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on August 7, 2024
Youth Mural Program students take a break from working on the recycled skeleton of what will become a roadrunner bench, part of work on a bird and wildlife sanctuary on the grounds of Bear Mountain Lodge funded through a $30,000 grant from Grant County philanthropy group the30something. The project is one of three awarded this year through a vote of the group, which is always seeking new members.
By TRISH KIRCHHOFF
Daily Press Correspondent
The Youth Mural Project and the Bear Mountain Center for Sustainability, together one of the recipients of this year’s awards from the Grant County philanthropy group known as the30something, have been fast-tracking their project to take advantage of youths’ energy and availability during summer break.
Under the direction of Diana Ingalls Leyba and Linda Brewer respectively, these organizations’ winning proposal was to create a bird and wildlife sanctuary open to the public at Bear Mountain Lodge north of Silver City. Youth have excitedly been constructing benches from recycled plastic, wire mesh and cement mâché, molding the whimsical shapes of a roadrunner and an owl.
A well has also been drilled to create a pond, which will have viewing stations and a windmill. However, it won’t be an ordinary windmill with these creative minds at work, but one adorned with painted blades and ceramic birds. When in motion, the windmill will be reminiscent of the artist Eadweard Muybridge’s stop-motion photographs of the movements of animals.
The annual $30,000 award was the brainchild of Janey Katz, who decided to establish the30something in 2019. Katz thought that by combining individual donations of $1,000 from each member, money could be pooled to create a larger award and make a greater impact.
This year, the30something was pleased to be able to award three 501(c)(3) nonprofits, with applications for the awards voted on by the organization’s membership.
“This is a wonderful incentive for members, as it fosters community involvement and awareness, but one that often requires difficult decision-making due to the many outstanding nonprofits in Silver City and Grant County that participate,” member Suzi Calhoun said.
The two other recipient organizations for the30something awards in 2024 are the New Earth Project of the Upper Gila Watershed Alliance and the Virus Theater.
The New Earth Project will be using their funds to help complete a pole barn to house their youth-centered composting programs. By using food left over from elementary school cafeterias and woody biomass, children are taught about composting, zero waste, companion planting, carbon in the atmosphere and soil health. The proposal was submitted by Carol Ann Fugagli, with Nan Franzblau.
Based in the historic El Sol Theatre building, the Virus Theater group plans on using their award funds to purchase new plush seating, to repair the ceiling of the theater and to replace their back door. That application was submitted by Teresa Dahl-Bredine, with Jessa Tumposky and Kristen Warnack.
This year’s sixth annual awards celebration was held at The Commons, where members socialized in the abundant gardens and were able to tour the recently completed freestanding serve-yourself pantry built in part with funds from a the30something award in 2023.
For more information on the30something history, award application requirements, past recipients of awards and on how to join the community-minded dynamic organization, check out the30something website at the30something.org.
Trish Kirchhoff is a member of the30something.