Getting up before daylight paid off with a gorgeous sunrise, and the added bonus was a family of moose that made their way to the lake to eat, swim, and give me a memorable and exciting morning shoot. These animals are spectacular to watch.
Caption & photo by Cheryl Bemis
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It’s A New Era For Childcare In The Estes Valley –More Options & More Support
Families can now apply for new childcare tuition assistance as more providers begin to open Families in the Estes Valley are beginning to see the biggest expansion in childcare availability in years, with new and more robust tuition assistance opportunities and new providers beginning to welcome children. A recently licensed home provider is already operating, a Montessori childcare provider has secured a Town grant to open a new facility, and additional providers have expressed interest in establishing care in the Estes Valley. Paired with a new tuition assistance program, working parents have more options and more financial support than ever before. These programs are a key part of the Town Board's strategic goal to boost access to quality childcare and early childhood education in the community
The Estes Valley Childcare Fund (EVCF) was established to provide Tuition Assistance to middle-income families. The Town’s partner, the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County (ECCLC), administers the program, using its BridgeCare system. It provides a simple and user-friendly process for families to apply for, renew, and monitor their tuition assistance. The streamlined process allows a household to apply annually for the program year, calculating their fee that they pay the provider of their choice, and the tuition assistance subsidy is directly trans-
ferred to the childcare provider. On the program management side, the focus is on supporting families throughout the process, as well as strict data tracking and funding accountability for use of the 6E Lodging Tax, which is the primary source of revenue for the EVCF. There is a rolling application period, so families can apply as needs arise or as spaces become available.
The launch of this new tuition assistance program follows multiple years of research and intensive community engagement by the Town. The program was designed based on cost-modelling data and the needs expressed in the community. Assistance can be combined with other programs like Universal Preschool, with an ultimate goal of keeping a family’s childcare costs below ten percent of its net monthly income.
To locate licensed childcare providers in the Estes Valley, visit larimerchildcare.org.
To apply for childcare tuition assistance through the Estes Valley Childcare Fund, visit larimerchildcare.org/evcf or contact the fund’s administrator, Maribel Leon, at EVCF@ecclc.org.
“This is an exciting time for families in the Estes Valley,” said the Town’s Housing and Childcare Manager Carlie Bangs. “We’re growing the Estes Valley’s childcare community and removing obstacles by welcoming new providers and making sure families have financial support. Now, with assistance for middle-income families in addition to the support provided for low-in-
The Peak Transit’s Brown, Blue, Silver, & Gold Routes Operate Weekends Only October 1-19
Estes Park’s free seasonal transit service, The Peak, began its fall service schedule on Wednesday, October 1st The Red Route (downtown/Elkhorn Avenue) will continue its current schedule through Sunday, October 19th, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The remaining routes (Brown, Blue, Silver and Gold) will transition from daily service to weekends only. They will operate Saturday and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All Peak routes conclude service for the season after October 19th
The Peak’s operations were expanded in 2025 to provide weekday service for all routes through the month of September. This was offered as a pilot program, funded in part by a federal “Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality” grant based on recommendations in the Estes Park Multimodal Transportation Plan and the Estes Park Transit Development Plan. Transit ridership is monitored at each stop to help inform potential route and schedule adjustments for the 2026 season. The Peak
come families by the EVICS Family Resource Center using 6E funding from the Town, parents have access and assistance for the first time in years.”
With 6E Lodging Tax revenue, the Town was in a position to support families who would have been waitlisted for the state’s Colorado Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) in 2024. EVICS Family Resource Center administers financial assistance for families who meet the CCAP eligibility requirements since the freeze occurred, in addition to its long-standing childcare tuition assistance program. Now low- and middle-income families have access to financial assistance to pay for childcare in the Estes Valley.
Deputy Town Administrator Jason Damweber noted, “It’s taken a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to ensure local 6E Lodging Tax revenue is directed where it can make the greatest impact in supporting families and strengthening the workforce. Partners like ECCLC and EVICS have been essential to making these initiatives possible. Together, we’re building long-term solutions to make a real difference for families.”
More information about 6E Lodging Tax workforce housing and childcare initiatives, visit estes.org/workforcehousingandchildcare, or contact Housing and Childcare Manager Carlie Bangs at cbangs@estes.org or 970-577-3894.
is provided by the Town of Estes Park and funded by the Town’s General Fund, Parking Services Fund (via paid parking revenues), Federal Transit Administration grants and local sponsors.
For the latest service information, please visit estes.org/transit.
Photo Kris Hazelton
Housing In Estes Park — Join The Conversation
October 9th or 15th
Gather with fellow community members to talk about this challenging issue, find common ground, and identify ways to move forward. The Community Conversations team (Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership and Estes Valley Library) will host this discussion on October 9th and again on October 15th Registration is required! Please complete this form to receive a confirmation and background materials: bit.ly/3IwRuYD.
• Childcare and Spanish language interpretation will also be provided
• Thursday, October 9th or Wednesday, October 15th
• A free dinner will be provided at 5:30 p.m. with the Community Conversation taking place from 6 - 8 p.m.
• Estes Park High School Commons (1600 Manford Ave)
• Participants will receive a $10 gift card to Safeway; limit 1 per family
- Registration is required (select one date only, please): bit.ly/3IwRuYD
Participating is an important way to add your voice to the process of updating the Town Development Code
-- the regulations and standards that guide land use, zoning, development, and design within town limits. The update process is the next step after the community-led visioning process to update the "Estes Forward" Comprehensive Plan, completed in 2022. Learn more about the Development Code update process at estes.org/devcodeprocess.
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 September 21st, 2025, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 19 calls for service.
This included:
• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 7
• Alarm Activation: 3
• Smoke Investigation: 2
• MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident): 2
• Search & Rescue: 2
• Elevator Rescue: 1
• Odor Investigation: 2 estesvalleyfire.org
On September 16th, police stopped a 24year-old male driver in the area of S St. Vrain Avenue and Tranquil Lane. The suspect was charged for driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, driving a vehicle with blood alcohol content of 0.08 or above, and failure to drive in a single lane (weaving). He was booked and released.
On September 17th, police stopped a 30year-old male driver in the area of S. St. Vrain Avenue and Stanley Avenue. The suspect was cited for driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, fai-
lure to drive in a single lane (weaving), failure to present evidence of insurance upon request, and failure to stop for a traffic control signal at place required.
On September 21st, police stopped a 65year-old male driver at 321 S. St. Vrain Avenue. The suspect was charged for driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs and making a U-turn where prohibited. He was booked and released.
The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Town of Estes Park
By: Estes Chamber of Commerce
If spending an evening with local business leaders is right up your alley, then gather your best bowlers for the annual Chamber Bowling After Hours Tournament, hosted by The Bull Pin and made possible by Bank of Estes Park, and Visit Estes Park. The fun will take place on
Gather Your Team For Annual Estes Chamber Bowling After Hours On October 30th
networking, food, and entertainment and also participate in the Costume Contest to take home a prize of your own,” DePasquale continued.
Considering the tournament is ahead of Halloween, costumes are welcome and encouraged. There will be a costume contest, so get your team involved. We'll have awards for best team and best costume.
The tournament has space for eight teams this year, so get your team together and register today at esteschamber.org under the Events Calendar tab! Registration is $140 for member teams of four, $175 for teams of five, and $210 for teams of six. For individuals networking, tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
Register and learn more on the Chamber’s website: business.esteschamber.org/events/details/ bowling-after-hours-2025-12136.
“The Bull Pin is a community destination for fun and friendly competition. For us, hosting the Chamber Bowling Tournament is a perfect way to support and organization that helps small businesses, like ours, to connect with our community and grow. We’re thrilled to be partners and look forward to seeing all of your bowling skills,” commented Brian Hauser, Owner, The Bull Pin.
Thursday, October 30th from 5 - 7:30 p.m.
“Each year, business leaders and community members look forward to this tradition as a way to celebrate each other and spend time after a long summer season,” said Estes Chamber President Colleen DePasquale. “Even if you don't bowl, you are welcome to join the cheering section, enjoy
US 36 Traffic Cameras & CO 66 Fiber Optic Cable Project Announcement
The Colorado Department of Transportation kicks-off a new technology project this week, bringing fiber optic cable to Colorado Highway 66 and traffic cameras to US Highway 36.
Contractor, Dillie and Kuhn, will begin installing fiber optic cable from I-25 to Lyons offering support for the US 36 traffic cameras.
The traveling public can expect shoulder closures while the fiber optic is being installed. Once it is completed, crews will move to US 36 with the introduction of traffic cameras.
Benefits of fiber optic:
• Expands internet access to communities
• Offers support for traffic cameras
• Manages traffic equipment and technologies
• Improves emergency service communications
Benefits of traffic cameras:
• Helps to get first responders to the scene faster since they are monitored by CDOT Operation Centers 24 hours a day
Map shows the construction zone from I-25 to Estes Park on Colorado Highway 66 (fiber optic cable) and US Highway 36 (traffic cameras). Overall project begins at Mile Post 42.97 (CO 66) and continues west to MP 1.49 (US 36).
• Assists the public and snowplows in understanding road conditions before going out
• Keeps an eye on a challenging canyon corridor, which has a history of flood, fire, heavy snow and strong winds
• Assists authorities in managing traffic flow in real time
• Encourages safer driving behavior with visible cameras
• Collects data for future planning
The CO 66 and US 36 project is slated to go until December of 2026 with minimal impacts to motorists. Work will occur weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Road conditions, construction impacts and traffic cameras are viewable by the public on the CoTrip.org website or app.
Visit the project page at codot.gov/projects/us36 co66devices to learn more.
Career & Technical Education Monteverde, Costa Rica
Support Local Students At The CTE Auction
When: Saturday, October 4th, 8 a.m.
– 1 p.m.
Where: Estes Park High School — CTE Building
Who: Open to the entire community
Join us for an event benefitting our Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. Bid on equipment, talk with our teachers, and help us fund materials, tools, and real-world learning experiences for our students.
Winning bidders can pay in person if present at 1 p.m. or will be contacted regarding payment if not present. Cash or check accepted.
Pick-up is preferred same-day between 1-2 p.m. on October 4th; if you're not available during that time, we will make arrangements with you for pick-up and payment.
Pre-bidding starts on September 22nd on the CTE Auction Site (scan the QR code for more).
Live, on-site bidding will take place between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on October 4th. Winning bids will be announced shortly after close at 1 p.m.
Note that bidders don't need to be on campus at 1 p.m. to win! Donations are also accepted and appreciated.
Why does your bid matter? Every dollar raised goes directly back into our CTE classes — helping students learn skilled trades, technical pathways, and career skills through real projects and industry-grade tools. Additional donations to the CTE program are greatly appreciated!
Questions? Call the school office or email Dr. Harris (CTE director) at ryan_harris@psdr3.k12.co.us.
The event is open to all so come check out our CTE facility. Thank you for supporting Estes Park students!
Sister Cities Sign Pole Dedication Friday, October 3rd
The community is invited to attend the 2 p.m. dedication of a new sign pole honoring the 21 year relationship between the towns of Estes Park and Monteverde, Costa Rica. The pole is located in the town park between Snowy Peaks Winery and the Moraine Avenue traffic circle. Town staff and elected officials and the visiting delegation from Monteverde will be on hand for this celebration.
The highlight of the delegation’s eleven-day visit will be the signing of a Sister Cities Agreement Renewal by the towns’ mayors to continue this relationship for the next five years. Areas of mutual interest include tourism, municipal governance, public health, education, arts, culture, and environmental stewardship. During their visit the delegation will meet with Town staff, Visit Estes Park, Estes Park Schools, Estes Valley Library, The Learning Place, Salud, Estes Park Health, Larimer County Health, Estes
Valley Land Trust, The Watershed Coalition, EVICS, and the Community Center and EVRPD facilities. The group will also tour RMNP, the Estes Park Museum, MacGregor Ranch, and attend the Accessibility Showcase at The Mountain Shop. Members and Friends of EPSCA are providing meals and transportation around town. The YMCA is generously providing lodging and meals.
Community members are also invited to attend the EPSCA Annual Meeting at the Estes Park Museum on Friday, October 3rd from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Following some social time, the program will feature presentations by the Monteverde group and our high school youth ambassadors who visited Monteverde last March. New board members will be elected by EPSCA members. Membership renewals are due at this time. EPSCA enthusiastically welcomes new members. Join at epsistercities.org or in person at the Annual Meeting.
Costa Rica, Ryan Loehndorf photo
Next Estes Park Health Blood Drive Is October 24th
Blood donations can have a huge impact on the lives of patients in a variety of situations. A few scenarios include women with pregnancy complications, children with complex medical needs, people with severe injuries following trauma and patients receiving cancer treatments or elaborate medical procedures, such as organ transplants. There is no substitute for human blood.
For this reason, Estes Park Health partners with UCHealth Garth Englund Blood Center to hold quarterly on-site blood drives to help patients in northern Colorado, including in Estes Park. The goal is to not only help patients who need a blood transfusion, but also make it convenient for generous donors in the Estes Valley to give the gift of life.
blood-donation.uchealth.org/donor/ auth/signin. Walk-ins are welcome.
Blood is essential in the human body. It keeps your body functioning by carrying oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body and transporting waste out of the cells. Within the blood are plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, elements that also help fight infection, distribute nutrients and create clots to stop bleeding.
Blood collected at donor events supports patients at Medical Center of the Rockies, Poudre Valley Hospital, Greeley Hospital, Longs Peak Hospital, and Estes Park Health.
And each person who donates a pint of blood may save up to three lives.
The next blood drive is on Friday, October 24th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Estes Park Health located at 555 Prospect Avenue.
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can register in advance using the QR code or by registering at
To donate blood, you must be at least 18 years old (or 17 with a parent’s permission) and show a photo identification. New blood donors must weigh at least 120 pounds and be in good health. Prior donors must weigh at least 110 pounds with no complications during previous donations, and feel well and healthy.
Remember, all types of blood are needed, even if you don’t know your blood type. All types can save lives.
Registration Now Open: 4 Steps To Cultivating Collaborative Partnerships
Government, business, nonprofits, clubs, and community members alike: registration is now open for 4 Steps to Cultivating Collaborative Partnerships. Participants will learn how to set clear goals, establish shared agreements, foster psychological safety, and create sustain-
able, co-owned leadership structures. Join us on October 21st, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Learn more at epnonprofit.org/ education.
This town is full of people and organizations looking to do good together. Set yourself up for effective and successful outcomes.
When I consider the quintessential camp song, Kumbaya comes to mind. The title is derived from the Gullah phrase “kum ba yah,” which means "come by here,” a plea to the divine. When we sang it in scouts, we held hands. Although the song’s simple message is often made fun of today, I believe we can accomplish much if we take hands and sing together.
