Redstone August / September 2023

VOLUME 24, NUMBER 7

RE DS T NE

Redstone stands with President Zelensky and the people in Ukraine

Colorado photographer John Fielder, died August 11

LYONS – Colorado lost not only one of its greatest artists, but also an advocate for its most precious places, with the passing of landscape photographer John Fielder on Friday 11 August 2023.

What Ansel Adams did for California, John Fielder has done for Colorado over several decades of work. In a recent interview with Ryan Warner of Colorado Public Radio, Fielder estimated that he had photographed every visual landmark in the state. And in an act of generosity, indicative of his love for his home state, he recently donated all of his photographs to the State of Colorado curated by History Colorado. This unique body of work will become a state treasure as we move into the future accompanied by climate uncertainty.

Next month, when we have more space, Redstone will offer a retrospective appreciation of Fielder’s work. Not only how he searched out both secret and wellknown beauty spots, but how he used his eye for color and knowledge of the climate and landscape, to create images that are memorable and distinctive. Over time we will come to think of him as one of the great Coloradans.

Rescheduled Lyons Summer Artisan Market

LYONS – Mark your calendars. The Lyons Summer Artisan Market, with nearly 40 local vendors, has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the St Vrain in Bohn Park. There will be live music from 1 to 3 p.m. and the Lyons Community Foundation will be on hand with their famous root beer floats and smoked barbeque offerings.

Graffiti cases being investigated in the Lyons LYONS – Since 2021, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has investigated approximately 32 cases involving town-owned property being damaged by graffiti. BSCO is asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect(s).

Most of these cases have been in the town parks; however, in recent weeks, graffiti has been lo-

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Town Board passes a resolution to approve a reimbursement letter for Highland Ditch and other issues

By Susan de Castro McCann Redstone Review Editor

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LYONS – At a regular board meeting in early August the Lyons Town Board approved a resolution to approve a Highland Ditch Co. Reimbursement Letter. Town staff member Tracy Sanders presented the details of the resolution to clarify some of the issues that have been ongoing with Highland and the town.

The details in the resolution stated that the town needs to work with Highland Ditch Co. to agree to a Crossing Agreement over the ditch water for a trail.

Sanders told the board that the ditch company will need their staff, attorney, and engineer to review and approve the plan design and the Crossing Agreement. Their times are tracked and billed to the town. Highland requires that a Reimbursement Letter be signed by the town to agree to pay these fees, along with a payment of $2,750. This fee does not get applied to any upcoming staff, engineering, or attorney fees.

The staff notes to the board said, “In the past the Reimbursement Letter was only good

for a few months and there was no limit to what could be billed to the town. The town repeatedly asked for an estimate for their time and Highland felt they could not estimate the fees. Town staff has negotiated with Highland to allow the Reimbursement Letter term to be for one year with a Not to Exceed amount of $20,000. If $20,000 both parties will discuss if an additional Not to Exceed amount would be required.”

The town staff recommended this action:

“1. Approve Highland Ditch Reimbursement Letter with a Not to Exceed amount of $20,000. 2. This Not to Exceed somewhat allows the town to have something to budget for, otherwise it would be wide open as to what could be accumulated in fees. 3. The town needs to work with Highland Ditch to agree to a Crossing Agreement over the ditch for the trail. The ditch company will need their staff, attorney, and engineer to review and approve plan design, and Crossing Agreement. Their time is tracked and billed to the town. Highland requires a Reimbursement Letter be signed by the town to agree to pay these fees along with a payment of $2,750.

This fee does not get applied to any upcoming staff, engineering, or attorney fees.

Trustee Gregg Oetting suggested that the town request that the bills from Highland be itemized so that the town can see what items they are being billed for and not just listed as an amount. Sanders said that the bills are presented by their attorneys and engineers.

Sanders explained that all the options for the trail have to go over Highland water. “We own the land,” she said, “but they own the water and we have to go over their water.”

In other matters, Town Attorney Brandon Dittman told the board that there was a good update on the Honeywell matter. He said, “The settlement obligations are complete and soon we can put the Honeywell matter behind us once those court settlements come through.”

In last month’s Redstone Review, in a story by Mark Browning, he reported that, “After more than five years of costly disputes and litigation relating to its wastewater treatment facility, the Town of Lyons will receive a $1.8 million settlement from Honeywell International, Inc. and its subcontractors. The Lyons Board of

Families enjoying the South St. Vrain River in Bohn Park. On this flood anniversary, it’s comforting to have this close relationship with our river once again.

PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS

Ten years of grit, grace and gratitude: a remembrance of the 2013 flood

By Tanya Daty Redstone Review

LYONS – Ten years ago, Lyons suffered its worst disaster in the town’s history. With more than 17 inches of rainfall over a three-day span, the St. Vrain Creeks rose to ten times its normal water volume, resulting in a 500-year flood that severely inundated the town.

The water left Lyons divided into five islands, cut off from power, telephone service, drinking water, roads, and other basic services. The widespread damage led to an evacuation of the town. It was more than six weeks after the flood before the first residents who had been evacuated returned to their homes in town.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of this historic event. We would like to remember the grit, the grace, and the gratitude of our residents over the last ten years.

Grit reminds us of the days immediately following the flood during which so many town residents felt trapped on an island.

Grace refers to the time period over the last ten years during which the Town of Lyons has spent many resources and efforts on flood recovery projects totaling over $70 million dollars; in addition to our residents’ output of time and money, and the healing that has taken place over that time.

Gratitude is what we would like to remember today as we reflect how far we have come and how resilient we’ve become, individually and as a community. Ultimately, this natural disaster is what brought our community together as a family, even though we were separated for a short time.

We invite everyone to join us on September 9, 10, and 11 as we commemorate “Ten years of Grit, Grace and Gratitude: a Remembrance of the 2013 Flood.” As a prelude to this weekend, the documentary Fundamentals of the Flood by Cat Russell will be shown at the Lyons Library on Tuesday, September 5 at 6:30 p.m. This film will help us to understand how this historic flood came to be.

On Saturday, September 9 there will be an informal

gathering at Moxie Bread Co. on High Street, where community members are invited to share poems, stories, songs, and other personal recollections. Since the anniversary falls on a Monday, most community events will take place on Sunday, September 10. Everyone, including elected officials and nongovernmental partners has been invited to a Remembrance Ceremony at 11a.m. at Sandstone Park.

Tragically, Lyons lost one victim to the flood. Gerald Boland was a beloved teacher and coach for many years in Lyons. His memory will be honored with a tree plant-

Victoria Simonsen will share her official flood presentation at Town Hall. If you haven’t seen it, this presentation will give you a taste of what happened ten years ago, and it is both historical and powerful. If you miss the 1 p.m. showing, you can attend the second showing at 2:30 p.m. Along with the permanent flood display, the Redstone Museum will have an inventory of interviews that were recorded ten years ago.

If you’d like to see just how far Lyons has come in rebuilding since the flood, you are welcome to join a golf cart tour starting at Sandstone Park between the hours of 12:30 and 4 p.m. If you would like a sneak preview of the newly built Lyons Valley Townhomes, Summit Housing will be holding an open house from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Lyons Valley Townhomes on Carter Drive.

For the big finale, everyone is invited to join us at LaVern Johnson Park for a community gathering which will include live music, dance, food and drink. Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic and a camp chair or blanket for a few hours of community love. A candlelight vigil at the Confluence Circle (near Prospect and 4th Avenue) on the evening of September 11 closes the weekend. There will be intimate, local, healing music and communion at this vigil. There will be something for everyone; newer residents and older residents will all find some way to honor how this event has affected Lyons and each other.

ing. Following the Remembrance Ceremony, residents and visitors will have a wide range of options to learn more about the flood that forever altered our town. From 12:30 to 4 p.m., there will be several flood exhibits, including golf car tours of flood recovery projects and an open house at Lyons Valley Townhomes.

If you would like to buy a T-shirt “We’ve still got grit,” or see large memorabilia from the flood, stop by the Visitor Center after the Official Remembrance Ceremony. From there, you can make your way to the Lyons Library where there will be hands-on memorabilia on display such as books and photos. Starting at 1 p.m., Town Administrator

If you would like to be involved or if you have any flood memorabilia, especially vintage T-shirts from the flood, which you would like to share for the day, please contact Claudia Paterno at lahc_chair@townoflyons.com.

Please keep in touch with upcoming events by visiting townoflyons.com/10yearflood. We stood together as a community and family ten years ago, and stand together today, and look forward to the continued healing and communion of our ten-year anniversary.

Tanya Mercer-Daty is a Trustee on the Lyons Town Board. She has lived in Lyons for the past ten years after immigrating to the U.S.A. with her family in 2011. Feel free to contact her at tanya@lyonscf.org.

Congressman Neguse applauds decision to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado

By Joe Neguse Redstone Review

LAFAYETTE — On July 31, Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement on President Biden’s decision to keep the U.S. Space Command in Colorado:

“For years, I have advocated for the Biden administration to keep U.S. Space Command in Colorado, and am proud to have worked with Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and fellow members of Colorado’s congressional delegation on the same.

“The Biden administration’s decision is in the best interest of our country and our national security, and will ensure Colorado remains home to Space Command for years to come. As both a Member of Congress and a former CU Regent, I’m confident that Colorado has the ideal ecosystem for maintaining U.S. Space Command. Our state is home to the nation’s leading scientific laborato -

ries and research institutions – in fact, it has the highest concentration of federal research labs outside of the Washington D.C. area.

“In addition, Colorado also has the second-largest aerospace economy and an aerospace workforce that has grown by 30 percent over the last five years. Put simply, this decision puts our national security, innovation, and the service members and civilians who serve at Space Command, first.”

This announcement follows Congressman Neguse’s advocacy to keep the U.S. Space Command in Colorado. In March 2022, Congressman Neguse sent a letter to Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, and Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, echoing the sentiments of a letter sent from higher education leaders in Colorado, wherein they expressed their support for keeping the U.S. Space Command at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Additionally, Congressman Neguse, joined by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Colorado U.S.

Representatives Diana DeGette, Jason Crow, Ed Perlmutter, Ken Buck, Doug Lamborn, and Lauren Boebert, penned a letter to President Biden requesting his administration reassess the decision to relocate the U.S. Space Command outside of Colorado in light of a need for stable national security practices, specifically after

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Congressman Joe Neguse represents Colorado’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.

Mercer-Daty

Neguse

Lyons will sponsor events to commemorate the 2013 Flood

By Hollie Rogin, Mayor of Lyons Redstone Review

tion 123 in 2022. Prop 123 dedicates State income tax revenue to fund affordable housing. A Housing Needs Assessment is a prerequisite to unlocking that funding.

Rogin

LYONS – If you haven’t already, you’ll soon be see ing a schedule of townsponsored events (see page 11 in this Redstone for a full schedule) commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 2013 flood.

