Redstone January / February 2023

Church services

LYONS – The Lyons Community Church at 350 Main St. on the corner of 4th and Main St., offers United Methodist Church services every Sunday at 10 a.m. and Catholic Mass every Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend the services. For more information, contact the church at 303-823-6245.

Winter Wonderland Concerts

LYONS – The Town of Lyons is happy to present the Winter Wonderland Concert series again this winter. Mark your calendars now, so you don’t miss any of these three family-friendly events at LaVern Johnson Park near the Ice Rink (weather permitting) from 2 to 4 p.m. The local lineup of artists is: January 21 – Jesse Garland February 25 – Dechen Hawk March 25 – Ian Brighton

Free skate rentals during concert in park

LYONS – Sponsored by Lyons Community Foundation and the Town of Lyons, hot chocolate and other goodies will be available, benefitting local non-profit organizations. The town website also has the hours for recreational skating and hockey skating along with the times the skate rentals will be open. Typically rentals are available on weekends.

Information on plowing priority in Lyons

LYONS – All State Highways (SH-66, SH-7 and US-36) within the town limits of Lyons are maintained and plowed by Colorado Department of Transportation as the weather dictates. Routes maintained by the town are: Primary Routes: arterial streets with access to important locations such as Town Hall, business district or schools are plowed with two inches of snow or more. There are also five hills in town which have a tendency to become difficult to pass and they are treated along with primary routes. Secondary Routes: residential streets with average or low traffic are plowed with four inches or more. Alleyways are plowed when there is six inches or more of snow.

By Susan de Castro McCann Editor Redstone Review

LYONS – The Lyons Town Board recently unanimously approved an ordinance, on second reading, to create a PUD-R (Planned Unit Development) Overlay zoning district for the property at 317 Evans St. which was zoned R-1.

The property at 317 Evans has several buildings on it that form a mixture of six dwelling units. The new developers want to rebuild and turn the complex into nine units. The former zoning, R-1, is a low-density zoning designation and does not allow for duplexes or multiple units, so the rezoning was necessary for the new construction and expanded units.

The developers, Leigh Williams and Matt McMullen, presented drawings of a possible plan for some new or remodeled rental units at the 317 Evans site. The developers said they would ask the town to pave the alley, saying that it would improve and add to the parking. The PUD-R allows the developers more options on the site.

The developers asked the board to change the number of required parking spaces for the expanded development. The required number of parking spaces would be 13.25 for 9 units; Williams asked the board to allow them to only have 10 parking spaces and the board approved that number with an amendment to the ordinance before the final vote.

The property is actually two lots and it originally had two homes on it back in the 1920s according to Town Planner Dave Kimmett, who presented the developers’

plan to the town board. The town board at that time allowed the owner to have six units on the two lots.

Kimmett pointed out that this new small affordable housing complex would be privately owned and would not be using government funding, which prompted some board members to ask what regulations would be created to make sure that people could income qualify for affordable housing and how would these regulations stay in place over a long period of time.

Town Attorney Brandon Dittman told the board during the public hearing for the Major Development final PUD Plan review that requirements for affordable housing qualifications are usually set up in the Development Plan Agreement to insure that the units remain as affordable housing for the tenants over the long term. “That document acts as a covenant to keep those units affordable,” said Dittman. “We are going to be asking for that and we expect the developer to agree to that.”

After the Jan. 9 town board meeting affordable housing requirements for the 317 Evans became part of the Development Plan Agreement.

Then Leigh Williams told the board that the residents at the 317 Evans location that would be displaced due to rebuilding the housing project would be able to return to that same location and their rent would stay the same for a period of 10 years with cost of living increases. Williams also wanted the new incoming residents to pay rents up to 120 percent of the Area Medium Income (AMI). But some board members objected.

Kimmett told the board that the AMI for

Boulder County is right around $100,000 for the household. Trustee Jocelyn Farrell said she wanted the rents for the new tenants at the new affordable housing complex to be capped at up to 100 percent of the AMI.

Although the board was unanimous in its approval of the affordable housing project, not everyone in the community is on board and one group, the Ecology Advisory Board, has some concerns about the project. The EAB was not able to express its concerns to the town board because the EAB did not have enough time to review the documents and therefore was late in getting their comments in.

The Ecology Board will meet on Wed. Jan. 18 (after this issue of Redstone comes out) and will issue a statement concerning the affordable housing project at 317 Evans St. The EAB chair, Greg Lowell, said that based on the comments he has been receiving, he believes the EAB will be requesting major changes to the project to make it more resilient to future floods. They plan to issue their statement to the town board some time this week.

Floods are something many people in Lyons know a lot about based on the major flood of 2013, which Lyons only fully recovered from last year.

Lowell said the property at 317 Evans is partially in the floodway and floodplain. It is immediately adjacent to the St. Vrain River, which requires protection from many potential contaminants. Lowell said the EAB wants the town board to consider that after the 2013 flood the riparian corridor along the river was damaged and in need of major changes to make it more resilient to future floods in Lyons. Because of its proximity to the St. Vrain River, Lowell said the board has several concerns such as contaminants from cars and other things if there is a flood, and a number of other issues.

Redstone stands with President Zelensky and the people in Ukraine

Running Start, photograph by Jane Selverstone. A sandhill crane prepares for takeoff at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in southern New Mexico.

Town board looks at developers’ plans to revamp old property for affordable housing

Lyons is stronger together

By Peter Zick, Lyons Fire District Chief Redstone Review

LYONS – Happy January, Lyons. I hope all of you had a great holiday season. I am looking forward to a positive and productive 2023 for our community and your Lyons Fire Protection District.

I wanted to briefly review what we managed to get accomplished in 2022 before I discuss other things. Last year brought many challenges and successes. As you know, we had a mill levy election that was a huge success and allowed us to refocus our budget process to increase our staffing this year. This was a huge accomplishment and we thank our community for understanding that staffing would always hinder us if we did not make a change. This significant changed proved to be monumental in the fire that occurred on Main Street on December 15. I will talk about this fire in a minute.

Lyons Fire received three grants this year that totaled $1.4 million dollars from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. This money was used to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus and new radios to improve communication for our firefighters. These grants were a collaborative effort between all the departments in our region. We are very excited to have this much needed equipment. Lastly, we took delivery of our new fire engine that should be in service to serve the community by February 1. The new truck was designed to handle multiple types of emergencies that we encounter regularly in our district.

On December 15, 2022 at 11:01 a.m., Lyons Fire received reports of a structure fire at 402 Main St. in Lyons.

Happy Gnu my Good Neighbors,

There are concerns about CO2, ozone, and other ultra nasty pollution – are we not living in a disproportionally affected area?

It feels to me like camping with the next tent site over running their diesel generators and smoldering plastics on dwindling campfire coals all night... when that happens to me I pack up and go elsewhere for fear of inciting innocents to injure.

In this situation however I’m not leaving and I’ve already begun to pick a fight with my fellow campers.

This week we have our Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) meeting and they’re seeking one hour’s worth of public comments which your CC4CA (Colorado Communities for Climate Action (Powerful Accomplished State Climate Lobby)) is strongly encouraging all participation.

Thanks to our mill levy vote, we were able to have full staffing that day and responded with a crew of three. Upon arrival, the crew encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from the occupancy and immediately began suppression work to try and control the fire.

The initial response to this kind of emergency was predetermined because of the auto and mutual aid agreements we put in place in 2021. The initial response included three engines from Lyons, Hygiene and Lefthand Fire and four chief officers. Upon hearing the initial radio report from our responding engine from Lyons, I upgraded the assignment to a second alarm which added an additional two engines and a ladder truck from Longmont Fire.

The fire was a very difficult and dangerous fire because the bulk of the fire was in the basement below the street level. Fires of these types are dangerous because you can not see what is burning and the floors above them can collapse trapping firefighters in the basement. The floor in one of the occupancies eventually collapsed into the basement. The fire was investigated and determined to be accidental.

Overall, the operation of this fire went very smoothly. There was great collaboration between all of the responding agencies and there were only minor injuries sustained during the firefight and we were able to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. Our hearts go out to the businesses that were affected by this tragic fire.

During the review of this fire, we took what went well and what we could improve on and learned from this fire. We will be putting a few things in place to make sure that if another fire of this magnitude happens in the future, that we will be better prepared than we were for this one. Again, the operation of this fire went very well and no significant injuries were sustained.

I want to say thank you to the entire community that came out to support our firefighters that day. The food and drinks that you supplied us was simply amazing. Although

AQCC is seeking input on disproportionality among other things. Even if my version is not exactly what they’re thinking about I intend to give them a view from my disproportionate experience seeking their assistance in guiding regulators: BoCo, Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety in Colorado and Colo. Dept. of Public Health and Environment to simply do their jobs in regulating Cemex and monitoring the reclamation of their now closed mine.

I’m surprised you’re not participating in Lyons Sustainable Futures Commission and Lyons Board of Trustees meetings to insist that Lyons update and deploy its already written 2019 Lyons Environmental Sustainability Action Plan which you can find on the Town of Lyons website in the document center under Lyons Environment Sustainability Action Plan 2019 update.

Lyons is a huge campsite spewing. In spite of meaning well I can’t imagine Lyons is not disingenuous in not more actively pursuing its own clean-up plans while asking our neighbors to pack it out?

It would be amazing if our trustees could hear from you regarding the newly available green electrons suddenly being offered by the town’s wholesale electrical supplier, Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) green washing or greening of Lyons?

Lyons Board of Trustees – Tuesday Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. In person at Town Hall on 5th St. and on Zoom. The public comment portion happens fast and early. You can link into the meeting from the town board website in the Town Board Meeting Agenda Center.

Colorado AQCC hearing is on Thursday Jan 19 at 8 a.m. on Zoom only. See the AQCC website for more information and a link to the meeting.

Lyons Sustainable Futures Commission will be held Thursday Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lyons Library and Zoom. Agenda TBD. Please accept this message in spirit in which is intended, desperately hopeful local action,

Edward Kean, Lyons resident, Small Planet Blue

Learn science through absurd questions, drawing and sketching with A. Thompson, art show by Coco Gordon and more at Lyons Library

By Kara Bauman Redstone Review

LYONS – In 2023 the Lyons Regional Library District will welcome three new trustees to its governing Board. Agnes Rey-Giraud, Leslie Reynolds, and Smita Skrivanek will join Erin Biesiada, Elizabeth Lennert, Bill Palmer, and Gil Sparks on the board.

The district extends thanks to departing trustees Ryan Chiachiere, Janet CorsonRikert, and Leigh Williams for their combined years of service. The Lyons Library District Board of Trustees is responsible for setting library policy, approving budget expenditures, and acting as advocates for library services within the community.

Art abounds in Lyons and we’re proud to host quarterly art shows in tandem with the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission.

Coco Gordon is the featured artist through the first week of April. We appreciate the many community members who braved less-than-ideal weather on January 11 to welcome the exhibit and hear from Gordon and her friends regarding her prolific career.

In the upcoming session of Drawing and Sketching with Arianne Thompson on January 20 at 10 a.m., participants will continue a conversation on perspective and explore new techniques and styles of working with ink. Participants will create mini masterpieces taking inspiration from Japanese-style brush painting. Please bring a sketchbook; other materials are provided. Registration is required.

