Today, June 21, is the first day of summer. It has already been 90 degrees, but the last few days, it was chilly, and it snowed as close as Black Hawk! You never know about Colorado.
FATHER’S DAY: We hope you thought of your father this past weekend. Took him out to eat, to the Rockies ballgame, mowed his lawn, or whatever. Dads’ have a hard job. In my day, they did the work and the mom’s stayed home with the kids. My dad, Bernie LaVern McConnell, hauled hay from Lyons to Welby (now Commerce City) to the truck farmers, who raised the vegetables and flowers for the area residents. I went with him one day, he stopped at the Broomfield Corner Station for a while, and I was getting sicker and sicker. I had pneumonia. He had a tough “row to hoe”, but kept going and lived to 87.
TWO YEARS AGO YESTERDAY, JUNE 19, I was meeting the contractor at the museum for final inspection, caught my toe on the sidewalk, fell and broke my femur bone. What a trying time! You always think it is someone else that falls. Anyway, it has healed well and I am back to square dancing every other tip (depends on what kind of floor it is), and still take a cane in the dark, big crowds, steps, or rough ground. It gives me a little security! I am thankful it wasn’t my hip and that I got along so good. The doctor said I had good bones from the years of square dancing! Yes, time goes by, and I am grateful! “You can’t keep an old gal down!” they say.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TOWN OF LYONS for being selected as the 2011 Colorado Merit Award in the category of Community Engagement for the Lyons Comprehensive Plan. The plan was chosen for a Merit Award for the important first step toward proactive planning in the Town of Lyons. The awards reception was held last Thursday, June 9, with Danna Ortiz, Town Planner, receiving the award.
THE LYONS ARTS AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL received a $300 donation from a local resident. They did not earmark the funds other than to further the Arts in Lyons. The LAHC has perked up Lyons’ Main Street with various sculptures and art shows, to make Lyons a stately, cultural town. Thanks, LAHC.
LYONS DITCH COMPANY held its annual meeting last Wednesday. They raised the annual dues per share from $20 to $50 per share to set aside funds for capital improvements. The new board of directors are: Jacque Brennan, Stephen Grant, and Rhonda Vandenbos. Officers will be elected next month. They will enter into an Operations and Maintenance Agreement with the Town of Lyons.
The Lyons Ditch Company was formed in the 1880’s, with water entering a headgate in Meadow Park. It meanders through Meadow Park, down Evans Alley to 2nd Avenue, with a lateral going South on 3rd Avenue, then down along the South side of Evans Street, going back to the river along 2nd Avenue. It used to go across to the Gordon Raspberry Patch and Garden (which is now the Outlaw Saloon down past the Blackbear Inn); and also down the Park Street Alley (which has been abandoned for the time). Each lot along the way has a ditch share with their deed.
NEW LIGHTS: New LED street lighting will be installed this week in old town Lyons. A big savings to the town.
THIS FRIDAY: The Economic Development Committee will hold their regular meeting this Friday, June 24, at 9:30, in the conference room above the Barking Dog. John O’Brien and Tara Jarolimek were appointed by the Mayor to fill the spots of Jerry Kuban and Gabry Cornell who recently resigned, for personal reasons. The next Town Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 5.
THE LYONS GOLDEN GANG seems to be on its “last legs,” as their volunteer Director and President, Diane Briggle, is retiring and they have no funds to hire a new person: some one who will keep the books, write grants, plan fundraisers, etc. (a good volunteer is needed). The senior citizens’ events, started by Becky Mack, Darlene Thompson, Sharon McConnell, and others have been meeting since the 1980s, to bring a good meal and camaraderie to the seniors. First in the Lodge Hall, then in the Fire House, and we went through “hell and high water” to obtain the senior center. I hope to spur some interest in this writing to keep it going!
They now hire Mary Lou Wallace who takes charge of the meals, which are brought by Lyons volunteers from the Longmont Meals-on-Wheels to the Lyons site as well as to the Lyons homebound. They serve from 10 to 25 seniors Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays. Oskar Blues gives a free lunch once a month, as well as the Peaks Home from Longmont. They have birthday parties, history, music, and bingo that are enjoyed by area seniors. However, more seniors are always invited and more volunteers are always needed.
