveday vegan meal plan using high-protein, whole-food ingredients. Each meal should take less than 30 minutes to prepare and use common grocery store items.”
The best part? You can adjust as needed. If AI suggests quinoa and you’ll never cook it, just ask for a swap.
2. Smarter Recipe Development & Modifications
Love a recipe but need to tweak it? AI can help you modify almost anything—whether you’re swapping dairy for plant-based alternatives, reducing sugar, or working around food allergies.
Example: You find a mouthwatering pasta recipe, but it’s loaded with heavy cream. Instead of Googling substitutions and hoping for the best, you can ask AI: “How can I make this recipe dairy-free while keeping it creamy? I prefer whole-food ingredients and want it to be high in protein.”
AI might suggest a cashew-based sauce, a silken tofu blend, or even a surprise ingredient like blended white beans for creaminess and extra fiber. Suddenly, your favorite comfort food is working for your goals, not against them.
3. AI-Powered Grocery Shopping
Gone are the days of forgetting key ingredients or impulse-buying a cart full of snacks you swore you’d have the self-control to ignore. AI can generate grocery lists based on your meal plan, help you find budget-friendly swaps, and even compare prices across stores. Try this: “Create a grocery list for a week of high-protein, whole-foods meals.
I shop at [your preferred store], and my budget is $75.”
You’ll get a streamlined list that saves time, money, and decision fatigue. Bonus: Many grocery store apps now integrate AI, offering instant suggestions based on what’s in your cart— helping you stay on track without overbuying.
4. Effortless Nutrition Tracking
If you’ve ever tried logging every bite of food into an app, you know it can feel a little like a part-time job. AIpowered nutrition tracking makes it easier by analyzing meals from a simple text description—or even a photo.
For example, instead of manually entering every ingredient in your salad, you can say: “I had a big salad with kale, chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and tahini dressing. Estimate the macros and let me know if I should add anything for a more balanced meal.”
AI will break down the protein, fiber, and overall nutrient content—offering quick, actionable insights without the tedious data entry.
5. AI for Reducing Food Waste & Cooking with What You Have
We’ve all been there—staring into the fridge at a random assortment of ingredients, wondering what on earth to make. Instead of letting those odds and ends go to waste, AI can generate meal ideas based on what you already have.
Try this: “I have half a can of chickpeas, spinach, a sweet potato, and some leftover rice. What can I make that’s quick, healthy, and delicious?”
AI will suggest recipes that maximize what’s on hand, helping you reduce waste and save money. You can even specify cooking methods, dietary preferences, or effort level.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t just for tech nerds or sci-fi movies—it’s a tool you can use right now to make healthier eating easier. Whether you need meal ideas, grocery hacks, or nutrition tracking, AI cuts through the noise so you can focus on feeling your best.
The more specific your prompts are, the better results you’re going to get. And, if you want an AI program to remember specific settings—like food allergies, dietary restrictions, number of servings, preferred ethnic cuisines, or anything else you can think of—just go to your settings and customization tabs and save those prompts you don’t want to repeat every time.
Want more health and wellness hacks? Make sure you’re signed up for my weekly emails! Email me at chazz@higherelevationscoaching.com to sign up.
Estes Park Holiday Lights Recycle Project A Success
The Interact Clubs at the Estes Park Middle and High School partnered with The Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary to host the first annual holiday light recycling program. From November 1, 2024 to January 15, 2025, eight hundred forty two pounds of old holiday lights were collected at the many drop off locations around town.
This program let you drop off old/bad holiday light strings for recycling, such as rope lights, mini’s, and the older lights rather than have them end up in the landfill.
Bill Howell, President of the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, made many trips to take the lights to the Fort Collins Recycle Center where they were weighed (842 pounds in total) in exchange for $218 cash. “When they saw me coming, they’d let me go to the front of the line because they were so excited that the money was going to our Estes Park Interact Clubs to use for service projects, said Bill.”
Rotary Interact clubs are service organizations for young people ages 12–18 that are sponsored by Rotary clubs. The clubs help members develop leadership skills and make a difference in their community.
Thanks to the many Estes Park residents who recycled old holiday lights, rather than throwing them in the landfill. We look forward to offering this recycle program again during the 2025
holiday season.