In my August 29 column I put out a call for childhood songs such as Kumbaya that bring happy memories. Here are the top votes [my comments in brackets]:
•Ann B.: When we were in high school, Dad drove my friends and me to the outof-town games. We sang a lot on the way. He had to ask us not to sing Head and Shoulders ‘cause four girls singing together caused the car to jump down the road. I’m heading on the road now with my head full of songs! Thank you. [I hope Ann kept her hands on the wheel and not on her head, shoulders, knees and toes!]
•Rosemary A.: I’m taking sign language and we’re signing the ABC Song to refresh our memory. Every class is a new beginning for me. [Singing—with our fingers or our voice—keeps us young!]
•John R: Here are a few from my youth just in case they’re not in your file: Itsy bitsy spider went up the waterspout… [Kay M. also mentioned Itsy Bitsy Spider. The finger-to-thumb, thumb-to-finger climb of the spider is so fun to do!]
Also, John remembers:
I’d like to take a horse and buggy I’d like to drive it into town
I like to hear old Dobbins clip clop I like to see those wheels go round… [I had to look this one up on YouTube since I’d never heard it before. It’s catchy.]
And this one:
Shoo fly pie and apple pan dowdy, make your eyes light up and your tummy say howdy… [Dinah Shore made this song famous.]
•Ted D: One thing I must say: Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy… [My favorite part of this song is the phrase “kiddley divey.” It’s a giggle on the tongue.]
•Carolyn W. too: I’m older and I could say ditto to your repertoire. However, I would need to add Purple People Eater and Mairzy Doats. [Mairzy Doats or Mares Eat Oats: which is it?]
•Cousin Mike E.: It’s not a child’s song, but a song from my childhood that I loved was Edelweiss. “The Sound of Music” was the first movie we saw at a theatre. After that Mom used to play guitar and sing this song; loved it! [Aunt Rita relished playing her guitar for sing-alongs at family gatherings. We loved it too!]
•Cousin Coleen S.: Buffalo gals, won’t you come out tonight and dance by the light of the moon? [My favorite line from this song is “I danced with a dolly with a hole in her stockin’ and her knees kept aknockin’ and her heels kept a-rockin’. It’s another tongue tickler.]
Coleen also remembers: I’m a little teapot, short and stout, here is my handle, here is my spout…
•Cousin John T.: Joe and Sarah sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. [Silly John!]
•Amy W.: I remember the action songs Ring Around the Rosie, London Bridge is Falling Down and The Hokey Pokey [That’s what it’s all about, don’tcha know.]
My family’s favorite song was Johnny Rebeck. If you don’t know it, google the lyrics. [That I did. Hey howdy, is it a tongue twister!] My parents always sang silly songs with us in the car coming home after dark. My mom confessed later they did this to keep us awake so they wouldn’t have to carry three sleeping kids into the house. Tricky!!
•Pam S.: Anyone remember “Great big gobs of greasy grimy gopher guts…”?
[Thanks, but I’d rather not.]
•Fran W.: One of my favorite camp songs is White Coral Bells, a round. I think your Raindrops research is flawed,
however. I remember singing it at camp in jr. high—long before 1993 and also sang it at a “talent-less” event at a retreat prior to my daughter’s birth in 1989. [I’m so glad to know Barney didn’t originate that song!]
•Susan A.: Here are some more: White Coral Bells [Oh, don’t you wish that you could hear them ring?]
On a wagon, bound for market [aka Dona, Dona—hauntingly beautiful] Rise Up O Flame [from the 1500s. Also soul-stirring]
Michael Row the Boat Ashore [a spiritual]
Dona Nobis Pacem [a lovely round meaning “Give us peace.”]
There was an old lady who swallowed a fly… […perhaps she’ll die. A morbid message, especially for children. In the end she swallows a horse. She’s dead, of course.]
My Paddle’s Keen and Bright [This is an enchanting round.]
Where Have All the Flowers Gone? [This has been sung around many a campfire.]
I could go on and on!!!!
•Moe C.: There was—maybe still is—a
concrete company in the part of Connecticut where I lived for several years, called “D’Addario Construction,” owned by a guy named Frank “Tuffy” D’Addario. His bright red cement trucks had “HI HO D’ADDARIO” going ‘round and ‘round on the mixer. Effective marketing, because 30+ years later, I still immediately think of those trucks when I hear or read “Hi Ho.” Beyond that, the only tunes that pop into my head are ones I learned in the locker room or fraternity house, and are not suitable for your entertaining G-rated column, Sarah.
•High school classmate Suzanne P. waxed lyrical: Ahhhh! East Singers vocal warm up “my dame had a lame tame crane” had vanished until I read your musings—and then the tune burst forth as if it had been waiting decades to be spotlighted. The mysteries and magic of melody and memory… Indeed.
You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com.
Introduction To Transportation Programming Resources
Join UCHealth and Aspen Club Senior Services in Estes Park on Wednesday, October 8th from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center for a presentation from GoNoCo34.
The GoNoCo34 Transportation Management Organization (TMO) will be presenting on the activities and direction in which the TMO will proceed, and what programming and resources we have available to the community and the Town of Estes Park.
Registration is required by calling the Aspen Club at 970-495-8565.
Get Ready To Rock & Roll With B-Rad & The Nifties, & The Maraschinos
Get ready to rock and roll! B-Rad & the Nifties, and the Maraschinos, will be at the Estes Park High School Auditorium on Saturday, October 18th
The fun starts at 7 p.m. and features B-Rad & the Nifties: Brad Fitch (guitar & vocals), Mark Rashid (lead guitar), Jason Lenz (bass guitar), Colby Birchfield (drums) and Tristan Anderson (keyboard & back-up vocals).
And in good 50s fashion we have the Maraschinos: Michelle Allen, Rachel Ryan, Ivy Anderson, and Bridget Rago, to provide backup vocals. Songs in the line-up: “Bye-bye Love,” “Dream Lover,” “Peggy Sue,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Money,” “The Twist,”
“Wake Up Little Suzie,” and many others to transport you back to the “good old days” of sock hops, American Bandstand, and 45s in the juke box. Oh, the memories if you’re old enough to have been there! If not, come on down and hear what you missed!
Concert goers are encouraged to wear 50s attire and will be invited to dance throughout. Brought to you by the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies, tickets are available at Macdonald Book Shop, online at fineartsguild.org, and at the door. Adults are $20, Seniors are $18, ages 6-18 are $12, and 5 & under are free.
Macdonald Book Shop Hosts
Author Danielle Sarli On October 11th
Macdonald Book Shop is hosting Danielle Sarli, author of Little Climber, on Saturday, October 11th. Danielle's book is about a young girl who loves to climb and will climb anything she can. In the book she learns about rock climbing and becomes a climber. It is a story of confidence, and self-exploration to become who you are meant to be. While steeped in climbing, this children's book translates to any child who needs self-esteem and to accept who they are. Join Danielle at Macdonald Book Shop from 9 to 10 a.m. on October 11th for a fun, free storytime.
Quota Club provides scholarships primarily to women for career development or a return to school later in life. If you are a local resident interested in receiving scholarship monies email: akasper45@yahoo.com with questions or for an application.
Visit: estesparkquota.com
Estes Park Salud Clinic Earns Two Quality Measure Awards
The Estes Park Salud Clinic has been honored with two Quality Measure Awards in 2025, a first in the clinic’s history. Presented by Salud Family Health, these awards are designed to recognize clinics across our network that are raising the bar in patient care and advancing community well-being. Announced at the Staff Picnic on September 19th, 2025, the recognition reflects not only the clinic’s outstanding results, but also the growth, teamwork, and unwavering determination demonstrated by every member of the Estes Park staff and providers.
Sweet Success in Diabetes Management
The first award, Sweet Success in Diabetes Management, recognizes the work of the Medical Providers in ensuring diabetic patients maintain their A1C below 9. This accomplishment reflects a high level of care and commitment from the team. Special recognition goes to the Salud Foundation for
its critical role in supporting this achievement by covering the costs of devices, sensors, and medications that make diabetes control possible for patients.
Hope and Healing
The second award, Hope and Healing, honors the clinic’s comprehensive approach to screening patients for depression and mental health at every visit. This effort is the result of collaboration across the entire staff, including the Behavioral Providers, the Dental Department, and the Medical Teams. Together, they made certain that mental health is recognized as an integral part of patient care and that no concern goes unnoticed or untreated.
Recognition of Teamwork
These awards represent consistent dedication, effective teamwork, and a culture of excellence at the Estes Park Clinic. Each step taken by individual staff members has contributed to this outcome, and the recognition affirms the value of their ongoing efforts. The trophies for these awards are displayed at the clinic, and community and staff members are encouraged to stop by and see them when possible. They are a symbol of what can be achieved when providers, staff, and the Foundation work together to expand hope, healing, and health for patients.
The Estes Park Salud Clinic, located at 1950 Redtail Hawk Drive is currently accepting new patients. We provide medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health care to all ages: newborns, children, teens, adults, and seniors! Salud accepts Medicaid, Medicare, CHP+, and most private insurance plans. Insurance enrollment assistance is available. For more information and to support our work through a donation, please visit saludclinic.org
The October meeting of the Estes Park Aviation Club will be held at 6:30 p.m. on October 8th at the American Legion Club. The public is invited to attend.
The Aviation Club is fortunate to have one of its members, Graham Nelson, available to present on his visit to the 2025 Oshkosh Air Venture Fly In airshow. Graham always takes plenty of pictures!
The airshow is arranged by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), an international general aviation organization based in Oshkosh, and is the largest of its kind in the world. The show lasts a week, usually
Aviation Club’s October Meeting To Feature Speaker Graham Nelson
beginning on the Monday of the last full week in July. During the gathering, the airport's control tower, frequency 118.5, is the busiest in the world. The attendance this year (July 17-28) was approximately 704,000. There were more than 10,000 aircraft that arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin. There were an astounding 995 vintage aircraft, 910 homebuilt aircraft, 361 warbirds, 101 ultralights and light planes, 75 aerobatic aircraft, 74 seaplanes and amphibians, 18 rotorcraft, and 9 balloons. The EAA Fly In is by far the largest and most interesting gathering of aircraft in the world.
Join this month’s Aviation Club meeting on Wednesday, October 8th at 6:30 pm at the American Legion Hall Post 119, located at 850 N St. Vrain Avenue in Estes Park. As always, the Legion is open to the public with food and drink for purchase at 5:30 p.m. Our gathering is open to all interested, so if you like flying, planes, space, or just talking to aviation enthusiasts, come and join us!
501 Saint Vrain Lane
Saint Vrain Lane
202 Estes Park, CO 80517 970-586-9078
202 Estes Park, CO 80517 970-586-9078
Mark Purdy
Stronger Together: Cross-Sector Collaborations Allow The Citizenship Project To Shine
By: Karen McPherson Jackson, Estes Nonprofit Network
Part Two of a Three-Part Series
The Estes Nonprofit Network’s workforce development, networking opportunities, and reports give a 30,000-foot view of the nonprofit industry. Right now, we see successful examples of nonprofits, businesses, individuals, and government agencies all playing in the same sand to build castles in philanthropy.
Last week, we highlighted the good work of a business and two nonprofits working towards increased Outdoor Accessibility. This week, we turn to the Citizenship Project, a collaborative group addressing a goal that no singular organization or individual could conquer alone.
The Citizenship Project Vision: Support local residents in the path to citizenship.
Well, the path to citizenship is wildly varied: studying for a test, evaluation of a candidate’s current (and potential approval) status with a lawyer, practice interviews, possibly dealing with language barriers, and a detailed application process. In this case, six nonprofits and a couple of highly motivated individuals all step in.
First off, there is no legal right to citizenship. There is no right to an attorney, like there is if you commit a crime.
And attorneys can be expensive. Enter Autumn Nelson, an immigration attorney who initiated this project and has donated countless hours of legal counsel. Three years ago, Nelson called into
the Estes Nonprofit Network, and we connected her with a handful of organizations in town that address the various parts of the citizenship journey. Another community member, Melissa
Wood, immediately stepped in as an invaluable coach and meeting host. The process goes like this: Nelson screens people at a legal clinic at EVICS Family Resource Center to evaluate an individual's prospects for being approved, explain the process, and help them understand what legal documents they need. In addition to providing the space for these meetings, EVICS Family Advocates help obtain, copy, and organize supporting documents for applicants.
The Estes Valley Library hosts "application day," when the applicants actually fill out the online citizenship application. The Library provides space, laptops, printing/copying, and any other logistical/technical support needed by the coaches and applicants.
The Estes Park Learning Place holds a class on civics and history to prepare candidates for the Citizenship exam and interview. They also help with organizing documents (so. much. paperwork!). The Estes Park League of Women Voters helps new citizens get registered to vote. Patriots for Peace and the American Legion Post 119 have raised funds, most of which go towards filing fees (it costs $710 to file for citizenship).
This year’s Graduation Celebration applauds four new citizens who have taken advantage of all or part of the support offered through the Citizenship Project. It is organized by the Estes Valley Library and is again hosted by the American Legion Post
119. Funding for this event has come from the Legion, Newcomers, and community members. This year, it is supported by a donation from the St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Women's Group. Let’s pause for a breath and recognize that a basket full of donors, nonprofit organizations, and private in-kind service providers are working together towards one vision. In a day and age of division, this teamwork feels like a balm. In some places around the country, there are workshops about the citizenship process, or volunteer attorneys, and there are a few resettlement agencies or nonprofits that specifically address citizenship (although most have lost funding). Changes around the process of citizenship are coming fast and furious, as is the ability to help others apply for citizenship. The Estes Park Citizenship Project is the first-of-its-kind wraparound service provided by multiple partners. Bravo!
How to get involved:
Encourage residents who wish to become citizens or volunteer in support of this project to reach out online via eplearningplace.org/the-citizenshipproject. Or, donate to support the Citizenship Project through the Post 119 Charitable Foundation.
The Estes Nonprofit Network supports and strengthens nonprofits in the Estes Valley through education, collaboration opportunities, and resources. Registration is now open for 4 Steps to Cultivating Collaborative Partnerships. Participants will learn how to set clear goals, establish shared agreements, foster psychological safety, and create sustainable, co-owned leadership structures. October 21st, 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Learn more at epnonprofit.org/education.
Fall Colors Of Kebler Pass
By: Brad Manard
I had heard about the fall colors of Southwest Colorado. Descriptions and photos had made it look like images from a magical coloring book. Explosions of yellow, red, and orange interspersed with blue spruce and green pine created stunning images of the mountains surrounding the view in every direction.
