NEWS Briefs & NOTES from your editor, 6/17/21
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 are faced with a quandary – we can now go out into crowds again (without a mask) but we are also faced with an epidemic in “mass shootings’’ in crowded places. There have been 260 “mass shootings’’ this year. This past weekend, in a SIX HOUR period, there were mass shootings in Austin, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Chicago (which had the most); with a total of five dead and 39 wounded.
The most accepted definition of a mass shooting, is as a single incident in which four or more people are shot or killed. We find some appear to be random, or be revenge motivated, or prejudice based.
This week is the five year anniversary of the Pulse mass shooting in Florida, where LBGTQ+ people went to have fun like any other young person at a lively bar. At the time it was the deadliest mass shooting in America. This month we celebrate Gay Pride month, and we can see how many good things have improved for them… although sad that so many had to lose their lives to see this progress. And, one could say the same for the mass shooting of Asian-Americans in March, in Atlanta.
What can we do about it? One thing is work with groups who are trying to find solutions, including writing our congressional representatives.
I went into a Taco Bell, and a man was acting weird. He was seated and hunched over his meal. He got up and walked to the counter, stopped, returned, and sat down. He did that two more times. I sat and ate my meal on the other side of the room. Afterwards, my friends said I should have left.
Now they say you need to look at where the nearest exits are when you are in a big grocery store or a place like Target or Walmart. In a “People on the Street” article we published a few weeks ago about ‘’mass shootings,’’ a 19 year old said that she is pretty calm about it because she was trained so thoroughly in high school as to what she should do in case of a shooting threat in the school. Is this a sign of our times?
Personally, I will continue to “live my life’’ and not stay hidden in my home, but I will be cautious and be alert. I will continue to enjoy vacations in popular spots, and marching for “causes’’ I believe in… but I will probably be asking myself questions, like: Do I feel safer going to a Gay Pride event at the Stone Cup vs. Denver’s Pride Fest? Do I feel safer going to a movie in Estes Park vs. Aurora? Do I feel safer driving on vacation vs. going on an airplane?
Life has always been a series of choices. Folks, be cautious and be alert. Have a covid-free fun summer!
Let’s get to the news…
GENERAL NEWS=====
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL THOSE ”DADS” who love and support our Lyons kids!
(See our photo spread of ‘‘kids and dads” at play)
WILDFIRE/Droughts: Good News /Bad News
Last week, I comment on half our state (the eastern side) is now officially out of drought. I have published this week an ARTICLE containing maps of the drought areas, and how they have changed in just one month, and the precipitation count (last year vs. this spring).
COLORADO Wild Fires: Platte River, near Buffalo Creek and Conifer. /Straight Creek, in Summit county. / Dragon Fire, near Rangely, Rio Blanco County. / South Fork Fire, near Nucla. ==A rare “extremely critical” wildfire weather warning was issued by the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. Nearly the entire western half of the state was also on alert for “extreme” fire danger.
GAY PRIDE in Lyons – The Stone Cup – There was a social Saturday morning for those who wanted to show support of the LGBTQ+ community. Dozens of friendly folks stopped by, in addition to the normal Saturday crowd, which made for a loud, cheerful porch of people, plus all the gay flags flying. It was gratifying to see the positive support.
ART FAIR a lovely success! — Lyons had its first official big event, without masks, this past Saturday in Bohn Park. Many dozens of people strolled the pathway along the river to see the many artists and crafters booths. The weather was sunny and 90 degrees, but the trees provided some shady relief. See our ARTICLE for more details and LOTS! of photos! Thanks to the Town of Lyons for putting on this event, as a quick temporary substitute for the annual GOOD OLD DAYS!
===TRAVELLING in AIRPLANES===
TSA – new rule for airplane travellers: If you’re looking to share your homemade goodies with loved ones across state lines or in different cities, or are carrying on sealed food packages, worry not – a banana bread in your carry-on is totally fine. You just have to follow the new rules and take it out of your carry-on bags and place the cake in a clear plastic bag during security screening.
== Travelers are encouraged to pack small items like belts, keys, money and phones in their carry-on before passing through security screening. While these items are usually dropped in the bins, this new procedure helps reduce touch points during the screening process to protect everyone.
== ‘Unruly‘ airline passengers who refuse masks could be fined as much as $15,500, FAA says The fines were proposed amid alcohol bans aimed at avoiding boisterous passengers.
