LYONS – “Just a quick note regarding the election held May 6, 2025. I want to take a moment to say thank you to the community for taking part in the democratic process, and to those who advocated on the district’s behalf and supported our efforts. It was a tight vote, and made for a very long 17 hour day of counting, but we are encouraged by the outcome. Regardless of the vote count, the board, our firefighters and staff, and I want to say thank you and we will continue to be good stewards of the district’s budget and deliver the highest level of service that we are able to provide,” Chief Rob Stumph, Lyons Fire Protection District, said.
Unofficial results from the election:
Dave Roth re-elected to Board with 445 votes
Chris Cope re-elected to the Board with 441 votes
Keith Spencer re-elected to the Board with 501 votes
Ballot Question A passed 56.3 percent to 43.7 percent (mil levy increase)
Ballot Question B failed 42 percent to 58 percent (exemption from HB101 growth cap)
Creating an Art District in Lyons
LYONS –Town of Lyons Arts and Cultural Coordinator Kristen Bruckner, with Claudia Paterno, representing the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission, and Chrystal DeCoster representing the future Lyons Creative District, recently attended the 12th annual Creative Industries Summit in Grand Junction. The summit is a critical space for advocacy and collective vision for the future of the arts in Colorado. The creative sector generates more than $2.6 billion in economic activity and its impact is recognized across our state. The summit provides an opportunity for thought leaders and change makers to share ideas and inspiration.
The Lyons Creative District has recently submitted its final application to be considered an official Creative District as designated by the state Office of Eco-
Town Board proposes “adjusting” electric rates, plans to discusses water allocation with Longmont, and other issues
By Susan de Castro Gierach Redstone Review Editor
LYONS – The Lyons Town Board had a long and packed agenda for the first Monday of the month meeting.
During Audience Business when the audience speaks about various issues, former Town Board Trustee Lana Cinnamon left somewhat abruptly saying to the board that she would see them in court after a discussion over some property issue. The board pushed ahead with their agenda.
The board went straight into the next three ordinances, which was a first reading for each. Ordinance 1189 was to amend the municipal code for the purpose of adjusting/raising electric rates for the electric utility service in Lyons. The ordinance was approved by all on first reading. Any adjustments the board decides to make are to be done at the second reading and public hearing.
Lyons has a longstanding relationship with its wholesale power provider in Nebraska, Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, MEAN. MEAN has been Lyons’ power provider since long before wind power, or any other alternative means of power, was even offered.
According to Engineering, Utilities and Building Director, Aaron Caplan, MEAN increased its rates by 9.8 percent starting April 1, 2025.
The 2025 budget did account for some increase in wholesale electric rates. In preparation for this, the Lyons Utility and Engineering Board (UEB) had been reviewing the town’s electric rate structure. The UEB proposed a new rate structure that increases the cost per kWh (kilowatt hour) of electricity used but also reduces the base rate for most customers. The new rate structure will more fairly distribute the cost of electricity for the
town. This rate increase is estimated to bring an additional $75,000 in revenue to the electric enterprise fund, a 4.7 percent increase. The UEB also found no justification for lower non-residential rates. Lyons wholesale energy rates are not reduced with higher usage.
The second ordinance, 1190, was also approved by all the trustees on first reading. This ordinance updated a wide range of general and minor offenses that needed clarification and more attention. Some of the issues included: business licenses, solicitation, unlawful posting of door hangers, parking regulations, moving containers on Town Rights of Way, drugs, weapons and a myriad of other things.
The third ordinance, 1191, again was passed by all trustees on first reading. This ordinance was to implement a ballot question for the increase of the local sales tax rate by .5 percent for a new local sales tax rate of 4 percent for the total sales tax rate. The ballot measure passed on April 2, 2024 and the town board staff asked the board to create this ordinance to amend the Lyons Municipal Code. The proceeds from the .5 percent increase in sales tax will be directed to town infrastructure projects.
The board went on to approve unanimously Resolution 2025-32, to approve an appeal brought to the town administrator and the Planning and Community Development Commission, to approve an application for 317 Evans St. to be processed as a minor Planned Unit Development (PUD).
The 317 Evans PUD-R was originally approved by the town on January 9, 2023. This PUD permitted the construction of nine dwelling units, consisting of one duplex, one triplex, and one fourplex. The duplex received certificates of occupancy and is complete. During the construction of the fourplex, a significant encroachment into the rear setback and incorrect grading
on the site were discovered following substantial construction work. The applicant, Colorado Lookout Lyons, LLC, requested approval of a Minor PUD Amendment to allow revisions to the rear setback to allow the construction of the building to remain.
Then in Resolution 2025-33, the town board approved a second amendment to the development agreement between the Town of Lyons and Colorado Lookout Lyons for the 317 Evans St. location to accommodate the PUD agreement.
Moving right along the board approved Resolution 2025-34 a conditional use permit for 315 and 319 5th Ave. for the Lyons Community Farm Project Shed. The property is a Deed Restricted Buyout Property (DRBOP) owned by the Town of Lyons. These buyout properties are flood-damaged properties where the town scraped off the remains of damaged buildings and transformed the lots into little mini parks or gardens. They are all in the flood zone so they have deed restrictions as to how the property can be used.
The applicant, Lyons Community Farm Project, submitted an encroachment application for a shed to be located in the alley behind 315 and 319 5th Avenue. These properties are both in the DRBOP program, which enables the Town of Lyons to lease the land to residents and other entities for uses approved in the program. The program has strict requirements to adhere to flood restrictions, and so a shed would not be allowed to be located on the properties themselves but can be considered to be located in the Town Right of Way. Encroachments in the Town of Lyons are either considered Minor or Major Encroachments. As established in Town of Lyons, Resolution 2020-131, Minor Improvements will only
Spring in full bloom. Double flowering crabapple (Malus species) brightening the path through Bohn Park. CATHY RIVERS
LYONS
Housing and Human Services Commission helping a community to fill its needs
By Kay Sparks Redstone Review
LYONS – The Get Help Resource Guide was originally published in 2021. The Housing and Human Services Commission has updated and expanded the guide that is now available on the Town of Lyons web page (www.townoflyons.com/GetHelpGuide). A limited number of hard copies will be available in the future. Resource information includes: assistance with Food, Utilities, Finances, Employment and Transportation; services for Mental Health and Substance Abuse; Family and Senior Support; Health Care and Legal; Short-and Long-Term Housing; Home Maintenance; Animal Care; Child Care Providers; and Disaster Preparedness and Recovery.
Boulder County Resources site
responders have as much information as quickly as possible about the individual. The Lyons Fire District provides the File of Life, a personal medical home file you can fill out and have readily available.
We’re excited to announce that finding help in Boulder County is now as easy as 1-2-3 using Boulder County Findhelp. To learn about free and low-cost services in your community, simply go to boco.findhelp.com, enter your ZIP code, and search for resources. Watch our quick tip videos (//boco.org/findhelptips) to learn more about how to find services and explore programs on Boulder County Findhelp.
Help First Responders help you
When you call 911, it is an emergency for you or someone you care about. In this situation it is important that the first
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.
Boulder County Area Agency on Aging service overview
The BCAAA advocates for, funds and delivers services that promote the well-being, independence and dignity of older adults, people living with disabilities, family and informal caregivers and veterans. Their Resource Specialists connect with clients to understand their preference,
Seeding hope: Planting trees after the Stone Canyon Fire
By Lonni Pearce Redstone Review
LYONS – Shovels, pick axes, trowels, gardening gloves . . . and a lot of baby trees. On April 26 and May 3, over 100 people worked in shifts to plant more than 2500 tree seedlings, as well as bushes and grass seed on seven of the properties burned by the Stone Canyon Fire last July and August. Organized by the Lyons Volunteers (LoV), a community service group operating through the Lyons Elevates All Fund (LEAF), the event aimed primarily to assist homeowners with restoring some of the trees and plants lost in the fire, but volunteers also helped to clear dead brush and branches.
the hillside will be green again some day.
The Colorado Forest Service provided the trees through a program available to homeowners in the aftermath of a wildfire, and homeowners could request a variety of trees, including ponderosa pine, blue spruce, and aspen. While the Forest Service provided the trees and the Lyons Volunteers provided the people power, local businesses and groups also supported the event.
A donation from the Lyons Garden Club made it possible to also purchase 67 pounds of native grass seed, and garden club members were also on hand to help train volunteers on how to best plant the trees. The Lyons Lions and Marvin Gardens Real Estate and Property Management Company donated funds to purchase hearty lunches from the St. Vrain Market, and Mud Hut donated delicious coffee. To prevent an overload of traffic during the event, CEMEX paid for vans and provided volunteer drivers to shuttle planting teams up and down the hill.
People of all ages worked in teams, carefully placing the seedlings in the ground. Robyn Sloan, LoV member and also a homeowner whose trees and landscape burned in the fire, said, “This endeavor to plant over 2,500 trees after the Stone Canyon Fire that burned 1550 acres outside of Lyons was a huge effort on the part of the Lyons Community. Not only for the over 100 folks who volunteered to physically do the backbreaking work, but also the Lyons businesses and local sponsors that helped with the transportation, food, and publicity.”
The rocky soil made digging challenging, but the crews persisted, happy to be part of nature’s restoration. One volunteer commented that, from now on, every time she drives home from Longmont and looks at Stone Mountain, she’ll think about the trees she planted and enjoy knowing that
The Lyons Volunteers organization was originally formed after the 2013 flood when community members gathered each week for months after the flood to help neighbors with cleanup and recovery. Over the years, the group continued to function as a volunteer helping organization.
In 2020, the Lyons Volunteers joined LEAF to better serve the community and to pool resources, and the group is now hoping to expand its services to the community though recruiting new volunteers and offering a simple online process for requesting help. The tree planting event is the first major event the group has organized, but they hope to continue to serve Lyons through more service projects. The team also plans to continue helping local individuals and LEAF clients who need a hand with projects they’re not able to tackle themselves due to age or health concerns. Sloan said, “The Lyons Volunteers are back and better than ever. As one of the property owners to directly benefit from the restoration efforts, I’d like to say thank you to everyone. The local wildlife thanks you, too.”
