LYONS – Photos of all the high school graduating seniors will be in the May issue of the Redstone Review. If you have a high school student who is graduating this spring, who lives in Lyons but is graduating from a school outside of Lyons, please send a photo of your HS senior with the name of the student and the name of the school that your senior is graduating from to: redstarnews5@gmail. com and we can run that photo in the May issue of Red-
Continue Briefs on Page 2
By Kay Sparks Redstone Review Editor
LYONS – The April 6 Board of Trustees meeting was preceded by three workshops covering Sundance housing opportunities, a streamflow study update, and wildfire education and resiliency strategies. A representative from Sundance shared that the 2027 Sundance Film Festival, scheduled for January 21–31, 2027 and hosted in Boulder, is expected to bring between 70,000 and 90,000 attendees. With limited lodging available in Boulder, surrounding communities such as Lyons may have opportunities to provide accommodations and host arts and cultural events. Lyons’ existing RV winter hookups could also be one potential option.
Utilities and Engineering Director Aaron Caplan presented results from a streamflow diversion study on the North St. Vrain Creek, which documents existing infrastructure and identifies ways to better measure and manage flows to support environmental needs.
Town Planner Lisa Ritchie also reviewed prior discussions on wildfire preparedness and outlined additional strategies the town could consider to improve education and resilience. Full presentations for all three workshops are available on the town website.
Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen’s full report is available via the online agenda, with several key updates highlighted during the meeting. The town election was held on April 7, and more than 670 of 1,700 registered voters had submitted ballots. Results are posted at the town hall and on the town website.
The Safe Routes to School grant process will begin with neighborhood meetings, with the first scheduled for April 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the library.
The Lyons Fire Protection District and Wildfire Partners will host a limb drop-off and chipping event on May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Public Works Facility, and Boulder County continues to offer a neighborhood chipping program for groups of at least five households.
The staff has submitted applications totaling $1.76 million in federal funding to support wastewater treatment plant improvements, and an additional grant request will be presented in May for stormwater culvert repairs between Fourth and Fifth Avenues, with the town providing a 50 percent match.
The board also approved resolutions adopting the Lyons Fire Protection District Community Wildfire Protection Plan and accepting the updated streamflow bypass study.
An update from Community Programs Director Kim Mitchell was presented to the board regarding the Business Recovery Loan Fund, which has supported both local business loans and community investments since the flood, and recently supported wayfinding signage, outdoor seating in the public right of way along Main Street, and a variable message sign with a speed radar trailer. The board supported use of the repayment and interest funding for 2026, with a focus on off-season marketing, including opportunities tied to the Sundance Film Festival, as well as off-season event development, public right-of-way improvements, and other efforts to support economic vitality.
Finally, the board discussed wildfire resiliency planning and determined that longer-term strategy development should be led by the incoming Board of Trustees. Given the importance of the issue, staff were directed to evaluate the cost of basic mitigation measures so that the incoming board can move forward with informed decision-making.
At a BOT workshop on March 16, before the regular meeting, Lyons Trustees heard the findings of an environmental assessment given by an environmental and engineering company called Stantec, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The focus of this workshop was an assessment of the current town hall building, which originally operated as a diesel-electric generating plant beginning in the 1930s before being converted to municipal use in the 1960s. Based on preliminary results, Stantec recommended continuing the Phase II assessment to better understand seasonal variations in indoor air quality, particularly related to petroleum-based contaminants. Staff have noted stronger diesel odors during warmer months.
Stantec also recommended pursuing funding through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Brownfield Assessment Grant to support development of a site cleanup plan and a preliminary human health risk assessment. Potential interim measures could include portable air filtration systems and targeted treatments to reduce vapor intrusion. Additional details are available on the town website.
Finally, the Board discussed wildfire resiliency planning and determined that longer-term strategy development should be led by the incoming board of trustees. Given the importance of the issue, staff were directed to evaluate the cost of basic mitigation measures so that the incoming Board can move forward with informed decision-making.
Kay Sparks lives in Lyons and she is the chair of the Housing and Human Services Commission.
LYONS, COLORADO
B R I E F S
Across Lyons, Colorado to our sister city - Lyon, France, and around the world, voices are rising in defense of the Constitution, human rights, and democracy. This past month’s No Kings protests remind us that the call for justice, dignity, and accountable leadership knows no borders.
Photos of high school seniors will be in the May Redstone Review
LYONS
Unofficial
April 7, 2026 municipal election results
Unofficial April 7, 2026 municipal election results
Results sent out by the Lyons Town Clerk, Delores Vasquez.
The “unofficial” election results were posted on April 7 following completion of the ballot count by the appointed election judges. The State Election Law requires the town to send ballots to registered overseas voters per the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). The law allows ballots from UOCAVA voters to be postmarked on Election Day and be received by the eighth day after the election to be counted. This is also the last day that any voters may “cure” signature discrepancies as determined by election judges. The final canvassing of the election results will be held on the tenth day after the election, with official election results available April 17, 2026. Please note that the results below are unofficial
The unofficial results of the April 7, 2026, Town of Lyons Municipal Election are listed here:
Candidates for the office of Mayor
Mark Browning - 653 votes - Elected Two-Year Term
Paula Williams - 366 votes
Candidates for the offices of Trustee are:
Mariah McCreary - 604 votes - Elected Two-Year Term
Leigh Williams - 600 votes - Elected Two-Year Term
Greg Lowell - 666 votes - Elected Two-Year Term
Julie Jacobs - 504 votes -Elected Two-Year Term
Mike Schweiger - 447 votes
Douglas Matthews - 481 votes
Tanya Daty - 457 votes
Amy Schwartz - 483 votes
Jen Wingard - 681 votes - Elected Two-Year Term
Who will win the last town board seat?
By Susan de Castro Gierach Redstone Review Editor
LYONS – As you can see, the vote was very close between trustee candidates Douglas Matthews and Amy Schwartz. Town clerk Vasquez was very careful to point out that this count is not the official count.
After all the ballots are counted and the names are straightened out, it is more likely that the winning candidate will become clear. But for now, we will post both candidates.
The official count will be posted at the town hall at 4:30 p.m. on April 17, which is two days after the Redstone Review goes to press. And it is the day we deliver the Redstone to the Post Office for them to deliver to everyone in the area. So, we will not be able to list the winning candidate or the final vote count in this issue. It will be too late for us.
HHS celebrates Earth Day, community garden, Earth Expo, and more
By Willow Fitzgerald Redstone Review
LYONS – The Lyons Earth Day celebrations will last all week. Informational and creative events will be held starting on April 18, hosted by local businesses and local experts, and will be supported by town commissions, community organizations, the Lyons Regional Library, and town staff. On Wednesday, April 22, the Lyons Library hosts the screening of 2040, an inspiring documentary that explores what our world could look like in the year 2040 if we embraced solutions that already exist today.
The week’s events will culminate with an Earth Expo from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. In the morning, before Expo, the Lyons Community Farm Project will host a tree planting and Blossom Fest in the orchard area; LEAF and town staff invite the community to help with the river clean up, also on Saturday morning. The Expo moves midday to Bohn Park with more activities and educational events, including a fun-filled seed egg hunt at the orchard, rock painting, face painting, and seed bomb making for the kids.
even get your seeds at the Lyons Library through a Lyons Community Foundation Grant-Funded Seed Library. Currently, there are seven boxes of twelve left to rent for the growing season. To reserve your plot or volunteer to water the food forest, visit Lyonscfp.com.
The garden is more than a way to nurture nature and build food resilience. Adrean Kirk, who leads the Lyons Community Farm Project, said, “A community garden builds community by setting the stage, so to say to let people discover each other and nature in a new way.”
Community Gardens—Tucked away on a shady part of lower Fifth Avenue, Lyons’ community garden is more than just raised beds. Started by the Environmental Tech class at the Lyons High School in partnership with the Lyons Community Farm Project, the gardens are a lovely, partially shaded hideaway right in town.
You can sign up for a bed (suggested donation of $100), and the Farm Project will provide water and soil. You can
Lyons Valley Townhomes— Two-bedroom townhomes are available. Rent is $1903 per month; water, sewer, and trash costs are included, but utilities are not. There is a $28 application fee per applicant, a $500 security deposit, and a $300 pet fee. Incentives being offered: $500 off the first month’s rent and $1,000 applied as a rent credit, which may be used at the resident’s discretion during the 12-month lease term. For more information, call the office at 720-600-4278.
Lyons social and dinners— Beginning April 2026, and through the end of the summer, the suppers will take place on the second and last Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Walt Self Senior Center, 335 Railroad Avenue, Lyons. Various churches provide this meal on a rotating basis to promote community and social interaction. Please make a reservation by emailing Kathleen Spring at LovingLyonsSeniorGroup@gmail.com.
Willow Fitzgerald is the Housing and Human Services Commissioner.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Boulder County and Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
BOULDER – Due to current conditions, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests enacted Stage 1 fire restrictions on national forests and national grasslands in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties beginning Monday,
EDITOR / PUBLISHER
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Julie Jacobs Elected Trustee
Amy Schwartz Tied for Trustee
Leigh Williams Elected Trustee
Mark Browning Elected Mayor
Jen Wingard Elected Trustee
Douglas Matthews Tied for Trustee
Greg Lowell Elected Trustee
Mariah McCreary Elected Trustee
stone Review. The deadline for photos will be May 6. Mark your calendars.
Continued from Page 1
Saying farewell to Lyons
Rogin
Dear Lyons, I have been sitting here staring at a blank page for a couple of hours now. Many of you might not know this, but I’m a writer by trade. For more than 35 years, having writer’s block has been a part of my life. Usually, a walk around the block fixes things right up. But not today. So, stream-of-consciousness it shall be. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Mayor of Lyons. Those of us who live here know just how magical it can be. The ups, the downs, the in-betweens—it’s like no other place on earth. We’re immeasurably lucky, we know it, and we cherish and protect it. We’re also not immune to the same challenges other communities face. We approach them headon, sometimes messily, at other times methodically, but always with our whole hearts.
I’m extremely proud of the work that the Boards from 20202026 have done. From navigating governing during the early days of Covid (Zoom? What’s that?) to last week’s rezoning of 224 Seward to high-density, every single trustee has brought their all to their (extremely low-paying and highly demanding) jobs. Here are some things I am particularly proud of on behalf of Town Boards since 2020: Mobilizing the community to show widespread support for denying the Cemex Dowe Flats mining permit extension, so that the property can be reclaimed and protected. Passing gun violence prevention ordinances in cooperation and collaboration with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office that are both enforceable and make us safer. Because we approached the issue pragmatically and systematically, we’re the only municipality that has not been sued for doing so.
draws visitors from around the world. And of course, the statue of the irreplaceable and much-missed LaVern Johnson.
The Lyons Valley Townhomes, the Evans Street redevelopment, various ADUs, and the hopefully upcoming 224 Seward income-aligned housing efforts, so that our artists, musicians, stoneworkers, bartenders, shopkeepers, and other cherished folks can still call Lyons home even while housing costs continue to rise. With the highest median income in the county and the highest percentage of residents living below the poverty level, we have the dubious distinction of having the greatest wealth disparity in Boulder County.