==TSA agents are needed; some staff are being asked to fill spots; but this means longer waits in the security lines. Get to the airport early.
SENIOR BUS TRIP to the BOTANICAL GARDENS was a refreshing break from day-to-day life in town. Almost 30 local seniors took a VIA bus to the Denver Botanic Gardens and strolled the full circle around the park, ducking under cooling shade trees when the opportunity presented itself. The gardens were lush and bursting with blooming flowers. See more details and lots of photos in next week’s Monthly SENIOR NEWS. Thanks to the Town of Lyons for providing this adventure.
LYONS SOFTBALL TEAMS: They are filling up fast – eight teams now, with 100+ registered. The first game will be June 30th. Come out and cheer your home-town team! — The Town will probably do an official celebration ceremony that day to commemorate the newly refurbished fields (after the damage of the Great Flood of 2013). Contact LRamsey@townoflyons.com to sign up!
Wildlife & Nature ====
Lyons Garden Club ”Mountain Blooms” garden tour is Saturday, June 19th from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. You can register online until the end of day, Friday, 6/18/21. The event is free, but donations are gladly accepted. In-person registration will start at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Bears plot (across from Stone Cup). Cash donations welcome but not required. Registered participants will be eligible for prizes. See our ARTICLE for full details, including map info.
TUBING in St. Vrain River – CLOSED DOWN – JOHNSON PARK
==See our full article. Bookmark the website to follow runoff and other water data .
BUSINESS====
NEW BUSINESS: Cluck-n-Burger – food trailer – COMING Soon
From owner Aaron Esserman:
We have relocated to Lyons from several years back to launch our food trailer Cluck-n-Burger Lyons. We started our venture in Austin about 6 years ago but last year really hit us hard. Now we have an opportunity to be back where we love (here) and to do what we love by offering our food to the community and be a part of it.
We will be setting up next to Zengolds. Our goal is to launch by 4th of July weekend. Our menu has some comfort originals with my special chef twists. Scratch made bread by yours truly, fresh Ingredients, bright and bold flavors. Specials once we get rocking and fun weekend events, with some daily specials to get those savings in.
Full disclosure – we aren’t the healthiest but we will have a not so carby/cheesy/greasy conscious menu available on a rotating basis to keep things fresh and fun for y’all and for me and my creative cheffy brain.
We will be creating a beautiful and peaceful outdoor area next to the creek with tons of tree coverage and use the stage for some music on select nights.—We would like to support the community by doing as much (food) as we can locally.
ACTIVITY====
LYONS PARKS – see article on all the amenities offered in our two major parks, along with new regulations and restrictions. (note, this is not a list of Recreation programs)
(this paragraph is a repeat) ========
==We also have an article about the forming of Co-Ed Softball Leagues. This use to be very popular in Lyons before the flood, and the Town is struggling to restart it. See the article for details …plus several short stories about ball games in past decades.
==The Town sponsored events are listed in “To-Do / FLASH NEWS” 6/10/21
==See also May’s SENIOR NEWS. As usual we have a TON of tips, links, and more in the MONTHLY article!
==THURSDAY CONCERTS in SANDSTONE PARK – This starts July 1st through August 17; free. Read the long-anticipated article this week!
==REDSTONE MUSEUM opens Tuesday, June 1st, 7 days a week~ see our article for descriptions, day/times, and more!
There will be no children’s history camp this year, due to COVID-precautions.
==LYONS LIBRARY HAS KICKED OFF THEIR SUMMER PROGRAMS
Summer Reading Program offers prizes and challenges for all ages. https://lyons.colibraries.org/2021-virtual-summer…/
==LYONS PARKS – see article on all the amenities offered in our two major parks, along with new regulations and restrictions pertaining to reservations and crowd size. (note, this is not a list of Recreation programs)
====================
TANDEM ART SHOW IN LYONS – July 14
TWO ART SHOW OPENING IN TOWN: Town Hall & Library. There will be a ‘’tandem art show OPENING’’ at both the library and town hall. (I have separated some facts from the flier, and listed them here, and asked LAHC for more clarification for the remainder)
== (1.)LIBRARY Art Show, from July 10 to October 1: A ‘’solo’’ show by Sally White King, known for her ‘’bear and flower’’ art. 2D & 3D pieces. Open during library hours.
