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LYONS, COLORADO

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DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

B •R •I •E •F •S Christmas Service at Community Church LYONS – Lyons Community Church at 350 Main St. in Lyons will hold a Christmas pageant on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. You can drop in spontaneously for the pageant.

Christmas Eve worship will begin at 7 p.m. at Lyons Community Church with a candlelight service and Christmas carols. The new Pastor Emily Kintzel invites everyone to attend.

Christmas Eve service at Wildflower LYONS – The 12th annual Christmas Eve candlelight service at the Wildflower Pavilion at Planet Bluegrass will take place on December 24 at 5 p.m.

Christmas gift baskets for 50 families and seniors will be filled and packed at the Methodist Church after school on December 15 by a volunteer group of parents and kids. The baskets will be distributed between 6 and 8 p.m. on December 15 by Boulder Sheriff’s Department, LEAF, and Higher Ground Ministries, at the location of the basement entry of the Methodist Church.

Annual Christmas caroling

Marcos Vavrina, age 7, and Lucas Vavrina, age 5, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the 42nd Annual Holiday Bazaar held at the Lyons Elementary School. The Bazaar raised $3,000 this year which will benefit the Lyons Regional Library District. PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS

LYONS – Lyons’ second annual Christmas caroling will be held on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m.

There will be a practice session first in the main floor room at Oskar Blues Grill and Brew at 303 Main St. at 6 p.m. and then the carolers will walk around town. Everyone who wants to sing carols is invited to join in.

Continue Briefs on Page 10

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I •N •D •E •X LYONS

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MAYOR’S CORNER

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LOCAL

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ECOLOGY

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INSIGHT

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CONTEXT

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A&E

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FOUNDATION

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CONCEPTS

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CONTEXT

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Accessory Dwelling Units and tiny homes dominated the BOT meeting

By Susan de Castro McCann Redstone Review Editor LYONS – The Lyons Town Board had an unusually long agenda at the last meeting on December 5. There were seven public hearings (two hearings on Accessory Dwelling Units), the town budget for 2017 was approved, the Lyons Urban Renewal Authority’s $25,000 budget for 2017 was approved by the town board acting as the URA board and several other issues were addressed. The meeting lasted past midnight.

The Board of Trustees approved the 2017 budget for Lyons which now goes to Boulder County for approval and then to the state.

The expected revenues for 2017 are 32,694,659 ($25 million is from grant funds for recovery projects) and the expected expenditures for 2017 are 32,410,762.

The board discussed several issues related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) approving two ordinances at public hearings.

The first ordinance allowed home owners who built ADUs to share tap fees for the new unit with the primary home, a money saver for the home owner.

The second ordinance to regulate ADUs passed with Trustee Jim Kerr voting no saying

there was not enough time to review all the new information.

Home owners are required to live in one of the two units to prevent the idea that large developers could buy up properties create ADUs on homes and make a lot of money without creating affordable housing which is the reason that the BOT wants ADUs in the first place. The primary home owner is allowed to leave his or her home for up to two years if they need to work at other locations or other circumstances that might require the home owner to leave for a period of time.

The issues of tiny homes came up with board members discussing the idea that tiny homes on wheels could be use as ADUs. Currently tiny homes on wheels are considered recreation vehicles and not considered permanent living units which have different regulations.

Mayor Connie Sullivan proposed an amendment to the ordinances to change the town code to include tiny homes on wheels as allowable ADUs. The trustees eventually decided to send this back to the Planning and Community Development Commission (PCDC) and then take it up at a later time after they had PCDC input. The Town Attorney Cathie Guckenberger indicated that there were “more (issues) to think through.”

Amy Reinholds, former member of the Lyons Housing Committee and the housing writer for the Redstone Review and the Recorder spoke at the public hearing.

“I encouraged the trustees not to link tiny homes on wheels into the ADU decision because it would be hard for the town to separate tiny homes, which are classified as recreation vehicles, from other RV types,” she said. “I don't think it would send the right message to the community that some recreational vehicles are OK to live in and others are not. It would be sending a message that only these special kind of RVs are acceptable, while other RVs like vintage airstream trailers are not. I'm not sure how the town residents would respond to an approach that might seem to some like gentrification of RVs.” There was also some discussion about creating a guide for homeowners who want to build ADUs in their home or as an addition or perhaps above a garage. This guide would be a checklist of items that are required for building ADUs including current fire codes from the Lyons Fire Protection District. This was discussed by the PCDC recently. This type of guide would be very helpful to homeowners and perhaps the BOT will encourage the PCDC to move forward with this project.

Other resolutions that passed after public hearings include a resolution to set aside reserve increases for the enterprise funds Continue Town on Page 14

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

LYONS Trip Tracker Program reports participants from five St. Vrain Valley schools took 92,442 green trips Staff Reports Redstone Review BOULDER COUNTY– Boulder County Transportation’s Trip Tracker Program, which encourages school communities to reduce motor vehicle traffic around schools, saw some incredible numbers from program participants during the 2015/16 school year. program was The offered at five St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) elementary schools (expanded to seven for the 2016/17 school year) including Black Rock, Burlington, Central, Fall River, and Niwot. Over the course of the school year, the Trip Tracker program saw an 80 percent increase in participation (the number of trip reports made) from 2014/15 by those who chose to get to school using alternative modes of transportation. These modes might be things like carpooling, busing, biking, and walking, which are referred by the program to as “green trips.”

The 981 registered participants (up 114 percent from 2014/15) made more than 92,400 green trips of which 71 percent were made using “active modes,” which are human powered options like biking, walking, scooting, or skating. Participants were asked to report how they got to and from school and how far the trip was, which revealed that approximately 87.4 million steps were taken. That’s an aver-

age of 24,000 steps per participant.

All of the participants efforts equated to substantial reductions in cars on the road: 18,688 total car trips reduced; 28,752 car miles reduced; 26,337 pounds of CO2 emissions reduced from the air.

These results emphasize how a reduction in car trips reduces unsafe congestion

around schools, increases the health of participants and often additional family members as well, and reduces air pollutants, which all benefit the entire community.

To encourage green trips, each month participants earn Tracker Bucks for their efforts. Four green trips to or from school earns a participant one Tracker Buck. A Tracker Buck is equal to $1 that can be redeemed at numerous participating Trip Tracker businesses all around Boulder County. During 2015/16 an average of $8 per participant per month were earned.

Parent volunteers at each school coordinated reward distributions and on-going program promotion.

Trip Tracker businesses help make the

Division learned of the results they were achieving it was an easy decision to help expand the program into SVVSD. Boulder County has been in partnership ever since with SVVSD’s Wellness Department to support program implementation. The program is funded through state and federal grants with a county match.

“The Trip Tracker program reduces congestion around schools, improves student health, and reduces pollution. We thought it would also help address congestion and safety concerns in the Longmont area schools, and we’re really happy that St. Vrain Valley Schools are so excited about the program,” said Boulder County Transportation Director George Gerstle. “My hope is that we can help continue to find funds that will allow the program to grow so that students throughout the county have the same opportunity to reduce congestion around schools.”

More information on the county’s Trip Tracker Program is available at www.BoCoTripTracker.com.

For more information, contact Andrew Barth, Boulder County Transportation Department, at abarth@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-1032.

program successful. SVVSD’s Trip Tracker business saw more than $20,000 worth of Tracker Bucks being spent locally throughout 2015/16. The Trip Tracker philosophy on participant rewards is instead of pre-prescribing a reward to all participants, the program lets them choose rewards meaningful to them by spending their Tracker Bucks at locally owned participating businesses. This means the benefits earned in the community remain in the community, a true community based program. SVVSD’s Trip Tracker program has seen its list of locally owned participating businesses grow from four to more than 20, with new locations regularly coming on board.

Interested locally owned businesses should contact the Trip Tracker Program for more information.

The Trip Tracker Program was started several years ago by the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). When Boulder County Transportation’s Multimodal

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MAYOR’S CORNER Lyons began the creation of a URA before the flood in 2013

What’s next for Lyons’ Urban Renewal Authority?

By Connie Sullivan, Mayor Redstone Review LYONS – Last December, the Lyons Board of Trustees formed an urban renewal authority (URA) to eliminate blight and assist with redevelopment costs for areas of town that are underperSullivan forming in terms of tax revenue generation, and/or pose a danger to public health and safety.

Forming a URA has been a priority of the Board of Trustees for well over a decade, and the board seated from 2012 to 2014 was one meeting away from succeeding until the floods hit Lyons the week before the final meeting was to take place.

Why does Lyons need a URA? Most mayors around the state would agree that the URA is an effective tool to incentivize redevelopment. Lyons has very little undeveloped land within the town boundaries, and therefore the focus must be on redeveloping blighted properties and buildings. Because redevelopment costs more than developing green space, towns can facilitate projects by providing funding for aspects of the project that benefit the public. Cities and towns tend to sprawl at their borders because green space is so much less expensive to develop. The dilapidated water treatment plant site east of town is a good example of the type of property that can benefit from URA. Developers are more likely to take on redevelopment that eliminates blight if the Town can provide some of the funding to cover the costs of mitigation that are typically not part of a green space project.

Why does Lyons need to redevelop? All towns need to find ways to grow their tax bases in order to offset inflation. Simply stated, the cost of services and materials increases over time, and a town must increase revenues in order to maintain its ability to pay for basic services.

