XII-621 Locally owned and originated in 2000 FREE COPY Friday, October 19, 2012 Boreal Owl Photo by Scott Rashid See Article On Page 7

Page 2 Friday, October 19, 2012 www.estesparknews.com Estes Park Police Department Staff Honored For Outstanding Service Estes Park NEWS,Inc. Your Hometown News 7,800 copies distributed FREE every Friday to hundreds of Estes' popular locations. FREE ON-LINE VIRTUAL PAPER! at www.estesparknews.com Ph: (970) 586-5800 Fax: (970) 692-2611 Opinions of our columnists are not necessarily the opinions of this newspaper. Publishers: Gary & Kris Hazelton Estes Park residents and owners. Editor: Kris Hazelton Ads & Website Design Specialist: Andrew Donaldson ads@estesparknews.com Classifieds/Reception Deanna Szuter Press releases to: kris@estesparknews.com All editorial, photographic content and graphic design is copyright of Estes Park News and can not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Estes Park News, Inc. ©2012 For subscription information contact us. EP NEWS Deadlines Monday: Space reservations today! Tuesday: Copy deadline by 4:00 p.m. Classifieds: Phoned in-12 p.m. Wed Submitted to website - Weds. 1 pm go to: www.estesparknews.com Our office/studio is located at: 1191 Woodstock Drive, Unit B Just down the road from B&B Food Left to right: Police Chief Wes Kufeld, Officer Jerry Twigg, Officer Corey Richards, Community Services Manager Amanda Nagl, Sergeant Rick Life, Sergeant Mark Swallow and Sergeant Corey Pass. Photo by Eric Rose Six members of the Estes Park Police Department were recognized for excellence during the Oct. 9 meeting of the Estes Park Town Board. Dispatchers Julie Sullivan, Jan Carpenter and Susan Perney received commendations from the Estes Park Police Department for their work during the Woodland Heights Fire on June 23, 2012. They were the three dispatchers on duty, working cohesively as a team to answer telephone calls and obtain information to dispatch emergency services and agency assistance. Sullivan, Carpenter and Perney answered 97 emergency 911 calls in just the first hour of the fire, plus many more calls on the administrative non-emergency line. In making the commendations, Police Chief Wes Kufeld cited the incredible professionalism they displayed while performing their duties. During the award ceremony, officers Corey Richards and Jerry Twigg were honored for their bravery during the Woodland Heights Fire. Richards and Twigg were the first emergency services personnel on scene at 11:55 a.m. The two officers immediately notified dispatch. Surrounded by homes engulfed in flames and propane tanks exploding, they went from door to door evacuating residences. The two officers were each presented with the Medal of Valor, a plaque and a bar for their uniforms. Thanks to efforts such as theirs, there were no injuries sustained and no lives lost during the Woodland Heights Fire. And finally, Police Commander Eric Rose presented Chief Kufeld with the Police Department's prestigious Lifesaving Award. On May 24, 2012, Chief Kufeld responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Hwy. 7 and Fish Creek Road. After pulling an unconscious male from a vehicle, he cleared the individual's airway and stabilized his condition. The man was transported to the Estes Park Medical Center and made a full recovery. During the presentation, Chief Kufeld acknowledged his wife, Cindy, for her assistance in the rescue. To receive Town news in your email inbox, please email townadmin@estes.org. For this and other Town news, please visit www.estes.org/news. Left to right: Police Chief Wes Kufeld, dispatchers Jan Carpenter, Julie Sullivan and Susan Perney, Sergeant Corey Pass and Community Services Manager Amanda Nagl. Photo by Eric Rose

www.estesparknews.com New Police Officer Sworn In To EPPD Upon completing a year of on-the-job training, Estes Park Police Officer Corey Richards was formally sworn in by Town Clerk Jackie Williamson at the October 9 Town Officer Corey Richards is sworn in by Town Clerk Jackie Williamson, with his wife Jessica and Chief Wes Kufeld standing by. Courtesy photo The Estes Park Medical Center Foundation is now in the exciting final days of the "500 Club" 50 day campaign to raise $500,000 for the new Diagnostic Imaging project, which will house MRI and CAT scan. When completed in February 2013, the services provided by these two instruments will greatly assist our physicians in providing enhanced quality of care to our visitors, our community, and our families. As you drive around the Medical Center, you can now see the daily progress being made toward our goal. We invite you to join us in this opportunity to impact so many lives. With current charitable commitments well over $400,000 your gift will en- Board meeting. Standing nearby were his wife, Jessica, and Police Chief Wes Kufeld. Officer Richards has been with the Estes Park Police Department since October of 2011. Final Days Of EPMCF "500 Club" able us to achieve this final portion of our goal. If you have already become a vital part of this project, we cannot thank you enough. If you have yet to add your support, we urge you join the EPMC Foundation Board in doing so at this time. Please call with your questions or to schedule a tour: Jill Anderson at 970- 577-4306 or Tara Moenning at 970-577- 0186. Friday, October 19, 2012 Page 3

