All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Courtesy Photo Rotarian Margaret Hix is a very active member of the Niwot community, helping with various events throughout the year.
“It’s always inspiring to meet people who feel that they can make a difference in the world. That’s their motive, that’s their passion... I think that’s what makes your life meaningful, that’s what fills your own heart and that’s what gives you purpose.”
When Maria Shriver made this statement, she could easily have been referring to Niwot Rotarian Margaret Hix.
Hix is passionate about gardening, her friends and family, and the work of the Rotary Club of Niwot and Rotary International.
When describing the various Rotary programs, the mention of the annual Oktoberfest in Niwot makes Hix’s face to light up. This family-friendly day of dancing, food and fun is the biggest event for the local chapter of the service club.
As Chair of the Oktoberfest Committee, it falls to Hix to rally her fellow Rotarians, volunteers, and members of the business community to ensure the ongoing success of what has over eight years become a popular tradition in Boulder County.
Hix laughingly admits it is not unusual to be on site from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on event day. While exhausting, it is also extremely rewarding as this event raises thousands of dollars for local community outreach programs like Our Center in Longmont.
Hix is also the youth exchange officer for Rotary International, which has a special place in her heart. Hix and her husband Charles have hosted several exchange students themselves and created opportunities for numerous others.
Recently, the pair were visited by a Japanese friend who had stayed with the Hix many years ago as a college student and who has stayed in touch with them.
Youth and education are the areas which inspire Hix, allowing her to express the enthusiasm she feels for the various programs in the Niwot schools: Read Across America and the Dictionary Project in the primary grades, and at Niwot High one accomplished graduating student receives a $500 scholarship each year. “RYLA” is the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and regional recipients will meet for a conference in Estes Park in June.
When asked how she got involved in Rotary, Hix said, “I wanted to give back to the community. The social aspect and camaraderie has been an unexpected bonus.”
The Rotary Club of Niwot meets Thursday mornings at Left Hand Grange. See NiwotRotary.org or phone 303-746-1490. Hix invites readers to mark their calendars for this year’s Okroberfest on Oct. 7.
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