Article appeared in the April Redstone  Review
by Kristen Bruckner

COVID-19-Response-LCF launches the “Lyons Share: A small business economic relief fund”
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With all that is happening in our community and our world, Lyons residents want to know how to help.  While many in the Lyons area experienced the reality of taking care of our own through the floods of 2013, the nature of this crisis is different and may be leaving residents at a loss for how to contribute. Fortunately, area non-profits and service organizations excel during these times and have sprung into action.

The first and most important action we can take is to STAY HOME. By following the recommendations on social distancing, stay at home orders and mask wearing, we can affect the trajectory of this horrible virus.  There are other community-minded actions we can participate in such as sewing masks for others, the “8pm howling”, supporting the Lyons restaurants and businesses that are open, and reaching out to those who are living alone and feeling especially isolated.

Beyond this basic adherence to social practices, there are many groups spearheading important work to aid those most vulnerable. The Lyons Community Foundation has launched “The Lyons Share-a small business economic relief fund” in partnership with the St. Vrain Market (SVM). The fund, seeded with proceeds from the market and matched by LCF, is designed to help local businesses survive the impact of COVID-19’s forced business closures. Neil and Connie Sullivan, owners of the market, recognized their unique position as an essential business operating daily and reached out to LCF to establish this fund in the hopes of providing economic relief to others. By diverting some of their increased revenues into this fund, they hope to aid local businesses with immediate needs such as rent and utilities. By shopping locally for items such as fresh produce, in-house baked goods and other grocery essentials in an environment of strict social distancing and safe shopping practices, customers automatically contribute to this fund.

Economic aid grants of up to $1000 each will be made eligible to businesses with a registered Lyons business license and may be used to pay rent, employees or other operating expenses. Applications are available now at www.lyonscf.org. The deadline for the first round of submissions is April 20, with the first round of grants awarded around May 1. Individuals may also contribute to this fund by making a direct donation to the LCF Lyons Share fund.  There are other federal and state economic aid and granting programs kicking off and the Lyons Chamber of Commerce is doing a great job of informing local businesses on how best to navigate these options.
 
The Community Foundation of Boulder County, LCF’s parent organization, has also responded to the crisis in a big way. They have launched a COVID-19 Response Fund, already raising almost $400K.  Within days of announcing their first round of funding, LCF was able to secure $5000 to help Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF) and those most vulnerable in our community, boosting services for the Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels and other basic needs.
 
Beyond Lyons, other area nonprofits are addressing tremendous needs. The Boulder homeless shelter is offering a program where individuals can donate to provide meals to the homeless. A restaurant group in Boulder has collaborated to provide meals to hospital workers. The St. Vrain Valley and Boulder Valley School districts have stepped up to continue meal service to kids not in school. With all of the options to help, it can be overwhelming.

The following is an abbreviated list of some organizations doing critical work to aid in this crisis.
Please visit these websites for more information and be sure to verify for legitimacy with any online donation or funding sites.
Lyons Community Foundation: “Lyons Share: small business economic relief fund: www.lyonscf.org
Lyons Chamber of Commerce- navigating economic relief: www.lyonschamber.org
Community Foundation of Boulder County: directing a wide variety of responses www.commfound.org
Boulder Homeless shelter: providing assistance for area homeless: www.Bouldershelter.org
Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund- food pantry, meals on wheels and other services: www.Leaflyons.org
Bch.org –Boulder Community Hospital Foundation: assistance for front line workers: www.bch.org
Town of Lyons- COVID website http://www.townoflyons.com/652/COVID-19

Mark your calendars for May 3!
The Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) invites you to the Lyons COLORado Fun Run/Walk/Roll. This event will directly benefit the people and organizations of Lyons and our surrounding area, as all monies raised will go directly into the 2020 LCF Grants Fund. This un-timed walk/run/roll will be held from 9am-12pm on SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2020 starting and ending at beautiful Bohn Park.

After a decade of LCF gala fundraisers, it was decided to seek out new events that can engage people of all ages to be silly, get some exercise, meet new friends and raise funds for our community. Meetings about Lyons COLORado Fun Run/Walk/Roll began last spring, we’re working closely with the folks from the Town of Lyons, and momentum is starting to build.

What’s a Color Fun Run exactly? Everyone will get an event t-shirt to wear. There will be 2K and 5K courses, with four stops along the way during which willing participants (runners, walkers, wheelchair racers, strollers) get showered with bright, vibrant powders. The color powders are safe, made from a blend of food grade cornstarch, FD&C approved (food, drug and cosmetic dyes) and baking soda.
 
