The Stan Black Award is named for one of the founders of The Community Foundation. Stan is retired now, but continues to be an active participant in a number of causes, both in the Boulder area and overseas. We present this award annually with the sponsorship of the law firm of Hutchinson, Black & Cook and the additional support individual donors. The award is intended to honor an individual who, like Stan Black, has given a lifetime of "time, treasure and talent" to the community.

The 2001 Stan Black Award honoree is LaVern Johnson

LaVern Johnson has been the called the "Number One Community Volunteer" in Lyons, Colo., where she has lived for her entire adult life. She is a person of unbelievable dedication and deep commitment to the community and its residents, from infants to seniors. In the words of her nominator, "Without her leadership, perseverance and just plain hard work, Lyons would not have a beautifully renovated historical library; a renovated Town Hall; a visitor center and surrounding park as well as many other beautiful town parks; a systems of trails, free to all who want to use them along the St. Vrain River; many beautiful plants and trees just about everywhere, which under her leadership are planted every Arbor Day; and a first class historical museum." In addition to her community work, LaVern and her husband, who earned the nickname "Mr. LaVern," volunteered for and supported the St. Vrain Public School System since the 1940’s and she has continued to do so since his death in 1997. Without their dedication Lyons might not have had their own high school. LaVern is also well known for fighting for the environment, working to preserve the wonderful natural area in and around Lyons. To that end she is active in the PLAN-Boulder County citizens' organization. She also has been instrumental in ensuring programming for senior citizens programs, including helping with the Meals on Wheels hot lunch program and the Area Agency on Aging activities in Boulder County.