Redstone March/April 2021

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B •R •I •E •F •S A few comments from our readers

Congratulations Redstone on 21 years, LYONS – From a reader in Maine: “Belated congratulations to Susan for 21 years of Redstone Review. It’s a minor miracle to keep a printed newspaper in business in these semi-literate times. A major miracle to keep one going that wins whole crowds of awards and is interesting to read even for someone who lives 1,793 miles east.” Jim Babb lives in Maine.

He is the former editor of Gray’s Sporting Journal, now retired.

From Don Hurst in Washington: “WTG... have enjoyed the Redstone from its inception to now... excellent creative effort of Susan McCann et al over the years and hopefully many more...”

Patty Ayala in Lyons: “Thank you for always providing great news, our family loves you!”

Water Valve Replacement Postponed LYONS – The Town plans to replace one of its five large pressurereducing valves.

The contractor has had to postpone this project. We will update those who will be impacted, when the work is rescheduled.

As a reminder, any time there is maintenance work on any water system pipes or pressure, we recommend running your cold water if you have any discoloration, until the water runs clear.

COVID Vaccine New Eligibility LYONS – Starting Friday, March 19 there will be expanded opportunities to receive the COVID vaccine.

Governor Polis shared more information last week on the next phase of Covid vaccinations. The state has begun to shift the focus toward vaccinating people in phase 1B.4, which includes the following and will be eligible starting this Friday, March 19: • People over 50 and people age 16 to 49 with one high-risk condition; • Various frontline essential worker groups and student-facing higher education employees; • Food/restaurant services and manufacturing and US postal service; • Public transit and specialized transportation; ContinueBriefson Page 11

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I •N •D •E •X LYONS MAYOR’S CORNER INTEREST OPTIONS EDUCATE INSIGHT OPPORTUNITY A&E CONSIDERS WHAT’S COOKIN’ STABILIZE LOOK AHEAD FORWARD

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Arapaho Encampment – This painting is a depiction of the life of the Arapaho, the last of the Native American tribes that called this valley home. It is my intention that this mural helps us to honor and remember those who came before us. May we learn from their ways of living in harmony with the land, the animals, birds, and a reverence for all life. Their peaceful life as Native Americans ended with the arrival of the settlers from the east who had little understanding or appreciation for different cultural ways of PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS being. This is my memorial to their culture. Mary Magdalena

Town Board files law suit against Honeywell International, funding for the St. Vrain Trail and other issues

By Susan de Castro McCann Redstone Review Editor After years of trying to get Honeywell International (the company that was hired to upgrade/refurbish the old Lyons wastewater treatment plant) to fix the problems at the plant, the Town of Lyons filed a lawsuit against Honeywell and its subcontractors for failure to properly install upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant in Lyons. The lawsuit was filed on February 26, 2021 in Boulder County District Court.

Lyons hired Honeywell Inc. in 2010 to upgrade the wastewater plant for $5.86 million.

The upgrades were supposed to improve the plants use of energy and save money.

Honeywell worked with Lyons over the following three years on plans for the upgrades to the plant, then in Sept. 2013 the town was flooded along with many parts of Boulder County, and although the wastewater plant building was not damaged, all the connections to it were under water. Most of the town’s people evacuated, the town had no electricity, water or sewer for over a month and even then, only a portion of the town was able to return. The work on the upgrades to the plant began in 2014.

On September 3, 2014, Honeywell added $443,041 to its original $5.9 million price to pay for some equipment damaged in the flood. On October 19, 2015, Lyons and Honeywell also approved Amendment 6 to the Contract (effective October 5, 2015).

Amendment 6 increased the Maximum Contract Price by $290,846 from $6,778,378 to $7,069,224.

Ultimately the plant produced more bio

solids that it was supposed to and was less energy efficient than it was supposed to be in the original plans. The plant was using more energy than before the upgrades were in place and creating more bio solids to be removed.

In other matters, the board decided to direct staff to accept grant money from Denver Regional Council of Governments (DrCOG) for two trail projects and renovation to Broadway Street plus parking. DrCOG is offering Lyons $2.154 million for a trail project along U.S. Highway 36 and $1.045 million for the St. Vrain Corridor Regional Trail project. Both of these grants are considered to be 88 and 87 percent of the costs respectively and the town has to come up with the remaining 12 and 13 percent.

According to Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen, the town has $300,000 set aside for street projects and she pointed out that the town could use these funds for the percentage needed to fill the gap for the trail projects.

Trustee Kenyon Waugh voiced objection saying that some of the streets in Lyons that are in great need of repair are constantly passed over and that at some point that issue needs to be addressed.

There was some contention over the St. Vrain Trail project by several Trustees who objected to a request from the Highland Ditch Co. members who proposed back in 2018 that Lyons pay Highland $85,000 for a tiny strip of land, 15 ft. wide by 105 ft. long, needed for the St. Vrain Trail project.

Trustee Greg Lowell pointed out that the town deeded that same parcel over to High-

land Ditch for $10 several years ago and now that the town wants to buy it back, Highland wants to charge the town $85,000. “I hate having to pay $85,000 to Highland for using a piece of property that we deeded to them for $10. I think it is highway robbery. This is a trail to nowhere,” he said.

Trustee Mark Browning said he agreed with Trustee Lowell. He said that the trail project would cost $1.2 million for a half-mile local trail system that will end up at a busy intersection, (US Highway 36 and Colorado Highway 66) with no way across. He said he supported the Highway 36 trail project but not the St. Vrain Trail project.

Highland is currently requesting a $2,500 deposit to have its attorney review the St. Vrain Trail project.

Earlier in the meeting Paul Tamburello, the developer for the Eastern Corridor project, said that the St. Vrain Trail was vital to his development.

The trail would allow bicyclists all over the area access to businesses in the Eastern Corridor and Lyons proper, as well as recreation areas, without facing the severe traffic that infiltrates Lyons all summer.

Administrator Simonsen told the board that the St. Vain Trail would benefit businesses along the trail such as Spirit Hound Distillers, Circle K gas station, Ace Hardware and others in town.

The trails are considered to be a safety feature for bicyclists who ride in large numbers from Boulder to Lyons and all around Lyons in heavy traffic on weekends all summer.

Trustee Hollie Rogin said that she fully supported the trail projects. She is the Lyons representative at the DrCOG meetings.

In other news, Finance Director Jill Johnson is leaving her post for a new position in Casper, Wyo. The town staff is now looking to hire a new finance director. Administrator Simonsen said that five applications have been submitted, but so far no one has met the Continue Town on Page 13

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

LYONS Evacuation: Why use warning over pre-evacuation or voluntary evacuation?

By Joycelyn Fankhouser Redstone Review LYONS – The pre-evacuation or voluntary evacuation terms imply less urgency and that a second order or mandatory evacuation order is going to be made, for example, in some cases the fire may be moving faster than information can be processed. This is the reason the terms evacuation warnings and evacuation orders are used in Boulder County. Getting people out of harm’s way is the goal and leaving an area prematurely does cause an imposition or disruption. Public alerts and warnings cannot be customized to each and every resident. The goal is to ensure an evacuation information goes out and gets you moving.

During the Calwood fire in 2020, many people were confused by the evacuation communications and language used by emergency managers. There are a lot of different evacuation terms that are used in emergency management for natural or manmade disasters, all have a specific meaning. The purpose of this article is to provide clarity on this terminology so that future events are less stressful for you and the community. I will be using wildfires as an example.

Boulder County utilizes the following terms based on the types of escalating fires in the county: Advisories, Evacuation Warning and Evacuation Order: Advisories are used to raise awareness of a potential situation in the

affected area of a community; Warnings are used to get residents to act and be ready to leave within a one-to-fourhour time frame; Orders are used when residents must go immediately and are issued as soon as the threat is known.

An Evacuation Warning is when public safety officials issue a warning that there is a high probability of the need to evacuate due to a wildfire that poses a risk to life or property.

The warning will be sent to the affected area to allow residents to have time to get ready to leave by preparing their method of transportation and/or gathering of belongings.

What you should do: • Arrange transportation, confirm your evacuation plan, gather items from your home, be ready to leave and if you feel you are in danger leave immediately.

• People with access and functional needs or with large animals should take action during the evacuation warning. Leaving is not unreasonable during this time, especially for those that need more time to do so.

An Evacuation Order is when Public safety officials are ordering residents to leave now the designated evacuation area. The evacuation order will be sent, if possible, to allow residents allowing a short time frame to GO in order to get to a safe place. Not all situations allow time for an evacuation warning. In some instances, the order comes and you should immediately leave.

What you should do:

• Leave immediately according to the plan you put together in the Evacuation Warning phase.

• The incoming wildfire poses an extreme risk for loss of life and property in the designated areas. Persons who refuse to comply with an evacuation order will not be forcibly removed from their home, but they remain at their own risk.

• You should not expect rescue or lifesaving assistance after the onset of the emergency event.

• You may be stranded for several days.

• Authorities will return people home as soon as it is safe to do so.

During an emergency go to https: // www. boulderoem. com/, https: // twitter. com/ BoulderOEM or https:// www. facebook. com/ BoulderOEM for the most up-to-date information. Sign up right now at www.boco911alert.com to receive messages about imminent threats and hazards by text message, email, and/or on your cell, home or work phone. If you live in Larimer County in part of the Lyons Fire Protection District, please sign up for both Boulder and Larimer County alerts. Sign up for Larimer county alerts at https://leta911.org/.

I hope this helps you be more prepared for future disasters.

Lyons Fire Protection District announces new Fire Chief Peter Zick

in both Arizona and Colorado.

Throughout his career, Zick has worked his way through the ranks as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer, Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief and Fire Chief. He comes to Lyons with significant fire department and leadership experience, and we look forward to having him join our community.

When asked about joining the Lyons Fire Protection District community, Chief Zick stated “I am proud to be selected as the Fire Chief for the Lyons Fire Protection District. I am excited to join a great organization with outstanding, professional members and plan to be a very active member of the community”.

We anticipate Chief Zick to formally begin his role as Lyons Fire Protection District Chief on March 22.

By Marya Washburn, Lieutenant Redstone Review

Angel is a sweet and social one-year-old kitty who will make a wonderful best friend and constant companion. This young kitty is curious and playful and enjoys being involved with the day-to day activities of her household. Angel is chatty and affectionate and loves being in the company of people of all ages.

Call 303-772-1232 today to learn more about Angel or to make an appointment to come in for a visit.

City of Longmont 2021 pet licenses are now available and can be purchased online at https://www.longmonthumane.org/services/pet-licenses/ as well as at a variety of community locations including the LHS retail store, Boz’s Place.

Proof of rabies vaccination certificate is required at the time of purchase. Fees for licenses are $15 for spayed and neutered animals and $25 for unaltered pets. To schedule an appointment to purchase your 2021 pet license at Boz’s Place, please call 303-772-1232.

LYONS – On February 11, 2021, the Lyons Fire Protection District Board announced at the monthly board meeting that Kevin Nunn was no longer able to accept the position as the next Fire Chief of Lyons Fire.

Fortunately, during the initial hiring decision-making process, the selection outcome had been very close between two of the final candidates, and Lyons Fire also had a well qualified and extremely interested applicant in candidate Peter Zick. After hearing of Nunn’s decision, the board reached out to Zick and offered him the position of Chief of Lyons Fire. Zick has since accepted the offer and we now plan to welcome Peter Zick as our next Lyons Fire Department Chief.

Chief Zick will fill the position that has recently been held by interim Fire Chief Steve Pischke, who is anticipated to stay on as Fire Marshall for Lyons Fire once Zick transitions into the Chief position.

“Chief Zick comes to Lyons Fire with some excellent credentials and experience,” said interim Chief Steve Pischke,” I anticipate that he will jump right in and become an active member of not only the department but the community. We look forward to having him on board.”

Chief Zick comes to Lyons with 30 years of fire department experience in fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical services. He began his career as a firefighter with Rural Metro Fire Department in Maricopa County, Arizona and has worked at several departments

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MAYOR’S CORNER Lyons will receive funding from the latest COVID relief bill and other town news

By Nick Angelo, Mayor of the Town of Lyons Redstone Review LYONS – Latest news is that Lyons will be receiving over $400,000 in funding from the latest Covid care package. There will be assistance to businesses and indiAngelo viduals for rental and mortgage payment assistance as well as business assistance.

