Redstone March/April 2026

RESIDENT / OCCUPANT PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID LYONS, CO PERMIT No 2053

Redstone Review stands behind the United States Constitution VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2

LYONS, COLOR ADO

$.50

MARCH 13 / APRIL 16, 2026

B •R •I •E •F •S Brief title Easter Service

LYONS ––text The annual Easter Service will be held at 11 a.m.

Brief title April 5, at the Wildon Sunday, LYONS – text Music will be flower Pavilion. provided by local musicians.

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt provided by the Lyons Fire District. Donations and a love offering will be accepted for Higher Ground Ministries.

You can drop off donations of filled plastic eggs at Moxie Coffee shop on the corner of High St and 5th Ave. on Fri. April 3 and Sat. April 4. No chocolate please. For more information, you can contact Mindy Tallent at mstallent@gmail.com.

Earth Day

LYONS – Lyons will celebrate Earth Day throughout the week of April 19 to 25. Town commissions, community organizations, the Lyons Regional Library, and Town staff have partnered to host a variety of timely events.

While the schedule is still being finalized, here is a current lineup of planned events (times and locations to be finalized): The Saturday Earth Expo at Bohn Park will include: Simply Bee – Supporting Bees and Pollinators Discover simple, impactful ways to protect pollinators and boost the health of our local ecosystem.

Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Reduce environmental impact with clear guidance on what to recycle and how to dispose of hazardous materials responsibly.

The Watershed Center: Explore how watershed protection strengthens community resilience, improves water quality, and protects wildlife habitat.

GO Electric Colorado Understand the benefits of electric vehicles and home electrification—from cleaner air to long term cost savings.

Lyons Fire Protection and Wildfire Partners Information on home assessments, community mitigation, and proactive planning for wildfires Refreshments at the Earth Expo will be available from the Lyons Community Foundation, with tea provided by Honorable Harvest Tea & Apothecary.

Please look for further details in upcoming Town eBlasts, Continue Briefs on Page 9

issuu.com/sdcmc Like us on Facebook I •N •D •E •X LYONS MAYOR’S CORNER OPTIONS CONTRAST LOOKING UP INSIGHT CANDIDATES Q&A WHAT’S COOKIN’ VOICES ARE HEARD COMMON CAUSE CHOICES

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13

Two sandhill cranes glide in unison above a golden cornfield, their long wings cutting smoothly through the open sky. The migration of the Sandhill Cranes runs from mid-February through April as the birds make their way north, many continuing on toward Canada for the breeding season. GNAGEL

Lyons Town Board address building codes and wildfire plan; CDOT recommends speed reduction

By Kay Sparks Redstone Review Editor LYONS – The March 2, 2026, Board of Trustees meeting was preceded by two workshops on the International Code Council and State Electric and Solar Ready Code updates, and on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Lyons Fire District staff and Fire Chief Rob Stumpf provided input on proposed code elements, noting that buildings with an occupancy of more than 50 people may require two exits, which could present design challenges.

During a review of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, trustees questioned whether the identified 842 homes may undercount structures by excluding accessory dwelling units and other buildings.

During audience participation, Jocelyn Farrell, Executive Director of the Lyons Elevating All Fund (LEAF), reported that the organization is engaged in strategic planning and has expanded its mental health services. LEAF recently hired Grace Simonsen as Operations Manager and is recruiting a Community Programs Manager to focus on wraparound, follow-up, and follow-through services.

From the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office in Lyons, Officer Sharon Kim reported increased park attendance with the recent warm weather.

Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen reported that following a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) study, speed reductions are being recommended between the Highway 36 and 66 junction and 2nd Avenue. Final approval from CDOT headquarters is pending, after which a work order will be issued to change signage. Details, including mile markers, are available in the administrator’s report online.

The process for adopting updated building codes includes a contractor open house sched-

uled for March 5 at noon at the library, with lunch provided. Second reading and a public hearing are set for March 16.

Town staff requested board direction regarding the 2026 Wildfire Rebate Program, including total funding and applicant eligibility. The Board allocated $5,000 for rebates, capped at $500 per application, and made the program available to both new and previous applicants.

Earth Day activities are planned for Saturday, April 25, with an expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Sustainable Futures Commission, Ecology Advisory Board, and town staff are organizing an Earth Day Expo at Bohn Park.

LEAF will host a river cleanup, and the Lyons Community Orchard will hold its orchard festival and tree planting. Staff are also working with Abundant Spaces to launch a Sunday Farmers Market in Sandstone Park in 2026.

Lyons town staff were notified by state senators that Congressionally Directed Spending Requests for fiscal year 2027 are due March 27. Staff requested board input on potential submissions, identifying wastewater treatment improvements as a priority that could be framed as supporting economic development.

The regular meeting included two ordinances. On second reading and following a public hearing, the board unanimously adopted the State of Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code.

On first reading, the board unanimously approved an ordinance amending the Lyons Municipal Code concerning natural medicine healing centers. The ordinance does not permit manufacturing in those codes.

Organizers of Big Tent Boulder County asked the Board to support placing a measure on the November ballot to expand the Boulder County Board of Commissioners from three to five members. They cited population growth, workload, and the need for broader geographic representation. The proposal

would involve a two-year process, with the first election in 2028. The Board supported placing the question on the ballot but did not take a position on the measure itself.

Mayor Hollie Rogin appointed Peter Cowdery-Corvan to the Ecology Advisory Board and Jason Gaines to the Utilities and Engineering Board.

Developers of 402 Main requested a revised letter of support and documentation of an in-kind fee contribution. Feedback from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade on a denied application indicated the need for a more diverse funding base, including stronger community and local government engagement.

Developers asked that the revised letter reflect current project status, including permits issued, foundation work underway, a committed Tax Incentive Fund, and documented community support. The Board directed staff to draft a revised letter stating that the town’s portion of the use tax would be waived, without specifying an exact amount.

Regarding the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the board directed staff to clarify the number of structures included and will revisit the item at the April 6 meeting.

In discussion of a potential demolition moratorium and historic preservation ordinance, trustees reviewed possible definitions of demolition, the length of a potential stay, and available incentives. The Historic Preservation Commission can provide optional consultation prior to project advancement. The board directed staff to develop ordinance recommendations and to seek review from the Planning and Community Development Commission (PCDC) before returning to the Board.

Kay Sparks is the chair of the Housing and Human Services Commission

PAGE 2

LYONS, COLOR ADO

MARCH 13 / APRIL 16, 2026

LYONS There is more affordable housing available in Lyons than you think

By Kay Sparks Redstone Review LYONS – There are housing units available at Lyons Valley Townhomes. As of March 1, Lyons Valley Townhomes has five available two-bedroom townhomes, one of which is built accessible for those with disabilities.

Water, sewer, and trash costs are included; utilities are not. Rent is $1,903 a month.

There is a $500 security deposit. Incentives include $500 off the first month’s rent plus $1,000 for the tenant to allocate as they wish. For more information, contact Highland Property Management at 720-6004278. Highland Property Management is hiring experienced maintenance staff. For more information, call the office at 720600-4278.

Two one-bedroom apartments are available in Lyons on Evans Street. They are available on April 1, May 15, or anytime in between. The rent is $1,675 plus electricity. Water, trash, snow, and parking are included along with a washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, and A/C. There is a 6- to 18-month lease. A $500 deposit is required. There is a simple, no-fee application, pet-friendly, with no pet deposit or fee. Contact Leigh at 202-207-8744.

In other news, there is therapy and support group help available. Medi-

cine Horse is a non-profit organization in Longmont that provides equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning sessions either free of charge or by donation. Free programs include Cancer Support Group (for those impacted by breast cancer), Veterans Support Group (for veterans and active-duty service members), Teen Support Group, LGBTQ+ Teen Support Group, and Men’s Support Group. Participants engage in hands-on activities with horses under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals, focusing on building trust, therapeutic insights, and skill transfer. For more information, visit their website at www. medicinehorse.org or email them at info@ medicinehorse.org.

Here are some ways to help our first responders. Create a File of Life. A reminder: should you ever need the services of first responders, make their job easier and more efficient by having your File of Life completed. The File of Life is a compact, one-page form in which you list your medical conditions, allergies, medical information (medication, pharmacy, etc.), and emergency contacts. You place the form in the plastic sleeve and place it on the outside face of your refrigerator. You place a File of Life sticker on your door so that first responders know you have your medical information available.

File of Life is available free from the Lyons Fire District Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; outside of business hours, you may call ahead, and they will set one aside.

There is a single opening on this fun, cookie-driven commission; apply at the Town of Lyons website at www.townoflyons.com.

Kay Sparks, Chair of Housing and Human Services Commission.

L E T T E R •T O •T H E •E D I T O R

L E T T E R •T O •T H E •E D I T O R Endorsing Paula Williams for Mayor of Lyons We are lucky to have such a great field of candidates for the Lyons government this year. My choice for mayor is Paula Williams, and there are a few reasons why. Paula has what Lyons needs in a mayor—proven success leading a large non-profit organization, along with the ability to collaborate and connect deeply with people. When Paula had to step in as acting mayor this summer, she demonstrated her leadership and helped ensure that the town operated without disruption. Paula has the skills to lead the board of trustees in making decisions about what needs to happen, and then the ability to partner with and motivate staff to make those things happen through relationships built on trust. She is well-connected at the county, state, and federal levels, which is more important than ever in these times when resources are scarce, and everyone is competing for the same limited funds. Paula is the right person at the right time for Lyons.

Sean Dunn

L E T T E R •T O •T H E •E D I T O R Endorsing Paula Williams for Mayor I am writing to endorse Paula Williams for Mayor of Lyons. As a representative of Lyons at official functions and acting as the spokesperson for the town, our mayor also sets the tone of our community. The tone must be one of civility and respect in order to work for the health and well-being of residents.

Paula is intelligent, thoughtful, fair, respectful, kind, and unafraid to make tough decisions. She’s been on the board since 2022 and was Mayor Pro Tem in 2024 when our current Mayor unexpectedly had to take a leave of absence that summer.

Paula stepped in as acting Mayor with competence and grace, attending functions, reinforcing relationships, and expertly leading board meetings.

Her background as a CEO for a large organization, coupled with her emotional intelligence, makes her the clear choice to lead Lyons for at least the next two years.

With Paula, you always know where you stand, and you always know what she stands for. During the Stone Canyon fire, when other trustees were in Longmont drinking beer, Paula was evacuating her neighborhood, talking to the folks who live at the Lyons Valley Townhomes, and acting as the Town Administrator’s deputy, helping out overnight at emergency management operations.

I would like to reinforce the fact that Paula has strong connections with regional and statewide leaders and organizations, from whom she can gather help and resources in solving the pressing issues needing attention. Particularly, the pressing need to update and fix our aging infrastructure.

She understands and acknowledges the immense amount of money that will be needed to correct these issues. She works steadily and realistically to solve issues, not with scare tactics eliciting fear in her constituents. Paula is a natural, kind, and effective leader, and we’re very lucky to have her.

Sandra Haber, Lyons, CO

BELLS ringing in Lyons Some have wondered why the bell at Lyons Community Church, Fourth and Main, have been ringing every Saturday from noon to 12:10 p.m. since February 14.

Bells across the United States are invited to join Minnesota in bell ringing—bronze bells in towers, hand bells, electronic bells starting at noon, ringing for10 minutes every Saturday through April 4.

“Bells signal our oneness as a people. They remind us of our capacity to be united.

They stir our hearts to redouble our commitment to American ideals of freedom and justice for all. We believe that the bells sound messages of hope that one day our community (state and country) will be whole.

Bells perform important civic functions and historically have been used to spread messages to people in times of need and distress.

Bells can be a force for good in our communities in this turbulent time. They signal our oneness as a people, reminding us of our capacity to be united.

The sound of bells stirs our hearts to redouble our commitment to the American ideals of freedom and justice for all.

Our bells signal a sign of our strength and unity as a people, a sign of our faith in democracy, and a sign of our commitment to work for liberty and justice for all.

When there are no words, listen to the bells.”

www.paulaforlyons.com

Paula Stone Williams for Mayor

Rebecca Jorgenson Sundquist, Founder of City of Bells, Minneapolis

Proudly Endorsed by:

Lyons Community Church

State Representative Lesley Smith

Palm and Passion Worship March 29th 10AM

County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann Lyons Mayor Hollie Rogin

Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett

AND

Broomfield Mayor Guyleen Castriotta Trustee David Hamrick

Bluegrass Easter Service Sunday April 5th at 10AM

Civility.

