Teens Inc. helps residents mitigate wildfire risk

By Boulder County Communications Redstone Review

BOULDER COUNTY – As wildfire mitigation efforts gain momentum in Boulder County, Teens Inc. and Wildfire Partners are once again united to assist community members in need.

With a collective dedication of over 100 hours this summer, these groups completed mitigation measures to homes of vulnerable residents free-of-charge.

Having completed eight of ten projects so far, Teens Inc.’s mission is to support those facing challenges in managing this demanding work.

While the risk of wildfire in Boulder County has always existed, changing climate conditions and recent fires are heightening concerns among residents about their vulnerability. Additionally, some residents find it challenging to keep up with wildfire mitigation work. Recognizing this pressing need, Teens Inc. and Wildfire Partners have collaborated annually for several years to address these issues, and

This Is [Not] Who We Are, on the Black experience in Boulder, to show at Lyons Library

By Kara Bauman Redstone Review

LYONS – The members of the inaugural 2022-2023 Lyons SEED Seminar invite you to a screening of This is [Not] Who We Are, followed by a discussion with the film’s director, Katrina Miller on Tuesday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. Boulder, Colorado, prides itself on being beautiful, welcoming, and inclusive. However, in 2019, racially-charged and dangerous policing involving a Black university student made national news. The documentary film, This Is [Not] Who We Are, explores the gap between Boulder’s self-image and the more complex lived experiences – both historical and contemporary – of its Black citizens.

This is [Not] Who We Are braids the lived experiences of Black characters ranging in age from 12 to 78. Some stories are searing, while others are hopeful. The film seeks to open a space for dialogue among Boulderites and about cities like Boulder, overwhelmingly white, wealthy, and conflicted about issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Is a more economically and racially diverse future possible, in Boulder, Lyons, and in towns and cities like us across America?

Want to be part of a community group exploring race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual identity, ability, and age and how these factors impact our community while exploring differences and similarities between your lived experience and the experiences of others?

Then consider joining the next SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) cohort. Informational sessions will be Saturday, August 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.; Wednesday, August 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and Thursday, August 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please see our website for more information and to register for an introductory session.

This year’s Summer Reading Program wrapped up on Saturday, August 5 with wild face painting, sno-cones galore, bubble fun, and a rocking performance by Lyons’ own Mr. Kneel (McIntyre) in Sandstone Park.

The Lyons Community Library offers hearty congratulations to the over 120 babies, kids, teens, and adults who participated in the program this year. We extend our thanks to our generous sponsors, the Lyons Dairy Bar and the Friends of the Lyons Library, and appreciate our many program presenters. We did it all together.

Summer is drawing to a close, but it’s definitely still patio season and you’re all invited to join the Library and

Continue Library on Page 12 this year’s efforts include mitigating grasses, removing combustible debris, and installing ignition-resistant materials.

This year, our initiatives have resulted in homeowners maintaining their home insurance, have brought communities together, and have supported long-time residents with completing mitigation tasks. Our goal by the end of the summer is to make a significant impact on the lives of the residents we assist while raising awareness in communities about wildfire preparedness.

Teens Inc. is a Nederland-based youth organization that engages youth in community initiatives, offering youth employment programs, recreational opportunities, and community engagement through projects like Teens Inc. Youth Corps, and Lincoln Hills Team Works.

Wildfire Partners is a nationally recognized Boulder County program designed to help residents prepare for wildfires. We provide technical and financial assistance to residents of Boulder County through custom wildfire mitigation assessments, grant funding, educational programs, community events, and a free chipping program.

For more information, contact Mary Sanders, Wildfire Partners Program Specialist, at 303-441-1420 or info@wildfirepartners.org.

Local producer Cat Russell to show 2013 flood documentary

By Brianna Hoyt Redstone Review

LYONS – Where were you the night of September 11, 2013? That was the night that record-breaking rains over the foothills and mountains along Colorado’s Front Range brought widespread flooding, massive destruction and loss of life. Have you found yourself wondering, how exactly did this happen?

Join the Lyons Redstone Museum September 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lyons Community Library for a viewing of Understanding the Fundamentals: Colorado’s Epic Flood of 2023 Focusing on Lyons, CO . The documentary’s producer, Cat Russell, will introduce the film and answer questions after the viewing. There will be copies of the movie, flood books, and prints by artist Larry Cohan for sale at the showing.

In addition to the showing of the documentary, the Lyons Redstone Museum will be releasing a new digital exhibit containing videos and photographs of the 2013 flood as well as interviews from Lyons residents. The Lyons Redstone Museum will announce the official release date of the new exhibit at the end of August.

The Lyons Redstone Museum is open daily through October 1. Visit the museum to learn more about local history, pick up a history book, or peruse our gift shop and used book store.

Brianna Hoyt occasionally does some work for the Lyons Redstone Museum.