If you’d like to learn more about LoV or LEAF or to sign up to be a volunteer, visit their website at: https:// leaflyons.org/. Or, if you have a need for assistance, fill out the form by clicking the link at: https://leaflyons.org/ lyons-volunteers/ .
Lonni Pearce, is a member of the Lyons Volunteers, a group that works under the umbrella of the Lyons Elevates All Fund (LEAF).
resources, strengths and needs to problem solve with the client so they can age well. On Wednesday, June 25 staff from BCAAA will be at the Lyons Regional Library from 1 to 2 p.m. to share the details of their many services. If you have any questions or concerns before then, a BCAAA staff member is available at the library every Wednesday from 10 to11:30 a.m.
Become part of the Housing and Human Services Commission
Help the community on this advisory group – identifying needs and resources in housing and human services. We meet the second Monday of the month, 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Lyons Regional Library. Apply on-line on the Town of Lyons web site. Questions? Contact Kay Sparks, 509-881-7096. Kay Sparks is the chairwoman for the Lyons Housing and Human Services Commission.
Town Board Continued from Page 1
require Administrative Review. However, Major Improvements must go to the Board of Trustees for a decision. Major Improvements are defined as improvements that are not easily removable or projects that require a building permit that encroaches on public property. While a shed of this size may not usually require a building permit, it is in a zone that requires floodplain review
The board moved on to discuss water shares and the Longmont Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). This was called the “Water Service Agreement,” by which Longmont agreed to provided for the treatment and delivery of potable water to Lyons. Since 2003 Longmont has supplied all the treated water to Lyons since 2003..
Recently Longmont did a firm-yield analysis of the Lyons Water Rights Portfolio. A firm-yield analysis determines the amount of water that can consistently be supplied over a period of time during the driest conditions without failing to meet demand. This includes the Lyons Pipeline Decree, Lyons units of Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT), Lyons shares of Lake Macintosh Reservoir, and Lyons shares of Button Rock Reservoir water.
With the results of this analysis, Longmont is comfortable accepting either C-BT units or Lake Macintosh Reservoir shares for any new service connections to the water system. Lyons can make its own determination on whether to put requirements on one type of water over another, as long as Lyons continues to require at least one (1) C-BT unit or 1.4 Lake Macintosh shares per ¾-inch domestic service connection.
Formerly Lake Macintosh shares were not acceptable to use as part of Lyons water allotment, but the new agreement accepts the LM shares. The new addition of shares seemed like a good idea to the board, but the sticking point came when they learned that they could not sell any of the available, unused Lake Macintosh shares as long as Longmont was managing all the Lyons water allotments. The board decided to have staff contact Longmont water officials and to have a meeting to gather more information on the water shares and how they are exchanged in the water allotment each year.
Lyons still has some lots left that can be built on and Trustee Mark Browning said they still have about eight available Lake Macintosh water shares not being used and are available for new water hookups.
Digging deep—literally and figuratively. Lyons Volunteers rallied to plant thousands of trees and restore the hillside scorched by last year’s fire. Nature’s healing starts here CATHY RIVERS
MAYOR’S CORNER
Wildfire prevention and springtime updates
By Hollie Rogin, Mayor of Lyons Redstone Review
LYONS – This week’s rainstorms brought wonderful green sprouts and colorful blooms to Lyons. But not far behind them is a looming hot and likely dry summer, bringing ever-increasing wildfire risk. Now is the time to make and execute plans to keep your home and our town as safe as possible from potential fires.
The town itself is doing its part by having the helpful herds of goats return and by mitigating town-owned properties such as the South Ledge Ditch. There’s an upcoming limb drop-off, and the Town will be once again conducting a limb pick-up. These efforts remind us that wildfire preparedness is not just a personal task – it’s a collective responsibility.
There’s good news here. Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners (https://wildfirepartners.org/) is re-upping its programs for 2025, and the Town of Lyons is adding to it. In brief, each homeowner can receive a rebate of up to $500 from Boulder County and up to $500 from the Town of Lyons. The Town Board has earmarked a total
of $5,000 for this program, which may be subject to change depending on demand. That’s $1,000 back in your pocket for expenses related to protecting your home from fire.
By the time you read this, Boulder County will have likely re-opened their 2025 appli-
cation process and cemented the details. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, here’s how the program will work: to be eligible, homeowners will need to first receive a free assessment from Wildfire Partners, which can be scheduled via the Wildfire Partners website.
The Stone Canyon Fire near Lyons, CO, ignited on July 30, 2024, burning 1,557 acres, destroying five homes, and causing one fatality. It was fully contained by August 5. CHRISTOPHER
A specialist will visit your home and recommend mitigation measures, which can include activities such as removing junipers and other trees, creating a five-foot noncombustible zone around your home, replacing wood decks and fences, and more. Homeowners decide what work to undertake. Once the work is completed and documentation is submitted to Wildfire Partners, the homeowner will receive their
county rebate. Wildfire Partners will then let the Town of Lyons know, and the town will provide an additional rebate of up to $500 for completed work. By way of example, if you complete a suggested mitigation project costing a total of $1,500, you may receive $500 from the County and an additional $500 from the Town of Lyons. The program is first-come, first-served. There’s no better time to junk those junipers or replace that fence! More information and details will be coming soon. Besides tall grasses, springtime also brings our friends the bears out of hibernation. They have certainly been out and about around town, and they are hungry. Please remember to always secure your trash; a fed bear is a dead bear. Keep your garbage cans in your garage until the morning of pickup day, and if you don’t have a garage, make sure you’re using a bear-proof trash bin. As we ease into longer days and warmer nights, let’s work together to keep Lyons safe, vibrant, and ready for the summer fun ahead.
Hollie Rogin was sworn in as Mayor of Lyons on April 18, 2022. Before that she was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for the term of 2020 to 2022. In 2015, she created the foundation for what is now the City of Boulder’s Commercial Affordability program on a pro bono basis. While serving as a Trustee, she was the Board liaison to the Economic Vitality Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission.
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office launches Blue Envelope Program
By Boulder County Sheriff Media Department Redstone Review
BOULDER COUNTY – The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has launched its Blue Envelope Program, a program designed to improve communication between law enforcement officers and individuals with a condition or disability such as autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or other conditions that might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction.
How It Works
All deputies have undergone training on common needs and best practices to support positive interactions with community members.
How to Participate
Blue envelopes are available upon request at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (5600 Flatiron Pkwy., Boulder), Lyons Substation (430 Railroad Ave., Lyons), Nederland Substation (20 Lakeview Dr., Nederland), and Superior Substation (405 Center Dr., Unit F, Superior).
You can also request an envelope by emailing BCSO@ BoulderCounty.gov.
vant medical, verbal, or neurological conditions, and other optional emergency contact information.
Important Reminders
While this program is designed to support positive interactions, please keep in mind that all individuals, including those using the Blue Envelope, must follow the law. Deputies may still need to use appropriate safety measures, including reasonable force when necessary, to ensure the safety of everyone involved. For more information or to request an envelope, email BCSO@BoulderCounty.gov, or visit the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Blue Envelope Program website.
Participants fill out a Blue Envelope with important information that may help deputies better understand participants’ needs. This provides officers with key details without requiring individuals to explain their situation in the moment.
Participation is voluntary, there is no registry component, and there is no cost to receive Blue Envelope.
Using the Blue Envelope
Recommended storage is to keep the envelope in your vehicle’s glove box.
During a law enforcement interaction, inform the deputy that you will be handing them your Blue Envelope.
participants’
You only need to utilize one Blue Envelope from a participating law enforcement agency; you do not need multiple envelopes for each participating agency.
Participants may include copies of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and other relevant documents.
Briefs Continued from Page 1
nomic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Art District representatives should receive word in the coming weeks.
Boulder County and City won a climate case against Exxon Mobil and Suncor
BOULDER – The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Boulder County and the City of Boulder can move forward with their climate case against Exxon Mobil and Colorado Suncor entities.
This case seeks to hold these companies responsible for knowingly contributing to climate change while concealing the dangers of their products.
Boulder County and the City of Boulder face significant rising costs to address the impacts of climate change – costs that would otherwise fall entirely on local taxpay-
Exterior information: The envelope provides guidance for both the driver and deputy, including tips for deputies to improve communication, space for participants to list rele-
ers. This lawsuit aims to ensure that the corporations that caused the harm pay their fair share, rather than shifting the burden to Colorado communities.
The decision comes as the realities of climate alteration continue to mount for Colorado. Colorado is one of the fastest-warming U.S. states and continues to experience problems associated with rising temperatures. Over the next three decades, Colorado communities are expected to face costs reaching hundreds of millions of dollars or more to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling recognized that while the case “presents substantial issues of global import,” its opinion was narrowly focused on whether federal law blocked the application of Colorado law, concluding that “defendants’ arguments do not convince us that federal law preempts Boulder’s state law claims in this case.”
This is only the second state supreme court decision
Briefs on Page 12
Meet Elway — the total package! This easygoing 6-yearold charmer has a heart of gold and a smile that lights up every room. He’s a snuggly sweetheart who’ll scooch in for extra cuddles and a loyal companion always ready for a walk or weekend adventure. If you’re looking for a loving, laid-back buddy to brighten your days, Elway’s your guy! To see all our adoptable animals or get more details visit longmonthumane.org. Or stop in at the shelter at 9595 Nelson Road.
Rogin
GERBER
Summer events at the Lyons Redstone Museum
By Monique Sawyer-Lang Redstone Review
LYONS – The Lyons Redstone Museum is now open for our 46th season. We are open weekends in May and daily starting June 1 through October 5. Our hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop in and experience all that we have to offer.
Explore the treasures in our many exhib-
its on the history of the Town of Lyons. Additional treasures are to be found in our gift shop. Looking for that perfect summer read? Look no further than our used bookstore, we are sure to have something that will strike your fancy.
In May, the Lyons Elementary 4th Grade Museum Stewards will be debuting their newest project: Museum A - Z Scavenger Hunt Over the course of the school year 4th graders became familiar with the exhibits and past 4th grade projects at the Redstone Museum, and also visited History Colorado. They analyzed what makes exhibits appealing.
