LYONS – The annual RockyGrass Festival will be held on July 25 to July 27. On July 25 Friday, the lineup for the main stage will include in reverse order: Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway; the Del McCoury Band; East Nash Grass, Mr. Sun; Allison DeGroot and Tatiana Hargreaves; Mason Via and Off the Rails.
On July 26 Saturday, the lineup will be in reverse order: Sam Bush Bluegrass Band; AJ Lee and Blue Summit; the Fretliners; Breabach; Becky Buller Band; Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, Jake Leg.
And on July 27, Sunday the lineup will be: the Infamous Stringdusters; Rhonda Vincent & the Rage; Peter Rowan with Sam Grisman Project; Lindsay Lou; the Faux Paws; Seth Mulder & Midnight Run; Rose & Grant’s Sunday Set. Tickets are always scarce at this time of year. Check on the Planet Bluegrass website, planet@ bluegrass.com, for more information. You can also call 1-800624-2422. You can buy tickets on line.
Planet Bluegrass hosts a variety of events, including festivals and workshops, including the RockyGrass Academy from July 20 to 24. The workshops are held at a variety of locations on the Planet Bluegrass campus.
The RockyGrass Academy is a week-long music academy with workshops and learning opportunities. There are classes in guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, banjo, song writing and more. Check the website for more information.
Lyons next LAHC Town Hall art show is coming up
LYONS – Peace by Peace is the theme of the next Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC) Town Hall Art Show. The show is open to all ages and stages of area artists.
The LAHC requests artists to please bring up to five readyto-wall-hang creative responses, photos, paintings, fabric art, framed poetry/prose/lyrics, wall sculpture, montages, etc. to Lyons Town Hall on Friday July 18 around 5 p.m. LAHC volun-
Continue Briefs on Page 10
Town board hears people defend the right to make noise, passes ordinances on ADUs and residential codes
By Susan de Castro Gierach Redstone Review Editor
LYONS –The June 2 Lyons Town Board meeting was crowded with residents and music lovers all there to give their opinions on a proposed updated noise ordinance. Many of them took the opportunity to tell the board very explicitly to proceed with caution around limiting the noise level and cut-off times for concerts, music jams, music at weddings, etc.
Mayor Hollie Rogin explained to the audience that the board was not going vote on any noise ordinance that evening; there was no noise ordinance on the agenda. She said that the board was only in the early stages of considering how to frame a better noise ordinance than the one that is currently in existence, which is borderline unenforceable. (See Mayor Hollie Rogin’s column on Pg. 3.)
After what seemed like hours of cautionary tales, the board went on to hear the staff reports. Sgt. Bill Crist gave the sheriff’s report; he is now permanently taking over the Lyons Sub-Station Administrator position for the Boulder County Sheriff’s office from Sgt. Cody Sears.
Sgt. Crist said that traffic is picking up in Lyons as it always does at this time of year and he added that all the deputies are trained in swift water rescue. He said that on a recent Saturday, the traffic on the highway coming into Lyons sounded like they were filming Fast and Furious, adding that the Harley Davidson is the second noisiest vehicle to come through town.
Mayor Hollie Rogan took this opportunity to introduce the new Lyons Town Planner, Lisa Ritchie, who started at the beginning of May.
Administrator Victoria Simonsen said in her report that Sustainable Futures Commission is
working on a grant for a composting plan, to be housed with the recycling center in Lyons. Trustee Mark Browning pointed out that all grant requests must go before the town board.
In other news, the administrator said she received a call from Senator Michael Bennet’s office that they were going to move forward on a Congressional Directed Spending request as one of the projects in Senator Bennet’s district. If it is approved, this funding request, $3.8 million, would provide funding for the wastewater improvement project in Lyons. The town has applied for this funding for several years, but this is the first year that they have been able to get this far along in the process.
The town has also applied for a Safe Streets for All (SSA) grant. The grant for $4.7 million was submitted to DrCOG (Denver Regional Council of Governments). The grant is for street improvements including intersections, bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, etc.
Switching gears, Lyons Finance Director Cassandra Eyestone gave a financial report saying that the sales tax revenues for March 2025 were up 10.7 percent over March 2024. She attributed the increase to streaming services and online sales. Year-to-date revenues are up by 8.56 percent.
Moving on, the board passed Ordinance 1192 on second reading and after a public hearing. This ordinance was to amend the Lyons Municipal Code concerning Accessory Dwelling Units.
The board also passed, with one dissenting vote from Trustee David Hamrick, Ordinance 1193 to make amendments to the Lyons Municipal Code and the International Residential Code regarding accessory dwelling units. The change to the code will say that all Accessary Dwelling Units (ADU) that are 800
square feet or less do not need to have sprinklers installed. This was the second reading and public hearing.
In other news Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen told the board in passing that there was other news in her report to the board, such as finding evidence of the New Zealand Mud Snail, which has now infiltrated St. Vrain Creek. She did not elaborate to the board, but her notes read:
“Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has recently received and confirmed a sample of a New Zealand Mudsnail (NZMS) collected by a private entity in St. Vrain Creek. NZMS is an invasive species. It can cause significant damage to the environment and to aquatic species. Additional information is located on CPW’s website: https://cpw.state.co.us/species/newzealand-mudsnail.
“Following verification, CPW surveyed the area upstream of the siting location within the Town of Lyons property late last week. Fortunately, they did not find any evidence of NZMS during this survey. As only one very small snail was submitted, they recommend conducting follow-up surveys later in the summer to provide more confidence in the results. CPW suggests that the Town of Lyons consider posting signage about New Zealand Mudsnails in this area and outlining the steps the public can take to help prevent their spread. CPW has resources to assist us with this.”
The town welcomed back several returning seasonal workers for the summer. The seasonal workers are Jack Johann, Eamon Osborne, Peyton Bolkovatz, Jesse Nunez, and Ollie Nunez. Welcome to Cooper Ucker. To show everyone how friendly Lyons is, say hi to them as your walk by.
A birder’s delight—multiple species of shorebirds share a scenic stopover along White Rocks Trail. KIM ROLLER
LYONS
Housing and Human Services offers a wide variety of services
By Kay Sparks Redstone Review
LYONS – Medical Supply Closet: Need a crutch or walker for short-term use? The Lyons Medical Supply Closet has them, free of charge on a short-term basis to residents of the greater Lyons area who have a medical need. The closet also has canes, wheelchairs and “boots.” Depending on donations, the closet may also have some disposable supplies, such as adult diapers.
Wendy Dreistadt is the contact at lyonsmedsupplycloset@outlook.com.
Got Rattlesnake? Spring is here, with summer on its heels, which means we all – humans and wildlife – are out and about more. That includes snakes of all sorts. Respecting and avoiding rattlesnakes is a good first step. If you have a rattler that is endangering you, there are a couple of resources.
First, Boulder County Animal Control (303-441-444) responds to inquiries regarding vicious or stray animals, nuisance complaints, injured or ill animals, reports of cruelty/neglect, and other animal (including snake) issues. It provides services to the unincorporated areas of Boulder County,
and the towns of Lyons, Nederland, Superior, and Ward. Second, locally, you can contact Gil
Tips to stay healthy during summer travel
By Dr. Amit Arwindekar Redstone Review
LYONS – As the weather gets warmer and the end of the school year approaches, many Colorado residents may be planning a vacation. While some prefer a staycation, 86% of Americans plan to travel out of state and 50 percent plan to travel internationally.
Everyone hopes their trip will go smoothly, but more than one in four Americans report getting sick or hurt on a vacation and 56 percent of those need medical treatment as a result. To help you prioritize a healthy and safe trip, consider these tips: Check in with your primary care doctor before traveling. Schedule an appointment with your doctor prior to your vacation. At your visit, inform your doctor of your travel plans to see how best to support your health while traveling, including getting any recommended or required vaccinations. Before leaving, refill any prescriptions you might need while away and pack enough to last your entire trip. Check travel health
information and recent travel notices for destinations abroad so you know what to expect when you arrive.
If you haven’t had an annual wellness exam and preventive screenings recently, this may be a good time to make sure you are on top of any health concerns. Health plans usually cover preventive care, which means you may pay $0 out of pocket for certain covered preventive services if you go to a network provider.
You may also consider options like virtual visits for non-emergency care. Virtual visits may be both cost-effective and more convenient. Talk to your health plan and doctor about virtual care options that might be available to you while traveling. Virtual care may help you quickly and affordably access needed care with a network provider while on the road.
Pack properly and make sure you have enough essentials. Prior to leaving home, check the weather at your destination and pack accordingly. Prepare a travel health kit with essentials like hand sanitizer, overthe-counter medications, sunscreen and
Sparks (gsparks@nwi.net) who will relocate the snake away from humans. Lyons Valley Townhomes: Currently there are two two-bedroom townhomes available for rent for those who qualify. Monthly rent is $1,903. For more information, email lyonsapts@leasehighland. com or call the Highland Property Management team at Centennial Apartments at 720-600-4278 to see if you qualify.
Changes at Redstone Café at Walt Self: The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging has made some changes to services at the Redstone Café congregate meal site at Walt Self. June marks the beginning of meals from the new vendor, Project Angel Heart – a wonderful Denver-based nonprofit. This change also comes with the addition of a vegetarian option. The café
bug spray. Remember to pack important items like prescription medications in your carry-on luggage in the event of an emergency, or if your checked bags get lost during travel.
Take care of your health during your vacation. Physical activity may help reduce
is continuing to serve meals on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and requests that folks RSVP on Monday by 1 p.m. for all meals that week, by calling 303-441-1415 and leaving your name, days you plan to attend, phone number, and if you would like a vegetarian meal. The voicemail line includes the menu that will be served and any upcoming closures.
Reminder: On Wednesday, June 25 staff from Boulder County Area Agency on Aging will be at the Lyons Regional Library from 1 to 2 p.m. to share the details of their many services. If you have any questions or concerns before then, a BCAAA staff member is available at the library every Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Become part of the Housing and Human Services Commission: Help the community on this advisory group –identifying needs and resources in housing and human services. We meet the second Monday of the month, 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Lyons Regional Library. Apply on-line on the Town of Lyons web site. Questions? Contact Kay Sparks, 509-881-7096.
Kay Sparks is the Chairwoman of Housing and Human Services, HHS in Lyons.
stress and promote well-being. Plan to incorporate some form of activity during your vacation, such as sightseeing walks, bike rides or daytime hikes. To help avoid dehydration, carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Also, make sure to
Sweet Coco Bear!
This 7-year-old sweetheart is the total package—fun, affectionate, and fabulously fashionable! Coco Bear lives for her outfit changes and nothing makes her happier than snuggling into a cozy pair of jammies after a day of fun. She brings a joyful energy wherever she goes and would absolutely thrive in an active lifestyle filled with walks, playtime, and plenty of cuddles.
