All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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The Niwot Community Association (NCA) held its first monthly meeting of 2025 on Jan. 8. With 2024 officially at an end, board members took the opportunity to reflect on their objectives, finances, and accomplishments from the past year as they look ahead to 2025. The NCA 2024 objectives included continuation of events, creating a new informational pamphlet, monitoring trails and open space, working with Wildfire Partners for wildfire mitigation, and creating a social media presence. It was reported that all objectives had been met. Treasurer Te...
January's Left Hand Laurel recipients are Michael Tomich and Patty Machen, who have a long history of giving back to the Niwot community. During the months of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, Tomich and Machen felt that people desperately needed social interactions and to not feel so isolated. As the owners of The Old Oak Coffeehouse, they could not let anyone sit in the shop, or even at The Emporium next door during that time. They had the idea to have free socially distanced...
The Niwot Community Association (NCA) held its final board meeting of 2024 on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The board reviewed not only updates since the previous meeting in November, but also reflected on their objectives from the past year and welcomed special guest speakers from the Boulder County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). Molly McDonald, program manager of the BCSO Co-Responder Team, along with team members Ashley Partin and Sarah Windholz, spoke to the NCA Board about the services the Team provides....
The third annual Niwot High School Art Show began Dec. 6, with winners announced on Dec. 11, and an awards ceremony on Dec. 12. The NHS Art Show was sponsored by the Niwot High School Music, Performance, and Art division of the Niwot Boosters Club. The Art Show coincided with the winter concert series, featuring the NHS bands, choirs, orchestras, and the Mariachi Ensemble. This year, a separate Art Gala event on Dec. 9 was dedicated specifically to showcasing the NHS and feeder schools'...
Whimsical wonder was whistling around town this past Friday during Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening. As one of Niwot's most cherished traditions, residents came down to Left Hand Corner at the intersection of Second Avenue and Niwot Road to spread cheer and ring in the holiday season. Thanks to the organization and support of several Niwot businesses and the efforts by Linda Klueber and Deb Fowler, who organized this year's event, a large crowd gathered in anticipation of Santa's arrival and...
The First Friday Art Walk is back on Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:00 p.m. just in time for the holidays. The First Friday Art Walks provide an opportunity to enjoy local artistry throughout Niwot while shopping for holiday gifts. Osmosis Art and Architecture and the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), with funding by the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID), have been making these events possible for the past twelve years. This is the first First Friday Art walk since September as the monthly...
Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening will once again light up the town the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Enchanted Evening brings small town images to life with Niwot's small town atmosphere, lights aglow down Second Avenue, a Christmas tree lighting, and holiday music filling the air. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band will provide festive, holiday music in the parking lot at the corner of Niwot Road and Second Avenue. The band will also...
Niwot High School will hold its third annual NHS Art Show hosted by NHS Boosters Music, Performance and Art, a division of the Niwot High School Boosters, a parent-run organization supporting Niwot High School. The art show is open to the public and will showcase students' artistic talent from Dec. 4 through Dec. 12 during each music-based performing arts' December showcase. Artwork by students at NHS, Sunset Middle School, Burlington Elementary School, and Niwot Elementary School will be on dis...
The arts community is going strong in the St. Vrain Valley School District. With art shows, concerts, and marching band exhibitions, students are presented with an almost endless number of activities in which to participate throughout the year. Color guard is one of them. Anthony Pierro was brought onto the team at Niwot High School this year as the "Pride of Niwot" Cougar Marching Band's new color guard instructor. Color guard is not new to Niwot as it has been a staple of the ensemble for...
The Niwot Community Association’s board of directors held its monthly meeting on Nov. 13 at the newly named Niwot Hall. The agenda consisted of a financial report update from the NCA Treasurer, Terry Larsen, the President’s report from David Limbach, and area reports from the area representatives. The directors then addressed the 2024 goals, which were to monitor land use, incorporate a wildfire protection plan, and create and engage on social media platforms. The NCA also hosted Jim Dor...
