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The 2026 cohort for the BASE 2.0 program has been selected and represents a wide range of local businesses. The program, funded by the Economic Development & Workforce Council in partnership with numerous investors, is also welcoming back graduate Kevin Benes, owner of Running Wild Events as the facilitator to lead the 10-week program and help Estes Valley entrepreneurs create stronger, more sustainable businesses.
“The BASE program gave me the tools, structure, and confidence to grow my business in a more intentional and way that leveraged local business partnerships,” said Benes.
“As a graduate and now facilitator of BASE 2.0, I’ve seen firsthand how it helps local entrepreneurs clarify their vision, build financial literacy, and plug into a supportive business ecosystem. It’s one of the most valuable resources available to the Estes Valley business community and I'm thrilled to be the next facilitator,” he added.
BASE 2.0 is an intensive program requiring a significant commitment.
Over the two-and-a-half month period, the cohort participants will develop a full operating plan for their business. To get there, they will have personalize support from local entrepreneurs, 1-on-1 guidance from pro-
gram partners, and weekly expert speakers to educate them on everything from crafting business goals to financial forecasting, making strategic connections, and growth planning.
The 2026 cohort includes: Alex Shaughnessy of Avant Garde Aleworks, Andrea Baran of The Spice Rack, Audriellen Smith of Smith Sign Studio, Bonnie Nutt of Backbone Adventures, Brandi Powell of Kittly Coffee & Lemonade, Chance Carner of Park Supply, Christian Newendorp of Avant Garde Aleworks, Claire Molle of Rocky
Mountain Productions, Daisy St Pierre of Rocky Mountain SereniTEA, Dawn Bodin of Jubilations Catering and The Bristlecone, Evan Eykel of Space Coyote Tattoo, Jennifer Newhouse of Newhouse Group, Jordan McMahill of Estes Park Provisions, Kathleen Kelly of Jubilations Catering and The Bristlecone, Kenneth "Andy" Hitch of Backbone Adventures, Madison Hitch of Backbone Adventures, Mike Stein of Colorado Games Company, Molly McGee of Omnibus, Patti Brown of Estes Valley Voice, Suchita Shrestga of Estes Park Mountain Vault, Tracey Stein of Colorado Games Company, Trent Abbott of Estes Valley Vacation Rentals, and Vlad Volk of Glacier Gorge Property Management.
Economic Development & Workforce Council investors make the BASE 2.0 program possible, including generous support from: Town of Estes Park, Bank of Colorado, Visit Estes Park, Larimer County, YMCA of the Rockies, UC Health - Estes Valley Medical Center, Benbrook Plaza, Holiday Inn Estes Park by IHG / Delaware North, Estes Park Housing Authority, and the Estes Valley Library. Additional support is provided by sponsors, including: Expedition Lodge, Bank of Estes Park, Poppy's Pizza & Grill, Mountain Berry Bakery, and Claire’s Restaurant & Bar.
Estes Park Museum Members Permanent Gallery Tour
On Thursday, February 12 at 4 p.m. new members to the Estes Park Museum 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. Member tours of the permanent gallery are offered quarterly throughout the year. This tour will be a repeat of those that have taken place previously.
During this after-hours tour, members and their plus ones will explore features of the permanent exhibit
including the 1909 Stanely Steamer Runabout, historic films, oral histories, artifacts dating throughout Estes Park’s history, and the exhibition process. 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. Please visit estes.org/museumfriends (please designate online donations
as “Annual Donation”), or stop by the Museum to sign up. The Museum gallery is open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get Outside & Enjoy The Beauty Of Winter In RMNP
It's a great time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter in Rocky Mountain National Park. When recreating, be prepared for winter weather and trail conditions.
Most trails in RMNP located above 9,000 feet in elevation are covered with snow and ice. Waterproof boots and traction devices are advised, and hiking poles are helpful.
If venturing to higher elevation destinations, expect deeper and softer snow. Snowshoes help provide flotation to prevent postholing. What are traction devices?
There are many different styles available. These devices attach to the bottom of your boots and help provide traction when walking on trails with hard-packed snow and ice.
When hiking near bodies of water, use caution. Alpine lakes and streams may look frozen, but the ice could be thin. Use extra caution near any inlets and outlets where water is flowing beneath the ice, as ice on the surface of the water is thinner at these locations.
See RMNP's latest Trail Conditions Report at nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_conditions.htm.
On January 26, police were called to 511 Aspen Avenue. On scene, they contacted a 18-year-old female and charged her with violation of a protection order. Police also served the suspect with two misdemeanor/traffic arrest warrants. She was arrested and transported to Larimer County Jail.
On January 27, police stopped a 39year-old male driver at 451 E Wonderview Avenue. The suspect was cited for driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and failure to yield right-of-way when proceeding from a stop sign.
On January 30, police were called to the 1400 block of S St. Vrain Avenue.
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 25, 2026, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 11 calls for service.
On scene they contacted a 45-year-
old male and charged him with domestic violence and harassment. He was arrested and transported to Larimer County Jail.
On January 31, police stopped a 32year-old female driver in the area of W Highway 34 and Rock Canyon Road. The suspect was charged with driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, driving a vehicle with blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more, and failure to drive a vehicle on the right side of the road. She was booked and released.
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This included:
• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 4
• Elevator Rescue: 1
• Alarm Activation: 2
• Water Rescue: 1
• Gas Leak: 2
• Mutual Aid: 1 estesvalleyfire.org
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Please call 970.495.8560 to register. Space is limited.
MEDICARE 101
This free class explains the parts of Medicare A, B, C and D. We will talk about Medicare Advantage, supplements insurance and much more.
This is not a sales presentation. This is taught by a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor (SHIP).
All classes will be at: Crossroads Ministry 1753 Wildfire Road Estes Park, CO
Dates and times:
• 10–11:30 a.m. Feb. 11
• 10–11:30 a.m. March 11
Explore Park Science & Stewardship At Rocky Mountain National Park’s Biennial Research Conference
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) invites you to explore research, monitoring, and management during the Biennial Research Conference “Park Stewardship: From Discovery to Decision” on March 4-5 at The Holiday Inn in Estes Park. Scientific research is an integral part of science-informed decision making and adaptive management at RMNP. The park utilizes a collaborative process in which park staff and research partners work together to conduct research to address management questions.
The Biennial Research Conference is presented by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. It is free and open to all who are interested in attending. No pre-registration is required.
Conference highlights include 27 oral presentations by research partners and park staff, a poster session highlighting over 20 research and public engagement activities in the park, an Alpine Ecosystem Question and Answer Panel with park staff and partners, and a Conversation Café in which members of the public can engage in structured, smallgroup discussions about vital wetland ecosystems in the park.
Oral presentations are organized into sessions covering related subjects. Sessions will focus on forestry and wildfire, park histories and cultural resources, research conducted by Rocky Mountain Conservancy fellows, wildlife studies,
long term monitoring projects and management applications, and alpine ecosystem research and stewardship. Oral presentations in the alpine ecosystem session and following subject expert panel will also be available to attend virtually.
New to this year will be an in-person screening of the Alpine Ecosystem oral session and panel held at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center in Grand Lake. This event is free and open to the public to provide an opportunity for engagement with the conference for the Grand Lake community and will include opening remarks from park staff. The screening will take place in the Auditorium of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, located at 16018 US Highway 34, Grand Lake, CO.
Conference events begin at 8 a.m. each day and conclude at 5 p.m. on March 4 and 4:30 pm on March 5. For a complete schedule of events, to access the wetland ecosystems session virtually, and other accessibility information, visit: go.nps.gov/RMNPConference2026.
The conference will take place in the Ballroom of The Holiday Inn Estes Park, located at 101 S Saint Vrain Avenue, Estes Park, CO. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please visit nps.gov/romo or call the park Information Office at 970586-1206.
Estes Park Visitor Center To Temporarily Close For Flooring Installation
The Estes Park Visitor Center lobby and restrooms will be closed beginning February 9, tentatively, for installation of new flooring. The building is expected to reopen no later than February 15.
During this time access to the building will not be available. Portable restrooms will be provided on-site for visitor convenience. Visitor Center staff will continue to provide assistance by phone and email during regular hours Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If work extends into Sunday, hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We appreciate your patience as we make these improvements to enhance your experience at the Estes Park Visitor Center.
For more information, please visit our website page at estes.org/visitorservices, contact us via email at visitorservices@estes.org, or by phone at 970-577-9900.
EV Watershed Coalition Presents: Zebra Mussels In Colorado
Thursday, February 12, 6-7 p.m.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife is tracking an emerging threat in the state’s waterways: zebra mussels. Initially found in the Great Lakes region, these invasive mussels have spread across the U.S. and are now being detected in parts of the Colorado River. Robert Walker, CPW’s Aquatic Nuisance Program Manager, has been monitoring their spread and assessing the risks they pose.
Zebra mussels may be small, but their ability to multiply quickly and attach to nearly any surface makes them highly disruptive. They can alter food webs, crowd out native species, and damage
infrastructure that communities rely on. For Colorado’s rivers and streams — already under pressure from drought, warming temperatures, and increased demand — the arrival of zebra mussels adds another layer of complexity to the water systems.
Understanding how these species spread, what their presence means for local ecosystems, and what prevention efforts look like is important for anyone who depends on or cares about Colorado’s waterways.
Join us on Thursday, February 12 via Zoom or in person at the Estes Valley Community Center. Make sure to RSVP at evwatershed.org!
Applications Available For Estes Park Board Of Adjustment
Applications are currently being accepted for volunteer positions on the Estes Park Board of Adjustment.
To learn more about the boards and commissions and to view meeting minutes, projects, and associated links, please visit estes.org/boardsandmeetings.
The volunteer application is available at estes.org/volunteering.
Submit the volunteer application, resume, and cover letter no later than 5 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026.
Skijor 2026 Stats... & A Big Announcement For 2027!
By: Kevin Benes, Running Wild Events & Estes Park Skijor
With the dust from Skijor settled, we have some weekend stats to share with you all:
9,600 total attendees from 48 states 370 competitors over three days, 66 from Estes Park
61 Volunteers
Our full results can be found at my.raceresult.com/368850.
Our big announcement is a change of dates for 2027. We are moving to March 12-14, 2027. This gives us more time with colder weather to make the appropriate amount of snow and has the added benefit of getting us off Sundance weekend.
Thank you all for your continued support and we will see you back in 2027!
Photos courtesy of In Focus Photography
The Rooftop Rodeo Parade will kick off 2026 Rooftop Rodeo week on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10 a.m. The parade route will start at Performance Park, traveling down Elkhorn, and ending at the fairgrounds at 1125 Rooftop Way.
The Theme for the Parade will be "America 250 - Colorado 150" joining the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence— our nation’s semiquincentennial, and the 150th anniversary of Colorado's entrance into the Union—our state’s sesquicentennial. As the Centennial State, Colorado is the only State observing twin anniversaries—our Sesquisemiquincentennial. We are thrilled to commemorate these huge milestones with the Rooftop Rodeo Parade!
The Rooftop Rodeo invites equestrian groups, service clubs, local businesses, youth groups, rodeo royalty, and others to join in the fun. To enter the 2026 Rooftop Rodeo Parade, go to rooftop-
Rooftop Rodeo Parade Returns July 6, 2026
rodeo.com. There is no entry fee. Parade colors are Red, White, Blue, and Yellow. Awards will be presented in each category, as well as best overall entry.
The parade is a big part of rodeo week activities in Estes Park, with the Rooftop Rodeo kicking off on July 6, 2026, and continuing through July 11, 2026. Rodeo performances are 7 p.m. each night with a 6:45 p.m. preshow. Tickets for the 2026 Rooftop Rodeo are on sale at rooftoprodeo.com.
Photo by Avid Visual Imagery
Larimer County Democratic Caucus & Assembly Scheduled For March 5 & 7
Larimer County Democrats invite all registered Democrats in the County to take part in the 2026 Democratic Caucus on Thursday, March 5. The Caucus will be held virtually starting at 5:30 p.m. on the March 5. Delegates elected at Caucus will then attend the virtual Larimer County Democratic Assembly on Saturday, March 7, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Why is this important? Democrats attending the County Caucus and Assembly will help determine the candidates who appear on Democratic primary ballots in June 2026. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of the Democratic Party in Larimer County and for the State of Colorado.
Estes Valley includes six Precincts and has an overall total of 23 Delegates for County Assembly assigned by specific Precincts. Please plan to attend Caucus so that each of our Precincts will be represented by its assigned number of Delegates.
Because the Caucus will be virtual (via Zoom), pre-registration to obtain your personal Zoom connection is planned to begin on February 15 (the link to connect will be on larimerdems.org). Pre-registration will be open up to the date of Caucus and is strongly encouraged.
This Caucus and Assembly process is open to Larimer County residents who are registered as Democrats by February 11. To confirm your registration and Precinct number, check GoVoteColorado.gov. Your registration is on the “Voter Details” tab. Your Precinct number is on the “County & Districts” tab. Your specific Precinct number is the last three digits of the 10digit Precinct code.
This Caucus includes all Precincts in Larimer County. At Caucus, each Precinct will elect two Precinct Organizers, and an assigned number of Delegates.