Also, older buildings may present health and safety hazards from not being built to current code. URA dollars must be used for improvements that have a public benefit and that support the redevelopment effort, such as demolition and site clearance, streets, sidewalks, drainage, sewer and water lines, historic preservation or

the removal of hazardous materials. URA dollars may also be used to acquire property.

How is the URA funded? Tax increment financing (TIF) enables the URA to capture the tax revenues generated by improvements within an urban renewal area to help finance rehabilitation and redevelopment without changing the tax rate. Improvements do not have to be a direct result of URA projects. Rather, TIF is the addi-

tional value created by any new development as multiplied by the existing tax rates. Urban renewal law allows the URA, developer or property owner to borrow against this revenue stream up front in order to construct a project. It is important to note that TIF is not an additional tax, and all property taxes attributable to the base valuation continue to be paid to each taxing entity (town, school district, county, etc.) within the area according to the mill levy rates fixed each year by each political body. Authorizing TIF allows the difference between the

original base tax value (2015 for Lyons) and the tax value as it may increase over the next 25 years to be captured as increment to be utilized for re-investment in projects that meet the goals of the URA. Next steps for the Lyons URA (also known as LURA) are to develop policies for the LURA Board to follow when making decisions about funding requests from developers. The policies serve to inform developers about the town’s priorities of and provide insight as to whether a project might qualify for LURA funds. Initial discussions about LURA policies centered around ensuring TIF is invested in areas of with the most need for eliminating blight, and to further projects consistent the town’s values and goals as stated in the 2010 Comprehensive Plan that otherwise may not happen but for the high cost of redevelopment. Some projects will generate more TIF than others, so it is important that in the early years of the LURA, projects are prioritized to ensure long-term fiscal health.

The LURA is still in the early phases of development and planning.

Short-term investments in the LURA will provide long-term opportunities to rehabilitate areas of town PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS that will be difficult to improve otherwise. Watch the Town of Lyons website and emails for announcements regarding upcoming planning sessions for LURA. Connie Sullivan was elected Mayor on April 5th, 2016.

Prior to becoming Mayor, she served two terms on the Town Board of Trustees beginning in 2012. Connie, and her husband Neil, have two children. Connie is co-owner of the St. Vrain Market located in downtown Lyons on Main Street.

For comments or questions, Mayor Sullivan can be reached by email at csullivan@townoflyons.com.

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

LOCAL Lyons Fire and Lyons Prepared work together in deep snow exercise

By Tosh Golias and Emily Gubler Redstone Review LYONS – Imagine that a major snowstorm has hit Lyons. Five feet of snow is on the ground, trees and power lines are down, power is out, there are no plowed roads locally, a lot more snow is in the Gubler forecast for the next three days, and all normal channels of communication are disrupted.

Even though it was a pleasant day, with this imaginary snowstorm in mind, volunteer “actors” dressed up in blizzard clothing and dropped in at three Lyons Prepared Point-of-Contact locations to report incidents ranging from a person who was running out of oxygen, a power pole transformer fire, an overturned truck, a senior citizen who slipped on the ice and severely broke his leg, a fire alarm going off in a home, a roof collapse, a person lost in the blizzard, and so on.

Lyons Fire and Lyons Prepared used this snowstorm scenario for their first joint exercise on Saturday, November 5. Participants included about a dozen Lyons Prepared volunteers at three locations (Lyons Park Estates, Town North, and Spring Gulch), ten firefighters, including Chief JJ Hoffman, Emily Gubler, and several

volunteer “actors.” Additionally, Joycelyn Fankhouser, who is the new co-chair of the Lyons Prepared Steering Committee (and who works as the new Emergency Management Coordinator for the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services) played the role of the fire district’s liaison at the Boulder County Office of Emergency Management.

The exercise scenario was organized and fully scripted by me, Emily Gubler (I’m a firefighter and the co-chair of the Lyons Prepared Steering Committee), and Chief Hoffman. Lyons Prepared and Lyons Fire only knew that a scenario was happening; neither group had details about what to expect.

The test lasted about 90 minutes and helped both groups identify strengths and weaknesses. As you may imagine, things got very chaotic with lots of incidents being reported from three different neighborhoods at a very rapid pace.

Lyons Prepared was able to communicate with Lyons Fire about the status of neighborhood needs as well as about the incidents that the actors had reported.

Information was shared about fuel, water, and food needs for the next three days, and about known vulnerable neighbors who might need assistance.

Members of Lyons Prepared also conducted a side test, reaching out by means of ham radio to Boulder County

Amateur Radio Emergency Services (BCARES). During real emergencies, the BCARES team has a station in the Boulder County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), where BCARES assists with communications. We were able to successfully connect with George Weber, the president of BCARES, which means that if it had been a real emergency, Lyons Prepared would’ve been able to ask BCARES to relay emergency requests to the EOC, where the Office of Emergency Management would be operating.

The fire protection organized into teams, including two people in the communications center, an incident commander, a group leader who oversaw the operational response, and another group leader who oversaw the logistical response. No matter how chaotic things got, Lyons Prepared reported that Lyons Fire maintained a calm and professional demeanor, dealing with the scenario crises efficiently and effectively.

After the scenario, everyone involved shared a lunch, learned what the others involved in the scenario experienced and how they operated, and identified strengths and weaknesses. This was the first time that Lyons Prepared and Lyons Fire have worked together on an incident and overall it was a successful training that participants appreciated. For more information about Lyons Prepared, go to www.lyonsprepared.com.

The year ends with hope: Habitat land purchase, ADU policy COMMENTARY: AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN LYONS

By Amy Reinholds Redstone Review

LYONS – At the end of 2016, two routes for affordable housing are now finally underway in Lyons. The first is a small project, a subsidized home-ownership option for six households, and the second is an uncertain plan to add more Reinholds lower-end market-rate rentals. But both show progress not previously made in Lyons flood recovery.

Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley closed Nov. 17 on the purchase from Craig Ferguson and his LLC partners of six residential lots at Second Avenue and Park Streets. Now that Habitat for Humanity owns the land, the organization can move forward with both the application process for new homeowners and the fundraising in the community to build three duplexes (although Habitat will receive some federal funds, more than $300,000 is still needed to complete the project).

Interested applicants who were living in the 80540 zip code during the 2013 flood and were displaced from their homes should attend a Jan. 7 orientation at 10 a.m. at Rogers Hall. There will also be an online orientation available Jan. 3

This graphic shows what the three duplexes at 2nd and Park Streets will look like.

IMAGE COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE ST. VRAIN VALLEY

to 10 for those who cannot attend in person. Interested applicants can contact Erin Minaya at eminaya@stvrainhabitat.org or 303-682-2485 x 104.

South of the former Valley Bank building (which remains on a separate commercial lot), the future homes will be permanently affordable, based on a covenants for resale, administered by Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity works with homeowners who earn between $22,000 and $40,000 a year, depending on family size. Habitat homeowners pay nointerest, no-profit mortgages to Habitat for Humanity and invest in 250 to 500 hours of “sweat equity,” depending on

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family size, building their own homes and their neighbors’ homes.

As described in a letter sent to Lyons residents, Habitat for Humanity can only build as fast as there are volunteers and funding. For more information about applications, volunteering, and donating to help this long-awaited project in Lyons, see www.stvrainhabitat.org.

When the new Habitat for Humanity duplexes are constructed, Lyons will have six more homes toward those lost in the September 2013 flood. The Town of Lyons lost a total of about 70 flooddestroyed homes to both the federal buyout programs (including one buyout of a

mobile home park expected to close soon) and to the changed use of a second mobile home park property to an event venue (rezoned for commercial use). In March 2015, a proposal for subsidized, affordable Boulder County Housing Authority rentals and some Habitat for Humanity for-sale affordable homes (a total of 50 to 70 units) in five to seven acres of Bohn Park was voted down 614 to 498 in a special election.

Owning a home is not an option that works for everyone. Many employees of local businesses struggle to find options they can afford to rent in town. The Lyons Board of Trustees voted Dec. 5 to change town ordinances about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with the hope of encouraging more mother-in-law apartments and carriage houses on single-family residential lots in town limits. Because the ADUs are smaller, rents are expected to be at the lower end of the market, but unlike the Habitat homes, the rents aren’t subsidized or guaranteed to be permanently affordable to particular income ranges.

The biggest change is allowing ADUs on single-family home lots to share tap fees with the primary house (saving property owners utility connection fees, approximately $15,000 to $16,000). This recommendation came out of research by the PCDC and Town Staff of other municipalities in Colorado and other states, and was also agreed upon by the Lyons Utilities and Engineering Board.

Continue Habitat on Page 14

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 5

OPTIONS It must have been Christmas magic

By Susan de Castro McCann Redstone Review Editor LYONS – It was early in December in northern Michigan and the winter chill had set in. The snow was already hard packed and the snowplows were only scraping the top layer of new snow off the roads and sidewalks. The days were gray and it was dark by late afternoon.

A soft layer of new snow covered the town of Charlevoix, where I was trying to grow up. Christmas was rapidly approaching, but my spirits were low. A few months earlier, before the snow had set in, my mother backed her car out of the garage and crumpled my new three-speed bicycle into a twisted ribbon of metal.

My parents said it was entirely my fault for parking my bike behind her car. The truth is that I could have parked my bike across the street and my mother would have managed to run over it, but they were not going to listen to that.

Only a few years before, when I was very young and could barely reach the door from my seat to pull it shut, she nearly killed me by taking off in a blast of speed backwards when I was only halfway in the car. I had reached out to grab the door handle and went flying out as the door swung open and I landed in the street.