Page 4 Friday, October 19, 2012 www.estesparknews.com The Fern Lake Fire has experienced minimal fire behavior of smoldering and creeping for the last few days. With only minimal fire spread likely through week's end, a National Incident Management Organization Team and some firefighting crews are being released. Command of the fire was transferred back to Rocky Mountain National Park's staff Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. Firefighting crews that remain are continuing to manage the Fern Lake Fire with a full suppression strategy. Increasingly gusty winds may increase fire activity. Crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire, which is 673 acres and 30% contained. Top priorities of park management and fire officials are safety of visitors and firefighters and keeping the fire within park boundaries. An area closure continues to be in effect. Upper Beaver Meadows Road and Moraine Park Campground are closed. Bear Lake Road has reopened, but Fern Firefighters Remain To Patrol The Fern Lake Fire Lake Road is still closed. To ensure visitor safety and to protect park resources, all trails and areas accessed from north and west (right side) of Bear Lake Road remain closed, including the Cub Lake Trail, Fern Lake Trail, Hollowell Park Trail, Bierstadt Trail, Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trail, and all trails south of Trail Ridge Road, including Ute Trail. Flattop Trail is open, but access is closed to Fern Lake and Bierstadt trails. Hikers may still access Nymph, Emerald and Dream lakes. Snow drifts have temporarily closed Trail Ridge Road at Many Parks WEEKLY POLICE REPORT From the Estes Park Police Dept. The charge(s) are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. On October 8 at 12:51 a.m. police responded to 404 Stanley Ave. on a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, police arrested a 35 year old Estes Park male for third degree assault and domestic violence against a 27 year old female victim. The male was transported to Larimer County Detention Center. On October 8 at 7:35 police arrested a 28 year old male from Estes Park at 506 Grand Estates Drive for forgery and theft. He was transported to Larimer County Detention Center. On October 11 at 12:14 p.m. police contacted a suspicious individual at 356 E. Elkhorn Ave. and found the 42 year old Fort Collins male to be wanted on several warrants for failure to appear and failure to comply in Fort Collins. The male was transported to Larimer County Detention Center. On October 11 at 4:44 p.m. police arrested a 36 year old female from Estes Park for theft at 1340 Big Thompson Ave. She was later transported to Larimer County Detention Center. On October 11 at 8:54 p.m. police charged an underage male at 170 Mac- Gregor Ave. with possession and consumption of alcohol. He was later released to a sober party. On October 13 police were called to 2086 Upland Circle at 9:42 p.m. on a report of a disturbance. On scene, a 64 year old Estes Park male and a 67 year old Estes Park male were charged with disorderly conduct and later released on summons. On October 15 at 1:37 a.m. police stopped a 22 year old male driver from Estes Park at 740 Moraine Avenue for speeding. The male was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and took a blood test to determine BRAC. He was charged with DUI, DUI per se and speeding and later released to a sober adult. Curve on the east side and Colorado River Trailhead on the west side. Violation of any closure notice will result in citation and fine up to $500. While crews continue their efforts, investigators are trying to determine how and where this fire ignited. If you were in the vicinity of the Cub Lake Trail and/or the Fern Lake Trail any time before 2 p.m. October 9, the day the fire was first reported, you may have pertinent information. If you saw anything unusual or noteworthy, investigators Courtesy photos would like to talk with you. You can contact the National Park Service to share your information at 970-586-1399. Additional information about this fire can be found at www.inciweb.org, or by calling (970) 586-1381. New information will be released as it becomes available. Fern Lake Fire Investigators Look For Help From Community Fire investigators looking into the cause of the Fern Lake Fire are asking for help from the community. Investigators believe those who visited the park on October 9 may have information that can help determine both how and where the fire started. If you were in the vicinity of the Cub Lake Trail and/or the Fern Lake Trail any time before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9 you may have pertinent information. If you saw anything unusual or noteworthy, investigators would like to talk with you. You can contact the National Park Service to share your information at 970-586-1399. The Fern Lake Fire started on October 9 and was first reported at 2 p.m. It is currently at 673 acres and 5 percent contained. With a slight warming and drying trend in the forecast, minimal fire spread is expected over the next few days. Firefighters continue to monitor and patrol the fire area.

