Redstone May / June 2022

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EDSTONE R •E •V•I •E •W

Redstone stands with President Zelensky and the people in Ukraine

VOLUME 23, NUMBER 4

LYONS, COLORADO

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MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

LaVern McConnell Johnson 1927 – 2022 Tribute story on Page 6

B •R •I •E •F •S Lyons Garden Tour June 18 LYONS – Planning for Lyons Garden Club 2nd Annual “Mountain Blooms” Garden Tour is in high gear. There are currently 10 sites of garden delights set for the tour, which will be held on Saturday, June 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Tickets are available through TicketTailor. There is a direct link to the registration site through the garden club website: www.lyonsgardenclub.com. There is no fee for tickets, but the club will greatly appreciate donations.

Music at the Cup LYONS – The Stone Cup will extend its hours in June. Beginning on Wednesday, June 1, the Stone Cup will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday. Last call for kitchen will be at 1:30 p.m.

Rachel’s Tallent’s art show Desert Sprawl will remain on display through the end of June.

Live outdoor weekend music continues.

May 21, Saturday, 10:30 to noon: Elio Quest May 22, Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon: Zea Stallings May 27, Friday), 10 a.m. to noon: Denny Driscoll May 28, Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon: James Faulk May 29, Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon: David Tilmon June 4, Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon: Sarah Caton June 5, Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon: Wrenn Van & Friends Continue Briefs on Page 5

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I •N •D •E •X LOCAL

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MAYOR’S CORNER

3

LYONS

4

OPTIONS

5

LAVERN M. JOHNSON

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INSIGHT

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GRADUATES

8

A&E

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CONSENSUS

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INTEREST

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CROSSROADS

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A spectacular display of tulips at 5th Avenue and Baker Street in Longmont. The homeowner has planted thousands of tulips in his yard creating a beautiful spot of color on the Historic East Side.

Photo by Priscilla Cohan.

New Town Board discusses a home for LEAF, pavement issues, renaming the dirt bike park and other things

By Susan de Castro McCann Redstone Review Editor LYONS – After Mayor Hollie Rogin gaveled the May 16 meeting to order, she called everyone’s attention to the brightly colored chair centered just below the Trustees seating platform. The chair was decorated and designed for Lyons Matriarch, LaVern Johnson, who passed away Saturday.

Mayor Rogin took a moment to recognize Mrs. LaVern (as she is affectionally called) and her accomplishments, which include her service as a Town Board Trustee. Both Mrs. LaVern and her husband Mr. LaVerne served as Trustees on the Lyons Town Board. Both before and after Mrs. LaVern served on the board, she attended every single board meeting. For the past 23 years, more often than not, by 9 p.m. there were only three of us in the audience at the board meetings – me, Mrs. LaVern and the reporter from the Lyons Recorder. She will always be remembered for her long standing fight to preserve the schools, the parks, the museum and the arts, and history of Lyons. She represents a time when people’s opinions mattered.

The board moved on to a presentation from Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC) chair Lauren Click who told the board the value and positive impact that art has on the community. She also talked about the new art district, Lyons Creates. The new art district, Click said, will enhance and enrich the community physically and economically. They are working on painting scenes on all the utility boxes around town.

Lory Barton, chair of the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund (LEAF) updated the board on LEAF’s progress in finding a new location. After searching every available site for a new home for LEAF, Barton said she was hopeful that she would be able to find a home at the current brown shed building next to Town Hall where the Boulder County Sheriff’s sub station is located. Barton said that she and Sargent Bill Crist have been in discussions about the Sheriff’s substation moving to the old remodeled Depot

Building behind the town hall.

Sgt. Crist also spoke to the board and affirmed that the Depot Building would by an ideal site for the BoCo Sheriff’s department in Lyons. He said there would be room for all the deputies, plus an office for him and a meeting area. He said that the first responders would also be able to have space in the building, which he said was critical for them. The Sheriff’s Dept. would lease the building from the Town of Lyons.

The talks are still on going but the brown shed would also be able to house Lyons Creates along with LEAF. Barton said that nothing is carved in stone and the plan is still very flexible. Trustee Tanya Daty said she loved the idea of LEAF occupying the brown shed building. LEAF would do some retrofitting and remodeling if they were to lease or purchase the brown shed building. Barton said if all the pieces fell into place, LEAF could move in within a year.

In other matters the board listened to a presentation from Boulder County Transportation by Kathleen Bracke, deputy director for planning and permitting. Voters in Boulder County approved a 0.1 percent transportation tax and it was renewed in 2007 at the same rate. The tax has a sunset clause to expire on June 30, 2024. Bracke wanted to inform the board on how the taxes are used, the plans for future and to let everyone know that the tax will come up again for a vote in 2024.

Moving on, the board discussed current pavement issues around town. Utilities & Engineering Director Aaron Caplan, told the board to begin thinking about how best to fund street capital improvement projects and how much is needed for street maintenance and preservation.

He said in his report, if it was determined to move forward with a rehabilitation or reconstruction project the estimated costs range from $134,000 to $300,000. There is funding in the budget for streets capital improvement projects that is currently at $300,000 with an additional $300,000 budgeted to be transferred to the fund in 2022.

The current 2022 streets budget includes

$43,000 for preservation recommendations.

To meet the goal of increasing our streets’ PCI by 10 points by the end of 2024 that would need to be increased to $85,000 for this year and for the next 2 years.

Caplan said the staff recommendation is to proceed with the rehabilitation projects.

If the town can continue to appropriate $300,000 a year towards streets capital improvements, it could show this as a revenue stream to go out for bonds for larger street projects such as the entire stretch of 5th Ave. from High St to Steamboat Valley, or 2nd Ave. from Main North to the cul-desac. We could continue getting some projects done this year and show we still have the additional $300,000 allocated this year to assist with bonds or another determined funding source. The full depth reclamation or repair on 5th Ave. Staff would then recommend using any of the existing $300,000 that was not used for the rehabilitation projects and additional funding from the $300,000 being transferred this year to make a budget amendment to increase the current $43,000 up to the $85,000 listed in the memo. Improving the town streets has been a priority in the previous years. If this is still considered to be a priority, it is recommended to begin planning the 2023 budget for street repairs with $85,000 budgeted, if funding is available, and then make adjustments as needed during budget season. About $260,000 would be kept in reserve. The board agreed with the staff recommendation and wanted to increase the current $43,000 up to $85,000 as was recommended although it was a discussion and no vote was taken.

The board also took up the issue of renaming the Lyons Dirt Bike Jump Park. Some trustees thought that the name was too long and complicated. Town Attorney Brandon Dittman pointed out that the park is used for lots of different types of bike activities and the current name does not reflect that. Mayor Rogin proposed that the name be changed to Lyons Bike Park and the trustees agreed with than name change.

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

LOCAL Come in, we’re open, we’re awesome

By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review LYONS – Recently while on vacation, I saw a small sign in a retail window: Come In, We’re Awesome. The sign felt more like an invitation and was both welcoming and fun. It also caused me to quickly drift back to thoughts of Lyons where we have so many awesome, locally owned and independent businesses.

The spring and summer seasons are gearing up and our small businesses are preparing to welcome residents and guests to experience all that Lyons has to offer. Summer in Lyons includes a full campground, live music, and wedding celebrations as well as visitors and residents who get outside to enjoy our events, parks and public river access.

Wondering what’s on tap for summer in Lyons?

The Sandstone Summer Concert Series is now on Wednesday nights. There will be 10 weeks of live, local music, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The series kicks off on Wednesday, June 8 and runs through early August. You should be seeing posters with the bands and dates.

The town will also be including information in its weekly e-blasts and monthly utility bill newsletter. If you are new to

town, or don’t get the eblasts, please sign up on the town’s website: www.townoflyons.com/list.aspx. That’s a great way to stay informed on what is happening in town.

In addition, the town is hosting the Second Annual Artisan Market, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at Bohn Park. There will be nearly 30 local artisans, live music with Jake Leg, and a barbeque sampler along with craft beers and root beer floats to support the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF).

The Lyons Garden Club is planning its Mountain Bloom Tour for Saturday, June 18. Event day registration and check in will be in Sandstone Park in the morning.

Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission and the Boulder County Arts Alliance are hosting Art @ River Bend on Sunday, July 17. Art @River Bend is a collaboration between BCAA, Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission and the Town of Lyons, held along the North St. Vrain Creek in Lyons at River Bend. In addition to the arts and crafts sale, Art @River Bend will feature live demos, children’s activities, food, drink and more.

The Venus de Miles Bicycle Ride is sched-

uled to start and finish in Bohn Park, on Saturday, August 27, more details to come.

There are also a multitude of recreation programs being offered this summer, including soccer camps, skateboard clinics, and youth and adult softball leagues.

As we get closer to summer, the Lyons Main Street program wants to remind residents about several new businesses in town. As many of you may know, Red Canyon Art moved this past winter to a new location along Main Street. Rabbit Brush Gallery has moved from its previous Hygiene location to Lyons and into the northwest corner, of 4th and Main.

There will be a new Italian restaurant, Marigold, opening on Main St, in the block between 4th and 5th. Both Marigold and Moxie Mercantile were issued liquor licenses in the past two months by the Board of Trustees.

Live music is also on tap this summer at both Main Stage Brewing and A-Lodge. In addition, Cluck-n-Burger has relocated into town limits with its food truck location near the entrance to Spirit Hound Distillery.