Early people believed our planet was intelligent and enjoyed a reciprocal relation-

ship with it. Science is just beginning to understand what ancient people believed about our planet and is helping us rediscover this truth. Join us on January 21 at 10 a.m. for an interactive presentation where you are invited to bring a natural object that expresses your bond with nature. As an instructional designer, facilitator, and speaker, presenter Rebekah Shardy desires to not only inform but to inspire action and compassion. Space is limited and registration is required for Earth Speaks:

Ancient Wisdom, New Science.

The Busy Reader’s Book Club is back with two ways to come together. Join us at the library at 11 a.m. on January 26 or that evening at 7 p.m. via Zoom; it’s sure to be a lively discussion either way. The January pick, Euphoria by Lily King, is inspired by events in the life of Margaret Mead and tells the story of three young anthropologists in 1930s New Guinea. Their relationship is complex and involving, and shows

this fire was a tragedy and affected the business owners of that building, it truly showed how our Lyons community comes together to support each other in our time of need. We are stronger together.

Fire Chief Peter Zick is the Lyons Fire District Chief.

Zick

Bauman

PHOTO BY CHRIS RODGERS / CODE 10 PHOTOGRAPHY

Creative approaches to affordable housing in Lyons

By Hollie Rogin, Mayor of Lyons Redstone Review

LYONS – We are so lucky to live in a community that’s overwhelmingly supportive of and committed to affordable housing. It’s been a part of our Comprehensive Plan since at least 2010, and though progress has been relatively slow until now, we can be proud that we’re steadily moving toward our goals.

The Summit development has begun going vertical, and I’m happy to report that another project is moving forward as well – but in a much different manner.

The residence at 317 Evans St. has seen many incarnations. In the 1920s, it was two homes on two separate lots. At one point, the homes were connected to each other. It has been a boarding house, a nursing home, and apartments. Although it was zoned Residential Single-Family Detached Housing, the 1983 Board of Trustees decided to allow the then-owner to operate six housing units. Since then, more than six units have been rented (including a trailer behind the property). When 317 Evans St. was listed for sale in 2022, eight units were occupied.

This housing was priced at a rate affordable to many people. However, there were significant health and safety concerns. This property could have been acquired by a developer, torn down, and turned into two luxury homes, displacing approximately 15 community members.

But two committed and resourceful Lyons residents had a better idea.

Leigh Williams and Yves Nath (Lookout Lyons, LLC) both have extensive experience in housing affordability and management. What if, they asked, they could purchase the property and rebuild it as safe and comfortable multi-family affordable housing without displacing anyone?

After herculean efforts by town staff, the Board of

Trustees, and Lookout Lyons, I’m happy to say that this dream is a giant step closer to becoming a reality. The Board of Trustees agreed to rezone the property via a zoning overlay, approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the property and, finally, approved a Development Agreement. Each of these steps normally takes quite a bit of time, but with the dedication and hard work of all involved, including the Planning and Community Development Commission (PCDC), we were able to meet the aggressive deadlines required to move the project forward in an expedient manner.

Though Williams and Nath still have challenges to overcome, the plan is to replace the current sprawling structure with a duplex containing three-bedroom units and a detached two-car garage on the north, a four-plex of accessible one-bedroom units on the east, and a tri-plex of one-bedroom units on the west. There will also be a central courtyard on the interior of the property. Construction should begin shortly and be complete this summer. Current residents who return will not see any increases in rent for at least one year. After that, Lookout Lyons has committed to increases only to cover increased expenses.

This project is a great example of creative ways to approach housing affordability without permanently displacing anyone. It’s a case study in what can happen when we as a community look for ways to say “yes” instead of reasons to say “no.”

In other, less happy news, avian flu has been reported in Lyons. More information and guidance will be forthcoming shortly from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, but in the meantime: If you see a dead bird on public property, do not touch it. Call Town Hall to report it, and it will be removed by someone trained in safe removal and disposal.

Because avian flu is transmissible to dogs, consider keeping your dogs away from places birds frequent, such

as the McConnell Ponds and the multi-use field at Bohn Park. Do not allow your dogs to approach any birds. Avian flu is also transmissible to cats. Please consider keeping your cats indoors if possible.

For more information, including guidance about keeping your backyard flocks safe, please visit: https://ag.colorado.gov/animals/reportable-diseases/avian-influenza.

Hollie Rogin was sworn in as Mayor of Lyons on April 18, 2022. Before that she was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for the term of 2020 to 2022. In 2015, Rogin created the foundation for what is now the City of Boulder’s Commercial Affordability program on a pro bono basis. While serving as a Trustee, she was the Board liaison to the Economic Vitality Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission.

Representative Neguse gains federal support for Lyons’ LEAF

By Joe Neguse Redstone Review

BOULDER – Happy

New Year, Lyons. I was honored to be sworn into the 118th Congress this month, and couldn’t be more excited to continue representing our wonderful community in the U.S. House of Representatives. With the new year come many new opportunities and initiatives, which I believe will have a positive impact on Boulder County and our state for years to come. Recently, President Biden signed into law an omnibus funding bill that enacts many important priorities to families and

By Peter Baumgartner Redstone Review

LYONS – I wonder if (President Biden’s son) Hunter Biden’s sitting on the Board of Burisma Holdings, Ltd, in Kiev, Ukraine put him just an arm length away from (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky.

Besides working (on the Board) for the energy division of Burisma did HB enable good access to the President of the U.S. and an opportunity for Ukraine President Zelensky to address our Congress? Did this in turn set the stage for a gift of $70+ billion (approximated total) in weapons to Zelensky’s government? Look at the stock charts of Raytheon (RTX), which is up 16.49 percent in 2022, and Northrup Grumman (NOC) up 39.19 percent last year. These companies make and sell missiles. Do RTX and NOC contribute to political campaigns?

I wonder why we are at war with Russia. What is being decided in the situation room of

hard-working individuals across Colorado. The bill includes funding for 14 community projects in Col orado’s Second Congres sional District that I worked to secure, ex panding critical resources for local early childhood programs, wildfire response systems, and so much more.

I hope you will be pleased to know that one of these projects expands support for the Lyons Emer gency & Assistance Fund (LEAF). This project allocates $575,000

in federal funding to help build this community hub. LEAF helps support a multitude of human services safety nets in the greater Lyons area and is an integral part of Lyons town.

Last month, when a fire threatened and ultimately burned several businesses on Lyons’ Main Street, folks from the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund were helping to evacuate people safely, providing crisis mental health care, and working to feed the victims and first responders. Their

services are immeasurable, and we are deeply grateful to them for all of their work. I cannot think of a more well deserving organization.

Please know my office can also serve as a resource for those affected by the fire –do not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is in need of assistance after this tragedy.

Wishing you all the best in the new year. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay hopeful.

Congressman Joe Neguse represents Colorado’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to his first term in November 2018, becoming the first African-American member of Congress in Colorado history. He serves as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.

I wonder about the risk of expanding weapons to Ukraine

the White House? I’ve read the goal of the U.S. is to have this war ended with Russia being weaker and I have concluded a second goal is regime change. Instead of continued war, risking WWIII, I ask our leadership to consider the peace plan of former Secretary of State (under President Richard Nixon) Henry Kissinger.

Kissinger’s peace plan has been summarized by the American author and journalist Fred Kaplan after reading an article from the Spectator. He wrote, “The former statesman-historian proposes a cease-fire and a return to the pre-invasion borders of this past February. In other words, he is suggesting that Russia withdraw all its troops from the areas of Ukraine that it has conquered this year – but not from Crimea or the thin slice of eastern Ukraine that it annexed or occupied back in 2014. The disposition of those territories, he argues, should be negotiated, or settled through an internationally supervised referendum.”

There are several disadvantages to this plan

that opponents could point out and several that they will not. Look, we are fighting a war with the Russians, and we won’t have any casualties, so why end a good thing?

Hunter Biden has helped deliver influence and the goods and Kissinger’s plan would mess up the delivery, which would hurt the profits of our missile makers and affiliated “defense” industries. And, if we end the war now, the U.S. wouldn’t achieve its objectives of a weakened Russia and the downfall of Putin.

On the positive side in Kissinger’s plan: Ukraine and Russia each gain something significant. Ukraine’s people would get back their infrastructure – roads, heat, electric and could start to rebuild safely. It would only give up areas that can arguably be considered Russia. Russia, I believe would accept getting access from its expanded western edge to Crimea. Currently, there is not good access for most Russians who want to travel to Crimea.

A big risk is of continuing this war is an ex-

pansion of the war wherein allies of both sides become more involved. Russia’s allies include Iran, North Korea, and Belarus. Willing to aid Russia with large purchases of Russian oil are India and China.

A further risk of continuing this war that is becoming less abstract is the risk of AI war systems. Soon it won’t be people making decisions missile launches. It will be computerized Artificial Intelligence deciding targets. Yet another risk according to Kissinger is a weakened Russia could lead to a contested vacuum. “Russia has made decisive contributions to the global equilibrium and to the balance of power for over half a millennium.* Its historical role should not be degraded,” Kissinger says.

Please see Spectator December 17, 2022, “How to avoid another world war,” by Henry Kissinger.

*Contributing to world peace, Russia defeated both Napoleon and Hitler’s advances.

Peter Baumgartner is a Lyons resident

Rogin

Neguse

Canada geese found dead near McConnell Ponds were found to be infected with avian flu.This highly contagious flu was first found on September 30 in Boulder County.

The life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King

By Jim Ramsay Redstone Review

LYONS – When the Rev. Michael King, pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, attended the Baptist World Alliance in Berlin, Germany in 1934, he was so inspired by the story of 16th century Augustinian monk Martin Luther’s brave launch of the Protestant Reformation that he decided to change his name, and that of his son, from Michael to Martin Luther.

Though the compelling tale of Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg is apocryphal, Luther’s insistence that the Bible is the source of religious authority and that salvation is achieved through faith instead of actions sparked a revolution in the Christian church. Armed with the name of a reformer, both Martin Luther King, Sr. and his son Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. went on to spark their own revolution in America: the Civil Rights Movement.

As pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King, Sr. was a pillar of his Atlanta community. He was an early member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and an outspoken supporter of rights for African Americans.

It comes as no surprise that his son became a celebrated spokesman in the movement.

When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. joined his father as copastor of Ebenezer Church, he used the pulpit to persuade his congregation and African Americans throughout the nation to confront racial inequality using the non-violent strategies he had learned from Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi. His techniques were so effective that they attracted the attention of FBI leader J. Edgar Hoover, who had Martin Luther King, Jr. under surveillance as a suspected communist for the rest of his life. The success of his techniques also attracted the attention of James Earl Ray, a fugitive escaped from prison, who assassinated Dr. King at age 39 on a hotel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was always an exceptional student. He graduated high school at age 15 and was admitted to Morehouse College, where he received his B.A. in 1948. He went on to Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he received his B.D. in 1951, then enrolled in graduate school at Boston University where he received his doctorate in 1955. In Boston he met and married Coretta Scott, with whom he was to have two sons and two daughters. King became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where

LEAF Is Here

By Lori Barton and Ashley Cawthorn Redstone Review

LYONS – It’s a new year, and the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund (LEAF) is holding fast to its mission to provide a human services safety net for people in need in the Greater Lyons area.

Our five incredible programs – Lyons Community Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Basic Needs & Resource Matching, Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery, and Lyons Volunteers, are firing on all cylinders in service and support of the Greater Lyons’ Community. Most recently, LEAF’s mission is being put to work in response to the Main Street Fire on December 15, 2022. This devastating fire affected eight business owners and more than 20 artists. LEAF’s response was immediate, as executive director Lory Barton was on-site and able to begin triage and support efforts moments after evacuations.

he became involved in the Montgomery bus boycott to protest the arrest of black women who refused to give up their seats to white men. The boycott went on for over a year, during which the Kings’ home was firebombed and Dr. King was jailed for a minor traffic violation.

