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PLYMOUTH — Brian Lyons spent some of his Tuesday in front of a camera.
Lyons, the 10-year-old lemonade salesman from Plymouth, was busy putting together a video — with the help/direction of Scott Cannon of Video Innovations — to send off to the Ellen DeGeneres Show with the hope that Brian will be invited on the popular talk show.
Lyons has autism. His mother said when Brian was younger, he would hardly talk. Now, he has become a celebrity, having done media interviews and posting constantly on social media about his effort to raise money to purchase a Jaws of Life device for the Elm Hill Hose Company No. 3 fire company.
That’s where Lyons was Tuesday morning — it’s his favorite place. Brian serves as the Elm Hill junior fire chief, an honor he takes very seriously.
Lyons just finished a successful stint at the 16th annual Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival, where he pushed his total to more than $6,500 raised toward the purchase of the $9,514 Jaws of Life.
Chief Brian Oppelt of the Elm Hill Hose Company, said the device has been ordered and it should be in within a month. Oppelt said he’s not worried about being able to pay the bill.
“We know Brian will reach his goal,” Oppelt said. “We’re confident Brian will make it happen.”
Chief Oppelt also credited Brian’s mom, Linda Uren, for being at her son’s side through it all.
“Brian won’t stop when he reaches this goal,” Oppelt said. “He already told us he will keep raising money for us. He want to renovate the fire house.”
Brian will host a car wash on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Elm Hill Hose Company on Vine Street. Cost will be $10 for a wash and wax.
And lemonade will be on sale too, as you might expect.
“He makes me so very proud,” Uren said. “This fire company, it has brought him out of his shell. Brian now talks to other kids and he encourages them to get involved with the community.”
Holly Spece of Plymouth Alive, appears in the video, as well as Adam Morehart, a resident of Plymouth, Tom McTague, representing Plymouth Fire Company No. 1, Brian and Uren. State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Newport Township, will also be in the video.
Cannon said once the video is edited, he will send it to The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
“We hope it gets Ellen’s attention,” Cannon said. “Brian deserves some national attention.
Cannon said the three minute video will be informational and also include testimonials about Brian’s great work.
Brian is hoping that lemonade goes with tomatoes and pasta and soppressata.
Lyons has inquired about setting up his lemonade stand at the annual Pittston Tomato Festival this weekend.
