NEWS Briefs & NOTES from your editor, 11/11/21
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.
This week, we honor our Veterans. Can you believe that we have 184 veterans who “call Lyons their home town”? In 2020, we honored Mickey Hawkins, who was the only Lyons veteran to die in Vietnam. The Lyons Class of 1969 sponsored a sandstone bench for Hawkins, honoring the 50 years since his death. That started a ball rolling, and a list of all vets was put together. It was published last year, and a handful of additions were done, and is being reprinted this year. If you drive through the Lyons cemetery this week, you will see dozens of American flags by the gravestones.
Our veterans are especially in our hearts and minds this fall because of the recent withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan, where the US had its longest war. A total of 2,401 United States servicemen were killed in the war in Afghanistan, over the twenty years.
Another reason for them being in our hearts and minds, is the increasing number of veterans who are sadly committing suicide. They say the first step in resolving a problem is acknowledging the problem, and we, as a nation, are starting to address that problem (with Colorado being one of the states at the top of the list of all suicides).
As a small gesture of appreciation, I have put together a list of resources, benefits, changes, and more for veterans this week. Please pass it on to those vets who you know. Veterans, we thank you for your service.
General News
ACCIDENT: The Weld County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman who died Wednesday in a head-on collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of Colo. 119 and Weld County Road 5.5 as Wendy Ann Prior, 38, of Lyons. The passengers in the pick up were taken to the hospital. == may she rest in peace.
TACO BELL sauce packets recycle — you a big eater of tacos? throw the packets into a box and attach the free mailing sticker, and help save the environment.
CHECK THE TIME: JM Bergstrom posted this link – but it’s good to have this info any time of the year, like when the electricity goes out (especially for those living in the mountains): If you lose track of the actual time and which clocks you’ve changed this past weekend, call the National Institute of Standards and Technology at (303)499-7111 for the current time on their atomic clock.
CONGRATS! – Lyons Lions senior softball team pitcher, Gyli Hay has been named part of the CHSCA Colorado All State Softball Team. They play at Lutz Field in Arvada at 1:00 p.m. Not a lot of buzz about this, but she’s a very hard working kid. (submitted by Patti Puzo)
CONGRATS! – Lyons Girls Softball Team! In the toughest 3A league in Colorado, Lyons Softball battled out the year winning some key games qualifying them for Regionals. Lyons ended the season finishing out 16h out of 44 teams in 3A. (see separate article with Photo)
ART – TWICE – Did you see the show that opened in SolHawk (it was in our calendar of Things to Do). The artist, Android Jones, is from Lyons and has given the Town commission a proposal to do a “nature” mural piece on the Town Hall wall. Gallery hours are through the month on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4.
FALL LEAVES & CARDBOARD WANTED = Florine has re-posted (a reminder): Come drop off bagged leaves once you’re done playing! We would also appreciate any large corrugated cardboard with tape/stickers removed for our upcoming sheet mulching workshop day (to be announced soon) for the Lyons Food Forest!== 319 5th Avenue, near Lavern Johnson Park. Thank you!!! ==”Our intention is an organic food forest, so please only bring leaves that have not been near chemicals (glyphosate, etc.) Ideally the cardboard should not have the waxy coating and the tape to be removed.”
HOLIDAY TREATS: LOW INCOME – HURTING? – SMILE – Both the Boulder County based LEAF, and the Larimer County based Crossroads (Estes Park) are reaching out to families. (neither agency is directed by the county). LEAF has a form you can fill out to get a Christmas gift, due by Nov. 17th. And, Crossroads has a free complete turkey dinner (you cook it) to pick up this month on November 18th. You must REGISTER for both.
NATURE: Our local nature watcher Robyn Sloan said: Think twice about using rodenticides to control mouse and wood rat problems this time of year. Not only do animals ingest these poisons directly, but small animals eaten by others pass it up the food chain. Carnivores with even small amounts in their bodies develop mange and other immune related diseases. My neighbor quit using it when I showed him a dead Abert’s squirrel with no visible cause of death, 1/4 mile from where his poison was located. == note, this has also killed dogs and cats.
REDISTRICTING MAP FINALIZED: After a months-long process of analyzing data, collecting resident feedback, and reviewing a number of proposals, Colorado has a new congressional district map. The state Supreme Court recently approved the map, which adds an eighth district and will be in use for the next decade. The Colorado Sun has a story with the details—and the drama—of the whole process. Read more about Colorado’s redistricting history in this article from The Colorado Magazine. https://www.historycolorado.org/story/2021/09/20/redistricting-colorado Note, this is a very long, detailed article about the history of the map, up through today.