Once she warms up (she can be a bit shy at first), Coco Bear becomes your loyal best friend—affectionate, silly, and full of personality. She’s got a signature dance move, a singing voice that’s all her own, and a BIG heart full of love.
This spoiled girl is looking for a house-only kind of setup—no apartments, condos, or townhomes for her, please. She’d do best in a quieter home where she can settle in at her own pace and soak up all the love and attention she deserves.
If you’re looking for a cuddle bug with flair, a gentle soul with spark, and a best friend for life, Coco Bear is ready to steal your heart!
To see all our adoptable animals or get more details visit longmonthumane.org. Or stop in at the shelter at 9595 Nelson Road.
MAYOR’S CORNER
BoT is crafting an updated noise ordinance
Rogin
By Hollie Rogin, Mayor of Lyons Redstone Review
LYONS – The current noise ordinance, which this Board of Trustees is discussing changing, says, in part:
“The following noises and circumstances shall be deemed as prima facie unreasonable . . .
Electrically amplified sound audible twenty-five (25) feet from the source of said sound or within a private residence that the person has no right to occupy.”
Having amplified music be illegal if one can hear it from 25 feet away is unworkable at best. I would personally say it’s absurd.
Good noise ordinances are notoriously difficult to create, but after seven years of discussing whether we should address the issue, this BoT has decided to finally tackle it. We have reviewed ordinances from other cities and towns around the state, we’ve had several workshops on the matter, and we’re still gathering input and data.
Last Monday night, so many people – musicians, music-lovers, residents – came to speak to the board during our regular meeting. For me and other board members, it was a joyful experience to have people talk so passionately and clearly about what music in Lyons means to them.
Just in case there is still a question: The Board of Trustees is not trying to shut down music in Lyons. We are instead trying to relax the current noise level restriction and make the law in all of its aspects more predictable and workable for businesses and residents alike.
Just prior last week’s regular business meeting, we had a workshop that included a live decibel-level demonstration
conducted by Michael Grace (thanks, Michael) and attended by the board and several community members. We then had a brief discussion. At our regular business meeting, we
heard from many community members during Audience Business. We then discussed the issue as a board. We did not, nor were we ever scheduled to, vote on any ordinance or indeed any decibel level.
Sgt. Bill Crist named Staff Sergeant for Lyons
By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review
LYONS – Recently the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office announced that Sgt. Bill Crist has returned to Lyons to serve as the Staff Sergeant for the Town of Lyons through the end of the year.
With over two decades of law enforcement experience and a strong commitment to community engagement, Sgt. Crist returns to his previous role with enthusiasm and a clear vision for public safety in Lyons.
Mayor Hollie Rogin welcomed the appointment, stating, “We’re excited to have Sgt. Crist resume this leadership role. His dedication to service and knowledge of the region make him an excellent fit for our town.”
Sgt. Crist knows and understands the unconventional community of Lyons, having served as our principal deputy for six years, most recently through 2023. Sgt. Crist has served in various capacities within the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, including patrol supervisor and leading community policing initiatives. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving. Sgt. Crist has a vast knowledge and understanding of the penchant for Lyons’ unique approach, including our affinity for parades and high school send-offs for state athletics competitions.
Emergencies should always be directed to 911. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at bocoalert.org
The law enforcement vehicles have Boulder County Sheriff logos, but do you know how public safety is funded in the Town of Lyons?
The Staff Sergeant position is part of a longstanding law enforcement partnership between the Town of Lyons and the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. Under this intergovernmental agreement, the town contracts directly with the Sheriff’s Office to provide local police services, including the assignment of dedicated deputies and a sergeant to oversee local operations.
The funding for public safety comes from the Town of Lyons’ General Fund, which allocates resources annually to maintain public safety and law enforcement presence in the community. This year, the budgeted allocation for Boulder County Sheriff Office services is nearly $638,000. In addition, the Town of Lyons budgets an additional $37,000 for extra-duty sheriff expenses to cover the costs of law enforcement presence and assistance during our beloved parades, as well as additional traffic enforcement, including speeding and related vehicle infractions.
How Law Enforcement Works in Lyons
“I’m honored to serve the people of Lyons once again,” said Sgt. Crist. “Lyons is a vibrant and resilient community, and I look forward to working closely with residents, local leaders and business owners to support a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
The deputies that serve the town are dedicated to making a positive impact with every interaction by promoting public safety, fostering strong relationships, and delivering quality service. We remind residents to report any suspicious incidents to the non-emergency number, 303-441-4444.
Unlike towns that have their own independent police departments, Lyons contracts with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office for its law enforcement needs. Here’s how it works:
Staffing: The town funds a designated team of sheriff’s deputies, including a full-time Staff Sergeant who serves as the local police chief. In 2025, the Town of Lyons budgeted the total annual cost of $701,335 for Public Safety from the 2025 Town of Lyons General Fund.
I can understand why some folks were alarmed; I might have been too. In the online packet for the workshop, there was a draft ordinance. However, there was no cover memo included to explain the context or where we are in the process; the draft ordinance did not include a draft watermark; and the yellow areas that indicated areas for board direction were not visible to all. We are working to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
So what’s next? Staff will continue to work with businesses and residents, and the board has directed staff to look into hiring a sound consultant to help us craft the best ordinance possible. Every ordinance, regardless of the subject matter, requires a first reading, a second reading and public hearing, and a 30-day waiting period to go into effect. I think it’s likely that any first reading of an ordinance won’t happen until late July or early August (with the caveat that timing is tricky to predict), which means that any new ordinance won’t be in effect until after this summer season is over. So now that the rain has stopped and the sun is shining, get out there and enjoy the music. It’s not going anywhere.
Snake Bite
By Sally King Redstone Review
Snake Medicine – the yin/yang of a marriage
Its gifts and its “Oh My God are you kidding me?”
Last year on our anniversary John was bitten by a snake
A real show stopper . . .
But it was the return to being a dedicated partner that I needed.
In times of crisis –
It’s easy to set down one’s burden basket
Being with the WHAT IS is such a relief. The presence is a present.
We were married in a year of the snake
She is our guide – shed that old skin and begin again
But each year grow wiser – if you dare.
Sally King is a local artist who believes it’s imperative that each of us pop our head up out of the collective trace, to bring through our creative gifts. You can find her on her blog and website, hersoupot.net and sallywhiteking.com or e mail sallywhiteking@live.com.
Outdoor concerts like this are at the heart of the community’s musical spirit, which the Board of Trustees is working to support with a more workable, updated noise ordinance.
Sgt. Bill Crist has returned to Lyons as Staff Sergeant, bringing over 20 years of law enforcement experience and a deep commitment to community-focused public safety. His leadership is key to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment in Lyons.
Continue Sgt. Crist on Page 14
OPTIONS
Turning Wood
By Peter Butler Redstone Review
LYONS – What is the scariest machine in human experience? You probably have some candidates, but in my life the machine that commands the most respect is the wood-turning lathe.
We needed some extra storage in a bathroom and it seemed that the best option would be a freestanding cabinet. I have always loved Shaker furniture design, and have a collection of books on the subject, so I scanned my mental index of examples and remembered a certain tall, narrow floor-standing cabinet that is now in the famous Edwards Deming furniture collection.
I’ve been working for a few weeks shaping and joining local ponderosa pine into a carcase, for the main body, and in the last few days the frame and panel door has been hung which swings nicely on its hinges.
Now all it needs is an old-fashioned turnbuckle catch and a doorknob. Shaker door knobs are distinctive and a key part of the design aesthetic. The Shakers were prolific makers. They had thriving enterprises making and selling chairs, candle stands and many other household artifacts, and were savvy in using clever technology to speed things up. But they were strict about maintaining design simplicity, allowing no irrelevant decoration or ornamentation.
Many modern woodworkers revere this plainness that produces almost accidental beauty, but sometimes I ask myself a hard
question. Are you sure you don’t like it just because it looks easy to make? No carved animals or repeating Celtic knots to whittle. The lathe is a miraculous machine. A motor that spins a rectangle of wood into a cylinder. It is the only methodology in the wood shop where the tool stays still while the work piece moves. This is what makes it
table. It also seems effortless. It wasn’t always so. The very early bodgers who made chairs from green wood, out in the woods, could rig a spinning system where the action of their feet on a treadle was opposed to the pull from a twist of rope, tied to the top of a nearby oak sapling, which acted as a return spring.
so daunting. Choose any other woodwork activity, say, sawing a plank with a hand saw. You can do it at your own speed. You do need some skill but you have the option to start slowly, stop if you need to, have a rethink and begin again. Same with planing, or carving with a chisel. But when you dig that turning gouge into a spinning chunk of tree there is no going back. You may have seen videos of master craftsmen turning a chair leg. By three-dimensional alchemy, wood disappears into the air, leaving an evolving shape that stops looking like a 3x3, and begins identifying as a nearly
You could do a sort of back and forth oscillation spin by pushing and then releasing so the young tree would pull the piece twisting in reverse. A physical work out at the same time as focusing eyes and directing hands.
Now we have electric power, but it is still daunting. The geometry of the cutting edge on a moving curved surface is hard to visualize, and when you begin there is a lot of trial and error. You might start to form a shape that you like, but there is a lurking demon – the kick back.
You may be in a trance-like state of shap-
It’s All About Town at Lyons History Day
Sawyer-Lang
By Monique Sawyer-Lang Redstone Review
LYONS – If you missed the Book Launch Party of All About Town by Julie Smith at the Lyons Regional Library, you are in luck. Because, on June 28 there will be a second party at the Redstone Museum during the History Day activities.
The creative team of Julie Smith and Patricia Appelfellar of AppelfellarArts will speak to the process of bringing this book about the life and endeavors of Lyons’ own crusader Mrs. LaVern Johnson to fruition.
This book project, funded by a grant from the Lyons Community Foundation, was several years in the making. Originally the brainchild of Priscilla Cohan and Julie Smith, it was put on hold by the unfortunate and early death of Priscilla Cohan. In the true spirit of Mrs. LaVern’s legacy the team of Smith and Appelfellar, joined by illustrator Kim Murton, rallied and brought this wonderful book to its completion.
Author Smith describes the book as follows: “All About Town is a lighthearted story with a timely and important message about caring for the place you live. Based on the life of LaVern Johnson, the book is meant to inspire people of all ages, but especially young people, to get involved in their community. While hard work and perseverance are necessary to create change, being involved in one’s community can also be rewarding and fun.”