We will continue to be vigilant and offer masks, sanitizers and maintain physical distancing in all of our businesses as we are allowed to incrementally open. Please, please let’s have respect for one another as we begin approaching normalcy.

The Covid-19 virus is virulent and it is mutating, so until everyone has been vaccinated, we still need to be careful. We've done a splendid job so far Lyons and let's continue to do so. Once we receive our new funding, staff will be ready to assist with any paperwork, so if anyone is entitled to assistance they will receive it, as they should.

The bridge work is moving forward. The 2nd Avenue bridge is moving along well. The pedestrian bridge on 4th Avenue is in the planning stage and will be started and completed as soon as possible. There will be public planning meetings and anyone interested should attend.

We have not been able to come to a reasonable agreement with Honeywell regarding the sewer plant, so we had to file a lawsuit. The plant has been working okay and hopefully

will continue to do so once we are running at full speed and all of our businesses and restaurants are open for business.

There have been many ideas coming before the Planning and Community Development Commission and Board of Trustees regarding developments downtown. The new comprehensive plan is moving along and the meetings offer residents the opportunity to become involved in how people would like to see Lyons grow. It is the guiding development document for the next 10 years. Become involved in the public process: it is possible that one's idea could become incorporated in the direction or style that Lyons grows. See the town website for more information.

There are also several important vacancies to be filled on volunteer committees. Among these, a position on the Utility and Engineering Board (UEB). This position is extremely important as the UEB advises the Board of Trustees on all utility issue, water, sewer and electricity.

The UEB looks into our water quality, sewer compliance and electricity availability and if we are going to pursue a solar farm, for instance. All have to pass through the UEB for analysis and recommendation before coming to the BOT for consideration. As Mayor, it is a highlight of my position to appoint exceptional minds that reside in Lyons presently to boards and commissions.

We also reserve time at every meeting for what is labeled "audience business." This is the opportunity to address the governing body on any issue except for ordinances scheduled later in meetings. Let me welcome anyone to participate: you will not be timed, nor cut off

How local businesses have survived the pandemic

By Tanya Mercer-Daty Redstone Review

Lyons Reruns, Lyons Soda Fountain, and the Lyons Fork.

The Lyons Community Foundation is sorry to see these businesses close. These brick and mortar businesses on Main LYONS – On Thursday, March 11, one Street remind us of the effects of the financial crisis brought year after the World Health Organization on by the ongoing health crisis, and of how critical it is for (WHO) deemed the COVID-19 virus a all of us to support the businesses that have so far survived. pandemic, President Biden signed the $1.9 Some recipients of the Lyons Share Fund grants, such as the Stone Cup and Defined Motion, have had to incur more Mercer-Daty trillion coronavirus relief package.

The bill, called the American Rescue debt by signing up for Emergency Assistance Loans and the Plan Act of 2021, includes $7.25 billion in new money for Paycheck Protection Plan, all the while losing revenue over the small-business loan program known as the Paycheck the past year. Since the lockdown, the Stone Cup, owned Protection Plan (PPP), $15 billion for Economic Injury by Sam and Mindy Tallent, has had to cut back on staff and Disaster Loan (EIDL) advance payments, $25 billion for reduce its hours. Unfortunately, the monthly sales income restaurants and bars, $1.25 billion for shuttered venue op- doesn’t cover the monthly expenses. Please support the erators and $175 million to create a Stone Cup, 303-823- 2345, during “community navigator” pilot protheir business hours (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) gram to increase awareness of and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. participation in COVID-19 relief Co-owners of Defined Motion, Ali programs for business owners curKishiyama and Jasmine Lok, derently lacking access. cided that it was in the community’s Regrettably, this financial aid best interest to close their dance stucomes too late for four locally dio until the St. Vrain Valley School owned businesses that have had to District determined that it was safe close since the pandemic began a for students to return to school four year ago. All four businesses redays a week for in-person learning. ceived a $1,000 grant from LCF’s After using their grant from the Lyons Share Fund in 2020, but the Lyons Share Fund to build an outsupport was ultimately not enough door studio, Kishiyama and Lok deto enable them to keep their doors cided to test the waters with a open. All businesses open and close six-week outdoor session limited to for many reasons and the Pandemic their teenage dancers. With classes was only part of the reason why capped at eight students, only 40 these businesses closed.

Ali Kishiyama and Jasmine Lok, co-own- dancers enrolled in five classes.

Other business might have closed ers of Defined Motion, have reopened After surveying families to see but these four are the businesses that their studio with very limited enrollment how many dancers would feel comreceived the LCF grant; Lyons Den, and fewer classes.

Continue Businesses on Page 6

RED CANYON ART

Progress is being made on the 2nd Ave. bridge.

PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS

in mid-sentence. As the presiding officer I want to hear from you and you will be granted the opportunity to complete your thoughts and your statement. This Board of Trustees and Town Staff are all at your service.

Please stay safe, hopefully, shortly we can all begin to completely enjoy what Lyons has to offer and more importantly one another, safely and comfortably.

Nick Angelo became a Lyons Trustee in 1996 and won his first term as Mayor in 1998 he won his first term as Mayor.

His current term as Mayor began in April, 2020. He and his wife Candace, a local artist, live in Lyons.

Business Licenses and Building Permits: Part 2

By Aaron Caplan Redstone Review LYONS – As mentioned in my article last month, the Town and Lyons Fire Department both need to be aware of business locations in Town limits. There can be utility concerns, including the possibility of overflowing grease traps or the production of high strength wastewater.

There are health and life safety concerns with back flow preventers and emergency response capabilities such as fire protection. This is the “Why?” behind the requirement for all businesses that move into an existing tenant space to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy to legally occupy that space. The Certificate of Occupancy is obtained by going through the permitting process with the Town of Lyons Building Department.

The Town has adopted and follows the International Building Code. The latest version of that code which was adopted by the Town is the 2015 version, adopted by the Board of Trustees for the Town in 2018. The requirements for a Certificate of Occupancy are documented in the International Building Code.

Another area of confusion can arise when determining who is responsible for a Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy is issued to an individual business during the business license application or when changing business location.

Business/commercial landlords are responsible to obtain a building permit before doing any remodeling of an existing commercial space.

Usually, they will obtain a Tenant Finish building permit if there is any work being done to the space, such as, but not limited to new walls, fixtures or floors. Business / commercial landlords should always check with the building department each time they are doing tenant improvements after a previous tenant has left and before a new one moves in. After the remodeling work is completed, then and only then can a business move into the location and apply for a Certificate of Occupancy. Business is not permitted during the remodeling and/or ongoing construction phase.

Aaron Caplan is the Utilities and Engineering Commission director for the Town of Lyons.

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

INTEREST PA RT T W O I N T H E S E R I E S O N B L A C K L I V E S M AT T E R

An Interview with Brian Kwoba, Professor of History at the University of Memphis “To those accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By Ian Brighton Redstone Review LYONS – I grew up outside of Lyons in the quant community of Niwot. One of my good friends in high school was Brian Kwoba. Kwoba is African-American, and stood out in our crowd whether he wanted to or not.

Kwoba earned a doctorate at Oxford and now teaches history at the University of Memphis. While a graduate student, he founded the Rhodes Must Fall in Oxford movement. Below is an excerpt of an interview we conducted for this article: IB: As one of only a few African-Americans growing up in Niwot, did you experience racism or feel apart from the community?

BK: I did experience racism, but it was almost always subtle and implicit. I internalized a lot of self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a lack of any sense that “Black is beautiful.” Looking back, I’m grateful for mentors like my AfroNative American saxophone teacher George Keith. But they were few and far between. Apart from my fourth grade year in Cincinnati, it wasn’t until I got to Cornell as an undergrad that I had an experience with a critical mass of Black students. This forced me to relate to a new set of identities and ways of being and knowing the world.

Even so, I was still identifying as ‘biracial’ rather than Black for a number of years before I could fully embrace and celebrate my Blackness.

IB: After reading my last article in the Redstone Review, you suggested that a better way to describe the famous Black anti-lynching activist, investigative journalist, and women’s suffragist Ida B. Wells was as a formerly “enslaved” person, rather than a former “slave.” Why is language significant to addressing racism?

BK: Language is significant because it shapes how we conceptualize and understand the world we live in. When you call someone a “slave” it makes it seem like a natural or metaphysical status of their existence. When you call someone “enslaved” it signifies that there is a perpetrator

of enslavement that deliberately created a system of oppression that can be undone.

IB: Similar to Lyons, Niwot can feel sheltered from the racial tension in our country. How do small Colorado communities contribute to systemic racism?

BK: Communities like these perpetuate systemic racism in a host of ways, some open and some hidden. Many small Colorado communities are ignorant to how they were formed. For example, Niwot is named for an Arapaho chief.

But what happened to those Arapaho peoples from whom the town’s name was taken? They were destroyed or displaced to make way for white settlements like Niwot. Chief Niwot was killed in the Third Colorado Cavalry’s infamous Sand Creek massacre of Arapaho and Cheyenne people. But how many Niwot residents know about this? The marginalization of Native Americans and the erasure of the United States’ genocidal behavior towards them is something many communities have yet to reckon with.

IB: Lyons sits in a region once inhabited by indigenous tribes. How do we address the injustice of colonialism when we benefit from it every day?

BK: This can take many forms, but education is a great starting point. Another step is to reject or re-purpose holidays that celebrate colonialism. For example, a number of cities and towns have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day. In Plymouth, Massachusetts, rather than celebrate a mythological Thanksgiving, there is a National Day of Mourning, led by the Wampanoag in honor of the indigenous peoples of the world.

And while colonizers have benefitted from colonialism, in other ways they are at a disadvantage. Take, for example, the struggle for climate justice. Indigenous wisdom, unlike the colonial paradigm, has a long track record of living in harmony with nature.

IB: Conversations around race can be difficult in our community. Recently I read a book by Robin D’Angelo called White Fragility that describes some of the underlying reasons behind this. How do you explain white fragility?

BK: Robin D’Angelo defines it far better than I can, but it’s basically the dynamic whereby people racialized as white have internalized the notion of their superiority so deeply that they become fragile around discussions of racism. As

Brian Kwoba, history teacher at the University of Memphis the saying goes: “To those accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression,” (by Ruth Bader Ginsburg). This is one of the biggest barriers to unlearning the white supremacist mindset, which overlaps with colonial mentalities.

I invite my students to lean into discomfort because it has something to teach us. We can’t expand our comfort zone without testing our limits and seeing where and how we can evolve our thinking in the direction of greater empathy and solidarity with the most oppressed in society, the “least of these” as Christians might say.

Ian Brighton grew up in Niwot, Colorado and moved to Lyons a month before the 2013 flood. He received a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Colorado, Denver, and works in land management. He also plays woodwinds and keyboards and has performed with many local and national acts including Samba Dende, Bonnie and the Clydes, Devotchka, and the Motet. As a volunteer, he Chairs the Parks and Recreation Commission and serves as the President of the Lyons Ditch Company.

Healthy parks, healthy people: Lyons adopts new weed management plan

By Kate Zalzal Redstone Review LYONS – It’s been a long, winding and often gritty road for Lyons’ parks since the St. Vrain creeks blew through their banks and left the land in tatters in the great flood of September 2013. After nearly eight years of hard and messy work, the parks are back and better than ever. This year, visitors to the parks have even more reason to breathe easy: a newly adopted weed management plan promises to greatly reduce synthetic herbicides used on public lands throughout Lyons. This ambitious, community-driven initiative allows Lyons to join a growing number of communities across the country who have chosen to prioritize protecting human and ecosystem health.

The flood ripped apart much of the river corridor through Lyons, washing out longestablished vegetation and upending a vital and fragile ecosystem that supported an enormous web of plants and animals – ourselves included. In the years since, Lyons and the Parks and Public Works Department has undertaken extensive floodrecovery projects aimed at restoring and rebuilding a resilient river corridor. Fortunately, efforts are now shifting from recovery projects to the healthy maintenance of our shared open spaces.

In this shift, and in response to growing citizen concern over the negative health impacts of synthetic weed control chemi-

A freshly weeded section of riverbank in LaVern Johnson Park. Volunteers from the Weed Posse and the DandyLyons Brigade hand pull weeds such as thistle and bindweed to make room for beneficial plants like clover, yarrow, and native grasses.

PHOTO BY TESS MCDONALD cals, Parks and Public Works Director Dave Cosgrove has been increasing efforts to reduce herbicide use in Lyons parks.