OK TO PAY TAXES OR NOT: Govenor Polis was in the news this week for allegedly not paying taxes for three years. ProPolitica did an unbiased investigative piece and showed the pro’s and con’s of the accusation. One example is: donating so much money to charities that it did away with the taxes owed, and using news about his donations to further his political career. You can read the article on their web site. (the article is called “How These Ultrawealthy Politicians Avoided Paying Taxes” which shows how people have lowered their taxes due.)
ESTES VALLEY Residents (surrounding Lyons, incl. Pinewood springs) – Estes Valley had their annual board meeting approving the Budget, and including a second year for the successful paid parking. Jeffery Boring, Executive Director of the Estes Valley Land Trust, gave a brief presentation on how the Estes Valley Open Space Plan won two fairly significant state-wide awards. “One is a Colorado Open Space Alliance Award,” said Boring. “That is a group of local governments across the State of Colorado that have parks and open space programs. They recognized the Estes Valley Open Space Plan for its collaboration and partnership.” The second award was from the Colorado chapter of the American Planning Association.
RECREATION CENTER – I hope you are reading LaVern Johnson’s monthly reports from the Town’s Parks and Recreation Meeting. They are working on the 2nd Avenue pedestrian construction. But I wanted to call to your attention that they have a COMMITTEE studying a new Recreation BUILDING – her notes say: The group is going to look into the feasibility of a Recreation center: as to a location, its use for gym, programs, fitness, meeting rooms, etc.- at the cost of building such a Center which is estimated to from $12-15 million, and being able to operate it with memberships and attendance to support itself; encourage and support a recreation center in the north part of Longmont; to get more use of the Lyons schools -gyms, fields, etc. for Lyons recreation. LaVern says that this would be a long way in the future, if it were to happen. (e-mail if you are interested in being on the committee. ianbrighton@mail.com)
11/10/21 = US CONSUMER PRICES SPIKED in October at the fastest pace in 31 years. “The consumer price index climbed 6.2% year over year in October, the Labor Department said. The increase marked the largest annual gain since November 1990. = persistent supply chain bottlenecks continue to push prices skyward.
=========NEW==== added 11/12/21=============
These items were not sent to the newspaper on time to get in Thursday’s edition; but they are important enough for us to add them===============
LYONS LIGHTS PARADE – Interested in entering the parade this year? Please fill out the entry form and send it in before November 30! ===Or perhaps you would rather volunteer? Please visit https://signup.com/go/wTGOjwZ to volunteer.
Open House — Regarding Proposed Hotel | Wednesday, November 17 – they invite you to join them: Moss Rock Development Group is hosting an Open House at the Lyons Regional Library on Wednesday, November 17 from 6 – 8 pm
There will be three information stations:
• Architectural Design and Renderings
• Code Requirements and Logistics
• Community Input / Feedback
CHRISTMAS WREATHS – ORDER BY MONDAY – The Lyons HS Band is selling beautiful holiday greenery & plants for your seasonal decorating! Please consider purchasing your items from us and supporting the Lyons Band while getting your home/work ready for holiday cheer.
See the flyer but know that everything can be ordered online at the link below. Order deadline is on Monday at 3pm.===All items will be ready for pickup at the school on December 7th (3-5pm) except for the fresh floral items, which will be ready for pickup at the school on December 17th (noon-3pm).
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/stores/getstoremain?view=&searchText=&clientID=MCS_0805370&catalogView=icon
KKK – in response to some queries from town folks, we are providing a link to the history of the KKK in Colorado. The state had the largest number of members (formed in the early 1920s), as it was looked at like a country club where you had to join in order to keep your political position (which included everyone from the governor, to Denver’s mayor, on down). It did discriminate against Blacks and other groups of people (Catholic, Jews, Italians and Mexicans). It also did many good deeds. This is not meant to be an endorsement of the Klan. Here is a good summary, from the Denver Public Library Records Department. And the History Colorado museum has more information, including a public display, which has a copy of the infamous Green Book, which showed where Blacks could safely lodge when visiting the town.
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<repeat> See SCHOOL NEWS, with lots of special announcements and photos!!
See our cross-country winners, and the Homecoming King & Queen!
<repeat> CONSTRUCTION: Road Paving and Patching==Paving and Crack Sealing North side of Lyons== see last week’s issue for more details; or go to the TOWN’s eblast page. Residents north of Main St == Crack Sealing
<repeat> AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE — Open Enrollment– https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/open-enrollment-period/ See last week’s issue for more information.