Copies of the book will be available at History Day and in the museum gift shop. All proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Lyons Redstone Museum. Additionally, Cathy Rivers will give an update on the Priscilla Cohan Artistic Pursuits Grant (PCAP) Endowment fund which honors Cohan’s life as an artist and her lifelong dedication to the arts in Boulder County. Organizers of the fund are seeking to raise $25,000 to endow the fund by October 8, 2025. The PCAP grant, to be administered by the Lyons Community Foundation, will be open to artists of any age. Also on History Day, the museum will continue its longstanding tradition of recognizing Lyons High School graduating seniors whose families have been in the Lyons area for over 50 years. This year’s graduates include Wyatt Enny, Kayden King, Carson Felt and Gerald Geist. Finally, History Day will be your opportunity to view our two newest exhibits: Built of Stone and First
the early history of the sandstone quarry industry in the Lyons area. All the photographs, documents, and artifacts on display are from the museum’s own collection. The reproductions of original checks, business letters, and the Rules and Regulations for Hugh Murphy’s St. Vrain Red Sand Stone Quarries booklet, all of which originally date from the 1890s, give a unique glimpse into what life was like in the early quarries. You can also test your geology knowledge through our What Rock is This? activity.
The museum’s original Indigenous Peoples exhibit was installed in 1991 by then-curator Jerry Orback. The newly refurbished exhibit touches on the history of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute tribes who inhabited the Lyons area prior to the arrival of settlers and town builders. The exhibit includes a painting by Native American artist Norman Lansing that was in the original exhibit. Lansing is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and his studio, Wings and Thunder Studio, is located in southwest Colorado.
Grab your copy! The book will be available at History Day and in the museum gift shop.
of the Lyons Area Built of Stone tells the geological history of the area’s iconic sandstone layer, the Lyons Formation, and
ing a cove or a bead, when suddenly there is a violent judder, your hands thrown back at you, and your beautiful cylinder now has an evil and ugly spiral of splintery wood all along its length. Into the firewood pile it goes. This is because you let the other tip of the tool dig in and it was propelled in the opposite direction with great force.
There are some chunks of wood flying but the biggest trauma is to your self confidence. A teacher could show us how to avoid this nasty surprise, but since so many of us are self-taught it is an almost inevitable part of developing new skills. Thank goodness for YouTube and many experts who know how to wield the ‘skew chisel’ – the hardest tool to use in all of human experience.
The skew is a wizard with a devilish sense of humor. Keep the spirit content and it can create a shape faster and smoother than any other tool but – dishonor its demands and it will make you weep over and over again. Finally after 30 years of practice I think we might be becoming friends. And it is a badge of honor of a hard won skill compared with other tools. So tomorrow I will do a few hours of practice with scrap wood before mounting a nice piece of fruit wood that is an almost Shaker knob. I will hope the ghosts of master turners past are looking over my shoulder and guiding my hands.
Peter Butler was born in India and lived in a house facing a giant kapok tree. Growing up in England there were trees but never quite enough. After qualifying as biochemist there was a gradual evolution into being a graphic designer. He and his wife Deirdre moved to the States in 1997 and to Lyons in 2000. Finally there are enough trees.
certificate and medal by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Piney Creek Chapter of Centennial Colorado. Her son and Museum Director, Jerry Johnson, attended the awards ceremony on April 16. This award recognizes women who have made significant contributions and/or a difference in their communities. Mrs. LaVern was nominated for the award by Krispin Andersen whom she met through the Red Rock Ramblers Square Dance Club.
Honoring a Legacy: Mrs. LaVern Johnson was posthumously awarded the “Women in American History” certificate and medal by the DAR Piney Creek Chapter. Her son, Jerry Johnson, accepted the award in her honor on April 16.
Also, part of the exhibit is an extensive collection of prehistoric stone tools with expanded information on how the tools were used and what you should do if you find an artifact.
History Day Activities on June 28 begin at 1:00 p.m. and run until 4:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.
In other news, Mrs. LaVern Johnson was posthumously awarded the “Women in American History”
The following tribute detailing her accomplishments was read at the awards ceremony:
“LaVern attended the Lyons Methodist Church (Lyons Community Church) where she taught Sunday School for 35 years; belonged to the PTO, Oddfellows and Rebeccas; served on the Lyons Parks and Recreation Committee for 56 years; helped to stop Coffintop Dam from being built above Lyons; fought against housing being built on a hazardous waste dump at Dowe Flats; led the fight to keep the schools in Lyons since 1948; was a key figure in forming the Lyons Historical Society in 1973 that later saved the old Depot and 1881 schoolhouse (Lyons Redstone Museum) from the ‘wrecker’s ball.’ Finally, she wrote her weekly About Town column in the Lyons Recorder for 38 years. She enjoyed square dancing and along with her husband started the Red Rock Ramblers Square Dance Club in 1958.”
You can explore more of Lyons history through our historic district walking tour and our five virtual exhibits, all of which can be accessed from our website www.lyonsredstonemuseum.com.
The museum relies on grants and donations to fund our operations and your support is greatly appreciated. You can donate through our website or by mail to Lyons Historical Society, PO Box 9, Lyons CO. 80540.
Monique Sawyer Lang is the Collections Manager of the Lyons Redstone Museum. She is also a volunteer with the Lyons Food Pantry and a former member/chair of the Lyons Community Foundation Board. She lives in Spring Gulch.
Peoples
Butler
Crèches increase Merganser survival rate
By Greg Lowell Redstone Review
LYONS – The whole shoreline exploded with splashing, squawks and mayhem when my canoe slid around the bend of the river. It took a couple seconds to understand what I was seeing. A female common merganser was frantically shepherding a dozen, no wait, 23 (!) young fledglings away from my surprise intrusion and farther downriver. I was astounded. How could one female hatch and raise a brood that large?
What I was witnessing was a phenomenon called a “crèche.” Female common mergansers sometimes form multiple broods of offspring that are then cared for by one or more adult females. What I saw on that long-ago canoe trip was the more-common instance of a single female “supermom” caring for a large number of ducklings (lucky her). A crèche will comprise her own brood (typically six to 12 ducklings) and ducklings from other mothers. The crèches can also include chicks from egg-dumping in one nest by other females or adoption of chicks whose mother has died or become separated.
By Jackie Hibbard Redstone Review
LYONS – This year, 2025 marks the Fifth Annual Lyons LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration. Planned and hosted by a small group of teen and adult Lyons volunteers, our event continues to grow with more non-profit participants and local business sponsors. We have been planning Pride for several months and are eager to celebrate with Lyons. Our goal is to provide a fun, family-friendly event to celebrate LGBTQ+ members of our community.
This year’s Pride event happens on Saturday, June 21 with many fun activities. From 3 to 6 p.m., we will gather in Sandstone Park. Activities include: music by two bands, youth and adult speakers sharing inspirational stories, food, silent auction, craft-making, information booths sharing LGBTQ+ resources, Pride swag and of course a parade.
The parade will leave the park around 3:30 p.m. and march around downtown on sidewalks. Feel free to carry a home-made sign celebrating Pride.
New this year in the parade is Ian Brighton’s Second Line Drum Line and a costume contest. Be sure to dress in your most colorful Pride outfit. Contest categories include Most Campy, Most Rainbows and Funniest.
At 6 p.m. we will move over to the Rock Garden at A-Lodge for music by Marc Hutt and the increasingly popular family-friendly, all-ages Drag Show. Music starts at 6 p.m., the Drag Show runs 7 to 9 p.m., with more music until 10 p.m. The Drag Show features host Khloe Katz and two teen performers, Wanda Prize and Hunny Bun. These three beautiful, fun, creative humans return for their third year and are sure to keep the Rock Garden crowd roaring with laughter. Don’t miss it. Food trucks will be on-site and A-Lodge drinks will be available for purchase. Bring lots of cash to share with the performers.
Last year’s Pride event hosted over 250
This “babysitting” behavior is a rare example of cooperative care that results in potentially increased survival rates for the
behavior.
One of the largest crèches witnessed was 76 merganser chicks in the care of a single female on Lake Bemidji, Minnesota in 2018.
Here in Lyons on the Lyons River Park
young. The large flocks of ducklings benefit from increased vigilance against predators. Mergansers are social birds, often gathering in small flocks during their adult lives, so forming the crèches are an instinctive
ponds, there are currently two female mergansers who share an on-again-offagain crèche. Most commonly seen is the one female with eight ducklings and the
people of all ages decked out in their finest rainbow gear. It was heartwarming to see families, youth, and adults all celebrating and having fun together. This year we hope even more people will attend to soak in the love, support, and community that Lyons offers.
We are grateful for all of our primary sponsors: Lyons Community Foundation, Boulder Community Foundation, Town of Lyons, the Rock Garden at A-Lodge, MainStage Brewing, Bryn Long, Ashley Ahrens and Ellen Keane. Local business donors include: Oskar Blues, Honorable Harvest Tea and Apothecary, Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ, Marigold Lyons, Wildcat Mountaineering, Red Canyon Art, Uniquely Lyons, Gateway Auto Service, Stonebridge Farm, Lyons Dairy Bar, Moxie, Mojo Taqueria, Redstone Cyclery, and Wee Casa.
Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally, this event is for you, and you will be welcomed. Find us on Facebook @ LyonsPride, on Instagram @Lyonscopride or email lyonscopride@gmail.com.
Jackie Hibbard lives near Lyons and helps to coordinate the Lyons Pride activities.
other with five, but at least once I’ve seen one female with 13 while the other female enjoys her time away.
Common mergansers live and breed along the Colorado Front Range and up into the interior of the Rockies. The birds are short-distance migrators and leave their summer haunts here for west Texas and southern Arizona and New Mexico. In winter, mergansers form large flocks on inland reservoirs and rivers in those areas. They are often the last waterfowl to migrate south and the first to return in the spring.
Male and female mergansers are strikingly different; the males have white bodies, green heads and a red bill. The females have a gray body, and cinnamon-colored heads that are marked by a crest. They frequent all water bodies from large lakes, small ponds and swift rivers.
(In case you’re wondering, the word “merganser” comes from the Latin and roughly translates to “plunging goose.”)
Their nest sites are always near water, typically in a large tree cavity, but they will also nest in rocks, under tree roots and undercut bankings. The nests are made of woody debris and lined with down. (Given the sudden appearance of fledglings each spring in Lyons, I’m betting they nest under the McConnell bridge over the pond.)
Mergansers feed on small fish, crayfish
By Elisabeth Sherwin Redstone Review
LYONS – The historic Bunce School and Museum in Allenspark is open for free tours on select Saturdays this summer.
The one-room school, built in 1888, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays: June 21, July 5, July 19, Aug. 2 (the day of the Guild’s Annual Bazaar), Aug. 16, Aug. 30 and Sept. 20 (the day of the Guild’s Fall Festival).
The site is located a short walk from the Hilltop Guild’s Kelley House. Bunce School is owned by and was restored by Hilltop Guild members in 1996. The school holds county, state and national historic designations.
The Hilltop Guild continues to maintain the school and grounds as a museum reflecting the period 1888 to 1945.
