LYONS – The Lyons Neighbors 4 Democracy continue to meet weekly at the ‘Lyons Freedom Triangle’, 3rd and Main, Saturdays, noon to 1 p.m. Noon to 2 p.m. on special national Call to Action days. All protectors of democracy are welcome to join us in expressing our First Amendment rights, supporting democracy, the US Constitution, due process, and the rule of law. www.lyonsneighbors4democracy.org
St. Vrain Trail ribbon cutting/ opening August 15
LYONS – Residents are invited to a ribbon cutting and opening celebration of the St.Vrain Trail extension on Friday, August 15, at 1 p.m. More information to come, but please save the date and try to join us on the new trail extension opening planned behind Spirit Hound and Circle K. As a reminder, the trail is still closed until the opening next week as the contractors finalize their work. Thank you for your patience. For more information, call Lyons Town Hall at 303-8236622 or go to their website.
Orchard Ice Cream social
LYONS – On Saturday, August 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be an ice cream social held to celebrate the end of summer. Celebrate summer’s sweetness with ice cream, pie, local music, and great company at the Lyons Community Orchard (corner of 4th Ave. and Prospect). Bring the kids, bring your friends, and savor a simple, joyful afternoon of community. The orchard is located along the walking path into Bohn Park, from 4th Ave.
Wildfire mitigation rebate for wildfire mitigation efforts
LYONS – Residents of the Town of Lyons may be eligible for a match of up to $500 towards wildfire mitigation activities via
Continue Briefs on Page 11
A new trustee joins the board, Mayor Rogin takes family leave, Lyons Locale restaurant opens
By Susan de Castro Gierach Redstone Review Editor
LYONS – In a surprise move, Trustee Glen Delman resigned his position as a Lyons Town Board Trustee. He notified the trustees before the August 4th meeting.
The Lyons Municipal code authorizes the remaining trustees to appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacancy until the next regular election. Residents of Lyons who meet the qualifications are invited to apply for the vacancy.
Three residents applied for the trustee position.
On Friday, August 8, the town board met to review the applications for a replacement for Trustee Delman and to allow the three applicants to speak to tell the board why they wanted to be a Lyons Trustee and answer questions from the trustees.
Three people applied and Leigh Williams was selected to be the new trustee. He will be sworn in on Monday, August 18 at the regular meeting.
Williams moved to Lyons six years ago after he and his wife Yves Williams lived in many other places.
“I wanted to move back to the West, to a more personal place, and I spent four months exploring eight states. While pausing in Lyons for a month, I realized that the place I chose to rest was where I wanted to live. It had strong, smart, cool people doing their own thing; plus easy access to other towns and cities and to phenomenal parks and mountains. Not surprisingly, I chose Lyons for the very same reasons that make protecting it both important and challenging,”
Williams said.
In different matter of business, Mayor Pro Tem
Paula Williams read a letter to the board from Mayor Hollie Rogin who explained to the board that she wanted to be excused for missing several town board meetings and will have to miss several more due to her father’s illness. She is back in Chicago with her parents and her father is now in hospice care. Mayor Rogin asked the board to accept her use of the exemptions referred to in the municipal code.
The Colorado Municipal Code allows town board trustees and other state and local officials to take extra time off due to emergencies.
In other news, the board/Liquor License Authority approved a liquor license for Lionscrest Manor located at 603 Indian Lookout Rd. Trustee Glen Delman and Mayor Hollie Rogin were both absent from the meeting, leaving five board members at the meeting.
A second liquor license application, for a hotel and restaurant license, was approved for Lyons Locale, a new establishment located in the former Farra (Spanish food) Restaurant located at 442 High St. The new applicants indicated that the menu would primarily consist of items such as charcuterie boards, olives, and other related offerings.
The 442 High St. building is now listed as owned by Lisa Wicker, who lists her former job as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Colorado and current position as Special Strategic Advisor to the Governor. She lives in Lyons.
Trustee Tanya Daty voted no on the liquor license for Lyons Locale, due to a noise complaint she received from a constituent.
The board turned to other issues and discussed whether some e-bikes should be allowed on some
Leigh Williams will be sworn in as a Lyons Trustee on August 18 at the regular town board meeting. He has lived in Lyons for six years and also works as a volunteer firefighter for the Lyons Fire District. Williams is married to Yves Williams and they have three children, a 12-yearold daughter, a 27-year-old daughter and a 36-year-old son.
He was the developer of the Evans townhomes project on 305 and 321 Evans St. The two 3-bedroom places have been rented for a year and the seven 1-bedrooms going up for rent in a few weeks. Williams said what he wants to accomplish as a trustee, is to work with the other trustees, town staff and everyone who participates in town affairs, to help protect what is unique and positive about Lyons, while also being practical about the financial and physical challenges.
“Lyons is its own lovely place, cherished by residents and visitors from many walks of life,” Williams said. “I think the central issue for Lyons and its trustees, is how to balance our unique qualities and limited finances.”
Lyons New Trustee Leigh Williams
A viceroy butterfly pauses on a wild teasel, its monarch-like wings a masterclass in nature’s clever mimicry SHERIDAN SAMANO
LYONS
By Kay Sparks Redstone Review
LYONS – When we have an emergency in our home, the faster the services can reach us, the better it is for everyone. Boulder County has two options which can help that happen.
When they need to find you: Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
CAD is the software-based system Boulder County uses to manage and coordinate police, fire, and EMS. CAD assists dispatchers in handling calls, dispatching responders, tracking their location, and managing information related to incidents.
CAD systems integrate with phone systems, automatically displaying caller information and location when an emergency call is received. It can use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to provide dispatchers with accurate mapping data, allowing them to pinpoint incident locations and identify nearby resources, ensuring that the appropriate units are dispatched to each incident.
Law enforcement and fire agencies are the only ones who can input information into CAD. In addition to the GIS type of information, specific safety information is helpful. Examples include gate codes, aggressive dogs, parties with known aggression or issues with Law or Fire personnel, unique property access information, etc.
If you would like to add this type of information to the CAD listing for your
address, contact the Lyons Fire District (staffed 24/7) or Boulder County Sheriff (not a 24/7 presence in Lyons and often on patrol).
When you want them to find you: SMART911. Smart911 is a service that allows residents to create a free Safety Profile for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency.
app from the Apple Store or Google Play. You create a Safety Profile for your household to give 9-1-1 valuable information about yourself, family members, your home, visual details like hidden driveways, any critical medical condition, pets and even vehicles that will display automatically on the 9-1-1 call taker’s screen only when you make an emergency call. These details can save seconds or even minutes during an emergency.
Then, when anyone in that household dials 9-1-1 from a phone (one or more) associated with their Safety Profile, their profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker. You can sign up for Smart911 at Smart911.com or download the Smart911
At a time when you may be panicked, or unable to communicate, or it could be unsafe to communicate, Smart911 ensures that the details you would need to tell 9-1-1 are immediately available in the event you cannot verbally provide them. Smart911 is free, private and secure. You need to update/reconfirm your information every 6 months to keep it available to 9-1-1 responders.
There is an option to share your information with Emergency/Disaster Management, which means ONLY during a disaster (fire, flood, etc), can Emergency Manage -
ment access your information. Emergency Managers can benefit greatly from being able to view information about their community outside of a 9-1-1 call.
This information is not only valuable during a disaster, but can improve the continuous planning and preparation that Emergency Managers conduct ahead of disasters. Example: knowing who does not have access to transportation, has mobility issues or has animals.
Disaster Preparedness — next offering is September 23. The Housing and Human Services Commission and Lyons Regional Library will host Anatomy of a Disaster, a program presented by Boulder County Disaster Management on September 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the library.
The program presents what you can expect from both local government and Boulder Office of Disaster Management during a disaster, actions taken by first responders as well as everything that goes on behind the scenes — from the 911 centers and within local government departments to unveil minute-by-minute actions taken from the start of a disaster through to the transition to recovery.
Opportunity to serve: Housing and Human Services Commission has two openings — we meet the second Monday of the month at Lyons Regional Library at 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Come and learn more.
Kay Sparks is the chair of the Housing and Human Services Commission.
Allenspark Community Church hosts dementia symposium
By Pastor Ralph Patrick Redstone Review
ALLENSPARK – The Allenspark Community Church is hosting the second annual Dementia Symposium — Come to the Summit on Saturday, September 6 from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. The church is located at 16 Washington St. in downtown Allenspark.
This year we are fortunate to have as our featured speakers Lotta Granholm-Bentley, PhD, researcher at CU Anschutz, and Rebecca Chopp, PhD, Chancellor Emeritus at DU and author of the book, Still Me. In addition, presentations will feature Leah Quiller, music therapist and Ralph Patrick, dementia consultant. A special dementia friendly “Glow” concert will be performed by a string quartet of the Boulder Symphony.
Dr. Lotta Granholm-Bentley is a tenured professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at CU Anschutz Medical Campus. She was born in Sweden and received her PhD from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. In 1985, she came to the University of Colorado as a Postdoctoral fellow and fell in love with this state and its people.
Granholm-Bentley has written close to 200 peer-reviewed articles; most of them about healthy aging and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. She was the inaugural executive director for the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging (KIHA) at the University of Denver and is currently the leader for a biobank consortium focused on brain donations from persons with DS throughout the lifespan, with 11 sites in the U.S., India, and Europe.
ing well with dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Chopp lives in the mountains of Colorado where she paints, hikes, is active in community groups, and works on projects to help caregivers and those living with dementia thrive.
Ralph Patrick has over 30 years working professionally with people experiencing brain changes. His dementia jour-
Dr. Rebecca Chopp is co-chair of the Board of Voices of Alzheimer’s and serves on the board of Us Against Alzheimer’s. She has served on both the national and state board of the Alzheimer’s Association. A former university president and a scholar of religion, she uses her skills and experience to educate people about early detection and liv-
ney became deeply personal when his mother, Jean, was diagnosed in 2001. His experience with his mother resulted in his desire to serve those living with cognitive challenges and their care companions. He became a volunteer, and then a Regional Director in the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Currently he is a dementia consultant and coach through “Cardinal Crossroads” which he started in honor of his mother. Serving as the pastor of Allenspark Community Church, he enjoys mountain life and is very busy with his grown daughters and three grandchildren.
Leah Quiller is a music therapist who is completing her PhD in music therapy at CSU.
After lunch, there will be a dementia-friendly “GLOW” concert featuring the Boulder Symphony String Quartet. A “GLOW” concert draws on research-based knowledge of how music interacts with memory and emotion, and is crafted to spark recognition, connection and meaningful moments between attendees and their loved ones.
The String Quartet will be conducted by Artistic Director Devin Patrick Hughes alongside board-certified music therapist Leah Quiller.