Trustee Tanya Daty has worked tirelessly alongside town staff and volunteers to cre ate a weekend of events that pays homage to our community and to our recovery part ners. A decade is a long time, and yet the flood can still seem like just yesterday. This kind of trauma can have a very long tail.

The weekend of September 10 may be quite difficult for some; for others it may be purely celebratory. And many will find themselves vacillating somewhere in between. Wherever you may be on this spectrum, I hope you’ll make some time to be with your community as we continue to care for and celebrate each other.

And we certainly do have a lot to celebrate in Lyons. Our disaster recovery is complete, and we can turn our energies to enjoying – instead of rebuilding – our town. We can now face forward and plan for the future we want to see.

To that end, you may have noticed the Town of Lyons Housing Futures posters, tables, social media posts and fliers. The Housing Futures project is a Housing Needs

Assessment study funded by a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and facilitated by Bohannon Huston, a planning firm that has helped many communities create similar plans.

Lyons Housing Futures is a deep dive into discovering not only what our needs are, but also where our community would like to see different housing types. You may recall that Colorado voters passed Proposi-

As we learned during the Comprehensive Plan process, more input from our community helps us make better decisions. To that end, please make your thoughts known at https://lyonshousingfuture.com. This dedicated website offers background information, potential housing strategies, planning considerations, and an interactive map of Lyons, where you can anonymously post your ideas of where more housing could go, what types of housing you would like to see, and where more housing should not go. You can also upvote or downvote others’ ideas.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable endof-summer experience and a great start to the new school year.

Hollie Rogin was sworn in as Mayor of Lyons on April 18, 2022. Before that she was elected to serve 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.

Native American students learn how to preserve their language

By Jason Gonzales Redstone Review

LYONS – Almost 30 years ago, the majority of Native American students at Fort Lewis College could speak their home language, Janine Fitzgerald recalled.

In the years since, more and more students have arrived at the southwest Colorado college without the ability to speak their native language, Fitzgerald said. Nonetheless, these students have wanted to better connect with their families, their cultures, and their traditions.

To assist, Fort Lewis College and Fitzgerald, Professor of Sociology and Human Services at Fort Lewis, created the All Our Kin Collective this year to help address the loss of indigenous languages in students’ communities and help them understand a crucial part of their identities. Fitzgerald, who has an interest in sociolinguistics, was awarded a $1.5 million grant through the Mellon Foundation, as well as support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, to start the collective.

About 44 percent of Fort Lewis College’s students are Native American, and the collective has created programs, including a summer institute, classes, and a certificate program, that help those students learn and share their language.

Fitzgerald said many Native students have cited that learning their language and sharing culture are even more vital since the pandemic because so many elders who carried on this knowledge died from Covid. Many students believe that the death of tribal elders will also cause some traditions to begin to die, she said.

“And there’s this sort of deep understanding among students – deep – where they say. ‘I got to learn,’” Fitzgerald said. “That it’s super important and ‘I can’t be whole without it.’”

The collective adds to Fort Lewis’ push to compensate for its past as a Native American boarding school. The Fort Lewis boarding school, and many others throughout the U.S. and Canada, were created with the goal of eradicating Native American culture. Students were required to learn English and taught their traditions were inferior.

Fort Lewis College leaders have now pushed to become

a place for Native students to further their schooling while also embracing who they are as Indigenous people.

Ally Gee, who is Navajo and a Fort Lewis College graduate working with the collective, said the project is meant to help students connect to who they are. Many students are unhappy that they don’t feel as deep a tie to their culture as they want because they don’t know their language, she said. It’s a vital part of who Native people are, she added.

tured Navajo, Cherokee, Inupiaq, and Hopi. Program leaders hope to change which languages are taught depending on the students who are enrolled.

Another component of the collective includes onecredit classes that focus on language and cultural identity. The classes include teaching students about preserving languages and how to do that through new technology.

The collective’s programs also allow students the opportunity to take a series of classes that lead to a certificate in language revitalization, including learning about Native languages, doing an internship, and finishing a series of online classes.

The collective documents work from students to help celebrate and preserve indigenous cultures through a digital archive which includes students’ projects and culturally significant material. Jones participated in the All Our Kin fellowship, which gives students $750 and the ability to work on projects.

“If I could help just one student learn just one word, I would measure that as a success,” she said. “Students are learning their cultures, how to introduce themselves, and the meaning of their names. And that’s really heartwarming.”

Students, however, are learning more than just a few words, said Shannen Jones, 31, who recently graduated from Fort Lewis and participated in the collective’s summer institute. She said she expected to just learn how to speak and write in her native Navajo language. She found that the summer institute offered so much more.

Instructors focused not on grammar and spelling but on the skills needed to learn how to document and learn languages without a textbook, Jones said. Those skills allow students to not only learn how to speak, but preserve the language for future generations by documenting what they learned. The for-credit, three-week summer institute is focused on four languages. In its first year, the classes fea-

As part of her work, Jones led group conversations during the summer program. At first, she looked at the assignment as more of a job, but she left feeling empowered. Leading group conversations gave her hands-on experience working with other Native students and she wants to take that experience back to her home in Arizona or to other Native communities. She plans to work in public health.

The classes, most of all, helped Jones feel closer to her roots and her peers.

“Around language, we found a sense of community that some of us were missing,” Jones said. “Every time I think about the classes, I get excited. It was an amazing feeling seeing everyone working together.”

Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature. He works with Chalkbeat Colorado. Chalkbeat Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization committed to covering one of America's most important stories: the effort to improve schools for all children, especially those who have historically lacked access to a quality education.

PHOTO BY KEN WAJDA

The Fretliners headline Lyons’ newly enlivened music scene

By Mark Browning Redstone Review

mandolinist Sam Parks of Lyons.

A bursting-at-the-seams crowd overflowed the Wildflower Pavilion at Planet Bluegrass on July 30 for the contest finals on a steamy hot afternoon – the opposite of Telluride conditions.

lives in Longmont, but the other three band members are all Lyons residents.

The group first took the stage, with minimal rehearsal time, at the Kinney Family Farm in Fort Collins in March of 2022.

der Mountain String Band and renowned fiddler Michael Cleveland and began to build a following. They reworked a few tunes brought from prior bands, then began writing new material structured to fit their own unique sound.

Browning

LYONS – None is hotter than the fast-rising bluegrass and newgrass group the Fretliners, recently nominated by the International Bluegrass Music Association for the 2023 “Momentum Award: Band of the Year.”

The local group recently pulled off a rare musical competition doubleheader by capturing first place in both the Telluride and Rockygrass summer festivals in the same year. Only one other band, the much loved and fondly remembered Spring Creek, is believed to have accomplished that feat. Perhaps not coincidentally, Spring Creek also featured Lyons-based pickers and singers.

The Fretliners’ two triumphs this summer had similar results and similar reactions from wildly enthusiastic crowds, but came under quite different conditions.

The June 20 to 23 Telluride festival, at 8,750 feet elevation, presented cold (38 degrees), wind, rain and sleet when the Fretliners took the stage for their 8 a.m. contest presentation before a loyal, shivering group of friends, family and new fans. But the Fretliners’ hot music carried the day.

The band could’ve rested on their laurels and taken a pass on the late July, always-competitive Rockygrass Festival band contest, which they had entered before their Telluride win.

“But, we just decided to go for it,” said

“We were hot, sweaty, and soaked to the bone,” recalls bassist Taylor Shuck.

Neither the crowd nor the judges seemed to mind. Clearly the overwhelming crowd favorite, the Fretliners swept to their second straight triumph amid a wild, clapping, stomping celebration.

The twin wins mean the band will take the main stage at both festivals in 2024, exposing even more prospective fans to their tight “bluegrass and newgrass” sounds.

The Fretliners also played a well received show in a packed Sandstone Park in July, followed by a sold-out late night show at Main Stage Brewing during Rockygrass.

Local fans get another chance to experience the band on September 15 at Planet Bluegrass’ Wildflower Fallgrass at the Wildflower Pavilion. Early ticket purchases are advisable, since a sellout is likely. A September 30 recording release party is also scheduled at Cervantes’ Other Side in Denver’s Five Points area.

The Fretliners are a relatively new band, although Parks (mandolin), Shuck (bass), Tom Knowlton (guitar) and Dan Andree (fiddle) all had experience in other Front Range groups including Woodbelly, Lonesome Days and Chain Station before teaming up together. Andree, who also played in the Chicago-based Henhouse Prowlers,

“We got a fantastic crowd reaction,” said Parks. “It made us think maybe we’ve got something special here.”

The group subsequently opened for Yon-

The new band caught the attention of longtime Lyons music connoisseur David McIntyre, who booked them for several shows at Oskar Blues (the latest in April 2023) and was increasingly impressed with

Fankhouser-Heck shines with record-breaking achievements, credits parents

By Tamara Haddad Redstone Review

LYONS – Katie Fankhouser-Heck, a remarkable talent in many ways, emerges from the picturesque enclave of Lyons, where her drive has unfolded on a grand scale. Nurtured within this close-knit community, she embodies the indomitable spirit and resilience that epitomize her upbringing by her parents, Joycelen and Steve Fankhouser. Heck’s accomplishments read like a checked-off grocery list: NCAA DII National Runner-Up, 1500m.; First Team All-American, 1500m.; RMAC Champion, 1500m.; First Team All-Conference, 1500m.; RMAC All-Academic Honor Roll; CSC Academic All-District.

That’s just the last couple of years at Fort Lewis College, Durango, in Track and Field. Before that, Heck earned accolades in cross-country and freestyle whitewater kayaking, a pursuit she describes as “gymnastics in a kayak.” Heck placed fourth in San Juan, Argentina, at the 2017 Freestyle Kayak World Championships, Team USA; third at the 2018 and 2019 GoPro Mountain Games: Pro Women’s Freestyle; was the Jr. Women’s Freestyle Kayak National Champion; and was the Jr. Women’s bronze medalist in Sort, Spain, at the 2019 Freestyle Kayak World Championships.

Heck’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. Yet beneath every soaring athlete lies an unwaver-

ing foundation of support, and for Heck, that formidable driving force is none other than her devoted parents, Joycelyn and Steve Fankhouser. Their role in her life is undeniable, a testament to the significance of a positive parent-child relationship. Heck opened up about her early

Dan’s Quality Tree Care

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childhood and attributes her success and balanced mental health to both parents.

“My mom and dad love skiing with one another. When I was two years old, my dad slapped wood planks on my shoes and had me move around the house. By the time I made it to the slopes, I didn’t have the fear that could have held me back,” said Heck.

The Fankhousers’ parenting started with inclusion. “If we could do it apart, we could do it better together,” said Heck. This ideology surpassed their intention but is a mark on what can go right when raising a daughter. Heck said, “I chose Fort Lewis College intending to help to build the Team program. It’s exciting to have individual accomplishments like achieving All-American individually, but I think if I can make it to Nationals as a team in fall 2023, that whole career – that would be the goal that I’ve set from day one.”

