​Where else can you go to see class pictures from Lyons High School dating back to 1914, a detailed exhibit about the railroad’s effects on settling the town, Edward S. Lyon’s personal journals and legal documents, and original copies of the Lyons Recorder which was first published in 1900? June marks the 40th Anniversary of the Lyons’ Redstone Museum established in our town’s original schoolhouse. Since the Lyons Community Foundation’s inception in 2006, historical preservation has been included in the many diverse programs that are supported annually. Funds from LCF, totaling more than $26,000 over the last decade, have allowed for the development of unique exhibits as well as important preservation and restoration work.
 
Lyons, unlike many Colorado towns with exploding growth, is holding on to its rich heritage by design.  Our small town embraces our past and holds dear its character and tradition. We welcome visitors seeking a unique experience and feature a picturesque downtown made up of historical buildings with signature sandstone façades. By design, there are no chain stores or retailers, rather an eclectic mix of shops, galleries and eateries.  Visitors feel they have arrived in a place that is set back in a simpler time. 
 
Heritage Tourism, which the national Trust for Historic Preservation defines as “traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past” is a popular tourist activity and brings many visitors to Lyons. The museum, open daily in the summer (except Sundays) is free to the public, which allows for wide access to visitors and tourists, but also offers a key resource for local residents and school children. In partnership with Lyons Elementary School, the museum hosts area kids on a monthly basis to explore the rich cultural and scientific resources as part of their experience-based curriculum.
 
The museum saw more 2347 guests last year. Destination visitors enjoy the unique collections and stories about early pioneers, the prominence of the quarries in town development, an opportunity to research family genealogy and the increasing availability of interactive exhibits. Through the support of LCF and other grants, the museum is putting forth a concerted effort to modernize collections and implement best practices in the important preservation of its vast resources.
 
The population of Lyons has changed considerably over the years, especially since the 2013 flood. As longtime residents disappear, the museum has put an emphasis on making the stories of the town’s origins in the quarries, railroads and as a major tourist destination available for the long term. There is also the force of LaVern Johnson, the town’s official matriarch who has championed causes ranging from keeping the school in Lyons, fighting the coffin top dam and other harmful development, as well as keeping square dancing and historical preservation a priority.
 
Grants from the LCF, the Town of Lyons, the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SFCD) and others have provided a means for the museum to offer new programming each year.  This summer, there is an exhibit that features “Forty Years/Forty Artifacts” showcasing the breadth of the museum’s collections.  Staff is working on a walking tour of the Lyons Historic District that will have an interactive/digital element. There are planned talks, walking tours, a kids summer history camp, and of course many activities around Lyons Annual Good Old Days celebration on Saturday, June 29th. For information on these events, go to townoflyons.com, lyonsredstonemuseum.com or follow the Redstone Museum on Facebook and Instagram.
 
Lyons Community foundation grants have also funded the Sandstone Summer Concert Series, which has grown in popularity since its inception.  The free concerts held Thursday evenings for 10 weeks starting in June, feature a variety of local musicians.  Lyons is rich in musical tradition, as the home of the world -class Planet Bluegrass festivals as well as becoming an enclave for many artists. This homegrown resource allows for the performances of talented musicians that grace our town and the Raul Vasquez stage.  Each Thursday at 6:30pm throughout the summer, residents and visitors can enjoy music, food and a gathering of community.
 
The Lyons Community Foundation is a community based non-profit with a mission to “connect people who care with causes that matter”.  Annual funds support the diverse interests of the residents of the greater Lyons area. Projects feature such a wide range of programming that includes public art installations, area ecology and the food pantry. 

    ​​Lyons Middle Senior celebrated the accomplishments of graduating seniors last week at Senior Night with graduation ceremonies set for Saturday morning.  Eight students were awarded scholarships from the Lyons Community Foundation. Student scholarships have been an area of focus for LCF since its inception in 2006 and in that time has awarded more than $52,000 to Lyons-area students. These impressive kids have all demonstrated academic excellence and participation in extra- curricular activities, but also extraordinary qualities of giving back and serving as leaders in their school and community.
 
