New Left Hand Grange website launched

A Boulder County Economic Vitality grant awarded in 2019 has made it possible for Niwot's Left Hand Grange No. 9 on 2nd Avenue to modernize its online presence. The redesigned website has a completely new look and enhanced functionality, replacing the original website built 11 years ago.

Archival and recent photos are now accompanied by a timeline story of the rural community center. Other highlights of the revamped website are an event calendar allowing visitors to easily see what concerts and gatherings are coming up, take note of what days and times are available, as well as reserve the space online. New and renewing members may also pay online by credit card, and making a donation is now automated through the new website.

The Grange sponsors Boy Scout Troop 161 and the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band, and also hosts concerts, classes and community meetings. A policy change now makes it possible to rent the Grange and serve alcohol on a limited basis.

For over 70-plus years, the two-story building has been a community gathering hub for farmers, politicians, children, corporations, crafters and artists, game players, teachers, instructors, families, and musicians. The new website will help get the word out to those less familiar with what the historic venue offers.

Dayna Roane, former NBA treasurer, and Niwot Economic Development Director Catherine McHale submitted an application for the grant that funded the website project at the end of 2018 on behalf of the NBA. The monies received were part of Boulder County's overall annual distribution of grants to an economic development organization within each county municipality.

Following the announcement that the grant had been won, it was decided by the NBA and Grange boards that the best use of $2,325 award would be to help improve public communications and visibility of the historic organization. Part of a national network of 3,600 granges and first chartered in 1873, Left Hand Grange No. 9 is now the oldest active grange in Colorado.

Grange president, Kelli Beran said, "I am hoping better access to the calendar, events, and membership information will give the Left Hand Grange the energy it needs to launch itself to a new audience and hopefully they will become involved and continue to help this organization thrive."