This event is sponsored by: Allenspark Community Church; Harmony Senior Referrals; Senior Placement Service with a Personal Touch; Britt and Walt Roberson; Kapsak/Estes Law Firm with Dan Kapsak and John Estes, Elder Law Attorneys, Longmont; Cardinal Crossroads, Providing Dementia Consulting and Coaching, Ralph Patrick.
All are welcome to attend. A donation will be taken to help provide funding for future programming. Please RSVP to apcconline@gmail.com.
MAYOR’S CORNER
This town looks like it has been expecting me
By Paula Williams Mayor Pro Tem of Lyons Redstone Review
LYONS – It has been my pleasure to serve on the Lyons Board of Trustees for not quite three and a half years. This term I am also serving as Mayor Pro Tem. I have been a Lyons resident since 2007. I grew up in West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky, mostly in small towns.
After graduate school I spent 35 years in New York, quite the contrast. I liked living in each of those places, but I love living in Lyons. When I first arrived, I thought, “This town looks like it has been expecting me.” You probably felt the same way when you first arrived. You knew you were home.
As a trustee I have found our residents to be thoughtful, accepting and devoted to our town and its people. Our mayor, Hollie Rogan, is one of the finest and most conscientious people I know. The board members with whom I serve are people of character, integrity and passion. We disagree often, sometimes loudly, but we leave each meeting as friends.
Occasionally issues arise that bring a lot of folks to a town meeting. They bring their passion with them. When that is the case, I always think of the great little book by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements
what they think. I always reply, “Well you know, she’s right here. We could ask her.”
How often is the assumption wrong? I’d say it’s wrong often enough that I do not have to worry about having enough work to continue as a therapist. We all have a tendency to make assumptions based on partial or inaccurate information. Ruiz gives good advice. Do not make assumptions. Ask questions and get the facts.
The other issue I face regularly is that clients take things
we are attacked, most often the attack is not about us. It is about the person attacking us. They are projecting onto us their own way of operating, or transferring emotions onto us that they are unable to express to others. Of course, you must look for the truth that might be in their words, but you cannot take the words personally.
Every now and again, thankfully not often, people come into a town board meeting and angrily accuse the board of nefarious intent. It is my experience that most of the time these folks are frightened and have made assumptions not based on fact. We board members are residents of the town and share the same concerns everyone else shares. We want Lyons to stay the town that looks like it has been expecting us. If we are going to make assumptions, let us assume positive intent of all of our residents, including the members of the board.
Ruiz’s book of Toltec wisdom suggests that life goes more smoothly if we will make four agreements with ourselves. The first is to use impeccable words, which Ruiz describes as always telling yourself and others the truth. The second is to refuse to take things personally. The third agreement is to avoid make assumptions and the fourth is to do your best. These four agreements come up time and again in my counseling practice, enough that I keep copies of the book on hand to give to clients.
When I am working with couples in marriage therapy, one of the spouses will sometimes say, “She thinks this,” or “He thinks that.” I ask, “Well that’s interesting, have you asked them if that is what they think?” It is surprising how often the person admits they have not asked their spouse
personally. Invariably that tendency goes back to childhood. We all create maps with which we navigate through life. Our early maps begin with the assumption that pretty much anything negative that happens is our fault. We create that map because of the self-referential nature of childhood. It is exacerbated by parents who literally or figuratively tell us that we are, in fact, the problem.
Those maps are helpful when we are vulnerable children. The problem is when we keep using the same maps after we have become adults. The maps worked when we were children because they were the maps of the helpless. As adults we are no longer helpless. We need a new map.
Our new map should begin with the knowledge that when
LCF grant applications available now
By Ella Levy Redstone Review
LYONS – The Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) is pleased to announce the 18th Annual Community Support granting season. Applications for Community Support Grants are available to all local non-profit organizations.
You can apply online starting August 1. Submissions are due on September 5, 2025. These grants are available only once a year and must be applied for at this time. Electronic submissions are required; granting information and applications are available at https://www.lcfcolorado.org/grants. Over the lifetime of the Community Support Grants program, LCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in grant awards. This year, a record-breaking $115,000 will be made available to deserving recipients.
The LCF’s Community Support granting program focuses on our mission to improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving and encourage positive change for the greater Lyons area. We connect people who care with the causes that matter. All non-profit organizations in the greater Lyons area who have 501(c)3 status or a sponsoring organization with 501(c)3 status, government agencies and schools are eligible for grants.
In 2024, Community Support Grants totaled $83,000 and were awarded to 25 projects including LEAF (Lyons
Emergency Assistance Fund) and the Lyons food pantry, the Town of Lyons Parks and Recreation: Sandstone and Spring Concert Series and Parade of Lights, Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission, Lyons Fire Fund, Lyons Elementary School (LES), Lyons Valley Preschool, Lyons Booster Club, Lyons Pride, Lyons Backer Football Club Ltd, Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Simply Bee Conservation and Lyons Community Theater — to only name a few. None of this work would continue without the dedication, inspiration, hard work, and financial support of Lyons area residents.
Grants Committee
Members Needed
Are you new to Lyons? Are you looking for opportunities to learn about the amazing projects led by local nonprofits? Are you in search of a way to give back to the community? If so, we welcome community members to apply to be on the Grants Review Committee. Commitment is two evenings in September (Sept. 9th and 30th) and time to review applications. Applications to serve on the Grants Review Committee are available at https://www.lcfcolorado.org/grants, and must be submitted by September 5.
Ella Levy is the Chair of the Lyons Community Foundation Grants Committee.
If we avoid making assumptions and taking things personally, we will arrive at a place of peace. In his brilliant book, The Righteous Mind, Jonathan Haidt says that people do change their minds, but not unless information comes to them in a non-threatening way. I remember those words every time I enter into a conversation, whether it is at town hall, on Main Street, with my clients, or in my house. As my grandmother used to say, “A little honey goes a long way.”
I love when people come to board meetings with their passionate concerns. It is wonderful to see a packed town hall. It is most helpful when those residents arrive with their concerns, but without assumptions. When you’ve heard the facts and still disagree with us, we will do our best to not take it personally. Together we can do what our board does every single meeting, debate vigorously, reach the best decisions we can, then leave as friends and neighbors. After all, we all want to live in a town that looks like it has been expecting us.
The Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams is a Pastoral Counselor and internationally known speaker on gender equity and religious tolerance. She lives in Lyons, Colorado, where she serves as Mayor Pro Tem. Paula has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, PBS, NBC, CNN and many other media outlets. Her TED talks have had over ten million views. Paula’s memoir, As A Woman, What I Learned About Power, Sex, and the Patriarchy After I Transitioned, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2021.
Henry is a 6-year-old sweetie with a heart full of love and a face you’ll never forget. With his unique looks and his warm, soulful eyes, Henry is the dog who turns heads and steals hearts wherever he goes! He is the type of dog who thrives on connections and is looking for a home where he can build a strong, lasting bond with his family. This social boy also loves to have some playtime with his canine pals too!
To see all our adoptable animals or get more details visit longmonthumane.org. Or stop in at the shelter at 9595 Nelson Road.
Williams
CATHY RIVERS
OPTIONS
Veneer – A story about thinness
By Peter Butler Redstone Review
LYONS – I’m excited today because the FedEx van is on its way with some very fancy wood that I ordered. Fancy looking with fancy names like ebony, lacewood and red gum eucalyptus. But don’t visualize big heavy planks. This is thin like paper – more like thick paper or thin cardboard. It’s veneer. All sorts of things are made out of wood, everything from a chair to an airplane. Sometimes you need strong timber, sometimes tough stuff, or occasionally light material like balsa or spruce. Your hammer handle is made from hickory for a reason. But occasionally it is important that the object being crafted looks especially nice. Maybe a side table or a spice cabinet. But in the world of lumber, the prettiest wood is usually the most expensive. ChatGPT tells me that there are estimated to be 73,300 species of tree on the planet of which about 600 types are exploited in industry. In the U.S. there are just about 30 to 40 varieties. I’m just guessing, but I bet the number of reliably attractive North American tree species is just a handful.
Just look through the wood section in Home Depot and you’ll find that almost everything is a plain, pale milky color. It doesn’t really elevate your soul even though it might elevate a shelf.
A few hundred years ago an unknown, but
clever, woodworker realized that if you could slice up the prettiest plank of say birdseye maple, glue it to something workaday like pine, and you’d get strength, economy and good looks all in one. All it would take is a finely-set and well-sharpened saw, a good eye and hours of grueling arm action. And the right sort of glue. It has to be hot hide glue at exactly 145ºF. It meant that an attractive board with an unusually swirling grain pattern could show its beauty over and over rather than just once.
In fact, this repetition can be exploited by laying two pieces side by side like a mirror in a process called book-matching. Or even four pieces in a quartered array for a big table top.
Eventually some industrialist invented the veneer cutter. Forty years ago when I began this quest, I would go to a small veneer warehouse right next to the US Air Force Base at
“Henpeck Row” revived
By Monique Sawyer-Lang Redstone Review
LYONS – In last month’s Redstone Review article about the history of the William Stewart family in Lyons, mention was made in a March 16, 1908 Lyons Recorder article about them living on Henpeck Row.
Intrigued by this reference it seemed a bit of investigation was in order. Searching the Lyons Recorder newspaper collection yielded six references to Henpeck Row between 1901 and 1908, some humorous and others, perhaps, sarcastic. During that time period the editors and proprietors were, father and son, O.H. and H.C. Knight, who started the paper June 1, 1900 and sold it to C.N. Brust in 1914. The very first article to mention Henpeck Row was in the May 16, 1901 edition: “We were awakened from our slumber last Monday night by some feminine voices whistling Singing Rufus. We don’t know who they were, but we wish to inform them that the residents of Henpeck Row don’t want any more of it.” We assume the paper is referring to a popular early rag/cakewalk tune by Kerry Mills, which was copyrighted in 1899, and titled “Whistling Rufus.”
Henpeck Row was in for more excitement later that same month when the May 23, 1901 edition published the following: “Somebody’s (sic) turkey gobbler has found a home with ye editor’s fowls. We have asked all the residents along Henpeck Row and it doesn’t belong to any of them. The owner had better come pretty soon or this bird of feed’em will find its way into our roasting pan.” An update was found in the next week’s paper: “It pays to trade at the Lyons Recorder. The turkey we advertised last week was one belonging to one of our merchants. Guess who. He sent for it but he evidently forgot something. He didn’t even thank us for keeping and feeding the gobbler; let alone offering to pay for the ad which brought the bird to him.”
The February 26, 1903 edition shed some light on how Henpeck Row got its name. “When Charley Spaulding gave Stickney Avenue the name of ‘Henpeck Row’ he little knew how well he named that prominent thoroughfare. The Louisa Club, the afternoon teas, and a few other gatherings of the fair sex, make life pretty lively for many of the poor hubbies on Stickney Avenue. The washday, occurs every
Beyond our stunning WEDDING & EVENT VENUE, The Farmette hosts a series of FARM DINNERS with local chefs during the growing season and homesteading and DIY WORKSHOPS in the Spring and Fall.
