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Winter is in full swing in Estes Park. The air is crisp and the smell of pines fills the air. Whether you're looking to get cozy by a fire, go on a snowshoe adventure or stroll a picturesque downtown, you can have it all and more with a winter trip to Estes Park.
Start planning at VisitEstesPark.com
Happy Winter! While there may not be as much snow on the ground as usual, there is still a chill in the air and the hope for new beginnings as we ease into this new year. No matter the weather, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are great places to live well this winter
In this issue, you will find important news about new and old faces at Estes Park Health. You can also read about EPH’s plans for the future, information on Frozen Dead Guy Days from Visit Estes Park and dive into the history of the Stanley Hotel. Flip through the pages to get ideas about how to stay healthy and happy this year Enjoy!
Michael Romero, Publisher William Oster, Lead Reporter Dawn Wilson, News/Nature Reporter Daniel Sewell, Advertising Patti Brown, Freelancer Julie Webb, Distribution
The holidays are over and it’s not quite time for spring cleaning yet Embrace the beautiful winter in Estes Park!
This time of the year is a great time to focus on your health. Inside this issue, you’ll find interesting stories and important information on everything from fun events to winter escapes to opportuni-
ties to enhance your healthcare at Estes Park Health.
This “off season” in Estes Park is a wonderful time to take care of those important medical tests you may have been putting off. You’ll find an article with suggestions from Estes Park Health.
Did you know Estes Park Health has a new bone density machine (DEX A)?
Thanks to the women who ran for Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo, EPH had enough money to buy a brand-new scanner.
On these pages you can also read a column by EPH’s registered dietitian on ways to jump start your nutrition in the new year. There is also a feature story on the three hospitalists who take care of patients who need an ex-
tended stay at EPH.
Also, EPH has a skilled new eye surgeon who offers cataract surgery in Estes Park. See that article and the photos Estes Park Health is a proud sponsor of this publication. We hope you will find lots of useful information inside
The Estes Park Health team
Get ready! The weather this weekend will test even the hardiest of winter enthusiasts.
Wind chills will be in the negative temperatures thanks to strong winds out of the west at 30 mph on Saturday. It will snow most of the day too.
But no one says you can’t enjoy some outdoor adventures in those kind of tough conditions as long as you go out prepared.
There are many ways to prepare for being outdoors from carrying a GPS device and telling someone where you are going to wearing the right clothing and footwear to stay warm and navigate fresh snow.
But many people overlook the little details that can keep you safe and prevent conditions like frostbite and dehydration
Although this weekend will be mostly cloudy due to the snowy weather, Colorado still sees more sunny days than not That reflective light bouncing off the snow can be just as strong or stronger than summer rays And UV rays, particularly UVA rays, still penetrate overcast clouds common during winter months It is these types of rays that can cause the most damage to skin by accelerating the aging process and creating fine lines and wrinkles.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and about 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
And for those of us here in Estes Park, where we live, work and play at a higher altitude of 7,522 feet, we have higher exposure levels to the sun’s harmful rays The Skin
Cancer Foundation states that UV radiation increases by five percent with every thousand feet you rise above sea level
In the winter season, when the ground is blanketed with bright white snow, those harmful UV rays bounce off the snow and actually intensify. The harsh elements of winter weather, such as wind and dry, cold air also intensify the effects of skin aging and may actually erode applied sunscreen faster.
Make applying sunscreen part of the trail preparation routine Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 that is waterproof and sweat resistant
Just like protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, your eyes should also be protected.
At a minimum, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. For winter activities, wraparound glasses work well to protect UV rays entering from the sides.
On especially windy and snowy days, consider wearing ski goggles or glacier glasses. They will stay on better in strong wind and provide a larger coverage area.
Use lip balm
Colorado is a dry climate
Add in wind, snow and frigid temperatures, and the lips will be craving moisture well before they show signs of drying. Long-term neglect of lips may lead to cracking, peeling, bleeding and pain
The best lip balms for outdoor activities are those that do not contain menthol, phenol or salycilic acid These ingredients actually further dry out the skin.
Instead, look for lip balms with natural ingredients like coconut oil to soothe and repair cracked skin, beeswax to seal in moisture and shea butter to hydrate.
The rule of thumb is to drink one half liter of water per hour of moderate activity on days with moderate temperatures.
That may not describe the conditions on a winter day When the weather conditions deteriorate, your body may use more water to stay hydrated from the drying conditions of wind and air with low humidity.
When the weather is hot, hikers naturally drink more. On a cold, snowy day, hydrating may not come to mind as often so drinking while hiking needs to be more of an active reminder.
Cold temperatures can also
cause water in bottles and bladders to freeze so keep them insulated, buying insulated tubes and pouches for the bladder. The tube from a bladder can also be run inside a coat to keep it closer to your body. Bottles can be kept inside of a backpack instead of an outside pocket. Use a large sock or glove to insulate the bottle.
Remember that when water freezes, it expands Save space in the bottle for potential expansion to prevent cracking the container.
Running water hides underneath layers of snow Feet may break through ice when walking across a lake. Snow may get inside of a boot.
Because of these factors, it isn’t unusual for clothing to get wet on a winter hike. Bodies sweat underneath all of those layers and snow can penetrate boots. Snow also has a surprising way of sneaking in under clothes
Carry an extra pair of socks, a hat, base layer and gloves
Use waterproof gloves to prevent hands from getting cold and wet. Insert a hand warmer between the palm of your hand and the outer shell of a glove for a little extra warmth
PHOROS BY DAWN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY Longs Peak rises above the trees surrounding frozen Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.This is the first of a six-part series introducing readers to or maybe revealing some new, unfamiliar details to people already familiar with the history of The Stanley Hotel
As February approaches, the ownership, but not the management, will change hands of this Estes Park icon. New things are coming to The Stanley Hotel, with exciting new learning opportunities for filmmakers, entertainment expansions, a horror film center and much more.
Although the future of The Stanley Hotel looks bright with a long road still ahead, the history of The Stanley Hotel stretches back farther than most things in Estes Park, even opening before Estes Park was an incorporated town.
In the second piece in the series, we will take a look at the history of the Stanleys Who were they and what brought them to Estes Park? Why did they build such an ornate hotel in a fledgling rustic town? What was their impact on Estes Park then and how does that impact continue to be felt today?
In the third piece, we will explore the history of the owners of The Stanley Hotel after the Stanleys were involved in the property’s management but before current owner, John Cullen, purchased the property. Who were those owners? What happened to the hotel in the years between the Stanleys and Cullen? What was happening in Estes Park and around the world that changed the direction of the hotel?
In the fourth and fifth parts, we will delve into the history of the Cullen years at The Stanley Hotel, a period that stretches from 1995 to 2023 These two articles will be broken down into 1995 to 2013, when the massive flood of that latter year devastated Estes Park, and 2014 to 2023.
Why did he buy The Stanley Hotel? What changes, improvements and expansions did Cullen make at the hotel? What is Cullen’s impact on Estes Park? How has Cullen supported the community throughout his tenure as owner?
