NEWS Briefs & NOTES from your editor, 7/18/24
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.
Dear Readers,
I understand there have been about seven major acts of violence in the past few years with regard to political differences. The latest one was an attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump at a campaign rally on July 5. Most key politicians are calling out for “unity” and to not frame people who disagree with you politically as “the enemy,” but rather as someone with a different opinion, with whom you can disagree and state your facts.
Live TV can give us a snippet of what people are saying. All of the talk show hosts have stated on their Monday shows somber monologues that there is no place in America for political violence. This goes for statements published by both candidates running for the office of President. People were warned to stay off of social media for a few days, as it dramatically stirs up angry emotions. China and Russia are using software to produce posts that denigrate the candidate that they do not want to win.
Then… most have proceeded to play around with what can and cannot be said, without stirring up more violence. President Biden, and the talk show hosts, and newscasters feel that if they are stating facts, then they can continue to issue negative and positive statements. Trump is at the Republican convention, and it is hoped that he will not declare lies or do name calling to negatively stir up his followers.
The bottom line is… we need to encourage people (including YOU, your friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers) to resolve their political differences peacefully. Talk about policy, based on facts. Tone down the rhetoric, and (force? yourself) to Listen more.
…….. from your editor, Have a good day, Kathleen Spring
WEATHER REPORT
Boulder experienced the driest May and June, on record. We did not even get one inch of rain. NOTE: Last year, May and June were the WETTEST on record! — June was the 2nd hottest on record, in Colorado. — Lyons/Front Range is in the #2 Severe Drought category as of this week. === Hurricane Beryl was the first ever to happen this early in the year (usually it is September): due to warming Gulf waters.
Locally: The weather on the 4th of July was perfect. Weather jumped around with 70s to 80s. But, the following week, it was the last of our 80s. On July 11 it was 98 and that was the start of the heat wave, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday being at 100 or more, setting records. That included heat advisory and ozone active days, and warnings of “dry lighting”. (On Saturday the 101 broke a record from 1878) Our normal average temperature in July is 90 degrees. The week continued in the 90s. We are happy to see that the rest of this week, and next week will be in the 80s, with lows around 60 at night, and a chance of rainstorms every afternoon.
The SW was again getting the brunt of the “inhumane” hot weather, from San Diego, to Las Vegas (120 on 7/7) to Arizona (118-120). They suffered weather at 100 and above from mid-June to mid-July.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
MEMORIAL: Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Jeryca Phelps, on Saturday, August 3rd at Rocky Mountain Pathways Ranch, located at 15747 State Highway 7 in Allenspark, Co. from 3PM-7PM. We will have an outdoor Ceremony in the Upper Meadow followed by a Reception down in the Lodge. The Family is asking your assistance in passing this information along to anyone you know who would want to attend. (We will post on numerous Facebook Walls and local papers, but some folks might not have access to these. Your help in getting the word out would be greatly appreciated.) — See original Obituary HERE.
LYONS PARKS RULES: reservations and residents’ rights. There was a lot of hot discussion on Lyons Happenings/Facebook about this during the past week. You READERS are lucky because you had all the details in an ARTICLE published this spring in the Recorder. It is even MORE thorough than the “news release” e-blast that the Town sent out trying to explain it. — Note, we had Town personnel join us in preparing the article so that the facts were up to date, and correct.
OUTAGE on Saturday 7/14/24: PVREA was out near Pinewood and on Stone Mountain and east for a couple hours; as well as Oskar’s X-Bar.
BIG HORN animal HIT on Hwy 36 near Big Elk Meadows 7/13/24.
BIG ELK MEADOWS: Did you know that they have a monthly COMMUNITY Breakfast/social gathering on Saturday mornings, once a month? Check their Facebook page, or contact organizers: to Shelia Leonard and Kathy Broome. (We’ve previously mentioned a couple of times, the Pinewood Springs monthly evening social).
7/15/24 Terrible accident with motorcycle at Hwy. 36 and Neva at 245 p.m.. Hwy 36 is closed north of Neva, and traffic is being routed around it.
Pinewood Springs residents are asking their neighbors to please drive 20mph on their gravel/dirt streets, to prevent deep grooves and damage.
Hurricane Beryl greatly damaged Jamaica, but DESTROYED 95% !!! of the homes in St. Vincent and Grenadines. Please consider donating to RED CROSS today. For more info, go HERE.
