By: Charley L. Dickey IV

Living here in Estes Park, I am surrounded by many that have accomplished the task of climbing Longs Peak. Those that have failed attempts and those that have succeeded in reaching the summit have an understanding of the drive, desire and effort necessary to realize this goal.

On July 15, Roy Kleinsorge sent me an e-mail asking if he and his son Eric could tag along with me up one of the two trips I had planned to Longs Peak. Roy said he and his son had attempted the climb in 2000 and got just past the Keyhole but due to the great unknown and conditions, they turned back. In between then and now, Eric had an accident and shattered his heel and had reconstructive surgery done on his right foot leaving him a size and a half difference in feet with virtually no lateral movement. Doctors told him he would never be able to do any major hiking. You need to know Eric to know that this would prove to be a statement of challenge. When Dad Roy called Eric and said “I have a Longs Peak trip planned with some folks who have been there several times,” Eric began a workout routine to enable him to physically make the trip. Eric, 42 years old, lives in Texas and his Dad lives here in Estes most of the time and Texas part time. Roy, twice retired, will turn 70 this October and was concerned with his physical capabilities to make it to the top. I told Roy we needed to do some warm up hikes to test our abilities.

Well after hiking to the top of Twin Sister’s without a rest break, Hallett Peak with no rest except halfway up the 400 vertical feet of Hallett’s summit, then the trilogy of Chiquita, Ypsilon and Chapin in less than five hours, I knew Roy was ready. I wasn’t sure who was testing who at that point.

On August 19, 2010, we started our journey from the trailhead at 4:10 a.m. We set a pace that got us to the resting rock in an hour and to the Chasm turn off in two. The day was a miserable day with virtually no sun and the clouds blocked most of our views. The wind was a chilling factor blowing from the direction of Lady Washington behind us. We had gloves and hats on after the first hour and left them on all day with the addition of rain gear on our descent. The trail was not crowded as it was a Thursday with questionable weather. Roy and Eric did great. They were careful, considerate to others (not unusual for mountain hikers) and kept the pace going. We made it through the Keyhole, Ledges, Trough and on to the Final Stretch, ‘summit fever’ was in their blood.

Dad Roy sunsmitten first taking pictures of his son doing the final grunt. You could clearly see the pride and exuberation on his face and hear it in his voice. Once we were all on the summit, the emotion of the climb for Eric was overwhelming, he had to put on his sun glasses to hide the tears of sheer joy in the climb he and his Dad just accomplished. For me, I got to share in the moment and relive the feeling I had as a young boy on my Dad’s shoulder hiking up Specimen Mountain in 1962. Those bonds between father and son are priceless.

Thanks Roy and Eric and congratulations on a great accomplishment.

This weekend the world famous Wheel Bar in Estes Park celebrates 65 years of serving Estes Park.

To thank the community and all of the guests who have visited “The Wheel” throughout the years, the Nagl family invites everyone in for $1 well drinks and $1 domestic draft beers at their 65th Anniversary Party! The party takes place at The Wheel Bar, 132 E. Elkhorn Ave. on Sunday, August 29th from 4-8 p.m.

The Wheel Bar has a long and friendly family history here in Estes Park.

In August of 1945 Mike (O.M.) Nagl while on a trip through Estes Park, purchased the Estes Park Beer Parlor from Ted Jelsema. Little did Mike and his wife Lee (Leola) know at the time that this purchase would lead to 65 years of hospitality, dining, lots of laughs and community service.

Early into business ownership, the Nagls knew that they didn’t want The Wheel to be just another watering hole. They quickly became much more than that by becoming an integral part of our community with their many events they sponsored.

They started many traditions like the Wheel Bar Open Golf Tournament, the Abalone Hunt, The Case Family Reunion and Bastille Day Ceremonies. They also came up with the Wheel Streak, a foot race sponsored by The Wheel to help fund construction of the Estes Park Visitors Center. The Estes Park Duck Race was also inspired and started by Steve Nagl.