Bunce School is located four miles south of Allenspark just off Highway 7 on Bunce School Road.
Elisabeth Sherwin retired from newspaper work in Davis, CA. She writes about Allenspark.
CATHY
“Babysitting” female merganser on Lyons River Park pond. HOLLY ZILLING
LOOKING UP
Gray Days: Can it ever be too green?
By Peter Butler Redstone Review
LYONS – It’s the morning of Friday, June 6, about 6:50 a.m., and I’m emptying the rain gauge: 0.13 inches or an eighth of an inch. It’s still drizzling, so the gauge starts filling again as soon as I leave it. There is a thick cloud layer and plenty of precipitation ready to arrive. Friday morning is Rabbit Mountain day for this very slow jogger and his canine companion so there is a frisson of upcoming visceral sogginess.
As we drive through Lyons, a few minutes later, the drizzle turns to rain and then to a serious pounding downpour for a few minutes. I think we might both be getting a bit more than we bargained for this morning.
At Rabbit Mountain the rain is easing but still falling. I love it and my border collie is bred for it. A sheep herder that is wet and slightly bedraggled bears the stamp of agricultural authenticity.
As we start, I realize that green is the theme of the day. The landscape is gloriously luminous, every possible shade: some lighter, yellow sap greens but mostly bluer sage tonalities. There must be a hundred shades of green all next to each other, contrasting into a mosaic of emerald wonder. I can’t count the different type of grass stems but each contributes a distinctive texture to the slowly evolving vista as we jog through.
At the top of Indian Mesa Trail we’re both a bit cold and soaked, but the first meadowlark of the morning pipes up with a suggestion: “Your steps are retraceable.” Thanks for the idea I reply internally, but we’ve got more staying power than you think.
The meadowlarks have been singing since the beginning of May, and, as in previous years, their music master has distributed a new song book for the season. There’s a motif of capability this year. It’s not totally new, and I’ve heard it before, but this year it’s more dominant. Each song phrase starts gently with two of three notes or words which then accelerate and tumble into a rushing arpeggio towards the
end finishing with an “ible” or an “able”. “Larks are invincible.” Yes I agree.
Apparently in 1844, John James Audubon realized that although the Eastern meadowlark had been recognized, described and named, our Western version had been overlooked. So the original Atlantic states version is Sturnella magna, which paradoxically means “Big Little Starling,” therefore Audubon named our occidental meistersinger Sturnella neglecta or “Little Starling That was Overlooked or Neglected.”
the rain is easing off and it gives yet more chance to think about greens.
It’s been a rainy spring so far. Looking at my rainfall record notebook (yes I know – geek alert – sorry) we have had 26 rainy days since the beginning of March compared to 13 for the same period last year. All the plants, wild and domestic are loving it and getting greener every day. As I look across this sweeping meadow I wonder if there are a trillion molecules of chlorophyll beaming color at me. It is such a soothing shade. Apparently red makes you hungry. In England, all the Indian restaurants used to have red flock wallpaper to increase the appetite of diners. The decor was hideous but maybe it increased revenue? But I think green peps up your internal batteries and gives one a feeling of solidity and belonging. Of course the big benefit of our wet landscape this year is that the wildfire season should be postponed at least for a while and that is always a relief.
Well I have never neglected our local spark of yellow with the ever changing song. My serenader repeats every few seconds and now he seems to be telling me “Some names retro changeable.” I think he knows his history. Then a minute or two later he getting sassy and morphs to “I said to chew a bubble.” Yes I’d chew one if I had one, I mutter through the rain drops, but I appreciate the friendly company. Anyway
So the gray weather has contributed in two ways. First the clouds gave us moisture to make the plants grow faster and then the flattering soft overcast light makes every eyeful a joy of shadowless detail. If you want to photograph a loved one, so that they look their best, choose a darker cloudy day and all those unwanted lines and shadows will vanish, leaving smooth curves of beauty.
So answering my initial question. No, I don’t think it can ever be too green. In fact now I understand what Wes, my meadowlark was trying to tell me: “Senses are rechargeable.”
Peter Butler was born in India and lived in a house facing a giant kapok tree. Growing up in England there were trees but never quite enough. After qualifying as biochemist there was a gradual evolution into being a graphic designer. He and his wife Deirdre moved to the States in 1997 and to Lyons in 2000. Finally there are enough trees.
Fairy Garden Fun, Coffee with the Coroner, Artist Evening and more at Lyons Library
By Kara Bauman Redstone Review
LYONS – The summer sun isn’t the only thing heating up. Your Lyons Community Library is in full bloom with a fresh crop of programs that are colorful, creative, and community-minded. Young imaginations will take root during Fairy Garden Fun on Wednesday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m., where preschoolers through third graders can design their own whimsical mini-gardens to take home. With magical materials provided and guidance on what plants fairies love best, this hands-on event promises to be as educational as it is enchanting.
On Saturday, June 21, we invite you to explore two very different but equally compelling views of life. At 10:30 a.m., Coffee with the Coroner offers a rare opportunity to meet Boulder County Coroner Jeff Martin and learn more about the essential work of his office. Adults and older teens are welcome to bring questions and engage in a thoughtful conversation about the realities of end-oflife care and investigation.
Then, at 2 p.m., our Nature Journaling Club meets to explore the world around us with fresh eyes. We’ll begin with a short video at the library before heading outdoors to observe, sketch, write, or reflect in a natural setting. Bring
your own journal or borrow supplies from the library.
Tuesday, June 24 at 6 p.m. brings the next installment of Summer Evening with an Artist, featuring local collage artist Cathy Rivers. Participants will craft unique handmade envelopes and card inserts using art paper and recycled materials. This event welcomes all skill levels, but registration is required to ensure we have enough supplies. Artwork created during this series may also be featured in our Chalk Art Festival and Art Expo on July 31.
For the youngest nature lovers, Little Rangers: Color Our World takes place Wednesday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. We’ll begin at the library and then head over to Sandstone Park for a color-themed scavenger hunt and eco-art project perfect for preschool and kindergarten learners.
June 26 brings a double feature of community engagement. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the library is partnering with the Town of Lyons to host a Blood Drive. Donating is a simple but powerful way to support those in need, and we hope you’ll consider making time to give.
Later that day, at 4 p.m., LEGO® lovers and Pokémon fans alike are invited to Pokémon Master Engineering. Kids will build their favorite Pokémon, take a ride on the S.S. Anne, and help rescue Pikachu from Team Rocket using only their creativity and some well placed bricks.
Saturday, June 28 offers a remarkable
opportunity to experience the Eyes of Freedom memorial in a whole new way through virtual reality. CU Boulder’s Immersive Media Lab and artist Anita Miller are testing this new format, and we’re one of the first public locations to host it. Participants aged 10 and up will don a VR headset to explore the exhibit, then offer feedback to help refine the final experience. Sessions will run on the hour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m. Space is limited; registration is recommended.
As Independence Day approaches, join us for Bucket Brigade Fireworks Safety Storytime on Wednesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. In partnership with the Lyons Fire Protection District, this fun and informative event teaches families how to celebrate safely while exploring the history and science of fireworks.
Science fun continues on Wednesday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m. with Physical Physics, a high-energy show by world champion juggler Peter Irish. Kids will learn the basics of physics through interactive juggling and balancing demonstrations. That evening at 6 p.m., the Pints and Pages Book Club returns to MainStage Brewing to discuss Crying in H Mart, Michelle Zauner’s poi gnant memoir of food, family,
and identity.
On Thursday, July 10 at 4 p.m., Rockin’ Rainbow Tubes with Science Matters! invites elementary-aged kids to explore the science of light and color through hands-on STEM play. The fun continues that evening with a Teen Summer Game & Craft Night beginning at 6 p.m. for middle schoolers and 7:45 p.m. for high schoolers. Whether you’re into Mario Kart, Uno, DIY crafts, or just hanging out with friends, this is the summer social you’ve been waiting for.
Your Lyons Community Library opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday. We close at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Our online catalog is available 24/7 at lyons.colibraries.org and we’re always open for digital downloads on the Libby, CloudLibrary, and Kanopy apps. Give us a call at 303-823-5165 or email info@lyonslibrary.com with any questions. Please see the calendar of events on our website for additional programs, program information, and registration instructions.
Kara Bauman is the Director of the Lyons Community Library and holds an MLIS from the University of Kentucky. She’s an avid fly angler, enjoys craft beer, and travels extensively to see her favorite band, Widespread Panic.
Butler
Bauman
Giving advice carries a responsibility
By John Gierach Redstone Review
LYONS – I’ve noticed lately that some of my friends my own age are beginning to act old. (For the record, I’m in my 70s.) For instance, they’ve begun to groan theatrically when they get out of any chair they’ve sat in for more than half and hour – something I’ve come to think of as a kind of geriatric karate yell.
They fondly reminisce about the days when you could buy a gallon of gas for 25 cents, conveniently omitting the fact that at the time a halfway decent job only paid $2.50 an hour and full-sized cars got eight miles to the gallon. They complain among themselves about their myriad aches and pains, although it’s a matter of personal style whether they keep quiet about that around the youngsters or dial it up a few notches for effect.
I do all the same things, of course, which is how I know it’s mostly performative: a way of overplaying the role of geezer as hopeful irony. If you’re not there yet, I can tell you that when you’re in your 70s you’ll still feel like a teenager, only with wrinkles, a touch of arthritis, at least of few of the maladies that are inevitable when you’re past your evolutionary expiration date, and a somewhat longer view of things.
This is all mostly half joking, but now and then reality reveals the half that’s not. Once I went to a podiatrist because my feet hurt and he said, “What do you expect? You’ve been walking on them for 70 years.” The guy was 25 years younger than me and this is obviously his stock line with older folks, but it was all I could do to keep from slapping his face. The problem was eventually solved by a nice lady at a shoe store who explained that as you get older, you need wider shoes.
I’m talking about men here. Women are said to fear aging more – and for all I know
that’s true – but they typically handle it with more grace and less buffoonery than we men do. They also live longer, which could have something to do with it.
I’m not sure what the socially acceptable stance on aging is now. On one hand, we Baby Boomers are supposed to go kicking and screaming into old age with the aid of Viagra, plastic surgery, health food, Silver Sneakers gym memberships and sports cars, while on the other, the idea of growing old gracefully and becoming venerable hasn’t entirely gone out of fashion.
the night shift at 7-11.
Your opinions may or may not be more informed by the perspective of age, but you come to believe they are. For instance, it was easier to oppose the war in Iraq when you can remember 39,940 dead in Korea, only to arrive at the stalemate that still exists today or the 58,193 who died in Vietnam before we finally shrugged and walked away as the French had done before us. And you might be angrier at the military/industrial complex that still has a stranglehold on our government and economy if you remember President Eisenhower warning us about it way back in 1961.