Settling our lawsuit with Honeywell International in mediation so that we can begin making necessary improvements to our wastewater treatment facility.
Annexing the property at the 36/66 intersection and Eastward so we can finally see the fruits of years and years of effort in making the Eastern Corridor a viable and vibrant contributor to our town. I feel like there should have been fireworks when I signed the final documents for that.
This is not to say there haven’t been challenges. There certainly have been.
Since I’ve been Mayor of Lyons, we’ve experienced two devastating fires, each of which had the potential to completely destroy our town. These tragedies showed the world once again that Lyons is more than a town; we’re a family. And now that the world has been reminded of this, I join you all in hoping we never have to prove that again through any sort of emergency or destruction.
Of course, there has been controversy, such as the land use Intergovernmental Agreement, the potential noise ordinance, and various other disputes and conflicts. As painful and uncomfortable as they may have been, we worked through them all the best way we know how: together. At the end of the day, we’re all neighbors, no matter what side of the desk or dais we sit on.
put your votes behind me and your faith in me, and I hope I have served you well.
I learned so very much over the past seven years of public service, but if I could leave you with one thing, it would be this: You can do anything you set your mind to. You can make a difference in our town and in the world. Never listen to a voice that tells you anything different. Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
Lyons, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mayor Hollie Rogin
Shepherding the completion of major projects, such as the Second Avenue bridge replacement, the 4th Avenue pedestrian bridge replacement, the Broadway improvement project, and the St. Vrain Trail Extension.
All of the art you see walking around town, especially including the Android Jones murals on the town hall,
I am forever grateful to my current and former fellow trustees, to Victoria Simonsen and her immensely talented and hard-working staff, to our regional and statewide partners, and to the incoming mayor and trustees, to my unbelievably patient husband, and most of all, to you. You
Take proactive steps to protect against wildfires
By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review
LYONS – As wildfire risk continues to be a reality in Colorado, the Town of Lyons is encouraging town residents to take proactive steps this spring through the 2026 Town of Lyons Wildfire Mitigation Rebate Match Program. Spring is an ideal time to get started. With milder weather and a chance to prepare ahead, homeowners can complete important mitigation work while conditions are manageable and local funding is available.
This year’s rebate program continues to offer meaningful financial support for Lyons residents. Homeowners may be eligible to receive up to $500 from Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program when they complete qualifying mitigation work, such as removing flammable vegetation and debris, upgrading vents, or replacing combustible materials attached to the home. The Town of Lyons is offering a matching rebate of up to $500, allowing residents to receive up to $1,000 total toward wildfire preparedness improvements on their property.
Getting started begins with a free Wildfire Home Assessment available to all Lyons homeowners through Wildfire Partners. During this visit, a trained specialist evaluates your property, identifies specific vulnerabilities, and provides a customized mitigation plan tailored to your home
and surroundings. This step ensures that any work completed is both effective and aligned with current best practices in Boulder County.
After completing the assessment, residents can move forward with mitigation work, either on their own or with the help of local contractors. Spring is a good time to clear vegetation within five feet of structures, remove highly flam-
March 30.
During Stage 1 fire restrictions, open fires are only permitted within Forest Service installed and maintained fire rings and picnic grills within highly developed recreation areas and campgrounds that are maintained by a host.
Western Stars Gallery and Studio reopens on May 1 LYONS – Western Stars Gallery & Studio (WSGS) is excited to announce its Grand Reboot Opening Weekend, taking place Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 from 11a.m. – 7 p.m. at 160 Main Street in Lyons.
The gallery will feature a fresh and evolving collection of Colorado-made art, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, antiques, and gifts, with new work and inventory arriving daily through April 25.
Opening weekend will have a celebratory, community-forward feel, including artist pop-ups, plant starts courtesy of DAR, and family-friendly offerings such as music by Alexa Wildish (details to come), The Fairy Shimmers (Saturday, 12–4 p.m.) and Cheeky Monkey Face Painting (Sunday; details to be shared via Facebook). Light refreshments will be served throughout the weekend.
While Western Stars Gallery is an independently owned business, there are strong community ties: owner Chrystal DeCoster currently serves as President of the Lyons Creative District (LCD) and is a past president of the Lyons Arts & Humanities Commission (LAHC) and Art Shows Coordinator at both the library and town hall. That said, WSGS is not the official home base for either organization but is an avid supporter of both arts organizations.
Looking ahead, the rear portion of the now Santorini Blue building, owned by Sally Glass, is being developed into an evolving community arts center, with unfolding plans for classes, workshops, and gatherings, currently anticipated to open in late August.
We’re thrilled to reopen our doors and welcome the community back in to celebrate art, creativity, and connection
mable plants such as junipers, and make improvements that reduce ember intrusion risks. Once work is complete, homeowners can apply for the Boulder County rebate by submitting required documentation, including photos of the completed project.
Following County approval, residents can then apply for the Town of Lyons rebate match. Those who complete more than $500 in eligible mitigation work in 2026 may qualify for the full match. For example, a $1,200 investment in mitigation improvements could result in $500 from Boulder County and $500 from the town, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. Boulder County sends the town a monthly list of property owners who have been authorized for a rebate.
Funding for the program is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early action is encouraged. By taking steps now, residents protect their own homes while also contributing to the overall safety and resilience of the Lyons community as wildfire season approaches.
Applications and information for the town match are available online at townoflyons.com/wildfirerebate. Now is the perfect time to plan ahead, complete your mitigation work, and take advantage of available rebates while hardening your home against property damage from wildfire.
Kim Mitchell is the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the town. She writes on town events, staff news, and the arts. She has called Lyons home for 17 years and is a dedicated small-town enthusiast. Email: kmitchell@townoflyons. com and kimicolorado@gmail.com.
Spring mitigation work like clearing vegetation and reducing fire risks around the home can help Lyons residents qualify for up to $1,000 in wildfire preparedness rebates.”
What’s Happening at the museum in 2026
Sawyer-Lang
By Monique Sawyer-Lang Redstone Review
LYONS – It’s Springtime and May is just around the corner, which means that the Lyons Redstone Museum will be opening for another season, its 47th to be exact. In 1979, the Lyons Historical Society, which operates the museum, opened to the public with its mission: to discover and collect any materials which may help to establish or illustrate the history of the Lyons area: its exploration, settlement, development, and activities.
This season, the museum will be open on weekends in May, on Memorial Day, May 25, and daily June 1 through September 30. Our hours are Sundays 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. and Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. May is also Archaeology and Historic Preservation month in Boulder County, and a great time to get out and explore the history of your local community.
Mark your calendars for June 27, which is the museum’s annual History Day. In addition to a short opening program, the museum will be debuting one new exhibit and three renovated exhibits. Funded in part by a grant from the Lyons Community Foundation, museum staff have been working over the winter on this extensive undertaking.
The Della Burke Exhibit highlights the life of this accomplished horsewoman from Lyons who raised quarter horses and performed in parades and rodeos throughout the West. On display is her rare red and white plastic saddle and associated tack,
which was manufactured by the All-Western Plastic Company in the late 1940s. It is estimated that about 65 saddles were manufactured. Also on display is one of the several riding outfits in the museum’s collection
that Della herself designed and made. As owner of an All-Western Plastic Company saddle, Della was in good company with Hollywood film actors and western icons Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, who owned several of these saddles.
The Lyons-St. Vrain Creamery Company Exhibit is a combination of photographs and documents associated with the Creamery from the early 1900s, as well as artifacts
related to dairying in the Lyons area. The Creamery was a cooperative operation that began production in 1914 and was an economic driver in the community for many years. The Lyons-St. Vrain Creamery became well known for its summer production of ice cream and supplied many of the hotels and resorts in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The Creamery was originally located on Main Street in the space which is now the parking lot on the east side of the St. Vrain Market.
For many years, a centerpiece of the exhibits on the first floor of the museum has been the original teller cage from The State Bank of Lyons. This exhibit has now been updated with new narratives on the history of banking in Lyons and with photographs and documents from our archives. An exciting new addition to the exhibit are two original brass signs from The State Bank of Lyons, donated by Christine Ralston of Ralston Antiques. A casual conversation a few weeks ago with Christine about what the museum is working on revealed the existence of these signs. Since the name of the bank was changed from Bank of Lyons to The State Bank of Lyons in 1908, we assume the signs are at least that old. We are grateful to have received them and are excited to show them off. This just goes to show: “you never know
Lyons Garden Club faced a difficult decision
By Sue Wratten Redstone Review
LYONS – The Lyons Garden Club has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Mountain Blooms tour due to drought conditions in our area. Members voted unanimously, with all 14 votes in favor of canceling, as it was felt it was unwise to water gardens in light of our dry winter and spring, and potential for water restrictions in Lyons.
LGC realizes this is a fun community event; this year would have been our sixth year holding the tour, and we are hoping to bring the tour back in 2027—bigger and better. The Mountain Blooms tour is our biggest fundraiser, allowing us to continue making “Lyons beautiful, one flower at a time.” We maintain three common gardens, the West Wall (where the bears live), the Butterfly Planter (across from Moxie’s), and the High Street Terrace (area near Lyons Physical Therapy).
We beautify and maintain these gardens with volunteers
Beyond
and donated funds; the water is supplied by the Town of Lyons. We have also been able to give scholarships to Lyons High School seniors who qualify by pursuing careers involving “getting your hands dirty.” Our other fundraiser is the annual Chili Cook-off held in conjunction with the Town of Lyons Halloween Parade; this year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 24.
As we all get used to the new normal of less water, the Garden Club will strive to plant more native and xeric plants. We hope to bring the Mountain Blooms Tour back in 2027. It is a much-loved community event. To learn more about the garden club, please visit our website: lyonsgardenclub.com.
Sue Wratten is the founder and a volunteer for the Lyons Garden Club
what treasures are still hiding in Lyons.”
Last and certainly not least is the 1907 Studebaker Mail Wagon Exhibit. It is the mail wagon that started the museum on this journey of renovating the other three exhibits. The mail wagon is the original horse-drawn wagon used by Alfred Hess to deliver the mail in the rural areas outside of Lyons. The wagon, which was owned by a collector in Washington State, was acquired in 1984 by the Lyons Historical Society and transported to Lyons. With the exception of being in a parade or two early on, it has been in storage and not accessible to the public. The museum is bringing it into the first-floor exhibit space, and since we had to move some things around to accommodate it, we figured we might as well spruce things up. The mail wagon and the accompanying exhibit on the postal history of Lyons are a wonderful addition to the story that is the history of Lyons.
We encourage you to join us on June 27 as we debut all these exhibits and commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, the 150th Anniversary of Colorado Statehood, the 135th Anniversary of the Incorporation of The Town of Lyons, and the 47th Anniversary of the Lyons Redstone Museum.
You can explore more of Lyons history through our website lyonsredstonemuseum.com. The museum relies on grants and donations to fund our operations, and your support is greatly appreciated. You can donate through our website or by mail to Lyons Historical Society, PO Box 9, Lyons, CO 80540.