For additional explanation, the Colorado Democratic Party has launched a new statewide “Caucus & Assembly” website at coloradodems.org/caucus. That site explains the process, key dates, and ways to be involved at the County and State levels.
Please note that participating in Caucus is the first step to becoming a Delegate to County Assembly. Delegates to County Assembly can then apply to be Delegates to Congressional Districts, Legislative Districts, and to the Colorado State Assembly.
For more information, contact Larimer Dems Chair, Tim Kubik, via larimerdems.org.
The cost of our bundled internet/phone package went up last month. There was no warning, no previous notice so we might have time to price compare with other providers. The bill arrived and the amount due had nearly doubled. Duh-bulled! What kind of business doubles their price and sends you the bill without telling you first?
Imagine going to a restaurant, selecting scallops from the menu, then noticing that when the tab arrived, the price of scallops was twice as much as what you saw on the menu. You would call the server over and explain that there was a mistake on your bill. Now imagine the server telling you that no, there’s no mistake. The price doubled from the time you ordered to when the bill arrived. Right.
In essence, that’s what happened with our internet/phone service. So the “provider” shopping began…again. We go through this every few years. Somebody lures us in with a deal which only lasts a short while. Then the price inches up little by little, and then *wham!* We get beaten severely about the head and shoulders with an outlandish invoice. Did they think we wouldn’t notice?
Bargain shopping is such an annoying inconvenience, especially comparing apples and oranges since no two plans are alike. Much more than Joe, I’m driven to find the best value for my dollar, so I was the one who made it my mission to secure the most desirable deal. I looked online, I called, I went to the physical stores. Finally I settled on a package I could live with, even though it was not as good as I wished it would be. (Never is, never will be.)
To make the switch, I sat down with the young salesperson with bangs so long I couldn’t see her eyes and fingernails just as long. She started the process of entering my “data” into the computer. First name. Last name. Suffix. Address, &c.
She asked for my driver’s license, which set me on edge a bit, but what really unfurled my red flag was when she took a picture of it, front and back. She handed it back to me and asked for my Social Security number.
No, no, never, never, nuh-uh-uh. Ever since I received my Social Security card as a child, I was taught never to give out my number to anyone. Period.
“I will not,” I said, kindly but firmly. The store manager, hovering nearby, approached and explained matter-offactly that they needed my govern-
ment issued ID number in order to check my credit.
“But my credit file is frozen to deter fraud,” I explained.
“You’ll have to unlock it,” she said. What next—will they demand my fingerprints?
“I guess I need to think some more about which plan I want,” I said and left the store. (I have excellent credit, by the way.)
Some people spend more on groceries in a week than they do for a month of phone service, without forfeiting their Social Security number. A night in a fancy hotel can cost more than a month of internet—many times over, but the hotel doesn’t ask for a Social Security number or for a credit file to be unlocked. So why does the phone company need the most personal of my personal information?
And while we’re talking about phones and numbers…I’m almost as protective of my phone number as my other forms of ID. I see no need to put it out there willy-nilly to whomever asks for it. It is not a necessary piece of information—unless—could it be—Big Brother is watching?
That’s what it feels like. Often I am filling out an innocuous form online, maybe asking a question about a product or signing up for an online class, and I see a place to enter my phone number. Next to that field is an asterisk, which means the number is required. Not optional, but hand-it-overor-else. I go no further in filling out the form. I close the web page and mutter, “None of your beeswax.”
Yes, my personal “intelligence” is out there way more than I know. But every time I keep it to myself rather than give it away, I feel I’m doing something, minor as that something is, to protect myself. From what? I don’t want to think about all the “whats” out there waiting to pounce.
From time to time, to satisfy the demand of that little asterisk, I’ve tried entering my parents’ old landline. Unfortunately, the form instantly recognizes the number as no-longer-in-service. I’ve thought about using someone else’s number, and if I got caught I could say it was a practical joke. But that’s lying and I was brought up not to do that either.
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
On November 19, the Village Thrift Shop sent out a communication announcing their intentions of closing on or before March 31, 2026. In addition to closing out their operations as a thrift shop, they will be dissolving as a nonprofit organization with a mission “to accept and resell donated goods and to focus on recycling through sale or proper disposal of unwanted or unneeded items. Net profits from sales are used to support area nonprofits.”
When we heard the news, we were sad, grateful, and curious about the future without them. Crossroads as well as various other nonprofits have benefited greatly from the mission of the Village Thrift Shop, and this brought to mind three questions. How does their closing impact the community? How does it impact the nonprofits? And, getting closer to home, “How does it impact Crossroads?”
Since the announcement was made in November, Crossroads has received at least four messages asking if we would consider taking on the operations of the thrift shop. Our board leadership considered several factors related to this topic, and decided to explore what it might look like for Crossroads to take on the operations of the thrift shop. We already have our own mission of providing basic human services to Estes Valley residents in need, so we can’t take on the mission of the Village
Thrift Shop, but we can embrace some aspects of it. We have worked closely with the Village Thrift Shop since its inception, and I feel we have experienced a special bond in our commitment to the serve the community. With this in mind, we believe strongly that taking on the operations of the thrift shop would allow us to leverage our combined strengths that we’ve enjoyed for the past 10 years, and enhance our service offerings through various nonprofit collaborations in the years to come.
As you know, Crossroads has a strong track record in providing wraparound services to help our neighbors in need, and we’ve experienced significant growth. We feel like VTS has been an important partner in providing vouchers for our clients as well as funding through the grant program. This acquisition would allow us to leverage our combined strengths that we’ve enjoyed for the past 10 years, and enhance our service offerings through various nonprofit collaborations.
The key benefits of this acquisition could include, but not limited,
to the following:
1) The community would continue to have a viable option for donating items that can be sold, and re-invested into the betterment of the community.
2) Crossroads would ensure a smooth transition between the closing of VTS, and the re-opening of the new thrift shop.
3) Crossroads would purchase existing equipment, supplies, etc. at an agreed upon fair market value price.
4) Crossroads would assume the lease, and continue in the same building.
5) 100% of net profits will be distrib-
uted into the community in collaboration with a variety of nonprofits in Estes Park.
Once the Village Thrift Shop has closed their doors for good, we will take some time to get ready for our grand opening that will take place in early May. As far as the grant application process, we will be working on this, and more details will be coming out in October of this year. Crossroads Assistance Ministry is excited about this new opportunity that will allow us to expand our delivery of wraparound services, and strengthen collaborations throughout the Estes Valley.
League of Women Voters of
EP Welcomes
Dr. Nicki Gonzales For February Event
How much do you know about the history of the First Peoples and the Spanish and Mexican peoples who settled Colorado?
Dr. Nicki Gonzales will dive into this history with us at the next League of Women Voters of Estes Park Zoom Coffee.
Dr. Gonzales is a professor of History and Vice Provost at Regis University. She is a member of History Colorado’s State Historian’s Council and in July 2020 was named by Gov. Jared Polis to the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board. Join us on Saturday, February 21 from
10 – 11 a.m. Registration is required; go to lwv-estespark.org for your Zoom invitation.
Community Roundtable: Meet &
Greet With Sarah Leonard
Visit Estes Park invites you to join us for our next Community Roundtable: Meet & Greet with Sarah Leonard, our new CEO. This gathering is an opportunity to connect in person, share perspectives, and begin meaningful conversations about the future of tourism in Estes Park.
Sarah is eager to listen, learn, and engage with the partners who help shape our destination. We hope you will join us for this opportunity to connect and
collaborate while enjoying beverages and small bites, with a special door prize for attendees. Space is limited; advance registration is encouraged.
Date: Tuesday, February 10th
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free (Register early!)
Location: The Stanley Chocolate Factory
Register: tinyurl.com/2t73uh58
We look forward to seeing you there!
Visit Estes Park Invites Applicants To Marketing Advisory Committee
Visit Estes Park (VEP) is inviting applicants to the newly formed Marketing Advisory Committee (MAC). The MAC is established by VEP to provide informed, strategic and communitybased guidance on VEP initiatives. If interested, please complete the MAC application by February 27, 2026.
Review of applications will begin March, 2026 with the goal of hosting a first committee meeting in April, 2026. The application can be found at tinyurl.com/3jfap62h.
Thank you for your interest and support of Visit Estes Park!
American Legion Post 119 Partners With HopeKids & Chase The Music Foundation
On January 26, American Legion Post 119, in partnership with HopeKids and Chase the Music Foundation, welcomed 75 children and their families for a special evening together. These remarkable organizations provide vital support to children facing life-threatening illnesses and to the families who stand beside them.
Each year, they bring families to Estes Park to offer joy, encouragement, love, and hope during some of the hardest moments of their lives. This year’s visit included a memorable night filled with live music from Jon Pickett and Marshall Naastad, along with an endless taco bar prepared by the talented team at Tavern at the Legion. Local Estes Park businesses also stepped up, treating families to activities like rock climbing and a pool party.
To learn more about HopeKids or to make a donation, visit hopekids.org, or Chase the Music, visit chasethemusic.org.
American Legion Post 119 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, the community, and other local nonprofits. Join us at Tavern at the Legion any day for dinner, drinks, community spirit, live music, and more— your support helps us continue serving others.
Girls Swim & Dive Team Punches Ticket To State, Celebrates Senior Night In Style
The Estes Park High School Girls Swim and Dive team delivered a Senior Night to remember on January 27 at Estes Valley Community Center, combining emotion and hard work as they closed out the regular season at their home pool after making multiple qualifications for the 3A CHSAA State Swim Meet in relays and individual events earlier in the season. With family and friends lining the pool deck, our athletes rose to the occasion at their final home meet, posting seasonbest times for more than half the team and clutch performances in almost every race.
Competition began against Poudre High School, featuring ten Estes Park athletes who competed in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, relay, and diving events. Strong swims in the freestyle and medley relays set the pace early, while individual events saw athletes drop significant time when it mattered most. On the diving board, consistent dives added crucial points and kept the energy high throughout the meet. The Senior Night ceremony occurred after the diving portion of the evening, honoring the
team’s graduating seniors: Grace Aldridge, Lucy Franklin, and Maylie Gay. Each senior was recognized with flowers and applause as teammates shared hugs and cheers, setting an emotional tone for the remainder of the competition.
Underclassmen also played a key role, stepping up in pressure situations and showcasing the bright future of the program with their performances.
“These girls have worked incredibly hard all season,” said head swim coach, Nani Couwenberg. “I am extremely proud to coach them and to see the improvements they make translate from practice to competition on a daily basis.”
Now, the team turns its focus to the postseason where they will compete against the rest of the Long’s Peak League at their conference meet on February 6-7 and the best programs in the state at Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center in Thornton on February 13-14. With confidence high and momentum on their side, the girls are eager to see how far they can go. For the seniors, Senior Night was a perfect farewell. For the team, it was a celebration of hard work—and the beginning of an exciting postseason run.
Spring ARRL School Club Roundup
Each year, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) conducts two International Roundup Contests for School Amateur Radio clubs. For the past five years Estes Park Middle School students have participated in the contest. They will again participate in the February 9 -12 Roundup. Winners are based on the number of points a club makes during the contest. It is a worldwide contest, and over the years Estes Park Middle School students have moved up the ranks of winners. This past October, EPMS students placed 4th in the middle school category.
The February 2026 Roundup begins Monday, February 9 and students will participate Monday through Thursday, February 12. The contest is held in the school’s Radio Room at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory, 1600 Manford Avenue. In any given contest, approximately 60 middle school students are “on the air” making contacts with Ham Radio operators throughout the world. Here in Estes Park, students will be “on the air” from 8 a.m. to approximately 3:15 p.m. at the Observatory.
Students welcome visitors to come and witness their contesting skills and competitive nature. Family members as well as the general public, elected officials, faculty and administrative members are welcome and encouraged to visit the operation in action. Simply put, anyone with interest is extended an invitation to visit.
The ‘on the air’ program is in cooperation with the Estes Park Middle School and the Estes Valley Amateur Radio Club. On the middle school staff, Ms. Ravi Davis was the originator of this cooperative program five years ago. At the time she was a middle school science instructor. Her current role is teaching STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) classes, and she has been joined by Alex Jizba, new this year as a science instructor. Several other school employees offer a hand and lend their skills to this project. Come see the students in action... Who knows, one of them might be your son/daughter or a relative.
Macdonald Book Shop Will Host First Book Tasting Event
Macdonald Book Shop is hosting their first Book Tasting Event, February 12, 2026 at 10 a.m. Wine tastings are well-known, but who has heard about Book Tastings? This event is to help community residents get familiar with books the shop carries. Nicole has gath ered a variety of hardcover and softcover titles to highlight during
the event. The focus will be non-fiction with a few fiction titles on display. The hourlong event consists of a book discussion and time to sample the highlighted books. Macdonald Book Shop is offering a discount for those who attend and decide to add to their library.
Bank Of Estes Park Shares Local Economic Update & Forecast
By: Scott Applegate, President & CEO, Bank of Estes Park
Bloomberg recently released its periodic survey of 75 economists, and the consensus appears relatively strong for 2026. Some highlights include:
• GDP forecast at a healthy 2.4%.