Then she lunged the car forward, almost running over me before she slammed to a stop and hauled me back into the car. We all learned to get in and out of the car quickly before she could take off.

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I was in deep distress about my crumpled bike. We lived on the edge of town and my bike was my only link to the outside world and my friends. I devised a plan and began to seriously promote the idea of getting a new bicycle for Christmas.

You might say I became Zealot bordering on fanatic – I had to have a bicycle by spring.

My mother decided that I was out of control and decided to sit me down and explain the true meaning of Christmas which had nothing to do with bicycles. I listened of course because you have to when you are a kid. My parents’ version of democracy was that children had the right to remain silent at all times.

I needed a new strategy. I had to give it some serious thought which is what I was doing one evening while standing in the doorway between the kitchen and living room. I was listlessly swinging my baton, in one hand by the ball at the end of the baton. I was standing on one leg balancing my other foot on my knee. My dad was watching the news on TV. The baton was swinging around my shoulder then under my arm when suddenly the unthinkable happen. It slipped out of my hand and sailed right into our large pic-

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ture window in the living room. There was a loud crack and glass few everywhere as the baton carved a large hole in the window and landed in the snow. As the ice-cold air rushed into the room, my knees buckled: this was probably going to be the end of life as I knew it.

It was my first year of marching band. I had decided to become a majorette after marching around the football field in 20-below-zero weather trying to play my freezing cold French horn thinking, “This is insanity.”

I can’t say that it was a good choice

since my hands got so cold holding the baton that my fingers would not work to do any baton maneuvers.

Staring at the broken window, I remembered all the times my parents told me not to practice my baton in the house and it became clear to me why they were warning me. My dad got up from the couch to examine the hole in the window. He had a tendency to explode at the slightest provocation.

Slowly he turned to me and said, “I guess you just bought yourself a picture window for Christmas.” He seemed unusually calm as he went to the garage to find some scrap lumber and plastic to board up the broken window. It was eerie.

My hopes for a new bike were dashed to pieces. Nothing seemed to be going right. My brother was allowed to lock himself in the kitchen and decorate all the animal Christmas cookies by himself. My mother sensed my dismay. She told me that I could plan Christmas Eve dinner and I could have anything I wanted for dinner. This sounded great, but in reality dinners at our house were never simple.

My dad was Spanish from the Caribbean Islands and my mother was Norwegian, not a combination I would recommend. My mother liked boiled fish, especially the heads, and boiled potatoes.

My dad ate every meal with a restaurant size bottle of Tabasco Sauce near his Continue Christmas on Page 14

The spirit of giving is alive and well in Lyons

By Emily Dusel Redstone Review LYONS – Thanks to hundreds of community members and organizations, the holidays were filled with hope for local families in need this year.

Numerous efforts came together to make a big difference including local food drives, holiday giving baskets, and Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund’s (LEAF) new program, the holiday Giving Tree.

The new LEAF Giving Tree program helped 88 people in the greater Lyons area have brighter holidays, thanks to the donations of skateboards, blouses, toys, books, winter boots, and other gifts piled high at Lyons Community Church.

The inaugural LEAF Giving Tree program wrapped up a successful effort on December 11, delivering hundreds of gifts directly to recipient’s homes.

“The compassion and generosity of the people in our community to make the LEAF Giving Tree a success is truly astounding,” said Pam Browning, Chair of the LEAF Board of Directors.

Clients of LEAF’s three programs (Lyons Community Food Pantry, Lyons Meals on Wheels, and Individual and Family Advocacy) were offered the opportunity to fill out forms listing up to three wishes valued at $25 or less. Wishes came pouring in, from single mothers trying to make ends meet, to elderly who were thrilled at the idea of getting a new blouse, to hard working families needing some warm boots and clothes.

Wishes were then listed on handmade ornaments and hung on trees at three locations in town – the Stone Cup, the Barking Dog, and the Lyons Regional Library. “We hung up 88 ornaments just after Thanksgiving, and within a week they had all been chosen. We weren’t sure if we were going to end up with a bunch of ornaments left over at the end. We

are so grateful for everyone who picked one,” said Amy Ogilvie, LEAF Giving Tree volunteer.

LEAF created a giving tree program in response to numerous requests to adopt local families in need from community members during the holidays last year. A group of volunteers, spearheaded by myself, Emily Dusel, came together and worked diligently to make the first year a success. Volunteers included Anne Haakenson, Andrea Buus, Abby Wynja, Amy Ogilvie, and Zana Ganzel. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to help those in need during the holiday season. It feels so good to give back,” said volunteer Zana Ganzel.

The spirit of giving was exceptional in Lyons this year. In addition to the outpouring of support for the LEAF Giving Tree program, the Lyons Middle School Student Council held its annual food drive for the food pantry in November, donating over 800 pounds of food. The Lyons Elementary School PTO held a food drive in December, donating over 2,500 items to the Holiday Food Basket program and to the food pantry. The High Street Concert Series and Western Stars held food drives as well. And this year the “Sock it to Um” campaign led by John O’Brien delivered hundreds of new socks to LEAF clients. And finally, the annual Holiday Basket program, a collaboration between Higher Ground Ministries, LEAF, the Boulder County Sheriff, and the Lyons Elementary PTO, will distribute food baskets loaded with hams, potatoes, fresh fruit, canned goods, and more, to 35 families on December 15.

The spirit of giving is alive and well in Lyons!

Thanks to everyone in our community who helped make the holidays a little brighter for those who need a little extra help this holiday season.

Emily Dusel is the executive director of the Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF). She lives in Lyons.

PAGE 6

REDSTONE • REVIEW

DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

ECOLOGY Dippers’ return a good sign for St. Vrain River

cate in an environment marked by the noisy rush of water.

Since the dipper’s food is underwater, the dipper uses its short wings to propel itself to the river bottom where

By Greg Lowell a bird bobbing along the ice edge, then launching itself it probes for food, sometimes actually walking on the into the rapids. I watched it “swim” under the water, streambed. Its search is aided by an extra eyelid that is Redstone Review fighting the current with its wings, then jump up onto basically the bird’s diving mask. Dippers have been LYONS – The dippers are back, and that’s good news for the ice with its meal draped across its bill. I’d seen loons observed as deep as six feet under the surface. They can the St. Vrain River. The presence of the little gray bird is and sea ducks submerge in icy waters but never in the withstand extremely cold water temperatures due to their a sure sign the river’s ecological health is recovering. swift water this bird favors. What is this frenetic little thick feathers and relatively slow metabolisms.

In the years following the September Dippers, like ducks, geese and other 2013 flood the American Dipper (or water birds that spend time in the water, preen ouzel) was largely absent from the river their feathers with special oils to make due to the loss of its food source – insect them waterproof. larvae found clinging to and under rocks For most of the year, the birds are soliin the water. The flood’s scouring effect tary, each inhabiting its own stretch of and the subsequent manmade remediation river, but male and female will pair up destroyed much of the river’s macroinverduring mating season and together contebrate population. These bottomstruct a nest. One field guide describes dwelling animals include crustaceans, the nest as “an extraordinary piece of bird worms and aquatic insects. They are a key architecture.” It’s typically large, made of link in the food web between vegetation moss and ferns, and usually found under and fish and birds. But the good news is or beneath a waterfall or in a crevice, usuthe bugs are back and so are the dippers. ally six to 20 feet above the flood level of University of Saskatchewan biologist the river or stream. The moss provides a Christy Morrissey said the dipper is the comfortable place for the bird to nest. “perfect indicator of water quality.”

Nests are occasionally found under “Just the presence of dippers will indibridges as well. The female incubates four cate the suitability of the habitat,” she to five eggs for 13 to 17 days while the said in a Durango Herald article. male provides food.

Indeed, a recent project along the The bird’s return to the St. Vrain Animas River near Durango where three The American Dipper prefers clear, clean Western rivers and streams, like the St. Vrain.

River is reassuring. It means the bugs are million gallons of mine waste fouled the PHOTO BY DAVE MENDOSA back and if the bugs are back that means river is using the dipper’s presence or the trout have food and if the trout are absence as a gauge of that river’s recovery. here then the water’s running clear and clean again – an bird that swims underwater?

Pete Marra, head of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird The dipper is a resident of cold mountain streams and encouraging sign that the health of Lyons’ ecological Center, said if a dipper’s food source begins to decline, rivers in the western United States. It’s about the size of centerpiece is returning to normal both for the creatures the bird has been known to decrease in numbers along a robin, is a muted gray color and has an upturned tail that inhabit it and the humans who recreate there. rivers, and in some cases, completely abandon waterways. like a wren. Males and females look alike. It is America’s America’s only aquatic songbird Greg Lowell is a member of Lyons Ecology Advisory Board only aquatic songbird.

As a transplanted New Englander, my first experience The dipper takes its name from its constant bobbing and has been involved with land conservation issues for more with a dipper was on a cold February day. A shelf of ice motion where it moves its entire body up and down. It’s than 25 years. He graduated from the University of New extended halfway across the St. Vrain River. Yet here was thought that this constant motion is a way to communi- Hampshire and now lives in Lyons.

Options for melting ice on sidewalks without using salt

By Dawn Weller Redstone Review LYONS – After a long and delicious Indian summer, the recent snowfalls have brought much needed moisture to the mounWeller tains and the Front Range. With all sizable snowfalls, there is often the issue of snow and melting snow turning into ice around the house, on the driveway, on the sidewalks, etc. What are the best options for removing this ice?