“People are trying to find better and healthier ways to manage land,” Cosgrove said. “Given the nature of the issues revolving around herbicide use, this is on the list of topics most communities are dis-

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cussing. But being in a watershed, this obviously makes sense for us.”

Synthetic chemicals can often persist in environments, accumulating in food chains and causing toxic effects on a variety of species. Chronic exposure to certain herbicides has also been linked to growth and reproductive effects in humans and wildlife.

These concerns combined with the increasing availability of healthier weed control alternatives and the reluctance to continually rely on purchasing chemicals have motivated many individuals and parks departments to closely examine this issue.

Lyons is required by the Colorado Noxious Weed Act to control certain plant species identified as non-native and invasive, and to have in place a weed management plan. The Lyons Board of Trustees has delegated this task to the Ecology Advisory Board (EAB). In 2018 the EAB requested a volunteer subgroup to prepare an updated Weed Management Plan for consideration by the BOT that better incorporated community concerns. The subgroup recommended further reductions in herbicide use, encouraged the use of organic products in place of synthetics, and advocated for better communication with citizens regarding the type, timing and location of chemical applications so that people could avoid such areas if they preferred.

The 2019 update to Lyons’ weed management plan fell short of these goals, particularly in that herbicide reduction measures were left up to town staff and entirely voluntary and without oversight. As a result, two Lyons citizen sponsors brought forward a petition to impose tighter restrictions. They were successful at obtaining the required signatures to bring the matter to a town vote.

Continue Weeds on Page 15

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PAGE 5

OPTIONS Celebrating Women’s History Month: Shopping with Princess Leia

By Terry de Castro Redstone Review LOS ANGELES, Calif. – About a week ago I was on a hike in Los Angeles’s Griffith Park when a stray thought came to me out of the blue: I wish Carrie Fisher was still around.

It’s still Women’s History Month, and while she was not exactly a historical figure, Fisher certainly made history with her quintessential role in one of the most successful and influential movie franchises of all time, a role that spanned four decades.

I was a big Star Wars fan, and when the first film came out in 1977, I was 12 years old – the ideal age for maximum impact. It was such an indelible moment that I remember where I was (a movie theater in rural Iowa) and what I was wearing (cutoff overalls and a lime-green crop top). I was on a summer trip with my best friend and her father, who took us to see the movie. We were late, and we even missed the beginning, but as soon as I glimpsed the screen, I knew I was witnessing something special.

About five minutes in, I turned to my friend in hushed awe, “Can you believe how great this is?”

I went home after the summer trip, bought the T-shirt (I still have a Princess Leia T-shirt) and saw the movie several more times. My friend and I even illegally recorded it on a smuggled cassette deck and memorized every one of Leia’s lines, from, “Help me Obi Wan Kenobi... ” to “Will someone get this walking carpet out of my way?” I can’t imagine a more fun and inspiring screen character for 12year-old girls to emulate than the bold, decisive and selfpossessed space princess. Descriptions of Leia almost always include the words feisty, brave, independent and strong.

Interestingly, descriptions of the real-life Carrie Fisher often contain the same words, along with witty, wise, irreverent, talented, brilliant. She was also beloved. This was made clear by the heartfelt tributes to her that followed her death on December 27, 2016. Her Star Wars costar, Mark Hamill posted on his Facebook page: “Carrie was one-of-a-kind who belonged to us all – whether she liked it or not. She was our Princess, damn it, and the actress who played her blurred into one gorgeous, fiercely independent and ferociously funny, take-charge woman who took our collective breath away.”

Apparently, she was a reluctant star, but as the daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, a future in show business was probably written in her DNA. She was also a blinding talent and so much more than just her iconic Star Wars persona. She appeared in many other roles and went on to have a successful career as a novelist, screenwriter, memoirist, and script doctor. Her memoirs are not only wickedly funny but riveting and brutally honest about her struggles with mental health and addiction issues. She writes with such authenticity and comic genius that my only criticism of her books is that I wish they were longer.

She did a one-woman show based on her memoir Wishful Drinking, and she appeared in the British sitcom Catastrophe as the show-stealing mother of the male lead character, a hilarious performance and a wonderfully acerbic character. This was to be her last role, and I think it was one of her best. On her way home from London after filming, she suffered a heart attack. The female lead and

This week in Lyons’ history

By Monique Sawyer Lang Redstone Review LYONS – One hundred years ago the March 17, 1921 edition of the Lyons Recorder printed an article showcasing the resiliency of the confluence residents Sawyer-Lang and their proactive efforts to mitigate future flooding in their neighborhood. The flood of July 30, 1919, which resulted in considerable damage to the town and the surrounding area, prompted the community to seek its own solutions. The following is the article in its entirety.

South Side Developing a Lively Community Spirit The southern part of Lyons is one of the prettiest parts of our altogether beautiful little village, but in the past it has suffered somewhat from overflows from the two streams which did enough damage to lawns, gardens and

cowriter of the show, Sharon Horgan, felt her loss deeply and posted on Instagram, “She was the most generous, fun, gifted, smart, kind, funny, funny, funny person I’ve ever met.” I also felt her loss, and it was not just because I had been a fan for more than 40 years.

Practically every Los Angeleno has some kind of peripheral brush with celebrity, whether it’s that your niece went to kindergarten with Elvis Presley’s grandkids or you’re offered a personal assistant job by the tempestuous girlfriend of a legendary folk singer. I have been living in Los Angeles since 2001, and during those years I had the

privilege of becoming peripherally acquainted with Carrie Fisher. She was a longtime customer at the fine craft store I ended up working at from 2011. I started hearing stories about her visits when I started the job, and that she sometimes even came in with her movie star mother. But it would be a little while before I had my first encounter with her. On that day, there was a ruckus in the store, an exceedingly noisy and noticeable customer, covered in glitter, was throwing scarves and necklaces on and off, piling up clothing on the floor, and loudly calling after her dog, Gary, a French Bulldog with his tongue hanging out. She was also singing a little song she seemed to have made up on the spot: “Gary, Gary Fisher.” When I realized that the flowers to discourage much intense effort upon the part of residents and property owners for improvement. This is being solved in an admirable manner and in characteristic Lyons booster style by the residents themselves, who are busy this week building a stone dyke along the river bank to keep flood waters in the stream’s channel, as well as cutting out trees, removing large rocks and clearing away underbrush on the stream’s bank.

John G. Sjorgren, a progressive Lyons citizen, talked the matter over with his neighbors and found everybody living on that side willing to do something either by cash donation or work, so he circulated a petition a few days ago with the above mentioned result.

We predict a healthy rise in property values that will be gratifying to owners as a result of this much needed civic improvement. If some work, say one week or two weeks, during the slack season, was done over there every year, in about three years that part of town would come back into “its own” and the whole of Lyons would be drawing new settlers in, because such things do inspire new people to move to a new town.

Congratulations folks, you are waking up to your own interests and your actions inspire us all to work harder and

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customer was indeed Carrie Fisher, it took a moment to reconcile this eccentric character with the ubiquitously famous icon. I think she may have been frozen in time for me at some point in the 1990s.

After that initial sighting, I got to meet her on several more occasions. She was always accompanied by her little Frenchie, and we even had one of our artists make a felted dog ornament for her in the likeness of Gary, which she promptly kissed when we handed it to her. When she shopped, she was usually buying presents for other people and always left the store armed with bags of hand picked, handcrafted items.

Once, while I was running her credit card, she asked if it went through okay, and I said of course. “Fools!” she cried, and I wrapped up the dozen or so gifts that were bought for no particular occasion, but just because. She came in one day, looking particularly nice, and I when I commented on it, she said, “Yeah, I’m making an effort these days,” and told me that someone had recently written in the press that she’d been spotted looking “disheveled and bizarre.”

I said that wasn’t very nice, and she said, “No, it’s not, but that’s the price you pay for the privilege of being in the fabulous world of show business.” In a 2009 CNN interview, she said, with a flair for coining memorable phrases on the spot, “To me, celebrity was just obscurity biding its time.” But obscurity was not to be her fate; it seemed that her career was doing better than ever right before she died.

She came into the store sometime soon before she started filming the first of the new Star Wars films. She wanted to see something in one of the jewelry cases by the front door, so I grabbed the keys off of the hook and followed her, through a trail of cast-off scarves and handwoven jackets. She flung her open, oversize handbag on a chair, looked around, and yelled, “Gary?!” I unlocked the case and told her it was okay and that I could see him. She bought her usual array of carefully chosen handmade pieces, and I wrapped them up for her. When I said goodbye she said, “Bye, Terry! Hey! Terry...

Carrie... and Gary!”

She was a remarkable woman, hilarious, warm, talented and incredibly intelligent. I feel honored to have known her even that little bit.

One of the most indelible things for me about that encounter was when she bent down to put something into her tossed-aside handbag, stopped midway and turned toward me, in a gesture reminiscent of the one she made when she stealthily installed the secret Death Star plans into R2D2’s memory banks (my apologies, non-Star Wars fans). I had the oddest feeling of déjà vu just then, and a very clear thought: I’m shopping with Princess Leia.

Terry de Castro lives in Los Angeles where she teaches yoga and works for the PBS series and arts organization, Craft in America. She was a member of a British indie rock band called the Wedding Present and continues to stand in on occasion.

Aftermath of July 30, 1919 flood in Lyons more unselfishly for our town. Such is neighborliness and such is progress.

Monique Sawyer Lang is the Collections Manager of the Lyons Redstone Museum. She is also a volunteer with the Lyons Food Pantry and a former member/chair of the Lyons Community Foundation Board. She lives in Spring Gulch.

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

EDUCATE Gray for Good in Lyons

By Katherine Weadley Redstone Review LYONS – Julia Herz smashed her guitar on the main stage of Planet Bluegrass while rapping about gray hair – and if you missed it there is a video you can watch on her website grayforgood.com. Herz has lived in Lyons since 2002 raising her two kids, now teenagers, her two dogs, and her 12 chickens with her husband Greg. Herz is CEO and founder of HerzMuses Enterprises, LLC. She is a public speaker, a strategic consultant and educator who supports small businesses and non-profit entities.

A COVID layoff this summer forced Herz to focus on what she really wanted to do, and HerzMuses Enterprises was born. Previously she was the Craft Beer Program Director for the Boulder-based national Brewers Association as well as publisher of CraftBeer.com from 2007 to 2020.

She is a beer judge, an award-winning homebrewer and co-author of the award-winning book Beer Pairing: The Essential Guide from the Pairing Pros (Voyageur Press, 2015).

All of this experience is thrown behind her new company and her new project, including her two-minute video GrayforGood. Herz recognized that women coloring the gray out of their hair is among the many things that COVID has disrupted, and she wants to use this momentum to “to shine a spotlight on the false expectation that we need to color while at the same time bringing attention to the gender equity gap of funding to women and girls causes,” she said. Herz doesn’t want to shame women who do color their hair but as she says, “recognize the confirmed cultural shift of women feeling celebrated and not penalized for our gray hair and use that momentum for something positive for women and girls.”

The upshot of the Gray for Good campaign is that women-identified individuals should be empowered to let

Julia Herz created HerzMuses Enterprises after facing a COVID layoff last summer. their hair go gray if they choose. Instead of spending the money on dying their hair they can give that money to causes of their choice that focus on women and girls. According to the Women and Girls Index 2020 causes that are women and girls based only received 1.6 percent of overall giving in 2017. All her research is cited on her website

MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

grayforgood.com.

“When I got laid off I felt lost and in grief, I had no plan B of what to do with my time and for work. Our country was in crisis and I wanted to challenge myself to grow instead of falling into a slump. We bought a camper before COVID and we received it in August and I said, I’m going to go on a vision quest in that camper. It was about giving myself time to think.”

Herz traveled alone in her camper to the East coast and then to the West coast this fall visiting family and friends all while safely social distancing. “I wanted HerzMuses to include ideas of my own and I gave myself permission to do that.” The GrayforGood campaign is fully independent, grassroots and has been created on Herz’s own time and dime. “I don’t have a sponsor, public relations or advertising budget,” she said.

What she does have is friends in Lyons and beyond. She filmed her video at such Lyons locations as Spirit Hounds Distillery, Planet Bluegrass, and in the back yard of Kristin and Dan Bruckner. Jasmine Lok of Defined Motion was a big supporter and movement guide. Many local Lyons residents appear in her video (and in full disclosure I am one of them). Others include Jasmine Lok, Mary Huron Hunter, and Andrea Oetting. “If the video gives attention to Lyons that will give me extra happiness,” said Herz.

