Notes from your editor, December 10, 2020
If there ever is an emergency in town, or timely news needing to be distributed, you can trust the Lyons Recorder to put it online immediately.
Here we are in MONTH FOUR of the New Lyons Recorder! Thanks for your continued support. We are glad to be able to offer you a quality mix of news and entertainment, and supporting our community!
So, let’s get started…
This month, I did the Senior News monthly article. I spent a lot of time emphasizing to the seniors why it is important to stay home except for really essential needs, like doctor visits. LEAF volunteers are available to help people who cannot go out, or if it would endanger themselves by going out. The percentage of older people who get the virus is in the highest category, and, out of that number, it is also the highest number of deaths. The CDC is putting the elderly on their priority list for the new vaccine that should be coming out in the next couple of weeks. But it will take weeks just to administer the first doses. We need to keep our guard up, and follow the CDC guidelines.
We are also finding out that being put on a respirator may later cause breathing problems or complications related to machine-assisted breathing. And, we are learning about “long haulers,” who are people with dreadful long-term after effects. So it is wiser to not get it at all than to chance that we are healthy enough to fight it.
Some newly advised steps you can take are: ==Wear a mask whenever you are outside your home. ==Don’t mix households. And, if you do have visitors, wear masks, both inside and outside. ==They are finding more instances when the virus hangs around longer. So, we are not as safe as we thought in large or open spaces. The number of cases from those who shopped in large stores is rising fast. ==Get a flu shot, as there will not be many beds left for those getting influenza during December and January.
We got one new virus case this week in Lyons (as of 12/7). Next week is the last time you will be able to get the free COVID-19 test in Lyons (but another site is open now in Longmont Fairgrounds). The Thanksgiving cases are going to show up this week, so the testing lines may be long. Remember that the mask protects both you and those around you, and solid hope is on the horizon for this to get under control. Take care.
========CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & GIVING IN LYONS:=========
Did you know that there are more than a dozen world-wide holidays celebrated in December? Go to FLASH News for a list of them, and their dates. (Find out more about Kwanzaa, mark down the Winter Solstice and visit our Labyrinth, read about St. Christopher, who was the first Father Christmas, and more)
SANTA VISITS: To sign up for visits with Santa virtually, go to the Town’s page.
FROZEN PARADE & SANTA DRIVE:
Santa rode his sled on a trailer that also included a piano player, and they kept a steady, non-stop pace, about 10-15 mph, through almost every street in Lyons. (Some streets were too narrow to turn on, or go down.)
Santa’s last destination was High Street. He joined three festive stationary floats. Spirit Hound Distillery had a grave yard theme, left over from Halloween, which some people thought was not a good idea to have during the COVID-crisis. The Stone Church had a big lovely Nativity scene, which may remain there for the month. George’s Towing had a jolly Christmas theme on its large trailer, with all the family aboard. Last year they missed the parade because of a generator problem. And Lyons Physical Therapy had a ground-level display of Santa’s sled being pulled by pink flamingos. Quite an odd assortment. I heard that a couple had to cancel because they couldn’t get their float done. Several homeowners drove their golf carts down the street, often with festive decor or riders. Thanks to all for making such a great effort!
We thank the Town of Lyons for making a Fun Night for the town’s people. Add to that all of the lights in Sandstone Park and on Main Street, and it got us all in the Christmas Spirit. — see the Photo Spread, showing all the displays, in this week’s edition.
Santa Mini-Parade: Dechen Hawk musician; Lyons Volunteers; The one and only, Santa Claus
Sponsors: Roberts Excavation = Laura Levy Group at Coldwell Banker Global ==Kissinger & Fellman, P.C. ==Interwest Consulting Group ==Lyons Community Foundation == Private Donors.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT CONTEST: The Chamber and the Town of Lyons have a contest going on for who has the best Christmas lights decorations on their home or business. The deadline to REGISTER is December 11, and decorated by December 14, The map will be posted online December 14. You can vote online until January 4. Go to the Chamber or Town web page for more details. https://www.lyonschamber.org/let-it-glow = They even have a Griswold prize for the one with the most lights! The prizes of $50 to $500 depend on how many participate.
SUPER DUPER FOOD PANTY: If you’re ready for some extra-special holiday cheer, plan to stop by our Super Duper Holiday Food Pantry on Wednesday, December 16. Director Lory Barton, says, “We’ll welcome you with treats, all the fixins’ for your holiday meal….and some Very Special Guests! It’s our holiday gift to the community, come and enjoy! Special thanks to Higher Grounds Ministries, Laura Levy Coldwell Banker, Lyons Elementary, Lyons Middle/Senior High School, and more!” Questions? Email Morgane Daty.
