NEWS Briefs & NOTES from your editor, 4/7/22
If there is ever an emergency in town, or timely news needing to be distributed, you can trust the Lyons Recorder to put it online immediately.
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While we may think that things are crazy right now, I look at the “memories” that Facebook posts on my page, and read how crazy things were on a DAILY basis just a few years ago.
Today, April 6, back in 2017, on ONE DAY, this happened — Bannon kicked out of security room; Airstrikes on Syria; Nunnes steps down from Russian investigation; and Senate does the Nuclear Option to get their judge. Oh, yea and Trump is in Florida lunching with Chinese Leader Xi.
Why am I bringing this up? Well, remember back then we dreaded waking up in the morning to look at the news report or twitter feed, as there was always something new to worry about each day. Soooo, if we look at the news reports now in America, it is not as bad in comparison.
Yes, we have had a few wildfires in a YEAR, and a war in Ukraine started SIX WEEKS ago, and it’s been a MONTH since Judge Brown-Jackson was nominated to be on SCOTUS, and Obama visited the White House this WEEK, talking about Affordable Care Act. All of those hot items did not happen on one day… “TODAY.”
OK, so this may be simplifying circumstances a bit… but you get my point. This year, life in America does have crazy problems, but it’s stretched out over days and weeks and months, not pounding us every Morning.
Today, April 7th, we have a great black woman Supreme court justice, a good nationwide healthcare plan, a president working with NATO against Russia, and no wildfires burning. No ugly big scandals today, this month, this year.
I say, grab what relief you can get, and savor it.
………….Your Editor, Kathleen Spring
General News
UPDATE! Last week I told you that MacKenzie Scott gave $436M to Habitat for Humanity. I have since found out that ST VRAIN HABITAT was given $3.5 million as an unrestricted grant for its work in Longmont (Lyons), Dacono, and Estes Park! (She’s the divorced wife of Beznos, and she stated back in 2019 that she plans to give all her savings away) Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states and in more than 70 countries around the world.
The Broadway Modol construction meeting was well attended. A wide variety of topics were discussed. Suggestions were made, such as: the cut-out curbs are hard to see when there is snow on the ground, and can damage car tires or trip someone. Some felt it was hard to read and understand the diagrams, while others were pleased to see exactly what is being proposed laid out. Some complained about the narrower street, while others looked at it as slower traffic down for safety purposes. Some didn’t like cars parked near the concerts, but others thought it would be a sound buffer. The better sidewalks helps all, but especially folks who depend on wheelchair-accessible sidewalks and parents pushing strollers. There seems to be a lot of trees in the conceptual plan; but will there be money for them? This has been in the works for many years (before the proposed hotel presented their plans). How will the town prevent bicyclists from taking up all the spots, considering that they already do that on Railroad Avenue, near the senior center? In the end, nothing is perfect, and improvements and more parking are welcome.
SENIORS – LUNCHES: NOTE: I see there is something new in this month’s Senior Center LUNCH flier — those NOT 60+ in Lyons will now have to pay $12 for their meal. — this includes your children, grandchildren, visiting friend, neighbor, relative, etc. Sorry to hear that (It’s the actual cost to BoCoAging —which Lyons Longevity fought to keep at a more reasonable price a few years back… and settled at $8.25.)
ELECTRICAL OUTAGE Tuesday – due to strong winds (report by town hall)Early this morning, strong winds blew over a large tree trunk from a tree along the North side of East Main St, across from the Black Bear Hole. The tree that blew over also took out a large utility pole in its path. The town’s electrical contractor was on site working on the repair beginning around 7 am this morning. While they were disconnecting lines the strong winds also caused the loose wires in the air to arc 3 times. The system corrected itself each time, power flickered but remained up town-wide. However, the outage affected a number of business on East Main St. until a new pole and repairs were finished just before 4 pm.
MURAL NEWS: WHAT ANIMAL WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO REPRESENT LYONS? Local artist Android Jones has been given the go-ahead to put a huge mural on the front of town hall with a variety of animals. The library collected dozens of suggestions as to what particular animal they would like to see there. LAHC brought the top five suggested to the residents at the opening of the newest art show at the library. Voting is open for a week.
The 2nd quarter art show was a big success – between the nice weather and the “friendly themes,” residents came with big smiles on their maskless faces. The exhibit at Town Hall had to do with “joy,” and the one at the library showed a lifetime’s worth of art by local artist Anita Hall, which also expressed joy of life.
Sign up for Boulder County (fire) ALERTS:
https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612231/login They are working on a new system, but don’t delay – sign up for this account now. Free.
ANTLER SEASON: This week, one bull near Lyons lost both his antlers, another one lost just one, and two still have theirs. ==NOTE: You can’t collect antlers on public lands until after April 30th. This is due to aggressive people chasing the deer, such as in ATV’s or with dogs, and getting them to crash into trees, etc. to loosen their antlers! Oh, no! nasty. You can take casual hikes, but stay far away from the deer and elk, and especially from the “mothers” who need all the strength they can get after winter.