Next they brainstormed ways to present information and how to enhance the museum with activities for young audiences. They decided to create something that would be interesting, fun, and easy for their pre-reading kindergarten buddies. Teams gathered ideas of things they thought kindergartners would like to see, took photos of the objects representing their “letter,” and got feedback from their buddies about the choices. Teams then collaborated to create the prototype letter cards. In May, 4th graders will visit the museum with their buddies to try out the
Finding your way
By Peter Butler Redstone Review
LYONS – The mountain trails are particularly charming as spring emerges. One of my favorites is on National Forest land up in Pinewood Springs. I love to be there in the winter when you can have the place all to yourself, although it is best to proceed more slowly over the snow and ice.
When the whole landscape is coated in white you need to change your navigation senses. Instead of following a mixture of pale-yellow gravel and lack of green you need to intuit an almost imaginary line of slightly scooped terrain like someone aran their finger through a plate of cookie dough.
Now that the buds are bursting, the mountain backdrop is a wash of green, and when descending the trail, it is satisfying to see the straw-colored dirt trail snaking out in switchbacks below you. Tal the Border collie sees them differently to me though.
new activity. Copies of the Museum A - Z Scavenger Hunt will be available for all museum visitors to try.
The newest addition to our literary offerings in our gift shop is the book All About Town written by Julie Smith and illustrated by Kim Murton. Author Smith describes the book as follows: “All About Town is a lighthearted story, with a timely and important message about caring for the place you live. Based on the life of LaVern Johnson, the book is meant to inspire people of all ages, but especially young people, to get involved in their community. While hard work and perseverance are necessary to create change, being involved in one’s community can also be rewarding and fun.” All proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Lyons Redstone Museum. Drop by our gift shop this summer to pick up your copy of All About Town Lyons History Day is scheduled for June 28. Join us on the lawn of the Lyons Redstone Museum to celebrate Lyons’ history. We will be recognizing Lyons High School graduating seniors whose families have been in the Lyons area over 50 years. This year’s graduates include Wyatt Enny, Kayden
animals. Sometimes we might feel a misguided pity for a person in society with a missing sense, such as a deaf person, but I sense that my dog forgives the fact that I am flying blind compared with her dead reckoning.
I started musing about how the various denizens of the planet find their way in the world. We have our five senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch. As I walked down the wilderness path I tried to infer how many of my senses I was actually employing to not get lost. Sight is the big one but even that is slightly mysterious. It’s not like following
King, Carson Felt and Gerald Geist. Planning is currently underway for additional speakers and events to take place that day. Visit our website in June for more information about Lyons History Day. Mark your calendars for July 23. Oskar Blues restaurant on Main Street in Lyons will be hosting an all-day fundraiser wherein 10 percent of the proceeds from that day benefit the Lyons Redstone Museum. This
date, July 23, would have been Mrs. LaVern Johnson’s 98th birthday. Plan on stopping by Oskar Blues restaurant on Main Street on that date for a bite to eat and raise a glass of your favorite beverage in memory of Mrs. LaVern and show your support for the museum.
You can explore more of Lyons history through our historic district walking tour and our five virtual exhibits, all of which can be accessed from our website www.lyonsredstonemuseum.com. We rely entirely on grants and donations to fund our operations, and your support is greatly appreciated. You can donate through our website or by mail to Lyons Historical Society, PO Box 9, Lyons CO. 80540.
Monique Sawyer Lang is the Collections Manager of the Lyons Redstone Museum. She is also a volunteer with the Lyons Food Pantry and a former member/chair of the Lyons Community Foundation Board. She lives in Spring Gulch.
ing, but that is mostly pleasure and not direction. We are blessed with Pasque flowers this month, named after the French word for Easter and one our first flowers of the spring. These almost-crocuses with their pale lilac outer petals sometimes offer the gift of their bright white interiors and chrome yellow stamens. But they don’t really guide you. Then taste is probably the least useful unless you have very strange hiking habits.
But other organisms have a much keener antenna on their surroundings. Bats have echo location, dolphins have sonar, while bees and other insects have some magical chemical detectors that inform them of all sorts of environmental elements that we blundering sniffers can only guess at.
I try to be an ethical hiker and stick to the middle of the trail without causing side damage and braiding, but sometimes my canine companion just goes straight down the fall line. But she never loses track of where I am, she seems to have two internal radars: one mapping my own position and speed; and the other following some sort of three-dimensional tunnel of smells that she can detect like an internal GPS system.
She is almost incapable of getting lost as she wades through a miasma of smells representing the blended aromas of dozens of previous hikers and their own companion
the white line on the road. A trail is a concoction of soil types, sometimes brown mud but then oatmeal gravel. The edge is not sharp but rather an absence of plants and other landscape items.
I could just about navigate the trail with eyes alone, but then my old thin-soled running shoes let me feel the surface under foot and the sense of touch in my toes can help me estimate whether I’ll stay upright or maybe I am ready to slide. The sound of the wind in the trees is almost narcotic but it doesn’t help me steer. If I heard a black bear crashing through the brush, my ears might help me survive.
The smells are wonderful too, with blossom abound-
Lyons
No wonder it so hard to build a self-driving car. When we are driving we can follow the sharp delineation of the gutter or the median but subconsciously we are detecting potholes and other hazards as well as vulnerable wildlife, cyclists or mothers with strollers to inform our internal compass. Then you realize that the self-driving car has maybe two or three senses, some radar, a camera or two and some other electronic stuff. But then how much brain power does it need to impute a possible risk round a blind turn on a mountain road? I am sure that the hi-tech companies engaged on this quest will get there in the end but maybe the computer brain it needs will outweigh the batteries in the vehicle. Until then, and probably after, I am happy to keep steering according to my own senses and logic.
We should all navigate the world with care so that we don’t lose our way.
Peter Butler was born in India and lived in a house facing a giant kapok tree. Growing up in England there were trees but never quite enough. After qualifying as biochemist there was a gradual evolution into being a graphic designer. He and his wife Deirdre moved to the States in 1997 and to Lyons in 2000. Finally, there are enough trees.
Butler
Sawyer-Lang
Crayfish – both good and bad
Lowell
By Greg Lowell Redstone Review
LYONS – The deceased was pointed out to me by a neighbor, out walking her dog as I was mine. I wasn’t surprised as this evidence showed that yet another creature had taken up residence in the evolving ecology of the Lyons Valley River Park ponds.
This single dead crayfish – or crawdad as she called it or crawfish as I know them – was a sign that there’s more in the ponds. In fact, a couple times I’ve seen the resident mergansers pop up with ones in their bills. The larger question is – how did they get there?
Crayfish have the unusual ability to travel on dry land; it might have crawled up from the St. Vrain River – a journey fraught with peril over the 30 to 50 feet it would’ve traveled. This mode of travel by aquatic crayfish is common; the crustaceans will leave their former abodes if the water dries up and will scuttle overland until they literally fall into a new watery home. I’ve seen this phenomenon where a sizeable crayfish was in the middle of a back country road with seemingly no water nearby. But given the constant watery environment of the nearby river, what would compel this creature to travel when there was no urgency to do so?
Maybe it was dropped by a bird with a slippery hold or it could’ve been dumped in by a human – a practice frowned upon by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, which has its own problems with an invasive species of crayfish (more on that later).
There’s just no way to know how it got there. But like the invasive bullfrogs that
now populate the ponds, nature – as the expression goes – seems to find a way. If there is a population of crayfish there, that’s a good sign as these diminutive crustaceans don’t tolerate poor water quality.
Crayfish – an American natural Crayfish are native to almost every state in
They can grow to up to six inches, but most are in the one-to-four-inch range. Their diet is varied and includes anything they can get their powerful little claws on, including small fish, snails, worms, tadpoles, plants and carrion. Most feeding takes place after dark. They, in turn, are eaten by fish; birds like mergansers, herons and even owls (only repeating what I read – no idea how owls catch them); snakes; raccoons and mink;
the Union and are largely ignored, except for Cajun cooks rounding up enough of them for crayfish étouffée. Worldwide, there more than 650 species of crayfish with the highest diversity found in North America in two families: Astacidae, which lives west of the Rockies, and Cambaridae, which lives in east of the Rockies (including this part of Colorado).
and, of course, people. With us, they’re generally served at what’s known as a crawfish boil, which involves patience and dexterity to pick out the meat and lots of cold beer to help the process. (Colorado fishing regulations do allow the taking of crayfish but only east of the Rockies.)
Ungainly on land, they jet through the water with rapid, staccato muscular con-
Mountain Blooms Garden Tour to be held in mid-June
By Sandy Spellman Redstone Review
LYONS – Reminder to all interested gardeners: the Lyons Garden Club’s annual “Mountain Blooms” Garden Tour takes
place on Saturday, June 14.
Attendees will have the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of private gardens as well as to visit public spaces. One hidden treasure is the garden of a well known local sculptor where her marble carvings are
tractions of their abdomen (take note, fishermen, on how to retrieve your imitation crayfish flies and lures).
Here along the Front Range, lakes and ponds hold good populations of crayfish, particularly places like Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir where they are the favorite prey of smallmouth bass, walleye and trout. Lesser populations can be found in streams and rivers, but they tend to be in slower-moving back channels of rivers.
Rusty crayfish are a bad invasive
But not all is good about crayfish here in Colorado. The state has seen a proliferation of the rusty crayfish – a larger, more aggressive crayfish native to the Ohio River Basin. These crayfish were introduced by anglers using them for bait. They wreak havoc on small fish and out-compete the native crayfish.
This month, Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed the presence of rusty crayfish in the West Fork of the Little Thompson River. CPW said it is the second time the species has been identified east of the Continental Divide in Colorado and the first time it has been found in CPW’s Northeast Region.
While rusty crayfish look like native crayfish, they can be distinguished by the oval space between their closed claws and rusty patches on each side of the shell. Their claws also have black bands near the tips. Rusty crayfish populations have been managed through manual removal of adults to reduce the reproducing population. Anglers are urged to not throw unused bait into the water alive and residents should never dispose of crayfish (or any fish) kept in aquariums in natural waterways.
Lyons resident Greg Lowell is a Lyons Town Board Trustee and serves as a liaison to the Ecology Advisory Board for the Lyons Town Board.