Niwot experienced its first snow of the season this past week, which means winter is quickly approaching. With winter on its way, many Coloradans look forward to skiing, snowshoeing, reading books by a cozy fire, or even traveling to Cancun, Mexico to escape to a warmer climate. However, for many Niwot residents, local annual winter festivities are always a highlight of this approaching season. Enchanted Evening kicks off the winter festivities on Nov. 29 from 5:45 - 9:00 p.m. on Second Avenue...
Banners adorn the streets of Niwot displaying photos, names and service descriptions of military veterans with connections to the community. The banners, as part of Niwot’s Veterans Banner Project, have been displayed annually since 2019 by the Niwot Community Association (NCA) in conjunction with the Niwot Business Association (NBA) during this time of year for families in the Niwot area to honor their loved ones’ service to our country. The annual celebration ceremony honoring veterans wil...
The Niwot High School Orchestra has been invited to compete in New York City at the national Orchestra Cup. This annual event is a nationwide competition held at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where only fifteen of the top orchestras in the nation are invited to attend. This event could be considered the “Super Bowl” of orchestra competitions. Under the direction of Keynes Chen, NHS Orchestra and Mariachi Ensemble Director, the musicians will be traveling to New York in the spr...
The third annual Niwot High School Fall Fest spilled from the front entrance of the school into the parking lot on Friday, Oct. 25. The NHS Student Council organized the event, which attracted many ghosts, goblins, and superheroes from throughout the community. High school clubs and organizations, as well as the Niwot High Boosters, manned themed booths and trunks with plenty of activities for all ages. Costumes, candy and activities ensured high energy. Children of every age participated in a...
The music department at Niwot High School is thriving. Students have become involved in multiple ensembles and NHS music regularly does well at competitions, and groups find opportunities to travel. One night a year, all three of the primary music departments come together to perform in their Fall Extravaganza concert where families and the community have the opportunity to experience a significant amount of the magnitude of music-based strength at Niwot. That night was held Wednesday, Oct. 16 i...
Marching bands bring a contagiously high level of energy to football games, parades and other events. Whether the band is in the stands playing pep tunes, or on the field performing the halftime show, the spirit, energy, and musicianship is infectious. However, a seven minute halftime show is the result of countless hours and dedication to perfect that performance. Many of the high schools in the St. Vrain Valley School District consider themselves as "non-competitive" marching bands. However, e...
It would be an understatement to say that Natalie Fitches is an outstanding student. Fitches, a 2024 Niwot High School graduate, has been recognized for several accomplishments during her tenure at NHS. She was recognized as Arts Student of the Week by the Left Hand Valley Courier in September 2023 and she has been named as the Student of the Year by the NHS marching and symphonic band programs. This August, Fitches received recognition for all that she does, not just at NHS, but in her...
After being closed for two years, the long-awaited reopening of Abo's Pizza in Cottonwood Square has finally come to fruition. As of Aug. 5 Abo's has been back and getting their grounding as they reintroduced their pies to the community. Aug. 5 is two years to the day since the popular Niwot pizza restaurant closed down due to a fire. According to Jeff Riegel, owner at Abo's, "No cause was ever determined by any fire inspectors who came through." However, since reopening, the community has...
Funded by St. Vrain Valley School District, a new digital scoreboard has been installed as the next step in the master plan for Niwot High School. The scoreboard was named in memory of Art Stapp, who passed away in 2023 and was a strong sponsor of Niwot High School and its programs. The field has been named the Art Stapp Sports Complex. "We have a world class school in so many ways," said principal Eric Rauschkolb, "and we love that we can bring our facilities up to date to reflect our...
If you have been keeping up with the Left Hand Valley Courier's Familiar Face features throughout the 2024 Rock & Rails season, you may have noticed a certain "photo-bomber" in the background of a few photos. While Rock & Rails came to a close this past Thursday, Aug. 29, with Hazel Miller's closing performance, that "photo-bomber" is a dedicated volunteer who deserves recognition. Tony Maurer has been a weekly regular behind the bar in the Depot for more than 10 years. He first got involved...