As I planned my trip, I reached out to my photographer friends asking where to find the colors. Ridgeway, Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride all came up, but the constant was driving Kebler Pass from Crested Butte. As one friend shared, “It’s an amazing array of colors.” So that is where I headed.
Finding my way through the quaint downtown of Crested Butte, the street eventually led to Kebler Pass. I didn’t know where I was going, but I knew it was the road to take, so up I drove into the mountains toward the 10,007 foot summit.
It was the last week of September, the peak of fall colors. I drove in anticipation knowing the 30-mile scenic route was famous for its vast aspen groves that turn vibrant gold and orange in the autumn. Immediately, the colors began to reveal themselves, and I quickly found an overlook with stunning views. Stopping, I stepped from my SUV breathing deeply, inhaling.
Many years before, I had driven Independence Pass from Leadville to Aspen. I vaguely remembered the narrow road passing over 12,095 feet. But what I did remember was passing
through an aspen forest. Perfectly straight, the aspens were tall and narrow creating an image of white lines like a picket fence Tom Sawyer had tricked his friends to paint. The experience created a beautiful memory.
Kebler Pass is one of the most iconic drives in Colorado winding through one of the largest aspen groves in the state. Aspen, a unique tree of the poplar family, produces cloned trees from a single root system forming one large living organism, The trees, interconnected through the one root system, can span an entire mountainside of genetically identical trees. Because they share a root structure, an entire area reaching up to 100 acres can be from one single aspen organism. This means all of the aspen’s leaves emerge at the same time in spring and in the fall when the leaves turn gold. Thus creating spectacular foliage displays.
As I stood taking in the vision, like
the memory of Independence Pass, I was captivated by the spectacular colors offset with white bark tree trunks creating epic mountain views.
I thought of the long history of the area with the trail rooted in Native American Ute history. In the late 19th century with the mining boom, Kebler Pass was the route for the Denver & Rio Grand Railroad with a station at its summit. Once the mining efforts faded, it became the major road connecting Crested Butte and Paonia. As I drove the dirt road, I first stopped to capture an iconic hillside.
The mountainside was layers of yellow and green interspersed with the tall white trunks of the aspen. As the
dense aspen forest prevails, the lower branches on the trees do not receive enough sunlight. Thus, as they grow the lower branches fall from the tree, creating tall, narrow slats of thick white crowned with the colors of fall.
At the peak of the image were rocky outcrops of volcanic rock and granite, dynamic against the colors. Among all the colors was a grove of bright red aspen, created by an abundance of water and sugar. As I set my camera to capture the image, the emotions of the beauty were overwhelming, the colors beyond my anticipation.
Once captured, I drove upward along the road toward the pass. Everywhere I looked were the colors of fall. Complementing them were the white bark closer to the ground surrounded by a sea of ferns. It reminded me of the Independence Pass image burned in my memory.
I parked, walking deep into the white forest. Winding my way up the hill, I traversed to the summit where I was alone surrounded by the mystical image of golden top trees and a floor of ferns.
As I stood by myself within the forest, a slight breeze rustled through the treetops. Looking up, the yellow leaves began to rain down upon me. I raised my arms, welcoming the fall of fall, yellow encompassing my view. I was alone in the forest, the leaves a beautiful shower drifting downward onto my hands and shoulders until landing gently on the ferns.
I was standing within the magic of SW Colorado’s amazing fall foliage like an elf in the forest, spinning in my own little dance of joy.
Brad Manard
September’s Learn With The League Featured Estes Park School District Improvements
By: Caltha Crowe, League of Women Voters of Estes Park
The Estes Park League of Women Voters offered “Learn with the League” on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025. Their purpose was to share information about the improvements that the Estes Park School District has achieved in the past year. This is the third year in a row that the Estes Park League of Women Voters and the Administrative Team at the Estes Park Schools have collaborated to share our local schools’ growth and development.
tool. 74% of these students reached or scored above the proficient benchmark.
Needless to say, school attendance is an important piece of learning. The Administrative Team created a “Parent
personal property in Estes Park, we are primarily a locally funded school system. Additional funds come from grants that the school system applies for; for example, a state grant for additional school safety and grants from
The Administrative Team who presented included Rube Bode, Superintendent of Schools; Sonja Greenway, Principal of Secondary Schools; Erin Miller, Elementary Principal; Sundee Pietsch, Director of Student Services; Eric Adams, Director of Operations and Transportation and Brian Lund, Director of Business Services. Brad Shochat, School Board Director explained the role of School Board Members.
Like most schools in our country, school closures and virtual teaching due to COVID caused set backs for our local schools. Once the pandemic had calmed down and the normal school year resumed, the administrative team set to work rebuilding the school system’s quality. They created a strategic plan and followed it. The success has been dramatic.
When Colorado children in grades three and up were tested by the State of Colorado last April, Estes Park’s students scored at close to “Distinguished District” whereas just three years ago our schools scored at “Improvement District.” Our schools are now in the top half of the state whereas they were previously in the bottom third. The Estes Park School District tests Kindergarten through Grade Two students’ reading skills using the DIBELS testing
their parents with the goal of better attendance. Student attendance is now up to 91.7%. This is an impressive achievement that the Administrative Team has achieved. Thank you for prioritizing our children’s learning in such a spectacular way.
The Estes Park School System is not only striving for greater academic success. They are also helping students build social skills such as clear communication, perseverance and collaboration. They teach physical, social and emotional wellness in a kind and positive environment in order to create a safe environment for learning. Creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving also take a front row.
High School students are required to participate in at least 40 hours of community service as a graduation requirement. Some examples are raising money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and creating a student-led Kindness Club that creates an anti-bullying environment. Students’ ideas for how to support the community are paramount.
In Colorado, as in other states, funding is tied to student numbers. These numbers are ascertained on a student count day in October. There are nine hundred and seventeen students, at last count, in the Estes Park Public Schools. The per pupil funding is $13,395.96 per student per year. Where does this money come from? Due to the value of
Zoom Coffee With The League Of Women Voters On October 11th
Join the League of Women Voters of Estes Park for their next Zoom Coffee on Saturday, October 11th from 10 – 11 a.m. Guest speaker Brian Schaffer with Cross roads Ministry of Estes Park will speak about the services they provide our neighbors in need, especially the Senior population. These include the Helping Hub, homebound services, partnership with Dementia Together/Dementia Daycare center, Meals on Wheels, mental health counseling, and
monthly food box deliveries. All are welcome and registration is required. Go to lwv-estespark.org for your Zoom invitation.
For the past seven years, Brian Schaffer has served as the Executive Director of Crossroads Ministry. He also serves in a volunteer role as a Chaplain for Estes Valley Fire Protection District. Prior to this he served in Alaska with the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness.
Again, all are welcome to this free community program. Register for your Zoom invitation at lwv-estespark.org.
Educators and students need a safe and pleasant space in which to teach and learn. Our Middle School was built in 1962 and is 63 years old. Our High School was built in 1974 and is 51 years old. The Elementary School was built in 1997 and is 28 years old.
Under the leadership of Ruby Bode, with substantial support from Eric Adams, a Long Term Planning Committee has formed that has created the new district long term facility plan. This plan emphasizes more preventative maintenance in order to minimize excessive repairs.
Our school system has struggled to create full staffing over the past few years. With slow increases in salaries they are finally offering wages that allow staff to live comfortably in Estes Park. They now have fully staffed schools at all levels.
The Estes Park public schools teaches a wide variety of students. There are 105 students with Individual Education Plans (IEP) who are receiving Special Education services. This is 11% of the school population as compares to the state average of 13% and a National average of 15%. They are carefully taught and followed by teams of appropriately certified teachers and other professionals. There are multiple curricula for their teachers to use in order to teach them effectively. Children who are receiving Special Education services are taught with other students in classroom settings.
There are 56 students who are not eligible for Special Education but have needs that make them eligible for individual (504) plans.
There are 65 students who are eligible for and receive gifted and talented services.
There are 40 students with Speech and Hearing needs who receive appropriate services.
There are 166 Multilingual English
Language learners who participate in scheduled English language classes. At the high school there are multi tiered systems of support that give students an opportunity to learn about career paths. One provides transportation to Thompson Valley for career education.
School board members are elected to four year terms with elections held on alternate, odd numbered years. If a potential board member does not face an opponent, they are simply re-named to the board for another term.
All school board members attend the Colorado Association of School Board Members each fall. Each board member from each school district across the state attends. There they learn about everything from Roberts Rules of Order to School Finance. Once they return to their district they learn about Board Norms from other board members.
Board members have Work Sessions where they discuss school policies. These sessions are recorded and saved on Zoom Live on the School System website along with School Board minutes. The public is allowed to attend either in person or virtually. No voting is involved in work sessions. However, they allow observers an opportunity to get to know our School Board members.
Voting on School Board policy takes place in Town Hall Sessions in alternate months as well as other School Board Meetings. A Board Member makes a motion. There is a “first reading.” Two months later there is a “second reading.” The vote is not held until after the “second reading.”
This is an important example of the way that the School Board operates within “Guard Rails” that designate what a School Board can or cannot do.
The Estes Park Public Schools have, under the leadership of Superintendent Ruby Bode, used their vision, mission and beliefs to create a learning environment that allows children to experience academic achievement, real world learning and wellness. They have built community, worked hard to improve instruction and inspired children. We are lucky to have this fine school system in our community. Please join us next year to learn about the Estes Park School System’s growth and development after four years.
It Takes A Village: Sustainable Kindness
event.
Every cup of coffee or tea served by Kind Coffee is accompanied by large portions of generosity and goodwill. Those values are intrinsic to Kind Coffee’s mission and have fueled its success and growth into a mainstay of the Estes community.
“Our name expresses our intention,” said Kind Coffee Owner Kimi Nash.
“Our mission is to have a sustainable environment. Our focus on organic, fair-trade coffee, our use of compostable, recyclable materials and our partnerships with trusted local vendors all support that mission. We also want to ensure that our customers are leaving here happy, and hope that our customers will return our kindness and share it throughout the Estes community.”
That focus on sustainability is one of the reasons that Nash agreed to be a financial sponsor of the Fall Gala fundraising event for the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS) Family Resource Center. The event, “It Takes a Village,” is scheduled for 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7th at The Homestead at Black Canyon Inn.
“Kind Coffee and EVICS are both focused on sustainability,” said Nash. “In our case, it’s a sustainable environment. In EVICS’ case, it’s a sustainable life for Estes families.
“Young workers are the foundation of
Final 2025 P.E.O. Summer Friendship Breakfast: Friday, October 10th
The P.E.O. Summer Group invites visiting P.E.O.s to join us the second Friday of the month through October at Ember Restaurant on Lake Estes for a
Friendship Breakfast. The final breakfast for the year will be October 10th. We meet at 9 a.m. and hope to see you there!
Estes Park Quota Club Wants To Help!
Estes Park Quota Club quiere ayudar!
5)True or False: Hearing loss only happens in your senior years. FALSE! Hearing loss can happen at any age. Use of earbuds or headphones at a high volume can result in hearing loss caused by noise at any age. Learn more about Quota Club's Hearing and Speech work in Estes Park at estesparkquota.com/contact-info
5)Verdadero o falso: la pérdida de audición solo ocurre en los últimos años. ¡FALSO! La pérdida de audición puede ocurrir a cualquier edad. El uso de auriculares o audífonos a un volumen alto puede provocar pérdida de audición causada por el ruido a cualquier edad. Obtenga más información sobre el trabajo de audición y habla de Quota Club en Estes Park en estesparkquota.com/contact-info
the Estes workforce. Those workers and their families need access to the childcare, guidance, and resources that organizations like EVICS provides. If we want to make a place for young families in Estes, we need to support them and the organizations that serve them.
“It makes me feel really good to support EVICS and its mission! I hope that other businesses and individuals will follow our lead in supporting the Gala event.”
“We are extremely grateful for the support of Kimi and Kind Coffee,” said EVICS Executive Director Rut Miller. “The Gala is our one major fundraising event of the year. It brings our community together to celebrate stories of resilience and to raise critical funds.
“The proceeds raised by our Gala event help to ensure that we have the resources to sustain programs that families depend on. Without those resources, many families in Estes Valley would go without critical support.
EVICS began in 2006 as a resource to help children and their families access quality early childhood care and early childhood development resources. Over time, its leaders recognized that supporting children also meant supporting their families. To that end, EVICS’ role has grown to include family advocacy, mental health support, youth programming, and partnerships that address the broader needs of the community. This evolution has transformed EVICS into a comprehensive family resource center, partnering with families to support them at every step.
Supporting EVICS is a way to invest in young families and in the future of the Estes Valley. These families power the valley’s visitor-industry workforce and play key roles in sustaining its economy.
“Without EVICS, many families would fall through the cracks,” said Miller. “Investing in those families today builds a stronger, healthier Estes Valley for tomorrow.”
“We don’t give handouts, we give hand-ups. We provide real solutions so Estes Valley families can thrive, not just survive.”
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, simply scan the QR code to visit our sponsorship page. You can also stop by EVICS Family Resource Center at 1182 Graves Avenue, Unit A, or call us at 970-586-3055 with any questions.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025
Kind Coffee Owner Kimi Nash is happy to support the mission of EVICS by being a financial sponsor of its Fall Gala fundraising
The Art Center Of Estes Park Announces New Exhibit
Join the Art Center of Estes Park for a new exhibit opening: “Reflections of the West,” featuring Connie Schmidt, Watercolors and Pat Sebern, Pastels and Oils.
Connie Schmidt grew up in Crystal City, Missouri with her parents and seven sisters. Her art endeavors began in childhood with drawing and painting, leading to a single art class in high school. During college years she switched from oils to acrylics as a creative outlet without any further art education. She received her BSBA in Accounting at Rockhurst University in Kansas City and completed her qualifications as a Certified Public Accountant. A career in finance became her focus during her adult years. During their 35 years living in Metropolitan St. Louis, she and her husband and son vacationed almost exclusively in Colorado. She now spends five months of the year in Estes Park.
recognized watercolor artists. Her representational style, both plein air and studio, features the landscapes of the west.
Although never an “outdoors” person, Connie developed a love of painting “en plein air” in Rocky Mountain National Park. She currently participates weekly with a group of plein air artists in and around Estes Park and RMNP. Her favorite place to paint outdoors is at Sprague Lake in RMNP. She often paints right along the trail in full view of park visitors. Individuals and families stop to look at her work in progress, chat about the painting process, and share their park adventures and activities, often asking if moose have been at the lake that day (usually not).
She has participated in the Estes Valley Plein Air for four years, as well as plein air festivals in Boulder, Steamboat Springs, and Woodland Park.
