Redstone April / May 2023

Redstone stands with President Zelensky and the people in Ukraine

Town Hall and library art shows

LYONS – The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission opened a new art show spotlighting the work of local artist Linda Dole Backup. Her Heart of the Matter solo art show is now hanging at the Lyons Regional Library, 451 4th Ave. The show will hang through July 6.

Then you can take a short stroll from the library over to the LAHC’s Town Hall Art Show at 432 5th Ave; this show shows works from all ages and in all stages. The show, Oh, the places you’ve gone, includes paintings, photography, literary, collage, fabric, wall hangable 3D pieces, etc.

The LAHC acknowledges and appreciates the generous support from the Lyons Community Foundation, the Town of Lyons, the Lyons community, and the hours of volunteer involvement from local arts enthusiasts who kindly make things happen.

Lyons Garden tour, Mountain Blooms, slated for June

LYONS – The 3rd Annual Mountain Blooms Garden Tour organized by the Lyons Garden Club will be held on Saturday, June 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Treat your senses to the beauty that is all around you and take home the knowledge you will gain. The self-guided tour features ten sites of garden delights and offers a chance for people to tour private gardens that they would not normally get to see. Each garden is a labor of love and the tour will offer opportunities to see native plants, vegetable gardens, cutting garden beds, drought-tolerant foliage, xeriscape, creative hardscaping, and lots of color and natural beauty.

Tickets are available through TicketTailor beginning in late May. There will be a direct link to the registration site through the garden club website: www.lyonsgardenclub.com. There is no fee for tickets, but the club would greatly appreciate donations. Options for donations are available on the registration site.

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Guardian of the Park. This Golden Eagle in LaVern M. Johnson Park appears to be on the lookout for any evildoers who might try to enter. Photographed by Art Trevino, aka Pappa Dukes, on March 19 of this year. Trevino is a professional photographer specializing in wildlife and nature photography. His photos are available for sale at Pappadukes.com. Used here by kind permission of the photographer.

Town board looks at IGA with BoCo, St. Vrain Trail hits snags, LEAF passes on lease with Lyons

By Susan de Castro McCann Redstone ReviewEditor

LYONS – At a recent workshop the Lyons Town Board discussed a renewal of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that Lyons has with Boulder County. The old agreement expired last November and the county approved an extension. In the agreement Lyons and BoCo come to an agreement on the land surrounding Lyons, which is considered Lyons Planning Area. This is land that Lyons may or may not want to expand into and the IGA lists land-use rights and rural preservation areas.

“It’s really our opportunity to make things in a way that works best for our town,” said Planner Dave Kimmitt. The board will have many more meetings and executive sessions to work out details for the new IGA with the county is approved.

The board went on to discuss the St. Vrain Trail project. Project Manager Tracy Sanders led the discussion on the trail project explaining several concerns that need resolution before the project can be completed.

Sanders told the board, “The Town has been awarded funding from CDOT to extend the St. Vrain Trail from McConnell Road to the U.S.36/S.H.66 junction to support the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. We have a funding deadline from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) to have this fully designed and out to bid by July 1, 2023. If we do not, we could lose all the funding and what has been expended to date would have to be paid back. The time to design is not the concern; it is the review by other agencies that can take time. The environmental review by CPW, CDOT, and possibly others can take six to nine months to complete.” Town is at a funding shortfall of approximately $600 to 800k to

complete the project.

There are other problems concerning the trail alignment. Sanders told the board, “There is a still an alignment conflict with approximately 300 ft. of the trail, crossing on areas of town property that is leased by Clark’s Hardware.” Both Clarks Hardware and Spirit Hound Distillers lease land from the Town of Lyons behind each of their businesses. Clark’s has a very long lease and has a storage shed on the leased land. The St. Vrain Trail would require the use of at least part of that leased land behind each building unless the town chooses to use a different option.

Sanders presented the town with several different options which were discussed. One alignment proposal is for the town to acquire or complete an agreement for use of the property with Highland Ditch Co. This option seemed to be unpopular with the board due to their past interactions with Highland Ditch charging the town for every phone call and every meeting and the potential problems of delays and cancellations pointed out by staff in their report. Staff also mentioned there is uncertainty what type of long-term agreement and the fees involved would look like.

The options of working with Clark’s Hardware and with Spirit Hound seemed much more favorable to the board. The town has tried to buy out Clark’s lease before, but Clark’s was not interested. The trail could work around the shed but the size of the shed would need to be reduced. Spirit Hound would lose some of its patio area, which Spirit Hound says is important to the business especially in the summer.

During the regular board meeting the town learn that Lyons Emergency and Assistants Fund (LEAF) has decided to pursue other options for a new location and has decided to pass

on signing a lease for the brown shed, next to the Lyons Town Hall, for their new location. The board seemed to have mixed reactions. It seems likely that they got a better offer, but their plans have not been revealed yet.

In other news, the town board awarded an outdoor liquor license to Marigold, the restaurant on Main Street. Marigold plans to set up a patio outside its building.

Continuing on, Trustee Tanya Daty reported that Summit Housing will soon be completing some of the affordable housing units.

Housing and Human Services Commission (HHSC) called a special meeting on April 18 to review the application process, the timeline and the prioritization levels for the Lyons Valley Townhomes. The application window will be opening soon. Priority will be given to anyone affected by the St.Vrain flood in Lyons on September 12, 2013.

To date, 87 people have signed up to receive more information. About 25 out of the 87 prefer a one-bedroom apartment. Trustee Daty suggests following up with Paul Capps at Summit Housing to discuss a housing project once the BOT finds some available land.

As for construction of the Lyons Valley Townhomes, here is the latest timeline: 40 units (24 single-family and 16 multi-family townhomes) will be phased in over four months with some families able to start moving in to their new homes in June. How exciting. The June move-in date is just three month shy of the 10 year anniversary of the flood that destroyed about 90 homes and dwelling units in Lyons; the town has now come full circle.

Tanya Daty also reported that LEAF was able to update the board regarding mental health. Thanks to funding from the opioid

Ann Mary Ripley

May 28, 1926 – March 31, 2023

Ann Mary Ripley, 96, of Lyons, Colo., died March 31, 2023, at home after a short illness. She was a mother of six and grandmother of two; author of 10 mystery novels; a loyal friend, neighbor, daughter, sister, and aunt; and a master gardener, who liked to say she “celebrated God in the garden.”

Born in Wheaton, Ill., in 1926, Ann Brunner was the youngest of four children, the only daughter, and still a toddler when the family moved to Royal Oak, Mich. She was in the Honor Society at the high school of the Shrine of the Little Flower and attended the University of Detroit (now University of Detroit Mercy), which she left just shy of graduation to take a reporter job on her hometown paper, The Daily Tribune, in the years following World War II.

During her Tribune days, she met her fu-

ture husband, Anthony “Tony” Ripley, who was hired at the Royal Oak paper upon his return from the Korean War. They first shared a telephone in the newsroom and went on to share their life together. Ann and Tony were married in November 1954 and moved frequently during Tony’s career.

After they married, she wrote from home while raising six daughters and he continued his career as a national reporter for The New York Times

The family lived in London for a year in 1975 when Tony worked as special assistant to Eliot Richardson, the U.S. Ambassador to England. That’s where Ann learned the official duties of a Foreign Service wife.

The family lived in Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Detroit, Mich.; Boulder; Bethesda, Md.; London; Alexandria, Va.; and Evanston and Morton Grove, Ill., before the couple retired to the outskirts of Lyons in 1993.

Tony Ripley was an editor for the Rocky Mountain News, and when he retired in 1993, the two took writing classes for fun. He took a poetry writing class and she took a fiction writing class. The writing she produced for her class became the first of her cozy gardening mysteries. Ann based the plot of Mulch on her own experience collecting 40 bags of neighbors’ leaves to use in her Virginia garden. Her imagination added the gruesome details.

The next 14 years saw the publication of a total of 10 books in her Louise Eldridge garden mystery series. The plots combined her interests in gardening and politics, with titles such as Death of a Garden Pest and Death of a Political Plant Louise Eldridge was a TV host of a gardening show and the person who solved all the murder plots in her books.

Ann was a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Colorado

Authors League, and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. She received awards for education reporting as well as a Colorado Authors League Top Hand Award for best book-length genre fiction in 1995 for Mulch: A Gardening Mystery. Aside from her fiction writing, Ann contributed as a freelance writer and editor for several newspapers over many decades.

She loved reading (fiction, history, nonfiction), organic gardening, flowers, performing and listening to music, keeping up with current affairs, visiting with friends and family, and drawing the community together, whether for dinner parties, art groups, or the Super Bowl (despite her indifference to the game). In her later years, she was fond of offering advice, such as “keep a few close friends” and “write a book” – and she did, thereby enhancing her long life through the decades. Her novels featured gardening essays, which allowed her to share her horticultural wisdom, as well.

Ann wrote a monthly gardening column for The Redstone Review newspaper in Lyons. She was always interested in draw-

ing and painting and had a few friends over once a week to dabble in water color and acrylic painting, and she helped plan the gardens along Highway 36 and the pathway along the highway gardens in Lyons.

Ann was predeceased in 2003 by her husband of 49 years, Tony; and her three brothers, Winfield, Edwin “Buck,” and James. She is survived by her daughters: Sarah, of Lakewood, Colo.; Mary, of Boulder; Catherine Metzger, of Norwood, Colo.; Emily, of New York; Jane, of Lyons; and Martha, of Denver; two grandchildren, Virginia, of Hamtramck, Mich., and Antoni, of New York; four sons-in-law, Ken Rogers, John Metzger, Ben Bajorek, and Vance Watt; a sister-in-law, Maud Plumer; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, May 6, 2023, at noon at Lyons Community Church, 350 W. Main Street, Lyons. Donations may be made to the Redstone Review newspaper at PO Box 68, Lyons, CO 80540, or to an animal rescue or shelter of your choice.

Stephen Lee (Pete) Moffitt

September 16, 1950 – March 30, 2023

Stephen Lee (Pete) Moffitt was born in Creston, Iowa on September 16, 1950. He died on March, 30 2023. His parents were Marion Moffitt and Lois Schafer. His siblings were Mike, Judy, Cheri, Ted and Tom. Pete was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

He graduated from Creston High School in 1969 and then received an associates degree in auto mechanics from Southwest Iowa Community college. He moved to Colorado in 1975 and started working at Andesite Rock Company shortly after. His dad, Marion, had moved to Colorado and married his second wife, Dee, and they owned a restaurant (Dee’s Café) on Main Street in Lyons.

The restaurant would later be the Gateway Restaurant, and Farmer Girl just to name a couple. Pete worked in the café when he first moved to Lyons and he was fond of saying that he broke a lot of dishes

so he didn’t have to work there very long.

He met Cindy in 1976 and they were married in 1980. Pete’s grandmother Daisy Moffitt was a longtime resident of Lyons and owned and ran Moffitt’s Nursing Home on Evans Street for many years. Pete and Cindy bought their first home from her at 326 Evans and lived there for 14 years.

Pete was known for his extraordinary work ethic, putting in many long hours running a front end loader (988B) at the andesite quarry. He was an expert at sorting large rock known as “riprap” with his loader and loading trucks with great accuracy for weight.

Pete and Cindy became parents in 1983 when Amy Lynn was born.

Pete was an excellent fisherman and would bring home trout caught after work

in the St Vrain. He could catch a decent size fish in any body of water.

His favorite hobby was being a car guy. He restored a 1965 Mustang that had been Amy’s first car. It was a great time every year to have that Mustang in the Good Old Days car show.