Most of us are familiar with ice melt products whose primary ingredient is salt.

They generally contain one or more kinds of salt, including sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, or urea (carbonyl diamide). While these salts are helpful and even effective in melting stubborn ice and snow, each may pose environmental hazards to your driveway, yard, pets, and water runoff. Excess salts build up in the soils, in the same way as chem-

ical fertilizers. Salt is corrosive to concrete and metal (our cars). Another key concern is that pets can be harmed by the salt if the salt lodges in paws, or if the animal ingests the ice melt from puddles or slush pools. And salt run-off can increase salinity to rivers and streams and can remain in the waterways for decades.

There are some products out there that claim to be “salt-free” and therefore safe for pets and the environment. They promise a more animal- and eco-friendly alternative. Beware, however, that most contain other forms of salt, such as magnesium chloride, potassium acetate, or calcium magnesium acetate (CMA).

Read the ingredients list carefully. And salt used to scatter over your driveway, sidewalk, and porch, no matter the form, does have potential environmental considerations and impacts. So the bottom line on ice melt is to avoid using it if you can. If that’s not an option, avoid those with sodium chloride as the primary ingredient, as this is the most corrosive and caustic and causes the most harm to rivers and streams.

The pet-friendly products generally use magnesium chloride as the key ingredient. There are also products labeled as eco-friendly that frequently are comprised of a combination of salts, such as calcium magnesium acetate, potassium acetate, and sea sodium. The product may also contain corrosion inhibitors, such as CMA and Ice Ban, which makes the salt combination less corrosive and more effective.

A common misconception about ice melt products is that the more one applies, the faster the ice will melt. In reality, just the opposite is true. Too much ice melt can actually slow down or stop the melt process. In addition, the

brine liquid which is created can itself become slippery if there’s not enough ground water or melting snow to dilute it.

The bottom line is that all ice melt products should be applied per the directions on the package. And be patient while the product does its work.

The good news is that there really is an eco-friendly ice melt alternative available to most of us.

Early and frequent snow shoveling is the single most green way to prevent or remove ice and snow.

An ergonomic shovel may enhance the experience by protecting your back from injury and making shoveling easier.

Where a deicer is required, use an eco-friendly product sparingly. Remember that its purpose is to loosen the ice so that you can remove it.

This is an ideal case for a “less is more” application.

Dawn Weller remains active on the Sustainable Futures Commission.

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 7

INSIGHT Holiday dinner takes on a life of its own

By John Gierach Redstone Review LYONS – A friend of mine says Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday because no gifts are given or expected. It’s just a day off from the usual striving for what you don’t have in order to be Gierach momentarily satisfied with what you do have and to commemorate that by sitting down to a good meal in good company. No more, no less. Of course we hype it unmercifully, but at its center it’s a quiet, simple thing.

We spent Thanksgiving this year with four generations of the family of friends – ages ranging from 90-something to a couple of months – plus assorted friends, neighbors and the usual dogs: a dignified German shepherd and a young Llewellin setter who, typical of her breed, seemed profoundly puzzled by anything that wasn’t a pheasant. The group included an artist, a blacksmith, a musician, a landscaper, an actor, an interior designer, a chef, a journalist and so on. It was a representative Boulder County crowd that shared a more or less common ideology, but that was otherwise all over the map.

Of course the food was excellent. There are some fine cooks in this bunch: the kind that are not only able to prepare a good meal for 20 people – complete with gluten-free options for stuffing and gravy – but who enjoy nothing better. This reinforces my long-standing rule to always accept dinner invitations from people who love to cook.

And it just so happened that I had a milestone birthday that fell on Thanksgiving this year, so after dinner a small carrot cake with a few symbolic candles was produced (the full 70 candles would have been a fire hazard) and everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” I think I was expected to give a little speech, but I was so surprised and embarrassed that all I could do was mutter “thanks” and blow out the candles. The curse of being a writer is that you can’t bring yourself to deliver a first draft to a live audience.

When I was growing up in the 1950s Thanksgiving was still expected to be the idyllic family holiday that Norman Rockwell painted. Everything would be flawlessly festive and wholesome and even the occasional small imperfection would be innocently charming. I remember the complete cliché: the women slaving in the kitchen while the men sat in the living room droning on

about whatever grownups droned on about. We kids were instructed to go play, but without making too much noise or getting dirty, which of course made playing impossible.

At the table gluttony was encouraged. In fact, people were badgered, teased and all but threatened into eating too much. If you turned down seconds or thirds, someone would joke that you were insulting their cooking, except that they didn’t really seem to be joking.

That seems weirdly aggressive now, although I guess it made sense at the time. World War Two and the Great Depression were both over, but they still threw shade on all but the youngest of us and having more food on your plate than you could possibly choke down was something to be proud of. This was the Midwest in the middle of the

last century when, as Jack Nicholson once said, “Overeating was considered an act of heroism.”

Then the 1950s became the ‘60s and the ‘70s with all the social and political changes you may remember, or at least remember reading about. We kids grew up, scattered and began to see things differently until the Norman Rockwell ideal became the new trope that the holidays were an obligatory horror show that had to be endured.

There were the spoiled, bratty kids, the darkly sulking teenagers, the loudmouthed uncle with offensive opinions about everything, the aunt who went on and on about her illnesses, always saving the most gruesome detains for when everyone was eating. Seasonal articles began to appear in newspapers and magazines with advice on how to survive the holidays without reopening childhood wounds or resurrecting old feuds. It always boiled down to the same thing. Swallow your pride; allow your beliefs to be ridiculed, suppress your gag reflex; anything to keep the peace until you can get the hell out of there.

My own truth fell somewhere in between. Whenever I

Colorado Conscious Action wants you to represent Lyons in the Women’s March on Denver

By Sara Baranauskas and Lori Stott Redstone Review LYONS – Join your community to stand up for human rights on January 21, 2017.

Founded in the wake of the election, Colorado Conscious Action is a community-based organization of Lyons citizens concerned about the welfare of all life on this planet. As one of our first actions, we will

represent Lyons in the Women’s March on Denver. The March will take place at Denver’s Civic Center Park on January 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information is available at www.MarchOnColorado.org.

If you would like to join us please connect with us via Facebook http : / / bit. ly / CCALyons or email Lyons CCA @ gmail. com. We will have updates on transportation to the event, action train-

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went home the visit was pleasant enough – in an increasingly nostalgic way as the usual crowd was whittled away by time, distance and mortality – but there was always a little tickle at the edge of consciousness to remind me why I’d left home in the first place.

And as time went by I spent more Thanksgivings away from home, although I don’t remember missing a single Thanksgiving dinner. Sometimes hippie friends and I would prepare an ironic feast where the gluttony was caused less by painful memories of the depression than by marijuana-induced munchies. Other times I managed to wangle an invitation to the homes of friends and came to see the presence of a few hapless strays as a main feature of this celebration.

The closest I ever came to missing one was the year some friends and I had Thanksgiving dinner at a mission.

We weren’t really that hard up, but we were far from home and at loose ends and, being young and perpetually hungry, we found ourselves hankering at the last minute for a big turkey dinner.

The mission itself was in a rundown storefront within sight and sound of the railroad tracks and if the neon cross over the door wasn’t blinking erratically, it should have been. The men in line with us were old (to our eyes), scruffy, and poorly dressed. In those days you could have gotten away with calling them “bums,” but in the counter-culture fashion of the times, we were scruffy and poorly dressed, too, so although we were younger than most, we seemed to fit right in. And anyway, the sign out front said everyone was welcome.

Most of the men we talked to at our table were rightfully proud of being World War Two vets and some mentioned, in a roundabout way, the good jobs and families they once had, but, for unspecified reasons, didn’t have anymore. A few volunteered that they were doin’ okay, all things considered. No one said anything about the food, but it was good – really good – and in the spirit of the season we all ate plenty of it.

On the way out we left a donation, as we’d agreed to do, but it was more than we’d planned on. Pretty much all the money we had with us. Then we stepped out into a cold night and walked home feeling lucky.

John Gierach is an outdoor and fly fishing writer who writes a column for Flyrod & Reel magazine. His books include Trout Bum, Sex Death and Fly fishing, and Still Life with Brook Trout. His new book, All Fishermen are Liars is available at book stores and fly fishing shops everywhere including South Creek Ltd. on Main Street. He writes book reviews for the Wall Street Journal.

ing opportunities and sign-making gatherings. Please consider joining us for our weekly meetings as well.

This march is part of a nationwide day of solidarity for human rights to coincide with the Presidential inauguration. The organizers of the Women’s March on Denver have outlined the following intentions for the event.

By bringing thousands of people together online and in person at Denver’s Civic Center Park, we strive to provide an outlet and support for those who wish to: 1. Advocate for and defend the most mar-

Happy s! y Holida

ginalized members of our society.

2. Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations within local Colorado communities.

3. Serve as a model of peaceful demonstration for the young women and men, and girls and boys, who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

4. Honor the women and men who have come before us and fought for human and women’s rights.

(From: http : / / www. marchoncolorado. org / home / missionstatement) Join your friends and neighbors at this historic event.

PAGE 8

DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

Happy Holidays!

CONTEXT Lyons Community Foundation 2017 college scholarships available Staff Reports Redstone Review “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela LYONS – The Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) is pleased to announce six college scholarships now available to graduating high school students from the greater Lyons area. Applications are available online at www. lyonscf.org / receive or from the front office of Lyons High School.

