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Head To Head Competition The elk rut has begun! Give the bulls (& all wildlife) lots of space during this magical time of year. Photo by Brad Manard • rmnphotographer.com
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2 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Permanent Change Estes has been changing for 150 years. We’ve built buildings, changed the water flow, carved out roads, initiated services and activities, erected water plants, rebuilt buildings that fell apart or burned up, remodeled, rezoned, added roundabouts and Wonderview and the Loop and the Riverwalk, and much more. In time, corrosion and erosion creates the need for removal or replacement. Buildings from the 1800s aged and fell apart and new ones arose. Buildings and pipes and water tanks from the 1900s, same deal. And a national park opened right beside us. All the while the mountains stood silent, while Estes became a hub of human activity. The forests have been reshaped by fires, mudslides, insects, weather, and human activity, but they still surround us with green. The rivers cascade to and meander through town. Estes will change again. While the pace of new building seems slow, change will continue. We’ll see a new water plant, the film center, a new sanitation facility, the fate of the Middle School, and more housing where it’s permitted and where it fits. And the people change. We’re a completely different group than those who were here 100 years ago. We’re the ones now entrusted to keep the quality, character, and beauty of this incredible valley. In 100 years, a completely new group will carry on the work to preserve, protect, and alter. Certain sites have such a history, footprint, and resonance: They are our cornerstones. Some are large lodges that were (and maybe still are) hubs of all manner of activity. The Stanley is the most prominent of these; it continues to evolve. There's Taharaa, the gem on the
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south side. Thad and Sandra have done a wonderful job of rejuvenating that spot, making it a place for events, meetings, dinners, lodging. It's nice to see that beautiful venue as it becomes lively. Mary's Lake Lodge has a long history, though it’s been lower key since the last fire a few years ago. Perhaps we'll see activity soon that will bring that back into the fold as a cornerstone. The Elkhorn Lodge renovation project has stretched out for some time. The new rooms, when they’re generating income, will help finance the work on the old lodge. I think we’re all eager to see the lodge restored, with all due respect to its historical appearance, while recognizing the need for some upgrades. Estes Park is noted for resisting change. Things can become contentious when a developer wants to build new or modify the old. There are many reasons for the pushback: concerns about overcrowding an area or blocking established views, erasing historical value, childhood memories, belief that builders or the Town are “only it for the money,”, or opinion that a change doesn’t fit the character of Estes or that it disturbs our ecology. A recent example is Crags Lodge. A couple who has done some remarkable developments elsewhere in the world is now focusing on turning Crags into an
Town Offices Closed In Observance Of Labor Day Town of Estes Park municipal offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Offices will resume normal operating hours Tuesday, September 8.
attractive, modern cornerstone on the hill overlooking Moraine and downtown. Some feel that preservation of certain features is fundamentally important. Will developers respect our Estes history? Will they preserve as well as refresh? I understand the sentiment but I also recommend looking at the works that this couple (John and Melanie McCallen) has done in their other investments (vivamee.com). They’ve created some impressive, lasting developments, and added to the culture of the places where they’ve built. Our cornerstones are part of our history, but they will change. We should welcome those who come in with the energy and vision, proven track record, and financing. Let the future come to us. Yes, we can suggest preservation of certain elements and help them shape it. Perhaps preservation is possible; perhaps it’s unreasonable. Most important is that they create a new, beautiful, inviting chapter in the Crags Lodge history. Welcome them with Estes warmth. The ruins of old castles throughout Europe are amazing, but Estes is alive and vibrant and multidimensional. We don’t want ruins and dilapidation. From what I’ve seen, the Crags redevelopment will get us a new, strong castle on the hill, replacing the antiquarian piece. From what I’ve seen, Crags Lodge will represent the character of Estes of this century. Change does not mean degradation. Life is an ongoing adventure of change. One hundred years, one thousand years from now, and longer, those mountains will still surround what we build now and Crags Lodge in the future.
Labor Day Holiday Closure All Larimer County Administrative Offices, Courts, District Attorney, Ranch Offices, and Landfill will be closed on September 7, 2026 to celebrate the Labor Day holiday. Critical county services are not disrupted by closures.
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Get A Closer Look At Your Water System This September Open House – Sept. 17 and Water Treatment Plant Tour – Sept. 24 The Town of Estes Park and its Water Division are welcoming the community to two upcoming events: Water Shop Open House – Thursday, September 17, 4–6 p.m. Tour the hub of the Town's water operations, including the water treatment laboratory. The Water Shop is located at 1360 Brook Dr., with accessible parking at the front entrance and general parking by the garages on the east side. Visitors will move through hands-on stations covering the water treatment lab, distribution, and equipment, with refreshments and giveaways available. Marys Lake Water Treatment Plant Tour – Thursday, September 24, 4–6 p.m. Walk the facility that treats and delivers drinking water to the community. Shuttles will be provided for this tour due to restricted parking. Further details regarding parking and shuttle arrangements will be posted at estes.org/waterfuture as they become available. Details, including shuttle and parking information, will be announced as they are finalized, and posted at estes.org/waterfuture. For more information, please contact Water Superintendent Jason Fredricks at jfredricks@estes.org or 970-577-3630, or Project Manager Jacqui Wesley at
jwesley@estes.org or 970-577-3611. Background: Investing in Estes Park's Water Future This open house is part of the Town's broader effort to keep the community informed about its water system and the investments needed to sustain it. The Town of Estes Park's Water Division serves approximately 6,000 customer accounts, relying on aging treatment and distribution infrastructure that will require more than $130 million in upgrades to keep pace with future needs. Recommended improvements include relocating and modernizing treatment processes and replacing cast-iron and galvanized steel water mains that have exceeded their expected service life. These priorities are laid out in the Town's updated Water Master Plan, which provides a long-term strategy for safe, reliable, and resilient drinking water through the 2025–2045 planning horizon. The Town Board will discuss these needs and customer water rates this fall, with public hearings tentatively scheduled in late October and early November. Customers are encouraged to join the conversation. To learn more about these investments and how they'll shape water service in Estes Park, visit estes.org/waterfuture.
River Access East Of Mall Road Closed For Water Infrastructure Project The Town of Estes Park will begin a water infrastructure improvement project on Mall Road in early September. For the public’s safety, access to the Big Thompson River area east side of the Mall Road bridge will be restricted until active construction in this specific area is finished, which is expected in mid-October. The Mall Road Looping Project is a water infrastructure initiative that connects the existing system from Joel Estes Drive to U.S. 34 to improve water
quality and stabilize system pressure in the northeastern water service area. This complex construction project involves installing a 12-inch water main that requires crossing the Big Thompson River, the Lake Estes siphon, and U.S. 34. Project updates are available at estes.org/mallroadwaterproject. For more information, please contact Jacqui Wesley, Utilities Project Manager, at jwesley@estes.org.
4 » Friday, September 4, 2026
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Colorado Parks & Wildlife Investigating Bear Attack In Estes Park Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a bear attack after an adult bear entered an Estes Park home Thursday morning, August 27. Around 4:30 a.m., a bear broke into a house on the western side of town through an unlocked, closed window on the first floor. The homeowner, a woman in her 80s, reported to CPW officers she awoke to the bear in the kitchen on the second floor. The bear charged the woman, scratched her across the stomach and knocked her to the ground, according to the victim. She told officers the bear then left the house through the first floor window. The victim called 911 and Larimer County Sheriff ’s deputies responded to the scene. No bear was found. She sought medical treatment for her abdominal injuries. CPW has requested the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in locating the bear involved. Heavy bear activity has been reported in the area, with multiple bears breaking into occupied homes and vehicles over the past few days. CPW officers have set traps to remove bears posing an immediate public safety risk.
“As we continue to navigate this extraordinary bear year, please continue to be vigilant in removing food and trash that may attract bears to your property,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch. “Wildlife officers are working tirelessly to respond to an unprecedented number of bear reports, and we are counting on the community to help mitigate conflict." Colorado is experiencing an unprecedented bear conflict year, largely due to drought conditions depleting natural food sources for bears. As they begin to enter hyperphagia, bear activity is expected to increase while they search for 20,000 calories per day before denning. Bears can take greater risks in seeking out food during this time, driving them into neighborhoods and populated areas. To prevent bear conflicts and encourage them to find food away from humans, keep trash secured at all times. Lock windows, doors and vehicles to discourage break-ins. Take down bird feeders until Thanksgiving. Never feed or leave out food for bears, as feeding wildlife is illegal and contributes to their habituation towards humans. Report bear activity and conflicts to CPW.
On August 24, police stopped a 20year-old male driver at 150 Wiest Drive. The suspect was arrested for changing lanes when unsafe, driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drinking from/possessing an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, and illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. He was transported to Larimer County Jail. On August 26, police stopped a 20year-old male driver in the area of S St. Vrain Avenue and 3rd Street. The suspect was arrested for driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, failure to present evidence of insurance upon request, driving a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, and displaying expired
number plates. He was booked and released. On August 27, police stopped a 36year-old male driver in the area of W Wonderview Avenue and W Elkhorn Avenue. The suspect was arrested for driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and making a left turn (from/in to) wrong (position/lane). He was booked and released. On August 29, police served a misdemeanor/traffic arrest warrant to a 21year-old male at 132 E Elkhorn Avenue. He was booked and released. The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 August 23, 2026, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) responded to 20 calls for service. This included: • Alarm Activation: 8
• Emergency Medical (assist EPH): 3 • Illegal Burn: 1 • Smoke Investigation: 2 • Odor Investigation: 2 • MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident): 1 • Assist: 1 • Gas Leak: 1 • Fuel Spill: 1 estesvalleyfire.org
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Friday, September 4, 2026 « 5
Peaceful Coexistence With The Bears By: Gary Hall, Mayor, Town of Estes Park
whatever you can to ensure that you're not attracting bears with accessible food, In the years after we moved to Estes in you've helped the cause. 2003, I noticed there were certain arWhen we backpack in the woods, we're ticles that were reprinted with only acutely aware of the possibility of bears, minor modifications each year in and take great precautions to prevent the Estes Park News. These were articles having food attractants. In town, there's about some annual or cyclical event or a lot more to consider. You must prevent condition in Estes. access to your trash cans or dumpsters, to your bird feeders, to the contents of And the News still prints educational your car, to the articles about bears contents of your each year, giving all of house, and more. Be those who live here Bear Aware! repeated, valuable information about bear I have great sympaactivity and how to thy for the lady who help protect humans had the recent up(and bears). And that close interaction with education, the rules to a bear in her deal properly with the house. That bear situation, hasn't situation is a lesson changed much in this to us all to millennium. properly seal up our houses. HopeI’ve been asked by fully, we all learn that several citizens to lesson. offer thoughts to the community on the A high degree of challenge of living common sense is at around bears. My first the basis of protection thought is that this is from bears. These Photo by Chris Barnard not abnormal. Yes, achungry creatures, with tivity is heightened this year due to the that appetite further increased by this early year drought creating low availyear's lack of many foodstuffs in the forability of their normal food supply, but ests, will do what they must do to eat. Estesians have been coexisting with the We won't help them by being careless. bears for 150 years. Their presence is Feeding or baiting a bear only leads to a natural and normal. We haven’t been bear who has been given the death senhere as long as they have. tence. Don't be part of the jury that condemns them. We live in this beautiful place, and wildlife is a part of it, and this is a tough Coexistence with our trees and rivers year for bears and other animals. That’s and wild creatures is possible. Let’s all even more reason that everyone — busi- look at it calmly and with balance and nesses, the Town, citizens, visitors, evtake the right steps. Awareness, coneryone — must learn the lessons and sciousness, mindfulness, and following take proper care, constantly. the basic rules — everyone must do their part. We are an integrated part of The number one rule is to our Estes ecosystem and we need to prevent bears from having access to human food sources and trash. If you do treat it with proper respect.
Our team doesn’t just work in this community. We’re part of it. This Labor Day, we celebrate the people who make Estes Park a great place to live, work and grow. ESTES PARK 533 Big Thompson Ave., Ste. 100, 970.586.8185
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6 » Friday, September 4, 2026
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When The Bell Rings... Smokey The Bear By: Kevin Nunn, Fire Chief, Estes Valley Fire Protection District
In the past several months, Interim Chief Jones focused on several articles to highlight the Estes Valley Fire Protection District. He gave us a great platform to launch messages to the community and I plan to continue his vision. In his first several articles, he highlighted wildland fire and the increased fire danger this summer. Despite cooler temperatures and some monsoonal moisture, we continue to experience elevated fire danger levels. Thus, we must continue our delivery of another wildfire prevention message. However, rather than listen to the Fire Chief or firefighters continuously preach about wildfire safety, in today’s article, we’re going to rely on an outside source. Who better to deliver this month’s wildfire safety message than the mascot for the longest-running public service announcement in U.S. history? Eighty-two years ago, in 1944, during a wildland fire in New Mexico, firefighters found a lone black bear cub. Firefighters quickly adopted him. He quickly became a celebrity and through the magic of the US Forest Service, he became an icon. Today, we know him as Smokey Bear with the sole message of “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.” The US Forest Service owns Smokey Bear’s trademark and takes his role in fire prevention extremely seriously. They have a 22-page manual, Smokey Bear Guidelines, related to his official licensing. Throughout the years, in cooperation with The Ad Council, songs and books have been written to document his story. He’s been on TV, he had his own place at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and his birthday is celebrated every year on August 9. His voice has been characterized by notable figures in cinema and television. One of the most recognizable was Sam Elliot who lent his smoky, Western, and grandfatherly vocal qualities to Smokey from 2008–2023. When Larimer County and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District adopted Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in late May, all fires were prohibited. These restrictions remain in effect as of today. The official language is, “Open burning that is NOT allowed under this fire ban includes: wood burning recreational fires in a permanent enclosure or portable device designed to contain fire, open burning, pile burning, and other prescribed fire, charcoal and pellet fuel barbeque grills, and smoking in the open.” Due to the extended drought (even with occasional rains), this summer has been especially difficult in promoting wildfire messaging. While our res-
idents continue to see signage, social media, and printed materials, our guests, who stay less than a week, may not understand the immediate threat. To help us continue our delivery of the daily Fire Danger Rating and give people a reference to current Fire Restrictions, we hope to enlist the help of Smokey Bear. In the coming months, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District will be working to place a six-foot Smokey Bear Statue with a Fire Danger Rating sign in the District. We haven’t worked out all the details, we simply know that a Smokey Bear statue will have a home in Estes Park. Look for more information about this in the future. Smokey Bear’s message has always been one of prevention. Delivery of preventive information is just as important as the actual message. Firefighters can spout statistics all day about how 87 percent of all wildfires are human-caused, but often, that is not the best tool. Instead, just imagine a family who comes to Estes Park for their summer vacation. Rather than a paper flier or a neon sign declaring fire restrictions, after this summer, they will have the opportunity to take photos with a six-foot statue of Smokey Bear. Moms, dads, and children will crowd around Smokey while they learn about the area’s fire danger. That’s not a lecture, that’s not a website, those pictures are memories that they will carry with them for the duration of their time in Estes Park. Dollywood, a theme park created by Dolly Parton in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, crafts their marketing around memorable moments. Their corporate mission is, “Creating Memories Worth Repeating” and their marketing slogan is “Love Every Moment.” Throughout the park, visitors are encouraged to take pictures with Dolly’s colorful butterflies. The Estes Park Smokey Bear statue will lean on Dolly’s wisdom, allowing visitors to take pictures with Smokey Bear. For a moment, they can shift their gaze from the mountains to the lovable bear’s mission. Social science says they will identify with his most memorable message, “Only You...” Our statue will eventually be identified on a website, smokeyzone.com/pages/wheres-smokey, with approximately 120 other statues across the United States. Believe it or not, families plan their travels to take pictures with Smokey in different locations. Yes, in a way, we will be using Smokey Bear to promote tourism. However, most importantly, once they get here, Smokey will help us promote all the elements of year-round wildland fire prevention.