==(2.) TOWN HALL Art Show: We are back to the quarterly art shows at Town Hall. == Theme is “Bringing Outdoors In/ and/ COVID-Wrought Creations.” == July 9th is the drop off date =‘’ready to hang pieces” at 432 5th Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m., and be prepared to pick them up on Friday October 1st, from 5-7p.m. (Sponsored by Lyons Arts &Humanities Commission; go to their web page )
The ‘flier’ was very confusing, so I asked some questions, and this is a clarification by LAH member DeCoster: Since Sally King’s SOLO show is being installed in a public Library – it will start to be publicly viewable on Saturday July 10th. Wall-hangable wall art (responding to the theme “Bringing Outdoors In” & “COVID-Wrought Creations” by all ages & stages of artists) needs to be delivered to Town Hall btwn 5-7 on July 9th for the themed OPEN Town Hall Art Show. The TANDEM opening receptions for both the Open / Themed Town Hall & Solo Library LAHC Art Shows are always on the Wednesday following installations, in this instance July 14th, from 5:30-7.—The public is invited to handily stroll between the venues to view all the new artwork. Beverages & entertainment, in this case musician Shauna Lee, are centered at the spacious Library meeting room.”
==================
LIBRARY EVENT: June 24th from 6:30-8:00pm Joe Kuckla will share songs and tall tales, and Spirit Hound will serve cocktails. Donations are appreciated. This is SOLD OUT, but you can get on the waiting list. See FLASH NEWS for more details, or go to the library web site.
The Lyons Lions Club is proud to announce that Cemex has agreed to be the Event Sponsor for our 27th Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament at Lake Valley Golf Club. Monday, August 2, 2021.
We still have sponsorships available. For more information and player/team registration, please visit https:\\lyonslionsclub.com.
See our ARTICLE NEXT week for more details.
CITY WIDE SCAVENGER HUNT – Denver – “History Colorado Museum”
Gather a team of friends for some fun this weekend — Are you ready to uncover more about Denver’s past, while following a series of clues through the city’s center? You’ll have 4 days to complete your hunt–although it should take something closer to 2.5 hours. Go by foot, go by bike, or any way you like! Register your team. June 17-20 / $12-18 fee / register/ City-Wide (but mainly in central Denver) https://historicdenver.org/…/capitol-crossroads…/…
**SPORTS**
GO AVS!! – second round of West Division matchup
Sorry to hear the DENVER NUGGETS lost the Finals. But they played a great season!
Nikola Jokić===The three-time NBA All-Star has been named to the All-NBA Team on three occasions (including two first-team selections), and has won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the 2020–21 NBA season.
The Town sponsored events are listed in BOTH “To-Do / FLASH NEWS” (briefly),
See May’s SENIOR NEWS. As usual we have a TON of tips, links, and more in the MONTHLY article!
Next one comes out the last week of June.
GOVERNMENT NEWS====
(repeat) AFFORDABLE HOUSING – at Town of Lyons Trustee meeting – There will be a special BOT meeting on June 17 about the Lyons affordable housing project — approved, but construction not yet started. Anyone interested in affordable rental housing in Lyons may wish to pay close attention to the information presented at that meeting.
======WORLD NEWS========
GROUP OF 7 SUMMIT this week, June 11-13, 2021
A Return to Face-to-Face Diplomacy. … When the top economic officials from the world’s advanced economies, in the days leading up to the Group of 7 summit, … the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Italy — Biden and G-7 leaders endorsed a global minimum corporate tax of at least 15%. The Group of Seven nations issued a statement on human rights in China.
==Monday 6/14/21 US and Turkey presidents Biden & Erdoğan met, “much of it one-on-one.” per President Biden, “we had detailed discussions on how to proceed on a number of issues.”
WHAT’S NEXT===
NATO leaders met Monday 6/14/21. Also: Biden says the commitment to NATO Treaty Article 5 is ‘’rock solid.” We adopted a far-reaching PLAN AGENDA 2030 — the last strategic PLAN was in 2010. Do a (first) Cyber Policy. Adopt a Climate Action Plan. Renew and strengthen that Democracy can still prevail. Diplomatic commitment to the Afghan people will endure, despite the troops leaving. China was branded a security risk to the Western alliance.