Mildenhall, Suffolk. While I was choosing some curly mahogany, an SR-71 Blackbird might be taking off and climbing like a rocket faster than any other plane. There were tantalizing piles of long strips of wood all around the floor with exotic names like satinwood, amboyna, claro walnut or cocobolo.
I only had one hour for lunch but it seemed to take that long to pick one piece. At the end of the display space was a one ton machine with a fearsome ten foot long blade that made you quake just looking at it. But this device could slice up a tree trunk into hundreds of sheets of veneer, less than 1/16th of an inch thick, that could cover a showroom of furniture. If you made that single tree into furniture you might get two cabinets rather than a hundred. That machine was a flat, reciprocating slicer but there is another sort which is like a giant pencil sharpener; rolling the tree while incrementing the blade inward to create an almost endless sheet of veneer that could probably pave a road. In some quarters veneer could be viewed as cheap and low grade. It even sourced a met-
Monday, rain or shine, is another pastime indulged in by husbands,.... Our advice to husbands is, never move on ‘Henpeck Row’ unless you know how to wash, split kindling, carry in wood and coal, take up ashes and do all sorts of work usually done by the lady of the house.” Charles Spaulding came to Lyons in October 1885, he served on the Town Board and was one of the founders of the Allenspark Town Company.
While the newspaper sometimes chastised those who lived on Henpeck Row, it also called out those who didn’t as the town doctor found in April 2, 1903:
“Mrs. G.W. Gammon was a Longmont visitor Tuesday. The Doctor had to telephone down and ask her what he should cook for supper. If the Doctor lived on Henpeck Row he would be used to getting his own supper.”
The most in-depth mention of life on Stickney Avenue is in a March 16, 1905 article titled “You’ll Find them on Henpeck Row.”
“There are statutes(sic)and monuments over the earth to men who have won renown. There are portraits and paintings of more or less worth of others on walls in each town. There are pictures in papers for millions to scan of those who gained fame during life — but where is the shaft that is raised to the man who is helpful at home to his wife? Alas, there is none, but the moment is ripe to remedy such a neglect and therefore this monument fashioned in type we for that true hero erect. But as he’s too modest to wish that his name be on it in glory
aphor as in “a thin veneer of authenticity.” I can remember a dinner evening at a friend’s house years ago where the hostess was proud of a new dining table.
“What is the wood?” asked Deirdre to my right, and after pulling back the table cloth and making a quick inspection I proclaimed that it was ash veneer with solid ash edges – quite nice actually. The hostess was crestfallen and insisted that it was solid wood. I pointed out that yes it was solid particle board under the veneer which made it light and perfectly flat. If it had been solid ash it would weigh a ton and start warping like the Starship Enterprise.
When my veneer arrives from Maryland, I will put some creamy white sycamore or ebony in a gadget that I made, where a tiny 1/8th inch edge of white or black is exposed while being held firmly. A special cutter then slides and makes strips long enough to go around the edge of a guitar. In this instance I am exploiting the thinness of the veneer used on edge, that can be sandwiched to make alternating black and white stripes that are part of the classic look.
It’s slow, fiddly and laborious and probably pays about 10 cents an hour but it does elevate your soul.
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.
enrolled, that others may copy we’ll proudly proclaim his virtues in letters of gold.”
“At dawn he will rise without waking his spouse and start up the heater and range and see that a warmth is all over the house and then without thinking it strange he’ll put on the kettle and something to cook for breakfast, the table he’ll set, so when his dear wife hurries downward to look, a joyful surprise he will get. After supper at night to his wife he will say, ‘My dear, you are tired I know. You’ve worked for the children and me all the day without any stop.’ (Which is so.) ‘Now, I’ll wash the dishes and look after things while you have some moments of rest.’
“If ever an angel there is without wings this man is surely the best. He’ll sweep and make bread and washing he’ll do in case there’s no servant about. The baby he’ll hold and take care of it too, so his wife has a chance to get out. He’ll never leave articles scattered around for his wife to keep putting away. If ever a martyr deserves to be crowned, he does, and he will be some day. Now take off your hats to this monument raised to the man who is helpful at home and copy him, too, if you want to be praised by wives and adored by your own. Although such a paragon never is seen on pedestals here upon earth, in heaven you’ll find him, with angels loud chanting his worth.”
You can explore more of Lyons history through newspapers at https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/ or through our
Continue Henpeck on Page 14
Butler
Sawyer-Lang
Photograph of Charles Spaulding the gentleman who gave Stickney Avenue the nickname of “Henpeck Row.”
Stacking the odds against river life
By Greg Lowell Redstone Review
LYONS – At first, it looks pretty — river rocks stacked upon one another, their arrangement defying gravity. Meticulously balanced, they look like they’re glued together. Quite a work of art — until you consider the damage this activity does to the riparian environment.
Every kid (or young-at-heart adult) who goes to a river or creek invariably ends up playing with rocks — making dams and pools and seeing who can skip a stone across the river or make the biggest splash. And then there’s those who create elaborate manmade hoodoos in the water, then leave them for all to admire.
How can such a simple, aesthetically pleasing activity be damaging? It turns out these river cairns destroy aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish habitat, displace fish eggs and young fry and kill the bugs that trout and other fish depend on. When an aspiring “artist” takes rocks out of the water it damages the riverine environment, and when they stack and leave to dry those rocks it kills hundreds of macroinvertebrates.
Rocks are worlds unto themselves
If you don’t believe this, the next time you pick up a submerged river rock, examine it and you’ll find dozens of tiny (or not so tiny) nymphs, eggs or, in the case of the St. Vrain River, caddis fly homes made of twigs and pebbles. River rocks are generally a stable habitat for these macroinvertebrates in the quick water environment. These rocks and their nooks and crannies are places where an insect holds on, hides and feeds until
it’s ready to pupate. Even more important, river rocks provide habitat for young fish and crustaceans like crayfish.
“Aquatic insects live years of their life on river rocks,” said Deb Hummel, Lefthand Watershed Center scientist. “Fish seek the cracks and crevices between river rocks as a hideout and place to rest. Each rock in the river could be the world of, or at least a key
website celebrates such “stone-balancing artists” along Boulder Creek and advises on the best places to “catch these artists at work.” This seems an odd encouragement for an environmentally conscious city. Leave no trace Erosion and changing the river’s current are other effects of moving river rocks. A child building a little dam just offshore will do some, but little, harm so long as the rocks and stone are removed when they leave. But it seems some people just can’t
part in the life of, an aquatic insect or fish.”
Rocky Mountain National Park also discourages rock stacking, both on land and in streams and rivers.
“It impacts the natural and undeveloped qualities of wilderness character, “ said Kyle Patterson, RMNP Public Affairs Officer.
“Our staff will remove them; otherwise, others see the stacks, they may think it’s okay.”
Weirdly, the City of Boulder’s official
Housing needs an action plan
By Mark Browning Redstone Review
LYONS – In early August (for the first time, as best I recall), town staff advised the Lyons Board of Trustees that we must come up with a new “housing needs assessment,” plus a “housing action plan” to meet those needs.
We were also advised we should sign off on a housing needs assessment prepared by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) showing Lyons needs another 87 limited income housing units — nearly double the 95 or so we have now and worked so hard to attain. An action plan to meet those alleged needs would follow. Why?
Because, we’re belatedly told, Colorado Senate Bill 24-147
resist redirecting moving water.
Case in point is the 15-foot-long dam laboriously constructed by Bohn Park river users above the water access ramp last summer. Rocks as big as basketballs were moved to create a pool below the rapids. Their labor completely changed the river course. This section of the river — and all other stretches down through town — was meticulously planned and restored in the wake of the 2013 flood. The riffles, rocks and pools
(enacted last year), requires us to either do those things or do our own extremely detailed needs assessment and action plan. Doing those on our own would require a lot of staff time and a lot of money for consultants.
Housing has been a big issue since the 2013 flood. A housing war of sorts was fought in 2015 over a proposed Bohn Park project. In 2016 and 2017, town boards, after thorough study, carefully set housing goals for Lyons.
The goals were to reach 10 percent local affordable housing and to contribute a specified number of units toward a 12 percent county-wide goal. The in-progress Seward Street (coops) project, already owned and managed by Boulder County, puts Lyons above its stated goals.
In early 2024, both a Housing Futures Plan (HFP) and a draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Boulder County, envisioning housing in the hills around Lyons, generated heated citizen reaction. The HFP was corrected and the IGA postponed for review by a citizen task force.
A November 2024 survey of citizens’ views on housing drew a big response, with a large majority indicating Lyons either didn’t need any new affordable housing goals or should stick to the existing 10 percent local goal. A strong preference for small or no growth was also clear.
So, you might ask, if there is already a corrected Housing Futures Plan, if housing goals are met, and if citizens have made their housing and growth preferences clear, why must we do a costly “needs assessment” and new action plan to address what DRCOG projects to be significant growth in population and jobs?
I’ll address that question and discuss whether we really have to do what the State and DRCOG want us to do.
SB 24-147 does indeed say municipalities should do housing needs assessments and formulate action plans to meet those needs, using a complex, detailed process probably requiring costly consultants. If towns can’t afford to do their own assessments, they can adopt regional authorities’ assessments like DRCOG’s. The 2024 HFP doesn’t meet the new state criteria.
DRCOG’s Lyons assessment is based on a formula giving 40 percent weight to projected population growth, 36 per-
are not random. They were placed carefully in accordance with both flow dynamics and river ecology. Millions of federal dollars were spent on this effort. In point of fact, this particular stretch was done once, then Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) biologists insisted it be modified, so the Town of Lyons had to spend additional money to redo the river to CPW’s liking.
Beyond the ecological damage, this rock piling violates the familiar outdoor ethic of “Leave No Trace,” which holds that outdoor recreationists should leave a scene as natural or more natural than they found it. Stacking rocks or rechanneling streams might not be as bad as spray-painting a boulder or carving your initials into a tree, but in a stream, it’s much worse ecologically.
Pointless reminders of human ego
Author Robyn Martin in a 2021 High Country News article said it best, “A stack of rocks is an unnecessary marker of humanity, like leaving graffiti –– no different than finding trash that a previous traveler didn’t pack out, or a forgotten water bottle. Pointless cairns are simply pointless reminders of the human ego.”
Admittedly, rock stacking is a minor issue, but our Colorado rivers endure all kinds of insults: chemical spills, wildfire ash run-off, drought and the manmade fluctuations of irrigation diversions. And although rivers are constantly changing during high and low water, we should let natural processes make those changes and not add a damaging practice to the mix that stacks the odds against riparian life already under stress. It’s tempting, I know, to treat the river like your personal playground on these hot days of summer, but please enjoy it as it is and treat it respectfully.