• Consumer Spending forecast at 2.2% growth.
• Core Price Index forecast at 2.7%.
• Unemployment rate forecast at 4.5%, which is a good sign for rate stability, with slight downward pressure.
• The chance of a recession remains low at 30%.
Locally, park visitations for the year were virtually flat, though sales taxes were up. Keep in mind that sales tax figures should be viewed carefully, as they are exactly what they state and no more—there is no adjustment made for hard times when retailers lower prices to move inventory, and have reduced margins or even sell at a loss (all scenarios where reported sales tax can go up, but where retailers may still be struggling). According to the Estes Valley Board of Realtors, home sales were up a meager 1.3% over 2024, with most realtors reporting a slow and difficult market during the year as sellers adjust to buyers being more selective, and buyers adjust to long-term rates that are higher than they were during the pandemic.
At Bank of Estes Park, we have very
personal, unique insights into the local market from our client base, and while individual businesses produced a wide range of performance in 2025, the average was very flat. This is hard to swallow for many, having come out of the pandemic into widespread con-
but are also tied to all available support programs for our local businesses—we welcome you to come in, talk about your situations, and we will help customize the right solutions and the right “way forward” for each of you, one at a time—that’s simply who we are.
struction that hurt their businesses, then into 2024 to be met with fire and other challenges that hurt business, and then going into 2025 with high hopes, only to be met with a consumer confidence lag apparently primarily linked to tariff conversations, and now going into the slow part of the season with less of a cash cushion than many would have preferred.
Founded right here in 1965, we are the only local bank in town—so it frequently falls to us to “bridge the gaps” that open up in our community. So this Winter and Spring, Bank of Estes Park is once again appealing to our local neighbors to Shop Local whenever possible—the majority of our small, local retailers could sure use the support!
Rest assured, we are also doing our part! We are the local portfolio lender,
Whether it’s access to a wide range of helpful resources, access to any of various SBA loans, help from the Colorado Enterprise Fund, or getting our own custom-made, locals-only Grow Estes Line of Credit, we are here to help our local businesses survive and thrive by accessing the right tools, loans, structures, and pricing to ensure their success—that’s what a local bank exists for.
Bank of Estes Park has a uniquely strong history of financial forecasting when compared to peer, with executive management that has taught Finance &
Economics at the University level, and now represents state-wide community banking at the State level in various capacities. Our forecast for 2026 is for moderately strong economic performance, held back only by lingering consumer confidence and global unrest. Rates will continue in a stable manner, with downward pressures on the yield curve, leading to two (possibly three) more Fed reductions in 2026 on the short side of the yield curve, with the long end of the yield curve (fixed 30 year mortgages) hovering right around 6.0% (5.75% to 6.25% general range) on average through the year. As always, the Estes Park market will outperform the market in general, but only by a slight margin—housing will pick up a bit, but not in a manner that will cause any celebration, just stabilization with an upward trend.
It will be a “stable but good” economic year, but please remember to Shop Local whenever possible, and remember that your local bank is always here to help however we can—servicing you isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are!
501 Saint Vrain Lane Suite 202
501 Saint Vrain Lane Suite 202
Estes Park, CO 80517 970-586-9078
Estes Park, CO 80517 970-586-9078
No Better Way To Spend A Winter Day: Special Exhibit At The Old Gallery Starts February 7 Community Center Employee Spotlight: Kelly Mann
The Old Gallery in Allenspark is hosting a special exhibit once again! Make plans to come and enjoy, “Ode to a Quintessential Mountain Town (Allenspark and Its Natural Surroundings)". The exhibit will be available for viewing and enjoyment only on weekends throughout the winter and spring, starting on February 7 and 8. It’s an opportunity to learn interesting facts about this charming mountain town and area, while viewing beautiful local art depicting the allure of a simple rustic lifestyle. It’s an ideal activity for you and family, and you might even discover a special piece of art that you can’t live without!
There will be a variety of artwork available, including: jewelry, paintings, glasswork, photography, ceramics, etchings, etc. The usual gallery displays will also be available for viewing.
If you haven't already had the pleasure of visiting the Old Gallery, this is a perfect excuse for doing so. The Old Gallery, a rustic log structure, is truly a cozy venue with a classic lodge feel. There are snacks and hot drinks available as well. Even the drive to the Old Gallery, on the Peak to Peak highway, is a lovely and scenic mountain experience.
Make sure you reserve a weekend to come and visit this fun and informational exhibit!
Kelly Mann, a California native, has worked at the Community Center for five years as a fitness instructor and guest services team member. She moved to Colorado after earning a degree in early childhood education from Sacramento State in 2012 and met her husband, Garrick, while working at the YMCA of the Rockies. When asked what inspires her at work, Mann said, “I love seeing all the families come in and get their kids involved in sports and active hobbies.” She added that her role has given her a
greater appreciation for the effort behind successful fitness classes. “I have a higher level of respect for the other instructors and the amount of time they put into preparing for each class,” she said.
The Community Center is a centerstone of the Mann family’s life. She appreciates that her children have the opportunity to play sports and learn about a healthy lifestyle. One of Mann’s favorite things about working at the Community Center is helping new friends be healthy in a fun way!
Photo by Dawn Wilson
February News From The Art Center Of Estes Park
“Meet the New Artists,” featuring new artist members who joined in 2025, is currently on exhibit at the Art Center of Estes Park. Come view the works of Janine Belletire – Pastel, Chris Crew – Photography, Kay Keyes Farrar – Oil, Stephen Goddard – Prints and Etching, and Mark Nelson – Artisan Jewelry. This exhibit closes February 9. Don’t miss our new exhibit opening: “Mentor/Student Show and High School Art Exhibit.”
Several exciting new displays of art can be seen at the Art Center of Estes Park beginning on Valentine’s Day this year. Representative of our mission to present opportunities for education in the visual arts, the public can enjoy seeing art created by elementary school students mentored in our after-school mentoring program, fiber artistry created by a young man mentored traditionally by an art center artist, work done by adult students in classes taught at the Art Center this past year, and an exhibit of art created by local high school students.
In addition to the Art Center’s longtime mentoring program of artists sharing their time/talent with someone wishing to learn a new medium, in recent years we’ve been able to partner with the local elementary school art teacher. Severyn Cargill, to arrange for a series of after-school mentoring classes for a limited number of students eager to explore new ways to create art. This year, three Art Center artists — Wynne Wilbur, Steve Goddard, and Sally Richmond — mentored thirteen elementary school children in three separate mediums: ceramics, basic print making, and painting/drawing. Recently retired Board member, Pauline Bustamante, has
been instrumental in getting this exciting collaboration off the ground over the past couple of years.
Jacob Watkins, who is homeschooled, was mentored in a traditional mentoring situation by Art Center fiber artist, Cari Cook. His felted octopus is as whimsical as it is colorful.
A number of adults who have taken classes at the Art Center over the past year are also displaying their work in the front gallery for this show. They should be congratulated for being willing to share what is often a “first effort” at something new with the public!
And in our Sunroom, you’ll find examples of artwork recently created by Estes Park High School students. This colorful exhibit has been curated by high school art teacher, Angela Barberi.
Painting/Drawing
Giovanni Daniels, Printmaking
Eleanor Feldman, Ceramics
Joel Hauptman, Ceramics
Letha Leaming, Ceramics
Mary Maley, Ceramics
Rosalyn Maney, Painting/Drawing
Aranza Luna Rascon, Printmaking
Cooper Silver, Painting/Drawing
Jacob Watkins, Fiber Arts
Ivy Yowell, Painting/Drawing
The Art Center is on “winter hours” and we’re open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays through Mondays. Special showings can be arranged on other weekdays by contacting gallery manager, Lars Sage at 970-586-5882.
Participating Mentoring Students:
Eleanor Bangs, Printmaking
Elenor Bush, Ceramics
Sergio Monge Cardona,
Participating High School Students: Brinely Betts
Jade Ertl
Fatima Rojas
Join February’s upcoming art class: “Painting Animal or People Portraits” with Cathy Goodal, February 18 from 10 a.m. –4 p.m. Cost for Art Center members is $72; cost for non-members is $80.
Bring several photos of your subjects. We will discuss composition, lighting, getting a likeness, warm and cool colors, and how to get the emotional expression you want with these tools. Let’s find the drama!
To register online, go to artcenterofestes.com under “Classes,” or call the gallery, Friday – Monday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., 970-586-5882.
Calling all Plein Air Artists! Estes Valley Plein Air, a National Juried Show, will be accepting applications through
Online Juried Shows (OnlineJuriedShows.com) for our 2026 season, Applications are open through April 5 to any artist using oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel or gouache. Participating artists must paint from life, on location. Studio work is not allowed. To be considered for participation in this event, artists must submit three images (required) representative of their best plein air work and pay a non-refundable jury fee of $60 by the entry deadline. The Art Center of Estes Park has been sponsoring this event since 2018, taking up the tradition established by the former Cultural Arts Council’s Plein Air Rockies over 30 years ago. Estes Valley Plein Air will begin August 18 with registration. Highlights of activities include Quick Paint on August 22 at Riverside Plaza, a 90-minute paint out with an auction to follow. August 25 will be a Group Paint Out at MacGregor Ranch. A Gala Opening and Awards Ceremony will take place on August 28 with the Exhibit running through September 28.
For further information, contact Lars Sage at the Art Center 970-586-5882 or email pleinair@artcenterofestes.com.
Art Center artists are on display at five satellite locations: Bank of Estes Park, US Bank, VERT, Snowy Peaks Winery, and Estes Park Health. All five exhibits have been refreshed with new art and the public is invited to view them.
Visit the Art Center’s social media outlets – Instagram: artcenterofep; Facebook: Art-Center-of-Estes-Park. Visit our website at artcenterofestes.com.
The Art Center is open Friday through Monday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library
HOURS
Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
Registration is required for most programs! Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to secure your spot.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Books & Beverages: Neighbors
Wednesday, February 11, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Quiet Room
Join us for a hot beverage & book discussion about our favorite neighborly or relationship-centered books. Bring a book to share & get recommendations from fellow community members.
Book Club for Mortals: The Good Life
Thursday, February 12, 10:15 - 11:45 a.m., Quiet Room
What makes for a happy, fulfilling life? Join us for this book discussion based on theworld’s largest scientific study of happiness to learn how connections with others shape our health, happiness, & sense of meaning over a lifetime.
Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, & 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic Thursday, February 12, 12 - 1 p.m., Online
Dr. Lindey Stewart tells stories of Negro Mammies of slavery, Voodoo Queens, Blues Women of Reconstruction, Granny Midwives, & textile weavers of the Jim Crow era. Women who courageously & devotedly continued their practices, worship, & passed down traditions over centuries.
Romance in Estes Park: The Heartbreak Hotel
Friday, February 13, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Hondius Room
In partnership with Macdonald Book Shop, we are proud to present Colorado author Ellen O’Clover as she shares her love story set in Estes Park that centers around a bed-and-breakfast for the brokenhearted.
ALL AGES
The Passive Project: The HeART in Our Community
Daily through Friday, February 14, Open Hours, Atrium
Help us fill our walls by engaging in this passive art activity by creating a spontaneous, unique heart to show our neighborly love.
Handmade Valentine’s Day Cards
Thursday, February 12, 2 - 3 p.m., Makerspace
Learn to make pop-up cards, 3D designs, & origami hearts using a wide variety of supplies from the Makerspace.
ADULTS
Tai Chi & Qigong Basics
Monday, February 9, 10:15 - 11:45 a.m., Hondius Room
Kristian Naldjian will teach us how Tai Chi & Qigong can improve mental & physical health, while sharing the philosophy & principles behind these practices.
Navigation Apps 101
Monday, February 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Hondius Room
Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Education Coordinator Katie Colson leads an interactive session to improve our navigation skills using trail apps like Gaia, CalTopo, OnX Backcountry, AllTrails+, & COtrex.
Classical Music with Dr. Derald DeYoung
Tuesday, February 10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 1- 3 p.m., Hondius Room & Online, Session 5 of 6
Join us for a deep dive into the life & music of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose work is widely considered the high point & culmination of the Baroque
music period.
Renovation Presentation
Wednesday, February 11, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m., Quiet Room
Learn about our upcoming renovation, see the plans, ask questions, & be entered into a drawing to win a Library swag bag, including a Kindle Paperwhite.
TEENS & TWEENS
Young Adult Dungeons & Dragons: Won’t You Be My Neighbor
Sunday, February 8, 1 - 4:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Repeated Sunday, February 15, 14:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Young adults & teens are invited to embark on a journey to a mysterious village where neighbors seem less than neighborly. Figure out what went wrong & make things right.
Fairy Door Craft
Sunday, February 8, 5. - 6 p.m., Hondius Room
Repeated Wednesday, February 11, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
Repeated Thursday, February 12, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
In preparation for our Booklove’s Ball scavenger hunt, we need your help crafting literary-themed fairy doors. Put your artistic skills on display at this regency-era event. Doors will be available for pickup on March 1, 2026.
Young Dragon Slayers
Wednesday, February 11, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Interested in learning how to play D&D? Want to think strategically & make new friends? Join other tweens for this classic fantasy-world game.