Eventually you develop a healthy skepti-
But either way, we find ourselves in an odd social paradox. With the exception of a few boy and girl geniuses, people our age pretty much rule the world – for better or worse. At the same time, many businesses have dumped us for a younger demographic; inexplicably walking away from an older, smarter market with more money in favor of a younger, dumber and poorer one. Many of the smartest and most successful people are in their 70s, but if you enter the workforce at that age, the best you can expect is to be a greeter at Walmart or work
Catching rain for the community
By Deborah Huth Price Redstone Review
LYONS – May was a rainy month, with a measured 5.16 inches gathered at my house in Pinewood Springs. I know this because I volunteer with the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS).
The precipitation that fell at your house, or your neighboring houses, could be slightly higher or lower. If you’ve been in Colorado long enough, you know that weather varies, sometimes a few feet away.
This fact came to light in an important way back in 1997 when a huge rainstorm hit Fort Collins in late July. Buckets of rain came down on the city causing Spring Creek to flood, resulting in $200 million dollars in damages and the loss of five lives.
Unfortunately, there was no uniform way of collecting widespread data on rainfall at that time. The only nearby automatic rain gauge sending data to the National Weather Service was located about five miles away near I-25 and only recorded about two inches of rain. With Colorado’s high elevation, wind patterns, and variations in altitude,
precipitation and storms vary widely but there weren’t a lot of ways to track this.
Enter Nolan Doesken, a climatologist in Fort Collins, who took it upon himself to create a better network. He enlisted the help of students and others to collect data from community members by asking for any type of measurement they had from the storm – this even included measuring rain collected in buckets that had been left out in people’s yards. The survey’s conclusion showed that nearly a year’s annual rainfall (14 inches) fell on the west side of town while the east side was closer to two to three inches.
The value in this community effort was evident, and with Doesken’s guidance CoCoRaHS was born. In 1997 the internet was still young, so a group of high school students were recruited to build a website.
“Denver wanted in, and then Wyoming wanted to join, and fast forward 27 years later, CoCoRaHS is in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canada, and the Bahamas,” said Noah Newman, CoCoRaHS Education and Outreach Coordinator.
Today, Colorado has over 1,200 volunteers who monitor precipitation collection stations in their own backyards, and the entire network now includes over 27,000 active volunteers. “The biggest surprise to
older person for advice or even who it was, but I remember the epiphany that made it possible. Jerry Rubin, the radical 1960s activist who famously said, “Never trust anyone over 30,” had himself turned 30, and at the end of the CBS evening news that night, then anchor Walter Cronkite wished him a happy birthday with a nearly straight face.
I felt a sympathetic sting for Rubin at the time and still do. Writers are all too familiar with having something they once said, and meant, coming back to haunt them years later. “It seemed true at the time” is the only valid defense.
When I’m asked for advice now it’s almost always about writing because that’s what I’ve done for most of my adult life. I want to believe it’s because they think I’m good, although in most cases it’s just because I’m the only writer they know. If the truth were known, they’d probably rather ask Tom McGuane.
Most questions are surprisingly mundane, tending toward the nuts and bolts. I once spoke to the graduate level seminar on essay writing and was prepared with all sorts of lofty ideas about theory, but all any of them wanted to know was, “How do you sell a story?”
cism which you try to keep from tipping over into total dark cynicism. This is a losing battle for some of us, but still worth the effort, if only because younger people do occasionally ask for your advice, and bitterness is rarely helpful.
These folks are usually in their 20s or 30s: the age when you begin to see the long haul stretching out of sight in front of you and when the first blushes of adulthood (being of legal drinking age with your own job and car) have begun to seem a little mundane, if not an actual dead end.
I don’t remember when I first went to an
us is the heartwarming feedback we consistently receive from people who tell us that CoCoRaHS gives them a purpose, and a reason to get their day going,” said Newman.
Data collection helps in a variety of ways.
“The National Weather Service uses reported rainfall amounts to verify their radar and satellite products, which are not always accu-
Still, being asked for advice about anything is a rare compliment and a huge responsibility. It’s no time for joking or preening and it’s definitely time to drop the geezer act. The cards are on the table and whatever specific question someone asks, what they really want to know is, Did you sleepwalk through the last 70 years, or did you actually learn something?
John Gierach died on Oct. 3, 2024. He was an outdoor and fly-fishing writer who wrote books and columns for magazines including a regular column for Trout, the magazine for Trout Unlimited. His books include Trout Bum, Sex Death and Fly-fishing, and Still Life with Brook Trout. He won seven first place awards from the Colorado Press Association for his columns in the Redstone Review. His last book, All the Time in the World, was released in March 2023. This column ran previously in the Redstone Review in June 2024.
rate for what actually lands on the ground,” explained Newman. “It also immensely helps the National Weather Service’s River Forecast Centers where they put out predictions of when and how much any particular river in the US may reach flood stages.”
CoCoRaHS also collects snow data.
“When volunteers go the extra effort to melt and measure the water content from a core of snowfall, these data are used by NOAA’s
snow analysis experts,” said Newman. I’ve been collecting rain data for CoCoRaHS since 2016. To participate, you just need to purchase a CoCoRaHS-approved rain gauge. Gauges vary a lot, it turns out, but CoCoRaHS uses gauges that are precise to within the nearest 1/100th of an inch. In looking back at my data, I recorded 19.91 inches in Pinewood Springs in 2023, and 13.92 in 2024. The 5.16” I recorded in May is almost double the NOAA 30-year May normal of 2.65”. So yes, we had a lot of rain last month. The May rainfall in Pinewood Springs is about one-fourth to one-third of our annual rainfall. While we know Colorado’s weather is always unpredictable, hopefully that rain will continue to fall in my gauge throughout the summer.
To find out more about how to volunteer, or for general information on CoCoRaHS, go to www.cocorahs.org.
Deborah Huth Price is an environmental educator who lives in Pinewood Springs. Visit her blog at www.walk-the-wild-side.blog or email her at debhprice@gmail.com.
Gierach
A teacher’s perspective on housing
By Tanya Mercer-Daty Redstone Review
LYONS – After taking 16 years away from a teaching career to raise my children, I decided it was time to head back to the classroom. I couldn’t think of a better place to serve as a guest teacher than at Lyons Elementary School.
When my children attended school there many moons ago, I was deeply committed to helping educators by serving on the PTO. Having taught in various schools in Canada and France, Lyons Elementary School (LES) has to be one of my favorite elementary schools. LES is the definition of a community school. I have never witnessed such a strong partnership between the administration, the staff, the parents and the students. It is incredible to see what can be accomplished when everyone serves the same goal.
This past January, I set foot in a fourthgrade classroom at LES for the first time in 16 years. It felt so good to be back in the classroom with students who are eager to learn and with teachers who are eager to teach. Having teachers live and work in our community is such a gift. I have seen their children learn alongside my children. I recently saw the excitement in young dancers when they recognized their kindergarten teacher at Mayama’s dance recital. I also got to witness an elementary teacher at a neighbor’s graduation party speak of what an impact this little girl had on her community while growing up. These connections are priceless. I strongly believe in the African proverb,
“It takes a village to raise a child.” When many people first arrive in Lyons, they realize that Lyons is the kind of community where you want to raise a family because we are so tightly knit. Friends and neighbors take care of each other. It’s how my family has been able to live here for the last 13 years without any family in the country.
I will always remember my friend Cherie Maureaux asking me if Lyons was the best place to raise a child, when she moved here with her daughter River six years ago. Of course, I responded with the obvious answer, “Hell, yes.” In my humble opinion,
teacher (with a BA) is $64,500. As a point of reference, $63,300 is 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) of Boulder County for a one-person household.
This means that a first year teacher would over qualify for Lyons Valley Townhomes whose rent is set at 60 percent AMI.
This is why I believe we need to focus on creating attainable housing, which is considered between 80 percent ($84,400) and 120 percent ($123,360) AMI. I believe that teachers make such a contribution to our community that we need to strive to build housing that they can afford. My concern is that several of our teachers will retire in the next few years from teaching and that young teachers who will be hired to replace them will not be able to afford to buy a house in Lyons where the median sale price of a home in Lyons was $933,000 last year. Imagine how this might affect our community if our teachers cannot live in Lyons.
represents the best of small town America.
When I think of my friends who teach at Lyons Elementary School, I can’t help but think how lucky they are to have moved to Lyons 20 or 30 years ago when it was still affordable to buy a house on a teacher’s salary. Nowadays, the starting salary for a
Dr. Karen Gregg is the beloved band director and music teacher at Lyons Middle Senior HS. She considers her and her family very lucky to have been able to move to Lyons eight years ago, 16 years after she started teaching at LMS/HS. She still remembers having to commute with an infant in tow from Firestone while working long hours on concert nights. She explained to me that she “wanted to serve where she lives/works.”
One of her favorite things about teaching
Something for everyone at LEAF this summer
By Daryl McCool Redstone Review
LYONS – Summer solstice is around the corner and LEAF (Lyons Elevating All Fund) is inviting the greater Lyons community to embrace holistic well-being through its summer Front Porch sampler – a series of free wellness offerings designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Hosted at LEAF and in nearby community spaces, Front Porch programs are open to everyone in our community.
The Front Porch is a curated collection of well ness experiences that blend creativity, movement, and mindfulness. Each offering is led by a local expert and is offered at no cost, thanks to generous support from LEAF and Boulder County Community Services. The classes, groups, and experiences are designed to foster connection, reduce stress, and promote personal growth.
inspiring way. The labyrinth serves as an oracle or “soul compass” to guide members in both an individual and collective soul search. Chris Peraro, LEAF therapist and guide, leads this weekly self-actualization group.
Nature-Based Pottery: Come together to have fun hand-building your own unique clay pieces. The five-week course includes building, then letting the clay air dry for a few days, bisque firing, and finally adding a second glaze firing in a kiln. The course is offered as a multi-week process. Sessions are held in a nature-based studio in Spring Gulch with facilitators Sally Glass and Scarlett Reavey.
Holistic Dance and Martial Arts: Black belt Nia practitioner Jasmine Lok leads a series of classes at Mayama Dance Studio where you can practice holistic movement – combining dance, martial arts, and healing arts to engage the body, mind, and spirit.
ing recovery and their family members and loved ones are invited to these self-growth, awareness, and healing sessions.
Youth Art Workshops: Registered art therapist Jennifer Jarrett, ATR, MAET, leads several multi-hour dates of art groups specific to age groups (elementary, middle, and high school) over the summer.
in Lyons is “remembering students who have continued to give back to the community through music,” She considers Zach Tucker, Vice-President at Planet Bluegrass and Eric Kean, owner of MainStage Brewery, both former students as “fierce advocates of live music.” Gregg’s main concern with the cost of housing in Lyons is the “unintentional exclusion of teachers from living in the community where they teach.”