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.
in Lyons. For more information or inquiries, call 303-7463818 or email info@westernstarsgallerystudio.gallery.
Lyons Lions Club is sponsoring an eye glass drive
LYONS – Vision is a central theme for the Lions Club International mission.
We accept the following items: All eye glasses, Sunglasses, Contact Lenses, Readers, Eye glass cases, and…Hearing aids. All will be processed, refurbished and distributed locally, nationally and internationally.
Collection boxes may be found at: The St. Vrain Market, Lyons Community Library, Lyons Middle/Senior High School, Lyons Elementary, Lumber Liquor.
The Lyons Lions Club thanks you.
Wildfire Partners free community chipping
BOULDER – The free county chipping program is available to all residents within Boulder County and supports residents with managing the high-risk vegetation on their properties. The program emphasizes cooperation among neighbors where groups of five or more homeowners work together to complete a chipping event in their community. Learn more and apply to the chipping program at?boco. org/chipping
Wildfire mitigation work
Access local rebate and match program
LYONS – The Town of Lyons recently secured funding to expand wildfire mitigation work in our Wildland–Urban Interface for town-owned properties. The combined $83,000 effort (including town funding, Boulder County Wildfire Mitigation funding, and in-kind support) will help treat 40–60 acres of own-owned land near neighborhoods, affordable housing, our schools, and the St. Vrain River corridor.
Work includes:
• Forest thinning to reduce dense pinyon and juniper
The State Bank of Lyons signs, circa 1908 donated by Christine Ralston.
3 Bears Garden on High & 5th Street GAUTAM BAHN
Neighborhood garden. GAUTAM BAHN
The library lineup of programs that celebrate growth in all its forms
Bauman
By Kara Bauman Redstone Review
LYONS – April in Lyons has a way of reminding us that everything is in motion. The river picks up, the orchards begin to bloom, and suddenly the calendar fills with reasons to step outside, try something new, and reconnect with neighbors.
At your Lyons Community Library, we’re leaning into that seasonal energy with a lineup of programs that celebrate growth in all its forms, from seeds and sustainability to creativity, community, and a little friendly competition.
We’re especially excited for a full day of programming on Saturday, April 25, beginning with a special off-site event. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., join us at the Lyons Community Farm Orchard during the Spring Blossom Festival for a community seed swap. Bring extra seeds to share or simply come to learn. This drop-in program is a chance to trade, connect, and pick up seed-saving tips, all surrounded by the orchard in bloom. It’s a lovely way to take part in the cycle of growing, saving, and giving back while helping replenish the library’s community seed collection.
Back at the library that afternoon from
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., join us for a community swap and hands-on activities for kids. Bring gently loved children’s toys, books, games, or clothing and exchange them for something new-to-you from neighbors in the community—a simple, satisfying way to refresh what you have while helping the planet. Young participants can also get creative with eco-friendly crafts to take home and use. Come for an afternoon of sharing, making, and green living.
ated by cartoonist Liza Donnelly and filmmaker Kathleen Hughes, the film highlights artists such as Roz Chast and Emily Flake while examining the evolving role of women in a historically male-dominated field. After the screening, we’ll host a community conversation about art, humor, and storytelling, along with an introduction to Artist Trading Cards, a creative practice centered on small, shareable works of art.
As the evening rolls in, the library transforms once again. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., our Teen Advisory Group hosts a life-size game of Clue for students in grades six through twelve. Participants will step into character, move through the library solving clues, and work together to crack the mystery. It’s an immersive, high-energy program that brings a familiar board game to life in a completely new way. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up ahead of time.
Later in the week, we invite you to join us on Tuesday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. for a screening of Women Laughing, a short documentary exploring the lives and work of women cartoonists at The New Yorker. Cre-
A surprise encounter with the Dalai Lama
By Susan de Castro Gierach Redstone Review Editor
LYONS – It was my turn to pick out the book for our book club, and as usual, I was baffled as to what book to choose. I decided to ask Google what the 10 most popular books were in 2025, and one of the titles that intrigued me was The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie.
So, I ordered it along with a couple of others and began my reading journey. I didn’t know anything about the book or much about the author. But soon I was drawn into (to my surprise) the day-to-day routine of the Dalai Lama’s life narrated by his cat, referred to as Little Snow
Lion, by the Dalai. Our book discussion centered mostly on our experiences with Buddhism, and I was reminded of the time my husband John and I attended a talk by the Dalai Lama himself at Macky Auditorium in Boulder years ago. The experience was so stunning, I could actually say it was life-changing. It was not the talk that was life-changing; it was my experience before the talk took place. I had joined a Tibetan Buddhist group of some sort, although I had no ties to Naropa University or the organization. However, due to my membership, I was able to buy tickets
Looking ahead to early May, we’re offering an AARP Smart Driver course on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This classroom-based course is designed for drivers ages 50 and older and covers updated road rules, defensive driving strategies, and practical safety techniques. Participants may also be eligible for an insurance discount upon completion. Please bring a sack lunch and know that financial assistance is available if cost is a barrier.
On Wednesday, May 13, we have a full afternoon and evening of community-centered programming. Our blood drive with the Town of Lyons and Vitalina runs from 1:30 p.m. to
to the Dalai Lama’s lecture. I managed to talk John into going with me, although he was not too fond of the idea. All religions made him squeamish.
The day of the event was a hot summer day. The crowd in front of Macky Auditorium was huge; the plaza in front of the huge doors was packed. We decided to wait out on the curved sidewalk close to the street in front of the auditorium.
We were leaning/sitting on the iron railing when a very long stretch limo stopped about 10 feet from us on the street and out jumped about 10 or 11 monks in their Saffron robes and proceeded to walk in a straight line right in front of us.
The Dalai Lama was in the center of the row of monks, and when he was exactly in front of me, he stopped; then all the monks stopped and turned to face John and me. With their hands in the prayer position, they all bowed to us in unison.
April is Stress Awareness Month: Why it matters
By Megan Foreman Redstone Review
LYONS – April is recognized as Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how stress affects our daily lives and, more importantly, our health. While stress is a normal part of life, chronic or unmanaged stress can take a significant toll on both the body and mind.
In a close-knit community like ours, where many of us juggle work, family, and other responsibilities, it’s especially important to recognize the signs of stress and know how to manage it effectively.
Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges or demands. In small amounts, it can actually be helpful, motivating us to meet deadlines, solve problems, or stay alert in difficult situations. However, when stress becomes persistent, it can lead to a variety of health concerns. Common physical symptoms include fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, sleep
disturbances, and changes in appetite. Emotionally, stress may present as irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, or feeling overwhelmed.
Over time, chronic stress has been linked to more serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immune function, and depression. That’s why it’s not something we should ignore or simply push through.
One of the first steps in managing stress is recognizing it. Many people become so accustomed to feeling busy or overwhelmed that they don’t realize how much stress they’re carrying. Taking a moment to check in with yourself—asking how you’re feeling physically and emotionally—can be a powerful starting point.
Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to reduce stress that don’t require major changes or expensive resources. Regular physical activity is one of the most beneficial tools we have. Even a daily walk can help lower stress hormones and improve mood.
4:30 p.m., offering a simple but powerful way to support others. That evening, head over to MainStage Brewing at 6 p.m. for Pints and Pages, where we’ll be discussing All the Colors of the Dark. Then return to the library at 6:30 p.m. for a mental health panel featuring Roslynn Regnery and other local professionals, focused on caring for your well-being during turbulent news cycles.
Spring invites us to grow in ways big and small. We hope you’ll find something here that sparks curiosity, builds connection, or simply brings joy to your day.
Your Lyons Community Library opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday. We close at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Our online catalog is available 24/7 at lyons.colibraries.org, and we’re always open for digital downloads and streaming on the Libby, CloudLibrary, and Kanopy apps. Give us a call at 303-823-5165 or email info@lyonslibrary.com with any questions. Please see the calendar of events on our website for additional programs, program information, and registration instructions.
Kara Bauman is the Director of the Lyons Community Library and holds an MLIS from the University of Kentucky. She’s an avid fly angler, enjoys craft beer, and travels extensively to see her favorite band, Widespread Panic.
I was so flabbergasted I would have fallen over, except the iron railing was behind me and caught me in time. I composed myself enough to put my hands together and bow down to them in return. When we all stood up, the Dalai Lama was staring directly into my eyes with a huge Cheshire cat grin on his face. For whatever reason, I started to giggle and then to laugh, and I couldn’t stop. I had no control over my laughter; my face was frozen. I started to think to myself, holy cow, this is embarrassing. Here I am standing less than 3 feet in front of perhaps one of the 3 most holy people in the world, and I can’t stop laughing. The chances of me ever coming face to face with the Pope or anyone else of this magnitude are between zero and none. However, I had no control over what was happening to me.
The Dalai Lama and the monks turned slowly in unison and started walking in a row up the walkway to the doors of Macky, where
Prioritizing sleep is equally important; most teenagers need 8–10 hours of sleep, while adults typically need 7–9 hours. Limiting screen time before bed and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can make a big difference.
Nutrition also plays a role. Skipping meals or relying on highly processed foods can worsen fatigue and mood swings. Aim for balanced meals with whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Staying hydrated is another often overlooked factor.
In addition to these lifestyle habits, taking time for relaxation and connection is essential. This might include spending time outdoors, practicing mindfulness or deep breathing, engaging in hobbies, or simply talking with a friend or family member. In small communities, social connection can be one of our greatest strengths—don’t hesitate to lean on it.
It’s also important to recognize when stress may be more than you can manage on your own. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent anxiety, mood changes, difficulty functioning at work or school, or thoughts of selfharm, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Primary care providers can be a great starting point and can help connect patients with counseling or other mental health resources. Parents should also be mindful of stress in children and
LOOKING UP
Pick it up, no more excuses
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 common here in Lyons. I once heard someone opine that Lyons had more dogs than people, and given the evidence I’ve seen (or worn), I’d have to agree with that premise.
The town parks department generously provides plastic bags to pick up the poop and several containers for their disposal.
So why don’t people pick up after their dog? There is a variety of excuses:
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 a proper waste bin is the easy part.
Don’t want to pick up while in the middle of a run with Fido—Yes, I know it throws off your rhythm. Just view it as a mid-run stretch when you bend down to pick it up.
Leadership
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. 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 rain or, when dry, goes airborne with the wind.
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 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 U.S. waterways can be traced back to the digestive system of dogs. You know what, as they say, flows downhill, 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 downstream drink from.
If common courtesy doesn’t convince you, the Town of Lyons may convict you.
Lyons has a law that makes the non-removal of dog excrement an offense punishable by a fine of 50 dollars for the first offense and double for the second.
Specifically, Section 7-6-80 of the Lyons Municipal Code states, “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!
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 well remind you of this law. 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.
Greg Lowell was just recently re-elected to the Lyons Town Board of Trustees and serves as a liaison to the Ecology Advisory Board for the Lyons Town Board.
and science training goes from grade school to high school
By Lauren Hunter and Berit Larson Redstone Review
LYONS – After the devastating Lyons flood in 2013, the elementary school, under the leadership of Principal Andrew Moore and community members at his side, began dreaming up “Science and Leadership,” the now nine-yearold program.