DONATE BLOOD – urgently needed! Go to VITALANT web site to schedule an appointment. (there is also a contest for a car! enter, when donating)
ROCKY FLATS, on TV this week: The Lyons Recorder did an extensive article about the dangers of plutonium exposures at Rocky Flats, based on the book, which contained deeply researched findings by Kristen Iverson, a few weeks ago. On July 15, a two protest groups attended the Westminster town meeting to state their objection to developing a raised ‘trail’ in the area, which would be partially paid for by Westminster (as well as Boulder city and county). The local tv stations covered it, and showed several minutes of the people giving their reasoning. A few years ago, the two groups and people were able to stop a similar construction project.
- —-our ARTICLE
- —-Rocky Flats Downwinders Organization: A community organization advocating for residents living downwind from Rocky Flats. LINK
- —-To learn more, visit Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center at rmpjc.org, where you’ll find a documentary film called “The Encirclement.”
**CLICK IT OR TICKET IT** JULY! Deadliest Month!
=======Don’t let a seat belt citation get in the way of enjoying a beautiful summer day in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Transportation is supporting efforts by the Colorado State Patrol and 61 law enforcement agencies to get more people to buckle. The Click it or Ticket (CIOT) campaign runs from Monday, July 22 through Friday, August 2. During that time there will be increased awareness and enforcement of Colorado’s seat belt law. ======Recently Jefferson Police Department, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and Loveland Police Department reported the highest number of seat belt citations during the April and May CIOT enforcement periods.========== Last year nine counties in Colorado reported that all of their passenger vehicle deaths involved people who were not using seat belts. The state average is 50%. Also, July 2023 was the deadliest month in Colorado history with 91 traffic deaths, 30 of which were unbuckled drivers and passengers.
===ARTS & CULTURE ===
LAVERN Johnson STATUTE: The Lyons Arts & Humanities Commission. Unveiling July 24th. See ARTICLE for full details. Lyons is set to unveil a heartfelt tribute to one of its most beloved figures with the debut of the bronze sculpture honoring the late town matriarch, LaVern McConnell Johnson. This will be a big event, and you might want to walk to the Lyons Depot square, if you live downtown.
The “Living Dolls” art show at the Lyons library, and sponsored by LAHC, opened on Wednesday 7/17/24 to a big crowd of supporters of Kahlie Sue Pinello & Amanda Anderson . It included a “duo” opening at Town Hall of art by local area artists, with the theme “Wild Things.” You can see both shows during normal business hours. Afterwards folks headed to the 6:30 p.m. Sandstone Concert. A full evening of fun!
On July 10th, Lyons summer concert offered a tribute by Colorado Connection, A Bluegrass Album Band Tribute. Three concerts left to go for this summer! This week, Chris Daniels and the Kings had the crowd up and dancing during the 2nd song and had them dancing all night long. Some say it was the best show of the summertime.
July 21, 10a.m. – 1p.m. Boulder County Parks & Open Space will host the Summer Heritage Morning event on Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walker Ranch Homestead, 7701 Flagstaff Road. ==Visitors are invited to travel back to the late 1800s for this captivating historical event at the picturesque Walker Ranch Homestead. This immersive experience allows participants to explore the rich European settler history of the ranch, brought to life by friendly and knowledgeable costumed volunteers. More INFO here.
July 26-28 ROCKY GRASS Festival +++++++++ on Planet Bluegrass grounds. While this is a sell out; there are some tickets being sold Person-to-person on the www.bluegrass.com web site. Planet Bluegrass wants to defeat “ticket scalpers” and offers this free “Village” web site for people to exchange tickets and campground spaces. ====== See our 6/18/24 ARTICLE for details on the headliners /and/ local bands performing! — and then we’ll have a wrap up of “our favorite” acts of the weekend, with great photos! in the August edition of the newspaper. Our favorite music critic Dave McIntyre will be writing it all up for us. –===== Remember the LaVern Johnson PARK will be closed while being used by the “festival attendee parking.” July 24 to 29 (6 days) — RESIDENTS with ID can “walk thru” during the daytime. ====== There is a separate paid lot for attendees to park at, with a free shuttle bus, from Bohn Park to the Festival gates.
POETS: Estes Park library is starting up a poetry group, meeting every Monday at 6:15p.m. to share and enjoy others’ work and receive feedback on yours. Be sure to register so that the group continues throughout the summer. Go to their web site to register.