The name The Wheel Bar came from a contest that Mike held to name what was then, Mike’s Tavern. After the bar was renovated, a contest was held to “name the place.” Lee reported that they received every name in the book as a suggestion, but when the name “The Wheel” came about, it seemed a great fit because of the fact that it was a local hangout for everyone who was anyone. Ty Nagl said, “If you needed a business license, needed to talk to anyone about your light bill or anything like that, chances are they would be found here.” This place was the hub of the town so calling the bar ‘The Wheel’ just fit.

Mike and Lee ran the business for 32 years until they transferred ownership in 1977 to the couple’s son, Steve and his wife Gay.

Steve and Gay kept the family tradition of the many activities and fund raisers that Mike and Lee had started so many years before.

The Nagl family has a long history of donating their time, money and resources to the community of Estes Park. In addition to running their bar and restaurant, the Nagl family has been a motivating factor in more than their share of important community fund drives. Steve’s philosophy is “If you help build the community, its going to come back to you.” That is a family value and belief that has been passed from generation to generation.

The Nagls attribute their success to the devotion of their guests over the years. The Nagls know how important it is to make everyone at their establishment feel welcome. That is imperative to assure their return customers. As a matter of fact, people return year after year from all corners of the world to enjoy a drink and a laugh at The Wheel.

The Wheel Bar gets locals and tourists alike in their bar and is a very popular place to stop, have a drink and enjoy the Nagl family hospitality.

Join the Nagls as they celebrate their 65th anniversary on August 29th. This will be a very special celebration at the world famous Wheel Bar, right here in Estes Park, CO.

Photos EP NEWS/ Gary Hazelton

Organizers of the Estes Park Film Festival recently announced that actor Art LaFleur will be the featured guest at the 5th annual event. Considered one of the greatest character actors in Hollywood, Art LaFleur has an extensive body of work in both film and television.

A native of Gary, Indiana, LaFleur may be best-known for his performance as baseball player Babe Ruth in The Sandlot. LaFleur also appeared as baseball player, Chick Gandil, in Field of Dreams, as the White House’s security chief in First Kid, and as “McNulty” in both Trancers (1985) and Trancers II (1991). He also had a memorable role in The Santa Clause 2 in 2002, and The Santa Clause 3 in 2006 as the tooth fairy. Other film roles include Air America, Maverick and Beethoven’s 4th. He has also had many guest-starring roles on television shows, including Northern Exposure, Home Improvement, Angel, JAG, Cold Case and House M.D.

“We are thrilled and honored to have Art LaFleur join us for the festival this year,” co-director Sean Doherty said. “Art has had an amazing career spanning over 30 years as one of the hardest working actors in Hollywood.”

The 5th Annual Estes Park Film Festival will take place September 17-19 at the Historic Park Theatre in downtown Estes Park, Colorado. This year’s line-up of films, which will be released on August 25, will include over 30 independent films from around the world. Art LaFleur will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the festival’s closing night ceremonies on September 19 at the Historic Park Theatre. The award ceremony will also include a film retrospective of LaFleur’s work and a lively question and answer session with the audience. Tickets for the closing night party and awards ceremony are $25 and can be purchased online at www.estesparkfilm.com or at the Park Theatre box office after August 25.

Courtesy photo

In May of 2009, Phil Magistro and Apryle Craig embarked on a 1,250 mile sea kayak journey along the Inside Passage—through Washington, up the wild coast of British Columbia, and along the panhandle of Alaska into Glacier Bay. This kayaker’s dream-route not only passes through some of the most dramatic scenery of the Pacific Northwest, but also through the heart of the British Columbia salmon farming industry and the controversy surrounding it. In a special presentation on Monday, August 9, at 7 p.m. at the Estes Valley Library, Phil and Apryle will describe their 111-day adventure along the coast, sharing photos and video, and discussing the fate of the wild Pacific salmon.

This presentation is titled “Kayaking the Inside Passage” and is part of the Library’s continuing adventure series titled “Our Wonderful World.” Admission to the program is free. For information about the Library’s full roster of programs and events, visit the library website at EstesValleyLibrary.org.