MEETING with Russian President Vladimir Putin Wednesday 6/16/21. Biden laid out plans as to what needed to be brought up, and what red lines needed to be drawn, and he completed his mission. A primary goal is cyber security; plus election interference, and human rights. The US is not looking for conflict, but will stand up for what is right. Everyone reported that there were no threats or arguments during the meeting, which was also attended by aides, followed by separate press conferences.
“The tone of the entire meeting was good, positive,” Biden said. “The bottom line is, I told President Putin that we need to have some basic rules of the road that we can all abide by.”
Vladimir Putin said, “He’s a balanced and professional man, and it’s clear that he’s very experienced. It seems to me that we did speak the same language.”
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US INFRASTRUCTURE Package: 6/10/21 – A bipartisan group of 10 senators announced Thursday they have reached a deal on a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package, the most significant development yet in negotiations. No deal yet.
JERUSALEM — 6/13/21 — Israel’s parliament has narrowly voted in favor of a new coalition government, ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s historic 12-year rule. Voted in by 59 vs. 60: Naftali Bennett.
=====COLORADO GOVERNMENT====
New Bills passed this week, and signed by Gov Jared Polis
==House Bill 1232, a measure aimed at forcing health insurance companies to cut costs
==A bill that diversifies how transportation funding is raised and spent in the state. Fuel taxes (unchanged since 1991) have been the primary source of revenue for road projects. New fees totaling $3.7 billion over a decade will pay for things like road repair and expansion to electric vehicle incentives, environmental mitigation and more.
==A bill will send $6 million from the state’s general fund to the office of film and television. Additionally, $15.5 million is heading to the state’s art relief program, and $1.5 million will go towards helping cultural facilities. The emphasis is on also helping urban/rural areas. – Places that were shuttered during the pandemic.
COVID-19 NEWS=====
===WORLD NEWS===
6/14/21 = India eases COVID rules as new cases dip to two-month low. Many states, including capital New Delhi, ease restrictions as new infections drop to the lowest since March 31. == 15% of its population has received its first dose. == At its peak it became the second-highest number of infections in the world (after the US) with 29.51 million and 374,305 deaths. At its peak it had 400,00 new cases a DAY, and is currently at 70,421 new infections 6/14/21.
6/13/21 – Leaders of the G7 economies convening in the UK announced a pledge to provide 1 billion coronavirus vaccine doses to poorer countries as part of a plan to “vaccinate the world” by the end of 2022. (This includes previous pledges by some of the countries. — U.S. President Joe Biden to share 500 million doses; and one from PM Johnson another 100 million shots. Biden’s own commitment was on top of the 80 million doses he has already pledged to donate by the end of June). According to the Associated Press, nearly half of the combined population of the G7 countries have received at least one dose of the vaccine, while the worldwide percentage is less than 13%. == They also discussed climate change, and how to recharge the economy, after the pandemic. They pledged to spend $100 billion to help poorer countries reduce carbon emissions and battle global warming. The Group of Seven is an inter-governmental political forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States; the world’s seven largest so-called advanced and richest economies.
========UNITED STATES=======
********NEW MILESTONE**************** 600,000+ lives lost due to COVID-19 in America.
370 deaths a day, week of June 7-14. Our heart goes out to those who lost a loved-one. “Please get vaccinated,” as President Biden said “We’ve had enough pain.”
Case numbers have dropped 95% since its peak in December/January. Hardest hit are children and teens.
States with less than 50% of population vaccinated:
keep this in mind if you are travelling to these states – our neighbor WY, Mississippi (44.7% – the lowest), LA, AL, TN, and WV.
The CDC is seeing a big increase in cases in teens, which have resulted in hospitalization.
NEW DELTA Strain – 90% of cases in the UK right now, and 6% of US cases in 37 states (mostly in the 12-20 year age range). One dose of the Pfizer vaccine is 33 Percent effective, and with two doses 88% effective. It is the fastest spreading covid virus ever (‘fast’ meaning easy to catch).
Vaccinations
NOTE: the CDC has not updated their page since June 10th — these are the latest stats — we will insert more, if received in the next two days…………….
As of June 10, 305.7 million vaccine doses have been administered. Overall, about 172.4 million people, or 51.9% of the total U.S. population, have received at least one dose of vaccine. About 141.6 million people, or 42.6% of the total U.S. population, have been fully vaccinated. As of June 10, the 7-day average number of administered vaccine doses reported to CDC per day was 1.1 million, a 13.87% increase from the previous week.