Family outings and physical exercise have always been a part of the Fankhousers’ everyday lives. Joycelyn recognized early on that her role as Katie’s mother was to nurture her spirit and champion her endeavors in sports and academics but also to drive home the importance of lifting up the community you are in.

“I listened more than I talked,” said Joycelyn. “I observed Katie and stayed present in her life. We grew together.” Joycelyn, in her own right, has been bridging

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The Fretliners, left to right: Dan Andree, Tom Knowlton, Sam Parks, Taylor Shuck, at the St. Vrain Market. PHOTO BY JACKIE CLARKSON

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Left to right: dad Steve, Katie, and mom Joycelyn

Teens Inc. helps residents mitigate wildfire risk

By Boulder County Communications Redstone Review

BOULDER COUNTY – As wildfire mitigation efforts gain momentum in Boulder County, Teens Inc. and Wildfire Partners are once again united to assist community members in need.

With a collective dedication of over 100 hours this summer, these groups completed mitigation measures to homes of vulnerable residents free-of-charge.

Having completed eight of ten projects so far, Teens Inc.’s mission is to support those facing challenges in managing this demanding work.

While the risk of wildfire in Boulder County has always existed, changing climate conditions and recent fires are heightening concerns among residents about their vulnerability. Additionally, some residents find it challenging to keep up with wildfire mitigation work. Recognizing this pressing need, Teens Inc. and Wildfire Partners have collaborated annually for several years to address these issues, and

This Is [Not] Who We Are, on the Black experience in Boulder, to show at Lyons Library

By Kara Bauman Redstone Review

LYONS – The members of the inaugural 2022-2023 Lyons SEED Seminar invite you to a screening of This is [Not] Who We Are, followed by a discussion with the film’s director, Katrina Miller on Tuesday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. Boulder, Colorado, prides itself on being beautiful, welcoming, and inclusive. However, in 2019, racially-charged and dangerous policing involving a Black university student made national news. The documentary film, This Is [Not] Who We Are, explores the gap between Boulder’s self-image and the more complex lived experiences – both historical and contemporary – of its Black citizens.

This is [Not] Who We Are braids the lived experiences of Black characters ranging in age from 12 to 78. Some stories are searing, while others are hopeful. The film seeks to open a space for dialogue among Boulderites and about cities like Boulder, overwhelmingly white, wealthy, and conflicted about issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Is a more economically and racially diverse future possible, in Boulder, Lyons, and in towns and cities like us across America?

Want to be part of a community group exploring race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual identity, ability, and age and how these factors impact our community while exploring differences and similarities between your lived experience and the experiences of others?

Then consider joining the next SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) cohort. Informational sessions will be Saturday, August 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.; Wednesday, August 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and Thursday, August 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please see our website for more information and to register for an introductory session.

This year’s Summer Reading Program wrapped up on Saturday, August 5 with wild face painting, sno-cones galore, bubble fun, and a rocking performance by Lyons’ own Mr. Kneel (McIntyre) in Sandstone Park.

The Lyons Community Library offers hearty congratulations to the over 120 babies, kids, teens, and adults who participated in the program this year. We extend our thanks to our generous sponsors, the Lyons Dairy Bar and the Friends of the Lyons Library, and appreciate our many program presenters. We did it all together.

Summer is drawing to a close, but it’s definitely still patio season and you’re all invited to join the Library and

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this year’s efforts include mitigating grasses, removing combustible debris, and installing ignition-resistant materials.

This year, our initiatives have resulted in homeowners maintaining their home insurance, have brought communities together, and have supported long-time residents with completing mitigation tasks. Our goal by the end of the summer is to make a significant impact on the lives of the residents we assist while raising awareness in communities about wildfire preparedness.

Teens Inc. is a Nederland-based youth organization that engages youth in community initiatives, offering youth employment programs, recreational opportunities, and community engagement through projects like Teens Inc. Youth Corps, and Lincoln Hills Team Works.

Wildfire Partners is a nationally recognized Boulder County program designed to help residents prepare for wildfires. We provide technical and financial assistance to residents of Boulder County through custom wildfire mitigation assessments, grant funding, educational programs, community events, and a free chipping program.

For more information, contact Mary Sanders, Wildfire Partners Program Specialist, at 303-441-1420 or info@wildfirepartners.org.

Local producer Cat Russell to show 2013 flood documentary

By Brianna Hoyt Redstone Review

LYONS – Where were you the night of September 11, 2013? That was the night that record-breaking rains over the foothills and mountains along Colorado’s Front Range brought widespread flooding, massive destruction and loss of life. Have you found yourself wondering, how exactly did this happen?

Join the Lyons Redstone Museum September 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lyons Community Library for a viewing of Understanding the Fundamentals: Colorado’s Epic Flood of 2023 Focusing on Lyons, CO . The documentary’s producer, Cat Russell, will introduce the film and answer questions after the viewing. There will be copies of the movie, flood

books, and prints by artist Larry Cohan for sale at the showing.

In addition to the showing of the documentary, the Lyons Redstone Museum will be releasing a new digital exhibit containing videos and photographs of the 2013 flood as well as interviews from Lyons residents. The Lyons Redstone Museum will announce the official release date of the new exhibit at the end of August.

The Lyons Redstone Museum is open daily through October 1. Visit the museum to learn more about local history, pick up a history book, or peruse our gift shop and used book store.

Brianna Hoyt occasionally does some work for the Lyons Redstone Museum.

Teens Inc. and Wildfire Partners work free-of-charge in Boulder County to help vulnerable residents protect their homes from wildfires.

Bauman

CAT RUSSELL

How to be a tree hugger

By Peter Butler Redstone Review

LYONS – The phrase “tree hugger” goes back to 1730, describing historical protectors of cherished local trees in India.

In reality there were probably humans getting close to trees going back to the dawn of hominids. Maybe Erk, the Neanderthal, hugged his favorite tree in appreciation for giving him refuge from some dangerous dire wolves.

I wear my dendrological embracing tendencies with pride. When you get up close to a ponderosa you can marvel at all the detail in the bark. Delicate flakes of gray and pink and orange. And the smell. Stuff your nose deep into the wrinkles and inhale that intoxicating vanilla. Because of some trouble in Madagascar, vanilla is expensive at present, but the ponderosa vanilla is free. Free to tree huggers.

Wherever I lived I always checked out the trees. and when I got my own place I started planting them. When you go to the tree emporium it is common to buy a sixfooter, with its roots in a giant canvaswrapped ball, but I like to start small to give them the best chance. At Stonebridge Farm we spend a lot of time hand-weeding vegetable beds. A gang of us kneel and clean a bed of, say, onions or carrots. We know all the culprits: purslane, pig weed and lamb’s quarters. They all have to go.

But occasionally we find a little plant with pinnate leaves that looks like a legume, three inches high.

I pause my weeding and carefully excavate the baby black locust and put in a temporary pot ready to take home. Small trees are different from flowering plants. If you want to give a friend one of your marigolds you can safely scoop enough root in a generous handful of soil. But a six-inch tall baby tree has a root that goes down about 16 inches and it is almost impossible to extract without killing it. So I always look for tiny ones where the roots are just five or six inches long. You can get most of them without damage. They overwinter in the house and then, in the spring, I plant them in the arboretum. My pride and joy is a black locust from about

six years ago, now nine feet tall.

A few years ago mountain pine beetle was rampaging through Rocky Mountain National Park and sneaking down here occasionally too. A million trees died. A tree Jedi could feel the darkness in the tree force. So I thought it might be a good idea to diversify the tree population on our piece of land. But the stuff masquerading as our soil is barely crushed granite about four inches deep with very little humus. So if the planting is destined to be more than a suicide pact plenty of TLC is needed. TLC and patience.

There is a book by Brad Lancaster titled Rainwater Harvesting For Drylands. He lives in Tucson but his principles are well suited to the Front Range. He suggests that planting a tree is more about optimizing

Andesite quarry to become latest county open space

By Greg Lowell Redstone Review

BOULDER COUNTY – On Route 7

heading west out of Lyons there’s what looks like a Martian landscape of reddish dirt and terraced terrain in a huge amphitheater topped by a piney ridge. Few people realize that they’re looking at what will become in a few years Boulder County’s latest open space property.

The former andesite quarry is currently being restored from its former mining operation with major grading and revegetation completion expected later this year. Once the quarry is fully stabilized and restored in a few years, Boulder County Parks & Open Space will devise a management plan with public input that is expected to preserve unique plant and wildlife communities while allowing public recreation where appropriate.

BCPOS purchased the 568-acre property in 2011 for the purpose of preserving its open space values. BCPOS paid $12,770,000 for the property.

70-year mining ends, reclamation starts

Andesite mining at the site started some 70 years ago. The gray volcanic rock is primarily used in construction. The Hall family – a longtime presence in the Lyons area – owned the land and leased the quarry to the operators Aggregate Industries and now Holcim-WCR, Inc.

All mining there ceased in 2008. Under the terms of a permit granted by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety the site must be restored to its previous condition. The operators were granted reprieve by DRMS which allowed them to postpone activities on the site and delay restoration until 2016. They then would have five years to complete the work.

But the reclamation work was delayed as a result of the impacts of the 2013 flood, which washed out the county bridge across South St. Vrain Creek and the access road to the site. The bridge and access road were repaired in 2017, but the project was postponed yet further due to revisions to the reclamation design and COVID-19 issues. Work was finally started in fall 2021.

Although the property is now owned by Boulder County, all reclamation work and DRMS requirements are the responsibility of the previous mining company. BCPOS staff has worked with the mining company since the property was purchased to ensure the reclamation project meets the county’s open space interests to the extent possible.

Of note, Boulder County worked with the mining company to preserve a portion of the exposed dacite, which is a type of granite. Geologists believe the dacite is the terminus of the “mineral belt” that spans from southwest Colorado to Lyons and was retained for educational purposes.

County will wait for reclamation

Grading and revegetation of the site is nearly done. Once completed, however, the mining company must monitor and maintain the site for several years. Before the

reclamation is approved by DRMS, the land must be revegetated and stabilized, and the vegetation must be able to self-generate without need of fertilizer or irrigation.

Only when the mining company has satisfied the reclamation requirements will BCPOS take over management of the entire property.

River work also slated

In separate work, the South St. Vrain Creek, which comprises the northern boundary of the quarry, will be restored back to its original natural course. The creek was moved and channelized many years ago, taking it away from its natural floodplain.

Returning the river to its natural alignment will improve resiliency by increasing the floodplain connectivity and providing areas for flood waters and sediment to spread and settle out, which will benefit Lyons and other downstream communities. Habitat quality will also be improved through in-stream features, such as riffles and pools and large woody debris. Realigning the river will could also provide better access for potential future public use if allowed in the management plan.

Biodiversity, conservation, recreation

The site, now designated as Hall Ranch 2, runs from the South St. Vrain Creek up steep, rugged terrain to the ridge behind it that borders Heil Valley Ranch Open Space.

water resources than just digging a hole.