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves
Join us! Learn more at: portal.clubrunner.ca/5242.
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EstesValleySunrise Rotary
Rocky Mountain Meditation Group Offerings For February
Are you interested in meditation practices? Would you like to meet like minded people in a supportive way and explore different forms of mindfulness?
We offer many events each month to accommodate the spiritual needs of our community members via Sound Baths, Breathwork, unique moon ceremonies (by donation towards supplies needed), Reiki sessions (all donations towards Bridge of Estes), walking and comfortable sitting meditations (free), and more.
In February we are also offering a Caples Sound Bath for Valentines Day on 2/15 at 6 p.m.
Our meetings take place in a beautiful private setting. Please, contact us for more information: Gosia Pisowicz Stewart at Rocky Mountain Meditation Group, gosiap3333@gmail.com 414-550-5282.
Emerald at Salt and Stone Spa 970-786-4796. Jody at Ethereal Breathwork and Coaching, etherealbreathwork@gmail.com 970-214-0040.
Holiday lights headed for recycling.
LISTED BY TOM THOMAS
Art Center Celebrates The Creativity Of The Estes Community In February
On Saturday, February 15, join us for the opening reception for our two shows focusing on the creativity of Estes community members, the “Mentor/Student” show and the “Magic of Masks” show.
The “Mentor/Student” show will begin a 2:00, introductions at 2:15!
We have eleven mentees that worked with Artist Mentors from the Art Center for several months to learn new skills in the world of art.
of the artists who taught class this year and some of their students/student artwork.
“Magic of Masks” award presentations will begin a 3:15. Come early and vote for your favorite mask for the People’s Choice Award. Voting begins Friday, February 14 to February 15th at 3:00 p.m. Awards will be given in two categories, Students and Adults and People’s Choice Award. All masks are for sale, take home your favorite mask!
Turn in your Masks this weekend!
Turn in dates for masks are February 8, 9, 10 between 11-5. When you turn in your mask make sure the
following is complete:
Wynne Wilbur taught ceramics, Cathy Goodale taught painting, Sally Richmond taught drawing and painting, and Pauline Bustamante taught fiber arts. We will also be introductions
• Make sure your hanging wire is attached to the canvas before you turn it into the Art Center.
• Is your mask right-side up?
• Complete your title card form with your Title/Price.
February Estes Valley Quilt Guild Program
Join us for a walk down memory lane with Barb Lister. Barb is a long-time member of the Guild who had quite a history of making quilts and was involved with the quilt industry. Barb has an inventory of quilts and plans to share some of her favorites from her collection. This should be a fun and enlighten ing program as we go down memory
lane. Who knows, it might inspire you to try some new patterns for your future quilts. Please bring your show and tell to share.
The meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. February 12, but come early to visit with your quilting friends.
First time guests are free. The location is Mountain Bible Fellowship Church, 1575 South St. Vrain.
Mentee - Haidyn Heggestad - age 8- ceramics.
Mentee - Sylus Byrd-Nilsen -age 8 -weaving.
"Ranch
By: Larry Strong
Real men relate. Yikes, I may lose some guys right off the bat here. Just those three words, “Real men relate,” can be cause for a guy to stop in his tracks, put his head back a tad and ask himself, “Where is this going?” “That sounds way too warm and fuzzy for my blood!” I offered up an article months ago entitled, “Real Men Eat Quiche.” One of our MOF guys later told me, “I got no problem with quiche as long as its got more meat in it than eggs!” Nuff said.
Actually, the title of this article happens to be the title of a book which was required reading in one of my psy chology classes in college. It’s still available and a good read. If you want the short book report here it is: If I really expose who I am and who I am isn’t ac cepted, then what? That’s a hard question whether you’re a man or a woman and an honest one to boot. After all, there’s some down right mean and in secure people out there just waiting to pounce on any vulner ability and transparency we might expose. For what it’s worth, I think that’s giving way too much power to people who don’t deserve it.
flesh. And that ain’t no cakewalk. Truth is, we’re focused on the truth. And truth requires striving to grow into the man God has designed us to be. You won’t find any cake on that walk either. But here’s some stuff we’re working on as men, by God’s grace and some big time encouragement from other guys on the journey at Men on Fire.