With a grant from Outward Bound, Moore started teaching leadership and science to elementary kids on a late start, with assistance from high school students. However, after the program’s success at the high school level post-COVID, the school began having high schoolers run leadership and science activities, which has allowed for hands-on leadership training for the high school and strong community connections for the kids.
Moore said it is “rewarding for the high school students” when they go from being the kids in elementary school in
science and leadership to the leaders who impacted them as kids. The high schoolers, as “a model for what civic engagement looks like,” are one of the pieces of science and leadership that Moore felt had the greatest impact. As the kids progress from month to month and year to year, teachers, high school leaders, and administrators alike have all stated that they have become better at teamwork and addressing challenges. Moore’s biggest hope for this program is that “it continues to grow and change” because it’s so beneficial for all involved.
Moore is not the only adult at Lyons Elementary with a love for the late start program; fourth-grade teacher Dawn Lundell has been teaching at Lyons since 2002 and has watched many of her students
go from being the kids in Science and Leadership to leading it. In this time, she’s seen kids “become more resilient in problem solving,” and in teamwork, and build up their confidence. When it comes to seeing her students become high school leaders, she said, “Each (high school group) we have in fourth grade has stepped up and has worked so confidently with our (kids).”
However, Lundell said that her favorite part is watching her former fourth graders become so confident, and that she feels inspired by them. “I feel so proud when I see my former fourth graders leading.” The bonds forged with the students and the lessons learned carry over throughout the different chapters of their lives, Continue Leadership on Page 14
Understanding IT band syndrome: Moving beyond the “tightness” myth
By Bronwyn Muldoon Redstone Review
LYONS – The iliotibial (IT) band often gets a bad rap when it comes to hip and knee injuries. It is frequently blamed for limiting physical activity and causing pain that is actually rooted in factors beyond the band’s direct control. Understanding why IT Band Syndrome (ITBS) develops and how to manage it can help you stay active and avoid frustrating setbacks. The iliotibial tract is a thick band of fascia (connective tissue) that runs along the lateral (outer) side of the thigh. It originates at the iliac crest (hip bone) and inserts just below the knee.
Its primary functions include:
Stability: Helping to maintain alignment and reduce unwanted lateral movement in the hip and knee.
Force transfer: Efficiently transferring
energy between the hip and knee during movement.
Joint support: Stabilizing the lower limb during the rapid cycling of flexion and extension required for walking and running.
ITBS is typically associated with activity-related knee pain that subsides with rest. Common signs include: sharp pain on the outer aspect of the knee, especially when the heel strikes the ground; an audible snapping, clicking, or popping sensation;
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worse when running, descending stairs, or during prolonged cycling of the knee.
For years, ITBS was thought to be caused by the band being too tight and rubbing against the bone. However, a 2023 review of clinical evidence refutes the idea that simple friction is the primary source of pain.
Instead, researchers found that the issue is often mechanical. In female runners, a lack of hip internal rotation was the cause. In other athletes, hip weakness, specifically the gluteus medius and minimus, was a contributing factor to the ITB being irritated.
These muscles control the position of your pelvis and femur. When they are weak, the pelvis drops and the knee caves inward, placing excessive stress on the tissues around the knee.
Recovery focuses on building a functional foundation rather than just stretching a band that is meant to be stiff.
First: Don’t foam roll the ITB. The ITB is a thick fascia. It does not have the same properties as a muscle or tendon and thus
does not lengthen. Instead, roll the muscles that influence the ITB: glutes, quads, and hamstrings.
Rolling the muscles around the ITB will not only take the tension off the band, it won’t be as painful as directly rolling the ITB.
Second: One must strengthen and re-educate the hip abductor muscles to unload the IT Band. All exercises should be performed with proper lower-body alignment. Maintain a level pelvis and ensure your knees stay in line with your hips and ankles. Do not allow your knee to cave inward or your hip to “hitch” upward.
The three exercises below are really good to start with when trying to strengthen the hips.
Lateral band walks: Place a resistance band around ankles or just below knees keeping toes forward, and take slow steps sideways.
Side planks: Elevate the body while resting on your elbow and feet to engage the
Proof that not everyone got the memo: pick it up.
Lowell
Muldoon
Looking forward to some of the early arrivals, hummers, flowers, and chats
By Peter Butler Redstone Review
LYONS – The nice thing about spring is that there are so many returning pleasures to welcome: longer days, birds, plants, insects, and Tax Day. The last few years have been regular and predictable, but it looks like this year is jumping the gun after a mild winter, pulling everything wild ahead of schedule.
After witnessing months of monochrome uniformity on our hills and grasslands, the greening of our environs is a deep psychological soother. Now the first green shoots of grass and buds have burst on the earlier trees, like willow, and as we get further into spring, there are more specific arrivals. I have been keeping track of the first hummingbirds since 2013, and, where we live on Apple Ridge, the early birds are here between April 10 and April 18, so we have a hummingbird feeder ready for them by the kitchen window.
The fun thing about Broad-tailed hummingbirds is that you usually hear them before seeing them. Our ears have been without that wacky whistling sound since October, but when it comes, it alerts sleeping neurons to spark joy. Deirdre had an apparent mind meld with a distant tiny bird, and considered the possibility of an early arrival this year, so we were ready early.
The bright red syrup feeder only had to wait a few days for the first tiny miracle to arrive on March 24, three weeks ahead of schedule. We heard him first. Soon, there he was, refilling his tanks after several hundred miles in the high atmosphere. Maybe he
noticed that there are more daffodils around here this year. Last year, I decided to emphasize the spring garden and planted hundreds of bulbs. Even though they were deprived of a long, cold spell and plenty of snow, they are bravely emerging and flaunting their yellowness with maybe a little nectar.
ing for protein, it always evokes a shudder. I have lived in places where a tick is so happy to alight on a human that they embed and begin exsanguinating immediately. But around here, it seems that they are floundering about, smacking their tiny foreheads, bleating “ugh—wrong mammal.” Gardeners
Tarragon is always the first plant to blaze with emerald in our herb bed. Usually, it peeps out of some lying snow, making a bright contrast against white, and soon it will freshen up a pasta meal or maybe a hollandaise sauce, a tangy refresher after a winter of stored food.
Other early arrivals this year, but not quite so warmly embraced, are ticks. When you find one wandering across your skin, look-
Notes from Joe Neguse
By Joe Neguse U.S. House of Representatives Redstone Review
BOULDER – Visiting Niwot High School and High Peak Elementary
I have always enjoyed visiting with the many talented and thoughtful students in our district, as they remind me of all the reasons why we should be optimistic about our shared future. Thank you to the incredible teachers and administrators at Niwot High School and High Peak Elementary for giving me the opportunity to speak with the next generation of leaders and changemakers last week.
What else have we been working on?
After much pushback, Speaker Mike Johnson finally agreed to put the unanimous bipartisan Senate deal to pay our hard-working TSA agents on the House floor for consideration—only to once again reverse himself hours later! I said this last week, and I’ll say it again: House Republicans must end this chaos and put the bill on the House Floor for a vote. Members of #TeamNeguse met with Colorado’s task force on the Front Range pine beetle to talk about how to protect our forests and curb the outbreak that is harming trees across the area.
In case you missed it, I’m proud to have secured federal funding for the Summit County Sheriff’s Office to construct a new ranger station at Dillon Reservoir, which will help keep our mountain communities safe and save lives. Calling all high school artists. The annual Congressional Art Competition is now open to all high school students in Colorado’s Second District. The overall winner of our local competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Visit our website for more information about the competition and how to submit your entry before the April 17, 2026 deadline.
and hikers are most at risk for an involuntary blood donation. Hopefully, there won’t be a round of tick-borne diseases occurring. Pasque flowers are a pale mauve seasonal indicator. They are named for the French word for Easter and flower accordingly, even though Easter timing is based on strange rules regarding full moons. I have found many to enjoy since March 23 in Pinewood Springs.
Please continue to stay safe, stay healthy, and—despite everything—stay hopeful.
Dear neighbor:
As you may know, a few days ago, the Attorney General of the United States, Pam Bondi, was fired. The role of Attorney General is to ensure the impartial and independent application of justice and rule of law for the American people—but under Pam Bondi’s leadership, the agency unlawfully targeted Trump’s political opponents, dismantled key programs meant to keep the American people safe, and subverted the rule of law. Her mismanagement of the agency was, in my view, reprehensible.
Then, after these old friends have arrived and settled into Front Range living, there are a few weeks to wait for my favorite visitor of the year—the yellow-breasted chat—a bird which definitely broadcasts its presence in song. Not just any song, but the mad ravings of a clown bird. They can make almost any call sound, and they compose creatively, with variations every few moments, based on a repeat of five to seven short notes followed by an exclamation point. This can be a few sweet chirrups and then a mew or maybe six cackles and a fart.
I have spent many a happy time listening to this free entertainment. They seem to value low scrub bushes like bitterbrush and mountain mahogany, where they can be invisible. They deserve a bit of peace after flying all the way from as far away as Panama. Other world species are also strong long-distance migrants. When I was a kid, I used to pore over my bird books in England, but it took a trip to Wales, where I eventually saw an orange-breasted stonechat singing atop a gorse bush, even though he had just flown in from Africa. Most of the chats are in the genus Saxicola, which includes 13 other chats globally. The name comes from the Latin words Saxum (rock) and Incola (dweller). When you think about it, most of us in Lyons are Saxicolans because living in the mountains makes us rock dwellers, too.
Peter Butler was born in India and lived in a house facing a giant kapok tree. Growing up in England, there were trees, but never quite enough. After qualifying as a biochemist, there was a gradual evolution into being a graphic designer. He and his wife, Deirdre moved to the States in 1997 and to Lyons in 2000. Finally, there are enough trees.
When Attorney General Bondi appeared before my committee a mere 45 days ago, I had the opportunity to expose the pervasive corruption described above, and the country learned what many of us had long made clear: she was completely unfit to serve as our nation’s chief law enforcement officer.
Pam Bondi’s termination—a mere 30 days after former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was also removed the day after my direct questioning of her during our oversight hearing—was long overdue.
Colorado climate week
I was honored to participate in Colorado Climate Week alongside lawmakers from across the state, including Governor Jared Polis and Senator Michael Bennet. The scale at which we’re seeing extreme weather—including an 87-degree day in March—impacting our communities cannot be ignored.
We also can’t turn our backs on the federal climate scientists, researchers, and institutions like NCAR in Boulder that are tasked with understanding these weather patterns and making groundbreaking advancements to keep communities safe. Their work is vital to our state, our country, and our planet.
Our fight to protect NCAR and advance long-lasting solutions to the climate crisis continues.
Congressman Joe Neguse represents Colorado’s Second District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to his first term in November 2018, becoming the first African-American member of Congress in Colorado history. He serves as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee, and the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.