Below is a brief description of each scholarship; please refer to individual applications for complete information about eligibility and submission requirements.

2017 Lyons Community Foundation Scholarship: One $1000 scholarship offered by the Lyons Community Foundation will recognize any graduating senior or home-schooled student from the greater Lyons area who has successfully served in a leadership role, earned at least a 3.5 GPA (or equivalent) and has demonstrated community-mindedness.

Lyons Community Foundation Scholarship in Memory of Steve Ralston: Created in 2009 to honor the memory of Lyons resident, businessman, and community supporter Steve Ralston, one $1000 scholarship will be awarded to the student who best express his or her passion for learning and sharing interests, skills and joyful life experiences with the community. Eligible students include graduating Lyons High students, greater Lyons area students who attend schools neighboring communities and home-schooled students.

Lyons Community Foundation Joel Mack Memorial Scholarships: Honoring the memory of Joel Mack, a Lyons High School athlete and alumni

who was killed in 1983 when he stopped to render aid to stranded motorists, two $1000 scholarships will be awarded to one female and one male athlete. Students applying for this scholarship must be a graduating Lyons High School seniors or home-schooled students who participate in a sport at Lyons High School.

Gerald Boland Memorial Scholarship: Honoring the memory of Gerald Boland, a 54-year resident of Lyons who taught in Lyons Schools for 31 years and was a coach, Boy Scout Leader, and mentor who had a passion for learning and the outdoors, one $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who shares these passions. Eligible students must attend Lyons High School and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Uncle Louis “Bud” Winkler Memorial Scholarship: Honoring the memory of businessman Louis Winkler, one $1000 scholarship is available to any graduating senior or home-schooled student in the greater Lyons area who has at least a 3.0 GPA and plans on majoring in business or finance.

All applications must be received or postmarked by March 10, 2017. Applications may be returned to the front office of Lyons High School or mailed to the Lyons Community Foundation, PO Box 546, Lyons CO, 80540. The scholarships may be used at any accredited post-secondary education program in the country. Students must be accepted to or have acceptance pending at their prospective school(s) when they submit their applications.

If you have any questions about the scholarships, inquiries can be directed by email to scholarship@lyonscf.org or by phone to 720-295-9667. All applications are reviewed and kept confidential by a committee consisting of Lyons area community members.

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Grand opening and ribbon cutting of Lyons new waste water treatment plant held on November 18. The flood of 2013 damaged some of the capability of the waste water treatment plant in Lyons. Honeywell International was hired to build a new waste water plant before the flood. Honeywell was able to get the old plant working for 80 percent of residents within 45 days after the flood reconstruction began. The new water treatment plant is expected to reduce operating costs by $133,000. The new equipment is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40 percent. The project cost approximately $6 million with some grant money from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Above, at left: Gary Berngard, Honeywell project manager, wearing a shirt that says “I pooped today,” walks with a group through the newly completed plant. He and Jim Blankenship town engineer, Victoria Simonsen town administrator, Kyle Miller public works director, Connie Sullivan Mayor, and Sandy Banta former town board member, performed PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS the honors at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Arts and entertainment events in the Lyons area

By MinTze Wu Redstone Review LYONS The Stone Cup Café will continue with Theresa Beck's show Field Journals: Colorado and Ethiopia through the end of December. The Wu encaustic series is the result of many watercolor sketches and drawings made during a recent trip to Ethiopia across bumpy, dusty roads to arrive at Simien National Forest. The beauty of land, people, culture, experiences, life, and seasons of joy are the ongoing themes of the work. Rachel Tallent will display a new show in January and February.

The music line-up includes acoustic rock on December 17; Jesse Garland’s jazz, blues and Broadway on December 18; Antonio Lopez’ modern folk / acoustic soul on January 7; Bella Musser’s indie rock on January 8; TJ George’s melodic groove on January 14; Americana with Jill Cohn on January 16; Jay Stott on January 21; and Billy Shaddox on January 22. The café is at Fifth Avenue and High Street. For more information please call 303-823-2345 or visit www.thestonecup.com.

The Town Hall Art Show is currently showing Lyons Art Students Present: Behind the Gradebook; Teachers Gone Real, featuring art and writing by Stephanie Busby’s students. The show is curated by the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission and will will go on until January 6. Upcoming Town Hall art shows and schedule include: Quilts & Wall-Hangable Fabric Art (delivery date January 20); Various Artists From ‘Round Lyons (delivery date April 1); Commercial Art: Graphic Design & Communication Arts Showcase (delivery date July 15); and Commercial Photography: Area Photographers’ Showcase (delivery date October 10). The Town Hall Arts Shows are made possible by the Lyons Community Foundation. The artwork is hung at the Shirley F. Johnson Council Chambers

Festive holiday light displays can be seen at every turn in Lyons. This animated light and music display in Sandstone Park is an annual favorite.

PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS in the Town Hall, 432 5th Ave. For information please contact 303-823-6622.

Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission is looking for new board members to join in the group of enthusiastic and community-minded, arts-inspired people. The LAHC has been playing an active role with its mission of celebrating community through arts. There are several vacancies and area artists or aspiring artists of the following genres are welcome to apply: writers, actors, quilters, dancers, culinary artists, photographers, filmmakers, sculptors, ceramicists, painters, arts-enthusiasts. For information please contact Town of Lyons at 303-823-6622.

NIWOT The Classic Holiday tale of Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they travel through the land

of sweets comes to life on stage at Niwot High School Auditorium, 8989 Niwot Rd., from December 16 to 18. Centennial State Ballet is proud to present its16th annual production of The Nutcracker with full sets, costumes, lighting and musical accompaniment by Flatirons Community Orchestra and the St. Vrain Singers. Experience the magic of this timeless story presented by your local, pre-professional youth ballet company. For information please go to centennialstateballet.org or call 303-772-1335.

LONGMONT The 2nd Annual UnCommon Clay show takes place now through December 23 at Art Longmont, 356 Main St. in Longmont. Functional to Fantastic

LCF reflects on 2016 “Be the Light” 303 Main St, Lyons • 303-823-6685

By Kristen Bruckner Redstone Review

FRI, DECEMBER 16 • 8:30 -11:30PM

Cowboy Dave SAT, DECEMBER 17 • 8:30 -11:30PM

Gasoline Lollipops FRI, DECEMBER 23 • 8:30 -11:30PM

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LYONS – As the year closes out, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year. Many are inspired to “Be the Light” Bruckner in serving or offering a little extra to those around us. It does seem there are so many needs and causes to compete for our attention, money and

THURS, DECEMBER 29 • 7:30 PM

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NYE Party w/ Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams FRI, JANUARY 6 • 8:30 -11:30PM

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The Lyons Community Foundation provides a platform for a wide range of individuals looking to give back to the Lyons-area community. LCF recently awarded over $55,000 in 19 separate grants to groups in Lyons who continue to do good work. The range of projects varies from serving our most at-risk residents to providing opportunities for our arts and music scenes to flourish. Grant-supported programs like the 9Health Fair provides basic health screenings for all area residents. Meals on Wheels and the Food Pantry serve those who need it most.

There are also community-enriching

energy. While it is tempting to be discouraged when considering all the great needs in our community and beyond, I prefer to look at the glass half full. The season gives an opportunity to reflect and be grateful.

Offering light to those around us includes not only financial support and volunteering, but continuing to be a beacon of hope and positivity.

Lyons made some major progress on the long road to recovery with the grand opening of the incredible Lavern M. Johnson Park. Residents again have a place to play, picnic, and enjoy the stunning scenery. The new wastewater plant has opened. Our main street business district is bustling and the eastern extension of sidewalks and parking is at long last finally completed. The Confluence finally has paved streets and more residents have been able to move home.

While progress may be slow, we can celebrate the Lyons’ Parade of Lights, funded by LCF. milestones and rejoice in programs such as the Summer Concert seeing the positive steps forward.

There are many community-organized Series in Sandstone Park, the Lyons Film efforts to share what we have this Festival, Outdoor Games, and the amazDecember. The Lyons Leos youth-led serv- ing Holiday Fireworks and Parade of ice organization is organizing a personal Lights, which may not occur without items drive for the homeless to collect LCF support. LCF Scholarship programs basic needs like toothpaste and soap. Lyons support area students’ dreams of achievElementary PTO in coordination with ing higher education.

The Lyons Community Foundation Higher Ground Ministries is organizing a food drive to provide meals to those in would like to extend its deepest gratitude need. LEAF has organized a “giving tree” to the community of supporters and volto offer gifts to families during this season, unteers that make our work possible. We and the “socks for the homeless” campaign are committed to nurturing local philanis alive and well in its second year.

Continue LCF on Page 14

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

FOUNDATION How will Trump’s campaign promises really work?

By Richard A. Joyce Redstone Review VP PUEBLO – Although I’m fairly well convinced aliens left him here as a baby, and I’m hopeful they’ll return, label him Joyce defective, and remove him from Earth before he destroys the U.S., supporters and all, I also am resigned to having to watch his surrealistic presidency unfold in the pitiful, piecemeal way that looks likely at this point.

Conservatives don’t bother me. There are many issues about which I am conservative. Liberals don’t bother me for the same reason. Republican and Democratic Party ideologues don’t even bother me.

They are needed to keep debate vigorous within those parties and politics as a whole.

However, insane thinking does bother me. Such thinking is characterized in some dictionaries as characterized by extreme foolishness, stupidity and irrationality.