Oetting says “I believe that when women are their authentic selves, they in turn empower other women to follow suit. Gray for Good is the ideal avenue to begin your journey to your authentic self while helping others at the same time.”

The video already has national attention, and no wonder as Herz has spoken internationally and has been a source on craft beer for outlets such as Bloomberg Television, ABC’s Good Morning America, National Public Radio, the New York Times, Time, and the Wall Street Journal to mention a few.

“Why we gotta color? Why we gotta try? Why we gotta cover up what’s real and not a lie?” These lyrics are from the video GrayforGood, which can be found at Grayforgood.com.

Businesses Continued from Page 3

Casa Tiny House Resort, Rosey’s Rescues, Western Stars Gallery and Studio, Baer fortable dancing in a mask (56 percent said yes), Forestry, Living Arts Floral and Dakota Sage Kishiyama and Lok decided to offer 15 classes with a max- Building have also weathered the pandemic as imum of eight dancers per class for another six-week ses- best they could. sion leading up to spring break. Their overall enrollment Connie McGuire of Red Canyon Art careis only 30 percent of what it was at its height last year. Be- fully observed and learned from protocols put in fore COVID-19 forced them to shut their doors, Defined place at the St. Vrain Market and the Redstone Motion had a total of 360 enrollments spread out over 40 Cyclery, both of which were able to stay open as classes and taking place in two separate buildings. essential businesses during the lockdown. She Cancelling their lease for Rogers Hall was not enough. was able to reopen just in time for Mother’s Day. With expenses remaining, both owners have had to forego It felt risky at first but as summer rolled on, she a salary. The big question for Kishiyama and Lok is whether got the sense that people wanted to revert back local families will be able to afford to pay for dance lessons to some sort of normal. “Fall became quite dicey for their children. Another litmus test will take place after with the wildfire scares and shutdowns directly Since the lockdown, Lyons’ beloved Stone Cup, owned by Sam and spring break when Defined Motion offers up another six- affecting customers for Lyons and the vicinity,” Mindy Tallent, has had to cut back on staff and reduce its hours. week session for local students. Lok sees their dance studio McGuire reports. When December finally aras “the only community center where kids can gather out- rived, she was “elated to host Lyons people shopside of school.” She sees dance as vital for our youth. ping and gifting in one place.” She said, “I truly felt pandemic. During the first three weeks of the statewide supported by the community and I think we all better lockdown, Wee Casa experienced mass cancellations and understand the concept of community having gone had to come up with enough cash to cover refund requests. through this.” McGuire’s goal is to help locals stay in Various loans and grants, such as the PPP, the revolving town for their shopping needs. For more information, loans fund, etc. all helped them to stay afloat until the summer began. Luckily for them, Colorado families as well call 303-823-5900.

“Lyons has the opportunity to keep creating that as groups of friends wanting to vacation together but live separately came to stay in a tiny house as they appreciated magic that makes this a special place,” she said.

Chrystal Decoster, proprietor of Western Stars that there were “no shared hallways, no elevators and Gallery & Studio, explains that she and her husband everyone had their own kitchen.” Waugh is happy to anDavid have had to pivot and re-pivot after last nounce, “Wee Casa is planning an expansion to allow for spring’s mandatory shutdown. After closing for six more of these newly discovered guests to visit Lyons.” He weeks, they altered the flow of traffic, added a sneeze sees 2021 as the start of a new growth period for Wee shield and sanitizer at various touch points. Hours Casa. For more information, call 720-460-0239.

Just like the time period post flood, Lyons residents need have been cut back to only include weekends. Appointments for personal shopping have been added. to band together to support our local businesses. We are Chrystal has opted to cut back on orders for new in- very fortunate to have so many services at our doorstep. If ventory and sell down what is in stock. She says that we don’t use them, we may lose them. To those businesses despite a recent rent increase, they are doing their that have survived thus far, please hang in there, more fedConnie McGuire of Red Canyon Art observed and learned best to make ends meet and continue a positive tra- eral aid is on its way. To the new businesses looking to set from protocols put in place at other businesses, which were jectory, largely in part to her seeking out, completing up shop in Lyons, the Lyons Community Foundation able to stay open as essential during the lockdown. and obtaining much needed grant funding. Chrystal would like to welcome you. We look forward to discovering points out that what they need are loyal local cus- new bread (Moxie Bread Company), new beer (Main If you’d like your children to be able to participate in tomers who come in often and let her know their needs and Street Brewery) and new products (Solace). dance classes in the fall, you might consider signing them wants, spread the good word to their friends and family and Tanya Mercer-Daty is the new Marketing and Communicaup for dance this Spring so as to send a strong message to regularly take advantage of their eclectic offerings. For more tions Associate for Lyons Community Foundation. She has lived Lok and Kishiyama that you support their business. For information, call 303-747-3818. information, call 720-245-5448.

Kenyon Waugh, owner of Wee Casa Tiny House Resort in Lyons for the past eight years after immigrating to the USA with Other local businesses such as Red Canyon Art, Wee at River Bend, has learned from the uncertainty of the her family in 2011. Feel free to contact her at tanya@lyonscf.org.

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PAGE 7

INSIGHT Getting the vaccination and wearing a mask; we are not done yet

By John Gierach Redstone Review LYONS – I finally got my COVID vaccinations. Actually, I’m anticipating a little here. I got my first shot last month and the second is scheduled for the day before the deadline for this column, so I’m finishing Gierach up early in case I’m laid up with side effects.

They say more people get a reaction to the second shot than the first, although according to my unofficial survey of friends and acquaintances who’ve gotten the vaccine, better than half reported no side effects at all with the second shot beyond the usual sore arm, while others said they had headaches, sore muscles, a slight fever and/or a profound tiredness – like crash on the couch all day with the shades drawn kind of tiredness. Fine with me. It’s a small price to pay considering the possible alternative and who among us couldn’t do with a nice long nap?

Those same people reported a wider variety of experiences when it came to getting their shots in the first place. Some went through what has become the standard nightmare: searching online, calling help lines, spending hours on hold, waiting and worrying about falling through the cracks and finally prying an appointment loose from the chaos.

Others said they didn’t lift a finger; their doctors just called one day and invited them to come in a get vaccinated. It’s easier in some places than others, but it’s still tough all over. The New Yorker recently reported that there are now vaccine brokers who negotiate the online maze for people who aren’t as adept as they could be with computers. There are also reports of vaccines being sold on the black market, but you have to wonder if they’re the real thing or just tap water.

There’s also talk of vaccine passports like the ones they’re now issuing in Israel. This is some kind of ID that will get you into places like concerts, movies and restaurants where the contagious masses can’t go, but I can easily envision a black market in those, too. If you don’t believe that anything can now be convincingly faked, just watch Jurassic Park again.

The logic of this eludes me. If vaccinated people can still get and carry the virus – sometimes without the benefit of symptoms – then they can still catch it from each other and pass it on to their grandmas or sick kids or the barista at the coffee shop, so what’s the point?

A friend from New York said that once he got vaccinated, he felt like he had super powers, but he didn’t mean that literally. Even the supposed 95 percent immunity you get with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines doesn’t mean you can’t get it, it just reduces your chances of going

to the hospital or dying from it, although probably not all the way to zero. But since you can still carry it and pass it on to others, the CDC recommends that we still observe the tedious precautions we’ve all gotten so used to – mask wearing, social distancing and compulsive hand washing – even after we’re vaccinated.

I’ve been diligent about all that and have boycotted businesses that wouldn’t go by the rules, although I didn’t necessarily blame them. Sometime last summer a checker at Safeway told me their official policy was to ask people to mask up, but not to argue with those who refused because, as her manager said, “I don’t want any of you to get shot.”

and had to walk back to the car to get it. That happened often enough that I now carry a folded-up mask in my pocket for emergencies.

When I’m out walking, I’ll wear a mask pulled down to my chin that I can pull up easily if I get close to someone.

I try to keep the proscribed distance from people, but make an exception for their dogs. If a friendly dog indicates that he wants to say hello, I’ll drop to one knee and offer a kind word and, almost to a person, the owner will pay out the requisite six feet on their retractable leash so the two of us can have a little moment together. Dogs believe that they’re exempt from the rules and I’ve always

On the other hand, the people who work at the feed store where I used to buy seed for my birdfeeders refused to wear masks. I always wore one, partly to protect them, and figured that if they wouldn’t return the favor, I‘d just have to go somewhere else. The folks at the new feed store do mask up. One guy there is a little grumpy about it, but that’s okay. I don’t insist on cheerful compliance; a grudging acceptance of reality will do just fine.

But sometimes I’d get careless and forget to sanitize my hands when I got back to my car or wash them with soap and water for 20 seconds when I got home. Now and then I’d find myself standing too close to someone and have to back up and I’ve even started into stores without my mask

tended to agree.

I’ve also learned to raise my voice when I’m talking to someone to bridge the extra distance and counter the muffling effect of the mask and I’ll all but yell when I’m separated by a mask and a plexiglass shield. I predict that when and if we ever come out of this and do away with masks and shields, we’ll all continue to shout at each other for a while out of habit.

Over the last year I’ve had days when I thought I wasn’t being careful enough and other days when I thought I was too careful, although that seems unlikely. Over half a million people are now dead from COVID and I’m not one of them, so I guess I’ve been just careful enough.

Dog waste can be detrimental to soil and take months to decompose

By Greg Lowell Redstone Review LYONS – Sorry if this photo ruins your lunch, but the infuriating fact is that these shoe-bottom adornments seem to be on the rise here in Lyons. I once heard someone opine that Lyons had more dogs Lowell than people, and given the evidence I’ve seen this winter, I’d have to agree with that premise.

And as bad as discarded plastic bags are for the environment, when those bags also contain dog waste the damage is doubly so. I guess we should laud those folks who pick up their dog’s leavings, but also shame them for not going the distance and properly disposing of it.

Dog waste can take months, or even years to decompose, and in its raw form, it can be detrimental to the soil.

Their poop can contain loads of parasites such as ringworm, roundworm, salmonella and giardia, which is contagious to both humans and other animals alike. Even more disturbing, just one dog produces about 275 pounds of waste per year and if even a small percentage of that is left unretrieved it’s enough to spread disease (and disgust).

Picking up dog poop in Lyons is especially important because of our proximity to the St. Vrain River. Studies have found that 20 percent of the bacteria contaminating some U.S. waterways can be traced back to the digestive system of dogs. You-know-what, as they say, flows down-

hill and it’s especially an issue in our little river town. Dog waste left on roadsides, pathways and even your lawn will eventually find its way into the river – the same river you float in, fish in, your kids play in and which eventually our fellow humans in Longmont and Boulder drink from.

Some of you have large properties outside town limits and if you’re okay with letting Fido do his business on your acres that’s your call. But sidewalks, trails, parks and riverfront in town are where people walk, run, bike, and recreate, so please pick up.

If common courtesy doesn’t convince you, the Town of Lyons may convict you. Lyons has a law that makes nonremoval of dog excrement an offense punishable by a fine of $50 for the first offense and double for the second. Specif-

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ically, Section 7-6-80 of the Lyons Municipal Code states, “Removal of dog excrement. It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to permit the dog to deposit or leave any fecal matter on any public property, on private property of another or in any waters. It shall be an affirmative defense to this Section that, in the event of the depositing of fecal matter by a domesticated animal, the animal is in the immediate control of a person and such person forthwith removes such material from said private or public place.”

That’s legalese for saying – pick it up! Even in the dog park, where some seem to believe the poop fairies will take care of it.

The chances that a Boulder County Sheriff’s deputy will catch you (and Rex) in the actual commission of this violation might be low, but be assured that the person who has had to clean out the soles of their shoes or has seen those piles on the side of the trail will darned sure remind you of this law.

Why don’t people pick up after their dogs? A recent online posting from a pet waste pickup company points out why not (the comments after the excuses are my own): • Forgot a bag – Suggestion: tie a few to your dog’s leash.

• Can’t see it at night – Bring a flashlight or use your iPhone’s light.

• Don’t want to carry a gross poop bag – Well, you picked it up, didn’t you? What’s grosser than that? Carrying it to

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MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

OPPORTUNITY Patrons can visit the library in person and on-line storytimes are back

By Kara Bauman Redstone Review LYONS – I feel as though I begin each column by claiming the Lyons Community Library has good news to share, but it’s always true. This time, the fantastic news is that we’re thrilled to welcome paBauman trons back inside the library. While current county restrictions won’t allow us to open fully and require us to impose capacity limits, we are once again offering access by appointment.