The yellow-breasted chat: part songbird, part stand-up comedian. D. BRUCE YOLTON
Butler
Neguse
EXPLORE NEW IDEAS
Earth Week in Lyons: From wareness to action
By Dawn Weller Redstone Review
LYONS – Lyons will celebrate Earth Day 2026 with a week of events from April 18–25, bringing together Town commissions, community organizations, the Lyons Regional Library, and town staff.
The series highlights practical approaches to sustainability, climate resilience, and community stewardship, while creating opportunities for residents to learn, connect, and take action locally.
Throughout the week, residents can participate in discussions, workshops, a film screening, and hands-on activities focused on reducing environmental impact and strengthening community resilience.
The week kicks off with a Make Earth Day Every Day event on Saturday, April 18, from 12 p.m.–2 p.m. at Warrior Soul Gallery & Community Studio, 304 Main St, Unit B, Lyons. Explore eco-friendly products from local businesses, with samples and demos on sustainable choices. Enjoy free plant-based food, zero-waste items, native flower seeds, and simple tips to reduce your impact.
In addition, there are several evening programs throughout the week, at both Town Hall and the Library.
On Sunday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m., Dr. John Thomas of the University of Colora-
do will lead a discussion on climate resilience and how communities like Lyons can prepare for changing conditions.
On Tuesday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m., Boulder County’s Chandra Valenza will present a Household Composting Workshop, offering practical tools to reduce waste and support soil health.
On Wednesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m., the Lyons Regional Library will host a screening of the film 2040, which explores solutions to environmental challenges through existing technologies and community action.
The series continues on Thursday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. with Making $ense of Heat Pumps & Rebates, where Edward Kean of GO Electric Colorado will explain energy-efficient home upgrades and available incentives.
Dig In, Clean Up, and Plug In: Earth Day Events for April 25
The week culminates on Saturday, April 25, with a day of community-centered activities. Morning events, beginning at 9 a.m. in the orchard area (Fourth Street & Prospect), include Blossom Fest, a community tree planting, and a river cleanup—handson opportunities to care for local natural resources. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Earth Expo at Bohn Park will feature booths, demonstrations, and activities focused on practical ways to support environmental health and resilience.
Expo participants will include Simply Bee, sharing ways to support pollinators; resources on recycling and household hazardous waste; and The Watershed Center, highlighting watershed protection. GO Electric Colorado will provide information on electric vehicles and home electrification, while a rattlesnake awareness station will offer guidance on coexisting safely with local wildlife. The Lyons Fire Protection District and Wildfire Partners will share information on home wildfire assessments, mitigation strategies, and preparedness. Colorado Legal Insurance Help Fund will also be present with information on accessible legal aid and insurance education. Refreshments will be provided by the Lyons Community Foundation, with tea from Honorable Harvest Tea and Apothecary. Together, these events emphasize that sustainability is both a shared responsibil-
Colorado faces limited water supply after record-low snowpack
By Russ Schumacher Redstone Review
FORT COLLINS –
Each day during the winter and spring, one of the first things I look at is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website that shows the current status of the snowpack in Colorado’s mountains. Maybe that sounds like the strange habit of a state climatologist, but I’m far from the only one. Why? Because the snow that falls in our state’s mountains will, when it melts in the spring and summer, become a large portion of the water supply for tens of millions of people.
Those people aren’t only here in Colorado, but are in other states, tribal nations, and Mexico, drawing their water from the rivers that originate in Colorado. Mountain snow is essential for our winter recreation industry, for farms and ranches that grow
our food, for drinking water, for ecosystem health, and much more. It hasn’t been a pretty sight when I have opened that USDA website each morning this winter. In an average year, our mountains get a lot of snow: In places like the Park Range, the West Elk Mountains or the San Juans, a typical year brings hundreds of inches of snow, carrying more than 40 inches of liquid water. This year, we struggled to get half that. Now, after an unprecedented heat wave in March, the snow is already disappearing quickly. As of March 25, averaged across 115 stations in Colorado’s mountains, the snow water equivalent was just 38% of the 1991–2020 average. (The snow water equivalent is the amount of water stored in the snowpack.) This represents the lowest snowpack in more than 40 years—and possibly ever—
Lyons first Team CO Whitewater Run -Off Race to be held in May
By Maria Barroso Redstone Review
LYONS – Team Colorado Whitewater Racing (TCWR), a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to youth whitewater development and competitive paddling, is bringing its first annual TCWR Lyons Run-Off Race to the Lyons community on the weekend of May 16 and 17, and everyone is welcome to come out and be part of it. The weekend kicks off on Saturday, May 16, with a free kayaking clinic for the entire community, running from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The clinic is open to children ages nine and up, and adults are warmly encouraged to participate as well. Those with their own kayaking gear are welcome to get on the water alongside the younger paddlers. Led by TCWR’s experienced and
passionate coaches, the clinic offers a safe, fun, and encouraging environment for anyone curious about the sport, whether they are a complete beginner or someone who has not paddled in years. Best of all, it is completely free of charge. The free clinic will be at Lyons Pond, and the race is at St. Vrain River by November and October hole.
On Sunday, May 17, the South St. Vrain River will come alive with the energy of competitive whitewater racing as TCWR hosts its inaugural Lyons Run-Off Race. Spectators will have a front-row seat to watch skilled kayakers push themselves to the limit, navigating the river’s powerful current with speed, precision, and athleticism. Athletes from TCWR’s Competitive and Juniors programs, along with competitors from the Dawson School, will take to the water in what promises to be a thrilling and memorable day on the river.
ity and a local opportunity—one that connects environmental health, community resilience, everyday choices, and the people who call Lyons home.
Additional details, including finalized times and locations, will be available on the Town of Lyons website. www.townoflyons. com/earthday
Over the past 30 years as a Lyons resident, Dawn Weller has served on the Parks and Recreation Commission, served as a Trustee on the Lyons Town Board, and is a long-time member of the Sustainable Futures Commission. She lives in town with her husband and dog.
Glow
in Colorado’s mountains. Conditions haven’t been any better along the Front Range and Eastern Plains, which have also lagged far behind the average amount of snowfall. There have been other major snow droughts in the past, notably the winters of 1976–1977 and 1980–1981, that threatened the ski industry and resulted in record-low streamflow on some of Colorado’s rivers. But this snow season has been unrivaled in its warmth. The first five months of the water year—from October through February, were Colorado’s warmest on record by a large margin. And it’s almost certain that we are in the midst of the warmest March on record as well.
The warmth has been remarkably persistent, as relentless ridges of high pressure have prevented the usual snowstorms from moving into the state. The Fort Collins weather station at Colorado State University recorded an astonishing 43 days with a high temperature of 60°F or above during climatological winter (December through February). The previous record, from records dating back to the late 19th century, was 22. Starting March 18, Fort
Founded on the belief that whitewater kayaking should be accessible to all young athletes in Colorado, TCWR provides coaching, training, and competitive opportunities for paddlers of all skill levels.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 16, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the free community kayaking clinic, and Sunday, May 17, for the TCWR Lyons Run-Off Race, both taking place in Lyons, Colorado.
For more information about Team Colorado Whitewater Racing, please visit www. whitewaterracing.co or contact Maria Barroso at tcwrcoachmaria@gmail.com.
Maria Barroso is a coach with Team Colorado Whitewater Racing (TCWR).
By Sally White King Redstone Review
So odd because just the day before
I had paused to admire him-… The neighbor’s white sheep died last night-
A covered mound
In the field next to our shop
So odd because just the day before I had paused to admire him(He is not usually a beautiful creature)
But on this day – he had this kind of glow about him…. Maybe we glow before we go.
Sally White King is a local artist who believes it’s imperative that each of us pop our heads up out of the collective trance to bring through our creative gifts. You can find her on her blog and website, hersoupot. net and sallywhiteking.com or email sallywhiteking@live.com.
Lake Dillon in Summit County supplies about 40% of Metro Denver’s water.
WORLDS APART
Artemis II astronauts complete historic journey around the moon
Spring in Lyons: Get outside, get involved
By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review
LYONS – Spring in Lyons often feels like a reset. As April rolls in, longer days and warmer sunshine bring fresh energy to town. Trails dry out, neighbors reappear after the quieter winter months, and the foothills spring to life.
It is a great time to get outside, whether that means showing up for a community event, catching up with friends, or simply taking in everything that makes Lyons such a great place.
This year, Earth Week offers several ways to get involved and celebrate the place we call home. From April 18 through April 25, the Sustainable Futures Commission and the Ecology Advisory Board are hosting activities focused on stewardship and sustainability.
The week wraps up with an Earth Day Expo at Bohn Park on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It wouldn’t be Lyons without live music, so we have Jesse Garland bringing her great voice to the expo mix with live music beginning at noon.
That same morning, community members can roll up their sleeves for a cleanup effort organized by Lyons Elevates All Fund (LEAF), starting at 9 a.m., with registration and supplies at the Bohn Park pavilion. For those looking for a more relaxed way to celebrate, the Spring Blossom Festival at the Lyons Community Orchard runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and includes games, music, and hands-on activities
for all ages.
Spring also brings a few seasonal reminders. As temperatures rise, bears begin emerging from hibernation and actively search for food. Securing trash and eliminating easy
food sources is one of the most important steps residents can take to keep both wildlife and the community safe. When bears become accustomed to human food, it often leads to negative outcomes. Simple actions, taken early,
Join the Lyons volunteers for a little spring LoV
By Lonni Pearce Redstone Review
Lyons Volunteers Spring Clean-Up Event
LYONS – Flowers are starting to bloom, trees are budding out, and, well, the weather is a little warmer, a little earlier than we’d hoped, but spring is officially here.
Lyons Volunteers (LoV) are always ready to help individual Lyons neighbors in need, and if you know of someone who needs help with small projects around their home, see the end of the article for info on how to request help. We’re also currently planning our next community-wide event.
Join us for a little spring cleaning. We’ll be partnering with the Town of Lyons for a Spring Community Clean-Up Event and Earth Day Celebration.
Bring your friends and family, children are welcome, and help us collect trash and debris around town. Here are the event details:
The Clean-Up and Earth Day celebrations will be held on April 25 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Bohn Park; from the parking lot, walk to the picnic table on the west side of the bathrooms. Then, a LoV Team Leader will send out groups to clean designated areas.
Bring your work gloves, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and water…and your own mug for some delicious free Mudhut Coffee. Thanks to Mudhut for their generous support. If you have a safety vest, feel free to bring it, although most clean-up zones will not be on major roads. LoV will provide trash bags and trash grabbers.
To sign up: Go to the main Lyons Elevating All Fund (LEAF) website and look for the announcement and signup link.
Afterward, feel free to join the Lyons Earth Day Expo and Orchard Blossom Festival and learn about how to support pollinators, effective recycling, electric vehicles, wildfire mitigation, and more.