Shopping and dining locally in Lyons is an easy way for locals to support our independent small businesses. Be sure to take some time during the spring and visit one of Lyons shops or services, grab a bite or a beverage and experience the Come In, We’re Awesome welcome from businesses in Lyons.

You can find more information at the Town of Lyons website, www.townoflyons.com.

Summertime fun kicks off with the Artisan Market on June 4

By Tanya Daty Redstone Review LYONS – Spring has sprung and the temperatures are increasing day by day. With school letting out for the summer in just Mercer-Daty a couple of weeks, it feels like summer is just around the corner. What better way to start summertime fun than with an outdoor artisan market and BBQ cook-off, followed by the Sandstone Concert Series. Thanks to a Community Support Grant from the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF), and a partnership with the Town of Lyons, Lyons residents will be able to enjoy ten weekly concerts in Sandstone Park this summer and an Artisan Market/BBQ in June.

Last year for the first time,, an outdoor Artisan market was held in Bohn Park. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. LCF will be proudly serving their very popular root beer floats, with ice cream donated by the Lyons Dairy Bar. In addition, one of their board members, Gwyd Winkelmeyer, has offered to round up a few local BBQ grillmasters to produce a plate of crispy turkey legs, juicy beef brisket and tender pulled pork.

Sampler plates will showcase a variety

Left to right, LCF Board members and volunteers: Gail Frankfort, Julie Jacobs, Gil Sparks, Kay Sparks, Josie Lawrence. We will be happy to serve you a refreshing root beer float from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. You can find them at the LCF booth, near the pavilion where the cook off will take place from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. of mouth-watering flavors such as habanero, smoked and mole for a suggested donation of $10. Luckily, Oskar Blues has donated some craft beer to wash down all of this yumminess. Be sure to come by the pavilion in Bohn Park to try a sampler plate between 11a.m. and 2 p.m. or before supplies run out. Of course, we cannot

hold an all-day outdoor event in Lyons without some live music.

Thanks to another LCF Community Support Grant for the Artisan Market, the Town of Lyons was able to book Jake Leg from 12 to 2 p.m. So, you might want to mosey on over to Bohn Park around noon for some BBQ, beer, a root beer float, and

Barley This outgoing senior dog is ready to leave behind shelter life and move on to a new adventure. Barley is a smart and loving 9 1/2 year old boy and he can show you what he’s learned. He knows sit, down, and stay. He has fabulous leash skills and is very attentive to his handler. He loves treats and is very food motivated. Are you someone who is looking for a new adventure as well?

Come in today and vist with Barley. For more information visit our website, www.longmonthumane.org, or call 303772-1232. More than 200 animals are waiting for forever families at Longmont Humane Society, 9595 Nelson Road, next to the Boulder County Fairgrounds. live music before checking out all of the vendors’ wares. Word on the street is that there will be quite a selection of goods.

The week following the Artisan Market will be the kickoff to the Sandstone Concert Series on Wednesday, June 8 and will feature the Joe Kuckla Band. Concerts featuring local musicians will take place every Wednesday from June 8 to August 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. in Sandstone Park.

LCF will have a booth set up with popcorn, baked goods and beverages available for donations. These concerts are some of our favorite times to connect with friends and neighbors in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bring your family for this free, familyfriendly concert series. We look forward to seeing you there.

Finally, please save the date for another free family-friendly event: the 2nd annual Hootenanny, coordinated by LCF and LEAF at River Bend on Sunday, August 28 from 2 to 7 p.m. Some favorites will be back for a day of family fun: cornhole tournament, dancing with Mayama, duck race, family fun zone, live music and a silent auction. Mark your calendars so as not to miss out.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Tanya Daty at tanya@lyonscf.org.

Tanya Mercer-Daty is one of the new Lyons Town Board Trustees. She has lived in Lyons for the past eight years. Feel free to contact her at tanya@lyonscf.org.

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 3

MAYOR’S CORNER New mayor, Hollie Rogin, takes the gavel and works with trustees to set goals and objectives for the new board

By Holly Rogin, Mayor of Lyons Redstone Review LYONS – It is my honor and privilege to serve as the Mayor of Lyons. This community has displayed Rogin great strength, resilience, compassion, and empathy while facing the evolving challenges of the pandemic. The first Covid shutdown occurred just one month prior to the 2020 municipal election. Our board was sworn in via Zoom and conducted the entire term online, only gathering in person for our final meeting. It was an extraordinarily difficult time for the board and for staff. I join the rest of the town in thanking Mayor Angelo, the previous Board of Trustees, and staff for their wisdom and hard work during unimaginable circumstances.

Since 2020, our town administration, library, schools, and business community piv-

Actions completed by the BOT during the 2020 - 2022 term Compiled by Mark Browning Redstone Review 1. Renegotiated Summit Housing project – twice 2. Approved new hotel 3. Approved/funded Broadway project (including first-ever use of URA funds) 4. Constructed/funded new 2nd Ave. bridge 5. Constructed/funded new 4th Ave. pedestrian bridge and connecting path 6. Approved/funded Black Bear Hole/2nd Ave. parking improvements 7. Authorized (with voter approval) solar farm construction 8. Acquired eight-acre Martin parcel adjacent to Bohn Park 9. Acquired “L” hill property 10. Replaced water line, wastewater line and street surface on Longs Peak Dr. 11. Funded and completed smart electric meter installation 12. Funded and completed undergrounding of electric lines in multiple locations

oted over and over to continue to serve us.

Town Hall remained open and operational to meet our needs and to navigate Covid relief, ensuring that Lyons received critical funds to assist our business community. The Lyons Regional Library provided robust online programming. Our schools made sure no one missed lunch, and our teachers continued to provide essential and excellent learning experiences. The Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund met the human services needs of 20 percent of our local population in 2021. We saw outdoor dining flourish and ate more takeout than we thought possible.

When we look around today, we can see that Main Street is once again bustling and vibrant, a wonderful place to shop, eat, and gather. We are so fortunate.

We’re also fortunate to have an intelligent, thoughtful, and dedicated new Board of Trustees. It includes Mayor Pro Tem Jocelyn Farrell and Trustees Tanya Daty, Glen Delman, Ted Elson, Greg Oetting, and Paula Stone-Williams. The board 13. Put abandoned Apple Valley water plant up for sale 14. Created Historic Preservation Commission, with Code revisions 15. Approved Lyons Creative District for art/music support 16. Authorized Lake McIntosh share use for affordable housing/eco development 17. Updated/streamlined Code development plan review process 18. Adopted Town-wide commercial design guidelines 19. Negotiated major revisions/updates on Planet Bluegrass operations and taxes 20. Updated Code Parking/Traffic provisions 21. Updated Code Utilities provisions.

22. Created Streets Fund (funded to $600,000 level) 23. Appropriated fire risk mitigation funding per task force recommendations 24. Created/funded fulltime Code Compliance Officer position 25. Created/funded Annual Reports to citizens Mark Browning, a former attorney from Texas, served two terms as a Lyons Town Board Trustee.

He finished his second term in April 2022.

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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 – 2022. In 2015, Rogin created the foundation for what is now the City of Boulder’s Commercial Affordability program on a pro bono basis. While serving as a trustee, she was the board liaison to the Economic Vitality Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission.

Above, new board, 2022 to2024, left to right: Trustee Paula Stone Williams; Trustee Ted Elson; Mayor Pro Tem Jocelyn Farrell; Mayor Hollie Rogin; Trustee Greg Oetting; Trustee Tanya Daty and Trustee Glen Delman. Town Clerk Delores Vasquez is on the far left and Judge Kristin Brown on the far right, swearing in the new mayor and trustees.

Below, previous board, 2020 to2022, left to right: Trustee Kenyon Waugh, missing; Trustee Hollie Rogin; Trustee Michael Karavas; Mayor Nick Angelo; Mayor Pro Tem Mark Browning; Trustee Wendy Miller and Trustee Greg Lowell. This board met for the first and last time in person on April 18.

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brings a wide variety of professional and personal experiences to bear when considering thorny issues and analyzing complex information. Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen and the incredibly hard-working and talented staff at Town Hall provide the board with the information and insight we need to make sound decisions that will positively impact our residents now and in the future. I also look forward to working with the exemplary boards and commission members, who so generously donate their time and talent toward making Lyons an even better place to live Our final flood recovery project, the 4th Ave. Pedestrian Bridge, is well underway.

While the pandemic is by no means over, we have more skills to navigate it. Our Comprehensive Plan (www.lyonsthrive.com) process is going smoothly, with terrific community participation. The Summit affordable housing project is under construction.

The Broadway Improvement Project is being designed. All of this means that the

board has the opportunity to be proactive and aspirational in setting goals and priorities that map up to the Comprehensive Plan Framework Principles.

This was the subject of our first workshop on May 2, and we identified an ambitious total of 11 goals to work toward over our two-year tenure. They include wildfire mitigation, housing affordability, safe streets and sidewalks, and more. The list will be further refined in the coming weeks. Once it’s final, we’ll have something tangible to measure our progress against.

For now, though, let’s all make sure to find some time to enjoy all that springtime in Lyons has to offer, including hummingbird watching, lilac sniffing, and soaking up the sunshine. The future is bright with possibility.

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PAGE 4

REDSTONE • REVIEW

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

LYONS Threatened Preble’s Jumping Mouse species jeopardizes Planet Bluegrass expansion

By Greg Lowell Redstone Review LYONS – Few people are aware that the St. Vrain River hosts a threatened animal species – one that may be on the verge of extinction unless regulations protecting its habitat are enforced.