The final part will take a look at the future of The Stanley Hotel. In Nov. 2023, an announcement was made about a transfer of ownership but not management of the hotel to a non-profit. In Feb., these details will be finalized and plans will be announced about the near and long-term future of the property. This final piece will report on the exciting expansions and investments that are in the works.
The Stanley Hotel was built shortly after a time known as the Gilded Age. A result of the rapid expansion of industrialization and economic growth in the U S , many wealthy families were created during this time, a period that roughly occurred between 1877 and 1900
During this period and into the early 20th century, many wealthy and elite fam-
DAWN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHYIdentical twins Freelan Oscar and Francis Edgar Stanley were born on June 1, 1849 in Kingfield, Maine to parents Solomon and Apphia Stanley.
A farmer and teacher, their father instilled a sense of education and entrepreneurship in his twin boys, two of seven siblings. The brothers would eventually go on to start the Stanley Dry Plate Company, a company that would make them wealthy men, and the Stanley Motor Carriage Company, which made the Stanley Steamer. They also enjoyed making violins and had a fondness for music.
But the story of The Stanley Hotel, which F.O. opened in 1909, started more than halfway across the world with the birth of Windham Thomas Wyndham-Quin, the fourth Earl of Dunraven, in 1841 in Ireland.
More commonly known as Lord Dunraven, he arrived in Estes Valley in Dec. 1872. As an avid sportsman, he was enthralled with the abundance of game in the valley, and the lack of people. It is also believed that he saw the possibilities for business ventures in this region that was starting to gain some recognition.
Shortly after his arrival in the valley, Dunraven started to acquire land. Although American citizens could homestead up to 320 acres, foreigners were not permitted to take advantage of this opportunity Estes Valley also had not yet been surveyed for homesteading.
Instead, the shrewd Dunraven found a way to have the land surveyed and platted so it could be opened for filing by May of 1874 and then have U S citizens, probably mostly Denverites who had never seen Estes Park, claim the parcels After hiring Theodore Whyte, a young engi-
neer, to assist with his plan, Dunraven would buy the parcels back from the homesteaders for $5 to $10 an acre with the total median price of a parcel at $1,200. The titles were then transfered to Dunraven’s British holding company, Estes Park Company Limited.
In total, there were 31 purchases made for the 5,038 acres from these May 1874 filings, mostly lush property along rivers, creeks and springs, for $38,100. Additional purchases were made and by the time Dunraven was finished, he had about 6,400 acres in Estes Valley.
Even after Dunraven built the Estes Park Hotel and his hunting cabin along Fish Creek, he lost interest in Estes Valley and returned to Ireland in 1884, never to return to Estes Park.
Because of the prime real estate that Dunraven had acquired, including the land for the future Stanley Hotel, many suitors attempted to purchase the land None had success until F.O. Stanley.
F.O. Stanley suffered from tuberculosis, a lung infection caused by bacteria that was
cently known as Shelly’s Cottages three miles up the canyon from Lyons, for the evening When proceeding on his route the next morning, the hotel owner questioned the ability of the horseless carriage F O left the hotel at 9:10 a.m. and arrived at Sam Service’s general store in Estes Park at 11:00 a m , a drive that took at least six hours by stage was completed in one hour and 50 minutes.
one of the leading causes of death in the early 1900s. The disease, also referred to as consumption, would destroy the lungs over time, coming and going in severity of coughing fits with thick sputum
In 1903, after a severe recurrence of the disease, F.O.’s doctor advised him to head west to Colorado where the clean, crisp, dry air was believed to help tuberculosis patients F O , who was 53 years old, weighed only 118 pounds and told he only had months to live, and his wife, Flora, arrived in Denver on March 4, 1903, via train. His Stanley Steamer arrived a month later
As the temperatures warmed in the city with the arrival of summer heat, F.O.’s physician in Denver recommended he head to Estes Park. Flora and F.O. rented a cottage and started heading towards the mountains on June 29, 1903. Flora and their maid, Minnie Lundberg, took the train from Denver to Lyons and then boarded a stage up to Estes Park along a route that is now U.S. Highway 36.
F O followed in his Stanley Steamer, getting lost on the poor roads to Lyons. He stopped at Welch’s North Fork Hotel, a stage stop more re-
Even considering the challenging route to Estes Park, Flora and F.O. fell in love with Estes Park and purchased 8 4 acres of land to build a home in Sept. 1903. Today, their home is the Stanley Home Museum located on Wonderview Avenue and open for public tours.
The Stanleys knew this fledgling town that only had a couple of dirt roads and a handful of buildings was rustic by the best of descriptions Estes Park was much different than the upscale accommodations and facilities the upper-class couple was used to on the East Coast. F.O., however, saw the potential for recreation and tourism in this valley.
Even before their home was completed in the summer of 1904, F O started working on improving the infrastructure of the town by improving the wagon road along the North St. Vrain Creek, the same route he took on his first journey to Estes Park.
In the spring of 1904, he raised funds from local business owners to improve this route, later partnering with the state of Colorado to finish the road. In June 1907, Stanley drove over the new road, now U S Highway 36, for the first time.
Then, in 1907, Stanley came upon an opportunity to buy
COURTESY PHOTO ESTES PARK MUSEUMFor the Trail-Gazette
If you’re in search of a winter wonderland for your family’s holiday escape, look no further than Estes Park! Here, the majestic frozen landscapes, charming smalltown vibe, and an enchanting array of family-friendly lodging options make it the perfect destination for your winter break. Imagine waking up with the whole family to stuning views of snow-covered mountains and frosted forests. Sounds nice, right? Here are some terrific lodging options to accommodate your family this winter.
One such place ideal for families is the expansive
YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center. This beautiful 860-acre mountain retreat offers a range of lodging options including 250 cabins and nine lodges Here, your family can unplug, get closer to nature and enjoy a host of activities from yoga to ice skating to snowshoeing. Everything you need for an all-encompassing Rocky Mountain experience is here
A mere fifteen minutes walk from downtown, you’ll find The Ridgeline Hotel, a contemporary paradise with an ideal location You can take full advantage of your proximity to downtown restaurants, shopping, and breweries The whole family (especially the kiddos) will have a blast playing in the indoor pool and arcade. Not to mention the convenience of its onsite restaurant and bar, Latitude 105
Everything you need for an all-encompassing Rocky Mountain experience is here
Lodge is also pet friendly so you really can bring the whole family!
For a more intimate stay, consider the Castle Mountain Lodge. Nestled in the pines just minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park, this property offers quaint and cozy cabins that let you experience picturesque mountain living without sacrificing the comforts of home. Don’t miss out on their winter special providing snowshoes, firewood, popcorn and movie rentals for the whole family!
Located just two blocks west of Estes Park’s main street shops and restaurants, Murphy’s River Lodge is the perfect accommodation choice for a snowy winter stay Nestled against the river, this lodge allows families to enjoy both nature and the local attractions with ease Your comfort is conveniently amplified with an in-house continental breakfast, a relaxing indoor pool and hot tub, and private riverside decks. Enjoy a family night-in complete with free theatre-style popcorn and DVD rentals. Murphy’s River
Located adjacent to the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Rams Horn Village Resort offers luxury mountain cottages coupled with perfect views of the surrounding landscapes You’ll appreciate the privacy of your own cabin and the ability to make meals in your kitchen, combined with amenities like a heated pool, three hot tubs, and a clubhouse. Rams Horn is the perfect marriage between family-friendly and luxury lodging with the complete rustic mountain experience.