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Friday, September 4, 2026 « 7
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8 » Friday, September 4, 2026
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Apply For The District Advisory & Accountability Committee The Estes Park School District is inviting interested community members to apply to serve on the District Advisory and Accountability Committee. This committee consists of teachers, parents, community members, and business owners who engage in stakeholder input and monitor district goals and financial commitments. It provides an important opportunity to learn more about our schools, ask questions, share perspectives, and help strengthen accountability and accessibility across our district. This year, this committee will provide stakeholder input and recommendations regarding the next three-year school calendar which will be voted on by the Board of Education during the second semester of the 2026-2027 school year. Consideration will be given to student learning, family and staff needs, accessibility, and the broader community. This committee will review proposed calendar options for the next three school years and share feedback with the Superintend-
ent and Board of Education to support informed decision-making. We value the insight, experience, and perspectives that community members bring to these conversations. If you are interested in being involved and contributing to the future of our schools, we encourage you to apply by submitting a completed DAAC Application by noon on September 9, 2026. The DAAC mission: Stakeholders advise and hold Estes Park School District accountable in terms of their mission, vision, and goals. The DAAC vision: Our diverse community works with the district to assure that our students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to be successful and responsible citizens. Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our students, staff, and schools. We appreciate your willingness to be engaged in our district and community. Find the application at tinyurl.com/3529kemk.
Stanley Park Closed Sept. 7-13 This summer is winding down and that means that the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival is just around the corner! To accommodate the large crowds that this event brings each year, Stanley Park will be closed to the public from September 7 through September 13.
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Closed areas include the dog park, playground, ballfields, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and basketball courts, and the skatepark and bike track. Expect high levels of traffic around this area during this period and road closures on Community Drive south of Manford Avenue.
epnews.com Way back before the rest of life happened—when I was in my early 30s—I was president of the Friends of the Starsmore Discovery Center, as it was known at the time, in Colorado Springs. There was—and is—a stunning stone house, built in the early 1900s by James Starsmore, that served beautifully as a visitor center at the entrance to North Cheyenne Canyon Park, and that’s what the Friends organization supported back when I was involved. Part of my role as a volunteer at Starsmore was to teach young children about spiders and insects. More specifically I introduced curious young minds to the tarantula and the Madagascar hissing cockroach. I held these crawlies in my hands as I spoke of them and never felt fear. Try to get me into a pool with water at any temperature lower than steaming bathwater and I won’t do it. I simply cannot convince my body to make friends with cool/cold water. But ask me to let a tarantula crawl up my arm, or hold a hissing cockroach in my palm and stroke it with my finger, and I’ll do it without so much as a shiver. Go figger. That’s because I know some facts about these little fellers that prove to be quite the opposite of popular old wives’ tales.
The tarantula, for example, is a shy, anti-social being that would rather run away and hide than to try to defend itself by biting or shooting out hair from its underside. Yes, tarantulas do have a venomous bite, but they rarely chomp on humans. In fact, there is not a single recorded case of someone dying from a
Friday, September 4, 2026 « 9
tarantula bite. Their venom is mild; intended to subdue insects, not humans. A bite might feel like a bee sting and there may be some swelling and redness, but those fade quickly. The tarantula also has defensive hairs on its abdomen that can cause a rash, itching, or irritation, but they only flick these hairs when they are provoked or handled roughly. I handled the hairy spiders with great care. Their little legs, tap-dancing along my hand and arm, actually tickled! The Madagascar hissing cockroaches are even less threatening. First, they are very clean insects that are constantly grooming themselves, for what that’s worth. Second, these giant hissers (2-3 inches long) can’t harm us even if they want to. They have mouthparts that simply cannot handle humans—they’re designed to eat rotting leaves, not human flesh. Hissing cockroaches don’t carry venom and cannot sting. They are not aggressive, they move slowly, and they don’t get riled up. They hiss, but that’s all bluster. That hiss is to scare off predators, and it works. Think of all the people who are afraid of a big ol’ cockroach that hisses! That brings me around to the point of this column: creepy-crawly cockroaches (that aren’t so creepy, as we’ve learned) are being developed to become part of search-and-rescue teams, to deliver lifesaving drugs to people trapped after disasters. “The plan is to use these drug-carrying insects to keep victims of earthquakes and building collapses alive by providing basic medical assis-
tance in narrow, debris-filled spaces before rescuers arrive,” said Reuters news agency. We need to learn to love these little—and oversized—creatures. Scientists in Australia have experimented with equipping cockroaches
with miniature cameras and injection devices. During studies, researchers implanted electrodes into the roaches’ bodies, giving them the ability to stimulate the insects’ nervous system. During testing, operators used a joystick and tiny wires implanted in the insects’ antennae to steer them toward a target (with no pain to the cockroach, they say. How they can tell, I can’t guess). The researchers recorded a 100 percent success rate in reaching pre-established checkpoints and a 72 percent success
rate in drug delivery. (The drugs were carried on a sort of backpack for cockroaches, with an auto-injection mechanism. When the drug was launched to inject into a target 5.9 inches away, the success rate jumped to as high as 95 percent.) It might be rather creepy to be pinned in a tight space and see a giant cockroach heading straight toward you, but when that scary critter shoots an injectable drug into your body that will save your life, a cockroach actually seems like a welcome companion. Humans and nature working together can do amazing things, as these remote controlled cockroaches prove. (What do the roaches get out of the arrangement? you ask. We provide food and shelter and don’t scream and step on them.) The key to a successful relationship between us and the natural world is symbiosis. Currently we aren’t holding up our side of the equation and nature is retaliating. Fair is fair. You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com. © 2026 Sarah Donohoe
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10 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Estes Park Museum Annual Membership Drive & Social A Success The Estes Park Museum would like to thank the almost 20 individuals who joined during the Museum Membership Drive. These individuals are now part of the expanding community of supporters who help cultivate a passion for Estes Park History. Thank you to current members who encouraged friends and family to consider a “paywhat-you-can” membership for as little as $35. New members are always welcome to join at anytime to enjoy a number of benefits such as access to exclusive content, events, programs, a 20% discount in the Museum Shop, and more. Every year, the Membership Drive ends with the Members Appreciation Social. This year, nearly 80 people enjoyed hearing updates about Museum successes and a panel presentation focused on historic research for preservation and recreation. Panelists included Paul and Janice Sunderland discussing the renovations of their personal home, which is the historic Dunraven Cottage, and Rob and Julie Pieper, with Michael Young discussing the Brodie’s Market mural in Poppy’s Pizza and Grill. A special thank you to business sponsors Poppy’s Pizza
and Grill, Safeway, You Need Pie!, and Mountain Dew Liquor for their generous support, helping to provide a nocost celebration of Estes Park Museum Members. For more information, or to join the Museum Membership Program today, please visit estes.org/museum-friends. You can also join in-person, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Museum or by sending a check with “Membership” in the memo to the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Inc. (EPMFF) at 200 4th Street, Estes Park, CO 80517.
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Estes Valley Businesses Gear Up For Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale By: Estes Chamber of Commerce
As the leaves turn and the Columbus Day weekend approaches, the Chamber invites local businesses to make the most of the long-weekend crowds with the fall Sidewalk Sale, taking place Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. "Twice a year, businesses may put displays with merchandise on the sidewalks — typically with discounted items — and the Columbus Day weekend is one of our biggest draws, bringing visitors from across the region into town," said Chamber President Colleen DePasquale. All local businesses are encouraged to participate, regardless of storefront lay-
out. Businesses without direct sidewalk access are welcome to set up displays in alternative outdoor spaces, shared walkways, or simply promote sale pricing indoors — the spirit of the event is about community-wide participation, not sidewalk square footage. Given the unpredictability of Colorado weather in October, businesses are encouraged to display setups that can move indoors on short notice if conditions turn. A simple contingency plan to keep the fun of the sale running smoothly rain or shine. For more information, check out the events calendar on esteschamber.org or contact the Chamber directly.
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YMCA Of The Rockies Announces Toddler Childcare Availability At Estes Park Center YMCA of the Rockies is pleased to announce current enrollment availability in the Beverly K. Booe Early Childhood Education Program at Bennett. Openings are available in both toddler classrooms, serving children ages 12 months to 2.5 years and 2.5 to 3.5 years. The program provides yearround childcare for families in the Estes Valley community, with flexible enrollment options available Monday– Wednesday, Thursday–Friday, or fullweek (Monday–Friday). Program hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and tuition is $65 per day. Rooted in a nature-based, child-led curriculum, the Beverly K. Booe Early Childhood Education Program gives children opportunities to learn, play, and grow through outdoor exploration, music, movement, art, and other developmentally appropriate experi-
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ences. The program primarily serves local families year-round and also provides limited summer access to YMCA of the Rockies guests. “Nature is a critical element for child development, helping children build creativity, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive skills,” said Susan Taylor, Program Director at YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center. “Our location provides a unique opportunity for children to safely explore the outdoors and grow in a nurturing, forested environment.” Families interested in enrolling or learning more are encouraged to visit ymcarockies.org/camps-and-childcare/preschool or contact Liz Price at EPrice@ymcarockies.org. Scholarships are available.
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How Your County Works Ever wonder what your county does? What happens after I’ve voted? Where do I pay my property taxes, and what happens after I pay? Get a firsthand look at these and the many other services Larimer County provides our community every day at LC-101, our interactive class that answers these questions and outlines the many other services our county provides to our community. You’ll learn how Larimer County provides services that keep us safe, healthy, and make our county a great place to live. These services often operate in the background every day, much like the operating system on your phone: You often don’t notice them, but they’re always there, working. LC-101 is offered in two cohort options: Weekday Cohort 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays, October 7, 14, and 21, 2026. Weekend Cohort 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturdays, October 10, 17, and 24, 2026. Applications are open can can be completed at forms.gle/3o1VBN4Pxqs4LKYUA.
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14 » Friday, September 4, 2026
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Celebrating America’s & Colorado’s Anniversaries, 250/150 – Where Were You On 9/11?
UNLOCK the POSSIBILITIES Senior living options in Estes Park At Good Samaritan – Estes Park Village, our residents enjoy fulfilling, maintenance-free lifestyles where they can connect with others in a caring community that features: • Housekeeping and maintenance help • Nutritious and delicious meals • Social, wellness and spiritual activities Once you explore our independent living or assisted living options, you’ll find one that feels like home. Do you know if now is the right time for senior living? Scan the QR code and take a free, 4-minute quiz to find out.
Call (970) 591-9739 for more information. good-sam.com
nity to touch some of the gear the Veterans used during their service! It is fitting for this presentation to be done on the week of 9/11 as we commemorate the events that occurred 25 years ago. The Veterans’ stories are compelling, but it is also important to understand the history leading up to 9/11 and the aftermath of American Legion Post 119 continues its celebration of the 250th anniversary of America and the 150th anniversary of Colorado with “Where were you on 9/11?” Join us on September 7, from 5-7 p.m. at 850 N St. Vrain Avenue, and listen as Estes Park’s Veterans share their stories of service and sacrifice surrounding 9/11. Enjoy a great presentation and participate in the healthy discussions that have accompanied these presentations. This is a unique opportunity for our Veterans and community members to come together to
All faiths or beliefs are welcome. © 2026 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved.
651-833-931 Rev. 6/26
that day. It is our history and it has done much to shape the United States of America today. Listen as five members of Post 119 share their stories, stories of tragedy, servic,e and honor. Join Vietnam Veteran Terry Rizzuti, Army GWOT Veterans JR Tapia and Scott Manning, and Air Force Veterans Steve Irish and Dan Scace for a night of sharing and learning. The Legion’s 250/150 sessions support
bear witness to our history in a most personal way. The presentation is fitting for seniors, students, and everyone in between. Come for the free popcorn and stay for a night that includes Q&A and showand-tell with an opportuthe Legion’s pillar of Americanism, which is defined in the Legion’s Constitution and Bylaws as “...the gist of the American ideals of freedom, justice, individual rights and unfenced opportunities.” American Legion Post 119 is open to the public and dedicated to serving Veterans, their families, and the community. Post 119 members enthusiastically participate in and support many community activities. Visit esteslegion.org for more information.
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Meet Our New Fire Chief At “Learn With The League”
Join the League of Women Voters of Estes Park on Tuesday, September 15 at 10 a.m. to meet Kevin Nunn, the new Fire Chief with the Estes Valley Fire Protection District. Chief Nunn brings 35+ years of fire, emergency management, and engineering experience, including four years as Fire Chief of North Tooele Fire District and 14 years as Lieutenant with Pigeon Forge Fire Department. In Colorado, he served with Larimer County Emergency
Services, responding to wildland fire, search and rescue, and swiftwater incidents. He holds an MS in Emergency Management (Eastern Kentucky University) and a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology (Purdue), and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program. Also featured: A speaker from the Fire District Board's Campaign Committee on the sales tax initiative. The gather will take place on Tuesday, September 15 at 10 a.m. (note the Tuesday) at the American Legion Hall, 850 N. St. Vrain Ave. All are welcome. No registration necessary.
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EP Aviation Club To Hear Presentation On EAA’s History Join the Estes Park Aviation Club for a presentation on the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) History as a Foundation for a Lifetime in Engineering and Aviation. The Estes Park Aviation Club will hold its September meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9 at American Legion Hall Post 119, 850 N St. Vrain Ave. The public is invited to attend.
the EAA Board of Directors, continuing a lifelong commitment to advancing experimental aviation. His presentation will connect key milestones in EAA’s timeline with the professional and personal journey it helped inspire — offering a unique perspective on how the organization’s legacy continues to influence engineers, builders, and leaders across the aviation community. Members are encouraged to attend this
This month, the Estes Park Aviation Club is pleased to welcome Dan Berry as our guest speaker, a builder and engineer whose career has unfolded alongside — and often within — the major milestones of EAA’s history. From early involvement in the Homebuilt movement, he carried EAA’s builder-driven values into engineering roles at Texas Instruments and Ball Aerospace, where hands-on innovation and disciplined experimentation shaped decades of work. Today, he serves as Chair of the Homebuilt Aircraft Council and as a member of
insightful and engaging program. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and food and drinks will be available for purchase through the American Legion. The meeting is open to anyone interested in aviation, space or connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
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
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By: Brad Manard
I wasn’t going out that morning even though the days are all amazing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Especially blue sky mornings with a slight breeze as the summer nears the fall. But, 5 a.m. comes early, so that night, as I went to bed, I begged my dogs to let me sleep until 6:30 a.m. They looked at me with sweet faces and cocked heads.
service for grading the dirt road’s curves. It was a beautifully serene drive up the switchbacks to the meandering curves within the thick forest. Our eyes searching, my friend asked, “See any wildlife?” I smiled, “Unlike my dogs, most moose understand sleeping until sunrise.” He laughed. I knew Aspen
curve on the tundra, we stood overlooking the massive bowl below the Alpine Visitor Center. “There,” I pointed, “three bull elk.” My friend motioned up on the mountain-
“WAS THIS WORTH GETTING UP FOR?”