Pete and Cindy and Amy moved to Lyons Valley Park in 1993. They lived there at the corner of Second Court and Second Avenue for 28 years. Pete was very fond of working in the yard and growing tomatoes and really enjoyed being a good neighbor. He had a well equipped garage and just about any tool a neighbor would ever want to borrow. He was always willing to help if someone needed it.

He will be remembered for his generosity of time and willingness to help anyone who asked and his handsome good looks

and his laugh and smile. He was also the best dad a girl could ask for and he was Cindy’s best friend and soul mate and a peach of a life partner.

He retired from the rock business in 2016. His health began to decline due to COPD and eventually caused him to move to sea level in Maryland where daughter Amy and Leah (granddaughter) now live. He died from complications following surgery for colon cancer.

He was a positive influence on all who knew him, a kind man, a loving father and a wonderful husband.

He is survived by his wife Cindy, daughter Amy (and fiancé Cory Maccherone) and granddaughter Leah and Gabriel and Selena Maccherone. Also surviving relatives are Jean Moffitt, sister-in-law and Don Woods, brother-in-law. He had several nieces and nephews who he was very fond of and enjoyed watching their families grow.

There will be a celebration of his life held on Saturday, April 29 at 1p.m. at 416 Apple Valley Rd. in Lyons.

“Housing for all” is a misguided bill in the Colorado Legislature

By Hollie Rogin, Mayor of Lyons Redstone Review

New Bank of the West Branch Manager

By Jim Ramsay Redstone Review

Rogin

LYONS – As you may have heard, Governor Polis recently announced his “Housing for All” Bill SD23-213. The main goal of this bill is laudable: address the housing affordability crisis. However, as much the proponents of this bill may want it to do just that, it simply doesn’t.

What it does do is completely remove, or preempt, local control of zoning. It also decreases setbacks to five feet, requires every municipality to complete an unfunded housing study (which, by the way, Lyons just received a grant to do), and makes Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) a by-right use in every neighborhood –even Home Owners Associations (HOA).

The philosophical basis of this bill is that more housing stock will reduce housing prices, thereby increasing affordability. That assertion has not been proven in any community in the country that I’m aware of.

There are good reasons that both the Colorado Municipal League and the Metro Mayors Caucus oppose this bill as written:

• It ignores the good work that communities are already doing, using a stick instead of a carrot to create more density.

• It is full of unfunded mandates, such as the housing studies.

• It does not consider the outcome of Proposition 123, recently passed by voters. This Proposition frees up funds for munic-

ipalities to create affordable housing. The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) are still actively determining how the process of allocating those funds will go.

• It is one-size-fits-all, without any consideration of infrastructure, such as the capacity to provide water, wastewater, transit, etc. Nor does it consider topography or environmental impacts.

• There are no levers to ensure any kind of affordability.

• It removes local control, a lynchpin of Colorado property rights.

Those are the overall objections, and they certainly apply to Lyons. But we have additional concerns.

If this bill is passed as-is, that means that Lyons may be the only non-mountainous municipality in Boulder County to retain single family zoning, as we’re too small to be included in one of the bill’s “tiers.” This

Rep. Neguse holds Farm Bill sessions, travels across state to hear constituents

By Joe Neguse Redstone Review

would be disastrous for any kind of marketrate affordability. Single-family homes would become exponentially more valuable, leading to much higher property taxes and displacement of long-term residents.

One of the bill’s components removes the ability for municipalities to restrict ADUs; this means that Lyons could no longer require the owner of the principal residence to live here. This could lead to even more displacement.

The bill reduces setbacks – the space between a structure and a property line –leading to increased fire danger.

There is a lot of pressure at the State Legislature to get this bill passed this session, and it may be on the Senate Floor as early as the week of April 24. The good news is that our legislators listen to their constituents.

For more information on this bill, please go to: https://www.cml.org/home/advocacy-legal/sb23-213-land-use. And please let our legislators know how you feel. Contact State Senator Janice Marchman at janice.marchman.senate@coleg.gov and House Representative Judy Amabile at judy.amabile.house@coleg.gov.

Thank you for being invested in your community, Lyons.

Hollie Rogin was sworn in as Mayor of Lyons on April 18, 2022. Before that she served on the Board of Trustees for the term of 2020 to 2022. While serving as a Trustee, she was the Board liaison to the Economic Vitality Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission.

nities. Stay tuned for future events in the Lyons and greater Boulder area by following @RepJoeNeguse on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

LYONS – The Lyons Bank of the West has a new branch manager. Deanna Zick, wife of Lyons Fire District Chief Peter Zick, hails from Arizona where she spent 20 years working in the mortgage industry.

Deanna took over as branch manager at the Lyons Bank of the West in January this year. Her husband had moved to Lyons in March of 2021 to become the fire chief, and Deanna and the kids followed in April of that year.

Deanna and Peter have twins, Matthew and Amanda, and they are both enrolled in Silver Creek High School in Longmont where Matthew is on the football team and Amanda swims and plays volleyball. They are excited about being in Colorado where it’s never too hot to play outside.

As the new manager, Deanna would like to focus on how the Bank of the West is perceived in the community. She’d like us to see it as a stable part of the community where the people of Lyons feel comfortable. So if you haven’t already, come by and say hi to welcome Deanna and her family to our town

Neguse

LYONS – After a few busy weeks in Washington, it has been wonderful being back in Colorado for the April District Work Period. I’ve had the privilege of visiting with folks in communities across the 2nd District as our team hit the road, traveling across the state, hosting town halls, taking part in some great community events, and more –in fact, in the past two weeks alone, we’ve held events in over 15 cities and eight counties so far.

We kicked off April with a series of Farm Bill Listening Sessions. The Farm Bill is a package of legislative proposals considered and reauthorized by Congress every five years, and it has the power to shape how the federal government supports Colorado’s agriculture industry and our rural communities for years to come. By holding these listening sessions, I had

the opportunity to hear directly from our farmers and folks in impacted areas on how best to craft a bill that reflects the priorities of Coloradans everywhere.

Last week, we also held an important and solemn ceremony for Vietnam Veterans Day, to honor local Vietnam veterans in our district. By honoring these brave service members for their service, we are extending the gratitude and support they should’ve received all those years ago. I am deeply thankful to the veterans and loved ones of service members who joined us for the ceremony.

From joining the Clear Creek community for the 50th anniversary of Beau Jo’s Pizza in Idaho Springs, visiting with law enforcement representatives in Larimer County, hosting a town hall in Steamboat Springs, and meeting with local leaders in Granby, Walden, and Yampa (I was told I was the first congressperson to visit the community in decades), it has definitely been an eventful two weeks.

I look forward to every minute I get to spend in Colorado and with our commu-

Congressman Joe Neguse represents Colorado’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to his first term in November 2018, becoming the first African-American member of Congress in Colorado history. He serves as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.

Partnerships form the backbone of the Lyons Community Foundation

By Kate Schnepel Redstone Review

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

–

LYONS – Since Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) was founded in 2007, we’ve embraced the idea of partnering with other organizations. In fact, the people who started LCF brought their idea of having a community foundation to life by choosing to partner with the Community Foundation of Boulder County (CFBC), an existing nonprofit organization. This decision proved to be a wise one, and the two organizations have worked closely together for the last 15 years.

As an affiliate of CFBC, LCF is the beneficiary of many administrative resources that help us strengthen our local efforts. Since Gil Sparks stepped in as LCF Advisory Board Chair a few months ago, he has worked to deepen the relationship and the opportunities for cross-pollination with CFBC, including paying a visit to their offices in Boulder, and inviting CFBC staff members to participate in LCF advisory board meetings, starting with a daylong planning session here in Lyons. Similarly, he recently became a member of the CFBC Board of Trustees. We are grateful for this partnership, and enjoy working with the talented team at CFBC.

Our ongoing partnership with another nonprofit, Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF), produces results that benefit our community. LEAF is an organization doing critical work for local residents, and all of us at LCF have deep respect for the LEAF team. Each year, a significant portion of our Community Support Grants funds go to LEAF, providing support for the LEAF Food Pantry, mental wellness programs, and more.

In just a few weeks, we are teaming up with the ALodge to bring you Movies on the Lawn, scheduled for the first Thursday of each month, May through October. The

inaugural event is on May 4, so come on out and enjoy a movie under the stars, sip a beverage or two, eat some delicious food, and show your support for both LCF and a local business.

This June, we’re partnering with the town to put on the 3rd Annual Artisan Market. Scheduled for Sunday, June 4 from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., the Bohn Park event will feature 20+ vendors and music by the Blue Canyon Boys. During the event, the LCF team will be bringing together local grillmasters for Grillin’ and Chillin’ in Lyons, with tasty food for all, a healthy dose of competition, craft beer, and our locally-famous root beer floats.

On August 27, LEAF and LCF will be joining forces to bring you the 3rd Annual Hootenanny. This community fundraiser is now a summer tradition, with live music, a silent auction, a rubber ducky race, a kids zone, and more. The event will once again be held on the beautiful grounds of River Bend, thanks to yet another partnership, this one with River Bend owners Mike Whipp and Betsy Burton.

Partnering with the Town of Lyons is also a priority for LCF. Whether it’s giving out grants to support the Sandstone Concert Series or programming for seniors, creating a float for the Holiday Parade of Lights, or setting up a tent with baked goods at local events, we endeavor to give both volunteer time and funds to help make Lyons a vibrant community and a great place to live.

Events like the Hootenanny are only possible thanks to the financial sponsorship of local businesses, another important category of partners on which LCF relies. Without our local businesses, Lyons wouldn’t be the same. LCF attempts to support these businesses however we can, even in small ways like choosing to hold some of our meetings at local coffee shops or restaurants, and buying supplies locally whenever possible.

In the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis, the Lyons Community Foundation launched The Lyons Share, a small business economic relief fund, in partnership with the St. Vrain Market. The fund,

seeded with proceeds from the St. Vrain Market and matched by LCF, was designed to help local businesses survive the impact of Covid-19’s forced business closures. With the added donations from the Town of Lyons and area residents, the Lyons Share Fund provided $43,000 to local businesses in 2020.

Earlier this month, Planet Bluegrass generously gave us the opportunity to bring in donations during its Easter celebration. Between bar proceeds and donations at our baked goods tent, we brought in more than $1,200 in just a few hours. This money will go back into the community in the form of grants to nonprofits and scholarships. We are always open to new partnership opportunities. Please reach out with any ideas or proposals.

Sawyer-Lang

By Monique Sawyer Lang Redstone Review

LYONS – Housed in the town’s original schoolhouse, the Lyons Redstone Museum will open for its 44th season beginning weekends in May. Hours of operation will be 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays.

The museum will also be open Memorial Day, May 29, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Over the summer from June 1 through October 1, the museum will be open daily Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The museum is located at 340 High St., next to the Lyons Elementary School; admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated.

The building is owned by the St. Vrain Valley School District and was slated to be demolished in the late 1970s. The Lyons Historical Society, led by LaVern Johnson, rallied to save the building. After a successful campaign, the school district, the Lyons Historical Society, and the Town of Lyons entered into a three-way lease for the use of the building as a museum. The lease is renewed every ten years.

The town’s original school started life in 1881 as a oneroom schoolhouse and functioned as both a school and church for the growing Lyons community. It was one of the earliest structures built in the newly platted town of Lyons.

In a letter to the Lyons Recorder dated January 26, 1922, Edward Lyon recounts: “We started a schoolhouse at once. Everyone promised to help build the school. I sent to Chicago, Illinois for seats. Everything was made pleasant and for the children’s comfort.” T.J. Thorne was hired as the first teacher and later married Lillie Lyon, Edward Lyon’s eldest daughter.

