NEWS Briefs & NOTES from your editor, 9/1/22
Dear Readers,
Most people look at Labor Day as being the start of fall …this weekend… although the temperature still being in the 90s may not feel like that. Pretty much every good-size town is having some kind of festival. But maybe you just want to end the stressful, super busy summer with a small backyard barbecue?
The September calendar for Lyons is looking pretty dull. The only two highlights are: the Mabon Festival at Planet Bluegrass, which has expanded to three days and has an impressive lineup(see the ARTICLE), and the start of sports at the Middle/High School. (Come on out Saturday for the Annual BBQ and first home football game).
It’s the two-year anniversary this month of the weekly Lyons Recorder being under my management. In one way the time has flown (2 years? Really?) and in other ways, it’s been a long hard journey. Despite it not having a “pay wall” so that all people can learn the news, we still have our expenses, and need your help. If you have read the newspaper most of this year, can you make a $10 contribution, as a symbol of appreciation? Click on this LINK and do it now, if you chose. It will be much appreciated. Help support “small town newspapers.”
2 Year Anniversary – we will highlight each week in September a newspaper page from 10 years ago! Wait till you see the fun we will have with it!
Have fun this Labor Day weekend!
………Many Thanks, Kathleen Spring, your editor
==NEWS TID BITS==
See Also THINGS TO DO events page
Weather this past week: We’re moving into September, and weather in the 90s continues, and the only thing that has changed is that there is no rain predictions.
ALL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED on Monday, Labor Day, that includes the post office and library.
====CONSTRUCTION=====
(some of this was updated Thurs. 8/25 afternoon / I will repeat it for those who are early Thursday readers)
==BLACK BEAR HOLE: I talked with the construction workers and they said Wednesday was their last day there, and now the Town will be putting up their signs, so it will be open soon!
==HWY 7 – if you havent been downtown lately, you may not have noticed, the one lane blockage at the bridge. There are traffic signals, not just signs! which means you may have a three minute wait to cross the bridge. === PER THE TOWN: During the initial phase of work, crews will replace the sidewalks and make bridge deck repairs. This is expected to last for approximately four weeks. Work will begin on the northbound (east side) of the bridge and switch to the southbound (west side) once the east side is complete. Two-way bridge traffic will be down to one lane, managed by temporary traffic signals. The second phase of work consists of scour removal and riprap protection with no traffic impacts to CO 7. This work will last for an additional three weeks.
==8/18 the last section of I-70 was closed before the final unveiling of the revised road layout. The upper part, on top of I-70, will have a park on it, for the neighborhood that was disturbed by the original route taking up homes.
==The Americom work on Hwy. 36 will NOT be done by September! I just talked with a construction worker, and they are now saying it will probably be November. I saw, as I was driving, that a lot of areas between Pinewood and Estes are lacking cabling and towers. I have contacted both Americom and the construction company Crown to get the facts, and will publish them in our ARTICLE next week with other “Construction in Town.”
CONSTRUCTION SHAKE UP: On August 25, some people in Lyons felt their homes shake. It was said to be from the Summit Construction project blasting. It was felt as far as the high school, and Stone Canyon. Two homeowners reported a window broken!
===========END of Construction=====
NEXT TOWN 4th Quarter ART SHOW: will be hung Friday, October 7th. The creations by LAHC Commissioners (past and present) will be presented in the Library. The Town Hall show is open to all residents, of all ages, with the theme being “Thanks. Giving. – Tis the season.”
August 26 – September 5, 2022 – Colorado State Fair in Pueblo ($14 adults; $7 those 5 to 12 years old)
LONGMONT REC CTR CLOSED FOR CLEANING: Every year, the City’s recreation facilities close for maintenance on systems and equipment. The Longmont Recreation Center, 310 Quail Road, will be closed Aug. 28 through Sept. 4. The swimming pools and hot tub are currently closed through Sept. 11. Please visit the Memorial Building, Centennial Pool and Sunset Pool during the closure. For information regarding fitness class changes, visit longmontcolorado.gov/fitness or call 303 774-4752.