At 4:45 a.m., Aspen came up laying on my pillow, her body wrapped around my head like a warm stocking hat. Then little Maggie climbed onto my chest and laid there offering gentle licks to my chin that in dog language said, “Time to get up.” So... I shook myself awake, still dreaming of 6:30 a.m. After five minutes of petting and rubbing my pups, I reached over picking up my phone. An unseen, late night text from a photographer friend. “I’ll be at the Fall River Visitor Center at 6 a.m., if you want to cruise to the top.” Awake in the dark bedroom, I thought of the blue sky with the sunrise hitting 12,000 ft. peaks and elk on the tundra. I texted back, “See you at 6.” An hour later, my camera gear was shifted to his car, and we headed excited into the park. Soon we were standing on the roadside, our cameras capturing a large bull moose feeding in the willows. He was a beautiful specimen of power, his full grown antlers covered in deep brown and white marbled velvet. “Nice start,” I said. “Amazing,” my friend answered. As we drove Horseshoe Park, I scanned the chokecherry bushes for black bears entering hyperphagia, gorging themselves in preparation for hibernation. But the spring had been dry, the chokecherries thin, and the berries slow to ripen. When we hit Old Fall River Road at 6:30 a.m., the sun had just begun to touch the peaks of the tundra. Climbing upward on the one-way dirt trail, I commented my thanks to the park
mule deer running up the hill. Focusing my camera on their eyes, I captured a couple of shots. Then I heard, “Brad, coyotes.” Looking across the bowl above the clattering elk, four coyotes ran down the mountainside. I watched, waiting until three stopped, two laying down, and I raised my camera. With the sunshine on my back, the browns of the tundra beautifully camouflaged the canines on the distant mountain. From that one point on the tundra along the Old Fall River Road curve, we’d captured an elk harem, bull elk sparring, a mother moose and calf feeding, deer backlit in the morning sunlight, and coyotes resting on the mountainside.
and Maggie were back in bed sleeping comfortably. The thought made me yawn. We stopped just past the four mile marker, scanning a distant willow field across the valley. A monster bull moose was feeding, his head and antlers tall above the willow bushes. “I took his picture in May when his antlers were stubs,” I commented. “Now look at him. Thirty-five pounds of bone with ten tine points on each huge paddle.” Past five miles, we walked Willow Park, but the willows were all nubs from years of moose and elk enjoying their meals. Still, the serenity was welcome as we stood in the middle of the field listening to the quiet. That in itself was rewarding. When we reached the eight mile
side. “Another with a harem.” Then we both broke into wide smiles hearing the first bull elk bugle of the season. A friendly photographer behind a tripod told us, “There, not very far down.” Looking, I saw their heads poking from the dense greenery. A cow moose and healthy calf living comfortably at the edge of the tundra. Then we heard the clattering to our right. Even closer, four medium sized 5x5 bull elk about 600 pounds each, two of them sparred, proving their tenacity for the rut. They quickly grabbed our camera’s attention. We were quiet, the cameras were whirling, and the elk antlers were clattering. I looked behind me, seeing two doe
My friend asked, “Was this worth getting up for?” My smile said it all as I quietly thanked Aspen and Maggie.
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18 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Join The Community Minded Music Series On Monday, September 7 Don’t miss the last music series clothing swap of the summer! Join us on Monday, September 7 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Estes Park Mountain Shop in the back lot for amazing music, delicious food, and excellent times with your Estes Valley neighbors and friends.
The Community Minded Music Series is an Estes Park initiative that brings live entertainment to town while raising funds for the Estes Park Education Foundation. Participate in this free community clothing swap featuring sets by local bands and our musically inclined local kids. This month, enjoy tunes from 2MX2, Kae and the Fault Line, Bella Libby, and the EP High School Choir. Food will be available for purchase from Rosa’s Tacos food truck! A high-energy, bilingual live show, 2MX2 is a fan-voted “band you’d drive 105.5 miles to
Please call 970.495.8560 to register. Space is limited.
MEDICARE 101 This free class explains the parts of Medicare A, B, C and D. We will talk about Medicare Advantage, supplements insurance and much more. This is not a sales presentation. This is taught by a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor (SHIP). All classes will be at:
Dates and times:
Crossroads Assistance Ministry 1753 Wildfire Road Estes Park, CO
• 10–11:30 a.m. Aug. 15 • 10–11:30 a.m. Sept. 16
see.” Their sound crosses every line — rock, hip hop, and Latin music, and they stand for so much more. They are super into supporting kids learning and growing in music! See past performances at youtube.com/@2mx2tv. A suggested donation of $10 for entry will raise funds for the Estes Park Education Foundation, earmarking these funds for music-specific causes. Bring your best clothes to donate and take some clothing treasures home with you! Clothing not taken will be donated to Good Neighbor Thrift. Carpooling or using the lake path is recommended as parking will be limited. If you'd like to be involved or help sponsor these events, please contact Alex Wieser at weezrsevents@gmail.com. See you out there for the end of summer bash!
Kae & the Fault Line
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Last ELSA Monitored Weed Drop-Off September 19 Please read, heed, & weed responsibly! The Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) has been serving the Estes Valley for over 19 years in promoting good land stewardship, weed identification and education, and free educational materials, including the most popular Twenty Ob-Noxious Weeds in the Estes Valley Identification and Management Guide. Now is the time to remove mature noxious weeds that contain seeds that will be next year’s – and many more years – weeds. The next Monitored Weed Drop-off will be held Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to noon across from 380 Community Drive. No early birds or illegal drop-offs; follow the signs. Do not block traffic on Community Drive. Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA) volunteers will be on hand to answer weed questions, unload your paper yard bags, and direct traffic flow. We have limited dumpster capacity, so a maximum ten paper yard bag limit will be imposed – no plastic bags. When we are at full capacity, the dropoff will end. Noxious weeds only, not native plants! No slash, pine needles, pine cones, trash, yard waste or dirt! Please remove/shake off dirt from plant roots. Excessive weight of wet weeds and dirt is a safety hazard for our volunteers. Only bag flowers and seed heads rather than entire plants. Read our weekly Estes Valley’s Weed Alert articles (published April through September) to help identify invasive plants and manage seed producing plant parts for disposal. Bags of non-noxious weed mate-
rials and general yard waste will not be accepted at this event. Paper yard bags are available for purchase at local hardware stores. If you want ELSA to continue to sponsor these events, please adhere to the guidelines. Owning property in the Estes Valley can be challenging and different! Bagging mature weeds this time of year is not ideal weed management and not how you want to spend your time. Be proactive – learn your native plants and manage the invasive plants in a timely manner with a weed management specialist if you don’t have the time, energy or expertise to manage your property. A list of weed management specialists who can help is available at larimer.org/naturalresources/ weeds/applicators. Also refer to the information and Helpful Documents at estes.org/weeds. These events are being made possible with the support from Estes Land Stewardship Association, Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, and donations. Free Twenty Ob-Noxious Weeds in the Estes Valley Identification and Management Guide weed booklets are available year-round at the Estes Valley Library and Ace Hardware. Electronic versions are posted on the Town of Estes Park website: estes.org/weeds. ELSA meets the first Thursday of the month (February, March, April, and November) at 9:30 a.m. at the Town of Estes Park Parks Department Office. For more information about ELSA contact: elsa.weeds@gmail.com. Thanks for being good stewards of your property and surrounding areas!
Estes Valley Model Railroad Club September Meeting Join the Estes Valley Model Railroad Club for their monthly meetings, held on the second Wednesday of the month. September’s meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at our new location: the United Methodist Church, 1509 Fish Hatchery Rd. Our meetings
are open to all interested in trains, modeling, and sharing about model trains.
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A Sky Full Of Stars Comes To The Senior Center September 8
The Estes Park Senior Citizens Center (EPSCC) welcomes everyone to attend a free presentation by local photographer, writer, and naturalist Dawn Wilson, “A Sky Full of Stars...And Moon, Lights, Meteors and Galaxies,” at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, at the EPSCC, 1760 Olympian Lane. Our night sky offers an extraordinary window into the universe, and today’s cameras can capture sights that were once difficult to see or preserve. During this visually rich presentation, Wilson will share photographs and videos of celestial events she has captured over the past several years. The program will include northern lights, solar and lunar eclipses, Milky Way alignments with familiar local landmarks, and other remarkable scenes from the night sky. Along with the images, Wilson will share some of the stories behind the photographs and offer ideas for becoming more aware of what is happening overhead after dark. She will also discuss the importance of dark skies and efforts to preserve them for future
generations. Wilson is the owner of Dawn Wilson Photography and Creeks and Critters Nature Tours. She is a professional and award-winning nature photographer and writer who specializes in telling stories about wildlife and outdoor adventures. An avid hiker, naturalist, and traveler, her work includes more than 800 bylined articles and photo credits and has appeared in Outdoor Photographer, Nature’s Best Photography, Colorado Life, MotorHome, and numerous other publications. Wilson is also the author of “100 Things to Do in Estes Park Before You Die.” To learn more about her photography and work, visit dawnwilsonphotography.com. For the presentation, you are welcome to bring your own lunch or pre-purchase a meal. Place your order before 1 p.m. on Monday, September 7. For this event, the Senior Center will be serving Smothered Chicken (topped with mushrooms, green peppers, & onions) with roasted potatoes. The cost of the meal is $12 for EPSCC members and $14 for non-members. If you become an EPSCC member for just $35 per year, you will not only enjoy meal discounts but also gain access to all the amazing activities. For more information about the EPSCC or to order a meal for the presentation, please call the Senior Center at 970-581-2195.
Sept 7 – 11 Monday, Sept 7 Tuesday, Sept 8
CLOSED BBQ Platter – Pulled Pork & Beef Brisket w/ Mac ‘n Cheese & Baked Beans Wednesday, Sept 9 Smothered Chicken (6 oz) (topped w/ mushrooms, green peppers & onions) w/ Roasted Potatoes Thursday, Sept 10 Guacamole Cheddar Bacon Burger w/ Tomato Salad Friday, Sept 11 Trout (4 oz) w/ Baked Potato & soup of the day
Sept 14 – 18 Monday, Sept 14
Breakfast Croissant (scrambled eggs w/ cheese topped w/ sausage), Hashbrowns & fruit Tuesday, Sept 15 BBQ Pork Ribs (4) w/ Mac ‘n Cheese & Baked Beans Wednesday, Sept 16 Chicken Salad in an Avocado w/ Tomato Salad Thursday, Sept 17 Patty Melt Sandwich w/ 3-Bean Salad Friday, Sept 18 Creamy Risotto w/ vegetables topped w/ Grilled Salmon (6 oz) & soup of the day Starting March 1, Individual Meals are $12 for current 2026 EP Senior Citizens Center members and are by reservation only. (Non-members $14; reservation only). 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 Tuesday, Sept 8th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Sept 4th. 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- 1PM TriFit M-W 9:30-10:15 & M-W-F 10:30-11:15 AM Circuit Balance 2nd & 4th Monday 1-1:45 PM Mahjong Tuesday 10 – 2 Tai Ji Class Tuesday 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
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22 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Oratorio Society Of Estes Park Begins New Season With “Messiah”
The Oratorio Society of Estes Park has been providing musicians in the Estes Valley the opportunity to perform major classical works for orchestra and chorus since 1987, while giving the community a chance to hear these major works. The Oratorio Society will begin rehearsals for the season on Sunday, September 20 at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Avenue. The chorus meets from 4:30 – 6 p.m. and the orchestra meets from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Interested singers
and instrumentalists are welcome to come to the first rehearsal. Auditions are not required, just the ability to learn music and perform in tune. For more information, visit our website at osep.info. The chorus and orchestra will present concerts of “Messiah” on December 4 and 5 at Hyde Chapel, YMCA of the Rockies. All voice parts are needed in the chorus and strings are especially needed in the orchestra. Come and join us as we perform this popular holiday work!
You’re Invited To Join The Estes Park Chorale
The Estes Park Chorale is looking for new singers to join them for their new season! The revered mixed chorus is beginning its 56th season this year. We typically present two full concerts per year and rehearse from September to May. Members come from all walks of life and are made up of singers of all abilities, from beginning singers through professional level singers. The only requirement is the ability to match pitch and commit to weekly rehearsals. There is no audition required.
We meet on Wednesday evenings at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Dues are $20 per concert and music is provided. New singers are welcome to come to a rehearsal and observe before committing to singing with the group. Our first concert, “Season of Light,” will be presented on November 21 at 2 p.m. Come and join us! For more information, visit our website at estesparkchorale.com.
Hilltop Guild's Fall Festival September 19 The aspen will be beautiful, the chili will be yummy, and the parking is plentiful and free. In fact, the Hilltop Guild's Fall Festival in Allenspark on September 19 is a free event featuring a chili lunch ($12), pie ($3), crafts, quilts and art. The Boutique will be selling jelly, embroidered tea towels, scrubbies, and hand-knit baby clothes. The White Elephant will be open, too. And the nearby Bunce School and Museum will be open for guided tours of what life used to be like in a oneroom schoolhouse. Music by the local bluegrass jam band Three Moose Morning will keep your toes tapping. The Hilltop Guild is a productive and creative association of mostly women but including one or two men who return the fruits of their labor to areas of need in the greater Allenspark community. The Guild funds scholarships to students in Lyons, Allenspark and Estes Park, and supports the Allenspark Area Food Bank, and other causes including the Allenspark Area
Fire Department. The family friendly Fall Festival takes place on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historic Kelley House, 18720 Highway 7, in Allenspark, halfway between Estes Park and Lyons.
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EVWC Rolls Into Fall With Educational Talks, Wildlife Planning & Wildfire Mitigation Projects the Town of Estes Park Development Code. Now outdated, EVWC determined a new document was needed as the town updates the development code. EVWC hired an environmental consultant to lead the revision. After thorough review by representatives of each involved agency, the reference guide has moved into the final development stage. A presentation of the updated reference to the Town of Estes
the Estes Valley Community Center. The presentation title is “50% Chance of a Good Talk - Why Forecasting is Tough in the Rocky Mountains.” The program is free to attend but donations are highly encouraged to support EVWC programs. EVWC is also hosting the third and final community wildfire mitigation day for 2026 on Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The drop-off,
Park Board of Trustees is anticipated to happen in October. Upcoming events hosted by EVWC Every month, EVWC hosts educational talks about environmental topics that impact wildlife, forests and water in Estes Valley. The next talk is scheduled for Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m. at
which is limited to ten paper bags per vehicle, will be on the west side of Community Drive inside the Fairgrounds gate. This is the same location for Christmas tree drop-offs. For more information about EVWC events and projects, visit evwatershed.org.
A group of volunteers help repair beaver habitat in Estes Valley as part of a community volunteer project with Estes Valley Watershed Coalition
Summer projects wrap up with nearly 400 volunteer hours applied towards projects throughout Estes Valley By: Estes Valley Watershed Coalition
September 1 marked the last release date for timed entry reservations in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) for October. Two weeks earlier, the “Closed for the season. See you next year!” note was added to the dryerase board at Sheep Lakes in RMNP, noting the volunteers were done for the season at the popular location for bighorn sheep information. How does summer always seem to pass so quickly?
A truckbed filled with willow stakes to transplant to a new location for habitat improvement.
The same circumstances happened for the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition (EVWC). The end of August marked the completion of several projects, but the turn of the calendar into September brings an abundance of fall activities for this local conservation organization. Volunteers complete projects throughout Estes Valley EVWC is excited to report that 183 volunteers provided 390 hours of work on conservation projects throughout the Estes Valley watershed this summer. The projects included: • Move slash piles as part of fire mitigation work on private Estes Valley properties. • Clean up fishing line and other trash around Lake Estes to beautify the popular recreation destination and improve habitat for local wildlife.
• Remove trash along Black Canyon Creek to reduce damaging impacts in this small creek that runs through Estes Park. • Harvest about 5,000 willow stakes to transplant to wildlife habitat improvement projects. • Continue improvements along the Fish Creek corridor to establish native vegetation in open spaces, plant willow stakes to rebuild a healthy habitat for local beavers and other wildlife, and build and repair beaver structures. Thank you to all of the volunteers for their hard work and can-do attitudes. Continued collaboration with Estes Valley Fire Protection District Since 2013, EVWC has worked closely with Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) on fire mitigation projects throughout Estes Valley. EVWC and EVFPD continue to work on a variety of projects to ensure strides are made towards a healthy forest while protecting structures and property in Estes Valley. Partners worked on the following projects: • Identified trees to retain on a 200acre Estes Valley parcel in preparation for a wildfire mitigation project to start in late September. • Coordinated with the Little Valley Owner’s Association to help homeowners with their home ignition zone improvements for better wildfire resilience. • Collected pinecones, pine needles and noxious weeds during two drop-off days as part of the annual fire mitigation collections. One more day is scheduled for September 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. • Helped homeowners in 20 neighborhoods remove wildfire fuel, such as slash, pinecones and pine needles, from their properties as part of the home ignition zone improvements. Wildlife habitat reference document moves into final stages EVWC has been working closely with multiple local, regional and state agencies to develop an updated Estes Valley Wildlife Habitat Reference to support informed land use, development and environmental protection decisions. The current assessment, written in 2008, did not become adopted as part of
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24 » Friday, September 4, 2026
What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library HOURS Mondays - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m. Special hours Closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day Limited access to the building & collections due to renovation. Learn more at estesvalleylibrary.org/renovation. Registration is required for most programs! Visit calendar.estesvalleylibrary.org to secure your spot. BOOKS & AUTHORS Writing the Nightmare: A Ship Called Sickness & One Unforgettable Space Crew with Daniel Kraus Tuesday, September 8, 5 - 6 p.m., Online Prepare to launch into the deepest depths of space as we sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning storyteller Daniel Kraus to celebrate the release of his breathtaking new novel, The Sixth Nik. Books & Beverages: Stories of Survival Wednesday, September 9, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Inkwell & Brew Join us for a free beverage of your choice while discussing your favorite books that highlight a story of survival. A Back to Basics program. Book Club for Mortals: The Five People You Meet in Heaven Thursday, September 10, 10:15 11:45 a.m., Presbyterian Church of the Rockies Join us for a monthly book club about aging wisely & well. This month, we are exploring the moving & profound contemporary fable that reminds us of our interconnectedness through the story of an old amusement park maintenance worker named Eddie.