A real man is confident under his skin. He doesn’t rely on his status, money, intelligence or looks. Our masculinity is not toxic. Nor, will we allow ourselves to be emasculated by our culture. We strive to be bold, humble, courageous, soft spoken, ready to act and willing to wait. Our spiritual values include standing with the right, defending the weak but not responding to aggression unless necessary. Our true identity is in God and that includes striving to love others the way that God loves us. We try hard to not allow our ego to get in the way of our intelligence. We recognize pride for what it is— a killer.
Being honest and genuine is risky. Shouldn’t be but it is. There’s reasons folks struggle with being emotionally open and reasons why people adopt roles and play psychological games to protect their inner selves. Not developing the courage and maturity to be our real selves leads to a tendency to have transactional relationships rather than genuine authentic relationships. It’s not hard to look at your circle of “friends” and figure out who is genuine and who is “transactional.” Which are we? We never lack material at Men on Fire. The process of growing closer in our personal relationship with Jesus requires surrender and dying to our
At Men on Fire, LOVE might be the most powerful four letter word we know. “Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” (1 John 7) No cake walk here either. The problem with love—REAL LOVE—is that it requires the courage to move from being “transactional” in our relationships to being genuinely authentic. Other than our façade, what have we got to lose?
Men on Fire meets Saturday, 8:00 a.m. for “Breakfast with a Purpose!” at the Community Center, 660 Community Drive. We’re a non-denominational brotherhood of guys with astounding diversity in our lives and faith journeys. Regardless of where you find yourself in life you’ll fit in great. And don’t worry, we’re still navigating getting comfortable with letting our brothers know who we really are. We’re just not as afraid as we used to be. See you Saturday!
315 Kiowa Drive
$957,900
3 beds/3 baths, hot tub & sauna 2,050 Sq. Ft. Zoned Accommodations Nightly Rentals Allowed
Crossroads Ministry In Need Of Food Donations
By: Brian Schaffer
We wrapped up the first month of 2025, and successfully navigated the various changes impacting our neighbors as a result of the federal funding freeze. I want to assure you that Crossroads is in a good place today, because our funding streams are diversified, and come mostly from neighbors like yourself. We believe in giving close to home as a way of meeting the most pressing needs of those who are struggling to make ends meet, or have an emergency that puts them in a place where they need somebody to lean on. We are grateful for the cold, hard cash that’s given to Crossroads for us to pay rent, utilities, groceries, counseling, and all types of vouchers for fuel, clothing, household goods, laundry or a shower. Your donations are never put in a freezer, but immediately put back to work in taking good care of our neighbors. In my almost seven years at the helm, we have not pursued any federal grant funding, so we will not be directly impacted by the freeze. However, we realize that some of our local and regional partners are being im-
pacted, and this will ultimately create more needs in our community. The Food Bank receives a handful of federal dollars, so I’m anticipating that this will limit the amount of the food we can get from them. Therefore, we would appreciate any food donations you could drop off, or donations designated to purchase food items. The other area of concern is with housing stability funds administered by HUD (Housing and Urban Development). There are budgetary discussions going on right now that could result in a 18% budget cut which means there will be less housing vouchers available to subsidize rentals in Estes Park. As we prepare for whatever lies ahead, we are confident that our community is more than able and willing to stand in the gap to make sure our neighbors are housed, well-fed, and loved. United we stand to express neighborly love for all people! Let’s do our best to love our neighbors better than ourselves.
Thank you for your support of Crossroads, and the work we’re doing in the community. We appreciate you!
EPH Introduces Two Newest Physicians In The ER
Estes Park Health has two new faces in the emergency department – Dr. Paige Machado and Dr. Zachary Blea. They work for Estes Park Emergency Associates, a small company started about 30 years ago by Dr. Christoper Daley. They contract to staff the emergency room at EPH.
Dr. Paige Machado
When Dr. Paige Machado was a little girl, her family could see her future.