Lowell The Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a “threatened” species under the federal Endangered Species Act. The term threatened means the mouse is vulnerable to extinction.

The mouse is found in river and stream corridors, adjacent uplands, and along ditches on the Front Range of Colorado and southern Wyoming. Beyond these locations, it is found nowhere else in the world.

Here in Lyons, both branches of the St. Vrain River are classified as Preble’s habitat. The mouse has been confirmed in the river corridor that runs from the confluence of the North and South St. Vrain branches in Lyons down through Hygiene. Suitable habitat for the mouse extends upstream from the confluence to the Button Rock Preserve.

Small mouse, big road block Recently, the small but acrobatic mouse, which can jump as high as four feet, has thrown a roadblock in front of a local music venue’s plans for expansion in the animal’s designated habitat area.

Planet Bluegrass of Lyons acquired an additional 26 acres in 2015, which they call Planet Bluegrass Farm. PBG then petitioned the Town of Lyons for annexation of the

Why did the chicken...?

By Peter Butler Redstone Review LYONS – Two animal nuts are driving down the road. And then...

Hang on, let’s just put this into context.

These two particular animal nuts were each crazy about wildlife from an early age but Butler grew up in the old country where hunting and dense population had forced the charismatic mega fauna into the wilds of Wales and Scotland. Our most extravagant animal encounter was putting out nuts for green finches.

Wolves? A thousand miles away in Germany. Bears? Maybe try Russia. Snakes? Some legend about St Patrick.

So imagine our glee when we arrived in Colorado. Not only is the place teeming with nature but some of some of it is dangerous – woo fun. Rattlesnakes, black widows, lions, bears. We had only been installed in Lyons for a matter months before we had our first mountain lion peering through the patio doors. Then early one morning we were all snugly asleep. That is husband and wife under the covers plus three cats in the quilt hollows. Suddenly there was a bonk on the window facing us and everybody woke with a jolt. A fully-racked elk was reaching for grass under the window and had clanked the pane with his rack. He emerged from below to give us all a quizzical stare. Enzo the gray tabby and his brothers each opened their eyes like dinner plates, and rose in air like small helicopters, before exploding in an array of escape strategies.

It wasn’t long before we fell in love with skunks with their perfume like over-vulcanized rubber. Generations passed as Mr. and Mrs. Fluffy birthed Calvin and Noodles, then the following year Noodles brought all her babies for a photo session. This was all contemporary with our tiny brown

The threatened Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse is found in the Front Range of Colorado and in southern Wyoming, and nowhere else in the world. property into the town.

An annexation agreement between PBG and Lyons was drawn up in 2017. In the agreement – among other conditions – was that the 2.8-acre so-called South Grazing Area in the floodway of the North St. Vrain River was to be left undeveloped with only daytime recreation. Lyons voters approved the annexation under those terms.

But due to a loss of camping sites at the Riverbend wedding venue, PBG now wants to use the undeveloped area to accommodate 600 campers for its two major summer music festivals and requested an amendment to the 2017 agreement. tabby Java regularly bringing live snakes into the house.

Live, undamaged and in need of rescue. We were in heaven.

We volunteered at Greenwood Wildlife to wade in even deeper. No critter was ever refused undiluted love and admiration: every kitten mewing at the window adopted.

Maybe one day I will elaborate on the capture of a golden eagle with West Nile virus – but you get the picture.

So... back to Hwy. 66. We’re returning from Longmont and just about to reach the cement works’ cream colored tunnel bridge thingy when, 200 yards ahead, our hearts jammed in our throats as we spotted a manic chicken racing across the road. How it missed the speeding truck was something Einstein would have to explain, but it pulled off a miraculous twisting maneuver and then made it to the right hand verge with nary a feather disturbed.

We pulled over and found ourselves in front of the house of an acquaintance we knew to raise poultry, so we assumed that crazy chicken boy had maybe escaped from there. We coaxed him up the driveway, and after a short chat with the super friendly and accommodating homeowner, learned that he had been hanging around for a while. It only took one exchange of glances between the aforementioned bona fide animal nuts and the stalking plan emerged. After about 20 minutes of maximum human ridiculousness and dignity reduction, we somehow coaxed him into the duck pen. The ducks knew exactly what was going on and retreated to their quarters.

Rooster boy made an absent-minded chess move, and as my hand gently grabbed his shoulder, that previous life

The amendment proposed, among other items, to allow camping on the South Grazing Area and a permanent bridge across the river. Despite opposition by two board members, the Lyons Town Board passed the amendment March 15.

An ecologist hired by PBG to do an environmental assessment had earlier found “that suitable habitat (for the Preble’s mouse) is not present and that there is currently no means of connectivity with known occupied habitat from either upstream or downstream of the project site.”

The ecologist, as required by law, then sought concurrence of his findings from the USFWS. A March 31 response letter from USFWS biologist George San Miguel disagreed with the ecologist’s finding and stated that “while the habitat condition is not in prime condition, the presence of herbaceous and shrub cover ... appears suitable to support at least some of the Preble’s mouse’s life support functions such as sheltering, feeding, and dispersal.”

The letter further said that the project “has the potential to result in take of the Preble’s mouse so Planet Bluegrass needs to consider alternative plans to reduce the potential for take.” “Take” is the term USFWS uses to indicate a species could be harmed or killed by destruction of its habitat.

While PBG will only use the South Grazing Area for camping 12 days a year, the heavy use and development of the area will compromise the mouse’s habitat. The USFWS letter noted that “significant changes of surface landscaping, or increased usage by humans or domestic animals could be in violation of the Endangered Species Act.” The agency recommends reorganizing the project’s layContinue Mouse on Page 13

style of reckless gallivanting was transformed into a new era of sensible domesticity. As we drove home to the menagerie of animal insanity, we discussed possible adopters among our chicken-keeping friends, but deep down we knew the truth.

Twilight was approaching as we introduced Coppery to the girls. This was good timing because chicken evening roosting instincts are powerful enough to suppress all sorts of rivalries and misunderstandings. Finally we had a chance to admire his burnished copper feathers, his luminous bottle-green tail, and also his slightly frostbitten comb, from maybe a freezing night or two outside. Now that he was a resident of the Chicken Palace (a dwelling nicer than some the places I stayed as a student) he would have no more issues like that. A double hop up to roosting rail two and he squeezed in between Big Whitey and Little Crow. He was part of the family.

Next morning we were expecting a war between new boy and Q-Tip, the Mussolini-impersonating king of the yard, but all was calm.

Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to a life of extreme luxury in a Chicken Palace of course.

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.

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MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

REDSTONE • REVIEW

OPTIONS Honoring our promises to our firefighters

By Joe Neguse Redstone Review LYONS – This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to better protect our federal firefighters. Introduced by Neguse my friend and colleague, Congressman Salud Carbajal of California, the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act will help improve conditions for the brave men and women who risk their lives everyday to protect our communities.

In short, this bill makes it easier for federal firefighters to claim disability benefits

if they experience chronic health conditions in connection to their service.

While firefighters work to protect our communities, they are exposed to occupational hazards like toxic substances, cancer-causing chemicals, and other physical hazards such as heat and noise, and many have been deprived necessary health care access and benefits.

Our firefighters deserve better.

As wildfires across the West grow more intense and more dangerous, fueled by climate change, federal wildland firefighters leave behind their lives and families for months at a time, working upwards of 16 hours a day with incredibly limited time

off. The low pay and patchwork of benefits they receive for this service is simply outrageous. We are pushing our federal firefighting workforce to a breaking point.

And it has to change.

That’s why, along with Representative Liz Cheney from Wyoming, I introduced bipartisan legislation to overhaul the way our federal wildland firefighters are compensated, by raising their pay, adding overtime and hazard pay, ensuring access to essential benefits like health care and mental health services, and providing proper classification.

Our bill – Tim’s Act – is named after Tim Hart, a smokejumper from Cody, Wyoming who tragically lost his life last year working to suppress a wildfire in New Mexico. His sacrifice in service to

The Eyes of Freedom exhibit brings a week of events to Lyons Community Library

By Kara Bauman Redstone Review LYONS – The traveling exhibit The Eyes of Freedom is coming to Lyons in early June.

This powerful exhibit honors the service and sacrifice of all who answer our nation’s call to military service. The tribute inBauman cludes the portraits of 23 men from the L Company, a Marine Reserve unit based in Columbus, Ohio, with members from across the country. This unique artistic display offers an intimate experience to look into the eyes and touch the boots of those who gave their lives in service.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is a life-sized bronze entitled Silent Battle, which recognizes the trauma and posttraumatic stress that veterans and their families witness and live through every day. The artist, Lyons’ own Anita Miller, created this memorial, which was unveiled in the Ohio Statehouse on Memorial Day, 2008. To date, the exhibit has been seen by thousands in 32 states. The Lyons Community Library will host the exhibit’s 343rd event.

Special programming will be offered for all ages from Pre-K through seniors. The event begins with a thunderous motorcycle salute as the bikes escort the customwrapped freight truck that will transport the exhibit into Lyons on Sunday, June 5, at 3:15 p.m. Please come show your support as the exhibit is unloaded.

The exhibit will be on display between 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. each day. Each evening at 6:30 p.m. there will be a special showing of The Promise, a 30-minute documentary created by Channel 9 News in Denver about the sculpture and veterans’ mental health issues.