Monthly Writing Group Monday, September 14, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies Calling all writers, aspiring writers, & anyone interested in writing! Share your writing, enjoy others’ work, receive & provide feedback. All genres & forms are welcome. The Art of Fighting: Building Better, Stronger Relationships with Priya Parker Tuesday, September 15, 2 - 3 p.m., Online In this paradigm-shifting event, world-renowned master facilitator Priya Parker will discuss her new book, The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict, which explains that we can’t form & grow effective relationships without a fight. ADULTS Wilderness Survival Skills for Women Sunday, September 13, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Estes Valley Community Center Femme Trek founder Sharon Saternus is back to lead a wilderness survival workshop designed for female day hikers. Topics will include staying calm to think clearly, shelter building, & fire, water, signaling & navigation basics. A Back to Basics program. TEENS & TWEENS Teen Maker Mornings: Button/Magnet Making Saturday, September 5, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Makerspace Teens are invited to explore a variety of hands-on activities & Makerspace equipment in this weekly series. This week, we’ll make buttons & magnets. Teen Books & Boba: Favorite Books Sunday, September 6, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Alteatude Get “Back to Basics” with us by sharing your top three favorite books with other book lovers. These can be childhood classics, recent reads, or anything in between. Come thirsty because your beverage is on us. Teen Dungeons & Dragons Sunday, September 6, 1 - 4:30 p.m., Makerspace Repeated Sunday, September 13, 1 4:30 p.m., Makerspace Interested in learning to play Dungeons & Dragons? Make new friends while exploring your imagination, building cooperation, & strengthening problem-solving skills. Snacks & re-
freshments provided. Tween Dragon Slayers Wednesday, September 9, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Estes Park Memorial Observatory Interested in learning how to play Dungeons & Dragons? Want to think strategically & make new friends? Join other tweens for this classic fantasyworld game. Teen Maker Mornings: Notebook/Folder Collage Thursday, September 10, 10:30 11:30 a.m., Makerspace Repeated Saturday, September 12, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Makerspace Teens are invited to explore a variety of hands-on activities & Makerspace equipment in this weekly series. This week, we’ll collage notebooks & folders using magazines & stickers. Cooking & Culture: Mexican Tacos Wednesday, September 16, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Estes Valley Community Center Teens & tweens are invited to travel the world through food by learning to prepare a dish from a different country while exploring the traditions, history, & cultural significance behind the cuisine. In this session, we’ll explore Mexico & the history of tacos. Teen Maker Mornings: Laser Engrave a Book Box Thursday, September 17, 10:30 11:30 a.m., Makerspace Teens are invited to explore a variety of hands-on activities & Makerspace equipment in this weekly series. This week, we’ll custom-engrave a wooden box using the Epilog laser cutter. Mad Scientist: Electricity Thursday, September 17, 3 - 4 p.m., Makerspace Put a spark in your step & join us for a shocking amount of fun during this interactive program where we’ll experiment with batteries, wire, graphite, & metal to learn about electricity & magnetism. Designed for youth ages 10-17. KIDS & FAMILIES Baby Storytime Saturday, September 5, 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., Estes Valley Community Center Cubz Den Repeated each Thursday, 10 - 10:30 a.m., & Saturday, 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., Estes Valley Community Center - Cubz Den Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, wiggles, stretches, & play designed specifically for babies, toddlers, & their caregivers. Storytime Saturday, September 5, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m., Estes Valley Community Center Cubz Den Repeated each Thursday, 10:30 - 11 a.m., & Saturday, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m., Estes Valley Community Center - Cubz Den Join us for songs, movement activities, puppets, & stories that encourage a love of language & books designed specifically for children ages six & younger, along with their caregivers. Saturday Science Kids Club: Mad Scientist Mark & Electricity Saturday, September 5, 1 - 2 p.m.,
Makerspace Have you ever wondered how electricity changed the world? In this exciting, hands-on program, kids will explore the history of electricity, from early discoveries & famous inventors to the technology that powers our lives today. Saturday Kids Club: Worm Farm Composting Saturday, September 12, 12:15 - 1:15 p.m., Makerspace Making a worm farm in a jar is an easy & fun way to learn about the importance of earthworms & how they help improve soil health. We’ll use glass jars, soil, sand, pebbles, & worms to create a small ecosystem & observe how worms create compost. A Back to Basics program. Tiny Tots Crafts: Mossy the Turtle Wednesday, September 16, 10 - 11 a.m., Makerspace Designed for children ages 3-5 & their caregivers to focus on early literacy through crafts. In this session, we’ll decorate a turtle with moss, flowers, & leaves to look just like Mossy the turtle from Jan Brett’s book, Mossy. Storybook Explorers: Stack the Cats Thursday, September 17, 11:15 a.m. 12 p.m., Estes Valley Community Center Join us as we read Stack the Cats & engage in early literacy activities designed for ages 3-5 & their caregivers. In this session, we’ll use toilet paper rolls, cardboard cats, & crayons to make our own stackable cats. MAKERSPACE & TECHNOLOGY Fall Sign Tuesday, September 8, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 5:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace Celebrate the arrival of autumn by crafting a charming, wooden sign for your home in this hands-on workshop. You’ll assemble & paint a custom, laser-cut sign featuring an adorable highland cow. Paint with Wool Monday, September 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Makerspace Repeated Wednesday, September 16, 4:30 - 7 p.m., Makerspace Learn to transform one of nature’s most renewable, biodegradable, & long-lasting fibers into a vibrant, textured piece of textile art with needle felting. Bring a reference photo of your favorite scenery or work from your imagination. A Back to Basics program. LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Study Session Thursday, September 10, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Wasson Room Learn about the Board of Trustees and meeting topics at estesvalleylibrary.org/board. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION Cliffhanger Used Books Operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently used books, movies, & music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, September 4, 2026 « 25
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Estes Park Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show Welcomes 93 Juried Artists To Estes Park There’s something new waiting in Bond Park this Labor Day weekend. When the Estes Park Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show returns September 5–7, visitors will have the opportunity to meet and shop from 93 artists and craftspeople—and approximately 40% of them will be exhibiting at the show for the very first time. That means even longtime attendees who make the show part of their Labor Day tradition will have plenty of new work to discover. But what makes this show particularly special is something visitors may not always realize: it’s a juried show. Rather than simply signing up for a booth, artists must apply and submit examples of their work for consideration. A jury reviews the applications and selects exhibitors based on the quality, originality, and craftsmanship of their work. The result is a show filled with items created by talented
artists and craftspeople rather than massproduced merchandise. For visitors, that makes strolling through Bond Park a bit like exploring an outdoor gallery— only here, you can meet the person who created the piece that catches your eye. With artists traveling to Estes Park from 15 states, shoppers will find an extensive variety of original work and handcrafted items. Whether you’re searching for something beautiful for your home, a piece of art that reminds you of Colorado, or a truly unique gift, there will be plenty to explore. And with Christmas less than four months away, the show offers a great excuse to get an early start on holiday shopping. The three-day show is also about more than shopping. Families can spend time at the Children’s Arts & Crafts Tent, enjoy live music, and take part in the festive atmosphere of downtown Estes Park over the holiday week-
end. A Silent Auction will run throughout all three days, offering another opportunity to take home something special. The Estes Park Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show is presented by the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club and is one of the club’s major annual fundraisers. Proceeds help fund scholarships for local students, grants to Estes Valley nonprofit organizations, community projects and Rotary service projects internationally. This year, Rotary service will also be
on display. Visitors can stop by the End Polio Now booth to see a real childsize iron lung and learn about Rotary’s decades-long effort to eradicate polio worldwide. Another booth will collect used crutches, canes, walkers, walking poles and ski poles for Crutches 4 Africa, giving unused mobility devices a new purpose helping people who need them. So whether you’ve attended the show for years or have never wandered through the booths in Bond Park, 2026 is a particularly good year to come back. With nearly half the exhibitors
making their first appearance, you never know what—or who—you might discover. The Estes Park Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show runs Saturday through Monday, September 5–7, at Bond Park in downtown Estes Park. Admission is free. • Saturday, September 5: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • Sunday, September 6: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • Monday, September 7: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. For more information, visit estesartscrafts.com.
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26 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Kearney Takes Third As Bobcats Place Fourth At Home Invite
By: Nolan Oberg, Athletic Director
The high school boys golf team hosted its annual tournament Thursday, August 27 at the Estes Park 18Hole Golf Course, finishing fourth out of 18 teams from across the state. There were a total of 97 golfers that competed. Senior Drake Kearney led the Bobcats with an impressive third-place finish, shooting a 72 (+1). Estes Park individual results: 3rd Place: Drake Kearney — 72 (+1) 27th Place: Noah Webster — 87 (+16) 37th Place: Maddox Nagl — 90 (+19) 37th Place: Matvii Ivakhnin — 90
(+19) 85th Place: Cole Ingram — 113 (+42) 89th Place: Rocco Faillaci — 116 (+45) 93rd Place: Kaiden Wittenauer — 122 (+51) 95th Place: Canyon Weber — 125 (+54) Judah Elkinton — No score posted Troy Wertz — No score posted The Bobcats would like to thank Austin Logan and Aaron Tulley from the Estes Park Golf Course for helping make the home tournament possible. The team travels to Raccoon Creek Golf Course for the Front Range Christian Invite on Thursday, September 3.
Middle School Cross Country Off To Solid Start
Bobcats Blank Denver Academy 3-0 In Home Opener
By: Nolan Oberg, Athletic Director
The high school boys soccer team picked up its first win of the season on Friday, August 28, defeating Mile High League opponent Denver Academy 3-0 in its home opener. Junior Alex Perez led the Bobcats with two goals. Perez scored on a penalty kick in the first half, then added his second goal late in the second half with a strike from in front of the goal. Freshman Jonathan Rangel added the
Bobcats Open Cross Country Season At Bernie Gay Invitational
Photo by Beautyseeker Photography By: Nolan Oberg, Athletic Director By: Gabe Cabrera
The Estes Park Middle School boys cross country team is off to a strong start this season, opening the year with back-to-back Top 3 team finishes. At the Roosevelt Middle School XC Season Opener on August 20, Estes Park placed 3rd overall with four runners among the top 14. Pike Youtz led the way with a 5th place finish, followed by Conley Jorgensen in 9th, Maciah Niemuth in 10th and Gabe Cabrera in 14th. Elias Hale rounded out the team's top five in 29th place. The team followed with an improved second-place finish at the Valley MS Invite on August 27. Youtz turned in an impressive performance, finishing 2nd overall. Niemuth finished 9th, Jorgensen 12th and Cabrera 15th, giving
Estes Park four runners in the top 15. Hale again served as the team's fifth scorer, finishing 31st. Perhaps most encouraging is the team's depth and consistency. With the season just underway, the combination of a strong lead runner, a tight front pack and developing depth gives Estes Park boys plenty to build on as the season continues. Despite a very young girls’ team with several first-year runners, they are improving with each race — with the early season standout being Kaitlyn Natrass who finished 16th in the first meet followed by an improvement to 10th place in the Valley MS Invite. The team was back in action on Tuesday, September 1 at the Eaton Invite.
team's other goal on a first-half breakaway. Junior Joseph Cushner assisted both goals. Perez was named the coaches' “Man of the Match” for his performance. Senior goalkeeper Graham Stafford also had a stellar showing, stopping a penalty kick in the first half and recording 11 saves in the shutout. The Bobcats were back in action with two homes games vs. Wellington and Twin Peaks Classical Academy this week.
The Estes Park High School cross country team opened its season Saturday, August 29 at the Bernie Gay Cross Country Invitational, hosted by Centaurus High School at Waneka Lake Park in Lafayette. The meet featured some of the top cross country programs and athletes from across the state. The Bobcats are competing at the 2A level this season after spending many years competing in 3A. Junior Caleb Estanol led the Bobcats on the boys side, finishing 34th out of 187 runners with a time of 17:35.11. The boys team finished 14th out of 21 teams. On the girls side, freshman Linnea Schmitt led Estes Park, finishing 56th out of 149 runners with a time of
22:04.74. The girls did not receive a team score with only two varsity runners competing. Bristol Betts and Grace Bergman also competed well at the junior varsity level. Boys Individual Results Caleb Estanol — 34th — 17:35.11 Isaiah Franklin — 62nd — 18:12.81 Gabe Sanchez — 78th — 18:35.73 Elijah Westley — 85th — 18:45.82 Jack Borries — 98th — 18:58.53 Cash Bucci — 139th — 19:50.20 Ziggy Wild — 182nd — 22:20.20 Girls Individual Results Linnea Schmitt — 56th — 22:04.74 Amelia Watry — 89th — 23:25.74 The Bobcats will travel to the Liberty Bell Invitational at Heritage High School this Saturday, September 5, where they will once again face some of the best competition in the state.
Friday, September 4, 2026 « 27
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Middle School Volleyball Earns First Two Wins Of The Season
Middle School Football Starts Strong In 8-Man Debut
By: Nolan Oberg, Athletic Director
The Estes Park Middle School girls volleyball team picked up two wins on August 28 at Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado, earning the team's first victories of the season after tough opening matches against Valley and Platte Valley. The matches were played at Kenneth Homyak PK-8 School in Dacono. The Bobcats are led by eighth-graders Bethy Hocker and Lily Orellano, with Jess Borries, Erin Berryhill and Jessica McEndaffer serving as coaches.
The team will look to keep the momentum going when it returns to action Wednesday, September 2 at home against Frontier Academy.
Photo by Beautyseeker Photography By: Nolan Oberg, Athletic Director
Bobcats Begin 8-Man Era With Tough Test At Clear Creek
By: Nolan Oberg, Athletic Director
The high school football team opened its debut 8-man season Thursday night, August 27, at Clear Creek in Evergreen, falling 50-12 to a tough opponent. Clear Creek went undefeated in the regular season last year, so the Bobcats knew they would face a significant test in their first game. The Bobcats worked hard to adjust to the new rhythm and style of 8-man football, while Clear Creek proved dominant in its running game and on defense. The Bobcats' highlights included an outside touchdown pass from junior Oliver Brierley to senior Colby O'Brien. O'Brien broke through the defense and hit the turbo all the way to the end zone. The other Bobcat touchdown came on a short run by senior Easton Gbeyetin. Defensively, junior Ben Curran provided a highlight with a strip interception. Head coach Brent Larimer said, "Clear Creek was a tough first matchup. I think they are going to be a contender again this year. We still have a lot of work ahead, both to prepare for Haxtun and for the rest of the season. But our team never gave up and there were a handful of positive plays during the second half that we expect to see more of as we progress through the season." Coach Larimer took over the program this year after spending the past three years rebuilding the middle
school football program. The schedule won't get any easier as the Bobcats travel to Haxtun this Friday, September 4 to take on the reigning 8-man state champions. We invite Bobcat fans to come out and cheer on the team throughout the season! Below is the 2026 varsity roster and schedule. 2026 Varsity Bobcat Roster Leo Balduzzi — Sr. Jaydin Bauer — Fr. Oliver Brierley — Jr. Ben Curran — Jr. Aric Davis — Fr. Johan Fernandez — Soph. Easton Gbeyetin — Sr. Jacob Harger — Jr. Ryan Jaros — Fr. Jed Kim — Jr. Parker Larimer — Fr. Ches Larimer — Sr. Gabe Oberg — Sr. Harry Oberg — Soph. Colby O'Brien — Sr. Hadlee Rasmussen — Sr. Zair Rojas — Fr. Nate Sheumaker — Fr. 2026 Varsity Schedule 9/4/26 — @ Haxtun — 7 p.m. 9/11/26 — vs. Merino — 7 p.m. 9/18/26 — vs. Lyons — 7 p.m. — Homecoming 9/25/26 — @ South Park — 7 p.m. 10/2/26 - BYE Week 10/8/26 — vs. South Park — 6 p.m. — Fall Break Kickoff 10/17/26 — @ Front Range Christian — 3 p.m. 10/23/26 — vs. Gilpin County — 7 p.m. — Senior Night 10/31/26 — @ Justice — 1 p.m.