     The proportion of students receiving scholarships and awards is high at Lyons Middle/Senior.  There is a tremendous opportunity to participate and stand out in a wide variety of sports, activities, service groups and volunteer efforts.  As Lyons Middle High School Principal, Dr. Andrea Smith explains “At Lyons Middle Senior, we work really hard to support our students in whatever path they choose to take after high school. We have had a 100% graduation rate for the past two years, and we are really proud of the work we do to support our students as they move on to post-secondary options. Many of our students are college-bound, and the LCF scholarships are one example of this small AND mighty community. Because our graduating classes are smaller than some of the bigger high schools, students are able to access more support from our community in the form of scholarships”.
 
    The accessibility to scholarships, by no means diminishes the quality of the student applicants and winners.  By contrast, these students show extraordinary leadership and meaningful work in the local community in addition to their academic and extracurricular achievements. Each winner presented their resume, packed with accomplishments in multiple areas such as athletics, student government, honor society, school clubs, volunteer work, band and more. Students present letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors and community members who have witnessed their capabilities throughout their school years.
 
    One such student, Colton Johnjak- Plahn, is a three -sport athlete and student leader and was named the recipient of the Steve Ralston Memorial Scholarship.  Christine Ralston explains the reasons for selecting Colton: “The focus of the LCF Scholarship in Memory of Steve Ralston is passion for learning and sharing one’s interests, skills and joyful life experiences with their community. Colton Jonjak- Plahn has demonstrated these qualities in abundance throughout his life.  He has energetically participated as a leader in student government, a variety of clubs and community volunteer organization, varsity sports, Jazz Band and drama, while pursuing his primary interests in science, aerospace engineering, environmental and multicultural action endeavors”. Johnjak-Plan will be headed to Stanford University next year to study aerospace engineering. 

    Jaden Batts, a Lyons student since Kindergarten not only achieved excellence in his years at Lyons, but simultaneously pursued his interest in aviation.  He flew his first solo flight at age 16, anticipates getting his commercial pilot’s license this summer and is attending the University of North Dakota in the fall to pursue commercial aviation.
 
     Josie Wratten, chair of the LCF Scholarship committee explains the relevance of the scholarship program   “The Lyons Community Foundation is proud to support the young people in town as they move into higher education and their future pursuits. Student scholarships can give students the added financial support needed for them to take the leap in going to college, as well as improving their confidence in their ability to work toward a better future. The LCF Scholarship Review committee is comprised of local residents who thoroughly review all student applications and meet to discuss the merits of the award recipients.  The committee takes into account not only academic and extra-curricular excellence, but also their commitment to leadership and community-mindedness.  As long as local residents continue to fund and value the scholarship programs, LCF will continue to cultivate our support of high school students. ”  Named scholarships have been funded by contributions from locals as well as the families of the honorees, and needs community backing to continue to fund and grow these opportunities for Lyons-area students for the future.  
 
     Here are the scholarship recipient’s awards: Each student presented impressive qualities and has committed plans to attend an institution of higher learning. To learn more about the requirements and background on each or to contribute to the Lyons Community Foundation scholarship program, see www.lyonscf.org/scholarships.   

Lyons Community Foundation Scholarships:  Jaiden Batts and Kylen Christiansen
Joel Mack Memorial Scholarships - Finn Basey and Jewel Thomas 
Janet Orback Scholarship - Jack London
Steve Ralston Scholarship – Colton Jonjak-Plahn
Gerald Boland Memorial Scholarship - Kylee Udovich
Uncle Louis “Bud” Winkler Memorial Scholarship - Devin Isenhart

Article appeared recently in the Redstone Review
By Kristen Bruckner
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It has been said “volunteers are not paid because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” The value of citizens volunteering and participating in local government, school organizations, and non-profits cannot be overstated. In a small town such as Lyons, local groups depend on its residents to step up to serve on a variety of boards, commissions and work groups. If you are new to Lyons or to new to serving on boards or volunteer organizations, here’s a look at what to expect. While corporate boards may often include compensation or financial incentive for participation, the work described here is mostly unpaid, but highly rewarding nonetheless.
 
Why?  Why serve on a Volunteer Board? The main reason most people serve on a board is a personal connection to the organization’s work or mission. Claudia Paterno, President of the Lyons Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, volunteers to run this group because she has children in the school and wholeheartedly believes in LES’s mission of supporting a community school environment. She and the rest of the board put in tremendous time and effort behind the scenes ensuring the work of the group is accomplished. The PTO augments what local and state government offer in terms of funding and resources which allows the school to develop such cutting edge programming as its Outdoor Science Leadership Program. Without the PTO’s efforts as well as the contributions of countless parent and community volunteers, this program would not exist.
 