River, Manitou Lake and others. Locations featured in other pieces include ‘Happy Trail’ in Steamboat Springs, ‘Sunlit Hoodoos’ in Woodland Park, ‘Seasons Collide’ in the San Luis Valley, ‘Taos Beauty’ in Taos, ‘State Forest Overlook’ in Walden and ‘Yampa Sentinels’ in Yampa. But Reflections is also the memories I have of these wonderful places and the joy I experience during the painting process that bring this Midwesterner back to Col-
After a 40-year hiatus, during retirement, she returned to her love of art in a self-directed program. Always drawn to the beauty of watercolor paintings seen in galleries and art shows, she began her watercolor journey in 2016 at workshops sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy and the Art Center of Estes Park. She has continued her watercolor education through workshops with nationally
“Living in Estes Park in the summer and early fall has allowed me to enjoy the outdoors in a new way,” commented Connie. “This show includes both plein air and studio paintings, all representing the scenery of Colorado and New Mexico that I have come to love. With Rocky as my favorite playground, I have a particular affinity to the reflections of the mountains and forests as seen in its lakes and rivers. This is seen repeatedly in the watercolors included in the show. These design elements are also carried into other locations – the Rio Grande, Elk
galleries and shows throughout the Northwest and Oregon. She was working at a large import company at the time and while there, designed a light-up porcelain village and a line of collectible rabbits. While in this position, she had the opportunity to travel to England and the Orient several times.
orado each year.”
“My paintings are expressions of my love of color and natural beauty. I have found the landscapes of Colorado to be inspirational and try to convey this to the viewer through my studio and plein air work,” she added. “Working en plein air with watercolors is challenging and joyous, whether painting solo or with likeminded artists. The changing light, vagaries of weather, and interruptions by curious onlookers contribute to the development of the finished piece. It is my hope that my representation of time and place engages the emotions of the viewer.”
Pat Sebern lived in Denver and began painting there. During the late 70s and 80s she was primarily involved in Western art as she and her family participated in primitive Rendezvous. These are encampments replicating the years of mountain men, fur trade and black powder competitions (circa 1780 – 1830). She made their buckskin outfits, did the beadwork, made the fur headwear, and painted an original design on the tipi they stayed in. Every gathering provided incredible inspiration and reference for future paintings. She also participated in many invitational Western art shows during that time including Prescott, Arizona; Cortez and Keystone, Colorado, and many shows around the greater Denver area. Working primarily in oil, she was encouraged to try pastels by Dee Toscano, a wonderful Denver artist who was a major name in Western subjects (particularly Native American Indians).
In the meantime, her job consisted of doing large window display artwork, and silk floral design.
Accepting a position in Seattle, she was very active with the Northwest Pastel Society and participated in many
In 1995 Pat accepted a position in Dallas as an art director for a large ceramic and giftware company. In this position she began designing another line of collectibles, named after the farm her grandmother grew up on in England (the Bears of Honeybourne Hollow). In connection with this, she illustrated two children’s books, and painted a large mural 12’x8’ which traveled to all the collectible shows. Eventually she was transitioned to the design team and spent the next 15 years designing tabletop groups and dinnerware. During her time there, she was a member of The Pastel Society of the Southwest, serving as president, special exhibit chairman, etc. Through all these jobs and transitions in creative projects, she has worked in several medias, including watercolor and gouache and large canvas murals painted with acrylic, but her two favorite medias are oil and pastel. Pat finds them the most versatile, timeless, and inspiring of all painting disciplines. While having no formal training, over the years she has participated in many workshops and taught several classes. Some of the pastel workshops she attended were with Albert Handell, Lorenzo Chavez, Jessica Zemsky and Richard McKinley (among others). Pat has been a member of the Pastel Society of Colorado and was a board member at large for a couple of years. She is currently a juried and active member of the Art Center of Estes Park and Homestead Gallery of Berthoud. She has a website that has two videos plus images of paintings and will be adding many more that will be included in the Estes Park Gallery feature show this October.
In the past nine years, Pat retired and moved back to Colorado from Texas. She is currently exploring new opportunities to paint, becoming affiliated with inspiring groups of artists, and enjoying the beautiful scenery that Colorado has in abundance.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, October 3rd from 5 – 7 p.m. (also part of the First Friday Art Groove). Refreshments will be provided.
Opening weekend door prizes will include “Make you Smile,” a print donated by Connie Schmidt and a gilcee by Pat Sebern. The public is invited to enter for one or both between 11 a.m. on October 3rd to 5 p.m. on October 6th, at which time names will be drawn and the winners notified.
Nationally Acclaimed Speaker Kelly McDonald Returns To Estes Park October 23rd
Back by popular demand!
After a wildly successful presentation in September that kept attendees engaged, laughing, and learning, Kelly McDonald, ranked among the Top 10 Most Booked Speakers in the United States, is returning to Estes Park for another unforgettable evening.
On Thursday, October 23rd, McDonald will deliver her powerful and practical program:
“How to Market to, Sell to & Serve People to Grow Business Now.” Known for her dynamic style and relatable, real-world examples, McDonald will reveal simple, no-cost strategies that businesses can apply immediately to connect with new customers and grow revenue. Her talk will focus on how to form meaningful connections across different customer groups, build trust, and tap into what people truly value.
• How Disney ensures world-class customer experiences under challenging circumstances
• The exact five words customers want to hear when something goes wrong, and the ones to avoid
To make the evening even more interactive, registered participants will have the opportunity to submit questions ahead of time for McDonald to address during her talk.
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 5:30 p.m., plan to arrive early to have time to get your food and be seated Estes Valley Recreation Center Lower Level
A catered dinner of sandwiches will be provided. The event is free, but registration is required to reserve a seat.
Seats are limited. Register today at forms.office.com/r/R0SMCSHmaE, scan the QR code, or call the Estes Park Health Foundation office at 970-5774370.
Estes Park Genealogy Society Program
On Thursday, October 9th at 1 p.m. in the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Library, Judy Emmett will present her program: The Challenges and Benefits of Joining Genealogy and Lineage Societies.
What are the kinds of lineage societies and why should they play a part in your genealogical and historical research? Judy will offer step-by-step instruction in the process of understanding, researching and joining a society. She will discuss what is required and what benefits one receives in becoming a member.
Judy has belonged to several societies including The United Daughters of the Confederacy (served as vice president), The Daughters of the American Revolution (Colorado state speaker, chair of American Indians and Literacy Challenge Committees), Colonial Dames of the 17th Century (served as treasurer) and The Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the USA. She has also served as president of the Estes Park Genealogical Society.
Since the day over 60 years ago when her grandmother placed her ancestor’s Civil War medal and dog tag in her
hand, Judy has been doing genealogical research.
In 2018, the DAR presented Judy with an American Heritage award for her essay on the Lewis and Clark expedition. This and other of her writings have been published internationally.
About researching genealogy she says, “When one finds an ancestor who participated in an historical event, the historical account of it becomes a family history to be relished and celebrated.”
Next Knitting & Crocheting Get-Together: October 6th
In this info-packed session, attendees will learn:
• 7 proven ways to reach new customer bases in meaningful ways
• The game-changing differences in how men and women want to be sold
• Consumer insights into Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z
Don’t miss your chance to learn from one of the most dynamic speakers in the country. Kelly’s last event in September filled up quickly, so reserve your spot today and walk away with tools to grow your business now. This event is part of the Estes Park Health Foundation Giving Back Series.
You are invited to our (fun and free!) knitting and crocheting get–togethers in the Hondius Community Room at the Estes Valley Library on: October 6th, 5-7 p.m. November 3rd, 5-7 p.m. December 8th, 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!
These get–togethers are hosted by Kim Snow.
Email: mtn.tribe@yahoo.com for more information.
Judy Emmett
What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library
WINTER HOURS
Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.
Registration is required for most programs! Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to secure your spot.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Book Club for Mortals:
In My Time of Dying
Thursday, October 9, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Wasson Room
We’ll explore In My Time of Dying by award-winning war reporter Sebastion Junger. Part medical drama, part autobiography, part inquiry into what happens after we die, this tale of a near-fatal health emergency leads to a powerful reflection on death.
10 Years of Daring Heists & Lovable Outcasts
Thursday, October 9, 5 - 6 p.m., Online
Join #1 New York Times bestselling young adult author Leigh Bardugo as she celebrates the decade-old status of the Six of Crows: The Dregs Edition.
ALL AGES
Young Adult Dungeons & Dragons
Sunday, October 5 & October 12, 24:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Young adults & teens who want to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons are invited to make friends, explore your imaginations, build cooperation, & strengthen problem-solving skills.
Saturday Social: Cards & Board Games
Saturday, October 18, 2 - 4:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Play board games including classics like Clue & Candyland, or newer games like Blank Slate & Bologna. Bring your family, friends, & neighbors. Refreshments provided. A Back to Basics Program.
ADULTS
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.
BASE Program
Monday, October 6, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Hondius Community Room, Session 2 of 14
Hosted by the Estes Chamber of Commerce, this series on improvement & growth is available to businesses that have an economic impact in the Estes Valley. Advance application & acceptance is required.
Monthly Writing Group
Monday, October 6, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Wasson Room
Calling all writers, aspiring writers, & anyone interested in writing! On the first Monday evening each month share your writing, enjoy others’ work, receive & provide feedback. All genres & forms are welcome.
The Artist’s Way: A 12-Week Journey to a More Creative Life
Tuesday, October 7 & 14, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m., Quiet Room; Session 5 & 6 of 12
This 12-week workshop will help you discover (or recover) your creative self by using The Artist’s Way, the classic tool for anyone interested in living more creatively.
Housing: What Shall We Do?
Thursday, October 9, 5:30 - 8 p.m., Estes Park High School Commons
portunity to share perspectives & look for common ground to inform the Town of Estes Park’s Development Code Update. Dinner & childcare provided.
We are dropping knowledge on gravity! Explore science as we experiment with gravity, learn the history, & release a giant slinky from the second floor.
Young Dragon Slayers
Wednesday, October 8 & 15, 3:305:30 p.m., Hondius Room
Interested in learning how to play Dungeons & Dragons? Want to think strategically & make new friends? Join other tweens for this classic fantasyworld game.
School’s Out Hangout: Gnomes in the Makerspace Thursday, October 9, 4 - 5 p.m., Makerspace
Teens & tweens are invited to join us to make cork gnomes in the Makerspace.
Artwork Wednesday: Leaf Art Wednesday, October 15, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Hondius Room
This month we are using dried flowers & leaves to make art with the colors of fall.
KIDS & FAMILIES
Library Storytimes
Baby Storytime: Thurs. & Sat. at 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Thurs. & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 11, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m., Hondius Room
We’ll read Look & Learn: Patterns, then use glowsticks in a dark room to practice making shapes & patterns.
Friday Kids Club: Autumn Elf Door
Friday, October 17, 10 - 11 a.m., or 45 p.m., Hondius Room
During this creative crafting session, we’ll color & decorate an autumnthemed elf door.
MAKERSPACE CLASSES
Learn the 3D Printer
Monday, October 6, 10 - 11:30 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).
Paint a Fall Sign
Tuesday, October 7, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
Repeated Thursday, October 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
Repeated Tuesday, October 14, 5:307 p.m., Makerspace
Celebrate the season with us where you’ll learn painting techniques & assemble a wooden, fox-themed sign that’s perfect for decorating your front porch, wall, or entryway.
Intro to Craft & Hobby
Friday, October 10, 10 - 11 a.m., Makerspace
Join us for an interactive session to explore Craft & Hobby — your digital gateway to thousands of creative projects, tutorials, & expert tips.
Learn the Laser Cutter
Monday, October 13, 10 - 11:30 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).
Mountain Stained Glass
Thursday, October 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace
In this hands-on, creative workshop, learn to design & craft a stained glass mountain suncatcher.
Repeated Wednesday, October 15, 5:30 - 8 p.m., Estes Park High School Commons
Join Community Conversations for public deliberation on housing in the Estes Valley. These discussions provide an op-
Read to Therapy Dog Bo: Thurs., October 9 at 11 a.m.
Friday Kids Club: Book Character Shrinky Dinks
Friday, October 3, 10 - 11 a.m. or 4 - 5 p.m., Hondius Room
We’ll trace our favorite characters on shrinky dink sheets, cut them out & shrink them to create charms that are great for jewelry, key chains, ornaments, or backpack pulls.
Fire Station Storytime
Thursday, October 9 or 10, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., Dannels Fire Station
Enjoy a special storytime with local volunteer firefighters & get the opportunity for an up close look at fire engines & emergency support equipment.
Storybook Explorers: Light Patterns
Family Makerspace Mornings Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace & Wasson Room
A family program where we explore creativity in tandem. Adults dive into hands-on learning with Makerspace equipment, while youth enjoy a supervised craft in the Wasson Room.
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Study Session
Thursday, October 9, 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
Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the Post Office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, & music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pumpkins & Pilsners is back! Join us in downtown Estes Park for this free, family-friendly fall festival packed with fun for all ages—live music, local craft beer, food trucks, kids’ activities, pumpkins, pony rides, and more.
Date: This Saturday, October 4th
Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Bond Park, Downtown
Estes Park
Cost: Free admission (pumpkins, beer, and activities available for purchase)
For the adults: Sip on seasonal brews from these four local favorites— served in your souvenir pint glass!
Avant Garde Aleworks
Estes Park Brewery
Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
Rock Cut Brewing Company
For the kids: From pumpkin picking to pony rides, there’s no shortage of fun!
Pony Rides (12 - 4 p.m.)
Face Painting
AirBrush Tattoos
Bounce House
Mini Putting Green
Slackline
Strider Course
Lawn Games
For the music lovers: Catch live performances throughout the day on the Pumpkins & Pilsners stage!
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ten Cent Prophet
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Rhett Haney
4 - 6 p.m. Equally Challenged
For the foodie: Enjoy a lineup of local food trucks serving something for everyone!
Bloomberries
Crepes on Wheels
Heavens Popcorn
Johnny's Good Eatin'
Mangia Mangia Pizzeria
Mexico Al Norte
Roaming Rations
Southern Soul
Umami
Parking & Transportation: Parking and shuttle information can be found
at Visit EstesPark.com/Plan/ Getting-Around/Parking.
Join in on the fun by volunteering!
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Estes Park Education Foundation relies on Pumpkins & Pilsners to help fund programs that directly support Estes Park School District students and staff.
This festival is run entirely by volunteers, and we'd love your support!
All volunteers receive a coveted Pumpkins & Pilsners glass and first beer pour for their time. Mid-day shifts will also receive a shirt to wear. Interested in volunteering? Email alissaanderson.epef@gmail.com for more info.
