Issuu

2 â€¢ LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

Scan the QR code FFF TTTTTTT

Scan the QR code For Tickets

970-577-4111

Live well, look forward! D

Wendy Rigby, managing editor

espite the stresses of our current circumstances, we can still live well! We have so many talented professionals in Estes Park who are offering up their advice in this issue. You can find nuggets of wisdom about mental health, eye care, exercise, wellness books, skin care and urgent medical care. When the world seems overwhelming, the importance of caring about your own health can slip through the cracks. Don’t let it. The definition of resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. Another word for it is toughness. In a post-pandemic, postwildfire threat world, Estes Park may look a little differ-

ent than it did when 2020 started. That doesn’t have to mean our lives will be worse -- just, perhaps, different. Change is the only constant. Human beings have been adapting for millennia. We are no different. While 2020 has been a year of enormous challenges — from the pandemic to wildfires to job losses — 2021 holds great promise as a year of positive change for Estes Park. This mountain town is resilient and residents here are always looking to the future. Check out our section on what we (and our many visitors) can look forward to in 2021! Wendy Rigby, Managing Editor Estes Park Trail-Gazette

In this issue

Mental Health .................................................... 4 Eye Care ............................................................ 5 Urgent Care Center ............................................ 6 Wellness Books ................................................. 7 Skin Care ........................................................... 8 Exercise ............................................................ 9 Mountain Coaster ............................................ 10 Drinks and Eats ............................................... 11 2021 Town Events ........................................... 12 Stanley Hotel ................................................... 13 Stanley Home .................................................. 14 Rocky Mountain National Park ......................... 15 Elkhorn Lodge .................................................. 16

LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION • 3

HEALTHY LIVING

Finding healing through nature By Ray A. Nypaver, Wanderlust Counseling For the Trail-Gazette

As I sit down to write this article, stuck on where to start, I look out my window and stare at the aspen and pines across the street. The trees stay steady at the base, a slight wavering in their branches. The aspen holds on to a few dark yellow leaves. My mind takes a brief break from worry about words and the stresses of the day. The trees tell me just to start slow, one word at a time. My assumption, for most Estes Park residents, is that the idea of nature therapy isn’t anything new. For many it’s probably why they moved to Estes park, though without the clinical interpretation of the term. But oh, how easy we forget! Forget to look up at the mountains, forget to notice the elk in our backyard, or forget to let the falling leaves help us to let go of our worries. I don’t believe any Estes Park resident actually takes these things for granted. Simply, as the world continues to madly spin, we retreat back inside to our own spinning minds and separate ourselves from the wonder and joy of nature. To back up for just a moment, I should explain that I am a nature-based therapist, having graduated with my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Naropa University’s Wilderness Therapy Program. By my own definition, nature-therapy is the intentional collaboration with Mother Nature to guide the healing and growth process of individuals. While most of 4 • LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

Ray Nypaver says find a Nature Sit spot.

my sessions with clients are indoors, my wilderness background always plays a role in sessions. In part, this is because of the insight and lessons I’ve gained from my own adventures, and partially because my daily morning outings with my dog allow me to show up grounded and present for my clients. Personally, I tend to learn toward my intuitive side when it comes to nature, but I also appreciate the evidence of scientific research. In recent years, more and more studies have been done to examine just how nature can be of benefit to our mental health. For example, studies have shown that simply gazing at nature, whether looking up at the mountains or kneeling down to examine the beauty of a wildflower, puts a pause on the part of our brain that likes to ruminate. When we stop ruminating, we open ourselves up to wonder and awe. It’s like

when the sun comes out from behind the clouds and suddenly the world looks a little more beautiful. Additionally, some researchers have found a bacteria in the soil that acts like serotonin, a chemical in the brain helps improve mood. Not only that, but going for a walk outside, say around Lake Estes, can serve as a way to both be physically active and reduce stress by reducing cortisol levels. This is NOT to say anyone should go off antidepressant medication, especially without talking to their doctor first. This IS saying you should consider making gardening or playing outside a daily or weekly activity. At this point, my guess is that those reading this article are either asking “How do I actually do nature therapy?” or “I already go outside a few times a week. What more is there to do?” Great questions. I’ll reiterate that I define

Wanderlust Counseling / Courtesy photo

nature therapy as an intentional practice. That’s not saying my weekly trail runs and dog walks are not extremely important for my mental, physical, and spiritual health. They absolutely are and do include many of the aforementioned benefits. However, some of the practices I’ll mention below often cause me to slow down and soak in more than I might during a normal run or walk. If doubtful, all I can say is give it a try. Truly, my main guideline in both nature therapy and my counseling sessions is to remain curious. Curiosity is at the root of exploration, both when exploring our outer and inner worlds.

A few nature therapy practice to try out

Find a Nature Sit spot During COVID, even as a therapist who knows many coping tools, I still had trouSee NATURE, pg. 17

HEALTHY LIVING

Seeing through the stress By Amber Busche, O.D., Aspen Eyecare For the Trail-Gazette

ur eyes are not exempt from daily stress and tension. If you have not had any additional stressors in the last year, count yourself lucky! We know that with added strain on our brains and schedules we can sometimes feel tense and can begin to feel our muscles tighten and become uncomfortable. The distance from which we look at objects is very important for an ocular process called accommodation. Accommodation is a process by which muscles in the eyes contract to help us focus on

Amber Busche, O.D.

objects near to us. These same muscles get an opportunity to relax when we look at objects across the room or out a window. With recent changes in how we work and attend school, there are more people spending long hours on digital devices such as phones, tablets, computers and laptops. The commute from bed to the laptop may be short and easy, but the trade-

Aspen Eyecare / Courtesy photo

There are more people spending long hours on digital devices such as phones, tablets, computers and laptops.

off results in many meetings on digital devices that we position at just over 24 inches from our faces. This results in our eyes having less variation

of focusing during the day. We would normally have time to look off in the distance while we walk or drive to See SEEING, pg. 18

Find Yourself

Here Estes Park Where Business Adventures are Born As a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, and with its proximity to Front Range communities, Estes Park has been identified as one of the BEST PLACES IN COLORADO to start a business. We were also designated one of the 20 best small towns in America by the Smithsonian Magazine.