The middle school football team is off to a strong start in its first season of 8man football. The Bobcats traveled to rival Lyons on August 21 and fell in a close 27-13 battle. The team bounced back Thursday night, August 27, with a dominant 22-0 shutout victory over Clear Creek. Boone Oberg scored two touchdowns against Lyons, including a kickoff return and a quarterback sneak. Oberg also made an interception in the end zone and recorded 10 tackles on defense. Theodore Romig led the way for the Bobcats against Clear Creek, scoring two receiving touchdowns on passes
from quarterback Jack Banker. Henry Newhouse also added a rushing touchdown. The Bobcats were dominant on defense, led by safety Jonathan Elkinton, who recorded two interceptions. Sam Layton also contributed with a strip sack. Coach Nathan Harger said, “Although the Lyons game was a loss, I saw a lot of good things happen. I saw a lot of kids play hard. In the Clear Creek game, I saw a lot of heart. I saw athletes use their minds while on the field and a lot of hard work!” The Bobcats are back in action Friday, September 4, when they travel to Haxtun for a 4 p.m. game.
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28 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Restless Spirit To Perform This Weekend This Labor Day weekend, enjoy live music from Restless Spirit, a vibrant musical ensemble that grew from the roots of a Contra Dance band, celebrating the rich traditions of Old-Time Appalachian music. The band is performing twice this weekend, once on Friday night from 57 p.m. at Snowy Peaks Winery, and again on Sunday at the Arts & Crafts Fair at Bond Park from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Hope to see you there! Learn more about Restless Spirit, and see other upcoming performances, at restlessspiritmusic.com.
THE GO M EZ T EA M
Javier Gomez Broker 970 213-8692
636 STEAMER DRIVE New Lower Price
• Warm Mountain Feel • Walk to Town/ Lake Estes Trail • Longs Peak View
estesparkproperties@gmail.com
Maria Gomez Broker
970 213-9479
maria@estesparkproperties.realestate
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NEW LISTING
Mountain Brokers 1200 Graves Avenue, Estes Park
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1635 Brook Court $900,000 MLS# 1065602
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1250 S Saint Vrain Ave Unit 14
2222 Highway 66 Unit 12
131 Willowstone Ct.
$269,000 MLS# 1063422 STR LICENSED
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350 WHISPERING PINES DRIVE Over 2700 sq. ft of living space with 6 bedrooms, 4 baths; remodeled kitchen; Large lot for privacy; expansive views
$815,000 MLS# 1018202
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1870 Sketchbox #3
84 Copper Hill Rd
0 Streamside
$611,000 MLS# 1066658
$215,000 MLS# 1045985
$90,000 MLS# 1066603
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Friday, September 4, 2026 « 29
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Still for Sale? Even the Elk Are Asking Questions. Call RE/MAX!. Let’s get it SOLD—not just listed!
Mountain Brokers 1200 Graves Avenue, Estes Park
www.WeSellEstesPark.com
Office: 970-586-5324
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1047 Tranquil Lane $675,000 3 bed, 2 bath, 1773 sq ft., 0.3 acres. No HOA Call Kirk or Bianca
321 Big Horn Drive C3 $810,000 3 bed, 3 bath, 2000 sq ft. A Must See! Call Kirk or Bianca
1041 Otis Lane - Stanley Heights w/ Longs Peak Views 3 bed, 3 bath, 4762 sq ft., 1.01 acres. No HOA Call Kirk or Bianca Price Reduced
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680 Findley Ct. $1,465,000 Move in ready custom home 4 bed 3 bath 4241 sq ft Call Carla
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66 Flag Mountain Rd $492,900 Fully Furnished Mountain Home Call Brandon
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1460 Prospect Mountain Dr. $615,000 2625 Marys Lake Rd S1 $869,500 Cute one room cabin. Fully Furnished Turnkey Short Term Rental Views forever. Acre + Best Lake and Mountain Views Call Becky Call Ryan New Listing
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1870 Sketchbox Unit 3 $611,000 Call Javier or Maria
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30 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Support 4th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & 5K On Friday, September 11, 2026, Estes Valley will host our fourth 9/11 Memorial 5K and Stair Climb. The event is to honor the lives of those lost on September 11, 2001 and support the family of firefighters across the country through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The event includes two options for activities (attendees are welcome to participate in one or both): The 5K is a walk or run around Lake Estes. The distance symbolizes the run that FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller
2251 Arapaho Road $1,150,000
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CALL/TEXT 970-231-8570 523 SAINT VRAIN LANE, ESTES PARK
made from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center where he lost his life in the service of others. You can read more about his story at t2t.org/stephensstory. The Stair Climb takes place at the Visitor Center parking garage. Participants will have the opportunity to climb 110 stories — the height of the World Trade Center. Participants are encouraged to climb what they can, whether that be one story or all 110. Participants of all ages are welcome to participate and climb in honor of those lost. Both events will kick off with a ceremony of remembrance. After the event, attendees are encouraged to head over to the American Legion, just across the street, for a free lunch generously sponsored by Post 119. All funds raised support the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. The United States Congress created the Na-
tional Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, they have developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers. They also work closely with the U.S. Fire Administration and other major fire service organizations to help prevent and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries. Started in 2022 by former EVFPD Chief David Wolf, the Stair Climb & 5K planning committee intends for this to be an annual event hosted every year on September 11th. Mark your calendars for this and future years, and consider supporting this important opportunity for remembrance. For questions about the event,
please email shepard.laur@gmail.com. Join us in thanking our 2026 sponsors, partners, and supporters: American Legion Post 119, Bank of Colorado, The Bull Pin, Bureau of Reclamation, Estes Valley Medical Center (EMS), Estes Park Marathon & Running Club, Estes Park News, Estes Valley Fire Protection District, Estes Valley Recreation & Park District, Flinch Forward, Kind Coffee, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, National Fallen Firefighters Association, Town of Estes Park, Trail Ridge Printing. Interested in supporting this event, via donation,or by registering to participate? Visit our website at nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/estesvalley26.
Friday, September 4, 2026 « 31
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LISTED BY TOM THOMAS
The Anti-Gym-Rat Guide To Getting Fit In Half The Time I have a good friend who loves to do everything “the hard way” because it “builds character.” Let’s say, for instance, that we get 8” of wet spring snow. My friend will shovel her entire driveway (not small) by hand. Me on the other hand? I’m no stranger to doing hard things (strenuous manual labor included), but I’ma use the snowblower—’cause I’ve got places to go and a fiancé to kiss. While I may be a card-carrying member of the Doing Hard Stuff Is Good for You Club (I’ve led entire groups on this subject), I’m also the loudest cheerleader in the room chanting, “Work smarter, not harder!” And nowhere else do I believe this to be true and necessary than when it comes to working out. Unless I’m getting paid to teach an hour-long class or actually having fun moving my body (walking with my friends while we sip and spill the tea, getting spun around a honky tonk dance floor, kayaking the Rio Grande at sunset), I almost never spend more than 30 minutes exercising. Needless to say, when it comes to getting a workout in, I’m all about efficiency. Get in, get it over with, get on with the day—and still get results. I aim for this for myself in my own workouts, with my group fitness and 1:1 clients, and I want this for YOU too. But there are so. many. aspects. of. fitness. we’re supposed to be working on all the time—strength, cardiovascular, flexibility and mobility, muscular endurance, balance. Oh, and overall body composition. Which, honestly, I stress to my clients should not be THE focus of their efforts but, rather, will be the sum total result of the aforementioned. So, here are five things you can start doing to get more out of the time and energy you’re already putting in at the gym (even if your gym is your living room floor or the Rocky Mountains): 1. Combine Strength Training & Balance Work Everyone needs balance work. But anyone over 55 should be spending half their weekly recommended workout time on balance, which means you either gotta give up your beloved Jazzercise, spend more time working out, or figure out a 2-for-1 special. You could do a seated bicep curl, but have you ever tried to stand on one foot while you crank out 10–12 reps? Here are just a few combos to try: crescent lunge with a triceps kickback, single-leg deadlifts with an upright row, overhead press with an alternating knee lift, front raise with a kickback. Or you could try to…
2. Workout on an Uneven Surface Of course, only try this if it is safe. But equipment like stability balls, BOSUs, TRX straps, balance pads, and even just walking on a dirt (as opposed to a paved) path forces your body to work to maintain itself upright, resulting in a 25–40% greater effort (translation: more calories burned, stronger muscles after). 3. Combine Cardio & Strength Training If you’re hiking with a pack that has sufficient water and some basic emergency supplies, this counts. Or you could intentionally add a weighted vest to your walks or Zumba class. Or look at circuit training, kettle bells, or HIIT options—anything where you intentionally get your heart rate into a cardio zone while incorporating resistance training. 4. Move through Your Full Range of Motion So often when we exercise, it’s in the forward and backward or up and down planes—walking, bicep curls, crunches, lunges, squats, shoulder raises. But our bodies are made to twist, move side to side, and circle round and round. So it’s important to incorporate exercises that do just that. Try an Arnold press or a wide bicep curl instead of just regular curls. Incorporate lateral leg work (side lunges, side leg lifts) and internal and external rotation of the hips (clamshells, abductor pulses, pigeon calf raises). Circle the shoulders, hips, ankles, and wrists. Your workouts should be more of a dance than a march. 5. Mix Up Your Weights Most people on a lifting program think the point is to always be lifting heavier. But at some point, you’re gonna max out, hurt yourself, or both. It’s essential to change up your weight selection for recovery, endurance, and strength gains. Alternate heavier lifting days at lower reps with a very light weight but high rep pilates session. And don’t forget to vary your tempo. Slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase of your lifts. This forces greater muscle fiber recruitment and metabolic stress in the exact same number of reps. Of course, I’m asking you to challenge yourself here, yes, but I also want you to do so smartly. And if you’re reading this and feeling like a father sent to get tampons for his teenage daughter the first time, email me at chazz@higherelevationscoaching.com to get on my mailing list. (New clients also get two free personal training sessions to help you bake these exact tips into your routine without adding an extra minute to your week.)
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32 » Friday, September 4, 2026
A Nation In The Balance: Kurtis Kelly In Character As James Madison
In a riveting tale from America’s history, storyteller Kurtis Kelly will present a monologue re-enactment of the visionary James Madison and the events shaping the U.S. Constitution. The free performance takes place Monday, September 7 at 7 p.m. at the Hyde Chapel, next to the Maude Jellison Library of the YMCA of the Rockies, as part of this summer’s program series. The year was 1787. A new nation of t 895 Elk Meadow Ct.
13 states was anything but “united.” No standard currency, no solid footing on the world stage, and no common vision for a future. The U.S. was on a rapid path to fracturing into a cluster of weak mini-nations. James Madison knew something must be done, and quickly. The stakes were high. Amid disagreements and distrust, delegates met during a sweltering Philadelphia summer, never dreaming what they drafted would endure as “the law of the land” for 200 years and more. Through Madison’s words, storyteller Kurtis Kelly will recount the exciting and precarious journey to create a United States Constitution. This program is framed in the backdrop of this year’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States as a nation. Over three decades, storyteller Kurtis Kelly has been bringing history to life, frequently performing as such figures as Enos Mills, F.O. Stanley, and Abner Sprague. All are invited to this September 7 event, hosted by the Maude Jellison Library at the YMCA of the Rockies. No registration is required.
$975,000 t
t 652 Halbach Lane
$424,000 t
Wild Turkey Fest Is Coming To Allenspark September 26 Allenspark's Wild Turkey Fest on Saturday, September 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. will feature a pancake breakfast, a farmers' market, live music, a scavenger hunt, and delicious ready-toeat turkey legs. Proceeds benefit the Allenspark Food Bank and the Allenspark Fire Protection District. All things turkey-related will be celebrated in the course of the day including a turkeycalling contest, a turkey costume contest, and a turkey strut contest. Adults and children should come to the festival dressed in their best turkey costumes. Prizes will be awarded. Additionally, several politicians representing Allenspark have committed to meeting constituents at the fest including Boulder County Commissioner Marta Loachamin from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., State Senator Janice Marchman from 10 a.m. to noon, and State Representative Lesley Smith from noon to 2 p.m. More volunteers are needed to make the day a total success so if you can help out even for a short time, contact organizers at wildturkeyfest.com. The day of the fest will open with a 8:30 a.m. pancake breakfast served at the community room of the fire department. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. Live music will begin at 9 a.m. with Whiskey Rebellion, followed by National Pork at 10:30 a.m., and Los Cheesies at 12:30 p.m. The turkey-calling contest will take place at noon with the costume contest at 2 p.m. and the turkey strut at 2:30 p.m.,
all on the main stage. The Allenspark Community Cupboard Food Bank booth will challenge all comers to games of pin-the-tail-onthe-turkey. The fire department will challenge those who dare to hose down a (metal) turkey. Cocktails will be sold at The Old Gallery, Estes Park Brewery will have a beer tent, Kim's Mountain Jams will be available for purchase, and food from You Need Pie, Mountain Berry Bakery and Kona Ice will be onhand. Stick around to celebrate the winners of the turkey-themed contests and for the grand prize drawing in the afternoon. Complete the turkey trail scavenger hunt to be entered to win. There will be two grand prizes: two propanepowered gas grills will be given away. Another one of the many prizes will be a stay at nearby Ferncliff Lodge — either a two-night stay in a cabin or three nights in a hotel room. More prizes will be announced. And festivalgoers will be able to purchase special WTF-themed T-shirts for men and women. Sponsors to date include Allenspark Area Club, Allenspark Breakfast Club, Estes Park Brewery, Ferncliff Lodge, Rob Lewis KL Realty, Moonrise Meadow Cabins, Mountainear Newspaper, National Turkey Federation, Allenspark Lodge B&B, Neteo, Ray Kawata, Safeway, Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Tree Huggers Trading Co. and The Old Gallery. Learn more at wildturkeyfest.com. Stay tuned, WTF is coming!
Social-Memory Café In Estes Park
t 1431 S. Saint Vrain
$719,000 t
MARY MURPHY Broker Assoc. 970-214-6350 FIRSTCOLORADOREALTY.COM 523 SAINT VRAIN LANE, ESTES PARK
This month’s Social-Memory Café is Thursday, September 10. We’ll be celebrating The Coming of Fall with sing-a-long music, conversation, friendship, related activities, and of course, fall snacks. This is free and open to anyone in Estes Valley who is experiencing any level or form of brain change due to dementia, attending with a family member, friend, or care-
giver. We meet at St. Bartholomew’s Church (880 MacGregor Ave) from 10 – 11:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Whether you have come to Social-Memory Café before or want to join us for the first time, you are welcome to come to enjoy fun and friendship! For more information call St. Bart’s Church at 970-586-4504 or Jane (MC coordinator) at 970-430-8105.