Collaboration.

Trust.

Good Governance.

• Resilient Infrastructure • Wildfire Preparedness • Economic Vitality

• Housing Affordability

Trustee Tanya Daty

Former Mayor Connie Sullivan

Former Mayor Pro Tem Jocelyn Farrell Former Trustee Gregg Oetting ...and many more

Brunc h

Everyone is welcome!

Vote by April 7 Paid for by Paula Stone Williams

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2

LYONS, COLOR ADO

PAGE 3

MAYOR’S CORNER The Lyons Town Board Election is coming up in April

By Hollie Rogin, Mayor of Lyons Redstone Review LYONS – The 2026 campaign season is well underway for Lyons. I hope you were able to watch the Candidate Forum on March 4. If you couldn’t catch it, you can still view the recording on the town’s Rogin YouTube channel. The library hit capacity, and there was an overflow watch room at Lyons Town Hall.

For the first time, the Student Advisory Commission helped produce the forum and sorted attendee questions for the facilitator. Special thanks to them, to the town staff, to the Redstone Review, the Lyons Recorder, and to Paul Dreyer for his excellent emcee skills. Perhaps it’s time to move the Candidate Forum to the Middle/High School auditorium in 2028 so more people can attend in person.

At a time when national—and even state—politics seems to continually trend toward the negative and dramatic, I could not be more pleased or more proud that all 11 of our candidates are conducting themselves with civility, respect for each other and our residents, and with openness. To a person, they remain positive and upbeat, even if they disagree with each other. It’s a testament to the high standards our town holds itself to.

I also could not be more pleased or prouder that there are 11 candidates in this race. I ran unopposed in 2022, and we had just enough candidates to fill out the rest of the board, so there was no election. Times have changed, in that respect, for the better. The citizens of Lyons have a ballot full of terrific options, and I’m grateful to each and every person running. Democracy functions best and makes the largest impact on people’s daily lives at the local level. Our community is a wonderful example of that.

Running for office is a singular experience. It takes time to get up to speed on the issues, and it takes time to campaign.

It also takes thick skin, sometimes, and a willingness to put

new Board pursues investigating this idea. In the past, the main argument against four-year terms has been that people aren’t willing or able to commit to serving that many years. the greater good of our community before our own wishes I’m not sure that’s true anymore.

Last Fall, the board had a retreat facilitated by Dr. Flo Raior opinions. Running for office requires a large measure of selflessness, dedication, and a sense of humor. When you tano from the Denver Regional Council of Governments. see our candidates around town, I hope you’ll thank them. It was a wonderful experience, and afterwards, she said, The folks who get sworn in on April 20 will pick up the “You know, if you really want to get things done, you need to move to four-year terms.” I think she’s right.

If we keep having two-year terms, we risk losing institutional knowledge and spending precious time getting new trustees up to speed. Additionally, Staff can have up to seven new bosses every two years!

The new board can debate the merits of changing the system, which will be well within their capability, and I hope they do. If you’re interested in getting more involved locally, there are several boards and commissions with openings at the moment. Three of our candidates currently serve on the Planning and Community Development Commission, so there may be several openings there come April 20. Be sure to check out the town website for current openings. But more than that, be sure to vote by April 7. You’ll be receiving your ballot in the mail around March 15, and you can drop it in the ballot box Lyons residents can return their ballots for the April 7 election at the (not the utility payment box) at Town Hall. You ballot drop box at Lyons Town Hall. can also mail it in (two stamps, please) or vote in person on April 7 itself.

I wish the best of luck to all the candidates running. mantle of today’s Board of Trustees. Sometimes that means continuing projects that we could not finish—such as the Lyons will be in good hands. sidewalks around the elementary school and the wastewaHollie Rogin was sworn in as Mayor of Lyons on April 18, ter treatment plant—and sometimes that means new priorities and new projects. This is all great; a high-functioning 2022. Before that she was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees democracy relies on administrations that change to wel- for the term of 2020–2022. In 2015, Hollie created the foundation for what is now the City of Boulder’s Commercial Affordabilcome fresh ideas and new energy.

One idea that’s recently been discussed, though not at a ity program on a pro bono basis. While serving as a Trustee, she board meeting, is changing the length of elected terms from was the Board liaison to the Economic Vitality Commission and two to four years and staggering those terms. I hope the the Historic Preservation Commission.

L E T T E R •T O •T H E •E D I T O R

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Paula Williams will prioritize our safety, health, and well-being I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Paula Williams for Mayor of the Town of Lyons.

Paula joined the Board of Trustees during my time as Mayor Pro Tem, and from the very beginning, she impressed me with her professionalism, integrity, and steady leadership. I have the utmost respect for the way she approaches governance with thoughtfulness, humility, and a deep commitment to serving the greater good of our community.

One of the clearest examples of her leadership came during the Stone Canyon fire. It was an incredibly stressful and frightening time for Lyons. Families were evacuated. Many had no idea whether they would have homes to return to. Some lost everything. Through it all, Paula was calm, present, and steady. She showed up for residents who were scared and uncertain. She helped keep the community informed and reassured when we needed it most. In the midst of the crisis, she provided clarity and composure.

In a town like ours, where wildfire risk is a real and ongoing concern, that kind of leadership matters.

Fire feels inevitable in Colorado. I want Paula at the helm, making the hard decisions that protect our safety and well-being.

Paula does not shy away from difficult issues. She listens thoughtfully to differing perspectives, asks important questions, and is willing to reconsider her position when presented with new information.

She seeks input, does her homework, and works collaboratively.

She has earned the respect of town staff, business owners, Boulder County officials, and our state legislators because she leads with integrity and follow-through.

On a personal level, Paula has also been a mentor to me. Her honest feedback and thoughtful guidance have helped me grow both introspectively and professionally. She leads not only with competence, but with heart.

Paula loves this little enclave of heaven and genuinely wants what is best for Lyons. She will prioritize our safety, health, and well-being—the core values that define her leadership.

Paula Williams is trustworthy, capable, and deeply committed to this community. I cannot think of a better person to serve as our next Mayor.

Sincerely, Jocelyn Farrell

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To see all our adoptable animals or get more details visit longmonthumane. org. Or stop in at the shelter at 9595 Nelson Road.

PAGE 4

LYONS, COLOR ADO

MARCH 13 / APRIL 16, 2026

OPTIONS It’s an atypical year: the fire district updated the Wildfire Protection Plan

By Rob Stumpf Lyons Fire Chief Redstone Review LYONS – Happy March from the desk of your neighborhood Fire Chief.

Lots going on at the fire Stumpf district as we’ve eased our way into 2026, but certainly most pressing on the minds of our staff, and likely the residents of the district, is the mild winter we’ve had thus far.

Anyone paying attention knows that this has been an atypical season. We rely on the winter snows to dampen wildfire potential, and we’ve just not seen enough to assuage our concerns. In the 15 years I’ve been in the Colorado fire service, I can’t recall so little precipitation. Collectively, we, the fire service in the county, the Front Range, and even the state, are concerned.

The District is nearing completion of a two-year update to the Community Wild-

fire Protection Plan, available here: LFPD CWPP - Review Draft (with Appendices). pdf - Google Drive, and we are seeking feedback from residents and property owners before it is finished. Feedback form: Lyons Fire Protection District CWPP – Review.

You can also find links to all of these on our Facebook page.

We know from our recent community

survey that more than 60 percent of our residents feel at risk for wildfire and that all of the district falls into a category of high to extreme risk. Many of you have heeded the call to sign up for county alerting systems and taken action to mitigate risk to your homes and properties.

If you haven’t, please consider starting down this path with an emphasis on what is called the Home Ignition Zone. You can find more details from the brochure put out by the Colorado State Forest Service Home Ignition Zone Guide.

Make the first zone, within five feet of your home, a high priority. Eliminate all potential fuel sources from this area. Trim trees and brush away from the structure.

From our survey, a lot of the structures in the district have addressed this...but the numbers start to fall off as we move into zone two, from 5–30 feet away from the building. Keeping this area clear of combustibles will decrease your risk as well.

During the Stone Canyon fire, our fire-

fighters were able to make very quick work of protecting structures at homes where the residents had sprinklers and hoses in place, and we could quickly turn on the water, set them, and go. It is not an absolute, but it is incredibly helpful.

Only 26 percent of homes have had an on-site wildfire assessment done; we can make great strides in raising that number.

Only nine percent of homes in LFPD have gotten a Wildfire Partners certification.

Let’s get that number into the double digits. Our staff is keenly aware of the barriers to mitigation: cost, time, and physical ability. We are working with both counties’ wildfire partners to create opportunities.

Chipping events are but one small piece of the puzzle. We are looking to leverage grant monies to help, but as the saying goes, it takes a village. Organize neighborhood events and efforts, and get a site visit assessment done. Reach out to the multitude of resources at the local and county Continue Wildfire on Page 14

Recollections of a Rocky Mountain Ranger

By Monique Sawyer-Lang Redstone Review

Sawyer-Lang

LYONS – The book Recollections of a Rocky Mountain Ranger by Jack C. Moomaw is a memoir originally published in 1963. A revised edition was published in 1994. The memoir, now out of print, chronicles the life and times of Moomaw as a park ranger

Jack Moomaw with his horse. MELTON COLLECTION

in the newly established Rocky Mountain National Park.

Jack Moomaw, one of nine children, was born June 18, 1892, in Mirage Flats, Nebraska. The family moved to Colorado in 1893, originally settling near Hygiene before moving to the Allenspark area, relocating to Lyons, then Big Elk, and finally settling on a farm east of Lyons.

While living in the Allenspark and Big Elk areas, Moomaw worked at his father’s sawmill. At the age of 13, he ran away from home. During the next few years, he traveled extensively and worked on cattle ranches in Montana, on the wharves in New Orleans, and as a stevedore in Galveston.

In 1911, Jack returned to Colorado and continued his interrupted high school education at Longmont High School, where he excelled in academics and on the football and track teams before once again dropping out of school. At that time, June 1913, he joined the Navy, traveling throughout the Pacific. He returned to Lyons in 1915 and went to work on the farm of Christopher Columbus Weese, east of Lyons. On June 5, 1915, he married Lila Weese, whom he had known since grade school in Lyons.

They homesteaded property on Rabbit Mountain and soon after purchased Jack Moomaw’s parents’ 20-acre farm. It was during this time that Moomaw supplemented their income by guiding tours in the newly created Rocky Moun-

Jack Moomaw, front row, center. NPSHISTORY.COM tain National Park.

The decline in farm prices after World War I prompted Moomaw to take a seasonal job in the park whose primary focus at that time was trail construction. With Moomaw’s knowledge of the mountains, he was made trail foreman.

One of his first projects was a trail that brought visitors Continue Recollections on Page 14

glass, stone masonry, or decorative moldings often reflect techniques and materials that are rare or expensive Preserving the historic character of Lyons stained to replicate today. By maintaining these features, homeown-

ers protect the unique character and the story embedded in the structure.

In addition to cultural and aesthetic value, preserving historic architecture can provide practical benefits. Historic homes that maintain their original features often hold strong market appeal, particularly in areas where authenticity is highly valued.

Environmentally, preservation promotes sustainability by reducing demolition waste and minimizing the need for new construction materials. Rather than replacing quali-

Kristen Bruckner Redstone Review

LYONS – Lyons’ funky, eclectic character is reflected in the historically authentic architecture in its built environment.

Along Main Street and in the downtown district, many buildings feature Lyons’ red Bruckner sandstone, Victorian design elements, and river rock foundations.

The façades are representative of the great quarry industry that has shaped much of Lyons’ infrastructure and development following the town’s incorporation in 1891.

Likewise, if you travel through Lyons’ older neighborhoods, the architectural style is reflective of our rich history. Did you know that the State Historic Preservation Office considers any home or building older than 50 years as historic? What many property owners may not realize is that programs now exist that provide incentives to help maintain these historic structures.

Specifically, through Lyons’ local designation program, property owners may qualify for tax incentives by preserving the exterior of their building. As long as the basic character of the building’s history is preserved, incentives may reach up to $100,000 for residential properties and up to $1 million for commercial properties.

Beyond our stunning WEDDING & EVENT VENUE, The Farmette hosts a series of FARM DINNERS with local chefs during the growing season and homesteading and DIY WORKSHOPS in the Spring and Fall.

Ly o n s Fa r m e t t e . c o m

dirkes_LumberYard1950s.