This is Lyons…so of course there will be all sorts of live music and entertainment along the routes. When you and your family, friends and team members cross the finish, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a LYONS COLOR Blast that will surely be photo worthy.
The COLOR Fun Planning Committee is actively seeking business sponsorships so that we can keep the registration costs down. An average gala ticket was prohibitive for many locals, particularly families with young children. The goal is to keep our registration cost as low as possible while still being a successful fundraising event.

In early March, look for the event website and a lot more info coming your way. Early-bird registration will go through April 3! For now, please mark your calendars for MAY 3, 9-12 for the best spring kick-off community celebration ever.
 
COLOR Fun Chair: Lori Stott lori.stott@gmail.com
LCF Chair: Jeanne Moore jemmoore@hughes.net


New to town? The LCF mission is to improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving and to create positive change in the greater Lyons area. The Grants Fund helps fund LEAF and the Food Pantry, school gardening programs, Town of Lyons/Parks and Rec Sandstone Concert Series and Parade of Lights, Lyons Historical Society, amazing public art installations, Clarifier Project, student scholarships and the new library and more. https://www.lyonscf.org
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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Nelson Mandela
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     The Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) is pleased to announce six college scholarships now available to the class of 2020 graduating high school students from the greater Lyons area.  Providing assistance to area students has been big part of the granting program LCF established over a decade ago. Several of the awards are named in memory of local business and community leaders.  New scholarship programs are intended to aid students pursuing technical or vocational training and compliment the funds designated for more traditional institutions. Scholarship support relies on the contributions of local residents. To make a contribution towards future student scholarships: www.lyonscf.org.

     Below is a brief description of each scholarship; please refer to the LCF website for a complete list and information about eligibility and submission requirements.
2020 Lyons Community Foundation Mission Scholarship. One $2000 scholarship offered by the Lyons Community Foundation, will recognize any graduating senior, or home schooled student from the greater Lyons area who embodies the LCF's mission of improving the quality of life, building a culture of giving, and encourage positive change for the greater Lyons area.
     2020 Lyons Community Foundation 2-Year Study Scholarship. One $2000 scholarship offered by the Lyons Community Foundation, will recognize any graduating senior, or home schooled student from the greater Lyons area who plans to attend a two-year program at college / university, trade school or other technical / vocational training. The scholarship will recognize a student who embodies the LCF’s mission of improving the quality of life, building a culture of giving, and encourage positive change for the greater Lyons area.
     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 plans 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. 
     Gerald Boland Memorial Scholarships. Honors 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 a graduating senior who share these passions. Eligible students must attend Lyons High School and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
     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 a graduating senior 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.

Applications are available on the scholarship page www.lyonscf.org through a google form or through the Lyons High School Naviance scholarship site. All applications must be received by March 13, 2020. Applications may also be returned to the front office at 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. All applications are reviewed and kept confidential by a committee consisting of Lyons area community members.








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​Article recently appeared in the Redstone Review
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The Lyons Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2019 Community Support Grant Awards.  Each fall, Lyons- area non -profits apply for grants that will support the work they will do in the coming year.  As a community foundation, LCF’s job is to raise money that supports a diverse range of projects and populations.  By offering a centralized source for fundraising, non-profits can focus on the projects they perform.  The grant review committee, an anonymous group of area citizens, meets to analyze grant applications and award those whose intent aligns with LCF’s mission to improve the quality of life, build of culture of giving and encourage positive change in the greater Lyons area.
 
This year, the committee approved more than $27,000 in grants to 14 separate projects. Grant applications received totaled several times over this amount. While LCF would like to provide funding for many more projects and scholarships, increased investment by local individuals is necessary.  The following is a brief description of the projects awarded.  For more information on these awards see www.lyonscf.org.
 
LEAF (Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund) continues to be the largest single recipient of LCF funding.  While important projects such as the Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels received renewed grants, there are 2 new projects that were awarded.  There is a new Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery program initiated by LEAF that will support the community’s overall well- being.  There is also a Basic Needs and Resource Matching program that provides emergency grants or broader case management and/or resource referrals to clients in times of crisis. Help with things like housing or heat may provide the difference for a neighbor to stay in their home, further supporting those most vulnerable in our community.
 
Habitat for Humanity of Saint Vrain Valley is another 2019 grant recipient.  Since the 2013 Floods, Habitat has brought volunteers and financial support to help repair 12 homes in Lyons, and rebuild another destroyed home.  The Park Street development will allow 6 additional families to return to the Lyons community. The grant will help close the gap in funding for completion of the last 2 units in this project, allowing the last two families to be home for Christmas.
 