Learn about the opportunities for you to Find Yourself in Estes Park

www.estesparkedc.com

Fort Collins

Rocky MOuntain National Park

Loveland

Lyons Longmont

Boulder

Denver

LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION â€˘ 5

HEALTHY LIVING

Urgent Care Center provides same-day treatment By Estes Park Health For the Trail-Gazette

stes Park Health (EPH) brought true Urgent Care to the Estes Valley in May 2020. The center is located in the new building at 420 Steamer Drive, on Big Thompson Avenue(Highway 34), across from the Visitors Center, immediately east of the Safeway gas station. EPH has long felt that we needed to give residents and visitors other options, during and after regular EPH outpatient clinic hours, for those types of illnesses and injuries for which you donâ€™t need an emergency department visit but that still need quick attention. After much planning, EPH was able to finally open the Urgent Care Center (UCC)in late May to give this service to the community. The Urgent Care Center provides treatment for immediate or same-day non-emergency for fevers, flu, coughs and colds, ear infection, minor broken bones, minor cuts and burns, altitude sickness, etc. The center has X-ray and urgent-care lab services. To differentiate it from Emergency Department (ED) Care, the ED provides medical care for all emergent life-threatening illness and injury including chest pain, signs of stroke, signs of heart attack, uncontrolled bleeding, major broken bones, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, etc. (And of course, for the most urgent 6 â€˘ LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

Estes Park Health / Courtesy photo

The 25 full and part-time staff includes front desk patient access representatives, a radiology tech, EMTs, community paramedics and nurse practitioners.

life-threatening emergencies, from our EPH Physician Clin- day, same-day, and scheduled you would always call 911). ic, the latter provides preven- appointments. That Clinic, at To differentiate the UCC tative and routine care, weekSee TREATMENT, pg. 18

HEALTHY LIVING

10 new books for living well — just a click away By Kurtis Kelly, Communications Specialist, Estes Valley Library For the Trail-Gazette

igital reads and audiobooks solve an age-old problem: what if I leave home without the book or audio I’m enjoying? Not to worry. A download from the Library’s Digital Collections is right there on the same tablet, phone or laptop you always carry with you. With a few clicks, you’re right where you left off. Library patrons love this convenience. And the ability to browse books 24/7 from anywhere. Not to mention that there are hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from. As a sampling, here are 10 new health-and-wellness titles of 2020, as recommended by sites like Prevention Magazine, the Today Show, and cnet.com:

“Joy Bauer’s Super Food”

“Joy Bauer’s Super Food” continues that same theme, analyzing eating habits and regional longevity. Bauer infuses that research into crave-worthy recipes: everything from Buffalo wings to deep-dish pan pizza.

“Fair Play”

“Fair Play”, by Eve Rodsky, offers couples a time- and anxiety-saving system on an “Joy at Work” essential topic: how to divvy “Joy at Work” is bestselling up domestic household author Marie Kondo’s guide to chores so both parties feel baltransforming workplace mess anced, energized, and re-conand stress into productivity, nected with one another. via the happiness of a tidy “The Bloated Belly desk and mind. All while wastWhisperer” ing less time and enjoying “The Bloated Belly Whisperwork more. er” is written in a humorous “The Blue Zones easy-to-understand style by Kitchen: 100 Recipes nutritionist Tamara Duker to Live to 100” Freuman. Including 50 reci“The Blue Zones Kitchen: pes, it’s been called “a deli100 Recipes to Live to 100”. ciously do-able plan to keep What exactly are “Blue you happy, healthy and bloatZones”? Places where people free. tend to live to ripe old ages. “Body Love Every Longevity researcher Dan Day” Buettner shares 100 recipes “Body Love Every Day” feafrom places like Japan, See BOOKS, pg. 19 Greece, and Costa Rica.

Welcome to CBDepot, your partner in wellness in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality, and most diverse options of hemp derived products in a comfortable setting. We focus on one-on-one interaction to ensure we find the best products for you. Our knowledgeable and attentive staff are available to answer any questions you may have, and will offer a variety of options tailored to achieve optimal health for your mind and body. We look forward to meeting you, please feel free to bring your furry friends, they are always welcome! Order Online - Ship to Home or Consult with our Helpful staff in-store 137 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, Co Now Open until 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

CBDepotCo.com | 970-586-4780

Instagram @cbdepotco

Facebook @cbdepotfoco

LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION • 7

HEALTHY LIVING

Winterize your skin and glow all season long By Lorie Cooper, Owner Glow Salon and Spa For the Trail-Gazette

etween Estes Park’s high altitude, dry air, mountain wind and cold temperatures, your skin needs a different focus in the winter than in summer months. So, while packing away summer clothes and bringing out your sweaters, coats and boots, remember that your skincare needs to change when the colder weather arrives, too. Try these proven tips to prevent dull, dry winter skin concerns and help keep skin conditions like cracking skin, eczema and psoriasis (which can be triggered by cold, dry air) from flaring up and getting worse.

