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.
We’re all holding our breath — Tuesday night the weathercasters were predicting one to two feet of snow, and the next day it went up to five to seven feet of snow! Greg Berman, weather man, said: “That folks would be historical totals and epic totals. This goes beyond a snow bomb. It now falls under the category of a word I’ve only used once or twice in my 30 years of forecasting: SNOWZILLA!” The grocery stores are packed. Bring in your pets or secure their homes for a heavy layer of snow. Move your delicate deck furniture or planters. Here is a list previously prepared by Lyons Emergency Prepared group. And, newscasters are warning us that the power and internet may go down, so be prepared – no heat, cooking, water pump, TV, phone, etc. I brought in some wood for the fireplace, and I already replaced batteries in my camper lamp. This time we are lucky that the temperatures will not be as cold.
I hope you are enjoying the new “1 year of COVID” articles! We have an unprecedented number of articles this week — 14! It looks like we will end up with 56 this month… that’s a book! But it’s an once-in-a-lifetime book of stories. Enjoy!
Let’s get to the news…
TOWN of LYONS – NEWS=====
Town of Lyons JOB OPENINGS: one more– Town Finance person is leaving. Complete job descriptions are available upon request or at www.townoflyons.com. The town is also looking for instructors for classes, which will probably all be outdoors.
===REMINDER – Vehicles left unattended/unmoved on public property for longer than seven days must be removed or stored in an enclosed structure (LMC 10-4-70(c)).
==LIBRARY NEWS (we will have the monthly report next week)
- March 18 – 7 p.m. online – Lyons Library Author Talk – Connie Shoemaker – “Sweetness Later: Two Muslim Women in America.” 202 CO Book Award Winner. Informed by more than 200 hours of personal interviews, Shoemaker shares stories of two women living in the grip of dangerous dictators. Go to the web page for a lot more details and to register.
- LIBRARY DEADLINE: MARCH 15 is the last day to enter info on the books you read over the Winter, and adventures you took, as part of the Library’s Winter Reading program. Open to all ages. – see FLASH News for more details, Or go to their web page.
TOWN NEWS, General News =====
repeat =MINI DIORAMAS – no payment – just fun = Stone Cup = see Flash News
Congrats to Bonita Yoder! She spoke at an online conference: The “Stand Out For Success” Show. –HOW HEALTH & WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS GO FROM HIDDEN GEM TO HOUSEHOLD NAME.– “I spoke this morning on keeping your sense of humor during serious times. After the event ended I was honored to be asked to emcee for three hours this coming weekend for the Match 15 World Speech Day event and to be sure to bring along my puppets!”
==OUR CONDOLENSCES: Sorry to hear that John Jacob has passed away. He was a wonderful artist and kind man. He had many friends in Lyons.
==SCAM – Two guys “selling vacuums ” came to multiple homes in Lyons this week. One homeowner reported: they drove past the posted signs and did not stop at any other house. No masks of course. == It is believed that they may be casing homes for future robberies. Reported to the police who have received many other complaints about them. The police are aware of them. Just close your door; do not get into a discussion with them. Report it to the police.
NEWS OUTSIDE of LYONS=====
==BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS of Larimer County – JOB OPENING – Looking for “Youth Development Specialist.” Are you a high energy individual wanting to help foster a fun, safe and positive experience for kids ages 6-14 in Estes Park? Apply at www.begreatlarimer.org/career (must be 17 or older to apply).
==NATIONAL CRAYON RECYCLING == More than 12 Million Crayons are made in the US, EVERY DAY! 100 New Crayons equal about 1 pound, let’s do some math.==12 Million Crayons equals about 120,000 pounds.==That’s 60 Tons of Crayons made EVERY DAY with petroleum based wax that eventually ends up in our landfills when they don’t have to! https://www.crazycrayons.com/?fbclid=IwAR3o16QV-1kKmjmhGk8ND2V2ZRsNkIgdz2Ezh5AFY509zLgLU8F99b0UGm8
==LONGMONT LIBRARY: No timeline is currently available for completion of the structural repairs, installation of the carpeting, and reopening of the Library building. Curbside Delivery service of library materials will continue during this time. Community members are encouraged to watch the Library’s social media pages and homepage for ongoing updates.
repeat==LARIMER COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS LOANS due to FIRE DAMAGE: can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans from the Small Business Administration. The deadline to apply for property damage is April 16, and the deadline for economic injury is November 23.====For assistance, call 1-800-659-2955, or email the SBA at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov
==NEW SUPER FAST INTERNET == The first STARLINK has arrived and been installed in a few homes in Pinewood Springs. I’ll post some facts in next week’s news.
