MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District’s (MLSD) open community forum Thursday at Endeavor Middle School started a little differently than the previous three forums this school year.

School Board directors Vicki Groff and Eric Stones, who facilitated the forum, took the forum’s first 10 minutes to publicly recognize Art and Wendy Brown, the engines behind the “Light of Larson” group in Moses Lake.

Groff explained to the group of about a dozen people in attendance that the Browns intentionally moved to the Larson area to work with that community and the schools in the area.

“They do a lot of ministry, but they are also working with North, and with Larson, and with Endeavor and letting people know that this is a wonderful community,” Groff said. “And they are encouraging people that live here to understand that this is a wonderful community.”

“It makes my heart happy to know that you have taken an interest in not only the community, but very specifically the schools.”

Stones presented Art and Wendy with certificates of appreciation on behalf of the Moses Lake School District for their endeavors to bring together the Larson community.

“We just really appreciate all that you do,” he said.

In addition to the certificates, Groff presented both of the Browns with a small leprechaun object in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day Thursday.

“The reason I give those to you is the leprechaun, in Irish folklore, can reveal hidden treasures,” Groff said. “Art and Wendy, you have and continue to reveal hidden treasures to this community. The treasures are found in the people who live here and you are showing them that they are indeed treasures.”

Diana McFaul, principal of Larson Heights Elementary, was on hand at Endeavor to speak on behalf of the Light of Larson couple. She said the Browns’ actions within the school have made a significant difference, as Larson Heights has become an epicenter for community togetherness.

“It’s a pretty exciting opportunity to see a family function and be bringing people into the school,” McFaul said.

At Larson, Art serves on the crossing guard so he spends time connecting with students that way, McFaul said. He and Wendy do “bread walks” to deliver bread to families, and they help tend a community garden.

North Elementary Principal Kelly Frederick also shared what a difference the Browns have made in the Larson community.

“The Browns, they tucked in the North Stars under their wings and that’s how it feels here,” she said. “They are not flashy people. They don’t need the applause … they gently help students transition from home to school.”

Frederick told a short anecdote about the Browns’ passion to foster community within schools in the Larson area. She said at one point this year, a North student voiced that he missed the days when students could get popcorn from the school’s popcorn machine. Frederick admitted she didn’t know the school used to do that, but sure enough, the Browns made it happen. They did an hours-long deep clean of the popcorn machine and got it up and running.

“They just do what is needed,” Frederick said. “It took one child saying one wish and over 300 kids are getting popcorn.”

“There’s always lots of smiles and much appreciation for the Browns, the Light of Larson.”

Art and Wendy Brown expressed appreciation to the MLSD for allowing them to work in Larson’s schools.

“We really appreciate this whole district and your support for allowing us to be in the schools,” Art said.

“Anytime we can get the family into the school, it’s a benefit for all of us. It truly is. I believe that Larson is becoming more of a community center rather than a place just to send your kid and let them take care of it. It’s a community.”

Wendy said their work to bring the Larson community together stems from a belief that a cohesive community is a better community.

“If we promote family unity and neighborhood unity, it’s going to make a healthier community, and we believe that,” she said.

Ryan Minnerly can be reached via email at county@columbiabasinherald.com.