All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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The quiver in Nancy Armstrong's voice tells the story. She knows it's time. But she is still struggling with her choice to close the hair salon she's owned in Niwot for nearly a quarter of a century. "I'm sad about leaving Niwot. It's been a very, very hard decision," said Armstrong. "It's just a cool little town. It's been really good for me, and to me, for 24 years." A lot has changed since 2nd Ave Hair Studio first opened its doors. For years, she had a contingent of ladies who came in every...
Just because it's been the snowiest winter on record, it doesn't mean that spring isn't right around the corner. April snow has one great quality; it holds a lot of water. While Colorado champagne powder is great for skiing, anyone who grew up in a more humid climate knows that means the snow packs well. Gunbarrel Estates has the perfect example. This mother ducky and her chicks illustrate what can be done with good snow and an eye for detail....
Easter was different for everyone this year: there were no community egg hunts or egg rolls, and for those who hold the religious side dear, there weren't (in-person) services either. Instead, families--religious and non-religious alike--spent the holiday together, which really is the main point of the day. Easter is a time to celebrate what we have, it's a time of new beginnings and reflection. Even though this Easter is unlike any other recent years, individuals and organizations alike sought...
As the economic impacts of the coronavirus shutdowns continue to accumulate, more and more families are seeking supplemental food assistance from state and county agencies. To help fill the growing demand in Boulder County, Kilt Farm of Niwot will be distributing fresh, organic produce to more than 40 local families on a weekly basis starting in June. "My mission as a farmer is to improve my community through the food I grow and the neediest amongst us deserve to have access to the best food,"...
Lori and Russ Lindemann moved to the Gunbarrel Estates neighborhood in 1994 with their two children and niece in tow. For the past two and a half decades, they have called Boulder County home and have done a huge part in making it a terrific place to live for its variety of residents. The Lindemanns are no strangers to hard work and have spent much of their free time volunteering throughout the community. Lori has volunteered with the St. Vrain Valley School District, the VA in Denver, the DA's...
The stay-at-home order for Colorado due to the coronavirus has put the Niwot Community Association’s plans on hold. The group met April 1 by teleconference to discuss what should be done about the April annual meeting, the May Clean Up Day and the July 4 parade. The April annual meeting is cancelled. NCA members had proposed holding a live-streamed meeting, but the group decided that it was impractical. “The limitations of an online meeting would make it really difficult for many members to participate,” said NCA President David Limbach. “The...
Dear Readers, In an effort to survive in the current COVID-19 economy, the Left Hand Valley Courier will change to an on-line only format as of the April 15 issue. We have brought local news to your doorstep for 23 years, but times have changed, and after April 8, the Courier will arrive ONLY on your computer, ipad, or cell phone. And, for the first time, we are asking readers to pay for the content in the Courier by subscribing. For 23 years, our advertisers have been our sole source of income, enabling us to pay for printing and delivery...
Two pieces of blue-floral cotton, thread, elastic, experienced hands and a caring heart. That may be all that separates sickness from health and life from death for cancer patients and workers at a hospital in Maryland. "These are very, very sick patients. We don't want to spread anything to them," said Sandy Rozzelle, whose job is to get medicine for cancer patients. "We want them to be safe, as well as us too." Rozzelle wouldn't normally wear a protective mask for her job at Frederick Health...
The statewide shutdown ordered by Governor Jared Polis on March 26th in order to stem the spread of COVID-19 exempted several businesses still considered "essential," allowing them to remain in operation, as long as they institute proper social distancing measures when conducting transactions. This includes grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurant pick-up and delivery, and many more. The retail and service firms listed below are still open for business as of press time, so be sure to check for...
In small towns, churches are much more than simply places of worship to gather on Sunday mornings. They provide a space for neighbors to socialize, for newcomers to meet people, and for those without company to have some, if even just for a few hours. With the closing of most public and private businesses and gatherings limited to no more than 10 individuals, churches in Niwot and Gunbarrel are forced to figure out other ways of bringing the community together. Pastor Janet Kettering of...
