RANGELY | Many of the opportunities that Rangely citizens enjoy are supported by dedicated volunteers. Without them, many resources and opportunities would fail or be unrealized. Most organizations in Rangely are operated by a board of directors. These people are volunteers who believe in the organization with a passion and want to see it succeed. Retired citizens can join boards to stay connected to the community. Youth can join boards (depending on their age and the bylaws of the organization) to gain an understanding of community and their role in helping it thrive. Parents can participate on boards to improve the quality of the resources their children utilize.
At the Rangely Regional Library, the board supports director Amorette Hawkins in operations, maintenance and ensuring that the library continues its legacy of providing literacy opportunities to the community. Hawkins cites her board of directors as her best support and emphasizes their faithful commitment to providing anything that is needed. This prevents the need for hiring out and expending funds that are used for other critical projects.
The library’s most cherished volunteer of the Rangely Regional Library is Ms. Rita, who volunteers her time and enthusiasm each Tuesday for story time. This hour delights the youngest residents in Rangely with interactive storytelling, Rita’s famous costumes and valuable books. Rita has continued this cherished tradition for 20 years. Hawkins cites Rita’s experience as a critical part of the library’s legacy. Her costumes are tailored just for her and come from a special donation fund earmarked for children’s programming.
A few organizations around Rangely are in need of volunteers to ensure that their operations continue to be available for future generations.
The Rangely Outdoor Museum needs volunteers to provide groundskeeping, painting and other maintenance-type services. The Outdoor Museum holds the stories of Rangely and artifacts from time past. They provide a glimpse into what made Rangely all that it is today. The museum is kid-friendly and offers some hands on exploration. Director Diane Sizemore recognizes efforts from her board, Bud Striegel, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints youth, Rangely Hardware and many more who pitch in to keep the museum running each year. With continuous support from volunteers, the Rangely Outdoor Museum can continue to provide history and education to visitors and new locals. Interested volunteers can visit the museum Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call 970-675-2612.
The Elks Lodge #1907, located at 633 E. Main St., also operates by volunteer services. Their operations are structured differently from other nonprofits. Their primary focus is the community and its wellbeing. At the Elks (aka Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, or B.P.O.E.), the lodge leader is called the Exalted Ruler. The Elks offer scholarships, meet community needs, and provide holiday kindness gifts.
Each year the Elks spend $8-10K on holiday baskets for those who need to feel the holiday spirit. Chris and Heather Hall, who currently serve as Exalted Ruler and Lady Knight, described delivering a basket where the gentlemen jumped up and down with joy for what might be considered a small item, but it made a huge impact because it was his favorite. Hall also described the gratitude and excitement that comes from delivering children’s Christmas baskets. The Elks have also helped a young man who experiences color blindness to obtain a special pair of glasses that aid his ability to visually distinguish colors.
Fundraising and donations are the Elks main source of funding and all manpower is volunteer. While there are several members who contribute significant support, the lodge needs more help to continue these cherished traditions. A single volunteer might offer 10-15 hours for medium-size events and a few hours each month. Some of the activities include bingo, open bar (with food), live music, holiday events and more. Membership is not required for all events but is for the Charity Ball. Membership is easy—membership dues and proposal by a current member. The Lodge looks forward to a new event this year: an OHV Poker Run on Septemberfest weekend. The Elks can be reached at their Facebook page or by phone 970-675-8533.
Other organizations that need participants include the Rangely Community Gardens and the Community Resource Pantry. Individual and specialized opportunities to serve the community can be found on justserve.org.
Special to the Herald Times