Another benefit to serving on a board might be to gain experience that would serve in other areas. For example, perhaps someone is interested in starting their own non-profit or increasing exposure to local entrepreneurs or needs relevant experience in social media marketing. A turn in serving in a volunteer-based organization might provide this experience as well as valuable networking and community connections. A co-board member might just prove to be one’s next employer, client, close friend, or mentor.
 
Who? Who are the best volunteers and what makes a good board member?  The number one quality is commitment. A board member who doesn’t show up to meetings, follow through on commitments or is unreliable can be very damaging to the success of a volunteer-based group. If members don’t regularly contribute or are unprepared in work that is promised, it can kill the group’s momentum or morale. This is especially true in organizations who might only meet once a month or once/quarter. It is hard to accomplish goals if tasks are not consistently achieved along the way. A board member also needs to acknowledge the dynamics of working with a group and allow for others to express opinions. When working with diverse volunteers, there is not room for a dictatorship or a “my way or the highway” attitude by any one participant. Collaboration and support are critical and generally led by strong leadership within the board or across the organization.
 
A volunteer with a particular skill set is valuable but not always necessary. The Town of Lyons has 13 Boards and Commissions.  Someone with a background or professional experience such as
Dave Hatchimonji, chair of the Sustainable Futures Commission has a professional knowledge of practices and standards working as Boulder County's EnergySmart program manager, but acknowledges that a passion or just personal interest in the commission’s work can be just as valuable. A volunteer who possesses such key skills as graphic design or social media marketing can offer a service to a group trying to accomplish its goals.
 
What? How much time is involved or what type of commitment are we talking about?  In the case of the Lyons Community Foundation, board members commit to roughly 5-10 hours per month. With an all-volunteer Advisory Board, the mission to raise money to support such a diverse group of community based projects relies on the ‘heavy lifting’ of its board. They are asked to attend monthly board meetings and also serve on some type of committee.  Beth Smith, for example is the board Co-Chair along with Jeanne Moore, but also assists in a Community Connectedness committee that supports activities such as public art and music.  She helps to arrange events and shows up to be a spokesperson for the important projects LCF funds. Non-profit board members are also often asked to help fund-raise for their organizations.  This may include attending events, direct donations or reaching out to their networks for financial support.
 
When?  When is good time to jump in? Really anytime. Some boards have cycles of applications or elections. A good way to understand what a board does or how it operates is to attend a general meeting. Most meetings for the Town of Lyons boards and commissions are open to the public and the schedules are posted on the Town of Lyons website. If you have an interest in its work, check out a meeting. You will not be forced into a commitment. Another great way to get involved is to volunteer to serve on a committee or a short term project. LEAF and the Lyons Food Pantry rely on many volunteers to run its programs. Tanya Daty volunteered to help with school food drive at LES before signing on to be the Chair of the LEAF board.  By working on a short term project, citizens may be able to contribute and understand how a group operates and if it’s a good fit. One can provide a volunteer experience while deciding if a deeper commitment feels right.
 
Why not? People have asked “why do the same 20 people seem to volunteer for everything?”  That’s a great question with no easy answers. Yes, many people work full-time, have kids, have an active lifestyle and generally seem to be busier than other people. Yet some people somehow seem to work out a way to step up. Part of the trick is to find an avenue to participate that works for you. If you have a job that would not allow you to attend meetings during the work day, perhaps a board or commission that meets in the evenings is better. There are always opportunities to provide input or work on one’s own terms. A web design consultant, for example might be able to offer expertise or contributions to an organization in need of those skills without attending the “business meetings” of the group.
 
The Lyons Community Foundation is currently seeking applications for its Advisory Board. “We have been fortunate to have dedicated volunteers fund-raise and serve, building our granting and projects efforts for more than 10 years” says Jeanne Moore, LCF Board co-Chair.  The Advisory Board members run such programs as the Scholarship Committee and the Community Granting program. We get to hear the stories of how grants have funded such programs as Meals on Wheels, the LES Garden Program, and the Sandstone Summer Concert series that might not happen without our efforts. It’s very rewarding. It is the Lyon’s Community Foundation’s mission to connect people who care with causes that matter in our community”. For more information, please contact us at info@lyonscf.org.
 