The official opening ceremony will take place on Monday, June 6, at 7 p.m. Combat veteran Mike Strahle who served with the L Company, artist and creator Anita Miller, and Gold Star Mother Sarah Duvall will be on hand to welcome visitors.

The centerpiece of Anita Miller’s exhibit, The Eyes of Freedom, is a life-sized bronze entitled Silent Battle, which recognizes the trauma and post-traumatic stress that veterans and their families witness and live through every day.

Special programming throughout the week will focus on seniors, children, tweens and teens, and veterans.

There will be several sessions focusing on mental health concerns as well as intimate discussions with the artist regarding the creative process behind the exhibit’s distinct elements. All exhibit and program specifics are available on the library’s website.

We do ask that those interested register for the evening events. Due to the physical size of the exhibit, we will only be able to seat 25 chairs each evening. Walk-ins are welcome but may be required to stand.

And there’s more. As the school year winds down and warm weather seems here to stay, the Lyons Community Library is gearing up for summer and we have some amazing events and programs lined up.

Registration is now open for the library’s Oceans of Pos-

Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens plant sale

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

June 10, Friday, 10 a.m. to noon Denny Driscoll June 11, Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon: The Railroad Ramblers June 12, Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon: Mamma’s Marmalade

LYONS – The Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens will be holding its annual plant sale fundraiser on Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a wide variety of beautiful, tough native plants as well as hanging baskets of annuals and RMBG T-shirts. The sale will be at the Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens, lo-

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our nation and our communities embodies the bravery of firefighters throughout our nation who are answering the call of duty every day.

We must match the gratitude our community has for our firefighters by ensuring competitive wages, comprehensive health care, adequate leave and retirement. And I’ll keep doing everything I can to get it done.

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

sibilities Summer Reading Program. This year readers of all ages will log their minutes in our mobile Beanstack app as we try for a community goal of 100,000 minutes.

Activity and reading logging runs from May 22 through July 31. Youth will receive a prize upon registration, a book upon completing 10 hours of reading, and will be entered for fun grand prizes including a deluxe LEGO set, board games, and age-appropriate toys representing the Oceans of Possibilities theme.

Adults will be entered to win a $100 gift card to a local business of their choice or may choose to donate those funds to a local charity of their choice. Find more information, the calendar of events, and registration instructions on our website. We thank our generous Friends of the Lyons Library for their ongoing financial support of the Beanstack app and prizes.

The first event of the Oceans of Possibilities is on June 3 at 4 p.m. with a program titled “Watersheds: Health, Pollution and You,” which will help local youth understand our connections with water, nearby waterways, and even the ocean.

Next up, on June 16 at 5:30 p.m. we will welcome Jolly Pirate Captain Ann Lincoln. Pirate Ann will turn the audience into her crew and set sail for a show full of magic, comedy, juggling, live animals, and adventure.

The full calendar of programs, including a special series of Friday evening teen-only events, is available on our website.

The Lyons Community Library opens Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. We close at 5 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays; 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Our online catalog is available 24/7 at lyons.colibraries.org and we’re always open for digital downloads on both the Libby and CloudLibrary apps.

Give us a call at 303-823-5165 or email info@lyonslibrary.com with any questions.

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 in non-COVID times travels extensively to see her favorite band, Widespread Panic.

cated near 4th Avenue and Prospect Street, along the access path into Bohn Park (street parking is closest). Please come by to see the garden in spring and mingle with Lyons’ plantloving community.

It’s time for some spring cleaning LYONS – The Town of Lyons, along with the Sustainable Futures and the Parks and Recre-

ation Commissions, is sponsoring a river, parks, and trail clean up on Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. This is a great opportunity to be involved and have a positive impact on our community. Our cleanup last spring drew over 100 volunteers who collected 166 pounds of recycling, 200 pounds of scrap metal, and 337 pounds of trash.

We will meet at Bohn Park near the shelter Continue Briefs on Page 7

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

LAVERN M. JOHNSON Lyons loses its matriarch: A tribute to LaVern M. Johnson idents. She was a member and leading figure of the Dam Concerned Citizens in their five-year fight against the proposed 400-foot high Coffintop Dam, which was to be built LYONS – Town matriarch, tireless crusader, fierce advo- just outside of town up Hwy. 7 and would have loomed over cate, town trustee, passionate historian and preservationist, town. She often said that her husband, LaVerne, got on the square dancer, and wife and mother are just a few of the Town Board to dam the dam. words that can be used to describe Mrs. She fought against the building of a LaVern McConnell Johnson. Known afhousing development on the site of the fectionately around town as Mrs. LaVern, Dowe Flats toxic waste dump east of town. she passed away Saturday, May 14, 2022 at In 1989 she was part of the group that sucLYONS REDSTONE MUSEUM the age of 94 leaving behind a huge legacy. cessfully lobbied for the purchase of Born LaVern Maxine McConnell in Meadow Park from the Burlington North- Lyons Railroad Depot building, which was slated to be 1927, she was six months old when her parern Railroad, securing its future forever as sold and moved out of town. The building became the ents Irene (Reese) and Bernie McConnell a public park to be enjoyed by all. She home of the Lyons Depot Library and operated out of the moved to Lyons in 1928 to help farm the served on the Parks and Recreation Com- depot until the 2013 flood.

In 1976, as President of the Lyon Historical Society, 160 acres of land that was originally purmission starting in 1965; the park was reMrs. LaVern spearheaded efforts to chased by her great-grandfather John Reese named in her honor in 2016. save the town’s original 1881 in 1863. Over 100 years later the land that She was know to attend almost schoolhouse from being torn down was the Reese-McConnell farm became the every single event in town. She atby the St. Vrain Valley School Dissite of the new Lyons Middle/Senior High tended all the Lyons Emergency AsTOWN OF LYONS BOARD CHAIR trict. A three-way lease was negotiSchool, which opened in 1975. sistant Fund (LEAF) events even ated between the district, the town LaVern attended Lyons schools and graduated as vale- when they were outside and it was freezing cold. and the historical society to operate dictorian of her class in 1945. One of only five students in She bundled up and came in a wheelchair. the building as a museum. After a the senior class, she served as the class president. She was Starting in 1984 LaVern wrote a weekly coltwo-year restoration effort the a passionate supporter of Lyons schools and fought tire- umn for the local Lyons Recorder. Even as the Lyons Redstone Museum opened to lessly in the Save Our ownership of the paper changed hands multiple the public in 1979, with LaVern as Schools campaign from 1948 times over the years she steadfastly reported the Director of the museum, a position to 1970 to prevent the clo- news in her Out and About column, keeping RED ROCK RAMBLERS she held until her death. sure of Lyons High School everyone well informed about what was happenUnder her direction the Lyons Historical Society went and the bussing of those stu- ing in town. Her column most often began with the fadents to Longmont. The suc- miliar words: “Well another week gone by.” Everything on to have 15 historic sandstone buildings designated as cessful passage of a bond issue from births to deaths, comings and goings, school and an historic district and subsequently created the Lyons in 1970 resulted in the build- town events, business news, history, and much more was Historic District Walking Tour in April 1980.

LaVern served as a Town Trustee several times. Her first ing of the Middle/Senior term began in 1997 when she fulfilled the remaining time High School on McConnell left in her husband’s term after his death. In 2001 she was Drive and the building of a elected to the town board and served until 2005. In 2010 new elementary school on she was reelected to the board and served until 2015. Over the site of the original 1927 the years she received numerous awards and citations for high school building.

HIGH SCHOOL her tireless efforts and service to the Lyons community.

Through the years, LaVern “She was always open and would listen to anybody,” said has attended more school sporting events, plays, band conTown Administrator Victoria Simonsen. “She was an amazcerts, and events than anyone can count. ing woman. I feel honored to have gotten to work with her.”

She met her husband F. LaVerne Johnson at a victory There will never be another person like Mrs. LaVern. dance in Boulder in 1943, and they were married on April That mold was certainly broken when she was born. How23, 1950. The Mr. and Mrs. LaVernes had two sons, ever, we can all take a page from the book of Mrs. LaVern Ronald and Gerald, “Jerry.” Together the LaVernes 2017 LCF GALA Maxine McConnell Johnson’s life and make a difference founded the Red Rock Ramblers square dance group in 1958, which hosted square dances every summer in the part of her column. If you wanted to know what was going in the town she dearly loved.

Her philosophy was pretty simple: if you see something Lyons Elementary gym until 2019 when the dances were on in town all you needed to do was ask LaVern. moved to other venues.

Preservation of Lyons’ town history was a lifelong pas- that needs doing, do it, get others to help, listen to both As a fierce advocate for Lyons and the surrounding area, sion and commitment of hers. In 1973 she, along with sides, compromise, be in it for the long haul, appreciate Mrs. LaVern participated in or spearheaded many campaigns members of the newly formed Lyons Historical Society, what you have, and have fun doing it. to protect the health, safety and quality of life of Lyons res- successfully campaigned for the town to purchase the 1885 ALL PHOTOS EXCEPT HIGH SCHOOL BY CATHY RIVERS

By Lyons Historical Society Redstone Review

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Neighborhood Points of Contact Create a system to send critical messages and updates to a Point of Contact in each neighborhood, who then communicates the messages to a team of people to share with all participating neighbors.