Lyons resident Greg Lowell is a Lyons Town Board Trustee and serves as a liaison to the Ecology Advisory Board for the town board.
cent weight to projected job growth, and smaller percentages to other factors.
DRCOG’s Lyons needs assessment doesn’t give an exact number for population growth, but says an additional 74 households are projected by 2050. On Lyons’ remaining 10 buildable lots? How? It also projects 156 additional jobs on top of 834 existing jobs.
Are those numbers accurate? The first focus in correcting the HFP was to fix a consultant’s erroneous projected population increase for an almost built-out town with limited room for infill (like ADUs) and a history of decisively rejecting residential annexations under the 5-acre rule.
A slide presentation the town planner presented at the August 4 BOT meeting showed Lyons’ population is declining slightly because of aging. Local school enrollment is stagnant, at most. DRCOG’s population growth projection is subject to serious question.
The other main component of DRCOG’s needs assessment is jobs growth, from 834 to 990.
Are there really 834 jobs in Lyons? No, there aren’t.
A Google/AI search revealed where DRCOG got its 834 number: from census data. The census data source, however, doesn’t reflect “jobs” in Lyons at all, but rather reflects 834 people living in Lyons who are employed — not just in Lyons, but anywhere (Boulder, Longmont, Denver, etc.). DRCOG’s projection of 156 new Lyons jobs on top of a base of 834 is highly misleading, to put it mildly.
There are far fewer than 834 jobs in Lyons, since a majority of employed Lyons residents work elsewhere. Applying a percentage increase to a vastly inflated base number results
Browning
Lowell
Balanced rocks, unbalanced ecosystem: the hidden harm of river cairns.
LOOKING UP
Lights Off Lyons, the Library and Fiske Mini Dome explore the stars along with other events this month
By Kara Bauman Redstone Review
LYONS – As summer winds down and school routines ramp up, your Lyons Community Library is here to add a little wonder, discovery and community connection to your calendar.
If you’ve ever dreamed of journeying to the stars without leaving town, join us Saturday, August 16 as the Fiske Planetarium Mini Dome transforms the library into a pocket-sized planetarium.
As part of the 5th annual Lights Off Lyons event — encouraging residents and businesses to go low lights or no lights for one night only — the Mini Dome will host four immersive shows exploring celestial wonders. Reason for the Seasons screens at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., while Tour of the Universe follows at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Step into the dome, lean back and look up — no telescope required, though there will be plenty of those in Bohn Park starting at 7:30 p.m. Just a few days later, the library once again teams up with the Town of Lyons to
co-sponsor a community blood drive on Thursday, August 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations are coordinated through Vitalant and can be scheduled in advance using code A069 at vitalant.org. Giving blood is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to support public health — and we’re grateful to be a part of this lifesaving effort.
On Tuesday, August 26 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., our Tween Book-to-Movie Club returns for readers ages 8–11. This popular, often waitlisted program invites kids to read a book, watch the movie adaptation and share their opinions over snacks and themed activities. August’s pick is Matilda by Roald Dahl, paired with the delightfully mischievous 1996 film. We ask that participants make a good-faith effort to finish the book beforehand and that families notify us of cancellations at least 24 hours in advance so waitlisted kids have a chance to join.
Robyn Sloan, this classroom-based course (no driving required) is especially suited to those aged 50 and up. Participants who complete all four hours may be eligible for a discount on their auto insurance—check with your provider for details. Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members, payable by check or cash the day of class. If cost is a barrier, please reach out; we want everyone to have access to this opportunity.
Then, on Thursday, September 4 at 6:30 p.m., welcome the season with “Fall in the Foothills” presented by Boulder County Parks & Open Space. This engaging indoor slide and activity program is your virtual guide to the county’s most scenic fall spots. Discover where to find vivid autumn foliage, plan a picnic with a view or choose the perfect trail for birdwatching and botanical wonder.
system and get practical tips for staying safe while sharing space with these often-misunderstood neighbors.
This fun and informative session is perfect for curious kids, hikers, gardeners and anyone who’s ever encountered a snake on the trail (or in the backyard) and wondered what to do next.
Finally, our monthly Pints & Pages Book Club meets Wednesday, September 10 at 6 p.m. at MainStage Brewing. This month’s book is Martyr!, a wildly inventive and emotionally resonant novel that’s sure to spark lively conversation. Adults of all ages are welcome — grab a drink, settle in and share your thoughts with fellow book lovers.
For older community members, the AARP Smart Driver Course on Thursday, August 28 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a great way to brush up on current road rules and defensive driving techniques. Taught by certified instructor
On Tuesday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m., some of Lyons’ most beloved and knowledgeable amateur naturalists will slither into the spotlight for a special program on local snake identification, handling and awareness. Learn how to recognize common Front Range species, understand their important role in the eco-
Lyons Community Foundation builds on successes and launches new website
By Rachel Pickarski Redstone Review
LYONS – The Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) is starting the fall season with a brand-new look online — and an even stronger connection to the community. The new website is now live at lyonscf. org, where residents can learn more about LCF’s mission, apply for grants and scholarships and support its work. Those who have been using the temporary address, lcfcolorado.org, will be automatically redirected to the new site.
This summer, Lyons came together in a big way. During the 2025 Sandstone Summer Concert Series, LCF raised more than ever before through baked goods, drinks and donations — all thanks to the generosity of the community. Each dollar directly supports programs and grants that strengthen the town, from local nonprofits to
student scholarships. The music was wonderful, but it is the community’s impact that will keep the harmony going all year long.
As the seasons change, there are still plenty of opportunities to sup- port LCF’s mission. The Hootenanny at River Bend returns Sunday, Aug. 24, from 3 to 7 p.m., a joint fundraiser with Lyons Elevating All Fund (LEAF) featuring live music, local food and drinks and a silent auction.
On Friday, Sept. 6, the Artisan Market at Bohn Park will showcase the talents of the creative community while supporting local causes. LCF’s annual appeal kicks off in October, with a generous matching gift opportunity to double the impact of each donation.
Your involvement — whether through attending events, making a gift or simply spreading the word — ensures that
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 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, 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.
LCF can continue to provide grants, scholarships and resources that keep Lyons vibrant. Visit lyonscf.org to explore the new site and see how you can be part of the difference.
Rachel Pickarski is the Marketing and Communications Consultant for the Lyons Community Foundation.
Sunday, Aug. 24, from 3 to 7 p.m
Bauman
Pickarski
Wrestling with the new tech
By John Gierach Redstone Review
LYONS – Lately I’ve been wasting what seems like an inordinate amount of time wrestling with technology.
For instance, when my old coffee maker gave up the ghost after years of faithful service, I found that with its replacement, brewing a pot of coffee now was easy enough (you press the “brew now” button) but it took me multiple tries over three days to convince it to brew a pot at a predetermined time the following morning the way my old coffee pot did so effortlessly.
I blame my confusion on the peculiar syntax that’s generated when directions written in Chinese are translated into English by a computer program and not proofread by a human, but it may also be that I come from a bygone era and anything much more complicated than an on/off switch is above my pay grade.
And, by the way, why does a device that performs a single task need a control panel that looks like the bridge of the Enterprise?
Not long after that, in preparation for a fishing trip to Minnesota, I went online to buy my nonresident fishing license. I’ve done this often in recent years, so I clicked the
ironically, had insisted that I check a box marked “I am not a robot.”
The day before the actual trip, I went online to check in and print my boarding pass, only to learn that, with this airline at least, paper boarding passes were no longer an option; I could have a QR code or nothing. The next morning at curbside check-in, I displayed a screengrab of my QR code, the man behind the counter scanned it and handed me – you guessed it – the same paper boarding pass I used to be able to print for myself at home. Somewhere in the bowels of corporate America, this makes perfect sense.
The last time I’d boarded a flight with this airline I was the only one in line with a paper boarding pass and the guy at the gate looked up at me and said, “Old school, huh?” This time I left the boarding pass in my pocket, scanned my QR code and didn’t even rate a glance. Once I was in my seat with my rod case and pack stashed in the overhead bin, I wondered if I’d made a breakthrough or become another electronic sheep and decided it didn’t matter. By that time the next day I’d be in a friend’s drift boat casting bass bugs on the St. Croix River and that’s all that really mattered.
I have to say that I once saw all this coming and naïvely thought I could decline to participate and just stick with a typewriter, a land line telephone and the good old U.S. Mail. But I got a computer when too many of the editors I work for began to insist on digital submissions, bought a cell phone shortly after someone spirited away all the pay phones and it mushroomed from there. I correctly foresaw that it would eat my life — in part because I’d seen it eat the lives of others — but there didn’t seem to be a way around it.
“existing customer” box as usual and entered my information, only to have the computer say “Nope, never heard of you” or words to that effect.
So, I ran through it again to make sure I’d entered everything correctly, and when it still didn’t work, I took a coffee break with a cup from the coffee maker it had recently taken me three days to figure out how to operate.
Half an hour later I went back and tried the only end run I know: I entered myself as a new customer, set up a new account and bought my fishing license in a matter of minutes. (Few of us understand how computers work, but by now we’ve all learned that you can’t argue with one, or, to be more precise, you can argue all you want, but you can never win.)
This episode was especially annoying because I know from experience that if I’d been on site at a bait shop or convenience store in rural Minnesota, a pleasant middle-aged woman would have said something like, “Don’t worry, hon, we’ll figure this out. Would ya like a cup of coffee while yer waitin?” As it was, I had to settle for fooling a robot that,
The latest wrinkle is that I don’t get a cell signal at home. When people ask where I live, I refer them to the coverage map in the Verizon ads with the blank spot covering a mountainous strip of southern Wyoming and northern Colorado and say, “I live in that blank spot.” At first, I meant it as a joke, but was surprised at how many people were satisfied with the answer. It was fine for a while — even sort of a relief — but now there are too many online transactions that require a security code that you can only get by text. Of course, there are now cell phones that will work off your home WiFi signal and the time will soon come — if it isn’t here already — when I’ll have to get one. That will mean, at a minimum, the added expense of buying the thing in the first place and the time away from my real life and work it’ll take to learn how to operate it. So, I’ll jump through that hoop any day now, as well as subsequent hoops as soon as they become unavoidable, but I have no illusions about ever catching up, let alone getting out ahead of it.
I understand that this is a function of age, but it’s actually nothing new. When I was a little kid in the 1950s and we got our first black and white TV, my maternal grandmother — who was born in the late 1800s — would listen to it, but she was so accustomed to radios that she couldn’t get the hang of watching it. Unsurprisingly, she said she didn’t understand it.
