For this month’s Member Spotlight, we’re getting to know Beverly—a mountain resident, business owner, community builder, and advocate for creating a more connected and inclusive community.
Beverly came to the mountains after years of living and working in Riverside. She was looking for a better quality of life, a closer connection to nature, and a place where she could feel at home. What began as a search for a new place to live quickly became something much more meaningful. As she got to know her neighbors and the mountain community, she discovered a sense of belonging she hadn’t expected.
Community building has been a constant thread throughout Beverly’s life. Before moving to the mountain, she was involved with community gardens, the Riverside Food Cooperative, and Project Food, connecting people, local food, and community spaces. As a business owner on the mountain, she has continued that work by creating opportunities for collaboration, supporting others, and working to build connections across the community.
Beverly has also been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion on the mountain. Through her business, Spade & Spatula, she has helped create a welcoming space and has worked to build understanding and connections among people who may not always see things the same way.
That work has also shown Beverly the power of having allies.
“It has meant a lot to me to have the Mountain Bear Dems as allies on the mountain. I have experienced a greater presence of Democratic values and unifying efforts on the mountain. I no longer feel isolated as a progressive business owner, and I thank you all for that.”
For Beverly, being part of a community isn’t about everyone agreeing on everything. It’s about finding common ground, building relationships, supporting one another, and working together toward positive change.
“I feel like we share the values of creating a more inclusive community that advocates for positive changes,” Beverly says.
She is especially grateful for the support the Mountain Bear Dems have shown to her and to Spade & Spatula.
“Thank you all for being allies of Spade & Spatula.”
Beverly’s story is a reminder that community is built one relationship at a time—and that having people who stand beside you can make all the difference. Her commitment to connection, inclusion, and positive change makes her a wonderful example of what it means to be a Mountain Bear.