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MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

REDSTONE • REVIEW

INSIGHT When they say mandatory evacuation, you have to go

By John Gierach Redstone Review LYONS – The timing was spooky. I’d stopped in Lyons to drop off the mailin ballot on which I’d voted for more funds for Gierach our volunteer fire department and then driven on into my insurance agent’s office in Longmont to see about increasing the coverage on my house, something I’d been meaning to do for some time.

We’d just about gotten things straightened out for the time being (insurance coverage is a moving target) when Susan called on my cell to say there was a fire in the valley and I’d better get home. I passed the message on to my agent and we stared at each other over his desk for a second as if to say, “Well, that’s just too weird,” and then I was out of there.

I could see the smoke as I drove in from Longmont. We live north and a little west of Lyons – just into southern Larimer County – and when I’m driving visitors in from the airport there’s a spot where I’ll point off to the right and say, “We live right up there, in a valley on the far side of that ridge.” If I’d had a visitor in the car that day, I could have pointed and said, “You see that smoke? That’s about where my house is.”

It’s not easy to locate the source of smoke, but it seemed to be boiling up to the east of us, just over a rise of land off the northern end of Rowell Ridge and that’s where it turned out to be when I got home. Another, more crucial question is, how far away is it. I guessed it could be as much as a mile away or as little as half that. Not far as wildfires go.

More to the point, the wind was blow-

B •R •I •E •F •S Continued from Page 5

and restroom building between 8:15 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 21 and head out from there. Grab a pair of gloves, your hat, some sunscreen, and join us to pick up trash, pull weeds, and do your part to clean up and beautify town parks and trails. Plan for about 1.5 hours of service.

ing briskly, but it was in our favor. That is, the fire was east of us and the wind was blowing in that direction. We can tell easily because Lyons Fire Station #2 is roughly 150 yards east of us and the flag out front acts are a windsock.

So the fire was way too close for comfort, but it had to be burning away from us and although there are some houses and

evacuate just in case. Then we got a knock on the door and a deputy said, “There is a mandatory evacuation in place, you will have to leave. I’m very sorry.”

We’ve been through this exercise a few times before in recent years, so we’ve got the drill down. All my important papers now live permanently in a plastic milk crate on my office floor, waiting to be grabbed at

livestock in that direction, we felt a kind of provisional relief as well as the guilty conscience that comes with it. It’s such an unflattering thought that none of us are willing to put it into words, but if we did, those words would have to be, “If worse comes to worst, we’ll do all we can to help, but please save our house.”

It was around 5:30 in the afternoon when the wind abruptly shifted to the west, the valley began to fill with smoke and we began to pack up some things to

a moment’s notice, and Susan has a similar arrangement in her office. Add to that your medication, a go-bag with a few changes of clothes, laptops and of course the cat in her carrier along with food and a litter box.

The cat took a few minutes to corral. A friend, George, here in the valley, evacuated at the same time with seven dogs, but that’s a different matter. Dogs know something is up, but you can still whistle them into the van and get going. Cats, on the other hand, don’t trust humans to do the

At the 8:15 a.m. kickoff in Bohn Park, you will be assigned a cleanup area and provided with a waiver form and plastic bags.

Areas targeted for clean up are Black Bear Hole to Bohn Park, highway side, around clarifier and south side of river; Lyons Valley River Park around the ponds and trails and the recycling center area; Bohn Park from 2nd Avenue towards the labyrinth; LaVern Johnson Park.

Wear clothes that can get dirty or wet, sturdy shoes (no sandals or flip flops), long

pants or high boots to protect legs. Bring gloves, hat and sunscreen, water bottle.

Volunteers should be 18 years or 12+ if accompanied by a parent.

We’re looking forward to a great community turnout to support and spruce up some of the most cherished amenities in our town.

Contact Kim Mitchell at Lyons Town Hall kmitchell@townoflyons.com or 303.8236622 ext. 35 with questions.

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right thing in a crisis. They think we should all either hide under the bed or go outside and climb trees.

We worked fast, taking time off to answer the phone calls of friends offering to help or give us a place to stay or to come over and help.

Long story short, we, plus Cokie our cat, spent the night with our friend Mary in Longmont and the next morning tried to find out what was going on. We’ve signed up for all the alerts, but have never gotten one; the local news is too sketchy to be useful and although the nocoalert.org website has accurate information, it also has a lag time of as much as eight hours. There is one trick, which is to call your answering machine at home. If your own voice invites you to leave a message, you know two things: that the house didn’t burn down and that the power is still on.

We were back home that afternoon, but didn’t unpack our cars until two days later when the fire was declared contained and things went back to as close to business as usual as they get these days. The fire scare was quickly folded into all the other things we have to worry about now: the ongoing insurrection, voter suppression, racial, gender and economic inequality, global warming, the war in Ukraine, inflation and our own little uncertain and unruly lives.

There’s a lot to think and worry about and most mornings I wake up wondering what I should do first: look at the news, check the balance on my mutual funds or go outside and scan the horizon for smoke.

But, as I said, things have quieted down for the time being. I even went fishing for a few days with some old friends and called home now and then to see how things were going. Mostly I got reports from Susan on what kind of day the cat was having, which could be summed up as “uneventful.”

Thanks to those who helped with the LMSHS After Prom LYONS – On April 2, the Lyons Booster Club was pleased to host 79 Lyons seniors and juniors and their guests at the annual 2022 Lyons HS After Prom party at Oskar Blues in Lyons.

Attendees enjoyed blackjack, roulette, pool, arcade games, movies, and more until 2 a.m.

Oskar Blues provided a fantastic array of food, Continue Briefs on Page 13

PAGE 8

REDSTONE • REVIEW

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

LHS GRADUATING SENIORS

JOHN ABERNATHY

BERKELEY ANDRIST

ELIA ARCHER

ISABELLA BARTELS

GAGE BASEY

WYATT BASHOR

CASSIDY BATTS

LEVI BENTER

ZACHARY BOGGESS

SAMUEL BOSTIC

MASON BRIDENBAUGH

LUCAS BRILL

ADAM BROOKES

CHRIS BUSTOS

MURREN CAMPBELL

JAMES DEAN

MADELYN DUSEL

BECK FARRELL

GRANT GAU

SKYLER GILBERT

QUINLYN GREGG

BAKER HAHN

GYLIAN HAY

ZACHARY HEIL

KASEY KNAPP

KEELEY LUALLEN

MILTON MEYERS

MAEVE MORAN-VANDERHOEVEN

HAILEY ODELL

KATHRYN ROBERTS

MAYA SOL ROONEY

SARA SANTESTEBAN

CODY SAUNDERS

HANNAH SNOW

ANTHONY THOMLISON

ISSAC TOSTANOSKI

MELANIE TREVINO SANTOS

JESSE UECKER

JOEL UECKER

KAYLA VALENTE

ARJEN WYNJA

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT New summer art installations

By Brianna Hoyt Redstone Review

Beavers set art in motion

By Sally King Redstone Review The beaver has left after consuming several of our trees, (We protected the rest with wire mesh) Perhaps he or she migrated to Pella Crossing Where I have seen newly cropped trees Just the right size for a proper beaver meal.

On the bottom of the river Outside the beaver’s lodgings Is a splayed fan of white peeled sticks Each pointed like an arrow.

But the water has come up and the beave’s sticks are on the move, Each smooth piece, a thing of beauty.

An animal art form set in motion, a path of raw sticks Marking the journey, downstream.

In a ritual manner, I tap these sacred sticks Near your own heart, your own deep nature Tap, tap tap, a song of renewal Tapping away any regrets, long winter sadness.

Sally King is a local artist who has created whimsical bears and delightful wild flower acrylic paintings to enhance the appearance of Lyons all over the town. She lives with her husband John King, a kinetic sculpture artist, near Lyons.

King

LYONS – Last year two utility boxes in LaVern Johnson Park were painted by Lyons artists, and we Hoyt look forward to seeing new designs for 2022. The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC) invites local artists to submit their design for the next Creative Outlet project. The LAHC has received grant funding from the Lyons Community Foundation to paint one utility box in 2022; the town and LAHC have selected the utility box located in Bohn Park near the parking lot and the shelters.

The LAHC requests that the themes include nature, environmental appreciation, and/or outdoor activity. The deadline to submit is Monday June 6 by 5 p.m., and the application must include images of the proposed design and a letter of interest. Applications can be submitted at www.townoflyons.com/643/CreativeOutlets. The panel review will be at the public Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission meeting Tuesday June 14, and artists will be notified on or before Friday, June 17.

This program brings beauty to unexpected places by taking something mundane and utilitarian and turning it into a work of art. So far, four utility boxes in Lyons have been painted.

The LAHC hopes to continue to turn utility boxes into works of art along our streets and in our parks.

The Lyons Community Foundation has funded this program since its inception.

Now that the weather is improving, the LAHC is getting ready to install eight new sculptures. Justin Deister’s Sandstorm will be leaving its spot on Main Street and Charlotte and Ben Zink’s Parts will be leaving LaVern Johnson Park in the next few

weeks. This year we received submissions from several artists who have shown their sculptures in Lyons in the past, including Charlotte and Ben Zink, Jonathan Corson-Rikert, Bobbie Carlyle, and Justin Deister, along with some new artists. The new sculptures will be installed over

A few of the new sculptures scheduled to be installed around town: left to right, High Desert Kelp by Jonathan Corson-Rikert; Auspicious Fortune by Ben and Charlotte Zink; Face the Light by Ben and Charlotte Zink. the next several months. Follow the LAHC’s Facebook page to stay up to date on new installations and new calls to artists. heARTS of LYONS is an outdoor art collection throughout town. Each sculpture stays for two years, and the artist receives a stipend upon installation and removal. Many of these pieces are available for purchase from the artist, and you can see each sculpture in town at https://theclio.com/tour/1091.

