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Whether you are new to Lyons or a descendant of the original pioneer families, you probably know someone, a friend or neighbor who reminds you why Lyons is such a wonderful place to live. Personally, I have never lived in a community where so many of its residents seem to give back in one way or another. Lyons is full of local heroes. Monica McGuckin is one of mine. If you were living in Lyons in 2011-2013, you may remember Monica McGuckin owned the Lyons Mercantile on Main Street. At the time, she was also chairperson of the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF). Monica and her husband, Ron are always helping their community from behind the scenes whether it is a tenant or a church in need of new windows. When Monica learned that there were over 1,000 beanie babies available, she crammed two loads of them into her SUV to transport them from the collector’s home in Denver to her garage on Apple Valley Road. From that moment, she knew that this collection of beanie babies had value and that she could donate them to her favorite local charity, the Lyons Community Foundation. After calling current Chair, Jeanne Moore to discuss her plan to take “suggested donations” at multiple locations and events around Lyons, it became evident that they could include the entire community and build awareness for the good work LCF does. With a “suggested donation” of $10 for these bundles of cuteness, LCF could potentially bring in $10,000 in 2022. Chrystal DeCoster, past LCF board member and owner of Western Stars Gallery & Studio was the first person to sign up to consign the beanie babies on behalf of LCF. Since she already kept a secret stash of beanie babies at her shop, she knew that there was a growing demand for these cuties from people of all ages. By supporting LCF with a $10 donation, buying a beanie baby is an easy way to teach children to give back to their community at an early age, all the while, supplying their friends with a birthday gift or simply adding to their growing collection. Monica and Chrystal agreed that bringing shoppers into local stores looking for beanie babies would be a “positive marketing” plan. It also demonstrates how local businesses support their community through LCF. Several local businesses readily agreed to Monica’s plan: Uniquely Lyons, Red Canyon Art, HJB Designs, Sage and Grace Botanicals and Western Stars all have beanie babies available in their stores. Currently, Red Canyon Art, Uniquely Lyons and Western Stars Gallery & Studio have Easter-themed beanie babies to fill your child’s Easter basket. LCF will also have some on hand at the concession stand in Lavern Johnson Park on Saturday, April 16th from 10am-12pm during the Calvary Foothills Church Easter Egg Hunt. Come join us for some family-friendly fun in the park! Do not fret if you miss the Easter-themed beanie babies, there will be more for Graduation Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Halloween, Christmas, etc. LCF will be sure to have some on hand at community events such as the Artisan Market on June 4th and at the Sandstone Concert Series every Wednesday evening this summer. If you are a collector and you are looking for one in particular, please reach out to LCF at info@lyonscf.org.  When current LCF Chair, Jeanne Moore (on left) tried to thank past LCF Chair, Monica McGuckin (on right) for her fundraising efforts, Monica replied, “It’s not about me. It’s about inspiring other people to give back to the community. It’s a team effort.” Indeed, it is. Thank you Monica for inspiring all of us to give back.
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Spring is right around the corner. Can you feel it? At the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF), March is Monthly Donors Appreciation Month. We realize that without our monthly donors, we would not be able to depend on a reliable and stable income in order to fund the Community Support Grants or the Scholarship Fund. In 2021, LCF granted $37,000 in grants to a variety of projects which either connect the community, provide human services, invest in our youth or support local ecology. Another $7,500 was awarded to six graduating high school seniors so that they could further their education at a post-secondary institution. Monthly donors literally build their community, which is why we affectionately refer to them as community builders. The COVID-19 pandemic caught us all by surprise. LCF’s 2020 annual budget depended on the spring fundraiser, “A Color Run”, which was canceled. Thankfully, our generous donors pulled through when the Lyons Share Fund was created to help local businesses survive the two-month lockdown. In 2021, LCF partnered with LEAF to bring the first ever Hootenanny to Lyons. This family-friendly community event was appreciated by all, but in the end, proceeds were split between the two non-profit organizations. If it weren’t for our generous donors, LCF would not be able to fulfill their budgetary requirements. When the world