After School Adventure program to host World War II veteran

Simon spent time with thousands of other young Jewish boys as a prisoner at Dachau, the first Nazi-German concentration camp. He fled to Cuba in the late 1930's and after a year, was able to come to the United States.

Simon flew B24 bombers during the latter part of WWII as an air intelligence specialist for the US military and was also an integral player in a US Army Military Intelligence team that sought out Nazi war criminals after the war was over.

For over a decade, he has been sharing his experiences with schools throughout California.

"I approached Mr. Simon in June about the possibility of coming to Lyle," said Dena Kline, ASAP Program Director. "I never thought he would agree to come so far from his Southern California home. We're so lucky to have live history right here in Lyle. Mr. Simon refused to allow us to pay for his visit, he told me that he could not take money for this horrible story."

Continuing. she said, :I think having him share his experiences to students and community members is a powerful way to learn about tolerance and the human condition."

ASAP is part of a federal 21st Century Learning Centers Rural Opportunities grant that seeks to provide educational enrichment in small rural communities. The program engages Lyle School District students of all ages in summer programming and after school activities from Monday to Thursday throughout the school year. It also assists the district with the purchase of school supplies, funds educational field trips for the kids, and implements a wide array of classes open to community members.

As part of ASAP, Simon will be speaking at the Lyle Lions Club on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

"If the community takes advantage of this speaker, I would be happy to work to bring other speakers to the community this year. Everyone is welcome to join the forum."

Refreshments will be provided by students at Dallesport Elementary School.

For more information on the speaker or ASAP, contact Dena Z. Kline, program director, 365-2211 or dkline@lyle.wednet.edu.