From left to right, Left Hand Grange Vice-President Kellie Beran, executive committee member Robert Roane, Treasurer Dayna Roane, board member Tony Santelli, President Jim Dorvee, Secretary Bruce Johnson, executive committee member Ron Grunzweig, webmaster Leonard Sitongia. Not pictured: Eric Bergeson
Members of the Left Hand Grange, Inc., board of directors and Niwot Business Association (NBA) President Eric Bergeson were present for a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Saturday, May 20, to mark the official unveiling of the new Grange flooring.
Jim Dorvee, President of Left Hand Grange, Inc., and Left Hand Grange No. 9, spoke to a gathered crowd about Left Hand Grange No. 9 in Niwot being the oldest active state-chartered grange organization in Colorado and explained that the building’s present day use, in addition to the home of Left Hand Grange No. 9, is as a venue primarily rented by members of the community and community organizations where concerts, weddings, presentations, meetings, art shows, and other events are held.
The new luxury vinyl flooring installed throughout the entire main floor was funded in part by money provided by the Niwot Local Improvement District’s generous grant of $15,000, in addition to money from Left Hand Grange No. 9”s savings from rentals and fundraisers. Left Hand Grange, Inc., a non-profit corporation, purchased the Grange building in 1945, and has maintained it continuously since then with the help of Left Hand Grange No. 9 members.
The Grange is a unique community resource in that it is an historical building open for both private and public events.
Just before the ribbon was cut, Bergeson informed onlookers that the Grange is appreciated by the NBA for its valuable contribution to both the business environment of Niwot and its importance as a social gathering venue.
Attendees were treated to wine and snacks as well as a piano performance by Jim Fladmark at a reception following the ribbon-cutting.
Photo and story by Vicky Dorvee
© Left Hand Valley Courier. Used by permission.