Priscilla Tippin just finished her second year teaching kindergarten at LES. Her middle schooler transferred to Lyons Middle Senior HS when her mom started teaching at LES. Since school got out in May, her father has been working on his Ph.D. at the Lyons library while their daughter hangs out with friends in Lyons. At the end of the day, she asks her mom, “Why can’t we move to Lyons?” Her mom always answers with the same response: “Do you have one million dollars?”
Tippin and her family would love to be more involved in Lyons, especially with her twins heading to LES in August. Having moved to Colorado from El Paso, Texas five years ago, I can see how the pull of family and lower real estate prices could draw her and her family back to Texas. What a loss it would be for our community.
Joni Liquori is a full-time preschool paraprofessional at Lyons Elementary School, where she went to school starting in 2005. She explains that she still lives with her parents due to high housing costs and so few options in Lyons. Liquori thinks it’s extremely important for educators to be able to live in the community where they teach.
According to her, “Parent/teacher/student relationships are strengthened when we participate in community events togethContinue Housing on Page 14
LEAF’s Front Porch series is part of LEAF’s overall mission of fostering a healthy, connected community in Lyons. Our neighbors come together in connection, share experiences, and build supportive relationships during Front Porch experiences.
The Front Porch series includes a diverse range of activities, including: Labyrinth Walkers: Walk the Lyons Memorial Labyrinth in a unique and
Open Mic Night at Oskar Blues: This inclusive experience for budding performers (teens and pre-teens 18 and under) is held on the main stage at Oskar Blues. Singers, musicians, artists, dancers, poets, all talents are encouraged. Sessions are emceed by Isaac Nemcek. Free snacks are offered to performers.
Stable Recovery: In this addiction support program, James Hart, Certified Addiction Specialist, and his therapy horses at the Hart Family Farm offer recovery-based discussions and meditations. All those seek-
Additional Front Porch offerings include Qi Gong with Lana Reed, Writing Toward Wholeness with Elizabeth Marglin, the Art of Money with Sally Glass, Art Workshops for Adults by Jennifer Jarrett, and Introduction to Fly-Fishing in the St. Vrain with local fly educator/guide Blaine Davis. Community members are encouraged to submit ideas and proposals for future wellness workshops by emailing LEAF’s Clinical Program Director, Cherie Maureaux, at cherie@leaflyons.org.
Every Front Porch experience is inclusive, welcoming individuals from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds. Some classes and groups may have limited space to ensure a quality experience for participants, so please enroll early to ensure your spot(s). To register, go to LEAF’s website at www.
leaflyons.org and click on the “Front Porch Offerings” link. Another exciting event to bookmark is the annual LEAF and LCF Hootenanny, scheduled for August 24, 2025. LEAF and the Lyons Community Foundation co-hosts the fifth year of this family-friendly festival and community exposition at beautiful River Bend in Lyons. Come enjoy live music, dance performances, local vendors, food trucks, and the famous Rubber Duckie Race fundraiser tradition. For those wishing to participate in corporate sponsorship, or to explore more information about the Hootenanny, visit LEAF’s website at www. leaflyons.org and click on the “Ways to Give” link.
As always, LEAF offers completely confidential mental health supports, to include individual counseling, assessment, and referral. Everyone is welcome to inquire about services by confidentially emailing mentalwellness@leaflyons.org. New mental health and related medical consultations can also be scheduled on LEAF’s website under the Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery tab.
Welcome to summer in Lyons. We look forward to joining you on LEAF’s Front Porch soon and visiting with you at the Hootenanny.
Daryl McCool is a member of the LEAF Board of Directors
Lyons
James Brighton and Layla Sproul perform at Oskar Blues Open Mic!
McCool
Mercer-Daty
SHOWCASE
New Summer Vibes Festival coming to Lyons
By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review
LYONS – There’s an audible heartbeat to Lyons where live music can be found most summer nights. This summer, the volume cranks up with the new Summer Vibes Rally and Festival on June 21, a unique event that is part bike race, part running rally and part concert.
Summer Vibes will feature several bike events (gravel bike courses and a dirt jump jam) and four running events (Trail Run Relay, Beer Relay, Trail Dog Run, 5-Mile Run), plus a combined bike and running event. To keep the energy high and provide entertainment for racers, locals and visitors alike, there will be a big music stage at the event venue with a three-band lineup. The goal of Summer Vibes is to bring music festival energy to a weekend of cycling, trail running, and camping.
The Summer Vibes Festival grounds will also feature kid-friendly activities including a Woom kids’ bike race and inflatables, cold-plunge tubs and wood-fired saunas, weekend camping at Bohn Park, and local food and drink vendors.
The Summer Vibes will take place Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with bands playing from 1p.m. to 6 p.m. in Bohn Park, 199 2nd Ave. The concerts are free and open to the public. To register for the events and more info visit: www.SummerVibesRally.com.
Also on deck for the summer is the Sandstone Summer Concert Series. Held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30
p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Sandstone Park in Lyons, the concerts will feature a wide variety of musical genres. The salsa band, Quemando, kicks off the series on Wednesday, June 11.
Here’s the full summer lineup:
June 11 - Quemando (Salsa)
June 18 - Lionel Young band with Erica Brown (Blues)
June 25 - High Lonesome (Bluegrass, Americana)
July 2 - Ryan Chyrs & The Rough Cuts (Outlaw Country, Rock n’ Roll)
July 9 - Chris Daniels & the Kings (Blues, Funk, R&B)
July 17 - Los Cheesies (Latino & Gringo party band)
July 23 - Bonnie & Taylor Sims Band (Americana)
July 30 - Shuck Wagon (Bluegrass, Americana)
Aug 6 - Halden Wofford & the Hi* Beams- (Honky Tonk)
Plus there are more notable early summer happenings in Lyons:
A Sunday Moxie Lyons Farmers Market has come to the Moxie Mercantile. The market, located off of High St. in historic downtown Lyons, will run through the fall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday. This local market will feature local artisans, food producers and live music.
The Lyons Garden Club will host its Mountain Blooms Garden Tour on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are free, but the garden club gratefully accepts donations. All details about the tour and ticketing information can be found at www.lyonsgardenclub.com.
The Fifth Annual Lyons Pride Festival will take place on
14
Passing on Knowledge A Mural in Longmont
By Sally King Redstone Review
I think you know this mural in Downtown Longmont. It’s on Main Street as you are headed south, located by the Cheba Hut (I recommend their tuna on warm garlic bread)
It’s a mural of four generations of women braiding each other’s hair
The grandmother braids the little ones hair Next is the daughter of the grandmother Followed by the daughter of the mother. Passing on Knowledge....
Honoring the lineage of a family.
The artist is Gamma Gallery, a street artist Who thought that the mural would be temporary Until Everyone Loved It.
We have an upcoming mural opportunity On the long grey West facing wall of the Annex Building That the town used during the flood. It’s on Broadway behind the Barking Dog. The applications are due the 20th of June. If you are interested, visit the town’s web site. And there is also a design contest for a municipal flag In the works to be announced soon.
Art is here to inspire and heal us Expressing the values we share.
“AHH”- American’s Holding Hands. America has always been a Melting Pot. Love us.
LCF kicks off summer fun with Sandstone Concerts, seeks Summer Vibes Fest volunteers
By Rachel Pickarski Redstone Review
LYONS – The Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) is thrilled to help usher in another season of music, connection, and community spirit with the return of the Sandstone Summer Concert Series.
This free and family-friendly tradition takes place every Wednesday evening beginning June 11 and running through August 6 at Sandstone Park in downtown Lyons. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and feature an exciting lineup of local and regional talent that’s sure to get you dancing.
This summer’s series kicks off on June 11 with Quemando, followed by the Lionel Young Band with Erica Brown on June 18, and High Lonesome on June 25. In July, the park will come alive with performances
by Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts on July 2, Chris Daniels and the Kings on July 9, Los Cheesies on July 16, Bonnie and Taylor Sims Band on July 23, and Shuck Wagon on July 30. The series will close on August 6 with a performance by Halden Wofford and the Hi* Beams.
Each week, LCF board members and volunteers will be onsite with popcorn, hot dogs, baked goods, and non-alcoholic beverages available for donation. These treats help support the foundation’s year-round grantmaking and community programming.
The Sandstone Summer Concert Series is a cherished opportunity to gather with neighbors, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate the arts in the heart of Lyons. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and friends – it’s a perfect midweek tradition for the whole family.
In addition to concert festivities, LCF is honored to be a nonprofit beneficiary of the upcoming Summer Vibes Bike Rally
and Run Festival on Saturday, June 21. Volunteers are still needed to help with a variety of roles to ensure the event runs smoothly. Whether you’re assisting with check-in, helping along the course as a marshal, supporting general event logistics, serving food and drinks, or lending a hand with setup and breakdown, your time will make a big difference.
Each volunteer will receive a Summer Vibes t-shirt, a burrito bowl from La Mariposa, a beverage of their choice (including non-alcoholic options), and a $20 donation to LCF for each hour volunteered. To sign up and be part of this exciting day of fun and fitness, please visit https://events. com/r/en_US/registration/volunteer-forthe-summer-vibes-bike-rally-run-festival-lyons-june-980650.
We hope to see you at Sandstone Park this summer, and thank you for continuing to support LCF and the incredible Lyons community we all love.
Rachel Pickarski is the Marketing and Communications Consultant for Lyons Community Foundation.
Pickarski
WHAT’S COOKIN’
A delicious use for jam
By Barbara Shark Redstone Reviews
LYONS – Every summer I make apricot jam. My daughter has followed my example and makes and shares various kinds of jam and fruit butters – peach, strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb. We have a plethora of jam. Our diet has changed and except for a peanut butter and jam sandwich or toast and jam to accompany scrambled eggs, we eat very little of the delectable spread.
I still love apricot jam, so redolent of the tart fruit – the scent and taste of summer. So, I’ve been looking for ways to use it in other ways and remembered a recipe in one of my Italian cookbooks for a jam tart. I made one and we enjoyed it but it was a bit sweet for my taste. These jam bars are made with a shortbread crust and a thinner layer of jam. Just right.
Jam Bars
Preheat the oven to 350°.
Line an 8- or 9-inch square pan with parchment in each direction leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars. Butter the parchment. Using a Cuisinart, mixer or a wooden spoon combine one cup (two sticks) room temperature unsalted butter and 1/2 cup plus two tablespoons sugar. Add a large egg, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and one teaspoon kosher salt. Stir in 2 ½ cups unbleached flour to make a soft dough. Put one cup of dough aside for the topping then spread the remainder in an even layer in the prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until lightly brown along the edges, about 30 minutes. Let cool slightly then spread half to three-quarters cup of your favorite jam over the crust. Add the zest of a lemon. Top with crumbles of the remaining dough and sprinkle with two tablespoons sliced almonds. Bake for an additional 35 minutes. Let cool completely. Slice into four strips then into one-inch bars. Makes 24 bars.