It's not the way Leland Oxley expected to launch his Gunbarrel restaurant, Motherlode. In less than two weeks he opened the new restaurant, closed down the dining room, started a carryout and delivery business and began room service for all of five guests staying at the nearby Hampton Suites hotel. "At some point you just say it is what it is and make the best of it," said Oxley. Motherlode isn't the only restaurant suffering after the coronavirus forced Gov. Jared Polis to limit all...
On March 12, escalating efforts by state and school officials to stop the spread of COVID-19 touched off a "panic buying" spree at Niwot Market that left several shelves bare and sent some longtime customers away in frustration. But owners Bert and Alison Steele are seeing hopeful signs that the initial shock has abated and operations at the town's 18-year-old independent grocery store will soon be back to normal-or whatever passes for that these days. "The question I'm always getting is, are...
Who needs help? That's what some community members are asking, providing a bright spot amid the fear and uncertainty around the coronavirus. A Gunbarrel woman has offered to go grocery shopping or run errands for free for people who are older, have underlying illnesses or are afraid to go out in public for other reasons. "No judgment if someone is too scared to go shopping," said Rachel Isaacs, who posted her offer on Nextdoor, the social network that connects people with their neighbors and...
Local businesses and residents are feeling the impacts of COVID-19. The Niwot Inn took a big hit when a group of international business travelers canceled their gathering for later this month. The group of CEOs come from Europe, India and across the U.S., booking the entire Inn a couple of times a year for three to four days, according to co-owner Carissa Brandes. “Thousands of dollars, it’s very tough,” said Brandes. “We’ve noticed this March has been one of the slowest months we’ve had...
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is in the business of giving mistreated animals a happily-ever-after, so when Dillan the geriatric bear came to their rehabilitation facility in January, it didn't take long for him to find a place that was not too hard, not too soft, but just right. That's thanks to long time Niwot boy scout Caden Weihe, who planned and fabricated several large animal hammocks for his Eagle Scout service project, and then delivered them to the Keenesburg-based rescue center just in...
Gunbarrel resident Marian Alice Walker died Feb. 26, 2020, at age 92. A memorial service will be held Sat. March 14 at 2 p.m. at the Niwot United Methodist Church, 7405 Lookout Rd., Longmont (Gunbarrel), with a reception to follow....
On March 6, Dr. Patti Ashley and suitemate Christine Ruth held a ribbon cutting for their new therapy practices, located at 6800 N. 79th Street in Niwot. Dr. Ashley, who specializes in individual, couples and family therapy, is thrilled to get her old office back after a few years in Gunbarrel, and even more thrilled about the serendipitous timing that led her to a new partner and friend. Ruth, who also specializes in couples and family therapy, moved to Niwot from Minnesota last summer, and is...
In the midst of a busy life, it's tempting to overlook the need for good conversation and a home-cooked meal. We spend time speeding through the work and school week just to make it to the weekend. We savor quick moments shared with family and friends, but downtime never really lasts long before the next errand, chore, or to-do list item calls our names. In this modern society, we grow isolated in our comforts, choosing to pass time connecting through screens instead of face to face. We forget t...
Vicki Maurer's approach to life and volunteering is probably best put in her own words: "We do what we have to do and get it done." Maurer has been involved with many community organizations over the years, from Niwot Youth Sports to the Left Hand Valley Courier to the Niwot Cultural Arts Association. Appreciation for her efforts is widespread. "She's really easy to work with, enthusiastic about the town...and fantastic at what she does," said Michelle Henzel, treasurer of the NCAA. "Vicki is...
In 1859, gold drew 100,000 people into the Pike's Peak Region in pursuit of their fortune. Thirty-nine-year-old Alonzo N. Allen was among them, and he was quick to realize that prospecting was a hard way to make a living. The version of the story relayed by Dorothy Large ("Old Burlington") says Allen was actively seeking a place to homestead. The oral history from "They Came to Stay" places Allen on a hunting mission. Scouring the area for his dinner, Allen climbed to the top of a hill north of...
In the sixth grade, my social studies teacher had our class do a report and presentation on a European country. My partner and I chose Denmark. I don't remember much about the report, which I'm sure was excellent or blatantly counterfactual, but I do remember very enthusiastically wearing wooden clogs during our presentation…naturally. I realized then that the Danes weren't afraid of doing, or in the case of footwear, wearing…something hard. Also, bikes. Apparently, the Danes love bikes. At the time, I considered myself a "biker." I had a sup...