Exfoliate

It sounds counterintuitive, but gentle exfoliation will actually help your lotions and creams work better. As your skin dries out, dead skin cells stop shedding, keeping moisCarly Barton Photography / Courtesy photo turizer from fully sinking in. Winter months are just as important to protect your skin from Rev up the process by using harmful rays. a mild exfoliant.

Peels work their magic in several ways They accelerate skin cell turnover, lighten pigmentation and stimulate underlying collagen production. There are different levels of chemical peels, from milder treatments to deeper peels that have more downtime. Mild peels are best for treating skin roughness or discoloration while deeper penetrating treatments are used to remove shallow scars or deeper lines and wrinkles. Right after undergoing a chemical peel, your skin will be temporarily more sensitive to sunlight. That is why the best time to get a chemical peel is in the fall and winter months when the weather is cooler, days are shorter, and the sun is not so glaring and incessant. And doing a chemical peel in the winter prepares your skin for the warmer months so that your recovery process is complete by the time you are ready for summer outdoor activities!

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!

Winter months are just as important to protect your containing olive, avocado or soap. skin from harmful rays. jojoba oils and shea butter Peel it off Snow and ice create a reflecThe combination of our elecan help more moisture into Fall and winter are the ide- tive agent that can give you a ments in the mountains creyour skin. Applying moisal times to consider a chemi- double whammy – from the ates dry skin that is susceptiture after a shower or bath to cal peel. This procedure is sky above and the ground ble to damage. While lotions damp clean skin will lock in below you! Not only are sun used to improve the appearhave more alcohol content, the moisture last longer. rays, cancer-causing, but ance of skin on your face, we typically us need richer they can also prevent skin neck, and hands. A solution face and body creams during Same goes after washing is applied to the exposed skin from holding onto moisture the winter. When comparing your hands. COVID Bonus tip: hand sanitizers are which causes it to exfoliate products, look for the ingreMoisturize your packed with drying agents and later, peel off. The underdients like glycerin or sorbiand your hands take a beatlying layers that are exposed environment tol, which are humectants To counteract the dry air that help pull moisture from ing! Keep a bottle of moistur- will be smoother, healthier See SKIN, pg. 20 and more radiant. the air into your skin. Those izer right next to your hand

Time to upgrade your moisturizer

8 • LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

HEALTHY LIVING

Exercise and the immune system By Nik Buchman, MedX’s Fitness Manager For the Trail-Gazette

Courtesy photo / MedX

Nik Buchman, MedX’s fitness manager, says he’s “bringing fitness back into people’s lives”

his year has seemed like a rollercoaster ride that hits you with twists and turns every other week. The pandemic has probably been one of the most disruptive events of our lifetime. Now more than ever, it is important to maintain good overall physical and mental health when consistency and access are so limited. One of the best ways to do this is to get enough exercise throughout the week. As the weather gets colder, the simple outdoor fixes to staying active will disappear, but the body needs to continue to move in order to main-

tain optimal health. Exercise alone reduces the risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, blood pressure, depression, anxiety and so on. While those are all great reasons to exercise, these times of illness make the positive influence of exercise on immune system health even more relevant. Moderate exercise of less than an hour a day has been shown to improve our body’s immune response as well as lower our risk for illnesses and overall inflammation. A 2019 review from The Journal of Sport and Health Sci-

ence highlighted how when the body performs moderate to vigorous exercise, it increases the amount of immune cells that are circulating in the blood. Immune cells are important for fighting off foreign bodies and diseases inside of our body. While this immediate response is great, consistency when exercising is most important to maintain this elevated immune response. The expert researcher of the study, David Niemann, compared this concept to hiring a housekeeper to clean our house one time. It would look great right after, but eventually fall into disarray again. If that housekeeper was to clean on a regular See EXERCISE, pg. 18

Think the golden years aren’t golden? Think again.

Top 10 reasons being older is better 10. Young people learn from your wisdom. 9. Embarrassment is no longer a concern. 8. Having common sense. 7. You don’t need to do the dumb things you had to do when you were young, like worry about what people think. 6. You can get fatter and you don’t care. 5. Life teaches you the things you need to know. 4. Naps anytime. 3. No work, school, or alarm clocks. 2. Senior discounts! 1. People are friendlier when you have gray hair!

LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION • 9

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021

The developer used helicopter to pour the first concrete pads of the mountain coaster this summer.

File photo / Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Mustang Mountain Coaster races toward opening day By Tim Mosier Trail-Gazette

he long-awaited Mustang Mountain Coaster is on track to hold its Grand Opening during Memorial Day weekend 2021. The coaster will be about 1,000 linear feet on the uphill track pulled by an electric cable and bullwheel that is installed in the ground, and will travel roughly 2,000 linear feet of gravity-fed descending track. Building the Mustang Mountain Coaster has been an exciting experience for me personally and profes-

sionally,” said owner and operator, Cody Walker. “Getting to work with this crew of young people and seeing their work ethic, dedication and skill really has been an encouragement that the next generation has some hope.” The project is a single-ride attraction and no additional infrastructure will be installed besides a storage shed for coaster carts and a building that will operate as a ticket booth, office space, and bathrooms. A 19-spot parking lot will be at the base of the coaster and there will be a shuttle service from the Mustang Mountain Coaster offices on