As the town’s population increased so too did the school enrollment. In 1891 the one-room building was deemed too small for the 113 students enrolled. Even so, it took several years before the town residents took action and constructed a second story onto the one room building. The new addition in 1895 consisted of an entry vestibule and a second classroom upstairs. The entire second floor of the building was constructed of wood and was

New

Location! Healing

braced on the east side with timbers to keep it from swaying when winds blew from the west. School was often dismissed on windy days.

By 1901 the school was once again overflowing with students. The March 13, 1902 edition of the Lyons Recorder newspaper carried an article titled “Seven Reasons – For Building More Rooms onto our Present School Building.” In his article editor H.C. Knight reveals that in an effort to accommodate the 247 currently enrolled students, rooms were being rented in the Mountain View Hotel, located at 4th and Seward, and that half-day sessions were being held. A situation that he called “unsatisfactory” and “difficult” for both students and teachers.

At this time it was proposed that two additional classrooms be added to the west side of the building. Such an addition would “make it much more secure against heavy winds, and thus remove the fear that is now entertained by so many of the patrons. It would also add very much to the general appearance of the building and to the town.”

Work on constructing the two new classrooms began that summer. The completed building consisted of two exterior entries and two interior staircases to access the up-

stairs classrooms. Each room was heated with a pot bellied stove and water pails provided drinking water. Outside privies were located to the north of the building. The opening of the school year for grades one through eight was delayed until October 13 to allow for the plaster walls to dry completely. A week later the Lyons Recorder newspaper reported that the enrollment in the new building totaled 173 students.

The exterior of the building remains the same today as when completed in 1902. Two green ash trees and a pine tree planted in the front of the building still shade the grounds of the school building. Renovations in the 1920s included removal of the west interior staircase to accommodate restrooms on the first floor, closets, and the building of an office on the second floor. Additional renovations at that time included the addition of an enclosed metal tube fire escape located on the north side of the building and a steam heating system.

The sounds of children’s voices echo to this day within the walls of the town’s first school building. Each grade makes at least one visit during the school year to the museum to explore the history of Lyons and participate in curriculum driven activities. The 4th Grade Museum Stewards are currently hard at work on their yearlong history project to be unveiled to the public in May.

Stop by this summer to explore all that the museum has to offer. If you would like to support the Lyons Redstone Museum and our efforts to preserve Lyons’ history donations may be sent to PO Box 9, Lyons, CO. 80540.

Step into history at the town’s first school building

Jeanne Moore, Sara Erickson, and Gail Frankfort volunteered in the LCF baked goods tent at the Planet Bluegrass Easter Celebration.

Lyons Elementary STEM students partner with local groups to enhance leaning

By Sarah Wegert Redstone Review

LYONS – Lyons Elementary students have been out and about around town. Several grade levels are extending their learning beyond the halls of Lyons Elementary and connecting with local experts to enrich curriculum.

Initiated by the school’s Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program, which focuses on enhancing students’ learning in those four areas, the school has partnered with the Lyons Redstone Museum, Lyons Quilting, Trout Unlimited St. Vrain Anglers, and the Lyons Ecology Board.

As part of a continued relationship with the Redstone Museum, students this year are seeking ways to inform other elementary-aged students about Lyons history and culture. Lyons Elementary’s fourth grade Museum Stewards quickly realized that interactive experiences and multimedia could be used to enhance museum artifacts, and settled on two design approaches: a museum scavenger hunt with informational clues and a traveling trunk of artifacts for checkout.

With guidance and collaboration from Lyons Elementary’s Media Tech and Education Coordinator at the Museum, Baiba Lennard, 4th grade teachers Shiryla Johnson and Dawn Lundell, and myself, STEM Coordinator/Teacher Sarah Wegert, students have had access to a plethora of primary resources to retell Lyons’ stories. Students are using video production, augmented reality (AR) technology,

graphic design, and computer programming to develop activities grounded in robust research. Students hope their scavenger hunt and traveling trunk will be ready for use this summer. All students at Lyons Elementary explore the museum’s resources at least once each year.

In addition to the museum work, 5th graders are collaborating with Lyons Quilting as part of a National Quilt Exchange Project. Lyons Elementary has long been a member of the Trout Unlimited Trout in the Classroom cohort, where students across the country raise and care for trout from egg to river release.

This year, students will share quilt

squares with students of all ages who have also reared trout. Inspired by their daily experiences with the two fish tanks at school and the 2023 theme of “The Wonderful World of Water,” students are choosing patterns and colors that reflect their local watershed and beyond. Throughout the design process, students have been reflecting on the entire year’s worth of testing and analyzing in-house tank conditions.

Lyons Quilting has partnered with Lyons Elementary to provide expertise, share space, and help highlight STEM concepts. Led by retired teacher, now Lyons Quilting instructor, Lori Jonker, 5th graders visited the shop to plan their 8” by

Reduced-price bear-resistant trash cans help local bears

By Deborah Huth Price Redstone Review

LYONS – Warmer spring weather brings people outside more, and local bears also begin to stumble out of hibernation, looking for food. Living in mountain communities means we get to see wildlife more often, but that also means we sometimes have unexpected human/bear encounters.

Nick Cundall, Colorado Department of Wildlife District Wildlife Manager, reminds folks that “We live in bear’s backyards, they don’t live in ours.” And just like people, bears will often look for the easiest source of food. With a sense of smell that enables them to find food from miles away, their noses can be bombarded with tasty enticements, including human trash.

Boulder County Parks and Open Space wildlife biologist Michelle Durant is well aware of issues that occur when bears and people get too close. She lives in the mountain community of Jamestown. “There was a lot of old folklore about what to do to live with bears,” said Durant, “and we saw a need to shift some of those attitudes.”

One of the things she took note of was a study in Durango, where bear activity increased substantially on Thursday nights when people put trash out for pick-up the next morning. Easy access to food taught

the bears to come to the human “grocery store” for snacks.

In the process of trying to educate her own community as well as others, Durant came across a notice for a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to provide low-cost bear-resistant trash cans to residents. She took it to Boulder County Parks and Open Space and got approval to apply for the grant, including not only Jamestown, but Lyons as well.

While mountain residents often agree with using bear-resistant trash cans, surveys have shown cost is often prohibitive, with cans running anywhere from $100 to $1,000. The grant allows residents to purchase a bear-resistant trash can for $30.

Bear-resistant trash cans are not necessarily bear “proof,” since bears are smart and often figure out ways to get into just about anything. But they serve as a good deterrent, and Officer Cundall offers a reminder to “Leave your trash can secured in either a garage, shed, or home as frequently as possible. On trash pickup days it is best to put your trash out the morning of and not the night before.” Cundall adds that “this small change to a weekly routine can make all the difference for preventing a human/bear conflict.”

Other steps to take to prevent bear conflicts, according to Cundall, include limiting bear attractants like bird feeders, and any food with the slightest odor. “It’s also important to lock your doors on your vehi-

cles and homes and to remove any attractants within the vehicle as well,” he added.

CPW officials note that bears have sometimes been trapped inside cars. They gain access by opening an unlocked car and if the door shuts, they can’t open the inside lock, and they destroy the car trying to get out.

8” quilt blocks. Several students were wide-eyed as they toured the inspirational space, learning about math connections, fabric choices, quilting processes, complimentary colors, and how to communicate a message with fabric. Several students aim to also add an “eTextile” component to quilt squares by sewing with conductive thread to incorporate LED lights.

Lyons Elementary, alongside Lyons Middle Senior, will celebrate all of these projects and additional highlights from this year’s Environmental Leadership work with the Town Ecology Board. The annual “Confluence” event, held on May 16 at 6 p.m. at Lyons Middle Senior, will feature students from each grade level (Preschool through grade 12). Teams will share results and conclusions from year-long projects. The event is open to all community members who wish to learn more about how Lyons schools have incorporated scientific partnerships, authentic community engagement, data literacy, computer science, and design thinking.

Grade level projects have been successful in incorporating STEM learning and concepts, but students are also developing a greater appreciation for the arts and their community’s history and ecology. Collaborating beyond the school halls has been a reminder that creativity and innovation can enhance learning in all subject areas, and that community partnerships can lead to meaningful and impactful learning experiences.

can call the CPW Fort Collins office at 970-472-4300 (or 911 for an emergency).

“The best thing for these bears and residents is to get on top of interactions,” said Cundall, “and haze the bears before they get too habituated.”

The Boulder County Parks and Open Space sponsored grant provided for a limited supply of trash cans, which were spoken for quickly, but Lyons residents can still sign up for a waiting list at https://boulder-

In most cases, a bear in a neighborhood is probably just going about its business, but there are times when CPW should be notified. Cundall suggests that if a bear is getting too close to your home or getting into trash, the first thing to do is to haze the bear by yelling loudly, using an airhorn, or banging pots and pans.

If the bear continues to come back, you

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If it’s April in Lyons it’s Discount Dog Days

LYONS – The Town of Lyons wants to remind all dog owners of the municipal codes and regulations for dog license and leash requirements. All residents living in the Town must obtain licenses for their dogs. It is essential for identifying lost dogs, vaccination verifications, funding dog programs and resources, and allowing for peace of mind in the community. Throughout the month of April, licensing your dog(s) couldn’t be cheaper. From April 1 to April 30, the Town of Lyons will be offering discounts on dog licenses – just in time for the new season.

The first dog is $20. Each additional dog is $15. Your dog license fees help pay for dog

countyopenspace.org/btc. For more information about living with bears, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlifeWildBears.aspx.

Deborah Huth Price is a retired environmental educator with interests in wildlife education, astronomy, and preserving dark skies. You can reach her at dhprice@comcast.net.

cleanup stations and bags and the Lyons Dog Park. Plus, licensing your pets helps in returning a lost pet to its owner.

Limb drop-off, public works open house and BOT Meet and Greet

LYONS – Spring is right around the corner and town staff is working on a limb drop-off event for Saturday morning, April 22nd from 8 a.m. to noon. The drop-off will be in the front of the Public Works Facility at 4687 Ute Hwy., on the undeveloped land.

The limb drop-off will be held in conjunction with an open house and tour of the Public Works Facility, along with a chance to meet with the Board of Trustees. The Open House and Meet and Greet is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11a.m. Plans are to have the events and times overlapping and coordinated so that residents can participate any or all of the activities in one morning.

Continue Briefs on Page 11

Sarah Wegert is the Lyons Elementary School STEM coordinator.

Lori Jonker leads a group of 5th graders making quilt squares at Lyons Quilting.

Colorado’s river access laws are contentious, confusing, frustrating

By Greg Lowell Redstone Review

LYONS – “Dad, you’re gonna get shot someday.”

It was my first year fishing here and my oldest son’s admonishment came after I had blithely waded downriver onto what in Colorado is considered private property. But I’m in the river, I had protested, and he then gave me a primer on the sometimes confusing, mostly frustrating river access law that the state of Colorado refuses to clarify.

If I were to be shot at, I’d join the good company of Roger Hill, the 80-year-old angler who was threatened several times, including once with a gun while he fished on the Arkansas River, and who’s now challenging the Arkansas River’s access law (and depending on the court’s decision, access to other Colorado rivers) in a Colorado Supreme Court case due to be reviewed soon.

As a transplanted Easterner who was used to freely wading and walking New England states’ rivers and streams between high-water marks on each shore, I find Colorado’s river access law frustrating. If any angler here wades down the riverbed beyond a not-so-apparent property line or any tuber or kayaker sets foot on the private river bottom they can be liable for criminal trespassing under Colorado law. For a state that prides itself on its outdoor recreation and has water-related busi-

nesses that reap more than $18 billion, including $2.7 billion in tax revenue (June 2020, Business for Water Stewardship group), Colorado has long ignored the contentious issue of stream access and leaves thousands of recreationists to sometimes guess about where they can and can’t go and who put themselves at risk for arrest or confrontation with a landowner.