www.estesparknews.com Estes Valley Disaster Relief Fund Update A disaster in the form of fire hit our close-knit community this summer and individuals were impacted in various ways. Some were impacted immediately, escaping the blaze by mere seconds. Many were left homeless and some of those found themselves using insurance money intended to rebuild to pay for day-to-day living expenses. Some are just beginning to realize how much they lost and how much they still need. As our community came together, money was generously raised by our community to support those in crisis due to the Woodland Heights Fire. Shortly thereafter, the Estes Valley Disaster Relief Fund was founded in order to respond to the basic human needs of food, shelter, clothing and resources. The funds raised by the community were funneled into an account managed by Crossroads Ministry as the fiscal agent. Applications for assistance were created and distributed by Estes Valley Victim Advocates. A process of distributing these funds began quickly. The Estes Valley Disaster Relief Fund has given out funds for work clothes, rental assistance, car repair, household items, tools and other goods and services to 27 individuals who were impacted by the fire. The community volunteers who sit on the Estes Valley Disaster Relief Fund know that recovery is not only about the restoration of buildings, systems and services but also about individuals and families being able to rebound from their devastating losses. With this in mind and with the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Estes Valley Disaster Relief Fund has moved from 'short-term recovery' work to 'long-term recovery' work. The long-term program will incorporate a case management team along with an unmet needs committee comprised of relief agencies, faith-based, non-profit, government, business and civic organizations. A strong, well-organized longterm recovery group can ensure that available resources are utilized to address recovery needs in the long haul and that nobody is left behind. The goal of the Estes Valley Long-Term Recovery Team is to unite recovery resources with community needs in order to ensure that even the most vulnerable in our community recovers from the Woodland Heights Fire. If you need assistance or would like to donate services, resources or funds please call or email the Estes Valley Long-Term Recovery Team at 970-217- 3160 or EstesValleyRe@aol.com. Watch our June 23, 2012 video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4fgujs3wJY Slash Collection At Stanley Park Fairgrounds The Estes Valley Fire Protection District will once again be providing a slash collection site to assist individual residents, not commercial locations or businesses, get rid of slash they have accumulated as they have improved defensible spaces around homes. Due to space limitations, we will not be accepting any bags or piles of yard debris (needles and cones) or slash from commercial sites. Residents of the Estes Valley Fire Protection District can bring slash to the Community Drive entrance of the Stanley Park Fairgrounds on Saturdays: October 20th, 27th and November 3rd, only, from 9:00-1:00. Turn left as you enter the fairgrounds and the site will be directly ahead. Slash consists of tree trimmings, small tree trunks, and shrubs that have been removed to create or improve defensible space around structures. Fire fighters appreciate all the work property owners do to reduce wildfire hazards as they cannot take the time to do that work when a wildfire threatens an area. Here are some actions property owners can do to create defensible spaces. * Thin continuous tree and brush cover around all structures. * Clean out gutters and roof areas where pine needles collect regularly. * Clean pine needles and other debris from under decks and in corners of structures. * Mow grass and weeds around structures to prevent flames from reaching it. * Prune tree branches to a height of 8-10 feet to eliminate the possibility of fire reaching the branches (ladder fuels) and burning