Avenue) on the day of the tour starting at 8 am.
dotted throughout her garden. In another garden, see what 5,000 square feet of clover ground cover can look like.
Among the public spaces on the tour are areas reclaimed and transformed after the flood of 2013 – a community orchard and a food forest planted by and for the community for all to enjoy, as well as three pocket gardens downtown planted and maintained by the Lyons Garden Club.
Although there is no cost to attend, and since the tour serves as the major fundraiser for the Lyons Garden Club, all donations are greatly appreciated and are used to continue to beautify Lyons and to award scholarships to local graduating seniors. This year’s scholarship recipient, Hadley Larson, plans to major in Environmental Science to further her interests in ecology, climate change and conservation strategies. Also, a special project of the club this year in conjunction with LEAF is the funding and replanting of trees, grasses and shrubs in the Stone Canyon burn area.
The Lyons Garden Club Garden Tour is always well attended. So, be sure to request your spot soon. To order tickets or for more information about the Lyons Garden Club go to LyonsGardenClub.com. Tickets will also be available at Sandstone Park (4th Avenue between Broadway and Railroad
Whether you’re looking for planting ideas and advice or how to incorporate whimsy into your garden, or just wanting to spend a few hours surrounded by beauty with other garden lovers, you’re sure to find it at the Lyons Garden Club’s “Mountain Blooms” Garden Tour.
Sandy Spellman is a member of the Lyons Garden Club and she volunteers with other groups.
May is National Historic Preservation Month
Kristin Bruckner Redstone Review
LYONS – May is National Historic Preservation Month and an opportunity to put a spotlight on our town’s efforts to preserve our distinct character, examine and document our past, and lead efforts to be mindful in the future development of Lyons.
You might know that Lyons was platted in 1882 and founded by E.S. Lyons in 1881, but have you ever heard of Nortonville? It was originally its own townsite, separate from Lyons. On the north side of town, it
included the streets of Stickney, Seward, and Reese roughly between 1st and 3rd Avenues. Interestingly, the streets were originally labeled in the reverse number order than they are today. According to one of the first landowners and surveyor Thomas Putnam “all the very best people flocked to Nortonville.” Many residents living in “old town” Lyons are aware of this history and take great pride in being residents of Nortonville. Efforts are in the works to create a visible, artistic acknowledgement of the Nortonville neighborhood.
The Town of Lyons Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with the responsibilities of encouraging and cultivating good stewardship and pride in historic
A cute face with a not-so-cute reputation as an invasive species reshaping local waters.
A burst of summer color on display—just a hint of the beauty you’ll find at the Lyons Garden Club’s “Mountain Blooms” Tour on June 14 GAUTUM BHAN
Pretty in pink. GAUTUM BHAN
The Lyons Depot building with historic designation plaque.
Bruckner
LOOKING UP
Lyons Community Library: Splashes of color, chapters of fun
By Kara Bauman Redstone Review
LYONS – The sun is out, the days are long, and Lyons Community Library is ready to kick off a summer filled with community, creativity, and curiosity. Whether you’re looking for a good book, an engaging activity, or just a chance to connect, the library has something planned for everyone from tots to teens to grown-ups who never stopped loving stories.
Our biggest celebration of the season is just around the corner –don’t miss the Summer Reading Kickoff Party on Saturday, May 31. All ages are invited to this drop-in bash packed with music, giveaways, and the chance to register for our Summer Reading Program, “Color Our World.”
The morning begins at 10:30 a.m. with a special performance by Mountain Buddies, whose silly songs and whimsical energy are a hit with little ones and nostalgic grown-ups alike. Then at 11:30 a.m., head to Books & Bites for a light brunch and a “book tasting” experience where readers of all ages can sample new titles across genres, pick their next favorite read, and enjoy a
tasty start to their summer reading adventures.
Teens won’t want to miss their own chance to kick off the season at the Summer Social for Rising 6th – 12th Graders on Thursday, May 29 at 6 p.m. Think pizza, ice cream, games, music, and crafts – plus a laid-back space to hang out, meet new friends, and get signed up for the Summer Reading Program.
The fun continues at Sandstone Park on Wednesday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m. with Jammin’ Randy: A Colorful Music Adventure. This vibrant outdoor concert blends music and color in a joyful journey perfect for kids and families. Expect laughter, movement, and interactive fun as kids explore how music can feel like red-hot fire or cool ocean blues. Bring a blanket or chairs and settle in for an evening of imagination under the sky.
Middle and high schoolers can level up their summer fun with an Epic Teen Laser Tag Battle Night on Thursday, June 5. Middle schoolers take the field from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by high schoolers from 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. This action-packed event is all about teamwork, strategy, and having a
blast – no experience necessary. Snacks and drinks will be served, and registration (plus good behavior) is required.
For our youngest library users, Summer Baby Playdates continue on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., offering sensory-rich experiences that support early literacy and developmental growth. These weekly gatherings are a chance for caregivers to connect, babies to explore, and everyone to enjoy a welcoming and joyful atmosphere.
Calling all curious minds: on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m., step right up for Science Circus with Science Matters. This whimsical, educational event is full of larger-than-life experiments – from erupting “Elephant’s Toothpaste” to gravity-defying floating balls—and young scientists will get to create and take home a balancing butterfly. It’s science with a sense of wonder, perfect for preschool and kindergarten-aged children.
Adults looking to stretch their creative muscles are invited to the first installment of Summer Evening with an Artist on Tuesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. This series kicks off with Painting with Sally King, a session focused on creating your own version of the beloved local artist’s iconic bears. Materials are provided, but space is limited – so be sure to register in advance.
Go as a River author Shelley Read comes to Lyons
By Jerilyn Patterson Redstone Review
LYONS – In a state shaped by rivers, resilience, and changing landscapes, Shelley Read’s Go As a River feels like it was written for Coloradans – and perhaps especially for Lyons.
Author Shelley Read will give an author’s talk and a book signing from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday June 12 at Lyons Middle/ Senior High School, at 100 McConnell Dr., in Lyons.
This free event is sponsored by the Lyons Regional Library and open to all. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
The story is set in the now-submerged town of Iola, Colorado. Read’s internationally bestselling debut novel follows 17-year-old Victoria Nash as her world is upended by loss, love, and the shifting currents of rural life. Victoria, the sole surviving female in a family of troubled men, shoulders the burdens of adulthood far too young. When she meets Wilson Moon, a young drifter displaced from his tribal homeland, their brief yet life-changing connection alters the course of her future.
Go As a River has touched readers around the globe. Since its publication in early 2023, the novel has been translated into 34 languages, was named a Sunday Times, American Booksellers Association, MPIBA, and Der Spiegel bestseller, and is currently being adapted for film. But despite its
international success, the novel’s heart beats close to home. Read’s richly drawn landscapes, subtle character work, and emotional depth are rooted in the spirit of Colorado itself – its wild beauty, its heartbreaks, and the quiet strength of the people who live here.
Inspired by real events surrounding the creation of Blue Mesa Reservoir and the flooding of Iola in the 1960s, Go As a River explores themes of displacement, identity, resilience, and what it means to survive a life that changes without your consent. For many readers, Victoria’s journey of isolation and reinvention speaks not just to the history of a place, but also to deeply human experiences of grief, belonging, and the need to find one’s way forward.
Shelley Read is no stranger to these themes herself. A fifth-generation Coloradan, Read spent nearly three decades as an award-winning senior lecturer at Western Colorado University, where she taught writing, literature, environmental studies, and honors. Her path to authorship was a long and deeply personal one.
Finished pieces may even be displayed in the library’s Chalk Art Festival and Art Expo later this summer.
Finally, readers in search of good conversation (and good beer) are welcome to join the Pints & Pages Book Club at MainStage Brewing on Wednesday, June 11 at 6 p.m., where the pick is Go as a River by Shelley Read. Read the book, grab a drink, and join a relaxed, thoughtful discussion –just in time for Read’s author visit to Lyons the next evening, June 12.
No matter your age or interests, there’s a place for you at the library this summer. Stop by, sign up for Summer Reading, and let the adventures begin.
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.
the novel to find such wide acclaim. Yet her lyrical, intimate prose has resonated far beyond the Gunnison Valley where the story begins.
Despite its far-reaching success, Go As a River remains a distinctly Colorado story. And for those of us in Lyons –where rivers, floods, and renewal have left their own indelible marks – the novel’s themes feel especially poignant. Victoria Nash’s inner strength, forged in solitude and sorrow, reflects the kind of quiet resilience we often recognize in ourselves and in our neighbors.
Don’t miss this event on Thursday, June 12, when Shelley Read will bring her story to Lyons for a special author event at Lyons Middle/ Senior High School from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The evening will include a brief reading, an author talk about Read’s writing journey and the real-life inspirations behind the novel, an audience Q&A, and a book signing. Books will be available for purchase on-site thanks to Boulder Bookstore, and the event is free and open to all.
This program is made possible with generous support from the Friends of the Lyons Regional Library District.
Whether you’re an avid reader of literary fiction, a fan of Colorado history, or simply someone who appreciates the power of a beautifully told story, this is an evening not to be missed. Shelley Read’s work reminds us that even in the face of destruction – whether personal, environmental, or historical – there is always a way to move forward, to gather strength, and to flow on.
Writing Go As a River took over 13 years – a process shaped by both creative passion and profound personal losses. As she has shared in interviews, Read never expected
Jerilyn Patterson is an Adult Services Librarian at the Lyons Community Library.
Bauman
Birds: “We’ve destroyed so much of their habitat it only seems fair that we put out seed”
By John Gierach Redstone Review
LYONS – Signs of spring here in our foothills valley mostly involve wildlife –deer, elk, rabbits and especially birds. I don’t record arrival dates of migrators like some do, but I know that the earliest likely day to see hummingbirds is April 15, so that’s when I put out the hummer feeders.
I have four of them – two on each side of the house – filled with nectar consisting of three parts water to one-part sugar. That’s slightly sweeter than the recommended four to one mix, but I got the recipe from a friend who said he uses it to steal the hummers from his neighbors’ feeders. We get four species here: broad-tails, calliopes, rufous and the occasional cameo appearance of a black-chinned.