Dear Editor, The “Niwot Incorporation Committee” has presented the results of an investigation into the feasibility of incorporating the town of Niwot on their website at niwotstudy.com. In reviewing the information presented on that website, it is clear that the only issues that might form a basis for consideration in an incorporation attempt are those identified in the “Options for Niwot” item on the web page. Those issues are: 1) “Solve the roads problem” and 2) “Improve business vitality.” Of the two “Issues that need to be addressed,” th...
When you're spreading the love to friends and family this Valentine's Day, don't forget another valuable member of your everyday life: the local community. There are a number of simple but thoughtful ways to show your appreciation for the people and organizations that help make the Left Hand Valley such a unique place to live. Replenish the books at Niwot and Gunbarrel's Little Free Libraries The Little Free Library neighborhood book exchange program got its start just over a decade ago, when a...
In a field dominated by men, two women make up Boulder County's entire urban forestry team--Cathy Thiltgen and Mary Tiernan. "We take a lot of pride in that," said Thiltgen. If you have walked the Niwot trails lately, you've probably noticed these two women hard at work. As Thiltgen explained, their main objective is "looking at trees that may impact the trail or trail users and pruning any potential safety issues." This mission is carried out in close collaboration with the county's wildlife...
Excel Electric's office has been located in Niwot for 35 years, so the sale of the building it's in and subsequent move to a newly constructed larger property in Longmont will be momentous. On Jan. 10, 2020, Harrington Stanko Construction closed on the purchase of the property owned by Related Investments Partners LLP, and occupied by Excel Electric (EE). "We're pretty excited to bring something really nice there for the town and the people to enjoy," Tim Harrington, partner at Harrington...
According to statistics from the Boulder Municipal Airport (BMA), in 2017 there were 33 total complaints regarding aircraft noise. These statistics go back as far as 2009 and even though the number of complaints fluctuate over the years, frustration with the noise is consistent, if not growing. “There’ve been a lot of strong feelings about this for quite a long time,” said Gunbarrel resident Kate Chandler. “I want to move, I can’t sit on my porch, forget it. I can’t have a conversation, that’s how loud it is.” These strong feelings that C...
VOLLEYBALL Mackenzie Fidelak (Niwot) was part of Stanford's NCAA national championship team, which defeated Wisconsin Dec. 24 in the NCAA finals. Fidelak, a sophomore opposite hitter, played in six contests during the season, but did not see action in the NCAA tournament. Her most extensive action came against Arizona State in a 3-0 victory Oct. 13, where she played all three sets, recording 11 kills and only three errors. She had an attack percentage of .348 against Arizona State, and also...
Proponents of a regional library district got a boost last month when the Boulder City Council agreed to prioritize the issue during an upcoming "deep dive" into the city's long-term budget and budgeting processes. At a study session on Dec. 10, eight members of the council approved a proposal by city manager Jane Brautigam to conduct "a holistic review" of the city's funding needs, starting in early spring with a "robust conversation" about a potential Boulder Library District. "We are very...
Retiree Kamilla Macar is anything but re-"tired." She's incredibly active, positive, outgoing, and caring. Each week, among the long list of other happenings keeping her busy, the 83 year-old will be found giving her time and energy to Cultivate, a nonprofit organization serving a variety of needs of local seniors. Macar is a person who loves to keep moving, and she's also an avid steward of the environment. For the past two years, twice a week, she's walked the mile each way between her house...
For Gunbarrel's Mary Capone, food has always played a central role and much of her life has revolved around the heart of the home - the kitchen. The renditions of Capone have included starting a creperie in downtown Boulder, being a cookbook author, writing gastronomic columns for magazines, owning a food manufacturing business and offering hands-on cooking classes. "My grandfather was a pretty famous restaurateur and had several Italian restaurants in our hometown," Capone said. "The rest was...