the tree and possibly reaching the structure. * Remove any small tree or shrub from under large trees to prevent fire from reaching the tree branches. * Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from any structure. * Post reflective house numbers at the edge of the road so they are clearly visible both day and night. * Make sure the driveway is at least 12 feet wide and all tree branches are cleared to a height of 14 feet to allow emergency response vehicles safe access to all structures. For more information on creating defensible space and additional safety measures, contact: Sue Pinkham at: spinkham@estes.org or 970-577-3682. EP NEWS/ Kris Hazelton Friday, October 19, 2012 Page 5

Page 6 Friday, October 19, 2012 By: Michelle Hurni Cory Gardner may not represent Estes Park after 2012 (because of the 2010 redistricting) but he did take time out of his campaign to check in with constituents in Estes Park at Cheesy Lees. He wants them to know he's still in Washington fighting for them. Representative Gardner said the biggest shocker when he arrived in Washington D.C. for his first term was how people in Washington believe they can spend and print the way out of this recession. He advocates more jobs to kick start the economy. One of the biggest benefits he has seen as a U.S. Representative is the ability to nominate candidates to U.S. service academies. He had the privilege of calling a young man who was accepted to West Point and fulfilling that candidates dream to defend our country. If Gardner wins his re-election bid, he wants to get the economy back on track over the next two years. He wants to reform the tax code so we have longerterm certainty, instead of our representatives having to hold last minute votes each year to extend existing tax cuts. Im- www.estesparknews.com U.S. Representative Cory Garder Visits Estes Park Cory Gardner supports the local Estes Park pizza parlor, Cheesy Lees. Photo by Michelle Hurni Elkhorn Lodge is now offering Haunted Hay Rides now through Octo- portant reforms to him are the Estate Tax (if not reformed, it will go up to 55%), the business tax, and to broaden the base so we have more people employed who are paying taxes. When he was a young boy, he remembers his dad saying, "we're going to pay more taxes this year." His dad explained it as a good thing and Cory wants to pass that along. If you earn more money (either as a business or individual), you have more money and can pay your "fair share" of taxes. When the 2010 census created a redrawing of districts, Estes Park was removed from Larimer County (for representation purposes) and lumped in with Boulder in the 2 nd Congressional District. Kevin Lundberg (R) is running against incumbent Jared Polis (D) for the U.S. House of Representatives. Cory Gardner believes Kevin Lundberg can win that race and join him in Washington D.C. The current breakdown in the U.S. House of Representatives is 3 Democrats and 4 Republicans, while both Senators are Democrats. Cheesy Lees hosted Cory Gardner and the Estes Park constituents for a lunch of pizza and wings. A Special Way To Thank Our Downtown Merchants For Their Halloween Generosity As a way to thank our downtown merchants for their generosity each and every year at Halloween, why not consider purchasing a few bags of Halloween treats and donate it to one or more of our downtown shops who so graciously give of their time and money to purchase treats as well as staff their front doors for the hundreds and hundreds of people who come to celebrate Halloween in Estes Park. There is also a cart at the door on the west end of our local Safeway store where you can drop off Halloween treats which will be distributed by Estes Valley Partners for Commerce to our downtown businesses. Please consider giving back to those who give so much for our Halloween celebration. Thank you! Watch our 2011 video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIyjB997CUU Haunted Hay Rides At The Elkhorn Lodge ber from 5-9 p.m. Call 970-586-4416 for reservations and more information.