Paint a Wooden Book Counter
Wednesday, February 11, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Makerspace
Create a personalized wooden book counter to keep track of the number of books you’ve read throughout the year.
Young Chautauqua Club
Thursday, February 12, 4 - 5:15 p.m., Hondius Room
Teacher & facilitator Katherine Dumont helps transform participants into a fictional character that culminates in live, costumed performances in February 2026.
Join us to make a coiled clay bowl out of air-dry clay as we explore our heritage, community, & storytelling.
Daniel Tiger Day Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Library-wide
We are celebrating our favorite neighborhood explorer! Join us for a morning filled with crafts, face painting, balloon art, a tea party, &,of course, trolley rides. This event is made possible thanks to support from our partners at the Town of Estes Park, RATP Dev USA, Bridget’s Balloons, & Inspired Living Group.
Take Your Child to the Library Day Saturday, February 7, 1 - 3 p.m., Children’s Room
We are joining libraries nationwide to encourage families to explore the library. Stop by to “Ask a Librarian” anything you ever wanted to know. Check out a book, get a token to enter into a drawing for a prize, & more.
Friday Kids Club: String Art Heart & Arrow Friday, February 13, 10 - 11 a.m., Hondius Room
Use embroidery floss to create a hand-strung heart & arrow weaving on a wooden board.
MAKERSPACE & TECHNOLOGY
Tech Help with Digital Navigators of Larimer County
Build digital skills like using your smartphone, accessing websites & accounts online, improving online communications, & more. Appointments required.
Laser Cutter Training Class
Monday, February 9, 10 - 11 a.m. or 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace
For ages 10 & up (participants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult).
Pieces of Our Place: Community Collage
Wednesday, February 11, 3 - 4:30 p.m., Makerspace
Explore what it means to be a neighbor by sharing stories, values, interests, & identities through art by creating collages that represent our connection to the community.
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Study Session
Thursday, February 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room
Learn about the Board of Trustees & meeting topics at estesvalleylibrary.org/board.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Cliffhanger Used Books
Operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, & music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Fly Like An Eagle
By: Brad Manard
I have been striving to capture the ultimate bald eagle photograph since 1998. I’ve gotten several good ones, but I'm still working for the “money shot.” For years, while living in Iowa, I would drive the Mississippi and Iowa Rivers in search of
freeze, eagles can often be seen in shore trees or sitting on the ice watching migrating water fowl.
I have driven the roads, searched the
lakes, and captured several images of bald eagles. Nice ones, but not yet the “money shot.” The “money shot” is that image that makes you gasp when you see
wintering eagles. Or I would visit reservoir dams in Cedar Rapids, Pella, and Des Moines where the eagle would gather catching fish in the open waters as the dam spilled below the lakes.
You see, they are America’s National Bird for a reason. Bold in the presence with eyes that look through you like Jack Nicholas in “The Shining.” Yet, the grace with which they take flight is incredible. Long, floating wings moving up and down in a wave like the stars and stripes flowing in the breeze.
I saw my first bald eagle while driving over the Platte River Bridge on I-80 between Lincoln and Omaha, NE. This was in the late 1980s when the majestic birds were beginning their comeback after the North American population had been devastated by DDT. DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a pesticide once widely used globally for pest control in agriculture, but its severe environmental toxicity led to its 1972 ban in the U.S.
DDT caused bald eagles to lay eggs with shells so thin they would crack under the parents' weight, preventing successful hatching. The chemical accumulated in fish, which eagles ate, leading to reproductive failure and near bald eagle extinction by the 1970s.
Today, the U.S. bald eagle population is booming, with over 316,000 individuals and more than 71,000 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states as of recent estimates (2020-2021). It is a huge recovery from near extinction, thanks to conservation efforts.
With the winter migration, bald eagles can be found throughout Colorado. Estes Park is blessed to have a nesting pair that lives in the area, often spotted on dead trees or high on power towers near Lake Estes. The lakes on the front range also provide many winter feeding opportunities. As the lakes partially
tion by three years old when their white heads begin to gain prominence. At five years old, they are mature. Their white heads surround yellow predominant eyes, bodies highlighted by white tails and brown feathers with tips a slight white when shining in the morning sun.
This winter, standing by a front range lake, twice I got near “money shots,” maybe the value of a Ulysses S. Grant $50 bill. As I waited, my camera on a tripod, a bald eagle landed high up in a tree. For an hour, I watched him, hoping he would take flight into the wind in my direction. My patience was rewarded when luck, timing, and awareness converged.
Later that morning, another eagle landed in a nearby tree, fish in his talons. I set my camera, capturing images of him picking bites of the fish. As he finished, he turned on the tree branch to face me.
it. I’ve gotten several “coin reaction” shots, maybe even some Washington or Lincoln bill shots, but no Benjamin Franklins. I want that $100 bill capture. Many days throughout the winter, I’ll travel the canyon highways to the lakes of the front range in hopes of the “money shot.” I see a lot of immature bald eagles, all brown with hints of white transi-
I ducked behind the camera, focused on his intimidating eyes, and watched. Then he moved to fly, and I captured him in mid-take off, his eyes bearing down upon me as one drop of water fell from the point of his yellow beak. It was a “near money shot,” and special because it was taken from a lower angle, eyes bearing down, and perfectly aligned to fly toward me.
As I continue to seek the “money shot,” I will enjoy every moment searching, seeking, and striving to capture the bald eagle image that makes you gasp when you first see it. America’s national bird is worthy of such an effort.
Brad Manard
New Members Flocking To The Rotary Club Of Estes Park
By: Scott Robbins
New members are flocking to the Rotary Club of Estes Park! It must be something in the water. Yes, all those little yellow ducks that start racing down Fall River in May must be attracting new members to the club! Four new members have joined the club in the past few months: Ben Van der Werf, Valerie Van der Werf, Gary Fanucchi, and Dave Boon.
Ben Van der Werf and his wife, Valerie, both Estes Park High School graduates, were the first to hear the duck call. They were approved for membership by the Rotary Club of Estes Park Board of Directors and subsequently inducted by the full membership in the Fall of 2024. Ben is the son of longtime Rotarian Dr. Guy Van der Werf. Ben and Valerie are both transferring their memberships from the Berthoud Rotary Club to our club. Ben originally joined the Rotary Club of Estes Park in 2019. He later moved to Berthoud, where he joined the Berthoud Rotary Club and served as the club Treasurer.
As a member of the Estes Park Rotary Club, Ben has been an integral part of the Duck Race, serving at the finish line and making sure no ducks escape to swim downstream. He will once again lead our Finish Line crew, where his long wingspan is well-suited to gathering in all those little duckies. Moving forward, Ben will serve on the
Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Ben graduated from Rollins College with a B.A. degree, majoring in Economics and History. He is an elite rower and rowing coach, having coached the Seattle University Rowing team and the Lake Union Rowing crew. Ben is currently employed as a Loan Officer with the Bank of Colorado.
Ben is married to Valerie Van der Werf. They have two sons, Alexander and Sam, ages three years old and one year old, respectively.
Val was born in Hartford, CT. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She is an Instructional Designer employed by Home Depot.
Val served on the Fundraising Committee of the Berthoud Rotary Club. The Estes Park Rotary Club has chosen her to be the Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee Chairperson for 2025-2026.
Dr. Van der Werf sponsored both Ben and Valerie.
Gary Fanucci joined the Rotary Club of Estes Park on January 8. Gary grew up in Bakersfield, CA, where weekends were spent exploring the mountains with his dad. This sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors. That led Gary to U.C. Davis, where he graduated with a B.S. in Natural Resource Management
and Environmental Toxicology. Subsequently, Gary obtained a Master of Public Health degree in Occupational Safety and Industrial Hygiene from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Gary now works for Agilent Technologies as a Health and Safety Manager. While attending the University of California at Davis, Gary met and married his wife, Michelle. Gary and Michelle have two children: Alessandro (24) and Isabella (22). Isabella is a recipient of a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Estes Park. Michelle is employed as a program manager at Estes Valley Crisis Advocates.
Gary has been an active volunteer in the duck race and is looking forward to wrangling ducks in the river for the
2026 Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race. Other volunteer activities include participation in a cancer research fundraiser and volunteering with Agilent employee health and fitness programs. Gary is also an active member of the Estes Park Gun and Archery Club.
Scott Robbins sponsored Gary.
Dave Boon is the latest to become an active member of the Rotary Club of Estes Park. Dave was welcomed as an Active Member of the club on Thursday. Previously, he was an honorary member of the club and a founding member of the Fort Collins After Work Rotary Club (2003).
Dave Boon is all about working with kids. He was a founding member of the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy held at the YMCA of the Rockies. This program served as a model for Rotary International. RYLA now serves over 50,000 youth ages 14-18 who participate in RYLA programs worldwide each year. He founded and served as CEO of the Children’s Speech and Reading Center from 2015 to 2023. Before that, he served as the CEO of the Wyoming Youth Tennis Foundation from 2008–2015.
Dave is no stranger to local organizations, serving as a board member of the Estes Park Learning Place, President of Rocky Mountain RYLA, and as a member of the Estes Park School District Planning Committee. Dave has
been a frequent volunteer with the Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race, often encouraging lagging ducks to finish the race.
He authored, My Wish: Don’t get Swept Away as a Teen, about his harrowing experience being swept down a mountain in an avalanche and how it changed his life.
The Rotary Club of Estes Park is deeply appreciative of all of these individuals for bringing their time and talents to the club, and I think you can see a theme here—actively participating in the Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race!
by
Ben Van der Werf
Valerie Van der Werf
Gary Fanucchi
Dave Boon
Photo
Dawn Wilson
An Afternoon Of Live Classic Rock & Pop Love Songs
Get ready for an afternoon of great love songs before Valentine’s Day! Join us for a free concert on Tuesday, February 10 from 12 to 1:30 p.m., featuring the talented Roy Dearen on keyboards and vocals. His concert will be emphasizing love songs from the 1970s, including well known songs from Linda Ronstadt, Eagles, Elton John, Bob Seger, Dan Fogelberg, Bee Gees, Bread, and others. This community event will be held at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, 1760 Olympian Lane. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy live music in a friendly, welcoming setting.
A familiar face around town, Roy is a seasoned performer you may have seen at one of his many local shows. He has entertained audiences as a solo act under the name Faded with Minor Rust at venues such as Performance Park, the American Legion, Snowy Peaks Winery, Avant Garde Brewery, and numerous times at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center. If you’d like to book Roy for your private or public event, reach out to him at roykdear@yahoo.com.
February 9 – 13
Monday, Feb 9 Denver Omelette (ham, mushrooms, onions & green peppers) w/ Hashrowns & fruit
Tuesday, Feb 10 Ham Dinner (topped w/ pineapple) w/ Sweet Potatoes & vegetable
Wednesday, Feb 11 Hot Turkey Sandwich w/ Mashed Potatoes, gravy & vegetable
Thursday, Feb 12
Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich on a hoagie bun w/ Pasta Salad
Friday, Feb 13 Salmon w/ Pecan Crust (6 oz) w/ Au Gratin Potatoes & side salad
February 16 – 20
Monday, Feb 16 Quiche (w/ spinach, bacon & onions), Hashbrowns & fruit
Roy provides vocals while playing electronic keyboards and uses advanced technology to recreate the harmonies of popular songs from the 1960s through the 1980s, live and in real time. His playlist includes more than 300 songs, and each one is personally meaningful, making every performance a nostalgic look back at familiar music.
Attendees of the upcoming concert at the EPSCC are welcome to enjoy lunch during the event. Guests may bring their own meal or pre-purchase a hot lunch featuring ham topped with pineapple, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Meals must be ordered in advance by 1 p.m. on Monday, February 9. The cost is $9 for EPSCC members and $12 for non-members. Those interested in meal discounts and a variety of activities can become EPSCC members for just $35 per year.
For more information or to place a meal order, call 970-581-2195.
Social-Memory Cafe In Estes Park
This month’s Social-Memory Café is Thursday, February 12. We will be celebrating our love of family, friends, pets, etc. As always, we will have yummy snacks, singa-long music, conversation and shared activities. We meet at St. Bartholomew’s Church (880 MacGregor Ave) from 10 – 11:30 a.m. (We meet every second Thursday of each month, same time, same place.) This is free and open to anyone in Estes Valley who is experiencing any
level of memory loss due to any form of dementia, with a friend, caregiver or family member. If you are living or driving independently, feel free to come on your own. Whether you have come to Social-Memory Café before or want to join us for the first time, you are welcome to come enjoy fun and friendship!
For more information call St. Bart’s church at 970-586-4504 or Jane (MC coordinator) at 970-430-8105.
Estes Park Quota Club Wants To Help!
EspañolEstes Park Quota Club quiere ayudar!"