10 • LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

US 34 to the coaster lot. “Our infrastructure is bare bones. The entire project has a very simplistic in design, we definitely did not want to do anything overly ornate to contrast the native land,” said Director of Operations, Gregg Hecker. “It’s all going to fit in well with the natural aesthetic of the land.” Almost daily, Walker tours the project by taking “Lifetime Passholders” on walking tours, and he sees his dream inching toward completion. According to Walker, the construction process for the coaster track itself has gone

seamlessly because of the diligent work, great weather and extensive planning that has been part of this process. “The most gratifying part of building the Mustang Mountain Coaster has been the amazing feedback we have received both personally and on social media,” said Walker. “The support in the Estes Park community, through phone calls, emails, letters and just getting stopped on the street has been truly humbling. There isn’t a day that goes by we don’t receive a note or have a conSee COASTER, pg. 18

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021

Craft drinks and good eats By Tim Mosier Trail-Gazette

stes Park is known for its scenic views, amazing landscapes, a vibrant downtown and memorable lodging. In the last five years, visitors and residents have also come to know Estes for something else, and that’s its craft brewery and distillery scene. The first businesses to stake their beverage claim in Estes Park occurred long before the Estes Valley Development Code allowed such things. Estes Park Brewery opened in 1994, by Gordon Knight, who owned High Country Brewery in Boulder. Today it is owned by Tyler Lemirande. Snowy Peaks Winery was also one of the first in town. Founded in 2005 Candice Mohr grew a fine vinification facility. The majority of her grapes are grown on the western slope in Palisade, Colo. and a few come from Burlington, Colo. with 25 different wines and blends available including Merlot, Syrah, Viognier and Riesling. Stop by to sample their award-winning, handcrafted wines along with charcuterie and sometimes even live music. In July 2014, the Estes Park Town Board approved an ordinance to allow breweries, distilleries and wineries to operate legally under the Estes Valley Development Code. Today, along with Estes Park Brewery and Snowy Peaks, there is also Lumpy Ridge Brewery, Rock Cut Brewery, Elkins Distillery

In the last five years, visitors and residents have come to know Estes for its craft brewery and distillery scene.

and Avant Garde Aleworks. “We love that there is a strong collaborative spirit among the Estes Park craft beverages producers,” said Candice Mohr, owner of Snowy Peaks. “Everyone is so supportive of each other and are willing to share information and ideas.” The breweries, distillery and winery in town are not just popular with residents and visitors; they are also a great year-round economic driver for Estes Park. This Rocky Mountain atmosphere is a great spot to brew or distill, but crafting beverages and selling at 7,255 does have its advantages. That is one reason why Joe Elkins started his whiskey distillery in Estes Park. “First and foremost was the confluence of the things that you need for making whiskey,” Elkins said to the Trail-Gazette in 2014 when the development code changed. “You need world class grains like barley and corn. Colorado has both of those. And, you need water

and we have Rocky Mountoo. But, the difference is tain water. Denver and Fort elevation. The higher elevaCollins have access to these, See DRINKS, pg. 21

Improving lives with better hearing! Your journey to better hearing starts today! Custom solutions for every budget with caring and compassionate care. It’s time to call Dr. Cory! Our Comprehensive Hearing Care Services: • Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations • Tinnitus Evaluation and Management • Hearing Aid Selection and Fitting • Wax Removal • Hearing Aid Repairs • Custom Earmolds and Ear Plugs

Cory Workman, Au.D. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology

Exceptional Care Close to Home!

1186 Graves Avenue - Suite B • Estes Park, Colorado 80517

www.estesparkaudiology.com • (970) 586-5255

LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION • 11

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021

File photo / Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Distillers offered a variety of whiskey drinks, made to order, as well as samplers of their craft spirits at the Whiskey Warm Up Feb. 7 in Riverside Plaza.

Town events are coming back strong in 2021 By Tim Mosier Trail-Gazette

annual events, even though they might look a little different though the winter. he Town of Estes Winter Festival is schedPark, like most towns uled for Jan. 16-17, 2021, folacross the country, lowed by the Wine and was forced to cancel or rede- Chocolate Festival on Feb. sign all of their summer and 6, and the Whiskey Warm fall events in 2020. The Cor- Up in March. By the time onavirus pandemic made it tourist season is in full impossible for the town to swing, event coordinators hold these incredible events are hoping the COVID-19 in a safe way, but everyone landscape will look much is very optimist that in 2021, safer. hope springs eternal. Bigfoot Days is looking to Starting with the annual start the season of f on the tree lighting ceremony on right foot this coming Nov. 21, the Town and the spring, as well as the Jazz Events Center hope to get Fest which is scheduled for back to holding all of their June 5-6 with the Delfeayo

12 • LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

Marsalis Quartet as the headlining act. Known for his “technical excellence, inventive mind and frequent touches of humor,” said Leonard Feather of the Los Angeles Times. The Estes Park Wool Market is ready to celebrate its 30th anniversary with workshops on June 10-11 and the market on June 12-13. Despite a lack of display in 2020, the Estes Park fireworks display looks to be back in its full, explosive glory in 2021. A town and visitor favorite, the Rooftop Rodeo has been scheduled to take place the

week of July 5-10 with tickets going on sale April 1, no foolin’! The 2020 Elk Fest was held virtually but aims to be back to a more traditional format this coming fall. For a list of 2021 Town Events, please visit their website at https:// www.estesparkeventscomplex.com. Any event changes due to County Guidelines will be posted to each event page. Please feel free to contact the Visitor Center at 970577-9900 or the Event Center at 970-586-6104 for more information.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021

Historic Stanley Hotel prepares for 2021 By Tim Mosier Trail-Gazette

he Historic Stanley Hotel has gone through the same hardships that many in the lodging industry have faced over the course of the Coronavirus pandemic, but they feel like things are looking up and that there are many good reasons to believe 2021 will be much better than 2020. While the historic hotel has been and will remain open as long as is allowed by health guidelines, one of the things that was required to be put on hold at the onset of the pan-

The Stanley offers tours of the historic grounds.