Students in the St. Vrain Valley School District are provided with countless opportunities for success and engagement through innovative programing. Being a part of that community is enriching and SVVSD wants you to know why. On Saturday Sept. 7 at 10 a.m., SVVSD will hold its first ever Public Education Parade starting at Roosevelt Park and continuing down Main Street in Longmont. The parade will celebrate the elementary, middle and high school programs and achievements in the district. "This...
The Niwot community and many of its events are made possible only through the efforts of community volunteers, people who dedicate their personal, unpaid time to make this town fun, eventful, and engaging. One such volunteer is Terry Larsen, treasurer and board member of the Niwot Community Association (NCA), an organization whose board is made up entirely of volunteers. For her volunteer efforts, Larsen is this month's Left Hand Laurel. Larsen has been a Niwot resident since December of 1999....
While Rock & Rails may be coming to a close soon, the free music will continue for one more week with the annual Remember in September (RISE) Benefit Concert for the Jared Music Foundation. The concert will take place on Thursday, Sept. 5, at Whistle Stop Park from 5 to 9 p.m. This concert is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) or the Niwot Business Association (NBA), but has sometimes been referred to as the "unofficial Rock & Rails victory lap"...
While there may be only a couple of Rock & Rails concerts left this season, there is an unlimited amount of friendliness that comes from its volunteers. This week's Familiar Face behind the Rock & Rails bar on Thursdays is Kristin Alger. Alger first got involved with Rock & Rails seven years ago. Bill and Jill Whitener used to manage the site at Whistle Stop Park and because Alger and the Whiteners were friends, she would help with pre-concert set-up during the first year. She soon got promoted...
There are so many who volunteer behind the bar at Rock & Rails every week during the summer, but one particular volunteer stands out. This week's Familiar Face is Mary Coonce, well-known through her work at Porchfront Homes in Niwot. In fact, Porchfront Homes built the Whistle Stop Park building where Coonce serves adult beverages, known as The Depot, in 2020. Prior to that, alcohol was served from a tent known as the "beer tent," which required set-up and take-down every Thursday night during...
Niwot loves its live music. Events and venues such as Rock & Rails, The House Blend Band, Dancing Under the Stars, and The Wheel House make Niwot a music destination. Although most of Niwot's live music and events are planned ahead and publicized on business websites and social media, now and then a spontaneous concert pops up. One such impromptu event occurred at The Wheel House on Friday, July 19, with less than 24 hours planning. The Heart Collectors, an Australian-based band from New South...
There are so many familiar faces around Niwot, especially for weekly regulars who attend Rock & Rails. Some faces are most familiar when they belong to those who have spent a majority of their life in Niwot and are continuously involved in the community. Colleen Beebe is one such familiar face. Beebe moved to Colorado in 1975 after her father, who annually visited this beautiful state to ski, fulfilled a dream of living here. Unfortunately, he passed away only 16 months after the family moved...
National Night Out is a nationwide community-building event held on the first Tuesday of August in communities across the country to promote awareness and cooperation between police and first responders, on one hand, with local residents. “[The event] enhances the relationship between (the community) and law enforcement…,” according to their website. The social setting of National Night Out is meant to create camaraderie in an informal setting to make communities safer. This year the event will be held on Aug. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Murra...
With one of Niwot's favorite summer concert series, Rock & Rails, in full swing, regular concert goers are beginning to recognize some regular volunteers behind the bar at the alcohol building known as The Depot. Many of these volunteers have been returning over the years and have become Familiar Faces to the Niwot community. Lori Shrader has been volunteering at Rock & Rails for the past nine years. Always serving beverages with a smile and having fun with her fellow volunteers behind the bar,...
Niwot's annual Fourth of July celebration was packed with fun activities from start to finish, thanks to the continued efforts of the Niwot Community Association (NCA) which sponsors the event, with financial support from the Niwot Local Improvement District. Starting the morning off at 7:30 a.m. was the "Bert Steele Pancake Breakfast" served in front of the Niwot Market. Net proceeds from this year's ticket sales went towards purchasing another grill for the breakfast to help cover the increasi...