The building is owned by the county and operated by the Town. Funds come from grants from the Town, the Lyons Community Foundation, and others. Some years ago, they chose to supervise themselves instead of relying on the county; however, the county does have a Senior Liaison there a couple days a week, and supervises the twelve apartments that have a waiting list.
The Walt Self Senior Center is a valued facility for Lyons seniors. A place to meet, to get a good meal, to have someone look after them, someone to advise them, and is close to town and next to the post office. An attorney has advised them to disband, but it is will be very sad if they choose to quit. The seniors need it! They will be meeting this Saturday to vote whether to fold up or to try one of the alternatives: a church volunteer group, or ask the county for help. They surely should inform the Town and the county before folding up, and ask for their help. If you have any ideas or can volunteer, contact Trustee Ed Bruder at (970) 500-4300 or Victoria Simonsen at (303) 823-6622.
The 35th ANNUAL “GOOD OLD DAYS” IS THIS WEEKEND
Starting with the softball tournament on THURSDAY evening. A carnival on FRIDAY from 5 to 11 p.m., on High Street, with vendors, food, the Chamber Beer Garden, street dance; 9 p.m., crown Mr. & Mrs. Good Old Days (all who are self-employed in the building trades). We urge you all who have helped build Lyons to what it is today to come take a bow! Classes of the ‘01’s will also be honored.
SATURDAY, 11 a.m., at the Depot Library, a tribute to board member Gerald Mack, who served on the Library Board, Crime Stoppers, Longmont Genealogy Board, a Scout Master, PTO, 4-H leader, played softball, and more. Give a tribute to Gerald, a long-time volunteer for the Lyons community. Contributions will purchase a sandstone bench in Gerald’s honor. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on SATURDAY, SUNDAY it’s the plant and book sale at the Lyons Depot-Library)
Also SATURDAY, by the Lyons Historical Society, for Good Old Days; from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the alumni get-together at the reception tent by the stage (a way to meet your old classmates). At 1 p.m., a program at the museum honoring Mr. & Mrs. Good Old Days, and the 2011 LHS seniors, who are from a pioneer family (whose families have been in the area over 50 years): Zach Brodie, Brysen Daughton, Colton Hammans, Kylee Senasac, Jaicy Sutak, Dugan Tomczak, and Abe Vasquez. We will also be dedicating and honoring those who contributed to the Stereo View Collection (Lyons, Colorado, 1900’s by Ed Tangen), and dedicating the D. W. King display and honoring those who contributed.
VOLUNTEERS! THE LYONS CHAMBER NEEDS HELP TO SERVE BEER FOR THIS WEEKEND AT THE LYONS GOOD OLD DAYS. Your shift can be any two hours from Friday, 5 to 11 p.m., or Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call (303) 823-5215, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
SATURDAY STREET FAIR AND SIDEWALK SALE ON MAIN, EAST MAIN, AND HIGH STREETS: Twenty-four Lyons businesses are celebrating Good Old Days with another sidewalk sale. Take a stroll down our beautiful downtown area and shop!
Participants are: St.Vrain Pharmacy, Lyons Community Acupuncture, Experience, Visability, Lyons ReRuns, Lots of Luvn Pet Care, Lyons Mane Hair Salon, Sketch-A-Palooza, Rose Sposito - Shambhala, Mayama, Lyons Outdoor Market, Pam Solman Realty, Bank of the West, Mintze Wu, Ma’s Pizza, Peak West PC & EV, Matsuri, Tender Genius, Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse, The Lyons Recorder, Cams Cable, Bird Dog Press, The Barking Dog, and The White Lion
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, LYONS OUTDOOR MARKET, will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 446 Main Street, with painting, wine tasting, jewelry, photographs, food, massage, music, and more!