The LAHC sends out an annual call for heARTS of LYONS every January.

The submissions are juried by a panel of commission members. The new sculptures are then installed the following spring and summer. heARTS of LYONS is funded though the Lyons Community Foundation and the Town of Lyons. Local busi-

Signs of spring at Pella Crossing in Hygiene.

Always a great place to see all types of birds, this Canada goose family was seen at Pella, perhaps having swim lessons. The trees and ground vegetation are all greening up and the ponds are healthy. After taking a hard hit in the 2013 flood, Pella Crossing is back to its former beauty.

PHOTO BY SUSAN DE CASTRO MCCANN

nesses and residents are welcome to sponsor a sculpture in this program.

Sponsors can select a sculpture from the submissions to go near their business. The sponsorship fee goes directly to the artist and allows for the LAHC to add more work to the collection.

The Lyons Town Hall mural by local artist Android Jones will be installed during the last half of June.

Stop by the LAHC’s booth at the Summer Artisan Market on June 4 to learn more about the mural. All purchases made from the LAHC at the Summer Artisan Market will go towards funding the mural.

The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission is looking forward to new projects in 2022 and hopes to continue to enrich Lyons with visual art, performing art, and literary art. If you would like to get involved as a Lyons local you can join the commission every second Tuesday of the month at 4:30 pm in the Lyons Regional Library. There are many opportunities to get involved and volunteer.

Brianna Hoyt started working for the Town of Lyons in February 2020 as Lyons’ Main Street Manager

PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS

455 Main Street, downtown Lyons 303-823-5225 • www.StVrainMarket.com ABBEY GUDMONSON

ANNA HART

GEORGIA MARSH

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2022 Graduates from other High Schools

Georgia Marsh New Vista High School in Boulder

Abbey Gudmonson New Vista High School in Boulder Anna Hart New Vista High School in Boulder

Sam Rieck. Silver Creek High School in Longmont Mia VanLeeuwen Silver Creek High School in Longmont

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

CONSENSUS Lyons Garden Club presents the 2nd Annual Mountain Blooms Garden Tour on June 18

By Sara Erickson Redstone Review My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece – Claude Monet LYONS – Planning for Lyons Garden Club 2nd Annual Mountain Blooms Garden Tour is in high gear. We currently have 10 sites of garden delights set for the tour, which will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

The gardens will inspire conversation, relaxation and ideas to create your own backyard oasis. We have everything, including a landscape-architect curated garden, xeric gardens, vegetable gardens and colorful blooms throughout.

The Lyons Garden Club is deeply grateful to its donors/supporters from local businesses. Our donors include Laura Levy Group, St. Vrain Market, McCann Real Estate, the Flower Bin, Tucker Group Real Estate, HJB Designs, Botanical Interests, Gateway Realty Group and Moxie Bread Company.

Registering for the event will enter participants in a drawing for one of two beautiful hanging flower baskets from the Flower Bin in Longmont. Showing your tour map will entitle participants to a 10-percent discount at HJB Designs, St. Vrain Market, Moxie Bread Company, and other local businesses. Check the LGC website for additional businesses offering a discount.

Tickets are available through TicketTailor. There is a direct link to the registration site through the garden club website: www.lyonsgardenclub.com. There is no fee for tickets, but the club will greatly appreciate donations. Options for donations are available on the registration site.

Look for more information on Facebook, local media, town email blasts and the town utility bill. Our website will provide all details of the tour and informational updates.

Proceeds from the event will go towards maintaining our current gardens, purchase of tools, seeds and other supplies and supporting gardening projects throughout Lyons.

Our motto since our founding is, “Making Lyons Beautiful,

PHOTO BY GAUTAM BHAN

One Flower at a Time.” This event certainly is in keeping with that motto. Please join us for this exciting and fun event, which will involve the whole community.

Don’t you want to get outside on June 18 and see what nature has to offer through the inspired work of gardeners enhancing our environment? Treat your eyes and mind to the beauty that is all around you and take home the knowledge you gain. Invite your neighbors, friends and family.

Support making Lyons more beautiful one flower at a time.

Sara Erickson is a member of the Lyons Garden Club and a gardener.

Revealing History: program on history, mystery and photography at Redstone Museum

By Monique Sawyer-Lang and Baiba Lennard Redstone Review LYONS – May is Colorado Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month and the Lyons Redstone Museum has two exciting events coming your way to celebrate our local history.

Do you like history, mysteries, or photography? If your answer is yes to any or all three of these subjects then we have the program for you. Revealing History: An Exploration of Historical Research and Photo Restoration Practices will be presented May 25 at 7 p.m. at the Lyons Regional Library.

In 2017 the Lyons Redstone Museum was the recipient of three very faded black and white photographs with the date 1898, Lyons Co, Camp Irving Hale, and D.H.S.C. written on the back. The images of what appeared to be a military camp and those few words were the only clues we had when we began our journey into what became a fascinating tale of history, suspense, and technology.

Through Revealing History you will see and hear how historic research and modern technology brought life to the three photographs and connected Lyons to famous Coloradoan Irving Hale. Learn how photographs whose images were obscured by time were restored with high resolution scanning and digital enhancement. Hear how

This original, unrestored 1898 photograph taken in Meadow Park is part of the program “Revealing History” at the Lyons Redstone Museum these three photographs reveal the story of the Denver High School Cadets weeklong camp in Meadow Park in Lyons in June of 1898, their connection to Irving Hale, and the Spanish American War. Our second event in May is the public opening of a new collaborative exhibit. The Lyons Elementary 4th grade

museum stewards are nearing completion of their Lyons history timeline exhibit. Throughout the school year students have worked on developing an understanding of local and state history using the museum’s primary and secondary source materials.

This work links to Colorado State Standard One where students learn about the nature of historical knowledge as a process of inquiry and begin to appreciate multiple points of view. Opening to the public on May 21, the digital timeline will depict what the students deem to be the most significant artifacts, events, and people to the story of Lyons.

The Revealing History program and the Through Our Eyes – A Lyons History Timeline exhibit are free to attend, however, donations are always appreciated. Your donation to the Lyons Redstone Museum helps to support programming, exhibit development, and our collections and archives.

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.

Baiba Lennard is the Lyons Elementary blended Library Media Tech and works at the Lyons Redstone Museum on Seasonal Education Programming.

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

REDSTONE • REVIEW

PAGE 11

INTEREST Wild currants proliferate around the Lyons area

By Jessie Berta-Thompson Redstone Review LYONS – Spring around Lyons starts off with flowering shrubs that bloom one after another, a fireworks display in every gulch.

Wild currants are some of the lovely contributors to this spring shrub show. These Berta-Thompson hardy plants have white, red, pink, or yellow flowers, depending on the species, and, later in summer, they bear fruit enjoyed by wildlife and humans alike.

The most common currant growing around Lyons is the wax currant (Ribes cereum). This species grows on dry hillsides, open meadows, or in partial shade in the shelter of a tree. Unsurprisingly, it sets more fruit with access to more water. Wax currant flowers are pink, its fruits are a translucent orangey-red, and its foliage has a sweet-spicy scent. The flowers bloom early in spring in the foothills and later at higher elevations.

In wetter areas, like along the St. Vrain, the golden currant (Ribes aureum) is particularly noticeable in spring with its bright yellow flowers. The flowers grow close to the stem, up and down long, upright branches. Golden currant fruits are black when ripe, or occasionally red – golden refers to the flowers. This species is also sometimes called the clovescented currant, for its flowers’ pleasant smell. Locally, riparian restoration projects often include this plant.

These wild currants native to the American West are in the same genus (Ribes) as traditionally cultivated European currants and gooseberries. These include the black currant (Ribes nigrum) and the red currant (Ribes rubrum) that are used for preserves, syrups, and cordials.

Currants and gooseberries are in the Currant family (Grossulariaceae). This is a small family containing just the genus Ribes, made up of more than 150 species of currants and gooseberries around the world.

The wax and golden currants are the most common Ribes species around Lyons, and, so far, the only ones planted in Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens in town.

More species can be found at higher elevations, on the Western slope, and in southern Colorado. As the garden grows, perhaps a few more of these will find their way into the beds.

The mountain currant (Ribes montigenum) grows along streams or in the shelter of trees at elevations above about 8000 ft. This species has pink flowers, thorns, and cheery red fruits. Up close, each fruit is covered in tiny hairs, giving it an intricate and menacing appearance.

Another local Ribes species, the whitestem gooseberry (Ribes inerme) is also found in wetter montane areas. On the western slope or in the mountains of southern Colorado, one might find the trumpet gooseberry (Ribes leptanthum) with white flowers and black fruits, or the trailing currant (Ribes laxiflorum) with a spreading, vine-like growth form.

LEAF really is the heart of Lyons

By Regan Bullers Redstone Review LYONS – As a Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia, I taught English and math to eighth and ninth graders, students Bullers who often didn’t have enough to eat. I remember being repeatedly amazed at the way these kids would share whatever they had with one another. A slice of bread was torn into pieces, a cookie was divided so everyone could get a taste.

Even Lifesavers candies were shared.