We are encouraging grab-and-go visits of under 30 minutes to allow a maximum number of visitors throughout the day. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment time is suggested, but we do permit walk-ins as space allows.

Visitors are invited to browse the collection, check out materials, use a public Internet terminal, print, scan, copy, and fax (all right in time for tax season).

We are still gladly providing curbside pickup of materials and prints should patrons prefer that service. We also want to remind our patrons that we now have access to the widereaching Prospector catalog of Colorado and Wyoming libraries. Prospector allows us to bring in materials not available in the AspenCat system, so let us know if your catalog search turns up empty; we can probably still help.

The good news continues with the long-awaited announcement that online storytimes are back. Becki Loughlin, our new Youth Services Librarian introduced in last month’s column, has jumped right in and has some really fun stuff planned for kiddos. First up are baby and family storytimes. Since we can’t yet meet in person, storytimes will be recorded and available on the library’s website each week. New storytimes geared toward babies and their caregivers will be posted on Tuesdays and storytimes

Youth Services Librarian, Becki Loughlin, will be hosting online baby and family storytimes, available at the library website. Storytime recordings for babies and their caregivers will be updated on Tuesdays, and for families on Wednesdays. geared toward families will be posted on Wednesdays.

Each week’s Take-and-Make craft kit will correspond to the Family Storytime theme and will be available during the library’s open hours while supplies last.

Technology Coordinator Dana Petersen also has upcoming youth programming to announce. The library will offer a seven-week virtual coding club for ages 13 to 16 on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. starting April 6. Ultimately, the club will be tailored to the interests of participants but is not intended to be a hangout time to play video games, though game creation is certainly possible.

The rebirth of Planet Bluegrass this spring equinox

By Katherine Weadley Redstone Review LYONS – Music once again will fill the ranch at Planet Bluegrass on March 20, which is the spring equinox. The spring equinox represents rebirth and new beginnings, so it is only appropriate that Planet Bluegrass begins to wake up with a live inperson concert by Chris Thile on the main stage. Not only does this event mark the rebirth of live music at Planet Bluegrass but it signifies that not everything will return to the way it was, at least not for a while.

Planet Bluegrass is a venue for concerts and weddings, and produces festivals known around the world such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, RockyGrass Festival, and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival.

The latter two take place at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch on West Main Street in Lyons. It is also the home of Craig Ferguson who lives on the ranch where he raised his two kids.

All Planet Bluegrass events were cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Now, with a sense of optimism, they are starting to make plans. “We are just starting the reinventing process. We have some new teammates and we’re looking forward to getting to work someday. We’re slowly waking up, but not in much hurry,” said Ferguson.

The Chris Thile event will be fully socially distanced and follow all Boulder County guidelines. The grassy area in front of the main stage will be roped off into corrals that cost $200 to reserve. This will include four tickets for each corral, which are to be used by the same members of a household. Thile is a mandolinist who has worked with bands such as Nickel Creek and the Punch Brothers Quintet. His con-

cert in Lyons is the start of his national tour which includes Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

Ferguson would like to return to producing and hosting RockyGrass and the FolksFestivals in Lyons. COVID did not change that desire. ‘We’ve had lots of optimism from the state lately and we’re told that festivals may be able to happen at 75 percent of capacity, which is something we’d do,” he said. “We’re doing more days in Telluride this year and will do music elsewhere as well.”

COVID punched businesses in the face and Planet Bluegrass was no exception.

Both revenue and jobs were lost. A Fallow Fund was set up by Planet Bluegrass with 40 percent of donations going to affected artists and staff, 40 percent going to “help keep the lights on at the Ranch,” and 20 percent of the funds going to KOTO Community Radio and other Telluride and Lyons area nonprofits. These smaller concerts are fun, according to Ferguson, “but we likely wouldn’t do them if we weren’t trying to bring medicine to the people.

One wedding at Planet Bluegrass is worth about four of these concerts.”

If there is one thing that Ferguson would like people to know it’s this: “Planet Bluegrass is probably the oldest independent music producer in the country. We’ve produced over 100 festivals, which is way more than anyone. We may not be doing much more in Lyons, but we’re not going anywhere.”

For more information on Planet Bluegrass or the Fallow Fund go to www.bluegrass.com.

The goal will be for participants to complete a project of their choice by the end of the seven weeks. Possible languages to explore include HTML/CSS, Javascript, and Python, but no coding experience is necessary. Participants should have access to an Internet-connected computer (PC, Mac, or Chromebook) and it is preferable the computer have a keyboard. The library can provide technology for anyone who needs it. Space is limited, to reserve your spot today at lyons.colibraries.org/teen-coding-club.

And finally, have you ever thought you might like to join the staff at the Lyons Community Library? We’re a tight-knit, fun-loving group of dedicated library professionals and we’re seeking to expand our team. We currently seek one Library Associate to assist with all things customer service. You’d help check materials in and out, chat with people about books, movies, and music, and assist visitors with technology like e-readers and library computers. The first round of application review will take place on Monday, March 29 at 4 p.m.

Please visit our website or libraryjobline.com for additional information.

Call 303-823-5165 or email info@lyonslibrary.com to schedule your 30-minute appointment today. Currently, we are open Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon until 6 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Curbside services are available during all open hours.

We’re always open on the web at lyons.colibraries.org or in your CloudLibrary or Libby apps.

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 nonCOVID times travels extensively to see her favorite band, Widespread Panic.

The Lyons Regional Library Board has named the new bear by the Lyons Community Library: Ursa Libris. Ursa is the Latin word for bear and Libris is also Latin meaning “from the library.” Libris is often used in the term ex libris, which is a bookplate or a label pasted on the inside cover of a book with the owner’s name.

Stop by and say hello.

Make Your Spring Celebrations Special!

Katherine Weadley is a librarian and writer who has covered events at Planet Bluegrass for almost two decades.

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MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT A sculpture of rocks in the water

By Sally King Redstone Review

From where I’m standing

By Sally King Redstone Review

LYONS – I found this stone sculpture high and dry and balanced on a big slab of rock on the rocky shore of the N. St. Vrain. Balance pieces are intriguing and I love to happen upon one, a fun surprise. Today when I went back to take a picture, the water is on the move, totally transforming what I thought I was going to see, it's more of a Buddhist reflection on impermanence.

It’s been an extremely low water winter for the creek.

The fish have gathered in the remaining deeper pools and according to my grandson they are hungry for the bugs that are loosened by the raising water levels.

One more happy cycle of life has begun.

And speaking of water, there is a canned water nonprofit called Can’d Aid which put out a call to artists through our Lyons town website for a design for their new cans. I decided to put my hand to the task, I love an excuse to make a print. Keep your figures crossed for me.

LYONS – Everything I read or hear that points to the “mystery” or to the “not knowing” is a comfort. My mother in a hushed voice would sometimes say “Oh but Sally, rememKing ber the Mystery” I recently watched a video representation of our planets rotating around the sun but in addition they are shown spiraling together through the galaxy at breakneck speed. Talk about a changed point of view.

This spring is springing us forward, whether we are ready or not. Be gentle.

This winter and past year was an odd dormancy for all of us and we may wake up grumpy.

My daughter sent me these words by Alice Walker: “Some periods of our growth are so confusing that we don’t even recognize that growth is happening.

We may feel hostile or angry or weepy and hysterical or we may feel depressed.

It would never occur to us, unless we stumbled on a book or a person who explained it to us, that we were in fact in the process of change…

Whenever we grow, we tend to feel it, as a young seed must feel the weight and inertia of the earth as it seeks to break out of its shell on its way to becoming a plant…

Often the feeling is anything but pleasant.

But what is most unpleasant is not knowing what is happening.”

Visit Picture Portals at the Stone Cup LYONS – Local artists have made their own version of a diorama, so come by the Stone Cup March 21 through April 23.

Check out their hours on their website, they are only open Friday through Sunday right now. Please follow health protocols. Yay Art! Good to have a show up again. Thanks, Cup.

ARTS BRIEFS The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC) is seeking artists for its next Creative Outlets series project. The Creative Outlets program was designed to enhance the Lyons community by adding color and interesting designs to utility boxes in Lyons.

The focus of the current project is a utility box located in LaVern Johnson Park. The artist selected will receive $1,000. The project is funded by the Town of Lyons and the Lyons Community Foundation. To learn more about the project or to submit an application visit https://www.townoflyons.com/643/Creative-Outlets.

The LAHC will soon be launching a Poetry in Public Spaces project that will include a call for submissions of poems for a themed poetry contest and a workshop. The theme will be “Finding Joy and Beauty in Lyons.” Winning poems will be published on posters that will hang throughout town, and there will be a virtual workshop held through the library in April. Full details will be posted at the Town of Lyons LAHC webpage soon and will be in the next edition of the Kaleidoscope, the LAHC’s monthly newsletter.

Defined Motion continues to bring art of movement to Lyons

By Cristina Trapani-Scott Redstone Review LYONS – There is no question that the performing arts have been hit hard by the COVID shutdown, from the shuttering of Broadway to empty concert venues. For Trapani-Scott Lyons, that has meant a year without music festivals, but it also has meant a vastly different way of life for one business that not only creates community around the performing arts but inspires young performers and so much more.

The dance and movement studio Defined Motion, at 625 1/2 4th Ave., like so many other arts organizations, has had to stop or scale back offerings throughout the past year and owners Ali Kishiyama and Jasmine Lok have felt the loss deeply.

“It’s been hard,” Kishiyama said. “It is rough to figure out how to navigate this. It’s very difficult to have builtup this successful thing – our business was booming – now to try to rebuild it when we worked so hard, it’s been difficult.”

One need not look too far to see the impact Defined Motion has made on Lyons over the years. The group is a constant in the annual Holiday Parade of Lights, bringing creative and festive joy to the streets of Lyons through dance. In addition, each year, the studio showcases the work its dancers have done through an annual performance, but Kishiyama and Lok said the studio is much more than that as they offer a place where community and movement meet not only for their youth dancers but for people of all ages who love movement and dance.

“One of the things that Ali and I are most proud of with our studio is we are really devoted to dance as an art form,” said Lok. “Child dance programs in the U.S. are wide and varied. Our alignment comes with dance as movement,

and we tell stories through movement. It’s not about does the body look this way? It’s more about how does the body feel with movement?” She added that their primary focus is to create a safe and supportive environment for people to be inspired and to grow in moment.

The result of their work is community. Community is so much a part of what both women value about what they have built. “We learned early on that as much as what happens in the studio what happens outside the studio is just as important. It’s about giving people community,” said Lok.

Dancers at a Defined Motion performance.

With that community comes a lifelong love of movement and that’s ultimately what Kishiyama and Lok hope their students walk away from their time at Defined Motion with. “As we look at the dancers who graduated and grew up with us, they’ve gone on to still have movement in their lives. It’s not about training pros that go on to do Beyoncé videos. It’s about how we can keep movement in our lives,” Kishiyama said.

Kishiyama and Lok opened their dance and movement studio in Lyons under the name Mayama in 2009 in their first location behind the Stone Cup. Kishiyama, who was

just graduating from CU Boulder with a degree in dance, and Lok, who was just getting into her specialty Nia, a type of movement that draws on the intelligent design of the body, connected through their mutual love of movement. They later moved to their 4th Avenue location where they have been offering a variety of classes to people of all ages in Lyons ever since.

Two years ago, they changed the name to Defined Motion. Before COVID hit, the studio offered as many as 52 classes. Offerings included full range of dance classes for youth, such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and more, and a variety of adult movement classes, including Nia and yoga.

That all came to a halt when COVID restrictions were put in place. For a while, the studio did run adult classes online, but youth dance classes did not meet for much of the shutdown. It has only been within the last couple of weeks that Kishiyama and Lok have opened up a much more scaled back schedule of 15 classes, and they must follow strict COVID guidelines that means smaller classes, social distancing, and everyone wearing masks at all times in the studio. Kishiyama and Lok are happy to be offering dance classes again, but Kishiyama said the protocols make it hard for the community to gather like it once did.

Then there is the uncertainty. Kishiyama said that it is difficult to gauge what will happen next and what that might mean for even the shortened classes that are already in session.

