All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Mary Coonce is a cherished figure in Niwot widely known for her role as co-owner of Porchfront Homes, which has been involved in many community projects, and her own extensive community involvement. For her volunteer efforts in the community, Coonce is the November Left Hand Laurel recipient. Coonce's dedication to Niwot includes service as the Niwot Business Association (NBA) treasurer for seven of the 11 years she has been a member. She also serves as the treasurer for the Local Improvement...
Nothing says autumn like hearty grains to accompany all the pumpkin dishes you will be serving. These are tried-and-true delicious. Next week we will start thinking about Thanksgiving with your favorite stuffing/dressing dishes. Send your favorite recipes to [email protected]. GREEK LEEK HERBED RICE (Prasorizo) Submitted by Karen Sherlock Ingredients: 4 leeks (about 2 pounds), trimmed, white and pale green parts sliced ¼-inch thick 1 lemon ¼ cup raw almonds ½ teaspoon...
REVENUE Revenues from the 1% sales tax in the Niwot Local Improvement District is down 8.8% compared to a year ago through July, but the percentage of decrease actually dropped a full percentage point, from 9.8%, since June. LID Treasurer Mary Coonce reported that retail sales are down 7.4%, while accommodations and food are up 6.7% year-to-date compared to 2023. The largest percentage decrease is in a category of "Other and Wholesale," which is down 35% year-to-date. Four funding requests were...
ACROSS 2. powwow 6. golf 8. Bartruff 10. Daisy 12. mother 14. Elementary 16. Caquelin 17. Moy 18. Sweet 19. trunk 20. Lindy 21. Key DOWN 1. golf 3. orange 4. drumline 5. soccer 7. LID 9. Bare 11. Shaw 13. gymnastics 15. third 18. survey...
The Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) received a $25,000 grant from the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Foundation last week to support the restoration and installation of three iconic tree carvings by the late artist Eddie Running Wolf. The grant was applied for at the suggestion of Brent Wheeler, Boulder County's liaison for the project. "Brent had mentioned the grant opportunity when we met with County Commissioner Marta Loachamin and Walt Pourier of the Lakota tribe, who was a good...
ACROSS 2. Abos 4. country 6. first 8. Erie 9. brain 12. LID 14. technical 15. Washington DOWN 1. Stapp 3. scoreboard 5. Reiber 6. football 7. window 10. Avina 11. RISE 13. honey...
The Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) Advisory Committee met on a zoom call Sept. 3 to consider a funding request from the Niwot Business Association (NBA) for holiday lighting, and discuss the planned underpass on CO 119 as part of the planned bikeway, as well as declining LID revenues. Holiday Lighting Angela Hudgins, NBA administrative coordinator, presented the lighting request for funding. In the application requesting funding of $8,607, Hudgins wrote, "Niwot would like to repeat the...
On Friday, Sept. 6, Cottonwood Square transformed into a lively celebration of country dance as Dancing Under the Stars hosted its first-ever country dance night. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and the clinking of cowboy boots, as twinkling lights shone overhead casting a soft glow on the crowd below. The blend of cowboy hats, denim, pearl snap shirts, and lively country tunes gave the night an authentic feel. Participants were treated to an array of country dance styles,...
The penultimate salsa dance evening of the Dancing Under the Stars season brought a large, enthusiastic crowd to Cottonwood Square on Friday, Aug. 30. With perfect weather and a gorgeous sunset as the backdrop, the night was a memorable one for the dancers. Marcela Lay, the evening's instructor, introduced new moves that challenged and delighted participants, adding to their growing repertoire of salsa steps. Her teaching style was both engaging and accessible, ensuring that newcomers and vetera...
On Friday, Aug. 23, Dancing Under the Stars featured a lively blend of waltz, folk, and contra dancing, bringing a fresh dynamic to Niwot's beloved event. The evening was accompanied by live music from keyboardist Teri Rasmusson and fiddler Royston Hunget, whose harmonious tunes set the perfect mood for the traditional dances. Earlier in the season, Rasmusson, a Niwot resident, performed with violinist Julia Hays on July 12. Adding to the energy was Tina Fields, who called the dances and guided...