Courtesy Photo

The Estes Park Museum Friends and staff are offering free walking tours of downtown Estes Park historic sites and the fascinating Birch cabin and Ruins at the Heritage Festival August 21 and 22.

Take this opportunity to learn about Estes Park’s early downtown area and view the historic sites and buildings that survive today. The Downtown Walking tours start at 12:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Explore the mysterious stone ruins, high on the knoll, as well as the Birch Cabin. This tour begins at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., on both days, August 21 & 22. Meet your tour guide at the museum booth in Bond Park. This event is presented by the Friends of the Museum and the museum staff. Courtesy photos

The Cultural Arts Council of Park celebrates its 12th year presenting outdoor music by presenting Jeff Van Devender in concert on Thursday, August 5 at Performance Park, starting at 7:00 p.m. The performance is part of the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park’s Thursday Night Live concert series.

Colorado musician Jeff Van Devender makes his first Thursday Night Live appearance, showcasing his unique blend of piano compositions & arrangements. Van Devender’s engagements have included a 10-year run with YMCA of the Rockies’ Summerfest, as well as a resident pianist at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park & The St. Regis Hotel & Hotel Jerome in Aspen among others.

An elementary music educator by trade, Van Devender’s piano music can be heard every Sunday in two different churches in/near Glenwood Springs. A recent Masters Degree in Music Education recipient, summers find Jeff showcasing at coffeehouses, churches and music festivals throughout Colorado & the Midwest. Jeff’s music can also be heard on a number of educational and promotional dvd’s.

Sometimes described as Jim Brickman introduces George Winston to Elton John, Van Devender’s piano melodies are best portrayed as a blending of classical, jazz & subtle rock influences with a touch of soul. Jeff has released 3 cd’s of piano music on his own JavaMusiK label. In addition, several compositions have been published on his recently formed Alpine Road Publishing at www.JavaMusiK.com.

The remaining 2010 Thursday Night Live Series includes:
August 12 – Dick Zavodny Polka Band – traditional polka music sure to get you dancing!
August 19 – Estes Park Village Band – Classical, contemporary and popular music
August 26 – Brad Fitch, Folk & Western vocalist singing original music and popular favorites
Thursday Night Live is presented with underwriting support from the Estes Village Properties/Coldwell Banker, the Estes Park Convention and Visitor Bureau, The Estes Park Rotary Foundation, and Bobcats Undertaking Community Service. Free-will donations are also accepted at the end of each performance and help pay the musician’s honorariums. The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park is a 501 (c)(3) non profit arts agency serving the greater Estes Valley. The Arts Council is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010.

Programs begin at 7:00 p.m., weather permitting. The audience is asked to bring chairs and blankets for a more comfortable evening. The CAC arts facility is located directly in front of Performance Park at 423 W. Elkhorn Ave. The CAC Fine Art Gallery is open before, during and after each concert, and the public is encouraged to view the current exhibit. There is ample parking, and the walk is a short distance to the concert.

For more information on the Estes Park Village Band contact Chuck Varilek at 586-8776 .
For more information about the Arts Council or area arts call 970-586-9203, visit  www.EstesArts.comor e-mail:  info@estesarts.com.

Courtesy Photo

The Cultural Arts Council of Park celebrates its 12th year presenting outdoor music by presenting Estes Park’s own Village Band in concert on Thursday, July 29 at Performance Park, starting at 7:00 p.m. The performance is part of the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park’s Thursday Night Live concert series. 2010 is the band’s 28th year of performing for the Estes Park community and its visitors. Sharing the conducting duties for Thursday’s program will be Loren Johnson and Chuck Varilek.

Johnson will begin the concert with the march, “Coat Of Arms” by George Kenney. Selections from “Mary Poppins” will be performed next and will feature such favorite songs as “A Spoonful Of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” “Over The Rainbow” by Harold Arlen will be performed next, followed by music from the movie, “The Cowboys,” by John Williams.