Several other lodges and inns cater to families and offer an array of amenities from stunning mountain views to whirlpools, in-room fireplaces and more. Find more family-friendly lodging options at visitestespark.com/lodging!
And remember, a family that stays together, plays together. So, this winter break, pack your warmest gear and head out to the snowy valley of Estes Park for a family winter vacation to remember.
JOHN BERRY VISIT ESTES PARKFrozen Dead Guy Days (FDGD), taking place in Estes Park over St. Patrick’s Day Weekend (March 15-17, 2024), is excited to announce the stellar live music lineup for this year’s festival With an eclectic range of artists from the “newgrass” stylings of Yonder Mountain String Band to the genre-defying Spafford there’s something for everyone.
One of the Rocky Mountains’ most beloved annual events for more than 20 years, the delightfully quirky Frozen Dead Guy Days moved from nearby Nederland to Estes Park in 2023. The “reborn” festival features live music, the famous coffin races and entertainment at the Estes Park Events Complex and The Stanley Hotel, with satellite events occurring around town. In 2024, more thrills and chills are in store, including the addition of the International Cryonics Museum, the new resting place of the festival’s inspiration, Grandpa Bredo Morstøl. FDGD’s 2024 live entertainment lineup includes:
Yonder Mountain String Band: With their wildly popular blend of bluegrass, rock and improvisational prowess, Yonder Mountain String Band effortlessly transcends traditional genre boundaries.
Spafford: Rock, funk, jazz, reggae, electro-pop, Spafford can do it all, bringing an improvisational flair to every moment onstage
The Sweet Lillies: With guitar, viola and upright bass given flight by ethereal vocal harmonies, the Sweet Lillies’ music has an old-time soul with a forward-looking eye.
DeadPhish Orchestra: Two great flavors that are even
better together. DeadPhish Orchestra interprets the music of the Grateful Dead and Phish, giving jam band fans everything they’re looking for and more.
A-Mac & The Height: This energetic Denver, CO-based band has a charismatic approach to Reggae-Jam-Rock fueled by conscious thinking, with lyrics that are uplifting, relatable and insightful.
The Jauntee: Formed in 2010, this Colorado band pushes the boundaries of improvisational music, combining elements of jazz, funk, rock and psychedelic jams.
Eminence Ensemble: Making complex yet digestible music, Eminence Ensemble’s prog style bridges the gap between the jam-band and more traditional music scenes.
Future Joy: With a fusion of live electronic beats and soulful sax, this dynamic duo serves up an unforgettable mix of soul and funk.
Chain Station: Vibe to the sound of this four-piece, high-energy, get ‘em out on the dance floor string band from Colorado.
DeadGuyDays.com. Tickets give access to all music, events and activities of the weekend except for the Royal Blue Ball, tickets for which are sold separately.
The best way to get your freeze on in 2024 is to make a weekend of it. Check out an array of Frozen Dead Guy Days lodging options, ranging from cozy bed & breakfasts to luxury mountain hotels Packages include:
Lucid Vision: Spreading light through sound, the Denver-based Lucid Vision brings listeners to a melodic realm of electronic genre bends
Float Like a Buffalo: This seven-piece, 10-instrument, high-energy Funk Rock band makes a unique sound that’s impossible not to dance to.
Los Mocochetes: This eight-piece Chicano Funk band fuses thoughtfully brazen, socio/politically charged song lyrics, groovilicious melodies and high-energy stage antics.
Living Room Band: A lively, Colorado-based band that covers everything from classic rock to reggae to funk.
Gary Hall and the Occupants: Based right here in Estes Park, this vibrant band embodies the essence of Colorado’s Classic Rock dance scene, igniting the stage with a high-octane performance. Their high energy promises an electrifying kick-off to Frozen Dead Guy Days.
Stay tuned for the surprise headliner to be announced soon Event tickets can be purchased NOW at Frozen-
Stay at Fall River Village, just a five-minute stroll from downtown Estes during Frozen Dead Guy Days and receive a 20 percent discount on your room rate when you book by Feb 14, 2024 Call 970-577-4000 or book online using promo code SPECIAL20
Experience FDGD weekend at The Ridgeline Hotel with their 2- Night Frozen Dead Guy package, including two tickets to Saturday’s festivities at the Events Complex Revel in the unique atmosphere and join the Bands & Bloodys Sunday Brunch on March 19, featuring live music from Peak2Peak (alcohol not included). Book online at www.ridgelinehotel.com.
Rams Horn Village Resort FDGD Specials:
Don’t Wake the Dead TwoNight Special: Save 20 percent on regular rates for a two-night stay.
Sleep Like the Dead Three or Four Night
COURTESY PHOTO VISIT ESTES PARKHello everyone and Happy New Year! If you are looking for a New Year’s resolution, there is no better way to start fresh with making healthy diet changes (and generating a healthier you).
Here are a few things to consider:
As we ring in the new year, start by assessing your current eating habits look at what you are eating and identify areas where you can make healthier choices.
Determine what you want to achieve regarding your nutrition and overall health this year. Do you want to eat healthier? Do you want to reduce your risk of chronic disease? Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to start an exercise regimen?
It is best to then set small, specific, and achievable goals
FROM PAGE 6
ilies of old and new money were building extravagant mansions. Dozens of homes were built across the U S to show off their wealth with opulence and impeccable styling inside and out. Mansions like Biltmore House in Asheville, N.C., which opened on Christmas Eve in 1895, The Breakers in Newport, R I , which was completed in 1895, and the Nemours Estate in Wilmington, Del., built in 1909, emphasized the owners’ stature in society.
Hotels were also being built for the wealthy, with Old World luxury catering to overstated tastes in locations near mountains, beaches and hot springs. Mohonk Mountain House in New York, the Greenbrier in West Virginia and the Grand Hotel on
that you can work towards to reach your overall desire. There are so many potential goals that you can create depending on your current eating habits and lifestyle. Below are a few ideas to choose from to help get you started.
New habits for this new year:
Eat more fruit and vegetables: Aim to incorporate a variety of colorful produce into your meals and snacks
Focus on whole foods: Fill your plate with a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These provide our bodies with the
essential nutrients they need to support our overall health.
Plan your meals: Take some time each week to plan out your meals and snacks. This can help you make healthier choices and avoid impulsive, less nutritious options.
Watch your portion sizes: Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Use smaller plates and practice mindful eating habits.
Cook at home more often: By preparing your meals at home, you have more control over the ingredients and portion sizes.
Drink more water: Staying hydrated is important for overall health. Try to replace sugary drinks with water throughout the day.
Reduce processed foods: As we mentioned earlier, cutting back on processed foods can have a positive impact on your health.