By the time my mother was as old as her mother was then, she’d developed such a phobia about computers that she wouldn’t even enter a room that contained one. She’d peek in through an open door, say, “That’s nice,” and then skitter away like a shy housecat.
I’m unquestionably my mother’s son and my grandContinue New Tech on Page 14
A
short stop at Ziggi’s for iced tea
LONGMONT – While running a few errands on a very hot summer day, I stopped at Ziggi’s for an iced tea, which I do often. After waiting in a line of cars, I rolled up to the microphone.
Barista: “Hi can I help you?”
Me: “I would like a 24 oz. black iced tea with no sweeteners.”
Barista: “You don’t want ice in that? You said no ice?”
Me: “Ah… no, I didn’t say that.”
Barista: “Well then, how do you want it?”
Me: “I would like a 24 oz. black tea, with ice, and no sweeteners.”
Barista: “OK, what else do you want?”
Me: “I think that’s all we can handle for today.”
Barista: “OK, if you are not going to be polite, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
Me: “Well, I don’t think that is even possible. I’m wedged in between two cars in front of me and four cars behind me.
Barista: Silence…waiting
A new bright happy voice appears: “Hi there. How can I help you?”
Me: “I would like a 24 oz. black iced tea with no sweeteners.”
New Barista: “Anything else?”
Me: “Nope.”
Barista: “See you up at the window.”
Me: “Thanks.”
Gierach
Celebrating our summer seasonal staff in Lyons
By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review
LYONS
– As summer draws to a close, the Town of Lyons is wrapping up several projects and bidding a warm farewell to our exceptional seasonal staff. Each year, our Parks and Public Works team is joined by a group of energetic and dedicated local students, many of them recent graduates or current high school students — who spend their summer months helping to maintain our parks and to keep Lyons running during the hot summer days.
Our seasonal team grows in late May when school lets out and while August signifies that the summer is winding down, the impact that this crew leaves behind lasts far longer.
This summer, we had Ollie Nunez return for the third season at the Visitors Center. In addition, we were fortunate to have five talented Lyons students — Payton Bolkovatz, Jack Johann, Jesse Nunez, Eamon Osborn, and Cooper Uecker — on our parks and public works crew. Four of them returned from last year, bringing valuable
experience and all gained hands-on knowledge about maintaining our parks, roads and infrastructure. For some, this role may even be the first step toward a future career in public service. In fact, two of last year’s seasonal staff members, transitioned to fulltime members of our Parks and Public Works team.
“The seasonal staff gets a wide-ranging perspective of all the effort required to maintain our infrastructure and our local parks, especially during the busy summer months,” shared Dave Cosgrove, Parks and Public Works Director. “For some, it can be a launching pad for a full-time position with the Town. They learn a great deal about the daily work it takes to keep our community running smoothly.”
wherever needed.
From irrigation repairs to field preparation, mowing, trimming and helping with
The year-round staff especially values their enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in
Corn Harvest Moon is coming in September
LYONS – Some call the full moon in September the Corn Moon. It rises on the evening of September 7, 2025. Why do we call it the Corn Moon?
When to See the Full Moon in September 2025
This year, September’s full Corn Moon will peak illumination at 2:09 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, September 7. It will be below the horizon at this time, so be sure to watch for it after sunset.
The ninth moon of creation is the Corn Moon, during which time we learn about the cycle of life. Each cob of corn has thirteen rows of multicolored seeds which represent all the spirits waiting to begin their earth walk. These will be the future generations for whom we must prepare.
This full moon is a powerful symbol of abundance, gratitude, and the culmination of hard work. It invites us to celebrate the rewards of our labors, both in tangible achievements and personal growth.
Why Do We Call it the Corn Moon?
This time of year — late summer into early fall — corresponds with the time of harvesting corn in much of the northern United States. For this reason, a number of Native American peoples traditionally used some variation of the name “Corn Moon” to refer to the moon of either August or September. Examples include Corn Maker Moon (Western Abenaki) and Corn Harvest Moon (Dakota).
The behavior of animals is also a common theme, with Child Moon (Tlingit) referring to the time when young animals are weaned, and Mating Moon and Rutting Moon (both Cree) describing the time of year when certain animals, like moose, elk, and deer, are looking to mate.
road or utility issues, this team tackled a variety of local tasks. “Hiring dependable
individuals who are committed to improving our community makes a positive impact for all,” noted Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen. “During the summer months, when our parks and projects are in full swing, seasonal staff are an essential part of our team.”
Their work has touched nearly every corner of Lyons — from dog park maintenance, to prepping Bohn Park for baseball and softball games, to keeping Sandstone Park in top shape for our Summer Concert Series. Along the way, they’ve learned about large-scale infrastructure projects, connected with campers and park visitors, and they have seen firsthand how their efforts contribute to the daily operations of the town. Whether these students choose to pursue careers in public service or another field, they leave with valuable skills, lasting memories and the knowledge that their work had a direct, positive impact on their hometown. We are grateful for their energy and dedication — and we wish them all the best as they head back to school or onto their next adventures.
Kim Mitchell is Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Town of Lyons. She has called Lyons home for the past 15 years.
Bunce School Museum opens for visitors
By Staff Reports Redstone Review
ALLENSPARK – Three Saturdays remain for members of the public to visit the Bunce School Museum in Allenspark. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 16, Aug. 30 (Labor Day weekend) and Sept. 20 (Hilltop Guild’s Fall Festival).
The Bunce School Museum is located a short walk from the Hilltop Guild’s Kelley House at 18720 Highway 7. Admission is free. The old schoolhouse is owned and operated by the Guild. It was built in 1888 by V. H. “Dick” Rowley and was named after J.H. Bunce, an early settler in the area. The school served the local communities of Riverside, Raymond, Heathermeade and Peaceful Valley. Allenspark had its own small school.
The Bunce School Museum was granted Historic Designation in May 1986. Ten years later, the Guild purchased the property and building from the Allenspark Fire Protection District, rejoining original property belonging to the Kelley family.
Today, members of the Hilltop Guild volunteer at the schoolhouse and help chil-
$2 billion northern Colorado dam complex losing its largest customer as Fort Collins-Loveland drops out
By Michael Booth With permission from The Colorado Sun Redstone Review
DENVER – The Northern Integrated Supply Project — building a long-delayed set of dams, pipelines and pumps for 15 city and regional districts — now faces new questions.
Fort Collins-Loveland Water District, intended to be the largest water buyer by far for a long-troubled $2 billion northern Colorado dam and pipeline complex, is dropping out of the project, officials confirmed Friday.
Northern Water, which is building the Northern Integrated Supply Project, or NISP, on behalf of 15 cities and water districts to supply decades of future need in fast-growing suburban areas, said it will continue business as usual and has not heard a direct cancellation from Fort Collins-Loveland.
Northern Water completed a $100 million environmental mitigation settlement with longtime opponents of the dam complex in February. Fort Collins-Loveland officials said at the time they were happy with the settlement and appeared committed to the project that spans the Cache la Poudre and South Platte River basins.
Fort Collins-Loveland had 20 percent of NISP, or 8,100 acre-feet, and was on the hook for at least $400 million — and growing — for its share of construction bonds and the environmental settlement. An acre-foot supplies the water needs of two or more average households in a year.
An official statement from Fort Collins-Loveland said
officials are “currently evaluating whether to continue participating” ahead of important finance meetings in October. Fort Collins-Loveland district chief Chris Pletcher said in an interview Friday afternoon, “It’s not a final decision today, but if it were today, that would be our decision to not move forward” with NISP.
The district has been part of the plans for 21 years, at a cost of $34 million to date, but in the last few months, Pletcher said, the true cost and risk of the project has
“reached a point of clarity.”
In recent meetings discussing financial guarantees needed to move forward, Pletcher said, the major spenders like Fort
dren and their parents remember what life was like in the late 1800s into the 1900s.
“It’s a beautiful drive coming up from Estes Park or Lyons,” Mary Rushing, lead volunteer, said. “You and your family are most welcome to join us for a trip back in time.”
Collins-Loveland are being asked to risk unlimited costs with no promise of delivered water amounts.
“That’s not a deal any normal person would enter into. The risk is all put on the participants with no guarantee of any yield,” said Pletcher, whose district supplies about 60,000 people in Loveland and Fort Collins, Timnath, Windsor and Larimer County.
“The result of that was that the project was beyond our ability to not only carry financially, but the net unit cost of the water resulting from it was 50 percent larger than what our market can carry for buying new taps. Once we purchased it, we couldn’t sell it. That’s what changed over the past six months that was not apparent two years ago,” he said.
Northern Water says it will continue moving forward
Northern Water spokesman Jeff Stahla said the consortium will move ahead with plans for the initial phases of the sprawling project, which involves first relocating U.S. 287 out of a valley northwest of Fort Collins. That valley will be dammed to make the new Glade Reservoir, with water to fill it pumped in from the Cache la Poudre. “NISP is fully permitted after years of trying, and construction of the dam and reservoir at Glade could begin in 2027 or 2028,” Stahla said.
The project also includes a new reservoir east of Fort Collins for South Platte River water, called Galeton, and pipelines to exchange water rights and supply farmers and cities along the way.
“One thing I can tell you is that over the course of this project, there have been times when we’ve had communities stop participation,” Stahla said, while not addressing Fort Collins-Loveland actions. “Berthoud was one, they were initially part of the project and then chose several years into the project to drop out. So that has occurred.” Fort Collins-Loveland said it may be willing to reconsider
Seasonal staff who helped install the public art piece Rusty the Moose — from left to right: Jack Johann, Cooper Uecker, Eamon Osborn, and Payton Bolkovatz. (Jesse Nunez was on vacation.)
Site of the proposed Northern Integrated Supply Project as seen on May 17, 2022, in eastern Larimer County near the Cache la Poudre River corridor. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America, file)
Lily Gabler stands in front of the Bunce School Museum in Allenspark wearing a sandwich board advertising the 1888 building.
Lily Gabler stands in front of the Bunce School Museum in Allenspark.wearing a sandwich board advertising the 1888 building.
SHOWCASE
An Open Door, Temple Grandin film starts worldwide streaming
By Jennifer Dimas From Colorado State University Media
FORT COLLINS – She changed the beef industry by making the humane handling of cattle a standard practice. She changed perceptions of autism through persistence and global success.
And she shifted notions of neurodiversity on campus by becoming a distinguished professor of animal science at Colorado State University.
Temple Grandin has done it all with insights gained from her own autism.
Now, audiences worldwide can learn about Grandin’s extraordinary life and influence through a documentary film, An Open Door. It will be available beginning Aug. 12 on the streaming platforms Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ and Kanopy. The film is presented by CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, was written and directed by award-winning filmmaker John Barnhardt and is distributed by Good Deed Entertainment. It has been accepted into 72 festivals, has earned 27 individual awards and has been featured in 26 states and nine countries.