Stanley Hotel / Courtesy photo

demic was the newly renovat- ley Steamer vehicles were rant, part of the Boulder-based ed and restored Carriage stored. That building has been group of Post restaurants. See STANLEY, pg. 22 House where the famous Stan- converted into a Post restau-

LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION â€˘ 13

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021

Stanley Home gets ready for public viewing By Wendy Rigby Trail-Gazette

The view from the front porch of the old Stanley home at 415 W. Wonderview Ave. is one of the finest in Estes Park. Longs Peak towers over the valley below and is the center of a beautiful panorama of the mountains and the trees. Standing there, it is easy to imagine why F.O. Stanley and his wife, Flora, chose this spot for their summer house. On May 1, 2021, the home — built in 1904 in the NeoGeorgian style –will open to the public as the Stanley Home Museum and Education Center. “We approached the owners of the home in August of 2016,” Tom Shamburg, treasurer of the Historic Stanley Home Foundation said. “They had been trying to sell the home. A number of us thought that it was a nobrainer that it needed to be a house museum.” A three-and-a-half year process began with organizing the foundation, getting town approval, securing tax exemption status and running a capital campaign to buy the home. The cost was $1,723,000 for the house and the 4.4 acres surrounding it. The foundation took over the property in January of 2020. “This is an exceptional opportunity,” Shamburg stated. “Stanley was one of the most prominent residents of Estes Park. He was a renaissance man. He came and saw the potential of this area. He was an entrepreneur. He

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette

On May 1, 2021, the home will open to the public as the Stanley Home Museum and Education Center.

built a hotel. He donated 58 acres of land for what is now Stanley Park. He was instrumental in working with Enos Mills and getting Rocky Mountain named a national park.” The Stanleys first came to Estes Park for F.O.’s health. He had tuberculosis, weighed only 118 pounds and was given about six months to live. He felt really good after the first summer and the couple decided this was going to be their summer location year after year. They spent the winter months on the East Coast. “The house looked very similar to what it looks like

14 • LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

now,” noted JoAnn Batey, president of the Historic Stanley Home Foundation.”All of the porches that were enclosed were open back then. They didn’t have heat other than the fireplace.” The front of the home is a bright mustard yellow color that was prevalent at the time the house was constructed. The Stanley Hotel was originally painted the same color. A carriage house sits next to the main home. “F.O. would drive his Stanley Steamer in,” Batey explained. “He would use his turntable and crank it around so that he never had to back

out. He was a violin maker and he would perform his woodworking in the carriage house. He did enjoy pool so he also had his billiard table in there.” F.O. Stanley passed away in 1940. The house passed through several different owners after that. When the Historic Stanley Home Foundation purchased the home, the last owners left all of their furnishings. “We decided we really wanted to make it a period home,” Batey explained. “So we took all of that furniture and sold it. Then we put an ad out into the community See HOME, pg. 23

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021

RMNP / Courtesy photo

Rocky Mountain National Park’s Park and Ride lot on Sunday, June 7.

By Tim Mosier Trail-Gazette

f there is one thing that the coronavirus pandemic can not change, it is the beauty and grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park. While many details are still up in the air, the park itself is not going anywhere and access to the revitalizing trails in the park will not be restricted unless something dramatically changes in the coming months. “So much is unknown for next spring and summer that

I am unable to speculate on our operations. We are all hoping for a ‘normal’ year,” said RMNP Public Information Officer Kyle Patterson. “We will follow current public health guidance and recommendations, whatever they may be.” One thing is for sure, the timed entry permit system was necessary in keeping the park open over the summer, but many will be please to know that there are no plans to permanently implement the system. See RMNP, pg. 19

See all that you can

Kirk Eye Center

RMNP hopes for a return to normal in 2021

A C C E P T I N G N E W PAT I E N T S !

Precise, Expert Eye Care for the Estes Park Community

Dr. Dustin Asay and Dr. John D. Kirk, at Kirk Eye Center Common Eye Condition Treatments: Cataract Care • Glaucoma Diabetic Retinopathy • Retinal Disease Macular Degeneration • Dry Eye Specialized contact lens fittings

On-Site Surgery Center for Great Patient Care and Convenience 3650 East 15th Street Loveland, Colorado

669-1107

KirkEyeCenter.com • Facebook.com/KECLoveland

LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION • 15

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021

By Tim Mosier Trail-Gazette

Elkhorn Lodge will get historic remodel

slate of renovations, remodels, and new construction is fast approaching for the Elkhorn Lodge property. The old Elkhorn Lodge is on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), along with five other buildings on the property and developers are aware of their significance. According to the projects Statement of Intent documents, 197 hotel units are proposed in two main buildings on site. One is a new 132-unit stand-alone hotel and the other is an addition containing 36 hotel rooms that will be annexed to the existing Elkhorn Lodge Building which has 29 existing hotel rooms within. Several other buildings that are not on the NRHP will be saved and remodeled including the old school house. Developers say they plan to go to great lengths to ensure this historic feature to remains and they have intentionally had the new hotel building designed to be architecturally compatible to the old Lodge. In addition to these hotel uses, there are two new restaurant pads being developed and one renovation of the Coach House for restaurant use. These restaurant sites will be offered for rent or sale to regional or local restaurant venders. Below one of the restaurants (Hillside), there is a small retail front. An additional (new) barn building for the continuing