Be mindful of snacking: Choose snacks like fruits,
nuts, or yogurt instead of reaching for processed snack foods
Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and try to savor each bite I find it immensely helpful to eat without distractions such as my phone, laptop, and TV, and instead, enjoy my own or someone else’s company.
Remember, it is important to set realistic goals and make gradual changes. Progress takes time, so be patient with yourself You’ve got this!
If you are interested in diving further into your health and nutrition, I offer outpatient nutrition counseling and education services at Estes Park Health. Contact your healthcare provider for a referral If you have any questions or if there are any nutrition-related topics that you would like me to discuss here on Nutrition Notes, please reach out at LGardner@EPH.org.
wars, the Great Depression and other economic events plus changing tastes, however, all had their effect on the sustainability of paying for large-scale homes Many fell to the challenges of financial stability. Others were consumed by fire, with most being built with wood.
The history of The Stanley Hotel follows a similar path as these other opulent buildings, enjoying times of prosperity while also struggling with difficult financial challenges in some years. But a building is often more than a building, breathing life into a community and making memories for those who visit.
Mackinac Island, Mich were just a few of the examples of these fancy destinations.
Even in Colorado, where the mountain air was touted for its health benefits, homes and hotels catering to this upper-class sprouted up
across the state Places like The Brown Palace in Denver, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Hotel Boulderado in Boulder and Redstone Castle in Redstone, were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The impacts of two world
These articles will uncover some of that history and look at the impact the Stanleys had on Estes Park. The content will also look at how Cullen has rejuvenated and maintained a piece of American history for many future generations
CLIFF GRASSMICK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERWith warm weather long gone, snow begging to pile up and community events decelerating, Estes Park is entering into what one could call its hibernation period The time of year when town activity slows to a loll and the only tourists to be found are here to admire the snow-covered Rockies.
If you’re a year-round resident of Estes, however, don’t let the boredom take over just yet, for The Stanley has events to keep people enthralled through the new year. Here is your guide to finding the ones that captivate your interests
Located in the elegant, historic music room inside of The Stanley’s main lodge, visitors of the 217 Wine Bar can sip from some of the finest wine selections in Estes Park while enjoying a frontrow view of the snow-capped Rocky Mountain backdrop
When attending the new spot, guests will have more than 50 wines to choose from while snacking on assorted charcuterie offerings prepared by the house Michelin Star chef in one of the many conversational areas that allow for a quaint, communal atmosphere
217’s maître d’ regales his listeners with stories about the venerable old hotel and wine-parodied show tunes
A magnificent Steinway and Sons concert grand piano beneath a gold-leafed dome stands at the ready to fill the entire room with music.
Any guests craving more of a stiff beverage will have to travel just across the main lobby to the Whiskey Bar and Lounge at the Cascades Restaurant. With more than 1,200 selection to choose from, the bar boasts the largest variety of whiskeys and single malt scotches in Colorado inclusions that earned it a spot on Men’s Journal’s top ten list of “Best hotel whiskey collections to sample around the world,” this past December Whether sipping on the house favorite 291 smoked old fashioned or the signature redrum punch, this spot provides the perfect remedy for melting away that Colorado cold.
Looking for something more exclusive in your whiskey tasting? Look no further than The Vault. Located on the lower level of the main lodge, The Vault will be any whiskey connoisseur’s dream come true with a room full of single barrels and special bottles a majority of which are one of less than 200 in existence. The Vault offers private, curated tastings, exploring interesting whiskey
history, classifications and tips on the best way to enjoy the drink.
When it comes to spooky allure, The Stanley’s reputation precedes it Made infamous for being the inspiration behind Stephen King’s thrilling novel and film adaptation, The Shining, the past spirits that roam the hotel halls are rumored to be as active as the live ones
Guests have the opportunity to chase this rumored afterlife in the spirited night tours offered after dark. In this chilling attraction, tour members are led through the dark edges of the hotel by a knowledgeable storyteller to learn the history of the estab-
MATTHEW POUST ESTES PARK TRAIL-GAZETTE
FROM PAGE 11
lishment and see if they can’t come away with some spirited encounters of their own.
Fans of Stephen King’s Stanley-based literature and cinema work might also enjoy taking part in The Shining Tour. This experience will
Dunraven’s land Burton D Sanborn of Greeley arranged a deal to purchase Dunraven’s land for a reported price of $80,000. Sanborn did not, however, have the full amount and reached out to F.O. for assistance The two partnered and completed the sale with Dunraven on June 16, 1908.
Interestingly, the plans for The Stanley Hotel started in early 1907, before the sale of the land where the hotel would be built was finalized F.O. had the confidence to know this dream would happen; he knew he could build a resort in this rustic yet beautiful mountain valley that would resemble the opulent hotels familiar to him in New England.
Designed by F.O., architect T Robert Wieger and contractor Frank Kirhoff in the Georgian Colonial Revival-style, the 140-room hotel features a wood and steel frame built on a rocky hillside set against a backdrop of Lumpy Ridge. The south-facing hotel with unobstructed views of Longs Peak and other mountains of the Continental Divide was built with lumber hauled up from Denver on wagons and carts as well as timber harvested from Hidden Valley in what is now Rocky Mountain National Park.
Originally painted mustard yellow, a color that represented wealth, The Stanley Hotel also had a Porte Cochère, a covered parking
take tour members through the West Side of the Stanley Campus, both indoors and out, as they dive into the Stephen King theme, history and loads of spirited stories
This tour offers guests a chance to see the notorious “here comes Johnny” axe and the fully restored 1909 Caretaker’s Cottage located just past the hotel’s main gates with its replica bathroom from one of The Shining’s most hair-raising scenes. For
cinema and history buffs this tour can’t be missed
Adult guests who want a closer encounter with the afterlife have a chance to catch world-famous illusionist, Aiden Sinclair’s Underground shows and seances, hidden beneath the original Carriage house. Audience members of the Underground show will experience a once-in-a-lifetime showcasing of interac-
area in front of the hotel that allowed guests to enter and exit their vehicles out of the weather Inside, the most prominent feature in the lobby was the grand staircase, complete with spindles in sets of four designs to represent the four seasons.
By the time the hotel opened, it is estimated F O spent nearly $500,000 to complete the property, about $17 million today.
F O wanted not only a beautiful hotel but a destination that represented the luxury his circle would expect. As an example, when The Stanley Hotel opened its doors on June 22, 1909, it was the first all-electric hotel, including the kitchen, in the world. The guests were flabbergasted to find such luxury in the remote mountain valley.
In addition to the main hotel, the 160-acre campus included 10 other buildings. The Manor House, the winterized building to the east
tive magic shows that break the boundaries between fantasy and reality.
The séance, on the other hand, attempts to break the boundaries between the afterlife and the present by using bell, book and candle to communicate with the supernatural and have audience members’ questions answered.
For more information on entertainment at The Stanley Hotel, go to stanleyhotel. com/entertainment.html.
opening of The Stanley Hotel, sealed the recreation and tourism path for Estes Park’s future.
of the hotel, opened for the 1910 season. The Casino, now the Stanley Concert Hall, was completed with the main hotel in 1909 and contained two bowling alleys. And the Carriage House, the fourth building to the east, was also completed in 1909 and was originally built to house the Stanley Mountain Wagons that transported guests from the train stations of Lyons, Loveland and Longmont.