How it all began

I had long assumed that Colorado’s river access law had its roots in its 19th century water laws, and I was surprised to find out that the current access law was actually defined by a 1979 Colorado Supreme Court decision. That decision – People vs. Em-

Memories of Button Rock Preserve

By Peter Butler Redstone Review

LYONS – Button Rock

mert, where three float fishermen were convicted of trespassing on the Colorado River – denied public access for recreational use when the river or stream flowed through (or over submerged) private property. The actual decision said, “We hold that the public has no right to the use of waters overlying private lands for recreational purposes without the consent of the owner.”

That decision flies in the face of federal law; the U.S. Supreme Court has consistently ruled that the public owns the water in rivers, and therefore the public has the right to use that water for commerce and recreation. Even Colorado’s own constitution contains the language, “the water of

every natural stream, not heretofore appropriated, within the state of Colorado, is hereby declared to be the property of the public, and the same is dedicated to the use of the people of the state.”

So why can’t residents freely access all of Colorado’s rivers and streams?

The key to that access is “navigability.” If a river was used for commerce at the time of Colorado’s statehood (August 1876), the U.S. Supreme Court says that river is the property of the state and must be held in trust for the use and enjoyment of the public. But individual states can also define what rivers they deem navigable and there are times where their definition and the federal definition disagree. The problem here in Colorado is that there is no state law defining navigability.

Coming out of the People vs. Emmert decision, Colorado lawmakers and its attorney general tried to clarify the access issue. In 1983, the state AG issued the opinion that rafters would not be criminally liable but could be subject to civil trespass. (With criminal trespass, the violator may face jail time or fines; with civil trespass, a private citizen brings a lawsuit against the offender.) A 2010 legislative attempt to clarify the law would have allowed commercial rafters to float on waters through private property, but not fish; it passed the House but failed in the Senate due to extensive lobbying by private land advocates.

The legislature instead remanded the issue to the Colorado Water Congress, a

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Preserve is one of our local treasures. Every day of the year it has some marvel to reveal, some secret to divulge or some natural art objects to display. Maybe the flashiest example is the occasional occurrence in June, when the alpine meadow half way up Sleepy Lion Trail is ablaze with blue wildflowers. Maybe I should say awash with blue flowers: an ocean of larkspurs. You can drown in indigo.

Butler

My most special secret place is a tiny patch of shooting stars that are on the back end of the trail near the big dam. Shooting stars are like miniature daffodils, but with petals turned inside out on flowers that are luminous pinky purple. Their rosettes radiate during the spring and then their stalks ascend, and I would be impatient to get my first glimpse of the year of that dazzling magenta.

Then in January, Ralph Price Reservoir would be covered in ice. A few weeks ago it was a flawless sheet, dusted with fresh snow like a ten-acre piece of paper waiting for a giant draftsman. Other years, the ice is gray and patchy with long waving cracks. This is my favorite time because of the soundscape. You can stand and hear a free concert of mighty booming cracks, small gurgling hiccups and a deep moaning like whales in grief. The ice arguing with itself about where to relieve the pressure.

And then the spring would come with winds whistling uninterrupted across the water. Any normal person would receive the first blast as an suggestion to turn around and go back down the dam wall, but I remember one particularly wild day, so insane, that my life would not have been complete without full immersion into that whirling vortex. Most of my best experiences were antediluvian – before the flood. There were fewer people at Button Rock then, and we would have the whole place to ourselves for all of January and February. I remember wading through deep snow drifts at the top

of the dam trail, knowing that this sparkling dune was ours alone to relish.

But then a few weeks later we were out for a run in light clothes when a blizzard surprised us. Zen and I were jogging into a screaming wind, full of snow, heading back to the trailhead but getting more and more crunchy as the ice accumulated on our bare heads. It was one of those days when you must remind yourself that a bad day of winter adventure is better than a good day at

your desk. As we raced into the maelstrom there two ladies coming the other way in full winter gear and one of them yelled “You’re tough,” which I could just hear through the howling wind. Not so much tough, as making the best of it. And blissfully happy.

The 2013 flood wrought tremendous damage and it was impossible to reach Button Rock for nearly two years. But when it reopened, something was different. The

Continue Memories on Page 12

A historic moment in time

By John Gierach Redstone Review

LYONS – The arraignment of Donald Trump in New York on multiple counts of falsifying business records wasn’t as satisfying as I thought it would be, mostly because of the tedious non-event the media made of it.

The actual arraignment was preceded by weeks of breathless speculation about what might happen and when the day finally came, the courthouse was bristling with cameras and reporters, but all that really happened was that a dopey-looking guy with bad hair walked into a room and, sometime later, walked back out. But that was all it took to send the reporters and experts barking off on the fresh scent of what might happen now and what it might mean, like beagles baying after a rabbit.

But I have to admit that this really is as historic and unprecedented as we keep hearing it is. We’ve been known to assassinate presidents here, but we’ve never charged one with a crime, whether he was in or out of office. The closest we ever came in recent memory was Dick Nixon, who famously said of the Watergate affair and subsequent coverup, “If the president does it, that means it’s not illegal.” Nixon may have actually believed that, but he wasn’t willing to test it in court, so he played it safe, resigned from office and accepted a pardon from Gerald Ford.

At the time, I hated to see that pardon, although I had to admit it was a statesmanlike act: Ford knew it would ruin his political career, but did it anyway in the belief that trying Nixon would have “torn the country apart.” As a young hot-head in the 70s, tearing the country apart didn’t seem like such a bad idea and now, when the country is torn apart – a hair’s breadth from civil war some say – I think if we’d locked Nixon up at the time, we wouldn’t be agonizing now over what to do with a criminal ex-president who’s infinitely worse.

It’s unfortunate that the first of many cases against Trump to finally see the light of day is this one involving hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. (Every journalist who’s covered the story refers to Daniels as a “porn star” or sometimes as an “adult film actress” only because it sounds so salacious, while in fact, it doesn’t matter what her profession is.)

Apparently, these are real crimes. Falsifying business records is a misdemeanor in New York unless it’s done in furtherance of another crime – in this case tax and/or elec-

tion fraud – in which case all 34 counts become felonies. Real people who aren’t wealthy or influential are tried and convicted on charges like this all the time (you or I would have already been locked up with the key long since thrown away) so we’re back to that old no-one-is-abovethe-law mantra they keep throwing at us, never mind that everyone who trots out that old saw knows it isn’t true and never was.

Still, the whole business is tawdry and personal enough to look trumped up, if you’ll excuse the pun. It reminds me a little of the Republicans going after Bill Clinton for all kinds of invented crimes and finally having to settle for perjury when he lied under oath about his affair with an intern. They impeached him over that, but he wasn’t convicted, probably because too many senators knew what

would happen if their own private lives were subjected to that kind of scrutiny.

Then again, going after Trump for falsifying business records is reminiscent of going after Al Capone for tax evasion. Like Trump, Capone was allegedly guilty of much worse – bootlegging, extortion, murder, you name it – although it was the seemingly minor charge of tax evasion that finally sent him to prison.

But I think when the dust finally clears, these charges against Trump in New York will be a footnote on the order of “Oh yeah, and on top of everything else, they got him for falsifying business records.”

“Everything else” should include charges relating to the theft of classified documents, election fraud in Georgia and the big one: sedition for inciting the attack on the capital in an attempt to overthrow a legal election and lynch the vice president.

We don’t know as much as we’d like about all that because we’re not supposed to. Legal experts say the particulars of these investigations are supposed to be kept secret in the interest of fairness. If a crime has been committed and prosecutors can prove it, they’ll bring charges. If charges aren’t brought, the subject of an investigation shouldn’t be tried in the press because of the harm that can do.

Case in point: then head of the FBI James Comey announced just weeks before the 2016 election that Hilary Clinton was under investigation. Nothing ever came of it and no charges were ever filed, but it’s possible that the announcement threw the election to Trump and gave us all these years of trying to deal with an aspiring dictator.

But fair or not, we know what we know from responsible journalists who report verifiable facts and we can’t unknow it. Many of us watched the insurrection on TV and have seen countless clips since. Likewise, we heard the recorded phone call of Trump trying to intimidate Georgia election officials into finding a specific number of nonexistent votes “which is one more than we need” and we watched Michael Cohen go to jail for the Stormy Daniels payoff even though he was just the bag man who laundered Trump’s checks.

We’ve also seen U.S Attorney General Merrick Garland charge 950 people in the nearly two years since the January 6 riot with another 350 on the FBI’s wanted list while at the same time slow-walking the investigation into Trump’s role in the insurrection and finally washing his hands of it by handing it over to a special prosecutor, Jack Smith. That’s how the least of the charges against Trump ended up coming first: because the top law enforcement official in the country seems to be cowardly enough to lock up all the little dogs he can find while leaving the big dog alone.

Library hosts art show, second blood drive, National Library Week, and more

By Kara Bauman Redstone Review

LYONS – The Lyons Community Li-

brary extends our thanks to the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission for its coordination of another successful Tandem Art Show Opening Reception on Wednesday, April 12. Visitors enjoyed hammered dulcimer music provided by Mariane (Mimi) Wesson and snacks courtesy of Frida Empanada.

Stop into Lyons Town Hall to view locals’ artistic interpretation of Oh, the Places I’ve Gone and then pop over to the library to view Linda Dole Backup’s solo show, The Heart of the Matter. Both shows run until July 5.

The library’s own Hannah Ogden is pleased to offer public, by-appointment access to the library’s Cricut. The Cricut is an electronic cutting and drawing machine. Designs are created on a computer and can be cut or drawn onto material such as cardstock, vinyl, felt, and fabric. The Cricut can be used to make signs, custom t-shirts, labels, greeting cards, and much more.

Cricut sessions are offered in one-hour time slots that must be reserved through the library’s website. Sessions are currently available on the second Monday of each month at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and the fourth Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Have questions or need a little more information?

Visit the Cricut sessions page on our website under the Programming tab.

Your Lyons Community Library is proud to partner with the Town of Lyons and Vitalant for our second blood drive of the year coming up on Tuesday, May 2 between 2 and 6 p.m. The nation is currently facing a critical scarcity of available blood units so please consider rolling up your sleeves to help alleviate this shortage. While walk-ins are welcome, registration is encouraged by visiting vitalant.org and entering code A069. Additional drives are scheduled for July 3 and October 23.

Another collaboration the library is looking very forward to is the co-hosted Pints and Pages Book Club with our friends from the Rock Garden, 338 W. Main St. Those who register are eligible for BOGO drink specials at the Rock Garden, and will also enjoy great conversation facilitated by your very own library Director. Join us the third Sunday of each month from May through October at 5 p.m. at the Rock Garden. May’s book selection will be announced around the time the Redstone hits your mailboxes, so make sure to check the social channels for the announcement. Expect a title honoring May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a nod toward Mother’s Day.

Of particular interest to your library in April: National Library Week, April 23 to 29, 2023. National Library

Bauman

Gierach

Courtroom Artist Jane Rosenberg’s sketch of Donald Trump at his criminal arraignment and indictment on April 4, 2023 will be the first cover for New Yorker magazine showing a courtroom sketch.

Top: Artist Linda Dole Backup at the Lyons Library. Her solo show, The Heart of the Matter, runs until July 5

Bottom: Shadows of the Iron Bridge, Lyons, one of the works featured in Backup’s show. ARTIST PHOTO BY LARRY QUINN

Getting creative in Lyons

By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review

LYONS – Whimsical or serious, thought provoking or iconic, the sculptures, performances, creative outlets and murals that grace the public spaces in our community brighten them up.