Friday, September 4, 2026 « 33
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Our Hungry Bears September is the beginning of saying goodbye to summer. I always become a little melancholy this time of year. But with this summer’s heat, I’m actually looking forward to cooler days and nights. The bears would probably agree with me because the summer’s heat and the drought have driven them to look outside their usual areas for food. And that means houses. This morning, I read that in a certain area of town, there have been a lot of bear break-ins through windows. It’s hard to picture a big, fat bear climbing through a window, but that’s exactly what has been happening. And why is it happening with a bunch of bears in one location? Do they have a bear network? “Say, Herm, that house up on the corner there, they leave their windows cracked open at night. If you get your claws in the right place, you can pull it open. And man, oh man, in those kitchen pantries…” Well, you get the idea. The first time I saw a wild bear up close was when I lived in Waltonia in the Big Thompson Canyon. I had never lived in the mountains before, and one late night, I was in the back of my house watching a movie on TV when the motion-detection light came on. I figured it was a raccoon or something, so I wasn’t concerned. I turned away from the TV to look out the glass door and didn’t at first notice that the bottom half of the door was completely black, even though the outside light was on. Then a very large bear turned his head and looked straight at me. We locked eyes. I jumped up, screamed, the dogs barked, and he turned and loped away. I was alone that night because my husband was out of town. I started turning in circles. What do I do? What do I do? “I know,” I thought. “I’ll call my neighbor, Bill!” It was about 11 p.m., and I woke Bill. “What do you want me to do about it?” he grumbled after I cried out that there had been a bear looking in at me from my porch. “Umm, never mind. Go back to sleep.” Bears also like to get into cars, and I’m making the decision right now, as I write this, to stop leaving mints in my car. If, by chance, I leave my car out in the evening, I will lock the doors. In Waltonia, I didn’t have a garage, and I often forgot to lock my car doors. One morning I came outside and noticed something was off. It took me a moment to realize that one of my car’s back doors was wide open. It didn’t register at first, but when I stuck my head into the backseat, I smelled the raunchy smell and knew it must have been a bear break-in. He did no damage, just checked everything out. Having seen pictures of what bears can do when they get stuck in a car, I knew I was lucky, and I learned to lock the car at night. I also learned that the hummingbird feeders had to come inside every night after I forgot one night. Instead of hanging nicely from the roof, when I
came outside in the morning, I found they had been pulled down. At my feet were two feeders broken to pieces and a large liquid spot staining my front walkway. After that, I thought I had become a smart mountain woman until I learned that even when an outdoor shed door is closed, the smells inside can be too tantalizing for a bear to ignore. I had a big bag of dry dog food stored in my shed. The bear pulled off the screens and broke through the wooden door. He emptied that bag in short order. A fine, healthy meal was had in Waltonia that night. Now, living closer to town, we have a bear that visits regularly around 2 or 3 a.m. to try to get into our bear-proof garbage can, which is pitted with old scratch marks. He tips the can over, the dogs bark like crazy, and he goes away. We don’t even get up anymore to see him; we’re so used to his visits. So, all of this is just to say, take care of yourself and our bears by not leaving windows open, even a crack, at night, and by locking your car doors. Bring in your hummingbird and regular feeders before it gets dark. And don’t store pet food in a shed that’s too easily accessible. Before I end this, I want to share that this is my last month at Estes Dementia Day Center. My last day and last board meeting are on September 16. This experience has been wonderful in so many ways. I've made great friendships, achieved goals, and helped open a new nonprofit to support people with dementia and their families in our community. Over the last two weeks, I had the opportunity to spend time with our “guests.” We sat around a table, ate lunch together, sang songs, and played games. I got to know some of these special people. My favorite activity was singing. I haven’t sung out loud like that for years. I sang “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady and stopped just before the word “night.” One of the guests filled in the word, and we all finished the song with smiles all around. I met a woman who read my name tag and asked me, “Just what does a Board President do?” I had to think for a moment: “What do I do? What don’t I do?” I also created art projects for people to follow along with: a pom-pom and daffodil with pipe-cleaner stems, a small painting, and a mask. What a delightful, special place Debbie, Basia, and the Board of Directors have created. Please support this program as a volunteer or a donor. As the years roll on, EDDC will become even more essential to our community. Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of it. Mary Mesropian is the facilitator of the Estes Park Caregivers’ Support Group for People with Dementia and a mixedmedia collage artist. She would enjoy hearing from you at maryruthdancer@gmail.com.
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34 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Bringing Families Together: EVICS Launches Family Night Series Focused On Health, Connection, & Community By: Cassie Bartlett, EVICS Program Manager
A family doesn't always need another appointment on the calendar. Sometimes, what families need is a place to gather, ask questions, learn something new and connect with the people and resources in their community. This fall, EVICS Family Resource Center is creating just that opportunity through its new Family Night Series, bringing families together for evenings centered around health, financial wellness, nutrition, connection, and celebration. The Family Night Series launched Thursday, August 27, with Family Health & Wellness: “The Power and Protection of Vaccination.” The evening featured guest speaker Megan Ross, who helped families better understand the role vaccinations play in protecting children, families, and the broader community. Ross brought experience and knowledge to the conversation, giving families an opportunity to learn about vaccination in a setting designed specifically for parents and caregivers. The evening also provided space for families to ask questions and have conversations about an important part of family health and wellness. For EVICS, the goal of the series is not simply to provide information. It is to create a welcoming environment where parents and caregivers can gather, connect with community resources and leave feeling more informed and confident. The first Family Night set the tone for what EVICS hopes to build throughout the series: a place where families can come together, learn from community experts and discover resources that can support them in different areas of everyday life. With the first evening complete, the series continues in September with a focus on another challenge many families face: money. On Thursday, September 24, EVICS will host “Financial Wellness for Families: Building Confidence with Money.” The evening will feature David Bartlett, Branch Manager at U.S. Bank, who will share practical information to help families better understand their finances and build confidence around managing money. From managing everyday expenses to planning for the future, financial decisions can sometimes feel overwhelming. Bartlett will provide families with tools and knowledge that can help support financial stability, making conversations about money more approachable and useful for parents and caregivers. The series then moves from financial wellness to another important part of everyday family life: putting healthy food on the table. On Thursday, October 29, the Family Night Series will present “Healthy
Cooking on a Budget: Creating Nutritious Meals for Families.” The event will be held at the Community Center from 3 to 7 p.m. and will feature Chef Emanuel Chavez leading a hands-on cooking class. Rather than simply watching a demonstration, parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and do the cooking themselves. With Chef Emanuel guiding the class, participants will prepare a creamy chicken enchilada casserole, casserolestyle, while learning practical tips for creating nutritious, family-friendly meals without stretching the household budget. The evening is designed to give parents more than a recipe. It is an opportunity to build confidence in the kitchen, learn new cooking strategies, and discover ways to make affordable meals that families can enjoy together. For EVICS, these practical experiences are an important part of family support. Sometimes strengthening a family means connecting them with a financial resource or health information. Other times, it means learning a skill that can make everyday life a little easier. As the year moves toward the holiday season, the Family Night Series will shift its focus toward gratitude, relationships, and community. On Thursday, November 19, EVICS will host “Family Night: Gratitude, Connection, & Community.” The evening will provide families with an opportunity to slow down, spend time together and recognize the importance of relationships and community support. The series will close out the year on Thursday, December 31, with “Family Celebration: Reflecting & Growing Together.” Rather than simply marking the end of the calendar year, the final Family Night will invite families to reflect on
the year behind them and look toward the year ahead. It will be an opportunity to celebrate growth, recognize accomplishments, and spend time together as a community. While each Family Night has a different theme, the purpose behind the series remains the same: supporting families beyond any single need. A parent who comes to EVICS for information about vaccines may discover another resource that can help their family. Another family may attend a financial wellness evening looking for practical tools. A parent may come to the cooking class hoping to learn an affordable new recipe and leave with greater confidence in the kitchen. Someone else may simply come because they want to meet other families and feel more connected to the community. That is the heart of the Family Night Series. Family support isn't always about solving one immediate problem. Sometimes it is about creating opportunities for parents and caregivers to gain knowledge, build confidence, and develop connections with others. For EVICS, bringing families together
is another way to strengthen the community as a whole. When families have access to information, supportive relationships and community resources, they have more tools to navigate the challenges that come with raising children and building a future. Each evening offers something different, but together, the events create a larger picture of what it means to support families: helping them feel informed, connected and empowered. EVICS Family Nights are designed to be more than educational events. They are opportunities to bring families and community resources into the same room, creating conversations and connections that can continue long after the evening ends. From health and wellness to financial confidence, cooking skills, gratitude and celebration, the Family Night Series recognizes that strong families are built in many different ways. Five evenings. Five different topics. One shared goal: helping Estes Valley families grow stronger together. Get Connected With EVICS Families interested in attending an upcoming Family Night can sign up through EVICS at evics.org. The website also provides information about upcoming events, programs and the many resources EVICS Family Resource Center offers to children and families throughout the Estes Valley. Whether a family is looking for childcare assistance, family support, educational opportunities, community resources or simply a place to connect, EVICS is here to help families find their next step. Visit evics.org to view the full calendar of events, learn more about available programs and discover how EVICS can support your family.
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36 » Friday, September 4, 2026
September News From The Art Center Of Estes Park Come check out our current exhibit: The 8th Annual Estes Valley Plein Air, featuring the freshly painted artwork by 36 artists representing 13 states. A Gala Opening and Awards Ceremony was held August 28 and the following artists and artwork were the winners of these various awards: • Best of Show: Meisha Grichuhin, “Moraine Park Sunset”
tans. In addition to “how to” demos (in both oil and pastels) and tutorials designed for each individual’s natural way with either medium, there will be plenty of one-on-one and ongoing critique. 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. Stone Wrapping with Carrie Botto: September 21, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cost for Art Center Members: $67.50; Non-Members: $75 Welcome to Stone Wrapping! I’m Carrie and I’m thrilled to bring you on this journey. Together we’ll explore the symbolic nature of wrapped stones and their many uses.
Best of Show • 2nd Place: Farley Lewis, “Timber Creek Solitude” • 3rd Place: Connie Schmidt, “Morning Joy” • Honorable Mention: Jim Biggers, “Fall River” • Freddy & Mary Frankel Nocturne: Lee MacLeod, “All Quiet at the Y” • Miniatures: Kathleen Lanzoni, “Babbling Brook” • Mayor’s Award: Deb McCahan, “Bold Aspen of Moraine” • ACEP Board: Farley Lewis, “Watch Your Step” • Wine Label/Poster/Postcard Contest: Cecy Turner, “Perfect Morning” • Artists’ Choice: Julia Robinson, “Red Rock Lake” • Quick Paint, 1st Place: Kathleen Lanzoni, “River Time • Quick Paint, 2nd Place: Meisha Grichuhan, “Riverwalk Morning” • Quick Paint, 3rd Place: Katherine Irish, “Free Fall”
During class you will learn several foundational knots, which you will then be able to apply in your own way. There are plenty of rocks and lots of material to go around. I supply everything you will need. You’ll leave class with an average of 3-8 wrapped stones. I ask that you come to class with an open mind, a curious spirit, and space in your heart to
This exhibit closes September 27 and the public is invited to vote for their favorite artwork with the award being given at the closing of the exhibit. Join one of our upcoming art classes! Landscape Painting in Oil or Pastel – From Photos with Cliff Austin: September 14 & 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost for Art Center Members: $170; Non-Members: $189 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 no-
make mistakes — you’re learning! I can’t wait to meet you and see the art you create. Carrie, a multi-medium weaver, started weaving with beads 40+ years ago and just kept going, she says. She lives in New Mexico and currently teaches all around the U.S., from Ghost Ranch to Key West and now to Estes Park for a one week, three class, visit. Join her for one or all three of them! String Painting with Carrie Botto: September 23, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cost for Art Center Members: $54; Non-Members: $60 Welcome to String Painting! I’m Carrie and I’m thrilled to bring you on this journey. Painting with string is done on wooden panels using various strings and or cord to create a piece that incorporates color and wrap weaving. Students will learn a basic wrap to start on a small panel and then given the choice of various sizes of wooden panels and a huge assortment of strings and or cords to experiment with.
in your heart to make mistakes — you’re learning! I can’t wait to meet you and see the art you create. PolyPoli (As the Zentangle® Tile Turns) with Deb Coombs: September 27, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Cost for Art Center Members: $36; Non-Members: $40
Freddy & Mary Frankel Nocturne the first day of class. The kit that you’ll receive includes a small panel to practice on, needle, double sided tape and a gift pouch. I ask that you come to class with an open mind, a curious spirit, and space in your heart to make mistakes — you’re learning! I can’t wait to meet you and see the art you create. Pine Needle Basket or Wall Hanging with Carrie Botto: September 25, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cost for Art Center Members: $54; Non-Members: $60
3rd Place
Honorable Mention
2nd Place
I supply all materials as it keeps everyone on the same page. There is a $15 materials fee, payable to the teacher on
ACEP Board Come join me for a brand new Zentangle this fall! This easy-yet-hypnotic tangle is just the ticket for mindfulness and stress reduction. Emphasis will be placed on slow movements in a repetitive fashion to ease your mind. This class is suitable for beginners but challenging enough for more experienced Zentanglers.