1) The better you hear, the healthier your brain is! A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that using hearing aids can decrease the risk of dementia by 32%. Learn more about Quota Club's Hearing and Speech work in Estes Park at estesparkquota.com/contact-info
1) ¡Cuanto mejor escuche, más sano estará su cerebro! Un estudio de la Escuela de Salud Pública Bloomberg de Johns Hopkins muestra que el uso de audífonos puede reducir el riesgo de demencia en un 32 %. Obtenga más información sobre el trabajo de audición y habla de Quota Club en Estes Park en estesparkquota.com/contact-info
Individual Meals are $9 for current 2026 EP Senior Citizens Center members and are by reservation only. (Or 3 meals for $25; 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 9th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Feb 6th. 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 Mahjong Tuesday 10 – 2 Tai Ji Class Tuesday 10:15 – 11:15 AM Joyful Movement 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursday 10:15-11:15 AM Fluid Movement & Balance 2nd & 4th Thursday 10:30-11:15 AM Live Music & Presentations Tuesday @ 12:00 – 1:30 (TBA)
Aspen Club Blood Pressure Check 4th Wednesday 10:00 – 1:00 Aspen Club Presentations 2nd Wednesday 12:00 – 1:30
Bridge Group Every Thursday 12:30 – 4:30 PM with lessons in the morning Canasta, Euchre & Pinochle 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesday 1:00-4:30
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
Editor’s note: Weeks 1-4 can be found in the January 16, 2026 edition at estesparknews.com.
Bigfoot Half Marathon Training Plan Weeks 5-7: Building Endurance
pace (the talk test), and continue to honor your rest days.
By: Kevin Benes, Running Wild Events
Has it been a month already? In the time since that original training plan we have seen some of the best weather for outdoor training January has ever gifted us here in the Rockies.
Welcome to the next block of your training! With four weeks of consistent running under your belt, your body is ready to increase the duration and distance of your runs. This should be starting to feel like a routine rather than a chore at this point. The goal for this phase is to build the sustained endurance and mental toughness required to cover longer distances. Remember, the core principles from the first block still apply: always run at a conversational
“Too
The structure of your week remains the same, but we are increasing the workload on your Foundation and Long Runs.
Week 5
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 40 minute run
Wednesday: Rest / Cross Train
Thursday: 40 minute run
Friday: Rest / Cross Train
Saturday (Long Run): 5 miles
Sunday: 30 minute walk
Week 6
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 40 minute run
Wednesday: Rest / Cross Train
Thursday: 40 minute run
Friday: Rest / Cross Train
Saturday (Long Run): 7 miles
Sunday: 30 minute walk
Week 7
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 40 minute run
Wednesday: Rest / Cross Train
Thursday: 40 minute run
Friday: Rest / Cross Train
Saturday (Long Run): 4 miles
Sunday: 30 minute walk
Foundation Runs
Your Foundation runs increase to 40 minutes. (Now you’re going along Hwy 34 on your Lake Estes loops) If you were taking walk breaks in the previous block, now is the time to try and reduce them. Continue to use the talk test to manage your effort. If you are breathing hard, slow down!
The Long Run
This is where your weekly mileage increases. First we are adding a mile onto what we have been doing, then we are adding a surge week followed by a cutback.
In Week 6 we are really cranking you up to maybe the longest run you have done in years or even your whole life. This is just over half the distance you will cover in the Half Marathon and our first real chance to see how your body is adapting to this new routine you’ve introduced. Leave it all out there for this seven-mile effort because after that day we are pulling back.
Week 7 is a cutback week. This is for your body to fully adapt to the
increased stress from Weeks 5 and 6. Cutting back the distance allows your tendons and muscles to recover and strengthen before the next big increase in Block 3. Do not skip this week, even if you feel great! Gains are made in recovery.
Cross Training
Continue to use Wednesday and Friday for low-impact activities like cycling, yoga, or swimming. (The 100 mile swim challenge at the Rec Center is on now!) This builds supporting muscle groups without the impact of running, making you a stronger, more resilient runner.
Group Run
Looking for a group of people to help motivate you to check off that 40 minute run? Meet at the Estes Park Mountain Shop on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. for a casual Lake Estes Loop. All abilities welcome!
Many Detectives At The Murder Mansion” Takes The Stage At Estes Park High School: February 19-21, 2026
Sure, you think you've seen this type of murder mystery before. A cast of eccentric characters meet at a mansion, only to become suspects of a murder that a singular genius detective will eventually solve. But what happens when all the suspects are the detectives? Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, Miss Marple, and Batman are just a few of the guests. Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion is a whodunnit that will leave you laughing and guessing right until the very end!
Thespians at Estes Park High School have been hard at work learning their lines and rehearsing for this year’s spring play. Mark your calendars and purchase your tickets now for this fastpaced, fun, and funny production. Shows will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 19-21, at 7 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students, and are available at estesschools.org or at the door.
Stanley Home To Host Square Dance At The Estes Valley Community Center
The Stanley Home Museum and Education Center invites the community to a Square Dance on March 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center. Tickets are encouraged to be purchased in advance at stanleyhome.org, though a limited number will also be available at the door. Adults are $20 and children are $10. This familyfriendly event welcomes all ages—children often pick up the dance patterns just as quickly as adults.
The evening will feature a live caller and an energetic Old-Time band. Calling the dance is Bob Zuellig, a respected musician and teacher originally from Missouri. Bob’s love of traditional music was shaped by the streams, rivers, and forests of the Ozarks, and over the past two decades he has studied Ozarks and Missouri Valley fiddling alongside square dance traditions from Missouri, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Known for his clear, lively, and approachable style, Bob’s calling and instruction will have dancers moving confidently through basic figures and regional favorites by the end of the night. Now based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Bob is a co-founder of the Central Rockies Old-Time Music Association (thecroma.org) and will be joined by some of the Front Range’s most talented Old-Time musicians.
Square dancing has deep roots along the East Coast, where F.O. and Flora
Stanley met, married, and spent their winter months. Early settlers brought with them popular social dances from their home countries—such as the schottische, quadrille, jigs, and reels— which evolved into what we now recognize as American folk dance traditions.
Renowned square dance scholar and caller Larry Edelman, who has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, emphasizes that square dancing is an oral tradition passed from caller to caller. Regional styles developed as dances traveled across geographies, with each caller serving as a vital link in this living chain of tradition. While innovation continues to shape square dancing, Edelman stresses the importance of honoring its historical roots.
No prior experience is required— each dance will be taught step by step throughout the evening. Pie and light refreshments will be served. Bring the whole family and enjoy a unique and memorable “family date night.” This event is proudly sponsored by the YMCA, The Post, and the Stanley Home Museum and Education Center.
Healthy Living For Your Brain & Body
For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Join the Alzheimer’s Association to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and
use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.
This program will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 12-1:30 p.m. at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, located at 1760 Olympian Lane. Registration is required by calling Aspen Club at 970-495-8560.
Tinnitus Awareness Week Highlights New Relief Options For Rural Colorado Patients
For millions of Americans, tinnitus is an invisible struggle. Most commonly described as a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that no one else can hear, it is a condition that often never seems to fade. Tinnitus can disrupt sleep, concentration, and emotional well-being, frequently leaving those affected feeling frustrated and hopeless. Even worse, there is currently no known cure.
enrichment strategies designed to reduce tinnitus awareness.
For many patients, im-
proving access to external sound alone can make tinnitus less intrusive, especially in quiet environments. Counseling, education, and lifestyle guidance also play a key role, helping patients address common triggers such as stress, poor sleep, and listening fatigue.
Estes Valley Foreign Policy Association February Lecture: Trump’s Tariffs In Historical Perspective
Staying well-informed and up-to-date on the prevailing American issues of our time has never been more difficult and complicated than it is right now. Understanding facts and learning unbiased information directly affecting you, your children, and your grandchildren has never been more important. Where can you find that kind of critical information in Estes Park? The New York Times? The BBC? CNN or Fox?
the topic, exchanging ideas and personal experiences. The Forum is apolitical and focuses on building an understanding that we need to be educated, voters and wise taxpayers. Diversity of ideas is heartily welcomed and embraced by all during our discussion.
During Tinnitus Awareness Week, February 2–8, 2026, attention turns to this widespread but often misunderstood condition — and to the encouraging reality that meaningful tinnitus relief is possible, even for patients living in rural mountain communities like Estes Park and the surrounding Front Range.
At Community Hearing Center, Dr. Cory Workman is known for bringing thoughtful, creative tinnitus management solutions to patients who might otherwise feel they have limited options. By combining evidence-based care with a highly individualized approach, Dr. Workman helps patients better understand their tinnitus and develop practical strategies to reduce its impact on daily life.
Rather than offering a one-size-fitsall solution, Community Hearing Center focuses on personalized tinnitus management plans that may include advanced hearing aids, sound therapy options, and customized sound
“Tinnitus can be incredibly discouraging, especially when patients feel like they have nowhere to turn,” said Dr. Cory Workman. “My goal is to help patients understand what’s happening in their brain, explore realistic management options, and regain a sense of control. Even small improvements can make a big difference in quality of life.”
If you’re interested in sharing an indepth medical report on tinnitus during Tinnitus Awareness Week, Community Hearing Center would be happy to:
• Schedule an interview with Dr. Cory Workman
• Arrange a patient willing to share their personal experience with tinnitus
• Provide B-roll opportunities of appointments, counseling sessions, and tinnitus management tools
Alternatively, video and photos can be provided via link upon request. Community Hearing Center proudly serves Estes Park and surrounding mountain communities, delivering specialized hearing and tinnitus care with a personalized, patient-first approach.
The Answer: The Great Decisions Forum at the Estes Valley Library. Thursday, February 12 will be a discussion concerning the end of an era: Trump’s Tariffs in Historical Perspective.
Each month, the forum meets to discuss key social, economic, and security issues to understand fully how government policies and events affect us and shape our immediate future. The forum moderator (a local Estes Park neighbor of yours) leads the group through a short, high-quality video lecture. Each video features up-to-date information developed by a nationally recognized subject matter expert. Forum attendees then freely discuss
This February 12 session will discuss Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies and how they have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics? The mission and purpose of the Estes Valley Foreign Policy Association, a non-political, nonprofit organization, is to educate citizens on the critical national issues of our time. Attendance is free. Presentations are conducted by leaders and executives from diverse fields, complemented by active involvement from local citizens. This meeting is held on Thursday, February 12 in the Wasson Room at our fabulous Estes Valley Library from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Be the best-informed citizen you can be in 2026 and participate in these free educational sessions.
Estes Valley Quilt Guild February Meeting
On Monday, Febru ary 9, we will discuss our members’ fa vorite digital (online) quilting sites for fabrics, battings, tutorials, sewing notions, and anything else quilting related. This may be your “go-to” resource(s) for getting answers to your quilt questions, where you find your favorite
techniques, for rulers, inspiration, or whatever intriguing rabbit hole you find that leads you on a fascinating journey making something fabulous.
The meeting begins at 6:45 p.m., 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.
Crossroads Received Record Food Donations In 2025
By: Wendy Rigby, Crossroads Assistance Ministry
The numbers tell the story. In 2025, Crossroads Assistance Ministry received a record number of individual food donations adding up to 48,927.5 pounds…an almost 100 % increase from the year before. More people came to get food from The Market at Crossroads, too.
“I knew there was a lot of need in the community but didn’t realize there was that much,” said Brian Schaffer, Executive Director of the nonprofit. “I would say out of the numbers that we served, in October, November, and December, half of that number were brand new. They had never been to Crossroads before. It was the perfect storm with the government shutdown, SNAP benefits delayed, and the uncertainties of all the things going on in the economy. People just needed help.”
Add to those national trends a local Safeway strike and you can understand why more Estes Valley residents de-
Food Bank is free. Other items are purchased at the facility in Loveland at a reduced cost. In 2025, though, individuals really stepped up to donate and fill gaps.
“We did have an increase in food drives at businesses and churches, civic groups, the high school, the Boy Scouts,” Schaffer pointed out. “All the groups knew it was time to organize food drives and so that was great.”
The community hosts about 70 or 80 food drives a year.
The YMCA of the Rockies also joined in encouraging individuals to donate. They created more communication and marketing for people who were staying at their camp. At the end of their time in Estes Park when they were getting ready to leave, they were
crossroadsep.org.
The needs for this week are pasta sauce, cereal, toilet paper, and protein or cereal bars. You can drop off donations to The Market at Crossroads Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The address is 1753 Wildfire Road in Estes Park.
cided to step up and donate food to the local food pantry.
“We get a lot of food from Safeway, and during the 2025 strike, all that food stopped coming in, explained Aaron Bojan, Associate Director of Crossroads who oversees the food program. “Our patrons and volunteers and donors kept asking how this was impacting Crossroads. We began to share that we saw our food dip. In doing that, a lot of donors stepped up and began to give a lot more food.”
The Market does get regular food shipments from Safeway, Country Market, Starbucks, and the Farmer’s Market in the summer. Some food from the Larimer County
encouraged to drop off any extra food they had at a specific location at the Y. Chaplain Greg Bunton would bring that food over to Crossroads.
Crossroads puts out a list of food
The Market is in special need of each week. You can find that list on Facebook, Instagram, and on the home page of the Crossroads website at
Who benefits from this generosity? Generally, the people who benefit are residents who work in the service industry. They may serve at lodges housing visitors, restaurants, the hospital, and the school district. Some positions pay enough to barely make it, but don’t pay enough to have an overage. Many of those people rely on Crossroads Assistance Ministry for that extra food. Also, some senior citizens rely on The Market to help fill their cupboards.