The eclectic display of public art in Lyons enriches the physical, economic, social and cultural fabric of Lyons too. Over the past several years, the arts’ momentum has been exploding in Lyons. Whether it’s poetry, theatre, music, painting creative outlets, adding murals or public sculptures, a group of dedicated residents and volunteers make the magic of the arts happen in Lyons.

Last Wednesday, April 12, was the quarterly art show, featuring Linda Dole Backup at the library. Linda is a 40 year plus resident of Lyons, retired cardiologist and active painter. Each quarter, one local Lyons resident has a curated show at the library which is on display for three months. Meanwhile, local artists also display their artistic expression with the Town Hall Art show, featuring art that dots the board chambers. You can check out either display during open hours. These local quarterly art shows provide a venue for our residents to display their creative side and for the public to enjoy.

Be sure to take some time to visit both venues, you will be impressed with the level of artistic talent that resides in Lyons. If you haven’t had a chance to go to the quarterly li-

brary and town hall art shows, why not make a spring resolution to get to the next one? It’s a wonderful celebration of community, along with sharing in the talents of local artists.

The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC) will continue the Creative Outlets program to enhance the community through art in public places.

The program’s goal is to bring beauty to unexpected places via creative painting of utility boxes. Next on their list is a creative outlet-utility box along Railroad Ave, near the post office. Artists receive a $1,250 stipend for their artistic creation. There is a formal call to artists which can be found online, townoflyons.com/643/Creative-Outlets.

To date, several local artists and local outlets have benefited, with artistic expression in Bohn Park, LaVern Johnson Park and at the Lyons Regional Library.

The arts are unavoidable in Lyons – which is exactly how we love it. And Lyons sure has a public art collection to boast about. Installations by internationally revered artists dot the landscape.

The LAHC has been curating new public art sculptures and expanding the collection. Most recently, Mr. Toolman, by Justin Deister was installed in early April near Black Bear Hole. Plans are to install nearly a dozen new or replacement pieces throughout town in the next few months. The sculptures are an outdoor exhibit, readily available to everyone.

The public sculpture program comes together with the financial support of the Lyons Community Foundation and the enormous volunteer efforts of the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission, especially Melinda Wunder, Jacob Leeuwenburgh and John King. Installation and equipment is supported by town staff.

Springtime vibes bring Lyons outdoors

By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review

LYONS – Ah, April in Lyons, Colorado.

Our varied climate, abundant sunshine, location in the foothills, and temperature fluctuations converge to create a rewarding spring and the impending lush green hues. Residents and wildlife alike begin to

emerge from the winter’s slumber. There is plenty to look forward to in Lyons and the warming temperatures allow for locals to gather for events and exploration before the summer guests discover Lyons.

On Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day), the Town will be hosting a limb dropoff and open house at the town’s public works facility, located at 4687 Ute Hwy. This is also

The LAHC wishes to thank the Lyons Board of Trustees for their continued support and appreciation of public art in Lyons. In addition, public art funding also comes from the Lyons Community Foundation and the residents who graciously donate to this important non-profit in Lyons.

a great opportunity to meet members of the Lyons Board of Trustees, who set the policies for town operations and are the key decision makers regarding town policies. The limb dropoff will take place from 8 a.m. to noon, with the meet and greet and open house at public works, taking place from 9 to 11 a.m. Staff will be on hand for the tours and there will be light refreshments.

In honor of Mother Earth, the Parks and Recreation Commission is sponsoring a spring cleanup on Sunday, April 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. Interested participants are asked to meet in Bohn Park, up by the pavilion for a spring cleaning of our parks and river corridor on Sunday morning.

As the wildlife and bears also wake up from hibernation, the town partnered with Boulder County to secure bear resistant trash cans. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife grant program was well received and has sold out. Those who ordered the bins should have received an email with pick-up instructions and details.

With the spring transition towards summer, now is a great time for dog owners to get their dog licenses, especially during April’s discount dog days. A Lyons dog license is required for residents of the town, according to the Lyons Municipal Code.

Sign up for yours today, by visiting townoflyons.com/dog and providing proof of vaccination for your dog(s).

In addition, parking passes for our parks are available for town residents. If you live in unincorporated areas of Boulder County, but outside the town limits, you may purchase a vehicle parking pass for $80. Town Hall often gets questions as to why one parking pass is free for residents of the town, but not our neighbors in the county.

This is mainly fiduciary. Those who reside within the town limits, pay town utilities, and vote in town elections, also pay property taxes to the town as well as an extra 3.5 percent sales tax on purchases, such as new or used vehicles, online deliveries (from Amazon or similar retailers) and for large items such as dishwashers, ovens, furniture etc. Thus, town residents are eligible for one free parking pass and may purchase an additional parking pass. To order your parking pass, visit town hall from Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or go online, townoflyons.com/parkingpass and fill out the form.

New for 2023 is a golf car registration system for owners and drivers to be aware of and understand the safe vehicle opera-

New Code Compliance Official and his dog, Luke, explain the rules to residents

By Zack Bertges Redstone Review

LYONS – Hello there, Lyons Community.

I’m excited to be part of the Redstone cohort, representing the Town of Lyons as your Code Compliance Official and Hazard Mitigation Program Coordinator. In my line of work, I often come across small problems that could be easily avoided if folks were just more aware of the Lyons Municipal Code and our town regulations.

As we head into the warmer months, I thought it would be a great time to revisit some of our town laws regarding dog ownership and leash requirements. I know we all love our furry friends, but it’s important to keep them and our community safe.

Getting a dog license is an important responsibility for all dog owners. Here are some reasons why:

Legal Requirement: In the Town of Lyons, it is a legal requirement to have a dog license under Lyons Municipal Code 8-6-20. Failing to obtain one can result in fines (beginning at $45 per daily offense and per dog).

Identification: A dog license is a form of identification for your dog. It helps us and the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control to identify your dogs if they get lost or are involved in an accident.

Vaccination Verification: A dog license requires proof of vaccination, which helps to ensure that your dog is up-to-date

on shots. This is important not only for the safety of your dog but also for the safety of other dogs and humans they encounter.

Community Support: Dog licensing fees are often used to fund programs and resources that benefit dogs and their owners in the community (dog poop bags, for example).

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your dog is licensed and up-to-date on their vaccinations can give you peace of mind and help you feel more confident in taking your dog out in public.

Overall, getting a dog license is a responsible action that benefits both the dog and the Lyons community.

Off-leash dogs can pose several potential dangers, both to themselves and to other people and animals in the area. Here are a few examples:

Unpredictable behavior: When dogs are off leash, their behavior can be unpredictable. Even if the owner believes their dog is well-behaved, the dog may become overly excited, aggressive, or anxious in certain situations, especially when encountering new people or other animals. This can lead to unexpected and potentially dangerous behaviors.

Accidents: Off-leash dogs can be a hazard to themselves and others, especially when running or playing in areas where there is heavy traffic. They may also chase or harass wildlife, potentially leading to injury or

death for both the dog and the wildlife. Legal issues: The Town of Lyons Municipal Code 7-6-50 requires dogs to be kept on a leash in public areas. Failure to do so is a penalty assessment of $50 for the

first offense, $90 for the second offense, and a direct Lyons Municipal Court summons for the third offense. In addition, if an off-leash dog causes damage or injury, the owner may be liable for any resulting legal or financial consequences.

Health risks: Unleashed dogs may encounter other animals who are sick or carrying diseases (such as the recent avian flu outbreak). They may also pick up parasites or bacteria from the ground, which can lead to health problems.

Fear and anxiety: For people who are afraid of dogs or who have had negative experiences with them in the past, encountering an off-leash dog can be extremely frightening and traumatic.

I hope this information helps you better understand our town regulations and how they can benefit both you and your neighbors. Let’s work together to create a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for all. Remember, this knowledge could even save the life of your beloved pup or a fellow community member’s furry friend. For more information, go to townoflyons.com/215/Dog-Licensing. Thank you.

Zack Bertges is the Lyons Code Compliance Officer. His boy (dog) Luke is a therapy dog at Boulder Community Hospital (BHS). You may see them both walking around town. Zack likes to be petted by his new friends in town.

Justin Deister’s sculpture Mr. Toolman was installed on Hwy 66 on April 5. Left to right:John King, Kyle Kolakowski, Joe Boswell, Justin Nittman, Chase Reiter, Mr. Toolman, Jake Coffin, Jacob Leeuwenburgh, Melinda Wunder

Lyons Community Foundation and the A-Lodge will bring you Movies on the Lawn the first Thursday of each month, May through October, beginning May 4.

My boy, Luke, licensed, leashed, and ready to go for his shift as a therapy dog at BCH Hospital.

Can we look at what is unresolved?

Duality, an art exhibit in Longmont

By Sally King Redstone Review

Bravely we go about the business of living and dying

And bravely art helps us with a deeper involvement,

Of what it means to be human.

Can we look at what is unresolved?

There is a truly profound art exhibit

At the Longmont Museum, through May 14.

It’s “Duality,” curated by activist and artist, Gregg Deal

(You can view his Boulder Ted Talk to get a feel for his work).

“Duality” is a varied look into the native perspective.

Lifetime legacy of painting

By Sally King Redstone Review

I was in attendance at the art opening of Linda Dole Backup And there was this lovely glow; People seem to really enjoy being there, As a community. Linda radiates warmth and kindness. She was lovingly introduced by her daughter and infant grandson.

One of the pieces will break your heart: It’s upside-down chairs in a pile, And the chair legs are whittled into points

Feeling into the experience of our native children

In Indian schools.

Recognition and apologies are long overdue

Can we own our shadow, as a people, as a country?

The magical filmmaker, Cannupa Hanska Luger

Expresses the new myth in this way: “As living beings, we all have myths and tales

That describe our lives being abused by

This moment in time, shared by those present, A reflecting point of Linda’s many accomplishments Not only as a woman artist but as a cardiologist.

Linda Dole Backup’s work is on display at the Lyons Public Library for April, May and June.

Sally King is a local artist who has created whimsical bears and delightful wild flower acrylic paintings to enhance the appearance of Lyons all over the town. She lives with her husband John King, a kinetic sculpture artist, near Lyons. You can find her on her blog and website: hersoupot.net and sallywhiteking.com.

monsters.

These monsters are out of natural order

And human beings rise from their torment

To defeat them.

Monster slayers found in every culture set out

For the continuation of existence.

Today, we are once again plagued by monsters.

It is time to be the human beings, Each of us must be aware

Of what we can do in the place that we stand.

So that a far future that remembers this era Can sing the songs

And dance the stories of our ability to come together

And become monster slayers.

We combat this daunting impossible task

Of freeing ourselves with every action, Affecting the whole, slaying the monster”

Tyree Woods will perform benefit concert to raise money for LEAF’s new home

By Lory Barton and Theresa Brighton Redstone Review

From Lory Barton: Hi Friends, and happy spring. We have so much to share with the community from LEAF, Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund, this month. You may have heard that we have been hosting a series of intimate house concerts featuring some of Lyons’ best musical talent in support of our “We Are Here” capital campaign. Each concert so far has been so special, magical, and fun. As we near the end of the series, we are planning a stellar show for the whole community. Here’s LEAF’s Community Outreach Associate, Theresa Brighton, to tell you all about it:

LYONS – LEAF invites you to join in the fun as we raise money to build a permanent home in the heart of Lyons. Tyree Woods played at Mainstage a few weeks ago and knocked the socks off everyone, so we invited him back to do it again for our “We Are Here” benefit concert.

Because of his fierce belief in the importance of access to mental health services, Tyree Woods has agreed to captivate us once again. This time, a few of our beloved local talents will back him up to deliver what’s sure to be a show you will not want to miss.