SEPTEMBER is SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH: More than half of kids ages 11 to 17 years old report thoughts of suicide and self-harm. If you have teens, be sure you have posted in your home the phone number: 844-493-TALK “Safe to Tell” line, to help with the increase in cyberbullying. === Colorado has one of the highest rates of suicides, of all ages, in the country. You would think with our great open spaces, fresh air, places to play and meditate, that there would be more healthy people than in more congested states. We will have an article by our local wellness counselor Janaki Jane with tips on how you can help yourself and others. === CRISIS CONTACT INFO: We supply weekly (1) In our “Things to Do” and in our (2) monthly “Senior News”, and (3) daily in our “Community Resources” (pull down menu on front page) many phone numbers and agency names that you can refer to for help.
SENIORS! TWO FUN EVENTS
==Picnic in the Park (LaVern Johnson Park), 11:30 to 1:30p.m. (note the new time), Wednesday, September 21, free, seniors 55+ years old; but please register so that there will be enough food. Picnic buffet and games.
==Senior Bus Trip to the Denver Zoo – 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday, September 26, REGISTER NOW as this was the #1 favorite trip to do in the 2022 Senior survey, and seats will go fast! See “Things to Do” for all the details!! lramsey@townoflyons.com or 303-823-6622 x30
LIBRARY OCTOBER – the library has added three art/craft classes in October. You can register now at their web site. We will publish more info here in a week or two. – see our ARTICLE last week about the SEPTEMBER schedule (which, they did not list “art” yet).
WILDLIFE REPORT:
===Bobcat sighted in a couple different locations in Lyons. (It did not state the street names) It ate a chicken. 8/27/22
RADIO PRODUCTION: The Auditions went very well for the Radio Broadcast production being put together here in Lyons by Barney Dreistadt. It sounds like he is a pro at this, looking at his list of “to do’s”, which will attract more quality and/or enthusiastic people. Barney added a second audition, which took place Wednesday. If you still want to help, contact him, and, if nothing else, you could be a backup person in case someone has to drop out. And, there are positions other than “voice acting.” Barney added: “Since there are some key technical issues, especially with the way the sound system should work, we do need to .tap into some technical advice. Also, there will be some minimal costuming, including a couple of fedoras and trench coats.” The production will take place in October.
BOO, MOON… sorry to say NASA’s plans to launch a rocket to the moon to restart the “space program” was scrubbed on last Monday due to engine problems. They say it will happen on Saturday 9/3/22, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
BUSES: Along with the resumption of fare collection, RTD will continue its transition to a new account-based ticketing system, which will allow for transactions to post in near real time. New validators are being installed on buses and rail platforms. Cash and paper tickets will continue to be accepted as valid fare. (Those with ECO or College Pass are not affected by this) See our ARTICLE 8/17/22, for more details.
SPORTS, 4-TIME WINNERS – Lyons Lions high school girls softball team did great this past week! == Thursday, 8/25 vs Limon – Won // Saturday they beat Niwot in game 1, ==and also beat Peak to Peak in the afternoon game. They also beat Timnath on Tuesday, so 4 wins! Congrats! Erin Puzo Hay says, “My oldest daughter, Gylian Hay, was the one holding the softball in the 2021 photo in the Lyons Recorder article. Now her younger sister is joining the ranks- MacKenzie (Mac) Hay inheriting her #13” SEE ARTICLE for photo of this year’s winning team! (We have requested a photograph of the team earlier this week, and will publish it hopefully next week).
RATTLESNAKES: Some people have been seeing rattlesnakes round their homes, and they think it is because of their mouse problem. So a lot of people gave homemade remedies. They didn’t like poisoning them because the excruciating way it kills the mice, but said it was better to drown them in a bucket of water. See our ARTICLE on why snakes can be good to have, and laws on killing or removing them.
GARDENING TOUR & TIPS from the Rocky Mt. Botanic Garden September 10th (See Things to Do) See ARTICLE next week.
PET DOGS: The Denver Dumb Friends League is overfilled with dogs, and can’t take any more. If you were thinking of adopting, this is the time to do it! Now that the pandemic is over, some people are returning to jobs and can’t take care of their pets anymore. Sad, but true. (The Aurora humane society is taking dogs but by appointment only. They are also almost filled to capacity).