Artist Choice Learn to make a Pine Needle Basket or Wall Hanging without using thread or cord! I’m Carrie and I’m thrilled to bring you on this journey. This class will teach you to weave pine-needles onto themselves, without using thread, to create a lovely basket or wall hanging. Clean prepped pine-needles will be supplied. You’ll also receive a small bundle of dried pine-needles to take home with the knowledge of how to prep, clean, and store them. Carrie will provide everything you need for this class. There is a $20 materials fee, payable to the teacher on the day of class. I ask that you come to class with an open mind, a curious spirit, and space
Mayor’s Choice
Wine Label Learn the exciting art of Zentangle®! You do not need to be able to draw — if you can write your name, you can Zentangle®! Come experience the joy of Zentangling and its unique meditative and mindful practice. Deb Coombs is a Certified Zentangle® Teacher (CZT), long-time member of the Art Center and long-time resident of Estes Park. To register online, go to artcenterofestes.com, under Classes, or contact the gallery at 970-586-5882. Art Center Artists are on display at five satellite locations: Bank of Estes Park, US Bank, VERT, Snowy Peaks Winery and Estes Park Health. Visit our social media channels – Instagram: artcenterofep; Facebook: ArtCenter-of-Estes-Park. You can also visit our website at artcenterofestes.com. The Art Center is open daily, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Mama, Jane, Belly, Kade, Kim, & Melly Need Loving, Forever Families Meow! Three kitties are in need of adoption! Mama, Jane and Belly were found in a barn and rescued by a lovely couple here in Estes. All are female tabbies that are a close-knit little
family. Mama is thought to be two years old and the daughters are one. All are spayed and current on shots. They will be available to meet starting September 6 and are being fostered here in the Estes Valley. Please call the Pet Association to line-up a meeting and see who steals your heart first! Hello, I’m Kade! I'm a good boy that was saved and brought from New Mexico. They think I'm about one year old. I weigh about 50 pounds and look to be a Shepard/Boxer mix. I love to learn and aim to please and am told I am the "sweetest boy." I am crate trained, love cuddles, and am great with other dogs and kids. Swing by my current pad in Loveland at Buddy's to see if we are a match! Ruff! I’m Kim. I am making my journey to Colorado on September 5. I was taken off the streets of New Mexico as a stray. I am a bit shy but have learned I like attention from the humans. I would be a perfect size for your lap at 20 pounds. I am housetrained, good on leash and have been doing well in my foster home. Buddy's Place is where you can meet my fantastic low-riding self. Hi! I’m Melly. I am a sweet two-yearold, 43 pound girl that is sure to have some Shepherd in me. I am loyal, loving, smart, and happiest when I am
Kim
with my people. I'm good with dogs and kids, and am already spayed. I am so ready for my family to pull up the drive and pick me at Buddy's Place! Could you be any of these adorable
animals’ forever people? These sweeties are ready to go home and live wonderful lives. Adoptable pets are offered through the Pet Association of Estes Park, a nonprofit organization that is the Estes Valley’s only humane society. To donate or learn more, visit their website at petassociationestespark.com, or you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Pet Association by sending your check to PO Box 4342, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Kade
Melly
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38 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Vino On The Veranda Celebrates Mary Belle King Sherman & Her Role In RMNP
Community Invited To Save The Date For 2026 National Philanthropy Day In Estes Park By: Estes Chamber of Commerce
Mark your calendars: National Philanthropy Day in Estes Park (NPD) returns on Wednesday, November 19, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., and sponsorship opportunities are now open for local businesses and individuals who want to support the event. NPD is the Estes Valley nonprofit industry's annual celebration of philanthropy, volunteerism, nonprofit leadership, and community impact. The evening serves as both a recognition program and a broader storytelling opportunity, highlighting the social and economic contributions nonprofits make throughout the Estes Valley. The event is not about any single organization, but about the collective work of the sector as a whole. "National Philanthropy Day is one of my favorite nights of the year because it reminds all of us just how much good work is happening quietly, every day, across this community," said Colleen DePasquale, Estes Chamber of Commerce President. "It's a chance to say thank you to the people and organizations who show up for their neighbors, and we're grateful to the sponsors who make that celebration possible." Sponsorship packages range from $100 to $2,500, with each level building on the perks of the one before it — from event and website acknowledgment, to logo placement, dedicated social media features, and reserved event seating. Several
early sponsors have already stepped forward at the Philanthropy Sponsor level, including Visit Estes Park, Platte River Power Authority, and Holiday Inn of Estes Park. Edward Jones - Derek Vinge, has committed to be the Impact Sponsor, the event's top supporter. Two of the top sponsorship levels are limited in availability, so businesses interested in higher-visibility placement are encouraged to act early. Full sponsorship details and levels are available online, and interested sponsors can secure their spot by contacting the Estes Chamber Foundation. "Watching a room full of community members applaud for volunteers and nonprofit staff who so rarely get that kind of recognition — that's what makes this event special," said Harriette Woodard, Estes Chamber Foundation Board Chair. "We hope even more of our local businesses will join us this year as sponsors and help us fill that room." The Chamber will also open its call for nominations on September 9, with additional details to follow. Community members are encouraged to watch for updates on who will be recognized this year for their contributions to philanthropy and nonprofit leadership in the Estes Valley. More details on nominations and event registration will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Stanley Home Museum and Education Center invites the community to enjoy the final Vino on the Veranda of the 2026 season on Friday, September 18, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. This special evening will feature Lynn Waring portraying Mary Belle King Sherman, an influential civic leader, conservation advocate, and champion of the National Park Movement. Guests will gather on the historic veranda of the Stanley Home for an evening of wine, conversation, and living history while discovering the story of a remarkable woman whose contributions helped shape Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Mary Belle King Sherman was a nationally recognized leader in the women’s club movement and a passionate advocate for conservation and the creation of national parks. She was one of five principals—and the only woman among them—who lobbied for the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park. At a time when women had limited opportunities to participate formally in political life, Sherman used her leadership, influence, and determination to champion the preservation of America’s natural landscapes for future generations. Through Lynn Waring’s portrayal, guests will have an opportunity to step back in time and learn more about Sherman’s life, her advocacy, and the important role she played in the National Park Movement. Her story is also a reminder that the history of Rocky Mountain National Park was shaped not only by the well-known men associated with its creation, but also by determined women whose voices and leadership helped turn the vision of a national park into reality. The September program concludes the Stanley Home Museum and Education Center’s 2026 Vino on the Ve-
randa series, which celebrates remarkable people whose leadership, vision, and perseverance contributed to the history and character of Estes Park. There may be no better setting to hear their stories than the veranda of the historic home of F.O. and Flora Stanley—a place that was once filled with guests, lively conversation, new ideas, and community connections. Vino on the Veranda continues that tradition by bringing people together to relax, enjoy the beauty of the Stanley Home, and discover another chapter of Estes Park history. Vino on the Veranda featuring Lynn Waring as Mary Belle King Sherman will be held Friday, September 18, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Stanley Home Museum and Education Center, 415 W. Wonderview Avenue in Estes Park. Seating is limited! Purchase your tickets early at stanleyhome.org. Advance registration is required.
Next Knitting & Crocheting Get-Together: September 14 You are invited to our (fun and free!) knitting and crocheting get–togethers! Join us at Vert CoWorking & Fitness Center on Monday, September 14 from 5-7 p.m. We meet on the second Monday of each month so mark your calendars: September 14 October 12 November 9 December 14 It’s fun and free! Just bring your knitting or crocheting projects, and let’s have fun together, talking and creating. If you need any help or advice with your project or pattern, we can help!
No need to book or reserve a seat. Just show up! Come knit or crochet for a bit or all of it! Vert CoWorking is located at 1230 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517. These get–togethers are hosted by Kim Snow. Email: mtn.tribe@yahoo.com for more information.
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Estes Valley Foreign Policy Association September Lecture: Ukraine & The Future Of U.S. Security
Staying well-informed and up-to-date on the prevailing American issues of our time has never been more difficult and complicated than it is right now. Understanding facts and learning unbiased information directly affecting you, your children, and your grandchildren has never been more important. Where can you find that kind of critical information in Estes Park? The New York Times? The BBC? CNN or Fox? The answer: The Great Decisions Forum conducted by the Estes Valley Foreign Policy Association. Each month, the forum meets to discuss key social, economic, and security issues to understand fully how government policies and events affect us and shape our immediate future. The forum moderator (a local Estes Park neighbor of yours) leads the group through a short, high-quality video lecture. Each video features up-to-date information developed by a nationally recognized subject matter expert. Forum attendees then freely discuss the topic, exchanging ideas and personal experiences. The Forum is apolitical and focuses on building an understanding that we need to be educated, voters and wise taxpayers. Diversity of ideas is heartily welcomed and embraced by all during our discussion. On Thursday, September 10, this discussion session will address “Ukraine and the future of European Security.” With reduced U.S. support for NATO
and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has significantly reduced its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond? The chapter for this session can be found in the book, Great Decisions2026, in our Estes Valley Library. This chapter is written by Thomas Wright, a senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. There is only one copy of this book at our library. Because of this, please read this chapter at the library or copy this chapter and read the chapter at home. The mission and purpose of the Estes Valley Foreign Policy Association, a non-political, nonprofit organization, is to educate citizens on the critical national issues of our time. Attendance is free. Presentations are conducted by leaders and executives from diverse fields, complemented by active involvement from local citizens. This meeting will be held Thursday September 10 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Unfortunately, our traditional meeting place at the library will not be possible until maybe January 2027 because of renovation. Instead, the downtown Bank of Estes Park has been exceptionally gracious providing a place to meet on the second floor. (Note: Zoom will be available for this session.) For questions and additional reading material, please email Peter Reuman at Reumanp9@gmail.com. Be the best informed citizen you can be in 2026 and participate in these free educational sessions.
From Boom Town To Ghost Town By: Ethan Knightchilde
The stories and legends of Old West ghost towns that filled my imagination since I was a child drove the creation of the Best Documentary Award-winning film, “Ghosts of the West: The End of the Bonanza Trail,” and its companion book, “Ghosts of the West: Tales and Legends from the Bonanza Trail.” But how did those once vibrant towns and cities, “crowded and rife with business” in the words of Mark Twain, fall into utter silence and decay? The mineral extraction that created the camps generated a staggering amount of wealth. For example, gold taken from gulches around Helena, Montana, amounted to more than twice what the U.S. had paid France for the entire Louisiana Territory. But unless there was some other reason for a settlement’s existence (such as commerce or holding the county seat without a nearby rival), most of the population left once the ore played out, and the town died. Sometimes, a camp got a second or third lease on life, but it was usually as short-lived as the first. In 1882, a year after Christopher Carson staked out the Bonanza King mine, a camp bearing his name formed in the wilderness on the Atlantic side of Colorado’s Continental Divide. Situated high above timberline, access for bringing supplies in and shipping ore out plagued the settlement for years. Some miners chose to stick close to their claims throughout the brutal winters; but when the federal government demonetized silver during the Panic of ‘93, Carson came to an end.
In 1896, the discovery of gold nearby revived the district, and another camp formed at a lower elevation on the Pacific side of the Divide. The new Carson thrived for a few years, then mining activity began its inevitable decline; people left for richer grounds; and in 1903, the post office finally closed. Every town has a story, and “Ghosts of the West: The End of the Bonanza Trail” depicts many with both historical images and current-day footage and photos. This summer, the Best Documentary Award-winner returns with tales of gold strikes, ghost towns, and lost mines to the movie house where it began its journey: the Historic Park Theatre, built when the film’s events were still in living memory. The next scheduled screening takes place on Sunday, September 6, at 1:30 p.m. Since the title is not available from any digital library or on any streaming platform, take this opportunity to see it on the big screen of a truly memorable theatre. As the film’s writer-director, I plan to be on hand to introduce the film and answer questions about the entire ghost town research project. Visit HistoricParkTheatre.com for information and tickets. Visit KnightSkyPictures.com, the production company’s official website, to view the film’s trailer, gallery, production info, and online store. Portions of this article originally appeared in the screenplay for “Ghosts of the West” and the companion book, “Ghosts of the West: Tales and Legends from the Bonanza Trail,” by E. S. Knightchilde.
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40 » Friday, September 4, 2026
Partners Seeking Volunteer Mentors Partners, a local nonprofit, provides School-Based Mentoring (SBM) to kids in EPSDR-3 and Community- Based Mentoring (CBM) to kids in the Estes Valley. Partners is seeking volunteer mentors to support youth who are facing challenges socially, academically, and personally. Mentors spend one-onone time with their mentee, do fun activities together, engage in the community, and work together on goals. By volunteering for one hour per week in SBM or three hours per week in CBM,
you can help a kid gain confidence, life skills, and hope for the future. Partners offers flexible scheduling, training, and the opportunity to connect with the community. Please consider joining to make a difference in the lives of local youth! Adults 18+ can be a SBM mentor and adults 21+ can be a CBM mentor! Learn more at poweredbypartners.org/mentoring or call the Estes Park office at 970-577-9348 or email kwhitacre@poweredbypartners.org for more information.
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Our Lady Of The Mountains 6th Annual Golf Tournament Estes Park Women’s Golf Association Results For September 1, 2026 Estes Park Women’s Golf Association (EPWGA) had a beautiful day of golf on Tuesday, September 1. The morning felt like fall was in the air! We played a “Random 9” game where the Golf Genius app calculated the winners. Here are the results: 1st Place - Carrie Logan 2nd Place Tie - Pam Vendegna and Johanna Gengler
3rd Place Tie - Kay Boyle and Bonnie Rumsey 4th Place Tie - Carolyn Bible and Brenda Perez 5th Place Tie - Carla Spreng-Webb and Judi Cunningham Congratulations to all the winners! Email us at estesparkwomensgolf@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at EPWGA - Women’s Golf League.
Estes Park Men's Golf Association Results For August 31, 2026 Big day on the links for the EPMGA. There were three events in one. Congratulations to Dennis Bryan for 18 hole overall net low of 66. Congratulations to Dave Arterburn for a low net of 32 on the front side and Dennis Bryan for a low net of 28 on the back. EPMGA Results 18-Hole Low Net Place Player To Par Net Total Net 1 Dennis Bryan -5 66 2 Scott Logan -3 68 3 Roger Galloway -2 69 T4 Todd Dallegge -1 70 T4 Pat Boyle -1 70 T6 Larry Solo E 71 T6 Dwight Stanford E 71 T6 David Arterburn E 71 T6 Larry Nosbish E 71 T10 John Copenhaver 1 72 T10 Steve Nagl 1 72 T10 Guy Tritico 1 72 T10 Dave McAfee 1 72 T10 Brian Kelly 1 72 T15 Steve Wirrig 2 73 T15 Greg Fyfe 2 73 T15 Scott Dorman 2 73 T15 Mike Williams 2 73 T19 Rene Archambault 3 74 T19 Brad Anderson 3 74 T19 Nelson Burke 3 74 T19 Greg Smith 3 74 T19 Samuel Beeler 3 74 T19 Mike Cunningham 3 74 T19 Chuck Scott 3 74 Results Front Nine Low Net Place Player To Par Net Total Net 1 David Arterburn -4 32 2 John Copenhaver -2 34 3 Larry Soto -2 34 Results Back Nine Low Net Place Player To Par Net Total Net 1 Dennis Bryan -7 28 2 Roger Galloway -4 31 3 Todd Dallegge -3 32
On Friday, September 18, Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church will host their 6th annual golf tournament at the beautiful Estes Park 18-hole Golf Course. The golf tournament is a fundraiser for youth programs, and over the past several years has provided funds for many young parishioners to attend youth camps and retreats.
The public is invited to golf, sponsor a hole, provide prizes or donate to the youth activities of Our Lady of the Mountains Parish. The format will be a four-person scramble, with a shotgun start at 10:30 a.m. Registration is open until September 11, 2026 and more information is available by contacting Our Lady of the Mountains at 970-586-8111.
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Keeping The Security Blanket Strong By: Brian Schaffer
Over the past few months, I have shared how our wraparound services create a holistic approach to meeting the basic needs of every person who walks through our doors. This is truly a collective team effort. Last week, I illustrated this using the Alaska Native blanket toss, showing how it takes many hands working together to help a neighbor reach new heights. I’d like to build on that image of the blanket, but shift the focus to the comfort it provides. Think about how comforting it is to wrap yourself in a warm, soft blanket on a chilly night. It brings to mind Linus from the Peanuts comic strips, who carried his security blanket everywhere he went. Blankets have remained essential throughout human history because they provide a fundamental human need: security. At Crossroads, our services act as a security blanket for neighbors facing crisis. When people know we are walking the journey with them—ready to step into their struggles—the isolation vanishes. Our wraparound care is designed to ensure the basic necessities of life are fully covered. Have you ever tried sleeping under a blanket that is too short, leaving your feet sticking out in the cold? That is exactly what happens when an organization helps a neighbor with most of
their crisis but leaves the rest to chance. While Crossroads cannot cover every single life challenge, we work tirelessly to ensure our neighbors' most pressing needs are met without leaving any part of their stability out in the cold. It is deeply rewarding to see this comprehensive care bring comfort to our Estes Valley residents week after week. But we cannot keep this safety net whole without your financial partnership. When you give to Crossroads, you ensure our blanket remains long enough to cover every critical need. Your generosity keeps local families from slipping through the cracks of a sudden emergency. Would you consider making a financial gift today to keep our security blanket strong? A gift of $100 provides essential groceries from The Market to keep a family fed. A gift of $250 funds emergency case management to resolve complex household crises. A gift of $500 helps secure critical utility and housing assistance to keep a home safe and warm. Thank you for choosing to stand with us and ensuring no neighbor is left out in the cold.
Presbyterian Community Church Of The Rockies Hosts Annual Heritage Sunday On Sept. 13 The Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies will hold their annual Heritage Sunday & Kirkin O’ the Tartans on September 13. Calling all Scots — or want to be Scots — to take part in our annual “Kirkin O’ the Tartans” service on Heritage Sunday at 10 a.m. Heritage Sunday is set aside not only to celebrate the church’s Scottish heritage but also the heritage of all members of this community. Each of us come from a rich family lineage 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. Once again, we welcome internationally known piper Scott Beach to play for this service. He will be joined by the Chancel Choir under the direction of Rich Dixon and our organist Larry Gillum to further enrich this service. This is a fitting end for
the conclusion of Estes Park’s Scottish Festival. So, join us on Sunday, September 13 at 10 a.m. to help celebrate this special day. The Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies is located at 1700 Brodie Avenue across from the high school’s football field.