We invite all of Lyons to rally behind this community building initiative in support of LEAF’s profound commit-

Celebrate Earth Day for climate literacy

By Jim Ramsay Redstone Review

PINEWOOD SPRINGS

– Before there was an Earth Day, a massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California in 1969 inspired Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin to call for a national teach-in about the environment in March 1970.

As the idea gained traction, a young activist named Denis Hayes organized an event

for college students on April 22 between spring break and final exams, and 20 million Americans ended up joining in to protest the impact of uncontrolled industrialization on human health as had been pointed out in Rachel Carlson’s book Silent Spring, published almost ten years earlier in 1962. Earth Day grew in popularity in the U.S. and led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and environmental legislation such as the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act. By 1990, its worldwide popularity led to the establishment of Earth Day as an interna-

Lyons Redstone Museum

Open Weekends starting May 6th Daily from June 1 - October 1, 2023 Sun 12:30- 4:30

ment to being here for the greater Lyons area. If you are unable to attend, please consider participating by learning more about LEAF’s capital campaign, and making a generous donation at LEAFlyons.org.

A LEAF benefit show, featuring Tyree Woods with KC Groves, Charlie Rose and Ian Brighton, will be held on Sunday, May 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Oskar Blues, 303 Main St., Lyons. Oskar Blues will donate 10 percent of its basement sales during the event to LEAF. Come hungry and thirsty. Next up, LEAF’s leadership and staff teams will host an open house at Mojo Taqueria on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. As we prepare to move to our new headquarters, we are ready to expand our team. We’ll provide light snacks and drinks, and you’ll learn about LEAF, connect with our team members, and find out about the different ways to get involved by volunteering with us.

We are looking for board and committee members, events team members, and program volunteers. If you’re interested in learning more about different ways you might be able to volunteer your time and talent in service to our community, I hope you will plan to attend. Please email theresa@leaflyons.org to let us know you’re coming to the

tional event, and today it is observed in 193 countries. Activists like Sweden’s Greta Thunberg keep the world’s attention focused on the spirit of Earth Day.

In the early 1970s, I remember walking the beach at Isla Vista, the college ghetto for the University of California at Santa Barbara, admiring the lights of the “crystal ship” off-shore oil platforms, noticing that my sandals were getting heavier with each step, caked with tar hidden beneath the sand. I’d stop periodically to scrape off accumulated tar while sitting on rocks crusted with abalone that you couldn’t eat because

they were coated with the same tar.

In 1970, Earth Day organizers decided that one day wasn’t enough to fit in all the activities necessary to get the word out about environmental issues, so they announced that henceforth April should become Earth Month. So now we celebrate Earth Month in April and Earth Day on the 22nd.

April 22, 2023 is the 53rd Earth Day, and this year the theme is, Invest in our Planet. A lot of lip service has been paid to saving the planet, but now the time has come to put our money where our mouths are.

Linda Dole Backup and her painting Cabin up the Road.

ARTIST PHOTO BY LARRY QUINN

Girl from Seane by Steven Yazzie

Ramsay

Barton Brighton

INTEREST

WOMEN IN BUSINESS SERIES

Owner’s ethics reflected in business structure

By Tamara Haddad Redstone Review

powerhouse to pick up where they left off.

Tucker began her real estate career during the devastating 2007–2008 financial crash. She wasn’t making money those first few years but was doing something she believed in: bringing people together to achieve mutually beneficial goals. “I like the real estate industry; I like helping people,” she said.

Haddad

LYONS – Before Jonelle Tucker became a Lyons area real estate agent, she was a college professor, pilot and flying teacher, surveyor, and sustainable tourism advocate. Tucker brings unique perspectives, experiences, and values critical to solving community challenges and promoting prosperity.

Like Tucker, many businesswomen are often empathetic, collaborative, and community-oriented, making them natural leaders in philanthropy. Studies have shown that women are more likely to give to charity and donate significant percentages of their income than men. Additionally, women tend to support causes aligned with their values and beliefs, such as education, health, and environmental sustainability. This juxtaposition with the rising number of women in real estate shines a light on everything Tucker implements as the founder and sole proprietor of Tucker Group Real Estate.

“Bringing people together to achieve mutually beneficial goals has been a guiding force throughout my work and home life,” said Tucker. “As a wife, mother, volunteer, and 40-year resident of Lyons, Colorado, I believe in building a strong Lyons community.”

For years, she and a small group of dedicated locals operated Lyons’ 9Health Fair, now called 365 Health Fairs. The group organized hundreds of local volunteers to facilitate our community’s access to affordable lab work, dozens of free health screenings, and medical advice from doctors and nurses on-site. A year after Tucker stepped down, the committee followed suit. Lyons hopes for a new

Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in changing lives and transforming communities.

Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there’s so much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like museum passes, games, American Girl dolls, and laptops. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and

Her integrity brings ideas, perspectives, and skills critical to the industry’s growth and success. In tandem, Tucker uses her position to get down and dirty, literally. You will see her beside her fellow Lyons volunteers, lifting, digging, pushing, cleaning up after fires and floods, and beautifying our parks.

Her support promotes more than community development – Tucker is also an inspiration to girls and young women. For example, a student at the Town of Lyons sponsored women’s mountain bike class said, “I learned how to mountain bike from Jonelle. She gave me the confidence to ride and maintain my bike’s mechanics; it’s very empowering.”

Part of Tucker’s real estate leadership also inspires other women in the industry to get involved in philanthropy for its own sake and not as part of their marketing plan. These contributions are shaping the real estate sector’s future. The real estate industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but that is changing. Women are now rising to leadership positions in the industry and breaking away from the real estate franchises dominating the rising costs in the industry. Sellers and buyers alike find working with an independently owned and operated real estate office gratifying in the same way they enjoy shopping small and locally. Their money isn’t parceled off to big box corporations; it stays local and whole.

Tucker’s hands-on approach to working with her clients

connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting sessions, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing Internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.

As library Director I am well aware of the hard work the staff of the Lyons Community Library bring to their positions and would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff, including Becki Loughlin, Youth Services Librarian; Vicky Reinold, Adult Programming and Communications Librarian; Sarah Lawson,

doesn’t bring her the highest paycheck. More often than not, her percentages undercut the local competition by 2 percent or more, which is a big chunk of change that goes back into the client’s pockets. Tucker also employs a local marketing manager and hires local stagers like Debbie Simms, another formidable philanthropist and hands-on volunteer focusing on the Lyons community.

To learn more about Tucker, her elevated real estate approach, and her community work, visit her website page at www.tuckergroupinc.com, or just look for a woman picking weeds and hopping rocks on her well tuned mountain bike.

Tamara Vega Haddad is an advocate for small businesses and Lyons economic development. She has an Interior Design Certificate, specializing in Biophilic Design.

Technology Coordinator; Steve Noud, Hannah Ogden, and Carolyn Vierthaler, Library Associates; and Jenny Abernathy, Circulation Assistant. These are the folks who help you, our patrons, write library stories each and every day, so please consider offering a word of thanks on National Library Workers Day, April 25.

The Lyons Community Library opens Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. We close at 5 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays; 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; and 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Our online catalog is available 24/7 at

lyons.colibraries.org and we’re always open for digital downloads on both the Libby and CloudLibrary apps. Give us a call at 303823-5165 or email info@lyonslibrary.com with any questions. Please see the calendar on our website for additional program information and for registration instructions.

Kara Bauman is the Director of the Lyons Community Library and holds an MLIS from the University of Kentucky. She’s an avid fly angler, enjoys craft beer, and in non-COVID times travels extensively to see her favorite band, Widespread Panic.

Library Continued from Page 7

Helping out a friend

LYONS – An older couple, George Boedecker and his wife Karin are being forced to move out of their home. They live on Blue Mountain Road, just west of Lyons and they live in a home that George’s son, George Jr., bought for them over 20 years ago and now he wants it back.

George and Karin are being forced to move, but have no place to go. George Sr. is a fitness coach and held classes, for many years for older people, called Fitness over 50. He taught people how to work out safely so they would not get hurt.

Karin has owned and work with horses for over 40 years. They would like to find a place even if it is temporary and would be willing to take care of someone’s horses or other animals. They have rescued and cared for many animals

for over the last 30 years. Currently they have 5 dogs and 2 cats. Eventually they would like to find a place in Texas because they know that it is too expensive for them to live in Colorado. George is in his mid 80s. They thought that they would be able to live in their house for the rest of their lives and had no idea that they would be homeless late in their life. If you know of any place where they can live even temporarily, you can contact Karin at her email address below. A bank account has been set up by Redstone Review for donations for George Boedecker at Bank of the West in Lyons. Also They have a Go Fund Me page with a link below and you can contact Karin at her email below. Karin posted this message:

Hello I thought you might be interested in supporting this GoFundMe https://gofund.me/e28284e7. Even a small donation could help Karin and George Boedecker reach

their fundraising goal. And if you can't make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word. Thanks for taking a look. Karin karinboe@yahoo.com.

Ordinance 1143 increases allowable customer-owned electricity generation

LYONS – The Lyons Board of Trustees recently passed Ord. 1143 which allows all customerowned generation (COG) of electricity to have a maximum capacity of 25 kilowatts instead of the current 10 kilowatts. All Board and Commission meetings are public meetings and the public is welcome. For the full calendar of all public meetings, visit townoflyons.com/Calendar.aspx.

Free catalytic converter marking kits offered by Boulder County

BOULDER – The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) to combat catalytic converter theft and will be distributing free CatETCH labels to commu-

LEAF Continued from Page 9

May 10, 2023 LEAF “Come & See” open house at Mojo.

And next month, we will have more good news related to the growing services we are offering through Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery. For now, I’ll whet your appetite by letting you know that we have hired an additional clinician who can begin to address the waiting list of people seeking counseling services. And in the next few weeks, we’ll roll out an art group for youth and a SMART recovery group, too. Stay tuned for more details,

nity members. The CatETCH labels each have a unique identifying number that can be applied to a catalytic converter by the vehicle owner or a mechanic. Catalytic converter labeling will allow identification of your catalytic converter in the event it is stolen and later recovered by law enforcement. Learn more if you are interested at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Dept. website.

Hydrant flushing may cause water discoloration

LYONS – Starting in April, on Wednesday afternoons the town will begin testing and flushing the fire hydrants and water system valves. Staff will be working their way through town from east to west spending a couple of hours averaging four or five hydrants per afternoon. Public Works expects to work their way through the entire town before the end of October.

The fire hydrants are opened, increasing the velocity of water moving through the pipes and removing sediments that may affect the

they are coming very soon.

As usual, so many great things are happening at LEAF, and it’s all to benefit this community. I send enthusiastic thanks to our donors and volunteers who make it possible, and to our clients and guests who entrust us with the opportunity to serve.

Through our Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels program, Basic Needs and Resource Matching, Lyons Volunteers, and Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery, our team members – donors and volunteers – provide comprehensive human and behavioral health services to local people who need them. This elevates our entire community,

water’s taste and color. While a loss of water pressure is common, the process doesn’t typically interrupt water service.

Flushing may cause your water to appear cloudy or discolored for a short time. This water is not harmful, though it may stain laundry. It’s also safe to use on plants and landscape. If this occurs: wait until the nearby flushing is complete remove faucet aerators or filters run the COLD water for 5 to 10 minutes (usually the water clears within a few minutes, if flushing in the area is complete)

Prescribed burn

LYONS – Firefighters with the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest are monitoring conditions to begin operations on the Forsythe II Prescribed Burn, located 7 miles southwest of Boulder and 5.5 miles east of Nederland. All burning will be implemented in close coordination and with

improving life and health, relationships, families, futures, employment, and more. At LEAF we’re changing our small corner of the world. Indeed, We Are Here, for Good.