 
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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Nelson Mandela

​The Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) is pleased to announce eight college scholarships now available to graduating high school students from the greater Lyons area. Applications are available online at www.lyonscf.org/receive or from the front office of Lyons High School. Below is a brief description of each scholarship; please refer to individual applications for complete information about eligibility and submission requirements.

2019 Lyons Community Foundation Scholarship. Two $1000 scholarships offered by the Lyons Community Foundation, will recognize any graduating senior, or home schooled student from the greater Lyons area who has successfully served in a leadership role, earned at least a 3.5 GPA (or equivalent) and has demonstrated community-mindedness.

Lyons Community Foundation Scholarships in Memory of Steve Ralston. Created in 2009 to honor the memory of Lyons resident, businessman, and community supporter Steve Ralston. One $1000 scholarship will be awarded to students who best express their passion for learning and sharing one’s interests, skills and joyful life experiences with their community. Eligible students include graduating Lyons High students, greater Lyons area students who attend schools neighboring communities and home schooled students.

Lyons Community Foundation Joel Mack Memorial Scholarships. Honoring the memory of Joel Mack, a Lyons High School athlete and alumni who was killed in 1983 when he stopped to render aid to stranded motorists. Two $1000 scholarships awarded to one female and one male athlete.  Students applying for this scholarship must be a graduating Lyons High School senior or home schooled student who participates in a sport at Lyons High School.

Gerald Boland Memorial Scholarships. Honoring the memory of Gerald Boland, a 54 year resident of Lyons who taught in Lyons Schools for 31 years.  He was a coach, Boy Scout Leader, and mentor who had a passion for learning and the outdoors. One $1000 scholarship will be awarded to students who share these passions. Eligible students must attend Lyons High School and have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Uncle Louis “Bud” Winkler Memorial Scholarship.  Honoring the memory of businessman Louis Winkler, one $1000 scholarship is available to any graduating senior or home schooled student in the greater Lyons area who has at least a 3.0 GPA and plan on majoring in business or finance.

Janet Orback Memorial Scholarship.  Established in 2018, this $500 scholarship honors the memory of lifelong Lyons resident Janet Orback, who along with her husband Dave, tirelessly helped to provide support and friendship to her neighbors whose homes and lives were destroyed in the 2013 floods, as well as being stewards of the Lyons Cemetery for over 15 years. Recipients of the Janet Orback Memorial Scholarship must have a 2.5 GPA, are active participants in the community, and show a commitment to caring for the environment. 
 
All applications must be received or postmarked by March 11, 2019. Applications may be returned to the front office of Lyons High School or mailed to the Lyons Community Foundation, PO Box 546, Lyons Co, 80540. The scholarships may be used at any accredited post-secondary education program in the country. Students must be accepted to or have acceptance pending at their prospective school(s) when they submit their applications.
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            If you have any questions about the scholarships, inquiries can be directed by email to scholarship@lyonscf.org or by phone to (720) 295-9667. All applications are reviewed and kept confidential by a committee consisting of Lyons area community members.
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I recently attended a reception for the 2018 Lyons Community Foundation grant recipients.  As I sat in the audience and listed to all the amazing citizens and the work they are doing in the community, I am very inspired.  In Lyons, we have an abundance of opportunities to make a difference.  Because the spirit of volunteering and local philanthropy is so strong, it seems like everyone contributes in some way and eventually all projects and people seem to intersect in their efforts. 
 
When LCF was started over 10 years ago, it was really the only non-profit in town. The whole reason to start a foundation was so that local residents could find a centralized avenue for organizing community projects and an avenue for individuals and businesses to consolidate fundraising efforts. As Lyons has grown and also endured a natural disaster, the need and inspiration for more non-profits has grown as well.  One might assume that an increase in community philanthropy would create competitive problems, but in reality I see the synergy of many inspired groups working together.
 
A great example of this small-town collaboration is the garden program at Lyons Elementary.  This program, initiated with the help of an LCF grant, offers real garden classroom for students K-12 who work with scientific and ecology experts from the community.  The result is engaged, hands on learning for kids and also an abundance of produce (over 600 pounds last year!) that is harvested and donated to the Lyons Food Pantry (LEAF). Complimenting these efforts, the LES eco-club kids volunteer their time every week in the garden and also in making their school and community more sustainable.  The kids embrace their leadership opportunities and chance to make an impact on their world. 
 
