Barb Crow is a community supporter

KateLynn Slaamot
NLJ Correspondent
 
Barb Crow has been a part of the community of Newcastle for many years, and her generous spirit toward the community is noticed by many around her. Crow is a nominee for this year’s Person of the Year. 
Crow grew up in Newcastle and was heavily involved in 4-H and the horseback drill team, and she also enjoyed cooking and sewing. Crow met her husband, Pat, in college and moved away from Newcastle after they got married because he was in the U.S. Army. 
“We did a lot of traveling,” Crow said. Crow and her husband lived in Germany, South Korea and many other places throughout Pat’s military career. Crow said that they went on many adventures and camping trips together and backpacked and hitchhiked to get to their destination. 
The couple also lived in Virginia for a time, and while there, they had two children, Ellen and David. They moved back to Newcastle when the children were in elementary school. That was 25 years ago, and Crow has thrown herself back into the community she calls home. 
Crow sometimes helps at the BREAD Office, goes to all the events around town, occasionally drives for the Weston County Senior Center and is involved in CowBelles and the 21st Century Club. Crow also helps ride for local ranchers, and she said she just enjoys socializing and meeting new people. 
As others can attest, Crow is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. This year, she donated to the school to help with improvements to Crouch Auditorium, according to Brad LaCroix, superintendent of Weston County School District No. 1. The school is hoping to upgrade the lighting, sound system and more. 
“She’s pretty generous in trying to see what she can do to help,” said LaCroix, who has known Crow for over 25 years. LaCroix said that while Crow is more than willing to give monetarily, she is also willing to give of herself and her time and energy to help others. LaCroix said that she has a genuine care and empathy for others and is a good listener. 
Dana Tysdal has also known Crow for over 25 years and is involved with her in CowBelles. Tysdal said that Crow is always pitching in with the CowBelles’ various events, including the Father’s Day essay contest, the Ag Expo, the barbecue at the fair and more. 
“She’s always willing,” Tysdal said. 
Crow is also tremendously supportive of the community, Tysdal said, and she attends every function that she can. 
“There isn’t a thing in Newcastle that she misses,” Tysdal said. Crow also enjoys being outdoors, and she helps take care of people’s chickens and dog sits while they’re away. Tysdal said that if anyone needs help, Crow is there to lend a hand. 
Crow attends the United Methodist Church in Newcastle, and Pastor Brenda Torrie said that Crow throws herself into helping at the church. 
“Barb is often helping in the kitchen,” Torrie said, noting that Crow helps with memorial services, the holiday bazaar and the fellowship time after the Sunday service. 
“I know she loves to serve people,” Torrie said. 
Lucille Dumbrill has known Crow since she was a child, she said, and said Crow is a loyal member of the 21st Century Club. The club is an active supporter of the Weston County Library, and Crow is invested in that. 
“She’s very interested in the library,” Dumbrill said. 
Crow is also very reliable, according to Dumbrill, and even calls each member of the club before every single meeting to let them know when and where it will take place. 
Dumbrill laughed.
“She’s a one-man calling committee,” she said. 
Club members also take turns giving presentations on various topics, and Dumbrill said that Crow does an astounding job with her presentations. She also encourages others to be involved members of the community, Dumbrill said. 
“She inspires others to also be interested in the community and the library,” Dumbrill said. 
Crow credits growing up in Wyoming with who she is today, she said, noting that people who grow up in Wyoming have a better work ethic, which is noticed by others.
Crow said that she loves helping people, attending events around the community and being a community supporter. 
“That’s the taxes we pay on our community,” Crow said. “It’s just what a person should do.”
Crow said that supporting the community is the duty of every community member, and she wants to encourage people to get involved. 
According to Crow, there are three important things to remember about being an involved member of the community. Showing support for the community by attending events is a vital aspect of community. Second, she said, always being willing to help and give of oneself to help and support others is of great importance. The third thing Crow mentioned is financial help – sharing what one has with others. 
Crow said that she likes to compare investing in the community to a potluck dinner. She said that when a person actually invests and participates in something, it brings people together and connects them in beautiful ways. 
Crow also said help is always needed at numerous events, such as gymkhanas, and anyone can pitch in to help at any event. Crow said that those experiences also benefit her. Crow said, for example, that her experience of helping at the BREAD Office has been an “eye-opener” for her. 
“It broadens your own mind,” Crow said. 
According to LaCroix, the traits that Crow embodies help make this community a more “productive and peaceful place to live.” Torrie said that Crow’s love of the community and support for its traditions are exemplified in everything she does. 
“She has a very strong love for this community, and she puts that into action,” Torrie said.