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.
Enjoy cream tea at your Colorado kitchen table with fruit scones
By Catherine Metzger Redstone Review
SAN MIGUEL COUNTY – Last week I reached into my grocery store’s specialty dairy case and, to my surprise and delight, pulled out a jar of Devonshire clotted cream. This unique product is made from the rich, high-butterfat milk of Jersey and Guernsey cows that roam the picturesque fields of southwestern England’s county of Devon.
course, tea.
Clotted cream is traditionally made from full-cream cow’s milk that is baked on low heat in a shallow pan for 12 hours or more. Once thickened, the cream clots rise to the surface and are skimmed off and used as a spread. I’m glad this work is done for me by someone else who was kind enough to bottle it up and fly it halfway around the world for me to try.
Upon returning home with such a rare commodity, I was inspired to search for the perfect scone recipe to accompany a cream tea. A cream tea is a lighter version of the traditional afternoon tea without the multiple baked items. Instead, this decidedly English experience consists of a batch of warm scones, clotted cream, jam and, of
I’m also glad not to have to fly to England for this, and even more excited that I have no more excuses not to try and make a cream tea. After all, travel has become such a waiting game of bumped flights and long delays, especially foreign travel. But thanks to YouTube, cooks can experience culinary adventures without the need to drag oneself and one’s luggage around the world and through the chaos of planes, trains and automobiles.
Although in my mind’s eye I picture the rolling hillsides, cliffs and estuaries of southwestern England, I can experience the award-winning fruit scones and cream tea directly from the best cafés in Dartmouth right here at my Colorado kitchen table. Since clotted cream now appears to be available in most grocery stores, all that’s left for me to do is bake the scones.
This recipe was found in my cream tea
teers will be there to assist and hang the show until 7 p.m.
The LAHC Tandem Art Shows Opening Reception starts at the Lyons Library the following Wednesday, July 23 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. (before the nearby Sandstone Concert begins at 6:30 p.m.) where attendees can enjoy the by-invitation LAHC Library Show – this time called Piece by Piece and featuring the work of two local artists, Becky Jacobson (mosaics) and Barbara Yates Beasley (quilts). In addition, there is local music (hammered dulcimer by local Mimi Wesson), food (MainStage pizza this time), assorted beverages ($5 per drink donation to the LAHC encouraged), and local arts announcements. The doors to the nearby Town Hall Art Show open around 5:15 p.m. where ballots are available for folks to vote on their favorites.
Look forward to meeting the artists of Lyons and seeing everyone’s creativity shine. For more information, contact Chrystal DeCoster at 401-301-1212 or chrystaldecoster@gmail.com.
Lyons Library is hosting a blood drive
LYONS – On June 26 there will be a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library, 451 4th Ave. The library is partnering with the Town of Lyons to host the Blood Drive. Donating is a simple but powerful way to support those in need – and we hope you’ll consider making time to give.
Eyes of Freedom Memorial
scone quest where a genuine afficionado came up in my search named Ditch Townsend, who has reviewed over 250 cream teas in the county of Devon on his blog Devoncreamteas.wordpress.com. He has determined that this recipe from Dart to the Mouth Deli gets a 5/5 for flavor, and after trying it, I agree.
Fruit Scones à la Dart to the Mouth
Deli, Dartmouth England
Preheat oven to 180C/356F
500g/4 cups + 1 1/2 tablespoons self-rising flour
125g/1/2 cups + 1 tablespoons butter 1/4 teaspoon salt
7g/1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
Work these together until they have the consistency of fine bread crumbs.
To the flour mixture add:
87g/1/2 cup raisins
In a 2-cup measuring cup beat together:
187ml/3/4 cups full fat milk
1 whole egg
88g/2/3 cup caster sugar 1/2 cap vanilla extract
Pour all but two tablespoons of milk mixture into the dry ingredients and use a large spoon to incorporate until the dough is sticky. Do not over-stir the dough. Turn out onto counter and gently knead until smooth and no
LYONS – On Saturday June 28, Lyons residents will have a remarkable opportunity to experience the Eyes of Freedom memorial in a whole new way – through virtual reality. CU Boulder’s Immersive Media Lab and artist Anita Miller are testing this new format, and the Lyons Library is one of the first public locations to host it. Participants aged 10 and up will don a VR headset to explore the exhibit, then offer feedback to help refine the final experience. Sessions will run on the hour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m. at the Lyons Library. Space is limited; registration is recommended.
Exercise class moved
LYONS – For those of you who are unaware, Senior Exercise class has moved to Bohn Park for the rest of the summer. We meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in the big field near the restrooms. You can read more about the class at https://www.townoflyons.com/624/ Register-for-Recreation-Programs. While Lisa Ramsey is away, Kristin Powell will lead the exercise class on June 12 and 17. On June 17, she plans to lead the class in belly dancing and she’ll bring scarves and other accessories to maximize the fun. On June 19, Lana Reed will be leading the class in the practice of Chi Qong. We always enjoy these sessions and look forward to our time with her. Please join us at Bohn Park for some fun. Ramsey can be reached at 303-923-6622, ext. 30.
longer sticky. Roll out to a one-inch thick round. Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or cut into triangles as with a pie. Set each scone on parchment paper or silicone mat and brush the tops with the remaining milk mixture. Bake for 8 1/2 minutes, then turn tray 180 degrees to bake evenly for another 8 1/2 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm with clotted cream, jam and tea.
Catherine Ripley Metzger has been cooking professionally and privately since 1979. She was a French cuisine journeyman at the celebrated Henri d’Afrique restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Today she is the proprietor of the food blog www.foodfortheages.com and cooks with curiosity from the ground up in her log cabin home on the Western Slope of Colorado.
Lyons develops a reputation as an art-centric community
By Kristin Bruckner Redstone Review
LYONS – Lyons is known as the “hip little town that everyone loves.” But what do people love about it?
The people are great: we have an eclectic variety of musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, gardeners, educators, scientists, philanthropists and the list goes on.
The nice thing about small town living is that people tend to know and look out for one another. With the launch of summer patio-season one can see the gather-
of
any given weekend
Most notable is our sculpture program called the “heARTS of LYONS, A public sculpture tour all over town.” Because it’s a loan program, it allows us to bring in new sculptures every year. Driving along Hwy. 36 westbound towards downtown, the variety of sculptures is quite impressive. We proudly boast a mural by world-renowned artist Android Jones on our Town Hall building, and a curated, painted utility box program. Are we doing enough to support our local artists? The town has made it a priority to address the lack of “workforce” housing. The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC) spends a considerable amount of its energy fundraising and providing opportunities to support local
We have dramatic scenery and access to all types of outdoor recreation from worldclass mountain biking and kayaking to incredible hiking trails and even our well loved pickle-ball courts.
Lyons is home to unique shopping, fabulous dining experiences and an historic downtown district.
So, what inspires people to really love where they live or one that others want to visit?
I would argue that the wide-ranging art scene here is a big part of what draws people in. Lyons may have the highest per-capita concentration of artists and public art in the state. For a town of around 2,200 people, we have quite a robust public art presence.
unfortunate history of our forcibly removing these groups from the land, we can do our best to honor their stories.
This might be one idea for a mural, in addition to concepts that tell another aspect of our cultural history such as our roots in the local quarry industry, auto-tourism or our local music scene. The artist stipend for the mural project is budgeted for $4,500 and details may be found here: https:// www.townoflyons.com/824/Lyons-Mural-Program. The call will close on June 20.
The town is also looking to celebrate our 135th anniversary of incorporation as a statutory town in Colorado with the creation of a municipal flag. This exciting project comes at a momentous time in our
art creation and community. Through grant-based fundraising support by groups such as the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) the Boulder County Arts Alliance (BCAA), and Cemex Cement Plant, the LAHC has put out a few “call-for-entry” opportunities for local art and its creators.
The Lyons Mural Project recently announced a call for a mural that would front Broadway on a private building in town. Paid with grant funding, the blank canvas is roughly 26 feet wide by 9 feet high. The LAHC is seeking applicants with an inspired story of some aspect of Lyons history, ideally one that is currently under told. People may know that this land was originally home to the Arapaho Hinono’eino, Cheyenne Tsi-tsi-stahs, and Ute Nuuchi-u tribes. Although we cannot change this
The most recent artistic call to be awarded was the winner of the Creative Outlets, a curated, painted utility box program throughout town. With support from the Lyons Community Foundation and the Winter Plaza owners, a utility box in Winter Plaza will be painted with a Lyons-inspired theme. Simone Paterno, a young local artist and recent graduate, won this commission among a field of very talented artists. In other arts-related happenings, the Lyons Creative District has officially made it to the final round of applicants to move forward with their state application to become an official Colorado Creative District. This is a project that has been in the works for several years and is gaining exciting momentum. A Creative District is an official status awarded by Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) and Colorado
local and national history. In 2026, the United States will commemorate its 250th anniversary, while Colorado celebrates its Sesquicentennial – 150 years of statehood. These dual milestones – America 250 and Colorado 150 – have inspired communities across the country to reflect on their histories and create new traditions that honor the past while looking toward the future.
As a town deeply rooted in arts, nature, and community spirit, Lyons is embracing this moment to celebrate our 135 years, as an opportunity to reflect on its journey and contribute to the larger narrative of state and national identity. The call will go out for design submissions in the next several weeks and artists will have the opportunity to apply. The artist chosen will receive a $500 stipend.
Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the designation puts the community on the map for cultural tourism, which can increase visitation and enhance local businesses. A decision should be announced in the coming weeks. This will only further solidify our reputation of an art-centric community and another reason why everyone says “I love Lyons.”
Kristen Bruckner is the Coordinator for Arts and Cultural Services for the Town of Lyons. She and her husband Dan have lived in Lyons for 20 years, raising three kids and participating in many town activities. She may be reached at Kbruckner@townoflyons.com
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Bruckner
Recognizing the fabulous fathers of the animal world for Father’s Day
By Cindy Leikam Redstone Review
LYONS – Father’s Day is dedicated to honoring all the hard-working dads that provide for their families all year long. In the animal kingdom, not all dads stick around after the young are born, but there are some species in which the father helps to raise their offspring and deserves some recognition.
There are many examples around the world of proud papas in nature, and birds are the most common, but there are some mammals that put in equal time to rear the next generation. Here in North America, there are several special species that make that list, including a few surprises.
Most raptors mate for life and share in parenting duties. This list includes all species of hawks, falcons, ospreys, American kestrels, owls, and bald eagles. Perhaps the most famous pair is Shadow and Jackie, the bonded bald eagles of Big Bear Valley in California.