UPDATE on Lyons Community Foundation’s 2nd Annual Hootenanny at River Bend, August 28 – LEAF and LCF are glad to report that the event was a big success! The live music concert of Daniel Rodriquez and Friends drew more people than ever. There were 70 Silent Auction items (vs. 40 last year), and the bids were high, and many items luxurious. The dances of the Mayama kids were so fun. And, the corn hole tournament and duck race brought great cheers! (and cash prizes). While there was a brief rain cloud over head, the majority of the event was sunny, with the sunny smiles of the kids playing in the Kids Space. We will have a couple of photos to share in our monthly “Stroll” article.
TOWN BUSINESS UPDATES – 3 articles: ==This week we have updates on 20 businesses in Lyons who have “NEWS” to share, including new shops, and closings. It’s so big that we are splitting it into three articles (1) tid bits/ news briefs on 16 businesses, and (2) 3 new places open (3) PLUS, we will highlight in an article the new gourmet restaurant in town, Marigold.
ANNUAL BBQ & FOOTBALL GAMES – September 2nd. See our Things to do for more details, including the low cost. This is a big event in town! Come on down and cheer on the team, and see your neighbors. (We also have in our SCHOOL NEWS article how you can get discount tickets for the entire AT HOME season)
3 Front Range PROGRAMS – Lyons Quarry Hike (Boulder Open Space) // Coffin Family Home tour (90 minutes) at Sandstone Ranch (park), Longmont // Geology Hike, Sandstone Ranch, Longmont === Three great programs put on by the city of Longmont in September. See our “Things to Do’’ page (or go to the town’s web site) to Register. == eg, Evening Hike to Woods Quarry== a fun hike to Woods Quarry! Follow naturalist Suzanne Michot to one of the historic Lyons sandstone quarries within the City of Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks. Find out about this unique place and the interesting plants and animals of the area. You will also learn the history and geology of the quarry. Three miles round trip, 700 ft elevation gain.
RMNP == Rocky Mt Natl. Park is still on reservation system this month – Note, The Milner Pass Parking Area and trailhead will be closed to all users beginning on Wednesday, September 7, for the construction of a new vault toilet facility. This project is anticipated to be completed by mid-October, as weather and conditions permit. Located 4.3 miles west of Alpine Visitor Center along Trail Ridge Road.
LYONS CREATES SURVEY—still a little time left to fill out their survey 9/6/22. This is for BOTH artists and the General Public to voice their opinion. (It is anonymous). Let them know what you think of the Lyons arts/culture community, what we have that is great, and what we are lacking. Here is one sample question, which shows YOU really need to give them your input: As part of the development of a Lyons Creative District, we are exploring resources to support a full-time staffed organization with a space to support arts-based initiatives in Lyons. What do you think would be the most important function of this organization? https://www.lyonscreates.org/
The US POST OFFICE LOBBY and boxes are now open 24 hours. The broken door is fixed.
SCHOOL IS IN! Remember to STOP for school buses! Do NOT pass them! And do not pass cars that are dropping off kids. It is dangerous, but you could also get a big driving penalty. Those who violate Colorado’s school bus law are subject to fines of up to $300, with a mandatory court appearance and six points on a driver’s license. A second offense within a five-year period has a fine up to $1,000. Violating school bus traffic laws is considered a class-one or class-two misdemeanor offense. (2019)
FIRE RESTRICTIONS EXPIRE: Larimer County Sheriff and County Commissioners will let the Fire Restrictions expire (not renew). Because of above-normal moisture levels, and cooler temperatures it expired on August 29, 2022, at 12:01 p.m.
======3 FAREWELLS This Week========
Sage +Grace Botanicals will be closing their store after this weekend (and operating in a workshop). They have a huge sale going on. (see our “BIZ NEWS” article).
Annie the bartender at Oskar Blues for 17 years. Her last day was August 31. She had a great many people wishing her good luck and thanks! I posted a message on Facebook Lyons Happenings, and on the first day alone, there were 98 LIKES! wow! Good luck Annie in your new endeavors!
***Repeat*** BYE from STONE CUP TALLENTS:
“After 18 years of tending to our beloved Stone Cup, Sam and I have made the decision to retire. Our final day of business will be September 5th, however we are in talks with several interested parties. The Stone Cup will be closed during this transition, but stay tuned for new fun things on the horizon at 442 High Street. We’ll miss so much about our roles as stewards of Lyons’ Front Porch and everything we have shared with the community through the years, but we’re ready to relax, spend more time with family and friends, enjoy our home, and embark on some new adventures. Stop by and say “hi” over the next two weeks! We’ll be open 7:30am-2pm, Wed-Sun, through Sept 4th and on Monday, Sept 5th, 7:30am-1pm.”