The Historic Elkhorn Lodge in Estes Park

long standing horse operation on site is being built far south of the old barn site. “It’s a great opportunity for the Town, both for the redevelopment of an area that has come to need it and for providing a real quality, high-

16 • LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

end development,” said former Town Board Trustee, Eric Blackhurst. “This is a really terrific project for the town as a whole; a real anchor for the west end of Town.” Developers say the back-

File photo / Estes Park Trail-Gazette

drop of thick trees on the hill south of the new hotel and existing Lodge will basically remain untouched in an effort to protect the roof of the new hotel from extending above the skyline or horiSee ELKHORN, pg. 20

Nature from page 4 ble keeping my anxiety down. Finally, another therapist suggested I return to my practice of going to my “mermaid rock” in the backyard. After that, most afternoons when the majority of my work was done, I’d go to the large rock in my backyard with my dog and sit there anywhere between 5 minutes to 30 minutes. I’d stare out at Twin Sisters, listen to bird songs, or watch the clouds pass by. Eventually, I’d feel my body ease and my mind slow down. Literally, I felt grounded. In finding your own nature sit spot, I suggest you find a place close to your home that is easy for you to get to. It doesn’t need to have epic views, just a quiet place where you can just be as you are for at least a few minutes each week. Use all of your senses This is simple practice that allows people to fully immerse themselves in nature by engaging in all of our senses. What do you see? (A cloud that looks like a turtle.) What do you hear? (A chickadee singing.) What do you smell? (The wet leaves of an aspen tree.) What am I touching? (The scratchy edges of a pine cone.) What do I taste? (A snowflake that gently landed on my tongue). (Obviously, we don’t want to be putting unknown plants into our mouths, so at times you may skip this one or bring a piece of fruit outside with you.) Take a few moments as you tune in to each sense. Answer the questions beyond using the thinking part of your brain. Here’s the bonus. If you do this practice regularly, you may develop a sixth sense, one that goes beyond proprioception and allows you to experience nature by becoming part of it. Go on a WILDerness Wan-

dering I love this one. I guess I have to as the name of my counseling practice is Wanderlust Counseling and I often use J.R.R. Tolkein’s quote “Not all who wander are lost.” For this activity, go out to a place in nature where you have a little bit of room to move and explore. As you begin, focus on a question you’ve been holding on to. As you begin to walk, let go of the question and simply walk to what grabs your curiosity, and do this practice for 10-15 minutes. After that time period, come to a pause at the last natural object, animal, plant, etc. that grabbed your attention. Then, return to your question and see what wisdom Mother Nature has to share with you. Metaphor In both my counseling practice and personal life, metaphor comes up consistently. My favorite dichotomy is when it’s both raining and the sun is shining. It seems like it should be impossible, and yet it’s not. This year, being able to parallel that dichotomy to the ongoings of my own life has been extremely impactful, helping me to see the beauty of life through my tears. There’s also a reason why I’ve saved this practice for last. As a therapist, I’m trained not to ignore the hard stuff, and this year has been challenging for most of us. This article is going to be published after a time that readers will have gone through the scary experience of having had to leave their homes because of wildfire evacuations. With experiences like that come many emotions, including fear, anger, and sadness. Those are all normal and okay to feel. Actually, it’s important

Wanderlust Counseling / Courtesy photo

Ray Nypaver is a nature-based therapist.

that we allow ourselves to move through all of those emotions. Then the challenge. How can we look back on our experience, our pain from having a wildfire threaten our homes and lives, and find meaning? Can we use a

metaphor from nature, even from a raging and awe-inspiring fire, to make discoveries? It’s not my job to come up with metaphors for anyone else, but I would be happy to hear what others come up with.

LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION • 17

Seeing from page 5 work. In-person meetings around a large table would usually allow us an opportunity to change gaze around and look at the clock across the room. As schools go cloud based or partially on-line, kids are also logging more hours on screens. While their eyes muscles are younger and more pliable, they can still suffer from eye strain with prolonged near activities. It is important to watch as the kids in our lives read or study and look deeper into sliding grades especially in math or

reading. Kids that have a harder time focusing will tend to blink their eyes hard or rub them during prolonged near activities like reading. They will at times complain that things get blurry and clear again or that they have trouble changing focus from distance to near. Headaches after being on the computer or at the end of the school day can also be signs the child may be having trouble focusing on near tasks. We need to watch for these signs and symptoms in children because they often won’t have the vocabulary to

express these troubles to the adults in their lives. There are several options to help keep our eye muscles in a healthy condition. Variation in focal length is very important. It is recommended that for every 20 minutes of screen time we take a break and look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds or greater. This allows those eye muscles that need to contract or keep tension on the computer to relax for a short time and prevent fatigue. Wearing overthe-counter computer lenses can help relax the eye mus-

cles. Lenses with blue light filters or anti-reflective treatments can also help by reducing light scatter and improving visual clarity. It is important to seek a professional opinion from an eyecare specialist if taking more breaks or wearing computer lenses doesn’t seem to improve the symptoms of fatigue or blur. There are many conditions such as accommodative dysfunction, computer vision syndrome or Streff syndrome in children that can be diagnosed and treated by a professional.

urgent-care-center/ for more details or call us at 970-5774500. In addition to the beautiful, brand-new Urgent Care quarters, the facility houses EPH’s Rehabilitative Services team, providing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy with the most beautiful view in town. Also, most of our visiting specialists moved to the new facility, so you’ll visit the Urgent Care Center for your dermatology, pulmonology, ENT, urology, and other

needs. EPH is exceedingly happy to be able to provide this important urgent-care service to our residents and visitors, to help them get the care they need when they need it, and to receive that care in an economical way. While we hope your time in Estes Park is safe and healthy and that you don’t need urgent medical service, if you do need to visit the UCC, you’ll be very happy with the quality and timeliness of care you receive.