Do you live in Niwot? Do you like beer? Do you like a social atmosphere? Are you over the age of 50? If you answered "yes" to all of these questions, then you should check out the Niwot Community Connection's (NCC) subgroup "The Brewhop." Brewhop is just one of the many subgroups that have stemmed from the NCC. The NCC started as an informal organization in the Fall of 2021, providing a social forum for engagement with the target demographic of those over age 50 living in Niwot. During a time...
Niwot High School class of 2014 graduate, Elise Cranny, is headed to the Olympics for a second time this July. Cranny qualified to go to Paris to compete in the 2024 Olympics during the Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon, between June 21 and June 30. Cranny finished second in the 5000M at the trials on June 25 with a time of 14:40:36 - a mere 0.02 seconds behind the first-place finisher. "I feel honored to be able to represent the U.S. at the Paris Olympics," Cranny said, "especially because the last...
Alison and Seth Steele, owners and operators of the Niwot Market, have been named as the Grand Marshals for the upcoming 4th of July Parade in Niwot. Not only do they continue to manage the Niwot Market, but they have been active volunteers for different community events as they carry on the legacy of their father, Bert Steele. "Their Niwot heritage and being involved in activities reflects over a century of families serving the Niwot community," said Kathy Koehler, one of the organizers of the...
The 4th of July celebration in Niwot is one of the town's biggest events and it is less than a month away. Julie Breyer, heads the 4th of July planning from the Niwot Community Association, and has been hard at work getting things prepared for the upcoming celebration. On Friday June 14, Breyer hosted the Niwot Nifties 4-H Club to start assembling children's bicycle decoration bags. Seven youth volunteers from the Niwot Nifties were present to help assemble the bags. Each bag is handed out the...
After a few weather delays, the Niwot Community Association (NCA) finalized the restoration of the mural in the underpass beneath Niwot Road. The first round of restoration took place in the spring of 2023, and the restoration was finished on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Due to the weather taking its toll on the paint, which caused bubbling, water stains, cracking, and peeling in several places, the NCA sought volunteers to help with the process of restoring the mural, which was initially painted in...
Those who frequent 2nd Avenue's coffee shop, The Old Oak Coffeehouse, as well as those who regularly attend any community events, have probably noticed some friendly and regular faces behind the counter. This week's Familiar Face is one such barista, Noah Smith, who has been a friendly face at The Old Oak since March of 2022. Smith started the job when he was on a walk downtown and saw a "help wanted" sign in the window. He went in, inquired about the position, submitted his resume, interviewed,...
For the third year in a row, on June 8, the Slepicka family hosted another successful tractor show with assistance and sponsorship from the Niwot Community Association (NCA). The free event took place at their family farm on 79th Street in Niwot. Members of the Slepicka family who put the showcase together were property owners, Jerry and Marsha Slepicka (who purchased the property in 1989) with assistance from their son, Brandon. Both Jerry and Marsha grew up in Boulder and are Colorado...
With an uncertain, unpredictable forecast leading up to Lobsterfest on Saturday, June 8, the weather cooperated and good times were had by all at this year's event at Whistle Stop Park in Niwot. Deb Fowler, one of three head organizers of the event from the Niwot Business Association (NBA) along with Mary Coonce and Linda Klueber, reported 140 tickets sold for this year. "[Lobsterfest] is a fun, signature event for Niwot to kick off the summer," Fowler said. "It's a great opportunity to build...
Ken Benson has been a teacher at Niwot High School for the past 21 of his 22 year teaching career. While he's not done yet, he has had an incredible journey, making a lasting impact not only with students, but on the school as a whole. Benson has primarily taught social studies at Niwot, with classes including world studies, economics, German, and the history of rock. This past October, Benson received an opportunity of a lifetime and will be traveling to South Korea for two years to further...