The COVID Data Tracker Vaccination Demographic Trends tab shows vaccination trends by age group. As of June 10, 86.5% of people ages 65 or older have received at least one dose of vaccine and 75.8% are fully vaccinated. For people ages 18 or older, 64% have received at least one dose of vaccine and 53.4% are fully vaccinated. For people ages 12 or older, 61.5% have received at least one dose of vaccine and 50.5% are fully vaccinated.
======================COLORADO
Gov. Jared Polis: “Every week, on top of $1 Million for one lucky vaccinated Coloradan, we will be giving away FIVE $50,000 scholarships to 12-17 year olds who have been vaccinated.”
================6/16/21
State of Colorado:
TOTAL 548,791 cases (up 1,791)
7 day average: 2.5% (down from 2.82%)
45.6% fully vaccinated.
Boulder County 6/16/21 – 0.8% positivity rate, 7 days
23,973 cases (up 109)
remains at 74% vaccinated, as of 6/12/21, 1 dose (67%, fully, up 1%)
Larimer County – 6/16/21 – 1.1% positivity rate, 7 days
55.1% vaccinated, now up to 55.7% 6/16/21
27,110 total cases (up 96)
Help Wanted=====
Have you ever thought about being an investigative reporter? Or are experienced at it but have retired? We have a spot for you at the Lyons Recorder. The Times Call did an article this week, and did a great job of (1) interviewing a couple neighbors (2) got records thanks to the Freedom of Information Act (3) contacted government officials. = Does this sound like appreciative and exciting work to you? Write me to discuss this further. The field is open as to subject matter in Lyons.
FEATURE WRITERS: We welcome writers to our crew of 31 ! Each of our writers has their own area of expertise – Are you knowledgeable in: – gardening tips — cooking/recipe articles – exercise – alternative medicine/herbs – and more? You must be a Lyons-area writer, and all work needs to be original for the Lyons Recorder, and it is “an extra bonus” if you can tie in “life in Lyons” with your article – especially with photographs.
And, LaVern would love to have someone take over her Board of Trustee meetings, as her hearing isn’t as good as it use to be, and it is very tiring to try and hear them speak. You only need to write up major discussions, not basic agenda items. You’ll be “in” on all the Town business news, who/what/where/when!!
For more information, write to: LyonsRecorder.Editor@gmail.com
This Week’s Articles:
*Great Photos*
== FATHER’S DAY! Some cute photos of kids with their dads, and sharing with us the reason why they love their dads so much!
==ARTISAN FAIR – a photo spread of the activities during the art fair in BOHN Park this past Saturday.
………TIPS………..
==COVID related losses — RESOURCES– did you as an individual -or- business suffer losses during this past year. See this long list of resources, grants, and more to help you get back on your feet, and thrive.
==DROUGHT CONDITIONS – See maps on the changes in SEVERE DROUGHT areas /See maps on amount of precipitation – last year vs. this spring/ And more.
==ALZHEIMER AWARENESS MONTH – See newest info and tips
==BEAR SIGHTINGS! our favorite ”wildlife camera” local gives tips on bear activity in Lyons // as well as friendly tips from the National Park Service
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==LYONS 1ST GARDEN TOUR – this Saturday – here’s a list of details on purchases, maps, and more.
==FREE SUMMER CONCERTS in the FRONT RANGE –– check out Longmont, Estes Park, and Boulder — as well, as our Lyons concerts.
==NEWS BRIEFS & NOTES from your editor – “News Announcements” that are too short to have their own article.
Government, Covid, Activities, Town, Businesses, School, and Town ”gossip”.
==FLASH News/now called “Your To Do List” – find out details about upcoming activities, classes, and more.
==ABOUT TOWN by LaVern Johnson, tid bits of news from around town.
ENJOY!
MY WEEKLY MESSAGE OF CARE:
The WILD ANIMAL SANCTUARY – WISH LIST
Got some unusual items sitting around your house with no place to go? Check this list of needed items from the Wildlife Sanctuary. You may be able to successfully rehome things you didn’t know what to do with and give them a new life helping exotic animals:
Gift cards, lumber, wood chips, cement, fruit, redid-whip, clear packing tape, labels, bankers boxes, Rubbermaid tubs, contractor plastic bags, towels…and much more
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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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