Board of Trustee News
=====BOARD Of TRUSTEE NEWS=====
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEETING: two “2nd Reading Ordinances” are open for PUBLIC comment. (1)The BOT will also have the SECOND READING – Public Hearing – Ordinance 1129 – An Ordinance Of The Town Of Lyons, Colorado Authorizing The Buy- And- Sale Of Property Located At 2157 Apple Valley Road. <correction:> This is about the “water tank” property. For the actual document, click here: https://www.townoflyons.com/Agenda…/ViewFile/Item/10692… (2) GUN ORDINANCES — we briefly summarize the recent Gun Regulation laws that are either being discussed or passed in Lyons, Boulder city, and Boulder County in our weekly NEWS BRIEFS below. — 2nd Reading of Lyons proposed laws are on the 9/6/22 Agenda: https://www.townoflyons.com/…/Agenda/_09062022-2021…
Please note, if you wish to comment on it, come to the Town Board of Trustee meeting on TUESDAY 9/6/22 (delayed one day due to holiday)… or send in your letter according to their instructions–
GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT:
Four cities or counties (Superior, Boulder and Louisville) in Colorado have passed strict gun regulation laws, and all are being challenged recently. They are currently attempting to join the cases together and try them as one. The City of Boulder announced it will temporarily pause the enforcement of its assault weapons and large-capacity magazine ban. Lyons’ recent laws, passed in August, do not fit the criteria and are not being challenged in court…yet. Our mayor was on Colorado TV Channel 7, 8/20/22, stating what was happening in Lyons. Lyons would ban open carry within town limits. However, that would not apply to private businesses, residences or within vehicles, with concealed weapons being allowed, with permits. Secondly, the town would ban the sale of firearms and ammunition within the downtown commercial district, which it currently not happening in Lyons, anyway. The Supreme Court ruling is that you cannot ban the sale of guns, but you can put conditions on it. ===See our July ARTICLE about Boulder County. == The Colorado state legislators passed a law last year to end preemption in the state; and it gives locals more freedom to come up with their own ordinances. They are allowed to be more restrictive than state laws when it comes to firearms, but they cannot be less restrictive. The main conflict is around banning of assault weapons. == The proposal unanimously passed its first reading on August 15. A second reading, where public input will be allowed, is set for September 6. If it passes, it would then then take another month for the final resolution to be adopted. (Note, the Town is closed on Monday, Labor Day.)
To see the AGENDA and the exact wording, go to the Town Board of Trustee Agenda page for 9/6/22. = ORD 1127 – PROHIBITING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SALES AND MANUFARUING IN THE CD ZONE; and AMENDMENT of CHAPTER 16_PROHIBITING FIREARMS SALES MANUFACTURING AND AMMO SALES; AMENDING SECTION 16-3-210 OF THE LM (this was “sic”, copy and paste)
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: There are two multi-family houses (with many tenants) in Lyons that have gone up for sale. The Town has advised Boulder County about them, with the hopes that they can help prevent them from being turned into expensive housing. I’m guessing that means they’d like to see Boulder County buy them.
Board LIASONS reported that the (1) Historic Preservation Commission (2) Economic/EVC and (3) Housing/HSSC could not meet due to no quorum.
Special Workshop before the normal Board meeting: 8/16/22, 6:20 PM – 7:00 PM, 25 Golfcart Registration Program. Discussion/Direction to Staff on Developing a Golf Cart Registration Program – Director. ===At the BOT meeting: Director Caplan presented; discussion on trails that will allow golf carts; liability insurance requirements. Board consensus is to have staff come back with an Ordinance on golf cart requirements as discussed.
===============END of Board of Trustee===========
………..you came here and read all these Goodies?! Pass on the Word… tell people what they are missing!
2 year anniversary, September 2022: Please make a contribution to the Lyons Recorder for this year’s articles, if you found many useful and/or entertaining articles! Thank You! We are savings Lyons “everyday history” for posterity.
Go to THINGS TO DO for details on Activities and Events, listed by date