The flourishing partnership with LEAF and the elementary and middle/senior is magnified during the holiday food and personal care drives.  Each December, students are motivated to bring in canned goods and personal care items for those most in need in our community.  Kids carry in canned goods each day with volunteer parents counting and sorting these items. We are given the opportunity to teach our kids not only the value of giving, but in participating and lending our time.  The most sought after prize of the food drive is an opportunity to go deliver the food to the food pantry.  The goal of 2500 food items will be easily met this year, providing non-perishables that will stock the pantry for months.  The food drive also partners with Higher Ground Ministries and the Lyons Community Church to complete the holiday food baskets with a turkey and fresh produce.  The middle/high school student council organizes the personal care drive, and the LEAF “giving tree” program provides holiday gifts to 125 individuals when locals sponsor one of their wishes. 
 
Indeed, many of the local organizations that exist and flourish all help each other.  Lyons Leos a youth service organization was started after the flood with the help of an LCF grant, has grown and flourished.  The high school kids, now up to 30 members and sponsored by the Lions Club, take on all kinds of projects including work on Habitat for Humanity construction, assisting LEAF at the Rave fundraiser, and helping seniors with technology. 
 
There are many opportunities to be an active citizen, as most groups rely predominantly on volunteers.  Lyons Volunteers is a cornerstone in town for volunteer deployment.  Started as a disaster/flood recovery group immediately following the 2013 floods, the group continues to be active five years later.  Every Wednesday and Saturday a crew of volunteers shows up to do whatever is most needed.  During the first few years, dozens of people were needed each week, helping with the most demanding work of cleanup and recovery, but the group continues to perform whatever is asked including helping with town events and environmental sustainability efforts.  Notably, Lyons Volunteers was able to collect thousands of pounds of scrap metal for recycling in post-flood buy out homes with strict adherence to regulations.   
 
Although they have been assisted with LCF grants and donated tools, Lyons Volunteers operates on virtually no overhead.  In fact, they are able to share the lunch voucher program with the Weed Posse in the eradication of noxious weeds throughout town and also with Americorps workers who join in the construction of the Habitat homes.    An obvious bonus to this volunteer organization is the community- building and comradery enjoyed.  The group of regular volunteers has built such a tight community of friends and participants who continue to show up every week, becoming a big part of their lives. 
 
The avenues that exist for someone to become an engaged citizens are endless. People are able to volunteer their time with Habitat for Humanity to aid in construction for housing that brings our neighbors (especially those displaced from the flood) finally back home!  LEAF has roughly 20 volunteers that aid in food procurement, food pantry stocking and distribution, and delivery of Meals on Wheels.  Neighbors donate their time doing everything from driving to the Community Food Bank in Louisville to making life saving well-checks while delivering for Meals on Wheels to anyone who is homebound due to age, disability or illness.  The Lyons Garden Club meets regularly, managing weeds and beautifying our landscape. A group of young moms concerned about pesticides in our parks is working to test and provide data on the soil in our public play spaces. There is Flood Memorial group dedicated to the recovery, restoration and preservation of the most severely damaged neighborhoods. 
 
A great way to give back and truly have an impact on happenings around town is to step up to sit on one of the Town of Lyons’ numerous boards or commissions.  Volunteering time in this way has an impact on decisions and agendas being considered in leading the town.    
 
Financially, Lyons residents are very generous.  With the abundance of fundraising happening, we might be concerned about a saturated “giving pool”, but when asked locals step up. In the past few months alone, we have witnessed an impressive amount of money raised for various causes.  Friends of the Lyons Library was able to raise the needed $3.4 million to build our new library and community center. The elementary school/PTO jogathon raised over $50K going towards student programming, LEAF threw its annual Rave to Grave raising over $34K, LCF raised over 24K during our annual gala, and Colorado Gives day brought another $6400 to LEAF and $1200 for the library.  A few weeks ago, the teachers and administrative staff of Lyons Elementary, Middle, and High schools came together in a charity volleyball tournament to “pay it forward” to the community of Paradise, California which was so devastated with wildfires.  Many Lyons residents came out to cheer and donate over $6000, recalling how communities from all over the country reached out to help Lyons after the flood.
 