As a result of the boycott, the U.S. District Court ruled against racial segregation on public buses and

1968 presidential campaign, and Johnson withdrew from the race. He nevertheless continued to admire King and was deeply saddened by his assassination.

Dr. King received a number of awards during and after his lifetime, most notably the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, the 1977 Presidential Medal of Freedom and the 2003 Congressional Gold Medal. The civil disobedience events he is associated with include the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, the 1963 March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965. During the March on Wash-

King became nationally famous as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

As a national hero, Martin Luther King had attracted the attention of President John F. Kennedy and his successor Lyndon B. Johnson, but their admiration was mixed with mutual distrust. President Kennedy had actually authorized the FBI surveillance of King’s activities because of Hoover’s claims that he was a communist, even though Kennedy’s brother Robert, Attorney General at the time, had intervened on King’s behalf when he was arrested and sentenced to four months of hard labor for participating in a sit-in at an Atlanta restaurant.

After President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Dr. King and President Johnson met behind closed doors to strategize on the 1964 Voting Rights Act and the 1968 Civil Rights Act, both passed during Johnson’s presidency. However, King’s vehement opposition to the Vietnam War prompted him to withdraw his support for Johnson’s

ington D.C., he delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech in which he revealed his vision of an America free of discrimination with equal rights for all.

In 2003 Congress declared the third Monday in January a Federal holiday in honor of Dr. King’s leadership and many accomplishments. So if you had the day off, I hope you enjoyed the slopes, but didn’t forget that Martin Luther King Day is a celebration of the life of a remarkable man.

Jim Ramsay was raised in Iowa, Iran, Nigeria and Afghanistan. He studied English at CU in Boulder and taught English as a Second Language in Tanzania, Botswana, the University of Illinois and the Economics Institute at CU. An affinity for computers led him to technical writing, and he wrote manuals for tech companies up and down the Front Range. He moved from Boulder to Pinewood Springs in the early 1990s to follow a dream of mountain living, and he’s still up there.

ness owners and artists impacted by this fire and issued a first round of emergency financial relief. Those impacted individuals who needed additional immediate emergency support to maintain their personal housing were provided with Basic Needs grants to cover their rent as well.

Two weeks later, LEAF issued a second round of emergency relief to the impacted individuals in need. As of January 12, LEAF has issued $28,800 to 29 fire-impacted individuals, along with countless hours of mental health support and face-to-face support. Fire-impacted individuals have been welcomed to our Food Pantry, too.

Volunteers showed up to aid in victim and first responder support. These efforts were supported by local businesses Moxie Mercantile and St. Vrain Market and our partner, Lyons Community Church. Our Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery program director, Cherie Maureaux, was also on-site to assist in the immediate trauma care needed by victims who evacuated and stood by as their businesses were

engulfed in flames.

Fundraising efforts were activated by neighboring business owner and local, Laura Levy, directing all funds to LEAF to “provide some financial support to the business owners who were impacted.” Additionally, funds were donated directly to LEAF and earmarked for fire relief.

Within 48 hours of the fire, LEAF engaged personally with nearly all of the busi-

What’s next? There are complicated insurance and tax regulations involved any time an agency provides relief in the ways that LEAF is doing through our Main Street Fire recovery efforts as appointed by the Town of Lyons. The very good news is, this is what LEAF does. We know how to help in the most appropriate and timely ways. While we have moved very quickly, and we will continue to do so, we still must follow the rules that have been established for both helping agencies and relief recipients. One major requirement is that we cannot pay any expenses that will ultimately be paid for by insurance. We must be very cautious in this regard, so we do not

Barton Cawthorn

LEAF Volunteer Monique Sawyer-Lang arranges a meal for all of the first responders and fire-impacted individuals.

Ramsay

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech.

Seeking the mystery donor

By Monique Sawyer-Lang Redstone Review

LYONS – On November 1, 2022 two lovely pastel portraits of children were left on the steps of the Lyons Redstone Museum. We would love to know who dropped them off so that we can create an accurate donor record and learn some more information about them and their family. The donor can contact the museum at redstonehistory@gmail.com. The only information provided were the names of the children, Shelby Dannels and Julia, which were written on the back of the portraits.

The museum was able to find out some information about who these two children were based on the names and determined that the two children were half-siblings.

The young girl is identified as Julia Noyes. She was born in Texas in November 1896. Her parents were John and Mary (Crayne) Noyes. Her father died in 1898 and is buried in the Jamestown Cemetery. Her mother died in 1951 and is buried in the Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont. Julia married a Mr. Barber and had two children, a son Franklin and a daughter Viola. Julia Noyes died in Denver on June 24, 1931 at the age of 34.

Her son Franklin, who was born in 1927, died in 1955. He and his mother share a gravestone in Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont.

The young boy is identified as Shelby M. Dannels. He was born May 8, 1904 in Allenspark. His parents were David K. Dannels and Mary (Crayne Noyes) Dannels. His father David Dannels came to Colorado from Iowa in 1888. Shelby Dannels married Helen Perkins of Lyons on December 19, 1928. He operated a garage in Ferncliff and carried the mail between Allenspark and Lyons. He died July 16, 1977 at the age of 73 in Loveland and is buried in the Lyons Cemetery.

While we are pleased to have these two portraits now

at redstonehistory@gmail.com, or call 303-823-5271.

safely in our collection, it is never a good idea to leave items on the steps of the museum, particularly during the winter months when the museum is closed to the public. If you have something you wish to donate that corresponds to our mission statement “To discover and collect any material which may help to establish or illustrate the history of the Lyons area: its exploration, settlement, development, and activities” we would love to meet with you in

person to accept your donation. We can be contacted by email at redstonehistory@gmail.com or leave us a phone message at 303-823-5271.

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

New year brings new faces and new opportunities to LCF

By Kate Schnepel Redstone Review

LYONS – The more support that nonprofit organizations have, as counted in both funds raised and volunteer hours devoted, the more good they can do. Thanks to the generous, ongoing support of community members in both of these realms, Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) is thrilled to report that it will be able to do even more good in the greater Lyons area in 2023 than it was able to do in 2022.

With more than $150,000 in contributions, LCF had a banner year for fundraising in 2022. This amount compares to $119,955 raised in 2021, $98,973 raised in 2020, and $72,607 raised in 2019. All of the money raised will be used in support of LCF’s mission, which is to “improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving and encourage positive change for the greater Lyons area.”

What does this mission look like in action? The funds you donate to LCF help nonprofit organizations like LEAF and the Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens; they are given out to local high school students in the form of college scholarships; and they support community events like the Sandstone Concert Series and the Holiday Parade of Lights. In short, the funds you give make life in our community better for all.

To put fundraising dollars to good work requires a hardworking and committed team of people. Accordingly, LCF has welcomed several new board members to its Advisory Board over the last year. Current board members are: Gil Sparks (Chair),

Cory Pierce (Vice Chair), Gail Frankfort (Co-Treasurer), Kathy Hoyt (Co-Treasurer), Sara Erickson (Secretary), Gwydion Winkelmeyer, Ravi Gandh, Ella Levy, David Mencin, Jesse Garland, Dave Hatchimonji, Sarah Lorang, and Zach Tucker.

Gil Sparks, the new Board Chair, is well suited for the role, having served on the Community Foundation of North Central Washington board for 14 years, including two years as Board Chair. He also served on the boards of the Pybus Market Charitable Foundation, Pybus Public Market, Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, the Performing Arts Center, the Chamber of Commerce (president for two years), the YMCA, Rotary (president for one year) and co-founded the Apple Valley Human Resource Association (presi-

dent for two years).

Sparks’ goal as LCF Board Chair is to keep growing the organization so it can do even more good in the greater Lyons area. He is always willing to sit down and chat with people who are interested in the organization and its work, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to him with any questions, concerns or ideas you might have about LCF and its role in the community.

Departing LCF board members are Jeanne Moore and Claudia Kean, both of whom dedicated countless volunteer hours helping the community during their many years with LCF. Moore served as Board Chair, and Kean as Co-Treasurer. The Advisory Board is grateful to them for their dedication, and wishes them well in their future endeavors.

Tanya Daty, who served for more than two years as a communications consultant for LCF, has also stepped down from her role. Daty’s work has helped LCF grow and thrive, and she will be missed.

To fill Tanya Daty’s shoes, I (Kate Schnepel) have stepped in as communications consultant, effective this month. I spent nearly three years volunteering time as an Advisory Board member before resigning that role in order to take on the paid consulting role. My professional background is in marketing and communications for nonprofit organizations, and I am excited to be putting my skills to work to serve the community I have grown to love since my family moved to Lyons in 2019.

If you have interest in being a part of the work of LCF, consider volunteering or even joining the Advisory Board. Board members are asked to commit to a threeyear term, attend monthly Board meetings, to participate on committees, and to become financial supporters of the organization. The LCF Advisory Board would like to represent the community it serves by adding board members who are diverse in age, background, talents, and skills. If you are interested in learning about becoming a board member or in volunteering your time to help out with fundraising, grants, scholarships, or special events, please contact us at info@lyonscf.org.

Kate Schnepel is the new Marketing and Communications Associate for Lyons Community Foundation. Kate has worked in the non-profit sector for more than two decades, primarily with animal welfare organizations like Best Friends Animal Society and Wildlife SOS India. She moved to Lyons in 2019 with her husband and daughter, and spent nearly three years as a member of LCF's Advisory Board before moving into her current consulting role.

The LCF Advisory Board, left to right: Kate Schnepel, communications consultant; Sara Erickson, Secretary; Tanya Daty, outgoing communications consultant; Gil Sparks, Board Chair; Jeanne Moore, outgoing Board Chair; Kathy Hoyt, Co-Treasurer; Zach Tucker; Claudia Kean,outgoing Co-Treasurer; Cory Pierce, Vice Chair; Gail Frankfort, Co-Treasurer; Jesse Garland.

Sawyer-Lang

Schnepel

These pastel portraits depict half-siblings Julia (Noyes Dannels) Barber and Shelby M. Dannels. The portraits were donated to the Lyons Redstone Museum anonymously, and the museum is asking the donor to please get in touch so that more can be learned about the portraits, and so an accurate donor record can be created. Contact the museum via email

Town or country: Where is the best place to live?

By Peter Butler Redstone Review

LYONS – It’s one of the first days in January and I’m doing the dishes the old fashioned way. The person who designed our house must have been old fashioned too because there’s a big window right in front of the sink. I can see across to the tall spruce trees where the bird feeders dangle.

On a cold snowy day like this one we put a lot of wild bird seed right on the window ledge. There is a crowd of juncos, finches and chickadees interspersed with some bigger visitors like magpies and a squirrel.

Right in front of the window is scary for a bird since they can see me behind the glass. A brave and hungry soul toughs it out first and that gives extra confidence to his more timid friends and soon there is a seed party going on with an array of avian social interaction to observe.

This is just one of the joys of living in the country. We have had so many great country moments. One night we woke to find our cat Ansel talking to a mountain lion through the French windows. Another time he touched noses with an elk who was visiting. Sometimes, in June or July, we get those summer storms that turn the sky black and then head east. Afterwards the sun comes out and from my position there is a double rainbow arcing over Steamboat Mountain against a charcoal background. It’s a momentary miracle.