“At the age of 77, Temple Grandin lives life full of purpose and meaning that continues to inspire millions around the globe,” said Barnhardt, a CSU alumnus and film producer based in Fort Collins.
Grandin was also the inspiration for an HBO feature film, Temple Grandin, released in 2010. Among dozens of accolades, she has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, has been recently honored by USA Today among its 2025 Women of the Year, and has received CSU’s 2023 Founders Day Medal for her profound impact.
Ten CSU students contributed to all aspects of the new documentary — part of the film Grandin says she finds especially gratifying.
For instance, Jacob Faulkner worked as an assistant editor of An Open Door as he was completing his bachelor’s degree in computer science; the experience prompted him to pursue a master’s degree in journalism and media communication with the aim of working in the film industry.
“It was such a blast,” Faulkner said of working on the documentary. “I feel like I learned something every single day and working with Temple was such an inspiration. She’s such an important person.”
In her books, appearances and in the film, Grandin describes the importance of teaching kids with autism use -
Creative
ful skills that align with their interests — and giving them a chance to work and contribute, so their lives are not defined by a diagnosis.
In An Open Door, she describes the opportunities she found when key people saw the value of her work and gave her a chance.
“I recognized doors to opportunity. Doors have always been very symbolic for me because I have to have visual images,” she says. “One thing I figured out very early on is certain people can open doors.”
The concept is on display at the Temple Grandin Equine Center, with branches at CSU in Fort Collins and at the CSU Spur campus in Denver. The center honors Grandin and hosts equine therapy sessions for children and adults with disabilities and other challenges, including many with autism. It is also an unparalleled site for university research examining benefits and best practices in equine-assisted
services.
“Horses saved me,” Grandin often says, referring to experiences in the horse barn at the private high school she attended. Her interest in horses led to her broader interest in livestock — and eventually to her career in the cattle industry and teaching, the documentary shows. “When I was in high school, one of the few places I was not bullied and teased was horseback riding and working in the barn,” she says in the film.
An Open Door traces Grandin’s life from her upbringing near Boston, through school, into the cattle industry, on to higher education and to her standing as a hero in the autism community. In 1990, Grandin joined CSU, where she has conducted ground-breaking research and taught classes in livestock behavior and humane handling; she has likewise mentored dozens of graduate students who have gone on to careers in animal welfare.
It has not been an easy journey, the film shows. Determined to give food animals a decent life and painless death, Grandin persevered through sexism, skepticism and even ridicule to demonstrate the value of her designs.
Over time, Grandin’s concepts, handling systems and associated auditing tools have been adopted as gold standards around the globe, in many cases by beef producers and meatpackers that supply the world’s largest grocers and fast-food chains. If you’ve eaten a hamburger, you’ve likely been an end user of Grandin’s work.
Her story is widely embraced as proof positive that innovation springs from different kinds of thinking and diverse personal experiences — a point Grandin stresses in countless invited talks.
“In this documentary, Temple shows us that it’s not only important but necessary that we have different minds solving our global problems,” said John Festervand, executive producer of An Open Door and director of development in CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
Grandin hopes the film encourages people in both the animal welfare and autism communities.
“When I was younger, I used to look for great, mysterious meanings of life,” she says in the film. “Now that I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the most important things are the things I do — that I help do something real to make something better. I want to open doors for other people now.”
Jennifer Dimas works in the Communications/Media Department at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
Neighborhoods brings art into unexpected spaces
By Kristen Bruckner Redstone Review
LYONS – My friend and accomplished kinetic sculptor John King likes to remind me that everyone is an artist. It follows from the notion that the artist is not a special kind of person, but every person is a special kind of artist.
There are many avenues to express one’s creativity through music, dance, theater and visual arts. Lyons’ vibrant art scene is especially notable as one tours around town and sees our many sculptures, beautiful gardens, murals, and painted utility boxes.
These are made possible by active, engaged residents who volunteer, work on commissions, fundraise and work hard to cultivate creative expression. Residents put their individual stamp on their own corner of the world in the form of beautiful gardens, ornamental trees, yard art and butterfly habitats. Even if one doesn’t paint or play guitar, we each have an opportunity to enhance where we live.
Just this week, a group of volunteers from the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC) along with members of the youth art council painted the cement bollards in front of the fire station. The result: ugly concrete barriers were transformed into an interesting, colorful, whimsical attraction.
The LAHC’s Creative Outlets program that allows for the beautification of the green electrical boxes around town is expanding to allow residents to have an impact in their own neighborhood. For the past several years, with support from the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission and the Lyons Community Foundation, the town has worked with an artist to paint one green box per year.
An area artist, selected through a broad call for design, is selected by committee and
receives a stipend to transform a green utility box into a story or a reflection of the natural surroundings. Painted boxes have included last year’s Trout by Erica Schmitt, and the The Pollinators by Julie Kitzes in Bohn Park and Ryan Sohlden’s Train Car in LaVern Johnson Park. Currently, Sim-
one Paterno is completing this year’s addition in front of Lumber Liquors in Winter Plaza. The concept she envisioned reflects many aspects of life in Lyons. All told, we have seven painted boxes, but we can do more!
To further encourage citizens to take an active role in making their own corner of the world just a little more interesting and beautiful, the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission is announcing a Creative Neighborhoods program whereby private residents can commission a utility box painting in their neighborhood. It’s the transformation of the rather ugly green utility boxes into something visually appealing and interesting. All the Town requires is a form to be filled out and the high voltage
signage must remain.
Designs must be pre-approved by the LAHC. Private sponsorship covers all materials and a stipend to the artist. The LAHC is working to create a roster of artists interested in this work or residents may select an artist of their choosing. Residents
might also come up with a group design that reflects the history or vibe of their area of town. Guidelines for the Creative Neighborhoods program can be found on the public art section of the town website: https://www.townoflyons.com/804/Public-Art
Speaking of making a mark on the arts in Lyons, we would like to note the recent departure of Melinda Wunder from Lyons. Melinda received a formal certificate of appreciation from the Board of Trustees for her years of service and contributions to the LAHC. She was instrumental in developing and cultivating the heARTS of LYONS sculpture loan program that has brought dozens of high-quality sculptures to town including the newest Rusty the Moose along highway 36’s Rust Alley Pink Woman,
a permanent alabaster piece has been dedicated to her new location on High Street. Tyler, the Bee Guy is also inspiring residents to investigate the confluence of art and support of our local ecosystems. He is leading the charge in designating Lyons as a BEE CITY and kicking off an art contest at Moxie through the month of August.
The Lyons Board of Trustees has also commissioned the design of our first-ever municipal flag. This symbol will capture the essence of Lyons’ identity, celebrate its cultural heritage and inspire future generations. Spearheaded by the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC), this initiative invites artists to help shape a lasting emblem for our vibrant and creative mountain town. The winning artist will receive a $500 stipend and will create a visual representation of Lyons history and future. Submissions are being accepted until September 1.
Finally, a non-resident of Lyons has made an incredible gift to the town. A carved Lion named “Shey” from Lyons’ pink sandstone by artist Kimmerjae Macarus will be coming to Bohn Park soon. The work is 10 feet in length, weighing several thousand pounds. Greg Fitzsimmons, a self-proclaimed fan of Lyons, generously donated this sculpture which will be enjoyed permanently by residents and visitors to our beautiful park.
No matter what your creative gifts include, everyone in town has the ability to create and contribute to our town’s beauty and sense of community pride.
For more information on any of the mentioned programs, please contact Kristenbruckner@townoflyons.com
Kristen Bruckner is the Coordinator for Arts and Cultural Services for the Town of Lyons. She and her husband Dan have lived in Lyons for 20 years, raising 3 kids and participating in many town activities. She may be reached at Kristenbruckner@townoflyons.com.
Bruckner
Natalie Hutt prepares a bollard for painting.
Simone Paterno beautifies a utility box.
WHAT’S COOKIN’
Cold soup for hot days
By Barbara Shark Redstone Review
LYONS – In the heat of these late summer days I’m not inspired to cook so I plan menus that can be prepared in the cool of the morning and served with little fuss. I use the grill and serve many salads. Cold soups are perfect to spark my appetite. I devised this recipe after having had a similar soup years ago in Barcelona. It is truly more than the sum of its few parts.
For four to six small servings, sauté half a medium sized onion, chopped (about two cups), in a tablespoon of olive oil until tender and golden.
Meanwhile, remove the rind and seeds of a two pound cantaloupe. Cut into chunks and toss into the blender. Add the onion and whizz until perfectly smooth.
Add salt to taste. Chill well, (I make this a day ahead of when it will be served). Serve in small cups. Top with a drizzle of olive oil with something salty and crisp alongside – a baguette from St. Vrain Market, a crusty loaf from Moxie, or homemade crackers.
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 - www.howilearnedtocookanartistslife.blog.
Quark Cheesecake wins the County Fair with a Café Sabarsky cake
By Catherine Metzger Redstone Review
SAN MIGUEL COUNTY – Whether you visit the exquisite Gustav Klimt painting, The Woman in Gold at the Neue Galerie, in New York City, or not, you must try the Austrian cuisine downstairs at the Café Sabarsky, whose schnitzel, goulash and cakes are as finely wrought as any artworks in the building. Quark cheesecake, with a no-bake filling, is one of these fine Café Sabarsky cakes.
Ingredients
Sugar Dough
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 large egg
Pinch salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
Genoise
Cooking spray
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 large eggs
Although I haven’t been to the Café Sabarsky since 2007, I remembered the cakes so fondly that I had to purchase Kurt Gutennbrunner’s 2011 book, Neue Cuisine: The Elegant Tastes of Vienna: Recipes from Cafe Sabarsky, Wallse and Blaue Gans so that I could replicate some of these delicious tortes.
This year I entered Gutenbrunner’s Quark Cheesecake in the San Miguel Basin’s Annual Dessert Contest and Tasting Party and, to my surprise, I won a reserve champion ribbon and carved spoon for my efforts in the frosted cake category. And if I’d made the cake the day before, perhaps I might’ve done even better, as cakes take an overnight in the refrigerator to marry together to perfection. But let’s not speculate.
There were many fine bakers there entering their best cakes, pies, cookies and ice creams. The competition was intense. One woman won four aprons! The best part of the event was chatting with neighbors, meeting newly born babies and indulging in a few of the best desserts around with our community.
Quark Cheesecake/Topfentorte
“This light cake made with layers of spongy genoise, jam, and fluffy quark cheese mousse is a favorite of mine. It’s an excellent springtime or brunch cake. I like it with fresh fruit, and I often arrange concentric circles of raspberries and blueberries on top” - Kurt Gutenbrunner
2 large egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted
Mousse
4 gelatin sheets
2 cups heavy cream
¼ cup sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup quark cheese (can use plain Greek yogurt to substitute)
Garnish
¾ cup fruit preserves or jam
About 1 cup fresh berries
Make the sugar dough:
1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter with the confectioners’ sugar until creamy, about three minutes. Slowly add the egg and salt and beat at low speed until creamy. Add the flour and beat just until smooth.