Government News=====
March 18 – “How Can We Combat the Corrosive Effects of Misinformation?” Colorado Freedom of Information. A lively and timely online discussion, “Truth Be Told: The Proliferation of Online Misinformation and Disinformation — And What We Can Do About It.” Our expert panel will address these issues and more: Why do people believe what they read online, even when it’s outrageous? What can we do to combat the effects of online misinformation and disinformation in our own lives? How do we talk to friends and family about it? What’s the role of social media platforms, political bias and polarization? == Awards at 6:30 p.m. and Panel Discussion at 7 p.m.
FEDERAL
==== FALSE ADS condemning MEDICAL INSURANCE Scrutiny: This is an excellent article about the new, proposed Colorado bill. I knew what was going on as soon as I saw the ads on TV this past week – even BEFORE the news came out on the proposed insurance plan. They did this the last time health care was on the ballot, telling bold exaggerated half-truths to scare people.
QUOTE: As Colorado lawmakers consider the “Colorado Option” public health plan in the coming months, the insurance industry and its front groups will besiege Coloradans with a tidal wave of propaganda. You see, the Colorado Option would help the people of Colorado save on medical bills, but the private insurers would lose massive profits if it came to pass. So the insurance companies will dump an unholy amount of cash in the state to wage a disinformation campaign, in an attempt to turn people against the idea. https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/2021/02/former-health-insurance-exec-coloradans-should-be-wary-of-anti-public-option-propaganda/34737/
====update ====federal STIMULUS PKG
74% of ALL Voters approve of this
The Bill passed 49 to 50 in the Senate, and passed in the House a 2nd time.
The Republicans protested passing the Bill, based on its high figure, and none voted for it.
President Biden has agreed to the three dozen changes negotiated. The major deletion was the minimum wage part.
· $1,400 stimulus checks for eligible individuals = for those earning $75,000 or less; the cap was changed from $100,000 to $80,000 with those getting reduced checks, and those earning $75,000 below getting the full amount.
· $400 weekly unemployment benefit through September = changed to $300 thru end of August
· $3,000 per child tax credit
· $70B to increase vaccine & testing capabilities
· $30B for rental assistance; eviction moratorium & forbearance through September
· $440B for small businesses & communities/cities (covid related)
COLORADO:
Gov. Polis has proposed a $700 million Stimulus Plan. It will come out of existing funds – a year ago they cut $3.5 billion from the budget, but there is now money left over in the fund.
$170 million for transportation, including bridges
$50-70 million for broadband infrastructure
$40-50 million for restaurants sales tax relief (keeping it)
And money for affordable housing and homeless help.
In his State of the State Address, he also stressed the importance of efforts to improve the economy including tax relief and loans for small business, boosting industries like tourism and renewable energy, and investing in improving transportation infrastructure.
==VOTING RIGHTS = President Biden signed an executive order Sunday, March 7, on the 56th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” meant to promote voting rights, according to an administration official. == While Biden’s executive authority does not extend to overturning states’ laws, the order allows the president to signal his support for expanding voter rights by way of the bully pulpit.
==Details== The executive order includes directives to all federal agencies to create a strategy to promote voter participation, like using their websites or social media accounts to encourage people to register to vote.
It calls for a revamp of Vote.gov, the government’s voting information website, within 200 days.
The order directs the Department of Defense to make it easier for active-duty military and voters living abroad to cast their ballots.
It calls for a review of voting practices and how they affect people with disabilities.
It also creates a steering committee on Native American voting rights.
***SEE *** This week’s article on the ECONOMY now and in the future; and Unemployment; and Work-in-the-workplace; and Home Offices.
COVID-19 NEWS=====
See our NEW MARCH “COVID NEWS” — MONTHLY article.
Throughout the month, look for the words “UPDATE”
— Easy access, at your finger tips, all the latest news which I have gathered from the various Colorado State’s web pages and news organizations to save you time.