“We’re dancing, but instead of hugging kids, we are doing temperature checks and having them stand on an X. Things are missed, but we are trying to just focus on the good things. We are dancing,” said Kishiyama. To learn more about Defined Motion, visit www.definedmotiondance.com.

Cristina Trapani-Scott is a member of the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission. She is a poet and writer.

PAGE 10

REDSTONE • REVIEW

MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

CONSIDER Soil care at the Rocky Mountain Botanical Gardens

By Jessie Berta-Thompson Redstone Review LYONS – Soon the Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens will be a maze of leaves and blossoms and hopefully a haven to human, bird, and insect visitors alike. However, at this early season in its partially planted state, it’s mostly mulch.

Passersby often remark on the sheer quantity of wood-chip mulch that’s been spread over a one-acre area of the gardens and the remaining heap sitting next door. Volunteers carting it may also have opinions. Why so much mulch? It’s part of a soil care strategy to get the gardens into shape.

Preparing this soil to host a garden started with a yearand-a-half-long weeding campaign. Volunteer gardeners and the Lyons Weed Posse worked in all seasons to remove weeds by hand, leaving in place native plants they spotted, including a stunning collection of rabbitbrush and wild annual sunflowers. Once a bed was cleared of weeds, at least for a moment, volunteers placed a layer of cardboard over the soil surface, and then covered it with a thick layer of wood chip mulch. The Lyons Post Office provided large sheets of waste cardboard, which Lyons resident Dave Hawkins delivered to the gardens. Plain brown cardboard, with all the tape removed, is best for this application.

This cardboard-mulch combination suppresses weed growth and gives the landscape a polished look, while adding organic material to the soil, enhancing moisture retention, and regulating temperature. Adjacent to the riverbed, the soil at the gardens is sandy and benefits from these properties. The cardboard breaks down relatively quickly once wet, over the course of seasons, nibbled by worms and fungi. The wood chips break down more slowly, over the course of years. This technique works well for building new perennial beds in a home garden.

In some areas, volunteers have applied a fresh second layer of wood chips in the gardens’ second year, leveling out the surface and continuing to build the soil. One more soil amendment used at the gardens is an organic fertilizer

mix (powdery granules), a spoonful of which is mixed into the soil around each plant as it’s planted.

The wood chip mulch used at the gardens comes from the Boulder County Community Sort Yards in Meeker Park and Nederland, where locals are encouraged to drop off sorted wood waste in support of residential fire mitigation.

Professionals at the sort yards process the wood for downstream uses including as landscaping mulch and heating for the Boulder County Parks and Open Space headquarters.

Soil preparation at Lyons’ Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens has begun with a combination of cardboard and mulch applied to the beds.

The sort yards have generously delivered several enormous loads of mulch to the gardens, thanks to support from Boulder County Parks and Open Space Plant Ecologist and Lyons resident Dave Hirt. Wood and mulch from the sort yards can be obtained for free for certain uses by the public by filling out a request form online and picking up the materials when the sort yards are open in spring and summer.

Another important component of the soil care regimen at the gardens is not walking on the beds. Though hard to

avoid entirely, it’s much easier than hauling mulch and just as important. Air is a key part of soil. Healthy soil is full of small passageways created by meandering creatures and seasonal physical processes. These spaces provide gas exchange for plant roots and other life, help water move through the soil, and make it easier for roots to spread. The opposite of well aerated soil is compacted soil. While very dense soil benefits from turning over before planting, soil that’s already relatively healthy mostly just needs to be kept safe from stomping feet. At home, this can be accomplished with a garden design that clearly separates space between beds and paths or stepping spots. This leaves roots and soil healthier throughout the growing season and can make garden care and harvesting more comfortable for humans, too.

Another act of soil care that’s good for gardens at this time of year is adding compost or composted manure to soil. This both replenishes nutrients removed with last year’s crops and builds up fresh organic matter in mineraldominated soils. The slow-release nature of compost’s nutrients sets your garden up for a great year. It also supports a healthy ecological community of bacteria, fungi, arthropods, earthworms, and other tiny creatures, which in turn supports healthy plants. Adding a layer of compost and mixing it into the top few inches of soil will get the process started, then soil organisms will continue the mixing, bringing material deep into the soil and breaking it down. After planting, a layer of mulch can then go on top.

For some delightful reading material, The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of Earthworms by Amy Stewart (2004) is full of fascinating worm and soil stories.

The earthworm has no eyes, no lungs, five pairs of hearts, and doesn’t sleep! She describes their daily lives (coming up to the surface at night to gather choice detritus and deposit castings), their vast global diversity (thousands of species in all sizes and colors), and the particular fascination Darwin had for earthworms. With many thanks to the worms for all they do, here’s hoping the soil at the RMBG will be ready for spring.

Jessie Berta-Thompson is a member of the Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens Board.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Well, she is by the end of the book, anyway

By Andi Pearson Redstone Review DENVER – Eleanor Oliphant is an average woman. She is average in looks and dresses in average clothes (and sensible Pearson shoes) and she has an average job, which she has held for nine years, keeping books for a firm. There is no excitement, no out-of-the-ordinary for her.

She has a routine and she sticks to it. She doesn’t chit chat with folks at work – why would she? She’s happier to avoid human interaction and stick to doing what is necessary, every weekday.

But weekends are different. On the way home every Friday afternoon, Eleanor stops at the local shop and buys two bottles of vodka. During the weekend, she orders pizza, stays in her apartment and drinks.

Every weekend slides by in the same vague fog. There are no friends to bother her or take her out and no one at work is any the wiser because Eleanor shows up every Monday morning and she’s completely fine.

Enter Raymond, a bumbling and totally unappealing IT guy from the office. He’s kind to Eleanor and one day as they are taking a walk outside during lunchtime, they witness an elderly gentleman fall.

Eleanor isn’t sure she wants to get involved but Raymond rushes over to help and Eleanor goes with him. The gentleman is taken to the hospital and, the next day, Eleanor and Raymond go to visit him.

The gentleman is of course extremely grateful for their attentive care when he took a spill on the sidewalk and he insists the two of them – “Oh, no,” Eleanor says emphatically, “we are not a couple,” – meet his family. Soon Eleanor and Raymond are invited to family get togethers. Eleanor begins to focus on her appearance. She goes to a local salon and the long plain hair she has kept pinned up is cut and given flattering highlights. She buys a dress, and then another, and some stylish shoes.

During this time, Eleanor fixates on a good-looking member of a local rock band.

The crush exists in her fantasy but, all dressed up, she goes to see the band perform. Of course, the attraction is one sided and no relationship results. But Eleanor has learned that her feelings are real and they count. She learns to open up her heart.

Raymond, the elderly gentleman and his

loner whose life beautifully unfolds after a chance encounter with a stranger.”

Author Gail Honeyman was born in Scotland and educated at Glasgow University and University of Oxford. This novel, published in 2017, went on to earn numerous awards and wide critical acclaim. When asked if writing Eleanor Oliphant as a woman with autism was difficult, Honeyman explained that there is a broad spectrum of autism and that Eleanor was someone who had experienced emotional and psychological trauma, especially early in life, and that she may even have been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. But Honeyman wanted to write Eleanor as someone who is helped, even saved, through the power of human friendship and connection. And obviously, the job is well done.

Eleanor Oliphant is completely Fine was chosen by Reese Witherspoon for her book club. family, the crush on the rock singer – all these experiences lead Eleanor on a path to repair her own damaged self-image and to find connection – even love – in her world.

Reese Witherspoon has chosen this novel for her book club and she says, “Beautifully written and incredibly funny... it’s about the importance of friendship and human connection. I fell in love with Eleanor, an eccentric and regimented

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Andi Gregory Pearson writes essays, book reviews and short stories. Her first novel, Scent of the Wild, is available from Amazon or through her blog andipearson.com. Her website is www.andipearson.com.

454 Main Street, Lyons 303.709.9090

Join us for a conversation with

Connie Shoemaker 2020 Colorado Book Award Winner Taste the Sweetness Later Thursday, March 18 7:00p.m.

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For more information and to register: https://bit.ly/shoemaker

MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 11

WHAT’S COOKIN’ Banana Cake makes the ordinary extraordinary

By Barbara Shark Redstone Review LYONS – The Redstone Review began publishing a few years after we moved to Blue Mountain Road. We have enjoyed keeping up with the local news and commentary it has provided for 21 years. I am Shark honored to have recently become a part of each month’s offerings.

I like to bake and we often have cookies for our lunch dessert. But sometimes, cake is just the thing to celebrate with delicious baking aromas and the satisfying flavors of banana, chocolate, and vanilla.

Congratulations, Redstone.

Banana Cake Preheat oven to 350° Grease well and flour two 8- or 9-inch layer cake pans, a fluted pan or a 9-inch springform. I used heart shaped layer cake pans in honor of Redstone’s anniversary.

Cream together one cup unsalted butter and one cup brown sugar (packed). Add two large eggs, then one cup mashed, ripe banana (two or three medium-sized).

In another bowl or on a piece of wax paper, combine 1 3/4 cups unbleached flour, one teaspoon baking soda, 1/2

cake is baked.

Let the cakes sit in their pan on a rack for 10 minutes.

Unmold. When cool, spread bottom layer with two to four ounces of melted dark chocolate. If you used the springform or fluted pan, split the cake horizontally and proceed with filling.

Place top layer on chocolate-filled bottom. Pour glaze over: combine two teaspoons lemon juice, 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and some grated lemon zest. Sprinkle with toasted, chopped walnuts.

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.

teaspoon salt. In a cup, combine one teaspoon vanilla and five tablespoons buttermilk, yogurt or soured milk (1/2 teaspoon lemon juice in five tablespoons milk. Let sit a few minutes until curdled.) Add to the butter mixture alternately with the flour mixture.

Pour into prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, 35 to 40 minutes if using a tube pan or springform. Check doneness with a toothpick. When it comes out clean, the

Shrimp Creole – rapid fire Cajun for our times

By Catherine Metzger Redstone Review SAN MIGUEL COUNTY – Shrimp Creole is prepared with a few simple ingredients that every Louisiana cook keeps on hand in his or her kitchen. Once you begin Cajun cooking you will recognize what is referred to as the holy trinity of vegetables, or the Cajun mirepoix, as equal parts onion, green pepper and celery.

These characters appear in many recipes like jambalaya and étouffée so make sure you have them on hand when you’re planning to do some Louisiana cooking.

Cajun cooking is all about free form and improvisation. When we’re rushed and we have leftover rice on hand we often turn to make Shrimp Creole because it’s quick and delicious. Many cooks use sweet green bell pepper in their creole, but I improvised with red bell pepper because that’s what was on hand. I used several humongous tiger shrimp cut into smaller pieces but if you’re entertaining, you can use smaller, whole shrimp. Then leave the shell on or take it off but the dish looks nice with tails on.

Whatever their size, for a tender and succulent versus rubbery shrimp result, it’s best to use raw, uncooked shrimp then add them just a few minutes before you pull your sauce off the heat to serve, just as the shrimp are starting to lose their translucence.

Remember that even free-form, improv cooking asks you to consider the balance of ingredients. So when you bump up one in-

Fast, simple, easy, Shimp Creole require only a few steps: cook vegetables in butter, add tomatoes, then shrimp. Serve over rice. gredient you’ll need increase the others as well to keep the taste proportions to scale.

Shrimp Creole Serves 4; preparation time: 10 to 20 minutes, depending on whether you shell your shrimp or not; cooking time: 20 minutes.

Total time 30 to 45 minutes 2 T butter 1/2 C chopped onion 1/2 C chopped celery 1/2 C chopped green or red bell pepper 1 clove chopped garlic 1, 14.5 ounce can of whole tomatoes, torn into medium-sized pieces 1/2 t salt 1/4 t sugar 1/8 t Cayenne pepper

1/2 t paprika 1 lb. raw, tail-on, peeled shrimp, thawed if frozen 2 C hot, cooked rice (reheated leftover rice is fine) 1 t chopped parsley, for garnish • Melt butter in skillet and add onion, celery and pepper. Cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Just as the ‘holy trinity’ is becoming transparent in the pan, add the garlic and stir to combine. Cook for another minute.

• Add tomatoes, salt, sugar and spices.

Cover and simmer 5 minutes.

• Prepare warmed plates with a bed of hot rice and any side dish that is accompanying the Shrimp Creole. Alert your crew that dinner is ready.