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, The Red Rock Ramblers feature their Good Old Days Square Dance with popular caller Dave Guille and LeRoy Shade, cuer. Held at the Lyons Elementary School Gym. Rounds at 7:30 pm; squares from 8 to 10:15 p.m. Modern Western Square Dancing every Saturday through Labor Day. Our 53rd summer season. Spectators are welcome. Stop by.
THIS THURSDAY June 23, A “Farm to Table” dinner. The Farmette will host the Meadowlark Farm and diners for bounteous meal of fresh farm food, from 6 to 9 p.m. For reservations visit http://farmdinners
MAKE NOTE: History Day Camp, the week of July 11 is for kids 11 to 13 years old, and the week of July 25 is for kids 6 to 10 years old. From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the kids do interactive activities at the Redstone Museum, including daily crafts and enjoy nutritious snacks. This year the kids will learn about the Native Americans, old time music and instruments, sandstone art, and go on a treasure hunt. The program is sponsored by the Lyons Historical Society, with the support of a Lyons Community Foundation grant for “history education.” The cost will be only $50 per child. Each camp has one opening for a volunteer adult assistant. Contact camp director Kathleen Spring for more information at (303) 823-0997, or sign up at the Lyons Redstone Museum.
MONDAY, JULY 25 – LYONS LIONS CLUB 17th Annual Golf Tournament – Lake Valley Country Club Golf Course between Lyons and Boulder. The cost is $100 per golfer. All proceeds go to the Lyons Lions Club philanthropic activities. Call (303) 823-6925 or (303) 709-6022 to register. Limited to 32 teams.
THE CLARIFER WORK CONTINUES EVERY Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., and Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. Wear work clothes and gloves and help out this beautiful (large) project. Thank you!
THE LYONS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: A critique on your information for the new 2011 Directory is being emailed to each member for corrections. The next social will be held on Tuesday, July 19, at the Lyons Farmette, with co-hosts: Birddog Press, Hutchinson, Black, and Cook, LLC, Connie Eyster - Attorney. Make reservation (303) 823-5215, or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
OUR CONGRATULATIONS, from the Denver Post; Coach MARK ROBERTS was chosen Coach of the Year last week for BOTH the Lyons boys and girls teams taking Class 2A State Championships. Well and greatly deserved. Roberts has been the Track and Field Coach in Lyons the past 14 years, and has brought many honors to our community. Our deep thanks to Mark.
ALL-COLORADO STATE AWARDS went to Lyons Boys: 4x100 relay team; 4x800 relay team; and to Forrest Donnell - Long Jump. HONORABLE MENTION to: Forrest Donnell - 100 and 200; Ryan Boucher - 400; 4x200 relay team; and 4x400 relay team. For Lyons Girls: Rachel Hinker - 100, 200, and Long Jump; and 4x800 relay.
HONORABLE MENTION: Melissa Roberts - 3200; 4x200 relay; Corbette Tschanz – Pole Vault; and Nola Basey – Triple Jump. And finally, Athlete of the Year – Rachel Hinker! Congratulations!
TID BITS
Cousins Bob and Ann Lightburn of Fort Pleasant, New Jersey had lunch with their McConnell cousins: LaVern Johnson, Sharon McConnell, and Berene Sullivan at Smokin’ Dave’s last Friday. Lightburn is a fourth generation cousin to the ladies through their aunt, Mary Dayton (McConnell) Siglinger, who was raised by their grandparents, Bertha and James McConnell, when her mother passed away at childbirth. Bob grew up in Denver, received an Engineering Degree at CU, and moved to the east coast for employment, where he met Ann. They live close to their children and families. He has written several books on their family genealogy. The couple was on their way to a family reunion of the Lightburn\McConnell families at the YMCA near Estes Park.
Visiting the Bullboats family (Matt, Chastidee, sons Peyton and Evan) this week are his parents from Crown Point, Indiana.
WITH SYMPATHY
We are saddened at the death of Norma Roberts, who lived and worked in Lyons for over 40 years, and moved back to her hometown of Beaver City, Nebraska a couple of years ago. She is remembered as owning Dairy-Lite, and as a waitress at The Lyons Café for several years. Always pleasant and friendly.
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