In reading the Connection Collective event description, as I sat with a cup of coffee and the enchanting background melody of Natalie’s Merchant’s Gold Rush Brides, I was taken to a vision of frontier women. Together they worked in their long dresses milking cows, running shops and hotels, teaching children, and rounding up sheep for the annual sheep migration through the streets of Eldora.

Photographs from our community’s historical archives flood my mind as I wonder where that went, that invisible thread which, woven together, presents us with the fabric of community. And of course I thought, “Another women’s group? Didn’t we just start one?”

Connection Collective presents us with an opportunity to reconnect after the forced hibernation of COVID and the scramble to get back on our feet. This group has roots in Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners of Greater Nederland (WEB).

Eileen Purdy’s first WEB gathering took place at Salto at the end of 2016 and the group ran until 2021 with as many as 72 participants over the years. WEB was a friendly, supportive and creative group that provided social connection and some business development.

During COVID, the members of the group stayed connected online for one year, after which many people moved away or otherwise got along with their lives.

This first reconnection via Connection Collective was an intimate gathering of eight women on the evening of Thursday, February 29 at the Nederland Community Library. The eight of us came together for support, working on that fabric that lifts us to share the gift of being together: community. This time we were brought together by Carrie Evans.

During our introductions, Evans describes driving down Boulder Canyon one day and thinking, “I’ve got to start this group again.” Coincidentally, around that time Jennifer Karowe reached out with the Founders and Funders concept. The two met to discuss duplication of effort and collaboration.

Founders and Funders had its first meeting in January of this year aimed at connecting Peak to Peak women entrepreneurs with local investors. It was an inspiring evening with intelligent and innovative women. While the Connection Collective does have a number of entrepreneurial souls, it is a coming together of women as our authentic selves, in the moment and with all of our many facets. Each group has its own unique place in the promotion of personal and professional development, and so a resounding “Yes! Another time and space for women to share being together.”

During our introduction we learned that we are women representing varied stages of career, family, and personal achievement. Our knowledge base is broad from science and technology, marketing and communications, to music and art, with each of us bridging multiple disciplines. But that isn’t all we are. We are brought together by a need for deeper community connection, to support and be supported.

Former WEB members spoke about ways in which this community of women has shown up with support in the past. The stories were many and so very heartfelt. One woman was supported with a meal train for 12 weeks after the birth of her baby. Several others were helped during recovery from injury. They were all supported by the time spent together.

We come together wanting to support and be supported, in doing what? Without delay, after introductions we jumped right into a visioning exercise. We took some time thinking about our desires and goals for six months from now and up to five years out. We shared our talents, passions, and barriers or excuses. Some of us want support in exercising and getting about town, writing a memoir, developing a local improv comedy group, embracing self promotion as artists, starting families, advocating for health and wellness…and the list does go on.

As we connected, I was impressed that each of us has been here for a number of years, many a decade or more; some of us were relatively new. Regardless of how long we’ve been here we all have felt a bit isolated in the last several years. The fullness of life and everyday demands leave us in separate spaces longing for someone to relate to, advise, or just be present with. “I’ve been here for 11 years – why do I not know other people?” questioned one participant.

It seems we have arrived at a time after the isolation of COVID where we are coming up with all sorts of common interest groups, from parents of teens to boards and business groups. Here is another reason for women to be together: “There is power in women getting together and just sharing,” group coordinator Carrie Evans offered.

What intricate artistry weaves our individual and collective ways of being into this gift of community? Perhaps it is that power of authentic people intentionally and regularly sharing time and space.

Connection Collective will meet regularly on the fourth Thursday of the month. Please join us in strengthening the fabric of our community on Thursday, March 28 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at the Nederland Community Library, 200 Highway 72 North.

For more information on the Connection Collection group please email Carrie Evans at tameyourrhino@gmail.com.