LEAF is now greener than ever
Lyons Elevates All Fund (LEAF) is Lyons Volunteers’ parent organization. They are moving forward with several sustainability projects that are funded 100 percent by the State of Colorado through its Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) program. If you’ve driven past the LEAF building, you may have noticed the bright green all-electric
NASA’s Artemis II mission launched on April 1, 2026, and returned on April 10 after a 10-day journey around the Moon. The four astronauts—Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen—traveled aboard the Orion spacecraft, first orbiting Earth before heading out on a “free-return” trajectory that looped them around the Moon and back toward Earth. The mission did not land on the Moon but flew past its far side before returning home. The crew safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, where they were recovered by the U.S. Navy. The mission marks NASA’s first crewed trip to the Moon since the Apollo era, paving the way for future lunar landings. It represents a major milestone in returning humans to deep space. Artemis II also tested critical systems needed for upcoming missions to land astronauts on the lunar surface.
make a difference.
April is also a good time for dog owners to take advantage of Discount Dog Days. Lyons Municipal Code requires all resident dogs to be licensed, and registration is a straightforward process through the Town website with proof of vaccination. Keeping licenses current helps support animal services and ensures pets can be safely identified if needed. Visit townoflyons.com/dog for details.
The town is launching a six-month dog waste composting pilot program at the Bohn Park dog park, running from April through September 2026. The program aims to reduce landfill waste and protect local waterways, recognizing that a single dog can produce a significant amount of waste each year and that most of it currently ends up in landfills inside plastic bags. New compost bins will replace the existing trash bin at the dog park entrance, and compostable bags will be provided on site.
Dog owners are asked to use the provided bags and dispose of waste only in the designated compost bins, as contamination can prevent proper composting. Waste will be collected weekly and processed at a commercial composting facility.
For those who use golf carts around town, the town’s registration program continues to provide guidance on safe and appropriate use. Now in its fourth year, the program outlines where golf cars are permitted and what safety measures are required. Registration helps ensure these vehicles can be used responsibly alongside other forms of transpor-
ID Buzz van now used for essential food and resources delivery. Additionally, in 2026, solar panels and backup batteries will be installed on the facility, providing renewable energy to help offset the electricity needed to keep LEAF’s pantry refrigerators and freezers running efficiently.
LEAF is also transforming its outdoor space with a Food Pantry and pollinator garden and has already begun planting new garden beds that supply the pantry this season with fresh herbs, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and more. Once upgrades are completed, the LEAF center will stand as a local model of sustainability and community-centered design.
Lyons Volunteers provide ongoing community assistance LoV’s mission is to serve individual residents in need by providing semi-skilled and unskilled labor for community members and distressed businesses.
Some examples of the services we provide to individuals and families are helping people with household and property maintenance beyond their capabilities, such as yard clean-up and small house maintenance projects. Recently, LoV members helped a community member with house/ yard clean up after a car hit the home. LoV member, Dave Marvin commented, “This is what we’re here for! Making sure our community members feel cared for and supported. This would have been an impossible task for this person on their own, but with a small and capable crew, we were able to solve her issue quickly and efficiently and get her back to enjoying her home.”
If you’d like to learn more about Lyons Volunteers or LEAF, or to sign up to be a regular volunteer, visit the LEAF website, leaflyons.org. If you have a need for assistance, you can also fill out the form to request help by navigating to the Lyons Volunteers page from the main LEAF website. In all of our projects, LoV brings willing hands, plenty of experience and skill, and hearts to serve.
Lonni Pearce is the Associate Director for Faculty Development and Curricular Oversight Program for Writing and Rhetoric at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Lonni teaches writing at CU Boulder and is a member of LoV. She and her husband live in Pinewood Springs but consider Lyons their hometown.
WHAT’S COOKIN’
Delicious Focaccia
Shark
By Barbara Shark Redstone Review LYONS
– Many years ago, we spent our first summer together living and working in Venice, Italy. Each morning for breakfast in our home on the Grand Canal, we had a huge, warm focaccia delivered from a nearby bakery.
We ate slabs of the delicious salt-studded bread with butter and apricot jam. One of my most vivid culinary memories.
Over the years, I’ve made many of these breads, some plain, others topped with olives or onions. This is an easyto-prepare recipe for my current favorite.
In a largish bowl combine three cups of flour (I use half Golden Wheat and half unbleached) with one teaspoon instant yeast, one teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water. Mix to a sticky dough. Scrape the sides of the bowl
and cover. Let it rise for two hours. I prepare the dough and place it in the fridge, ready to bake the next day. If you do this, remove the bowl from the fridge a couple of hours before forming the focaccia to warm the dough. Heat your oven to 425 degrees. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch sheet pan–line with parchment paper and oil the paper with two tablespoons olive oil. Plop the dough in the center and sprinkle with another tablespoon of olive oil. Using your fingertips, spread the dough by dimpling until it almost reaches the edges. Let it rest for fifteen minutes, then dimple again. Rest for fifteen minutes. Sprinkle with one generous tablespoon of flaky or coarse salt. Bake for 25–30 minutes until light brown all over. Cool a bit on a rack, then slice into squares. Serve with salads, cheeses, charcuterie, and anything else you might be eating. Do try it for breakfast with butter and jam. Buon appetito.
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: howilearnedtocookanartistslife.blog
Bright Moroccan Beef Stew with couscous and preserved lemons
By Catherine Metzger Redstone Review
NUCLA – Tucked at the top of Main Street in the quiet Western Slope town of Nucla, Colorado, Wild Gal’s Market is a vibrant community hub for fresh, local, and organic fare. Founded as Galit Korngold’s passion project, the market celebrates the bounty of the region’s farms, ranches, and producers with seasonal produce, dairy, meats, grab-and-go meals, baked goods, and specialty pantry staples.
My sister Martha is arriving tonight from Denver for dinner, and she and her husband Vance are in for a treat. They might think vibrant Mediterranean meals like this are only found in the city, but a quick stop at Wild Gal’s Market changes everything. Jars of preserved lemons with their bright, saltytangy punch, fiery harissa, fresh cilantro, grass-fed beef, and crisp cucumbers inspire this hearty slow cooker Moroccan beef tagine paired with preserved lemon couscous and a refreshing cucumber yogurt salad. These recipes showcase Wild Gal’s Market treasures—local beef, preserved lemons, harissa, fresh herbs, and produce—turning them into an aromatic, satisfying meal rooted in Moroccan tradition yet easy for our Western Slope kitchens. Stop by the market for ingredients and bring a taste of Nucla’s community spirit to your table. Martha and Vance will be impressed tonight.
Slow cooker Moroccan-inspired beef tagine with cilantro garnish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
This fork-tender tagine serves 3–4. A traditional tagine is a Moroccan slow cooker — a conical clay pot that gently braises ingredients over low heat with minimal liquid. This slow cooker version adapts that method for convenience, but if you have an authentic tagine pot, layer the onions and garlic in the base, arrange the seasoned beef in a pyramid shape on top, add a small amount of liquid, cover with the cone lid, and cook on very low heat (with a heat diffuser) for about 2–2½ hours.
Ingredients:
1¼ lbs beef stew meat, chuck roast, or shank (cut into 1.5–2-inch chunks)
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes with juices (or use ¾ of the can)
�–½ cup beef or chicken broth
Optional saffron: small pinch (8–12 threads), bloomed in 1–2 Tbsp warm water
2 tsp honey or 2–3 Tbsp chopped dried apricots/prunes
1½ cups pitted green olives
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Simple Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Lightly sauté grated onion and minced garlic until softened (3–4 minutes). Transfer to slow cooker.
2. Season beef with salt, pepper, ras el hanout, cumin, ginger, turmeric, and harissa. Brown if desired, then add to slow cooker.
3. Add diced tomatoes, broth, honey/dried fruit (if using), bloomed saffron (if using), and half the preserved lemon rind. Stir.
4. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours until beef is tender.
5. In the last 20–30 minutes, stir in olives and remaining preserved lemon rind. If sauce is thin, uncover or thicken with a cornstarch slurry (½ Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water).
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Note: No slow cooker? Use a Dutch oven. After step 3, cover and braise at 325°F for 2–2½ hours, adding broth if needed.
2. Add cucumbers, preserved lemon rind, and most of the mint. Stir gently.
3. Taste, adjust seasoning, and let sit 5
minutes.
4. Top with remaining mint and a drizzle of olive oil.
Catherine Ripley Metzger has been cooking professionally and privately since 1979. She was a French cuisine journeyman at the celebrated Henri d’Afrique restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Today she is the proprietor of the food blog www.foodfortheages.com and cooks with curiosity from the ground up in her log cabin home on the Western Slope of Colorado.
Colorado Horse Rescue: A safety net for horses and their humans
By Janaki Jane Redstone Review
LYONS – Talk to almost any horse owner, and they will tell you that their horses are a part of their family, whether the horses work, are for recreation, or companionship. And as any horse lover will tell you, it takes time, space, and money to make sure that your four-hoofed friend is happy, safe, and healthy.
But life happens. Financial issues, family and work challenges, illness, fire, or flood— as we in Lyons know – can happen at any time, and horse owners may be unable to continue to care for their friend. At that point, Colorado Horse Rescue, CHR (chr. org), just south of Hygiene, offers a safe path forward for the person and their horse. Through owner support programs, rehoming services, and community initiatives, CHR builds a stronger safety net for horses across Colorado.
Fifty acres and 25 years I spent 90 minutes with CHR’s Executive Director Katherine Gregory, a Lyons resident, walking the 50 acres of CHR’s home (they are looking for another home in Boulder County). They have 50 horses on site,
and 180 active volunteers, most of whom come weekly—there is currently a waitlist to volunteer.
embodied all the things that I considered important,” Phillip said, including the “values of natural horsemanship.”
I spoke with Phillip, a volunteer since 2020. He attended CHR’s clinic “So You Think You Want to Own a Horse,” which made him realize that it was better for him to volunteer and get his “horse-fix” that way. He works with stallions. He and Katherine chatted with obvious affection about the horses, by name, discussing their individual needs and personalities. “CHR
The first horses Gregory and I saw were alone in small paddocks, masks covering their eyes. They had been bought the day before at the livestock auction, to save them from becoming dog food. This is a regular part of CHR’s program.
“All our horses are eventually rehomed,” Gregory said. “Each horse is evaluated for temperament, training, and care needs, to determine the type of home that will suit them best. We place as many companions as riding horses,” she continued, “many of them as a buddy for someone’s current horse.”
CHR offers programs to help horses and their human friends.
HorseAlert.org connects horse owners who need evacuation help with volunteers who have trailers and are willing to assist.
Emergency preparedness clinics help horse owners and community members
A leadership change: LEAF has a new board chair
By Jocelyn Farrell Redstone Review
LYONS – As her board term came to a close, Kim Hinzy stepped down from her role as board chair to support a thoughtful leadership transition aligned with LEAF, Lyons Elevates All Fund’s (LEAF) evolving needs. We are deeply grateful for Kim’s steady leadership and care during a period of growth and change. Her commitment has helped strengthen our programs and deepen our connection to the community we serve.
I’m pleased to share that Ashley Legan has been elected Board Chair. She brings a grounded, thoughtful approach to leadership and a strong commitment to LEAF’s mission. I’m grateful for her willingness to step into this
I’ve been practicing internal medicine in Boulder County for 20 years. My mission is to support people in their
role and confident in her ability to guide us forward.