CALENDAR ITEMS:
CLOSED = most government offices, libraries and post offices will be closed:
Thursday Nov 11th Veterans Day
Thursday, Nov. 25th Thanksgiving Day
Friday, Nov. 26th, Native American Heritage Day
***************end of general news***************
Businesses
OCTOBER WAS BUSINESS MONTH at the Lyons Recorder!
SEE OUR INDEX of ARTICLES ==
LYONS BANK of the WEST – temporarily closed. == They closed on Friday and will be closed for 11 business days. The manager emphasized that this is all they know; they have not heard anything about permanently closing the branch. == For Deposits and Withdrawals, you must go to the bank (or use your MOBILE APP), and the Lyons ATM is working. == They will arrange for you to get in your Safety Deposit Box, if it is an emergency. == the closest branch is in Longmont, 5th and Coffman. The one on Hover Rd., between 16 & 17 (by the Safeway) is also closed. An employee said “the closure is due to abundance of caution,” which most people are interpreting as meaning there was a COVID-outbreak.
ECONOMY & JOBS == The American economy added 531,000 jobs in October, a sharp rebound from the prior month unemployment rate falling to a post-pandemic low of 4.6%. The October tally was firmly ahead of the Street consensus forecast of 450,000 and the strongest in several months.==The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to a new pandemic low of 267,000 last week.
FRIDA – The Empanada place paid for their permit, but it wasn’t issue quick enough, and they got a sign posted that they had to stop work until they had their permit. So don’t’ worry— if you saw the sign, things are rolling along.
TURKEY GRILL – Lyons local Ryan Trahan has a “Big Green Egg” turkey charcoal grill roaster for sale at his store at Hearth House, 7123 Arapahoe, Boulder. A sale going on. He will have a demo the next two Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
STONE CUP: ==4 bits of news: BARISTA – Stone Cup – We’re looking for a part-time barista at The Stone Cup. Thursdays and Fridays, typically 8am-2pm. Please email resume with response to info@thestonecup.com. == The shop is for sale. It’s a great investment. It is a local favorite and lots of regular customers! Spread the word (so Monday & Sam can retire!) == open Thursday-Sunday, 8am-1pm. We will have a few tables that are socially distanced, now that the weather is getting colder. Please wear a mask.==Babo Food Truck is back at the Stone Cup. Filipino/Korean food. Thursday-Sunday 4-8p.m.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY – November 27th – mark your calendar. If you are a local business, you can send us one simple sentence stating a SPECIAL that you are having for that Saturday. You can also contact us if you want to place an ad. Thank you. SBS encourages consumers to keep it close to home when buying gifts this holiday season. Spending money locally helps everyone in the community prosper.
———-end of biz———————
ACTIVITY====
(this paragraph is a repeat) ========click on each link to learn more=======
==see “THINGS TO DO” for lots of activities and events! and more details than you’ll find here in News BRIEFS.
==See also =NOVEMBER= SENIOR NEWS. As usual we have a TON of tips, links, and more in the MONTHLY article! — We are switching from doing this at the end of the month to the first of the month — this will make more sense when we list the birthdays!
==LYONS LIBRARY – see our ARTICLE November 11th
====================
<repeat> Apply now: CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: The Lyons Community Church is looking for individuals of all ages to help with the popular annual Pageant, which will be on December 12th. Contact the church.
Run for Local Office!=November 13, 10:30 – noon. *NEW* NOW ONLINE. = Lyons Library Community Room – this activity will be in our Things to Do calendar, and on our web page calendar.
<repeat> Sign up now: FREE STRESS MANAGEMENT CLASS offered by LEAF: Classes begin LAST Thursday They usually allow people to join in the 2nd week of classes, so don’t give up — contact Cherie Maureaux at mentalwellness@leaflyons.org to sign up for the 6 week program, or for any questions about mental health. All conversations are confidential.
<repeat> Sign up now: SENIOR BUS TRIP December 15th – sign up now – limited seats! Dinner Theater “Song of Music”. Contact Lisa at LRamsey@townoflyons.com for details, or see the SENIOR NEWS ARTICLE.
COVID-19 NEWS=====
Colorado:
Doses given – 8.01 million
Fully vaccinated – 3.58 million
% of population fully vaccinated – 62.2%
11/11/21 – State positivity rate is 10.27% – 7 days rate 9.9% (three small counties are above 20%)
As of 11/9 1,426 are hospitalized (79% are unvaccinated), 101 ICU beds available in state
== Highest number since December — Crisis Standard of Care has been re-activated == 1 in 48 people are infected by the virus; wear your masks in public places!