So first I clear a promising area and level it. Then I wander the land looking for stones to build a revetment. That’s a fancy word for a little wall that will hold the soil and help retain moisture.

After planting and mulching I install a wire basket to keep the deer out. Yes, you can wing it and leave your arborial wards exposed to passing herbivores, but it only takes a browsing fawn a few seconds to chew off a year’s growth. I have evolved the protection system into a sort of sculptural whimsy. I start with a sheet of 2” x 4” deer wire to make a cylinder, and then add a domed top out of woven wire and hardware cloth. Forty-five minutes with a pair of pliers, and you have aching fingers, but you have crafted R2D2’s distant cousin. No it can’t translate Wookie into Mandalorian but it can communicate to the deer to chomp elsewhere.

In 2002 our cousin Jane in Omaha gave me some Kentucky coffee tree seeds like large brown lima beans. The Latin name is gymnocladus dieociae, which means something like armored seed. I managed to achieve germination and nursed the babies along and now after almost 20 years one seedling has soared to almost three feet tall: still too small to cling to but mature enough to have long conversations with. I can’t wait until she’s big enough to hug.

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.

“The mine site and surrounding land support tremendous habitat and ecological values, which are related to the unfragmented and undisturbed nature of the surrounding landscape,” said David Hirt, Senior Plant Ecologist/Restoration Ecologist for BCPOS.

Interested is serving your community? Join Lyon’s oldest and longest serving organization, the Lyons Lions Club. Chartered by Lions International in 1946. Our Lions and Leo Clubs’

Hours:

Lowell

Butler

KENTUCKY COFFEE TREE (GYMNOCLADUS DIEOCIAE)

Closed for now, but destined to be open.

Wrestling with the new tech

By John Gierach Redstone Review

LYONS – Lately I’ve been wasting what seems like an inordinate amount of time wrestling with technology.

For instance, when my old coffee maker gave up the ghost after years of faithful service, I found that with its replacement, brewing a pot of coffee now was easy enough (you press the “brew now” button) but it took me multiple tries over three days to convince it to brew a pot at a predetermined time the following morning the way my old coffee pot did so effortlessly.

I blame my confusion on the peculiar syntax that’s generated when directions written in Chinese are translated into English by a computer program and not proofread by a human, but it may also be that I come from a bygone era and anything much more complicated than an on/off switch is above my pay grade.

And, by the way, why does a device that performs a single task need a control panel that looks like the bridge of the Enterprise?

Not long after that, in preparation for a fishing trip to Minnesota, I went online to buy my nonresident fishing license. I’ve done this often in recent years, so I clicked the “existing customer” box as usual and entered my information, only to have the computer say “Nope, never heard of you,” or words to that effect.

So I ran through it again to make sure I’d entered everything correctly, and when it still didn’t work, I took a coffee break with a cup from the coffee maker it had recently taken me three days to figure out how to operate.

Half an hour later I went back and tried the only end run I know: I entered myself as a new customer, set up a new account and bought my fishing license in a matter of minutes. (Few of us understand how computers work, but by now we’ve all learned that you can’t argue with one, or, to be more precise, you can argue all you want, but you can never win.)

This episode was especially annoying because I know from experience that if I’d been on site at a bait shop or convenience store in rural Minnesota, a pleasant middleaged woman would have said something like, “Don’t worry, hon, we’ll figure this out. Would ya like a cup of coffee while yer waitin’?” As it was, I had to settle for fooling a robot that, ironically, had insisted that I check a box marked “I am not a robot.”

The day before the actual trip, I went online to check in and print my boarding pass, only to learn that, with this airline at least, paper boarding passes were no longer an option; I could have a QR code or nothing. So the next

morning at curbside check-in, I displayed a screengrab of my QR code, the man behind the counter scanned it and handed me – you guessed it – the same paper boarding pass I used to be able to print for myself at home. Somewhere in the bowels of corporate America, this makes perfect sense.

The last time I’d boarded a flight with this airline I was

that it would eat my life – in part because I’d seen it eat the lives of others – but there didn’t seem to be a way around it.

The latest wrinkle is that I don’t get a cell signal at home. When people ask where I live, I refer them to the coverage map in the Verizon ads with the blank spot covering a mountainous strip of southern Wyoming and northern Colorado and say, “I live in that blank spot.” At first, I meant it as a joke, but was surprised at how many people were satisfied with the answer.

It was fine for a while – even sort of a relief – but now there are too many online transactions that require a security code that you can only get by text. Of course, there are now cell phones that will work off your home WiFi signal and the time will soon come – if it isn’t here already – when I’ll have to get one. That will mean, at a minimum, the added expense of buying the thing in the first place and the time away from my real life and work it’ll take to learn how to operate it. So I’ll jump through that hoop any day now, as well as subsequent hoops as soon as they become unavoidable, but I have no illusions about ever catching up, let alone getting out ahead of it.

the only one in line with a paper boarding pass and the guy at the gate looked up at me and said, “Old school, huh?” This time I left the boarding pass in my pocket, scanned my QR code and didn’t even rate a glance. Once I was in my seat with my rod case and pack stashed in the overhead bin, I wondered if I’d made a breakthrough or become another electronic sheep and decided it didn’t matter. By that time the next day I’d be in a friend’s drift boat casting bass bugs on the St. Croix River and that’s all that really mattered.

I have to say that I once saw all this coming and naïvely thought I could decline to participate and just stick with a typewriter, a land line telephone and the good old U.S. mail. But I got a computer when too many of the editors I work for began to insist on digital submissions, bought a cell phone shortly after someone spirited away all the pay phones, and it mushroomed from there. I correctly foresaw

Continued from Page 1

cated throughout town. So far this year, there have been 15 reported cases.

In recent cases, the suspect(s) have used spray paint and thick paint markers to tag road signs, utility boxes, flagstone, concrete, bridges, and playground equipment. The suspect(s) are believed to be committing these crimes during the evening and late-night hours. At this time, there is no information indicating the graffiti is gang-related.

I understand that this is a function of age, but it’s actually nothing new. When I was a little kid in the 1950s and we got our first black and white TV, my maternal grandmother – who was born in the late 1800s – would listen to it, but she was so accustomed to radios that she couldn’t get the hang of watching it. Unsurprisingly, she said she didn’t understand it.

By the time my mother was as old as her mother was then, she’d developed such a phobia about computers that she wouldn’t even enter a room that contained one. She’d peek in through an open door, say, “That’s nice,” and then skitter away like a shy housecat.

I’m unquestionably my mother’s son and my grandmother’s grandson, but I may have learned something those two old ladies never did: namely that it’s pointless to explain that things used to be simpler and easier because they aren’t simple and easy now and never will be again.

Due to the patterns and frequency of these cases, the suspect(s) are believed to live in the Town of Lyons. The BCSO asks if you see any suspicious activity or see anyone you think is tagging property in town immediately report it to BCSO dispatch. Call 911 for emergencies or 303-441-4444 for non-emergencies.

The BCSO is investigating and would like to hear from anyone with information on these cases. Please send any information you may have on these incidents or suspect(s) to Town of Lyons Sergeant Cody Sears at wsears@bouldercounty.gov.

The BCSO associated case number is: #23-04116.

Continue Briefs on Page 13

Gierach

CREATIVES

Lyons: We’ve got Grit

By Sally King Redstone Review

September 11, 2013

Sirens are going off in Boulder.

“Mom, go look at the river”

Our river had risen wildly,

We scrambled to gather our old dog and a few things, evacuating our house, maybe forever.

Shouting over the sound of the river

As the muddy water rushed over the driveway.

And a tree crashed into the bridge

Gone in an instant…

The river was moving so fast.

The events of the night are a blur

Waking up our neighbors who had no idea

And later John going back

To rescue two other sets of neighbors

Out of the rising water

Everyone thought that our house would be gone.

(It’s right on the river)

But the river blew out across the fields of Apple Valley

And our house, though battered, still stood.

Flood is a water dragon of destruction

Nothing left in its wake

We had a room taken off, a shop leveled, the decks hanging on splintered wood,

12,000

Piles of trees, someone’s refrigerator, And all known vegetation, scoured. The task before us felt insurmountable. Like way too many dishes in the sink, I don’t know how we got the nerve to start. Insurance company adjusters to talk to And an overwhelmed Boulder County. But the volunteer organizations that came to lend a hand Tipped the scale.

I went around saying to anyone who would listen “People are amazing, people want to help, Don’t listen to the media’s negative spin –people are amazing”

Now, as I sit here on a summer day

Listening to the steady babble of the river, Her wisdom conveyed Both now and then. We are a community that knows what we know And I remember how sad we were the next day When the sheriff said to us all “You have to leave. No one can stay.” We were so bonded We didn’t want to leave.

One living organism, people of Lyons… The roots of this bonding still hold. Ten years later, the banks of the river Are overgrown with 20 foot cottonwood trees, Huge hawthornes and willows.

So many trees that we don’t mind sharing them with a beaver.

Generous and generative

This is our home.

Sally King is a local artist who believes it’s imperative that each of us pop our head up out of the collective trance, to bring through our creative gifts. You can find her on her blog and website, hersoupot.net and sallywhiteking.com or email sallywhiteking@live.com.

Peace I ask of thee o river, peace, peace, peace. When I learn to live serenely, cares will cease.

From the hills I gather courage, visions of the days to be, Strength to lead and faith to follow, all is given unto me. Peace I ask of thee o river, peace, peace, peace. Words from an old folksong

years of history behind the Ute Trail marker in LaVern M. Johnson Park

By Priscilla Cohan Redstone Review

LYONS – The Ute People, made up of several tribal bands, have been in the area we now call Colorado for at least 12,000 years. They did not migrate to this area. They were nomadic, moving from mountain to plain in search of the natural resources that were ever shifting in abundance with the seasons.

They lived around and moved through these mountains for most of those 12,000 years until the European colonizers came into the area about 200 years ago. There is some evidence to show that the Spanish explorers introduced the Ute Tribes to horses prior to the 1850s. Ute People traveled in and around the St. Vrain River Valley for thousands of years, by foot and by horse. They were the original people of this territory.

In June of 2023 I was tasked with sorting out a grant that was awarded to Lyons in 2021. As of June 2023, we were a little behind in the reporting and the keepers of the knowledge had moved on to new and exciting projects. Or maybe, as a new employee, I didn’t know who to ask or where to find the details.

As I scrambled to sort out the particulars of the grant, I also dove into the history of Colorado’s original inhabitants. I was trying to both be sensitive to the tribal cultural historians who work with the Ute Tribes in Colorado and to tamp down my fussy and fast-moving timeline for the grant. Having a deeper understanding of local history is new for me and I have made many mistakes. What I have learned though, is invaluable to recognize the travesty of displacement and harm that one culture can have on another.

