The Face of Lyndonville

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Created on Wednesday, 30 October 2013 22:54

Written by Kevin Kelleher

LYNDONVILLE - New faces are seen everyday, as well as old, but every town seems to have that one face, that one person that, everyone knows and no one will forget. In Lyndonville that person is Levi Gardner.

Levi is now 27 and after moving from the Dominican Republic when he was younger, has spent the rest of his life making a name for himself in Lyndonville.

"Most people call me the Mayor of Lyndonville, but I don't know why."

Levi may not know how so many people know him or why he is so popular but it's easy to see why. He is always trying to get further involved in town activities, and has a positive attitude in whatever he puts his mind too.

Levi displays his support for the community by being a volunteer at the fire department.
Also, being an Alumni of Lyndon Institute, Levi tries his best to stay involved and support the school teams. Although basketball has always been his favorite, he tries to watch as many different games as he can.

Perhaps the most astonishing thing about Levi's success as a community member is how he has overcome the mental and physical disabilities that he was born with. Doctors told Levis parents he had an "unknown syndrome" and were unable to put a label on it.

"Basically he has delayed growth. He has a hearing loss and speech impairment. He has a cleft palette that's been repaired a couple times." explained Levi's Father, Robert Gardner.

Levi's parents Robert and Brigida supported him everyway they could growing up.
Levi's younger brother Adam, who also suffers from an "unknown syndrome".

"The boys are what they are. They're a million dollars to us you know? We'd never give up a minute of it," said his father Robert.

On top of that Brigida also had a daughter who was killed in a car accident at the young age of 14.

Despite the tragic loss of her daughter, Brigida has always kept her head in the sky and remains grateful for her two sons. She has not let the death of her daughter bring her down. Levi's mindset to never give up couldn't make her anymore happy

"He's going and going and going. He's a good boy. I'm proud of my son, so proud," Brigida said.

Levi says he likes to "Make new friends, and meet new people." So if you're new to Lyndonville or even just passing through, don't be afraid to say "Hi".