A COLORADO HEART(H) WARMING 2020 -VIRTUAL Program. Blue Skye Barn Presents: A Virtual Winter Solstice Celebration and Benefit for LEAF Songs And Conversations About Navigating the Darkness and Light In These Times. Featuring well-known local Musical Guests. Therapist Cherie Maureaux will facilitate. LEAF hopes to raise funds and awareness of LEAF’s Mental Wellness & Addiction Recovery program, along with tools to support the overall health of our creative community.
DONATIONS OF CANNED GOODS AND BOXED FOOD: Thursday, December 10, is the last day to drop off your items in the wagon in front of the Elementary School, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING TREE: Each year, our community joins together to ensure everyone receives a holiday gift. 2020 has been a very difficult year for so many; the number of hoped-for gifts is bigger than ever this year.
**WHEN: Now through Wednesday, December 16!
**WHERE: Choose a virtual ornament right here! Or, pick an anonymous ornament from a giving tree located at the Stone Cup (weekends only) or the Barking Dog (before 1pm) or Uniquely Lyons.
**WHAT TO DO: Shop for and purchase the gift ($40 maximum) that is listed on the ornament you chose. Wrap and deliver the gift you purchased–with the ornament attached–to Pizza Bar 66 at 430 Main Street during their normal business hours. The deadline for gift drop off is Wednesday, December 16th at 5pm.
CHRISTMAS CARD: If you haven’t done so already, check out the nostalgic Victorian post cards that the Town’s Businesses are “sending” to all residents. Our “annual Lyons Recorder Christmas Greeting!”
COLORADO GIVES DAY: It raised more money than ever before, from $39 million to $50 million for 2,828 groups! This year non-profits and charities needed it more than ever, with many businesses and museums and more being closed or hours cut back, and a lack of donations. I didn’t have a lot of money to donate, but I did give to several organizations, and every one of them has either written me or called me to give a personal heartfelt thank you! So nice!
SHOP YOUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES! You can also check out the article in last week’s edition that lists special Holiday gift items and discounts that storefronts in Lyons are offering. It’s a very fun list.
The River Church is excited to be able to present a Drive-Thru LIVE NATIVITY this Christmas! “We have live animals and all of the characters from the Christmas story! A FREE Hot Cocoa Drive-Thru to serve ‘all who really need a hot cup of cocoa!’ Everyone is welcome! Saturday December 19th & Sunday December 20th from 6 to 8:pm.
The Lyons Community Church will have their annual “Blue Christmas” service on Saturday, December 20. It will be online. It is specifically done to help those who are suffering with grief..and more.. during the holidays to have a safe place to worship. They anticipate having an outdoor brief candlelight service Christmas Eve; more details to follow.
===========CHURCH SERVICES=============
I have made a separate page for all Church Services. This includes all the December Christmas services. PLUS the normal weekly services happening around town. Did you know that the Foothills Calvary Baptist Church is now a non-denominational Christian church, and everyone is welcome. They have in-person services in their building on Foothills Highway (hwy 36) every Sunday.
Miscellaneous TOWN NEWS
LYONS SCHOOL CHOIR NEEDS YOUR PHOTOS: “Hi Lyons! Could you please send any PICTURES you have that represent our love for Lyons from this year? I am creating a virtual choir video for our choir concert this year, and I would love to have a little tribute to all of the ways Lyons has come together this year. It could be Xmas lights for health care workers from the spring, any “Thank you, firefighters” signs from October (like the one attached, thank you Laura!), or anything else you think fits the bill from how much this town has pulled together this year. I think the latest I would need them is by next Friday, and my email address is zema_allison@svvsd.org.Thank you so much!”
Lyons Chamber of Commerce has a “flip book” that gives details of about a dozen stores in town, who are members. Click on the arrows to “turn the pages.” Support local stores!
MORE THEFT IN LYONS: On Facebook: “Lyons Neighbors, had their gold VW Touareg stolen last night at 2:31 a.m. Another neighbor had their glove box ransacked. This is in the 200 Block of Ewald. Please lock your car and house doors.” Patty Ayala. – Also a street sign in Pinewood Springs was stolen.
SMALL BIZ GRANT: Coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Boulder County eligible for $500 in PPE, cleaning supplies, and to-go food containers. See Lyons Recorder article for details.
SECOND AVENUE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION=Please No peds! No golf carts! No bikes! It is an active construction site. The bridge will be demolished and removed next week.
FOR FIRE VICTIMS: Cameron Peak Fire, a new temporary Donations Management Center has opened a in Loveland. It is located at the Outlet Mall of Loveland, 5561 McWhinney Blvd, Loveland, CO 80538, Building address: #5657. Last Day for Clients: December 18, 2020 Friday. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Cash donations can be sent to the United Way Larimer Fire Fund at uwaylc.org.