Understanding local historic designation Property owners in Lyons can protect and celebrate the community’s architectural heritage through local historic designation. While the process may seem complex or restrictive, understanding what designation means and what it doesn’t can help residents make informed decisions.

What is a local historic designation? Preserving historic architecture in a home allows homeowners to maintain a tangible connection to the past while honoring the craftsmanship and cultural values of the era in which the house was built. Architectural details such as original woodwork,

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Golden Rule Store, Lyons Colorado c. 1905 Continue Preserving on Page 14

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2

LYONS, COLOR ADO

PAGE 5

CONTRAST A new chapter for downtown Lyons: the vision behind 402 Main Street

By Sarah Lorang Redstone Review LYONS – If you’ve walked past the corner of Fourth and Main lately, you’ve noticed something different: that long-empty lot is finally coming to life.

After years of sitting vacant following a fire, 402 Main Street is being rebuilt as a 10,000-square-foot, two-story, mixed-use building that will bring everyday life and year-round vitality back to the heart of downtown.

traffic separate from the building development. Bart and Sarah Lorang are planning to operate two businesses within the space: a coworking space on the second floor and a general store with a soda fountain on street level.

The coworking space will offer affordable workspace for Lyons’ remote workers, entrepreneurs, and creatives—open desks, private offices, meeting rooms, and an oversized deck with mountain views. By keeping people in town during the workday, they’ll naturally support local cafes, restaurants, and

What we’re building Roots to Revival LLC, a partnership between Generator Development and Lyons locals Bart and me, Sarah Lorang are constructing a building designed to look and feel like it belongs here, with brick and locally sourced sandstone, pedestrian-friendly storefronts, and thoughtful design that complements historic downtown Lyons. The core and shell should be complete by early 2027.

Beyond the building itself, this project is about creating infrastructure that supports all downtown businesses. When more people spend more time downtown, everyone benefits.

Two businesses to drive year-round foot

shops throughout the day.

The general store aims to keep Lyons dollars in Lyons. It will offer household basics, locally made goods, gifts, and potentially services like private mailboxes, so residents can spend less time driving to Boulder or Longmont and more time here. The soda fountain is about placemaking, a gathering spot where families can grab a treat and neighbors can meet, offering a taste of authentic small-town character.

There’s also a bigger opportunity with the estimated four million people who drive through Lyons each year heading to Rocky Mountain National Park. Most don’t stop.

These businesses are designed to transform Lyons from a pit stop into a destination,

strengthening our local economy and benefiting all existing businesses.

Space for new local businesses In addition to the coworking space and general store, there will be two to three leasable storefronts at street level—opportunities for businesses that bring services, products, or experiences Lyons is missing.

But we don’t want to guess what those should be. We want to hear from you.

We need your voice We’ve been in conversation with the town, local boards, and small business owners. Now we’re inviting wider community input to help shape what comes next.

The survey at www.downtownlyons.com will help us refine both business concepts and identify the right tenants. What will the community actually support? Local support is crucial for these businesses - and this building - to succeed.

The survey takes five to seven minutes.

You can also reach us through the contact form on the site to get in touch directly or sign up for project updates.

Making Lyons the destination This project is about more than filling a vacant lot. It’s about strengthening Lyons as a year-round destination where locals find what they need, remote workers stay and spend, and visitors linger. It’s about thoughtful architecture that honors our town’s character, filling gaps in what’s currently offered, and building economic resilience for the long haul.

The corner of Fourth and Main has been quiet for too long. We’re working to rebuild it as a place where life happens, where the community gathers, businesses thrive, and Lyons continues to be the vibrant, authentic town we all love.

We’re listening. Let’s shape what comes next together.

Sarah Lorang and her husband, Bart, moved to Lyons in 2021 and live here with their two children, who both attend Lyons Elementary.

Sarah brings 15+ years of luxury hospitality experience with Four Seasons and Exclusive Resorts and holds an MBA from the University of Denver.

She serves as Chair of the town’s Historic Preservation Commission and volunteers regularly at the elementary school. Bart is an entrepreneur and investor with more than 30 years of experience founding, scaling, and funding companies.

He co-founded the Denver-based venture platform Meritage. Together, they are working to bring the 402 Main Street project to life for the Lyons community.

The building is owned by Roots to Revival LLC. Sarah Lorang and her husband Bart have a 45 percent stake in the ownership through

their investment entity, Meritage. The remaining 55 percent is owned by Generator Development, a Colorado-based development company and our partner on the project. We’ve also opened up the opportunity for community members to invest in the project alongside us, which several people have already done.

the community. Shopping locally also supports the fundraising efforts of Small town, big effort: the Lyons Annual Report and more strengthen Lyons’ nonprofit organizations, helping

By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review

LYONS – Once again, the Fiscal Year 2025 Town of Lyons Annual Report has been published. The report provides a snapshot of the town’s financial health, key accomplishments, challenges, and priorities for the coming year. For a small town like Lyons, the annual report is an important tool for transparency and accountability.

It helps residents see how public funds are used and where our tax dollars go.

In addition, the annual report keeps residents informed about the positive work happening across our community.

It includes updates on town projects, new initiatives, and future goals, helping people stay connected and engaged with local government. The report also provides space for local organizations, nonprofits, the library, and the fire district to share highlights from their work over the past year.

For Lyons, where resources are limited, the report is also a way to recognize the collective effort that keeps the town moving forward. It highlights the work of town staff, elected officials, volunteers, and community partners, while outlining initiatives that are underway or being planned. We hope that sharing this information helps encourage a well-informed and involved community.

To make the information accessible,

the report is available in two formats. A detailed 78-page version includes links to the current 2026 town budget and provides in-depth information. A shorter 12-page

summary features key highlights, infographics, charts, and photos. Both versions are available online at the town’s website: www. townoflyons.com/annualreport.

Another way to stay connected with our vibrant community is through volunteer-

dan siddall broker/owner

ing. Getting involved is a great way to make a positive difference, learn more about how the town operates, and meet your neighbors.

Opportunities range from helping with local nonprofits and community cleanups to assisting with town events or serving on a town advisory board or commission.

Your continued support of our local service businesses, retailers, and restaurants helps sustain many of the events and activities that residents enjoy, keeping us connected throughout the year. As winter w inds down, consider stopping by one of Lyons’ small, locally owned businesses. Several have community gatherings and events planned for the spring. Our independently owned businesses are important meeting places where neighbors connect, share ideas, and

Cell: 303-918-8400 Email: siddallteam@gmail.com Website: www.gateway-realty.com 324 Main Street, PO Box 217 Lyons, CO 80540

them continue their work in our small but rooted community.

Meanwhile, as we transition to spring, residents often ask about parking passes for Lyons parks. One vehicle pass is provided at no cost to residents who live within the town limits. Residents who live in unincorporated Boulder County or Larimer County, outside the town boundaries, may purchase a vehicle parking pass for $80.

The reason for this difference is largely fiscal. Residents within the town limits contribute directly to town revenues through town property taxes, town utilities, and an additional four percent sales tax on purchases such as vehicles, online deliveries, and major household items delivered to residents within the Town limits. Combined, these revenues help support town services and amenities, including parks. Passes can be obtained by visiting Lyons Town Hall Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by completing the form online at townoflyons.com/parkingpass.

Kim Mitchell is the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the town.

She writes on town events, staff news, and the arts. She has called Lyons home for 16 years and is a dedicated small-town enthusiast. Email: kmitchell@townoflyons.com and kimicolorado@ gmail.com.

PAGE 6

LYONS, COLOR ADO

MARCH 13 / APRIL 16, 2026

LOOKING UP Mountain lions in your backyard

By Greg Lowell Redstone Review LYONS – David Neils, a noted expert on mountain lions, will give a presentation, “Where Mountain Lions Roam,” Lowell on March 25 at 6 p.m. at the Lyons Library.

The talk is sponsored by the Town of Lyons Ecology Advisory Board, and admission is free. Mountain lions roam the hills and forests around Lyons, largely unseen but a constant presence.

Neils calls mountain lions the quiet architects of Colorado’s wild places that move through the landscape largely unseen, shaping ecosystems not through noise or numbers, but through presence. When lions are present, the land functions differently—and more honestly.

As a keystone species, their influence extends far beyond their own survival, quietly shaping prey behavior, vegetation health, and overall ecosystem balance.

Neils’ talk will explore how to recognize clear signs of mountain lion activity, including tracks, feces, scrapes, and fresh carcasses, and how each tells a different chapter of the story.

And finally, the talk will discuss staying

safe in mountain lion country, not through fear, but through awareness, respect, and knowledge.

Biography: Wild Nature Media founder David Neils offers his events as an invitation to know wild places deeply and personally— the way one comes to know a trusted friend.

For more than 20 years, Neils has studied and filmed mountain lions across the rugged backcountry of Colorado and Montana, developing a four-factor tracking system that pinpoints lion activity throughout the United States, Canada, and Chile.

Through his personalized Mountain Lion Workshops—mapping activity across areas up to 100 square miles—he equips others to understand and responsibly study this apex predator.

Since 1971, he has also refined his “Ten Essentials Plus” backcountry system, designed to eliminate the “search” in search and rescue, and offers hands-on orienteering courses that give people the skills and confidence to travel boldly and safely in wild country.

For more information, go to www.wildnaturemedia.com.

Greg Lowell is a Lyons Town Board Trustee and writes on the environment. He is running for Lyons Trustee again this year.

A mountain lion pauses near a mountain stream, a rare glimpse of one of Colorado’s most elusive predators. DAVID NEILS WILD NATURE MEDIA

the Lyons dog park. The material will then be composted at a facility in LongDog park goes green: The scoop on composting pilot from mont through the Colorado EnviroWagg

By Eva Guenther Redstone Review

LYONS – Lyons’ residents love their dogs—but our four-legged companions leave behind more than muddy paw prints. A Name 50-pound dog generates approximately three-quarters of a pound of waste each day, roughly 270 pounds a year.

Most of it ends up in landfills in plastic bags, where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution.

Uncollected dog waste can wash into waterways like the St. Vrain during storms, introducing bacteria and excess nutrients that degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.

To address these impacts, the Parks and Recreation Commission proposed a sixmonth dog waste composting pilot to the Board of Trustees, which was approved on February 17. The program is expected to launch in April.

“This is a simple idea that can make a real

difference,” said Mike Jackson, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission and a local dog owner. “If we can turn thousands of pounds of dog waste from a landfill problem into something useful, that’s a win for our parks and our environment.”

When it is handled the right way, even something as unglamorous as dog waste can be transformed from a problem to something useful. With the right setup, generally a commercial composting facility, dog waste is safely broken down into a nutrient-rich soil amendment for trees, shrubs, flowerbeds, and lawns.

This process requires the use of fully compostable bags.

Unlike traditional plastic bags, which can linger in landfills for centuries and break down into microplastics, certified compostable bags are designed to break down in industrial composting systems within a defined timeframe into water, carbon dioxide, and organic material.

Lyons is building on the experience of other Front Range communities that have launched similar programs.

Community members may have seen composting stations at Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks trailheads or at dog parks in Lafayette, Louisville, and Erie. Lyons will work with the same partners used by several Front Range communities. Pet Scoop, a Denver-based small business, has provided pet waste services since 2012 and will collect the waste

program.

What will this pilot look like in Lyons?

To begin, the pilot will take place at the dog park in Bohn Park and run from April

through September. If successful, the town may adopt it and expand it to other dog waste stations in Lyons. Visitors will see two clearly marked compost containers in Continue Dog Park on Page 14

Serving the community one meal at a time with Meals of Hope Bayleigh M. Clark Student columnist for Redstone Review LYONS – My name is Bayleigh Clark, and I am a senior at Lyons Middle/Senior High School this year. I am the editor-in-chief of this year’s Lyons High yearbook. I’ve always had a passion for writing. Specifically, for the intended purpose of bringing awareness and notoriety to topics and issues that I believe need to be heard.

Next year, I will be attending Colorado State University for psychology in the hopes that I can use behavioral science and my writing abilities to help people who may not have the resources to help themselves.

For two years, the Lyons Student Council has hosted a meal-packing event with the

Students packing food for Meals of Hope

help of the non-profit organization Meals of Hope. What began as a service opportunity has turned into a meaningful tradition for our school and community. Each year, students, staff, and volunteers come together with one shared purpose: to give their time and energy so that others in need may have a healthy meal.

On October 9, 2025, the community of Nederland was devastated by a fire. This fire displaced about 20 local businesses, which is roughly one-third of the town’s busi-

nesses and 30 percent of their revenue, and caused the Wild Bear Nature Center to lose several animals. This fire was a great tragedy that is still weighing heavily on the people who were affected by it.

