NEWS Briefs & NOTES from your editor, 1/20/22
If there ever is an emergency in town, or timely news
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Our Governor and our President are giving speeches listing all the good things they have done this past year. And, like all of us, there’s a matching list of things that they didn’t get done in 2021. And, Lyons starts off its political calendar of 2022 with some hot news. First, it will have a meeting open to the public to review the two requests for new Planning proposals. One is the controversial new hotel, and the other is the equally controversial request by Planet Bluegrass to make changes to its original Annexation Contract. And, add to that the election of all new Trustees and Mayor in April!
Does any of this want to make you get into Politics?!
The difference is that when you run for office in a small town, you can truly make a difference, and see it in your own neighborhood and life.
I went to the Northwest states several years ago to gather material for a book about their small town living attitudes. I talked with a man who was a wheeler-and-dealer of sorts. I told him that he could probably make a bigger impact if he lived in a big town. When you change a law or ordinance or regulation, you would be affecting 100,000s of people for the better… instead of a few thousand.
He said to me “I prefer being a BIG FISH in a SMALL TOWN, than a SMALL FISH in a BIG TOWN.” What a wonderful concept.
That stuck with me all these years, and here I am, making a difference in small ways every day of my life — volunteering 1,000s of hours in the schools, at the history museum, at the senior center, and more. And, SEEING the results… of my tutored kids graduating, of museum exhibits that preserve Lyons history, and seniors still reminiscing about a field/bus trip I planned. And, of course, keeping the weekly Lyons newspaper alive, and kicking, and serving its people in delivering its daily “Journal” of Life in Lyons!
Please consider running for office, or becoming a volunteer. You will make a difference that you too can also benefit from. Even if it’s just growing a bigger heart!
………….Your Editor, Kathleen Spring
General News
HOT NEWS on Facebook:
==asked about dog training – most agreed that you need to go to a place that includes positive reinforcement and consistency. The Longmont Humane Society was recommended for its positive training methods. Tenderfoot and High Drive also came up frequently, but there were also a couple of negative reviews of them. Cheri Hoffer, who use to board dogs, said: Please be sure to pick a positive reinforcement trainer and not someone who uses prong collars, choke collars, shock collars or other aversive training methods. If you wouldn’t do it to a child, don’t do it to a dog. The problems that come up will be deep-seated and longer-lasting. If you’re looking at websites, sometimes you will see the designation R+, which means positive reinforcement.
==useful tips on getting your pets teeth cleaned: ===Cheri Hoffer stated: If your dog’s breath is that bad there might be bad teeth that need pulling under anesthesia. That drives the price way up, but it’s so important to do, when needed. ===Emily Janik stated: Dogs and cats should always have anesthetized dental cleanings to evaluate the teeth and clean the teeth under the gum line. Anesthesia free dentals don’t provide as a thorough of a cleaning and can increase your pet’s risk for tooth and even jaw fractures from disease hiding under the gum line.
==ICY DRIVEWAY: (this was before the recent ice storm) Someone posted that when they went out in the morning that their car had slipped a little down their driveway. There was some ice, but not like a skating rink. Almost a dozen answered that it had happened to them! The best reason seemed to be from Jerry: ”I believe it happens when the ice is cold and sort of grippy when you park, but then warms up and becomes watery and slippery.” Another person said to put a rock in front of the tires.
==GIRL SCOUT COOKIES are going on sale soon, and several people posted their kids info and/or online links to order them. So watch out, if this is “your thing.” (or just call your friendly neighborhood scout)
BLACK ICE ROADS: This Wednesday, January 19, we got “icy rain” and all the roads N S E and W of us, including in our neighborhoods, were treacherous, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Keith Gleason said it best: Folks in Pinewood Springs had one word of advice about driving down the hill on US36 to Lyons this morning: don’t. One person intimated they wish they’d slid off the road earlier, so’s the walk back up to the house was shorter. Another said they made it down just fine … although part of the trip was going backwards.
Business News
==New marijuana store being built west of the SpiritHound Distrillery.
==S+G Botanicals is now located at 442 High Street – the west side entrance of The Stone Cup. They sell individual houseplants and can decorate your home or office.
==Prickly Pear has more news on its Sunday Brunch – from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. – an appealing and varied menu with good prices; and proper Sunday Drinks for only $5. Go to their Facebook page for a copy of their menu. Starting at $8, up to $15 for steak. People have been asking for a breakfast sit down menu for years, so come by and support them, if you want this to continue! (now open for lunch & dinner Wed-Sat starting at 11am)
==Stone Cup has its breakfast burritos back -and quiche – made from scratch = Bacon, Chorizo or Vegetarian! GF.