Treatment from page 6 the main EPH campus at 555 Prospect Avenue, provides comprehensive primary and specialty care including physicians, surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses. Of course, every healthcare agency (and all businesses) must have proper COVID protections in place now. EPH follows all government mandates to ensure proper safety in screening and management of potential cases. Our Urgent Care handles proper door screening

and ensures that patients with respiratory ailments are managed with the right safe level of caution per the CDC, the Colorado health department, and our own EPH policies and protocols. The UCC will do COVID and influenza testing for symptomatic patients. We’re open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Only closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day). You can check the website at https:// eph.org/our-services/

Exercise from page 9

Coaster from page 10

basis, the house would stay clean and always look great. Of course in this situation, the house is our body and exercise is the housekeeper. Living a healthy lifestyle is of the utmost importance to maintain our physical and mental health, which we can use as tools to battle the effects of COVID-19 and social distancing. That’s why here at MedX of Estes, we care about your health and want you to feel safe while you are taking care of your-

versation with someone excited about this unique project. “ The coaster is located at 1180 Dry Gulch Road in Estes Park. For those that are interested, you can follow us at https://www.facebook .com/MustangMountainCoaster. Lifetime passes are available for $500. The lifetime pass grants you permanent, and lifetime, access to ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster

self by working out! To help every member feel safe, we require masks at all times, enforce social distancing, have hourly staff cleaning, and require that machines are sprayed with disinfectant after each use. We understand that these are unprecedented and scary times, but the effects of a sedentary lifestyle are perhaps scarier. We hope that you choose MedX to be your safe place to exercise in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle!

18 • LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

any day, any time. This pass is completely transferrable and good for unlimited use. Single-use passes are estimated to be around $20. “I think it will take a lot of the pressure off of downtown,” Walker said. “This has been a long and hard fight, and we are excited for it to finally come to an end … The Walker family is looking forward to the positive impact this project will have on our economy and community.”

Books from page 7 tures celebrity nutritionist Kelly Leveque’s meal plans for different lifestyles, based on her famous “Fab Four” method: including protein, fat, fiber, and greens in every meal.

“Raising an Organized Child”

“Raising an Organized Child” is for parents of infants, teens, and every age in-between. Dr. Damon Korb explains how organizational thinking helps kids with everyday concerns (like a tidier bedroom), all while building their confidence and critical life skills.

“The Plant-Based Solution”

reverse heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions with a whole-foods, plantbased diet.

“Life Coaching for Successful Women”

“The Plant-Based Solution” “Life Coaching for Successis written by well-known cardi- ful Women” poses an idea: “If ologist Dr. Joel Kahn, who you could not fail, what would suggests ways to prevent and you attempt?” That’s the

RMNP from page 15 The temporary timed entry system was done in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there was much concern expressed from local and public health officials as well as residents that if the park operated at our typical visitation levels, the influx of visitors could pose a health risk to local residents. “With a 44 percent increase in visitation since 2012, we continue to seek solutions to address what effect this level of visitation is having on visitor and staff safety, resource protection, visitor experiences and operational capacity,” said Patterson. “Since 2016, we have enacted vehicle restrictions in place on the Bear Lake Road, Wild Basin area and Alpine Visitor Center when congestion and crowding warrants. “Last year, these restrictions were warranted every day in July (visitation over

launching place for bestselling These and thousands of othauthor Valorie Burton’s motier digital books and audiovational book, helping readers books can easily be found in make meaningful choices for the Library’s one-stop search authentic success. engine at estesvalleyli“Happiness is … 200 brary.org. And wherever you Ways to Be Creative” go, these friendly motivators “Happiness is … 200 Ways happily go with you. Contact to Be Creative” features us at the Library, or find all cheerful moments to inspire the instructions you’ll need for doodlers, singers, crafters and Digital Collections on our all daydreamers. website.

“Since 2016, we have enacted vehicle restrictions in place ... when congestion and crowding warrants.” Kyle Patterson Rocky Mountain National Park public information officer

970,000 visitors that month), most days in August, and weekends in June and September.” At this time, park officials do not believe they will have a timed entry permit system in place next year. One would only be implemented next summer if public health guidance is similar next year as it was this year. Only time will tell.

LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION • 19

Skin from page 8 Prevent dull, dry winter skin concerns and help keep skin conditions like cracking skin, eczema and psoriasis.

outside, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home. Just be sure to clean your humidifier regularly with bleach or white vinegar to keep bacteria at bay. It’s also important to change your water daily. If you have a built-in humidifier in your home heating system, make sure it’s properly maintained, clean from bacteria and germs and working properly.

Glow Salon and Spa / Courtesy photo

Get it on in the shower

After you build that epic snowman, resist the urge to jump into a long, hot shower to warm up. Too much time in hot water can sap all the natural moisture from scalp and skin and make them itchy and flaky. Instead, grab a hot beverage and keep your showers under 10 minutes in warm (not hot) water. Once you’re done, gently blot dry with a towel since rubbing can chafe your skin. Moisturizers applied within 3 minutes of your shower helps to lock in the hydration and re-energize your dry skin.

age. And, a few times a week, take a break from hot blow dryers and heated styling tools and let your lovely locks dry naturally.

the day will help. So will buying a box of straws.