Lory Barton has been LEAF’s Executive Director since 2019. Having previously served with local and international nonprofit organizations, she’s glad and grateful to partner with so many at LEAF to change our small corner of the world in the Greater Lyons area.

Theresa Brighton joined LEAF in August of 2022 as the organization’s Community Outreach Associate

Jonelle Tucker 303- 902- 6250 jonelle.tucker@gmail.com tuckergroupinc.com Interested

Meet Gina. She is 2-years-old and the sweetest and most wiggliest girl. She is a staff / volunteer favorite and this social girl is ready to find a new forever home. Adults, teens, kids – bring ‘em all on, she loves everyone. As you can see, she is very treat motivated and would absolutely love to learn some new skills with you. Come in today and set up a visit with Gina. To see all our available animals, visit www.longmonthumane.org or give us a call at 303-7721232. Longmont Humane Society is located at 9595 Nelson Road.

The Mud Hut is open for business

By Jim Ramsay Redstone Review

LYONS – The Mud Hut is actually made of wood, and it looks like a “tiny house” about to be towed to its next destination. But it’s here to stay, right next to the nowdefunct U-Pump-It on Highway 66 coming into Lyons.

The Mud Hut is the latest adventure of Phoenie Sparks, who moved here from Berlin, Germany because she has family in

Lyons. The “mud” she sells is espresso coffee in most of its different forms: latte, iced latte, cappuccino, mocha, Americano, drip, café au lait, and macchiato. And if you’re not a coffee person, there is also hot tea, chai, matcha tea, and hot chocolate.

If you’re hungry, you can have a pita pocket or burrito with your beverage, and they offer locally sourced Mountain Dog hot (Zombie) or very hot (Dragon) sauce to complement their five different breakfast burritos. For snacks, you have the choice of

nonprofit group representing water interests across the state, for further study. The effort ultimately led only to mediation of access disputes on a case-by-case basis, still leaving Colorado with an unclear statement of public access.

That’s where we stand now until a decision on Roger Hill’s case is made.

State’s stream access “the worst”

In an editorial in the spring 2023 Backcountry Journal, Colorado’s stream access laws were called “the worst of any Western state.” And until the state defines navigability, it will remain so.

That’s the key: under the federal ruling you can access a river if it was able to be navigated for commerce at the time of statehood. That commercial use would establish the river’s navigability and thus public access.

Eleven other western states have defined access. For example, Montana law says all surface waters capable of recreation can be used by the public without regard for ownership of the land beneath the water. California guarantees public stream access through its constitution. On the flip side, a Wyoming Supreme Court ruling in 1961 did not include the right to wade in privately owned, non-

Memories Continued from Page 6

repairs were cleaner and smarter than before and somehow the word got out to the wider world. More and more visitors would crowd the parking lot and leave all sorts of debris on trails. I collected (and binned) a kitchen knife, a can of chewing tobacco, a plastic Buzz Lightyear doll, many paper tissues but also a ten dollar bill which was maybe my reward.

almond biscotti, little oatmeal cakes, shortbread cookies, mac and cheese, warm oatmeal, or applesauce pouches for your kids.

And for any canine visitors who come by to make our days so much brighter, they offer Mud Hut Pup Cups: whipped cream in a cup with a little dog treat on top.

The Mud Hut is a drive-up establishment, and its business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. So drive up to their window on your way in or out of town for a beverage and a treat. They have recently added some outside seating so people can stay awhile as they’re enjoying their coffee.

navigable streams, but at least the state has addressed the issue. Not so Colorado.

Potshot angler hopes to change it all

In 2018, Hill sued Joseph Warsewa, who regularly harassed him and once took a shot at his fishing companion while he was wading the Arkansas River. Hill believes the river was historically navigable, and its bed thus belongs to the public. Hill and his attorneys have evidence that sawmills floated timber down the Arkansas River in 1876; therefore, the river passes the federal navigability test and is public property and open for public use.

Although the Colorado Supreme Court will be hearing arguments on Hill’s ability to sue a landowner, it will also consider his navigability argument. If Hill wins then any river that was navigable in 1876 would then be open to the public.

Hill’s case has attracted many supporters and many opponents, including Colorado’s own Attorney General Phil Weiser, who believes Hill’s case is upending property rights on the state’s rivers and believes the issue should instead be settled by the state’s lawmakers.

Forgive my cynicism, but when the opponents of Hill’s case include the likes of Jackson-Shaw, a Dallas-based development company that purchased nearly two miles of land

Then the chiding and scolding started. “Dogs on a leash at all times.” “One dog per person.” Over time the signs appeared like official graffiti, until one’s entry to the trail was accompanied by something like 25 different instructions on sign posts. Maybe it was a societal necessity but it was a magic killer. I would always drive to the trailhead with a sense of entering some mystical cathedral of natural marvels. But reading the signs I felt more like a potential criminal.

along and under the Taylor River near Gunnison to create a private fly-fishing sanctuary, I’m more inclined to side with Mr. Hill. When outside interests can control miles of river – like also the Blue River, where one person “owns” a considerable stretch of the river – it reeks of elitism, political influence and is a threat to Colorado’s everyday river users.

Rafters, kayakers, anglers all recreate at the sufferance of riparian property owners. Here in Lyons, thousands of tubers and kayakers run the St. Vrain down through Apple Valley, almost all of it over submerged private land. And nearly every one of them at some point are trespassing when their boats or tubes hang up on the bottom or obstacles arising from the bottom and they need to exit their crafts. Technically, that’s criminal trespassing.

I may just be a troublemaking Easterner who doesn’t understand Colorado traditions but I – and many more like me – agree that the rivers and streams coursing through our state should be available to all (as they are in the overwhelming majority of states), not just the wealthy few and those who supposedly “own” our Colorado rivers.

Lyons’ resident Greg Lowell, is a former Lyons Town Board Trustee and serves as the chair of the Ecology Advisory Board. He is an avid fly fisherman and favors open water laws.

But now, the powers in their wisdom have banned all dogs. My streak of running there every week for twelve years is over: according to my notes, 772 visits. Zen and I ran about 6,000 miles together mostly at Button Rock. Broken-hearted is maybe a bit strong but being banished from a place with such intimate memories is a wrench.

So Tal, the collie, and I are looking for new adventures and they are so hard to find. But Rabbit Mountain is a blessing,

with its own stark beauty. Three runs so far – 769 to go.

Peter Butler was born in India and lived in a house facing a giant kapok tree. Growing up in England there were trees but never quite enough. After qualifying as biochemist there as a gradual evolution into being a graphic designer. He and his wife Deirdre moved to the States in 1997 and to Lyons in 2000. Finally there are enough trees.

Lions Clubs are committed to service and helping those in need

By Ron Gosnell Redstone Review

LYONS – The first Lions Club began in 1917 when Chicago business leader Melvin Jones asked a world changing question – what if people made a commitment to improve their communities?

More than a century later, Lions Clubs International is the largest service club or ganization in the world, with more than 1.4 million members in 48,000 clubs acting on the same idea: when Lions come to gether for the good of hu manity, there is nothing we cannot achieve.

Just three years after founding, Lions became international when the first club in Canada was established. Mexico followed in 1927. In the 1950s and 1960s, international growth accelerated with new clubs in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Hellen Keller addressed the Lions at the

Greenhouse gas emissions caused by burning fossil fuels threaten not only our health but also the ability of our planet to sustain life as we know it. Government regulations and economic incentives are slowly improving the health of our planet, but we will eventually lose the race to save the planet unless we discover ways to reverse the damage industrialization has done to the environment. These threats may not be realized in our lifetimes but certainly in those of our children or our children’s children.

Research needs to be funded and replacement technologies need to be developed, and these measures will be expensive. I don’t think I’m alone in being reluctant to invest in an electric vehicle even though I recognize the importance of EVs to cleaning up the air on the front range, not to mention the cost of replacing my gas range, propane furnace and fossilfueled electricity with cleaner technology.

1925 International Convention and challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind.” Since then, Lions Clubs have aided those who are blind or visually impaired.

Lyons Lions Club donates financially to the Colorado Eye Bank and Seeing Eye Dog Program. Lyons Lions collect usable eyeglasses for the Lions eyeglasses recycle program. These donated glasses are cleaned and optics identified, then stored awaiting a specific eyeglasses prescription request. Lions recycled eyeglasses get delivered to fill an optometristidentified patient’s need, anywhere world-wide.

In 1945 Lions Clubs International was honored as the first nongovernmental organization invited to help draft the United Nations Charter. In 1946 Boulder Lions Club sponsored the Lyons Lions Club, and Lions International grant the Lyons Lions Club charter. Just like for a new Lions and Leo club sponsorship requirement, every new Lions Club

Businesses large and small, politicians considering legislation, and voters considering politicians all face these tough decisions as well. Let’s encourage them to keep the earth in mind when they make them. Greta will be grateful.

In this era of science denial and fake news we need to foster climate literacy among our fellow citizens. We need to encourage each other to adopt cleaner technologies, to support companies that employ climate-saving strategies and to invest in organizations that are learning how to scrub the pollution out of our air, soil and water.

You can help right here in Lyons by joining Gateway Realty Group in its Lyons Earth Day Cleanup on Friday, April 21 at 3 p.m. You can meet at Gateway’s office at 324 Main St. to pick up bags and maps of locations in need of cleanup: along Main Street, around the Lyons Elementary School, and in Sandstone Park. If you bring your car, there is even an identified site at

Local, family-owned, and proudly serving the Boulder & Lyons area since 1983

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BEAUTIFUL 2-STORY HOME FRESH OFF A COMPLETE RENOVATION WITH FRESH PAINT, PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING, NEW HARDWOOD FLOORING, NEW CARPETING, NEW REFRIGERATOR AND DISHWASHER, NEW FURNACE AND WATER HEATER. 6 BEDROOMS + STUDY = A SPACE FOR EVERYTHING! Spacious master suite with spectacular views of Steamboat Mountain and surrounding hills! Professionally finished daylight basement including 2 bedrooms, full bath, rec. room with fireplace, bath, exercise room, and storage/mechanical room. Superb location in desirable Lyons Valley Park close to school, park, river, and trails! No HOA! This one is a gem! 104 Estes Court, Lyons / $1 095,000

RARE, UNIQUE LIVE/WORK OPPORTUNITY PERFECT FOR RETAIL, CLINICAL, OR OFFICE BUSINESS! Located in beautiful downtown Lyons, this was the original livery built by Mr. Lyon in the 1880s. The 2-level apartment features a remodeled kitchen, bath & laundry and private outdoor living space. Beautiful garden studio is fenced for privacy and offers a covered patio & garden shed for outdoor enjoyment. Several rooms for retail/office or personal use. 1 off-street parking space.

Zoned commercial downtown. Exceptional property! 418 High Street, Lyons / $775,000

member is sponsored by an existing Lions Club member.

The Leo program was started by Lions Club International in 1957 to provide youth of the world with an opportunity to serve and lead with Lions. There are approximately 180,000 Leos and 7,200 Leo clubs in more than 140 countries worldwide. The Lyons Leo club received its charter in 2013.

Lions and Leos share compassion and foster friendship. An example: in 1994 a Lyons High School student wanted to be a foreign exchange student in Norway.

Norway requires sponsorship for exchange student admittance. After a request by the student’s parents to the Lyons Lions Club, the club verified the student’s good character and granted her sponsorship, which Norway accepted.

This became a wonderful learning year abroad and a lifetime international family friendship. Later the next summer, this student occasionally surprised Norwegian tourists who stopped at a popular Lyons Main Street restaurant where she worked, when with a smile, she spoke Norwegian

the now-defunct U-Pump-It. Wear gloves if you have them. They will sort the trash you pick up for recycling and disposal. Go to Gateway’s Facebook page for more details.