But F.O. couldn’t just have a grand resort without the luxuries his guests would expect rustic town or not
Although F.O. developed much of the infrastructure in Estes Park for the benefit of his hotel, the town reaped the rewards as well, turning this little mountain town into a popular tourist destination in less than a decade. The establishment of RMNP in 1915, just six years after the
In addition to the investment F O made to improve the route up to Estes Park, he also helped: fund the first bank in Estes Park; helped organize the Estes Park Water Company to supply water to the town; built the town’s first hydroelectric plant to generate electricity; donated the land for the first sewer line and invested in the installation and upkeep; helped form the Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course; donated land for the town garbage dump; and donated 54 acres that would eventually become Stanley Park and Lake Estes
Starting in 1906, F.O. also served as the president of the Estes Park Protective and Improvement Association, a role that helped re-energize the organization that led to the establishment of a fish hatchery in Estes Park, initiate the conversations that would create RMNP, and eventually bring elk back to the valley F.O. and Flora spent the rest of their lives in Estes Park, visiting each summer until their deaths in 1940 and 1939, respectively. He credited his time in Estes Park for why he lived nearly four decades longer than his doctor predicted in 1903.
The next installment of this six-part series will dive into the ownership, changes, and challenges of The Stanley Hotel from the end of F.O. Stanley’s involvement until John Cullen purchased the property in 1995
CL MCCLURE, PHOTOGRAPHER; ESTES PARK MUSEUM COURTESYDate: March 15th Time: 7:00 PM Location: Stanley Hotel Concert Hall Tickets
On Sale: Tomorrow, December 8th at 10 AM Get ready to thaw out your wild side because the Royal Blue Ball is back as part of the Frozen Dead Guy Days Festival. Imagine stepping into a night where time freezes, and you’re surrounded by the coolest vibes ever. Need proof? Check out the epic video from last year it’s a party you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just someone who loves a good time, the Royal Blue Ball is the ultimate kickoff event. Live music, mind-blowing performances, and more await you in this freeze-tastic celebration. Want to be the reigning monarch of the festival? Enter the Grandpa Bredo & Ice Queen Costume Contest for a shot at being Saturday’s royalty! Mark your calendars for December 8th at 10 am when Royal Blue Ball tickets are released to the general pub-
FROM PAGE 9
Save 20 percent for the first two nights and add a third and/or fourth night at half price.
Complimentary bottle of wine with every 3 or 4-night stay.
Book online at www luxuryestesparkcabins.com.
Not familiar with the Frozen Dead Guy Days saga? To make a long story short, the event celebrates an unusual turn of events that brought the frozen body of a deceased
lic, accessible exclusively to guests staying two or more nights at the hotel Explore our tempting 2- and 3-night packages by clicking HERE. And here’s an extra scoop of chill: You can also book tickets to our new Frozen Dead Guy Tour. Dive deep into the bone-chilling history of Bredo
Norwegian man to a Tuff Shed in Nederland, Colorado. Bredo Morstøl, or Grandpa Bredo, as Frozen Dead Guy Days devotees fondly refer to him, passed away in 1989, but his family cryogenically froze his body and shipped it to the U.S. Over the next decade, his legend grew amongst Nederland residents, and a winter festival was born to pay tribute to Grandpa Bredo with quirky events and activities.
In 2023, Frozen Dead Guy Days moved to Estes Park for a blockbuster inaugural festival.
This year’s FDGD will offer attendees the chance to
Morstol, the Frozen Dead Guy himself. It’s like a backstage pass to the coolest story in festival history. Hurry, spots are limited!
Ready to secure your spot at the Royal Blue Ball? Click HERE and get ready to dance the night away between March 14th 16th Don’t
be among the first to visit the new International Cryonics Museum. Housed in The Stanley Hotel’s historic Ice House, the attraction serves as Grandpa Bredo’s resting place and features fascinating exhibits about the science behind cryonics. For more information and tour reservations, go to www.stanleyhotel com
For more info and festival tickets, visit www.frozendeadguydays com For more information on Estes Park, visit www.visitestespark. com.
Visit Estes Park is the official Destination Marketing
just attend; make memories that’ll give you goosebumps for a lifetime! Tickets go live at 12/8 at 10 AM.
The Grandpa Bredo & Ice Queen winners from last year’s ball have already booked their rooms and are ready to party!
Book your room today!
Organization for Estes Park, Colorado. A Destinations International (DI) accredited DMO, Visit Estes Park’s mission is to drive sustainable year-round economic growth by encouraging visitor demand Estes Park, just 90 minutes from Denver, is the basecamp for Rocky Mountain National Park offering outdoor experiences, activities, dining, shopping and an environment that is welcoming and approachable. Known for world-class adventure, resident wildlife and scenic beauty, Estes Park is Colorado’s quintessential mountain town. To learn more, visit www.visitestespark com
Prepare for an exciting ride as we guide you through the astounding lineup of events set against the backdrop of Colorado’s breathtaking mountain landscapes Get the adrenaline pumping with events like the Estes Park Marathon and Half Marathon, or immerse in the rich musical rhythms at the Friends of Folk Festival. Go full cowboy at the action-packed Rooftop Rodeo or marvel at twinkling holiday lights during Catch the Glow. The list doesn’t end there No matter what your interests are, our event calendar is sure to become your event calendar
For the cozy
Winter in Estes is a serene yet exciting time. Bundle up and get ready for a season filled with immersive holiday experiences, whiskey and so much snow filled fun!
Nov. 18-Jan. 1, 2024
The “Catch the Glow” holiday season in this charming town is an enchanting experience that lasts for a full seven weeks, filled with non-stop festive celebrations There are so many holiday inspired events awaiting you. From the Holiday Makers Market to a Miracle pop-up bar to the beloved Catch the Glow parade, Estes Park for the holidays keeps getting better and better. Prepare to see Bond Park burst with life, especially during two special weekends packed with pure entertainment at Frosty Beer Fest and Glow in the Park Family Day and Sweets Stroll From Nov 18 to Jan. 1, you’re warmly in-
vited to stroll through breathtaking light displays, take photos in front of life-sized picture opportunities, and be captivated by the massive pole light tree that dazzles with synchronized light and music shows, putting on a mesmerizing performance every half-hour in the evenings!
Add some warmth to your winter with a splash of whiskey at Whiskey Warm-Up!
This event invites you to sample the finest Colorado whiskeys, enjoy live music and explore vendor booths, all set against the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop in the George Hix Riverside Plaza Delight in scrumptious treats paired with your favorite whiskey and bring home a bottle (or two) to reminisce about your adventure Remember the best part about this is that it’s an outdoor event, so come ready for some winter weather fun!
While Estes Park is known for its small-town charm, it
also comes with lots of spunk. These events are for the weird and the weird-adjacent, which pretty much means everyone!