===SCHOOL ** and ** KID NEWS===
Schools will reopen in mid-August.
SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT: We still have a lot of amazing international high school students who are waiting anxiously to find out if a Colorado family will host them for a school year! If you have ever considered hosting an exchange student, now is the time! International exchange is good for both the student and the host family and it helps to further understanding among people of different cultures. If this is something you would be willing to do, please message me. Thank you!………. Rodney Gorman, rgorman@icesusa.org
MODEL KITS: Sonny Smith is starting up his “model kit” free craft class on Mondays from 3:30 – 5 p.m. at the Lyons library. All ages welcome. Kits, brushes, glue, and paints provided; or bring one you have been meaning to put together, for a while. — 7/19 update: Sonny says it will be every third Monday.
A post of Lyons Happenings was asking if her kids should attend Estes Park or Lyons High School, and many people posted high praise for Lyons: ==== Valerie Gardner said: Both of my sons attended Lyons school. 44 years ago. And 2 grandsons, 1 just graduated this year. This school has a lot to offer. Teachers and office staff are amazing. If a student needs help, teachers are willing to give them extra help. My opinion is, if a student is willing to do the work, the opportunities are endless. /// The most popular post was by: Kathleen Sherlock Morris who said: 5 of my children graduated from Lyons High as well as my grandson. I believe they have much more opportunity there versus a larger school. They were able to participate in band/choir while playing sports, honor society, cheer team, etc. (And believe me…they did it all) The majority of them carried high GPA’s. My grandson is on the spectrum…He didn’t have a single friend in Longmont middle school. He was treated really well at Lyons and they made him feel welcome. I highly recommend!
===BUSINESS===
SOME NEWS ON “SURROUNDING” BUSINESSES which I believe will be of interest to LYONS folks! =========
Claudia Skye Zimmermann of HEART STONE FARM Grand Opening – Saturday, July 20th from 12-10 pm.====Come and join us for all you can eat Little Thompson crawfish and farm meat samplings (pork, lamb, goat, chicken, duck) as well as beers, wines and sodas – for $25 (children under 13– $5). We are at 702 Ponderosa Hill Road and look forward to seeing you! === Take Hwy 36 to Blue Mtn. Road, and then Ponderosa Hill Rd., Lyons, CO. It is best to check it out on GPS, as it can get confusing.
The Grill Guy, a burger bar and more is located in Allenspark (Ferncliff) next to Ferncliff food and fuel. Newly opened, they are searching for : front and back of house workers to become apart of the team, enjoy the views, community, and food. If interested please call or text: 720-639-0061 forward to friends if you know anyone who may be interested
JOB: Bank of Estes Park is looking for a NIWOT bank manager/Loan Officer.
Palisade peaches. === Desert Edge Farm selling on weekend mornings at the Mountain Shop in Estes Park. === and Sommers Orchards (from Palisade) has a trailer at the little gas station as you enter Berthoud. On Thursdays.
EAT LUNCH: Someone posted on Lyons Happenings, what was a great place to have lunch in Longmont, and Rosa Cantina was the clear winner. – We unfortunately don’t have our LaMariposa Mexican restaurant open in Lyons, right now. Although you can eat a Mojo’s.
RTD hosts a job fair July 31, 2024.
===NATURE/Wildlife ===
HERB WALK & TALK in BOHN PARK: by expert herbalist Brigitt Mars. Fee is $25. Half will go to Lyons Community Farm Project. You will be amazed at what you will see! Plants that you have ignored, or loved, or hated, will have a whole new meaning to you. Many of them are edible, and some can be made into teas, and some can be used for “healing” purposes. July 21, 11 a.m. / email LyonsCFP@gmail.com
BOULDER CANYON Climbing area reopened after a “successful” nesting season!
Check out SUPER BLOOM. They are planting trees for a safer and greener America; making a sustainable future. They got $50,000 for research, and Boulder city and Lyons are part of the research, as to what areas need it the most.
AVIAN bird flu: 4 people have been confirmed to have mild cases of bird flu === 1 million+ chickens will have to be killed in 17 counties, with WELD being the worst hit. The government has declared a Disaster Emergency for Weld Co.
