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by Kate Kerr
Article originally posted in the Redstone Review
A huge thank you to two longtime LEAF volunteers, Pat Journeay and Peter Maves, who have recently moved on to new volunteer positions.
Pat volunteered with the Lyons Food Pantry. A Lyons resident for over 30 years, about seven years ago, she was serving on the Lyons Community Foundation Board when she was asked to consider volunteering with the newly created food pantry. Her Spanish language skills were especially needed. At the Pantry, Pat found a unique way to connect with folks in our community from all backgrounds.
Pat says she has continually been amazed by Lyons’ vibrant community of dedicated volunteers. For example, for the Food Pantry, many hours are logged each week by a team of volunteers collecting, organizing and storing the food which is offered to clients each Wednesday from 3:30-5:00pm.
Recently Pat and her husband, Bruce, moved to Longmont but their roots in Lyons run deep. They will be back for book club, music events and more. Their home in Lyons was sold to an Apple Valley family who lost their home in the flood.
Pat’s newest volunteer roles involve housing a Chinese exchange student for five weeks as well as a mentoring a youngster for at least a year through the “I Have A Dream” Foundation. Pat can also be found at rubber stamping workshops at the Longmont Senior Center.
Peter Maves recently retired from the LEAF Board of Directors where he served as Treasurer. Peter has played an instrumental role in the evolution of the LEAF program. Over the years, as a clinical psychologist he has served on a number of boards. About 7 years ago, Peter was asked to join the board for the newly created Basic Needs and Emergency Fund and Food Pantry started as a mission of the Lyons Community Church. Much of its funding came from the Lyons Community Fund (LCF). After the September 2013 flood, Peter became part of the “Rebuild Lyons” Board which raised a million dollars in a month to assist Lyons’ residents with immediate financial needs. After Rebuild closed, grants continued to be awarded and the needs in the community were greater than ever. It became clear that the community needed a formal emergency assistance organization with non-profit status.
Peter is retiring now because his three main goals for LEAF have been achieved. He wanted LEAF to become its own entity with: 1. A firm, solid direction 2. A focused, committed Board and 3. Non-profit status and financial stability.
Of all the Boards Peter has served on over the years, he says LEAF has been the most remarkable. He says: “The competency, talent and generosity of individuals in Lyons and on the LEAF Board is staggering.”
Peter still volunteers with LEAF. He was most recently seen expertly flipping pancakes and sausages at a LEAF breakfast. (He comes by these skills honestly as he once worked as a short order cook.) Peter is also seen around town playing guitar and singing with the “Complete Unknowns” band.
Thank you again, Pat and Peter, for being two of so many incredible volunteers who make a “staggering” difference for the Lyons community.
LEAF offers a human services safety net to those in need in the greater Lyons area. Services include Meals On Wheels, Basic Needs and Resource Matching, and the Food Pantry open Wednesdays 3:30-5pm at 350 Main St. (Lyons Community Church). Donations of food and household products are accepted 10am-3pm. To contact LEAF, call 720-864-4309 or email info@leaflyons.org
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