==This includes a new break down as to what the COLOR CHART means
And the new 3B.1.
====NEWS====
The Rockies baseball team can now have 21,000 spectators at the opening Home Game, April 1st.
School Sports – Season C variance approved. That means filed hockey, football, gymnastics, boys soccer, bowlikng and girls volleyball can happen.
Baseball practice can begin 3/8 and games on 3/15.
Both the US and CO have reached their goal of 70% of those over 75 getting at least the first of their vaccines.
One million+ people have received their first shot.
NEWS: Colorado got 45,000 of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on this Friday, March 5. We will be getting about 400,000 this month. Initially it was predicted that everyone can get a vaccine by the end of July, but it is now moved up to May.
The street riot on The Hill in Boulder may be a Super Spreader, and you should be on alert if you go to the city and may be in situations where you are exposed to college-age students.
The CDC now says that grandparents can visit one household, indoors, without a mask, as long as none of them have high risk conditions. The household people do not have to be vaccinated. This opens up the possibility of visiting grandparents in “nursing homes.”
As of this week 3/6/21, 17.6 percent of Coloradans have at least one shot.
You need to wait two weeks after the second dose to feel confident that you are covered. But still wear a mask to protect others, in case you pick up the virus and carry it around.
All LEVELS with 5-star status now have a last call at 2 a.m.
VARIANT: Colorado has the variant here. In California it is responsible for 30 percent of new cases, and in Florida 40 percent. Wear your mask; even if vaccinated.
COLORADO cases and deaths have rapidly dropped in the past month. They have now plateaued, and some minor increases have been shown.
Free COVID TESTING continues in Lyons.
VACCINE Software
This young computer expert developed a search engine jsut for vaccines in the Front Range! Easy and free! https://vaccine-finder.nickm.org/?fbclid=IwAR2wwFV-0kIRydWhTziNPk2QrdsrYypilBDNoCJkJO6fKXYYUzxPVy_Bx14
CLASSES / ACTIVITES
===WOMEN’s HISTORY MONTH – We will have a NEW ARTICLE EACH WEEK.== (1) how the “WHM month” got started; special events/talks about women in history (two of them have to do with World War II) and (2) about local organizations who support the saving and promoting of women’s achievements, and (3) two national organizations/museums in Washington, D.C. (4) series of books done on Boulder County history, and historic homes in Boulder. Women’s Hall of Fame 3/11/21
===OUTDOOR SPORTS: The state has given variances for: ROCKIES (Opener April 1) 12,500 fans *NEW* now they can have 21,000. Tickets go on sale March 11. // RED ROCKS 2,500 attendees // NUGGETS AVS – none because they are indoors. // SCHOOLS allow baseball, rack & field, lacrosse, starts first week of May thru mid-June. If you make the playoffs, some are concerned that they cannot attend sports camps, or get summer jobs.
===VIRTUAL CODING CLUB FOR TEENS – Lyons Library – The library will offer a virtual coding club for kids ages 13-16 on Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. starting April 6. The club will run for seven weeks but may continue if there is interest. The club will be tailored to the interests of the participants but is not intended to be a hangout time to play video games. Let’s make some of our own games! The goal will be for participants to complete a project of their choice by the end of the seven weeks. No coding experience is necessary. Possible languages to explore include HTML/CSS, Javascript, or Python. Participants should have access to an internet-connected computer (Windows, Mac or Chromebook). It is preferable to have a computer with a keyboard rather than an iPad or tablet. The library can provide technology for anyone who needs it. Space is limited so reserve your spot today at lyons.colibrary.org/teen-coding-club. Questions? Call Dana, 303-823-5165. (Reminder, in the future, go to FLASH News, this will not be repeated here every week)
===SPRING AND SUMMER RECREATION, Town of Lyons = We’re offering a variety of classes in Skateboarding, Women’s Mountain Biking, Kid’s Mountain Biking, Bike Maintenance, Fitness in the Park, and as well as sign ups for local summer camps and even kayak rentals. Softball and baseball are returning to Lyons for kids and adults. And seniors we haven’t forgotten you! Get all the info and sign up here and keep checking back for new additions!
This Week’s 14 Articles 3/11/21
==WOMEN’s HISTORY MONTH
We will have a series of articles – ONE EACH WEEK – to introduce you to groups and museums that honor Women’s History.