Monday, Oct 6
October 6 – 10
Breakfast Burrito (eggs, cheese, refried beans & potatoes in flour tortilla) w/ green chili on the side
Tuesday, Oct 7 BBQ Pork Ribs (4) w/ Mac ‘n Cheese & Baked Beans
Wednesday, Oct 8
Chicken Breast Sandwich (topped w/ ham & pineapple) w/ Pasta Salad
Thursday, Oct 9 Shepherd’s Pie (mashed potatoes, beef, gravy & vegetables) w/ Biscuit & side salad
Friday, Oct 10 Trout (4 oz) w/ Baked Potato & soup of the day
Monday, Oct 13
October 13 – 17
Country Fried Steak (w/ gravy on the side), Scrambled Eggs, Hashbrowns & Biscuit
Tuesday, Oct 14 Chicken Fajita (w/ grilled red bell peppers & onions), Rice, Refried Beans, Guacamole, sour cream & corn tortillas
Wednesday, Oct 15 Patty Melt Sandwich w/ Tomato Salad
Thursday, Oct 16
Chicken Parmesan w/ Pasta, garlic bread & side salad
Friday, Oct 17 Fish & Homemade Chips w/ soup of the day
Individual Meals are $9 for current 2025 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, Oct 6th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Oct 3rd. 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 Pound Unplugged + 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursday 10:15-11:15 AM Chair Yoga 2nd & 4th Thursday 10:15-11:15 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
Help Shape The Future Of Housing
Community members have likely heard about the Town of Estes Park’s upcoming update to the Development Code, the set of regulations and standards that guide land use, zoning, development, and design within town limits. It impacts issues from Estes Park’s look, feel, and character to wildfire mitigation, wildlife protection, and incentives for the development of workforce or attainable housing. This code ultimately helps to shape the physical, economic, and social landscape of the town, which is why your input at this pivotal moment matters more than ever.
Many aspects of our daily lives are touched by the Development Code, but housing has long been a challenge in our area and will continue to be unless we take action to define how we support the people who live and work in our community. A number of goals around creating new housing opportunities were adopted in 2022 with the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan, and community members continue to hold strong values with respect to town and neighborhood character. That’s why Community Conversations, a partnership between the Estes Valley
Restorative Justice Partnership and the Library, was invited by the Town’s Community Development Department to host public deliberations to identify common ground and ways to move forward on the complicated and nuanced issue of housing. By bringing community members together across perspectives in facilitated, small-group discussions, we will gather input to help inform the Town of Estes Park in updating the Development Code. There will be two opportunities to share your voice on the Development Code’s update that will impact our beloved community for years to come. Join us in the Estes Park High School Commons on Thursday, October 9th or Wednesday, October 15th from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Dinner, childcare, and Spanish language interpretation will be provided. A $10 Safeway gift card will also be given to each family that participates.
Your participation matters. Join us to be a part of the solution. Learn more and register to save your seat at the table by visiting estes.org/devcodeprocess.
Photo by Robert Burns
Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia Presentation At The Senior Center
The Estes Park Senior Citizens Center (EPSCC) is honored to welcome back Angel Hoffman, Director of Community Engagement with the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter, for an insightful presentation on Tuesday, October 7th, from noon to 1 p.m. Held at the EPSCC, 1760 Olympian Lane, Hoffman will present “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” This free event is open to the public.
Hoffman will share an awareness program by the Alzheimer’s Association,® emphasizing that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging but a disease of the brain that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. She will discuss the impact of dementia in our community, the importance of early detection, and provide an overview of the stages and risk factors. Her talk will also cover current research and available treatments, new findings on reducing risk, and ways we can all be good neighbors to those experiencing dementia.
The presentation will also address risk reduction and will highlight the results of the U.S. POINTER Study, which showed that lifestyle changes—
such as physical activity, better nutrition, cognitive and social engagement, and health monitoring—can improve cognition in older adults at risk of decline. There were two study groups, but those in the more structured program experienced even greater protection for thinking and memory, underscoring that everyday healthy actions, especially when combined, can have a powerful impact on brain health.
If you cannot attend this presentation but would like more information, please contact Hoffman at 970-3876067 or alhoffman@alz.org.
For the presentation, you can bring your own lunch or pre-order a hot meal. Be sure to place your order by 1 p.m. on Monday, October 6th. The Senior Center will be serving BBQ pork ribs, with mac ‘n cheese and baked beans. The meal costs $9 for EPSCC members and $12 for non-members. By becoming an EPSCC member for just $35 per year, you not only receive meal discounts but also access to a variety of activities. For more information about EPSCC or to order a meal for the presentation, please call the Senior Center at 970-581-2195.
Harvesting & Sowing Flower Seeds
The Estes Park Garden Club will meet on Monday, October 13th, at 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. in the Hondius Room of the Estes Valley Public Library. Alison O'Connor will give a presentation entitled "Harvesting and Sowing Flower Seeds in the Estes Valley." The public is welcome to come to this meeting.
Alison will cover the basics of collecting seeds from flowering plants and the best methods to sow them for success. She will discuss a few examples of plants that are best grown from seed, their life cycles, and preferred cultural care. Following her presentation attendees will have the opportunity to
participate in an activity to help choose presentation topics for the Club's April through October 2026 meetings.
Alison O'Connor is the Colorado State University Extension horticulture agent in Larimer County. She has been with the Extension for 20 years. Alison coordinates the Larimer County Master Gardener program and assists homeowners and industry with horticultural questions. She attended Iowa State University and The Ohio State University, majoring in horticulture, and completed her Ph.D. at Colorado State University in 2014. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, baking, and tending to her backyard chickens.
UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA
ALZHEIMER’S IS NOT NORMAL AGING.
It’s a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Join us to learn about:
Every $500 Gift Is A Lifeline: Estes Park Health Foundation’s Fall Campaign Powers Cancer Screenings
What if one gift could mean the difference between catching cancer early or missing the chance entirely? This fall, the Estes Park Health Foundation is inviting the community to step into that lifesaving role through its Cancer Screening Fund.
This week’s campaign message is simple but powerful:
“$500 = 1 Screening = 1 Chance to Catch Cancer Early.”
Every $500 donation fully funds a cancer screening for an underinsured or uninsured resident of the Estes Valley. That’s one more person with access. One more chance for early detection. And one more opportunity to save a life.
The Cancer Screening Fund launched in October with free mammograms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Starting in November, screenings are expanding to include colon, lung, and prostate
cancers, ensuring a broad impact across the community. Through partnerships with Crossroads Ministries and The Bridge of Estes, the Foundation is not only providing screenings but also breaking down other barriers, like transportation, lodging, and support services, so patients never have to walk this journey alone.
Community members can make an immediate impact today:
• Donate to fund a screening by scanning the QR code or visiting givebutter.com/cancerscreeningfund.
• Apply for a screening if you or someone you know needs one by calling 970-577-4370.
One test. One life. One community standing together against cancer. Donate now at givebutter.com/cancerscreeningfund or scan the QR code.
Estes Park Health Recognizes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Join the celebration by scheduling a mammogram during the Breast Cancer Awareness Party on Saturday, October 4th
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Estes Park Health wants every eligible woman to take control of their breast health by having a mammogram.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The organization also reports that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
Early detection of breast cancer, when it is in the localized stage, however, has been shown to improve a woman’s risk of surviving the disease with a 99% five-year survival rate.
A regular mammogram, which is considered the gold standard for early detection, along with monthly selfbreast exams, establishes the crucial routine to find the disease before it spreads.
To help encourage women to complete their regular mammogram, Estes Park Health is holding a Breast Cancer Awareness Party on Saturday, October 4th. Women are encouraged to schedule
a screening mammogram and then enjoy free food and a gift bag, including a collapsible water bottle, socks and pink ribbon earrings, for each patient. The appointments are available every half hour from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All mammograms will be read within 24 hours.
Estes Park Health offers digital 3D mammography screening, a technology that uses x-ray to produce layers of images that are combined into a 3D view of the breast. With this advanced methodology, the resulting comprehensive view of the breast helps radiologists detect cancer that may be obscured in a 2D mammogram. And having this technology in Estes Park means women can skip a lengthy visit to the valley for their screening.
To schedule a mammogram at Estes Park Health, call 970-235-3100.
If you cannot afford a mammogram or your insurance does not cover the screening, the Estes Park Health Foundation is providing free mammograms to qualifying residents of Estes Valley.
For more information about the Cancer Screening Fund and to request an application, call the Estes Park Health Foundation at 970-577-4370 or visit bit.ly/4mLKvsZ.
Cliff Austin To Lead Landscape Painting Class At The Art Center Of Estes Park
Cliff is an award-winning fine artist whose studio is in Aurora, CO. A graduate of the Denver Institute of Technology and the Rocky Mountain School of Art, he has been painting (both in studio and en plein air) and illustrating since 1980.
This exciting two-day workshop will give students the opportunity to explore various techniques in oil and pastel for approaching landscape painting and for planning ahead… including creating notans. In addition to “how to” demos and tutorials designed for each individual’s natural way with pastels or oils, there will be plenty of one on one and ongoing critique.
Materials will be provided. The workshop fee for Art Center members is $170; non-members cost is $189.
On October 9th and 10th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., fine artist Cliff Austin will lead, “Landscape Painting in Oil or Pastel – From Photos” for any current or aspiring artists in the Estes Valley.
To register online, visit artcenterofestes.com, look under “Classes,” or contact the Art Center at 970-5865882.
ists Cliff Austin at the Art Center of Estes Park.
GOMEZ TEAM
Peak To Peak Concert Features Dr. Andre Garcia-Nuthmann & John Wolf
The Oratorio Society of Estes Park presents the first Peak to Peak concert of this season, “Spanish Canciones,” featuring tenor, Dr. Andre GarciaNuthmann, and pianist, John Wolf. The concert will be held Saturday, October 18th, at 2 p.m. at the Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 2000 Ptarmigan Trail. This event is free (though donations are appreciated), and a reception to meet the performers will follow.
The program includes music of the three most important Spanish composers of the late Romantic and early
20th century periods: Manuel de Falla, Enrique Granados, and Isaac Albeniz. The rhythms and sounds of these pieces are evocative of the culture, history, and geography of Spain. Throughout the program, you will hear the influences of folk dance, the guitar, and flamenco music. Also included on the program are 20th century works by Federico Longas, Federico Mompou, Jean Berger, and Argentine composer, Alberto Ginastera.
Dr. Andre Garcia-Nuthmann retired from New Mexico Highland University this past June, where he was the Director of Choral and Vocal music for 35 years. He was recently named Music Director of the New Mexico Performing Arts Society. In addition to conducting the University choirs and various church choirs in Santa Fe, he is an active soloist in northern New Mexico. Garcia-Nuthmann has been featured as a tenor soloist with the Santa Fe Symphony, New Mexico Philharmonic,
Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and Canticum Novum. He has sung in numerous operas, including the premiers of four modern operas, the last of which was an adaptation of Bless Me, Ultima. His most challenging role was that of the Mad Woman in Benjamin Britten’s Curlew River. He holds a Doctorate in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University, studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and was coached by the late international opera star, Regina Safarty Rickless.
John Wolf retired to Estes Park, Colorado in 2020 to immerse himself in
mountains and music. He holds a Bachelors of Music in piano performance and music literature from Southwestern University, and a Masters of Music in piano performance and pedagogy from SMU. He has performed in solo recitals, as an accompanist, and as a soloist with the Southwestern Sinfonietta and Dallas Civic Orchestra. After graduation, Wolf pursued a career in public education and continued to teach piano privately. He was a sought-after accompanist for talented high school band, string, and choral students in San Antonio and Dallas for many years. He attends the Rocky Ridge Adult Piano Seminar on Longs Peak Road annually and is currently studying piano under the guidance of Hsing-ay Hsu, a concert pianist in New York City. Mr. Wolf enjoys being a substitute teacher in the Estes Park schools and serves on the board of the Estes Valley Library Friends and Foundation.
John Wolf
Dr. Andre Garcia-Nuthmann
Pumpkin Spice & Everything (Not So) Nice
Listen, I love pretty much everything pumpkin-spice flavored as much as the next girl at Starbucks, BUT we gotta talk nutrition here for one minute before we resume the regularly scheduled programming that is PSL season.
You know, that time of year where pumpkin is everywhere. What started as pumpkin pie on Turkey Day has snowballed into pumpkin lattes, pumpkin protein powder, pumpkin beer, pumpkin marshmallows—even pumpkin Cheerios. At this point, if someone launched pumpkin toothpaste, I wouldn’t be surprised.
But here’s the thing: most of that stuff is just sugar bombs with an orange label slapped on—and at least half of it doesn’t even have any pumpkin at all! Of course, I get it.
Any baking recipe. Swap pumpkin for oil 1:1. Sometimes you won’t even notice the flavor. And if you do—well, is that really a problem?
Smoothie glow-up. Replace berries with frozen pumpkin, toss in almond butter and spices, and suddenly you’re sipping pumpkin pie for breakfast— without the crash.
Soup it up. Stir pumpkin (purée or chunks) into your favorite fall soups, stews, or chili. Instant creaminess, no heavy cream required.
Pumpkin, combined with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, is nostalgia in a cup. One whiff and suddenly you’re back at grandma’s Thanksgiving table, dodging your weird uncle’s political rants.
The good news? Pumpkin itself is actually worth the hype. Strip away the syrups and processed junk, and you’ve got a nutritional powerhouse: One cup of pumpkin delivers nearly 200% of your daily vitamin A (hello, healthy eyes).
It’s low-calorie, high-fiber, and keeps you fuller longer. (Translation: fewer hangry meltdowns.)
The carotenoids that give it that traffic-cone orange color fight cancer and give your skin a natural glow (without the tanning bed).
It’s got more potassium than bananas (great for blood pressure).
With solid vitamin C, it helps guard you as cold and flu season kicks in.
And pumpkin seeds? Loaded with tryptophan, aka your mood and sleep booster.
So yes, you really can have your pumpkin pie and eat your vitamins too.
The trick is getting your fix without falling for every pumpkin-spiced sugar trap on the shelves. Here are a few ways to pumpkin smarter: Brownies, upgraded. Sub out the oil/butter and eggs in a boxed brownie mix with a 15-ounce can of pumpkin purée. You cut fat, sneak in nutrients, and end up with fudgy brownies. Nobody complains about fudgy brownies.
Roast the seeds. Season them sweet, salty, or spicy (think BBQ rub, curry, or cinnamon-sugar) and roast at 300°F for 20–30 minutes. Crunchy, customizable, snackable gold.
