Left Hand Laurel: Vicki Maurer

Vicki Maurer's approach to life and volunteering is probably best put in her own words: "We do what we have to do and get it done."

Maurer has been involved with many community organizations over the years, from Niwot Youth Sports to the Left Hand Valley Courier to the Niwot Cultural Arts Association. Appreciation for her efforts is widespread.

"She's really easy to work with, enthusiastic about the town...and fantastic at what she does," said Michelle Henzel, treasurer of the NCAA.

"Vicki is warm, welcoming, professional... and knows the community," said Kathy Koehler, who volunteers at Rock & Rails. "I enjoy volunteering with her anytime."

"She's a hero," said Anne Postle.

Though Maurer lives in Longmont, her roots in Niwot run deep. Maurer graduated from Niwot High School in 1982. At that point, she had already spent two years interning in Bruce (Biff) Warren's law office. He asked if she wanted to stay on; she said yes. Thirty-eight years later, Maurer is still working as a paralegal with Warren, Carlson & Moore, LLP.

"Working for Biff, it's like when things came up, I would jump right in," said Maurer. And jump right in she did. "I came into work one day, and Biff said, 'How would you like to be treasurer of Niwot Youth Sports?' I agreed. 'He said, good, because we elected you.'"

In this capacity, Maurer stoically endured many (literally) sticky situations. At one point, she was recruited to help erect fence posts for the baseball fields at Hangge Fields at Monarch Park. It was last minute when the cement truck was available, and she came straight from work. "Here's Vicki in high heels and nylons holding the pole while the cement truck is pouring cement in the hole, splattering cement all over her dress," recalled Warren. "But we got it done."

Though Maurer's two children participated in Niwot Youth Sports, she served on the board even when they weren't involved. As Maurer's children grew up, she volunteered at their schools, served 12 years on the board of the Skyline High School Education Foundation, and was an officer with the Longmont branch of the American Business Women's Association.

Maurer has been active for the last six years as a board member and secretary for the Niwot Cultural Arts Association. The NCAA is responsible for the Niwot Sculpture Park, First Friday Art Walks, Let's Wine About Winter, and other community ventures. Though Maurer supports these projects, her primary focus is the Rock & Rails concert series, where she serves as co-manager.

After the NCAA had bad experiences with prior operators, the organization, consisting of seven board members, took on running the event in partnership with the Niwot Business Association. Maurer manages the beer tent volunteers, orders the wine and margaritas and keeps track of event statistics--behind the scenes work that, according to Warren, is vital to the concert's success. "It's been fun putting on the concerts," she said. "It's kind of like hosting a big party every week. You get to see a lot of people."

In addition to her usual jobs, Maurer took on many of Warren's responsibilities last year when he was battling an illness. According to Henzel, the event wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Maurer's efforts.

Maurer is also one of five remaining original owners of the Left Hand Valley Courier and serves as business manager. Maurer and six others founded the newspaper in 1997 to address the absence of Niwot-area news in other local newspapers. "It's always been a really fun time getting to know everybody on the paper," said Maurer. "People come and go, but we've always had a really strong staff."

Though Maurer infrequently writes, she more often handles the business side of the paper--collecting checks, setting up invoices, making sure the bills are paid. The highlight of this enterprise for her has been winning Colorado Press Association awards, which validate the work the newspaper is doing.

What Warren appreciates most about Maurer is her consistency and dedication, traits not always found in volunteer organizations. "She's one of those people you can always count on. If she says she's going to do something, she's going to get it done. She is someone who thrives while working under pressure."

Maurer is quick to give credit to her spouse, Tony Maurer, who is supportive of her extra-curricular activities, and who is always pitching in to help.

When she is not working or volunteering for the betterment of her community, Maurer enjoys reading and crocheting with "plarn," yarn made out of recycled plastic bags. She and Tony also make regular summer visits to a place they own at Lake McConaughy in Nebraska. Maurer's two children are still in the area. Her son works at the Gunbarrel King Soopers, and her daughter is a third-grade teacher in La Salle.