CHECK OUT THE FARM49 (on 49th Street, off Niwot Rd. ) offerings:
- DUCKLINGS — FREE BABY DUCKS: Colter Holt posted on Sunday 7/14: Hi everybody. We had a serious surprise when our female chocolate duck came off her nest and had NINETEEN ducklings w her! Nineteen!! (How is this even possible?) We would like to find a good home for most of them while they are still babies. Anybody interested? Both mother and father we rescued from separate bad situations awhile back and are both a light mocha color. They are GREAT with kids when this age as well and can bond with you. We suffer from Anasaphilia but can’t keep them all. Let me know if you, or anyone you know, might be interested. Not for sale. Just looking for good homes.
- note, they will be harvesting Sea Buckthorn Berries shortly (watch for info on Facebook, or contact them). They say: “They are a magical ancient anti-aging superfood.” Currently they are not selling it commercially. “We hope to have enough someday to sell commercially but we are new and the trees take several years to mature. We have a lot though and live to share with locals and offer to come pick it yourself for cheaper. We would love to offer it to locals that are interested in its qualities.”
- They also have cute furry rescued farm animals you can visit and fresh eggs. ====Please call and make an appointment: Farm49@farm49boulder.com Number: (720)514-9020
“Born to Be Wild” License Plates raised over $300,000 in SIX Months! The funds are aimed to reduce conflict between wolves and livestock. (see RockyMountainWolfProject.org for more info)
LAST WEEK TO GO TUBING!!?? comments posted on Facebook— Eric Freidman said: A little low for this time of year but otherwise great. Tubing season is only gonna be another couple weeks. /// Erin Daugherty Dobbs ==A lil low on spots. Started at The River Church. My sisters tube got a leak just after we went under the bridge by WeeCasa….that’s where we stopped. Had some moments where I should’ve lifted my backside a bit higher. I would imagine this coming weekend will be the final “fun” weekend unless we get some good rain this week.====== === re SUP – Stand Up Paddle board: Diane Dandeneau says: Too low. Very rocky now. 2nd Ave to November hole, after the confluence has enough water to get down
LONGS PEAK: with these unusually hot days, it’s a good time to consider your hopes of “one day” climbing our local highest peak!
RMNP ====(1) Fall River Entrance Construction—The construction is ongoing and should be complete later this summer. There is currently one lane in through the Fall River Entrance with one kiosk and two windows operations when staffing allows. ====(2) RMNP Grand Lake Entrance Construction—Construction has begun on the Grand Lake Entrance ranger station that was destroyed during the East Troublesome Fire in October of 2020. At least one lane entering the park and one lane exiting the park will be maintained during construction. ====(3) Old Fall River Road, located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. construction is completed and it is open. ===(4) Wild Basin Road will be closed to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance. The closure will occur at Wild Basin Entrance and will include the entire 2-mile section of road to Wild Basin Trailhead. Sandbeach Lake parking will be available. ===(5) Chaos Canyon has been closed since June 28, 2022 due to a significant rockslide event that occurred on the south slope of Hallett Peak. (last update 6/28/24) ===(6.) Due to technical issues, transponder sales are not currently available. We apologize for any inconvenience. ==== please, always check the web site for up to date details!! www.nps.gov/romo
LYONS COMMUNITY FARM: The zucchini are coming! Some kale is still available. Free to the Lyons community.
Lyons Community Orchard is planning a “pie and ice cream festival”. See our ARTICLE.
See our ARTICLE on BEES (and pesticides); and wildlife drinking water… this week 7/18/24.
+++WILDFIRES+++
We are all so grateful for the firefighters who have been working hard on these incredibly hot days! plus carrying heavy uniforms, gear, back packs and more.
Lyons Pancake Breakfast On June 29th, 2024 Lyons Fire Protection District held their annual pancake breakfast at Station 1 in Lyons. The community was invited out to meet with firefighters, check out the apparatus and enjoy breakfast.
Boulder Rural Live Fire Training On June 27th, 2024 in the evening; held a live fire training at the Boulder Fire Training Center.