Shortly after that I’ll put out the oriole feeders. These are hanging-cup affairs – one storebought, one home-made – filled with the cheapest available grape jelly. I use the cheap stuff because I’m told it doesn’t hurt the birds and because I go through so much of it.
Sometimes when I’m in Safeway buying six big jars of jelly at a time I get weird looks in the check-out line, but then one kindred soul said, “Oh, you must be feeding orioles.” When I asked a friend if the jelly attracted bugs, he said “Sure, but orioles eat bugs, too, so they just amount to extra blueberries in the muffins.”
The jelly feeders also attract western tanagers when they pass through here briefly in
the spring. Grape jelly probably isn’t what they’re dreaming of on their migration from central America to as far north as British Columbia, but I imagine it’s like gas station coffee on a long drive: not what you hoped for, but good enough to keep you going.
Male northern orioles are bright orange with black caps, backs, bibs and tails and whitestreaked black wings. Male western tanagers are overall bright yellow with red heads, black backs and tails and, again, white-streaked black wings. The first time I caught a glimpse of a western tanager in some long-ago spring, I thought it was an escaped parrot.
I feed birds in part because we’ve destroyed so much of their habitat it only seems fair that we put out seed, nectar and bird houses as an act of reparation. I am aware that commercial birdseed is the product of monoculture farming that also destroys habitat, but I’ve never tried to untangle the complex environmental ethics of that, possibly because I’m not sure I want to know. But I also just like to lure them in with food and shelter so I can get a good look at them, especially the garishly beautiful birds that, in the normal course of things, might be nothing more than a flash of color in the trees.
Birds are said to have evolved from dinosaurs and I once asked a paleontologist and
illustrator at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana when he thought they began to develop bright colors. He led me down to the basement (where mere mortals aren’t usually allowed to go) and opened a drawer full of pieces of fossilized dinosaur skin, some with shreds of the pigment still intact. I remember traces of red, green, orange, yellow and robin’s egg blue. So there you have it: convincing evidence that bright colors were in the nature of birds even before they were birds.
At the seed feeders I get the usual yearround suspects like juncos, gold finches, pine siskins, house and Cassin’s finches,
Trauma and the effect it has on the homeless
By Marcia Moore Redstone Review
LYONS – In my work with street outreach for the City of Longmont, one question I’m often asked is: What causes homelessness? While many factors play a role – poverty, addiction, mental illness, disability – at the root of so many stories is trauma.
Over the past four years, I’ve gotten to know many people living on the streets, and their stories reveal deep pain and resilience. I want to share a few of them. Some names have been changed for privacy.
Jack was a fixture in the Longmont unhoused community – a big man with a bigger personality. Years ago, he owned a successful roofing business until a devastating fall led to the loss of his leg and his livelihood. Struggling with chronic pain and disability, Jack became addicted to opioids. His wife, Missy, followed, and they eventually lost their home and, tragically, all four of their children. Jack’s body endured con-
stant infections and wounds, and despite brief housing, Missy passed away. Jack died months later on the streets just weeks after expressing a sincere desire to enter rehab. I’ll remember him as one of the fastest wheelchair users I’ve ever seen – and one of the toughest people I’ve known. For him, drugs weren’t just addiction – they were a way to cope with overwhelming grief and loss.
“J” doesn’t fit the stereotype of someone experiencing homelessness. With his biking gear, white beard, and bright smile, he looks more like a fit retiree than a man without a home. Years ago, he was a suburban dad, living a happy life – until a drunk driver took his wife and teenage daughter. Heartbroken, he turned to his bicycle for healing. Since then, he’s ridden over 300,000 miles across the country. He avoids crowds and prefers life outdoors, but he’s also done the hard work of healing, supporting others with trauma, and even trying to start group rides for survivors of loss. He is truly a light in the darkness.
Lynn, in her 30s, was found living in a tent at a local homeless encampment, terrified and barely speaking. Other campers were concerned about her erratic behavior, including attempts to start fires and talking about spirits outside her tent. After some digging, I learned she was once a school
Stellers and scrub jays, and so on, as well as migrators like white-crowned sparrows, lazuli buntings, black-headed, rose-breasted and blue grosbeaks (so-called because of their short, thick, seed-crushing bills) and, again, so on. I don’t keep a birdwatcher’s life list by way of keeping score, but once when an environmental issue came up in the valley, I did tally up all the species I’d seen here and come up with something like 80, although it was the presence of the threatened Preeble’s Jumping Meadow Mouse that finally tipped the scales in our favor. When I went outside this morning with
teacher and mother – until a sexual assault fractured her mind and her life. Her family had tried, and failed, to get her the psychiatric care she needed. We also tried, but ultimately lost track of her. Her story is a painful reminder of how trauma can shatter a person’s world completely.
It’s easy to look away or judge someone living on the street. But these stories show something deeper: trauma leaves lasting scars. Not everyone starts life with the same chances, and not everyone has a safety net. What I’ve learned more than anything from this work is compassion – because behind every tent or shopping cart is a human being carrying a story of pain, survival, and often, extraordinary strength.
Marcia Moore is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Hopelight Clinic. She has worked for over 20 years as a nurse in healthcare. She has been a resident of Lyons since 2009 and specializes in caring for homeless, refugee, immigrant, and uninsured individuals of all ages. Hopelight Clinic is a safety-net clinic located at the Church of Christ in Longmont
Gierach
A vibrant oriole enjoying a grape jelly snack—proof that even birds can’t resist a little junk food.
LHS GRADUATING SENIORS 2025
CANYON ANDRIST JORDAN BOLDT
PAYTON BOLKOVATZ
KATHERINE BROWNSBERGER
FAITH CAMPBELL MATTHEW CARTER
MEBRATU DUCKWITZ WYATT ENNY
CARSON FELT
WYATT FITZGERALD MAYSA GANZEL GERALD GEIST
GIULIA LORENZONI ELLE MAGALDI
GREG MEYERS
PHOEBE MOELLENBERG KIRBY NEAL GENEVIEVE NEWELL
CALEB CHRISTIANSEN HANNAH COULSON
DAVID CROFT
JULIANA CROSS LEA DAVIES
SAMANTHA DENNEY
COLE GJERTSON JULIA HUTT
JONAS KAUFFMAN
HANNAH KELTY KAYDEN KING HADLEY LARSON
JESSE NUNEZ EAMON OSBORNE
JADYN POWELL
SIENNA REED ASHER SANDERS WYATT SAUNDERS
SHOWCASE
Diversion Day and music mark spring in Lyons
Kim Mitchell Redstone Review
LYONS – May in Lyons brings fresh starts and renewed energy. With the recent moisture, abundant sunshine, shifting temperatures, and the beauty of the green foothills all around us, spring breathes new life into our town. Locals and wildlife alike shake off the winter chill, neighbors reconnect, and the days grow more inviting for out-
door adventures. Whether you’re attending a community event, lending a hand, or simply soaking in the season, there’s plenty to enjoy before summer officially arrives.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all the volunteers who helped with two days of tree planting earlier this month. Your efforts truly make a difference. While the recent moisture added to the positive vibe of all your work.
Looking ahead, Diversion Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Public Works Facility (4687 Ute Hwy.). This is a great opportunity to responsibly dispose of items like paint, yard waste, electronic waste, bicycles, block Styrofoam, and paper for shredding. Learn more and sign up today at www.townoflyons.com/diversionday.
That same afternoon, join us for a spring concert in Bohn Park featuring Joe Kuckla and Irons in the Fire from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. The Lyons Community Foundation will be on hand with delicious baked goods and beverages. Donations go directly to supporting LCF’s work in the community.
As warmer weather returns, bears are emerging from
Fishing buddies bid farewell to John
By Sally White King Redstone Review
A rare breed gave voice to their grief
At John Gierach’s memorial – May 3 at the Farmette.
Out-of-doors men in plaid shirts – mostly, but
All of whom had to pause to let their hearts rest for a moment
Before carrying on with the words they planned to share.
Fishing stories – cups of coffee – driving in trucks with beer –
Tales of a rarified friendship they’d found in John
Enhanced by the joy of just fishing in the river,
The lingo and the life.
I don’t have fishing buddies but I have tasted true friendship.
And for all of us present we received an important message from Fly Tyer and Fisherman AK Best:
To “Hold, as a gift, our friends that are with us now
And may not be tomorrow.”
I wanted to call you in – you the wild woman in the red shirt
It was a lovely gathering for all of us present – thank you Susan.
We miss you John and we love you Susan, Living in community is a joy.
Sally King is a local artist who believes it’s imperative that each of us pop our head up out of the collective trace, to bring through our creative gifts. You can find her on her blog and website, hersoupot.net and sallywhiteking.com or e mail sallywhiteking@live.com.
hibernation and starting to look for food. Help to avoid conflicts by securing trash and food sources around your property. Bears that associate humans with food pose a safety risk. Remember, garbage kills bears. Now in its third year, Lyons’ Golf Cart Registration Program continues to promote safe operation of these slow-moving electric vehicles. Registration ensures that owners understand where golf carts are allowed and comply with safety requirements. Visit townoflyons.com/golfcar for details.
Parking passes for local parks are also available. Town residents receive one free parking pass, with the option to purchase an additional pass. Unincorporated Boulder County residents may also purchase a parking pass for $80. These funds help to maintain our local parks, supported by both property taxes and sales taxes from town residents and visitors. Order online at townoflyons.com/parkingpass or stop by Town Hall.
As we emerge from the quieter winter months, remember to support our local businesses. Lyons is stronger and more vibrant thanks to our independently owned shops, restaurants, and service providers – many of which are hosting spring events of their own. Keeping it local in Lyons helps fund our nonprofits and keeps Lyons the connected, creative community that we all love. Plus, it’s a fun way to run into your neighbors, teachers and friends.
Kim Mitchell is Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Town of Lyons and has called Lyons home since 2009.
Joe Kuckla and Irons in the Fire to play in Bohn Park, May 17.