I have found this same spirit of sharing

here in Lyons at the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund (LEAF). Local businesses share their products and a portion of their profits, individual donors share their hardearned money, and community members share their time, all to support LEAF’s human services programs, all to help others get what they need and make sure no one goes without.

I first learned about LEAF as a Rave to the Grave attendee. It was October 2019, and the Butterfly Pavilion at Planet Bluegrass was packed from door to door. What a party. LEAF hosts this celebration every year for the community? In addition to the human services they provide? I was amazed.

In parts of the Northeast where white pine is grown for timber, cultivation of currants and gooseberries has at times been banned, historically. This is due to the complex ecology of white pine blister rust, a fungal disease that can kill white pines but can also live on currants as an alternative host. Infected currants can serve as a reservoir for the disease to spread to pines. In a garden context, this isn’t a problem if there aren’t any white pines around, and even if there are, research on particular species and the local extent of the problem can make them perfectly safe (and legal) to plant.

Here in the Front Range, far from white pine forests, currants make great garden additions. They grow as perennial shrubs and provide high value food and cover for wildlife. Some of the native species of currants as well as cultivars are readily available at local nurseries. Each kind has different qualities – short or tall, dense or open, round or creeping, big leaves or small, covered in protective thorns or smooth. Their water needs also vary, as these plants are adapted to different habitats, and different varieties have different flavors. The fruits of the golden currant are sweet and juicy, while the wax currant has a lovely faint floral flavor but more noticeable seeds.

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

Fast forward to the Holiday Craft Fair at Lyons Elementary where I found a giving tree with gift requests that folks could sign up to fulfill. What a wonderful way to spread joy, to share the holiday spirit.

Again, this was LEAF. As I continued to learn more about LEAF in articles in this newspaper, I knew I wanted to be involved.

In September of 2020, I joined the team as a food pantry volunteer. These were Covid days, when personal shopping was not an option for our clients, so volunteers would pack up boxes of shelf-stable goods in the morning, and a second crew would then offer those boxes and a menu of fresh fruits and vegetables to clients and deliver it all with a smile to folks waiting in their cars. I was fondly reminded of my days of

waitressing at the Country Kitchen.

As the weeks passed, I came to learn more about how the food pantry operates.

Each week volunteer shoppers drive to Community Food Share (CFS) in Louisville, where LEAF is a partner agency.

CFS is a Feeding America food bank serving Boulder and Broomfield counties.

LEAF shoppers bring between 400 and 800 pounds of food back to Lyons each week to augment food donations from community members and businesses and food purchased with funds donated to LEAF. I am now in the Tuesday shopping rotation, in addition to helping distribute food to clients on Wednesdays. The Lyons Food Pantry services over 30 households Continue LEAF on Page 13

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REDSTONE • REVIEW

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

CROSSROADS Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center celebrates 40 years

By Mysti Tatro Redstone Review LYONS – This year Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is celebrating its 40th year of devotion to the rehabilitation and release of orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife. In 2022, we commemorate Tatro what Greenwood has meant to the communities we serve. We’d like to highlight our history and accomplishments over the past 40 years, along with our plans for the future.

Founded in 1982, Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was initially a small, one-room offshoot of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV). One year later, the family and friends of Natalie Gneiser – a young woman who was killed while trying to rescue an injured dog on the highway – donated memorial funds to this cause, allowing the rescue effort to expand to help more patients.

From 1997 to 2007, Greenwood operated out of two double wide mobile homes. Below, an orphaned baby squirrel, one of the thousands of animals Greenwood cares for each year.

During the next 14 years, the number of animals brought in for care increased by 20 to 30 percent each year. Meanwhile, as Boulder grew, ensuring a quiet and secure environment for wild animals to recover became increasingly difficult.

In March 1993, due to its continuous growth, Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary (officially renamed “Center” in 2008) was incorporated. “Greenwood” was the name of its first rehabilitated raccoon, which had been burned in a chimney fire. At the time of incorpora-

tion, Greenwood was operating out of a veterinarian’s office in north Longmont.

In 1997, Greenwood secured a lease from Boulder County for a property on Hwy. 66 between Longmont and Lyons. For the next 10 years, it operated out of two modular units on this site. Caging was built for raccoons, songbirds, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, and foxes. In 2007, Greenwood received a contribution to purchase the previously leased property plus an additional 1.5 acres. Another large contribution provided funds to help build a new, state-of-the-art facility, with donations coming from many other supporters. Greenwood moved into this building in early 2009.

Fundraising efforts and the annual budget continued to increase with the addition of a thrift shop in 2004 and an annual major event, Wild Night for Wildlife, in 2009. In 2012, Greenwood relocated the Thrift Shop and expanded its retail efforts to include a consignment gallery, the only nonprofit store of its kind in Boulder County.

The Greenwood team continued to expand by building a waterfowl enclosure in 2017. Also added in 2019 were a new crow aviary and a renovated fox enclosure. These improvements allow Greenwood to care for a greater number of orphans.

An essential component of Greenwood’s mission is education and outreach, teaching about the importance of protecting Colorado’s natural fauna as well as finding humane solutions to human-wildlife conflicts. Greenwood’s community outreach programs have been growing steadily and have readily adapted to the recent push towards online and virtual media.

Since its inception, over 200 different species have been rehabilitated at Greenwood. With only a small year-round staff, the majority of personnel needed to operate Greenwood includes the volunteers, interns, and seasonal employees who work diligently from March through October, caring at times for more than 500 animals daily. Greenwood currently has 13 rehabilitators licensed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and our success rate remains high as we all work together. As the only center providing care for a wide variety of species from north of Pueblo to the Wyoming border, Greenwood provides leadership to the wildlife rehabilitation community throughout Colorado and the nation. Despite the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic, Greenwood remains steadfast as an essential service providing care and rehabilitation to wildlife in need and looks forward to our 40th year of service to the community in 2022.

Over 40 years, Greenwood has cared for more than 57,000 individual wild critters. It takes a lot of expertise, money, compassion, and space to pull this off, which is why Greenwood’s state-of-the-art building and 25 outdoor enclosures are filled with volunteers and interns that have

contributed over 450,000 hours in total.

The second portion of our mission, education, has come a long way too with over 50,000 education participants to date. We are extremely proud to look back on our impact in the community – human and wildlife alike.

Soon Greenwood will be helping even more critters.

Our local lagomorph rehabilitator at Colorado Wild Rabbit Foundation is planning to retire, leaving no one to care for bunnies from north Denver to the Wyoming border.

Greenwood will be constructing a new facility dedicated to rabbit care to fulfill this need soon.

We hope to continue this trend of growth and further service to the wild animals in Colorado. Here’s to another 40 years.

Mysti Tatro is the Communications and Marketing Coordinator at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. For information, call 303-823-8455 or www.greenwoodwildlife.org.

A French woman shows her appreciation for the reelection of President Emmanuel Macron.

Photo by Kim Freymiller.

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

Mouse Continued from Page 4 out to “above all else avoid impacting areas in proximity to the creek.”

Planet Bluegrass subsequently asked the USFWS to reconsider this opinion.

Approval or denial of the proposed campground is now in the hands of the federal government and the plans are on hold. As of press time, there has been no

REDSTONE • REVIEW decision forthcoming from the USFWS. Able to leap tall stalks The Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse is named after Edward Preble, who discovered them in Colorado in 1899. The mouse evolved during the last ice age, when Colorado was wetter. As the glaciers retreated and the climate turned dry, the mouse was confined to isolated stream corridors.

The mouse (about nine inches long –

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most of it tail) was named for its unusual ability to jump high in the air when it’s threatened by predators in a sort of shockand-awe type defense.

The mouse swims and climbs grass stems to find its food, which includes plants, insects and slugs.

The Preble’s mouse has a life span of two years. It hibernates from October through May as deep as two feet in the ground. It constructs nests of soft vegetation to hide in and escape from the heat of the day. It breeds twice during the year, having litters of two to eight during July and August.

Destruction of its riparian habitat and adjacent upland over the years has reduced the mouse’s numbers to the extent that it is now protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act and federal biologists believe the Preble’s mouse will become extinct unless its habitat is protected.

Protection debated But not everyone agrees the Preble’s mouse should be protected, particularly in an area like the Front Range where the mouse’s status interferes with development plans and agricultural interests. Developers have complained that a “relic species” like the Preble’s, which is localized to a small area, should not have the power to hinder development.

Likewise, cattlemen see the mouse as a hindrance to their operations along water-

courses. The Pacific Legal Foundation, on behalf of the Colorado Association of Home Builders and the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, petitioned the federal government in 2017 demanding that the Preble’s mouse be removed from protection. The petition was denied.

Flood restoration improves mouse habitat While elsewhere, populations declined in places like South Boulder Creek following the 2013 flood, the Preble’s mice along the St. Vrain River are doing much better, largely because of post-flood restoration and the return of several riparian properties to their natural state.

The Apple Valley river corridor now has more protected shoreline as a result of the federal buyout of 10 riparian properties upstream from the proposed Planet Bluegrass development, making it more likely that the mouse population will increase.

In the end, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will either uphold its original position or allow the campground plan to go through. If the position is upheld, Planet Bluegrass will have to abandon or severely alter plans to accommodate the mice. If the USFWS decision is overturned, development can proceed but likely with some modifications.

LEAF Continued from Page 11

there are people who need a little help, and LEAF’s mission is to provide a human services safety net for the people in need in the greater Lyons area. It is exciting to be on the board helping make decisions and guide the organization to a future where it has the space and capacity to fully provide for the community.