“My parents like to joke that I wanted to be a doctor since I was five years old,” Dr. Machado recalled. “I used to watch ‘Rescue 9-1-1’ on the TV and make them record it. I’ve always been interested in medicine. I wanted to do
medicine,” she explained. “Every week and every shift are completely different. Sometimes it’s super busy. Sometimes it’s a little slower. The patients you see are the full spectrum, from babies to the elderly. We see a lot of physical injuries from car accidents, hiking accidents, people falling, and broken bones. We also see medical emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, appendicitis, and gall bladder infections. We see a lot of colds and flu in the winter months, as well as people with asthma exacerbations or pneumonia.”
Time is critical when you are experiencing an emergency. EPH stresses if you are having what you feel like is an acute emergency, do not try to drive to a bigger hospital. Even if you think you are having a stroke or a heart attack, call an ambulance, get to Estes Park Health first, and then the emergency physicians can stabilize you, start treatment, and get you to the level of care you need.
something to help people in a concrete way. I also really enjoy science and biology so that was a natural avenue for me.”
Dr. Machado ended up picking emergency medicine because of the fast pace, because every shift is different. She was born in Colorado Springs but completed her schooling and medical education in Boston. It was a total of 13 years including an undergraduate degree, medical school, and residency which was training specifically in emergency medicine.
“I like the idea of being a generalist, being a jack of all trades and knowing a little bit about how to handle just about anything that walks through the door,” she noted.
Starting her job at EPH in July 2024, Dr. Machado got a taste of the tourist season.
“There is no typical week which is part of what I like about emergency
“We are designated as a Critical Access Hospital,” Dr. Machado explained. “My training has prepared me to handle any emergency. A big part of what we do is triage patients. If a patient comes in and they are having a medical emergency, we do have the resources and the ability to transfer them to where they need to be. My job is to stabilize them and make sure we do that in the safest way possible.”
Dr. Machado has enjoyed her first six months living in Estes Park.
“I’ve never lived in a super small town,” she said. “Coming from the big city to a rural town, I had some reservations. But I really enjoy the sense of community here. I see patients in the grocery store sometimes. Everyone has been welcoming and very friendly which I appreciate. I grew up in Colorado, so I’m a big fan of hiking. Exploring Rocky
Mountain National Park is fun. I didn’t get to do too much of that before. I also like to camp, and I like to go fishing.”
Dr. Zachary Blea
When he was in high school, Dr. Zachary Blea dreamed of becoming a firefighter.
“I took an EMT course,” he said. “I got a job on an ambulance. I really fell in love with medicine. I realized I wanted to do more medicine, less firefighting. I got a job in the emergency room working as an ER tech to explore more opportunities in the healthcare field. I worked alongside an ER doc who was a great mentor, someone I really looked up to. And I thought, ‘This is exactly what I want to do.’”
Dr. Blea was 22 at the time. He enrolled in college and started working toward becoming a doctor.
“Emergency medicine kept calling me,” he remembered. “I love the fastpaced environment of the emergency department. You never know what is coming in through the door. You see anything and everything. There is a little bit of excitement, a little bit of spontaneity.”
Dr. Blea has worked in the EPH
emergency department since July 2024. He has a wife and three children. He completed his emergency medicine residency at a large hospital in Detroit. He said he did not know many of his co-workers or patients. He appreciates the more intimate feel of a smaller hospital.
“It has been great,” he emphasized. “I love the small community feel. I love the hospital. I love working with people I know. I like taking care of the community I’m living in. I love that tight-knit feel that you don’t get at a big hospital.”
Dr. Blea said the current team of emergency physicians at EPH are topnotch.
“The other ER physicians have been here a long time,” he noted. “They know the hospital and the community. I felt at home immediately.”
To listen to a podcast featuring Dr. Machado and Dr. Blea, go to tinyurl.com/297s8b7.
Dr. Zachary Blea and Dr. Paige Machado began work at EPH as emergency medicine physicians in July 2024.
(Wendy Rigby/Estes Park Health)
Dr. Zachary Blea
Dr. Paige Machado
Veeno, Elsa, Melanie, Miles And Max Need New, Loving, Forever Families
Adorable Veeno is a very happy two year old female dog. She is good with other dogs and weighs about 45 pounds.
Elsa she is an amazing girl. She weighs 60 pounds and is four years old. She loves to go for walks, is really easy on a leash and loves all humans. Elsa has so much love to give but we don’t think she’d be good with cats.