seems to be in such chaos, it is easy to feel helpless. Isn’t it reassuring to know that we can still make a difference right here in our own backyard? For just $1/day or $30/month, you can help local projects get off the ground and send high school students to college. At LCF, we like to think that our monthly donors plant seeds that bloom all year long. Seeds like human services, community connectivity, youth investment and local ecology help grow our community into a bountiful garden of beautiful wildflowers. Now, who wouldn’t subscribe to that? “I choose to give monthly to LCF because as an Advisory Board member for five years I know how essential it is to be able to build an annual budget based on reliable and stable income. I love this community and believe in and admire all the wonderful folks who desire to improve the quality of life in the Lyons area through the thoughtful and meaningful work of their non profit organizations.” I’m proud to be a community builder!” Jeanne Moore, LCF Chairperson In the next month, you will receive a postcard in the mail which looks exactly like the one pictured below. If you enjoy live concerts in the park, the Holiday Parade of Lights, local history, beautiful gardens, educational opportunities for your children, public art, human services, etc., then we ask that you consider becoming an LCF Community Builder. If you are interested and are able to give back to this amazing community, please visit our website to set up a monthly contribution at www.lyonscf.org. Community members are always encouraged to get involved with the Lyons Community Foundation. If you are new to town, this is a great way to meet new people. You can either volunteer on one of LCF’s committees OR you can become an Advisory Board member. To find out more, please visit our website at www.lyonscf.org. You can also drop us an email at info@lyonscf.org. We would love to hear from you!  The Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) was established in 2007 when several area residents saw the need for a locally based philanthropy and began the hard work of setting up the Lyons Community Foundation, under the umbrella of The Community Foundation of Boulder County (TCF). As stated in last month’s issue of the Redstone Review, LCF remains one of TCF’s funds. The reasons for having a local-based nonprofit include the ability to address the unique needs of a small and diverse community. There are projects that otherwise could not occur given the budget and constraints of a small town. Also, it gives local businesses and individuals a go-to centralized resource to help and enhance their community. At no time was the need for a local foundation more critical than during the flood. Thanks to LCF’s existence, the “Rebuild Lyons One life at Time” grant program was able to spring into action, awarding over $1M to local residents and businesses when they needed it most. Funds were given out within three months of the flood to address critical needs. In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, the Lyons Community Foundation 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, was designed to help local businesses survive the impact of COVID-19’s forced business closures. With the added donations from the Town of Lyons and area residents, the Lyons Share Fund provided $43,000 to local businesses. As a community foundation, our main purpose is to inspire philanthropy within the community to support a diverse range of projects and populations in order to improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving and encourage positive change in the greater Lyons area. By offering a centralized source for fundraising, nonprofits can focus on their projects. Last year, LCF was able to grant a total of $44,500 to 15 community projects and six graduating high school students. Thanks to LCF’s Community Support Grants, local non-profits received $37,000 in 2021 to put towards 15 separate projects which focus on four key areas: Community Connectivity, Human Services, Youth Investment and Local Ecology. Thanks to LCF’s Scholarship Fund, six graduating high school seniors received a scholarship ranging from $500-$2000 to attend a post-secondary institution.  Thanks to the community’s support during our first ever Hootenanny and our Community Builder/Annual Appeal Campaign, the Lyons Community Foundation had a better year than anticipated in 2021. This year, LCF will be partnering once again with LEAF and River Bend to bring you this FUN family friendly event on Sunday, August 28th, 2022. LCF is happy to partner with the Town of Lyons at local events by participating in the Winter Wonderland Concert Series (February 26th), the Sandstone Concert Series (Thursday evenings in the Summer) as well as the Parade of Lights (December 3rd) and the Artisan Market (June 11th). We are also looking forward to partnering with Gemini Adventures to bring you the first annual Lucky Lyons 5k and 10k run on March 12th, 2022. Please visit geminiadventures.com/lyons-race to register or volunteer.