Jim Ramsay was raised in Iowa, Iran, Nigeria and Afghanistan. He studied English at CU in Boulder and taught English as a Sec-

Continued from Page 11

assistance from local cooperating agencies and partners, including Boulder Watershed Collective, Boulder County Fireshed, state and county public health agencies, and multiple local agency fire cooperators.

Golf car regulations for owners LYONS – New in 2023 and per Lyons Municipal Code 8-3-10 (b)(4), all golf carts shall be registered in Lyons. Town staff has been

when taking their orders.

Lions Club is a good thing. It has a way for members to have fun in service of others. The Lyons Lions have only one fundraiser a year, a golf tournament now in its 29th year, and which does not compete for money with other Lyons organizations. Lions Club empowers young people to become leaders, responsible citizens and encourages youth to help others through their Leo club experience.

In 1968 Lions Clubs International established the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to assist Lions with large scale humanitarian projects. Lions have received more than $1 billion U.S. through this global foundation to meet local community needs.

Becoming a Lion is quite simple. Decide to join. Then adopt the behavior “We Serve.” Anyone interested in attending a Lions Club meeting or joining the club may contact club president Jerry Tabor at gtabor6710@gmail.com or see club treasurer Lonny Clark at Clark's Hardware on Ute Highway next to Circle K gas station.

Ron Gosnell is a member of the Lyons Lions Club and works to promote their service.

ond Language in Tanzania, Botswana, the University of Illinois and the Economics Institute at CU. An affinity for computers led him to technical writing, and he wrote manuals for tech companies up and down the Front Range. He moved from Boulder to Pinewood Springs in the early 1990s to follow a dream of mountain living, and he’s still up there.

working on a program for residents to register their golf cars to help ensure the vehicles are safe and have the correct mirrors and signage (i.e.: slow moving vehicle). This registration program is free and is for the safety of all drivers. In addition, the program shows where golf cars are allowed to be driven and where they are prohibited. For more information and to register your golf car, visit townoflyons.com/golfcar.

To view a map of where golf cars are allowed to be driven in town, visit the town website.

SWEET LITTLE LOT 17 MINUTES FROM LYONS FOR YOUR MOUNTAIN RETREAT! 2/3 acre size makes for affordability, rare these days! In the middle of a forest , so plenty of tree energy! Features of this lot include fairly easy road and driveway access, good sun, and mostly usable terrain, gently sloping to the south. A magnificent backrange view would most likely be accessible from a second story. Enjoy unlimited access to Roosevelt National Forest right across the road! Owner financing a possibility with a minimum of 25% down payment... 49 Pine Drive, Lyons / $75,000

GORGEOUS VIEWS, EASY ACCESS, AND EXCELLENT SOUTHERN EXPOSURE ARE THE MAIN FEATURES OF THIS 1.36 ACRE LOT ADJOINING 99 ACRES OF PRIVATE OPEN SPACE WITH HIKING TRAILS AND LITTLE THOMPSON RIVER FRONTAGE! Just 10 minutes from Town of Lyons with all of its highly rated schools, music & art festivals, restaurants, parks & trails. Electricity and shared well at the lot— no water tap fees! Amazing geological features, river valley, and abundant wildlife! Sunship is a small community sharing a vision of peaceful & sustainable living. Minimum square footage is 1,000sf. Covenants prohibit manufactured and tiny homes.

1115 Vision Way, Lyons / $185,000

Dan Siddall broker/owner Colleen Dickes associate broker Ian Phillips associate broker Dot Fears associate broker

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Asparagus headlines the spring menu

By Barbara Shark Redstone Review

LYONS – Spring has arrived in Lyons and asparagus is on the menu at our house. We eat the spears roasted, steamed, in frittatas, and in combinations like this one from Ali Slagle in the New York Times. With tender asparagus, zesty lemon and lots of herbs this dish is a delicious kickoff to spring.

Cook a cup of orzo (rice-shaped pasta) in boiling water until almost tender, about 11 minutes. Drop in a pound of trimmed asparagus, cut on the diagonal into 1/4 inch pieces, and cook for a couple more minutes. Drain and toss with the dressing – 1/4 cup of olive oil, the zest and

juice of a lemon, salt and pepper. When cool, add 1/4 cup or so of grated parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup chopped dill, parsley and mint. Top the salad with 1/2 cup of panko or other fine bread crumbs that you have been browned in a tablespoon of olive oil. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enough for three or four servings.

Barbara Shark is an artist and author of How I Learned to Cook, an Artist’s Life. She lives near Lyons, Colorado. For more recipes, read her blog at www.howilearnedtocookanartistslife.blog.

Ann Ripley’s potato salad – a tour de force of taste

By Catherine Ripley Redstone Review

LYONS – My mother, Ann Ripley, passed from this earth on March 31, 2023. That fateful day, even though the calendar said it was spring, was icy cold following one of the harshest winters we’ve ever had in our family’s more than 30 years in Colorado.

Ann was an avid reader who never left the library without a stack of books to read and then, at the end of the week, would return them and leave with another stack. As a result, she had a huge vocabulary, and used language that often sent me scuttling to the dictionary to learn a new word.

Ann was the salutatorian of her high school class. After a career in journalism and raising six daughters, she “retired” at age 65 to become a successful murder mystery writer. She mixed her gardening expertise with her love for the popular literary genre to pen 10 books over the next 15 years from her home in Lyons with titles like Mulch and Death of a Garden Pest

She was a pianist with perfect pitch, a master gardener, an aesthete, and a person who used her voice to try and make the world a better place. She was competitive and could always summon the righteousness of someone who was rarely wrong. She stayed current on events and politics until the end.

First maiden, then mother and finally a matriarch – a queen, really – she presided over her world for 96 years with confidence and intelligence. She was married to my father Anthony Ripley for 49 of those years. Dad came up with the name Redstone Review when it was founded. Ann and Tony were proud members of the Lyons literati and though Tony proceeded Ann in death by 20 years, she continued on in the spirit of artistic community.

She made delicious food when company came, but for her kids she was know as a terrible cook: she made gizzards in gravy, spaghetti with cheddar cheese, celery and tomato lumps and other unpalatable fare for her children. One chicken, peas and a

few potatoes would oftenest barely feed the eight of us.

She never seemed to age until the last few years when she became blind and needed to depend on the help of others, and this softened her personality and she discovered her humility. We, her children, were happily impressed to watch her morph into a nurturing, concerned parent.

I am the third of her six daughters, so as a regular writer for the Redstone Review, I was asked to share her widely beloved potato salad recipe with you. This was one of mom’s best recipes that she served to company and I can attest to its deliciousness. I hope you enjoy it as much as her family and friends do.

Ann Ripley’s Potato Salad

Serves 6

8 smallish redskin potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch pieces (peel if desired)

1 C Best Foods Real Mayonnaise

1 1/2-to-2 stalks of celery, washed and thinly sliced crosswise

1/2 a sweet onion, cut into rough pieces (less onion is better)

4 T (half a stick) melted butter

1 T dried dill, or two T fresh chopped dill Salt and pepper

• Cook the potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes on a low boil. Drain the potatoes and place in a serving bowl. Allow to cool until easy to handle.

• Add the melted butter and very gently mix into the potatoes to coat.

• Add the chopped onions and dill and gently mix thoroughly. Let cool for 15 minutes more.

• Stir in the mayonnaise and celery and season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Serve at room temperature or cold.

Catherine Ripley Metzger has been cooking professionally and privately since 1979. She was a French cuisine journeyman at the celebrated Henri d’Afrique restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Today she is the proprietor of the food blog www.foodfortheages.com and cooks with curiosity from the ground up in her log cabin home on the Western Slope of Colorado.

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tions for these slower moving electric vehicles. The town has a registration program, townoflyons.com/golfcar, which includes a map of where golf cars are allowed and explains the safety and signage requirements for each golf car.

May is History Month and there is a special page from the Historic Preservation Commission in this month’s Redstone Review, with a nod to the history of Lyons over the last 100-plus years (see Lyons History Bits on page 15). Look for more historical tidbits and information as the month of May progresses.

As we continue the spring and summer transition, several events are already on tap for summer. The third annual

settlement, LEAF was able to hire two consultants to run programming for addiction and teens. Starting May 8, two groups will run for six to eight weeks. James Hart will facilitate a SMART recovery group for adults on Monday evenings. Sessions will last 90 minutes. Jennifer Jarrett will provide art-based therapy for teens ages 14 to 18 years of age once a week for two hours at a time.

On first reading the board voted to pass Ordinance 1145 to adopt the 2021 International Building Code. This came after some discussion on the costs involved for new buildings to install fire protection measures such as sprinklers in buildings.

At a workshop held in early April, Mike Whipp and Betsy Burton, representing Lyons Properties (River Bend), spoke to the board on an ongoing issue that Whipp has been working on for many years and working with several past town boards. The issues were listed as how many sewer taps Wee Casa, Tiny Homes, (a separate business on the property) should be charged for.

Lyons Artisan Market will be held on Sunday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bohn Park. Together with the Lyons Community Foundation, providing food and drinks (Grillin’ and Chillin’ along the river), there will be live music by the Blue Canyon Boys.

Ride the Rockies, which is a 1,400-rider cycling event that covers six days of cycling in Colorado, will make a stop at Bohn Park in Lyons on Friday, June 16. The rest stop will have plenty of music and energy as the riders gear up for the final stretch from Lyons up to Ft. Collins.

Beginning on Wednesday, June 21, in tandem with our summer solstice, the Sandstone Summer Concerts kick off with Joe Kuckla and Irons in the Fire. If you are new to Lyons, mark your calendars for Wednesday nights and

Currently the town considers four tiny homes equals one sewer tap for service fee charges. Lyons Properties would like to increase that number to have ten tiny home for one sewer tap for fee charges. Lyons Properties submitted a list of four items for the board to consider:

1. Agree to an unbiased third-party to examine the evidence;

2. Amend the MOA and remove the paragraph that requires payment for taps/water shares upon sale;

3. Transfer five Lake McIntosh shares which were purchased with their money;

4. Reduce the number of sewer taps required by Wee Casa from eight to two taps.

According to Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen, the board BOT is open to discussing bullet point four and base fees once the property is in compliance with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and it is rezoned to Planned Unit Development (PUD).

Burton said that the town board did not read all the documentation that they sent over to them prior to the meeting. She added that about 90 or 95 percent of the

meet new friends and neighbors, sharing the celebration of summer and live music in the park.

Continued support of our local service business, retailers and restaurants helps to provide many of the events we all enjoy in Lyons. After the long winter season, be sure to continue to drop in and visit many of our small local businesses. Several have community gathering events on their spring calendars too. Our small, independently owned businesses are the meeting places which bring the community together, sharing ideas, stories and a positive vibe. They love to see you. Keeping it local is also a great way to support our Lyons local non-profit organizations towards their fundraising efforts so that they can continue to give back to our small but mighty community.

work on the storm drainage project is completed. She said that the board was not up to date on all the work that has been done on the property, and that the statements made by Town Attorney Brandon Dittman, were misleading. Utilities Director Aaron Caplan did a follow up and confirmed that about 90 percent of the work was completed on the storm drainage project.

Caplan said, “For the discussion on the sewer charges, my understanding is that the concern is the number of sewer base fees Wee Casa pays for each month. A portion of everyone’s sewer bill, just as with water and electric, is a base fee. This is regardless of how much sewage, water or electricity is used. Even if we use none of the given service, we pay the base fee.”

Simonsen said that after the work is completed and then recorded on the updated plat the board will consider reducing the number of sewer tap fees from eight to two for Wee Casa.

Caplan added that once that is done, they will be moving forward to finalize their PUD. Once the PUD is finalized, staff is to review the wastewater charges.

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