Varilek will then lead the band, starting with “Danse Bohemien” by Randall Standridge, followed by Fred Jewell’s march, “E Pluribus Unum.” The band will then perform selections from “The King And I” and will feature songs including “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” “Getting To Know You,” and “Shall We Dance.” Henry Fillmore’s march, “His Excellency” will be performed next, followed by “Gently Blows The Summer Wind” by Randall Standridge. “Fidelity March” by Karl King will then be presented and will be followed with Luigi Denza’s composition, “Funiculi, Funicula.” “Swing The Mood,” a medley of “In The Mood,” “Rock Around The Clock,” and “At The Hop” will next be heard. To finish the concert, Varilek will conduct “The Fairest Of The Fair” by John Philip Sousa.

The Village Band is an affiliate member of the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park. The group has received a Community Service Grant from the town of Estes Park each year, starting in 2002. Some of the music performed at this concert was purchased through the grant awards.

The Estes Park Village Band is a community band made up of musicians from the Estes Park area as well as from surrounding communities. New members are always welcome to perform with the band. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings, starting at 7:30 p.m. in the new Estes Park High School band room.

The remaining 2010 Thursday Night Live Series includes:

July 29-Estes Park Village Band – Classic marches and popular music

August 5-Jeff Van Devender – Showcasing a unique blend of piano compositions & arrangements

August 12-Dick Zavodny Polka Band – traditional polka music sure to get you dancing!

August 19-Estes Park Village Band – Classical, contemporary and popular music

August 26-Brad Fitch, Folk & Western vocalist singing original music and popular favorites

Thursday Night Live is presented with underwriting support from the Estes Village Properties/Coldwell Banker, the Estes Park Convention and Visitor Bureau, The Estes Park Rotary Foundation, and Bobcats Undertaking Community Service. Free-will donations are also accepted at the end of each performance and help pay the musician’s honorariums. The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park is a 501 (c)(3) non profit arts agency serving the greater Estes Valley. The Arts Council is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010.

Programs begin at 7:00 p.m, weather permitting. The audience is asked to bring chairs and blankets for a more comfortable evening. The CAC arts facility is located directly in front of Performance Park at 423 W. Elkhorn Ave. The CAC Fine Art Gallery is open before, during and after each concert, and the public is encouraged to view the current exhibit, “Estes Park Legends & Lore IV” featuring the work of Lyman Byxbe, Fred Payne Clatworthy/Cheryl Pennington, Herb Thomson, Alfred Wands and Robert Wands. There is ample parking, and the walk is a short distance to the concert.

For more information on the Estes Park Village Band contact Chuck Varilek at 586-8776.

For more information about the Arts Council or area arts call 970-586-9203, visit www.EstesArts.com or e-mail: info@estesarts.com.

The public is invited to a talk, slide show, and book signing by Eric Jay Dolin, on his new book Fur, Fortune, and Empire: The Epic History of the Fur Trade in America at the Estes Park Museum on Friday, July 30th at 6:00 p.m. The event is free.

Eric Jay Dolin traces the dramatic rise and fall of the American fur industry, beginning in the early 1600s, from the first Dutch encounters with the Indians to the rise of the conservation movement in the late nineteenth century. Populated by a larger-than-life cast—including Dutch governor Peter Stuyvesant; President Thomas Jefferson; America’s first multimillionaire, John Jacob Astor; and mountain man Kit Carson—Fur, Fortune, and Empire is the most comprehensive and compelling history of the American fur trade ever written.

Eric Jay Dolin is the author of Leviathan: The History of Whaling In America, which was chosen as one of the best nonfiction books of 2007 by The Los Angeles Times and The Boston Globe. A graduate of Brown, Yale, and MIT, where he received his Ph.D. in environmental policy, he lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts, with his wife and two children.

The Estes Park Museum, located at 200 Fourth Street, is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The mission of the Estes Park Museum is to collect, interpret and preserve local history, as well as to present exhibits, programs and events for the education and benefit of residents and visitors of all ages. For more information call the Estes Park Museum at 586-6256 or visit the Museum’s website at www.estes.org/museum. Admission is free.