All nine members of the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) met with Boulder County Commissioners Claire Levy and Marta Loachamin on Aug. 12 at the Left Hand Grange building in Niwot. The meeting, which had been rescheduled several times, is an annual affair in which LID members can give an update on the state of Niwot and hear directly from the commissioners about their priorities. County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann, who is the elected representative from an area which...
Once again, the parking lot in front of Cottonwood Square's WiNot Coffee Company and The Little Shop became a Friday night outdoor ballroom during Niwot's Dancing Under the Stars. On Aug. 16, nearly 175 participants and spectators enjoyed the return of Swing Dance Night, with the event's usual introductory lesson, followed by open dance for the rest of the night. Catherine McHale and Tom Masterson organized the evening, as they do every Friday. "We have salsa, swing dancing, and country...
On Aug. 13, the Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department hosted a webinar to provide detailed updates on various CO 119 (the "Diagonal") intersections and design options for the 63rd Street bike/pedestrian overpass. The intersections discussed included both unsignalized and signalized locations. The unsignalized intersections covered were 55th Street, Monarch Road, Oxford Road, 83rd Street, and Fordham Street, while the signalized intersections included Airport Road, Niwot...
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...
Friday, Aug. 9, Dancing Under the Stars brought a spicy new flavor to the dance floor with Nathan Hook leading a Cuban-style salsa. Making his first appearance as an instructor this season, Hook introduced a fresh salsa style to the event, adding variety and excitement for both regulars and newcomers. Hook took his time with the basic steps, watching all participants closely and offering advice when he felt it was necessary. As in previous weeks, switching partners was encouraged often,...
On Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., a public webinar will be held to discuss the CO 119 Safety, Mobility and Bikeway Project and its Construction Phase. Registration information can be found here. Part of the Project includes the underpass to be built connecting Niwot’s business district with the bikeway and the Niwot Park-N-Ride. Boulder County planners have approved underpass Option 3A instead of Option 2A as endorsed by the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID). (See the July 17, 2024 Courier article and Option d...
Dancing Under the Stars brought the community together once again on Friday, Aug. 2, for an evening filled with music, laughter, and swing dancing. Held at Cottonwood Square in Niwot, the night focused on swing dancing, with Lorne Fultonberg and Boulder Swing Dance leading the way. The evening kicked off with a lesson in Lindy Hop, one of the most popular styles of swing dancing. Instructors from Boulder Swing Dance took to the floor, guiding both seasoned dancers and first-timers through many...
The latest Dancing Under the Stars proved that not even rain can stop a community dedicated to dance. On Friday, July 26, the event overcame a temporary downpour to deliver another memorable salsa evening in Cottonwood Square. At the end of Joseph Snowhawk's salsa dance lesson, a Colorado thunderstorm decided to join the dance. Event organizer Tom Masterson joked, "Mother Nature knows when it's Friday in Niwot," referring to other brief rainstorms that have cut in on the event. Some attendees to...
On Friday, July 19 dancers of all skill levels gathered at Dancing Under the Stars to learn how to Lindy Hop under the tutelage of Lorne Fultonberg from Boulder Swing Dance. Fultonberg focused on Lindy Hop, a swing-style dance that originated in Harlem, New York, in the 1920s and '30s. It developed in response to the Black jazz music of the Swing Era. Around 150 people squeezed onto the makeshift dance floor in Cottonwood Square and were introduced to the art form. Toward the end of the dance le...
ACROSS 3. minimum 5. stars 7. LID 8. five 10. Cougar 11. Eagles 13. Pan 14. Shrader 15. Kings 18. train DOWN 1. Henriques 2. exterior 4. underpass 6. Ritzenhein 9. edamame 12. Lookout 16. swing 17. math...
Discussions have been underway since March between Boulder County Community Planning and Permitting and the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) regarding the location and alignment of the proposed underpass linking the planned bikeway in the median of the Diagonal and the RTD park-n-ride parking lot with downtown Niwot. The original plans for the bikeway did not include an underpass on the northbound lanes of the Diagonal Highway, but the LID and the Niwot Business...