• Add shrimp and cook another 4 minutes – don’t walk away – watch and stir until the shrimp turn from transparent to translucent and are starting to turn white, then pull the creole off the heat. Serve over a hot bed of rice. Sprinkle with fresh, chopped parsley and serve. Enjoy.

Catherine Ripley Metzger has been cooking professionally and privately since 1979. She was a French cuisine journeyman at the celebrated Henri d’Afrique restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Today she is the proprietor of the food blog www.foodfortheages.com, and Facebook.com/Food for the Ages. Though she cooks every day in a tiny kitchen with a two-burner stove, her recipes are expansive and she dedicates her craft to living large by cooking well in tiny kitchens.

B •R •I •E •F •S Continued from Page 1

455 Main Street, downtown Lyons 303-823-5225 • www.StVrainMarket.com

• Public health and human service workers and faith leaders; • Direct care providers for Coloradans experiencing homelessness; • Essential journalists and people who serve critical functions for local and state government.

Last week, the Governor also announced that Colorado has now vaccinated 76 percent of people ages 70 and older. Between phases 1B.3 and 1B.4 and together with those already eligible, there are 3.4 million people eligible for a vaccine, which is more than half of the state’s population. If you are now eligible, learn where you can get vaccinated.

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LYONS – The Town of Lyons has new job openings. We’re looking for full time Maintenance, Finance Director and seasonal jobs in our parks. Learn more and apply today! https://www.townoflyons.com/Jobs.aspx.

An evening with an author at Lyons Community Library LYONS – Join a ZOOM conversation with Colorado Book Award winner Connie Shoemaker on March 18 at 7 p.m. Her book, Taste the Sweetness Later: Two Muslim Women in America brings together two of her passions: the power of telling life stories and her commitment to building bridges between cultures and generations.

Register for the virtual event here: https://connieshoemaker.eventbrite.com.

Continue Briefs on Page 13

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

STABILIZE Hip stability can be the key to preventing knee pain

By Bronwyn Muldoon Redstone Review LYONS – Knee pain is a common complaint of people of all ages. Different ages present with common themes of knee Muldoon pain. Young athletes are vulnerable to ACL (ligament) injuries, middle age to meniscal injuries, and osteoarthritis in people older than 50 years old. The location and severity of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause of the problem. Signs and symptoms which accompany knee pain can include: • Swelling and Stiffness • Redness and warmth to the touch • Weakness or instability • Popping or crunching noises • Inability to straighten the knee Regardless of the cause of knee pain, a major component to help restore function and resolve pain is increasing hip strength

and stability. Our hips control the alignment of our knees with movement; walking, running, jumping, going up stairs and just about any weight bearing activity.

The connection between the knee and your hip goes farther than the anatomy.

Yes, they share many of the same muscles and the femur bone. But the hip also determines how much weight and forces are distributed upward into the back or downward in the knee. The stronger the hip musculature, the more weight/forces it absorbs. The hip houses one of the strongest muscles in the body, the Gluteus Maximus (GMax). The GMax is a powerful hip extensor, which functionally we use for walking, keeping upright posture, squatting and bending over.

Another gluteal muscle, the Gluteus Medius (GMed) is a main contributor to the strength and stability of the hip and pelvis. The GMed has several functions.

It abducts the leg (pulls your leg out to your side); it rotates your leg outward

when sitting and assists inward rotation when standing; and it keeps your pelvis level when standing and walking. Then there is the Gluteus Minimus (GMin).

The GMin assists the GMed with stability of the pelvis.

These three muscles, when strong, keep the knee aligned properly and take the majority of the stress caused by different movement patterns. This allows our knees to squat, run, jump, ski, etc. while being pain free. If you are experiencing knee pain or want to avoid knee pain, try the exercises shown to help strengthen the hip musculature.

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 re-

Springtime in Lyons, the hip little town everybody loves

By Brianna Hoyt Redstone Review LYONS – Though it may not seem like it, the first official day of spring is days away. The planters along the Main Street Hoyt corridor will soon be filled with flowers and Lyons will be in full bloom. Warmer weather brings visitors and residents to our downtown and our parks. While COVID continues to create a level of uncertainty, we are hoping that vaccinations and more knowledge of the virus will allow for the possibility of safe, social distanced outdoor events in town.

Last fall, Bohn Park’s restoration was finally completed. There was not much of an opportunity to celebrate because of COVID and park capacity restrictions, so we are hoping that residents and visitors alike will enjoy the park in the coming months. Another phase of flood recovery,

the 4th Avenue Pedestrian The Lyons Redstone MuBridge and Safe Route to seum has a digital, self-paced School (SRTS) has been walking tour available on fully funded and is schedwww.theclio.com. All you uled for construction comneed to do is search “80540” pletion in 2021. The town to find the Lyons Historic will finally have a safe District Walking Tour. In route between schools, to the same app, you can find a the library and into downtour of the eclectic, engaging town restored. But the Lyons Public Art. pedestrian bridge is not PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS The Lyons Arts and Huthe only new addition coming to Lyons. manities Commission (LAHC) continues Several new businesses will be opening in to enrich our town. The commission is our Main Street district in the next several adding more public art to Lyons, planning months: a bakery, a new retail store, a brew- for a new crosswalk striping at 4th Avery, and not just one, but two local beer gar- enue, a painted tree on Main Street, a new dens. Many of our existing businesses have creative outlet box in LaVern Johnson expanded their outdoor spaces to accommo- Park, and several new sculptures throughdate COVID guidelines and regulations. out the town.

This spring will bring more life to our HeARTs of LYONS an Outdoor Art business district. While you are enjoying a Collection – All Over Town adds sculpmeal outdoors or browsing shops along tures and other works of art to our town Main and High Streets, take some time to through honorariums to support the learn about the historic buildings in Lyons. artist/creator. The artwork stays in town

BRIDGING

SIDE LYING HIP ABDUCTION

CLAMS

habilitation, muscles strains and sprains, and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. For more information call 303-823-8813. for two years, and the artists receive a stipend, half upon installation and half upon removal. The LAHC helps to fund this program through grants from the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF).

Creative Outlets is another LCF funded project. The LAHC recently sent out a call to artists for its Creative Outlets program. Learn more about the call to artists and how to apply by visiting https://www.townoflyons.com/643/Creative-Outlets.

As the days get longer and warmer, get outside and enjoy Lyons's businesses, art, history, and natural environment. If you are interested in becoming more involved in the Lyons community, look into the volunteer commissions, which have vacancies and can benefit from your experience and skills, at www.townoflyons.com/180/Boards-Commissions.

The Economic Vitality Commission (EVC), which serves as the Lyons Main Street Board, currently has one vacancy.

Contact me at bhoyt@townoflyons.com to find out more about the Main Street program and the EVC.\

MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 13

LOOK AHEAD Some squirrels need a savior

By Mysti Tatro Redstone Review LONGMONT – As the weather warms, spring squirrels are being born.

Most babies stay with their mothers for 10 to 12 Tatro weeks before parting ways and squirreling on their own. There are, however, situations in which the mother’s nest is destroyed or, even worse, she doesn’t make it back home. In these types of situations, wildlife rehabilitators step in with a helping hand.

For those that are unfamiliar, finding a young animal on its own can be concerning. What are the proper steps for helping a squirrel that may be orphaned? Rescue centers often find that just because a baby squirrel is on its own or out of its nest doesn’t necessarily mean it’s orphaned.

Sometimes, the mom will return and take her babies to a back-up nest where she can continue mothering until their maturity. As willing assistants, we can do a few things to facilitate the process of reuniting a mother with her lost babies. At rehabilitation centers, we call this “reunite over rescue.”

How do we know whether to reunite or not? To perform a reunite, the squirrel needs to be healthy. The first step in this process is checking for fleas, puncture wounds, blood, and to see if the baby is shivering, cold, or limp. If you notice any of these warning signs, it needs medical assistance, not a reunite. You can call Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for more information from 9 a.m. to 4

Town Continued from Page 1 qualifications requiring five years of service with a municipal government.

Director Johnson received a great deal of high praise from individual board members for her patience with questions from the board, her compliance with everyone’s requests, her thoroughness and, from Trustee Rogin, her ability to

p.m. daily at 303- 823-8455.

How are babies reunited with their mothers? If the baby seems healthy enough, you can prepare a “reunite box” for it to lie comfortably in while waiting for the mother to return. To put this together, you’ll need a small box (like a shoebox), a pillowcase or old T-shirt (no towels, please), chemical hand warmers such as Hot Hands (or a rice sock heated for 90 seconds), and gardening gloves.

Start by removing the hand warmers from their packaging and shaking them to activate. Situate the cloth material in the bottom of the box. Then, slide the hand warmers under one layer of the fabric. Put the gardening gloves on and set the baby on top of the heat source.

You’ll want to place the box at the base of the tree nearest to where the baby was found. Try to find a somewhat shady spot that will be out of direct sunlight for the remainder of the day. If the area is mostly sunny, use another light material to cover half of the box. Using a cell phone, toggle to the Greenwood Wildlife website, where you can find baby squirrel distress sounds.

Click the ‘Wildlife Emergency’ tab, find the mammal instructions, and press the

explain very complex issues to laypeople who did not understand all the nuances of municipal finances.

Also the board passed an ordinance on first reading to require all business and corporations to have a Lyons business license if they deliver and or sell products in Lyons. This includes food companies such as CISCO, product companies such as Amazon, etc.

image of the squirrel. There you will find more information on reuniting and the squirrel sounds on a loop. Play the cries on a speaker or phone near the box, and leave it alone until dusk. Please do not visit the box throughout the day, as you might scare off the mother before she has a chance to investigate.

As the sun is setting, check on the baby squirrel. If it is still there, it might need

refrain. Formulas that you can buy at stores are not suitable for baby squirrels, and untrained hands can cause aspiration.

This is sometimes fatal.

The best option for the little tyke is to be raised by its mother, but with factors like speeding cars and spring tree trimming, this is sometimes not an option.

Luckily, wildlife rehabilitation centers can raise babies safely, and there are caring

the help of a wildlife rehabilitator. Use the Animal Help Now app or call Greenwood Wildlife to find the one nearest to you. Bring the baby inside, and find a warm, dark, and quiet place for it to rest for the evening. Many folks are tempted to feed the baby at this point, but please

community members on the lookout for potential orphans.

B •R •I •E •F •S

reduce the value of the sorted materials driving the cost up for everyone.

Take an extra moment and rinse bottles/cans/food products. Please no plastic bags ever at the recycle bins. In addition, curbside compost collection is now offered in Lyons.

The Town and volunteers are currently discussing the feasibility of being able to host a safe, spring clean-up event later this year, amidst COVID regulations.

Continued from Page 11

Recycling Reminders LYONS – Contamination to single stream recycling is a huge problem. Plastic bags cause machinery to jam; food scraps and liquids splatter workers; and non-recyclable materials

Mysti Tatro is the Communications and Marketing Coordinator at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. For information, call 303-823-8455 or www.greenwoodwildlife.org.

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PAGE 14

REDSTONE • REVIEW

MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

FORWARD Solar energy farm could supply five percent of Lyons’ electricity

By Brittany LeMarc Redstone Review DENVER – The Town of Lyons has partnered with the University of Colorado at Denver to create a solar farm feasibility study. The intent of the feasibility study is to make suggestions about how to incorporate a solar farm and request town input on the students’ ideas.

The objective of the solar farm is to supply five percent of the entire electrical needs of the town of Lyons. The team of students has been tasked with reviewing potential plots of land, assessing the cost of construction, public outreach,

Brittany LeMarc (myself), Kevin Riker, Mauricio Chavez, Elvia Martinez, Chandler Kitson, and Omima Abdoun. All six student members will be graduating in May 2021 with Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degrees.

Our first step in this feasibility study is to assess the properties that the town of Lyons currently owns. We reviewed eight plots of land and have narrowed our focus down to two plots located in beautiful Bohn Park. The other six plots of land look less feasible due to environmental impacts such as animal habitats, construction access or noise, flood risk and/or cost. While on our tour, Lee Hall explained to us the impact of the 2013 floods and

This group of CU Denver students will work with the Town of Lyons to create a solar farm feasibility study. They are (left to right, top to bottom) Mauricio Chavez, Brittany LeMarc , Kevin Riker, Chandler Kitson, Elvia Martinez, and Omima Abdoun.

All six will be graduating in May 2021 with Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degrees. and helping draft the report for a state grant to build the solar farm. The grant would come from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), and their purpose is to help municipalities create new projects just like this one.