www.estesparknews.com The Boreal Owl By: Scott Rashid The Boreal Owl is so named because it is found in the boreal forests throughout the northern hemisphere. We are fortunate to have these owls living within RMNP. They are most often heard but not seen. Many a birder has placed this species on their life list as "heard only" due to the owls ability to remain out of sight when vocalizing after dark. Within RMNP the Boreal Owl prefers the old growth forest near the Hidden Valley. I found my first Boreal Owl there in 1994 and most years since then I have been able to see one of these beautiful birds. The interesting thing about this species is that since 1994 I had never A beautiful juvenile Boreal Owl photographed just before being captured in a mist net. Photos by Scott Rashid heard more than a single calling bird within that area. In 2011, with the assistance of Gary C. Miller of RMNP we began setting up a series of nets to trap and band these owls to determine the number of individuals that live in the Hidden Valley area. Having only heard a single bird at one time, I figured that we would catch one lone male and that would be all. Well, much to our surprise, last year we caught four owls, three young birds and one adult female. So far this year, we have caught three young birds, all of which were born this year. Therefore, there are apparently many, many more Boreal Owls in RMNP than anyone had ever thought. That same owl, note the well feathered feet to keep the bird insulated during the winter National Philanthropy Day In Estes Park Nominations to recognize philanthropists Would you like to see someone special recognized for their generous support of nonprofits? The Estes Park Nonprofit Resource Center and the YMCA of the Rockies are joining forces to recognize the individuals and businesses that make a significant impact in our community. You are invited to nominate individuals or businesses for: 1) individual philanthropist of the year and/or 2) business philanthropist of the year. Included can be donors, grantmakers, and volunteers who support the Estes Park community through their generosity, time and/or talent to nonprofits. These individuals and businesses will be recognized during the National Philanthropy Day in Estes Park event on November 15, 2012, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. This event is being co-hosted by the YMCA of the Rockies and the Estes Park Nonprofit Resource Center. National Philanthropy Day is the special day set aside to recognize and celebratephilanthropists, volunteers, staff and nonprofits who have made a difference in our lives, our communities, our nation and our world through their support. The nomination process is simple. Complete the nomination form by Friday, October 26. Electronic submission is preferred to director@epnonprofit.org. Paper copies can be mailed to EPNRC, P.O. Box 4221, Estes Park CO 80517. Nomination forms can be found on the EPNRC's website or obtained by contacting the EPRNC at director@epnonprofit.org. Receipts of nominations will be confirmed by an email message. Awardees will be selected by a committee representing the community. Thank you in advance for your participation. Friday, October 19, 2012 Page 7

Page 8 Friday, October 19, 2012 www.estesparknews.com Get Tickets Today For The MomMe Show! Calling all Parents, Grandparents, Children and those who love Children! Parents as Teachers (PAT), a program of Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS) is proud to partner with a professional improv troupe to premier The MomMe Show: Postpartum Expressions from Modern Moms Saturday, October 27. Starring four of Denver's funniest females, who also happen to be moms, the show is an honest look at what we parents go through every day! A humorous look into the toughest job you'll ever love, the show will be a mix of comic scenes, music and improvisational comedy. Appropriate for all ages, the show is best suited to older children and definitely their parents! Plan an entertaining family night, date night or girl's night out and support a great local cause! All proceeds from the show will go to PAT, a service of EVICS. The goal of EVICS is to promote and support quality early childhood care and education in the Estes Valley. A natural fit to serve families of young children, EVICS brought PAT to the Estes Valley in 2011 to increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices, provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, and increase children's school readiness and school success. Parents are the primary and best teachers of their children; PAT Parent educators support and educate parents of children 0-5 years of age by sharing research-based information during monthly personal visits that are customized to meet the needs of each family, monthly group meetings, health and developmental screenings, and connecting parents with local resources. The EVICS and PAT programs are fullyfunded by grants and donations. About the show Like many good ideas (and a lot of babies), this show