When you’re a kid you don’t really get any choice in

the matter. Your family is where it is because that is where your parents grew up or maybe they moved there for a job. I think the first opportunity to choose for yourself must be if one is lucky enough to go to college or university.

If you are born in the boonies, do well at school, and you want to study astrophysics or philosophy, there is no choice but to head for the bright lights. There are a few universities that are almost in the country like Aberystwyth in Wales but most colleges and universities are situated in cities the world over.

Once you are thrown into that city environment you are forced to adapt. The place is either too far from a mountain or too far from a dry cleaners. I had been cosseted in the country most of my life until I went off to Liverpool to get a degree.

Ah Liverpool – the European capital of vehicle theft.

Is fishing painful (for the fish, that is)?

By Greg Lowell Redstone Review

LYONS – Is the sudden surge or jump of a trout driven by the pain of a hook in its mouth? It’s obvious that fish don’t like being hooked (nor do they like being speared by a heron or chomped on by an otter), but is the impetus for its flight to escape from the pain it feels from being hooked?

As a longtime angler, I never really considered the fish’s pain. The contrast between a fish with a hook in its mouth was instinctively different to me than the yip of pain my dog felt when I stepped on his paw. Yet, I’m starting to lean now toward the fish pain theory.

Until recently there was little evidence that fish feel pain. But in 2003, biologists at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland found that the rainbow trout they studied had nociceptor cells on their face and lips. These cells are sensory receptors that are activated by noxious stimuli that damage or threaten the fish body integrity, like polluted water. In other words, the receptors sense some sort of pain and send those signals to the brain. The researchers proved their point by injecting the lips of rainbow trout with bee venom and acetic acid then watching the fish rub their lips

on the walls and floor of their tanks, seemingly to rid themselves of the discomfort.

This, said the lead researcher, confirmed “nociception (detection of painful stimuli) and suggests that noxious stimulation has adverse behavioral and physiological effects;” in other words, they felt pain.

A 2014 study done at the University of Wyoming provided a counterpoint to the Scots’ lip injection exercise by saying the trout’s reaction may have instead been caused by a chemical sensitivity. Back at it again, the Edinburgh fish torturers ... err, researchers ... added morphine to the bee venom injection and noted the trout were less agitated, confirming to them that pain of some type had been felt by the fish the first time around.

Still, not all scientists accepted the Edinburgh study results. They pointed out that fish do not have a neocortex – that part of the brain that processes conscious pain. Fish have the smallest brain of any vertebrate relative to body size (why then do they always outsmart me?). It’s just not neurologically possible that fish feel pain, other scientists reasoned.

But does a hook in a trout’s lip feel the same as a hook through the lip (or ear or finger or wherever a wind-thrown cast lands) does to us? Some research has concluded that fish may feel some degree of pain but not like humans do, mainly because they lack other neurological struc-

tures that mammals have.

My car was stolen four times and my closest British friend had his car stolen there just a month ago. It’s wonderful how traditions linger. The night life was exciting. Over time, the sound of sirens at night became normal and I got used to walking home in the wee hours and giving a friendly nod to the prostitutes and drug dealers. Sounds ghastly but I felt comfortable and safe. Then there was the Walker Art Gallery full of fabulous paintings and the concert venue where I saw Yes and lots of other rock bands. I was an early fan of Queen and got to the gig early when they played the university. I was leaning on their stage monitors and I think I got quite a few drops of Freddie Mercury’s sweat on me. My ears were ringing for about three days but I was in heaven.

These days you can be a success vlogging on YouTube from anywhere you like, but previous generations had to head for the city to make it big. I love reading biographies of musicians and artists. Paris in 1905 was positively electric while Picasso, Matisse, Dufy and the Fauves (wild things) were breaking boundaries. Similarly in Greenwich Village in the 1950s, the abstract expressionists like Rothko, Pollock and De Kooning would gather at the Cedar Tavern to argue and smoke and drink. Just round the corner the jazz guys like Thelonious Monk where creating a similar thrill.

Maybe Lyons is the perfect compromise. For a tiny town we are jam packed with interesting people in many disciplines. There are artists, musicians and teachers who are constantly creating something new and interesting. This publication is a constant demonstration of that. But we can get to other cultural centers such as Denver Art Museum in an hour or so without having to suffer everyday traffic jams and stratospheric house prices. I hope we can preserve that magic.

So, the jury on fish pain appears to be still out.

In my earlier angling years, I kept a lot of the fish I caught. As a kid, it was a big deal to come home with a limit of trout (mostly stocked fish), a big bass or saltwater flounders. I grew to love the taste of fish and took pride in being able to provide dinner. But even back then I felt bad (for maybe 30 seconds) about keeping fish and always dispatched them quickly with a rap on the head.

Today, I only keep trout if they are beyond releasing (and the law allows it) – if they’re hooked deep or their gills are damaged. In ten years of fishing in Colorado, I’ve kept exactly two trout. As the great fly-

I

release easier or, better yet, allows the fish

escape without me ever touching it, which also affords me more opportunities to lie (“I swear that was a 20-incher!”). It may also make the fish’s pain – real or imagined – more tolerable.

In the end, piscine pain or no piscine pain, it comes down to having respect for the fish and for the world it lives in and treating both like treasures to be cherished and preserved.

fishing icon Lee Wulff once said, “A game fish it too valuable to be caught just once.”

now fish either barbless hooks or crimp down the barbs on my flies. It makes

to

Lyons resident Greg Lowell serves as the chair of the Lyons Ecology Advisory Board.

Lowell

Butler

Handing over my papers and notes to Montana State University

By John Gierach Redstone Review

LYONS – Several years ago, I was asked to donate my papers to the Montana State University Library in Bozeman. Jim Thull, MSU’s Special Collections Librarian, said they were assembling the papers of Western writers of note (with a particular emphasis on those who’ve written about fly fishing) and that they already had dozens of writers, including some big-name novelists like Thomas McGuane and Ivan Doig. Of course I was flattered – not to mention surprised – but I told him I’d have to think it over. What was there to think about? It’s not like I was holding out for a better offer from Harvard and my actual Alma Matter hadn’t asked. When someone at the alumni association there learned online that I’d published numerous books, his response was to write asking for a six-figure contribution for the new football stadium. I couldn’t have made a six-figure contribution anyway, but I simply wrote back that in my college days I was a little hippie with literary pretensions and the football players had been mean to me.

So is there something in my papers that could be embarrassing or, God forbid, libelous? Well now, there’s something to think about. Nothing online ever completely goes away, but it’s a different matter when it’s on paper and I may have the only copy.

A dusty hands-and-knees tour through the attic crawl space revealed that I’d been a pack rat about saving stuff. There were drafts and copyedited manuscripts of 21 books, old journals and notebooks, 28 years’ worth of daily newspaper columns, plus another 20-plus years’ worth of columns for this publication, not to mention magazine stories and reams of pre-email correspondence on actual sheets of paper. There was also an overlap with older digital material, some on 3 1/2-inch disks and some on ancient 5 1/4-inch floppies in a program called WordStar 2.0 from the electronic stone age when floppy disks really were floppy.

Jim said that wasn’t a problem; they had all the old machines and an IT geek who can keep them in working order and run all the obsolete programs. He said a lot of Ivan Doig’s work was on those big old disks and that some of it had degraded, but added, “You’d be amazed at how much can be retrieved.”

The oldest letters were from my longest-running writer friend, Ed Engle, and dated back some 40 years to when we still thought of ourselves as poets, but were coming to terms with the knowledge that all the paychecks went to

prose writers. Even as young and idealistic as we were then, we didn’t think that was unjust. After all, poetry wouldn’t be what it is if you could make a living at it, or as Robert Graves said, “There’s no money in poetry, but there’s no poetry in money, either.”

When I called Ed to talk about the MSU request, he said they’d also asked for his papers, and that’s when I learned that he’d saved my letters as faithfully as I’d saved his, which was kind of a sentimental moment. He said he’d found one in which I said

all to redact anything that didn’t cast me in a favorable light. I’m not too worried. I know myself well enough to be pretty sure things like that letter from my agent telling me my stories weren’t good enough probably went right into the wood stove a quarter century ago.

Of course it’s doubtful that future generations will care about any of this. If you look at old best seller lists, you’ll find the occasional Hemingway or Faulkner buried amid dozens of names so obscure they might as well have been picked at random from a phone book and whose books are now unavailable from any source. That’s where all but a handful of writers are headed. But on the off chance someone does care, it’ll be the first clumsy drafts, failed attempts, unintentional repetitions and outright mistakes that’ll be interesting, even if those mistakes aren’t all as far in the past as I’d like to think.

Naturally there’ll be some omissions. In one of our early talks Jim said he understood I’d hold onto anything having to do with works in progress or current business as well as items with sentimental value like photos and literary awards. That could all be accounted for in a codicil to my will leaving it to the library after what he called “the last roundup.” I’m sure that’s a necessary part of the pitch; the part that keeps this from sounding too valedictory by allowing that of course you’re still working and will be for the foreseeable future.

I’d been working for weeks on a long poem, but had only come up with ten lines I liked. On the phone he said, “I don’t think you ever finished that poem, but those ten lines weren’t bad.”

I also came across an old unpublished manuscript I’d all but forgotten about. It was a collection of short stories I’d sent to my agent to look over, only to have him write back to say, “You don’t want to publish these because THEY’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH.” Those last four words weren’t actually typed all in caps like that, but that’s how I remember them. It was probably the best professional advice I ever got.

I didn’t go back and re-read those stories because I doubted that 30 years in a cardboard box had improved them any, but I did decide to hold them back on the off chance they could be fixed with some careful editing, or entirely rewritten, or at least serve as inspiration for something new and better.

That’s when I realized that I’d go ahead and donate this stuff and, furthermore, that I wouldn’t go back through it

I ended up with nine big boxes full of paper and one smaller box of disks. I hadn’t looked into any of them since they were packed away and only opened them now to see what was in there and to check for nesting mice. Handing this stuff over to a librarian felt like finally letting go of the past once and for all in order to address the future unencumbered, which everyone seems to think is a good idea. William Steig put it best. “You can’t try to stay young,” he said, “that would make you old in no time.”

John Gierach is an outdoor and fly fishing writer who writes books and columns for magazines including a regular column for Trout Magazine. His books include Trout Bum, Sex Death and Fly fishing, and Still Life with Brook Trout. He has won seven first place awards from the Colorado Press Association for his columns in the Redstone Review. His latest book, All the Time in the World, will be released in June 2023 and will be available at book stores and fly fishing shops everywhere including South Creek Ltd. on Main Street in Lyons.

Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Lyons Substation Open House

LYONS – On Monday, January 23, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will host an Open House for residents to meet the new Lyons Substation Chief, Sergeant Cody Sears. The substation is located in the historic Depot building located just west of the library. Light refreshments will be served.

Volunteer in 2023

LYONS – Are you a Lyons resident? Does local government interest you? The Town of Lyons has current opportunities and vacancies for local volunteers to serve on a board or commission to help shape the future of Lyons and improve our community. To view the various openings, visit the town website.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, bird flu

LYONS – A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI aka bird flu) continues to move through bird populations along the Front Range, including Lyons and Boulder County. Although rare, some HPAI strains can infect people so it is important to protect yourself. Do

not handle sick or dead birds and keep your distance from wildlife. If you find three or more dead wild birds in a specific area within a two week period or if you see live birds showing clinical signs of disease, please contact the local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Fort Collins at 970-472-4300.

