Staff Reports
Redstone Review

LYONS – Sometimes we are  fortunate enough to be a part of something great. Two Lyons Community Foundation, LCF, grant recipients make this possible.  This is one of a series of columns informing the community about the use of LCF funds from the 2008 granting cycle.Brad Martin from the Lyons Middle School teaches language arts and social studies, and working closely with the St. Vrain School District has been instrumental in getting the school wired for technology.  As a result of his efforts, each classroom in the middle school has two computers connected to the Internet.

This effort started several years ago when the district upgraded computers in the lab and Martin had the foresight to ensure the old computers stayed in the school and were placed in the classrooms. As he said, “Sure they were old computers, but functional.” At that time, these classroom computers were not connected, so Martin’s next project was to access the Internet. In the mean time, the district upgraded computers including those placed in the classrooms and with Booster Club support and about half of the computers got connected to the Internet. Funds from the Lyons Community Foundation completed this project supporting the connection of all the computers to the Internet.

“The use has been phenomenal,” Martin said. Students are using these computers for timely completion of projects, in-class research, and presentation and design of materials. “Everyone, teachers and students, is appreciative of having access to computers in the classroom,” he said. “Thanks to the Booster Club and the Lyons Community Foundation for making this possible.”  Technology benefits all students regardless of their learning style, grade point average or if they have a computer at home or not.  Congratulations to the Lyons Middle School for the plan to make computers available to students.

President Obama has re-introduced the idea of community and volunteerism. Responding to this call, Veronika Gaia presented an idea of the Student Activist Program to several people at the Lyons Middle School. The idea for this program is to connect students with community needs, making a positive contribution to the community.  This group of students visited with seniors and persons with developmental disabilities and also worked with a wildlife rehabilitation center. “It was rewarding and the program was successful,” said Gaia, who worked closely with Paula Randazzo, school intervention specialist, and Stephanie Kurland, parent volunteer. The three worked hard this first year to recruit students, select activities and places to visit, and they are now planning a year-end celebration in May to recognize the students and their achievements.

One program activity was building squirrel houses for rehabilitated squirrels being released into the wild. Another program activity was spending time with seniors, playing games and doing nails.  During the holidays, the student volunteers inventoried and sorted toys that were distributed to children who might not otherwise have Christmas gifts.

“The students made this happen,” said Kurland. “It was all about them and how dedicated they were, how much they learned from each activity.  This program is about personal growth and we saw this with the students.”

This has been a successful first year and plans are to continue this program. Gaia, Randazzo and Kurland are interested in learning from the community about programs the volunteer students could be involved in, especially in Lyons, and they invite adults and parents to become volunteers. For more information contact Randazzo at the Lyons Middle School at 303-823-6631 x 5613, randazzo_paula@stvrain.k12.co.us. Congratulations to the Student Activist Program for a successful first year.

Something for everyone – this is the theme for LCF’s two giving campaigns. Supporting Contributors is a donation in any amount and a pledge for continued support for three years. This is for general funds, unrestricted to support the annual granting cycle.

Sustaining Contributors is in honor of Lyons’ stone industry and history. LCF has established three levels of giving, recognizing various levels of stone and a pledge for continued support:

Blue Top: $500 or more annually for three or more years; Pink Stone: $250-$499 annually for three or more years; Red Sandstone: $100-$249 annually for three or more years

LCF continues to fund the Basic Needs Emergency Fund through the Lyons Community Church, helping individuals and families with immediate and urgent basic living needs.  Through a generous gift from Gavan Burke Enterprises, LCF made a donation to the Matt’s Vision Quest Fund.

Upcoming events that will benefit LCF include a large community garage sale, the Annual Spring Clean, May 3, Lyons Village Central, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. For more information contact Nancy or Robin at Food & Flicks, 303-823-6049, foodflicks@earthlink.net.  Also, the LCF Golf Tournament will be held May 13 at the Ute Creek Golf Course, golfers (and hackers) welcome.  If you are a golfer or if you would like to sponsor this event, please contact Lynda Kelling at 303-823-6467.

The LCF is a proud member of the Lyons Area Chamber of Commerce.  The LCF exists to improve the quality of life, build a culture of giving and encourage positive change for the greater Lyons area. Please visit the LCF website at LyonsCF.com.

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