Melanie (Melly) is a three year old, 17 pound chihuahua mix looking for her forever home. Melly loves walks, she’s not much of a noise maker and is very loyal. Melanie is dog and cat friendly.
Miles is a sturdy boy, about five years old and good with other dogs. He loves people and sniffing around the neighborhood on walks. Consider adopting this guy and give him the life he deserves.
Max is seven years old and great with other dogs. He likes walks and car rides and is a great protector. Max would not be a good fit with kids.
All of these great dogs are looking for their forever homes. Please make their wishes come true.
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.
For more information about the Pet Association, please visit our website at petassociationestespark.com.
Decisions … Positive And Negative
By: Judi Smith
Every decision made, from what movie to watch to what career to pursue, results in both positive and negative aspects. We all make these decisions every day. We decide for ourselves. We decide for our families. Many of us sit on boards of one kind or another. Each member of a board, whether private enterprise, public non-profit, or governmental entity, must weigh the expected outcomes, good and bad, before casting the vote he or she believes is best for the community concerned. Even a private business is a community affecting owners, employees, and customers. A non-profit affects those they serve, but also employees and donors. All must be taken into consideration.
Decisions at a governmental level are even more difficult because they affect so many people with such widely differing views. I do not, by any means, always agree with decisions made, but it is the job of those we elect, to decide – and we must respect those decisions. It is a tough job no matter what the question and I appreciate those who are willing to serve. Recent decisions have, or are expected to, materialize effects that will affect all aspects of our sustainability. Mentioning all of these would require a tome, but a few are mentioned below: The new economic tariffs will unquestionably raise inflation. Products from countries effected by the tariffs must raise prices which will raise costs for families and businesses in the USA – if they wish to buy the foreign made products. Conversely, if the tariff increases the cost of foreign made goods, US manufacturers should be more competitive. Who knows, eventually, it may enable them to pay a living wage, currently considered to be $24.52 per hour for a single adult with no children.
Companies following ecological guidelines, both mandated and voluntary, do find many costs expanding, particularly in researching improved packaging possibilities. Hopefully, the new standards in Colorado HB 22-1355 will lead the way to improved packaging alternatives, beginning in July, 2025. One consideration is compostable single use con-
tainers, Of course, to make use of such products, Estes will need practical access to industrial composting down-valley. Several states have or are considering Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws While each State has its own rules, the overall goal is to reduce single use packaging or redirect it to circular patterns. Currently, only 9% of US plastic waste is recycled. If we significantly reduce the total amount of plastic waste, this percentage will increase. As multiple states pass these EPR laws, there are changes already appearing in single use packaging, especially at the grocery store. We, as customers, can shorten this time-frame if we quit buying packaging that must be landfilled.
Another type of decision recently in the news concerns changes to zoning laws and the changing of an individual property zone. This is a kettle of worms. The Estes populace tends to distain change. We love the wide-open spaces, periodically filled with elk and other wildlife. The average age of this community keeps raising – to the extent that we no longer have a birthing center. Our school enrollment goes down each year. However, we also want products and services available locally. We need that. As we age, we cannot depend on shopping down-valley forever. We need a labor staff. We need professionals. We need homes for this workforce and their families. I know my position, but I am glad I am not responsible for this decision.
Joe Neguse was here in Estes Park on Friday. He mentioned that he would like to hear from the people. He would like to know what we are thinking. Apparently, what the government officials hear is not always everyone's thoughts. Some of us are too quiet. We forget that it is important to register our opinions. Opinions take work. Some of us are simply lazy. Some of us get too busy to participate. Some of us believe our opinions do not matter. But, this is a democracy. Our opinions do matter. Still, some of us believe we do not matter to our government. How will “they" know if we do not tell them?
Ode To A Mountain Town Exhibit Opens At The Old Gallery
Want to understand what makes living in a small mountain town special?
Just head to The Old Gallery in Allen-
spark this weekend for the opening of a very special exhibit, featuring original art by regional and local artists. The exhibit will highlight the charming mountain town of Allenspark and the wholesome mountain lifestyle that it provides both
its year-round and summer-only residents. These original and unique pieces of art will be available for purchase.