Looking for a winter outing that is fun for parents and children? Look no further than Gunbarrel Brewing Company. This treasured neighborhood brewery consistently hosts a bevy of year-round, community events, delicious food trucks, and musical performances. Beat the winter blues and get the kids out of the house by attending Gunbarrel Brewing's winter concert series, featuring award-winning children's entertainers, Jeff & Paige. This husband-wife duo met when each were studying environmental...
Our community knows a thing or two about how to throw a party. We may be small, but we are lively, as seen by the turn out at each Rock & Rails, First Friday or Dancing Under the Stars event. This New Year's Eve, close out the decade in style with friends, family, and neighbors by attending any of these awesome events around Boulder County. This Dec. 31, The Niwot Tavern will host a celebration unlike any other. Join beloved bartenders Tara and Stacy as they pour sparkling glasses of champagne...
If you drove south on 71st to Lookout Road the week of Dec. 8, you probably experienced some delays. Xcel is repositioning power lines in advance of the long-awaited upgrades to 71st Street. Although the project was originally slated to begin in spring 2019, the Courier reported in April that the schedule had been pushed back to early winter 2020. As previously reported, the project is divided into two phases. However, the first phase, which runs from Lookout Road to Winchester Circle/...
Russell and Gabrielle Chagolla, owners of Gym No. 5, added the tagline "Level the F*** up" to declare they're fiercely serious about being the best lifting gym in the area. They should know...they've tried them all and when they didn't find one that worked well for them, they decided to invent it. It took two years of planning, months of hands-on work, and a $150,000 investment to bring the facility up to their standards. They quietly swung the doors open in mid-October. The 5,000 square-foot...
Following hundreds of hours of continuing education and hands-on courses, and successfully passing rigorous exams, Gunbarrel's Dr. Gerald Savory, DDS, was awarded his Mastership Award and the new owner of the dental practice, Dr. Rachel Barone, DDS, was awarded her Fellowship Award by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Dr. Savory is the founder of Gunbarrel Dental Center. Less than 2% of general dentists in the United States and Canada have the distinction of earning a Mastership Award and...
Meet Missy, a "well-behaved" two-year old cat who lives in Gunbarrel with companion Mabel Stewart. Writes Mable: "She is curious, and always needs to be apprised of what I'm reading or writing. She is easily distracted though; here, a sound outdoors draws her attention before I can capture a snapshot of her facing the camera. We're just enjoying a lazy afternoon in Gunbarrel. She's an indoor cat but has lots of open-aired windows to keep abreast of what the squirrels, birds, and butterflies are...
Epic Nutrition, serving Herbalife Nutrition smoothies and energy teas, opened its doors in October at the Gunbarrel Shopping Center. This is a sister enterprise to Fit Family Nutrition owned and operated by the same husband-wife team, Brad Larsen and Brook Kirwin. Fit Family Nutrition opened one year ago on South Main Street in Longmont. "We make healthy eating fast, simple, and delicious," Larsen said. "We have over 20 flavors of smoothies and 10 flavors of energy teas, and the smoothies are a...
Bear and Mini are two sophisticated, urbane canines. They live in Denver, but vacation in Gunbarrel. Both have found the Gunbarrel staff to be attentive and considerate. Walks are plentiful, especially with trips down the Cottontail Trail and summer swim time at Twin Lakes. A cold nose in the face of staff members at sunrise always produces a breakfast fit for royalty. Their only complaint is not enough scraps on the floor....
Beyond The Mountain Brewing Co. in Gunbarrel is one of Boulder County's many awesome breweries just steps from our backyards. Some years ago, two home brew fanatics and lifelong friends, Morgan Way and Chuck Hixon, set their sites on starting a brewery focused on tasty, inventive craft beer and live music. Fans of both, Way and Hix honed their skills at a variety of breweries around Boulder and Denver, until they each felt ready to take the plunge. After a successful start in 2017, Beyond The...
Local Gunbarrel brewery, Finkel & Garf, is a beloved staple in the community. Sunday afternoons can be whiled away on the patio with a delicious, uncomplicated beer in hand. The father-son team that set out to create a community gathering space did so with a few things in mind. They wanted their establishment to be no-frills where beer was more of a facilitator for fantastic memories, instead of the main event. The logo features toys, because the dynamic duo behind each brew believes that we are all still kids at heart. While Finkel & Garf is b...