The grant from History Colorado was to replace the “Ute Trail Marker” that was washed away in the flood of 2013. The project was initiated by the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC) and town staff. Our task was to in-

corporate local stone with a history of the Ute presence in this area before the European colonizers came. Late 2021, the LAHC sought out and found a sculpture by sculptor Oreland Joe, Sr., Núuchiu (Ute) and Diné (Navajo), who lives and works in Shiprock, NM. After an exciting fundraising effort, we were able to purchase this beautiful piece to be part of the commemoration of the “Ute Trail.”

When I picked up the pages of the grant and tried to make sense of what needs to happen in a few short months it appeared that the project had split in two. The newly acquired hand-carved alabaster sculpture on the plinth was no longer what the grant covered. It was now a sculpture on a pedestal. The grant was for an interpretive sign. It took a while for this to become clear to me and now it is. What we are now creating for LaVern M. Johnson Park is a plinth with a sculpture on top, now in place, and an educational sign that talks about the history of the Ute’s nomadic movements through the St. Vrain River Valley.

The sculpture, The Trail of Treaties by Oreland Joe, Sr., is carved from Tennessee marble and is of a native Ute in traditional dress. It sits atop a handsome stone plinth built by the owner of Blue Mountain Stone, Raul Vasquez, Buddha Vasquez and Renato Olvera Garcia. It is under a mature silver maple tree next to the ice-skating rink in LaVern M. Johnson Park. The sandstone cliffs create a stunning backdrop. The plinth on the docket for two long years was built and created in a few short weeks, thanks to the efforts of Claudia Paterno, LAHC Chair, Dave Cosgrove and of course Raul Vasquez and his skilled team of craftsmen.

The work on this monument was entirely donated by Raul Vasquez and Blue Mountain Stone. It is a lovely trib-

Remembering, feeling, caring, ten years after the flood

By Megan Kram Redstone Review

LYONS – When I saw the rushing, muddied waters of the St. Vrain the other day, my heart skipped a beat. I was taken back to the flood ten years ago, wondering if the waters would continue to rise, both marveling at and worrying about the rust-colored water, feeling nervous for my neighbors, and wanting the river to slow down.

Fortunately, it did slow down this time. But even now, I’m on the verge of tears just thinking about it as I write. I wonder if you are feeling the same.

may arise despite the best efforts to ignore or suppress them. If you find yourself or others more edgy, tearful or uncomfortable in the coming weeks, consider giving yourself and those around you grace and compassion, knowing that your feelings and those of the broader community are flowing stronger than usual.

How we cope with emotions is so important. When uncomfortable feelings strongly arise, our most unhealthy habits and addictions do, too. Over the next few weeks try to notice: are you drinking/using/eating/bingewatching/checking your phone more? Picking fights or bickering with others more than usual? Isolating and avoiding people?

you are feeling anger or the like, try getting to the root emotions underneath by asking, “What am I afraid of?”

Ask yourself, “What do I need?” and give that to yourself, whether it’s having a good cry, chucking rocks at the river, calling a friend, or seeing your therapist.

Sculptor Sue Quinlan and her grandchildren, Fiona and Gray Quinlan, are shown with Sue’s sculpture Cultural Pedestrians, sponsored by and recently installed in front of Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew. Cultural Pedestrians is part of the heARTS of LYONS – An Art Collection All Over Town, 2023 call to artists. Learn more about Sue and her work at https://www.sculpturebysuequinlan.com/.

The next few weeks will be a triggering time for many as we approach the ten-year anniversary of the flood on September 11, not to mention the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Please know it is normal and expected to experience a variety of emotions – fear, sadness, anxiety, grief, or anger. There might be a tendency to feel like one should “be done with it” or be able to “get over it,” especially for events that happened years ago, but these feelings

There is another, healthier way to cope. I bet you can guess what it is, even if it’s hard to do. That’s right – facing and embracing emotions, rather than turning away from them. I know, I know, I can hear your groans from across town. “Do I have to?” you may plead, “Isn’t there any other way?” I feel the same way, but this is the healthiest approach that I’m aware of. (I’m always open to ideas!). Here are a couple things to try: Name your feelings i.e., “name it to tame it.” Try saying to yourself, “I am feeling ___ because ___ ” If

Speaking of therapists, my coworker, Cherie Maureaux, and I are here for you. As LEAF’s Mental Health Therapists, we genuinely want to support the community at this time, and always. Our positions are grantfunded, which enables us to offer no- or lowcost mental wellness and addiction recovery services right here in our community. We just want to be of support. Please reach out if we can do so, and know that we hold your confidentiality in the highest regard, which is so very important in our small town.

As we remember the power of the flood and how it affected all of us, LEAF has made plans to offer mental health support in these ways: Cherie Maureaux and I will lead a Flood Support Group on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lyons Community Church throughout September. Process your feelings about the flood anniversary and spend time with commu-

Kram

Left to right, Buddha Vasquez and Renato Olvera Garcia. The sculpture is called, “The Trail of Treaties by Oreland Joe, Sr., Núuchiu (Ute) and Diné (Navajo).

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Have a good time for a good cause at the Hootenanny at River Bend

By Kate Schnepel Redstone Review

LYONS – Time spent by the river with friends is a hallmark of summertime in Lyons, and there’s no better place to indulge in this activity than the gorgeous grounds of River Bend.

Schneppel

On Sunday, August 27, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., the greater Lyons community is invited to join Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) and Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund (LEAF) for our Third Annual Hootenanny at River Bend. This family-friendly event of-

Lyons Hootenanny.

In addition to musical entertainment, we will feature dance performances by Lyons’ own Mayama Dance Company. Mayama’s performances are always captivating and fun, and we are looking forward to seeing what this fantastic local dance company has in store this year.

For the kids, we’ll have a wonderful children’s area designed and presented by Rainbow Lightning Productions, whose mission is to keep the inner child inspired. This nonprofit, based in Crestone, creates playscapes and activities where kids can have an exploratory and fun experience. Colorado Fairy Hair will pay us a visit as well, for all of you who are looking to add a little sparkle to your hair.

The rubber ducky race will take place late afternoon, when we will be dropping the ducks in the river from the bridge on Hwy. 36. Watching the ducks float down the river is so much fun. Sign up for a duck the day of the Hootenanny at the LEAF tent. The cost per ducky is $5. A raft of ducks cost $20 for five. The cash prize for first place is $100, second place is $50, and third place is $25.

There will also be a cornhole tournament for cornhole lovers of all ages. We are offering a $100 cash prize for the winners of the tournament. Teams of two can sign up at the LEAF booth at the Hootenanny. The cost is $20 per team of two.

well as non-alcoholic offerings.

fers free admission, in the hopes that everyone in town can come spend an enjoyable afternoon by the river.

LCF and LEAF are teaming up to put on the event, which is a fundraiser for both organizations. There will be something for everyone: live music, kids’ zone, dance performances, silent auction, cornhole tournament, food trucks, a bar, and the ever-popular rubber ducky race.

On the music front, the Hootenanny will feature live music by Wood Belly, who won the 2018 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition. According to the band’s official bio, “the quintet is forging a sound that is based in newgrass and flavored with alt-country, rock, and just enough jam to glue it all together.” Sounds perfect for a

Since this is a fundraiser, we are planning a silent auction, too. We will be featuring chances to win several mountain getaways, three different local staycations, and a stay in a lovely Mexican casa near the ocean. Also on offer will be all kinds of services from facials to portrait sessions to estate planning. You may also be tempted to bid on artwork from local artists, custom dinners, music festival passes, and more. Thank you to everyone who contributed such amazing items for the auction. We are excited to see what bidding wars might ensue, all in support of LCF and LEAF.

There will be three food trucks at the Hootenanny this year. McDevitt Tacos will have a variety of tacos on offer, including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices. Jacaranda will be serving up wood-fired pizza by Chef Modou. For dessert, plan to indulge in ice cream treats from Sweet Cow’s MooMobile.

At the shady bar under the trees, we will have a choice of beverages for purchase, including wine, Oskar Blues beer and hard seltzer, Spirit Hound vodka lemonade, as

We want to thank all the sponsors of this year’s Hootenanny: CEMEX, River Bend, Lifetime Windows and Siding, Sisters’ Pantry, 24-7 Restoration, Lumber Liquors, the Laura Levy Group, Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP, Western Stars Gallery, Spirit Hound Distillers, Moss Rock Development, Lyons Dairy Bar, Gateway Auto Services, MainStage Brewing, Lyons Lawn and Landscape, Gateway Realty, Oskar Blues Brewery, Lyons Automotive, and Tucker Group Real Estate. We truly appreciate your generosity and support. Finally, just a few notes. If you bring a motorized vehicle, we are asking for $5 for parking. Please leave your furry friends at home. LEAF will be collecting donations for the Lyons Community Food Pantry at the event. Please bring along a non-perishable item to contribute.

Come out and have some fun and help those in need at the same time. It’s definitely a win-win at the Hootenanny.

Kate Schnepel is the Marketing and Communications Associate for Lyons Community Foundation. She has worked in the non-profit sector for more than two decades, primarily with animal welfare organizations like Best Friends Animal Society and Wildlife SOS India. She moved to Lyons in 2019 with her husband and daughter, and spent nearly three years as a member of LCF’s Advisory Board before moving into her current consulting role.

Annual Rocky Mountain Folks Festival packed in the crowds

By Tamara Haddad Redstone Review

LYONS – It was kicked off by the Song School, where songwriters from around the country joined together for a handson exploration of songwriting led by internationally known songwriters, actors, and music professionals who shared their expertise on the art, craft, and business of songwriting.

Notable teachers this year were Mary Gauthier, a Grammy-nominated song-

writer; Pat Pattison, an author, clinician, and Berklee Professor of Lyric Writing and Poetry; and Lyons locals Bonnie and Taylor Sims.

The Folks Fest kicked off Friday, August 11, on the Main Stage with the Songwriter Showcase, a nationally recognized singer-songwriter competition open to anyone who writes and performs original music, and is not currently signed to a major recording or publishing deal. And the weekend closed Sunday night,

August 13 with American blues and country singer, guitarist, and songwriter Charley Crockett. In between, the audience

watched headliners including Larkin Poe, the Tallest Man on Earth, and Katie Pruitt. The Wildflower Pavilion provided intimate performances by local band Eben Grace Trio, Showcase Finalists Marisa Deering, Cindy Kalmenson, Lewis Turner, and a couple of the Song School teachers. Integrating the musical talent with morning yoga sessions, late-night jams, food trucks, retail booths, and the popular kid’s tent, it’s easy to understand why this event is a highly anticipated tradition for many. For detailed information about the Song School and 2023’s musical line-up, visit https://bluegrass.com/folks.

Interpersonal group works to build community and drive social change

By Regan Bullers Redstone Review

LYONS – Last school year, I had the privilege of co-facilitating monthly meetings of a group of a dozen or so inquisitive, thoughtful, and caring community members in Lyons’ first SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) seminar. The SEED Project trains individuals (including me) to facilitate ongoing local seminars within their communities to drive per-

sonal, organizational, and societal change toward greater equity and diversity.