President Biden’s mandate for private businesses with more than 100 employees to get coronavirus vaccines, or undergo weekly testing, has passed the first hurdle (lawsuit). A virus is considered a “workplace hazard.” Deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that employers “should not wait” for legal matters to be settled before choosing to follow the order, which may “lead to more outbreaks and sickness.” It is set to take effect January 4 unless blocked by the courts. The Administration has also taken on the task of funding the manufacturers to produce more testing supplies, which will mainly go to urban and lower-income areas.
Some School Districts in Colorado have either closed on Fridays, or go back to remote learning, due to COVID case increases (currently Boulder Valley, Adams and Denver). Protect your children and remind them the importance of proper mask wearing.
WELCOME TO THE USA = The U.S. on Monday 11/15/21 will lift a (600 day) pandemic travel ban on international visitors from more than 30 countries. after 19 months. for those who can provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test. New rules will replace the ban. Including Mexico, Canada and most of Europe (all of whom have their own rules). Long lines of cars have already lined up at border gates.
TRAVEL: report 11/10/21 – CDC says: The current pace of transmission across the Europe Region is of grave concern. In addition, it has placed the Faroe Islands and Luxembourg on the travel warning list.
COVID UPDATES article:
==General news / world news / WHO / CDC / Biden /
==Governor’s statement 11/2/21
==Vaccine for kids 5 to 11 yr
==Booster Shots, details
==Links to Test Sites
==Mandates in effect
==Boulder Co. Health Dept. news
==Larimer Co. Health mandates
==Steps to keep healthy
==NEW== COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody=== 161 providers are available: If you don’t have the vaccine, and have any symptoms, get tested…You need to be tested early in the infection, mild/moderate symptoms, older or at risk. It’s not as effective as the vaccine; but helps if you get sick. See LINK.
Note, Salud Clinic is only giving vaccines to their regular clients. We are stating this because their phone lines are often tied up for hours. It does not matter if you got your first shots with them; that will not identify you as a regular client.
Help Wanted, Lyons Recorder=====
TECH HELP — Can you spare a day each month to help with Tech work on our newspaper?
SALES HELP — are you an experienced ”ad sales person”?
FEATURE WRITERS: Join our crew of 31 local writers!
Write once a month, once a quarter, or once a year!
Send us your ideas for consideration.
We are currently running a series on new businesses; get to know your local shop owner first-hand!
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!! Call her at 303-823-5925.
For more information, write to: LyonsRecorder.Editor@gmail.com
This Week’s Articles:
==VETERAN’S DAY
……..List of 187 Lyons Veterans, and highlights of three.
……..List of Opportunities for Veterans concerning free National Park access, new chances to get denied benefits, mental wellness help, Boulder County Vet Office, Scam warnings, and more.
==Moon ECLIPSE Nov 17-18; facts and tips.
==LIBRARY NEWS, November and December activities
==Open Enrollment for AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE
==Survey on where VOTER BOXES should be put
==Letter to Editor: Update on environmental lawsuit against Cemex
==Girls Baseball news, photo
Don’t forget to do the ==SURVEYS on Lyons, Boulder & Larimer County – give your opinion
……………..
==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, deadlines, and more. *****33 CALENDAR ITEMS THIS MONTH****
==ABOUT TOWN by LaVern Johnson, tid bits of news from around town. And Board Meeting notes.
ENJOY!
MY WEEKLY MESSAGE OF CARE:
Americans love, respect, and honor our troops all year round — in fact, people donate more than $2.5 billion annually to the over 40,000 American charities with military-related missions. Each November, we set aside a special time to honor the sacrifices our brave military veterans have made. Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day falls on the anniversary of World War I. The holiday was renamed in 1954 to honor the service of all military members.
Charity Navigator is honored to provide a curated list of highly-rated organizations providing a variety of services, including mental health and supportive services, financial assistance for food, utilities, and medical expenses. The charities are ranked and broken down into the following categories:
1. Wounded Troops Services charities address the unique difficulties those injured in combat face.
2. Military Social Services charities provide programs addressing the needs of both active service members and veterans.
3. Military Family Support charities assist military personnel and their families through financial support, scholarships, housing, and more.
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Thank you for being steady readers of the Lyons Recorder. We hope you benefit from our relevant articles each week, and have some fun, too! ………..Your Editor, Kathleen
**********Click Here For Previous NOTES FROM YOUR EDITOR************
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