“There are a multitude of reasons why people choose to live in this small mountain town,” said The Old Gallery Artists’ Communication Co-op Julie Neri. “Clean mountain living, affordability, wildlife, outdoor activities, a small supportive community, natural beauty and a peaceful and quieter lifestyle are just a few reasons why we choose to live here.”
“Ode To A Mountain Town depicts and showcases aspects of living in Allenspark through the artwork displayed and the accompanying narrative,” she continued.
The work of 25+ talented local and regional artists are featured at The Old Gallery, offering original creations in ceramics, oils, acrylics, sculpture, jewelry, woodturning, photography, illustration, textiles and more.
The Old Gallery is a nonprofit that provides art, education, entertainment and social services to area residents and visitors, including the Community Cupboard Food Bank, Community Closet, yoga classes, concerts, art exhibitions and more.
Located at 14863 Highway 7 at the entrance to Allenspark, The Old Gallery is 20 minutes south of Estes Park and 20 minutes from Lyons.
The exhibit will be available for viewing and shopping through April 20. Winter hours at The Old Gallery are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Deb Stanger, Aspens.
Lois Edgar, Glass Mountain Horse.
Darlene Bushue, St Malo photographs.
Cheryl Pennington: Historic Allenspark lodges.
Julie Neri, A Cabin in the Trees.
YMCA Of The Rockies International Dinner Feb. 28
Travel, Dine, & Explore the World YMCA of the Rockies—Estes Park Center International Dinner
February 28, 6-8 p.m., Assembly Hall, $10 per person.
2025 EARLY ACCESS APPLICATION WINDOW
Early Access is an eligibility process for early entrance into Kindergarten or first grade for highly advanced gifted children. Highly advanced gifted means the student demonstrates exceptional ability or potential. For more information, see the Early Access Handbook at estesschools.org under Services & Support: Student Services, Gifted and Talented.
Early entrance would be for students who are age 4 by October 1st for Kindergarten or age 5 by October 1st for first grade.
The application window is March 1st-April 1st. If you would like an application, please send the request to rachel_graham@psdr3.k12.co.us
Any questions or additional information needed? Reach out!
Erin Miller, Elementary Principal erin_miller@psdr3.k12.co.us
Early Access is an eligibility process for early entrance into Kindergarten or first grade for highly advanced gifted children. Highly advanced gifted means the student demonstrates exceptional ability or potential. For more information, see the Early Access Handbook at estesschools.org under Services & Support: Student Services, Gifted and Talented.
Early entrance would be for students who are age 4 by October 1st for Kindergarten or age 5 by October 1st for first grade.
The application window is March 1st-April 1st. If you would like an application, please send the request to rachel_graham@psdr3.k12.co.us
Any questions or additional information needed? Reach out! Erin Miller, Elementary Principal erin_miller@psdr3.k12.co.us
On January 1, 2025, Marion Isabelle (Dooley) Dougherty passed away peacefully at the age of ninety at ViewPointe Senior Living in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Born June 21, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Isabelle and Joseph Dooley, and raised in Oaklyn, NJ, Marion lived a remarkable life that influenced her family and friends as a loving wife, mother, big sister, grandmother, and many other roles. She graduated from Collingswood High School in 1952 where she excelled in academics and enjoyed playing on the field hockey team. She was a Lieutenant in the Oaklyn, NJ marching band color guard. After graduation Marion attended Abington Hospital School of Nursing. While at Collingswood HS, she met the love of her life, Byron K. Dougherty. She and Byron were destined to be married and start a family, raising seven children in Mantua, NJ. Their marriage lasted just shy of 50 years when Byron passed away in 2003.
As a proud mother, Marion managed the large household and provided a structured and loving environment where the children knew she would always be there for them. She was known for her unwavering dedication to her family. Marion and Byron created countless memories with their family, usually involving sports, camping, the seashore, and the back yard pool. As the children grew older, Marion entered the workforce as a retail sales associate working for Sears, Roebuck and Co. In 1984, she and Byron moved to Houston, TX for a short stint before retired and moved to Estes Park, Colorado in 1989.
Marion enjoyed living in the moun-
tains of Colorado, where she worked at The Spruce House Christmas Store. She loved showing everyone the joy of Christmas year-round.