Because of this devastating event, many families were left without their livelihood.

Nederland is just one example of a community that was devastated and is now suffering even more. Events like this show how quickly lives can be turned upside down, and how important it is for the community to come together to aid those who have suffered.

Lyons Student Council recognized this, and the idea to partner with Meals of Hope was again sparked. During Tuesday lunch meetings, the students put their minds Continue Serving on Page 14

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2

LYONS, COLOR ADO

PAGE 7

INSIGHT shows me that our view is a few degrees truding rocky outcrops from most angles, Sauron had arrived in Mordor. to the west of north, looking down a sight but from where I am standing, they look This distinctiveness makes it fun scoutBlue Mountain star line of Steamboat Mountain on the right almost circular, with one above the other. ing Blue Mountain from other local spots.

By Peter Butler Redstone Review LYONS – When you drive back to Lyons down Highway 66, your eyes can be filled with a wide panorama of mountain peaks.

Butler Some are easy to recognize, while others are more mysterious. It’s a little like the night sky; most people can identify the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia, but most of the other constellation patterns keep their secrets to themselves. Every so often, my conscience sends me to the maps to try and learn and remember the names of the lesser peaks, but they don’t seem to sink in.

Many places in the world have famous local mountains that everyone recognizes instantly. Mount Fuji springs to mind, not only the photographs but also the glorious woodblock prints made by Hokusai in the 19th century. Among the Swiss mountains, the Matterhorn is the easiest to nail because of its distinctive inverted shield shape under the pointy summit. Boulder County has its twin peaks of Meeker and Longs dominating the local symbolism.

And in Lyons, the thrusting rocky prow of Steamboat Mountain is the most prominent icon. But it is not my favorite—that garland goes to Blue Mountain.

Our house has its frontal aspect and approach pointing almost due North.

When the stars come out at night, the pole

and a rocky rise on the left. The focus of this view is Blue Mountain, a little less than seven miles away.

At that range, one’s perception of the shape integrates the whole into a memo-

It’s these medallions that show its identity better than any other local high spots. Yes, Coffintop has an unusual and unique trapezoid plateau on top, but it doesn’t have medallions.

rable silhouette. Up close, you can see a jumble of crags and outcrops and trees, but at our distance these parts focus into a distinct shape. Dominated by its soft rolling double summit, the outline is almost like a torso with shoulders but a missing head.

What would that head be if it had one?

Those shoulders have the form of a military tunic, the front emblazoned with what I refer to as the medallions. These are pro-

But that basic shape is only the empty canvas for a riot of color themes. On a rainy day, it might be a soft pale shadow, on a sunny day, a russet form. I remember one evening, after a stormy afternoon, there was a cap of ragged cloud cloaking, but not masking the shoulders. And when the dipping sun sent its dark orange low-raking rays into that mixture, it had a luminous, menacing glow that made me think that

The library embraces spring: learn about Canada Geese and play Laser Tag Survival

By Kara Bauman Redstone Review LYONS – As we reach the end of March, the days feel a little brighter and the town starts to hum again. Trails get muddier, Bauman jackets get lighter, and there is a quiet sense that something new is right around the corner. At the Library, we are embracing that seasonal energy with programs that invite you to play hard, plant boldly, learn something new, and maybe even write a poem or two.

On Saturday, March 28, we dim the lights for After Dark: Laser Tag Survival.

Middle school students in grades 6–8 take over from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., followed by high school students in grades 9–12 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. When the lights go down, the game levels up. Teens will work with their teams, stay sharp, and move fast in this spooky-exciting version of laser tag designed to build teamwork while keeping things fun and inclusive. Whether you are a first-time player or a seasoned pro, you are welcome. Pizza and drinks are provided, registration is required, and safe behavior is a must.

As we turn the calendar to April, we head from neon to nature. On Wednesday, April 1, join us for Seed Swap, Save, and Sort in partnership with the Lyons Community Farm Project. Bring your extra or

saved seeds to exchange with neighbors, discover something new for your garden, and help organize and replenish the community seed library for the months ahead.

Our Seed Steward, Jessie Berta-Thompson, will guide the process. This is a dropin program, so whether you are mapping out raised beds or tending a few porch pots, come connect and g row.

Special thanks to the Lyons Community Foundation for their generous grant supporting updates to the seed library.

Spring also brings some of our most visible wild neighbors to center stage. On Thursday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m., Boulder County Parks and Open Space presents “Canada Geese—They’re Everywhere”. This slideshow program explores the life cycle, migration patterns, and complex social structures of these familiar waterfowl. It is a chance to better understand a species that shares our parks, ponds, and open spaces.

Our Pints and Pages book club meets at MainStage Brewing on Wednesday, April 8, to discuss The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick.

In this imaginative novel, a mysterious desert treatment center offers people the chance to sleep and then wake free from grief. As four strangers make their way to this controversial facility, their stories intertwine in a thoughtful exploration of loss, love, and what it really means to heal. If you enjoy speculative fiction grounded in big human questions, this conversation will be for you.

Writers and readers alike are invited to “The Possibility of Poetry: Considering Verse in Narrative Fiction” on Saturday, April 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Facilitated by Megan Freeman, New York Times bestselling author of the ALONE series and an award-winning poet, this workshop explores the differences between writing in verse and prose, examines mentor texts, and invites participants to experiment with their own work. It is a wonderful opportunity to dig deep into craft with a generous, experienced teacher.

And remember, your library card gives you free access to CreativeBug for Libraries, an online platform full of art and craft classes you can take anytime. A timely highlight is Make an Upcycled Flower Press, launching March 25.

As wildflowers begin to bloom, it is the perfect way to preserve a bit of spring while learning a new skill.

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.

At Rabbit Mountain, if you can get further East than the Eagle Wind Trail, there is a view along a crusty triangular canyon with you know what at the end. This shows its right profile, and now you can detect that the medallions are quite protuberant cliffs. A few miles in the other direction, if you find yourself in the National Forest trails at Pinewood Springs to our northwest, there are views of Blue Mountain that highlight its left side profile, and you can see how the bottom rolls away to the South in a rolling curve.

And yet in the multitude of optical offerings that Blue Mountain has given me, it is hardly ever what you could charitably describe as blue. Maybe sometimes a cool charcoal gray or a bright green in the spring, but not blue. In most parts of the world, people think of mountains as purple. I’m not a geologist or an atmospheric scientist, but a pet theory of mine is that those other (inferior compared to Lyons) places in the world have moist and sometimes dusty atmospheres.

This means that local retinas are seeing a distant object through a blue diffusing filter. If the distant volcano happens to be brown from its rocky construction, the distant viewer is treated to a soft rendition in purple. That might be nonsense, but it satisfies my internal musings. Here on our Front Range, especially after the blessed rain of early March, our atmosphere is like purest rock crystal. No dust and no moisture—just an accurate, authentic, and Continue Blue Mountain on Page 15

Wild Basin

By Sally King Redstone Review

I was beyond spent and my soul said Go to the high country- NOW Wild Basin is the headwaters of the creek We call our own- the St Vrain.

But up there – it belongs to nobody And I needed that kind of wild. `````````````````` We were zombies So I wasn’t surprised That when we returned to the truck Pink cheeked and happy- that We had locked the keys inside.

So we made a day of itHitching a ride from the parking lot Back to Lyons Only to go back up again.

Making a day of it But this is just what I needed.

Letting the power of the mountain Claim what is not mine in the first place.

Sally King is a local artist who believes it’s imperative that each of us pop our heads up out of the collective trance to bring through our creative gifts. You can find her on her blog and website, hersoupot.net and sallywhiteking.com, or email sallywhiteking@ live.com.

PAGE 8

LYONS, COLOR ADO

MARCH 13 / APRIL 16, 2026

CANDIDATES Q & A by 0.5 percent for infrastructure projects in 2024. By the end of 2026, we will have accrued almost one million dolLyons Town Board Candidates answer two questions lars.

Thanks to this increase in sales tax and the resulting

LYONS – The candidates running for the Lyons Town Board, Mayor, and Trustees were given two questions to answer for the Redstone Review. Below are the two questions and the answers given by each candidate.

1. Now that the federal government has severely cut infrastructure funding to Colorado and that State, County, and Lyons’ budgets will likely be drastically cut as well, how would you recommend obtaining the financial resources necessary to fund critical infrastructure projects?

2. What is the one biggest project, program, or change you would like to implement while in office, and how would you go about accomplishing that?

Mayoral Candidate Mark Browning 1. Find funding for projects?

Funding is project-specific. In decreasing order of magnitude for the big infrastructure projects: Wastewater plant – $2.2 million available balance on hand + Congressionally-directed spending if available + low-interest state loan if needed. Water-Wastewater Fund has debt service capacity due to paying off a water loan - $300,000/yr – in 2024.

Streets/stormwater – Revenue from the 0.5 cent additional sales tax voters approved in 2024 is being set aside and should reach $700,000 by year-end, with interest and more tax accruing. State low-interest financing for stormwater can fund the balance.

North Lyons collapsing culvert – Stormwater fund projected YE balance is about $250,000. State grant for the additional $250,000 needed to repair the worst parts is being pursued. If that’s not available, stormwater fees would have to increase to fund $250,000.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

The biggest change I’d like to make is giving more respect to citizens’ and businesses’ views and priorities, which they’ve said are infrastructure, fire risk mitigation, and economic vitality. Better communication and more transparency are vital to that approach. My specific proposals are posted on MarkLyonsMayor.com and on Lyons Open Discussion. They are also summarized in my campaign flyers.

I welcome further input and questions from citizens and businesses, and I’ll take those seriously.

Mayoral Candidate Paula Williams 1. Find funding for projects?

The federal government has been withholding grants to Colorado, which has negatively affected grants from BRIC, Safe Streets for All, and DRCOG. But we do have other options, including bonds, low-interest loans, and Congressionally Directed Spending grants, which come through the offices of Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet, and Congressman Joe Neguse.

The good news is that funding is likely to change for the better as Colorado regains fiscal health, and the Republican Party no longer has a lock on all branches of the federal government.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

Our major concern as a board is the health and safety of our residents. Therefore, wildfire mitigation, upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility, and stormwater runoff improvements are the most important areas of focus.

We must also focus on affordable housing and economic development.

Beneath all of those needs is the importance of building healthy relationships between our residents, the board of trustees, and the town staff, relationships that are based on civility, trust, collaboration, and good governance. If we are not all moving in the same direction, we’re just pushing a rope.

Trustee Candidate Amy Schwartz 1. Find funding for projects?

The loss of federal infrastructure funding is challenging for a small town like Lyons. But we have faced moments like this before. After the 2013 flood, Lyons rebuilt by combining persistence, creativity, and disciplined prioritization. We pursued every available funding source—federal, state, and local—and we aligned our projects with long-term resilience goals. That same approach will serve us now.

We should actively pursue Congressionally Directed Spending through our delegation, including Joe Neguse, Michael Bennet, and John Hickenlooper, while also evaluating low-interest infrastructure loans and, if necessary, voter-approved bonding for critical systems. I’m proud to say that the BuildStrong Academy of Colorado, which I started in 2017, recently received $750,000 in CDS funding from

Senator Michael Bennet.

Most importantly, we must prioritize wisely. When resources are tight, we invest first in projects that are an immediate threat to health and safety. We have done hard things before, and we will do it again — thoughtfully, strategically, and together.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

The single biggest opportunity I see is leveraging the arrival of the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder as a catalyst for long-term economic vitality in Lyons.

January is historically one of our slowest months. With thoughtful planning, this moment could help strengthen downtown and launch smart, sustainable growth along the eastern corridor—not just for one year, but over the next decade.

I would begin by convening a public–private task force that includes town leadership, local business owners, property owners, and community stakeholders. The goal would be to develop a focused strategy: temporary activation events, partnerships with regional venues, coordinated marketing, and infrastructure improvements that benefit local businesses long after the festival ends.

Rather than viewing Sundance as a short-term boost, we should treat it as a launch point—aligning economic development, placemaking, and long-term planning. Lyons thrives when we are proactive, creative, and collaborative, and this is a moment to lead with intention.

Trustee Candidate Greg Lowell 1. Find funding for projects?