I attended SEED New Leaders Training in August, 2022, and with former Adult Programming and Communications Librarian Vicky Reinold, planned and led threehour sessions from September to May with our first cohort of participants. For over 27 total class time hours, and over four and a half hours on their own, these community members dedicated themselves to examining their own histories, sharing their stories,

and then listening to the stories of others so that they could better understand how society-wide systems of oppression work to uplift some and marginalize others.

These participants overwhelmingly responded on our end-of-session survey that they would recommend the SEED seminar to others. Their favorite parts were the small group discussions and the building of community with other participants. They also indicated that they would take something they learned from our sessions and use it in their lives to challenge a system of oppression.

These systems are sometimes hard to see, especially if you’ve unconsciously benefited from them. In SEED there is no blame, no shame, and no guilt. It is not about making people feel badly about who they are. Rather, SEED challenges participants to become more aware of their positionality in regards to different systems, specifically the ways particular parts of our identities, including our race, class, age, gender identity, ability, immigrant status, or sexual identity, put us in position to benefit from or be harmed by these systems. Once we are able to see the systems, we are in a position to act to expose them to others, interrupt, and ultimately dismantle them to make a more

equitable and just society.

In an effort to bring some of this systems awareness to a broader audience, the 202223 Lyons SEED seminar cohort has arranged for a showing of the critically acclaimed documentary, This is [Not] Who We Are, directed by Katrina Miller and Beret Strong, about the distance between

Boulder’s self-image of progressive, liberal, and inclusive, and the lived reality of many of its Black residents. The film will be screened on Tuesday, August 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include a question-and-answer session with Director Katrina Miller. We hope many in the Lyons Community will join us for this opportunity to gain windows into the experiences of Black people in Boulder County.

In addition, a second Lyons’ SEED sem-

A musical performance from last year’s Hootenanny.

Jeanne Moore and Sara Erickson, will lead the silent auction this year.

Healthcare in the U.S. is changing: people need to be as informed as possible

By Bronwyn Muldoon Redstone Review

LYONS – Healthcare in the U.S. is changing. Some of these changes might have been accelerated by Covid, while other changes have no relation to the pandemic. Regardless of how these changes came about, they are affecting the quality and continuity of care throughout the healthcare system. Being informed and prepared for these changes can help when a health professional is needed.

Currently there is a shortage of healthcare professionals. Since the start of Covid, 38 to 42 percent of healthcare providers have left their career in healthcare, with a surprising 47 percent saying they will leave by 2025. Though some providers retired, others left pursuing different occupations because of burnout, long hours, staffing shortages and heavy patients loads. With the baby boomer generation at retirement and senior community age, the U.S. healthcare system will continue to lose critical providers, adding stress on our already strained system.

Covid helped accelerate the rate in which patients use Telehealth appointments. Telehealth includes health care using audio and video technology, replacing person-to-person contact. It was initially developed to provide basic care to rural and underserved patients. Telehealth was extremely beneficial during Covid and continues to have a place in healthcare. It is best used to monitor patients who have already been established and for those who have mobility or transportation limitations.

Telehealth is convenient and saves patients time as they don’t have to travel. However, Telehealth has its shortfalls and not all patients or clinical situations are appropriate for telemedicine appointments.

One of the biggest limitations is performing comprehensive physical examinations. A large percentage of the population don’t have the tools at home to help gather pertinent information like blood pressure, heart rate, weight and height. Though this is basic information, it is vital in helping assess overall health. When one of these measurements changes it can indicate possible other health concerns.

Other limitations in Telehealth are eval-

U.S., cleared over $5.3 billion in profits, a 28 percent increase than the previous year at the same time. The second highest, Cigna, came in at $2.8 billion in profits for the third quarter of 2023 (a 70 percent increase), followed by Elevance at $1.6 billion.

With the insurance companies decreasing their reimbursement to providers, it not only adds another reason for healthcare professionals to consider switching careers, but it decreases the overall quality of care to patients. Health care workers are being asked to increase their workload while their pay rate decreases or stays the same.

Over time this added stress leads to increases in human error and providers not able to perform thorough examinations. This can extend the time to get an accurate diagnosis, causing not only frustration to the patient but wastes valuable time and delays treatment.

sary. Its going to be more crucial that people be their own advocates and do research on their own.

Households should have some basic medical equipment, including a blood pressure machine, thermometer, and a scale. Call your insurance company. Find out what your insurance benefits are and what is covered. When scheduling appointments, ask if they are in-network with your insurance. In-network providers typically will have lower outof-pocket cost and unexpected charges.

Please don’t use Dr. Google to do your research on diagnosing something. There are better sources like Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Health (NIH) or Johns Hopkins Medicine. Once you have a diagnosis, then you can use multiple search engines to find treatment options. Hopefully by being informed and prepared for these changes, all of us can feel more empowered and in control of our health. Take care everyone.

uating orthopedic and neurological conditions, thus Telehealth should not be a replacement for certain injuries/conditions. It should not be a replacement for annual checkups or evaluating orthopedic or neurological conditions. And thought Telehealth can save patients time, it does not eliminate the time health care professionals spend on documentation, billing and verifying insurance.

The third major change to healthcare is the decreasing pay to healthcare providers. The gap between provider pay and insurance companies profit is widening at laser speed. Every year insurance premiums and deductibles go up. The majority of us relate this increase to inflation, higher wages and healthcare costs.

But unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. Healthcare companies just released their third quarters profits for the year. United Health Group, the largest in the

With a shortage of healthcare professionals and an increase in Telehealth appointments, patients will be required to be more independent and proactive with their health. The time to get an in-person appointment is going to be longer; certain surgical procedures are going to see earlier discharges; and responsibility for home treatments will be neces-

Bronwyn Muldoon, a licensed physical therapist, owns Lyons Physical Therapy, 435 High St. in Lyons. Some of the things addressed at her clinic include but are not limited to: acute and chronic spinal pain (back and neck pain), postural dysfunction alignment, sports and performance-related injuries, repetitive/overuse-related injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, muscles strains and sprains, and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. For more information, call 303-823-8813.

Dove This snuggly, almost five-year-old lady is affectionate, outgoing, and so ready to share the couch with you. People say teenagers can be hard to live with, but not for Dove – she loves ‘em. She chooses her dog friends wisely, so a meet-and-greet with another dog is needed before going home. No kitties for Dove. She has been with us for over five months and she’s eager to find her new family. If you adopt Dove during August, her adoption fee will be 75 percent off our regular fee. Stop in today and set up a visit with Dove at the shelter at 9595 Nelson Road. For more information visit www.longmonthumane.org or give us a call at 303-772-1232.

their musical abilities and crowd appeal.

“They were the best up and coming bluegrass band I’d heard in awhile,” said McIntyre, who then booked them for the July 26 Sandstone Park show, drawing one of the largest crowds ever for those shows. Future appearances at Oskar Blues may also be in the works.

Though the band members brought plenty of experience and obvious talent on their own, their captivating sound and stage presence was further enhanced by teaming up with Lyons resident Sally Van Meter, a Grammy-award winning dobro player and music producer.

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“She’s the bluegrass oracle,” said Shuck, acknowledging Van Meter’s contributions to the group’s rapid success. “She coached three Telluride winning bands in the last six years.”

Van Meter is producing the group’s first recording effort, currently nearing completion at Vermillion Road Studio in Longmont, with sound engineering provided by Front Range music fixture, Eric Wiggs.

The self-titled debut album of the Fretliners’ original music will first be released in digital streaming formats (on Spotify, iTunes and other streaming sources) with a planned vinyl release in four to six months. Vinyl is now outselling CDs, Parks said, and has become a preferred for-

communities and receiving accolades for over 20 years. She is the Disaster Manager and Coordinator for Boulder County Housing and Human Services and was a Program Advisor for the University of Colorado’s Women In Leadership program.

“The biggest influence my mom had over me was not anything she ever said; it was just the way she lived her life,” said Heck. “Because my dad traveled a lot for work and my mom was the main caregiver for much of my childhood, I never heard her say, I can’t do it because your dad’s not home. Something would break at the house, and she would get the tools out and fix it herself. She found a way, and that taught me to be a problem solver. When things get hard, like training, and I have to face injuries, I take my mom’s mindset and figure it out.”

Heck said, “My dad is very different. He gave me his words. He would always tell me that I could do whatever I set my mind to, and there was no reason that I couldn’t beat the boys, so that’s what I’ve always thought about. It’s a mindset. He would say, just because you’re not as big

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nity members in shared experience. We’ll talk about grief and change, PTSD awareness and normalization, grounding techniques and distress tolerance skills, and resources for getting more help if you need it. Email mentalwellness@leaflyons.org for more information or to let us know you’d like to attend. There is no cost for these sessions; come to as many as you’d like.

Our Program Director Cherie Maureaux will lead a community candlelight vigil on Monday evening, September 11 at the

mat for up-and-coming musical groups, though it takes time to produce.

Making a first recording for a new band is neither easy nor cheap, and the Fretliners are nearing their fundraising goal to complete the project. Search “The Fretliners” on gofundme.com or go to the band’s website, thefretliners.com.

More fall live shows are also planned, including at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins and the Gold Hill Inn, with exact dates to be announced and featured on the band’s website and Facebook/Instagram accounts.

Local music fans have enthusiastically welcomed the Fretliners as the latest addition to Lyons’ music heritage. With local

music venues mostly closed in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, Lyons’ music scene appeared to wither somewhat. But it has been reborn and then some, with the Fretliners leading the charge and multiple local music events happening throughout the summer and fall.

“Lyons Thrives” is a town promotional slogan, and our surging resident group the Fretliners is leading the way to making that saying a reality.

Mark Browning is a Lyons resident and retired attorney. He is a former Trustee on the Lyons Town Board and he is active with the Lyons Volunteers and Lyon Emergency & Assistance Fund.

my form. While he is looking at the stopwatch and knows what my splits should be, my mom is going to be the loudest one cheering in the stands. She has this giant cowbell that she brings to all my events. She’s almost gotten herself kicked out of events because of the cowbell.”

Through thick and thin, victories and setbacks, Steve and Joycelyn’s unwavering belief in Katie’s abilities has been a constant beacon of encouragement, propelling her forward on the path to making the world a more inclusive place to be. Together, their bond and shared commitment to pursuing excellence have shaped Katie into the formidable athlete and remarkable individual she is today.

and you’re not potentially as strong doesn’t mean you can’t have better technique, be smoother, and execute your moves better. So I did.

“All of my achievements are because of who my parents are. They have an interesting dynamic between them. My dad is the one who’s taking videos for me and analyzing

new Confluence Circle. We will be available to offer resources and support at the town’s various flood remembrance events. As we enter together this season of reflection, I would like to leave you with a poem from Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273) that may be helpful in working through emotions every day, and especially at this time: This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.