Tender tootsies

Winter is important to continue caring for your feet. Dry skin on your fee, espeBeware of your cially on heels become suswater bottle Don’t forget your ceptible to painful cracking. Believe it or not, water botcrowning glory Treat your feet to regular Dry air, mountain wind and tles can actually contribute to pedicures to ensure that you dry, chapped lips. Here’s freezing temperatures can how: When you drink from a are able to stay on your toes! damage your hair, too. Prowater bottle, you’re often left Holiday product perks tect those beautiful tresses with droplets on your mouth. The holidays are a great from the cold! Tuck them under a runway-ready winter When these molecules evap- opportunity to stock up on orate, they take moisture your favorite products for hat or scarf. Invest in moisyourself or as a gift. Manuturizing shampoos and condi- from your lips with them. facturers bundle multiple of tioners and consider a week- You don’t have to go thirsty, your favorite hair and skin though. Swiping on a lip ly or monthly hair mask to prevent split ends and break- balm or ointment throughout care products in attractive

packaging for gift giving at substantial discounts. Glow Salon and Spa is located at 513 Big Thompson Avenue in Lower Stanley Village. We offer haircuts for women, men and children, full service color (full, highlight/lowlights, balayage, fashion color, etc.) by our Redken certified stylists, facials, chemical peels, body scrubs and masks, manicures, pedicures, full body waxing, spray tanning, makeup classes, bridal and special occasion styling, private group parties and a full retail offering of hair and skin care products as well as The Den at Glow, our men’s salon and retail boutique.

Elkhorn from page 16 zon when viewed from the north to the south. Developers say they would like to build everything right away, however due to floodplain issues, some things have to occur in a specific

order. Building permits will be applied for sequentially, starting with the Elkhorn Suites, Elkhorn Lodge remodel and the new Horse Barn while the retaining wall is being built.

20 • LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION

“With the horse stalls up and running in their new location, the Hillside Retail/ Restaurant, Coach House Restaurant and building relocations will be done,” developers say. “Once the retain-

ing wall construction and floodplain re-alignment is approved through FEMA … the new Event Center Barn, Elkhorn Lodge addition and Riverside Restaurant construction will commence.”

Drinks from page 11 tion in Estes Park is better for aging. A lower barometric pressure accelerates the drawing of whiskey in and out of the wood furthering the aging process.” Drinking at higher elevations also lets you feel the effects of alcohol quicker, as there is less oxygen in the air. To compound the effect is our pure clean mountain water. “The water we use for brewing isn’t long from being frozen on the mountains,” Lemirande said. “It’s the water that makes our beer here so special.” Wine, whiskey, and beer made with water from the snow-capped mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park, is what makes the beverage so supreme. The waters filter down through the moraines of Glacier Gorge, cold, fresh, and clear to Estes Park and the crafters workshops. You can stop into the breweries themselves to see the brewing equipment and perhaps catch a grain dump, or a tank cleaning. But what most people go there for is to grab a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere. Lumpy Ridge Brewery is a converted gas station, owned by Nick Smith. Opened in 2015 this ever-developing brewery has been entertaining live music, and a nice collection of art. While small, the brewery has a great vibe, with a dogfriendly patio, rotating food trucks, and lots of variety in small batch brews. Just down the road is Avant Garde Aleworks. Owners, Christian Newendorp and Maha Jaya took over what was essentially an abandoned shop and turned it into a beverage oasis. With an Italian-influenced waterfall, succulent garden

and viewing area of the brewing equipment, the atmosphere is clearly a conscious effort of emphasis. What you might not see much of at this brewery are pint glasses, as globes help release the aroma of the beer. “Rocky Mountain glacier water needs nothing to make world-class beer,” Newendorp said. Back on the other side of Prospect Mtn. is Rockcut Brewery. Inside is a large horseshoe bar and space for the great mix of activities they hold regularly. They have a patio by the river and rotating food trucks. Call yourself lucky if you catch your name on the wall, that’s a beer from a generous donor. Are you looking for that rare drink? Or want a large selection? Look no further than the Whiskey Bar at the iconic Stanley Hotel. The Whiskey Bar and Lounge features Colorado’s largest selection of whiskeys and single malt scotches, a historic cocktail menu, lunch and dinner as well as fine beverage selections,. The wine program will awaken your inner sommelier, and the Stanley Select Old Fashioned, 291 Sm’oaked Old Fashion or Redrum Punch may just cause your cares to melt away. Wanting something closer to downtown? Head over to The Barrel, which now has a full-bar and event space inside that is open year round with the storage container bar and beer garden outside for those beautiful Rocky Mountain summers. You can bring your whole family to The Barrel, even the four-legged family members. Or stop by The Slab outdoor Pub downtown to relax

outside. Get a bite to eat and drink a wide variety of great brews. The Slab features Rocky Mountain craft beers and ciders, including glutenfree brews. They have crowlers and bombers for the team — or when you’re back from a climb with a mighty thirst. Dogs are allowed. Then there’s The Wheel Bar, now in their 75th year of operation. As its name implies, the Wheel is the hub for many in town. “It’s the makers in town that put Estes Park on the map. They help bring people here and that’s good for everybody.” said Ty Nagl, third generation owner of The Wheel Bar which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. In that sentiment, please consider the following directory of craft beverage pro-

viders and especially our sponsors.