Funding for Lyons infrastructure projects will partially come from funds already in the water/ sewer fund, totaling about $2.1M (from Honeywell settlement and sale of old Apple Valley water plant). This, however, will not be enough. It’s expected that the plant repair/upgrade may cost $5–8M. The deficit will have to be made up with low-interest loans from the state. Likewise, ongoing repair of the north stormwater drain will have to come from loans or grants. (There is currently a grant funding the repair of the most-critical portions of the drain.) We should expect reduced funding from the state, which has already signaled that a billion dollars in cuts is forthcoming in 2026, and from the current federal administration who seems intent on cutting aid to Colorado. As an aside, it has been suggested but not implemented, that the Town begin a targeted capital fund for the wastewater plant in anticipation of future repairs or improvements. Unfortunately, both the loans and grant matches and starting a capital fund will all require hard choices to either cut certain Town expenses not yet discussed or add to the property tax rate.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

The new Board needs to deemphasize housing and recalibrate its efforts to deal with more-pressing issues. In 2016, the Board resolved to achieve 10 percent affordable housing. Thanks to past Boards, that goal was met, and Lyons now has the highest percentage of its housing stock considered affordable among all Front Range communities.

Yet, we continue to pursue unrealistic housing goals and programs that are out of sync with economic reality and the lack of developable land.

As an example, the Town wasted staff and Board time considering a multijurisdictional housing authority that would have ensnared Lyons in a housing authority with Nederland, Gilpin County, and Central City. An effort still underway would have Lyons and Nederland share a regional housing coordinator—puzzling since Lyons has no public housing under its jurisdiction. Both these efforts would syphon off Town funds that could have been used on more important projects.

Lyons residents recognize the futility of pursuing more housing and have said so. In the 2024 Community Housing Needs and Growth Survey, two-thirds of the 445 respondents said either a 10 percent affordable housing goal was sufficient, or no goal was needed. Also, any prospects for annexing land for housing took a major hit when residents voted overwhelmingly in 2024 to require that they approve through a binding ballot vote any annexation that had been subdivided to under 5 acres since September 2000, further assuring that almost any annexation will need a positive residents’ vote. It’s time to congratulate ourselves on achieving our stated affordable housing goal and get down to the business of running the town.

Trustee Candidate Tanya Daty 1. Find funding for projects?

For critical infrastructure projects—such as the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the century-old culvert north of Main Street, and the stormwater drainage on 2nd and 3rd Avenues—I voted to approve a ballot measure that would increase our sales tax

funds, we can use them to help secure a low-interest loan.

Some of these projects cost millions of dollars, which the town’s budget cannot cover. These upgrades are essential for growing our economy.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

I would continue strengthening regional and statewide relationships to share resources and identify funding opportunities. I would also continue to pressure our federal representatives by requesting Congressionally Directed Spending to support overhauling the Wastewater Treatment Plant. If grant funding opportunities cannot be found, I would consider bonds and increasing the mill levy to fill the funding gap.

Trustee Candidate Mike Schweiger 1. Find funding for projects?

As federal infrastructure funding becomes less certain, I believe the Town of Lyons should focus on long‑term planning, clear prioritization, and a diversified mix of funding sources to ensure critical infrastructure projects can contin-

ue to move forward.

First, I would support implementing multi‑year capital planning and financial forecasting so the Board of Trustees and residents clearly understand the Town’s infrastructure needs and capital spending requirements over the next three to five years. Establishing a forward‑looking capital plan will help the Town prioritize projects and ensure limited resources are focused on the most important community needs such as street rehabilitation, electric undergrounding, upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and necessary stormwater system repairs.

Second, to fund critical infrastructure projects I would recommend pursuing a diversified funding approach that could include: (1) municipal bonds such as General Obligation or revenue bonds, (2) State of Colorado revolving loan programs such as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which provides low‑interest financing specifically for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and (3) identifying and pursuing available state or county grants.

My goal would be to utilize these funding sources whenever possible in order to avoid placing additional financial burdens on residents through increased property taxes or special assessments.

Finally, strengthening the Town’s economic base will be essential. Sales tax revenue represents an important component of Lyons’ operating revenue. Supporting responsible economic growth helps generate additional revenue that can be reinvested into infrastructure while minimizing the need to continually raise taxes on residents.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

The initiative I would most like to advance is a long‑term economic development strategy that helps Lyons become a year‑round destination community rather than simply a pass‑through town. Encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend locally would strengthen the Town’s economy and help support the sales tax revenues that fund municipal services and contribute toward capital improvement projects.

For example, this could include thoughtfully exploring opportunities for a small boutique hotel or additional lodging options, expanded wedding and event venues, and carefully planned mixed‑use residential and retail development.

The key is responsible, well‑planned growth that aligns with Lyons’ character while encouraging new businesses, investment, and year‑round economic activity.

Trustee Candidate Jen Wingard 1. Find funding for projects?

According to the Colorado Treasurer, Lyons can leverage the newly established BUILD Authority (SB25-081) to issue tax-exempt bonds, obtain loans, and utilize public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects. We need to utilize state-level, community-driven financing and prioritize local targeted infrastructure investments. Other State-Level resources include the Strong Communities Infrastructure Grant Program, Local Improvement Districts (LIDs), tax increment financing (TIF), special municipal bonds, and existing State Stimulus Funds.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

We must focus on long-term, high-impact changes by modernizing our critical infrastructure, which includes the water treatment plant improvements and drainage/culvert fixes, both of which could be approved for funding through BUILD. We also need to make strong relationships with our regulators and grant enablers and communication everywhere (local, county, state, federal).

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2

LYONS, COLOR ADO

PAGE 9

CANDIDATES Q & A Trustee Candidate Leigh Williams 1. Find funding for projects?

I agree that the outlook is grave for federal, state and county assistance in the short-term. Fortunately, our infrastructure needs are medium to long-term. So, I suggest we pursue grant funding right through these political and fiscal ups and downs. Even so, since these awards are unreliable in any environment, we should never bet our Town on them. Instead, we should be more and more careful with discretionary spending, safeguard our earmarked funds, use fees to tie capacity building to capacity utilization, gradually broaden our tax base, and be prepared to issue bonds only if necessary.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

Since our Town government is only responsible for a fraction of what happens here, I think the BOT should take a hard look at our role and others’ roles. For example, the Arts and Humanities Commission and the Creative District are rationalizing their overlapping roles. And the Economic Vitality Commission’s role should be open to discussion while business leaders consider rebuilding or replacing the Chamber. Let’s think carefully about what our community truly needs from the Town government, and what should be led by the special districts, by non-profits like LEAF, by business coalitions, by HOA’s, and by individual businesses and residents. Let’s point our limited BOT authority and Town expenditures at our core functions (like infrastructure), and support others’ leadership where they’re better positioned (like fire safety and business promotion).

Trustee Candidate Mariah McCreary 1. Find funding for projects?

We cannot rely solely on outside funding. We will need diversified strategies such as regional partnerships, phased capital plans, and careful prioritization. For a really out-of-the-box solution, we could position the Town of Lyons as a ‘demonstration site’ for climate-resilient infrastructure, etc.

By transforming vulnerabilities into showcase projects, we could attract, rather than reach for, investment and partnership with research institutions and state/federal agencies.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

I’d love to accomplish more integrated solutions. Our town’s issues are not isolated. For example, rather than tackling the wastewater treatment plant, then affordable housing, then the development initiatives on Main St, we should look towards an integrated infrastructure & economic resilience plan that ties infrastructure investment to business vitality and environmental protection. Projects are increasingly being designed to meet both economic AND sustainability goals. Lyons is in a unique position right now to jump onboard and help lead the municipal transition to sustainability and deliver long-term well-being to our residents.

Trustee Candidate Julie Jacobs 1. Find funding for projects?

Now that the federal government has severely cut infrastructure funding to Colorado and that State, County, and Lyons’ budgets will likely be drastically cut as well, how would you recommend obtaining the financial resources necessary to fund critical infrastructure projects?

In this time of (hopefully temporary) cuts to federal funding, Lyons will be competing with other municipalities for very limited funds. Prioritizing our infrastructure needs will be a necessary initial step; we must identify the urgent issues and focus on those first, then chip away at other important needs over time. First priority - the wastewater treatment plant, which is not only a vital infrastructure project but also an essential component of our economic vitality as a community.

Lyons has historically been able to rely on grant funding at both the state and federal levels, and now we need to be creative and find additional sources of funding. Applications are open now for Congressionally Directed Spending opportunities – federal funding for economic development, infrastructure, and other community investments – and we need strong support from Rep. Neguse and Sens.

Bennet and Hickenlooper to apply for this funding. We benefit greatly from town leaders like Paula Stone Williams who have existing robust connections that they can leverage to move this forward. Finally, we must continue to seek low-interest loans and consider municipal bonds to fund this major project.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

What is the one biggest either project, or program, or change you would like to implement while in office and how would you go about accomplishing that?

Wastewater treatment plant aside, when it comes to my

personal goals, I believe that we must do a better job of listening to all of the voices in our community and basing decisions on what provides the most benefit to the most people. Over the last 9 years in my work with HHSC, the IGA Task Force, and the PCDC, I have repeatedly watched a relatively small, well-organized group of community members mobilize quickly to participate in processes related to issues that concern them.

However, I have not often heard from an economically and ideologically diverse group of community members, and I worry that relying on emailed surveys and in-person comments at evening meetings may exclude the voices of people directly impacted by the decisions we make. I will work to increase the town’s engagement with a wide range of community members, including business owners and our middle and working-class neighbors. Quarterly meetings with business owners, listening forums in different parts of the community, or identifying community ambassadors who will volunteer to engage with their neighbors and provide input to the Board are all ideas to consider. We need sustainable processes for communication and listening that will outlive any one Board and create space for collaborative, inclusive conversations and decisions for a long time to come. Otherwise, we may not be truly representing the interests of the town residents in our decision-making.

Trustee Candidate Douglas Matthews 1. Find funding for projects?

While there are a variety of options for funding large infrastructure projects, such as grants, low-interest state loans, and even bonds, the most important action for Lyons will be to focus on our “needs” over our “wants” when facing constricted resources. Prioritization of expenditures of funds, staff time, and energy will help to meet our obligations as a community.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

In my view, in addition to the critical Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, the most urgent action is the repair of the stormwater culverts on the north side and under the town. The Lyons 2016 Stormwater Master Plan illustrated the high (and perhaps unappreciated) risk of severe stormwater runoff events from Steamboat valley, which flow into the area between Fourth and Fifth Avenue of Old North Town. This risk seems to grow with each passing year due to the increased frequency of severe weather events, such as seen by the recent mountain flooding in North Carolina.

L E T T E R •T O •T H E •E D I T O R Let’s welcome and appreciate, our neighbors and colleagues.

At the March 4th candidates’ forum, one speaker noted that her very identity is a subject of debate in today’s national discourse. I echoed her call for all of us to treat one another with decency, but I want to make a stronger and broader statement here.

I fundamentally believe in her right to be who she is—as a matter of self-determination, self-expression and basic civil rights.

Extending this principle to less personal questions, I also think we’ll be best served if we elect a board with varied backgrounds and areas of expertise—choosing broadly from among the lawyers, therapists, businessowners, environmentalists, and teachers.

Someone I deeply respect said once that I bring my whole self to being a trustee. I don’t know if she meant I focus on what I know (housing and fire), or that I’m okay looking undecided until my mind’s made up, or something else. Whatever she meant, it is easy for me (as an unremarkable middle-aged white guy) to be myself in Lyons, and I want the same acceptance for others. I vote that we unequivocally welcome and appreciate our candidates’, colleagues’, and neighbors’ whole selves.

Where I Stand on Major Town Issues

Leigh Williams, Lyons, CO

Communication/Transparency – The Town needs to do better at communicating with residents and businesses before even initial Board discussions of things that impact them – for ex., events in neighborhoods, contractor rules, property restrictions. Once citizen and business input (like survey responses) is received, it should get great weight in decisions.

Infrastructure – We must fix the wastewater treatment plant and do it right this time.

We need to shore up the collapsing culvert through North Lyons. And we need to fix failed streets. We should try to pay for those things without raising taxes by using grants and low-interest state loans, plus carefully prioritizing what's really essential.

Fire Risk Mitigation – Just adopting a new State code applying only to new buildings won't do much for Lyons fire safety, with less than 10 vacant lots left. We need to add some limited retroactive steps (like cutting junipers within 5 feet of houses) based on citizen input. The Town should share costs with residents. It should also mitigate its own properties.

Economic Vitality – The Town should work with, not against, business and property owners. No unnecessary property restrictions. Offer incentives (reduced fees & taxes) to fill vacant spaces. Shorten development review time. Promote business sectors (music/wedding venues, restaurants, shops). Engage with Boulder County to boost outdoor recreation.