The third week of Niwot's Dancing Under the Stars brought a touch of elegance to Cottonwood Square on Friday, July 12. The waltz and folk dance evening featured live music by the talented duo of Terri Rasmussen and Julia Haze, setting the tone for a magical night. The evening began again with a dance lesson led by Tom Masterson, one of the event organizers, from 7 to 7:45 p.m. After slowly teaching the basic steps, Masterson lined attendees up for a circle waltz before handing off the mic to...
The Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) approved funding for three items at its July 9, 2024 meeting. Flower Fest Kathy Trauner of Fly Away Home Decor presented an application from the Niwot Business Association (NBA) for the second annual Flower Fest event scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the application, Trauner wrote, "Flower Fest is designed to delight visitors and bring new customers to area businesses." "[W]e offer a 'Flower Journey' in which the first 150...
On Friday July 5, dancers from all over gathered for the first swing dance evening of Dancing Under the Stars this summer. At 7 p.m., dancers moved cautiously towards the makeshift dance floor for dance lessons led by Tom Masterson, one of the event organizers. Participants of all ages and skill levels joined in, learning the basic steps of swing dancing. Masterson let attendees take their time, stepping in when he felt it was necessary. With his swing dance crash course, the dancers were ready...
Dancing Under the Stars opened up its 2024 season on June 28 in Cottonwood Square in front of The Little Shop and WiNot Coffee Company. The event brought together dance enthusiasts and curious newcomers for an evening of dancing. While weather threatened to disrupt the night, a thunderstorm quickly moved through Niwot at the very beginning of the evening, leaving the crowd with a cloud-covered sky and an occasional sprinkle, a much-needed cool-off for those on the dance floor. The night began...
One of Niwot's greatest assets is its rich dedication to the arts and this Friday provides yet another opportunity to get involved. The "Why Not Niwot?" Juried Art Show is underway with a chance for Niwot residents to vote for their favorite piece of work. The Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) website describes the event: "Each year local and regional artists submit works depicting the look, feel, and/or essence of the Niwot community, a vibrant and vintage Colorado town on the Front...
Dancing Under the Stars is back and ready to light up the night on Friday, June 28. The festive tradition, now its fifth year in Niwot, promises an enchanting evening of salsa dancing under the stars in Cottonwood Square from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Originally founded by Tom Masterson in the early 1980s, the event "started at the University of Colorado's Memorial Center and was very popular," said Masterson. "We had over 100 people dancing with us, and it has always been a completely free program,...
In the wake of 1914 House’s announcement that it will close as of July 7, 2024, Tony Santelli, a respected business professional and former president of the Niwot Business Association, has voiced his concerns about Boulder County's Minimum Wage Ordinance 2023-4. Santelli, who is a former site manager of IBM’s Boulder facility and a former owner of the Niwot Tavern, fears that this ordinance, if not addressed, could lead to significant financial strain on small businesses in Niwot and other areas of unincorporated Boulder County. Niwot's cur...
The second concert in the 2024 House Blend Band Summer Concert Series in front of The Old Oak Coffeehouse at 136 2nd Avenue in Niwot is set for this Saturday, June 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. This concert will feature songs by Chicago, Elton John, and multiple Motown jams, along with other hits from the 60s to the 2000s. The free event will close 2nd Avenue from Murray Street to Franklin Street that evening. It is recommended to bring your own chairs as seating is limited. Spaghetti and meatballs made...
Niwot's Lobsterfest is returning this Saturday, June 8 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Whistle Stop Park. While there have been over 100 tickets sold, there are still tickets left for the event, which is capped at 200 people. A $95 adult ticket includes entrance, a "Cape Codder" welcome cocktail, lobster, sides, designer cookies, and ice cream. At a cost of $35 for children, tickets include lobster mac and cheese, sides, designer cookies, ice cream, a juice box, and a fun-filled goodie bag. Beer, wine,...