It takes more than a hundred volunteer hours each week to keep The Market up and running. That includes people who drive to Loveland to pick up food at the Larimer County Food Bank, people who go to Safeway and Country Market, people who receive and sort the food and stock the shelves, and people who help clients shop for food.
“Our volunteers are amazing,” Bojan emphasized.
In November 2025, the number of people who shopped at The Market shot up.
“Normally we run high 400s or low 500s of the number of encounters we have per month,” Bojan stated. “In November, that number soared above 700.”
Anyone who lives in the Estes Park School District can apply to shop at The Market at Crossroads. You can apply online and then come to the Crossroads office to complete the process. Crossroads believes no one should have to choose between housing, rent, healthcare, and food.
“We have a community that is concerned about the condition of their neighbors,” Schaffer said. “If they become aware of someone who is in need and they know that they can help, they act and make sure that those needs are met. We can become desensitized if we are not around people in need. I think Crossroads is a beacon of hope in the community that gets the word out and makes people aware.”
Crossroads hopes the generous food donors who helped set a record for the amount of food gathered in 2025 will remain aware of the ongoing need and make it a habit to keep helping.
Pounds of food graphic: This graphic shows the exponential growth in individual food donations to Crossroads in 2025. (Graphic courtesy of Crossroads)
Crossroads puts out a list of food The Market is in special need of each week. You can find that list on Facebook, Instagram, and on the home page of the Crossroads website at crossroadsep.org. (Wendy Rigby/Crossroads Assistance Ministry)
Aaron Bojan supervises the food distribution at Crossroads. He's holding rice and pasta sauce, which are two of the items needed in The Market this week. The other needs for this week are cereal, toilet paper, and protein or cereal bars. (Wendy Rigby/Crossroads Assistance Ministry)
February Meeting Of EP Aviation Club Welcomes Joe & Cyndy Davis
The February meeting of the Estes Park Aviation Club will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11 at the Estes Park American Legion Hall Post
119, located at 850 N St. Vrain Ave. in Estes Park. The public is invited to attend.
The speaker(s) for the meeting will be Joe and Cyndy Davis currently living near Black Hawk, Colorado who are retired from the U.S. Army. Joe was a helicopter pilot flying the Huey (Bell UH1 Iroquois) and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Cyndy was a 23
year U.S. Army patient administrator at various military bases. They will be relating their backgrounds that led them to meet while serving in the army and their experiences as husband and wife while serving in the U.S. Army. Both served in the Desert Storm campaign. As always, the Legion is open to the public with food and drink for purchase at 5:30. The gathering is open to all inter-
ested so if you fly planes, are interested in space subjects or just talking to aviation enthusiasts come join us!
Yeti, Rocco, & Aiden Need New, Loving, Forever Families
These beautiful pets are looking for their forever homes. Please make their wishes come true!
Handsome Yeti is a four-year-old neutered male cat with tan and cream coloring.
Gorgeous Rocco is one-and-a-half years old, also a neutered male cat, with soft black fur.
Both cats are very outgoing and would love to make you chuckle with their sociable antics!
Aiden is a 8-9 month old pup looking for a home preferably with a friendly dog so he can build his confidence. He loves to play and is a very sweet boy. He has been learning how to walk on leash and he travels very well in the car.
Adoptable pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a nonprofit organization that
is the Estes Valley’s only humane society.
To donate or learn more, visit their website at petassociationestespark.com, or you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to PO Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Please consider giving one of these sweet boys a cozy, loving home. Call 970-286-1652 if you’d like to meet Rocco, Yeti, or Aiden!
You Didn’t Evolve For Costco & Constant Light
Despite the unprecedented warm weather here in the Rockies, it really is winter in the northern hemisphere. And that means winter is messing with us—biologically…and therefore mentally and emotionally.
It doesn’t have a personal vendetta. It’s just doing what Nature does.
The problem is that we’re not.
We humans didn’t evolve with fluorescent lights, smartwatches, and grocery stores stocked with mangoes in February. We evolved living in small communities, eating seasonal food, and living by light of the sun, moon, and fire. Winter used to mean slowing down, resting, and relishing heavier meals (because that’s what we could get…when we could get anything at all).
Now everyone’s trying juice fasts in January and wondering why they feel tired. Eating salads and confused when their belt notch gets tighter. Setting sky-high intentions and shocked when their motivation flies to Cabo without them.
The sun sets before dinner, the ground is frozen, and half of us have become emotionally supported by soup. Meanwhile, we’re expecting July energy in February.
Which is kind of like yelling at your crockpot for not being an air fryer.
Winter isn’t the problem; pretending like it shouldn’t affect us is.
We live in bodies that want to semihibernate inside a culture that wants us to double-hustle. No wonder we all feel like something’s “wrong.”
Less sunlight affects your mood and sleep. Colder temps make you crave more calories—and tell your metabolism to ride the clutch on burning them. Energy dips, motivation wobbles. But instead of adapting, we try to override. You think your brain is broken when it’s really just old software running on a new operating system.
We ask our lowest-energy season to manifest our highest expectations. We launch extreme goals. Shame ourselves for wanting to nap. Try to “fix” winter with more willpower. But you can’t out-hustle a season.
A smarter winter strategy isn’t to do nothing but, rather, to do things differently.
face, winter’s not “new year, new you” time. It’s a maintenance season. A “don’t lose ground” season. A “keep the lights on and the body fed” season.
Third, prioritize warmth and nourishment. This is not salad-in-the-snow season. This is soup, stew, roasted vegetables, and real meals that actually satisfy you. Your nervous system does not want raw kale right now. It wants something that feels like a hug. (From your grandma, not from a creepy stranger. Keep comfort food real, not candy from a rusted Astro van.)
Fourth, move for circulation, not domination. Winter movement should warm you up, not break you down. Walks. Strength training. Dancing in your kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil. This is not the season for “no days off” energy. It’s the season for “let’s keep the joints and mood functioning and the toes from freezing.”
And finally, use winter for reflection, not conquest. This is the season for pruning, planning, and noticing what’s not working anymore. Winter is for root work. Summer is for harvesting. We treat winter like a bug in the system. But it’s actually a key feature. It’s the compost pile of the year. The crockpot phase. The quiet place where things break down so something else can grow.
When you stop fighting winter and start working with it, something amazing happens: You waste less energy. You feel less like a failure. You make choices that actually stick.
Elevated living isn’t about forcing yourself into constant peak performance. It’s about aligning with reality— biological, emotional, and seasonal— so you’re not constantly swimming upstream in a parka.
So if you’ve been feeling behind, unmotivated, or “off,” try this reframe: You’re not lazy; you’re seasonal.
February may not be the month to become a new person. But it can be the month to be a kinder one, especially to yourself. Do the simplest things that support you. Eat food that actually nourishes you. Move your body so it feels more alive. Rest without apologizing. Make plans without debilitating urgency.
First, like I suggested in last month’s column, schedule down time on purpose. Shorter days mean you need more rest. That doesn’t mean quitting your job, your goals, or life as you know it entirely. It just means a calendar that’s more simmer, less full-on boil.
Second, change your goalposts. Despite the marketing shoved in your
Spring will come. It always does. Until then, let winter be winter. And if you want support that actually matches the season you’re in (instead of yelling at yourself to “try harder”), get on my email list. I send weekly(ish) reminders on how to eat, move, and think in ways that work with your biology and real life—not against it. Email me at chazz@higherelevationscoaching.com and I’ll make sure you’re on it.
Elizabeth Guild Women’s Clothing Sale
The Elizabeth Guild thrift store is having a Women’s Clothing Sale! While supplies last we will be offering Buy-One-Get-One FREE on many women's clothing! Do you need something to do on these cold winter days? Come to "The Guild" and see all the items our great little
store has to offer. We also have nice household decor, kitchen items, men's clothing, sporting goods & outdoor supplies, games & puzzles, bedding and bathroom linens and much more.
The Elizabeth Guild Thrift store has been helping support our local hospital for over 50 years!
Donations are accepted in back of the store Tuesday - Saturday, 10:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Abraham Lincoln On The Unfinished Journey: Stories By Kurtis Kelly
From his frontier boyhood, Abraham Lincoln grew alongside the new nation, a parallel journey that would ultimately put leadership and moral convictions to the test during America’s most fractured days. On the eve of Lincoln’s 217th birthday, history re-enactor Kurtis Kelly will present a portrayal and remembrance of the nation’s 16th president.
The free one-hour program takes place on Wednesday, February 11 at 1 p.m., and repeated at 3 p.m, at Raven’s Roast Coffee Lounge. Drop in for either session and relax in the comfortable space, located at 164 East Elkhorn Avenue in Riverside Plaza.
Drawing upon Lincoln’s personal stories and quotations, which are often astute, sometimes humorous, and frequently poignant, re-enactor Kurtis Kelly will deliver a first-person portrayal of one of
history’s most intriguing figures, building to the resonant words of the Gettysburg Address.
The event is free for everyone attending. Listeners are welcome to enjoy the many Raven’s Roast specialties available for purchase, including coffees, teas, hot cocoa, and bakery treats.
Let Me Introduce...
When you meet Debbie Unruh, the first thing you notice is her calm, grounded presence — the kind that instantly puts people at ease. With a long career shaped by compassion, curiosity, and a deep belief in the power of community, she brings vision to the Executive Director role at the Estes Dementia Day Center. As she joins the Estes Park community, she is committed to creating a place where our guests feel known, families feel supported, and volunteers feel inspired.
A couple of weeks ago, Debbie and I met for lunch at the Notchtop Café, where I put her through a fierce interrogation for this newspaper. (Not really.) Over a delicious lunch, she told me, in her own words, that she hopes the center will be “a place where people walk in and immediately feel a sense of belonging.” I learned more about her journey, her leadership style, and the hopes she carries into this new chapter of her life.
Debbie brings 30 years of nonprofit leadership to EDDC. As the founding Executive Director of a Pasadena residential program, she made a notable impact on that community. She is a visionary and hopes to make a similar impact here. Her personal experience with her mother's dementia sparked her dedication to supporting the whole
family. With expertise in program development, fundraising, and community mobilization, Debora is wellequipped to lead EDDC and launch its new program in Estes Park. Debbie is from a family of “Starters.” Her parents taught her to “dig into what needs to be done, and if you don’t know how to do something, find someone who does.”
In other words, as a starter, you see a need, fill that need, and make a difference.
The values she holds dear are compassion, integrity, authenticity, and love of community. She respects where people are in their journey and enjoys hearing their stories and filling in the gaps. In person, I watched her greet a woman seeking a place where her husband could feel welcome and comfortable. It was important to this woman that he receive the respect he deserved for who he still is. This woman needed to know she was making the right decision and that she could leave him with us at EDDC, where he would be part of a community whose values were compassion, joy, dignity, and safety. Debbie gave her the confidence in EDDC to give us a try and fill out an application. Debbie’s personal leadership hero is Brené Brown, whose leadership style emphasizes vulnerability, authenticity, transparency, and lifelong learning.
Brené Brown learned early on that you lead by serving, and that every encounter and person is a new story and a new opportunity to serve. This approach requires being fully present and, at times, holding space for the other person when they are uncertain or afraid. There is no cookie-cutter way to be a good leader – you have to be open to new ideas and develop strong listening skills to truly hear and pay attention to what your team members bring to the table. I think what Debbie is saying may be close to my own personal mantra: show up, pay attention, do your best, let go. When asked what dignity means to her in dementia care, Debbie said, “respect for the whole person and where they are now. Seeing the person, not just the disease. Every person has a new story, and every family is unique.”
She explained how she would do that, beginning with getting to know the families, their histories, their stories, and their interests. She believes our center will fill a vital need in our community, that she will gain people’s trust as they recognize that Debbie has their best interests at heart, and that Estes Dementia Day Center will be a welcoming and safe place for all who enter our doors. And fun! Debbie mentioned that our guests will have fun here. There’ll be music and singing, activities and games. In the first 6-12 months, she recommends being extremely organized, maintaining a schedule of activities, engaging with community volunteers and activities, and then loosening up a bit. The you can look at what has worked and what didn’t. Maybe throw out chair yoga, but keep watercolor painting.
Debbie’s vision reminds us that care is not a service but a shared commitment — one that grows stronger when a community comes together. She also believes dementia care is a community responsibility, not a private burden. As the Estes Dementia Day Center enters its next chapter, her leadership brings
both steadiness and imagination — a blend of practical experience and heartfelt commitment that feels right for this moment in our community’s story. She often speaks about dignity, connection, and the small daily rituals that make life meaningful, and it’s clear she intends to build a program where those values guide every decision. In the months ahead, she looks forward to meeting families, listening deeply, and working side by side with volunteers and staff to strengthen the Center’s role as a place of belonging. Her vision is simple yet powerful: a space where every guest is seen, every caregiver feels supported, and every day offers moments of joy. Please join our Board of Directors in welcoming her as the leader of the Estes Dementia Day Center, opening soon. We’re so glad she’s with us.