Housing – With the 224 Seward property, Lyons has met its 10% local affordable housing goal. We're #1 in Boulder County! Citizens have said more AH at big cost to local taxpayers shouldn't be a Town budget priority. Future efforts (including any “middle housing” in the Eastern Corridor) must make economic sense to be successful.

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

utility bills, and the Redstone Review. We hope to see you there.

No Kings National Call to Action Day

LYONS – The National Call to Action demonstration will be held on Sat. March 28 at the Third and Third and Main (Freedom Triangle), from noon to 2 p.m.

Sponsored by LN4D, Lyons Neighbors 4 Democracy, locally supporting and defending American Democracy with weekly Saturday rallies since Feb. 2025. All peaceful participants welcome.

Register: www.nokings.org Note: LN4D Saturday rallies will be moving to start at 11a.m. beginning April 11.

Snow Fencing installed Third and Main

Visit MarkLyonsMayor.com for more information.

(Or use the QR code)

LYONS – After several conversations with the Town, Sheriff, and Lyons Neighbors 4 Democracy members regarding safety concerns, it was agreed recently that installing

a snow fence along the eastern tip of the triangle would help keep ralliers at a safe distance from the curb and traffic, while allowing for ease of movement for participants, as long as needed.

Senior Bus Trip

LYONS – The next bus trip is coming up quickly and there are a few seats left. While the date of the event is April 22, tickets must be purchased in advance. The Last Day to Purchase Tickets is March 20. Here are the details: Sr Bus Trip to the Musical “Come from Away” Please join us for what’s sure to be a moving trip to the Arvada Center. The musical “Come from Away” is based on an extraordinary true story and, as described by the Arvada Center, “chronicles how the isolated town of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an Continue Briefs on Page 13

PAGE 10

LYONS, COLOR ADO

MARCH 13 / APRIL 16, 2026

WHAT’S COOKIN’ dish, but use leftover store-bought rotisserie chicken if that’s A comforting casserole spoon what you have. Sauté / an onion, chopped, in one tableolive oil. Add the shredded chicken and cook for a 1

By Barbara Shark Redstone Review

LYONS – I recently had a taste memory of crepes with a creamy chicken filling, something I made many years ago. Where was the recipe? I couldn’t find it or any hint on the internet, so I winged it.

Shark First, I made a bechamel to which I added some gruyere. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in two tablespoons of flour and cook about two minutes. Add two cups of milk and stir vigorously to combine. Cook until thickened and smooth.

Add two–four ounces of Gruyère cheese and salt to taste.

I had two cups of poached chicken left over from another

2

minute or two. Deglaze the pan with three tablespoons of white wine and let it cook down until almost evaporated.

Add to the bechamel.

Yes, that’s the taste I remembered. I didn’t want to fuss with crepes, so I cooked six ounces of orecchiette (use any pasta shape) to add to the chicken and bechamel for a fancy mac and cheese.

Pour into a baking dish, top with panko and parmesan, and bake at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes. The dish satisfied my search for those remembered tastes and was perfect cold-weather comfort food.

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

Locale Firenze’s legendary Lasagna al Ragù, the famous YouTube dish

By Catherine Metzger Redstone Review SAN MIGUEL COUNTY – As winter reluctantly gives way to spring, the craving for soul-warming comfort food refuses to fade, and Locale Firenze’s Lasagna al Ragù remains an unbeatable choice. In a wildly popular Aden Films YouTube video that has surpassed 5.7 million views (and still climbing), head chef Simone Caponnetto masterfully demonstrates his authentic Tuscan-inspired take on this classic Italian dish.

The lasagna shines through thoughtful technique: a deeply flavorful ragù made from ground beef and pork, slow simmered for hours with a fragrant soffritto base of finely chopped carrots, celery, and onion, then layered generously with velvety béchamel sauce, tender fresh egg pasta sheets,

and abundant grated aged Parmigiano-Reggiano that bakes into a beautifully golden, irresistibly crispy top.

What truly sets it apart is its make-ahead magic: prepare a large batch, portion it out, freeze individual servings or the whole tray, and simply reheat for effortless, restaurant-level comfort on hectic weeknights. No long hours in the kitchen required.

Since Locale Firenze doesn’t publish an official, exact recipe, the detailed version below carefully adapts Chef Caponnetto’s

step-by-step method into clear, approachable instructions so home cooks can recreate that same rich, balanced Tuscan perfection.

Ready to bring this cozy masterpiece to your table? Buon appetito.

Locale Firenze-Style Lasagna al Ragù Serves 8-10 in a 9x12” dish Ingredients Ragù: 1 lb ground beef, ½ lb ground pork (optional addition: ¼ cup beef fat), 1 cup each finely chopped carrot and celery, and 2 cups red onion (soffritto), ¾–1 cup EVOO, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 28 oz tomato sauce, 1 cup red wine (optional), ½ cup water, aromatic herb salt (or salt + rosemary/ sage/thyme/lemon zest), pepper. Béchamel: 160g (1½ sticks) butter, 160g (1¼ cups) flour, 1½ liters (6� cups) warm whole milk, salt, generous nutmeg, white pepper.

Other: Fresh egg lasagna sheets (4–5 layers), 1½ cups grated aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, olive oil for pasta.

Instructions Ragù (start first; ~4+ hours): Heat ¾ cup oil in large pot; sauté soffritto (carrot, celery, onion) with salt until soft/translucent. In a separate pan, brown meat well; season. Combine with soffritto veggies. Add tomato paste; cook 2–3 min.

Deglaze with wine (if using), then add tomato sauce + water. Simmer low (Crock Pot works) 4+ hours until thick, rich, and reduced. Adjust seasoning. Make ahead if desired.

Béchamel: Melt butter, stir in flour; cook to a light golden roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth and thick. Season with salt, nutmeg, and white pepper. Cover to prevent skin.

Pasta: If dried, blanch 30–40 sec in salted boiling water, shock in ice water, drain, coat lightly with remaining ¼ cup EVOO to prevent sticking.

Assemble: Preheat oven 392°F/200°C. In a dish, spread a thick béchamel base to prevent sticking. Then layer: pasta � béchamel � ragù � generous Parmesan� repeat (pasta, béchamel, ragù, Parmesan). Finish with pasta, a layer of more liquified béchamel (stir in a bit of extra milk), ragù, and a final, extra generous layer of Parmesan on top.

B •R •I •E •F •S Continued from Page 9

Bake: Uncovered 30–40 min until golden, puffed, crispy edges. Rest 30 min before slicing for clean cuts (though hard to wait!).

Serve with Tuscan red wine.

I have made this twice—once to test it last October, and once on Valentine’s Day, for company, who raved about it. The results were rich, balanced, and deeply flavorful. It is truly the perfect make-ahead comfort food.

Since cooking for room and board at a Scottish estate in 1978, then as a French cuisine journeyman at the celebrated Henri d’Afrique restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, Catherine Ripley Metzger has been honing her culinary skills. Today, as proprietor of the blog, www.

FoodForTheAges.com, she sources locally, gardens intentionally and cooks with curiosity from the ground up in her log cabin home on Colorado’s Western Slope. For more practical, how-to recipes, go to www.foodfortheages.com.

international sleepover when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar, and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. Filled with traditional Irish folk music and stirring musical ballads all performed by an onstage band, this breathtaking musical is a true celebration of hope, humanity, and unity.” Our bus will pick us up and return us to Walt Self.

Register using the link below or by dropping off a check/cash at the town hall. Put it in an envelope with Lisa Ramsey’s name on it and be sure to list the names of all attendees.

You must be ages 55 or over, the date is Wednesday, April 22, from 11:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The bus leaves from Walt Self, 335 Railroad Ave. The fee is $44; scholarships are available. Contact recreation@ townoflyons.com or contact lramsey@ townoflyons.com.

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VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2

LYONS, COLOR ADO

PAGE 11

VOICES ARE HEARD LEAF expands mental health resources and welcomes new staff

By Daryl McCool Redstone Review LEAF – Lyons Elevating All Fund (LEAF) strengthens its community safety net with a new counseling partnership and a familMcCool iar face on staff. LEAF is entering 2026 with two significant developments: a new partnership that expands access to mental health care for Lyons residents, and the addition of a homegrown team member to help the organization grow.

Removing the barriers to care LEAF has partnered with Krupnick Counseling Associates (KCA), a premier, multi-specialty group practice in Longmont, to bring confidential, specialized mental health services to anyone in the Lyons service area, completely free of charge, regardless of insurance, Medicare, or financial situation.

Founded in 2000, KCA brings togeth-

er therapists with decades of experience across a wide range of specialties, including care for individuals, couples, families, children, and preteens; LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming therapy, addict ion recovery, trauma and grief, suicidal i d e -

ation, and mid-life and senior transitions.

LEAF will fund up to eight therapy sessions per client. The partnership was designed with Lyons’ unique character in

Simonsen has called Lyons home since 2011 and graduated from Lyons High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. She returned to town with a clear intention: to build Simonsen a career rooted in service joins LEAF! and local impact. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Lyons Historic Preservation Commission and describes Lyons, without hesitation, as her favorite funky little place on earth.

Her connection to the community runs deep. Having lived through the 2013 flood, she witnessed firsthand how Lyons’ neighbors showed up for one another during one of the hardest chapters in the town’s recent history. That experience, she says, shaped her understanding of what makes Lyons so resilient.

In her new role, Simonsen will focus on supporting volunteers, streamlining operations, and ensuring LEAF is ready to show

mind, offering care at a distance to provide a layer of confidentiality that can be hard to come by in a small, close-knit town, and encouraging residents to seek support early rather than waiting until a difficult moment becomes a crisis.

The program builds on mental health support LEAF already offers locally through Chris Peraro, MA, LPC, a licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Residents can reach out to Chris for a referral to the new KCA partnership.

“This significantly strengthens Lyons’ behavioral health safety net,” said Executive Director Jocelyn Farrell. “We want people to know that help is here, it’s free, and nothing is standing in the way.”

A familiar face joins the team LEAF has also welcomed Grace Simonsen as its new Operations and Volunteer Coordinator, a role that feels like a natural fit for someone who has spent most of her life invested in this community.

Continue LEAF on Page 14

Unpaid but unforgettable: answering a call for a Seabiscuit movie crowd filler Don Hurst Redstone Review

bags stuffed with homemade costumes: fedoras from thrift stores, wide-legged trousers, floral day dresses, suspenders, and clipon bow ties. I wore a charcoal wool suit I found at a garage sale, the jacket a touch too tight across the shoulders. Christina had sewn a bias-cut navy dress from a 1930s pattern she’d ordered online, finishing it with a cream cardigan and a small felt cloche hat.

She felt self-conscious about the seams until she saw the man ahead of us wearing sneakers with his plus-fours.

A production assistant named Marisol, clipboard in one hand, megaphone in the other, divided the crowd into groups.

“Grandstand section C, rows 12 through 18, you’re our money-shot people today.

No modern jewelry, no visible tattoos, no phones out during takes.”

Christina and I ended up in row 14, seats seven and eight, with a perfect sightline down the homestretch. The infield already

EDMONDS, WA – The morning fog still clung to the San Gabriel foothills when Christina and I pulled our old Honda into the overflow lot at Santa Anita Park.

It was the second week of December 2002, and the racetrack—already legendary in our household—had become a temporary movie set. We had answered a casting call months earlier, one of those small ads buried in the back of the local paper: “Volunteer Extras Needed – Seabiscuit Feature Film – Period Attire Appreciated.” Neither of us had ever acted, but the idea of standing in the same grandstand where the real Seabiscuit had thundered to victory in 1940 felt like stepping into a story we’d both loved for years.

We arrived at 5:45 a.m., joining a slow-moving river of people funneling toward the main gate. Most carried paper

buzzed with activity: camera cranes on rails, horse vans unloading thoroughbreds, wranglers in cowboy hats walking the animals in slow circles. I leaned close to Christina.

“See that bay with the white blaze? That’s probably our boy. They say he’s got the same stubborn look the real Biscuit had.”

Christina smiled, squeezing my forearm.

“You’ve been reading the Laura Hillenbrand book again, haven’t you?”

“Twice,” I admitted. “It’s like research, but the fun kind.”

The first take came at 8:17 a.m. A bell clanged, the starting gate sprang open, and eight horses exploded down the track in a low roar of hooves and dust. The extras rose as one, hats waving, programs flapping, voices shouting encouragements that weren’t in any script. “Go, Biscuit!” “Bring it home.” I found myself on my feet, fist pumping the air like I’d bet my last dollar.