Sales tax revenues for 2024 in Niwot continue to decline, based on data through February, with revenues down by 11% over the same period in 2023. Several funding requests were approved by the LID Advisory Committee (LID). Rock & Rails The 18th year of Rock & Rails, Niwot’s summer concert series, begins on Thursday, May 30, this year. The event takes place in Whistle Stop Park every Thursday night in June, July (except July 4th) and August, with 13 concerts total. Biff Warren, one of the three co-managers of the event, presented the funding r...
Part two of a three-part series covering RTD regarding TABOR's impact, RTD Northwest Rail and Front Range Passenger Rail, and an update on key state legislation. Commuting Solutions, a Louisville based organization dedicated to finding innovative transportation options connecting commuters to their workplaces, has strongly advocated for the CO 119 Safety, Mobility, and Bikeway Project. It held a membership meeting on April 24, providing a comprehensive update on the project, including its team,...
Rock & Rails, one of Niwot's favorite long-standing summer traditions, is returning for another fun-filled, jam-packed, "off the rails" concert series for 2024. The much anticipated summer concert series is starting a week early this year on Thursday, May 30, due to a Thursday off on the 4th of July. Through the efforts of sponsors and patrons, Rock & Rails continues to work towards being a zero-waste event and venue. Composting will resume as it always has, and though compost partners are...
The annual meeting of the Niwot Community Association (NCA) was held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at the Niwot Community Hall. Guest speakers were Jim Webster, Boulder County Wildfire Partners, Paul Ostroy, Fire Management Officer for Mountain View Fire Protection District (MVFPD) and Dr. Don Haddad, Superintendent of the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD). Annual elections were held for the NCA board. David Limbach was re-elected to the office of President, Emily Limbach was re-elected...
The annual Lobsterfest event is returning to Niwot Saturday, June 8, for the fourth year since its return after a long hiatus. Lobsterfest began at the direction of former Niwot business owner Diane Atwood several years ago. Its reincarnation draws people from near and far as a charitable, fun, community event at Whistle Stop Park. "Every year, the funds are raised at this event for different charities," said organizer Deb Fowler of the Niwot Business Association (NBA). Previous funds have been...
Dips are a staple on game day or any day! And you can't go wrong if cheese is a main ingredient. Enjoy some of these next time the crowd comes over. Or if you are just hungry. Fundido Submitted by Alyson Varvel Bell Ingredients: 1 pound Boulder chorizo (or other fresh chorizo, not the tube stuff) 1 package of asadero, queso fresco and/or cotija cheese (or jack cheese in a pinch) Optional: sauteed onions and peppers Fresh tortillas Cilantro or jalapeno slices for garnish Directions: Fry up the...
Around the World Day is returning to Niwot for the fourth year in a row on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with 26 businesses participating in spreading cultural exposure and celebration. Around the World Day is Niwot's one-day version of the World Showcase in EPCOT. "We started the event in 2020," said Deb Fowler, one of the organizers of Around the World Day. "It was a good way to get people outdoors to socialize safely and bring people to the businesses during that time."...
Minimum wage, master plan, housing costs, Highway 119 underpass, key priorities. Those are the topics Niwot's Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) members hope to take up with the Boulder County Commissioners when the two boards meet at the Left Hand Grange on Thursday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m. The annual meeting between the three county commissioners, who govern Niwot as well as the rest of unincorporated Boulder County, and the members of Niwot's most active advisory board, all of...
Plans have been unveiled for the construction of innovative bike-accessible-only apartments in the median of CO 119 (the "Diagonal") at Niwot Road. Messer Development has applied for Special Use Review with the Boulder County Planning & Permitting & Pedaling Department to construct this new facility which it believes "will be a groundbreaking innovation to revitalize and enhance the community and Boulder County generally." The project, slated to take three years to complete, promises to...
Thanks to the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID), the Grange building has been granted enough funds to allow the community center to complete three major improvements to the main floor hall. Watch for the rental space to be upgraded with paint and acoustic ceiling tiles by the end of April. New lighting fixtures will be installed in May. Each of these upgrades will go a long way in adding character and warmth to the venue's ambiance. The LID has approved funding half of the improvements of...