* We start THIS WEEK with the general information about the month, and a list of “talks.” 3/4/21
* Next is the Women’s Hall of Fame, Colorado. 3/11/21
* Third is the Women’s History Museum, a building to be constructed in Washington, D.C. 3/18/21
* Fourth week is on a series of history books on Boulder County, including historic homes, written by a woman.
—————————————-
COVID-19 ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY – All Lyons related Articles! —
We have 24 articles or reports lined up = 6 each week!!!!
Half will be serious reports / and half will be personal stories.
PLUS our normal Monthly COVID-19 summary & tips & links article.
PLUS an easy to use “INDEX” page that lists all the articles, gives a description, and provides a link.
==INDEX page, with details about this week’s articles and the month of March
==The COVID Crisis from LEAF’s Perspective (1 year)
People in Lyons were depending on LEAF to figure out how to completely reconfigure==Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels and Basic Needs & Resource Matching Program: How would we keep our participants and volunteers safe?
==Lyons Community Foundation’s response to COVID (1 year)
Lyons Community Foundation raised funds to meet the community’s needs during a time of crisis. This is a description of how and where they raised additional funds and who it was distributed to.
==Storefront & home businesses recall memories during pandemic (1 year)
Lyons businesses found new ideas and trends to succeed during the pandemic. Read about a few of them.
==RV Camping, Covid & Consequences (1 year)
Hear about the summer adventures, travelling by RV to multiple Park camping sites. The pleasures and the consequences. (1 year with covid)
==Three organizations in Estes Park joined to feed the hungry – 1 year of COVID – Come & Enjoy the Town!
Estes Park is open, with 35 restaurants and a movie theater. Hear how 3 organizations got together to feed the hungry for the one-covid-year. Learn about the American Legion club.
==Economy Report , unemployment, working from home, women’s job loss
This article will state both Colorado and US statistics regarding the economy and the connected unemployment factor, which indicate that we are in a worse condition than in decades, but it concludes that economists see a positive outcome on the horizon.
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==HAIR LOSS – I have removed this; it is scheduled to be published next week. sorry for the inconvenience.
==SPRINGTIME- GET YOUR GREEN SOUP TO BOOST YOUR LIVER – Let’s focus on our liver this month. It stores our emotions of irritability, depression and anger. The liver tends to be more susceptible to imbalance in the spring. Let’s assist it with its ability to carry out its natural detoxification responsibilities. “Green” foods are the answer. Read more and a recipe.
==And now for a nice break — a field camera COMPILATION OF WILD ANIMALS, including a snow storm. Beautiful shots of lions, coyotes, deer, and more.
==LETTER TO EDITOR: Nederland’s Dead Man Festival has been delayed. Read all about it..
==ARTS – Tips for professional and “at home artists” — some paying jobs and some for fun thru the library and cafe.
==FLASH NEWS — general events and deadlines, classes, meetings, etc. listed by date.== This included details on things like classes, not just the dates.
==ABOUT TOWN — weekly column by LaVern Johnson of snippets of Town news.
==NOTES from Your Editor — behind the scenes news, business updates, personal notes, town news, caring messages, and more…
MY WEEKLY MESSAGE OF CARE:
The scale is not balanced – our service organizations have not been able to do their normal fundraisers and are low on funds, and at the same time, due to the pandemic, the need of their current and future clients are higher than normal. — Philanthropy Research Group shows that 38 percent of nonprofits could close within two years. Colorado has 23,147 nonprofits, and during Colorado Gives Day in December people gave a record breaking $50 million (thank you!!) – But it’s now 2021 and there are still several months of possible hardships that our neighbors will be facing. — Keep your favorites in mind when you money situation is better.
If you can, please consider donating money now to key Lyons service organizations:
Lyons Community Foundation – (grants) www.lyonscf.org
LEAF (food bank, assist in money needs) https://www.leaflyons.org/
Lyons Redstone Museum (closed all year) (303) 823-5925
Fire Department Fund (strained due to the forest fires) https://www.lyonsfirefund.org/
SEE ARTICLES in this week’s newspaper about LCF and LEAF.
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Thank you for being steady readers of the Lyons Recorder. We hope you benefit from our articles each week, and have some fun, too! ………..Your Editor, Kathleen
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