More spices, less sugar. Extra cinnamon creates the illusion of sweetness without the added sugar. In fact, cinnamon has been shown to help stabilize blood sugar levels. So double the amount of spices in your baking and cut the sugar in half. More flavor, less post-pie brain fog.
You can easily buy canned pumpkin purée when it’s on sale and stock up (usually a couple weeks before Thanksgiving to get you in the store and then again directly after to get rid of overstock), but just be sure you don’t buy pumpkin pie mix, which already has sugar and spices added to it.
Or for all you DIY-ers: making your own pumpkin purée is easy. Buy a pie pumpkin (not the giant jack-o’-lantern type), slice in half, roast until tender, scoop, blend, and freeze in portions. Bonus tip: Everything I’ve just said about pumpkin? It also applies to its squash cousins—butternut, acorn, kabocha, delicata, hubbard, buttercup, even banana squash. Each has its own vibe—some sweeter, some nuttier— but all deliver fall comfort with real nutrition.
So yes, embrace the season. Savor the cinnamon, the nutmeg, the cozy vibes. But maybe skip the pumpkin-spice marshmallows (unless you just really want to, because hey, balance). Your body will thank you if you go straight to the source.
And if you want my all-time favorite pumpkin pie recipe, just email me at chazz@higherelevationscoaching.com to get on my mailing list; I’ll be sending out the recipe before the NFL Thursday triple header next month.
Ghost
Town
Legacy:
By: Ethan Knightchilde
Theodore Roosevelt wrote the somber words quoted in the title in his 1913 autobiography. It is a sentiment that resounds through America’s collective consciousness, for the gold and silver camps of the nineteenth century often died within years and sometimes months of being born. In his book “Roughing It,” Mark Twain hinted at how those places continue to captivate us: “You will find it hard to believe that there stood at one time a fiercely-flourishing little city, of two thousand or three thousand souls with...all the appointments and appurtenances of a thriving and prosperous and promising young city—and now nothing is left of it all but a lifeless, homeless solitude. The men are gone, the houses have vanished, even the name of the place is forgotten.”
In the July 11th edition of the Estes Park News, I described how my captivation with the subject at an early age eventually led to full-on “ghost town junkie” status as an adult. For decades, I have been exploring these sites. But after having traveled tens of thousands of miles, shot thousands of feet of motion picture film, and taken thousands of photographs, a burning question persists: what is it precisely about ghost towns that fascinates us?
Perhaps it is the way they play upon the imagination—the way the ghosts of the past feel so close that, if you squint your eyes just right when the light is low, you can almost see the town and its inhabitants at the uttermost limit of vision.
There are times when it seems as if the sites are not wholly forsaken but
Upstream Concerts/SnowyGrass Presents: River Mann With Clay Rose –Live In Estes Park
Estes Park native Will Thomas returns with his band River Mann for a special hometown performance on Friday, October 24th at Lonigan’s Bar & Grill. After a wellreceived set at this summer’s Friends of Folk Festival, the band is bringing their rich blend of folk, rock, and classical influences back to Estes. With soaring violin, slide guitar, and layered harmonies, River Mann’s sound moves seamlessly from intimate storytelling to powerful, full-band energy.
The evening will open with a set from Colorado songwriter Clay Rose, whose raw and heartfelt performances have earned him a devoted following. Clay has played this room with the annual Upstream Songwriting Retreat, which will take place February 1922.
Presented in one of Estes Park’s premier listening spaces, this inti-
mate concert pairs top-notch sound with a close connection between artist and audience.
General admission tickets (standing/dancing) are $25. Reserved Seating is limited availability — highly recommended for those planning to dine during the show. Tickets are available for purchase at snowygrass.org
Cash Bar and Dinner menu available. We recommend arriving early (5:30-6 p.m.) to enjoy dinner in the restaurant prior to the show. You may also order food inside the room during the concert with reserved seating.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Clay Rose plays at 7 p.m., and River Mann will go onstage at 8:20 p.m.
This concert is made possible with support from local sponsors: Twin Owls Steakhouse, Ed’s Cantina, Tom Thomas at First Colorado Realty, Coffee on the Rocks, Glacier Creek Construction, Ziggi’s Coffee, and Estes Park News.
“That Land Of The West Is Gone Now”
are yet haunted by the ghosts of the past: of those who suffered through unimaginable trials and hardships and who brought with them into the wilderness their hopes, dreams, fears, and failings.
There is a palpable sense of loss holding the silent places of the West in a shroud. Disquietude lingers amongst the abandoned and vanished buildings. And beneath it all rest the ghosts of those who had occupied these lands long before the Spanish or Americans came to permanently alter the continent.
Far more than a century has passed since the disappearance of the Old West, and its last vestiges are fast succumbing to the elements and its heedless inheritors. But the westward road beckons us still, and the echoes from the past continue to fascinate, intrigue, and even haunt us.
Discover the ghost town phenomenon for yourself. Come see the final screening of Best Documentary Award-winning “Ghosts of the West: The End of the Bonanza Trail” at the movie house where it began its journey: the Historic Park Theatre, built when the film’s events were still in living memory. Catch the last show of the year at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 9th. As the film’s writer-director, I will be on hand if possible to answer questions about the entire ghost town project.
Visit HistoricParkTheatre.com for information and tickets. Visit KnightSkyPictures.com, the production company’s official website, to view the film’s trailer, gallery, and production info.
Portions of this article originally appeared in opening night programs for and the screenplay of “Ghosts of the West: The End of the Bonanza Trail” and the book “Ghosts of the West: Tales and Legends from the Bonanza Trail” by E. S. Knightchilde.
Taking Good Care Of Our Neighbors With Warm Coats & Support This Winter
By: Brian Schaffer
Our coat distribution is scheduled for Friday, October 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crossroads. We will have lots of coats and winter gear for anyone who needs something to keep warm this winter. We are very grateful to everyone who dropped off donations over the past few weeks. We generally are low on kids’ coats, but not this year. Bright Christmas made arrangements several months ago to purchase 100+ coats at a heavily discounted price, and are making them available for kids. We would love to give them all away! During the fall season, we see the beautiful leaves changing colors, and this is a wonder to behold. Enjoy this majestic scenery while you can, because we know the colors won’t last long before the leaves begin dropping to the ground. It’s just something we grow accustomed to seeing each year. The other change that is coming upon us is in regards to the number of tourists coming into town. The beautiful colors of tourists from around the world are hanging on for a few more weeks, but soon the numbers will be declining, and so will the need for restaurants, lodging, and other service industries to maintain full-time hours for their workers. It’s part of living in a mountain town, and our neighbors who work in these jobs find it more challenging to make ends meet during the leaner months of winter. This is where we have been able to step in to help bridge the gap with extra groceries, assistance with rent and utilities, as well as other support services to ensure no one loses their housing or goes hungry. Thank you for partnering with
us as we take good care of our neighbors. Last week, we felt it was necessary to share a news release about our largest fundraising event being canceled. We also shared a brief description of the reason why we made this decision. Since this time, people have been asking how this will affect us. There is no doubt that when you lose an event that accounts for more than 15% of your budgeted income for the year, it causes a level of concern as to how we will make up for the projected shortfall. In a real sense, nonprofits are always on a faith journey that puts a lot of trust in the resources within a community to support the work they’re doing. I have been praying for help from above to guide and direct us in securing sufficient resources to meet the needs of our neighbors. I choose to believe in the unseen things that are not visible yet, but will be made known in due season. Crossroads has experienced an incredible outpouring of support during challenging seasons, and we are confident we will receive the right amount in donations to meet the needs of those we serve. The way this has come to life over the last 40 years has been through generous people who have chosen to give what they have determined in their heart would be most significant for them as well as for the recipient of their gift. If you’ve ever given to Crossroads at least one time, would you consider giving again? If you’ve never given to Crossroads, would you consider giving now to ensure this anticipated shortfall doesn’t keep us from taking good care of our neighbors? A shortfall can be made up quickly if everyone decides to do their part, so please consider helping us in whatever way you can. We would be most grateful! You can make a secure online donation at CrossroadsEP.org, or mail in a check to PO Box 3616, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Wobbly Knees
By: Larry Strong
I’ve been pondering what I would say if I was asked what I want to be remembered for. Astounding guitar player? In my dreams. Amazing athlete? Just kidding. Phenomenal horseman? I wish. Loving, sacrificial husband? I’ve tried my best but it helps to have a wife with much patience and grace. So, after a few weeks of processing and thinking about what I see happen ing in our country, I’ve decided I’d like to be remembered for not having “wobbly knees.”
A young man was recently asked the same question and his response was that he wanted to be re membered for “the courage of his faith.” I can think of a million worse things to be remembered for and most of those will not get you killed. Since, “being remembered for the courage of my faith” is now set high on the mantle of history, I figure it would be an honor to be remembered for not having “wobbly knees.”
thing but only till it hurts. That’s having an idea not a belief.
I received this post from my nephew. “A lot of Christians today would’ve told David to not pick up that sling. Just pray for Goliath and don’t cause a scene. But David didn’t bow to niceness, he bowed to God. And when evil mocked the armies of the living God—he didn’t form a prayer circle. He ran forward. Some think “Christlikeness” is silence. That courage is waiting on the Lord while cowards run the show. But the Bible doesn’t honor men who hid. It honors men who stood. David prayed, then moved. Prayers without courage are empty prayers. And giants don’t fall to hashtags.”
What did the battle line between the Philistines and Saul’s army represent? Did little David find the courage to stand firm while his knees may have been a tad wobbly? Maybe. But David knew he wasn’t fighting the battle alone. He knew God was fighting the battle and was expecting David to participate. What does “God fights our battles” mean? Let me tell you what it doesn’t mean.
Can one have “wobbly knees” and stand firm at the same time? Sort of. But finding courage in the midst of fear or uncertainty helps take the “wobbly” part out. Standing firm is not standing “wobbly.” What does it mean to STAND FIRM? Let me tell you what it doesn’t mean.
Standing firm doesn’t mean sitting down. Faith ultimately demonstrates itself taking a stand. Standing firm doesn’t mean wringing our hands in fear. Pretty sure one thing God has never been caught doing is wringing His hands. Standing firm is not staying silent. Evil thrives when good men (and God’s men) remain silent. Standing firm is not just “going along to get along.” That’s just weak. Standing firm is not sitting down, shutting up and being quiet. That’s pitiful. Standing firm is not professing to believe some-
Any righteous and worthy battle you fight without God you will lose. If you fight only in your own strength you will lose. If you fight with arrogance and pride you will lose. If you fight in your own flesh and carnality you will lose. If you fight on the side of darkness and evil—it might look like you’re winning but it won’t end well. If you fight a battle you haven’t been called to fight…you will lose.
God’s Word commands us to stand firm, fear not and have courage. I want to be surrounded by more men willing to strengthen their “wobbly knees” with real courage. The kind of courage only God can provide. The sling may be required for the giants we’re facing. The battlefield is waiting.
Men on Fire meets Saturdays, 8 a.m., American Legion. All men, and “wobbly knees,” welcome.
Presbyterian Community Church Of The Rockies “Kirkin O’ The Tartans”
Calling all Scots or want-to-be Scots to take part in our annual “Kirkin O’ the Tartans” service on Heritage Sunday, October 12th at 10 a.m. The tradi-
you still cannot understand them, and they are supposedly speaking English. Here at the Presbyterian Community Church, we set aside Heritage Sunday
tion, as we now celebrate it, was the creation of the Reverend Peter Marshall, pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington DC in 1941 as a relief benefit for the war effort in Great Britten. Scottish legend has it that the blessings of the tartans go all the way back to 1746 when the British passed the Act of Proscription after the Jacobite uprising which banned the wearing of tartan and kilts to suppress Scottish identity. The legend tells the story of a clandestine ceremony held in the “kirk,” or church, where clansmen would sneak their tartans into the church for a blessing which was celebrated in Scots Gaelic so the British could not understand what was going on. Which is a bit funny because when talking to a Scotsman from the hinterland today
not only to celebrate the church’s Scottish heritage but the heritage of all members of this community. Each of us come from a rich family linage to be celebrated on this day. So, bring your tartan, a plaid, or any piece of checked cloth that reminds you of your personal heritage for this wonderful service of blessing.
Our piper Scott Beach, the Chancel Choir, combined bell choirs and of course our organist and pianist will all combine their talents to enrich this wonderful service. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 12th at 10 a.m. and join us as we celebrate this important part of our lives. The Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies is located at 1700 Brodie Ave. right here in Estes Park.
Blessing Of The Animals At St.
Bart’s On October 4th
Bring your furry and feathered friends, and your scaly sidekicks, to St. Bart’s on October 4th, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon to receive the blessing of St. Francis.
Who was St. Francis of Assisi?
St. Francis of Assisi was born in the 12th century, lived in Italy, and founded the men’s Order of Friars Minor, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the Third Order of Saint Francis for men and women not able to live the lives of itinerant preachers.
Saint Francis rejected a life of comfort and security to follow Jesus, choosing a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. He preferred to live and work among the poor and serve those who society had rejected, seeing in them the figure of Jesus Christ.
animals until they can place them in loving homes.
Prayer of St. Francis: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;
Saint Francis’ message to ‘follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps’ is as relevant today as they were when he preached these words more than eight centuries ago.
Donations Requested
St. Bart’s is collecting items for the Pet Association of Estes Park. Consider donating pet food and/or cleaning supplies. The Pet Association of Estes Park was created in 1973. It was founded with the goal of helping the area’s homeless animals in need and to educate youth and the community about the humane care of animals. They provide shelter, care, and veterinary services to stray and surrendered
where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O, God, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Blessing of the Animals, October 4th, 2025, 9 a.m.-noon
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church 880 MacGregor Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Creative Activities Abound At St. Bart’s Autumn Market
This year the Autumn Market at St. Bart’s will include creative activities aimed at the younger set but always ready to include the young at heart.
Face painting, decorating mini pumpkins, creating colorful masks and placemats will all be part of the fun. St. Bart’s rector, the Reverend Lea Colvill will have two story times at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. The Market is on Saturday, October 18th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, located at 880 MacGregor.
Kids of all ages will have a chance to decorate pumpkins and create masks in the Kids’ Corner at the Autumn Market at St, Bart’s Episcopal Church on October 18th
The Homestretch At Cornerstone Church
Have you ever wondered where the phrase “homestretch” came from? First recorded in the late 1840s, it originated in horse racing, describing the final straightaway of the track leading to the finish line. Over time, the word has found its way into everyday life — we use it to talk about the last mile of a marathon, the final weeks of the school year, or the last innings of a ballgame. But the homestretch isn’t just about getting close to the end. It’s the most important part of the journey — the moment when every ounce of focus, energy, and determination matters most if we’re going to finish strong. That’s exactly where we are in our study of the New Testament book of Hebrews. After months of walking
team will step up to the pulpit, each bringing their own voice, background, and passion. Together, we’ll tie all the threads of Hebrews into one clear picture of Jesus Christ — above all else. You’ll hear the same message, but from different perspectives, and that adds a richness and depth you won’t get from just one teacher.