EASTER SERVICE at Wildflower is back! == The Stone Cup says: It’s been a long two years, but we’re back! Join us for Easter at Planet Bluegrass, Sunday April 17th at 11am. Music provided by local musicians and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids follows the celebration. The service will be held outdoors so dress warm. Bring your own chairs or blanket.
Boulder LIBRARY DISTRICT: for those of you watching the development of a Library District in Boulder which would give the libraries and the VERY important Carnegie “history archives” library an independent means of financial support, this week, they had their first meeting on it (in many months) and it lasted SIX Hours!! City Council/County Commission heard public support outnumbering opposition by a margin of 2-to-1. Supporters felt it was a big step toward this fall’s ballot. However, write-in support was mainly against it, so write (online) the Council as to why it should happen. (THIS SAVED our Library in LYONS!!) The ceiling for the district’s proposed property tax was set at 3.8 mills. Go here to get some tips on “talking points” and to submit your email letter:
HIGH WINDS and SMALL FIRE: on Tuesday and Thursday there were very high winds along the Front Range. The fastest one Tuesday was 116 mph! Boulder had 76mph; DIA 57mph. On Wednesday there was a small wildfire, which was put out within an hour or two (100%) near North Shananhan Ridge (south of NCAR).
DROUGHT: Colorado is in drought according to the “charts,” but we are in the lowest category. However, if you look at California, they only have 38% of their normal snowfall! Even after the “record breaking” December snowfall! It’s a shaky start to the year for the US.
TREE LIMBS: There are two (2) curbside limb pickups budgeted for in the 2022 Town budget.
WEST NILE DISEASE: Colorado recorded the most West Nile cases in 18 years! I guess staying home more has its consequences! Stop doing your office work on your deck! (ha)
Donations to ”County Sheriffs of Colorado” is a scam! CSOC NEVER calls for donations.
Funds for CHILD CARE: Larimer County CHILD CARE FUND is launching a new scholarship program this month, with $350,000 in funding. This is an expansion of the United Way’s Child Care Fund to provide ongoing funding to help ensure that all children in the county have access to quality care. They are creating a single-access point, and equity in the early childhood sector. First come- first serve– April 4 to 25. See criteria to apply. Paid to child care providers on behalf of the family each month for one year. (and possibility to reapply annually). Scholarship recipients will be limited to paying up to 15% of their income on child care, freeing up resources for other household needs like rent, utilities and health care. Visit www.uwaylc.org=========== You can also donate to the fund, and are eligible for the CO Child Care Contribution Tax Credit. This credit allows individuals and businesses to claim a 50% state income tax credit for qualified contributions.
====== see Boulder County’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) /or/ go to CARE Foothills United Way, serving Boulder and Broomfield counties, Colorado======
Call 211 = tax help = need help and don’t think you can afford it? – Get info on Community service organizations that can help == they’ll point people in the right direction on tax questions. Dialing 211 can put callers in touch with a range of social services.
CATS in Boulder – Purrfect Pause is a cat themed entertainment center, boutique, cafe, and cat sanctuary. Coming soon to Boulder, CO. – what fun! – 5290 Araphhoe
EASTER: I have updated the “Churches” page that is (permanently) in the Lyons Recorder under “Community Resources” for EASTER WEEK services and activities. – Also 3 local churches will have Easter Egg Hunts. The one in LaVern Johnson park is put on for the public by Calvary Foothills Church. And the Pavilion Easter Service is back on.
APRIL is POETRY MONTH – would you like to submit a poem you wrote for our annual month of poems by locals? Please write us today at LyonsRecorder.Editor@gmail.com
NPR has a talk on POETRY: Encore: NPR’s ‘Life Kit’ Shows You How to Get into Poetry – listen to it (4 minutes) or read the transcribed text: Introduction: If you’ve ever thought about giving poetry a shot but find it dense or difficult to understand, NPR’s Life Kit has got this guide for you on how to read poetry.
======JOBS =======
Almost every restaurant and cafe in town is advertising for “help wanted.” Go inside and ask.
School News===========
The senior PROM and After-Prom happened over the weekend! We will be doing a short article and big photo spread of this wonderful event!
The Elementary School BINGO Fundraiser has been rescheduled. Please plan to join in virtually on April 22nd! Raffle ticket orders are ongoing. See the PTO for more info.
Government News
See a brief summary of the Board of Trustee Meeting 4/7/22.
MEET your Colorado Attorney General: One of the persons MOST familiar with election integrity in Colorado is our Attorney General Phil Weiser. Phil will visit Estes Park on April 14 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at The Stanley Hotel (333 East Wonderview Avenue). This is a fundraising. Here is an RSVP “flier” link.
The House Agriculture, Livestock & Water Committee this week passed legislation to better inform agricultural workers and employers of their rights to improved working conditions and other educational resources. HB22-1308 would create a multilingual online portal for workers to access critical labor resources and provide grants to employers for workplace improvements.