was conceived after good food, lots of laughing, and a little bit of wine. Sara Alan, Garrett Faillaci, Renee Harper and Susan Knudten all performed together doing professional improv more than a decade ago. There they established a mutual respect onstage, and a shared trust to speak the truth about life offstage. Especially about mothering experiences - the joys, the challenges, the changes to body and mind, the loss of identity, and the expansion of themselves as humans. The hope is that this show speaks on some level to the mother inside everyone. Because really, we're all a bunch of mothers when it comes down to it. Meet the Performers Susan Knudten Susan did improv for 20 years or so and now does some TV commercials and voiceover work. With her son Jack (17) now in his senior year of high school, she is busy shopping for colleges that will allow her to live in the dorm room next to his. Won't that be fun, son? Won't it? Garrett Faillaci Two of the co-founders of Westminster's Madcap Theater, Garrett and husband Stephen moved to Estes Park with their son Rocco (2-1/2) in 2011. Despite her roots in glitter lip gloss and stilettos, Garrett has been happy to adjust to life in the Land of Fleece and Hiking Boots. Rocco will always be, however, the most stylish toddler in town. Renee Harper Renee and her husband Brian are also cofounders and regular performers at Madcap Theater, established in 2006. They are the parents of Ashe (6) and Aidan (4), both of whom Renee recently inadvertently kicked in the face with a soccer ball. Sara Alan With husband Brian McManus, Sara is the mother of daughter Emerson (15 months), the youngest of the joint brood. Sara has performed improv and sketch comedy in Denver and New York City. She still believes it is possible to raise a child without TV. Ha! See how funny Sara is? Plan to attend the family-friendly October 27 benefit The MomMe Show: Postpartum Expressions from Modern Moms and support young families in the Estes Valley. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for kids 12 and under and $30 for a dinner and show combo ticket that includes dinner at Poppy's or Mama Rose's. Reservations are recommended for the dinner and show combo package, and remember to show your server your ticket when placing your order. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at Macdonald Book Shop or the EVICS Office located at 600 S St Vrain, next to Estes Park Pharmacy. For more information, contact Karin Steers: 970-646-5840 or Ksteers@evics.org.

www.estesparknews.com The Thunker by Sarah Holdt Ask me to go camping and what do I think? I picture a tent and sleeping bags and sitting around a campfire drinking hot chocolate with a drizzle of peppermint schnapps, gazing at the brilliant stars shimmering against a black night sky. I imagine hanging my food from a tree and spitting toothpaste foam into a cup of water and dumping that onto the fire so the minty scent doesn't attract bears. I set up my dehydrator so I can dry spaghetti sauce and mushrooms for a camp stove dinner and some apple slices for snacks, and then I get the headlamp, the Thermarest, the candle lantern and the long johns ready to go. So when we were invited to go camping last weekend I immediately planned for the thrill and challenge and fulfillment of a onewith-nature, roughing-it experience. The other 11 couples had something entirely different in mind. We arrived at our reserved group campsite at Cherry Creek State Park, found almost a dozen RVs pulled up in a circle like a pioneer wagon train, and pitched our tent in the middle. The only other tent was already up-twice the size of our two-person unit. Fellow "campers" came over to help us put up our humble abode, which took all of five minutes, and then it was cocktail hour. We made our way to the group pavilion. Our kitchen had enough outlets for all the crockpots, toasters and coffee makers to be plugged in at the same time, the granite countertops were laden with pot luck fare, and the faucet provided hot water for washing up. The bathrooms on the back side had lights, flush toilets, and hand dryers. Our organizer, we call her "Glady," had spread tablecloths on each sturdy picnic table and decorated them with pumpkins and floral arrangements. We drank sophisticated blended adult beverages (cucumber serrano chili martinis) and ate gourmet appetizers while we renewed friendships with the others in the group. And they called this camping? At least we all shivered as evening descended into night, not just us slummers. Around the campfire, the equal-opportunity wood smoke didn't chase just the tentcampers, so we all laughed at the obligatory jokes about which way that smoke was blowing. And then we retired to our softsided accommodations while everyone else (except the other tent couple) retreated to the quiet warmth of their hard-shell motor homes. I should insert here that Mark and I backpacked to Timber Lake on the other side of the Park for our honeymoon 15 years ago. Backpacking and camping were a way of life for me in