Weekend prescribed burn scheduled
Potential favorable weather and fuels conditions, fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park plan to conduct a prescribed burn beginning Friday, Nov. 1 and continuing on Saturday, Nov. 2. About 100 acres west of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and south of U.S. Highway 36 is included in the burn area.
Although smoke will be visible mostly during the warmest parts of the days throughout the burn, it may linger and accumulate in low-lying areas during the cool evening hours. Smoke may be visible both inside and outside the park. Park officials say every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts on visitors and Estes Park; however, some smoke is anticipated to disperse east of the park.
Motorists should watch for fire vehicles on the roads and allow extra time for entering and exiting the park. Traffic control will be in place on U.S. Highway 36 within the burn area. In addition, there may be brief delays or the diversion of outbound traffic through Fall River Entrance during operation. National Park Service Fire Information Officers will be available at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to answer questions.
For the safety of all, park visitors will not be allowed to stop along U.S. Highway 36 within the burn area. Visitors will also not be able to walk within the burn area.
Community Dia de los Muertos next weekend
Next Sunday, Nov. 6 has been set aside for the Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Estes Park Events Center. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. people from throughout the community are welcome to celebrate “Nuestros amados que se fueron” (Our Departed Loved Ones) and the lives of loved ones who have passed away.
The gathering this year will include a pet alter, and a display of alebrijes, the colorful and whimsical creatures from Mexican folk traditions. All can join with involvement through food donations, financial contributions or attending and engaging with the community. For information, contract Patricia Rountree at Patricia_Rountree@psdr3.k12.us.
Wanted: Fish Hatchery housing neighborhood feedback
Residents have another six weeks to consider ideas about how they would like to see the Fish Hatcher property be developed for workforce housing. An on-line survey developed by Pel-Ona Architects and Urbanists who are leading the design and public outreach efforts for the project is being conducted to gauge the public’s general ideas for design, amenities and other features on the property located on the Town-owned Fish Hatchery property. Pel-Ona is working with the Estes Park Housing Authority who is working in a collaborative effort with the Town to develop housing at the location. The survey follows a Sept. 5 neighborhood meeting and will be open until Dec. 10, 2024. To read about the project, click here.
Estes Park Museum seeks Table Setting sponsors
Sponsors for the Estes Park Museum’s annual Creative Colorado Table Setting/Scaping event have a bit of time to come forward for the Nov. 16 and 17 event at Ember at the Estes Park Resort. Community members create table decor using the theme “Books and Movies, Then & Now” and those who attend the event are treated to the opportunity to win prizes over the two days of viewing. For more information or to offer support, please call or email Tara Moenning, (970) 577-0186 or tara@aspenbrookinvestments.com.
Time to decorate your miniature Christmas tree for Quota Club
Have an idea for decorating a tabletop sized Christmas tree that would attract enough attention that people would vie for the opportunity to take it home? If so, Quota Club’s annual Festival of Trees is just around the corner and a tree for you to decorate in any theme you choose is ready for you to pick up. Decorated trees are due on Monday, Nov. 11.
The actual kick-off to the event is set for 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 at The Estes Park Resort and Ember Restaurant & Bar Lobby. About 50 trees, decorated by individuals and businesses, will be on display through Dec. 15.
For information call Lori at 970-232-5511 or Gail at 970-481-2372 or email EstesParkQuota@gmail.com.
Golden Antler Awards honor philanthropy
The 2024-2025 recipients of the Bank of Estes Park Golden Antler Award are Brian Schaffer, executive director of Crossroads Ministry, and Lisa Hohensee, Jean Tasker, Nicole Gassmann, and Maureen Mcann, founders of The Bridge of Estes, a new non-profit initiative in Estes Park, with Crossroads Ministry as its fiscal sponsor, dedicated to providing services and support to local cancer warriors during their fight with any type of cancer.
Schaffer’s award included a $2,000 grant from the Bank of Estes which was made payable to Crossroads Ministry. The awards were presented Sunday evening at Crossroads’ Vintage event, an annual fundraiser.
Hohensee, Tasker, Gassmann, and Mcann received $2,000 on behalf of The Bridge of Estes.
The recipients of the 2023-2024 Bank of Estes Park Golden Antler Award were Scott (in memoriam) and Katie Webermeier, with a $3,000 grant awarded to the Estes Park Learning Place, and Randy Maharry, who selected the Village Thrift Shop to receive a $2,000 grant.
The Bank of Estes Park Golden Antler Award was created in 2023 to recognize outstanding acts of philanthropy by individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the Estes Valley community. The recipient of the award can then select a local non-profit to receive a grant from the Bank of Estes Park.
Blue Santa accepting holiday cheer nominations
Nominations for disabled, elderly, and shut-in individuals who could use some holiday cheer are being accepted by Blue Santa, the Estes Park Police Department Auxiliary Unit that sponsors the annual program. Blue Santa purchases and delivers non-perishable food and hygiene products to about 100 qualified recipients each year. Nominations can be sent before Nov. 30 to BlueSanta@estes.org or use the online nomination form at estes.org/bluesanta. Bright Christmas recipients are not eligible.
Monetary donations to the program can be sent to the Blue Santa program, c/o Estes Park Police Auxiliary, P.O. Box 1287, Estes Park, CO. Credit and debit card donations are accepted at estes.org/on-linepayments.