It’s really quite remarkable to list some of the various groups and causes doing good work in Lyons.   There are others not mentioned here, so if there is something you’d like to offer or have an interest in seeing, just ask.  The Lyons Community Foundation is honored to have contributed to all of the above mentioned causes and looks forward to continuing this tradition of community- based philanthropy.  For more information on LCF or to donate, visit lyonscf.org.  

​Reflections from the past five years and how the landscape of local philanthropy has evolved
Article recently appeared in the Redstone Review

Five years ago this week, a historic life-altering event literally roared through Lyons.  For anyone who lived through the floods, it was and is an experience we will never forget.  We lived stranded on our five islands, we were evacuated in many cases by helicopter and under duress, we lived in temporary housing, and our kids went to school in a temporary building in the middle of Longmont.  Many of us still refer to the families we stayed with as our “flood families” and events in town and in our lives are referenced as either “before the flood” or “after the flood”.
                                          
During these dark uncertain times, the best of our neighbors and the outside community surfaced.  People reached out from all over the region and the country to see how they could help.  Schools wrote letters to our kids, universities donated backpacks and supplies, and money poured into the Lyons Community Foundation to offer aid.  Because Lyons had its own foundation, we were able to accept this type of support and in turn began distributing funds within three months following the flood.  In all, LCF granted over $1.1 million in flood recovery aid that supported everything from helping businesses get through months of not being open, to individuals who needed a hand just getting through the massive damage that many sustained. 
 
As the months and years have worn on, the demands and needs in town have changed but have only grown. In granting efforts, LCF has shifted from immediate, urgent needs in flood recovery, to other more persistent, ongoing needs. After the flood money was depleted, LCF has focused more on the ongoing, evolving causes in Lyons.  The food pantry and now LEAF which is our public safety net, was founded well before the flood, but its customer base has continued to grow.  LEAF has been the largest single recipient of LCF funding over the past 10 years.  Our population of residents who don’t have enough to eat, need housing help, and are still struggling to recover and thrive continues to grow.
 
Other causes spawned by the flood, including the Lyons Volunteers and Lyons Leos youth service organization are great examples of the momentum of community service and local philanthropy being propelled.  LCF was able to fund these groups as they had their start and continue to perform a tremendous amount community service in a wide variety of settings. Since the flood, they have assisted in everything from digging out residents homes to now aiding in building the new Habitat for Humanity housing.
 
At the same time, Lyons Community Foundation continues to fund projects that cultivate the unique culture that we love and appreciate as a community.  Annual granting pays for things like the Sandstone Summer Concert Series and the Lyons Arts and Humanities Council, a champion in nurturing our strong community of artists.   The Town of Lyons Parks and Recreation department has its hands full in rebuilding our parks, but LCF funding allows for things like Good Old Days, Lyons Outdoor Games and the Holiday Parade of lights to continue.
 
While residents are focused now on such a wide variety of causes, it is assuring to know that LCF’s core mission of creating a culture of giving continues.  Our students are supported through scholarships and academic enhancement granting.  Kids and adults are empowered to make a difference. Our human services groups are given a lift up in their efforts benefiting all of us as a community, and projects that otherwise would not occur are able to get off the ground.
 
As we go into our 11th year of funding Community Support Granting we are looking forward to seeing what ideas and projects local residents are planning. Applications for these annual grants have just closed and funds will be awarded in the next several months. In order to pay for this continued work, we host an annual gala whose proceeds provide funds for all future granting.  This event will take place on Friday, November 16th at Lionscrest Manor. We will be debuting an exciting new format for the gala and but will include important elements and participation of our local community including the fabulous Mayama dance team. Please SAVE THE DATE to plan to attend this event.
 
The Lyons Community Foundation would like to take this moment in time to recognize the heroes in our community. During the flood, we saw our local police, firefighters, and other responders work along ordinary residents in acting heroically. Public works employees performed rescues and ensured there were not more casualties. We witnessed service groups come from all over the country to help our town rebuild and recover.  We watched our neighbors reaching out to literally dig their fellow residents from under the mud and debris. Community members have stepped up to form service groups, to serve in public office, to lead our town governments. None of these jobs are easy and are quite often thankless. We are fortunate to live in a town where residents really care about one another. We are humbled by the opportunity to serve the Greater Lyons Area. 

