<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4UcQHs_0vkPvaVk00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4UcQHs_0vkPvaVk00" width="1024" height="768" >Of course, this is the United States of America. We each have a right to follow our own course of action and to think only of ourselves. However, I persist in believing that most of us pursue the greater good, care for other people and do, at least in part, what is best for humanity — to the best of our ability. My articles are written from this perception.That said, life is a balancing act. Since I arrived in Estes 12 years ago, we, the community, have experienced a massive flood, two fire evacuations and more than one “pack up to go” warning, plus the COVID pandemic, but we held it together. This week, I may be in a position to help others. At another time, I may need every penny I earn and every spare minute to care for my own family. And there may come a time when I need assistance. But people in the Estes Valley have proved time and again that, when disaster hits, we take care of each other.Some 10-11 years ago, we, the Town of Estes Park, applied for and received a Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) grant that would improve access to the National Park, give us the authority to close a part of the downtown for celebrations, plus deepen and widen the river channel through town to increase our flood protection. After evaluations, redesign, several challenges and a two-year Right of Way Acquisition period, the planned one-year construction became a reality in 2023. It should conclude by January 2025.This construction, while a move toward a positive future, has been another drain on the local economy. Sales in the shops have been down during the busiest time of the year, and this leaves us bereft of the funds that usually see us through the winter. Our businesses are struggling to the extent that some of them have closed their doors. Our citizenry, those who own or work for local shops, have suffered from this depleted revenue. When less money is changing hands, sales tax is down, forcing adjustments to the Town budget. This in turn tends to effect donations and deflate the income of local non-profits, giving them less funds to assist those in need.Apparently, La Niña is expected to follow on the heels of El Niño, meaning there is likely a long, cold winter ahead of us. The important resolution is to remember that we are all in this together. If we bind together an support one another, we can overcome the adversity that has been prevalent the last month or so. When faced with a discrepancy, try to understand the opponent’s position, even if you cannot agree. Remember that in agreement or in disagreementresidents of the Estes Valley are all friends and neighbors.These adjustments, like all the other disasters we have faced, are temporary. Once the construction is over and the spring arrives, things will go back to “normal.” Over the winter and into the spring, new shops and restaurants will move here to take the empty spaces and provide new and often different services. Many Coloradoans are waiting in the wings to see the final result, and together, we can surmount this winter, like we have conquered all the other things that occurred over the last 12 years. In 2013, we coined the term “Mountain Strong,” and we still hold that title.Agree? Disagree? Questions? Comments? RRRcyc@signsandwishes.com</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Eco-Sense: A balancing act

Of course, this is the United States of America. We each have a right to follow our own course of action and to think only of ourselves. However, I persist in believing that most of us pursue the greater good, care for other people and do, at least in part, what is best for humanity — to the best of our ability. My articles are written from this perception.