The Oakridge Fire: Location: Three miles northwest of Beulah, CO; Date Reported: June 22, 2024; 89% contained as of July 14; and the remaining 11% of the fire perimeter has been confined to natural barriers with limited spread potential. Cause: Lightning Size: 1,310 acres. At one point there were 700 firefighters there. The uncontained portion of the fire is located in an area that is inaccessible due to the steep, rocky, and rough terrain. — Facebook: @OakRidgeFire2024
See our ARTICLE for details on these wildfires NEAR LYONS AREA:
- ==Joder Fire
- ==Dinosaur Fire / NOAA, NCAR
- ==Niwot high school grass
- ==Bunce Rd, Allenspark
- ==Coulson Gulch / Dry St. Vrain Fires — near Big Elk and Pinewood Springs
=======================
Repeat: WANT A SNAKE REMOVED & Relocated? – call locals Gil Sparks 509-679-3346; and Gwydion Winklemeyer 325-428-6202
Repeat: BEE SWARM HOTLINE: 844-779-2337
RMNP TIMED ENTRY for DAY USE: https://lyonsrecorder.org/…/timed-entry-permit-rmnp-2024/
===GOVERNMENT===
MEET them in person == Meet your BOT at the Wednesday SUMMER CONCERTS: Members of the Board of Trustees will have a community engagement table for residents to chat with a trustee. // Meet and talk with your Mayor: Mondays with the Mayor, 11:30-1:00 p.m. at Moxie’s on High Street.
Monday July 15th The Lyons Board of Trustees heard the first reading of the 5 acre rule amendment. == It was PASSED. == Your next opportunity to speak, write, or partake in the session will be August 5. See our ARTICLE for all the details on how you can do that.
FLOOD PLAIN: are you in the Flood Plain? The Town must adopt the latest flood maps and update its local ordinances regarding flood prevention and floodplain regulations. Review the information on the town website townoflyons.com/floodmaps2024 Make plans to attend an informational session on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 6:00 pm at the library. See our ARTICLE for a few more details; it could lower your flood insurance rates!
LAWSUIT AGAINST SUNCOR
Boulder County is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Suncor and Exxon Mobile for the costs we are incurring as a result of their concealment of evidence that burning fossil fuels would warm the planet. The expense of fighting these fires and the ancillary emergency responses (evacuation notices, alternative sheltering, etc.) are a very real cost to our budget. And that is just one of the ways in which climate change is affecting county government.
===SPORTS===
LYONS SOFTBALL LEAGUE – every Thursday, 2 games, 6 and 7 p.m. Come and cheer your LOCAL folks on! It’s great fun, and good friendships. Bohn Park. They occasionally need substitutes, so drop by and give them your contact info.
PICKLEBALL – the Lyons courts have been resurfaced/striped and look amazing.
SWIMMING: (1) Do you have a middle school student who is interested in trying a new sport? Give diving a try! Taught by Lyons resident (Karen Gregg’s hubby!) and SVVSD Head Diving Coach Shawn Gregg. July 29 to August 2. Go to St Vrain. REV TRAK .Net for more info ====(2) Longmont offers free summer swimming classes: see their web site to sign up =Outdoor group swim lessons are available at Sunset Pool and Kanemoto Activity Pool.==Sunset: Outdoor, heated pool for all class options and a sandy beach for siblings to play in.==Kanemoto: Offers classes for Aqua Babies, Aqua Tot 1 & 2. Pool temperature is set to 86 degrees.
LYONS LIONS CLUB GOLF Tournament and fundraiser; sponsors needed: ARTICLEAugust 5, see details of contests and prizes.
OLYMPICS 2024, July 26 – August 11, 2024.
TOWN OF LYONS has spring and summer classes and camps now open to register. Many are free. https://townoflyons.recdesk.com/Community/Program/
==VOLUNTEERS NEEDED==
Volunteering makes both you and the recipient feel joy. You can gather new like-minded friends. You can learn some new skills, or teach other your skills. And, surveys show that your health improves when you do something for another person. BE HAPPY! BE PROUD! See our (1.) LOCAL NON PROFITS Article. (2.) BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Article.
==ACTIVITIES==
……..See THINGS TO DO — both regularly scheduled activities in Lyons, and special events in nearby cities — for the current month.
== See local bars’ Facebook pages for bands performing
== MONTH CALENDAR shows “re-occurring events”, like Bingo Tuesday – a 12 month calendar. You can always see what’s going on in town, any day of the week.
………..you came here and read all these Goodies?! Pass on the Word… tell people what they are missing!
We appreciate your SUPPORT — click here to make a contribution to the Lyons Recorder for a year’s worth of articles, if you found many useful and/or entertaining articles! — Thank You! We are savings Lyons “everyday history” for posterity.