And lest I forget, Debbie is now busy interviewing applicants for the Program Manager/Volunteer Coordinator role. If you are interested in applying, please send your resume to maryruthdancer@gmail.com quickly, as we will be closing the interview process soon. That will complete our staff building for the first few months as we open to the community. At some point, those two positions will likely become separate roles. We are also setting up the volunteer program, and you are welcome to let us know which area or job you would like to apply for. For all staff and volunteer positions, we will require references and conduct background checks. We will also need board members to carry us forward in our new iteration. If you are interested in joining our (really fun) board of directors (we have cookies), please email me at maryruthdancer@gmail.com. I would love to welcome you to our new organization!
Peace.
Mary facilitates the Estes Park Caregivers’ Support Group for People with Dementia and is working with a team to create the Estes Dementia Day Center.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
The Estes Park Dementia Caregiver Support Group, a Colorado Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, is a safe place for caregivers of someone living with any form of dementia to talk, share, and learn from each other.
The group meets on the second and
fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Good Samaritan, 1901 Ptarmigan Trail in Estes Park. Please meet in the Assisted-Living multi-purpose room.
For more information contact: maryruthdancer@gmail.com.
Next Knitting & Crocheting Get-Together: February 9
You are invited to our (fun and free!) knitting and crocheting get–togethers! Join us at Vert CoWorking & Fitness Center on:
February 9, 5-7 p.m. March 9, 5-7 p.m. April 13, 5-7 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!
Vert CoWorking is located at 1230 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517.
These get–togethers are hosted by Kim Snow. Email: mtn.tribe@yahoo.com for more information.
Needs, Resources, & Delivery: Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
By: Brian Schaffer
The first month of 2026 was filled with NEEDS being met with RESOURCES delivered through the hands of PEOPLE. It takes all three connections for the needs to be fully met. We become aware of the need, find the resources, deliver them via people. Making connections that change lives is what we do! Our town is growing in its awareness of people who are struggling, and they are taking action to make sure the struggle doesn’t last too long. Their hearts are empathizing with the needs of their neighbors, and this is inspiring to see. We have a lovely community filled with kindhearted people who care about the condition of their neighbors. I know the Edwards family who lost everything in a house fire last week are feeling the power of neighborly love, and it’s helping them in a variety of ways as they consider their next steps. There were also some guys living in an RV for the past couple years who found permanent housing that they can afford, and this happened through a network of community partners who love their neighbors. We have more success stories coming together that I will be sharing soon, so stay tuned. I’ll close with a story that sheds light on the transformative power of how neighborly love impacts the giver and receiver. One of our volunteers came in
a few weeks ago and told me that he had talked with a lady in the parking lot at Safeway who was once a regular in the food pantry at Crossroads. After they had exchanged some niceties, he commented to her that he hadn’t seen her in a while, and she excitedly shared with him that she had been working at the YMCA of the Rockies for the last six years, and no longer needed any assistance. This news stirred up within him a deep sense of neighborly love towards her, and it was overwhelming for him to contain his emotions. With tears of joy running down his face, he congratulated her on how well she was doing. He was so glad to have had this opportunity to talk with her. He mentioned how happy she seemed to be as she loaded her car with groceries, and drove away with a big smile and a wave good-bye. I knew by the way this volunteer was sharing his story with me that he was touched with a deep sense of gratitude for the work he had the privilege of doing at Crossroads. Because of his service as a volunteer, he got to see a neighbor who for a season needed help with groceries, get to a place where she could afford to do it on her own. She just needed us for a little while until everything fell into place with a good job, housing, and a support network who believed in her. She did it! Or, should I say, “We did it!” Teamwork really does make the dream work!
Men
On
Fire
Welcomes
Barry & Debbie Denison On February 7
Barry Denison, Director of Finances for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) will a guest speaker Saturday, February 7, 8 a.m. at the American Legion, 850 N. St. Vrain, Estes Park, Colorado. The event is free and open to the public.
Barry. as well as his wife Debbie, will be speaking on current conditions in Israel, potential future events impacting the Holy Land, and other related topics. Breakfast burritos, donuts, and coffee will be available.
Denison has his BA in New Testament studies and MBA from ORU. He
has been an ordained Minister of the Gospel since 1983. He, his wife Debbie, and family served in church planting and leadership training in Brazil for 12 years. Additionally, Barry has worked as an economist, international business consultant and served as Executive Pastor of his home church in Loveland, Colorado. He has served the ICEJ since 2014.
The event is hosted by Men on Fire (MOF) a non-denominational brotherhood of men dedicated to equipping, preparing, and inspiring men for a committed life of service to Jesus Christ and the world.
Getting To Know Jesus Through The Gospel of John
By: Pastor Bruce Finger
Seven Signs. Seven “I AM” Statements. One Savior.
How well do you really know the Gospel of John?
Do you know why John’s Gospel feels so different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke? Can you name the seven signs John records—or the seven times Jesus says, “I AM”? Have you ever noticed how John carefully links what Jesus does with what Jesus claims about Himself?
These are the kinds of questions we’ve been exploring at Cornerstone Church as we walk through a 26-week sermon series in the Gospel of John. There’s a familiar saying among Bible teachers: If you want to know what Jesus did, read Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But if you want to know who Jesus is, study the Gospel of John. While the Synoptic Gospels focus on the events of Jesus’ ministry, John writes with a clear purpose—to reveal Jesus’ identity and invite readers to believe.
John structures his Gospel around seven miraculous signs and seven powerful “I AM” statements, each one pointing to a deeper truth about who Jesus is. These aren’t random miracles. They are intentional signs meant to re-
veal His glory.
In chapter 2, we encountered the first of those signs—Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. It’s more than a miracle of provision; it’s a sign of transformation. And it’s no accident that later in John’s Gospel, Jesus will declare, “I am the true vine.” What Jesus does and what Jesus says are always connected.
at a well and reveals Himself as the source of living water—crossing cultural, moral, and spiritual barriers in the process. The following weekend, Pastor Michael Dascoli will be teaching
from John chapter 5, where another sign raises questions about authority, healing, and who Jesus truly claims to be.
to be a strength of the series. Our pastors and teachers—including Bruce Finger, Michael Dascoli, Phil McMillin, Tab Livingston, Wayne Weissman, and others—bring different perspectives and experiences, all grounded in Scripture and united around one goal: helping people see Jesus more clearly.
This weekend, Pastor Bruce Finger will be teaching from John chapter 4, where Jesus meets a Samaritan woman
These messages are being taught at both of our Cornerstone locations, and our team-teaching approach continues
Cornerstone is a warm, welcoming, Bible-centered church, and whether you’ve read the Gospel of John many times or hardly at all, this series is designed to help you engage it in a deeper way. You don’t need to be a Bible scholar—just someone willing to ask honest questions and consider the answers John presents.
If you’ve ever wondered who Jesus really is, the Gospel of John is a good place to look—and we’d love for you to explore it with us in person.
Cornerstone Church has two locations:
Cornerstone –Wild Basin (Allenspark), 1423 County Rd 84W (Wild Basin Rd & CO 7)
Saturday Evening Service – 6 p.m.
Cornerstone – Estes Valley. 2200 Mall Road, Estes Park
Sunday Morning Service – 10:30 a.m. Join us this weekend—or any weekend—as we continue discovering Jesus through the Gospel of John.
How The Town Of Estes Has Failed Parents On 6E Childcare Grants
To the Editor, from Kevin Benes, Estes Park Resident:
When I set out on this childcare journey in October 2025 I knew nothing about what had happened with the 6E lodging tax voters overwhelmingly passed in 2022. My opinion from then remains unchanged, that millions of dollars a year taxing visitors to help fix the combined crises of being a child care desert with being so unaffordable that 47% of our workforce commutes from down valley is a step in the right direction.
Unfortunately, this is where this essay takes a drastic turn in this February 2026 revision. My original goal was to track along the process from idea to success of a small group of locals getting funding for a fun, unique idea to help Estes’ kids. I have taken notes all along the way with the hopes of inspiring other Estes parents to come up with their own micro solutions to childcare, go apply for this money, help them navigate the grant and go apply one bandaid at a time before this patient completely bleeds out.
My original working title for this was “How these Estes parents applied for 6E childcare funds, and you should too.”
Today I am changing that title and finishing a nearly complete rewrite of the experience. Through this process we went from naive optimism to a recurring feeling of disappointment I seem to experience more and more when working with our local governments.
This essay is broken down into three parts. First I'll explore our experience from idea through application and hopefully launch. Second, I'll offer opinions on why we believe the 6E roll out has been a failure from an applicant, parent and voter perspectives. Third, I'll offer some solutions both the Town's administration and Trustees could take to help correct the course we are headed down.
Part 1: The Estes Mountain Kids
When the 6E lodging tax passed I mostly forgot about it. Then in September of last year I shared an idea I’d been working on, an outdoor youth program aimed at No School Mondays. I shared the idea with the right person who kindly reminded me that this idea would be a candidate for funding through the lodging tax.
Our launch program was simple, a van load of kids, 10 young of similar ages, two high school mentors (paid first job)
and two adults, out exploring and learning mountain skills whenever there’s a No School Monday.
Being a seasoned entrepreneur I did what I always do after a great idea and opened a spreadsheet. It didn't take long to discover why voters overwhelmingly supported 6E; the business of educating, mentoring or supervising kids is a losing bet in Estes in 2026. This led us to quickly abandon the idea of a for-profit company and launch this as a nonprofit.
In October 2025 we had our plan to apply for a 6E grant for a passenger van for the Estes Mountain Kids, offering our No School Monday program. We built a pricing model that charges a daily rate on par with the YMCA summer camp rate and, assuming the initial capital expenses of van, training and gear were grant funded by 6E, this program should not only be sustainable but scalable as each additional van is able to operate independently.
The trick with grants is to read everything twice and stay within the defined rules of the grant. I'll summarize the hours of reading and note taking — initially every single application was required to go in front of the Town Board. Somewhere along the way, a carve out was made that any grant amount under $50,000, would be subject to a much less demanding process and be eligible for internal approval from a group of three Town-appointed members of staff.
This fueled our excitement; First, the Town Board is embracing micro-solutions rather than trying to exclusively focus on facilities and grand ideas that could take years to materialize. By creating a streamlined process for $50,000 or less there is a path for small groups of parents to solve this problem ourselves, in small, unique and creative ways. We were pumped and all in.
After submitting a proposal I met with the Housing and Childcare Manager who was knowledgeable and helpful with questions we had about not only the process but the level of scrutiny and expectations we would face by applying for this grant. Through our conversation I did start to get the sense that this, seemingly positive shift, towards micro grants had some underlying issues that were going to be a problem. For now though, I was excited and all in. I couldn't wait to tell people that this was available.
With our application submitted and a review scheduled for November 6 we began making plans to launch. We
For Clients Of Carl Henderson, CPA
To the Editor:
Carl Henderson owned his accounting firm, Carl Henderson, CPA, in Estes Park for more than 50 years serving his clients with respect, decency, and the highest level of integrity. Since his business is now closed, this will be the first tax season without his guiding
formed a 501c3, wrote an Operating Plan, appointed board members, put a few thousand of our own in as seed money, and started creating programming; planning to launch at the start of 2026. From the onset, unclear road blocks kept appearing from the Town but we had solid answers to the questions. Then we waited. Weeks turned into months and our last update came that Town Legal has gotten involved and we can expect a “document from them that will outline the parameters.” That was November 2025.
More than $1 million per year is allocated to addressing the childcare needs in Estes Park. A vast majority of 6E funds collected in 2025 sits unspent, waiting for the right idea to come along, blast through the bureaucracy and finally fix this crisis. Would our small idea have worked out financially in the long term? I don't know; I believe so, and we were willing to try investing our own time and money and with this grant, we would have had a much better shot.
Unfortunately, we never got past that wall of bureaucracy.
Part 2: Where it all went wrong
November 8, 2022, voters went 61% in favor of the 6E initiative. Lodging tax was to be collected and used to help fix our workforce housing shortage and our childcare shortfalls. I proudly voted in favor and until October 2025, didn't really think much of the inner workings of how this would all roll out. I knew that the Housing Authority & EVICS were bound to benefit but never put much thought into exactly how these funds would go out, who would decide and what standards would be upheld. Through this process I have come to identify five core problems that negatively affect these smaller applications.
1) Having Town staff be deciders on grants where their jobs are judged by the success of the applicant
That's a loaded sentence but many times throughout the process it was made clear that whoever receives this money will really need to succeed and prove how great they do with thismoney. It is clear, in my opinion, that there is pressure, whether stated or implied, that whoever gets this money better succeed or the lower staff who are approving this will have “some ‘splaining to do”.
As a parent, watching my son's friends move out of town every month; this is the exact wrong approach. Anyone hoping to launch a childcare solution needs this money because without it, any venture WILL fail. In fact, if at least 20% of projects funded by 6E don't fail within
the first 24 months then you aren't giving the money away hard enough. These funds are being held hostage by administrative risk aversion, contradicting the voter mandate. First, create so much demand for these funds that the account runs dry and kids are being served before we start trying to hold these applicants to unrealistic standards.