This festival celebrates the story of Bredo Morstøl, a Norwegian man who was cryogenically frozen. From funky music and bone-chilling games, to offbeat contests and races, this weekend is an explosion of vibrant festivities. The quirky highlight? The iconic coffin races! Yes, you’ve read that correctly! Join the crowds cheering on courageous teams of pallbearers as they race against the clock. And to close out the weekend, wear your wackiest clothes and take on the polar plunge, which is exactly what it sounds like!
Bigfoot is coming to Estes Park in April! Kickstart the two-day event with a ticketed BBQ dinner, where you’ll get the chance to rub shoulders with renowned Bigfoot enthusiasts. Further, immerse your-
self in the free Bigfoot Days Festival on the following day, where the mysterious world of Bigfoot takes center stage. From live talks and appearances by Bigfoot TV celebrities to riveting games, music, crafts, and food, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for all.
This is our favorite season for fun events in Estes Park because who doesn’t love a backdrop of yellow and gold leaves! Compete in the bugling contest at Elk Fest and dance among the gold aspens at Autumn Gold!
Estes Park Elk Fest
September/October 2024
Estes Park just wouldn’t be Estes Park without its resident elk, and that’s why every year, this family-friendly festival throws a celebration during the Elk Rut Season perhaps the most active and fascinating times of year for our elk. From riveting live music and Native American dancing to engaging storytelling, educational sessions, and a fun 5k Rut Run, Elk Fest rolls out the red carpet for its elk.
Autumn Gold Festival
September 2024
As if the fall colors weren’t reason enough to come to Estes, Autumn Gold is the cherry (aspen leaf?) on top! A festival of beer, brats and bands in Bond Park makes for a great setting for basking in the fall colors.
For the active
Take the movement that already comes with a moun-
JOHN BERRY, VISIT ESTES PARK COURTESY PHOTOIf your New Year’s resolutions include taking better care of yourself, the “off season” is a great time to address your healthcare needs. At Estes Park Health, our staff is ready to help you take care of the medical appointments you may have been putting off
“It is a great time of the year to get your annual physical exam scheduled,” said EPH Diagnostic Radiologist Dr. John Knudtson. “Get in to see your doctor. Get those labs done that you have been putting off. Get your Well Woman Exam completed and get your immunizations updated Don’t forget about your annual mammogram.
We can almost always get you in within one business week and usually have results in less than 24 hours. Think about asking your doctor about your bone density We have a new DEXA bone density scanner thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo competition this past summer. We live in a beautiful but physically demanding place, and we all moved here to enjoy the nature that surrounds us. We want you to be able to enjoy the things that make living here so wonderful.”
Reg ular colonoscopy screening is also very important for your long-term health.
“Polyps usually don’t cause
“It is
any symptoms, but they can grow into colon cancer,” said EPH General Surgeon Dr Jennifer McLellan. “If you are average risk, you should have a colonoscopy every 10 years.”
Dr McLellan and Dr Christine Bogardus both perform colonoscopies at Estes Park Health and have openings now. Please have your doctor send a referral to Estes Park General Surgery for a colonoscopy and our staff will schedule your procedure as soon as possible.
Appointments are readily available for a wide variety of important care this time of year. There are rarely any lines or waiting at Estes Park Health. Come on in and see us and have a great 2024!
a great time of the year
to get your annual physical exam scheduled .... Get in to see your doctor. Get those labs done that you have been putting off.”
If an accident or an illness lands you in the hospital at Estes Park Health, our hospitalists are ready to get you better and get you home.
“A hospitalist is a physician that’s supervising and in charge of care of hospitalized patients,” said Dr. Christopher Ryan who is one of three hospitalists who take care of patients in the inpatient unit at EPH
“We see the kinds of breadand-butter medicine that can be taken care of at a smaller hospital So, infections of all sorts, injuries, acute bleeding issues, worsening of heart failure, strokes,” Ryan said “I love interacting with patients in a very acute setting, being able to see them start to finish Coming to the hospital sick and being able to at least go home and finish off the recovery process at home ”
Most of the patients are admitted to the hospital through the emergency room. Others, like Warren Wilkewitz, have gotten care or surgery at other facilities and are transferred to Estes Park Health to recover and rehabilitate close to home.
“I’m here to get rehab and treatment of a foot,” Wilkewitz said. “I have had problems with circulation. I have arterial insufficiency to the foot that has caused an infection and some gangrene that forced an amputation. And so, they’ve taken half the foot.”
Wilkewitz was admitted to Estes Park Health to try and get his wound to heal If that goes well, he’ll avoid an amputation below the knee.
“So, the stakes are very high,” he said. “And I’m trusting the care here in Estes because they’re very much dedicated to getting the kind of
objective and result that we’re wishing for We’ve got a good plan.”
Dr. Paul Fonken is one of the hospitalists taking care of Warren.
“One of the things this hospital is very committed to is taking care of the patients from our community,” Fonken said. “One of my favorite things is continuity. I love the relationships with patients. Many of the patients I know from the community. And then I get to care for
them for their whole stay. It is satisfying to see somebody get better quickly. We get to work with them multiple days in a row, see them get better, and then discharge them to home.”
Dr. Kenneth Epstein is the other hospitalist who takes care of patients who need to stay at Estes Park Health. He says being a hospitalist allows him to concentrate on cases from start to finish.
“I can focus all my knowledge on hospital-based prob-
lems,” Epstein said. “They are my focus. My only focus. It’s a short-term continuity. It may only be three or four days But I spend all that time and I really get to know the patient and the families In a town like Estes Park, often I see the same patients, same families come back over the years So there really is some continuity. They know me. I know them when they come to the hospital The advantage of admitting them here at Estes Park is they don’t have to go down the hill. We can keep them in their local community. In terms of family, being here in town is huge.”
Wilkewitz added that having a hospital in Estes Park is convenient for him and his loved ones.
“My family is able to come easily rather than going to the valley to visit me,” he said. “And I’ve been impressed with the way this staff has worked with the surgeon and the staff at the larger hospital. And I feel that I’m getting the kind of care that I need and would hope for. I’m very, very grateful ”
For professional and personalized hospital care close to home, think Estes Park Health.
To watch a video about Estes Park Health hospitalists, go to youtu be/5KaKGt0BN2g
WENDY RIGBY ESTES PARK HEALTH EPH’s Dr Paul Fonken takes care of hospitalized patient Warren Wilkewitz of Estes Park WENDY RIGBY ESTES PARK HEALTH Dr. Christopher Ryan is one of three hospitalists at EPH He takes care of inpatients at Estes Park Health. WENDY RIGBY ESTES PARK HEALTHThere is nowhere on Earth that my wife and I love more than Estes Park and it’s likely you feel the same if you are reading this article! But that said, we still love road trips time together, joking around, taking in new scenery, reliving memories together, with possibly the most important road trip ingredient being music that we both love, playing constantly in the background. One band that we both enjoy on the road is Sister Hazel, and we’ve burned through a whole lot of road mileage with their music in the background They have a song titled, “Something to Believe In,” which has a phenomenal line in it ”I’ve done all the wrong things for all the right reasons, and all the right things in all the wrong seasons ”
I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Finance Degree, have a post graduate certificate in banking, have an MBA in Finance and Economics, lectured at the University level for over a decade, have a 30 year banking career under my belt, and currently serve as the President and CEO of the only truly local bank and holding company in town Bank of Estes Park. And even with all of that I am not sure I’ve ever heard a better line than that to describe what many people feel about their own finances (and other areas of life as well). Many (if not most) people relate to the sentiment embedded in that line of the song that the tide was in but they didn’t have a boat, or that they had a boat but it was the wrong kind or the tide was out.