Katie recently married Kaleb Heck and lives with their two rescue dogs, Camper and Bug, in Aztec, NM. She is a dog sitter, https://katiefankhouser.weebly.com/.walker, with an LLC and an advocate for Annie’s Orphans, a nokill dog shelter in Durango. For more information about Katie Fankhouser-Heck, you can visit her website at https://katiefankhouser.weebly.com/.

Tamara Vega Haddad is a Lyons local and long-time small business advocate.

Welcome and entertain them all. Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

Remember that no matter the emotions and how big they get, they will fall again – just like the waters of the St. Vrain.

Megan Kram, LCSW, LAC recently joined LEAF’s team as a Mental Wellness and Addictions Therapist. As a Lyons resident, she is grateful to serve the community through individual and group therapy, be creative in designing new programs to meet community needs, and work with such a smart and dedicated team at LEAF. You may see her dog Callie, who as a therapy dog is available for clients, walking Kram around town. Feel free to say hi.

Fretliners Continued from Page 4

Katie in her kayak. PHOTO BY VANESSA HOUK

A-Lodge’s joint book club, Pints and Pages. The next meeting, at the Rock Garden, will take place on Sunday, August 20 at 5 p.m. We will discuss the Denver-based Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew Sullivan. It’s a fast-paced read so you still have time.

Have a college-bound student at home? Join Professor Emerita Manette Ansay for tips on creating original essays and building compelling applications on either Thursday, August 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. or Saturday, August 26 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Ansay has spent the last 30 years teach-

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ing and advising college students at Cornell, Vanderbilt, Marquette, and the University of Miami. She’s also a New York Times bestselling novelist. Ninth to 12th graders and their families are welcome: Q&A to follow the presentation.

The library is growing our team with the addition of an Adult Programming Librarian and a Library Associate. Do you have great ideas you’d love to share with your community? Are you someone who loves to connect others to programs, materials, and one another? Do you have experience with event planning? Do you speak “calendar”? If so, we invite you to apply to be our next Adult Pro-

ute to the craftsmanship and industry of Vasquez and his employees who make Lyons more beautiful with their artful stonework. Thank you to Blue Mountain Stone and Raul Vasquez. The plywood template will be replaced by a bronze plaque with the title of the sculpture, artist, medium and a statement by the artist as well as the donors.

Now, on to the interpretive sign. In my efforts to understand what “the Ute Trail” is and was, I went down many internet rabbit holes and spoke with colleagues and friends. This is what I have come up with. “The Ute Trail” is not one trail but many trails and passages that move through the river valleys, mountains, and plains. Dr. William J Convery, Colorado State Historian, who was featured in the Rocky Mountain PBS documentary titled

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inar will be offered by Wide Spaces Community Initiative, a program of the Lyons Community Library, with support from the library, the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) and the Friends of the Lyons Library, beginning September 12, 2023 and continuing every second Tuesday of the month through May 14, 2023.

A consistent group of community members will meet each month from 6 to 9 p.m., sharing dinner and stories about themselves as they engage in self-reflection, guided discussions, artistic activities, and open conversations on topics of societal importance including race, class, immigration, gender, sexuality, ability, and religion. Registration is free, and community members are encouraged to sign up through the library website under Programming / SEED seminar as soon as possible in order to attend all nine sessions.

If you are interested, but still unsure, attend one of three upcoming informational sessions, where you will get a taste of a SEED seminar session and be able to ask any questions you may have. The information sessions will be held at the Lyons Community Library on Saturday, August 19, from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

gramming Librarian. Are you a people person who loves to connect with your community while providing legendary customer service in a face-paced environment? Do you happen to love children and have a storytime ready to pull out of your back pocket in case of emergency? Do you know exactly how to “sell” your favorite book to make it seem irresistible and life changing? Then please consider applying to join our frontfacing group of Library Associates.

Visit the library’s website for more information and application instructions. Your Lyons Community Library opens Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. We close at 5

Colorado Experience: The Original Coloradans, says in the documentary, “The Ute were so adaptable traveling the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin that our modern highway system simply overlays ancient Ute trails.” This begins to get at the idea that these original people were here for thousands of years and knew the land intimately. The passages we have now were formed over thousands of years of movement by the original people of the area.

David Kimmet, Lead Planner with the Town of Lyons, has worked closely with Linda K. Baker and Crystal Rizzo of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe based in Ignacio, Colorado, to create language that is elegant and ties the history of the Ute, the treaties repeatedly broken by the Federal Government, and the placement of the sculpture and plinth near the network of trails that have been used for over a millennium. I have reached out to Terry Knight, Cultural Director of the Ute Mountain Ute in Towaoc,

and Thursday, August 31, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is encouraged, but not required for the info sessions. Learn more at www.nationalseedproject.org. Spots remain for the 2023-24 session. Please consider joining me and your neighbors on this challenging yet enlightening educational journey. Sign up through the library website

“Hall Ranch 2 has tremendous biological diversity including several significant native plant communities in good condition and wildlife designated as county species of special concern,” he said.

BCPOS staff will conduct a public planning process to determine the future management direction for the property. The timetable for that process depends on when the DRMS signs off on the reclamation.

The site has the potential for recreational opportunities, appropriate public amenities, unique education and interpretation, and the conservation of significant natural resources.

Ernst Strenge, Senior Planner with BCPOS, said that due to the high biodiversity and ecological values, much

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 303-823-5165 or email info@lyonslibrary.com with any questions.

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.

Colorado. Terry Knight is also featured in the documentary Colorado Experience: The Original Coloradans. With the help of these cultural experts, we hope to honor the story of the Ute in Colorado with language and photos. The story of the Ute in this area is a complex mosaic, with roots and tales that weave deeply into our collective history. The history of broken treaties and mistreatment of native people in the West and especially in Colorado is a cruel account. This gesture of placing a sculpture and interpretive sign is a small effort to open the conversation of where to go from here and how to recognize this history and more deeply understand and respect the land we are now a part of.

Priscilla Cohan is a local artist who works in multi media. She works for the Town of Lyons and is a liaison to the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission.

under Programming/SEED seminar or email me at regan.seed@gmail.com if you would like to join us.

Regan Bullers serves as the secretary on LEAF’s Board of Directors. She lives in Lyons with her husband and their young son. SEED is Seeking Educational Equity and DiversitySM

of the property is environmentally sensitive and future public access will be determined through the public planning process.

“Parks & Open Space always seeks to minimize impacts to sensitive resources and enhance protection and restoration of native ecosystems and species while providing passive, sustainable, and enjoyable public uses in appropriate locations that connect the public to their environment,” said Strenge. BCPOS has a website where the public can follow the progress on the site reclamation and learn more about the history and future plans: https://bouldercounty.gov/openspace/management/lyons-quarry-reclamation/.

Lyons’ resident Greg Lowell, is a former Lyons Town Board Trustee and serves as the chair of the Ecology Advisory Board.

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CROSSROADS

Outdoor cats affect wildlife: trap and neuter can help

By Cindy Leikam Redstone Review

LONGMONT – Last year, 382 of Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s wild patients came through our doors due to cat attacks. Of these, 161 were birds. It is no secret that cats can contribute to the decline of wild bird populations; which has been the case in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and other islands with species that did not evolve alongside feline predators.

But wildlife populations in North America have also seen the impact of outdoor, free-ranging cats, whether they are feral, stray, working cats, or pet cats allowed to roam outside.

These free-roaming felines can be classified and defined as ferals (wild, not habituated to humans, often the offspring of abandoned pet cats, not usually cared for by humans), strays (habituated to humans, former pets, abandoned or lost), working cats (used for rodent control

against native wildlife has become so dire that the world’s largest cat-proof fence has been built in Central Australia. The feral cats and foxes were removed from the enclosure, and native species have been reintroduced in this protected, cat-free zone.

The obvious solution to this problem is to reduce the number of outdoor cats through education and population control. Educating cat owners about the danger to wildlife, and to their pets – like getting hit by cars or preyed upon – can deter folks from allowing their cats to wander outside. Encouraging alternatives like cat patios, pet backpacks or strollers, and leash training can also help protect our native species. Providing affordable access to spay and neuter services can help to reduce the population of cats, indoor and outdoor, keeping unwanted pets out of shelters and off the streets.

Working cats are an integral part of pest control on farms, ranches, warehouses, and industrial areas and can’t be kept indoors. Spaying or neutering and providing regular meals can reduce predation on wildlife. Providing regular meals to working cats also helps reduce casualties, while the presence of cats can still deter rodents. A similar approach can be taken with feral cats and stray cats. When feral colonies are allowed to reproduce unchecked, they can quickly wipe out entire areas of birds, small mammals, and reptiles.

Trap, neuter, and return programs exist in nearly every major city, but more are needed in rural areas with fewer resources and less access to veterinary care. Some rural communities don’t have animal shelters to drop off unwanted pets, leaving folks to abandon them outdoors where they reproduce unchecked, killing countless wild animals.

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Marylou Stevens Webb, March 29, 1951 –August 10, 2023

Lyons resident Marilou Stevens Webb died on August 10. She was born in Longmont on March 29, 1951, to James Edgar and Dorothy Pearl Stevens of Lyons. She attended school in Lyons where she met the love of her life, Robert Gene Webb. They were married on June 9, 1967. A first son, Robert James, was born in September 1967 and a year later their second son Richard (Richie) Gene was born in November 1968. They made their home in Lyons on 5th Avenue and later moved to their current location on the Old South Road outside of Lyons.

Marilou Webb decided to start raising goats along with Richie shortly after moving to their new location. The goats first came to them with the local 4H groups and then turned into a huge love affair for the project. They went on to show in various local and state fairs plus the National Goat Shows where they met many wonderful people along the way. Marilou Webb had a deep love for her many animals; she cared for her dogs, cats, goats, horses and chickens.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Gene Webb, her mother, Dorothy P. Stevens and father James E. Stevens. Survivors include sons Robert James Webb and Richard Gene Webb, daughter-in-law Prudence Rene Webb.

Marilou Webb fought a courageous battle with cancer for the past 7 years doing everything she could to fight against the disease. Even though she could no longer attend goat shows, she stayed actively involved online and through Facebook. Marilou was an amazing mother, wife, and friend to all she came across throughout her life. She will be greatly missed by many. Donations can be made to the family to help cover funeral and medical expenses.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilou Webb, please visit Tribute Store. The funeral service will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 18, at River Community Church, 18668 North St. Vrain Drive, Lyons.

in barns, shops, garages, warehouses, ect, cared for by humans to some extent), and pets (owned and cared for by humans, allowed outside and unsupervised).

The majority of cat-caught patients at Greenwood are brought in from suburban areas, and the perpetrators are usually pets, strays, or working cats. These numbers are assumed to be even be higher than recorded because oftentimes the cause of injury to the patient is unknown.