King
AVERI ADAIR Silver Creek High School SASHA BRUCKNER Longmont High School
GABRIEL DUGAN Longmont High School
ANNI HAAKENSON Skyline High School
OLIVER HEPPNER Longmont High School
JACK KNAPPFRM Skyline High School WILL LENNER Niwot High School
TEAGAN MALCOM Longmont High School
SIMONE PATERNO Niwot High School
SAWYER “SUN” WITBECK Longmont High School
LYONS SENIORS GRADUATING FROM OTHER AREA HIGH SCHOOLS
TALK OF THE TOWN
Lyons Community Foundation awards $25,000 in scholarships to Lyons graduates
By Rachel Pickarski Redstone Review
LYONS – On the evening of May 7, the Lyons High School gymnasium was filled with applause, pride, and a few tears as the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF), in partnership with local organizations and families, awarded over $25,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors.
These scholarships do more than provide financial support – they carry forward the legacies of beloved community members and values, and they celebrate the resilience, vision, and character of the students selected.
Our first scholarship presented on Wednesday May 7 at the Lyons Middle Senior High School Ceremony was the Gerald Boland Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship presentation was written by his daughter Amy Hoh, and presented at the ceremony by the LCF Scholarship Chair, Cory Pierce. This scholarship honors Gerald “Gerry” Boland, a longtime Lyons teacher, coach, and community member who tragically lost his life in the 2013 floods. The award celebrates students who demonstrate a love for Lyons, a commitment to community, and the heart of a leader.
This year’s recipient, Elle Magaldi, stood out for her selfless dedication to mentoring and educating younger students at Lyons Elementary. Her application included a touching story about taking the children to the Lyons Redstone Museum, where she showed them pictures from the 2013 flood and pointed out the “helpers.” It was a moment of full-circle storytelling, where one generation learns from another, and Elle Magaldi stepped into the role of guide, just as Gerry Boland once did. Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and deep appreciation for community history and service made her the perfect choice. LCF is thrilled to have presented this scholarship to a student as worthy of recognition as Elle Magaldi, and we look forward to seeing what she does in her future.
Our next scholarship that we presented
was the Zoe Chase Memorial Scholarship. Zoe Chase, a 2021 Lyons graduate, was known for her deep empathy, her love of learning, and her dream to help others through a career in therapy. This scholarship honors a student who shares Zoe Chase’s spirit and desire to enter a helping profession.
This year Mary Brett, Zoe Chase’s mother, presented the scholarship to Lyons Senior, Hannah Kelty. Though Zoe Chase’s family had never met Kelty personally, they saw in her application a mirror of Chase’s values: academic excellence, a heart for service,
life. Her application radiated sincerity and gratitude, and her commitment to becoming an educator underscores her desire to pay that support forward. Her understanding of “harmony” goes beyond music – it lives in connection, empathy, and service. LCF was honored to award Cross this scholarship and knows she will continue her growth and community spirit as she moves forward into her college years and beyond.
Now in its second year, the Lyons Garden Club Scholarship supports students inter-
and a clear vision to help others through education. Her career goals and compassionate leadership made her a standout recipient. LCF congratulates Hannah Kelty and is excited to see how she thrives and represents the spirit of Zoe Chase in her college career and beyond.
LCF’s next scholarship was the Planet Bluegrass Community in Harmony Scholarship Sponsored by Planet Bluegrass and presented by Zach Tucker, Vice President of Planet Bluegrass, this scholarship honors a student who values gathering, shared experiences, and belonging – someone who has found strength in community and seeks to give back.
This year’s honoree, Juliana Cross, deeply moved the selection committee with her personal story. Cross shared how the support of her community helped her through one of the most challenging periods in her
ested in fields such as agriculture, botany, environmental science, or landscape architecture – fields that reflect a reverence for the natural world. Presented by Garden Club President Sara Erickson and Garden Club member and LCF board member Jeanne Moore, it celebrates students who act as environmental stewards.
Hadley Larson, this year’s recipient, was a natural fit. From a young age, Larson has exhibited a deep curiosity for environmental science and a strong sense of responsibility for the planet. Her academic achievements and leadership in both school and community efforts reflect her dedication to using science and advocacy to protect the natural world. Her thoughtful and action-driven approach to climate and sustainability issues impressed the entire committee. LCF is looking forward to watching Larson’s future success and hope
she always comes back to visit while she is busy launching the next phase of her life. Our next scholarship that was presented on May 7 was the CEMEX Environmental Stewardship Scholarship . Michael Clausen, CEMEX’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, presented this scholarship, which recognizes students focused on sustainability and conservation, particularly those who merge environmental values with hands-on service and innovation.
Caleb Christiansen is exactly that kind of student. Over the years, Caleb Christiansen has volunteered at local festivals to ensure zero-waste practices, led community conservation projects, and planted trees to enhance local ecosystems. He plans to study engineering with the goal of building sustainable infrastructure that helps protect Colorado’s natural resources.
Whether it’s wildlife corridors or water conservation systems, Christiansen’s vision is clear: he wants to build a future that lasts. Christiansen’s vision for his future and the future of many through conservation, technology and engineering is inspiring and we know we will be seeing many successes for him in his future as he enters college.
Last but not least, the Lyons Community Foundation Mission Scholarships, LCF’s own scholarship programs, are designed to reflect our mission: improving the quality of life, building a culture of giving, and inspiring positive change in Lyons. This year, the Foundation awarded one Bud Winkler Memorial Scholarship, two TwoYear Study Scholarships, and four Mission Scholarships to a stellar group of students.
Jordan Boldt received the Bud Winkler Memorial Scholarship, named after a beloved Lyons business leader and community champion. This scholarship supports a student pursuing business or finance, and Bolt’s entrepreneurial mindset and community involvement made him an ideal choice. We wish Jordan Bolt a full future and the best of luck on all of these endeavors. The Two-Year Study Scholarships were awarded to Bratu Duckwitz and Eamon Osborne, both of whom will attend accredited twoyear colleges or trade schools. They demonstrated a strong commitment to their goals and a genuine desire to contribute positive-
Back pain affects over 60 percent of people in this country
By Bronwyn Muldoon Redstone Review
LYONS – Back pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 60 to 70% of individuals in industrialized countries will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Understanding the importance of physical therapy and maintaining proper posture can significantly alleviate the discomfort associated with back pain and improve the overall quality of life.
Why is posture so important? The human spine houses and protects our spinal cord, which connects our brain and central nervous system to the rest of our body. Under constant postural strain the normal movement of the spine can be affected, which then places stress on the nervous system and how we interpret and interact with our environment.
What is a healthy posture?
When sitting, it is important to keep the feet flat on the floor, knees at a right angle, and back straight, supported by the chair. Standing posture should involve distributing weight evenly across both feet, keeping shoulders back, and aligning the ears with the shoulders. Even when lying down, using a supportive mattress and pillows that promote proper spinal alignment is crucial.
With every inch of increased forward head posture, you increase the weight that your spine must support by ten pounds, thus increasing the tension in your spinal cord. Not only does poor posture cause pain and poor quality of life, it also affects your breathing, circulation and digestion.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in the treatment of back pain. It involves a range of techniques designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and promote healing. The primary goal of physical therapy is to restore function and prevent further injury. Therapists use various methods such as manual therapy, exercises and education to address the root causes of pain.
Combining physical therapy with conscious effort to maintain proper posture creates the comprehensive approach to back pain management. By strengthening the muscles through targeted exercises and ensuring the spine is correctly aligned throughout daily activities, individuals can effectively reduce pain and prevent future occurrences.
Physical therapy and good posture are indispensable tools in the fight against back pain. They work synergistically to promote healing, strengthen the body and prevent further injury. Embracing these practices can lead to effective significant improvements in one’s health and quality of life, allowing individuals to live more comfortably and actively.
Bronwyn Muldoon, a licensed physical therapist, owns Lyons Physical Therapy, 435 High St. in Lyons. Some of the things addressed at her clinic include but are not limited to: acute and chronic spinal pain (back and neck pain), postural dysfunction alignment, sports and performance-related injuries, repetitive/overuse-related injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, muscles strains and sprains, and physical rehabilitation of all kinds. For more information call 303-823-8813.
Muldoon
Pickarski
Lyons Community Foundation Scholarship recipients.
RACHEL PICKARSKI
LEAF adds the final touches to its new facility – wrapping up
By Lory Barton Redstone Review
LYONS – Greetings from LEAF, Lyons Elevating All Fund at 304 2nd Ave.
You’re likely aware that we spent over a year preparing the interior of this new home, and we started serving there in January.
Hundreds of local people have already come to see us, attending our Front Porch wellness activities, visiting our Food Pantry, meeting with our program staff or partners, seeking treatment with our physician, participating confidentially in counseling, and more. This is exactly what our leadership envisioned when we embarked on this journey.
What you have seen most recently is the work on the final phase of our project, the landscaping and other exterior improvements. Our sign went up last week. We’re implementing a lovely, useful, and efficient landscape plan.
Raised garden beds will be part of the finished project, as well as plentiful outdoor seating and gathering spaces.
sign and replace the roof, prepare the interior, update the exterior, furnish and equip the entire space, and install the landscaping and lighting will total about $1,650,000. If you think this is a big expense for a little organization like LEAF, I agree with you. Thanks in large part to our contractor Gau Construction’s and our team’s creativity and “value engineering,” this cost is actually about 13 percent below what we expected and budgeted. What a rare and fortunate outcome these days.
The great news is, we raised the vast majority of funds from outside of the community. In fact, over 1.5 million dollars flowed into our community from outside-of-Lyons grants. The biggest sources were federal Community Project Funding and Boulder County’s Worthy Cause Fund. We all owe Congressman Joe Neguse great thanks for advocating on our behalf and helping us land the Community Project Funding.
DarkSky-approved lighting and native and drought-resistant perennials and bushes will be installed. We’ve got an innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to irrigate our plants, too. We are excited to share our home with LEAF clients, volunteers, guests, and the community.
Over four years in the making, this project is coming to an end. As all of us on the LEAF team breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to serving all of you, I think it’s important to share with the community how we funded this major undertaking. We want to be transparent and communicate well regarding our finances and activities.