Here’s the lineup for October:
• Oct. 4/5 – Michael Dascoli
• Oct. 11/12 – Dean Hill
• Oct. 18/19 – Bruce Finger
• Oct. 25/26 – Tab Livingston
Looking ahead into November, Wayne Weissman will close out the series on Nov. 15/16. Bruce will be teaching the other weeks.
through its powerful message, we’re entering the homestretch — where the writer begins pulling all the pieces together. We can see the end in sight, but the real question is: what does it mean for us, and how can we apply it to our lives?
The homestretch matters in your life, too. Maybe you’ve started things strong but struggled to finish. Maybe you’ve drifted in your faith, or you’re just looking for direction and encouragement. The message of Hebrews is timeless: it calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus so we can endure, persevere, and finish the race strong, shaping our lives around God’s will and fixing our gaze on Jesus. That’s not just good theology — that’s real-life help for anyone who wants to live with purpose and hope. And regardless of where you might be in life, don’t you want to finish strong? And it’s not too late to join us. In fact, the homestretch of this series is the perfect time. Over these final seven weeks, all five members of our teaching
The homestretch is always the most exciting part, because the end is in sight. And just like in a race, this is when every moment matters most. Hebrews urges us: “Let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2). That’s the heartbeat of this series, and it’s why these last weeks are so important.
So whether you’ve been with us since the beginning, or you’ve never stepped inside our church before, this is the right time to join us. You’ll be encouraged, challenged, and reminded that life’s race is worth running when we keep our eyes on Christ. The finish line is ahead, and together we’re running in the homestretch in our study of Hebrews — where Jesus is above everything!
We meet Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. at Cornerstone Church — Wild Basin, 1423 County Rd. 84W, Allenspark, and on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Church of Estes Valley, 2200 Mall Rd., Estes Park. We’d love to have you join us as we enter the homestretch in our study of Hebrews — where Jesus is above everything!
St. Francis “Blessing Of The Animals” October
By: Bishop Owen Williams
Here in Estes Park, we are uniquely aware of the blessings we receive from Almighty God. Whether it is the beauty of the surrounding mountains, the peace of a quiet summer day, the golden flash of autumn aspen, or the
4th & 5th
Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you;
And the fish of the sea will declare to you.
Who among all these does not know
That the hand of the Lord has done this?”
powerful winds roaring through the winter evergreens, we are aware of God’s handiwork.
In the Church’s Calendar of Saints, on Saturday, October 4th we celebrate the Patron Saint of our Parish and also the Patron Saint of Animals – St. Francis of Assisi. This year, Bishop Williams will be blessing our pets and four-legged companions with a brief prayer service of Thanksgiving on both October 4th and 5th
We are fortunate to exist among the many animals and birds, with which we share these mountains and valleys. And many of us are blessed to be able to share our homes with beloved pets, who become family members. It could be a fish in an aquarium or a floppyeared Labrador; they are part of the many gifts we receive from our Heavenly Father.
In the Bible, we are reminded how God has created all things and has made us stewards of them. In the Book of Job 12:7-10, we are instructed:
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
The birds of the air, and they will tell you;
At noon on Saturday, October 4th, Bishop Owen Williams will bestow Blessings on all furry (and otherwise) pets, companions, service animals (including birds, fish & reptiles!) Your pet will also receive a St. Francis Medal as a remembrance of their Blessing. This event will take place near the doors of St. Francis of Assisi Anglican Church in Little Valley. Please make sure your “companions” are under control, to avoid squabbles.
Following the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Service, October 5th, we will also bless those pets and companions who could not be there on Saturday. We will gather by the steps of the Church at 11 a.m. Don’t have pets of your own? Come and see! All are welcome!
We are a Traditional, Apostolic and Evangelistic Christian church nestled in the midst of the pines and aspens in Little Valley. We are located at 3480 St. Francis Way, Estes Park, CO 80517. Turn from Fish Creek Rd. onto Little Valley Rd. and follow the signs to St. Francis. If you have any questions or comments, please call Bishop Williams at 970-577-0601 and see our website at stfrancisestespark.com.
Two of the recipients of last year’s St. Francis “Blessing of the Animals.”
Meet The Team
As the Estes Park News was getting ready to go to press, we learned that Pete Sinnott’s wife, Stephanie, passed away on Tuesday. Our love and condolences go out to Pete. Stephanie was a sweet and lovely lady who will be missed by those who knew her.
Before I start writing this article or doing anything else, I need to share some really exciting news: Estes Dementia Day Center now has its 501(c)(3) status with a tax-exempt number: 39-2659302! We received a letter last week that began with the words, “We’re pleased to tell you that we determined you’re exempt from federal income tax…,” and continued to say, “…are further classified as either public charities or private foundations.”
I can’t tell you. I really cannot tell you how excited we all are to have jumped this hurdle. What a relief. And just who is this “we” I keep talking about? I call us The Team, as in, The Team decided to meet twice a month. Or The Team’s agenda has a special discussion item. One by one, we joined this team, knowing a lot or a little about dementia; all of us willing to be part of creating something new in our community, for our community, and willing to do the work to see it come to fruition. I’m so proud of our Team.
I have been writing about the Estes Dementia Day Center for some time, and hopefully, you are familiar with this project by now. What you probably don’t know is who makes up The Team. It really started with one man.
Pete Sinnott, Board Member, is the caregiver to his wife, Stephanie, and is on a mission to bring dementia programming to the Estes Valley. Pete and Stephanie retired to Estes Park in 2006 following a career in the landscape and golf construction industry. In Estes, he led hikes for the YMCA for 10 years and has served as President for both the Rotary Club and the Estes Valley Land Trust. I met Pete at the support group, where he asked me to join the Team.
Jane Stuart, Board Secretary, has worked with children and adults for more than 40 years as an Occupational Therapist. She has been the coordinator of Estes Park’s Social-Memory Café for more than five years, where trained volunteers gather with local persons diagnosed with Dementia and their spouses or caregivers for a supportive, social, and joyful time together. She has learned a great deal from participants about how Dementia affects the whole family. Jane just led the incredibly successful “Step Out and Care” Walk/Run around Lake Estes, raising over $8,100 for Estes Dementia Center. Whoo Hoo, Jane!
Madison Casey, Board Treasurer, has been involved with numerous nonprofits in Estes Park. He is the bookkeeper for several of them and chairs the investments of two local foundations. Coming from Lincoln, Nebraska, his parents introduced him to Estes Park in the 1950s. He retired early in 1997 to serve as an active board pres-
Social-Memory Café In Estes Park
This month’s Social-Memory Café is Thursday, October 9th. We will be celebrating fall traditions, including Halloween, by enjoying activities, sing-along music, games, and snacks.
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! It 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 Memory Café before or want to join us for the first time, you are welcome to come enjoy fun and friend-
ship!
For more information call St. Bart’s church at 970-586-4504 or Jane (MC coordinator) at 970-430-8105.
ident of the Rocky Ridge Music Center, a music camp he had attended for many summers in Estes Park. Madison has a BS in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance. He’s definitely the person to guide us through our financial journey, keeping us on the right path financially.
Carl Robicheaux, Board Member and owner of Elkhorn Law Office, submitted our 501(c)(3) application. We owe him a debt of gratitude for guiding that through. Thank you, Carl! He has been practicing law since 1987. While providing help to his mother in assisted living, Carl noted that several elderly residents did not have access to lawyers and were incapable of making decisions for their support and care. In 2017, Carl decided to shift the focus of his legal work from litigation to consulting with elderly persons in need. During his mother’s residency in assisted living, Carl saw firsthand the emotional and physical toll on individuals and family members while struggling with dementia. Carl believes the Estes Dementia Day Center will provide much-needed support for persons suffering from dementia and their caregivers here in the Estes Valley. Carl will keep us on the straight and narrow.
Stephen Wood, Board Member and our newest Team Member, leads a consulting company that is nationally recognized in adult day care, Medicare and Medicaid Special Needs Plans, and long-term care. He is excited to bring his background and experience to help establish Estes Dementia Day Care in the Estes Valley. Steve is the caregiver
for his wife, Kathy. They have been part-time residents of Estes Park since 2003. Steve comes with such a wealth of information and so many to-do lists, I sometimes want to hide from him! LoAnne Forschmiedt is currently the Larimer County ombudsman for residents at Good Samaritan SocietyEstes Park Village and a valuable member of our Team. She was also a CNA and Activity Coordinator in a skilled nursing facility for 10 years.
And I, Mary Mesropian, accepted the role of Board Chair for the 2025-26 term. Past experience: Executive Director of Estes Valley Crisis Advocates, 2000-2017.
I look forward to the day Estes Dementia Day Center opens, filled with happy participants, cheerful volunteers, and dedicated staff singing songs and creating art together. Caregivers will relax in hammocks under tall ponderosas, reading books and sipping lemonade. Meanwhile, this will only happen if “The Team” works hard to bring it all together in the last quarter of 2025, and you, our community, support us. If you wish to donate to the Estes Dementia Day Center, please visit estesdementiacenter.org to make an online donation or send a check to Estes Dementia Day Center, c/o Pete Sinnott, PO Box 157, Glen Haven, CO 80517. Tax ID# 39-2659302.
Mary Mesropian facilitates the Estes Park Caregivers’ Support Group for People with Dementia and is part of the team working to create the Estes Dementia Day Center. Contact her at Maryruthdancer@yahoo.com.
Quota Festival Of Trees Starts Nov. 12
Mark your calendars for Estes Park Quota Club’s Festival of Trees kick-off event on Wednesday, November 12th from 5-7 p.m. Come for photo ops with Santa and view our spectacular display of holiday trees adorning the lobby of the Estes Park Resort.
We expect to have close to 50 trees all decorated in a variety of themes by individuals and businesses in the Estes Valley. You can purchase tree chances for $1 per ticket, 6 for $5, or 13 for $10. Six special trees will be given away on the night of the kickoff. Enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa to feed your holiday spirit.
at estesparkquota.com.
This highly anticipated holiday fundraiser supports Estes Park Quota, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the local community
The tree display will be on view through Sunday, December 14th, 2025. The drawing begins at 3 p.m. Thank you to our amazing in-kind sponsors: Ember Restaurant & Bar, Estes Park Resort, and Estes Park News. This event is free and open to the public!
The holiday trees are ready to be distributed to individuals and business that are ready to decorate them in whatever theme they choose. Guidelines are available on our website at estesparkquota.com The trees are due on Friday, November 7th, 2025. Please contact Lori at 970-2325511 or Karen at 602-3219154 with any questions. Business sponsorships are being sought for this year’s fundraiser. Our sponsors are integral to making this event a success. For more information and to learn more about sponsorships please contact: EstesParkQuota@gmail.com or visit our website
with philanthropic gifts and services. The emphasis is on community support for the Loan Closet, hearing and speech devices for impaired individuals, disadvantaged women and children, providing education scholarships, and services to seniors.
SafetyAroundElk
A good rule of thumb is to extend your arm, hold your thumb up, then close one eye. If you can cover the elk with your thumb, you are at a safe distance away.
Although elk may seem calm, remember they are wild animals. You are too close if they notice you. Slowly back away.
Heed elk warnings.
For a closeup view, use a camera zoom or binoculars. And don't turn your back on an elk to take a selfie. U Use your zoom, give them room. H
N
Pacing back and forth, ears backward, curling its lips or lowering antlers toward you signal they are agitated.
Never attract the attention of elk.
Feeding, clicking, whistling or making loud noises of any kind to get the elk to look or come to you is illegal.
Keep your distance. K Avoid sudden movements. A A
If you experience an elk jam on the roadways, give them space. Never honk or flash lights to rush them. Allow elk plenty of room to pass.
www.KahunaMemorial.com
Estes Park Women’s Golf Association Results For September 30th, 2025
The EPWGA (Estes Park Women’s Golf Association) had our closing day of the season on Tuesday, September 30th. It was a 10 a.m. shotgun start for our Low Net game, with a “guess your score” competition, followed by a fantastic luncheon! Many thanks to Calle Russell and Stacey Harding for preparing delicious homemade foods, combined with excellent items provided by Mother’s Cafe for our end-of-season celebration.
Awards and prizes were given out for birdies, chip-ins, most improved golfer, tournament winners, and special achievements that happened over this great season of golf on our beautiful 18-hole course.
Congratulations to this week’s winners!
1st Place — Ruth Moser
2nd Place — Jan Alderman
3rd Place — Ursula Geiger
Tied for 4th Place — Pam Vendegna and Claudia Irwin 5th Place —
Estes
Cindy Minier
And a seven-way tie for the last payout-Dot Dorman, Amy Klein, Jennifer Gergen, Marianne Casey, Deborah Mauk, Colleen Logan, Kimberly Ames. We have a fun group of players and we hope more ladies will join us next year! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at EPWGA — Women’s Golf League for updates and information.
Park Men's Golf Association Results For September 29th, 2025
“3 Clubs & A Putter”
Congrats to all 30 hearty souls that participated in this very challenging event and survived the difficult weather. Congrats to Jim Toresdahl for mastering this tricky format with a net 72 and first place. Only two more Mondays in our season! Place
Community-Based Mentor
Our mission is to empower youth and community members to achieve their full potential through mentoring, prevention education, and strategic partnership.
School-Based Mentor
Work
Build
a background check, and have reliable transportation to youth's school
Activity Volunteer
Support regular group mentoring activities by transporting youth to planned activities and helping our program staff facilitate the activity
Commit to attending at least six activities each year
Must be 21+, pass a background check, and have reliable transportation for self and youth
Our kids are ages 7-18, with diverse interests and needs. We focus on providing services to youth who are facing challenges and need extra support.
We match youth with mentors based on shared interests, common values, and logistical preferences. Partners provides volunteers with training and support, to help every mentor succeed.
Our program has impressive results, and the local youth who participate gain social skills, improved confidence, better decision-making abilities, and hope for the future.
Partners currently has mentoring programs and volunteer opportunities in all of Larimer County and northern Weld County.
In Loving Memory Of Cynthia Kemper Dietrich
November 14, 1987 - September 23, 2025
With a smile that could disarm a storm and blue eyes that sparkled with mischief and kindness, Cynthia Kemper Dietrich lived her 37 years as a fierce tigress — meeting every obstacle with grit, grace, and a generous heart. Born with spina bifida, she refused to be defined by it. Instead, she built a life rich in service, friendship, laughter, and love.