After a rigorous permitting and fundraising process, a nonprofit received permission to install a live-stream web camera on the nest to share their endearing relationship with the world. It’s definitely worth a watch if you haven’t yet!
Canine fathers like red and grey foxes, coyotes, and grey wolves play important roles in protecting the dens, foraging for food to feed the mom and pups, and teaching the young canines how to hunt. Fox fathers have been observed hiding bits of food near the den and allowing the young kits to find it on their own, thus teaching them how to forage. If something were to happen to the mother, canine dads have been observed to step in to raise the pups on their own.
equal time both raising and protecting. When the female is sitting on the nest or tending to the babies, and predators are near, the male will distract the culprits, allowing the goslings to escape harm.
Great blue heron dads share parenting duties. When building the nest in the rookery, the male will find sticks, grasses, and other building materials and deliver them to
piggy back rides to forage for meals, and will step up as a single parent if something happens to the mother. And not to be left out, even the smallest dads stick around to help out. Prairie voles mate for life and the male shares in the responsibilities of family life. From the beginning, they are there to help build their dens and burrows, to raise the young, and to find food to fill the hungry bellies. All dads of all species deserve to be recognized for their hard work and sacrifice in bringing up the next generation. If you are looking for a way to honor the human father in your life, and to help all the hard working wild dads out there, check out our second annual charity golf tournament, Birdies and Bogies on June 23.
The common Canada goose is perhaps the most well known of the local fowl to mate for life. Both parents spend
Allenspark Hilltop Bazaar to be held on Aug. 2
ALLENSPARK – The Hilltop Guild Bazaar on Aug. 2 offers vendor booths for $75. This annual mountain event in Allenspark brings in 500 people from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for food, live music, and homemade crafts. Vendors add an important element to the day. A large portion of the money raised goes to scholarships for high school students in Lyons, Estes Park and Allenspark. Contact Barbara Swanson to reserve your vendor spot at barb.swanson51@icloud. com or 816 807 3414.
Lyons starts curb and gutter project LYONS – Starting the week of June 16, a pavement firm will begin mobilization in Lyons with a project list, which includes repaving some streets north of Main Street, installing some curb and gutter, and upgrading storm drainage along various streets in town. These improvements
connection—qualities we value here in our own Lyons community.
the nest site so the female can arrange them as she wishes. Once the eggs are laid, the two take turns sitting on them, and when the eggs hatch, both herons take turns hunting for food to bring back to the nest.
Beavers form monogamous bonds and once kits are born, the male tends to keep the lodge safe and tidy while mom cares for the young. Papa beaver will even take the kits on
will enhance safety, drainage, and street quality.
The funding was approved by the Lyons Board of Trustees at the June 2 BoT meeting. Based on the recommendations of the Pavement Management Report, some streets will be repaved, some will have chip seal and some crack seal repairs. Work is expected to last through August.
This work includes:
•Reese Street: From 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue
•Seward Street: From 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue
•Stickney Street: From 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue
•4th Avenue: From Reese Street to Stickney Street
•Stone Canyon Drive
•1st Avenue
•Ewald Avenue
Hosted at the stunning Lake Valley Golf Club in Niwot, participants will enjoy a day on the greens with breakfast, lunch, and select beverages included. Register as a team of four or as a single player. The tournament will be played as a “scramble” where each foursome plays off the best shot of each stroke within the group. Compete in fun, friendly contests along the course for a variety of prizes, like a trip to the famous Pebble Beach (lodging, round-trip airfare, and three rounds of golf included!), a $100 Scheels gift card, and much more. The tournament winner takes home an engraved trophy and free round of golf, and the hole-in-one contest winner splits a $20,000 prize with the patients at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to tee up for wildlife. Register at https://www.greenwoodwildlife.org/birdies-bogeys/.
Cindy Leikam is the Greenwood Wildlife intern.
Fox families stick together—strong, smart, and side by side. Whether they’re playfully pouncing in the grass or resting in the shade, these clever creatures are a symbol of resilience and
Lyons Lions Club awards scholarships to three Lyons High School students
By Phil Aumiller Redstone Review
LYONS – On May 7, three outstanding Lyons High School seniors were presented with scholarships from the Lyons Lions Club. The club is honored to distribute funds raised at last year’s Lions Club Golf Tournament to such deserving students.
Jordan Boldt is passionate about Artificial Intelligence and intends to apply that passion towards his continuing education and also towards creating an app that would benefit the victims of disasters, helping them find the resources they need for recovery.
Genevieve Newell and Elle Magaldi both are passionate about pursuing careers in healthcare. Both have already started this journey through extracurricular work and life experiences. Their
Tips Continued from Page 2
wear and reapply sunscreen to protect your skin and use bug spray to keep yourself safe from bug bites.
Prepare for possible jet lag. Data shows that 60 to 70 percent of long distance travelers may experience some form of jet lag. Preparing for time changes and getting good sleep prior to travel may help reduce symptoms of jet lag. Make sure to drink lots of water. At your destination, soak in the sunlight as this may help reset your internal clock to help promote better sleep, which may be key to reducing jet lag and supporting your immune system.
Consider travel medical insurance and travel protection. Accidents happen. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. That may include making sure you have health coverage while you’re away, which may help you avoid major costs in the event of an accident or sudden illness. If you plan to travel, check with your health plan to see what coverage you may have at your destination – especially if you’re traveling internationally as many health plans may not cover medical expenses while abroad.
These tips may help you stay on top of your health so you can enjoy a worry-free vacation and return home reenergized.
Dr. Amit Arwindekar is Medical Director at UnitedHealthcare Global.
Housing Continued from Page 8 er. There is an air of trust and safety that contributes to a sense of belonging.”
Sara Pike is a K-5 Literacy and K-12 Multilingual teacher at both LES and LMS/HS. She started at LES in 2008. She has lived in downtown Lyons for the last 15 years and loves being able to walk to work.
She sums up the benefit of having teachers living in their community: “One of the things that has made LES so special is that many of the teachers have a personal investment in this community. They live here and they raise their kids at LES. It adds to the unique experience of interconnection between teacher, student, family and community. It’s palpable.”
Tanya Mercer-Daty is the new Marketing and Communications Associate for Lyons Community Foundation. She has lived in Lyons for the past eight years after immigrating to the U.S.A. with her family in 2011. Feel free to contact her at tanya@lyonscf.org.
scholarship essays were well written and heartfelt, conveying their commitment to helping people.
Also at the awards ceremony, Wyatt Saunders was presented with a certificate honoring his service to the Lions Club as President of the local LEOs Club. The LEOs are the youth service organization sponsored by the Lions Club and they were involved in several projects this past year. A highlight was their help in fundraising for a recent Lyons Graduate who unfortunately was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
The Lyons Lions Club will be holding its 31st annual fundraising golf tournament on August 4 at Lake Valley Golf Course, so that the club can continue to support the wonderful students at our High School. Details and a registration link for players and sponsors may be found at lyonslionsclub.com.
Sgt. Crist Continued from Page 3
Oversight: The Staff Sergeant both reports to the Sheriff’s Office and collaborates with Town leadership, including the BOT and the town administrator regarding public safety priorities.
Funding: Costs for law enforcement services, including salaries, equipment, and vehicles, are paid through the Town of Lyons’ general fund budget via an annual appropriation. In general, municipal court fines and fees are budgeted to bring in approximately $65,000 in revenue to the town for tickets and fees related to traffic enforcement and similar fines.
Benefits: This model allows Lyons to benefit from the resources, training, and regional coordination of the larger county agency, while maintaining a consistent and responsive local presence.
Kim Mitchell is the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the town. She writes on town events, staff news and the arts. She can be reached at kmitchell@townoflyons.com.
BoT Continued from Page 3
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, she 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 BoT liaison to the Economic Vitality Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission.
Crèches Continued from Page 5 and aquatic insects and in turn are preyed on by gulls, herons, mink, snapping turtles and great horned owls.
As the summer moves on, the female merganser will leave her now almost-adult size brood, who will stay together in flocks with other first-year birds while supermom paddles off to a well deserved rest.
Lyons resident Greg Lowell is a Lyons Town Board Trustee and serves as a liaison to the Ecology Advisory Board for the Lyons Town Board.
Colorado Legal Insurance Help Fund
By Niko Sparks and Wilma Spencer Redstone Review
LYONS – Also known as the Co-LIH Fund, the Colorado Legal Insurance Help Fund is setting its sights on one goal: helping the people of Colorado. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains lies Lyons, Colorado, where this mission originated.
The two of us have been attending Lyons schools for a combined 15 years, but now we want to do more than just live in the community – we want to help improve it.
In the years past, the rate at which insurance claims have been rejected has been increasing by an outstanding rate. Data from a multi-year study has produced a troubling trend: one out of every five claims gets denied across all kinds of insurance (kff.org). For 20 percent of Americans, this could mean losing money tied to years of hard work.
Take the Marshall fire victims for example. When they tried to claim insurance money for their ruined houses, the insurance companies compensated most of them not nearly enough to pay for the damages.
This is how you can help: Our mission is to provide legal aid to citizens of Colorado who have had their insurance claims denied. The courts have the power to keep insurance systems fair, by ensuring that the insurance companies act in good faith.
Vibes Continued from Page 9 Saturday, June 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Sandstone Park in Lyons.
The 53rd Annual Rockygrass Festival takes place from July 25 through 27. Festival and camping tickets are still available at www.shop.bluegrass.com.
For more information visit lyonscolorado. com/764/Events-and-Activities.
Kim Mitchell is Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Town of Lyons. She writes on town events, staff news and the arts. You can contact her at kmitchell@ townoflyons.com and kimicolorado@gmail.com, or call 970-617-3167 or at the town office at 303-823-6622 ext. 35.
Lawyers are challenging to come by, especially due to high prices, and thus people often cannot effectively utilize the legal system.
Our focus is to partner with a local law firm to help those who may have been wronged. We intend to use the money that we raise and resources from law firms to make certain that we are well on our way to assisting individuals in having their claims fairly addressed. If you are interested in joining our movement, donating, or simply want to educate yourself on this problem, please go to this link: co-lihfund.org. For any ideas, stories, or people that we could possibly help don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly by emailing colihfund@gmail.com.
Spotted: One bold turkey taking in the view from a rooftop perch—just your average day in Lyons!
First photo: Jordan Boldt, Genevieve Newell, Elle Magaldi Second Photo: Principal Chris Frank and Wyatt Saunders. PHOTOS BY BRIAN REEVES
Gorgeous
CONTEMPORARY MOUNTAIN LIVING
Elevated main floor living in the mountains! Beautifully remodeled 3-BR 3,000+ SF home with a vaulted, open design and incredible outdoor spaces. 3-car garage! Backs to seasonal Little Thompson River.
451 RED GULCH RD, LYONS OFFERED AT $1,495,000
acres went under contract the first week on market!
