VOLUME 25, NUMBER 11
LYONS, COLOR ADO
PAGE 9
ART & ENTERTAINMENT Redstone Review afloat: “The paper has always been a labor of love, run with a Redstone Review: A community’s voice, a story worth sustaining the small team. It’s never been about By Tamara Haddad Redstone Review
LYONS – It all started in February 2000, when Susan de Castro Gierach decided to create something that Lyons, Colorado, didn’t yet have – a woman-run, independent monthly newspaper. She didn’t inherit or buy it; she built it from scratch. Those early days were tough. “People thought the Redstone Review was just another advertising circular. Many threw it away without a second glance,” says Gierach. But she didn’t give up. She believed in the power of stories, the importance of community, and the necessity of local news. Slowly but surely, Lyons began to believe that too. People started to read the stories in the paper and started to discuss the stories with friends and neighbors. Soon lots of people were reading the paper. Now, nearly 25 years later, the Redstone Review is not just a monthly newspaper; it’s a vital testament to perseverance, passion, and community grit. Each month, its pages chronicle the ongoing lives and events that define this mountain town. Local businesses celebrate their milestones; families see their stories reflecting on them, and Lyons’ arts, politics, and culture enjoy a monthly platform. The journey isn’t always smooth. When Covid-19 hit, the Redstone Review, like so
many other enterprises, faced financial uncertainty. Advertising dollars dried up, and operating costs skyrocketed. During the pandemic businesses were forced to close and the whole country shut down, which meant advertising revenues dried up.
teers, trading for some services, and always maintaining a very high standard. Redstone’s local printer in Berthoud closed its doors and put the building up for sale, leaving about 80 of its client newspapers and magazines scrambling to find a
The Redstone survived because Gierach had built up a small cushion of savings which allowed payment of bills during this stressful time when everything shut down. But after the pandemic, the small cushion was gone and advertising revenue never returned to the same level as before Covid, and the costs of everything skyrocketed. Among the new burdens, the cost of newsprint increased immensely, the cost at the printers rose, the cost of hiring new staff grew, and postal costs also went up a large amount. The Redstone has absorbed as much of the costs as possible. For almost 25 years the Redstone has provided a totally free newspaper to the community, paying for all the printing and postal costs, recruiting volun-
new printer. A new printer finally turned up a few months ago in Cheyenne, Wyo., but at a higher cost and a much longer commute to pick up the newly published papers. Yet through it all, the Redstone has endured, staying true to its mission of delivering local stories to every Lyons address, for free. “We are staffed largely by volunteers with only two paid employees, our page designer and our ad designer,” says Gierach. “Everyone else works either on commission, or in trade, or as a volunteer. They and our advertisers support us entirely.” Now facing personal challenges after losing her husband, John Gierach, whose obituary can be read in the New York Times, Susan reflects on the weight of keeping
profit; it’s about the people of Lyons and their stories.” Two months ago, the paper won 21 awards from the Colorado Press Association, a remarkable achievement for such a small publication. These accolades reflect the quality and dedication behind every issue. But awards don’t pay the bills. The reality is sobering: without community support, the Redstone Review faces the same potential fate as so many other local, independent papers nationwide. Lyons has read, shared, and relied on the Redstone Review for nearly a quarter century. The first issue of Redstone came out in February, 2000. Out of a hope that the town recognizes what it has – a means of shared identity and local communication that supports our town – the paper asks for something in return. The Redstone needs your help. This isn’t just about money; it’s also about pride. Lyons is known for its big hearts and generous spirit. Supporting the Redstone Review means championing a legacy of independent journalism and a woman-owned business that has repeatedly beaten the odds. Think back to the floods and wildfires that tested Lyons’ resilience. Who told those stories? Who gave voice to the challenges and triumphs of this town? The Redstone Review did. This paper is not just a Continue Redstone on Page 10
“We raise money to give it away to the community,” said LCF launches its annual Gil Sparks, LCF Board Co-chair. This simple yet powerful mission fuels LCF’s work year after year, and the matching is an opportunity for everyone to play a role in appeal with a $20,000 campaign its success. LCF has already raised $7,710 (as of December 8, 2024) matching challenge toward the $20,000 match, but there’s still work to do. By Rachel Pickarski Redstone Review LYONS – As the holiday season approaches, the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) is rallying the community to support its Annual Appeal. This year’s campaign comes with an exciting opportunity Pickarski to double the impact of every dollar donated. Thanks to the generosity of local donors, all contributions will be matched up to $20,000, making it possible to raise a total of $40,000 to benefit Lyons. The LCF Annual Appeal kicked off earlier this month with mailings sent to every household in the 80540 zip code. Included in the mailing is a remittance envelope for cash or check donations, as well as a QR code linking directly to the donation portal. Donors can also give online at lyonscf.org. The funds raised will go directly toward supporting local programs and initiatives that enhance the vibrancy and resilience of Lyons. From human services and youth enrichment to environmental sustainability and cultural engagement, the Lyons Community Foundation continues to fund projects that make a difference.
Community members are encouraged to make their donations early to ensure that the full match is secured. Past grantees have shared heartfelt stories about how LCF’s support has positively impacted their programs and the people they serve. Every dollar contributed helps sustain these vital efforts. As the year comes to a close, LCF invites the Lyons community to come together, celebrate generosity, and amplify their collective impact. By participating in the Annual Appeal, donors can ensure that LCF remains a driving force for good in Lyons. LCF wishes the Lyons community a happy and healthy holiday season filled with joy and connection. Together, we can make this a season of giving to remember. Visit lyonscf. org to donate and learn more about the foundation’s work. Rachel Pickarski is the Marketing and Communications Consultant for LCF.
My personal 2024 reflection By Sally King Redstone Review This holiday season finds me a bit ragged, hung out to dry when out of the blue an osprey swoops down to give me a lift. From up here I can see the John’s rattlesnake and the charming mink who runs along the River Bank, fox, deer and turkey. I love . . .v making an annual print, it is a deeply intuitive practice, a personal reflection of the overall vibe of 2024. And this year it has taken a huge effort to just maintain balance (have you noticed) but something akin to faith has emerged trusting in the outcome of things, more than I did which entails having to let go of “my outcome” (not easy – right?)
Holiday fun suggestion: Take visitors to see local art By Sally King Redstone Review I recommend checking out the Lyons Public Art Collection I took my grandson to see the hand painted tiles mural (over the water fountain in the library). We counted eagles and decided which one was our favorite. Then I showed him my Stonehenge like Bear Heads and introduced him to “Bear Hug” on Main Street. Then onward to John’s kinetic pieces, in front of the market, the other on the Crystal Way. The town was also gifted two Bill Vielehr Sculptures, one is on the north side of the Ute Highway coming into town and the other is in the courthouse courtyard by Android’s wonderful mural of the animals. And of course don’t miss – the Clarifier located near Blackbear Hole, our community made mosaic. And as a grand finale, a visit to the hidden Labyrinth Here’s a clue (Hwy. 7 near Prospect – seek the trailhead.) So go local for an art experience.