2. Remove the dough and pat into a thick square. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate one hour.
3. Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with a round of parchment paper, line the sides with a long strip of parchment, and spray lightly with cooking spray. Cut the dough into four equal squares. Reserve three of the squares for another use.
4. Roll the remaining square into an 8 1/2-inch round, and transfer to the prepared pan. Bake the dough until golden
brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer the pan to a rack to cool. Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Make the genoise:
5. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray and dust lightly with flour.
6. In a large bowl, set over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is frothy and very warm, but not hot, about three minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and beat at medium-high speed until the mixture has cooled slightly and doubled in volume, three or four minutes. Sift the flour with the cornstarch over the batter and fold in. Fold in the butter until just smooth.
7. Using an offset spatula, spread the batter in the prepared pan. Transfer to the oven and bake until the genoise is light brown and spongy, about 30 minutes.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool completely on a rack. Remove the sides of the springform pan and carefully flip the genoise onto a cutting board.
Meanwhile, make the mousse:
9. Soak the gelatin sheets in a bowl of ice water until softened, about 15 minutes. Drain, squeeze out as much water as possible, and put the gelatin in a small bowl.
10. In a large bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk the sugar with the
egg yolks and lemon juice until tripled in volume and very shiny, about four minutes. Add the gelatin sheets and beat until dissolved. Remove the bowl from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
11. Fold the quark into the egg-yolk mixture. Gradually fold in the whipped cream.
12. Using a long, serrated knife cut the genoise into two horizontal layers.
13. Spread a thin layer of jam on the sugar dough in the pan. Set the bottom layer of genoise on the dough, cut side up. Pour in the mousse and gently tap the pan on the work surface so that the mixture flows down the sides. Set the second genoise layer on top, cut side down, and gently press it. Freeze overnight.
14. Release the sides of the pan and remove the parchment paper. Spread a layer of jam on top of the cake. Transfer to a cake plate, decorate with the fresh berries, and serve.
Since cooking for room and board at a Scottish estate in 1978, then as a French cuisine journeyman at the celebrated Henri d’Afrique restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, Catherine Ripley Metzger has been honing her culinary skills. Today, as proprietor of the blog, www. FoodForTheAges.com, she sources locally, gardens intentionally and cooks with curiosity from the ground up in her log cabin home on Colorado’s Western Slope. For more practical, how-to recipes, go to www.foodfortheages.com.
Dry needling helps healing in physical therapy
By Erin Mang Redstone Review
LYONS – Dry needling has become a highly regarded technique among physical therapists to address musculoskeletal pain, promote healing and restore function. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles. It involves inserting fine, sterile needles into myofascial trigger points, muscles or connective tissues, aiming to reduce pain and improve movement.
One of the foremost benefits of dry needling is its efficacy in alleviating chronic pain.
Dry needling is also associated with improved range of motion and accelerated recovery. In a randomized controlled trial involving patients with shoulder impingement syndrome, those receiving dry needling experienced a 35 percent greater improvement in shoulder function compared to the control group. The technique is especially useful for athletes and active individuals seeking faster rehabilitation and return to sport.
Moreover, patient satisfaction with dry needling is notably high. A survey published in Physical Therapy (2018) reported that 82 percent of patients would recommend the treatment to others with similar conditions. Adverse effects are typically mild and shortlived, with the most common being temporary soreness at the needle site.
According to a 2017 systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy , dry needling significantly reduces pain and disability in patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, In fact, the review found that 75 percent of participants reported immediate improvement following treatment. Furthermore, a 2019 meta-analysis revealed that dry needling, when combined with exercise therapy, had a more pronounced effect on reducing pain and enhancing mobility compared to exercise alone.
In summary, dry needling is a valuable tool in the physical therapy arsenal, supported by growing research and positive patient outcomes. It offers significant benefits in pain reduction, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction, making it an effective intervention for many individuals seeking relief from musculoskeletal ailments.
Dr. Erin Mang DPT is a Midwestern transplant with over 13 years of physical therapy experience. Born and raised in Michigan, she moved to Colorado nine years ago to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer.
a rebate. The Lyons program will utilize the same eligible mitigation activities as Boulder County but will also require an Individual Home Assessment which is offered by Wildfire Partners. Please note that Boulder County does NOT require a home assessment to claim a rebate. For full details and to apply and learn more, visit the town’s website: townoflyons. com/wildfirerebate.
Kids are returning to school: Drive carefully
LYONS – Please drive slowly, especially in all school zones. Safety reminders include yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and watching for cyclists riding to and from school.
You must have a license to drive a golf car
LYONS – The Town and the School Resource Officer remind all residents that in order to drive a golf car in town, you must possess a valid driver’s license and have a Town of Lyons golf car sticker. As a reminder, golf cars are NOT allowed on any Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) roads, including State Hwy. 7 and U.S. Hwy. 36. You are allowed to cross the road/intersection but not to drive along it.
The registration process ensures that all golf car drivers are notified of the rules of the road. Lyons Middle/Senior High School kindly reminds residents that parking on school grounds is reserved for those with school-related business.
Additionally, the athletic fields and track are designated for student use during school hours. Also, please note that NO DOGS are allowed on the school campus. Residents and visitors to the dog park are reminded to use off street parking to access the dog park. Do not
Travels with Redstone
Lyons resident Suzan Grenier brought a bit of home to Cody, Wyoming, posing with the Redstone Review against the backdrop of the town’s western charm. From sweeping mountain views to rich cowboy culture, Cody proved to be the perfect setting for her latest adventure.
Take the Redstone with you on your next trip and send us your photos showing where the Redstone has traveled. Send your photos to redstarnews5@gmail.com.
cut through school property and do not park at the school if going to the dog park. Thank you.
Lights off Lyons
LYONS – Join in the fun at the 5th Annual Lights Off Lyons event, where you will be able to see the stars and constellations at a community gathering to encourage residents and businesses to go low lights or no lights on Saturday, August 16 in Bohn Park and explore the planets, stars, and more with telescopes, local scientists and the community.
Learn more: See the library story on page 6 with all the details for the event.
September artisan market
LYONS – The Artisan’s Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6. Join us for a perfect late-summer Saturday at beautiful Bohn Park in Lyons—right along the scenic St. Vrain Creek. Now in its fifth year, the September Artisan Market brings together local creators and makers—featuring unique handcrafted jewelry, art, wearables, and more. Once again, we’re teaming up with the Lyons Community Foundation for a delicious Taco & Burrito Bar Especial fundraiser.
Enjoy live music and entertainment, plus root beer floats, great food and a vibrant outdoor craft marketplace. For more information, contact the Lyons Town Hall at 303-823-6622.
Summer’s not over yet — Join us in Lyons
LYONS – Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of sunshine and community spirit to enjoy before the crisp days of fall arrive. Mark your calendars and come join your neighbors for these upcoming events — whether you make it to one or all, you’ll be glad you did.
Continued from Cover
Greenwood offers a helping hand for wildlife
By Cindy Leikam Redstone Review
LONGMONT – Greenwood Wildlife took in over 4,000 animals in 2024 alone. So far this year, we’ve seen an 11 percent increase in incoming animals. When these critters are ready to return to the wild, our team is tasked with finding ideal habitats for each of the 200 different species we care for.
Every species has unique requirements for food, shelter, and water, and Colorado has specific laws directing where rehabilitated animals can be released.
Every state has different regulations governing wildlife and rehabilitation centers. In Colorado, animals must be released within ten miles of the location they were rescued from. This helps ease their transition back to the wild because they are returning to familiar territory where they can easily find resources and potentially be reunited with family units or colonies. It’s also important for population and disease control. Some species are extremely territorial, and releasing newcomers into areas already occupied by that species can reduce their ability to succeed in the wild and could even pose dangers.
In cases where it’s not possible to return within that ten-mile radius, Greenwood must request special permission from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to release an animal
in an alternate location. Situations that may require us to seek special permission include areas that are unsafe, too close to human populations, not approved by the property owner, or lack adequate resources. Finding a suitable site for releasable animals is a collaborative effort between private landowners, local agencies, and public land managers. Permission from the landowner is required before releasing any wildlife. Our team works closely with local businesses, homeowners, and various municipal, county, and state agencies to ensure each critter winds up in the best possible place.
Medium-sized mammals like raccoons, foxes, and coyotes require more space in a rural setting, so partnerships with local city and county-owned natural areas are common release sites for these patients. For small animals like birds, bunnies, and squirrels, urban parks and suburban backyards are prime habitats. Occa-
sionally, animals from higher elevations or other areas of the state end up in our care, so having access to ecologically diverse release sites is critical to accommodate the hundreds of species we rehabilitate and release each year.
You can help by offering your property as a release site. Signing up is easy; any property owner can sign up online at greenwoodwildlife.org/get-involved/ release-site-programs/. All sizes and types of properties are needed to accommodate the varied needs of our patients. Your land can give a second chance to wildlife in the final stage of their rehabilitation journey.
As the human population grows along the Front Range, it has become harder to find accessible, appropriate natural areas. Many of these animals simply need a place to get started with good cover and resources while they readjust to life in the wild. Others need an area to call home, where they can establish territories and become a member
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of the local population. Without suitable release sites, our work would be in vain. Ask any rehabilitator, and they’ll tell you that witnessing a long-term or critical patient return home is the most rewarding part of the job. You can experience this too by attending our annual fundraising gala, Wild Night for Wildlife. It’s our largest fundraising endeavor, providing the resources we need to successfully rehabilitate thousands of animals each year.
For our Wild Night attendees, each year we compile a montage of the most memorable and heartwarming releases, from the tiniest hummingbird to rascally raccoons. Your ticket purchase ensures that we are well-funded for the challenges ahead in 2026. The need for our services grows year after year, and every year we step up to meet the moment. You can support our work by attending our annual gala on September 20, offering your property as a release site, or simply following and sharing our success stories.
Cindy Leikam is the Communications and Fundraising Assistant for Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Back to freedom: a rehabilitated red fox returns to the wild and is released at Thornton Open Space.
A Rattlesnake came to visit
By Sally White King Redstone Review
A rattlesnake swam the river Landing cold from its swim
Too cold to coil
A few feet from where
Daniel and John were eating lunch. (The same two characters present last year
When John got bitten….)
You can imagine my traumatized déjà vu
I insisted we call the snake whisperer, Gill 509-679-3346
And his compadre Gwyd....
Like the heroes in Westerns They strode across the bridge
With their snake wrangling equipment over their shoulders.