Congratulations! 2018 LCF Scholars: Stand-out seniors honoring the memory of local heroes
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When Gerald Boland, a 54-year resident of Lyons tragically died in the flood of 2013, his family knew they would like to do something to honor him locally.  Having taught in Lyons schools for 34 years in addition to being a youth mentor and Boy Scout leader, a scholarship to assist local kids’ dreams of going to college made sense.  In 2017, Mr. Boland’s family including his widow Cheron Boland and daughter Amy Hoh helped to establish The Gerald Boland Memorial Scholarship through the Lyons Community Foundation.  During the recent senior awards night at Lyons High School, this honor was given to Ethan Burton a graduating senior who plans to attend BYU to study life sciences.  
 
Ms. Hoh explains, “We look at the applications and essays through my Dad's eyes; knowing how much Dad loved the community of Lyons, the people and the students of Lyons schools, and also how we wrote the scholarship to best represent our Dad.  Ethan's application and essay sounded like Dad in so many ways - some of his thoughts and words jumped right off of the page at us.  Our committee members kept going back to Ethan's application, his accomplishments along with his outlook and goals and he just ‘fit’.  I believe my Dad would be very proud that Ethan received the Gerald Boland Memorial Scholarship this year”. 
 
The Lyons Community Foundation has been “in the business” of honoring local student leaders in this way for more than 10 years.  There are 8 named scholarships that are awarded each spring to students who demonstrate stated qualities such as leadership and community service.  These stand-out kids all not only show academic effort but also a quality of giving back and participating in their community.
 
In 2009, the family of local business icon Steve Ralston established a scholarship in his memory.    Explains Christine Ralston, “The focus of the Steve Ralston Memorial Scholarship is a student's passion for learning and sharing one’s interests, skills and joyful life experiences with their community.  This year’s recipient, Raven Moe, beautifully exemplifies a passion for caring for others and giving back. This passion first sprouted  growing up in a family committed to community service and being in the hub of  pancake breakfasts, Easter egg hunts, fund raisers and parades in an earlier, close-knit, family-oriented, neighborly, inclusive and affordable Lyons”.  Raven adds, “So many little things we do for each other add up to the grand scheme that makes a successful team.”  There is no doubt that her positivity, encouragement, caring and appreciation of others will serve her well as she pursues her career goals at Aims Community College majoring in Police Science with a minor in Writing.

The Janet Orback Memorial Scholarship is LCF’s newest award, having been established in 2018 to honor the memory of lifelong Lyons resident Janet Orback.  Along with her husband Dave, Janet worked tirelessly to provide support and friendship to her neighbors whose homes and lives were destroyed in the 2013 floods, as well as being stewards of the Lyons Cemetery for over 15 years. The 2018 award went to Linda Marquez Rubio.  Linda plans on attending Front Range Community College with an anticipated field of study in Science-Nursing.  Since the flood in 2013, Linda has been very involved with a group helping to clean up roadways, homes, and parks.  She has had a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse, and she feels that this will help her contribute to her community by tending to the healthcare needs of others. Linda has volunteered her time by helping with Booster Bingo, with her church as a tutor and translator, and when in Mexico, volunteers in hospitals and doctor offices.

Georgia Barone is another youth leader honored this year with the 2018 LCF Scholarship.  She has been a member of the Lyons Leo Club, serving as their President and Secretary.  She also served of president of the National Honor Society, as well as the Treasurer of the Lyons High School Student Council.  Through her service, Georgia worked with Habitat for Humanity and has seen what a profound impact a small group of individuals can have on rebuilding our community after a natural disaster.  Georgia’s college plans include attending St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas where she will run track and cross country and plans to study biochemistry. 

The Joel Mack Scholarship honors the memory of Joel Mack, a Lyons High School athlete and alumni who was killed in 1983 when he stopped to render aid to stranded motorists. Two $1000 scholarships awarded to one female and one male athlete.  This years’ honorees are Shaeli Herman and Gabe Paznokas.  Sheali, a stand-out scholar and athlete plans to attend Northwestern College where she plans to play softball and study nursing.  Gabe, also a decorated athlete and student signed a National Letter of Intent to be the starting long snapper at Western State Colorado University. 