How God’s Love Heals: Explore Powerful Shifts In Thought Which Bring Healing Ann Kneeland, practitioner of Christian Science healing and international speaker, will present her talk, “Healing with joy: Discovering the power of Love,” on September 13, at 2 p.m. at the Estes Park Community Center. Contact clerk@cschurchboulder.org for questions. The talk will focus on universal healing precepts found in the Holy Bible, especially in Christ Jesus’ life and teachings, showing how they are available for anyone to understand and experience through the lens of Christian Science. The talk is free, open to the community, and hosted by First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boulder and Estes Park Group of Christian Scientists. “What is it that makes healing sometimes seem so hard? One of the things is fear, and yet there is a way out of fear through understanding God's nature and our relationship to God.” Kneeland explains, “the beauty of understanding God's loving relationship is that it's not compartmentalized. It benefits every aspect of our life, and it has wonderful side effects.” Sharing examples of healing from her own life and professional practice of Christian Science, Kneeland will explain why Christian Science is both Christian and scientific, meaning that people can prove its effectiveness for themselves, as fully described in the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, written by the founder of the Christian Science movement,
Mary Baker Eddy. Kneeland will also touch on the life of Mary Baker Eddy, who came to understand, confirm, and teach what she felt was original Christian healing. Eddy herself said she was especially inspired by Jesus’ demand, “He that believes on me, the works that I do will he do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go unto my Father” (found in the Gospel of John 14:12 in the Bible). For over 150 years, people around the world have worked to follow Christ Jesus in this practice of Christianity and continue to do so today, experiencing healings of physical ills and personal difficulties. Ann Kneeland has been a Christian Science practitioner for many years, helping people on a daily basis through this scientific approach to prayer. She travels from her home base in San Rafael, California to speak to audiences around the world as a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.
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In Loving Memory Of Judith Duran Judith Duran of Stamford, Connecticut, and a longtime resident of Estes Park, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at the age of 83 in Longmont, Colorado. Judith was born on January 10, 1943, to her mother Kathleen (Keenan) Duran, who had moved from Dublin, Ireland, and her father, Andrew Duran. She was the youngest of three children and often spoke fondly of her brothers, Andrew and Michael. Growing up in Connecticut, Judith developed a love of baseball and reading in her childhood, which in turn led her to being an avid reader all through her life. Judith moved to Massachusetts and was a Catholic nun and a dedicated teacher with the Sisters of Divine Providence. She had a deep love for children and found great joy in teaching mathematics, English, reading, and religion. Throughout her years as an educator, she touched the lives of countless students, sharing not only her knowledge but also her kindness, compassion, and faith. After moving to Estes Park, Colorado, Judith continued her life of service. She worked as a certified nursing assistant at Estes Park Hospital, where her caring nature, compas-
sion, and dedication to helping others continued to shine. Judith was a beautiful light in this world and had a true servant’s heart. She cared for others in a way that cannot be overstated, consistently putting the needs of others before her own. Her compassion, generosity, and selflessness were evident in all that she did. Judith’s life was one of love, faith, service, and devotion to others. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness and caring that will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Judith will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will be forever cherished, and the many lives she touched will stand as a lasting testament to the beautiful person she was.
Sleep Well, Be Well: Aspen Club’s September Program Join Nurse Jeneane to better understand how important sleep is to our overall health. She will address: how much sleep we need; signs and symptoms of lack of quality sleep; common causes of sleep problems; health issues with insufficient sleep and tips you can
adopt to help you rest better. This program will take place in Estes Park on Wednesday, September 9, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Estes Park Senior Citizens’ Center. Registration is required by calling the Aspen Club at 970-495-8560.
Shirley J. Albers (1930–2026) A memorial service for Shirley J. Albers will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. Shirley, who was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, peacefully entered her heavenly home on May 6, 2026. She was 95 years old, about a month shy of her 96th birthday. She wanted to be remembered for her “love of the Lord Jesus Christ, the way I projected my life showing that He was within me, and that I had a sense of humor.” Shirley was born on June 9, 1930, the daughter of Anthony and Marion (Jaburek) Danadio in Chicago, IL. A gifted student and athlete (playing volleyball, basketball, field hockey and tennis), she graduated from Hirsch High School in 1947. A few months later, she began a 35-year career in the banking industry, rising from bookkeeper to vice president/cashier. She was one of the first female bank officers in Chicago. “One thing I’m very proud of is I helped break the ceiling” for women in the Chicago banking industry, she said. Shirley was the first woman to attend the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. She was often a speaker at bankers’ meetings. Shirley was even more proud of her daughter, Cindy, born in 1959, who she raised as a single mother after a divorce. She loved her grandchildren, Olivia and Kenton, twins born in 1991. A few weeks before she died, Shirley met her first great-grandson Hudson, who was born in January. She was praying for and awaiting her second great-grandson, Parker, who was born in June. Shirley married Russell Albers, who was a national bank examiner, in 1975. They retired, built a new home, and moved to Estes Park, CO, in 1985. Shirley and Russ loved to travel and enjoyed ocean and river cruises with trips to Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, and the Middle East. They also traveled across the United States, including extended vacations in Florida, Alaska and Hawaii. They enjoyed spending time with Cindy and her husband Don, as well as attending Olivia and Kenton’s school and athletic events. Shirley and Russ were active members of the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. She taught Sunday School, was the head of the Christian Education Commit-
tee, helped organize and taught Vacation Bible School, helped get the church’s Columbarium established, and was one of the founding members of the church’s bell choir. In more recent years, Shirley also attended the bi-weekly Estes Park Fellowship and weekly Bible study class led by the Rev. Bill Huth. Shirley was a member of PEO Chapter AV, a long-time participant in the Ladies Golf League at the Estes Park Golf Course, and treasurer of the Charles Heights Homeowners Association for 18 years. She was an excellent cook. Shirley and Russ often hosted friends for dinners and picnics. She also loved to sew and paint. Shirley is survived by her daughter Cindy and son-in-law Don Cooper of Temple, Texas; granddaughter Olivia, her husband Ben, and greatgrandson Parker Schneider of Minneapolis, MN; grandson Kenton, his wife Jessi and great-grandson Hudson Cooper of Belding, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband Russ Albers; her parents Anthony and Marion Danadio; and sister Virginia and brother in-law Max Bolander. Shirley’s family appreciates the care she received at Stoney Brook Assisted Living in Belton, Texas, where she participated in Bible study and other activities, and endeared herself to the staff and new friends. Cremation rites were accorded and inurnment will be in the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies Columbarium. Suggested memorials are to Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517; or Ravencrest Bible School, P.O. Box 2620, Estes Park, CO 80517. Arrangements are by Allnutt Funeral Services, Estes Park, CO, and Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, Temple, Texas.
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AA & Al-Anon Meetings AA of Allenspark Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Allenspark Community Church Fellowship Hall, enter on North side of building. Open discussion 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. Mixed Nuts Al-Anon Group Fridays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (hybrid meetings with Zoom #285 426 3644 PW:serenity) at St. Bartholomew Church One Day At A Time AA Meetings Tuesdays at noon: Open discussion Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.: Open discussion Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. Location: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave. Meetings are in the lounge on the main floor by the front entrance to the church. Park upstairs by the main entrance of the church. Alcoholics Anonymous Fall River Group Current Schedule as of 6/17/2025 Zoom ID 999 829166 for AA Meetings Mondays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D Mondays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, BB Women’s Meeting, Tuesdays at 12 p.m. — O, D
Wednesdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D Wednesdays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D Thursdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D Fridays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D Saturdays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, D Sundays at 12 p.m., in person and Zoom — O, ABSI Last Monday of each month is birthday night; potluck at 6 p.m., speaker at 7 p.m. Location: 453 West Elkhorn Ave. ***Contribute via Venmo, @FallRiverGroupAA Other 12 Step Meetings Held at Fall River Group Narcotics Anonymous “New Horizons” Group, Thursdays at 7 p.m., in person and Zoom (705 555 930) — O, D **O=Open to all D=Discussion BB=Big Book Zoom Meetings Every day at noon, Zoom #999 829 166 (no password needed) Zoom Big Book Study, Mondays at 7 p.m. #654 598 884 (no password needed). Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Zoom #999 829 166 Online AA and NA Meetings at intherooms.com. There are 70 AA meetings and 30 NA meetings a week.
EMPLOYMENT » Place and View Ads at EPNews.com « Part Time Help Wanted at Bear’s Den 20 hours per week approximately, but flexible. Text your interest and resume to 970-593-9147.
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HAIR STyLIST NEEDED Long established salon. Great location! 60% commission or booth rental. Each station with shampoo bowl! 970-231-3997
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You've discovered the perfect fit! Thriving family adventure Outdoor World and Rocky Mountain Connection year-round retail stores for clothing and gear are hiring. $18/hour. Stocking shelves, engaging customers. Bring your upbeat vibe and people skills. Flexible shifts on your terms. Ages 15 to 80 welcome. Reach Ernie anytime, day or night, every day of the week. 970 232 8290.
Dental Hygienist We are a small practice with an exceptional team and wonderful patients. We offer competitive pay, paid holidays, PTO, 401k match, paid continuing education and uniform allowance . Sign on bonus will be paid. Starting pay is $75.00 per hour. Please email or fax your resume to frontdesk@estesparkdental.com or 970-577-0045.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Full details on employment opportunities and the application can be found at https://estespark.colorado.gov/jobs.
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RENTALS
RENTALS
SERVICES
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
SALES
Homes
Commercial Rentals
Sewing/Alterations
Homes
Commercial
Garage Sales
1,220 sq ft office space for lease at 1191 Woodstock $1,850/mo 402/730-4080
Remixed Custom Sewing Services. Outdoor and RV Cushions, Small Furniture, Restoration, and Commercial Upholstery. Call for appointment 970-492-5446
Commercial Spaces for sale and lease. Call Eric. INTEMPUS Realty, 970-586-2950
Fri & Sat 9/4 9/5, 8am Sun 9/6, 9-12 632 Aspen Ave., E.P. Household items, Antiques, pictures, frames, western prints, variety sports equipment, antiques, vintage dresser, baby changer dresser, electronics, hardware, tools, industrial restaurant mats, sm tool & welding table, Xmas items, bed frames, refrigerator, scuba equipment, misc and more.
2-3 BEDROOM RENTALS – In Estes Park. 3BR/2BA condo, 2-car garage, minutes from downtown, $2295/mo. 3BR/3BA house, 2-car garage, fenced yard, 7 min to downtown, $3,000/mo. Tenant pays utilities. 12-mo lease. Credit/background check required. 970-586-6500
Commercial Rentals
Office Space for Rent, 1,021 sq. ft., $1,700/mo., Suite 204, upper level 255 Park Lane. The office space is available 01/01/26. Electrical, natural gas, water, trash removal included. Telephone and communication service shall be at expense of Lessee. space is available starting 2/1/26. Inquiries, please contact Michael Grigsby Bank of Estes Park, 970-577-1234.
Piano Tuning Susan Novy Local Piano Tuner. Call for appointment. 970-577-1755
Apartments
Charming Private Office in Historic Downtown Estes Park 166 Virginia, Suite 7, Looking for a professional office in the heart of Estes Park? This beautifully renovated one person office is located in a historic building right downtown, just steps from Bond Park, local banks, and the business district. Features & Amenities: • Prime downtown location with signage on Virginia Drive • All utilities included (except internet) • Wired for Fiber Optics & High-Speed Internet via Trailblazer • Access to a separate conference room with a large TV for Zoom meetings • Shared kitchen with coffee setup • Copy machine available for your business needs Ideal for remote professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking a quiet, professional workspace in a vibrant setting. $600 per month Call Thom at 970-586-2448 to schedule a tour!
ROOMS & APARTMENTS FOR RENT – In Estes Park. Single bedrooms $800/mo, ALL utilities included (heat, water, sewer, trash, internet). 2BR apartments $1900/mo, water/sewer/trash/heat included. Available now — ready to move in. 12-mo lease. 970-586-6500
Storage Units
YOUR COLORADO MOUNTAIN DREAM AWAITS Escape to over 38 acres of natural evergreens, aspens, rock outcroppings and peaceful mountain beauty near Estes Park. This charming 4-bedroom, 4-bath mountain home offers a flexible floorplan ideal for family and guests, expansive windows framing the surrounding woods, and a front porch made for quiet mornings and hummingbird watching. The property also features an oversized 2-car garage, storybook greenhouse, private cottage and additional storage shed. Hike, explore and experience Colorado mountain living right outside your door. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Connie Kraska: 720-309-2862 Jason Kloss: 720-253-6244
SALES Garage Sales Moving - Everything Must Go! Full household. Furniture, art, kitchen, jewelry, sm appliances, tools, patio furn, yard art, planters. You name it we have it for sale! 220 Virginia Dr, Estes Park. Labor Day Weekend Sat 9/5-Mon 9/7. 9am-5pm
Estate Sales ESTATE/MOVING SALE Need to have one, but seems overwhelming. We do the work, you make the $. Local, Affordable, References. CALL JUDI 970-215-5548 Big Estate Sale Coins, jewelry, knives & art. 1660 Clover Lane Fri 9/4 & Sat 9/5, 8 to noon
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER APPLIANCES
CARPET CLEANING
Manford Plaza storage unit for rent. 970-586-3828
TRANSPORTATION 970-586-4315
rglibby@msn.com Estes Park, CO
Cars ATTORNEYS
CHIMNEY SWEEP 2015 RED MINI COOPER SPORT TURBO CONVERTIBLE EXCELLENT CONDITION 39,000 MILES $14,500 FIRM 970-980-7722
CLEANING SERVICES
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46 » Friday, September 4, 2026
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER FLOORING
GENERAL CONTRACTOR cont.
HOT TUBS & POOL SERVICES
970-586-1685 Custom Homes, Additions, Kitchens, Baths, Historic Renovations, Remodels and Design Work
Charles Santagati 1191 Graves Ave
glaciercreekinc.com Full service general contracting since 1998
LOG RAILINGS & ACCENTS
MAINTENANCE/REPAIR SERVICES HAIR CARE
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Developing Dreams Custom Home Building, Commercial Construction, Renovations and Additions
Get in touch for a FREE estimate 970-586-5796 www.aldrichbuilders.com
HEARING & TINNITUS CARE Cory D. Workman, Au.D. Phone: 970-586-5255
New Construction & Remodeling Specializing in Decks, Windows, Siding, Kitchen/Bath Remodels, and Exterior Painting Long time local serving the Estes area. 970-581-2670 • cornellhico@gmail.com cornellhomeimprovement.com
• Hearing Aids / New & Repair • Hearing Evaluations • Hearing Protection • Ear Care / Wax Removal • Dizziness / Balance
1186 Graves Ave., Ste. B Estes Park, CO 80517 Fax: 970-577-7260 drcory@estesparkaudiology.com www.estesparkaudiology.com
MAINTENANCE/REPAIR SERVICES
COWLES CUSTOM CARPENTRY Electric, Plumbing, Drywall, Roofing, Siding, Doors, Floors, Windows, Tile, Fencing, Decks, Honey Do List & Much More Locally owned and operated in Estes Park
303-532-6775 estesparkccc@gmail.com
R.M. IMPROVEMENT LLC Home Repairs & Upgrades • Ext./Int. Painting & Staining • Concrete • Fencing • Hauling • Power Washing • Gutter Cleaning Deck Repair • Dirtwork • Demo • Landscaping • Much More!
Insured - Licensed - Local References Randy Miller • 970-888-4947
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PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS BUILDER PAINTING
STORAGE
PLUMBING
NOW ! ABLE AVAIL
• Unit Sizes: 800-1600 sq. ft. • Boat & RV Storage • Fire Suppression System • Utilities Available
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TREE SERVICE
PEST CONTROL
PROPANE
We are a local family owned business where we specialize in providing wildfire mitigation services to our community.
(970) 8884448 kfbforestry@gmail.com
SECURITY HOME WATCH
WINDOW CLEANING
Professional Window Cleaning Elevate your views! We do full service window cleaning: interior, exterior and screen cleaning. Specializing in traditional window cleaning for luxury homes. Cleaning windows in the Estes Park area for 10 years. Insured.
(970) 713-0222 call or text ZacBunch@elevatedwindowcleaninginc.com
48 » Friday, September 4, 2026
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