Left Hand Laurel - Kellie Beran

Kellie Beran will be retiring from volunteering for The Left Hand Grange No. 9, and Niwot Hall (formerly Left Hand Grange, Inc.) after roughly 30 years. Beran's commitment, time and dedication to the Niwot community is well deserving of this month's Left Hand Laurel.

Like many people, Colorado found Beran in 1984. While on her way moving from New York to California, she stayed with family in Boulder where she met her husband Mark. They then made Niwot their home.

Beran's volunteer service started when she went to a Niwot Historical Society meeting for the first time and found herself elected as an officer. She was involved in moving the old firehouse from the Niwot Emporium to the Left Hand Grange property, and many other projects. Working for and with the Grange was a natural fit.

"I've done everything at the Grange from sweeping floors to serving as treasurer, vice president, president... anything that was needed," Beran said. "My goal there was to always try to keep it open to the public so it never fell into private hands. It needs to remain a community center for Niwot. Now I'm stepping back and letting other people take the reins and it feels great."

Left Hand Grange No. 9 was initially started as a place for farmers to gather, somewhat of a fraternity, which feeds into the sense of community that volunteers have always brought to Niwot.

"Niwot is very special in the fact that everything here is volunteer," Beran said. "Which is really amazing when you think about how many events we have, especially during the summer. Niwot seems like such a vibrant community, you'd think there were paid employees running it.

"But it's really just dedicated volunteers. People that just love Niwot, love living here and want other people to have that same experience."

She's a familiar face at almost any local event, and as she passes the baton she wants to encourage everyone in the community to get involved because that spirit makes Niwot what it is.

"I feel like creating these places where people can gather and enjoy themselves is so important to any town," Beran said. "And without any politics, that's what's really nice. Nobody is running for office or anything like that, it's just volunteers doing things because they love the town. That's what makes Niwot stand out from a lot of other communities.

"When I look at the volunteer community, it's the same people because they're not leaving. They're handing down what they've learned and bringing in their friends and kids and passing the torch so to speak. It's become a generational thing now, and it's really special. It wouldn't be that way without volunteers."

Beran pointed out how easy it is to be involved and meet lifelong friends beyond the immediate neighbors. This includes everything from local Scouts to plumbers, painters, everything involved with maintenance. Any skill or knowledge can be useful down to simply another set of hands.

"You can do little things to start," Beran said. "Every little thing makes a difference. Sometimes when you say 'volunteer' you think you don't have the time. But if you're going to an event anyways, why not help out a little bit? It really does make a difference.

"Everyone is just looking out for each other because they truly care. Just try to help out with a little local event that you're attending. The baton does need to be picked up, we'd love young people to join in and help out, enjoy it and get to know a lot of people."

As for Niwot Hall, Beran said that the culmination of the community is what helped to make the location what it is.

"I think that is what's so special about it," Beran said. "We didn't necessarily raise a lot of money but we gained a lot of equity when it came to manpower. People just willing to chip in a few hours here and there, it's really what kept the building open and starting to thrive."

Jim Dorvee, President of Niwot Hall, had this to say, "Whether at the Left Hand Grange No. 9, Niwot Hall, Niwot Historical Society or a town-wide event, Kellie's spirit of service has been a constant for almost three decades. Niwot is a more culturally rich community as a result of Kellie's volunteer efforts and her impact on Niwot will be felt for many years to come."