The students at the University of Colorado at Denver have the help of local Lyons residents and town employees.

Lee Hall and Jim Kerr of the Lyons Utilities and Engineering Board (UEB) are essential parts of the team assisting the students, as well as town staff Ben Rodman, the town of Lyons Sustainability Coordinator, and Aaron Caplan, Director of Utilities and Engineering. The student group consists of

the effect it had on Bohn Park area. As students, we were humbled in our learning of the destruction and awed at the rebuilt features of Bohn Park. We learned that one beloved park amenity, the community garden, has not returned and we saw a great opportunity.

Our idea to combine the solar panels with a returning park amenity, the community garden, was born. The possibility of adding new park amenities opens the door for Lyons to become one of the first public parks in the nation with an agrivoltaic project. Agrivoltaics is the idea of combining agriculture such as farming or gardening with

A new spring and new beginnings: looking forward

By Cherie Maureaux Redstone Review LYONS – When a storm subsides, the air is washed clean of whatever particulate matter has been obscuring the view, and we can often see farther and more sharply than at any other time. As the storm Maureaux clears, we have an opportunity to view where we were and where we might go in a new light.

It’s been one year since the anticipation of spring turned into a yearlong tempest, and now we are on the horizon of a new spring. The promise of vaccines and post-pandemic life parallel the renewal and hope associated with the season. Although we may find hope, joy, and energy in the promise of this time, we might also feel anxiety, confusion, and disorientation. While some are able to see the promise of what lies ahead with an optimistic view, others are exhausted and apathetic. Many are in a state of grief from losing family members and friends, and others face continued financial challenges. It is normal and expected to feel any and all of these emotions.

The question we might each ask ourselves now is, how might we direct our energies towards positive growth? How may we best travel through yet another benchmark of change, while remaining grounded and whole?

We are still not at a point where we can say the world has opened up, but that time is approaching. The upcoming months can be used to reflect, visualize, and intentionally plan on how we want to reemerge into our new futures. This is a time of self-care and beginning to dream and make plans for what life might look like on the other side.

It is important to stop and acknowledge whatever feelings come up when thinking of what is in store for our futures. Remember, we each individually and collectively have been through a marathon of uncertainty, extended hypervigilance, isolation, and grief. Acknowledging and

naming out loud – to a friend, in a journal, or verbally to yourself – both the pleasant and unpleasant feelings that accompany a new transition is not an indulgence, but a necessity for intentional living.

Self-compassion during this time is vital. While we acknowledge our needs, it is important to avoid judgement or comparison to our past selves or others. It is only when we put our honest feelings and needs on the table without judgment that we can move forward. Also, we should take time to recognize the resilience it has taken to get to this point and congratulate ourselves on what we have ac-

complished so far. We can allow the concept of hope to blossom, independent of fear.

The very basics of mental health are practicing proper sleep hygiene, eating consistent healthy nutritious food, and keeping our bodies physically moving. Keep in mind each day the importance of sleep, good eating, and remaining physically active. Design simple, realistic, and implementable measures to incorporate these all-important health habits into a daily routine. Healthy living stems from the foundation of small, incremental behaviors we practice consistently.

photovoltaic power such as solar panels. This technology is at the forefront of green energy and can help provide an inexpensive renewable energy and food source.

We toured an agrivoltaic project in Longmont, Jack’s Solar Garden, with the purpose of learning about the fundamentals to bring this cutting-edge idea to Lyons. Our tour guide Andy Bingle, a Lyons resident and the Education Director of the Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center (CALC), stated, “An agrivoltaic solar array not only brings pollinators to the installation but also attracts the attention of people, one of the most important ingredients in an agrivoltaic array. The site can become a living laboratory for local students as they study plant growth, soil health, and solar production while developing the skills they need to be the sustainability leaders of the future.”

The Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center is a Longmont-based nonprofit project under the larger organization called the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center that inspires sustainability leaders by connecting students and community members to clean energy, local food, and responsible land use through experiential agrivoltaic farm tours and events. The opportunity exists to pair students from Lyons Middle/Senior High School with CALC to teach the importance of sustainability and encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs in college.

This project is still in the early developmental phase, and as students, we are working through all the challenges that arise with help from professionals, our professors, and Lyons staff. The next step of the feasibility study is to share our suggestions about how to incorporate the solar farm and request town input on our ideas. We will be hosting a virtual town hall on Thursday, April 1, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the purpose of receiving feedback from the residents of Lyons. This town hall will be conducted via the following zoom link, https://ucdenver.zoom.us/j/94586406306. A short presentation will be given detailing the feasibility of each site reviewed and the pros and cons of agrivoltaics.

We look forward to speaking with the residents of Lyons about the potential sites, the overall solar project, and the possibility of future amenities being added to Bohn Park.

Brittany LeMarc is a student at U.C. Denver and will receive her B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering and a Construction Management Minor in May, 2021.

This Friday, March 19, at 2 p.m., I will host a Pop-Up Zoom meeting through the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund (LEAF), where we will get together as a community and discuss practical strategies for everyday living that can help us boost our morale and get ourselves moving into a healthy transition to spring and post-pandemic life. Please visit the LEAF website at leaflyons.org for a link to join or look for advertisements on LEAF’s Facebook site. You can also email me at mentalwellness@leaflyons.org to be added to an invitation list.

The lack of community interaction is one loss from COVID that has hit us hardest this year. Keep in mind that LEAF is an integral part of your community and has an array of services to help during this evolutionary time.

LEAF offers a drive-up Food Pantry weekly on Wednesdays, and Meals on Wheels.

LEAF also provides limited direct financial assistance through Basic Needs and Resource Matching and community support through Lyons Volunteers, who offer several opportunities for social interactions. And I provide services through our Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery program. LEAF has been instrumental in keeping community together this year and will continue to do so. Feel free to investigate services and volunteer opportunities, or both, by checking out LEAF’s website at leaflyons.org. And as, always, if you or someone you know needs to talk or is seeking mental health support, contact me for a completely confidential discussion about options at mentalwellness@leaflyons.org.

Both individual and group counseling, as well as assessment and referral are offered.

The clear after the storm is ahead. It is time to stay solid, reflect, and use this opportunity to go forth in growth. As we stand at the cusp of spring, let us do so with intention and hope.

Cherie Maureaux leads the Mental Wellness and Addiction program for LEAF. She is a clinical mental health therapist and provides group, individual, addiction, and trauma specific counseling services. Cherie and her daughter River live in Lyons, and enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities.

MARCH 17 / APRIL 14, 2021

Weeds Continued from Page 4 Aware of the expense of holding a vote and because the petitioners, town staff and town leadership share the ultimate goal of reducing synthetic herbicides use, all parties went back to the negotiating table.

The result is a plan that formalizes the reduction of synthetic herbicide use but also includes strategies for their limited use in

REDSTONE • REVIEW specific cases. In response to the revised plan, the two sponsors then withdrew the petition. “Quite a few people came together to work on this and everyone did a great job to strike a balance of interest and capability,” Cosgrove said. “I think it was a great process and shows how a process can be done to tackle a tough issue like this.”

The new plan was adopted July 22, 2020 following a unanimous vote by the BOT.

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PAGE 15

It outlines an integrated weed management approach that includes weed prevention through mulching, mechanical and cultural controls such as mowing, hand pulling and grass seeding, biological controls, and organic herbicide use. The plan also states that “in order to provide maximum protection to all residents and desirable plant species, no synthetic herbicides are used in the public parks.”

The plan does not outright ban synthetic chemicals, particularly in public areas such as hardscaped medians, buy-out lots, and open space. However, in these locations, other weed control methods must be attempted first. If initial methods are unsuccessful, limited and targeted herbicides may be considered. This flexibility is a feature that Cosgrove and Ian Brighton (chair of the PRC) say is a strength of the new plan.

“The plan is science-based and evidencebased,” Brighton said. “But it does allow for herbicide use for situations where we have invasive causing problems.”

The new plan does stipulate that “synthetic chemicals are not applied for cosmetic purposes or for nuisance weeds,” a distinction important to proponents of reduced herbicide use. Cosgrove and Brighton admit that we may see more of these types of plants, such as dandelions, around town. “It’s going to take some education and potential balance there in terms of what people are used to seeing,” Brighton said. “But a nuisance weed is not a reason to expose someone to a chemical if they don’t want to be,” he said.

This potential new aesthetic can work

in favor of Main Street, says Tracey Holderman, one of the Lyons residents who brought forward the now withdrawn petition. “Non-chemical methods can go a long way with keeping weeds out of town spaces. We can also get used to seeing things like dandelions and learn to appreciate them for the positive benefits that they bring for bees and other pollinators,” she said. “I think it’s also a point of pride for Lyons and Lyons businesses. They get to say, Hey, we care about our community, visitors and our environment.”

“Enacting the plan will be challenging,” Cosgrove said. “But the town also has a lot of great volunteers and people that are willing to help. I think if those two things can come together, there’s a lot of opportunity here.” Continued partnerships with the Weed Posse and Lyons Garden Club, along with resources such as the Boulder County inmate crew will be important in the success of the new plan, he said.

“We are blessed with so much riparian corridor and we need to protect it,” Brighton said. “Any community should strive to do this, whether out on the plains or up in a mountain valley. All ecosystems, all land benefit from this kind of approach.”

Poop Continued from Page 7

• Physically unable to bend down – You do get some sympathy on this one, but there are devices to buy that allow pickup without bending down; just check online for these devices.

• No one will see it – That’s a really sneaky reason, but the reality is that the effects of dog poop don’t disappear because no one sees it. All the bad stuff in poop gets washed out in the rains or, when dry, goes airborne with wind.

It all comes down to being a responsible dog owner. Owner feeds dog, dog poops, owner picks up and properly disposes of poop. End of discussion. Thank you.

a proper waste bin is the easy part.

• Don’t want to pick up while in the middle of a run – Yes, I know it throws off your rhythm and ruins your personal best effort.

Just view it as a mid-run stretch when you bend down to pick it up.

• Dog poop will naturally (and quickly) break down into the ground – Nope, wrong answer. Doesn’t happen that way.

Just ask yourself how many times you’ve seen dog s**t garden compost for sale.

• Too cheap to buy bags – You can’t use that as an excuse in Lyons; the town provides stations with free bags.

• No nearby waste bin – You might have to carry it all the way home, but the town of Lyons has many garbage bins situated around town.

Kate Zalzal has a M.Sc. in Geology with a focus on Arctic and Antarctic climate change.

She most recently worked on her Ph.D. at the Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research and the University of Iceland. She lives with her husband and two young daughters in Lyons. She can be reached for comments and article ideas at katezalzal@gmail.com.

Lyons resident Greg Lowell is a Lyons Town Board Trustee and serves as a liaison to the Ecology Advisory Board.

Lyons Garden Club Tour, Mountain Blooms, is happening in June “I must have flowers. Always and always.”

Claude Monet

By Sara Erickson Redstone Review

LYONS – Planning for Lyons Garden Club garden tour entitled Mountain Blooms is in high gear. We currently have over 10 sites set for the tour, which will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We have a wonderful variety of gardeners participating from Stone Canyon to Apple Valley.

One of the featured gardens is at the home of Steve and Sue Wratten. Sue is a founding member of Lyons Garden Club and a master gardener. She also is a splendid baker and plans to serve homemade cookies to tour visitors. Come for the garden and enjoy their spectacular view of Lyons.

We have already recruited supporters from local businesses and will have a fabulous prize drawing with great prizes ranging from gift cards to artwork to gardening items. Anyone who purchases a ticket will be automatically entered in the drawing.

Purchasing tickets will be done through EventBrite and the launch date for registration will be May 1, 2021.

Look for more information during the next couple of months on Facebook, local media, including the Redstone Review, town email blasts and the town utility bill. Also, the latest information will be posted on our website: www.lyonsgardenclub.com.

Garden at the home of Sue and Steve Wratten, Lyons Colorado Proceeds from the event will go towards maintaining our current gardens, purchase of tools, seeds and other supplies and supporting gardening projects throughout Lyons. Our motto, since our founding, is “Making Lyons Beautiful, One Flower at a Time.” This event certainly is in keeping with that motto. Please join us for this exciting and fun event, which will involve the whole community.

Lyons Garden Club is grateful to the Lyons Community Foundation, which provided a generous grant to make this event possible. We encourage you to support LCF and their incredible work.

Sara Erickson is a member of the Lyons Garden Club and writes columns on its events.