Welcome to the Niwot Transportation Update, your go-to source for all things related to transportation and mobility in our vibrant community. Highway 119 Underpass Discussions are underway regarding the proposed underpass linking the current RTD parking lot and downtown Niwot, involving the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) and Boulder County. Recently, the LID penned a letter to Stacey Proctor, Transportation Strategic Planning and Projects Manager for the CO 119...
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) met March 5 at the Niwot Inn to consider funding requests from the Left Hand Grange No. 9 for improvements to the Grange Hall, now owned by Niwot Community Hall, a newly formed non-profit organization. The meeting began with an introduction of Carla Hunter, the newest member of the committee, who was appointed to fill the resident vacancy held by Lisa Rivard, who did not apply for reappointment. LEFT HAND GRANGE Left Hand Grange No....
Niwot High School senior Tracy Yu will be pulling double duty this spring for the first time in two years. Yu is currently preparing for her fourth season on the Cougars' girls tennis team and is rejoining Niwot's girls soccer squad after taking last season off. Her weekday afternoons may be chaotic at times, but her passion for both sports should prevail. Regarding her return to the pitch, Yu was convinced by teammate Margaux Boyer to attend a low-stress summer kickaround. "I definitely really...
The Niwot Community Association (NCA) board held its monthly meeting at the Left Hand Grange hall on Feb. 14. Membership Director Johnny Barrett reported that a membership drive will begin soon. The manager of the NCA's annual Cleanup Day, John Barto, reported that planning is very nearly finished, with all contacts made, approvals in place and a date of May 18 set. These two activities are related because the cost for non-members of the NCA to drop off yard waste, scrap metal, some types of...
Philly Cheesesteak Variations Philly Cheesesteak, or as most like to say, simply "Cheesesteak," may have originated in Philadelphia, but it has taken on a life of its own. The flavor of thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, peppers and provolone cheese (or other cheeses) resonates in many mediums. Here are a few variations on this comfort food theme for you to enjoy. Traditional Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich Adapted from House of Nash Eats https://houseofnasheats.com/philly-cheese-steaks/...
The House Blend Band is back for a fourth summer of concerts on Second Avenue. The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) approved funding for the popular concerts, now known as 2nd Avenue Concert Series, based on an application from the Niwot Business Association, presented by Michael Tomich and Patty Machen of The Old Oak Coffeehouse. Tomich explained that there would be five concerts this summer beginning May 18, an increase of one over last year. The headliner for the...
Road maintenance and development has been, and continues to be, a concern for residents within the Niwot and Gunbarrel communities. The degeneration of roads within residential subdivisions and neighborhoods are very apparent and only continue to get worse as time goes on. So how do they get improved? Well, it's not that simple. Issues regarding road maintenance are not new and have been prevalent for decades. It wasn't until the mid-2000s that residents started really noticing the...
As an unincorporated community, Niwot relies on Boulder County for day-to-day governance, and the two appointed advisory boards that directly affect Niwot are the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) Advisory Committee (NLIDAC), and the Niwot Design Review Committee. The Niwot Design Review Committee is charged with reviewing development applications and proposed changes to properties in the Niwot Rural Community District I, which includes the Old Town business district. Some regulations apply to the entire district, while others apply only...
The working draft of the Niwot Master Plan 2023 was presented to the Niwot Community Association (NCA) on Jan. 23 at the Left Hand Grange No. 9. The master plan is the first step in imagining how Niwot might look in the near and distant future, and includes an update to the 2012 Transportation & Connectivity Plan that has guided Niwot projects for the past decade. This vision for Niwot has been developed by the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) in conjunction with the...
Niwot is known for its great small-town feel and numerous community events. The inaugural WinterFest event on Saturday, Jan. 27, did not disappoint. WinterFest brought food, games and carriage rides from Cottonwood Square to 2nd Avenue. Vendors, musicians, and activities were scattered through Niwot including Nothing Bundt Cakes in Cottonwood Square and Sweet Maple Cotton Candy at the Emporium on 2nd Avenue. A steady flow of attendees participated throughout town. However, the real hit was the...