Continue Seabiscuit on Page 15

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PAGE 12

LYONS, COLOR ADO

MARCH 13 / APRIL 16, 2026

COMMON CAUSE available this year. It’s a careful and inspiring process and one that reflects the heart of our community.

Spring into action with LCF scholarships Events like the Fun Run and programs like our scholBy Grace Simonsen Redstone Review

LYONS – Spring marks the start of the busy season for the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF). We kicked things off with the success of the fifth Annual Lucky Lyons Fun Run on March 7, where kids, Simonsen pups, and seasoned runners alike put their best foot forward in support of LCF’s mission.

All funds raised above the cost of the event are generously sponsored by Gemini Adventures and organized with the help of Glen Delman and the Town of Lyons, and are donated directly to LCF to help fund grants, scholarships, and community events in the year ahead. This race would not have been possible without the incredible volunteers who showed up early, stayed late, and made the day seamless.

Thank you for helping us turn miles into meaningful impact.

March 6 marked the final day for local high school seniors to submit applications for LCF scholarships. Now, our scholarship committee begins the rewarding work of reviewing applications and selecting recipients.

The committee is made up of eight dedicated volunteers who evaluate each application using a structured rubric and meet twice to thoughtfully discuss eligibility for the ten

arships are powered entirely by volunteers. LCF offers numerous opportunities to get involved, from helping at community events like the Sandstone Summer Concerts to serving on our Grants or Scholarship Review Committees or even joining the board. There is always a way to make a difference in Lyons through LCF. If your schedule is full but your heart is local, you can still make a meaningful impact by donating year-round. Becoming a recurring donor is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to ensure vital community programs remain funded. We call our recurring donors Community Builders because they help lay the foundation for all the important work LCF supports.

A simple monthly gift of $5, $10, $20, or $100 helps ensure local nonprofits have access to financial support, high school seniors can pursue their dreams, and Lyons continues to thrive through community-centered events.

Whatever the amount, donating to LCF means investing in your neighbors, your friends, and the future of Lyons.

Your next opportunity to connect with LCF is April 5 at the Wildflower Pavilion at Planet Bluegrass during their annual Easter Service. LCF volunteers will be serving drinks and baked goods. They will be available to answer questions about getting involved.

Ready to step in this spring? You can spring into action by joining the volunteer list.

You can get on the list by emailing info@lyonscf.org.

Become a Community Builder at lyonscf.org/donate and select Recurring Donation.

Spring is a season of growth, and together, we’re growing something meaningful for Lyons.

Grace Simonsen is a longtime Lyons resident. She served on the board of Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) before becoming the administrative assistant and the community outreach director for LCF in 2025.

had to do something about it,” Tom A life devoted to the wild: remembering Cec Sanders “She remembers.

After successfully raising a family of small

By Caroline Rideout Redstone Review

LONGMONT – For decades, if an injured bear cub, orphaned fawn, or frightened mountain lion needed help in southern Colorado, there was a good chance someone would point the way to Cec Sanders.

Cec, co-founder of the Wet Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and a familiar presence to generations of Pueblo-area residents, made it her life’s work to give injured and orphaned wildlife a second chance. Alongside her husband, Tom Sanders, she became one of Colorado’s earliest licensed rehabilitators. Together, they worked with large animals and carnivores, long before that work was widely understood.

Cec passed away last fall. Her loss is deeply felt across the Colorado wildlife commu-

nity she helped build, and her husband, Tom Sanders, was kind enough to sit down and share her story.

Tom and Cec feeding a hungry parcel

Those who met Cec for the first time sensed her confidence and capability right away. “She could do just about anything,” Tom remembers, “and everything with her became an adventure. She was either fearless,” he says, “or a master at controlling her fear.”

Cec and Tom’s partnership was shaped by a shared sense of adventure. They first met during the Fountain Creek flood of the 1960s, perched together on the Eighth Street Bridge as the creek surged below and authorities were advising onlookers to stay away from the dangerous floodwaters.

“Cec always said that’s where we met,” Tom recalls with a laugh.

Their journey into wildlife rehabilitation grew naturally from a shared love of the outdoors. During hiking and backpacking trips, they began encountering injured animals, and Cec simply could not walk away.

hawks, a veterinarian encouraged them to pursue certification. They worked briefly under Pueblo’s beloved “bird lady,” Glenna Beck, before earning their own license and eventually expanding their work to large carnivores such as mountain lions and bears, a territory few others had dared to explore at the time.

Over the years, Cec and Tom rehabilitated an estimated 200 to 300 bears, more than 20 mountain lions, and countless deer, antelope, and elk. One year, they cared for 18 bears at once, alongside over a dozen fawns.

But numbers alone never defined the work. Cec believed that real success meant making herself invisible. While bottle-fed cubs and spotted fawns could easily win human affection, she knew that animals Continue Sanders on Page 15

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2

LYONS, COLOR ADO

PAGE 13

CHOICES presidential election, which he won by a ly, saying some version of the rabbits phrase landslide, becoming the first Democrat to will bring good luck for the next 30 days: Pinch, punch, first of the month win both the electoral college and popular the long-winded white rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits, bunny, bunny, rabbit, 80 years. white rabbit –embracing the rabbit habit voteIninWWII, British fighter pilots pressed rabbit, just plain rabbits or ‘white rabbitor “The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed.”

-Sebastian Roch Nicolas Chamfort (17411794)

By Annie Muldrew-Pancoast Redstone Review RIVERSIDE – With all the frightening front-page headlines consuming us daily, I have decided for my own sanity to continue with my first-day-of-the-month tradition as a diversion from the constant barrage of angering, heartbreaking news.

Saying ‘rabbit, rabbit, rabbit’ out loud immediately when I wake up on the first of each month makes me smile. This simple little phrase is supposed to invite good fortune into my life as I welcome a new month filled with positive energy. Hey, these days I’ll try anything to ward off negativity and embrace diversions.

What is the origin of this oddball custom, you ask? The tradition could have stemmed from the historical association of rabbits with new beginnings, prosperity, good luck, and fertility. These animals are known for their quick reflexes, keen senses, protective vigilance, and prolific breeding habits, making the rabbit a natural icon for abundance and the successful continuation of life.

In the UK, it might have taken inspiration

from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland (1865), the story of a young girl being guided by a white rabbit through wild adventures. The first known written record of a phrase being said for good luck was from an English periodical Notes and Queries (March 27, 1909).

A parent noted that his child, called out rabbit, rabbit up the chimney on the first of each

for even more luck by using the phrase daily before missions. The Royal Air Force went on to successfully repel the German Luftwaffe in both the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. British-American journalist Simon Winchester noted in 2006 that he had said “white rabbits” for 696 consecut ive

month in hopes of receiving a present.

In the following decades since 1909, famous people have trusted the practice of greeting each new month with a rabbit phrase in hopes of encouraging monthlong good luck, financial prosperity, or protection. President Franklin D. Roosevelt claimed to say, rabbits, on the first of every month. He was also known to carry a lucky rabbit’s foot during the 1932

months ever since 1948, when he was four years old. Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner cultivated the practice of saying bunny bunny monthly for good luck, and actress Sarah Jessica Parker has frequently shared rabbit rabbit posts for over 25 years on social media on the first of the month.

So, what’s with all the different phrases, the title above being one variety? Supposed-

the most popular, rabbit, rabbit, rabbit (either singular or plural in triplicate).

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, timing is everything. The key, upon waking up on the first day of a new month, is to use whatever phrase one chooses and utter it aloud the very first thing before saying anything to anybody else.

This superstition, practiced in Great Britain and North America for over a century, also has a built-in safety net. If you accidentally say something to someone else first, you can correct your luck by saying this phrase backwards before you go to bed that night: tibbar, tibbar, tibbar. And to seal the deal and make sure you have closed out each month well, jump out of bed on the last night of the month with both feet or say, “hare, hare” before going to sleep.

Hey, what do we have to lose these days?

A little magic and sense of diversionary fun certainly can’t hurt our present-day lives, right? Be sure to plan ahead for your rabbit habit—and also enjoy additional hearty laughs on April 1. Happy April Fools’ Day. Annie Muldrew-Pancoast is a long-time resident of Riverside, Colorado.

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Wildfire Continued from Page 4 levels. There is a whole list on page 118 of the CWPP. Our staff will be doing their annual wildland firefighting refresher training next month, and we’re putting our engines through their maintenance rotation so that we can be at the ready. Please do what you can to help us get through the season unscathed. Heed red flag warnings, alerts, and burn restrictions. Let’s be smart and safe together.

Rob Stumpf is the Lyons Fire District Chief.

Recollections Continued from Page 4 within a mile and a half of the top of Longs Peak.

In 1922, Moomaw made the first recorded January climb of Longs Peak. Later that year, he made the first ascent of the east face, something he later said he regretted due to a number of people who died while trying to replicate his feat. Shortly after the

later years, Moomaw lived in a home on Evans Street and operated a small museum. Moomaw had many interests outside of his career as a ranger, including those of an amateur archaeologist, an artist, and the author of several books of poetry. Moomaw’s answer to the question of why he was interested in so many different things was “I’m just curious.”

Jack Moomaw passed away on January 10, 1975, at the age of 82; his wife Lila died in 1961. Both are buried in the Hygiene cemetery. He had always held on to his Rabbit Mountain property and turned down many offers from developers, saying, “I’m sentimental about it, and because I like to think I’m keeping a bit of breathing space.” In 1985, his granddaughter Helen Lila sold the property to Boulder County, and it is now a 1,500-acre park for hiking and mountain biking.

Research for this article comes from Jack Moomaw’s books and the Redstone Museum’s archives. The museum will reopen this spring: weekends in May and then daily in June through September.

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.

Preserving Continued from Page 4

Street sceneMain St.1930 January climb, Moomaw was offered the job of ranger at the park. During his tenure at Rocky Mountain National Park, he created numerous trails, made several significant archaeological discoveries, and installed climbing cables on the north face of Longs Peak, which were removed in 1973 due to its wilderness designation. Moomaw Glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park is named after him, honoring his work studying the park’s ice features.

Jack Moomaw often volunteered for dangerous searches and rescues within the park. He details a number of these stories in the book, some with happy endings, some ending in death, and a few with the “lost” still missing.

One such story involved Joseph Halpern.

In August 1933, Halpern and a friend set off for a day hike. The friend returned to Halpern’s parents’ campsite in the afternoon, saying Joseph had headed off alone to climb Taylor Peak. Halpern never returned. A search party of several rangers and about 150 volunteers looked for him for a number of days without success. Neither the registry on Taylor Peak nor nearby peaks contained his signature, and eventually the search was called off, although some rangers and volunteers continued the search all summer. For decades after his disappearance, Halpern’s parents, his brother Bernard, and his nephew continued reaching out to the Park’s Superintendent, the FBI, and local law enforcement enquiring about unidentified remains.

Moomaw moved on to searching for other lost people in the park, but regarding the search for Joseph Halpern, he wrote “Some people, including the parents, are of the opinion that the missing boy may have lost his mind and wandered away, but I believe that somewhere up there on the barrens the wind is moaning through his bones.”

Jack Moomaw retired from the Park Service in June 1945 after suffering a heart attack. His last assignment was as a winter caretaker at Ft. Laramie, Wyoming. In his

ty craftsmanship with modern substitutes, homeowners who choose preservation invest in durability, heritage, and long-term value.

What historic designation does Local designation helps protect the character of historically significant properties and neighborhoods.

It generally: Requires review and approval for exterior alterations visible from the public right-ofway Encourages rehabilitation rather than demolition Protects historic features and architectural details Supports community identity and heritage tourism It does not: Regulate interior changes (in most cases) Freeze a building in time or prevent all updates Require owners to restore a property to a specific historic period Why it matters in Lyons Lyons has a rich history shaped by its early settlement, quarrying industry, and smalltown character. Local historic designation helps ensure that future growth and development respect that legacy.

The Town of Lyons Historic Preservation Commission’s (HPC) mission includes encouraging and cultivating good stewardship and pride in ownership of historic properties around town. As part of this effort, the HPC has launched a local designation program. This allows building owners to designate their properties and access economic incentives. The process is straightforward and requires a simple application and review by the HPC. It should be noted that designation is not mandatory.

To help residents learn more about the local designation program, the HPC is hosting an information session at the Lyons Library on Wednesday, April 8, at 6 p.m. A representative from History Colorado, the state agency coordinating the designation and tax incentive program, will explain the process and its benefits and be available to answer questions.