If you relate at all to this theme so far, maybe it’s time to make sure that you are doing all the RIGHT things for
of doing a deep dive into your answers to those questions, ensuring that you are receiving the very best (personalized) advice in each category of life that you feel is important. And, of course, your local bank is always here to help we are obviously happy to take care of your banking and borrowing needs in ways that only your local bank can, but we’re also happy to help you find expert advice in the realms that don’t relate to your banking needs and plans whenever needed. Serving our clients and community in any way that we can is not just what we do it’s who we are.
In a publication dedicated to Living Well in Estes Park, and with a renewed commitment to do the right things for
the right reasons, and in the right seasons (by seeking expert and personalized advice), it seems fitting to note the words of the great and timeless philosopher, Jon Bon Jovi (also a road trip favorite), “It’s my life and it’s now or never, ‘cause I ain’t gonna live forever. I just want to live while I’m alive ” The scenery and setting of our lives in Estes Park could not be more perfect so make sure your plan for 2024 and beyond is built on the best advice available in all of the major categories of your life, make and follow a deliberate plan, and then just live, enjoy, prosper, and help others to do the same. Because as Aerosmith very aptly put it, “Life’s a journey, not a destination.”
the right reasons, and in the right seasons and the right time to start is always now, not later So, as we all go through 2024 together in the best place on Earth, I would suggest that you ask yourself the following questions (not in any particular order) if you haven’t already. First, where do you get your life advice? Second, where do you get your legal advice? Third, where do you get your accounting advice? And fourth, where do you get your financial advice?
By the way, it’s POSSIBLE that one name is the answer for all four questions, but that would be extremely rare. In order to get the very best advice in each category, you will frequently need four different names to answer those questions If you’re feeling motivated, then expand the list health advice, spiritual advice, social advice, etc. the more deliberate and careful you are about whom you seek counsel from, the more predictable the results of following that counsel can become Maybe let 2024 be the year
BANK OF ESTES PARK COURTESY PHOTO
Peggy Beck of Estes Park recently had brief eye surgery at Estes Park Health that will help change her vision for the better. Like many seniors, Peggy has cataracts. That’s a condition when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy over time due to protein degradation as the eye ages
“Pretty much everybody gets cataracts,” EPH Ophthalmologist Dr Sarah Dech said. “It’s just whether they get bad enough that you need surgery. Cataracts are pretty much unavoidable It’s kind of like getting wrinkles. It just happens with aging. We watch them and once they’re bad enough that they’re impacting your vision, we would go ahead and take them out.”
Cataract surgery patients are sedated but awake during the 15-minute procedure. The surgeon preps the eye and holds it open as she operates while peering under a powerful microscope.
“I make a very small incision in your cornea which is the front most part of your eye,” Dech said “I enter that small incision with an ultrasound machine. I use the ultrasound machine to break up the lens into multiple little pieces and I use that same machine to vacuum it out. I do some cleaning up and then we insert a lens into the eye.”
The lens is folded up like a tiny taco to fit through the slit. The warmth of the eye causes it to unfurl into place. No sutures are used. The eye will heal on its own Beck is grateful to have this kind of precision eye surgery service close to home.
“It’s nice and close,” Beck said. “The physician is very accessible. And I can call and reach somebody right away
That’s very helpful. Very nice. Dr. Dech is wonderful. I’m sending other people to her.”
“You’re taking somebody who wasn’t seeing very well and hopefully giving them very good post-op vision,” she said. “People are grateful for that. It’s giving them their quality of life back.”
diabetic eye disease, retinal detachments, floaters, and acute infections.
to home, think Estes Park Health.
To watch a video about cataract surgery at Estes Park Health, log on to https:// youtu.be/QcjjRbTE7CM.
degeneration, glaucoma,
Along with cataracts, Dech also helps patients with macular
“I think the patients at Estes Park Health are just incredible,” Dech added “Everyone is so grateful to have ophthalmology up here and I really feel that. I feel appreciated and everyone is so kind and so gracious.”
For precision eye care by a highly trained surgeon close
Estes Park Health is comprised of skilled, compassionate caregivers. We are a critical resource in our mountain community, providing the full spectrum of care for our friends, neighbors, and visitors, from pediatrics to geriatrics With a persistent dedication to patient-focused care, we continue to score high on key measures in patient satisfaction surveys. Estes Park Health was founded in 1975 as the Elizabeth Knutsson Memorial Hospital per a tax subsidy voted on by the citizens of Estes Park. Today, more 18,000 patients residents and visitors alike see our healthcare teams for both outpatient and inpatient services
WENDY RIGBY ESTES PARK HEALTH Peggy Beck gets ready for cataract surgery at Estes Park Health WENDY RIGBY ESTES PARK HEALTHEvelyn Wilson of Estes Park took an important step in protecting her bone health this month She got a DEXA scan. DEXA stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Simply put, it’s a quick and painless test using x-ray to help physicians monitor the density of your bones.
“It can be your primary, any doctor, an orthopedic doctor, even endocrinologists because they’re interested in thyroid labs and different labs that may leach your calcium from your bones and then distribute that calcium into your bloodstream,” said Marcy Kimbro, a technologist who administered Wilson’s DEXA test “We want to keep that calcium in the bone.”
Estes Park Health acquired a new DEXA machine in the fall of 2023, thanks to the efforts of Estes Valley women who took part in the Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo competition The group raised a record-breaking amount of money in this year’s cam-
paign and provided Estes Park Health with enough money to buy the machine and fund the service and maintenance contract.
“It really speaks to their motivation to support the hospital, to support the mission, and really to get it done
and raise what we needed to raise to get the new machine,” said Dr. John Knudtson, EPH Radiologist “When a group of women decide that they’re going to get this done, there’s nothing that’s going to stop them ”
The new DEXA a GE Lunar machine is used multiple times every day at Estes Park Health
“The demand for DEXA scans here is quite high because we have a lot of patients who are at risk for bone density loss and yet they want to remain active and make sure they don’t have any problems with pathologic fractures or osteoporotic fractures that prevent them from doing the things that they want to do,” Knudtson said.
For Evelyn, the test made sense
“It was recommended by
WENDY RIGBY, ESTES PARK HEALTH COURTESY PHOTO
To protect the community and healthcare professionals and to keep medical waste out of the general trash and the environment Estes Park Health has installed two new sharps disposal containers for the community to drop off their used syringes.
For years now Estes Park Health has provided drop-offs for unused or expired medications. The EPH Pharmacy Department collects those unwanted meds and sends them to a company that destroys them free of charge
Now EPH is adding sharps disposal bins as well. No
packaging can be placed in the red sharps bins. However, small plastic containers that patients use in their own homes to collect their needles can be placed in the bins EPH’s waste company will dispose of the sharps.