Coco Gordon in her Artbox Studio

LYONS – The LAHC and local artists invite you to view the public art displayed at the Lyons Regional Library and in the Board of Trustees Room at Town Hall. Coco Gordon is exhibiting her artwork for a special show at the Library. Other artists also have their works displayed at Town Hall through early April.

Wastewater usage and rates fees to increase in 2023

LYONS – Wastewater (sewer) quantity use and monthly charges for residential customers are billed using their winter Average Water Consumption (AWC). AWC is based on average water use during the December, January and February utility billing months and provides a basis for calculating your wastewater charges during the rest of the year. The Town averages the use shown on these three months of billings to estimate the amount of average monthly water used by each home, which then enters the sanitary sewer system as wastewater.

R • I • E • F • S

Gierach

Lyons women-owned businesses suffer Main Street fire

By Tamara Haddad Redstone Review

LYONS – A tragedy struck Lyons’ business corridor on December 15, 2022, at approximately 11 a.m. when a fire ignited at 402 Main St. The initial report by a Lyons Fire Protection District press release, based on interviews, revealed the fire was accidental. The extent and cause of the fire are uncertain.

No one has been allowed in the building thus far. According to Sue Cullen, Lyons Fire Investigator, the building will need to be assessed by structural engineers to determine the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire. There were no fatalities, and only one tenant, Chelsea Grace, was taken to the hospital and released the same day for smoke inhalation.

“I was in my studio,” said Holly Beck, sole proprietor of Bellwether by HJB Designs. “I smelled smoke, but no smoke alarms were going off, so I waited a minute to see if it was coming from outside.” At that moment, Beck did not know that there were no smoke alarms in the basement. She followed her gut and went down the west side stairs to investigate.

“The smell became intense, but everything was calm and quiet,” she said. Then, Beck saw the light gray smoke at the east end of the hallway. Crystal Violet, owner of Tie-Dyed Turtle, was in early finishing her holiday inventory when Beck rushed into her shop.

“Yes, that’s right. I just finished up my inventory when Holly came rushing in and said that there is a fire and to get out,” said Violet. “I didn’t smell anything and was shocked. I knew Chelsea would not be awake yet, so I left my keys and everything and banged on the door where she sleeps.” With Beck and Violet’s quick actions, Chelsea Grace made it out barefoot with a blanket hanging off her shoulders. Beck was steps ahead of her, warning the other tenants.

“I was grooming a dog when Holly banged on my door, yelling to get out,” said Janae Sigg, owner of Lovely by Nature. “I grabbed the dog and my purse and ran out. When we looked back, flames were coming out of my shop.” Sigg continued, “Owning the grooming salon was my dream; I just celebrated my first anniversary.”

Liz Durfee, the well established Rabbit Brush Gallery owner, ran downstairs, grabbed the fire extinguisher, and thought she had put the fire out. But, unfortunately, doors were opened in other parts of the building and the fire reignited. Durfee didn’t realize until it was too late that her life was the only thing to be saved. Rabbit

Brush Gallery featured the unique work of painters, printmakers, potters, and jewelry artists. She only worked with fair-trade artists, quite possibly because she is one.

Durfee’s love for art started in college, where she double-majored in studio art and art history at CU Boulder. She first established Rabbit Brush Gallery in Hygiene. After a good run, Durfee brought her business and clients from far and wide to Lyons. “I was a little worried my clients wouldn’t find me. But, they did, and they enjoyed coming to shop in Lyons,” she

I unexpectedly got into retail, I really enjoyed it. I loved the spontaneous conversations happening about art and travel.” Bellwether organically became a stopping spot for people to engage one another with laughter and spirited dialogue. “I know I will never be able to replace my original collection of tools, but I am not going to be able to stop creating either,” said Beck. “I miss the work. I miss the people.”

Luckily, Grace of 3Cs Art Collective was between art shows and contemplating whether she would host more art events.

We rented our old starting space behind the Stone Cup for a few months. It still has the floating wood dance floor we put in.”

The Main Street building had recently changed ownership. Based on several accounts and a list of tenants’ complaints to the prior owner, there were issues with the building, including a leaky roof, mold, and electrical concerns. Therefore, the tenants were relieved when the building changed ownership a mere week before the fire.

“The new owner set up a meeting to get acquainted with all the tenants,” said Durfee. “We were excited. He was open and appreciative of our businesses and the work we put into them; he had a vision.” Beck agrees, “The new owner has been very supportive and professional.”

The hero of this story is the Lyons community and the fire fighters. As the fire engines pulled up, Moxie was sending over hot drinks and food, Marigold Restaurant opened its doors as a reprieve from the bitterly cold weather, and Laura Levy set up and promoted a GoFundMe account; local dollars came pouring in. This fund and additional donations are in the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund (LEAF).

As of the writing of this article, the fund is over $80,000. So far, LEAF has dispersed two $500 checks to artists and business owners. Unfortunately, commercial fires are all too common. It is typical practice to allocate funds based on the tenants’ leased square footage. However, everything happened quickly, and in the midst of the holidays. It remains to be known how LEAF will distribute the remaining donations. Executive Director Lori Barton could not commit as she was out of the country at the time of print of this article.

said. The aftermath of the fire lingers.

“I was listening to the radio when a show came on about the victims of the Marshall Fire,” said Durfee. Her loss was palpable. She drove home to try and relax her nerves, an impossible request of her body and mind. She went through her old steps by loving her dog, putting on some tea, and lighting a candle. “I couldn’t light the candle. I just looked at the flame. Maybe it’s silly, but I couldn’t light the candle.”

Beck echoed the same theme. “I don’t sleep well. I stay awake and wonder if I could have done something different. My artists trusted me with their work, and now it is all gone.”

Not only was the loss of retail inventory insurmountable, but Beck also lost her art studio. “I started my craft as an apprentice in San Pedro, California, over 30 years ago. When I moved to Colorado, I brought my machinery and tools with me; they are a part of me,” said Beck. She opened HJB Designs at 436 Main St. in June 2017 and grew it into 402 Main St. in July 2021.

“Creating is all I know how to do. After

According to multiple tenants, Grace’s two partners, Christie Snelson and Connie Luebbert, moved most of their inventory out the week prior.

There were eight businesses, in all, affected by the fire. In addition to the abovementioned, Julie Hamilton, of Scope Accounting was not on the premises at the time of the fire. Megan Walsh, of Farmers Insurance, was alerted and got out without injury. Hamilton plans to reopen once she finds a location in Lyons to lease. “Lyons has always been so good to me,” said Hamilton. “The outpouring of support is why I will rebuild my business here; I really love this town and my clients.”

Directly north of the billowing fire, Mayama Dance and Wellness was engulfed by the fire’s smoke for five hours. With popcorn ceilings from the 1960s equaling a positive asbestos test, Mayama is going through a whole abatement process. “All our contents are positive for combustion material. Everything has to go if it can’t be cleaned,” said Ali Kishiyama, Mayama’s co-owner with Jasmine Lok. “We’re on it.

Using stories to discover ourselves and each other

By Janaki Jane Redstone Review

portunity to tell a story to everyone there, and we will also break into small groups of two or three so everyone who is there gets to tell at least one story.

The Lyons community also showed up for an art show benefit sponsored by St. Vrain Market, Lumber Liquor, Spirit Hound, and Brian McCann Real Estate.

“We (tenants) all agree with immense gratitude that the Lyons community made this tragedy bearable,” said Beck.

A few of the businesses aren’t sure what their next step will be. A few are looking for their future Lyons location. Mayama will move back to its original location from Stone Cup when the mitigation is completed. Janae Sigg is reopening Lovely by Nature at 419 Main St. LEAF, as well as, numerous business owners and artists, have GoFundMe accounts set up on Facebook. Please visit Lyons businesses that do have their doors open. Now more than ever, ShopSmall/ShopLyons needs you.

Tamara Vega Haddad is an advocate for small businesses and Lyons' economic development. She has an Interior Design Certificate, specializing in Biophilic Design, and works with Tucker Real Estate Group as an agent.

Jane

LYONS – I have always been a terrible storyteller. Soon after I start trying to tell a story, I become self-conscious and think that everyone present is looking for inconsistencies in my story or judging the behavior I am describing, so I veer off into long, boring, irrelevant asides to pre-emptively defend myself.

During which unnecessary digression I lose my train of thought, trail off confusedly without having finished the original story, and everyone present, including me, is dissatisfied.

But I love hearing stories and have always wanted to be able to tell stories about my own life without that self-consciousness and defensiveness. In 2019, I started actively listening to stories and studying how to tell them. Listening on National Public Radio to This American Life, Snap Judgment, and The Moth Radio Hour, I started to have some sense of what makes a good story, and even more, of how stories create a sense of community and underline our commonality. Which is how the Lyons Listens – Let’s Share Stories (help me find a better name for these events, please) got started.

The plan is to have a monthly community storytelling time, sort of like The Moth Radio Hour, but not a competition, or “slam,” just people telling stories to each other. The next one will be on Friday, January 20, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lyons Regional Library. There will be an op-

If you want to practice beforehand, the Lyons Regional Library has a copy of the book How to Tell a Story written by the folks who direct the stories for The Moth Radio Hour on NPR, or you can buy one. It is a comprehensive guide on how to tell a story well. If you are interested in having storytelling in your family or with friends, the library also has Rory’s Story Cubes, nine dice with pictures on each side, to facilitate storytelling in any language, among folks who can read and those who cannot.

There are also games and icebreaker card sets and online story prompt generators that can be used to entertain yourself, your family, and your friends instead of an evening streaming the latest whatever you are binge-watching that week.

Loneliness is even more rampant since the pandemic lockdown and increased remote work and schooling, and loneliness is bad for our physical and mental health: it is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, the research shows. Getting together to tell stories is a way to soften up the separation of groups and cliques and allow us to experience our common humanity.

It is easy to think we know who people are, so to dis-

cover that there is more to them than we had thought can bring unexpected pleasure and connection. Hearing others’ stories helps us both to realize what we have in common, and to recognize that the assumptions we made about others and the world may be wrong. The impact can be that we become more open, humane, and compassionate, toward ourselves, those close to us, and to strangers.

I invite you to take a risk, think about a story about “Habits” (this month’s topic), try telling it to yourself a couple of times in the car, or the shower, or while fixing dinner, and then come and put your name in the hat and try again at the storytelling, or tell it when we break into twos and threes. We get to learn together: learn how to tell a story, learn about ourselves, learn about each other. We get to support each other in trying something new, in showing ourselves to each other, in creating a more open, compassionate, and less isolating community. The event is open to anyone age 12 and up, so the stories need to be family friendly, and they must be your story: meaning one about you, if it is a true story; or if fiction, one that you made up.

Janaki Jane has been a Lyons area resident since 2004 and writes on issues of society and mental health. She is the Program Director of the Wide Spaces Community Initiative, a program of the Lyons Community Library. The Initiative’s vision is “A Community of Belonging and Personal Safety for Everyone.” She can be reached at widespacescommunity@gmail.com.

Firefighters battle the fire that broke out the morning of December 15 in the 400 block of Lyons’ Main Street. PHOTO BY CHRIS RODGERS / CODE 10 PHOTOGRAPHY

How to Tell a Story by the directors of The Moth Radio Hour is available at the library.