It’s that kind of thinking that is the basis for almost everything Donald Trump has said and promises to do after he is president. It is paradoxical, hypocritical and leads to all sorts of conundrums in reality. I call them Trumundrums.

For example, in insisting again and again that he plans to build a fence/wall along the border with Mexico, he ignores one central fact: about 1,255 miles of that border, from El Paso, Texas, to the Gulf of Mexico, runs right down the middle of the Rio Grand River and that border is subject to the provisions of multiple treaties, the latest of which was negotiated in 1970.

According to the International Boundary and Water Commission, successor of the International Border Commission: “The Treaty of November 23, 1970 resolved all pending boundary differences and provided for maintaining the Rio Grande and the Colorado River as the international boundary. The Rio Grande was reestablished as the boundary throughout its 1,255-mile limitrophe section.”

The commission goes on to say, “The Treaty includes provisions for restoring and preserving the character of the Rio Grande as the international boundary where that character has been lost, to minimize changes in the channel, and to resolve problems of sovereignty that might arise due to future changes in the channel of the Rio Grande. It provides for procedures designed to avoid the loss of territory by either country incident to future changes in the river’s course due causes other than lateral movement, incident to eroding one of its banks and depositing alluvium on the opposite bank. This Treaty also charged the IBWC with carrying out its provisions.”

So, by treaty nothing will be built along the Rio Grande border, which is the middle of the river, with Mexico unless the IBCW and both countries agree to it, which likely

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

Free Christmas dinner for seniors NIWOT – No senior needs to be left home alone on Christmas. Know of someone like that? Circle of Care invites seniors to its annual intergenerational holiday Christmas day dinner. Director Joan Raderman started this dinner six years ago when a lonely senior she knew committed suicide. Depression increases during the holiday season; keep an eye out for your neighbors. The dinner has two seatings,

will involve negotiating a new treaty.

Trump could avoid that by building the wall / fence completely on U.S. soil far enough away from the border to allow Border Patrol agents to establish outposts along its entire length and patrol its Mexico-facing side, but to do that will

require enormous cost and perhaps even some eminent domain acquisitions of property currently owned by U.S. citizens and companies.

It’s also no more likely to work than the war on drugs. So, even though there will have to be lots of job opportunities with the Border Patrol, the government will have to find revenue sources to fund them – without raising taxes. It’s definitely a Trumundrum.

Then there’s the issue of companies taking jobs overseas. Trump swears he’ll impose heavy taxes on their profits and heavy tariffs on their products and services. In the case of Carrier, Inc., the air conditioner and heater company in Mike Pence-governed Indiana, Trump claimed to have saved 1,100 jobs at Carrier’s plant there from being shipped to a new factory in Mexico.

What the United Steelworkers local 1999 union learned and shared with the press after Trump’s announcement is that Carrier had not left 1,100 union jobs intact. Instead, only 730 union jobs and 70 other positions would be saved. More than 500 Indianapolis jobs, along with 700 at a plant in Huntington, are still on the chopping block.

Trump, in his characteristic fashion, insists his erroneous numbers are the accurate ones, and only he should have the power to say what they are. Whatever they are, the first Trumundrum that arises here is that Carrier agreed to save those jobs for U.S. union workers after Trump / Pence promised it $7 million in tax breaks. By Trump’s numbers, that’s a pay12:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. on December 25, at Niwot Tavern at 7960 Niwot Rd. in Cottonwood Square in Niwot, with four dinner choices served.

Transportation can be provided to seniors without a ride, or bring them yourself and get a free dinner. A volunteer training workshop will take place December 17 at 4 p.m. at the main branch of the Boulder Public Library for those who would like to offer rides to seniors to Boulder County cultural events during the year, in exchange for free tickets to the events. Call for availability 303-358-4300 or office@circleofcareproject.org.

Continue Briefs on Page 11

off of about $6,363 per job. By the union’s numbers it’s $8,750 per position.

In addition, Carrier gets more than a few government contracts, and press reports indicate he may have incentivized Carrier’s leaders with hints at loss of such contracts, as he blatantly promised

Boeing regarding the next Air Force One custom 747 after its CEO voiced a bit of criticism in Trump’s direction.

Therein lies the real Trumundrum here: Is Trump planning to punish Carrier for the jobs it will still send to Mexico, even while “paying” for the jobs it keeps

here. Will he payoff AND punish every company in the U.S. that does the same?

How can he negotiate with every company that has already taken jobs overseas, and what will U.S. workers be paid to perform those jobs if they return?

These are just two of the myriad Trumundrums that will surface along this path. Considering Trump’s cabinet appointment nominations, his worldwide business interests, his penchant for using social media to shoot his mouth off without a shred of rational argument to support what he says, his shoot-from-the-hip style and how it will play on the world stage, and much more, can we even hope to live during the next four years in a nation where most of the people feel pride in the leadership of the executive branch?

I think not from what I see right now, and I would urge everyone, but especially members of the press, and their corporate owners to reinvigorate both their watchdog and editorial functions to a level commensurate with the potential for government abuse the incoming administration has demonstrated already through word and action. If we are not part of the solution here, we are doomed to be part of the Trumundrums.

Richard A. Joyce is a retired professor in the mass communications department at Colorado State University-Pueblo. He is an award-winning journalist who served as managing editor, and subsequently editor and general manager of the Cañon City Daily Record from 1988 to 1994. The opinions he expresses in this column are strictly his own, and do not represent in any way the views of anyone else at the Redstone Review or at Colorado State University-Pueblo. He can be reached at phase15@mac.com.

DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 11

CREATE Christmas Bazaar brings in $3,000 for the library Staff Reports Redstone Review LYONS – Vance French, a Lyons local, strummed the ukulele as he wandered around the 42nd Annual Holiday Bazaar cajoling shoppers into an impromptu chorus of “We wish you a Merry Christmas!” LaVern Johnson sold books, treats and said “Hello!” to the approximately 1,500 shoppers who came through the doors of the Lyons Elementary School gym to support the local entrepreneurs at this exclusively handmade craft and artist show.

Johnson, whose family homesteaded in Lyons, has held a booth for 42 years at the Holiday Bazaar.

The Leos, the youth service and volunteer group, were on hand to help vendors unload and set up on Friday and help take down and pack up Sunday. The vendors were very grateful to have help with the sometimes heavy items.

On Saturday, Librarian McCourt Thomas read books on stage that celebrated various holidays and cultures. On Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived and for 2.5 hours and entertained families by listening to holiday wishes. Mrs. Claus played the violin for everyone. Professional musician Marc Hutt, normally seen playing with his band Big Thompson Flood, set up his amplifiers and played the

ukulele on both days. The variety of vendors this year was eclectic and the quality was high. This craft and art show is juried and although it has many vendors that return each year it also has room for new vendors. There were knitted and sewn crafts, jewelry, sugar scrubs, pesto, French fabrics, natural lotions, etc. St. Vrain Market sold sandwiches, cookies and provided drinks as well.

The Bazaar makes it affordable for Colorado entrepreneurs to give making and selling crafts a try, and the Young Entrepreneurs table was popular this year. For only $5 a family for a two-hour slot, kids could sell their handmade wares. It is a low-cost investment that gives kids a chance to learn about business. The library, which has a financial literacy objective, created this table for youth and will continue to manage this particular table in the future.

The Lyons Regional Library District was in charge of the Holiday Bazaar this year. Next year the Town of Lyons Parks and Recreation Department will run the Bazaar with the support of the library. The Parks and Recreation Department runs the Parade of Lights and all the events that weekend so it’s a natural fit. The Bazaar will have raised about $3,000 net this year which will benefit the library. Next year the proceeds will benefit the Parks and Recreation Department.

Dolores Vasquez named clerk pro tem

Vasquez as she waded through seven public hearings and other town business that lasted well into the night. “I sat next to her to help her out,” said Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen. “She did just fine.”

LYONS – Delores Vasquez was named Town Clerk Pro Tem at the December 5 Town Board meeting. Vasquez was filling in for the first time at the meeting taking the minutes for Town Clerk Deb Anthony who was away for the evening and Deputy Town Clerk Jacque Watson, who has resigned to take another job in town at Planet Bluegrass. It was trial by fire for

LYONS – The Lyons LEO Club is collecting items for the Hope for the Homeless project. The members of LEO are filling reusable bags with nonperishable items, a list of nearby shelters and a note of encouragement. They distribute the bags to homeless people and families in various loca-

B •R •I •E •F •S Continued from Page 10

Donations for Hope for the Homeless

Pre - Order a

Cajun Christmas Dinner Turkey Dinner / feeds 4-6 people / $65 Call OB with your order no later than December 17th.

Toy Drive December 10 / music 9-11pm Oskar Blues, Foxfeather Music and Share a Gift out of Boulder are teaming up to get presents into kids’ hands on Christmas in Boulder County! Bring an unwrapped present for a child and enjoy the music for free, plus get a FREE BEER!

NYE Party 9pm-12:30am

Tap Takeover with Periodic Brewing from Leadville.

Complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

LIVE MUSIC FROM

Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams 303 Main Street, Lyons • 303-823-6685

PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS

tions. Donation requests include small travel-size soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes, energy bars, eyeglasses, feet warmers, etc. Donations can be delivered to Clark’s Hardware or the Lyons Regional Library through 9 a.m. on December 16.

For more information email leoclublyons@gmail.com.