In late 2017, Gunbarrel resident Kristin Bjornsen was at an impasse. Following a "spectacular loss" in her lawsuit against Boulder County over violations of Colorado's sunshine laws, the full-time mother-of-two was torn on whether to proceed with a costly and time-consuming appeal or whether to leave the legal battle for government transparency to more seasoned professionals. "On the one hand I felt like the issues were clear, and I felt like I had clarity if I could just clear away the muddle...
Fringe Pizza (5400 Spine Rd., Boulder) is celebrating National Pizza Month throughout the month of October with its newest creation - Sweet Heat pizza - and a chance for one lucky customer to win a pizza a month for a whole year. Owner Nate Rajotte created a curiously crafted pie that includes garlic oil, basil, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, pickled red onion, sopressata and Calabrian honey. This sweet and spicy creation is aptly named and sure to have Fringe's dedicated following clamoring...
Within Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer, and Weld Counties, veterans over age 65 number more than 27,000 according to the Colorado Veterans Affairs Department. Boulder County alone is home to more than 9,000 military veterans over age 60 who rely on the health care services provided at regional Veterans Affairs medical facilities. Those neighborhood vets are looking to their medical professionals to help them stay healthy and to diagnose and treat their conditions. But challenges with driving,...
With the first snowfall predicted for Oct. 10, Boulder County restaurants are closing up patios for the turn season. That doesn't mean that our local watering holes and coffee shops are hibernating this fall or winter but instead, embracing the change. Beloved dishes, cocktail menus and draught lists are shifting to feature autumn's tasty bounty of fresh vegetables. Restaurants around south Longmont, Gunbarrel, and Niwot have just begun to feature favorite fall flavors. Here are some more of...
Late last month, a judge in Boulder County District Court dismissed 20 of the 34 claims brought in a lawsuit filed by the Board of County Commissioners in 2018 to halt a large oil and gas drilling project proposed by Crestone Peak Resources. The court further determined that the county is responsible for Crestone’s attorney’s and court fees, the total amount of which will be determined at a hearing on Jan.16, 2020. The remaining 14 claims were either settled in Crestone’s favor, or withdrawn by the county. In a statement released on Sept....
An email from Sarah Brown to the Courier read, "In May I started working at Lucky Pie in Niwot and have had the pleasure of working with Dylan, the general manager. We have a constant joke going at work about how he's the mayor of Niwot since he seems to know everyone that lives in the area. He's one of the kindest people I've ever known, let alone worked with. So, if you take suggestions for Familiar Faces, I'd love to see him in there! He really deserves all the recognition as he is a...
There’s just nothing like the anticipation of opening a package, so everyone loves it when the big brown truck stops in front of their house. UPS driver Gabe Amaya is Niwot’s main guy in the brown uniform driving that brown truck. The Courier wanted more than just a friendly wave “hello” from the reliable person who makes hundreds of stops around town. So we asked Amaya some questions and learned that his ties to the town run deeper than his daily route. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) Gabe Amay...
Pastor Walter “Skip” Strickland has known what his calling was since he was a high school junior in Tacoma, Wash. Strickland, the new pastor at Niwot United Methodist Church (NUMC), was very active in youth ministry and served as the conference youth president for the Conference Council of Youth Ministry for Washington and northern Idaho. It was this drive that brought him to Colorado in 1977 after he obtained a degree in urban planning from the University of Puget Sound. Strickland enr...
Gunbarrel’s Emily Sewell, this month’s Left Hand Laurel, is a round-the-clock mother, with a full-time career. For the last eight years, she’s also given her time to Voices for Children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), transforming the lives of abused and neglected children in Boulder County. Program Director Dana Walters said, “Emily has quietly worked to help victims of child abuse and neglect recover from trauma. She never seeks recognition and she doesn't require much directi...
Opting to avoid "a big fight with city council," the grassroots organization pushing for the creation of a regional library district has decided to withdraw its petition to add the measure to the 2019 Boulder County election ballot. Speaking at a gathering of supporters on July 28, Joni Teter of the Boulder Library Champions said that group's leadership started getting concerned after it became clear that the nine-member Boulder City Council still had reservations about the proposed district, wh...