The Bird Conservancy estimates that between 1.4 and 3.7 billion birds are lost each year due to free-roaming cats. These free-rangers kill between 6.3 and 22.3 billion small mammals each year in North America. Many places have listed feral cats as an invasive species and have taken drastic steps to control the population. In Australia, feral cats cover over 98 percent of the mainland, and the threat

Trap, neuter, and return projects are often funded by grants and implemented by animal welfare nonprofit organizations. Help wildlife in your neighborhood by: donating or volunteering with your local trap, neuter, return group; keeping your feline pets indoors; and spreading the word about the negative impact outdoor cats have on wildlife.

Early one summer morning, a young, fledgling house finch was pried from the mouth of a wandering neighborhood cat and was rushed to Greenwood by a good Samaritan. As fledglings cannot fly yet, they are most vulnerable to cat attacks. This young bird suffered a severed leg and several puncture wounds. Despite the best efforts of our animal care team, the leg injuries were too severe and the little bird didn’t recover. Keeping pet cats indoors and controlling the population of outdoor feral and working cats can prevent unfortunate outcomes for birds such as this one, and billions of others each year.

Cindy Leikam is an intern at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on Hwy. 66 just east of Lyons.

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

siddallteam@gmail.com• www.gateway-realty.com

FABULOUS RANCH-STYLE HOME IN THE BEAUTIFUL STONE CANYON SUBDIVISION! This spacious home features one-level living with a large open kitchen/great room, master bedroom and 2 secondary bedrooms. Gorgeous views of the foothills from the large back deck, or inside via an entire wall of west-facing windows! Newly-finished walk-out basement featuring large family room, 2 more large bedrooms, full bath and kitchenette. Main level boasts an oversized 3-car garage, new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, eat-in kitchen, hardwood flooring, gas fireplace and master bath with jacuzzi tub. Outside you will find a welcoming front porch seating area, downstairs patio, and a remote wireless irrigation system. 139 Stone Canyon Drive, Lyons / $1 150,000

YOUR FUTURE HOME IN NIWOT, COLORADO IS HERE! This beautiful ranch style home has been meticulously cared for and allows movein ready, low maintenance living. With a lush, but hardscape backyard, targeted sprinkler system, and tidy front yard, the new owner can focus on enjoying their new home instead of working on it constantly. Walk to downtown Niwot for shops, market, a brewery and restaurants or one of the 3 parks by this home. The 4th bedroom in the basement is non-conforming but could also be an office or activity space. LISTED BY IAN PHILLIPS 6802 Camelia Court, Niwot / $810,000

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

Your input for the town 2024 budget

LYONS – As the town begins winding down its flood-related recovery projects from the past 10 years, the Board of Trustees would like to gather input from residents regarding items that residents would like prioritized for the 2024 budget process. The staff have created a short form on the town website, where you may add your suggestions as a resident for the 2024 budget. Go to townoflyons.com/budgetinput

Broadway road work begins in August

LYONS – The Town of Lyons, with funding from Colorado Dept of Transportation (CDOT) and Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) will begin road improvements to Broadway beginning this month. Similar to the improvements made to Main Street over a decade ago, the overall plan is to narrow the travel lanes, add parallel parking, sidewalks, curb extensions, a separate multi-modal lane and upgrade the travel corridor. Construction is scheduled to last through the fall, with one lane closures Monday through Friday.

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broker/owner Colleen Dickes associate broker Ian Phillips associate broker Dot

associate broker WELCOME TO THIS CHARMING MOUNTAIN RETREAT IN RAYMOND, CO! Step onto the spacious covered porch and be captivated by the gentle roar of the Middle Saint Vrain River, creating a tranquil ambiance. This well-built 11 2 story cabin boasts a cozy yet spacious living room, perfect for relaxing or entertaining friends and family. The main floor features a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable bedroom, and a beautifully renovated full bath. Upstairs, you’ll find an open loft area that serves as a versatile study or office space, along with a second bedroom for additional privacy. A recent addition is the custom sandstone patio in the backyard, complete with a welcoming fire pit. 2786 Riverside Drive, Lyons / $520,000

SPECTACULAR 64 ACRE PRIVATE PARADISE WITH STUNNING BACK RANGE VIEWS AND EASY ACCESS JUST MINUTES FROM THE TOWN OF LYONS ADJACENT TO NATIONAL FOREST LAND! Heavily forested with pine and aspen groves, along with two gorgeous wildflower-filled mountain meadows. Abundant southern exposure for your solar projects, and plenty of usable terrain. Former Boy Scout camp. Numerous rock outcroppings. Hike or bike right from your front door!! 948 Spruce Drive, Lyons / $500,000

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

Fears

Leikam

WHAT’S COOKIN’

By Barbara Shark Redstone Review

LYONS – As we launch into August, our last summer month, I’m taking advantage of the abundance of late summer veggies.

Chop onion into bite-sized one-inch bits. Sauté it in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, in a pan large enough to hold all the vegetables, over medium heat until softened and barely brown about three minutes.

Shark

I was reminded, on the cool days and nights we experienced earlier in the month, how fleeting are these treasures. Better get busy and enjoy summer while we can.

A generous friend from Apple Valley brought me cucumbers, green beans and zucchini from their bountiful garden. The zucchini inspired me, along with eggplant, peppers, and basil from the farmer’s market, to make ratatouille. The charming animated movie “Ratatouille” brought the pronunciation of this French word into common usage. Now it’s time to bring it onto the dinner table.

You’ll need two medium sized zucchini, an onion, two or three Japanese eggplant, a red or yellow pepper, garlic, a large tin of crushed or diced tomatoes or eight fresh Romas, skinned and chopped.

Add zucchini halved and cut into 1-inch chunks and continue to cook, browning lightly, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the red or yellow pepper cut into 1-inch pieces. When these begin to sizzle, add the Japanese eggplant cut into, you guessed it, 1-inch pieces. No need to peel this delicate vegetable. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil and cook until lightly browned and beginning to soften, 3-4 minutes more. Add two to three cloves of garlic, minced. Pour in the large tin of tomatoes or the Romas and bring to a simmer. Add eight leaves of basil. Cover and let cook gently over low heat for 45-60 minutes into a thick and succulent amalgam. Watch so the stew doesn’t catch and burn in the last minutes, adding a bit of water if necessary. Salt to taste - start with a scant teaspoon. When ready to serve scatter with torn basil leaves. This is delicious warm, at room temperature or cold. Even better the next day. We eat ratatouille with fried eggs, grilled fish, sausages,

chicken, or on its own with crusty bread and a hunk of cheese. Any leftovers are great as a pasta topping.

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.

Souvlaki with yogurt sauce – a fresh and easy Greek dish at home

By Catherine Metzger Redstone Review

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY – We Americans have the hamburger – a veritable meal on a bun – and the Greeks have souvlaki. I remember seeing souvlaki stands on almost every street corner in Athens.

Souvlaki with yogurt sauce is a fresh, easy and inexpensive Greek meal at home. It’s served on a flat bread such as pita and filled with spicy lamb, onions, fresh tomatoes and a yogurt sauce called tzatziki. Complemented with homemade mint lemonade, it sings of summer.

I recently purchased five pounds of lamb from my friend Terri at Snyder Ranches. Her lambs graze just up the road from here, and this recipe came to mind first.

Souvlaki

Preparation time 20 minutes; serves four.

1 pound ground lamb

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon spearmint

1/4 cup onion, chopped

1 small clove of garlic, chopped or pressed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Olive oil

6 pieces of pita bread (or flour tortillas)

1 cup tzatziki (recipe below)

1/4 purple onion, sliced thinly

1 medium-sized tomato, chopped

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F or start the grill.

• Mix lamb, oregano, spearmint, onion, garlic, salt and pepper together in a medium-sized bowl. Take five or six skewers and form the meat around each skewer so that it clings and is in the shape of a large, evenly formed, thick sausage.

with a drizzle of olive oil and grill, turning every five minutes or so for 20 minutes.

• Shape the tortilla into a cone and stuff with a skewer of lamb or slit the top of the pita and fill the hollow with lamb. Add several onion rings and a sprinkling of tomatoes and top with a dollop of tzatziki. Serve.

Tzatziki: Cucumber Salad with Yogurt

Preparation time 20 minutes; makes about two cups

2 cucumbers peeled, seeded and grated

1 cup Greek yogurt

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon spearmint flakes or

1 tablespoon fresh spearmint, chopped

Place the cucumbers in the center of a clean cotton dishtowel or cheesecloth. Twist tightly, squeezing the excess water from the cucumbers over the sink. Do this several times until you have removed as much water as you can from the grated cucumbers.

• Place cucumbers, yogurt, olive oil, spearmint, dill, garlic, scallions, lemon juice or vinegar and sugar in the bowl and mix. Mix together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Catherine Ripley Metzger has been cooking professionally and privately since 1979. 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.

• Place the skewers on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes. They will begin to brown. In the last five minutes of cooking, increase the oven heat to 550 degrees F. Turn the skewers to lightly brown. Remove the tray from the oven. If you are grilling the souvlaki, place the skewers on a layer of aluminum foil

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1 teaspoon dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon scallions, chopped

1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

• Grate cucumbers in the food processor.

Trustees unanimously approved the settlement at its June 20 meeting.”

Dittman went on to say that the Benita Yoder issue was also settled. “Yoder did complete all the nuisance abatement activities,” Attorney Dittman said. “So that one is behind us as well.”

In other matters the Liquor Licensing Authority moved that the Moxie liquor license remise modification, to move the liquor license from the 355 Main St. location to the 442 High St. location, was moved to the August 21 town board meeting.

Travels with Redstone

The Holley family from Lyons traveled the Caribbean on their 44 foot sailing catamaran from January to June 2023. This photo was taken was taken in Alabaster Bay, anchored off of the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Left to right: Jackson, Tommy, Rebecca, and Spencer

Take the Redstone with you on your next trip and send us your photos showing where the Redstone has traveled. Send your photos to redstarnews5@gmail.com

The town board heard an update on the festivals from Boulder County Sheriff’s Department Lyons Supervisor Sgt. Cody Sears. The RockyGrass Festival, which this year took place in late July, is typically larger in number of people than the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival held this year held this year August 11 to 13.

Sgt. Sears said that 43,400 cars passed through town on Hwy. 36 during the RockyGrass Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30, several thousand more than last year.

Sgt. Sears went on to say, in other matters, that just under 400 tickets have been issued so far this year, almost double what issued last year. And most of the Graffiti around town is being attributed to one individual, who they hope to catch soon.

The town board heard the details of the upcoming 2013 Flood Commemoration events from Trustee Tanya Daty, which are outlined in a column by Trustee Daty on page 2 of the Redstone this month.

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Housing needs assessment: Your input requested LYONS – The Town of Lyons in coordination with Bohannan Huston would like to get input for the Lyons Housing Futures Planning Project. Learn more and provide your input via the project website at https://lyonshousingfuture.com/. Check out their interactive map for the Housing Futures Planning Project. Do you have thoughts on where housing development is best suited within the community? Head to the project website today to get started using this interactive feature at: project.bhinc.com/3NK5UmE

Utility work near Middle/Senior High School