The cost to purchase our property, address some water incursion issues, re-de-
We’re grateful, too, that the county chose to invest tax dollars intended for nonprofit capital projects in LEAF and in Lyons. We also raised nearly $300,000 in grant funding from a variety of private foundations outside of Lyons. And local people have donated $59,920, or 3.6 percent, towards the project. If you are one of the many people who have donated to make LEAF’s new home a reality, thank you. We hope you feel a sense of pride for your part in creating the best place for LEAF’s Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Basic Needs & Resource Matching, Mental Wellness & Addiction Recovery, and Lyons Volunteers to serve so many people in our community.
As we approach the finish line, I’m making a final appeal. If we can raise an additional $35,000 locally, LEAF’s new home will be fully funded. No debt. No ongoing
construction expenses. Just the wonderful news that we have all succeeded together and the future for LEAF and our services in Lyons are stable, sustainable, and bright. I’m thrilled to announce that a local donor has already given $11,000 towards this goal. This means we only need to raise $24,000 to get to our goal.
If you have given, or will give, any gift to our capital project, we’ll invite you to come and make your mark by participating in a major art installation in our new home. This project will be a meaningful tribute and thanks to everyone who has given to this community project. We’ll share more soon. We value, recognize, and include every single person who has supported, or will support, LEAF’s move to our new home.
The final piece of our exterior work will be a gorgeous Lyons sandstone patio. For donors who are able to help us get to the goal with a gift of $1,000, we’ll have one of the sandstones inscribed with your name, business, or organization. These personalized pavers will be our way to thank you and honor the people that you care about. It’s like “buy a brick” campaigns that you have
likely seen other nonprofits implement. We chose to make this last element of the project very “Lyons” by using local stones. We recognize and understand that this level of giving is not possible for many people. Times are difficult all around us, and we would never ask anyone to make a donation of this magnitude if it would be a hardship. If you believe in what we’re doing at LEAF and you want to be part of it, and if you’re able to donate any amount to this final phase of our capital project, please do so on our website at leaflyons.org. We’ll look forward to including and recognizing every donor. If you’d like to talk or learn more, email me at lory@leaflyons.org and we’ll make a plan to connect. Everyone belongs at LEAF, and all of us at LEAF are so gratified to be able to present a place where everyone can experience a warm welcome, dignity, and community. We hope it feels like a gift to Lyons, and one that will keep on giving for years to come.
Lory Barton has been Executive Director for almost six and a half years. She is happy to work with LEAF’s teams and supporters to make so much good happen in Lyons.
Barton
LEAF’s staff welcomes a bright new sign: Hannah Odgen, Lory Barton, Cherie Maureaux, and Daryl McCool.
Wild Resilience: A thorny tale of survival and collaboration
By Mysti Tatro and Cindy Leikam Redstone Review
LYONS – The resilience of animals is a characteristic often observed in the world of wildlife rehabilitation. Wild critters large and small endure extreme weather, countless hazards from humans, and daily threats from predators, yet still survive and even thrive despite all odds, persevering through the toughest of conditions.
nets. Banders typically catch smaller birds in their mist nets, but on this particular day, they caught almost seven of the larger Red-winged Blackbirds.
Each bird is weighed, their wing dimension is measured and recorded, and then adorned with their own numbered metal bracelet for tracking. The data collected is used to monitor population size and overall health of a wide range of songbird species. Occasionally, volunteers find injured or
While we often see the miraculous resilience of the patients we care for daily, there is one lucky patient whose story exemplifies this trait and highlights the benefits of collaboration. Without the strong network of partners in the community, this patient’s story would have a much different outcome.
On a warm April morning, the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies were practicing catching and banding birds for a full season of data collection and surveying. Barr Lake State Park is an excellent habitat for Redwinged Blackbirds, so it wasn’t a surprise when a female landed in their collection
sick animals, as they did during this mini evaluation. Sadly, they discovered a twig had somehow impaled her wing. Fortunately, she could still fly even with the sharp protrusion, and landed in a perfectly serendipitous spot to get help.
Recognizing the limitations in caring for injured wildlife at the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, they reached out to Greenwood Wildlife. A dedicated volunteer promptly drove the bird over 40 miles to the center. Once the blackbird was safely at our facility, she was able to receive expert attention and medical care.
Our licensed rehabilitators quickly assessed her condition. Her health was good but her wing was slightly droopy, indicating an injury. That’s when they discovered the sharp stick had painfully pierced her right wing between the radius and ulna bones. They could not believe she was still flying despite this. To prevent further harm, she immediately underwent a successful procedure under anesthesia to remove the thorny object.
Following the surgery, she was placed under observation in the intensive care unit. In order to closely monitor her progress and administer daily medications, the blackbird was housed in a medium-sized netted enclosure. The soft sides ensure that birds don’t further injure themselves when stretching their wings and building up those flight muscles.
Over the course of nearly a week, she received a regiment of pain management, anti-inflammatories, and wound treatments in addition to a specialized diet for her species. Thanks to the world-class care she received, her wound healed quickly and she was carefully moved to a spacious outdoor enclosure. Here, she could gradually rebuild her strength and acclimate to the natural elements, preparing her for the demands of life in the wild.
After spending just over a week in the outdoor enclosure, our veterinary team conducted a thorough evaluation, confirming her complete recovery and fitness for release. With their approval, a volunteer was secured to transport her and she was returned to the familiar surroundings of Barr Lake. The moment she was released from her transport carrier was truly heartwarming. With a burst of energy, she took flight, her wings now unimpeded, soaring into the open skies and towards the welcoming embrace of the marshes.
This incident serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness within our ecosystems and the vital roles played by both research and rehabilitation efforts. The blackbird’s inherent tenacity, and her ability to fly despite injury highlights the remarkable resilience found within the natural world.
However, it also underscores the crucial role humans play in the survival of not just one singular animal, but entire populations of vulnerable species.
The collaboration between the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and Greenwood Wildlife offered a tangible lifeline to a bird that otherwise may have lived a short life with a painful injury, everyday a struggle to survive. This successful rehabilitation gave her a second chance and underscores the necessity of people and organizations with a passion for the wild working together to ensure the well-being of life in an increasingly challenging and changing world.
Mysti Tatro is the Communications and Marketing Coordinator at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. For information, call 303-823-8455 or www.greenwoodwildlife.org. Cindy Leikam is the Communications and Fundraising Assistant for Greenwood wildlife Rehabilitation Center at the east end of Lyons on Hwy. 66.
to address whether this type of climate case can move forward, following a decision from the Hawaii Supreme Court in 2023 that also allowed a case filed by Honolulu to proceed. Dozens of courts around the country are looking to these decisions as they consider similar cases. In addition to EarthRights International, the plaintiffs are represented by Kevin Hannon of Singleton Schreiber, LLP, the Law Office of Marco B. Simons, and the Law Offices of David Bookbinder.
Summer Vibes Festival
LYONS – The Town of Lyons is pleased to announce that the Summer Vibes Festival will be kicking off a new event in Lyons on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Bohn Park – which also will be the Summer Solstice. The goal of Summer Vibes is to bring music festival energy to a weekend of cycling, trail running, and camping. It’s produced by the same crew that put on the Lyons Outdoor Games, Old Man Winter Rally,
A resilient beauty—this Red-winged Blackbird perches gracefully, a symbol of strength and survival in the wild. ADRIAN DE LA PAZ
B R I E F
WHAT’S COOKIN’
Lemon almond cake, and gluten free too
By Barbara Shark Redstone Review
LYONS – From pale yellow-green leaves unfurling to the powder puffs of pink and white blossoms on the fruit trees, spring is springing up. Over a lattice of branches, a green haze of new leaves shimmers against the blue, blue Colorado sky.
On our hillside sand lilies nestle in the grasses emerging from beneath the dried stalks of last year.
As the days lengthen my cooking routine changes. We eat later and lighter, often having a salad or grilled salmon for dinner. Dessert is saved for special occasions. While
searching for a cake to serve to a friend who is gluten intolerant, I rediscovered this in a stack of saved recipes. A lovely dessert for a dinner with friends.
Lemon/Almond Cake (adapted from Melissa Clark, The New York Times)
1/4 cup olive oil plus some for the pan
2/3 cup sugar, divided.
1 cup + 1 tablespoon almond meal (95 grams – I’ve taken to weighing some ingredients for accuracy)
1/3 cup quinoa flour (30 grams. I grind quinoa seeds in my dedicated spice grinder.)
4 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Baked custard and rice pudding
By Catherine Metzger Redstone Review
LYONS – What to make in a quart-sized soufflé dish?
– baked custard and rice pudding.
Across this country, there are soufflé dishes in many a kitchen cabinet gathering dust. And there aren’t too many people using them to make soufflés largely because soufflés are so prone to failure.
So, how can we put our soufflé dishes to use with more reliable recipes? Some ideas include bread pudding, baked custard and rice pudding. I recently shared my bread pudding recipe with you, so today let’s look at making custard and rice pudding.
1 tablespoon orange flower water (or steep lavender or other flavoring in your syrup)
Directions
Preheat oven to 320F.
To make the baked custard: In a medium-sized bowl beat eggs, sugar, vanilla and lemon extract together until smooth. Pour into soufflé dish. Set dish in a pan of very hot water that reaches halfway up the sides of the dish. Bake for one hour making sure that the water does never boils. You will know that the custard is done when the center of the custard moves slightly when shaken. Remove from the oven and cool. Once cooled, place in refrigerator for at
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of a 8 or 9 inch springform pan with parchment and brush paper and sides with oil. Combine a third of the sugar with all the almond flour and quinoa flour, and set aside. In another bowl combine the egg yolks and another third of the sugar and beat until thick and pale yellow – five minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup olive oil, the lemon zest and juice. Fold in dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the four egg whites and salt until frothy. Add remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form, 2 to 5 minutes. Fold a third of the egg whites into batter. Gently add remaining whites. Pour into pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick or skewer test comes
least two hours.
out clean. Cool for 10 minutes then unmold. Serve with berries, pineapple or mango.
Barbara Shark is an artist and author of How I Learned to Cook, an Artist’s Life. She lives near Lyons, Colorado. For more recipes, read her blog at www.howilearnedtocookanartistslife.blog.