By Sally King Redstone Review

Coco is a stream of consciousness, a thundering river, a font, a reaching beyond and pointing to something bright.

A super sky woman-past, present and future

She sparks with the accumulation of a life well lived smiling with stories about her paintings and her inspirations, Trees, We’ve got roots, Native Americans, the four clans, and music Message ecology, “What I am finding in space”

“All in the same melting pot” and

with a smile she acknowledges each of us as adding to the expansive universe.

Mystie Bracket said, “Once again Lyons is blessed to have a world class artist roost here.”

And Jon Corson-Rikert commented that “Some of her works look like maps seen from above.”

Maps of an upbeat future she has seen, I’d like to see more of that future.

Sally King is a local artist who has created whimsical bears and delightful wild flower acrylic paintings to enhance the appearance of Lyons all over the town. She lives with her husband John King, a sculptor of kinetic art, near Lyons. You can find her on her blog and website: hersoupot.net and sallywhiteking.com.

Coco Gordon, a Stream of Inspiration Zeroing

Who Does the Grail Serve?

By Sally King

In the Story of the Fisher King. A boy on the cusp of manhood Was warned to not eat of the salmon but Somehow a drop of oil from the fish touched his lips

Causing a wound to his thigh that would not heal

And the Land became a Wasteland. Infertility King – Infertile Land. The Fisher King lived in the Grail Castle And every night there was a beautiful feast Where the King waited for the one To come and ask the question – hidden Who does the Grail serve?

I went to a Dialog Group at the Senior Center in Boulder

Where I heard a common desire for connection To ease away the pain of isolation.

In our modern-day Wasteland

Perhaps the Grail must serve Connection Warmth between we humans

Keeping the fire alive.

Our own divine nature seen and activated A subtle power that stabilizes everything.

And make some art this new year

The glowing inner Grail partaken of No longer lonely for ourselves, we feel better.

Who does the Grail serve?

Dear sweet humans, let’s do this – 2023.

exhibition of work by artist Coco Gordon

By Sally King Redstone Review

LYONS – Born 1938 in Genova, Italy, artist Coco Gordon also answers to Coco Go, a.k.a SuperSkyWoman. She’s been a focal point of the colorful tapestry of Lyons for over a decade. Her architecturally zany ArtBox is located where Broadway and 5th Avenue intersect, a tangential nod to her former decades in New York City.

Gordon is associated with American intermedia artists whose roots are in the process-driven and counterforce “Fluxus” movement that sought to change the world – not solely in art. The movement sought to erase boundaries between art and life, and playfully make art tangible and touchable to the mass populace.

Elevating consciousness about weighty modern global ecological and societal concerns is perhaps the most central to her messages, made deliverable largely through

the handmade paper medium she employs to create art, books, and assemblages. Other exploratory forms for Gordon include poetic, photographic and performance-based expression.

“(Gordon) deals with her experience as though it were a constant adventure, and her work is as though a running commentary on that adventure, shaping itself into a kind of parallel adventure, no less profuse, no less fragile, no less infused with a sense of speed, and equally mysterious, aspiring to a similar sense of amazement,” said Henry Martin in Acts of Faith, Il Sogno Del Tempo

Gordon’s extensive compilation of accomplishments includes international exhibitions and shows, countless collaborations, artist books creations, talking medicine

wheels, protests, installations, magazine inclusions, publishing, happening performances, notable honors, various degrees, art residencies, monographs, a kidnapping, as well as poetry and writing credits.

“I empower myself to make visible deep cultural inquiries, impact thought/behavioral ethics, carry out visionary eco-permaculture structure and systems design, integrate mind/body/spirit/etheric energy, and synthesize SuperSkyWoman’s ability to see objectively from the beginnings of

the earth’s timeline,” Coco Gordon said.

Gordon’s energized passion for indigenous, permaculture and sustainable practices is activated in her daily life. She generously shares her studio spaces and know-how with others, has been a community volunteer, repurposes clothing, and creates interactive events where creativity, humor, alliance, and tough-topic discussions interweave. This eclectically talented SuperSkyWoman never seems to quench her insatiable learning trajectory and Lyons is mighty lucky to have had her in our midst.

This current solo Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission Library Art Show and the LAHC Town Hall Art Show (themed “Cultivating Change”) both hang through early April. For more information, email chrystaldecoster@gmail.com.

Sally King is a local artist who has created whimsical bears and delightful wild flower acrylic paintings to enhance the appearance of Lyons all over the town. She lives with her husband John King, a kinetic sculptor artist, near Lyons. You can find her on her blog and website: hersoupot.net and sallywhiteking.com.

by Sally King

PHOTO BY C. CHRYSTAL DECOSTER

At left: Gordon and Jacob Adriaan Leeuwenburg in Gordon’s ArtBox. Above: Gordon in front of one of her many diptychs on display at the library.

PHOTOS BY C. CHRYSTAL DECOSTER

INTEREST

The Water Dancer asks, what about memory in our lives?

By Andi Pearson Redstone Review

DENVER – What if memory had the ability to loosen bonds, if enslaved people could achieve freedom by remembering, if liberation were possible through mental recalling? Magical thinking, some call it, or fantasy beliefs – can it serve to guide people to escape, to a freedom heartbreakingly desired? In The Water Dancer, Ta-Nehisi Coates relies on memory, on a sense of collective remembrances to drive that striving toward freedom.

Hiram Walker, called Hi, has an incredible memory. He can recall dates and names and incidents and that ability to recall and verbalize makes him stand out from the other slaves (Coates calls them The Tasked) at Lockless Plantation in Virginia. Hi’s talent is noticed and he is elevated from the general work of youngsters to the manor house – and in this way, he avoids the backbreaking work of the fields. But Hi cannot recall what he most wishes to recall – the image and sound of his mother who was sold when he was nine years old. How did she act? What brought her joy? Did she love him? It is a sadness he cannot shake.

Tobacco has just about depleted the soil and there is a sense of fading former glory and eroding glamourous pomp at Lockless. The Tasked are sold – children torn from their mothers’ arms, wives pried from the

grasp of loving husbands, humans treated like property – to help pay the bills. Lockless is owned by Howell Walker and his son Maynard. Hiram is Howell’s son, too, but because his mother was a Tasked, he has no legal standing – he is a Tasked. And his job becomes the care and safety of Maynard.

In what may seem like an effort to join two large farms together, Maynard is engaged to Corrine Quinn of a nearby plantation. But he is reckless and immature,

This winter usage determines the monthly wastewater usage for each month of the year and is calculated annually every March.

The new base rate for residential consumers with metered Town-provided water service will increase to $24.45 per month (from $22.65) for wastewater, along with the average winter consumption increasing to $14.60 (from $13.50) per 1,000 gallons. Using AWC, the typical residential household is Lyons is billed for 3,000 gallons of wastewater monthly.

not an easy young man to handle. One night as the two young men were on the way back from a night in town to the plantation, horse and cart and passengers overturned into the river. Submerged in the dark water, Hi had a vision of his mother, a surprising and clear vision, a vision that incited power and deep feeling. He followed her image and was transported to the surface of the water. He tried to find Maynard in the murky dark river but was

The 19th Century in European and American Art at the DAM

DENVER – Artworks from this gallery in the Hamilton Building, Level 2 are part of the Denver Art Museum’s European and American Art Before 1900 collection, which includes more than 3,000 artworks and is composed of painting, sculpture, and works on paper. Significant strengths are in early Italian Renaissance, 19th century French painting, and British art from 1400 to 1900. View about 85 artworks from the museum’s collection by Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Édouard Manet, Willard Leroy Metcalf, PierreAuguste Renoir, Childe Hassam, and others that tell a story about one of the most important times in art history.

not successful – the heir to Lockless drowned. Howell Walker was inconsolable and between grief and the burdens of a diminishing tobacco farm, he slipped into drink. Hi cared gently and attentively for his grieving father.

But Hi’s image, a distant, foggy one, of his mother – balancing a water jug on her head as she smiled and danced in a circle of campfire light – is very much in his consciousness and soon the siren call of freedom is all Hi can hear. He escapes Lockless and on his arduous journey, meets “Moses” (Harriet Tubman) and learns about the intricate and complex workings of the escape network. Hi finds himself among free blacks in Philadelphia and understands what an independent life can look like. But Hi wants to be involved with the network and the dangerous idealistic program – known as Conduction – and he leaves behind social acceptance and opportunity to work for the freedom of others.

The Water Dancer is Ta-Nehisi Coates’ first novel and it is written with sensitivity and feeling and what one critic called, “great moments of lyricism.” Published in September 2019, it has already been an Oprah Book Club favorite and you can watch the select book group chat with the author. Go to YouTube and search on Oprah Winfrey Talks Bookclub + Ta-Nehisi Coates. Coates is the author of Between the World and Me which won the National Book Award in 2015. He lives in New York City with his wife and son. eral publications in Denver.

Andi Pearson writes book reviews for several publications in Denver.

Learn more about the European and American Art Before 1900 department and its curatorial staff at the DAM website. The DAM is located at 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. in Denver. For more information, call 720-865-5000.

Dairy Arts Center: Outlandish Redux

BOULDER – The Dairy Art Center in Boulder will host the re-installation of works produced for Outlandish Redux by Natascha Seideneck in the Caruso Lounge, West Entrance. This is a two person exhibition with Regan Rosburn and is a composition of works from Seideneck’s Uncanny Territory and Terra Incognita. Through February 23. For more information contact the Dairy at office@thedairy.org.

B • R • I • E • F • S

Pearson

The Water Dancer, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ first novel, is the story of a young man yearing to free himself from slavery, driven by the memory of his mother.

A lively and successful 40th year at Greenwood

By Kaite Fletcher Redstone Review

LONGMONT – Greenwood celebrated our 40th anniversary by breaking our own record number of patients – again. In 2022, over 4,600 wild patients among 143 different species came to the center for care. Greenwood’s mission is to rehabilitate and release orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife and educate the community on humane wildlife solutions.

“Over the past 40 years, [Greenwood] has been able to promote a passion for wildlife that we see in our own backyards,” said animal care liaison Jillian Krynock.

Birds accounted for 85 of our species, including songbirds, crows, pigeons, and jays. These wild patients make up approximately half of the center’s total animal intake. House finches are our most frequented bird species.

them to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, like Greenwood.”

Orphaned, injured and sick, and caught by pets are the three most common reasons wildlife find their way to Greenwood. Many young animals lose their parents due to human activities. They can also be accidentally kidnapped by well intentioned Samaritans and then considered orphaned.

“It can be hard to tell if an animal is truly orphaned, and the staff does a great job talking people through these situations,” said animal care technician, Erin Priest. “This year, we have done over 40 squirrel reunites and almost 60 raccoon reunites. This means these animals get to stay in the wild and be raised by their parents, which is the best-case scenario for these little critters.”

Greenwood will expand our Reunite over Rescue initiative with volunteers educated in this rehabilitation effort in each area. Babies rejoined with their mothers have a better chance at success in the wild.

The highlight of a wildlife rehabilitation center is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible. We have had incredible success, with release rates averaging above 85 percent for our commonly orphaned animals, such as squirrels, finches, raccoons, and mallards.

For instance, if our bushy-tailed critters survived their first 24 hours at Greenwood, then 82 percent of fox squirrels were released. Raccoons hold a higher release rate after that 24-hour window at 88 percent in 2022. Lastly, mallard ducklings were returned to their natural watery homes about 92 percent of the time. In fact, in June 2022, Greenwood released 77 Mallards into their new wild digs – the largest in our 40-year history.

