MAYOR’S CORNER

Mayor Angelo talks about COVID, eastern corridor trail extension and more parking

By Nick Angelo, Mayor of Lyons Redstone Review

LYONS – Please be careful regarding the Covid Delta variant virus. Wear masks in public places to be safer and please, please if you have not been vaccinated, do so. A vast majority of new cases, of which there are more now than at any other time during the pandemic, are people who are unvaccinated.

More Americans have died from Covid than all the combat deaths from all of the wars in American history combined. Think about that for a moment. That death toll has been reached in less than two years. In less than one week we have surpassed that total by an additional 10,000 deaths.

This is not a political statement, we are bicameral by nature in Lyons. It’s more a matter of being a large family and protecting one another in the best way possible. How? Get vaccinated.

There have been a few very exciting projects that have progressed and grants that have been approved by the Board of Trustees. We will be extending the trail from the McConnell bridge east to U.S. Hwy. 36. In the near future it will also be extended under the bridge and up to ground level, so that we will be able to access the eastern corridor by multi modal means. That was made possible with grant funding with a very low town match, 15 percent, which is unheard of. The grants total over one million dollars; staff should be congratulated for their team efforts and success.

Staff has also secured funding that will increase parking availability downtown to relieve the stress on an already limited parking situation.

We have several infrastructure projects that have been planned for some time that will be completed shortly. Redevelopment plans are on schedule, one project in particular will help secure Lyons as a destination.

The affordable housing project is moving along through the process and hopefully construction will begin shortly. This is a prime example of many boards remaining focused on a particular concept from inception through completion. Can’t wait for the celebration turning over the first shovel full of dirt.

Also, one of our most important connectivity projects is moving along through the process and soon we will have our 4th Ave. bridge and a safe routes to school project starting.

The eastern corridor is moving along nicely as well and the Board of Trustees approved an application for a grant for the extension and installation of further infrastructure improvements. The level of professionalism in dealing with the parties involved with the eastern corridor development is quite refreshing.

There are already further annexation discussions ongoing with staff so the excitement regarding the eastern corridor is obvious.

There is a workshop planned to let people who may be interested know what will be required in regard to time obligations and responsibilities of holding political office. I think it would be an excellent idea for anyone seriously interested to attend.

Meanwhile there are openings on these committees: Board of Adjustments, Ecology Advisory Board, Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Economic Advisory Committee (Resident Position), Historic Preservation Commission, Housing and Human Services, Revolving Loan Fund Committee, and the Sustainable Futures Commission.

If a position on the Board of Trustees would be too pressing time wise or a political position is not your particular cup of tea, perhaps serving on one of our many committees or commissions might be. If so, sign up, applications are available and can be filled out online.

It is the prerogative and distinct honor as mayor to continue to be amazed by the talent that resides in Lyons and to appoint individuals who are willing to serve our community. Thank You.

Angelo

Again, please stay safe, continue to practice proper hygiene, and wear masks whenever required. It’s going to take longer than any of us expected to truly turn the corner and put an end to the Covid pandemic. Take care.

PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS

Nick Angelo became a Lyons Trustee in 1996 and in 1998 he won his first term as Mayor. His current term as Mayor began in April, 2020. He and his wife Candace, a local artist, live in Lyons.

Lyons’ Weed Posee, left to right:Sandy Spellman, visiting helper Crystal White, Peggy Story, Emily Walker.

PHOTO BY CATHY RIVERS

Happy Fall!

LyonsFarmette.com

Your Only Local Full Service Repair Shop Volunteering, Lyons style

By Kim Mitchell Redstone Review

LYONS – Ah, Lyons. Where the vibe of possibility and presence permeates our air all year round. Our small town displays its can-do spirit and volunteers are the heart and soul of that spirit, providing Lyons both grit and grace. Whether you are new to Lyons or have been rooted in Lyons for decades, you can get involved today. Volunteer your time, build community, and help Lyons continue to be the great little town we all care so deeply about.

After a challenging 18 months of pandemic life, there are ample opportunities to get involved in our community. PostCovid, Lyons continues to experience an uptick in new visitors and welcome new residents too. The great qualities which drew so many of us to move to Lyons – our smalltown vibe, fun retail shops and restaurants, easy access to open space, the river corridor and our great parks – are made greater when our residents share their background, knowledge and experience, volunteering to make Lyons better.

For both long-timers and new transplants navigating their place in Lyons, getting involved and volunteering is a great way to feel welcome, establish community and share similarities.

Lyons Volunteer and Leadership Group Member Rick DiSalvo has been volunteering longer than he can remember. “Volunteering is part of the vibe of Lyons and what continues to make it special,” he notes. “Lyons even has an organization called Lyons Volunteers, where you can connect, help and add your talents. All non-paid,” he jokes. As each year rolls into the next, volunteering becomes a habit.

Cathy Rivers heads up the Weed Posse (Lyons Volunteers/LEAF), which meets weekly May through October in Lyons to manually remove invasive weeds from our parks and open spaces. “It’s very satisfying to see the difference we make, keeping Lyons naturally beautiful, without using harmful chemicals,” she says. “In the process, Weed Posse volunteers learn about weeds as well as other trees and plants, and honestly enjoy our time together.”

Through my work in Community Relations with the town, I have met a multitude of talented, local volunteers, whether serving on a local town commission or board, in our schools, pitching in at community events or improving our river corridor.

Volunteer and get involved in those areas in Lyons that are important to you. Make new friends or reconnect with old friends. Familiarize yourself with the givers and helpers in our community, there are many. Get rooted, branch out, grow and thrive. Lyons has a volunteer opportunity that is perfect just for you.

WE’RE OPEN!

Come by and see us.

Great Coffee,

Housemade

Breakfast Burritos and Flippin’ Tasty Baked Goods!

Kim Mitchell is Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Town of Lyons. She has called Lyons home since 2009.

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