We are also very excited to welcome Kim into a new role as Community Programs and Client Services Manager. In this position, she will be working closely with individuals and families, supporting access to resources, and helping to grow programs and partnerships that reflect the needs of our community. This work is closely aligned with our 2026 strategic plan and the direction we are building together.
To ensure clarity and uphold best practices, Kim formally resigned from the board prior to applying for the position, and the board independently reviewed and approved this transition.
This transition reflects LEAF’s continued commitment to thoughtful leadership,
learn safe evacuation techniques.
Leg Up provides financial support to owners facing temporary challenges such as unexpected veterinary bills, feed costs, or short-term financial hardship.
Compassionate Endings provides financial assistance so that horses suffering from illness, injury, or age can be humanely euthanized.
Rehoming requires the horses to receive care, evaluation, and rehabilitation (when needed) before finding the right match with adopters. At its heart, Colorado Horse Rescue is built on the idea that helping horses takes a community. Veterinarians, volunteers, horse owners, and local partners all play a role in creating safe outcomes for horses. When challenges arise, that network helps ensure horses—and the people who care for them—have somewhere to turn. To donate, visit them at chr.org.
Janaki Jane writes on issues of society and mental health. She is co-director of BolderMind Talks and Tabletops: removing the barriers that keep too many from getting help, with funding from Boulder County and the American Recovery Act. She lives with her husband off the grid in the foothills with the moose, foxes, and birds for company.
strong operations, and most importantly, to the well-being of the greater Lyons community.
We are truly grateful for the ongoing support of our community, partners, and volunteers. It is this shared care and connection that makes this work possible, and we look forward to continuing it together.
• Targeted goat grazing to reduce grasses and fine fuels
• Removal of standing dead trees that increase fire intensity
• Maintaining defensible space buffers on town-owned parcels
These projects connect to previous mitigation work to create a continuous fuel break to help protect homes, water supplies, and critical infrastructure.
Lyons residents can also take action at your property:
• Get a FREE home wildfire assessment through Wildfire Partners of Boulder County
• Access a $500 county rebate and an additional Town of Lyons matching rebate up to $500 more, for home mitigation work for Town of Lyons residents
Learn more: Wildfire Partners rebate program: https:// wildfirepartners.org/rebate/ Town of Lyons matching rebates &
Hold off on irrigation - wait until May
LYONS – Don’t turn your sprinkler system on just yet. We understand, this warm weather has everyone ready to jump into spring yard work. But if you wait to start watering, your lawn will stay dormant a little longer and green up when it’s ready.
“This spring, even more than in other years, it’s critical that water customers really pay attention to the weather,” notes Greg Fisher, manager for demand planning and efficiency for Denver Water. “A wet spring would really help with water conservation, as customers can let Mother Nature provide the water and give our reservoirs a reprieve.” Of course, forecasting that far out isn’t possible, but should this spring produce good rainfall, that would be another good reason to hold off on setting irrigation systems.
Jocelyn Farrell is the executive director of the Lyons Elevates All Fund (LEAF).
Jane
Farrell
KimHinzy steps down from LEAF board role
Ashley Legan, newly elected Board Chair
Continued from Page 4
Beavers in the landscape and the benefits they bring
By Cindy Leikam Redstone Review
LYONS – Dedicated to celebrating the busy beaver and all the ways that North America’s largest rodent makes the world a better place, International Beaver Day was on April 7 this year. Why, one may ask, should the humble beaver have their own day of recognition and appreciation? Because beavers are the solution to many of the complex ecosystem problems that land managers around the world are trying to address.
The American Beaver, Castor canadensis, is famous for the iconic dams and lodges they build along streams, rivers, and just about any source of running water. But these cute and comical critters do more than just build dams. These ecosystem engineers are essential partners in building a resilient future in a world of climate extremes. They help restore ecosystem function and health, creating a cascading effect across their territory.
Beavers are the ultimate water managers. They don’t just move water; they heal it. Their presence improves water quality, replenishes aquifers, and regulates stream flows. Dams slow the flow of water and create pools and wetlands where toxins are filtered and removed by aquatic plants and animals. Slow-
ing and stopping the flow of water allows it to recharge the underground aquifers that farms, towns, and cities rely on. These wetland reservoirs are a critical resource to wildlife and livestock in times of drought when other water sources dry up. In an era of extreme weather, beavers are our frontline defense. They provide protection from wildfires by creating green zones that provide a safe space for wildlife to ride out the flames, and also act as natural fire breaks. Dams
A new season at LCF, Earth Day celebrations,
and the
By Grace Simonsen Redstone Review
LYONS – April brings a handful of exciting updates from the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF). We kicked off the month at the April 6 Town of Lyons Board of Trustees meeting, where LCF was presented with a check totaling $31,744.55.
This funding represents the second round of support from a partnership established in 2025 between the Town of Lyons and LCF: the Mental Health and Wellness Field of Interest Fund. Supported by sales tax revenue from the local marijuana industry, this fund allows LCF to provide sustainable, long-term support for mental health services, counseling, substance use prevention, and overall wellness initiatives in Lyons and the surrounding area. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the opportunity it creates to invest in
the health and well-being of our community. We look forward to sharing updates this fall on the projects these funds will help bring to life.
April is also a time to celebrate the well-being of the place we call home. On April 25, LCF will join the community in Bohn Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a town-wide Earth Day celebration. Stop by our booth for baked goods and veggie dogs available by donation—proceeds will support scholarships for local high school students and grants for area nonprofits.
The Earth Day event will feature live music, kids’ activities, a town-wide cleanup organized by LoV Volunteers, and short presentations on environmental topics close to home. We hope to see you there as we come together to care for both our community and our environment.
Looking ahead to summer, LCF will once again partner with the Lyons Elevating All Fund (LEAF) for the annual Hootenanny— one of our favorite traditions and a meaningful opportunity to gather, celebrate, and
reduce downstream flooding damage by catching and slowing massive surges during storm events. Beaver ponds act as natural reservoirs, storing water that can be critical to wildlife and farm animals during extreme drought. Additionally, the wetlands that they build are very efficient at sequestering carbon, and studies have found they remove carbon at ten times the rate of tropical forests.
As a keystone species, the presence of a healthy beaver population is a huge boost to biodiversity. When they move in, everyone else thrives as they restore watershed health and create an ideal habitat for a wide range of species. From large and small mammals to amphibians, fish, birds, plants, and trees, having beavers in the landscape benefits everyone.
Throughout the last few centuries, the relationship between humans and beavers has been strained, to say the least. Nearly hunted to extinction thanks to the fur trade, the beaver has slowly been making a comeback with recent education and protections. However, they are far from in the clear. To many landowners, coexisting with these industrious builders is destructive, expensive, and difficult. Beaver dams in unwanted areas can cause flooding of agricultural fields, homes, and outbuildings; damage to fencing, roads, and other infrastructure. Until recently, there were no humane solutions to live alongside beavers, and sadly, many resorted to extermination.
Hootenanny are coming up
services such as estate planning and car detailing. This year, we’re aiming even bigger—if you or someone you know would like to contribute a high-value item (perhaps even a golf cart!) or participate as a volunteer at this year’s Hootenanny, please reach out to info@lyonscf.org.
support the work of both organizations.
This year’s Hootenanny is set for Saturday, August 29, in Bohn Park—mark your calendars. We’re giving our silent auction a fresh new approach, featuring a smaller number of standout, high-value items to elevate the experience and impact. Past auction items have included timeshares and professional
Thank you, as always, for being part of what makes Lyons such a special place. Whether you’re attending events, supporting local initiatives, or lending a hand, your involvement helps make this work possible—and we’re grateful to be building a stronger, more connected community together.
Grace Simonsen is a longtime Lyons resident. She served on the board of Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) before becoming the administrative assistant and the community outreach director for LCF in 2025.
LCF was presented with a check by the Town Board for the Mental Health and Wellness Field of Interest Fund GRACE SIMONSEN
Holding a juvenile beaver. Cuteness level: dam high.
Simonsen
Continue Beavers
Hope springs eternal—play ball!
By Annie Muldrew-Pancoast Redstone Review
“I see great things in baseball. It’s our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us all.” –from Bull Durham
RIVERSIDE – I love the feeling of a fresh new start, the wondrous possibilities of a clean new page—just like the anticipation of the first day of school or New Year’s Eve ringing in another 365 days with no mistakes, no dramas, no problems.
I get pulled into that optimism every single spring as our Colorado Rockies baseball team spends February and March in Arizona getting prepared for the upcoming 162-game regular season. And every season, especially lately, I get my heart broken cheering for a team that amasses 100 losses and sits solidly in the basement of the National League West.
In 2025, our boys of summer had a historically rough time of it with an 8–42, the worst 50-game start in modern baseball statistics. Ending with a 43–119 record, which tied the 2003 Detroit Tigers for the thirdmost losses in the modern MLB era since 1901, that poor performance cost popular manager Bud Black his job and created much finger-pointing aimed at the players, management, and owners. Heck, probably even the groundskeepers.
But we DO have sweet memories. What about the Blake Street Bombers with The Big Cat, Vinnie, Dante, and Lar-ry-WALKer? And remember Tulo, E.Y., Cargo, Helton? And what about that amazing Rocktober? After being 76-72 in mid-September 2007, our Rockies went on a 14–1 run to finish the regular season. You have to admit that many of you were walking around dazed, like me, from lack of sleep after staying up very late for weeks straight to cheer our team on to what ended up being an incredible 21-of-22-game win streak to clinch the NL wild card spot. The Rockies then swept the Phillies and the D-Backs in the playoffs propelling our team into the World Series. The unmiti-
gated joy. And then, of course, the backdown-to-earth reality of the much-too-quick four games we lost playing David to the Boston Red Sox’s Goliath. As the old saying goes, “The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.” But we also have had a lot of FUN cheering on our local ball club over the years, haven’t we?
And, you know? Their spring ball record wasn’t all that bad. Their last spring game was played on March 24 at Salt River Fields, ending with a .500 record of 15–15. “Oh, but that’s just spring ball,” doubters might pooh-pooh, as if those positive confidence-building numbers don’t count. Well, our Rockies started the 2026 regular season on March 27 with a week away at Miami and Toronto and built a 2–4 starting record. I hear naysayers moaning, “Here we go again. What a lousy first away week.”
“Take me out to the ball game, Take me out to the crowd, Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack. I don’t care if I never get back…”
And here we are, starting a new season with all of its possibilities. We certainly need a diversion in these times of abysmal nightly news and fearful world happenings, which are creating a constant pit in the stomach of this anti-war aging hippie of the 1960s. I feel the magnet pulling me toward focusing on The Boys of Summer once again.
Others might remark, “Let’s see how they fare at home.”
“…Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don’t win, it’s a shame.
For it’s one, two, three strikes you’re out,
At the old ball game.”
Returning to Coors Field for Opening Day on Friday afternoon, April 3, the team hosted the Philadelphia Phillies with arguably the best mascot in all of baseball—the wackiest, for sure.
Following that homestand weekend with one win in three games, the Rockies swept the series with the Astros to finish their first at-home round of six games.