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. Plus deadlines.
==JANUARY SENIOR NEWS. As usual we have a TON of tips, links, and more in the MONTHLY article!
==LYONS LIBRARY
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CANCELLED – All ice skating activities – including classes – have been cancelled FOR THE SEASON! The Town said there has not been consistent weather below freezing for it to create the ice rink.
LIVE CONCERT in LaVern Johnson Park – Jan. 22nd. 2-4 p.m. = It is still on, despite the ice rink not being frozen. So, come and just enjoy the wonderful live Kuckla band play.
REMINDER – LAHC Art show has been rescheduled for Feb. 9 at 5pm. See our ARTICLE for more details.
KIDS DISCOVERY FAIR IS ON! == “Steam Fest” == announcing the opening of the “work period” Jan 14th and due Jan. 27th. == sponsored by the Lyons Elementary PTO == For this year’s event, students will design and build a project using upcycled materials collected at home. Projects can include an art piece, a musical instrument, an invention, a model, or anything else they want to create. Students can work individually or in teams. Student work will be displayed in school and photographed for the website. This is a school event, and there will be no event for the public to attend. Contact the PTO for more info.
The Longmont Museum — Japanese art and culture set the stage for the Longmont Museum’s programming this season. Explore upcoming films, concerts, classes, and talks inspired by “Washi Transformed” at longmontmusuem.org. The “paper” exhibition runs Jan. 29 through May 15, 2022. For more than one thousand years, Japan has produced some of the world’s finest paper. Japanese paper makers still use the skills passed down through generations to create handmade paper, known as “washi” (和紙). It is used in painting, calligraphy, origami, and other traditional art forms. The new exhibit showcases more than 30 expressive sculptures, dramatic installations, and two-dimensional works.
The Lyons Library is looking for people who would like to teach a class, or give a talk this year 2022. We will publish their “press release” for more details (or contact them direct).
OLYMPICS – due to one Omicron case detected, there will be no public ticket sales. (Foreign spectators were already barred, and now the Chinese public is also). The office where it was detected was immediately shut down, with employees inside.
COVID-19 NEWS=====
===One Billion Free Home tests – web site now running. covidtests.gov Takes 1 minute to fill out the form. Four per household address. Some people living in apartments or having POBox are having some trouble inserting addresses, and this is being “fixed.” It will take 8 to 12 weeks to get in the mail. Colorado also has a web site for free tests, but families with students are priority. This will allow you get tested quicker, and, if you have it, you will be able to warn those who have been around you that they too must quarantine and/or test. == 1/13/22 The CDC says that its guidelines were updated to reflect growing evidence that suggests transmission of COVID-19 often occurs one to two days before the onset of symptoms and during the two to three days afterward. == Next on the agenda are free N95 masks from the government. Go to your local library; as of this week they were sent stocks.
===In mid-December, a study conducted in the United Kingdom found the risk of reinfection with the omicron variant was more than five times higher than Delta.
===The East coastal states of America are starting to see a drop in Covid-19 cases; New York case count is trending downward, with 47,870 reported Friday, the latest state numbers show; and continuing this week.
===WHO has recommended two new drugs for COVID-19, providing yet more options for treating the disease. The extent to which these medicines will save lives depends on how widely available and affordable they will be. Go here to see the full description of the drug and how it works, and who would benefit: https://www.who.int/news/item/14-01-2022-who-recommends-two-new-drugs-to-treat-covid-19
===1/13/22 the Supreme Court ruled against President Biden’s mandate for businesses with over 100 people must get the vaccine or get tested, under the belief that it is not an emergency pandemic. (Fox news reported that: Provided exemptions are allowed those who are medically unfit, or religiously opposed in many jurisdictions, state-based vaccine mandates are constitutional.)
===The Lyons Library has free COVID tests. They are currently out of them, but have more on order. ===They also got a supply of the free KN-95 masks. They are currently out of them. ===Stop by during open hours; first-come first-serve.
===1/15/22: The US has 800,000 cases PER DAY. As of 1/17 there were 1800+ deaths every 24 HOURS. 21,000 new patients EVERY DAY, and facing shortage of staff (in Colorado 92% of ICU are at capacity).
===Visit “Where can I get vaccinated” or call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) for vaccine information.
