Businesses opening, and closing, summer 2023
SimBLISSity, 4559 Ute Hwy
SimBLISSity Tiny Homes is closing their business at 4559 Ute Highway (near the intersection of Hwy 36 & 66). Byron Fears had a public sale of construction materials, and more, in mid-June. In the past nine years SimBLISSity has built nearly 100 custom Tiny Homes, Gypsy Wagons and musical stages. They have helped many people transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. They will no longer build Tiny Homes. Byron and Dot will continue building custom Gypsy Wagons at their property in Bliss Canyon. Art Dudley will be building part time with them as well.
Byron and Dot have taken great pride in “Saving the planet one Tiny Home at a time”. They have been committed to reducing people’s impact on the planet by providing smaller, more energy efficient Tiny Homes. For more info feel free to call Byron at 303-885-5991
BamaLu, 304 Main Street
BamaLu is a custom hat company, that will also be selling vintage, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces. They will offer a very limited number of classic, old-style cocktails. They will have light snacks and finger foods available. “It’s basically a custom hat store with items reflective of the Old Rocky Mountain West,” said Shauna Lee. It is located at 304 Main Street (the previous Dr. Johnstone, dentist building, who recently retired).
The owners applied for a New Tavern Liquor License at Town Hall, and currently have all their licenses. Town Staff will conduct an on-site inspection of the premises upon completed renovations and State approval. The anticipated opening date of BamaLu is mid- to late-July. Welcome to Shauna Lee in her new venture, and Luke Wilson, hatmaker.
Change in Lyons Dentists
DENTIST Dennis Johnstone, D.M.D.
This year marks the 50 year anniversary of Dentist Dennis Johnstone working as a dentist. It is also the time that he has declared his retirement, this past June. He acquired the practice in 2003 from another Lyons dentist who retired. Dr. Johnstone received his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry (DMD) from the University of Oregon, served in the U.S. Army as a dentist in Germany; and then opened a dental practice in Arvada, Colorado. He spent 24 years in Arvada before coming to Lyons.
Dr. Johnstone also supported local causes. His wife, Christy Crosser was active in Lyons Community Foundation for many years, doing great things, before leaving to work in Estes Park. Many people spoke of his kindly treatment, and thorough services as the town dentist, and he will be greatly missed.
DENTIST Derrick Johnson, D.M.D.
Hearing that the town of Lyons would be having an opening in dental services, Dentist Derrick Johnson decided to take advantage of it and open an office. He will be opening a dental practice in the unoccupied medical building in Winter Plaza, across from Oskar Blues & Grill. Dr. Johnson (not a relation to Dennis, and no “t” in his name!) hopes to open in October. Current information states that he will take over the entire building. He is currently working at a dental practice in Longmont on Hover.
Dr. Johnson attended dental school at Boston University where he met his wife Shannan. Both served many years in active military service, and enjoyed the travelling aspect. But that has come to an end. He is a Colorado native, and initially attended the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he majored in Biology and Music. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, Spear Study Club, WhiteCap Implant Institute, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the CEREC Mentor group.
Also see our upcoming article giving an update on the businesses that were located in the burnt out, or smoke-damaged stores on Main Street. We are still waiting for some responses, as the owners had both business losses and traumatic feelings to deal with.
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