2) Offering less than was asked From idea to submitting the application was about three weeks. In that window, when I would share this idea with folks I would get a joking, not joking warning that the Town will try to low ball us. Sure enough, our first question back after applying was asking if we would accept less. If you are trying to create a system where the incentive is built around only approving applications that won't fail, then offering 60% of the original grant, which requires a budget to be submitted, is so counter to the goal that it would be comical if it weren't so tragic.
3) Lack of transparency and communication with applicants
If we had asked for more than $50,000 we would have, presumably, been slotted into the Town Board to hear our idea and get a vote. While I fundamentally disagree with that approach, at least it is decisive and timely. Instead, we have been left in limbo, held up by the notion that legal is working on it.
4) Over-legalizing the micro-grants Why is legal involved in each decision? Legal should have written guidelines that allow the decision makers to award these funds lawfully, not involved in each application. The Town Board carved this exception out, presumably, to remove the bureaucracy and delegate down to three staff members. The idea sounds great, lower barriers, get small amounts out to lots of folks.
Unfortunately, that is not the process that we experienced.
5) Failure to prioritize deployment over perfection
So much of this money remains unspent while the crisis continues and worsens. This directly contradicts the voters’ overwhelming voice on this issue. I did not vote for pillow tax dollars to sit in a bank account, I voted for them to rain down among our community to support anyone willing to try and help ease the burdens on Estes’ families.
Editor’s note: This Letter to the Editor continues with “Part 3: How we can fix it” and is available in full on our website, estesparknews.com.
assistance and infectious laugh. In his spirit, I encourage any of his clients to call me if help is needed to locate a qualified accounting professional for the 2025 tax return season. For accounting referral assistance, please contact Lori (Henderson) Hatchell at 303-717-4207.
Lori (Henderson) Hatchell
By: Cheley Colorado Camps
It is with deep sadness and immense gratitude that we remember Richard “Smitty” Smith, a man whose life, work, and presence shaped Cheley across generations. Known to campers and staff simply as Smitty, his connection to Cheley began in 1943, when he first arrived as a camper. From 1943 to 1950, Cheley helped shape Smitty’s early years, and soon after, he returned as a wrangler from 1951 to 1955, working first in Lower Ski Hi and then in Ski Hi. It was during this time that a young camper named Don Cheley came under his care, an early thread in a relationship that would come full circle decades later.
That connection endured for a lifetime. At nearly every Gold Key ceremony, Smitty was there, quietly present, standing witness to generations of young people being recognized for their character and leadership. Each time, Don would speak about Smitty’s influence on his own life, returning again and again to the example Smitty set as a young wrangler and mentor. It
Remembering Richard “Smitty” Smith
was more than tradition; it was a living acknowledgment of the impact one person can have across decades. For the Cheley community, seeing Smitty there was a reminder of continuity, values passed hand to hand, and the deep roots that hold this place together.
After a long and accomplished professional career, Smitty returned to Cheley in 1993, bringing with him a lifetime of experience, perspective, and quiet leadership. He began working with Cheley/Children’s Hospital Burn Camp and later took on the role of Camper in Leadership Training (CILT) Coordinator in 2001, a position through which he mentored and influenced countless young leaders. For many, Smitty was not just a coordinator; he was a role model, a steady presence, and a trusted guide.
Smitty was also an essential part of Cheley’s pre- and post-camp. Each spring, he led a crew of roughly forty staff members tasked with the demanding work of opening camp. Though often forty, fifty, or even sixty years older than the crew, Smitty set the pace, outworking, outlasting, and out-leading people decades younger than himself. He didn’t need to raise his voice to lead. He set the tone through effort, consistency, and integrity.
Beyond his day-to-day work, Smitty served Cheley in broader ways as well, including his time on the John Austin Cheley Foundation Board from 1990 to 2000. His commitment to Cheley was never transactional; it was personal, lifelong, and deeply rooted.
Outside of Cheley, Smitty spent 38 years working for United Airlines as a
mail and freight revenue manager. He was passionate about sports, especially cheering on the Chicago Bears and Cubs, and deeply proud of the life he built and the people he loved.
Even after retiring from his official roles, Smitty never truly left camp. He was still around, checking in, observing, offering insight, and staying connected. In later years, he became a familiar sight driving his golf cart around camp, continuing to oversee the camp experience and quietly ensuring things were done right. The cart earned a fitting nickname: the Smittymobile.
On February 1, Smitty passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. He was clear-minded until the very end, sharing stories, expressing gratitude, and ready to rest. His passing leaves a profound absence, but also a deep sense of peace, knowing he
lived fully and with purpose.
Not all lives have the same purpose, but all lives have one. Smitty lived in a way that honored his, leaving an imprint on countless hearts that time can never erase. We are better people because we knew him.
Smitty was a legend at Cheley. A mentor. A constant. A shining example of a life well lived. He will be deeply missed by generations of campers, staff, and friends whose lives are forever connected to his.
To Smitty’s family and to all who loved him, our hearts are with you. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years. Rest in peace, Smitty. Your legacy lives on at Cheley.
A memorial celebrating Smitty’s life is being planned for later this spring. More details will be shared when available.
Guiditta Kathryn Rea Spurlin
On January 30, 2026, Guiditta Kathryn Rea Spurlin passed. The world is a little brighter because of her joy of color, creative spirit and kind soul. A passionate, life-long artist who sought to love and laugh with all she met, she was a teacher at heart and a life-long learner with a true joy of learning new things every day. Throughout her life she enjoyed laughs, memories and sharing stories of life's adventures with her family and friends. She always felt fortunate to be able to call so many people all over the world friends and was honored that they shared of themselves with her. For 29 years she and her husband, Ronald Spurlin owned Concepts Home Furnishings, allowing them to enjoy more time together at merchandise markets across the country. After retirement they were fortunate to move to their cabin in the mountains of Glen Haven, Colorado and for a treasured 19 years of their long life together to enjoy part of the year in the warmer and friendly surroundings of Kerikeri, New Zealand. She loved having drinks and nibbles with all her Kiwi family of friends and was able to visit them last year for some muchneeded recuperation.
Gudi was born to Thelma Guiditta Bind Rea and Robert Harold Rea in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on February 5, 1945. Her early education was in El Reno, Oklahoma. Then she attended Oklahoma State University where she was a Phi Beta Phi. Onesixteenth Italian by birth, but 90% Italian in spirit. Her younger brother Richard passed before his time. Married for 60 happy years to her high school sweetheart, Ron. Beloved mother to Tobin and Justin. Very proud grandmother of Tobin and Erica's children, James Robert Spurlin and Alicia Guiditta Spurlin. She treasured the time she was able to spend with them passing on her love, her creativeness, joy, and bright spirit to them every summer at "Camp Moss Haven" as she called her mountain home for a few weeks every summer. She will be dearly missed and always loved.
Although she loved bright colors, she asked that in-lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Glen Haven Volunteer Fire Department whose wonderful volunteers are the all-important first responders for everything in the community.
A celebration of life will be held during warmer times sometime in May. Updates will be posted to allnuttestespark.com once arrangements have been made.
& Al-Anon Meetings
AA of Glen Haven
Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall
Early Worms
Monday through Saturday at 7 a.m. (hybrid meetings with Zoom #796 839 839 PW:Worms20) at St. Bartholomew Church, 880 MacGregor Ave.
Early Worms Women's Meeting
Mondays at 12 p.m.
St. Bartholomew, 880 MacGregor Ave. Mixed Nuts Al-Anon Group
Fridays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (hybrid meetings with Zoom #285 426 3644 PW:serenity) at St. Bartholomew Church
One Day At A Time AA Meetings
Tuesdays at noon: Open discussion
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.: Open discussion
Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave.
Meetings are in the lounge on the main floor by the front entrance to the church. Park upstairs by the main entrance of the church.
Alcoholics Anonymous Fall River Group
Current Schedule as of 6/17/2025
Zoom ID 999 829166 for AA Meetings
Mondays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Mondays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, BB
Women’s Meeting, Tuesdays at 12 p.m. — O, D
Wednesdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Wednesdays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Thursdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Fridays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Saturdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Sundays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, ABSI
Last Monday of each month is birthday night; potluck at 6 p.m., speaker at 7 p.m.
Location: 453 West Elkhorn Ave.
***Contribute via Venmo, @FallRiverGroupAA
Other 12 Step Meetings Held at Fall River Group
Narcotics Anonymous “New Horizons” Group, Thursdays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom (705 555 930) — O, D
**O=Open to all D=Discussion
BB=Big Book
Zoom Meetings
Every day at noon, Zoom #999 829 166 (no password needed)
Zoom Big Book Study, Mondays at 7 p.m. #654 598 884 (no password needed).
Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Zoom #999 829 166
Online AA and NA Meetings at intherooms.com.
There are 70 AA meetings and 30 NA meetings a week.
Photo by Brad Manard
Vice President of Visitor Experience
The Vice President of Visitor Experience is a senior executive position responsible for the strategic design, alignment, and stewardship of the full visitor lifecycle for Estes Park and surrounding area. This role provides enterprise-level leadership to ensure that destination marketing, digital engagement, visitor services, in-market experience initiatives, and community stewardship efforts operate as an integrated system.
Kingswood Homes and Kingswood Home Services seeking Residential Project Manager for remodels, decks, or new homes. From initial meet to job completion. Solid carpentry background preferred. Duties include ….
estimating scheduling of trades and materials.
manage site activities
contract management
people skills w/both vendors and client
cost management Send resume to mike@homesbykingswood.com.
TRANSPORTATION
Apartments
Perfect winter rental near Lake Estes!
$1300/Month - all utilities are included. Available October 26 through Memorial Day. Fully f urnished. 1 bed lodge room. Stunning lake and mountain views. A perfect seasonal rental in a peaceful, scenic location Contact us at 970-779-7455
Downtown Studio near Riverwalk. Respectful Neighbors, Single Occ, NS/NP; $1,000/mo, 1-year lease. Call (970) 480-5269
Cabins
Winter rental at Colorado Cottages! $1300/Monthall utilities included. Available October 26 through Memorial Day. Fully furnished.
1 bedroom. Cozy fireplace. Prime location close to downtown, trails and RMNP. Contact us at 970-779-7455
Commercial Rentals
One office space with private parking: $425/mo. plus utilities. Two offices connected with bathroom: $800/mo. 970-290-4488
Commercial Rentals
Office Space for Rent, 1,021 sq. ft., $1,700/mo., Suite 204, upper level 255 Park Lane. The office space is available 01/01/26. Electrical, natural gas, water, trash removal included. Telephone and communication service shall be at expense of Lessee. space is available starting 2/1/26. Inquiries, please contact Michael Grigsby Bank of Estes Park, 970-577-1234.
Office Space for Rent, 535 sq. ft., $892/mo., Suite 205, upper level 255 Park Lane. The office space is available 02/01/26. Electrical, natural gas, water, trash removal included. Telephone and communication service shall be at expense of Lessee. Inquiries, please contact Michael Grigsby Bank of Estes Park, 970-577-1234.
Business Office for rent at Manford Plaza. 970-586-3828
Storage Units
Manford Plaza storage unit for rent. 970-586-3828
Data Scientist & Technology Specialist
The Data Scientist & Technology Specialist is a connector – managing the internal tools, platforms, and technologies that support team collaboration, data sharing, and organizational efficiency.
Rams Horn Village Resort is seeking a skilled, dependable Maintenance Technician to join our year-round Maintenance team: $22-25 hour (DOE), benefits package for full-time employees, and a wage review after 90 days based on demonstrated skills. Responsibilities include ability to perform physical labor and general maintenance, manage work orders, maintain pool & hot tubs, paint, perform basic carpentry, and maintain grounds. Must have strong customer service skills and be able to participate in after-hours on-call rotation. Fill out an application at Rams Horn Village Resort, 1565 Colo. Hwy 66. EEOE
2018 Leisure Unity Flex. Love the unit, just time to stay on our mountain top.
All the details are on https://www.rvtrader.com/ listing/5039067956. It has all the upgrades available, we even put a winterization package on in case you want to go camping at 30 degrees below zero :)) If you want to take a tour, give Peggy Lynch a call 970-232-5588.
Sewing/Alterations
Remixed Custom Sewing Services. Small Furniture, Restoration, Outdoor and RV Cushions, and Commercial Upholstery. Call for appointment 970-492-5446
Piano Tuning
Susan Novy, local piano tuner. Call for appt. 577-1755 www.estesparkpiano tuner.com
Locally owned and owner operated. Senior and Veterans discounts.
Application Deadline is Feb. 27. Review of applications starts in March, with the first committee meeting in April. Questions? Contact Sarah Leonard at sarah@visitestespark.com or 970.628.0378 for application link.
Spaces for sale and lease. Call Eric.
970-586-2950
This Weekend! Indoor Garage SaleFriday and Saturday, Feb 6 and 7. Summit Church156 1st St. The District is accepting applications for a nutrition services team leader. Interested applicants must apply online at applitrack.com/estesschools/onlineapp/. Only online applications are accepted. See full posting at .applitrack.com/estesschools/onlineapp/. School kitchen experience preferred. Salary range is $19.73 - $22.32/hr with single benefits. Up to five years of similar work experience may be granted. Position open until filled. ESTES PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT R-3 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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