Richardo’s awarded a silver medal LYONS – Richardo’s Coffee Liquor has won a silver medal at the New York International Spirit Competition in New York City. The coffee liquor has also won

gold medals in Chicago and in Denver.

Richardo’s is the creation of Rick England from Lyons and is sold at Spirit Hound Distillers, 4196 Ute Hwy. Spirit Hound is celebrating its four-year anniversary.

Square Dance in January LYONS – The Lyons Old-time Square Dance will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Oskar Blues Grill and Brew, 303 Main St. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids and $25 for a family. The caller will be Patricia Danscen, with the band Prairie Continue Briefs on Page 12

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

CONCEPTS Keeping your pet safe this holiday season

By Kelly O’Connell, DVM Redstone Review LONGMONT – The holidays are always fun and should not be any different for your furry friends. Making sure your animals stay safe is not always at the front of your mind around the holidays. Here are some helpful tips for keeping them out of trouble and away from the vet office this season.

1. Foods to avoid: There are many foods this season that can cause illness in your pet. You can help your pet indulge (within reason) without making them sick.

Do not feed any rich or fatty foods (turkey skin, ham, gravy etc.). The fat in the foods can cause gastric upset (vomiting and diarrhea) or worse: pancreatitis which could land your pet in the hospital.

Chocolate is a known toxin to dogs.

The toxin (theobromine) causes tremors and even seizures. Keep the chocolate out

of reach.

2. Good foods: Want to pamper your pet this season? Try making healthy dog treats from scratch! You can even use holiday cookie cutters to make them festive (see recipe below).

Veggies are always a good option. Baby carrots, celery, and snap peas, to name, a few are crunchy snacks that won’t hurt your furry friend.

3. Decorations: Many decorations can be dangerous for your pet. There is an easy way to keep them out of reach or choose decorations that won’t be too tempting.

Tinsel can be a fun toy for a puppy or kitten but too often we see pets that have ingested some. This can lead to an intestinal obstruction that may warrant surgical intervention. Keep the tinsel out of your home.

Christmas lights are fun and beautiful but can be tempting for puppies and kit-

Happy Holidays!

From

Ron R. Hogsett

(303) 651-1125 452 Main St, Longmont Call for our extended holiday hours Dec 12-24

Regular Hours: Tues - Fri: 9:30am - 5:30pm Sat: 9:30am -1pm

DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

B •R •I •E •F •S Continued from Page 11

tens to chew on. This can lead to life threatening electrocution or electrical burns. Place wires out of reach or behind a gate where there is no possibility of chewing on them.

4. Guests: Guests are always the highlight of the holidays, and can be exciting for your pet as well. Make sure your guests are aware of the holiday hazards for your pet.

Guests may want to bring their pets with them. Be sure your pets get along as many times around the holidays bite wounds from fights are increased.

Recipe for dog friendly treats (courtesy of All Recipes) 2 1/2 C flour 2 eggs 1/2 C canned pumpkin 2 T peanut butter (Be sure to get one without Xylitol in the ingredients.)

1/2 t cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes

Chickens. For more information go to https : / / www. facebook. com / Lyons - Old Time - Square - Dance - 315748645121679 or go to oldtimedances @ musicinlyons. com or 303-827-6322.

Future dance dates are February 4 and March 4. All dances are taught and are beginner- and family-friendly. Dances are easiest earlier in the evening and become more complex as the evening progresses.

Come alone, bring family / friends / kids and join our mix of beginner and welcoming seasoned dancers. No experience, partner or special shoes are required.

Dr. Kelly O’Connell is a veterinarian at Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists.

AMVS is a 24-hour veterinary facility providing specialty internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, oncology, emergency, critical care, and pain management located in Longmont at 104 S. Main St. For more information, go to www.AspenMeadowVet.com.

BOULDER – Colorado employment will continue to expand in 2017, adding a variety of jobs in almost every sector.

The anticipated pace of growth recorded at the end of 2016 and in 2017 will be 2.2 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.

This compares with growth in excess of 3 percent over the prior three years, according to economist Richard

Habitat is taking applications for flood-displaced residents LYONS – Applications will be available January 3 through 13 at 303 Atwood St. in Longmont. Applicants must complete the quiz in order to get an application. There will be an orientation for applicants to attend on January 7 at 10 a.m. at Rogers Hall in Lyons. You can also watch a video online. Watch the video on the Habitat website, complete the quiz, and return to the office to pick up application. To qualify a family of four can make up to $4970 maximum monthly income. For more information contact Erin Minaya at 303-682-2485.

Colorado’s employment to grow by 2.4 percent in 2017

Continue Briefs on Page 13

DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

REDSTONE • REVIEW

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CONTENT Now is the time to wildlife-proof your home

By Frances Friedland Redstone Review LONGMONT – As temperatures drop this winter, the hunt for warm and cozy housing heats up for Colorado wildlife.

Now is a great time to not only make sure your home is sealed for energy efficiency, Friedland but also to keep our furry and feathered friends out before January through March, when mating and baby seasons begin.

Every spring Greenwood receives hundreds of calls concerning orphaned wildlife, or animals trapped inside or around homes.

Many of these incidents could have been avoided by taking the time in the fall and early winter months to check homes for any necessary repairs, and most are easy. Openings and cracks in your roof, foundation, attic and porches are often misinterpreted by wildlife as open invitations to move into your home before mating season. Here are a few steps to take, not only to keep your home energy efficient this winter but also to protect wildlife and their babies this spring: Don’t trap wildlife: Before closing or sealing any openings in and around your home, make sure there are no animals already inside. This is the number one rule throughout any exclusion process, regardless of the season. If you find an animal, please visit greenwoodwildlife.org for instructions or call for assistance at 303-823-8455.

Siding, vents, foundations: Check for any cracks or easy entries around vents and throughout siding and foundation. Even the slightest warping in house siding is

a welcoming home site for animals. Look for animal activity where pipes, dryer vents and cables exit the house and seal any cracks or openings up. Seal any gaps or holes in the foundation. These are tempting entry points for digging animals.

Gutters, roofs, attics and branches: While cleaning out gutters, inspect the roofline, under the eaves and in the attic for any openings. Replace loose shingles on the roof. Animals can fit through small spaces, so seal holes and make any repairs to prevent animals from entering your home. Keep branches trimmed six feet away from your house to not only prevent easy access for animals to roofs and windows now, but also to prevent future damage that may cause animal entry.

Decks, porches and window wells: Skunks and raccoons love to make their homes under porches and decks so please enclose openings and gaps to prevent access. Check window wells for any cracks or openings and use covers to keep animals out. If no window well covers are used, make sure animals can exit window wells easily if they fall in.

Chimneys and fireplaces: Check fireplaces and chimneys for any signs of animals or possible entry points. Once chimneys are cleared, install screens and chimney caps to stop owls, raccoons and other animals from getting trapped inside. Keep dampers closed when fireplaces are not in use.

Pet food and trash: Store domestic animal food or birdseed in the house or in secured metal containers with lids. Make sure trashcans are properly secured with ropes, weights or latches, or wait to put the trash out until the morning it’s collected.

Kicking out unwanted houseguests can be awkward (and traumatic), so please help by inspecting your home now to keep wildlife out in the first place. Thanks for helping to give Colorado wildlife the best opportunity to thrive independently this winter and spring! Please don’t hesitate to call Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center with any questions at 303-823-8455 or visit greenwoodwildlife.org for more information.

Frances Friedland is a marketing professional and lives in Boulder with her husband, twin boys and two dogs. She has always been an animal lover and enjoys volunteering at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which cares for an average of 3,000 small mammals, songbirds and waterfowl each year. Greenwood also offers education programs for children and adults of all ages. Visit www.greenwoodwildlife.org to learn more.

B •R •I •E •F •S Continued from Page 12

Wobbekind of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.

The comprehensive outlook features forecasts and trends for the state’s primary business sectors prepared by more than 100 key business, government and industry professionals. Most, but not all of the data collected for the report, came in prior to the Nov. 8 election.

Overall, the forecast calls for a gain of 63,400 jobs in Colorado in 2017. All but the state’s natural resources and mining industry are predicted to see gains.

“Colorado will continue to rank among the top ten states nationally for employment growth in 2017, a sixyear standing,” said Wobbekind. “And it is poised for continued long-term growth, boasting a skilled workforce and high-tech, diversified economy; relatively low cost of doing business; global economic access and exceptional quality of life.”

To view and download a PDF of the entire 2017 economic outlook for Colorado visit the Business Research Division website.

UNDER CONTRACT!

31 Colard Lane, Lyons $530,000 Close-in Spring Gulch 3BD home on 7 acres with separate studio & 2 barns.

SOLD!

18424 N. St. Vrain Dr, Lyons $1.1 M Incredible one-of-a-kind home & guest house on nearly 9 riverfront acres.

UNDER CONTRACT!

185-A 2nd Ave, Lyons $375,000 Scenic views from 3BD/3BA townhome bordering park in Lyons Valley Village.

SOLD!

16151 114th Ct, Commerce City $639,000 Gorgeously updated custom ranch home on 3 acres near golf course.

SOLD!

RECENTLY SOLD!

214 Ewald, Lyons $489,000 Awesome remodeled 3BD/2BA with town views near park & town.

187 2nd Avenue, Lyons 826 Sunrise Drive, Lyons 145 Kelling Drive, Lyons 64 Stirrup Hill Lane, Lyons 145 Eagle Canyon Circle, Lyons 120 Ewald Avenue, Lyons

Wishing You Health & Joy this Holiday Season!