Community members are encouraged to get involved with the Lyons Community Foundation. You can either become a Community Builder by donating monthly to LCF OR you can volunteer on one of LCF’s committees OR you can become an Advisory board member. To find out more, please visit our website at www.lyonscf.org. You can also drop us an email at info@lyonscf.org. We would love to hear from you! As we navigated the second year living with a pandemic in our midst, the Omicron COVID-19 variant hit and almost every family knew someone who had to quarantine over the holidays due to a positive test. Then, on December 30th, 2021 the most destructive wildfire in the state's history, the Marshall fire, destroyed nearly 1,000 homes in Boulder County. Our community knows what it is like to suffer such devastation and loss. Back in 2013, Lyons and the surrounding area experienced an historic flood, which resulted in one life lost and 10% of our population left homeless. Some of our residents were never able to rebuild. Seven and a half years later, Lyons is still recovering from the flood. We look forward to the final bridge (4th avenue) being replaced and connecting downtown Lyons to the confluence area. The day of the wildfire, our thoughts and prayers immediately went to our friends and neighbors in Louisville and Superior who watched as their homes and their neighborhoods went up in flames. We know the challenges that lie ahead for the victims of the wildfire and are grateful that non-profit organizations like the Community Foundation of Boulder County (TCF) and the Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) exist to help us build back better and stronger. In less than two weeks, nearly $19.5 million was raised to support our friends and neighbors through the Boulder County Wildfire Fund. As Tatiana Hernandez, CEO of The Community Foundation stated “Our community has, as it always does, shown up for each other in an enormous way after an unimaginable crisis”. Lyons felt this same support in 2013 when an outpouring of donations were channeled into LCF’s Rebuild Lyons Fund. This fund raised over $1 million dollars and was able to help flood victims financially by putting money directly in their hands. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Lyons Community Foundation created the Lyons Share Fund which raised and distributed $43,000 to local businesses and another $15,000 for individual grants. Thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, the advisory boards of these organizations are able to act quickly and disburse funds when the need arises. The central purpose of the community foundation is to serve the needs and philanthropic aims of donors who wish to better their community, now and in the future. As Boulder County's trusted philanthropic partner for over 30 years, the Community Foundation of Boulder County has shown the importance of deep local relationships in meeting short and long-term community needs in a crisis with equity, transparency, and integrity. When the Lyons Community Foundation became a fund of the Community Foundation in 2008, we were able to tap into this experience. The Lyons Community Foundation has grown from a small grassroots group to a well organized community foundation made up of an advisory board and a part-time employee. Two important funds, the Community Support Grants and the Scholarship Fund allow us to support the needs of the community in areas such as arts, education, civic affairs, ecology, human services and basic needs. All residents benefit from the art sculptures sprinkled around town, the events that bring us together, the gardens that bloom and the wellness provided by human services. We are immensely grateful for the many generous residents who showed their appreciation for our work in the community by donating over $43,000 through their monthly and end of year giving. We need all of YOU so that we can further our mission of improving the quality of life, and encouraging positive change in the greater Lyons area. We also need community members to participate on our committees such as Fundraising, Community Outreach, Grants Review, Scholarship Review, as well as Marketing and Communications. This is an excellent way to give back to the community and meet new people. Please visit our website at lyonscf.org/volunteer to sign up. We approach this new year with hope that the health and economic crisis will end, and our community will connect in kindness, compassion and joy! Happy New Year to all! Advisory Board Members: Jeanne Moore, Gail Frankfurt, Claudia Kean, Ravi Gandh, Kate Schnepel, Ella Levy, Gil Sparks, Sara Erickson, Gwyd Winkelmeyer Communications and Marketing Associate: Tanya Daty 
“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 six college scholarships now available to graduating high school students from the greater Lyons area. Applications are available online at https://www.lyonscf.org/how-to-apply-for-a-scholarship.html or from the Lyons Naviance Scholarship site. Below is a brief description of each scholarship; please refer to LCF Scholarship List for complete information about eligibility and submission requirements. 2022 Lyons Community Foundation Mission Scholarship. One $2000 scholarship offered by the Lyons Community Foundation, will recognize any graduating senior from Lyons Senior High School, a graduating senior living in the greater Lyons area (80540 zip code) attending a different high school, or home schooled student from the greater Lyons area (80540 zip code) 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. 2021 Lyons Community Foundation 2-Year Study Scholarship. One $2000 scholarship offered by the Lyons Community Foundation, will recognize any graduating senior from Lyons Senior High School, a graduating senior living in the greater Lyons area (80540 zip code) attending a different high school, or home schooled student from the greater Lyons area (80540 zip code) 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 from Lyons Senior High School, a graduating senior living in the greater Lyons area (80540 zip code) attending a different high school, or home schooled student from the greater Lyons area (80540 zip code) 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 be a graduating senior from Lyons Senior High School with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and be active participants in the community, and show a commitment to caring for the environment. Lyons area homeschooled students who participate in Lyons Senior High School through sports and/or academics are also eligible. 