The medication drop-offs and sharps collection containers are in two places in Estes Park Health. One set is in the lobby to the left when you enter the front of the hospital.
These containers will be accessible during business hours. The other location is in the lobby of the Emergency Department at the back of the hospital. These bins are accessible 24 hours a day.
With the advent of technology, much of our life involves being connected via our smartphones, our smart devices, or through various portals on the Internet. We as people value connections and look to find purpose in being connected with those we care about, the ideals that we care about, and the various forms of entertainment we like to enjoy.
The pace of technology changes so fast that there are new ways to connect and engage across the world almost every day. So what does that have to do with hearing?
Untreated hearing loss is becoming more and more of a health concern in the United States. The average person first notices hearing loss and then waits up to 7 years to get help. The average here is interesting because the actual numbers indicate people either seek care for their hearing within the first 18 months or wait until nearly 10 years
During that time, a person’s hearing may continue to change and communication areas of the brain receive less and less input. Several studies in the last 5 years have looked at the rate of cognitive decline as it relates to hearing loss.
Hearing and communication is a task that requires significant effort from the brain. When hearing loss is present the resources of the brain are strained with additional listening effort and trying to understand what is being said from other context
Researchers have found that the cognitive load on the brain reduces other functioning tasks and can reduce mental acuity, speed, and can lead to overall reduction in brain capacity over time due to the increased strain from hearing loss.
It also appears that just like a muscle, connections in the brain that are not used or receive less stimulation will shrink and become less robust. Researchers have suggested that providing clear sound signals to the brain can
keep these pathways healthy, thus preserving communication and allowing the brain to spread resources to other functions keeping the overall state healthy
Researchers have found hearing loss can affect the overall well-being of a person as well Hearing loss has been associated with accelerated cognitive decline and emotional distress leading to depression.
Those with hearing loss tend to avoid social situations given the difficulty of communicating and the frustration of having to ask others to repeat constantly
Being able to hear clearly and understand conversation allows for people to continue to remain active in social circles and to enjoy the company of others.
So what to do? Are you or someone you care about asking others to repeat frequently what has been said? Are you or someone you care about listening to the television at a loud level and yet still having difficulty follow-
ing the dialogue? If so, it is time to visit with an audiologist
Visiting with an audiologist and establishing a baseline hearing test is the 1st step in this process. A baseline hearing test not only looks at your hearing ability and acuity but is also meant to judge the overall health of your ears.
Both of which are extremely important. Working with an audiologist you can determine the level of your hearing loss During this time working with the audiologist you can also discuss better communication strategies for both you and your loved ones as well as appropriate technology to assist you in better hearing. A continued relationship with the trusted audiologist is important for the future and the overall health of your hearing and communication abilities.
WENDY RIGBY ESTES PARK HEALTH EPH Environment of Care Program Manager Mark DeGeldere shows the new sharps container located by the medication drop-off in the lobby at Estes Park HealthFROM PAGE 16
tain vacation to the next level by signing up for one of these challenging events.
June 15-16, 2024
The Estes Park Marathon and Half Marathon are total Colorado classics! Forbes Magazine even gave them props, ranking them in the top 7 most scenic courses in the USA. Bring the whole gang to Estes Park for a jampacked weekend of running and mountain fun. Enjoy that crisp mountain air, soak in those epic snow-covered peaks, cruise down to Estes Park valley, run through meadows, and wrap it all up at the track and field finish line.
July 28-29, 2024
States Unlock your cowboy at events like bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, mutton busting, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing!
For the music-lovers
Of course, almost every event in Estes Park comes with live music but here are a few completely dedicated to the song and dance.
Snowygrass
July 12-14, 2024
Rocky’s Backyard Ultra is a 4.167 mile trail loop consisting of a small section of gravel road and single-track trails. This race runs on the YMCA of the Rockies campus bordering Rocky Mountain National Park. The Backyard Ultra is a form of Ultra Trail race where runners must complete 4.167 miles in less than one hour, every hour, until only one runner remains to complete a lap
In Estes Park, we value belonging and creating places where we can truly be ourselves!
Jan. 12-14, 2024
The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon, 5K, and Elk Double (Half Marathon + 5K) offer you the freedom to select your ideal adventure. This course promises a challenging yet picturesque run along paved roads. It starts and ends at Stanley Park near Lake Estes, ensuring you’re treated to breathtaking mountain views. These events are accessible to individuals with strollers and disabilities.
FROM PAGE 21
my doctor,” she said. “I’m guessing because of my age. I know especially in women that we tend to shrink a little bit and our bones do get more fragile. And small things like falls and whatnot can make a big difference. I just want to be proactive about it.”
This is Evelyn’s first time to get a DEXA exam It can be
used as a baseline for future testing. The test only takes about 15 minutes Technologists zero in on specific bones that give doctors a good idea of total body bone health.
“The lumbar spine vertebrae are the densest bones in the human body,” Kimbro said “We do the hip We try to do the hip or femur area because that is a high-risk fracture site.”
The good news is if a patient shows signs of bone loss, simple interventions like supplements, exercise and diet
Immerse yourself in a captivating celebration of Indigenous culture at the First Peoples Festival! This festival is an intriguing blend of art, music, language, and oral traditions. The main event, scheduled for Jan 12-14, 2024, is just the highlight of a series of captivating happenings including educational workshops, artwork displays, and interactive demonstrations.
June 2024
Come show your pride at Performance Park this June! This annual family-friendly event is overflowing with love, live bands, guest speakers and performances, food trucks and so much more!
July 5-10, 2024
Known as “The Rodeo with Altitude,” the Rooftop Rodeo is the rodeo held at the highest altitude in the United
changes can help. If the problem is more serious, medication for osteoporosis can be prescribed.
“It can really change your life,” Kimbro said.
The new DEXA machine provides fast answers that can yield a wealth of information about both health
“The new machine is all updated with the new computer and the results are quicker, more accurate, and it has all of the latest bells and whistles and all of the good things that we associate with
Set in the stunning Stanley Park, get ready for 3 days at Snowygrass, an Estes Park tradition that showcases some of the area’s best roots, bluegrass and Americana singers, songwriters and performers. Bring your picnic blankets, camping chairs and maybe even your camper if you want the full experience of staying on-site
There is an inexplicable energy manifested at the Friends of Folk Festival, one that can only be attributed to the community’s love for local legend Dick Orleans Dick Orleans’ legacy lives on in many ways, Friends of Folk Festival being one. This music-packed event is put on annually at Performance Park, a beautiful amphitheater backed up by a dramatic rock face Come dance to local and national talent in late June.
new technology,” Dr. Knudtson said. “You will not find any better equipment anywhere else.”
For Evelyn, having the latest technology in Estes Park is convenient.
“I’m glad we have this machine here,” she said. “This is awesome ”
For important diagnostic testing close to home, think Estes Park Health.
To watch a video about the new DEXA machine at EPH, log on to https://youtu.be/ VQmDzwghbM0
JOHN BERRY, VISIT ESTES PARK COURTESY PHOTO