And it was as if the snake knew they had come to help.
Wise elders bringing animal kindness and respect.... Quickly, she was in the box and ready for transport.
And so it was with a salute from John
That our snake regained her freedom
Answering him with a flick of her tongue
She was gone.
Leaving us with the question... Was she perhaps his same snake from the year before?
Living in the mystery, all my relations.
Healing the heart
By Sally White King Redstone Review
Ram Das said “We are ‘just’ walking each other home”
No small thing
This kind of walk we make with each other.
I scrape the peeling paint from the bridge
Wearing an old blue shirt
Like my dad used to wear
Sally King is a local artist who believes it’s imperative that each of us pop our head up out of the collective trance, to bring through our creative gifts. You can find her on her blog and website, hersoupot.net and sallywhiteking.com or email sallywhiteking@live.com.
trails in the area.
According to some internet sources, in Boulder County, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on designated regional and open space trails in the plains area. For specific trail locations and rules, it’s best to consult the Boulder County Open Space map.
Some municipalities have their own ordinances governing the use of e-bikes on trails, but each municipality cannot override the state and county laws governing e-bikes on trails.
After a discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Williams, speaking for the majority of the board, asked staff to draft an ordinance that would adopt the same laws that Boulder County, Longmont, and much of the state have, which is that Class One and Class Two e-bikes are allowed on trails, but Class Three e-bikes are only allowed on streets. Class One and Two are not able to exceed 20 MPH. Class three is able to reach 28 MPH. Williams said, “We will add that to the town code.”
The board moved on to approve several ordinances starting with the first reading of Ordinance 1194 to allow feather banner type signs outside of local businesses. There was no objection by any of the trustees to the feather banners and it was routinely approved by all the trustees in attendance.
The board approved, on first reading, a second Ordinance 1196, to annex the property at 4497 Ute Hwy. to the Town of Lyons. The property contains an existing vacant structure, built in 1968. The owner, Phoenix Equity Group, purchased the property in 2025. The property is currently zoned agricultural in Boulder County, which renders the property non-conforming in terms of proposed use. The property owner is seeking annexation to permit retail use on the lot.
The board also approved ordinance 1197 on first reading after asking the board to approve the Commercial East Corridor zoning for property at 4497 Ute Hwy. It was approved unanimously.
In other news Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen told the board that Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has inquired if the town board has an interest in acquiring the property east and south of 103 Park St., adjacent to the Black Bear Hole. The state does not have a use for the property, and the town has storm drainage facilities on it. Staff are interested in obtaining the property and improving stormwater detention and fil-
Continued from Page 4
historic district walking tour and our five virtual exhibits all of which can be accessed from our website www.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.
Board Continued from Page 1 New tech Continued from Page 7
mother’s grandson, but I may have learned something those two old ladies never did: namely that it’s pointless to explain that things used to be simpler and easier because they aren’t simple and easy now and never will be again.
John Gierach died on Oct. 3, 2024. He was an outdoor and fly fishing writer who wrote books and columns for magazines, including a regular column for Trout Magazine. His books include Trout Bum, Sex Death and Fly fishing, and Still Life with Brook Trout. He won seven first place awards from the Colorado Press Association for his columns in the Redstone Review. His latest book, All the Time in the World, was released in March 2023 and is available at book stores and fly fishing shops everywhere.
supporting NISP if Northern Water is willing to negotiate cost and water delivery guarantees, as well as water quality issues. But so far, Pletcher said, Northern Water has not asked for talks since he told the agency of his plans at a regular meeting.
“If there is a possibility of adjusting the project to something that has a different level of risk and certainty,” Pletcher said, they would be willing to listen. “We don’t see how we can move forward with it as it’s currently put together.”
The $2 billion price tag, of which Fort Collins-Loveland would pay 20%, is “without updated financing cost and construction change orders,” Pletcher said. “It would go up from there, potentially significantly. That’s what we’re wrestling with.”
Opponents of the project over the years have attacked the plans for taking more water out of the Poudre River through Fort Collins and opening the participating cities up to potentially huge costs as construction prices and financing fees rise. The nonprofit Save the Poudre fought NISP in court and through local government forums for years, before agreeing to the $100 million mitigation settlement this year.
“We are watching the situation closely and continue to have our eye on the best outcome for the river,” said Save the Poudre founder Gary Wockner.
Though Pletcher emphasized the decisions were separate, he said Fort Collins-Loveland has continued to expand other potential water supplies through a recent agreement with the private developer Front Range H2O. That company is developing an underground aquifer in northern Colorado that could hold excess surface water in wet years that Fort Collins-Loveland holds the rights to from the Michigan, Laramie and Colorado rivers.
“It’s comforting to know we are now under contract with Front Range H2O,” Pletcher said. “But we evaluated NISP on its own merits.”
There was at least one other “walkaway” issue with NISP, Pletcher said, involving water quality. In earlier agreements, Northern Water had promised to pipe clean Cache la Poudre water around the city of Fort Collins’ Mulberry wastewater treatment plant outflow. Though Mulberry treats sewage and runoff water, it is impossible for treatment plants to get rid of all the PFAS, microplastics and other contaminants from the waste.
If Northern Water didn’t divert its new supply until after Mulberry, Pletcher said, Fort Collins-Loveland would be taking on low-quality water.
“We feel like that’s a very significant issue for us, because we’ve made a commitment to our customers to maintain very high-quality water in our system,” he said.
Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Michael Booth is The Colorado Sun’s environment writer, and co-author of The Sun’s weekly climate and health newsletter The Temperature. He and John Ingold host the weekly SunUp podcast on The Temperature topics every Thursday. He can be reached at booth@coloradosun.com.
This story was printed with permission from The Colorado Sun
Continued from Page 5
in an inflated, false “jobs growth” projection and therefore inflates projected housing needs.
DRCOG’s needs assessment has other questionable data, but those are the big ticket items.
Instead of either (a) signing onto an erroneous needs assessment or (b) trying to do its own costly needs assessment, can Lyons “just say no” to what the State and DRCOG want it to do?
SB 24-147 contains a limited penalty for non-compliance. It says if a town doesn’t do the prescribed detailed and costly assessment and action plan, certain State agencies will not give priority to town grant requests but only for “land use planning” and housing. That raises a question. If Lyons is almost built out (i.e., land use mostly set) and already meets its housing goals, how many future land use planning and housing grants does Lyons really need? Is “the pain worth the gain” to go through the complex, costly SB 24-147 needs/action plan process?
Lyons could do its own housing “action plan” based on actual conditions and follow the BOT’s stated intent to be “opportunistic” as to housing, as opposed to chasing
after questionable housing needs numbers imposed by the State and DRCOG. Such a “real world” plan might include things like (i) work with Boulder County on the Seward Street coops renovation project, (ii) provide land (at no cost to taxpayers) for 4 small housing units on Carter Court, (iii) continue to incentivize ADUs, and (iv) work with potential developers on possible “mixed” (market rate and income-limited) housing on the Tebo or Loukonen properties in the Eastern Corridor.
In other words, Lyons could do a plan reflecting its citizens’ views – even if that “real world” plan isn’t what the State and DRCOG would prescribe. Local control. What a concept.
BOT discussions of options will continue. Citizen input is welcome.
Mark Browning serves as a Trustee on the Lyons Town Board and he is active with the Lyons Volunteers and Lyons Elevating All Fund, (LEAF). He is a Lyons resident and retired attorney.
Travels with Redstone
Lyons’ own Amy Rullkoetter just returned from northern Bulgaria—where she rode horses, explored the stunning Devetaki Cave, and soaked up the country’s rich history Take the Redstone with you on your next trip and send us your photos showing where the Redstone has traveled. Send your photos to redstarnews5@ gmail.com.
Paul Rullkoetter, Lyons resident and CU Boulder engineering professor reeled in a Golden Dorado while deep in the Bolivian jungle—a true big catch in South America!
Richard is a happy-go-lucky guy with a larger-than-life personality! If you’re looking for a four-legged friend who will keep you endlessly entertained, Richard is your pup. He’s a true conversationalist—whether it’s a series of cheerful woofs, dramatic sighs, or a full-on “chat” about his day, he loves keeping the dialogue going.
And he’s not just a talker—Richard’s also a singer! With a vocal range that goes from deep, soulful howls to high-energy awoooo’s, every day with him feels like a personal concert. If you’ve ever dreamed of a duet partner, this wannabe country crooner is ready to harmonize.
Of course, every star has their motivation, and for Richard, it’s treats. He’ll happily show off his best tricks for a tasty snack. Ready to bring joy, laughter, and a little music into your life? Richard might just be your perfect match.
To see all our adoptable animals or get more details visit longmonthumane.org. Or stop in at the shelter at 9595 Nelson Road.
Henpeck
986 EASTON, LYONS OFFERED AT $475,000 AN OFFICIAL REALTOR OF THE COLORADO BUFFALOES®
117 EAGLE VALLEY DR, LYONS PRICE REDUCED! $1,095,000
MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS
Rare opportunity! Off-grid handcrafted cabin + 2 additional buildable lots. Over 7 acres at top of Estes Park Estates. Pinewood Springs location easy drive to Lyons and Estes Park. Backs to national forest.
Gorgeous renovated 4,200+ SF custom home on nearly 2 acres. Vaulted ceilings, a wall of glass, an
kitchen, a
with 3-car garage.
SPACIOUS HOME. HUGE VALUE!
Over 5,000 SF Stone Canyon home in desirable location with great views and 3-car garage. Spacious primary with fireplace, luxury bath and walk-in closet. Walk or bike to downtown.
MOUNTAIN
Beautifully remodeled 3-BR 3,000+ SF home with a vaulted, open design and incredible outdoor spaces. 3-car Garage! Backs to LIttle T. River.
108 LONESTAR RD, LYONS OFFERED AT $1,295,000
RIVERFRONT RETREAT
Rare 13-acre permaculture retreat with Little Thompson River access! 3-BR home with vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, passive solar layout with integrated greenhouse. Pastoral setting with barn. 8 minutes to downtown.
ELEVATED LIVING IN EAGLE CANYON Gorgeous Tuscan-style 4,200+ SF custom home on stunning parcel in Eagle Canyon. Beautiful living spaces finished basement + elevator! Backs to Steamboat Mtn.
370
OUTSTANDING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Custom 3-BR, 3,100+ SF full log home on 40 acres with walkout basement, epic mtn. views. Bring your horses!
AVAILABLE
MULTIPLE GARAGES + PRIVATE GUEST QUARTERS!
SPACIOUS MOUNTAIN HOME
AVAILABLE
SPACIOUS MOUNTAIN HOME
Great, sunny location and over 3,000 SF. Thoughtful updates. South facing vaulted living areas and wrap around decks. Bring your horses!