As we go to press after those first 12 games of the season, our Colorado Rockies officially have a regular-season starting record of 6–6, folks. Last year by this time, they had won only two games, and their record by the end of April would be an abysmal 5–25. So, hope does spring eternal. And what a wonderful diversionary opportunity, win or lose, that we Coloradans have at our disposal with a click of the TV remote or a short drive to Denver. Here’s to the pure joy of the game with that gorgeous green field, flags snapping in the breeze, the roar of the crowd, with the cheers of “Let’s-goROC-kies!” Call me crazy, but I say wholeheartedly, “Play ball.”
Annie Muldrew-Pancoast is a long-time resident of Riverside, Colorado.
Blood drive
LYONS – Next blood drive is Wednesday, May 13 from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. at Lyons Community Library. Last month, the Vitalant Blood Donation team successfully collected 13 total units. Sign up Lyons Community Library, 451 4th Ave., May 13, 2026.
Boulder to Erie Regional Trail (BERT) Enters Design Phase
BOULDER COUNTY – Boulder County is pleased to share that the Boulder to Erie Regional Trail (BERT) is now in the design phase, marking the next step toward a soft-surface regional trail connecting the City of Boulder and the Town of Erie.
Following adoption of the BERT Plan by the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners in October 2024, the project team is now refining the preferred trail alignment through environmental surveys and engineering analysis. This work will help identify and mitigate potential impacts while informing trail design, structures, crossings, and permitting requirements, and preparing the project for future funding and phased construction. Over the coming months, community members may notice members of the project team working in or near the rail right-of-way as they conduct field surveys and environmental studies to support the design process. The project website has been updated with background information, timelines, and details about upcoming engagement opportunities.
Public engagement will continue throughout design. The first public meetings are anticipated to be held in summer 2026, with additional opportunities for adjacent landowners and partner agencies to provide input.
To learn more about the project, sign up for updates, or message the project team, visit boco.org/BERT.
Stress Continued from Page 5
adolescents. Academic pressures, social challenges, and extracurricular demands can all contribute to increased stress in younger populations. Open communication and supportive home environments can make a meaningful difference.
As we observe Stress Awareness Month, let this be a reminder that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Small, consistent steps—like getting enough sleep, staying active, and reaching out for support—can have a lasting impact.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. By recognizing stress early and addressing it proactively, we can build a healthier, more resilient community together.
Megan Foreman, FNP-C, CWHS is the owner of Lyons Health and Wellness Clinic at 418 High St. in Lyons. She can be reached at info@ lyonshealthandwellness.com or 303-498-5941.
Dalai Lama Continued from Page 5
everyone in the crowd was staring at us in amazement.
I turned to John, and I said, “I think we have just been blessed by the Dalai Lama.”
John said, “Yes, I think so too.”
“I guess that means we are good to go from here on out,” I said.
We turned and followed the monks into the crowd. As we became smushed into the crowd trying to get into the doors, which were now open, I heard a woman standing behind me whispering to her husband, “Who are those people?” I couldn’t help but laugh again.
I turned to her and said, “We are nobodies.”
At John’s memorial, I was talking to one of his former publishers, who said he remembered the time when John told him about seeing the Dalai Lama speak at Macky. John said he went reluctantly. His publisher asked him what the experience was like. John thought for a moment, staring off into space, and then said, “I think that I caught more fish that week.”
Leadership Continued from Page 6
whether it’s their newfound leadership skills, resilience, teamwork, or the scientific skills and knowledge they gain. The program has grown immensely and has become a serious, competitive environment for high school students to develop as leaders and scientists. The high school leaders now go through an application process and a round of interviews led by esteemed faculty members involved in the program, ensuring a high-quality program that builds up both the children and the leaders.
The program spans the year and requires meticulous planning for all the pieces, especially science. Sarah Wegert, one of the Science and Leadership coordinators, said that as the year progresses, each grade at the elementary school develops a “rite of passage” project leading up to one event: Named for the merging of the North and South St. Vrain Rivers, Confluence occurs at the end of April. It serves as a conference where Lyons elementary, middle, and high school students can showcase not only what they have learned about our town’s ecology, but also how they have applied that learning to a project that could make a difference in our community.
The high school science team for each grade teaches elementary students lessons tailored throughout the year and then assists with the presentation at Confluence. However, it is not just the Science and Leadership program that participates in this conference. Clubs and organizations, from RiverWatch to the Community Garden, allow many students to present before the town Ecology Board and express their passion in hopes of making a change. Junior Wilma Spencer, an established speaker at this event, said Confluence allows our community to see “how hard we’re working for our environment, in the hopes of encouraging individuals to participate alongside us.” Confluence highlights how unique the Lyons education system is by encouraging its students to reach beyond the school walls into their community and help reduce environmental impact.
Lyons, at the confluence of the two St. Vrain Rivers, is a confluence. It is our responsibility to care for the lifeline of our town, and the Confluence conference allows our community to unite over the
health of our rivers. Join the change makers of our town on April 30, 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. at Lyons Middle Senior High School.
Lauren Hunter is a senior at Lyons High School, has been involved in yearbook for the past two years, and has been a leader in Science and Leadership for four years. She has been involved in many activities throughout her four years, but her favorites are cheerleading and the musical, and any time she can volunteer, especially in the LEO Club. She is starting a small nonprofit to provide Title-1 elementary schools with free dental hygiene products. She hopes to one day become a dentist to make health care more accessible and affordable. She is looking forward to attending CU Boulder or UNC-Chapel Hill next year to pursue pre-dental studies. She hopes to continue performing, writing/photography, and volunteering throughout college.
Berit Larson is a Junior at Lyons High School and participates in a wide range of activities. She’s a second-year member of the yearbook staff, a cheer and track captain, science leader in Science and Leadership, a member of River Watch, NHS, student council, and FFA through the CETC. Although she has only one year left at Lyons, she hopes to inspire others about the importance of the environment and the proper ways to care for it. After high school, she hopes to study wildlife biology or environmental conservation to follow her passions.
core and glutes.
Glute bridges: Lie on your back with knees bent, lifting hips off the floor while engaging glute muscles. Progress to single-leg bridges.
Stretching the hip also ensures the joint has full mobility, thus giving the muscles a full range through which to strengthen. Figure four stretch: Lie on your back and cross the ankle of the affected leg over the opposite knee, pulling the bottom leg toward your chest.
When ITB pain is slowing you down, remember to look beyond the ITB. With consistent activity modification, mobility work, and strengthening, most people notice significant improvement within four to six weeks. If these exercises don’t return you to your prior activity level, a physical therapist can help address underlying biomechanics, refine your training plan, and provide individualized treatment.
Dr. Bronwyn Muldoon, PT, DPT, is a board-certified sports specialist. She owns Lyons Physical Therapy, 435 High St. in Lyons. Some of the things addressed at her clinic include, but are not limited to: acute and chronic spinal pain (back and neck pain), postural dysfunction alignment, sports and performance-related injuries, repetitive/overuse-related injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, muscle strains and sprains, and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. For more information, call 303-823-8813.
Collins had temperatures higher than had ever been observed in March, four days in a row. This was capped by a high of 91°F on March 21; there had never previously been a 90-degree day in Fort Collins before May. Records for March were smashed across the state and the western U.S., at both low and high elevations. One thing we do as state climatologists is put current conditions into historical context, as usually with some investigation, it’s possible to find a past analog to what we’re experiencing now. But the intense and prolonged heat has been unlike anything previously observed in March.
This, of course, is occurring in the context of a long-term trend toward warmer conditions, both globally and locally, largely attributable to increases in greenhouse gases. Per data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nine of the 11 warmest years in Colorado records have occurred since 2012, and Colorado has now warmed by 3°F since the 1890s. Droughts come and go, and they have always been a challenge in Colorado and the West. But warming is making them more likely and more intense. In other words, climate change is water change. When above-average temperatures and precipitation deficits stack up over the course of months, we start to see drought conditions develop or worsen. The impacts of drought are wide-ranging and include
economic and agricultural repercussions. Farmers and ranchers may face lower crop yields and higher costs of feeding livestock.
A snow drought like this winters can reduce outdoor recreation opportunities and hurt the state’s tourism industry. Drought years also tend to be years with more and larger wildfires.
Drought impacts can be felt a long distance from where the precipitation deficits occur. For example, southeastern Colorado received decent precipitation this winter, but low snow in the mountains hundreds of miles away near Leadville means less water on the Arkansas River, an important source for farmers in southeastern Colorado.
As each winter progresses, even if the mountain snowpack isn’t looking great, we can always look ahead to March and April as the time when big storms are possible and the deficits can be made up. Unfortunately, this year has been just the opposite: Instead of much-needed snowstorms, we’re in an unprecedented March heat wave that is accelerating the melting of what little snow is there. The chances of getting back into the range of average have dwindled away, and if the weather pattern doesn’t turn around in April, we may be headed for uncharted territory for Colorado water.
Russ Schumacher is professor in Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science; he serves as the Colorado State Climatologist and is director of CSU’s Colorado Climate Center.
tation. townoflyons.com/golfcar
Looking ahead, May offers additional opportunities to participate and stay engaged. The Lyons Fire Protection District will host a limb drop-off event at the public works facility on Ute Highway on Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Later in the month, the town will hold a Diversion Day on Saturday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Residents can bring a range of items, including paint, yard waste, electronics, scrap metal, and more. These events make it easier to manage materials responsibly while keeping them out of the landfill. As activity picks up, spring is also an ideal time to support our many local businesses. Restaurants, shops, and service providers help shape the character of Lyons and
contribute to many of the events residents enjoy throughout the year. Many are hosting their own gatherings and seasonal offerings. Choosing to shop and dine locally strengthens our small but mighty community and supports the nonprofits and organizations that make Lyons the connected and vibrant place we all love.
Kim Mitchell is the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the town. She writes on town events, staff news, and the arts. She has called Lyons home for 17 years and is a dedicated small-town enthusiast. Email: kmitchell@townoflyons.com and kimicolorado@ gmail.com.
However, a nonprofit organization, the Beaver Institute, was established to solve these problems and help the beaver return to the landscape of North America. Developing technologies that protect critical infrastructure and deter beaver activity, the Beaver Institute aims to provide resources to individuals and organizations to succeed in beaver management, coexistence, communication, education, and scientific research. Their deterrents include protective fencing, leveling pipes, and starting a dam upstream to encourage them to build at a different site. Other humane solutions are available to folks hoping to coexist with beavers. To protect trees, fence off the base up to three feet to prevent beavers from chewing. Choose twoinch x four-inch hardware mesh fencing, and leave a three-inch gap between the fence and tree bark. Sand painting the base of the tree up to three feet high can also deter chewing, and the paint color can be matched to the bark for a more natural look. The Beaver Institute also provides educational resources on its website, professional training for those interested in learning how to install beaver deceiver devices, and can help connect landowners with grants and other resources to implement humane solutions and peacefully coexist with nature’s ecosystem engineers. Cindy Leikam is the Communications and Fundraising Assistant for Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