Born November 14th, 1987, Cynthia was the cherished daughter of Sheila Kemper Dietrich and Walter Reich Dietrich; adored sister of August Reich Dietrich and Andrew Warrick Dietrich; and the beloved granddaughter of Marjorie Reich Dietrich and William Gale Dietrich, as well as Cynthia Warrick Kemper, R. Crosby Kemper, and Mary “Bebe” Stripp Kemper Hunt. From her earliest days, she radiated joy that drew people in and made them feel like family.
Horses were her first great love. Beginning at 18 months old, she found freedom in therapeutic riding at Heartland and later the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, where she took joy in the challenge to learn and grow as a rider. She loved her sidewalkers, leaders, and fellow riders nearly as much as she loved her trusted steeds — “Walker” being her favorite. Wintertime brought another joy — adaptive skiing at Winter Park with her father and the friends she made on the slopes. In her own home, her studio became a haven for painting, and as suited her personality, she gifted her works to family and friends.
Cynthia’s education spanned Children’s TLC, Pembroke Hill, Swinney, Volker, St. Paul’s, Bishop Miege, Boulder High School, and Front Range Community College. Her love for children guided her career in early childhood education with the YMCA in Longmont and Loveland, where she was adored by her students and colleagues alike. She adored her “kids,” and her colleagues admired the way she made every child feel seen and capable.
Service was Cynthia’s north star.
She volunteered from an incredibly young age and for years at places that shaped her, including at CTLC, where she helped other youngsters with special needs learn how to navigate their own differing abilities; in Boulder at Boulder Day Nursery School; and at Bal Swan in Erie, Colorado—taking two buses and wheeling nearly a mile to get there. Her perseverance and warmth earned her recognition as the “Bebe Price Volunteer of the Year” in Colorado, but the real award, she’d say, was the chance to teach younger children with mobility or learning differences the “tricks of the trade” she had mastered herself.
She also cherished the less usual yet perfect moments that make a life. On her 10th birthday, spent in a hospital, her Uncle Jack stacked a tower of chairs into an impressive sculpture so that her family and friends could throw a proper party. She loved whale-watching with her beloved Granddaddy and Gammy Kemper off Chatham, later recalling the unique markings of each named whale as if describing old friends. Autumn meant pressing apples and hay-wagon rides with her adored grandparents, Gigi and Papa, at their farm, “Pondwood,” outside Kansas City, and enjoying time with her Dietrich cousins.
Cynthia was an animal whisperer at heart. She adored her orange tabby, Picasso, who returned her devotion in kind. Cynthia spent the last part of her life living independently in her own home in Longmont, only minutes from her parents…it was a wish come true for her.
She is survived by her parents, Sheila and Walter; her brothers, August and Andrew; her grandmother, Bebe; her godparents Jack Rees, Laura Kline Lazarus & Michael Lazarus, Sally Von Werlof Uhlmann, Heather Kemper Miller, and Mariner Kemper; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends, devoted caregivers, and her beloved cat, Picasso.
Those who knew Cynthia will remember her not for the hurdles she faced, but for the way she turned them into an adventure. She taught us to lead with courage, find joy in the marvelous, and meet the world with a smile.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Longmont, Colorado. Donations in her honor may be made to Children’s TLC, Heartland Therapeutic Riding Center, Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, or the YMCA of Northern Colorado.
John Duran III
John Duran III of Estes Park, CO passed away from a traffic collision on Highway 34 on Thursday, September 18th, 2025. He was born on January 2nd, 1963, in Denver, CO to John Duran Jr. and Delores Quintana Esselburn and stepfather of 41 years Scott Esselburn who he really loved and looked up to and was a great role model to him. He was preceded in death by his father John Duran Jr. John has three siblings: sister-Teresa Duran, brothers-Gerald (Jerry) and Michael Duran.
When growing up John and his siblings were all into sports, mainly football and swimming. He attended Northglenn High School and after graduating, he joined the Navy. His careers included being a specialist for Inventory Control, a snow removal technician, and most recently an UBER Driver. While John was in the Navy, he served actively for four years as an air traffic controller.
On July 23rd of 1988, he married Dori Sonnenberg in Phoenix, AZ. They moved to Estes Park in June of 1993.
Their children include Zachery Duran IV, Joshua Duran, Deserae,
and her husband, Aaron Brogan. John was a great dad and enjoyed having fun with his grandkids, especially while swimming. He loved the beauty and hikes in Estes Park. His main passions in life are his family and the Denver Broncos.
John and Dori’s grandchildren include: Aiden (16 years), Damian (14 years) and Anaiya (11 years) Duran. Other survivors left to mourn and miss John include many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. John’s primary source of happiness stemmed from his need to spread happiness and make all those around him to feel like family. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes your consideration to make donations to Urban Peak at urbanpeak.org. One of John’s priorities was to help the homeless population and this is the organization he supported most often.
A private service will take place at a later date.
Please visit allnuttestespark.com to leave a favorite memory or message for the family to see.
The Numbers Behind An Undemocratic Initiative
To The Editor:
At first glance the restrictive rezoning initiative wording seems okay, but analyzing the numbers tells a different story. The proposition requires written approval by at least 2/3rds of the record owners within 500 feet of the property to pass a rezoning request, implying that 1/3rd of the neighboring record owners would be needed to force a denial of the rezoning request.
A closer look shows that only a small minority could stop any rezoning. As an example, there are 73 deeded properties within 500 feet of a certain property along Highway 7. The majority of these properties have multiple owners, nearly half of the properties are owned by out-of-town owners, there are corporate owners, governmental owners and family trusts. There is no indication in the ballot initiative as to what time-frame owners have to respond, nor does the initiative indicate how it might "compel" written response. In a community where only about 75% of the eligible individuals register to vote and where only about 75% of the registered voters cast ballots in an election, I imagine the response rate for a "rezoning mailing" will be about 75% of the neighboring owners, at best.
Assuming a 75% response rate means that 25% have already "failed to approve in writing," this leaves only 9% of respondents needing to vote "no" and
causing the rezoning to fail. For this example, if 48 approve and only 7 reply to deny the rezoning, the rezoning fails if 25% (18) didn't reply. To me, that sounds extremely unamerican. In a democratic republic we have elections that determine majority rule, but this proposition wants a vocal but this proposition wants a vocal minority to control the decision process.
The devil is in the details. Should a rezoning request happen within 500' of my house, my wife and I would each get a vote since we are both listed as record owners on our deed. If a deed is in a family trust, do all members of the trust get a vote? How about if I own three properties within the 500' limit, would I get three votes? If the Town, Bureau of Reclamation or Rocky Mountain National Park is a property owner withing 500', who decides which way they vote? How about if the property being rezoned is at the Town boundary, do County residents get to vote on Town rezonings?
This ballot issue leaves too many unanswered questions regarding implementation. I cannot support this poorly defined, highly restrictive proposal which is the antithesis of majority rule, and I recommend that you vote NO on Ballot Question 300.
Todd Plummer Estes Park Resident
AA & 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
Tuesdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Wednesdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
Wednesdays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES 2515 Tunnel Road Estes Park, Colorado, 80511
Join Our Team
YMCA of the Rockies operates two purpose-driven family and group conference and retreat centers: Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch, along with a residential camp. Serving over 225,000 guests annually, we create meaningful experiences, foster community, and welcome all in the beauty of the Colorado Rockies.
Working here means making a difference. Every role contributes to positive experiences for our guests, staff, and communities. Enjoy a rewarding role with growth opportunities and benefits.
Seasonal Opportunities
• Housekeeping
Maintain clean, inviting facilities at our mountain retreat. Clean cabins, lodges, and common areas to high standards. Detail-oriented, reliable team players wanted; training provided.
Pay: $14.50–$15.50/hr
• Food Service
Provide quality meals and exceptional service at our mountain retreat. Prepare, serve food, and maintain dining areas to high standards. Detail-oriented, reliable team players wanted; training provided. Pay: $14.50–$15.50/hr
• Event Staff
Set up and tear down event spaces, assist with AV equipment, and support guests during programs. Pay: $14.50–$15.50/hr.
• Janitorial Services Team Member
Clean and sanitize lodges, cabins, meeting rooms, and public spaces to keep facilities guest-ready. Pay: $14.50–$15.50/hr.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have year-round positions available for local volunteers in our Museum, Post Office, Craft Shop, Pre-School, Gift Shop, Buildings and Grounds, Housekeeping, and International Programs. Volunteers enjoy benefits such as discounted nights at our Lodges, free use of our pickleball courts, and access to all Y facilities.
Come join our growing community of local volunteers!
Apply today at: jobs.ymcarockies.org
Mountain Concrete is looking for Concrete Laborers & Form Setters. Call Scott at 970-586-3775.
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
Sundays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D
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.
We’re hiring for all positions starting at $22.61/hr.:
To apply visit www.albertsonscompanies.com select Careers then search for Estes Park, CO to locate jobs
After your application has been completed, please call 970.586.4447.
Patron Experience Substitute
Hours vary, as needed
Pay range: $16.61-$23.25/hour
Summary: Come thrive in our fastpaced, collegial, multitasking environment, as part of a team attuned to the details of office processes & computer systems. This on-call position provides exceptional customer service at both the first & second floor service desks, & may assist with programs, collections, & promotions. Spanishbilingual is a plus. Must be able to work days, evenings, & weekends when regularly scheduled staff are away.
Closing Date: Open until filled.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:
Review full job description and apply at estesvalleylibrary.org/jobs
Only complete applications with cover letter and resume will be considered.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Full details on employment opportunities and the application can be found at estes.org/jobs.
Regular Full-time
• Administrative Assistant I
• Civil Engineer I/II
• Emergency Services Dispatcher I/II/III
• Police Officer I/II/III
• Records Technician I/II/III
• Street Equipment Specialist I/II/III
The status of applications will be communicated via e-mail. By choice, the Town of Estes Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Silver Saddle Inn
Now hiring: Housekeeping
Apply in person: 1260 Big Thompson Ave. or email resume: info@estesresort.com
Apartments
Winter Rental -
Furnished: month to month lease. 10/1/25 thru the end of April 2026. 2 bedroom 2 bath. $1879 per month plus deposit. No pets, No more than 2 tenants. Rent includes everything but electricity. Call/text 970-624-7191
BR 2BA Workforce condo, like new.
3
Open concept floorplan, A/C, extra storage and indoor parking. W/D. Small pets considered. No smoking unit.
$2500 mo plus utilities. SD required. 970-232-5511
Perfect winter rental near Lake Estes!
$1300/Month - all utilities are included. Available October 26 through Memorial Day. Fully furnished. 1 bed lodge room. Stunning lake and mountain views. A perfect seasonal rental in a peaceful, scenic location Contact us at 970-779-7455
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
Charming 2-Bedroom/ 1 Bathroom Cabin for Rent –$2,000/Month + Utilities. Available October 1st! Cozy and convenient cabin located within walking distance to downtown Estes Park. This home is close to schools, the hospital, shopping, and dining — perfect for anyone wanting comfort with easy access to town. Large 1 acre parcel in town. Features include: Washer and dryer in unit. Bright living area with mountain charm. Walking and biking path. Contact (970) 586-1685 or admin@glaciercreekinc.com
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.
Food Program Manager
32-35 hours a week
$28-$32 an hour DOE
This position is responsible for:
Managing all aspects of The Market which is a distributor of emergency food. Coordinating operations, food distribution, volunteer coordination, and customer service.
Review of applications will begin on October 15th, and continue until the position closes October 31st.
For a full job description, please send an email of interest along with a resume to Brian Schaffer, brian.crossroadsep@gmail.com
Homes
One bedroom, one bath, furnished cabin, $1600/month, includes utilities, no smoking, dog neg.
Call Todd @ 970-581-8487
Commercial Rentals
OFFICE SPACE For Rent
Private Parking, 2 offices, each w/ separate entrances, shared bathroom. Rent 1 or both. $400 ea. 970-290-4488
Downtown Retail Entire Bldg. 1550 SF avail. Jan1, 26 $3,300 mo. triple net lease. 970-391-3676.
1 private parking included 6 RIVERFRONT OFFICES FOR RENT
Incls: Private Parking, Utilities, WiFi, A/C, Alarm System, Kitchenette Upscaled Log Building $3,000 mo. 460 Prospect Village Dr., EP
Call Bret Freedman 970-215-2494
call for details (970) 591-3301
Expert Landscaping – 20 Years Experience From garden makeovers to custom outdoor spaces, I’ll bring your vision to life with quality and care. (970) 213-3102Orkin43@gmail.com
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
OPEN HOUSE Sat 10/4, Noon - 4pm or view by appt anytime. FSBO For Sale by Owner. 2+ 2+ laundry/mudroom. Is ready to transform into 4+3 w/5 piece bathroom and 2 laundries.
Views! Quiet end of cul-de-sac, huge deck, fireplace, hardwood floors, modern updates, lg lot. 970-690-3126
Listing on Zillow for photos. 2619 Sunrise Court Estes Park, CO
OPEN HOUSE –Saturday, October 4th 1:00–3:00 PM 1942 Jacob Road, Estes Park, CO 80517
Discover nearly 20 acres of mountain modern living just minutes from Estes Park. This refined retreat borders Roosevelt National Forest and features a year-round creek, meadowland vistas, and a newly painted wraparound deck with hot tub—perfect for starlit evenings. Inside, a 2020 renovation blends rustic character with modern luxury across 2,000+ sq. ft., including a spa-inspired primary suite with fireplace and soaking tub. A heated three-car garage, loft flex space, and flat grassed yard complete this rare offering. Come experience the best of Colorado mountain living!
Commercial
Fri 10/3 3-7pm, Sat 10/4 8-2pm Follow Judi’s Signs to 730 Spring St. (off Riverside)
African, Chinese Decor, Candles, Framed Art, Baskets, Luggage, China, Kitchen Items, Linens, Sm Furniture, Games, Packs, Tools, Lg Storage Cabinets, Christmas, Books, CD’s, Electronics, Jewelry & More! 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
Condos
Cabins
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER
Northern Arboristry Tree Service/ Removal, Firewood, Cleanouts and Chainsaw Shop!
Chris Lowe 970-815-4252 northernarboristry@gmail.com
BARBER SHOP
Gale Baniak - Owner/Barber Racheal Giroux - Barber
970-586-2000 • 415 W. Elkhorn Ave. 100 feet North of the Bighorn Restaurant No Appointment Necessary (for straight razor shaves only)
880 Dunraven Ste B Estes Park, CO 80517 Matthew P. Heffernan heffwesi@live.com 970-480-5403
