Byron News: Volunteering is a step forward

When I moved away from this area to Arizona, I did not know anyone. Sunday at church, I was asked if I would be willing to help with an upcoming end of summer party. I said yes and immediately had a small core group of acquaintances that became lifelong friends. Working together, learning each others’ strengths and attitudes was a fantastic way to cement some common interests. Volunteering is a quick road to building a community within a community.

Over the years it seems things have changed. There is always a core group of folks, who share a vision for making things happen. It may be beautification, promoting activities or just making things better for the future. There is an importance to build on the foundation in our communities that those who came before us laid. They had the vision to stay, to build and to reinforce the strengths that developed. 

Volunteers step up, roll up their sleeves and plunge into the vision. But over the past years it has been more difficult to recruit help. Yet, it is necessary. Otherwise people get burned out, run out of new ideas, get discouraged and retire from the volunteer treadmill. However, it only takes a few new faces and their enthusiasm to resurrect the old familiar faces and get the ball rolling. New ideas begin to formulate, and it’s like a transfusion takes place. 

All of this to introduce Kristen Olsen. Kristen ventured into our Byron Days Committee meeting last week and agreed to be a part of the committee and help with Byron Days. She agreed to take on the Byron Days Parade with our support. It is so refreshing to have someone show up, who is not only willing but happy to work together to make our Byron Days special. 

Kristen moved to Byron this last year. She and her husband, Don, live in the old Marshall home (for those of you oldies). It looks nothing like the old Marshall home. It has a new porch, siding and complete remodel inside, as well. 

Kristen had moved from wine country in Northern California to Sheridan, where her father was ill and needed support. She retired from an accounting job in California. She worked at Albertsons in Sheridan decorating cakes. After four years of living in a small home in downtown Sheridan, she awoke to find a note on her door with an offer for her home as is. She took it as a good sign that it was time to move on. 

She met Don in Sheridan, where he had lived for 30 years. They wanted a place with more land around their home for their two Labs. Finding a place that allowed chickens made Byron even more appealing. They fenced in their large yard and introduced their dogs to some baby chicks, who became friends, and they all free range together in peace. 

If you go to Albertsons you may see Kristen, who works in the bakery a few days a week. 

They love the closeness of the mountains and the Yellowtail area. They walk their dogs down on the river, out to the sandhills and all around the area. They have discovered the Kane Cemetery and enjoy discovering new places to explore with the dogs. 

We welcome the Olsens to Byron and look forward to working with Kristen on Byron Days. She is a breath of fresh air, and we need more Kristens. Volunteer, it is a memorable experience, and your contribution is so needed. A few hours, or an afternoon, join hands to keep things rolling forward. Our next meeting will be April 7 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.