The new Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens, in the 504 buyout property in the confluence area of town, is blossoming as a post-flood highlight of community collaboration.  Their mission is to create an educational native plant botanic garden for residents and visitors to Lyons. The grant will support a small free library on the site of the garden. Visitors may both borrow and donate books or guides on native plants and gardening, for sharing and learning from each other and the books.  Groups already contributing to the gardens include the Lyons Volunteers, the Lyons Weed Posse, the Lyons Ecology Board, the Lyons Walking Arboretum, the Town of Lyons and Lyons’ school athletic and service organizations.  The soil testing Safe Organic Sustainable Weeds Action Plan (SOSWAP) group received a grant to perform further testing of the soils in areas of our public parks that have shown elevated levels of pesticides, protecting public health and safety for our residents.
 
A new mental health initiative started by the Lyons Regional Library will receive a grant to support their once-month “community dinner and arts” nights. The program is designed as an extension of a mental health initiative by offering a safe, social, sober environment for residents of all ages. This group has offered successful programming on issues of suicide awareness and other topics, and intends to provide access to more socialization and human connections, proven to increase mental well- being for individuals and within the community.  The vision of this program is “Creating belonging and personal safety for everyone”
 
Two grants focused on the schools include one for the Lyons Elementary Garden Club that supports garden-based curriculum and programs. The seed collection program provides an opportunity for plant-cycle learning with a bounty of food produced for the Lyons Food Pantry.  A grant awarded to the Lyons High School After Prom program will go towards supporting a safe, sober, supervised activity for high school students.
 
Other 2019 grants include the Town of Lyons for the ever-popular Sandstone Summer Concert Series, and the Holiday Parade of Lights.  The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission received an award to continue their work in securing the public art sculptures around town, supporting Lyons’ identity as an art-loving and artist-enriched town. Funding for the Lyons Historical Society will go towards a 2020 exhibit celebrating Lyons’ rich history in the quarry industry.
 
The Lyons Community Foundation traditionally raises funding for ALL future grants and student scholarships with an annual gala held in November.  In order to provide a more inclusive opportunity for residents, we have decided NOT to hold the gala this year and are planning a different focus in 2020. We are asking all residents to consider LCF in their year-end giving by donating to the foundation at www.lyonscf.org.

​Last fall, thanks to a Lyons Community Foundation grant, the garden program at Lyons Elementary added a new element: Bees! A honeybee habitat with a clear viewing window was installed in the wall of the school that leads out to the garden courtyard, allowing students to witness the activity of a live bee colony and its bounty of honey created.
 
Spearheaded by Kim and Andy Doering, the garden program has been flourishing over the last few years.  Students at every grade level participate in everything from the collection and harvesting of seeds, planting and growing plants, crop cultivation, picking of the harvest and ultimately the delivery of fresh vegetables to the Lyons Food Pantry.  There are also bulbs and flowers grown that contribute to landscaping efforts around the school. Key additions also funded through Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) granting over the past few years have included the addition of several hoop houses that extend the growing season. 
 
Not only are students engaged in the curriculum during grade level science study, but elements of garden work have engaged other student groups such as the Garden/Eco club, the monthly K-12 Outdoor Science and Leadership program,  and the after school enrichment “Pathfinders” program.  In addition, a variety of community members have been brought into the mix to add their expertise.  Daniel Warner is a professional bee keeper and has lent his knowledge to the bee program. Local high school student, garden and eco-enthusiast, Charlie Gau and community members Nell and Gary Coffey participate in the Science and Leadership program regularly along with other experts in composting and permaculture.
 
The environmental leadership shown at Lyons Elementary is something that has been building over the last many years. The school became one of Eco Cycle’s “green star” schools in 2005, meaning the school recycles and composts.  Eco Cycle provides consistent training and support for higher level sustainable practices.  The school started an Eco Club in 2012, further engaging passionately involved school children and, by default, their families and classmates.   Each year, this program has broadened its focus.  Initially, the club focused on proper sorting of trash and compost.  With the help of a grant, they purchased reusable dishes and have gradually moved towards a Zero Waste model for all school events and classroom parties.  The club works with University of Colorado’s Ralphie’s Green Team at home football and basketball games and has begun to work on a model for a true zero waste school. The school store has shifted from selling disposable plastic trinkets to offering reusable napkins and sandwich bags as well as veggie and plant seedlings.  This year, the club is looking to focus its efforts to tackle a big issue in climate change: food waste. 
 
Lyons Elementary School and Middle/High Schools along with dozens of Lyons area non- profits all benefit from the Lyons Community Foundation’s annual Community Support Grants, which focus on LCF’s mission to improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving, and encourage positive change for the greater Lyons area.  All grants aim to connect philanthropic and lifestyle- enriching experiences for Lyons- area residents with the people willing and able to support them.  Awards typically focus on areas such as human services, culture, history, youth development and ecology.  The application window for this year recently closed, awards will be announced in early November.  LCF relies on the contributions of area residents and businesses. To donate or get more involved, please see lyonscf.org.

​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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