Jonelle Tucker • 303-902-6250 jtucker@realtor.com • www.tuckergroupinc.com

PAGE 14

Town Continued from Page 1 which include the Water Fund, the Sewer Fund and the Electric Fund. These funds will be held in reserve and could be used for emergencies. Some of these funds were under funded and now the board is going to hold funds in reserve.

Another resolution was passed by the BOT after a public hearing to Levy general property taxes. The property taxes are defined by the county for 2016 and help to defray the costs of government for the Town of Lyons for the 2017 budget year.

REDSTONE • REVIEW The BOT passed a resolution to accept a $3 million advance from the state of Colorado to pay for some of the flood related projects that the town has completed, but was not yet reimbursed Lyons for by the state. The state has now advanced the town $9 million for the completion of over $32 million in flood recovery projects, Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen told the board. The BOT discussed the current list of recovery projects which includes the McConnell Bridge, the Second Avenue Bridge, a public works building, Bohn Park repairs and

Christmas Continued from Page 5 plate, which he poured on everything, even soup. My sister and brother, who were a lot older than I, would not eat, mushrooms, celery and most vegetables. My parents were not fond of beef or pork which came out like charcoal when my mother cooked it. When we didn’t have fish we had frozen dinners and Twinkies.

I thought about it for a while and came up with the obvious choice, lobster tail. “You must be joking,” my mother said. I thought it was the perfect choice but my mother didn’t. However, I thought she might go for it since she could see things were not going well for me.

Christmas was only a few days away and the tree was up and decorated in front of the boarded-up window.

The day before Christmas Eve I fell while ice skating and somehow managed to gouge my face on the skate blade of the guy skating in front of me. His blade landed right between my eyes and I got a huge lump that turned black and blue. I looked like a prize fighter.

On Christmas Eve a blizzard settled in. My mother decided to go for the lobster tail and we all loved it. That

Habitat Continued from Page 4 The new changes require owner occupancy (of at least six months of the year) in either the main house or the ADU. Owners would be able to rent out either the main house or the ADU, but not both at the same time. However, on a case-by-case basis, exceptions for the owner occupancy would be allowed for periods up to two years.

To encourage providing rental housing for employees of local businesses (instead of short-term vacation lodging), it is required that owners only rent out the space for terms of 30 days or longer.

The original town of Lyons ADU ordinance, established in 2013 after the flood,

A&E Continued from Page 9 showcases clay artists along the Front Range from Colorado Springs to Wyoming, from functional ceramics to installations and sculptural pieces. More than 110 entires from 29 artists entering including Grahame Atkinson, Art Walsh, Louis Trujillo, Terry Kreuzer, Tracy Murphy will be featured in this exhibition. The exhibition is free to the public. The hours are 11 a.m. to 5.p.m.

For more information please go to artslongmont.org.

BOULDER Boulder Ensemble Theater Company presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told now through December 24. Three actors set out to perform Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, but instead they throw in some Christmas traditions from around the world, a handful of seasonal references both ancient and modern, a dash of pop-culture, and a sprinkle of caroling. Hailed by DC Metro Theater Arts as “A crazy and hilarious fractured holiday romp,” the show can truly brighten up the season. The shows will play at the Grace Gamm Theater at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. in Boulder. For information please go to www.thedairy.org or call 303-440-7826.

The Boulder Philharmonic will present Brahms and His World on January 14 and 15. The program includes Brahms’ Tragic Overture, Schumann’s Symphony no. 4, and the generation of composers inspired by these two giants, namely Dame Ethel Smyth (1858-1944) in her unique compositional voice of double concerto for violin and horn. Brilliant violinist Jennifer Frautschi returns to Boulder with her husband, Eric Ruske, for this rare gem of a duo concerto. The program can be heard in Boulder’s Macky Auditorium on January 14, and at the Pinnacle Performing Arts Complex in Denver on January 15. For more information please go to boulderphil.org.

renovation and affordable housing.

In other matters, the Colorado Conscious Action Group offered the BOT a draft proclamation which asked the Trustees to expand conversations on inclusivity and systems that are free of oppression. They want this to be hung in the reception area of the town hall. Mayor Sullivan said she wanted some variation of this to be included in the Dec. 19 town board meeting agenda. The Colorado Conscious Action Group is gathering people to attend the Women’s March in Denver to stand up for human rights to be held on

night we trundled off to Midnight Mass. I sang in the choir with a huge lump between my eyes. I decided that things had to get better. I thought that I could still walk to the beach in the summer and I could earn money working various jobs, perhaps enough to buy a bike before it got too cold to ride.

Christmas Day arrived with a great clatter of noise. I raced to the living room to discover that my brother received a new drum set for Christmas. He was pounding away and I was wondering how we were going to live with that unbearable noise when I noticed some handlebars tucked behind the Christmas tree. I moved the branches to see a new three-speed bike. I was so shocked that I took a step back and nearly fell over. I could see my dad smiling across the room. He nodded his head. I threw my arms up over my head and danced around the room to my brother’s drum beat. I was right, things were getting better.

It was truly a Christmas miracle. Everyone opened up presents, but I continued to dance around the living room as the light filtered in through the cracks in the boarded up window.

allows small apartments to be permitted on single-family residential lots, but no homeowners in Lyons have applied to participate in the program.

Now that a barrier that many have said made building ADUs financially prohibitive is removed, we’ll see how many Lyons homeowners can and do move forward to build ADUs to provide more rental opportunities. Even then, ADUs probably won’t be added in all parts of town. Some neighborhoods with homeowners associations are likely to prohibit ADUs. I’m planning to continue writing a column in the Redstone Review in 2017, as we see some of the first new affordable hous-

DECEMBER 14, 2016 / JANUARY 18, 2017

LCF Continued from Page 9 thropy and fostering a culture of giving that enhances life in Lyons. If you are inspired or able to do so, we ask that you consider making your year-end giving have a local impact. One hundred percent of what LCF receives stays right here in Lyons, funding projects that enhance our community. Local philanthropy has strong and visible impacts.

As this year closes, we would also like to thank our outgoing Advisory Board members Sandy Banta, Monique Sawyer-Lang, and Christy Cope, who have all dedicated their time and talents in enormous ways. We are extremely grateful for their service. It is the mission of the Lyons Community Foundation to improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving and encourage positive change in the greater Lyons area. For more information, to get involved, or to make a donation, please visit www.lyonscf.org.

Kristen Bruckner is on the Lyons Community Foundation Communications Committee and writes columns for the LCF. She lives in Lyons.

ing built to replace homes lost in the 2013 flood. Right now, there are only six new homes planned out of about 70 lost, but those homes will make a difference for six families. Let’s ring in the new year in Lyons with some community volunteer action.

For history of post-flood efforts for affordable housing in Lyons, you can read previous columns posted on my blog at lyonscoloradonews.wordpress.com. All town meetings of the elected Lyons Board of Trustees and appointed, volunteer town boards and commissions are open to the public and supposed to be posted on the town calendar at www. townoflyons. com / calendar. aspx. This column is a

JOHNSTOWN The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive in Johnstown, is proud to present A Wonderful Life, the Musical now through December 31. Frank Capra’s classic holiday film is brought to vibrant theatrical life in an uplifting musical that is perfect for the entire family. The story of George Bailey and his wonderful life remains a timeless tale of dreams, cynicism and the power of love that exhilarates the mind and heart and celebrates the kindness in us all. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is located on For information please go to www.coloradocandlelight.com or call 970-744-3747.

AURORA Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton in Aurora, presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast now through January 15. Join Belle, Beast, and a set of crooning kitchenware for an evening of love, intrigue, and iconic music brought to life. Group discounts for six or more are available. For information please go to www.vintagetheatre.com or call 303-856-7830.

DENVER The Colorado Symphony is thrilled to announce Brett Mitchell as its fourth Music Director, beginning in the 2017/18 season. Currently the Associate Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, Mitchell is hailed for delivering compelling performances of innovative, eclectic programs, and has led the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall, Blossom Music Center, and on tour. Born in Seattle in 1979, Brett Mitchell holds degrees in conducting from the University of Texas at Austin and composition from Western Washington University, and was also one of five recipients of the League of American Orchestras’ American Conducting Fellowship from 2007 to 2010. Join the Colorado Symphony and its Music Director Designate with the presentation of the wildly popular annual tradition A Night in Vienna on

Jan. 21 to coincide with the inauguration.

The group has stated their intention is to, “Strive to provide an outlet and support for those who wish to: 1. Advocate for and defend the most marginalized members of society 2. Connect with likeminded individuals and organizations within local Colorado communities 3.

Serve as a model of peaceful demonstration for the young men and women, boys and girls who will be the leaders of tomorrow 4. Honor the women and men who have come before us and fought for human and women’s rights.”

monthly commentary in the Redstone Review. If you have any questions, comments, or complaints about this column, contact me directly at areinholds@hotmail.com.

Amy Reinholds served on the Lyons Housing Recovery Task Force from December 2013 through its end in February 2015. She is currently a member of the Lyons Human Services and Aging Commission and served as a liaison to the Special Housing Committee during its existence from April 2015 to April 2016. She has lived in Lyons since 2003 and in the surrounding Lyons area since 1995.

December 31, with a rousing selection of polkas, waltzes, and marches. The concert takes place at the Boettcher Concert Hall, located in downtown Denver at the Performance of Arts complex. For information please go to www.coloradosymphony.org.

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