FINALLY… a little sense in this world… no more snakes, peacocks or pigs on planes! == The Transportation Department issued a final rule Wednesday covering service animals, saying only dogs can qualify, and they have to be specially trained to help a person with disabilities. == this page gives ALL the details, if you need to know.
12/4/20 Boulder County’s fire ban for unincorporated areas of western Boulder County has been lifted. Please see the original link for more information, and please continue to be safe out there!
THIS WEEK’S ARTICLES
In case you missed these essential articles from last week:
==COVID-19 SECOND WAVE – information and links for timely individual research; answers to common questions. (gathered from 100s of CDC, FDA and CO health material)
==SHOP LOCAL – list of items being offered by local businesses for Holiday gift giving
==DENVER CHRISTMAS, DAY TRIP – Information and links to some fabulous Light Displays and activities in the Denver area in December.
==A Victorian Christmas — check out the annual “Christmas Greeting to Lyons’ Town People, from its Local Businesses”! (adorable)
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===WELLNESS: Every week this month, we will be publishing a “Wellness” article. Each will cover a different topic, by a different professional care giver. It will be a difficult, stressful, sometimes lonely month to get through. We hope that you can pick out some useful tips to brighten your day.
This week we have Sara Hart, Stillwater Clinic and Apothecary, writing about: Winter is a time for rest, restoration and the internal work of quieting the mind and creating peace in our hearts. The restoration of winter is important to support the balance of the yearly rhythm and it is a good time to take up habits that nourish our well-being and increase positivity.
==FOUR BOOKS by Colorado Authors – ideas for Christmas Gift Giving!
==Lyons Den, chronology of the suspension of their liquor license for consistent health violations.
==Senior News: our monthly column packed with (1) Info & alerts (2) Classes and meetings (3) Food, meals, wellness (4) Fun things to do.
==Small Business Help: new Boulder County grant for PPE, carry-out boxes and more (first come, first serve!); professional meeting by Boulder Chamber of Commerce. We will update this page throughout December, when we get news on the Colorado and federal stimulus packages.
==PHOTO Spread = photos of the Holiday lights on Main Street, Sandstone Park, and the Frozen Parade, including floats and Santa. (Santa zipped by on his sled, but we’ll get a better look at him in a couple of weeks! If you snooze you looze!)
==UPDATED Community Resource Page – we now have a full calendar of what/when/where the local five churches have weekly services. PLUS a list of Christmas events (we’ll add events as we hear about them).
==About town: by our favorite columnist “in the know”, LaVern Johnson
==FLASH News: lots of dates/events for the busy Holiday month of December
==NOTES From YOUR Editor: yup, that’s me, and you just finished reading it! Stay informed! Reading the Lyons Recorder! Weekly.
MY WEEKLY MESSAGE OF CARE:
Colorado is well aware of the devastation and personal threat of forest fires. This year it suffered the three biggest fires in its history. == But, California has experience a far worst disaster and could use help for its citizens.
As of December 9, 2020, over 9,639 fires have burned 4,359,517 acres, making 2020 the largest wildfire season in its recorded modern history. Add to that the effects of Tropical Storm Fausto, a historic heatwave, and being one of the states with the highest counts of COVID-19 cases. Effects from the wildfires, such as poor air quality and displacement of residents limiting the ability to social distance, are cause for concern.
Please thank your blessings for Lyons not being hit by the fires, by donating to these communities.
Wildfire Relief Fund – California Community Foundation
California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund: It supports both mid-term to long-term recovery efforts for those affected by California wildfires. Since the Wildfire Relief Fund opened in 2003, we have granted more than $24 million
North Valley Animal Disaster Group
As of Sept. 16, the group is sheltering 575 pets and livestock. Monetary donations are most needed, as are gift cards for gas. 530-895-0000 www.nvadg.org.
Rescue Ranch Adoption Center
Rescue Ranch in Yreka is helping evacuees find their lost pets and is boarding pets whose people lost homes or are evacuated. https://bit.ly/35KHaXb. or go to https://rrdog.org/
Siskiyou Community Food Bank
Sep 10, 2020 — Slater Fire in Siskiyou County tripled in size overnight to 120K acres. Providing up to 750 meals per day for those most affected by the fires and those in need. https://bit.ly/33B9jND. For more information 530-905-1551 or go to www.siskiyoufoodbank.org.
United Way of Northern California Wildfire Recovery Fund
It distributed $80,000 as of Sept. 10. “These are just the first funds that will need to go out, as we are in the early stages of this relief effort,” donate call 530-241-7521, go to www.norcalunitedway.org/wildfire-recovery, text “norcalfire” to 91999, or mail a check to United Way of Northern California, c/o Wildfire & Disaster Fund, 2280 Benton Drive, Building B, Redding, CA 96003.
Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County
Stay well, and stay informed! Keep reading the Lyons Recorder!
See you next week! Kathleen Spring, Your Editor
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