my single days. It's what I did for entertainment. I love it now as much as I loved it then. Mark, on the other hand, didn't tell me at the time that sleeping upon minimal cushion with his socks on and a stocking cap on his head, his mummy bag pulled tight around his face, makes him achy and less than chipper. I have accused him of tricking me into marrying him by leading me to believe he loved this rugged lifestyle. Now I know the truth: Mark likes his creature comforts. A lot. (In case I've misled, I'm still glad I married him. A lot.) He was up with the sun and as a result, was treated to a glorious sunrise. After witnessing the watercolor sky and reveling under the warming spray of his coin-operated shower, his spirits had lifted. By then the coffee was ready and the morning fire had been stoked. It was going to be a perfect day. Until the rain came down. It rained and poured and showered and drenched and once it started it never ceased. We abandoned our tent and retreated to civilization, hoping the forecast was accurate and the precipitation would let up. Several hours later we agreed it was time to wave the white flag. We went back to the castles-on-wheels campsite and dashed into the center of the cul-de-sac to collect our lawn chairs, cooler, toaster and other miscellany and to take down the wet tent (everything inside it was dry; it's a good tent!). Embarrassed that my youthful granola conviction had turned soggy, I tried to work quickly and get out of there before detected. As I bobbed my head to shake the rain off my hood, my cell phone rang. Busted! Karla was calling to offer her help and to let us know everyone understood why we were conceding defeat. The phone rang again. Would we like to watch football with Bob and Joyce in their rig, where it was warm and dry? The scene reminded me of a very small town, with everyone peeking out their windows, watching us pack up and reporting to their campermates what they were seeing. "Looks like Mark and Sarah have given up." "Really? It's supposed to stop raining any time now." "Too bad they're leaving. They were going to provide all the s'mores stuff for the campfire tonight." "Gosh, we'll miss the s'mores--uh--I mean we'll miss them." Wouldn'tcha know, up came the sun and dried up all the rain half-an-hour after we headed home. We heard that the rest of the weekend at Cherry Creek State Park was beautiful. We had a terrific time camping with the other half, half the weekend. As much as our pals worked at convincing us to upsize for future camping adventures, I hope we'll continue to bunk in our little tent pitched in the shadow of their moveable mansions. All we need is a thick slab of foam for Mark and a weekend without rain. You may let The Thunker know what you think at her e-mail address, donoholdt@gmail.com. EPES Fundraiser At MacDonalds Restaurant The Estes Park Elementary School PTO, in partnership with McDonald's restaurant, is hosting a Jr. Bobcat Night on Tuesday, October 23, from 4to 8 p.m. McDonald's will donate 20% on all sales generated from the drive thru or inside dinning. Proceeds from this event will be used to purchase iPads for elementary school students. The community is invited to participate in this fundraiser. Thank you for supporting the Estes Park Elementary PTO. Friday, October 19, 2012 LONIGANS Special WEEKEND Page 9 DJ-DANCE Night KARAOKE Night with Bard Griffin Special Guest DJ & KJ Host CASH PRIZES for best costumes BOTH NIGHTS and a Special SCARYOKE Night on with Special KJ Host Justin D Witches Brew Shots for a $1.00

Page 10 Friday, October 19, 2012 www.estesparknews.com On September 21, 2012 Wendy Denise Card married Terrence William Fletcher in an outdoor ceremony at Mary's Lake Lodge. The wedding party consisted of April Carder, Matron of Honor, Trevor Crystal, Best Man and Stella Carder, Flower Girl. The Estes Valley Library's youth services department will sponsor a "Signs of Halloween" workshop with Donna Salamoff on Tuesday, October 30 th from 4:00-4:30 p.m. in the Hondius Room. The class is for children ages 5-9. During the session participants will see how facial expressions, body movements and sign language can bring stories to life. Join storyteller and dramatic movement instructor Donna Salamoff for a half hour of drama fun! Signs Of Halloween Wendy went to school with both April and Trevor here in Estes Park. Trevor works with Terrence at the Union Pacific Railroad and he introduced them to one another. Wendy's parents are Diane and Scott Sutter of Estes Park. Congratulations to the happy couple! Donna Salamoff is a certified sign language instructor who has taught hearing and deaf people of all ages over the past 30 years. She was born deaf and has used signs her entire life. Deaf Awareness, sensitivity and culture will be incorporated into this engaging creative dramatics workshop. Space is limited and sign up is required by calling the library at 586- 8116. Another workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, November 20 th as Donna presents "Signs of Thanksgiving."