Meet the Beacon volunteers ‘In the Beacon Spotlight’
In recognition to those who give so generously of their time and talents, in this week’s Beacon Spotlight is SAS volunteer, Kathy Lyons.
Lyons was recently named director of the after school program held at the Beacon of HOPE.
“Our group of volunteers serve as mentors to children and provide help where help is needed,” said Lyons. “It is our goal to guide these children to success and this is accomplished by addressing each child’s needs on a one-to-on basis.”
Lyons and her husband moved to Pine Island from Santa Barbara, Calif., to be closer to her children and grandchildren and as a former third grade teacher of 21 years, she felt her volunteer efforts would be most affective by getting involved with the SAS program.
“Working with the children in the program, you can see the difference you are making in a child’s life from one week to the next,” said Lyons. “As a former teacher, I know many of my students would have benefited from a program like this one and I am very happy to have the opportunity to do my part.”
The following is a list of questions developed by the staff of the Pine Island Eagle and Lyons’ responses:
1. Astrological sign: Virgo
2. Birth place: San Diego, Calif.
3. How long have you been a Beacon volunteer: One year
4. Seasonal for full-time resident: full-time
5. When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up: Teacher
6. What’s the best thing about being a Beacon volunteer: Working with the great people of Pine Island and helping children
7. Do you have a collection or hobby: I collect Depression glass and tea cups
8. Who would you want to play the role of you in a movie: Melanie Griffiths
9. Where do you see yourself in 10 years: On a beach
10. What or when was your Mission Moment: It was years ago when I realized how much students needed a stable, supportive person in their lives
11. What is your absolute biggest pet peeve: People who complain, but aren’t willing to be a part of the solution
12. What’s your favorite pastime: Travel and caring for my granddaughters
13. Which cartoon character do you most relate to: Minnie Mouse
14. What was your first volunteer experience: team mom for son’s baseball teams
15. If you were on a deserted island what one thing would you want with you: Water!
16. Who has been the biggest influence in your life: Mother Theresa
17. What is your favorite sport to watch: Football
18. What is your favorite TV show: “White Collar” or “Leverage”
19. Do you have any pets: A dog
20. Describe yourself in one word: Caring
In an effort to expand the SAS after school program, members of the SAS board are working toward recruiting more volunteers. On Wednesday, Oct. 29, a meeting will be held at Southwest Capital Bank beginning at 5:30 p.m. This will be an opportunity to meet some of the SAS volunteers and to learn more about the program. Currently mentors are assisting fifth grade Pine Island Elementary students on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and fourth graders on Monday and Wednesday during the regular school year.
For more information about becoming an SAS volunteer, call Kathy Lyons at 558-5296.