Mammals are the second largest set of species in need of help, at 41 percent. Over one-third of these animals are fox squirrels, followed by cottontails and then raccoons. Waterfowl make up 12 percent of Greenwood patients –more than half of these birds are mallards. This category includes wild ducks, and geese, as well as other groups, such as shorebirds, seabirds, and waterbirds.

“These are hardy species that can adapt well to urban environments,” said animal care supervisor Amanda Manoa. “Unfortunately, the dangers of urban life are great. While humans and pets are the cause of many issues, this means people are around to find these animals in need and get

Some release rates, however, show the hard truth behind our impacts on wildlife. Sadly, only 32 percent of window strike victims are released back into the skies. The injuries sustained from a collision with glass are likely too great. This is where the importance of education comes in. The center promotes solutions for this impact, such as the distance of feeders, and window stickers, among others.

Overall, the center can release about 74 percent of our wild patients that survive the critical 24-hour window, no matter the circumstance.

“Despite possible challenges in the new year, Greenwood is excited about our new rabbit facility and continued learning for the season to come,” Manoa said. “We are looking forward to offering treatment for our local wildlife with the most current care standards.”

jeopardize business owners’ and artists’ ability to ultimately collect insurance payments.

Currently, we are rolling out the next phase of Main Street Fire relief. By IRS requirement, this relief must be “means-tested.” Impacted individuals are applying for Basic Needs grants if they are in need of help with personal basic needs, like housing, utilities, or transportation, while they work to get their businesses re-started. Much as we did with COVID relief and Gig Grants, and as Boulder County has done with Marshall Fire victims, our team will confidentially evaluate these requests and provide recovery support based on best practices and legal requirements.

All of this is possible today, thanks to our community’s rallying support around this need and LEAF’s steadfast service and support in the community. Indeed, we are here for traumatic community-wide events like the Main Street Fire, and for disasters that your friends and neighbors face every single day. Lyons, we make a great team. Let’s make 2023 a great year, together.

Kaitlyn Fletcher is the new Communications and Content Associate at Greenwood Wildlife Sanctuary in Longmont.

Fletcher

Lori Barton is the LEAF Executive Director and Ashley Cawthorn is the LEAF Board Chair.

LEAF Continued from Page 4

Baby European Starlings call for food.

One of the many baby raccoons cared for at Greenwood.

Fragrant firs liven January at Lyons’ RMBG

By Jessie Berta-Thompson Redstone Review

locks (Tsuga) and cedars (Cedrus), Douglas firs (Pseudotsuga) form a group with larches (Larix) and pines (Pinus).

For those interested in adding identification to a needle-smell-appreciation hike, both firs and spruces have small needles that appear singly on the twig (not bundled like pine needles), but fir needles are flat while spruce needles are four-sided and can be rolled between the fingers. Spruce needles have stiff, sharp points while fir needles

The Western Keres took baths and drank tea with white fir needles to relieve arthritis. The Klamath used its bark for tanning deerskin. The Paiute, Shoshoni and Washo used infusions of bark or bark resin to treat pulmonary diseases. Versatile, pungent, and antiseptic, fir resin has also been harvested for treating wounds and for enjoyment as a chewing gum.

Berta–Thompson

LYONS – On a whim, a hand reaches off-trail to brush a neighboring fir. The tree caresses back, soft and lively to the touch, releasing a flurry of snow and a faint scent. Leaning in, the scent of a single bruised needle becomes all-consuming, a lifetime of forests compressed into one moment.

Conifer species each have their own scent – a twist of lemon in one, an ache of bitterness in another. Overlapping constellations of organic compounds produce the characteristic scent of each. Firs have a particular sweet, fresh, piney, citrusy scent, beloved by people across time, space, and cultures.

Regally tall on sheltered slopes or contorted on mountaintops, firs grace Colorado’s mid and high elevations. These trees bear distinctive upright cones dripping with resin, resembling candles, which disintegrate in a flurry of bracts when the seeds are ripe.

Two species of firs are native to Colorado, white fir (Abies concolor) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa or recently Abies bifolia to those who favor a separate Rocky Mountain species). White firs grow in southern Colorado from 7,500 to 11,000 ft. Subalpine firs grow in the western half of the state (where the subalpine zone occurs) from 7,800 to 12,500 ft, forming a consistent part of the tree line.

The subalpine fir here commonly grows mixed with Engelmann’s spruce (Picea engelmannii). White fir’s range extends from Oregon south into Mexico while subalpine fir grows north to Alaska. The cones of the white fir are paler than the cones of the subalpine fir, and white firs can grow taller (to 80 m.) than subalpine firs (to 35 m.).

Firs are in the Pine family (Pinaceae), along with spruces and pines, but not junipers and cypresses – those are in the Cypress family (Cupressaceae). There are about 50 different species of firs around the world. Locally, there’s also the Rocky Mountain Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), which is loosely fir-like (soft, flat needles) but has very different cones and is evolutionarily distinct. While true firs (Abies) are more closely related to hem-

are rounded. Up close, spruce needles leave rough patches on the branch when they fall off; fir needles come off cleanly leaving smooth twigs.

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and Fraser’s fir (Abies fraseri) are among the most popular Christmas trees, their evergreen brightness welcome in the solstice dark. Around the world, fir is valued for its scent, used in perfuming our bodies and surroundings. Its needles have been widely made into a fragrant tea containing vitamin C. Indigenous Americans of mountainous areas in the Southwest and of the Pacific Northwest found many uses for firs. Fir cones and inner bark were processed for food.

A lovely example of the white fir is now growing in the montane section of the Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens (RMBG) in Lyons. To see the subalpine fir locally, visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Subalpine fir is reportedly hard to grow at lower elevations, more sensitive to excess dryness and heat, so we won’t try to force it into Lyons life.

For those wishing to visit the RMBG this winter – and it is an excellent time and place to learn some Colorado conifers – a brief warning. When the snow covers the paths, we close the garden temporarily to prevent trampling of the beds. When the snow melts between storms enough to reveal the paths, the garden reopens. Please keep to the paths – respect for the beds is much appreciated by gardeners and soil life alike.

Winter moisture and freeze-thaw cycles are adding critical structure to the soil, and, even when all looks dormant, delicate plants are still there in the mulch biding their time. Similarly, regular volunteer hours do not occur in inclement weather or when the beds are deep beneath the snow (contact Garima Fairfax at garimafairfax@rmbg.org for updates on volunteer hours). Meanwhile indoors, a few of us are furiously ordering and planting seeds for greenhouse starts, in partnership with Harlequin’s Gardens Nursery in Boulder, to continue filling the garden with color and diversity next year.

Jessie Berta-Thompson studied algae in school, and loves gardening and learning about plants. She has a degree in biology. She currently serves as Treasurer on the Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens board and as an Adjunct Researcher at the Denver Botanic Gardens, where she works on the diversity and evolution of Colorado mushrooms.

New pastor at Allenspark Community Church

By Cindy Rockett Redstone Review

ALLENSPARK – The Allenspark Community Church has been blessed that Ralph Patrick has accepted the position of pastor. After serving as interim pastor for almost a year, the Lord led the Board of Elders to offer this position to Pastor Ralph Patrick, who gratefully accepted.

Originally Ralph Patrick grew up on a small farm in northern Wisconsin. His parents, Ralph and Jean Patrick, taught him to love God, nature, and family. He continues to have the passion for those three to this day, along with the Green Bay Packers. But since living in Colorado he also cheers for the Broncos.

In 2001 Ralph’s mom, Jean, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s which ultimately

claimed her life in 2012. This experience caused Ralph to get involved first as a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, and then as full-time staff member in 2015. As a result of his personal and professional experience he has a great deal of empathy for both those living with dementia as well as their caregivers. Ralph has done two educational presentations in the Allenspark community on this disease.

For the past seven years Ralph has served as the Regional Director for the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado, a position he will continue to hold. Prior to this Ralph was a pastor for 27 years in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, serving in Chicago, Papua New Guinea, New Mexico and Fort Collins.

Ralph is the father of four grown daughters, all of whom live on the Front Range.

three individuals with three entirely diverse ways of studying another culture. These differences, along with professional jealousy and romantic tension, propel the story toward its inevitable conclusion. Please register for the BRBC then stop by the library to pick up your copy.

Join us virtually at noon on January 31 for a lively session filled with bonkers science, boundless curiosity, and the answers to the weirdest questions you never thought to ask with author Randall Munroe as he discusses his newest book, What If? 2: Additional serious scientific answers to absurd hypothetical questions. Unfazed by absurdity, Munroe consults the latest research on everything from swing-set physics to airplane-catapult design to clearly and consciously answer his readers’ questions.

Our own Hannah Ogden will once again break out the CriCut machine and lead teens and adults in the creation of Valentine’s Day-themed crafts on February 7 at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required.

The next installment of the Tween Book Club will take place at 3:30 p.m. on February 14. Tweens will read Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Twelve-year-old Max, who loves the legends his abuelo tells him about a mythical gatekeeper who can guide brave travelers on a journey into tomorrow, sets out on a dangerous quest to discover if he is true of heart and what the future holds, armed with a treasured compass, a mysterious stone rubbing, and his abuelo’s legend as his only guides. Tweens in grades 3 and 8 can pick up a copy at the library.

As always, stories, activities, and playtime for babies takes place in the Library Community Room each Tuesday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Walkers, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers are invited to enjoy a story and craft each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

The Lyons Community Library opens Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. We close at 5 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays; 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Our online catalog is available 24/7 at lyons.colibraries.org and we’re always open for digital downloads on both the Libby and CloudLibrary apps. Give us a call at 303-823-5165 or email info@lyonslibrary.com with any questions. Please see the calendar on our website for additional program information and for registration instructions.

They have on occasion come to Allenspark to visit and worship at the church.

In regards to APCC Ralph has been very appreciative of the love and warmth found in this congregation. The people have a genuine concern for one another, for those in this community, and especially those who are struggling with matters of life and faith. The congregation is very supportive of mission work being done in numerous locations throughout the world. Ralph’s goal as pastor is to continue to help foster this gracious Spirit of God in Christ that so pervades the wonderful people of the church.

Both Pastor Ralph Patrick and the members of the church are very happy to be able to offer a sacred space in Allenspark where everyone is welcomed and received in the spirit of grace and love. We invite you to come and join us any Sunday at 10 a.m.

Cindy Rockett lives in Allenspark and is a member of the Allenspark Community Church.

Lyons Area & Flood Books For Sale! from the Lyons Redstone Museum

Ralph Patrick is the new pastor at the Allenspark Community Church

Stuffed sweet potatoes

By Barbara Shark Redstone Review

LYONS – On these wintery nights I hunger for spicy, simple dishes with a Mexican flavor. This recipe is very seductive with velvety caramelized sweet potatoes topped with beans, cheese, and spicy pico de gallo. Half a medium-sized potato makes an ample serving for one. I bake these in the toaster oven.

First scrub, then halve the potatoes lengthwise. Drizzle with olive oil and a bit of salt and pepper. Place cut side down in a baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees until soft and caramelized, about 45 minutes. Squeeze and mash each potato half in its skin a bit, then top with a generous ta-

blespoon of shredded Oaxaca, jack or cheddar cheese. Add three to four tablespoons of warm black beans – I had cooked Rancho Gordo Rio Zapes on hand. (Use a can of black beans, warmed up and drained, if that’s what you have.) Top with another generous tablespoon of cheese and pop back into the oven to get hot and bubbly.