Being relatively new to Lyons, I have found in LEAF not only an opportunity to enlarge my social circle introducing me to genuine kind-hearted people who are interested in uplifting their community, but it has also given me a way to share what I have and what I am with others.

If you’ve been thinking about completing that volunteer application, go ahead and do so, and join me and your friends and neighbors, over 200 volunteers, working to improve our corner of the world. And if your time is in short supply, perhaps you would consider making a financial contribution to support LEAF and its programs.

The pandemic and that defining event, the flood of 2013, continue to negatively affect our community members. I have seen firsthand that the need is real, and the support provided by LEAF is sincerely appreciated.

When we share what we can, we are all the better for it.

per week, sharing the bounty of the community with those who need a little help.

And the food pantry is just one of the five programs that LEAF operates. Meals on Wheels volunteers visit community members daily and deliver specialty sandwiches or hot and frozen meals at low or no cost.

Lyons Volunteers assist community members with projects big and small to keep the town safe and beautiful.

LEAF provides financial assistance through its Basic Needs and Resource Matching program where LEAF might cover utility costs for a month while a family gets over a health crisis, or pay rent for a month when an unexpected expense leaves someone short. LEAF’s fifth program is Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery led by Cherie Maureaux, who provides individual therapy sessions, group life skills classes, and case management for people whose needs are outside LEAF’s scope.

I have only begun to understand the full breadth of services offered by LEAF after joining the Board of Directors last October.

I am learning that the organization fills many needs in and around Lyons, many of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Executive Director Lory Barton relates that she only wants LEAF to be as big as it needs to be. In an ideal world, there would be no need for LEAF, but the reality is that

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and no one attending went home hungry. In addition to the entertainment and food, the evening finished off with a number of prizes raffled off to those in attendance.

The After Prom committee would like to extend a special thanks to the following for their sponsor-level support of cash and prize donations used to host the event: Gateway Realty, Tucker Group Real Estate, Laura Levy Group Realty, Dugan’s Integrity Services, St. Vrain Market, Lyons Classic Pinball, Oskar Blues, Lyons Community Foundation, Lyons Recorder, Redstone Review, Ginna Larsen, Karen Gregg, Patti Puzo, Sheriff Pelle, Culver’s – Longmont.

Little Lions Football Skills Camp LYONS – All ages are welcome from K through 8 to join Football Skills Camp. The dates are June 9 and 10 at Lyons High School Field, at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days. The camp is put on

by Lyons High School coaching staff and players. The cost is $20 per attendee. Checks should be payable to Lyons Middle/Senior High School. Payment is due on first day and a T-shirt is included. Bring water, workout gear, cleats, and a snack. Sign up no later than June 3. For more information, call 303-823-6631.

Do you have an LGBTQ+ story to tell?

Dan Siddall

Colleen Dickes

Ian Phillips

Dot Fears

broker/owner

associate broker

associate broker

associate broker

PAGE 13

LYONS – If you have an LGBTQ+ story to tell, you can get it published in the Redstone Review in June. In honor of Pride Month, in June the Redstone Review plans to publish a few short articles and essays about readers’ personal experiences with LGBTQ+. We want to hear from you. Poems, photos, and art are also welcomed. Send questions, or your piece (200 to 500 words) before June 1, to Janaki Jane at

Regan Bullers serves as the Secretary of LEAF’s Board of Directors. She lives in Lyons with her husband and their young son. widespacescommunity@gmail.com for May / June article Redstone Review.

May Programs from the Redstone Museum LYONS – Do you like history, mysteries, or photography? If yes to any or all three of these subjects then we have the program for you.

Revealing History: An Exploration of Historical Research and Photo Restoration Practices will be presented May 25, 7 p.m. at the Lyons Regional Library.

Through Revealing History you will see and hear how historic research and modern technology brought life to the three photographs and connected Lyons to famous Coloradoan Irving Hale. Learn how photographs whose images were obscured by time were restored with high resolution scanning and digital enhancement.

The Revealing History program and the Through Our Eyes - A Lyons History Timeline exhibit are free to attend, however, donations are always appreciated. Your donation to the Lyons Redstone Museum helps to support: programming, exhibit development, and our collections and archives.

Sandstone Summer Concert Series LYONS – The Sandstone Summer Concert Series will begin this year on June 8 with the Joe Kuckla Band. All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. in Sandstone Park.

The second concert will be June 15 with the 89’s. On June 22, the MA Band will perform at Sandstone and on June 29 Greg Schochet & Little America will perform.

In July the concerts continue on July 6 with Beth Gadbaw & Friends, on July 13 Blue Canyon Boys, and on July 20 the Elbow Brothers will perform. The last concert in July is on July 27 with bluegrass, Lonesome Days and Sally Van Meter performing.

PAGE 14

REDSTONE • REVIEW

MAY 18 / JUNE 15, 2022

Wide Spaces: PRIDE and Eyes of Freedom coming in June

By Janaki Jane Redstone Review LYONS – The Wide Spaces Community Initiative (WSCI) was created to support everyone in our community. We Jane provide programs that intend to create more integration and mixing among the different groups of people in town, and to support everyone in acknowledging, accepting, and embracing the ways in which we are different from one another. We are especially concerned with mental health, and in our community members who feel marginalized or may struggle with mental health.

This year, WSCI is offering programs to both support and raise awareness of two groups who statistically experience mental health issues and increased rates of suicide: veterans and LGBTQ+ people, especially youth. The Lyons Community Library is bringing Eyes of Freedom (eyesoffreedom.org) to Lyons from June 6 to 12.

Anita Miller, the artist who co-created the flood memorial Bell of Renewal and created the bear in front of the library, lives in Lyons. She painted the seven lifesized canvas of 21 soldiers of Lima Company and sculpted the life-size statue Silent Battle, which centers the exhibit.

From the Eyes of Freedom website: “Silent Battle was created to recognize the struggles that some veterans have when they return home from service ...

We humbly ask our visitors to charge the sculpture with their loving touch to leave love and healing if they have extra so that those who need it can receive.

“We also have blank dog tags available for visitors to write the name of their loved one who may be struggling with post-traumatic stress.” The base of the sculpture is surrounded by dog tags with names written upon them, placed there by visitors to the exhibit.

The installation travels the country, showing to visitors the will, the struggle, the strength, and the pain of those who serve. Of the veterans who served in the post-9/11 wars, four times as many have died by suicide as died in war operations.

This installation gives viewers a place to look, to feel, to be grateful, and to grieve.

Wide Spaces Community Initiative will be presenting on, and later leading a round

table discussion on, the mental health cost to our veterans and service members and ways the public can serve those who serve better. We will, when possible, have people that viewers can talk to about their feelings and reactions. There will now be cards with the Crisis Line number (988) and the Vets4Warriors number (855-8388255) for anyone to take, to have, to share. Wide Spaces Community Initiative is honored to have been asked to be part of this event.

Pride was started as a way for the LGBTQ+ community to protest their treatment by law enforcement and by society as a whole. It has evolved into an affirmative celebration of life and differences. On Saturday, June 18, Wide Spaces Community Initiative and a group of other organizations are sponsoring an LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., starting at the Stone Cup, followed by a rally in Sandstone Park and a sidewalk parade through downtown and back to the park for speeches, music, and fun and informational booths, with music later at Main Stage.

Everyone leaves with something. WSCI sponsors this celebration / awareness event because the LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Wide Spaces is joined by OUT Boulder County, Boulder County OASOS, and others in presenting this event, and our local youth have taken the lead in the planning and organization of the entire day.

As a special treat, Sonny Smith and friends will be painting the crosswalk between Sandstone Park and the library across Fourth with a pride flag on Monday, May 27. Let us know if you would like to help.

Wide Spaces will be teaching a suicide prevention course later in June. Both of the above events show us why it is so important to overcome our fears and our

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On Sunday night, March 15, Peter Butler captured this stunning image of the lunar eclipse. The photograph was made at 9:32 p.m., 40 minutes before the theoretical maximum eclipse at 10:12 p.m. Mountain Time. The moon appears luminous and is flanked by two stars, at the left and below. squeamishness around suicide and learn how to save a life. It is not difficult to do, and the class makes it feel not so hard.

WSCI also has available self-paced online suicide alertness certification courses available, which are fully paid for. Let us know if you want to do one those.

WSCI has other events coming, including community storytelling workshops and story slams, and the SEED Project, an exploration of equity and diversity, in the next school year. ARF! Art Reflecting Feelings was a great success in April and will be offering more safe open art studio times to allow non-verbal processing through artistic expression. WSCI also put on the dinners and arts events that were interrupted by the pandemic. All are invited to join us when we meet, via zoom, the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. If you feel a draw to help us in “Creating a Community of Belonging and

Personal Safety for Everyone” come give your input. Email us at widespacescommunity@gmail.com or leave a note or a message for us at the library.

Wide Spaces Community Initiative is a project of the Lyons Regional Library, and the events listed received financial support from the Town of Lyons Goodwill Fund in 2022. We have also received funding support in the past from the Lyons Community Foundation and other county organizations and businesses.

Janaki Jane has lived in Lyons since 2004.

She writes on issues of society and mental health. She is the founder and Director of the Wide Spaces Community Initiative, “Creating a Community of Belonging and Personal Safety for Everyone,” a program of the Lyons Regional Library. You can reach her at widespacescommunity@gmail.com or by leaving a message at the Library Community Library.