The Uncle Louis “Bud” Winkler Memorial Award honoring the local business and community leader went to Adele Walker.  Adele was a member of the Lyons Leo Club, serving as their VP with 40+ volunteer hours.  She was involved in many school activities including Student Council, serving as class secretary for three years, Jazz Band-trumpet section leader, Volleyball Team Captain and Basketball Team Captain.  Adele plans on attending Texas A&M College Station, with an anticipated field of study in Business-Management Information Systems. 
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Since 2006, The Lyons Community Foundation has awarded more than $45,000 in scholarships to students graduating from Lyons schools.  This has been a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission in supporting local education and having an impact on the youth of the greater Lyons area. We congratulate and celebrate these amazing youth leaders.

​Article appeared in the April issue of the Redstone Review.

​When Ken and Judy Brownsberger made the recent decision to buy a new car, they opted to donate their beloved 2009 Mini Cooper to the Lyons Community Foundation.  What they reported was a quick, easy and simple process through an organization called Vehicles for Charity. What people don’t realize is that the ease and convenience of a car donation along with tax benefits and the opportunity to give directly to your local community, often outweighs the hassle and expense of selling a car outright.  In fact, donating your vehicle is a process that provides direct, immediate funds that in turn can be applied to projects happening right in Lyons.
 
Ken describes the decision to donate and the process as very easy: “earlier this year we decided to donate our 2009 Mini Cooper as we were buying a new plug-in hybrid minivan for the family, and didn’t want to keep a third vehicle.  Years ago we’d donated an older car to public radio, and recalled that it was pretty simple.  We knew this time we wanted the donation to go to a charitable organization in Lyons - and a quick web search of possible options led us to the LCF article about Phil Aumiller, another Lyons local who coincidently works with Judy, but had also donated a car to LCF.”   
 
Ken further explains, “The donation process thru Vehicles for Charity (VFC) is very easy.  You go to the VFC website and pick a charity, fill out the online form and submit it; a short time later they call you back to arrange the vehicle pickup - and then they come to get your vehicle and you hand them the signed title and the keys - and they take it away.  Later, VFC mails you the IRS tax deduction paperwork when everything is wrapped up.  Easy! We are planning to donate our other old car later this year too - given how easy it was, we’re almost certain to use the VFC website and donate to LCF again.”
 
Contributions such as the vehicle donation program are so appreciated by the Lyons Community Foundation.  “This is a great example of the local philanthropy circle being completed,”says Jeanne Moore Co-Chair of the LCF Advisory Board. “By residents putting their generosity into a Lyons-based organization, we are able to fund local projects including everything from the food pantry, student scholarships, Lyons Volunteers, and public art and music. Dollars given to LCF can directly pay for programs that benefit our residents.”
 
“What’s also great,” says Jeanne “is that by using a mechanism like Vehicles for Charity, it requires no effort on the part of LCF’s all-volunteer member advisory board”.  As with any non-profit, fundraising is its most challenging and resource-demanding issue.”  The Lyons Community Foundation operates solely on donations from local businesses and individuals, drawing most of its funds from an annual event held in November, followed up with a year-end donor appeal.  As local needs and causes grow, the Foundation’s fundraising efforts have become increasingly challenging.
 
The Lyons Community Foundation began as way to address the needs of a small, yet diverse community and also provide a platform for residents to give back.  When you give to LCF, you are supporting your neighbor who might need assistance from Meals on Wheels or other human services, in addition to the local artist whose work is being supported by a grant to integrate their art in town. Because volunteers and donors come from the same small pool, it makes sense to try and consolidate efforts and ways in which residents are asked to contribute.  We are so grateful that so many residents are committed to giving and acting locally.
 
 The Lyons Community Foundation is a Lyons-based community 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving and encourage positive change in the greater Lyons area.  We are a fund of the Community Foundation serving Boulder County and our work supports local residents in their pursuits to enhance life in Lyons. For more information on the Lyons Community Foundation, its board, or our granting work, please visit www.lyonscf.org.
 
About Vehicles for Charity: The arc Thrift Stores, Lakewood, CO., a Colorado 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, serves as the fundraising arm of the ARC Units, which provide advocacy and support for children and adults with developmental disabilities. arc Thrift Stores has historically accepted vehicle donations since 1995 for themselves and several other non-profits. Demand grew and in 2001, Vehicles for Charity (VFC) was established. This comprehensive vehicle donation program was developed and implemented to provide for prompt and professional disposition of vehicles donated to VFC. Our working agreements with carefully selected tow companies and auto auctions have contributed to the program’s success. For more information on VFC: vehiclesforcharity.org