===GREAT NEWS === President Biden announced 1/20/22 that when he took office there were TWO Million Americans fully vaccinated; and today there are 210 Million fully vaccinated !
Government News
Unemployment in the US is at 3.9%. In Colorado it is 5.1%.
TOWN of LYONS SURVEY RESULTS: https://lyonsthrive.com/project-documents
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HOTEL & CAMPING Plans Open for Public Comment:
The Lyons Planning & Development Commission will have a (virtual) meeting Monday, January 24, that will be open to “public comment” regarding two proposals – (1.) Planet Bluegrass’ request to change their Agreement and allow camping on their property next to Apple Valley Road – (2.) the plans for the new 79 room hotel on Main St. are presented. == Go to our ARTICLE for instruction on how you can state your comments by email or in person — It is welcome and encouraged that both PRO and CON comments be given – silence can mean complacency.
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LYONS ELECTION NEWS
1. Run for Trustee or Mayor of Lyons. Election in April —The filing deadline for nomination petitions is Jan. 24, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Don’t delay — You will need signatures supporting your run. As of 1/20/22 the Town Clerk has five applications, and one completed application.
2. At this time, 1/19/22 only Hollie Rogin has taken out an Application to run again. Michael Karavas and Wendy Miller are term limited. A “no” from Kenyon Waugh, and Greg Lowell. We have received no answer from: Mayor Nick Angelo, and Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Browning.
3. If there is no competition for the vacant positions, all Applicants will be seated, and no Election will be done. The new Board will appoint people to fill the vacant seats. If not filled within a certain time period, there will be an Election.
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Reminders from Lyons Town Hall
1. The Town has a revolving loan fund. Seven are “out there and timely.” per the Admistrator. $130,000 is available (usually in the $20,000 range). It’s open to people who want to do improvements.
2. The Town is offering RV parking for Marshall Fire victims.
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STUDENT LOAN Settlement: If you have a student loan thru Navient. == the court ruled 1/13/22 against the company for predatory loans. The settlement, which still needs court approval, includes $1.7 billion in debt cancellation and $95 million in restitution (formerly known as Sallie Mae). This covers 39 states – but we haven’t been able to find the list.
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”? Would you like to help a non-profit? or sell by commission?
FEATURE WRITERS: Join our crew of 34 local writers! – we have a new writer this week: Amanda Rae – Journalist; Food Blog and Newsletter Writer – welcome!
Write once a month, once a quarter, or once a year!
Send us your ideas for consideration.
Our next series will be on local artists.
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. Or write LyonsRecorder.Editor@gmail.com
For more information, write to: LyonsRecorder.Editor@gmail.com
This Week’s Articles:
==Planning & Community Development Commission will be reviewing TWO controversial plans on Monday, January 24, and it’s open for public comment! Read about the “rules of order” and how you can voice your opinion.
==Horse Equine Therapy Ranch — learn about the efforts of this Colorado Ranch, …and did you know that not all horses like apples?!
==Board of Trustee Meeting — this is a detailed description of what took place at the Monday meeting — people who are considering running for office might benefit from seeing the extension list of topics that the Trustees discuss and make decisions on.
==BUS & TRAIN cheap rides to ski resorts! Bustang and Amtrak. Forget the hassle and stress and pollution, and sit back and enjoy the ride!
==Obituary – Jeffrey Schacht (lived in Button Rock for several years, and ran a water delivery service; and later lived in an apartment by the river in Lyons.)
==Library Seeking Lyons Elders for Panel Discussion. “What Age Can Teach You.”
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==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”.
==”Your To Do List” – find out details about upcoming activities, classes, deadlines, and more.
==ABOUT TOWN by LaVern Johnson, tid bits of news from around town. And Board Meeting notes.
ENJOY!
MY WEEKLY MESSAGE OF CARE:
Boulder County Wildfires – 1,000 homes destroyed
*NEW INFORMATION 1/20/22*
Want to help?
Boulder County states:
We know our community’s heart is huge, and everyone wants to help. Please see our most recent blog post about Marshall Fire donations and resources center.
Victims most need money. While some families have gofundme accounts set up by friends, we cannot verify the authenticity of each of these, and we are concerned about fraud. The very best way to ensure victims receive funding, without tax implications, is to donate to www.coloradogives.org.
Can’t give money, but want to volunteer? There will be many needs in the months ahead. Please do not self-dispatch to disaster areas. Please registers at: https://coloradoresponds.communityos.org/. This state clearinghouse will strive to match volunteers with community and individual needs.
Donation information and tips to avoid a scam.
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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
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