To make the simple syrup: Combine water, sugar and orange flower water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. Will last a week in a sealed jar if refrigerated. When you are ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of the soufflé dish, place a flat serving dish on top, then turn over onto plate. Cut cake-like slices and drizzle with simple syrup.
5 1/2 cups milk (the ratio is 1 part rice to 8 parts milk)
2/3 cup cane sugar
A pinch of salt
Ingredients for Stewed Apples
4 large tart apples (2 lbs.), peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup water
1/4 cup or less sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 325F.
To make the baked rice pudding: In the soufflé dish, mix all ingredients together. Bake for approximately one-and-a-half hours. You will know that the rice pudding is done when there is a golden skin on top of the pudding. Remove from the oven and cool. Once cooled, place in refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
To make the stewed apples: Combine apples, water and sugar in a saucepan and cook on medium-low heat until the apples are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Cool then refrigerate before serving.
Catherine Ripley Metzger has been cooking professionally and privately since 1979. She was a French cuisine journeyman at the celebrated Henri d’Afrique restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Today she is the proprietor of the food blog www.foodfortheages.com and cooks with curiosity from the ground up in her log cabin home on the Western Slope of Colorado.
to other town boards on matters of historic preservation. The past year has resulted in several milestones in these efforts. Are you interested in learning the origins of the quarry industry? Curious about how the rise of auto tourism and travel to Estes Park affected the town’s development? You are invited to read all about it in a new report.
In 2025, the Town of Lyons completed a comprehensive 75-page Historical Context Report, developed in collaboration with Pinyon Environmental (contracted consultant) and the Town of Lyons Historical Preservation Commission (HPC). This report, which includes in-depth research, narrative writing, curated photographs, maps, editing, and translation, took over two years to complete.
The final version, supported by a grant from History Colorado, provides a thorough analysis of Lyons’ history, starting from its prehistoric origins and covering significant events and developments up to the present day. While the report focuses on events older than 50 years, it also addresses pivotal occurrences like the 2013 historic floods.
The report outlines the area’s settlement history, from Native American tribes and their forced exodus, a regional history of racism, while also highlighting the success of key industries such as quarry mining, the arrival of railroads, and the rise of auto tourism.
It also delves into the development of neighborhoods, schools, parks, and notable historical assets, including architecture, residential buildings, and other important sites. The report features detailed maps and topographic information, providing a comprehensive view of the town’s historical landscape. It is essentially a baseline inventory of our historical assets and provides a jumping off point for further exploration.
The full version of the report, available in English and Spanish, is available on the town website at townoflyons.com/818/ Lyons-Historical-Context-Report. Copies are also available at the Lyons Library and the Redstone Museum.
While we cannot change the past, the town is also making significant efforts to properly acknowledge the Native American origins of Lyons. Originally home to the Ute, Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes, colonial settlers ignored treaties made and forced people from their land. The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission worked to install a statue “Trail of Treaties,” created by Native Sculptor Oreland Joe in LaVern M. Johnson Park last year, and an interpretative sign telling this story is in the works.
In 2024, the town also officially launched its Local Historic Designation Program, allowing both public and private buildings to be recognized for their historical, architectural, and cultural significance. This program is designed to protect and celebrate the unique character of Lyons’ built environment.
Because Lyons has been designated as a Certified Local Government (CLG), it allows properties to participate in the program. The historic Lyons Depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the first building to receive local designation. The HPC intends to roll out the designation program for privately owned properties in 2025.
One of the most significant incentives for property owners to seek local designation is access to state historic preservation tax credits – a program jointly administered by History Colorado and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). Residential properties may be eligible for a 35 percent tax credit on qualified rehabilitation expenses, up to $100,000 per project, provided the work retains the historic character of the building’s exterior. Commercial properties may be eligible for up to $1 million in tax credits. More information is available on the History Colorado website at www.historycolorado.org/preservation-tax-credits.
Looking to the future, the town is also implementing a policy to flag any permit requests on structures older than 50 years for consideration by the HPC. By doing this, the town has opportunities for preservation on its radar. As new developments are considered, it is the hope that Lyons’ historic buildings will be considered as part of the process of renovation and building. The team behind the redevelopment of 402 Main (affectionately known as the hole in the ground) is drawing inspiration from the original late-1800s building that
once stood on the site. While not a replica, the new design will reflect Lyons’ historic Main Street through features like a planned sandstone façade, and oversized windows inspired by the original building’s proportions. Though final materials are still under evaluation due to cost, the project aims to complement Main Street’s character. Construction of this exciting new project should begin in the next few months. Lyons is a town with a wealth of history and culture. There are many residents working hard to preserve and protect our collective stories. If you’ve never visited the Redstone Museum, it’s worth a trip and is open daily all summer. The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission works in tandem with historic preservation efforts in telling stories through art. An artist call for submissions has recently gone out for a new mural designed to visually capture an aspect of Lyons history. Local artists are encouraged to apply.
Kristen Bruckner is the Coordinator for Arts and Cultural Services for the Town of Lyons. She and her husband Dan have lived in Lyons for 20 years, raising three kids and participating in many town activities. She may be reached at Kbruckner@townoflyons.com.
Birds Continued from Page 7
my first cup of coffee, a house wren was singing his heart out from the peak of the garage roof, although I can’t tell yet if he’s moved into one of my wren houses. If not, he’s nesting somewhere nearby and proclaiming his territory by singing. Annie Dillard said that all bird songs can be translated as “Mine,” although a generation earlier the Austrian animal behaviorist Konrad Lorenz said he thought birds sang for joy just like we do.
I recognize maybe two dozen bird calls that I hear often, but my only real skill in that area is picking out a strange song from the usual cacophony. I remember deeply envying an elderly woman I once went on an Audubon Society bird count with. She was small, frail and somewhat bird-like herself, but although her eyesight was bad and she could barely walk, we could park her next to a meadow or a grove of trees where she’d roll down the car window and rattle off the birds by their songs.
When I asked the poet and bird watcher Jack Collom how to learn bird calls, he said “When you hear a bird singing, go see what it is.” I still do that casually, but I have a poor auditory memory, which is why I’m not good with birdsongs and also one of many reasons why I never became the professional folk singer I once wanted to be.
I recently discovered a bird song app for my phone called Merlin Bird ID created by the ornithology lab at Cornell University, where I can open the app and place the phone on a chair on my deck and it will record the bird songs and name the various birds singing, sometimes it gets jumbled with too many birds at once, but it does help to identify the bird with the song.
It doesn’t help that some birdsongs don’t fit the birds that sing them. The stunningly beautiful northern oriole makes an angry mechanical chatter reminiscent of a pickup with a bad starter, while the plainest bird I know – the homely gray dipper common around trout streams – has a spring song that sounds like the opening notes of a symphony.
Everyone I know who feeds and/or watches birds has noticed a decline in numbers in recent years. It’s not a mystery; it’s caused by air, water and light pollution and loss of habitat, much but not all of it due to climate change. It’s happened sometimes gradually and sometimes suddenly. During the big wildfires a couple of years ago, we found dead birds around the place that had strangled on the thick smoke and the next year the bird numbers were way down, especially the hummingbirds because so many of the wildflowers they feed on had burned up. This has been going on for no less than half a century. Those who keep track of such things estimate that Canada and the U.S. alone have lost 3 billion birds in the last 50 years with no end in sight. Of course, we know the cause as well as the effect, not to mention what it would take to stop it, but if government and industry won’t do what it takes to save our own lives, they sure as hell won’t do it to save the birds.
for Trout, the magazine for Trout Unlimited. His books include Trout Bum, Sex Death and Fly-fishing, and Still Life with Brook Trout He has won seven first place awards from the Colorado Press Association for his columns in the Redstone Review. His last book, All the Time in the World, was released in March 2023.
Briefs Continued from Page 12 and Burning Can.
There will be three different bike events (gravel bike courses and a dirt jump jam) and four running events (Trail Run Relay, Beer Relay, Trail Dog Run, Five-mile Run), plus a Bike/Run combo. There will also be a big stage with a three-band lineup to keep the energy high at the venue, kid-friendly activities (Woom kids bike race, inflatables), cold-plunge tubs and wood-fired saunas, weekend camping in the park, and of course amazing food and bevs from local vendors.
The hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with bands playing from 1p.m. to 6 p.m. The concert and expo are free. There is also a VIP ticket available for $35 that includes Oskar Blues beer samples and a nice shady spot to watch the bands.
Lyons is a great venue, whether you choose to ride, run, or just come out to enjoy a great day in Bohn Park. All of the information is available at: www.Summervibesrally.com.
ly to the greater Lyons area. The Mission Scholarships were awarded to Giulia Lorenzoni, Leah Shelton, Julia Hutt, and Hadley Larson. Each of these students embodied the heart of LCF’s mission in their own way through volunteerism, leadership, environmental advocacy, and a drive to improve the lives of others. Their applications shared a common thread: a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to creating positive change.
LCF Board member and Scholarship Committee Chair Cory Pierce reminds all of this year’s recipients, “Each of you has a distinct voice and a unique story to tell. Never stop believing in yourselves and your dreams.”
The Lyons Community Foundation is honored to continue supporting young people in Lyons as they embark on the next chapter of their journey. Scholarships like these are made possible thanks to generous donors and local partners who believe in investing in our future.
To learn more about the scholarship program or contribute to the fund, visit www. lyonscf.org.
Rachel Pickarski is the Marketing and Communications Consultant for the Lyons Community Foundation.
Ann Hall and Jacob Leeuwenburgh visited the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on April 25, 2025, after a quick trip to Amsterdam for a dear friend’s wedding. They captured this photo with the Redstone at one of Europe’s most iconic historic landmarks.
Take the Redstone Review with you on your next trip and send us your photos showing where the Redstone has traveled. Send your photos to redstarnews5@ gmail.com.
John Gierach died on Oct. 3, 2024. He was an outdoor and fly fishing writer who wrote books and columns for magazines including a regular column
Travels with Redstone
Stunning,
Charming,
Gorgeous living areas, renovated culinary kitchen and primary bath, wraparound deck, 3-car garage.
Stunning,
1740
ONE-OF-A-KIND IN SPRING GULCH Bring your horses! Renovated stone cottage on over 7 acres in Spring Gulch location. Two seasonal springs.