Marion will be fondly remembered for giving unique Christmas ornaments to her family and friends. Marion and Byron were part of a group that devoted their time and effort to establish Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church. She and Byron served in many roles such as supporting the construction of a new church building and establishing the SMLC Columbarium. Marion was well known for being devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 2016 Marion moved from Estes Park to Colorado Springs, where she lived the remainder of her long and tremendous life.
Marion is survived by her two brothers, Joseph “Butch” Dooley, Jr. (Stephanie), and Lawrence “Lonny” Dooley (Mary Anne); her children Janet (Dougherty) Walder (Michael), Stephen Dougherty (Karol), David Dougherty (Joyce), Paul Dougherty, Judy (Dougherty) McIlvaine (late husband Rob), and Glenn Dougherty (Lindsay); 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Byron and son Richard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Shepherd of the Mountains, 2000 Ptarmigan Trail, Estes Park, CO 80517.
An interment of ashes ceremony for Marion and Byron will be held on May 18th at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Estes Park, Colorado. A celebration of life will be held in New Jersey on a later date.
Excellent benefits package; includes medical, dental, vision, retirement (PERA), 401(k) options, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), & more
Summary: The Communications & Outreach Specialist maintains a critical conduit between the Library and the community it serves by implementing effective marketing strategies and coordinating successful outreach functions. This position carries out service goals and evaluates results in order to fulfill community priorities as identified in the Library's strategic plan.
Closing Date: 5 PM, Friday, February 28, 2025, or until filled.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:
Review full job description and apply at estesvalleylibrary.org/jobs
Only complete applications with cover letter and resume will be considered.
A d ve n t u re Activities d irector
The Adventure Activities Director is responsible for the Aerial Challenge Course, Climbing Wall Facilitation, the Gear Shop, and the Mountain Center Desk at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center. This position hires, trains, and supervises staff in all aspects of Adventure Activities, while also facilitating and developing programs to benefit guests.
$20.36/h - $24.17/h with full benefits, generous PTO/vacation, YMCA membership, and many more employee perks.
$1,300 monthly with all utilities included ! Long term rental available now until Memorial Day. Contact us at 1-970-779-7455
2br 1 bath Walkout
basement apartment, close to town, small yard, pets ok. Utilities included.
$1,850 per mo. Call (904) 687-8111
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
Class A Office
2014 Construction, Full Service, Furnished office in Downtown location, Near Town Hall. $800 per month. All internet options including Fiber available. Includes Conference Room, Handicap Restrooms, Copy and Scanning Facility, Coffee Room. Call Thom at Verus Commercial, Inc. 970-586-2448
Cabins
1 Bedroom, 1Bath Cabin, $1600/month, includes utilities. No smoking, dog friendly. 2 miles to downtown. Call 970-581-8487
Storage Units
For rent : 15’x 13’ x 10‘ tall storage unit. Some built in shelves. $225 / month. Outdoor vehicle storage also available. Call Mike 970-214-8844
SERVICES
Sewing/Alterations
Remixed Custom Sewing Services. Small Furniture, Restoration, Cushions and Industrial Repair. Call for appointment 970-492-5446
Piano Tuning
Susan Novy, local piano tuner. Call for appt. 577-1755 www.estesparkpiano tuner.com
ANTIQUES
Wanted To Buy
Wanted to buy. Paintings and fine prints by Colorado and Estes Park artists. 30 + years experience in the national art marketplace. Lone Tree Antiques and fine art email: Lonetreeantiques @aol.com. phone: 970-301-0248.
Commercial
Commercial Spaces for sale and lease.
Call Eric.
Anderson Realty. 586-2950
SALES
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
Estate Sales
Estate Sale Saturday 9-3
Follow Judi’s sings to: 821 Big Horn Dr.
Furniture, Glassware, Kitchen Items, Puzzles, Christmas Decorations, Costume Jewelry, Rugs, Mirrors, Yard Art, Wicker Rockers, Artwork & Frames, Adjustable Desk, Cabinets, Lamps, Chandeliers, Record Albums, Bric-a-Brac, Collectibles, Clocks, Exercise Bike, Tools, & More.
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
• Daycare • Outside group play
• Overnight Boarding • Grooming
• House and pet sitting
• Pet Photo Studio elenasbarkinglot.com elenasbarkinglot@gmail.com Call and text: 970 586 0340