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 a graduating senior who shares these passions. Eligible students must attend Lyons Senior 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 any graduating senior from Lyons Senior High School, a graduating senior living in the greater Lyons area (80540 zip code) attending a different high school, or home schooled student from the greater Lyons area (80540 zip code). All applications must be received by March 11, 2022 at 3:00pm. Applications may be returned to the counseling office of Lyons Senior 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 or as otherwise noted for each scholarship. Students must be accepted to or have acceptance pending at their prospective school(s) when they submit their applications. 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. The Lyons Community Foundation (LCF) is thrilled to announce the 2021 Community Support Grant Awards. Each fall, Lyons-area nonprofit organizations apply for grants that will support the work they plan to do in the year to come. As a community foundation, LCF’s work consists of raising money to support a diverse range of projects and populations in the greater Lyons area. By offering a centralized source for fundraising, nonprofits can focus on their projects. The grant review committee, a nominated 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 a culture of giving and encourage positive change in the greater Lyons area. Since LCF’s inception in 2008, over half a million dollars has been raised to support local initiatives that either build Community Connectivity, provide Human Services, Invest in our Youth or showcase Local Ecology. This year, the LCF Advisory Board approved more than $37,000 in grants to 15 separate projects representing these four different focus areas. If you would like to learn more about these projects, please follow Lyons Community Foundation on Facebook as we will be posting weekly videos to better explain how the following nonprofits plan to use their grant money to help support our community. The following is a brief description of the projects awarded this year. The Lyons Community Foundation has invested in Human Services since 2008. Even before the creation of the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund (LEAF) in 2014, LCF supported the food pantry and the Basic Needs and Emergency Fund when they were ministries of the Lyons Community Church. For the third year in a row, LEAF is the biggest recipient of grant funding with a total of $17,050 awarded for all five of their programs: Lyons Community Food Pantry, Basic Needs and Resource Matching, Meals on Wheels, Mental Wellness & Addiction Recovery and Lyons Volunteers. As a community foundation, LCF has sought to connect the community in more ways than one. Since 2013, LCF has funded many popular programs that the town of Lyons organizes yearly such as the Parade of Lights and the Sandstone Concert Series. Next year, the Town of Lyons will be adding back the Winter Wonderland Series, which takes place in January/February in Lavern Johnson Park. You will be able to see LCF board members selling hot chocolate and baked goods at the concession stand. Thanks to the Community Foundation of Boulder County, LCF was also able to secure a grant for senior programming, which the town will manage. As for Parks and Recreation, LCF has awarded a grant to the Lights Out Lyons Night initiative which was so successful this past summer. In total, the LCF has awarded over $15,000 to the town of Lyons to keep our community connected in 2022. The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC) has been a Community Grant recipient since 2009. In all, LCF has awarded $42,400 to support public art in the streets of Lyons. The Creative Outlets program began in 2019 when the LAHC launched Lyons’ first utility box-painting program To date, the LAHC has completed three utility boxes through this program. Next year, they hope to paint three more utility boxes. For each box, commissioned artists receive a $1,000 stipend for their work and supplies. What a great way to bring beauty to unexpected places, by adding color and interesting designs to utility boxes throughout town. The heARTS Outdoor Art program began in 2017. Leased pieces are on a two-year display period schedule and include a $750 honorarium for artists. Residents and tourists can tour all 24 sculptures set up around Lyons by downloading the Clio App at https://theclio.com/tour/1091. The Lyons Community Foundation is excited to support a newly formed non-profit organization in Lyons, the Lyons Community Farm Project by granting $3,500 for the new Lyons Food Forest (LFF). The LFF will not only provide fresh, organic food for the local community, with a focus on providing for the most vulnerable through donations to LEAF, but will also serve as a living, edible classroom to inspire, educate, and connect the community. This food forest will include a meeting area and kids area, abound with fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, and annual food crops. It is located on a leased buyout property on 5th avenue. In addition, LCF has awarded the TOL’s Ecology Advisory Board $750 for the “Colorado Noxious Weed Identification Book Giveaway”. Books will be available at the library and at local ecological events. In total, LCF is dedicating $4,250 to support local ecology next year. Finally, LCF has awarded a grant to the Lyons High School After Prom program (for the fifth year in a row) in order to support a safe, sober, supervised activity for high school students. Grant applications received totaled $57,761. While LCF would like to provide funding for many more projects and scholarships, increased investment by local individuals is necessary. We are asking all residents to consider LCF in their year-end giving by making an online donation to the foundation at www.lyonscf.org. If you prefer to send a check, please watch for our annual appeal holiday card that should arrive in your mailbox the week before Thanksgiving break.  LCF Advisory board members were happy to participate in the 2019 Holiday Parade of Lights.
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AuthorLyons Community Foundation Archives
April 2022
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