Have a bowl of pico de gallo ready to garnish the potatoes. Chop 20 cherry tomatoes into small bits, add a slice of onion, diced, a pickled jalapeño or other chili, chopped, and a handful of cilantro, roughly chopped.

Top the hot sweet potatoes with the pico and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with lime quarters, slices of avocado and a green salad.

Barbara Shark is an artist and author of How I Learned to Cook, an Artist’s Life. She lives near Lyons, Colorado. For more recipes, read her blog at www.howilearnedtocookanartistslife.blog.

Green beans with tomatoes, garlic and herbs – side dishes with flair

By Catherine Metzger Redstone Review

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY – These flavorful green beans are from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking and they go well with sautéed ham, roast lamb or beef, steaks, pork chops or baked chicken. This is a threestep recipe that’s simple to make with dazzling results. I prepare the full recipe and store the remains in the refrigerator to be used all week as a side dish. As with all recipes with tomatoes and garlic, this one improves with age.

Green Beans with Tomatoes, Garlic and Herbs

Serves 8; Preparation time: 15 minutes;

Cooking time: 45 minutes

2 C thinly sliced onions

1/2 C extra virgin olive oil

1 28-ounce can whole Roma tomatoes, broken up with your hands; Or four to six firm, ripe red tomatoes peeled, seeded, juiced and chopped 2 to 4 cloves garlic, lightly smashed

A medium bouquet garni: 4 parley sprigs, 1/2 bay leaf, 1/2 t thyme and 2 cloves tied into cheesecloth

3 lb green beans: If fresh, top and tail them and slice French style; If frozen or canned, select French cut green beans.

1/4 C chopped parsley, or a mixture of green herbs such as basil, savory and tarragon plus parsley Salt and pepper to taste

• In a large, enameled saucepan, cook the onions slowly in the olive oil until tender and translucent but not browned, about 15 minutes.

• Add the chopped tomatoes and liquid from the can, the smashed garlic cloves, bouquet garni, and season with salt and pepper. If using fresh tomatoes, add 3/4 C water to the pan. Stir and let simmer 30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

• If you are using fresh sliced green beans, blanch them in boiling salted water for three to four minutes while the tomato mixture is cooking. Drain and toss them in the pan with the tomato mixture. If you are using frozen or canned French-cut green beans, just add these beans to the pan. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove the garlic and bouquet garni. Correct the seasonings, add the chopped fresh herbs, stir and serve.

RARE, UNIQUE LIVE/WORK OPPORTUNITY PERFECT FOR RETAIL, CLINICAL, OR OFFICE

BUSINESS! Located in beautiful downtown Lyons, this was the original livery built by Mr. Lyon in the 1880s. The 2-level apartment features a remodeled kitchen, bath, & laundry and private outdoor living space. Beautiful garden studio is fenced for privacy and offers covered patio & garden shed for outdoor enjoyment. Several rooms for retail/office or personal use. 1 Off-street parking space. Zoned commercial downtown. Exceptional property! 418 High Street, Lyons / $775,000

Dan Siddall broker/owner

Colleen Dickes associate broker

Ian Phillips associate broker Dot Fears associate broker

Shark

PREPARE THE FRESH GREEN BEANS

COOKING COMPLETE, READY TO SERVE

ADD THE TOMATOES TO THE ONIONS

James Webb telescope traces arcs of dusty star formation

By Jonathan Amos BBC Science Correspondent

STAR DATE 2023 – It’s another stupendous image from the new super space telescope James Webb. The picture shows NGC 346, a region about 200,000 light years from Earth where a lot of stars are being created.

Webb’s Near Infrared Camera traces the knots, arcs and filaments of gas and dust that are feeding this stellar nursery. NGC 346 is embedded in a satellite galaxy to our own Milky Way called the Small Magellanic Cloud and is used as a lab to study star forming processes.

The cluster has relatively low concentrations of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. As such, the conditions mimic, to a degree, those that existed much earlier in the history of the Universe when the birthing of stars was at its peak – a period known as “Cosmic dawn,” about 3 billion years after the Big Bang.

Previous space telescopes could detect the largest objects in this scene, but with Webb, with its superior sensitivity and resolution, astronomers are now able to identify the smallest sources.

“For the very first time, we can see the full sequence of star formation in another galaxy,” said Dr. Olivia Jones from the U.K. Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh. “Previously, with Spitzer, which was one of the U.S. space agency NASA’s great observatories, we could detect the more massive protostars, about five to eight times the mass of our Sun. But with Webb, we have the sensitivity limits to go all the way down to 1/10 of the Sun’s mass. So, we have the sensitivity to detect the very low mass stars in the process of formation, but with the resolution also to see how they affect the environment. And as you can see from the image, it’s a very dynamic environment.”

There is gas being energized in this picture to temperatures of 10,000°C. In contrast, Webb also detects cold gas at minus 200°C.

Astronomers refer to “metals” when discussing all elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. It’s the stuff that goes into making planets. One of the big questions,

therefore, has centered on whether low metallicity environments, such as in NGC 346, have sufficient dusty material to accrete and build rocky worlds.

Webb’s observations of the cluster indicate they certainly have the potential. Even the smallest protostars detected in the image have discs of dust around them.

And by extension, this suggested planet formation would also have been possible

That’s when we’re basically producing most of the stars in the Universe. And this is very interesting because that means that you could potentially be forming planets around a bulk of the stars,” Meixner said.

The new Webb picture of NGC 346 was released at the 241st American Astronomical Society meeting in Seattle. It also was announced that the telescope has its first confirmed exoplanet – the name given to

very quickly able to remove all doubt.

It watched the light coming from the parent star and could detect the drop in emission as the planet passed in front, something it does every two days. This very short orbital period means LHS 475 b is extremely close to its star, and a few hundred degrees hotter than Earth as a consequence. Astronomers are trying to determine the status of any atmosphere. It’s possible the planet may not have one.

“This planet very well could be an airless body that has lost any atmosphere that

in the early Universe, at Cosmic Dawn, explained Dr. Margaret Meixner, an astronomer at the Universities Space Research Association in Maryland.

“The metallicity in the Small Magellanic Cloud is comparable to the peak epoch of star formation in the Universe.

planets orbiting other stars.

Formally classified as LHS 475 b, the planet is almost exactly the same size as our own, measuring 99 percent of Earth’s diameter. The existence of the world had been hinted at in data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, but Webb was

it once had,” said Dr Jacob Lustig-Yaeger from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

But Webb’s data could also be consistent with a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide with high-altitude cloud – not unlike Venus. Follow-up observations are planned.

States challenge Biden to lower drug prices by allowing imports from Canada

By Phil Galewitz Redstone Review

DENVER – The Biden administration is facing mounting pressure from states to let them import medicine from Canada to help lower prescription drug costs.

Colorado on December 5 became at least the fourth state to seek federal permission to use the strategy, following Florida, New Hampshire, and New Mexico.

President Joe Biden has endorsed the approach, but his administration has yet to greenlight a state plan.

“States have done the work, and the only thing preventing them from going ahead is the Biden administration,” said Jane Horvath, a health policy consultant who has worked with states on importation plans.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told Kaiser Health News on December 5 that the Biden administration welcomed applications for drug importation programs from Colorado and other states. But he would not pledge that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would rule on any application in 2023.

Asked what his message was to states, he said, “Sign up and submit an application, and we will take a look and see if you are able to get through the process.”

Buyers in the U.S. pay among the highest prices in the world for brand-name pharmaceuticals. Drugs are generally less expensive in neighboring Canada, where the government controls prices.

Under the last administration, the U.S. government declared that importing drugs from Canada could be done safely – satisfying a condition spelled out in a 2003 federal drug importation law. The rules were finalized in September 2020 for states to apply.

During his campaign for the White House, Biden said he would allow consumers to import prescription drugs from other countries if the federal government certified those drugs as safe.

After President Biden took office in 2021, he ordered the FDA to work with states to import prescription drugs from Canada. In a speech last year about how he was going to reduce drug prices, he cited estimates by Colorado

about how much money people in the state could save through importation.

But despite the administration’s public show of support, early applicants have been frustrated by the FDA’s inaction. In August, almost two years after submitting its drug proposal, Florida sued the federal government, accusing the administration of slow-walking its review. The federal government denied the accusation.

In November, about three months after Florida sued, the FDA sent Florida a 15-page letter asking it to fill dozens of gaps in its plan. The letter asked whether the state wanted to withdraw its application and submit another. In a December court filing, Florida said “suddenly conjuring so many supposed defects” in its proposal was another “stall tactic” by the government.

New Hampshire Health and Human Services Department spokesperson Jake Leon said New Hampshire’s proposal was rejected because it did not identify a Canadian wholesaler that would provide the drugs. He said the FDA told the state it could reapply when it found one.

New Mexico remains in discussions with the FDA, said David Morgan, a state Health Department spokesperson, and other states have signaled interest in importation but have yet to seek federal approval.

The drug industry, wary that a government-organized importation program could eat into its profits, opposes the strategy and has argued it (the government-organized importation program) would circumvent controls that keep drugs safe in the U.S.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the drug industry lobby known as PhRMA, sued the federal government in 2020 to block drug importation. That lawsuit is still pending. The Biden administration has argued in court that the lawsuit is invalid because it’s unclear when, if ever, the administration would approve a state’s importation plan.

Many brand-name drugs sold in the U.S. are already made abroad. In addition, millions of Americans have purchased lower-priced drugs from Canada and overseas through online pharmacies and by visiting other countries.

Colorado officials said their proposal aims to save resi-

dents and employers an average of 65% off the cost of dozens of medications, including drugs for diabetes, asthma, and cancer. Kim Bimestefer, executive director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, told KHN the state wants to disrupt the current drug pricing system in which manufacturers can charge as much as the market will bear. The FDA told state officials it would take the agency six months to review its proposal, she said.

Colorado’s proposed plan would use an Ontario, Canada, wholesaler to send drugs through the border at Buffalo, New York, to an importer headquartered in Boise, Idaho. The drugs would be tested by an Ohio laboratory before being sent to pharmacies in Colorado and then sold to residents and employers.

Colorado will add safety checks for drugs brought in from Canada that go beyond those for drugs sold in the U.S., Bimestefer said. “We are highly confident of their quality and bullish on the savings,” she said of the Canadian drugs.

Colorado’s application said the state’s importation strategy faces not only resistance from drug manufacturers but also concerns on the part of pharmacies and the Canadian government. Canadian officials have opposed U.S. import plans because they fear the efforts could lead to drug shortages in Canada. However, Bimestefer said Colorado would bring in drugs only if ample supply exists for both countries.

The Colorado Business Group on Health, which includes large employers, strongly favors importation but realizes the Biden administration is under pressure from groups that profit from the status quo, said Robert Smith, the coalition’s executive director. He called concerns about patient safety a “red herring.”

“The one thing we know about health care is that it is driven by economic self-interests,” he said.

Phil Galewitz is a writer for KHN (Kaiser Health News). This story was provided by KHN, a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

Both these images are of the dynamic star forming region NGC 346. The image on the left was made by the Hubble Telescope, which reads visible light. On the right, the same region photographed by the James Webb Telescope, which reads infrared light. IMAGES BY NASA, ESA, CSA, STSCI