If you live or own a historic property or are simply curious or interested in main-

taining the historical relevance of shared spaces in Lyons, please join us for this informational session.

Kristen Bruckner is the Arts and Cultural Services Coordinator for the Town of Lyons. She and her husband have lived in Lyons for more than 20 years, raising three children and participating in many town activities. She may be reached at Kbruckner@townoflyons.com

Dog Park Continued from Page 6 the double-gated entrance area, replacing the current round trash bin. They will also see new light green, 100% compostable dog waste bags i n the dispenser.

Dog owners must use the compostable bags provided and dispose of them in the compost bins.

Pet Scoop will pick up the waste and transport it to the composting facility every week.

Only dog waste and compostable bags can go in the bins— other trash will contaminate the compost.

There will still be a can for “other” trash in the dog park. The Town will install a sign to remind friends of the dog park of the program and how it works. A tracker at the park will show how many pounds of waste are diverted from landfills each month during the six-month pilot.

Anybody interested can learn more about the program and get answers to questions at the Earth Day Event at Bohn Park on April 25, organized by the Sustainable Futures Commission. The Parks and Recreation Commission will have a table with information and fun facts, opportunities to take photos with dogs, stickers, and more for kids and adults. Stop by!

The pilot is expected to divert roughly 3,000 pounds of dog waste from landfills—a result that both dogs and their humans can feel good about. And while we are on the topic of dogs, it will soon be Discount Dog Days in Lyons during the month of April.

The dog licensing fee is reduced to $20 for the first dog, $15 for each additional dog. Town of Lyons dog licenses expire each year on April 30th and need to be renewed annually. The fee helps fund dog waste bags provided across town as well as maintenance of the dog park. Visit www. townoflyons.com/dog to learn more.

Eva Guenther is a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. She enjoys daily visits to the dog park with her dog Momo, a black lab mix. She also serves on the Board of LEAF. For her day job she works in global operations and strategy.

LEAF Continued from Page 11 up whenever the community needs it.

When she’s not working, she can be found planning her next travel adventure, spending time with her partner, or settling in at home with her cats.

LEAF serves the Lyons community through a range of programs focused on health, well-being, and neighbor-to-neighbor support. For more information or to connect with available resources, visit www. leaflyons.org.

Daryl McCool joined LEAF in 2024 and serves as Creative Communications and Marketing Manager. She supports programming, events, social media communications, website, and outreach activities in our community.

www.LyonsPT.com • 303.823.8813

Serving Continued from Page 6 together to brainstorm ideas on how to fundraise for the event. These meetings were filled with students working towards a common goal to raise enough money to make this event possible.

In previous years, the staff of Lyons Middle/Senior High School and Lyons Elementary School came together for the friendly competition of a staff volleyball game hosted at the high school. The proceeds from this game all went toward fundraising for the packing event. It was also a great time for all of the students in the community to come together and cheer on their teachers. There was a liveliness that came about during this event that was tangible.

Also, because who doesn’t love a good doughnut? Doughnuts were sold in the morning to help with the fundraising as well. Students and staff were eager to support the cause, and knowing their small purchase contributed to something much bigger certainly helped the desire for a doughnut.

The Lyons LEOs club also saw the value in our cause and donated a generous sum of money to help us with this volunteering event. The LEOs are a staple group in the Lyons community, and they devote much of their time to volunteer efforts that are crucial to the community they serve.

While all of these helped us reach our benchmark, it was our campus supervisor, Bob Olds, who gave us the cherry-on-top idea. He spoke to our student body president about the potential of a basketball halftime competition, and at the next game, the free-throw competition was born.

With two-liter sodas that he provided, students and parents had the opportunity to pay a dollar in order to attempt to make an elusive free-throw shot. The crowd would gather during halftime, cheering on each participant as they stepped to the line.

Whether the shot went in or not, every attempt meant another dollar raised for the cause. This helped our Student Council immensely, and we are very grateful for his inspiration and support.

Meals of Hope has been serving communities for 18 years. It was founded by a man named Steve Popper in 2007 and has since grown to be the largest food pantry provider in Florida. Meals of Hope partners with many different people in order to end starvation across the United States, and Lyons Middle/Senior High School is proud to have volunteered for them twice.

Their commitment to fighting hunger has allowed schools like ours to take part in something that stretches far beyond our small town.

On the day of the event, students in and out of the Student Council showed up, hair nets and all, ready to get to work. The volunteers from the organization came earlier to help set up the food we would be packaging and boxing up to be delivered to food banks locally. The meal we packed was soy chicken, rice, and peas. The students were split into grade-level groups, and the competition started to heat up. As soon as we were allowed to pack, it didn’t end until 10,000 meals were packaged and ready to be distributed. Tables were lined with ingredients, scoops moved quickly, and sealed bags filled multiple boxes. Unfortunately, the juniors did take home the gold, with the seniors coming in second. While the competition was fun, it all came down to the people who wouldn’t go hungry because of the meals that were packed.

About 13.5 percent of Americans are struggling with food insecurity. This is why organizations like Meals of Hope are so important in our world. Not only the organizations, but also the volunteers who

Thank you readers, for your subscriptions and your donations. For those of you who can donate, but haven’t yet, please consider a donation.

If new tariffs are imposed on Canada, there will be a 25 percent increase in the prices of paper and gas, which will disrupt much of the newspaper industry, according to Adams Publishing Group, in Cheyenne, WY. You can donate to Redstone Review by check to PO Box 68, Lyons CO 80540 or by credit card by calling Julie Hamilton at Scope Accounting in Lyons at 303-324-2869.

In 2023, the rate of newspaper closures in the U.S. increased to an average of 2.5 per week, up from two per week in 2022. Thank you for your support.

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VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2

LYONS, COLOR ADO

commit themselves to the service of others.

It is easy to overlook statistics, but behind every number is a real person facing real hardship. Events like ours may seem small, but 10,000 meals represent 10,000 opportunities for someone to have a full belly.

Thank you again to Meals of Hope and to each one of their volunteers. Also, thank you to all of the Lyons Student Council volunteers whose two hours of packing gave 10,000 people a healthy meal. I would encourage everyone to find an opportunity near you, whether it be volunteering for a day at a food bank or shelter, or participating in an organization like Meals of Hope; that impact goes a long way. Even small acts of service can create meaningful change.

Bayleigh Clark is a senior at Lyons Middle/ Senior High School this year. She is the editor -in-chief of this year’s Lyons High yearbook.

She has always had a passion for writing, especially for topics that bring awareness to important issues.

Seabiscuit Continued from Page 11 Beside me, Christina, normally quiet in crowds, stood on tiptoe, clapping furiously, her hat slipping sideways. When the horses crossed the wire, the director yelled “Cut”. and the entire grandstand deflated with laughter and applause.

Between setups, we wandered the concourse. Craft services offered coffee in paper

cups and trays of peanut-butter sandwiches.

We sat on a low concrete wall near the paddock, watching grooms brush sweat from steaming flanks. A wrangler named Diego let us pat the Seabiscuit stand-in on the neck; the horse regarded us with calm, liquid eyes.

“You two married long?” Diego asked.

“Twelve years next April,” Christina said.

“Nice. My wife thinks I’m crazy for doing this every day, up at four, home at ten. But these horses… they remind you why you get up.”

I nodded. “That’s why we’re here. Not for the screen credit. Just to feel it.”

The day stretched long and bright. They ran the race sequence seven times before lunch, then eight more after. Each take required repositioning: extras moved to different sections, hats swapped, scarves retied. By the fourth reset, Christina’s feet ached in her low-heeled pumps, but she refused to complain. During one break, she and I bought lemonades from a vendor who’d set up a folding table and pretended the track was still 1938.

“You know what’s strange?” Christina said, sipping slowly. “We’re pretending to be people who were pretending nothing was wrong. The Depression was still grinding people down, yet they came here and screamed for a little crooked-legged horse like he could fix everything.”

I looked out at the track, the dirt still settling from the last gallop. “Maybe he did fix something. Not the economy, but the feeling that you could still win if you kept trying.”

She rested her head against my shoulder.

“I like that we’re part of the echo.”

The golden hour arrived around four o’clock. The director wanted one final, wide master shot with the sun slanting across the grandstand and the horses thundering toward the finish in perfect light. Everyone was tired, voices hoarse, but the energy lifted again as the bell rang. This time, the roar felt deeper, more honest. I shouted until my throat burned; Christina waved her program so hard the paper tore. When the last horse crossed, and the director finally called, “That’s a wrap on Santa Anita!” the cheer that went up rattled the rafters.

We stayed until the crowd thinned. A still photographer asked if we’d pose together against the railing; I put my arm around Christina’s waist, both of us smiling into the late-afternoon glare. Later, someone

PAGE 15

from wardrobe complimented Christina’s dress. “You could’ve walked right onto the set in 1938,” the woman said. Christina blushed and thanked her.

Driving back toward the 210 freeway, the sky turned tangerine and violet. The car smelled faintly of dust, popcorn, and horse.

Christina kicked off her shoes and propped her feet on the dash.

“Think we’ll see ourselves?” she asked.

“Maybe a hat here, a shoulder there,” I said. “Doesn’t matter. We were there.”

She reached over and laced her fingers through mine. “We were.”

Years afterward, whenever the movie played on cable, we’d mute the dialogue and narrate our own version. “There, second row from the top, left side. That’s my cloche hat.” “No, that’s my fedora getting knocked off by the guy in the bow tie.”

We never spotted ourselves clearly, but it didn’t matter. The real souvenir wasn’t on screen. It lived in the quiet glances we exchanged during the Santa Anita Handicap scene, in the way I still sometimes whispered “Come on, Biscuit” under my breath when life felt long, and in the small, stubborn certainty we carried home that day: sometimes the smallest part you play is the one that matters most.

Don Hurst earned a Master of Science from the University of Missouri. He was a consultant at NCAR and taught computer science at multiple universities while working as a computer systems librarian. He freelanced as a programmer in Los Angeles and San Francisco and also appeared as a movie extra in various films. He is now retired and lives with his wife near Seattle, learning Python and exploring AI.

Blue Mountain Continued from Page 7 truthful representation of the distances.

No purple mountains here—just honest sharpness. So next time you are in the right place, take a moment to soak up a view of Blue Mountain and give it the recognition that it deserves.

Peter Butler was born in India and lived in a house facing a giant kapok tree. Growing up in England, there were never quite enough. After qualifying as a biochemist, there was a gradual evolution into being a graphic designer. He and his wife Deirdre moved to the States in 1997 and to Lyons in 2000. Finally, there are enough trees.

Sanders Continued from Page 12 who grew comfortable with people often could not survive once released.

“The habituation of especially the bigger animals is an extreme disadvantage,” Tom explains. “It’s life-threatening to them.” Cec and Tom worked quietly and often alone, with no staff or volunteers, keeping their distance so the animals they returned to the wild would remain wary of humans, just as nature intended. She turned down opportunities to appear on Animal Planet and National Geographic, believing the attention could put both the animals and the work at risk.

The work demanded extraordinary effort.

During hyperphagia, the intense pre-hibernation feeding period for bears, some of their animals consumed nearly 20,000 calories a day. Weekly truckloads of donated produce arrived from local stores, and the physical labor was relentless. Still, Cec never wavered in her dedication to these wild creatures.

The dangers were real, too. Once, an unreleasable mountain lion she had raised from a young age attacked her without warning.

In an instant, the animal pulled her down and seized her by the back of the head. Tom intervened, and Cec required more than 20 staples to close the wound. As hospital staff wheeled her toward the emergency room and mentioned that she might need a CAT scan, Tom remembers her reply: “Don’t bother. We had one at home.”

In 1972, Cec and Tom formalized their efforts by establishing a nonprofit rehabilitation facility that would become the Wet Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

For decades, the work shaped not only their days but their marriage. The couple shared 53 years together. Tom says that knowing Cec, sharing their life, and doing the rehabilitation work side by side with her were the greatest rewards of his life.

Wildlife rehabilitation is rarely glamorous.

It happens in early mornings, long nights, and behind the scenes. But Tom says one of the most rewarding moments is watching an animal disappear back into the wild after receiving care. He hopes that Cec’s story leaves people with a deeper respect for wild animals and reminds us that the best thing we can do for them is give them space to remain wild.

Caroline Rideout is a Greenwood supporter and friend to wildlife.

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303-902-6250

Primary Care Internal Medicine

jonelle.tucker@gmail.com www.tuckergroupinc.com

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