An open house was held Friday, June 7, for DRF Real Estate in partnership with Slifer Smith & Frampton at their 2nd Avenue offices in Niwot. The open house was held to celebrate the switching of office spaces between the two real-estate office locations, and to commemorate their continued partnership. Deborah Fowler has been a real estate agent in the Niwot area, with offices located in the back office space of the Niwot Emporium building at 136 Second Avenue for the past eight years. In that...
Jerry and Marsha Slepicka are hosting the third annual Slepicka Tractor Show on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Tractor Show showcases tractors and stationary equipment as well as tales about the equipment, guided tours, and food. It is an event that shouldn't be missed. New this year, the event will also be displaying a collection of garden gnomes and fairies. The Slepickas bought the vacant lot at 6675 N. 79th Street (where the event will be held) back in 1987. Boulder County...
Rock & Rails' 2024 season has begun. The Left Hand Valley Courier will be featuring volunteers at the event that are a major aspect of the weekly concerts. Volunteers are integral in the organization and operation leading up to and during Rock & Rails every year. The organizers of Rock & Rails have made great efforts to make it a zero-waste venue. If you are a regular or returning patron to the Thursday night concerts, you're probably familiar with the people who sit on top of the recycling and...
Saturday May 25 marked the official completion of high school for the Niwot High School class of 2024. Niwot's commencement was held at the high school on the football field where 338 graduates received their diplomas and recognition from faculty alongside friends, family, and peers. Commencement opened with the singing of the National Anthem performed by graduates Jasper Allison, Merrick Blondeau, Jackson Carano, and Fred Zorgdrager. Everyone was then welcomed by Principal Eric Raushkolb as he...
The Niwot Community Association's annual Clean-Up Day event, held May 18, was its most successful to date. There were 203 vehicles that attended (including those who made multiple trips). In the days leading up to the event, there were 13 membership dues paid (new and/or renewed) with an additional 24 on the day of the event. The NCA currently tracks 34 new members who have signed up this year with many who still have not renewed their membership. New elements and accepted items that were incorp...
Niwot High School seniors' last day of school, May 15, was marked with camaraderie, in sharp contrast to the COVID-induced isolation of their freshman year. The Senior Car Parade, organized with assistance from the NHS Booster Club, began in 2020 when seniors were unable to enjoy the traditional end-of-year experiences and celebrations such as prom, awards nights, concerts, and group graduations due to the pandemic. The car parade allowed the community to recognize and celebrate Niwot's seniors...
Oliver Fowler of Scout Troop 161 in Niwot, acquired the final rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony on Sunday, May 19. He is the 107th Eagle Scout from Troop 161 since 1973. Fowler has undergone the trials of earning 21 merit badges (14 of which are required for Eagle Scout) plus an additional five earning him a bronze Eagle Palm. "Many people think that once you earn your Eagle Scout, you've reached the end," said Advancement Chair Michelle Law, "but this is not true. You can earn achievements...
The Boulder Heritage Roundtable held its 32nd annual Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month awards ceremony at the Chautauqua Community House on May 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. There, Niwot's Kathy Koehler was presented with the Square Nail Award which recognizes individuals who have made significant and impactful movements toward historic and/or archaeological preservation/education in Boulder County. Koehler has been involved with the Niwot Historical Society (NHS) for over a decade and has...
The Niwot Community Association held its monthly meeting on Wednesday May 8 at the Left Hand Grange No. 9 to discuss upcoming events, area reports, and provide a recap of what has happened in the past month. Coordinator John Barto reported that preparations are underway for the upcoming NCA Niwot Clean-Up Day, and should lead to a smooth running event on Saturday, May 18. Cooperation with affiliates from Boulder County, Western Disposal, Wildfire Partners, and Community Cycles has proven...
The fourth annual Senior Car Parade for the graduating seniors of Niwot High School will gear up on Wednesday, May 15. Seniors will have a chance to decorate their vehicles or floats after school, if they didn't get a head start already, and then make their way down Niwot Road, through 2nd Avenue, north on Murray Street, east along Neva Road to 83rd Street, and then east up Niwot Road to end back at the high school. This event was started in 2020 during Covid-19 as a way to socially distance...