Boulder County is proposing to issue General Floodplain Development Permit (General FDP) 2022-1, with the intent to allow certain limited uses and activities in the Floodplain Overlay (FO) District without the need for an approved Individual FDP because these specific uses and activities have been determined to have minimal or no impact on flood hazards. Some projects permitted by the General FDP still require notification of the County Engineer. Comments are open till April 18. View the draft General Floodplain Permit (FDP) 2022-1 (It is scheduled to become effective April 21)
TOWN OF LYONS: April 12 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm for a meet and greet before the community comprehensive plan open house on the outside patio at the library. Afterwards, from 6:30 – 8 pm, the town is also hosting a community open house to review the Draft Plan Framework for the Comprehensive Plan. Residents will be asked to review the guiding principles and goals that will guide Lyons for the next 10-20 years. == LYONS RECORDER ARTICLE ” Meet Your New Trustees”
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.
==MARCH SENIOR NEWS. As usual we have a TON of tips, links, and more in the MONTHLY article!
==LYONS LIBRARY
Colorado Parks & Wildlife have free clinics /and/ seminars all year long for hunting and fishing, from kids to adults, and all genders, for notice and experienced. See our article.
Check out the new pavilion in the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Last week they had Judy Collins performing, and later in April Crystal Gayle will perform. They also have a permanent magician act.
RMNP *FREE* dates are: April 16, August 4, September 24, November 11. Entrance fee is waived but you still must have obtained a timed entry reservation permit online beforehand.
BLUEGRASS JAMS: Did you know there are TWO WEEKLY Bluegrass jams in town? Oskar Blues has one on Tuesdays, and MainSTage has one on Thursdays. See our calendar for more details .
SOFTBALL League SEASON: Time to get ready for the 2022 season. https://www.townoflyons.com/…/Register-for-Recreation… See message from team manager in our Things to Do weekly article.
PLANET BLUEGRASS Tickets for RESIDENTS == FESTIVAL TIX
Folks Fest tickets go on sale on May 4th at 8 a.m.! We still have a few one-day Friday and Sunday Rockygrass tix left, too. See the Stone Cup for tickets.
April 8 – Rockies Opening Game (looks like 70 degree day!)
APRIL IS LATIN AMERICAN MONTH AT THE LYONS LIBRARY – Numerous!!! Programs, and lectures all month long, with the finale April 30 – 4-6 p.m. – Library: Workshop/This event is in the “Adults” group. See our Article: Baile Latino- FIESTA!
LYONS FILM FESTIVAL – the Popular film festival is back! Live, in person, films and some speakers. The festival is April 29-30 at The Prickly Pear on Main St.. For details and tickets go HERE
April 13, 2022 @ 6:30pm. “What Age Can Teach You” – at the Lyons library, 6:30p.m. See our ARTICLE – 4 seniors speak for 15 minutes each; Q&A.
EASTER EGG HUNT –and Church Services: “Churches” page for details on programs and services.
COVID-19 NEWS=====
See our ARTICLE this week with updates, and the “Test and Treat” immediately option.
Help Wanted, Lyons Recorder=====
TECH HELP — Can you spare a day each month to help with Tech work on our newspaper? Do you know WordPress?
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 37 local writers!
Write once a month, once a quarter, or once a year!
Send us your ideas for consideration.
Our next series is on local artists.
For more information, write to: LyonsRecorder.Editor@gmail.com
This Week’s Articles:
LOTS of LOCAL NEWS THIS WEEK!!
==SENIOR NEWS: our popular monthly article has EASTER memories, tips, scam warnings, save money, activities, medical news, birthdays, and more
==Lyons Library has Latin-American inspired programs ALL Month! check it out
==APRIL is NATIONAL Poetry Month – we will have one *Local* poem each week – submit yours today! – This week is “Ukrainian Tears”
==Board of Trustee Meeting MINUTES – Brief notes on 2 liquor licenses, 2 people being honored, the “L” mountain property lease, and a mouse whose roar was not heard.
==”What AGE CAN TEACH YOU” – library program featuring 4 Lyons seniors who will share fascinating stories (15 minutes each), Q&A.
==TIME TO RENEW LICENSES & PERMITS — Town Parks parking, Eco Pass, Dog License
==COVID latest news — read about the “Test & Treat” quick plan
==”Raise the Future” – how you can help the Foster Care Kids 4/13/22
==CO Parks & Wildlife WANT YOU to learn to fish and hunt; from kids to adults; and women only backcountry classes (& some free equipment!) Novice to experienced.
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==NEWS BRIEFS & NOTES from your editor – “News Announcements” that are too short to have their own article.
Covering Government, Covid, Activities, Town, Businesses, School, and Town ”gossip”.
==”Your To Do List” – APRIL – find out details about upcoming activities, classes, deadlines, and more.
==ABOUT TOWN by LaVern Johnson, tid bits of news from around town.
ENJOY!
MY WEEKLY MESSAGE OF CARE:
Following up with my introductory paragraph… if you are overwhelmed with stress… anxiety… depression… here is where you can seek help:
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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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