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Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
As Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Joe Brown closed out Niwot High School's inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony, the echoes of applause reverberated through the auditorium, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. The five inductees – Tiny Koehler, Sue Prahl, Art and Debbi Stapp, Terri Ward, and Biff Warren– accepted the honor with grace, each telling stories the audience will not soon forget. On June 2, students, teachers, family, and friends gathered to recognize excellence. Dir...
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,...
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...
As the school year comes to a close, so do some of the articles about in school activities such as clubs. Throughout this year the Left Hand Valley Courier has covered Model United Nations, Best Buddies Club, Drama Club, NASA Club, A Capella Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Asian Student Association, Dance Club, Students for Rare Diseases, Political Action Club, Gender Studies Club, Coding Club, Earth Club, and finally Helping Hands Club. From community service to singing, each unique...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
NCA Clean-Up Day is sponsored by the Niwot Community Association and is one of Niwot's biggest events every year. One of the NCA's board members has always spearheaded the event since its conception over twenty years ago. One NCA board member has been involved with the program for over 10 years, and has served as the lead program manager for the past four years. For his volunteer efforts in managing and coordinating Niwot's Clean-Up Day, this month's Left Hand Laurel is awarded to John Barto. Ba...
Niwot High School announced its inaugural Hall of Fame class, "honoring a group of five remarkable individuals who have woven themselves into the very fabric of our school and community: Tiny Koehler, Sue Prahl, Debbi and Art Stapp, Terri Ward, and Biff Warren," in a press release. The Night of Champions Celebration will be held in the Niwot High School auditorium on Sunday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m. to not only celebrate the school's inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, but also the achievements of...
The main hall of Left Hand Grange No. 9 is in the midst of getting a big update. Improvements to the gathering space over the past year are now officially from floor to ceiling. In May, newly installed ceiling tiles and freshly painted walls renewed and greatly improved the space's ambiance. Both bathrooms have also been updated with new fixtures and paint. Next up, literally, will be new lighting fixtures. The Grange invites the public to stop in and to peer through the windows to get a good lo...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
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...
Dave and Maggie Lee of Niwot are kind and gracious. They know what they value and stand for, and they have focused on their values as much as possible during their long marriage. Prioritizing their family, pursuing meaningful work, nurturing longtime friendships and serving others through their church are consistent themes in their lives. Dave is from Pueblo, Colorado, Maggie from Salem and Portland, Oregon. The two met in high school after Dave's family moved to the Northwest. Dave graduated...
It is BBQ season! One delicious side dish at every BBQ is a summer pasta salad. Chock full of vegetables, flavor and a dish you make ahead of time. Enjoy just two examples here. SUMMER PASTA PRIMAVERA Adapted from Once Upon A Chef by Jenn Segal Submitted by Alyson Varvel Bell "A go-to summer salad that everyone loves!" Ingredients: 1¼ lbs (2 pints) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved 4 shallots, thinly sliced 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
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 Left Hand Valley Courier is spotlighting various local neighborhoods, their history, issues and general nature. This week, the Courier is focusing on Gunbarrel Estates. Gunbarrel Estates has its roots in the early 1960s, when it was developed by Bowron Builders, Inc., the same company which created several subdivisions in Niwot. It's not only conveniently located near Gunbarrel's shopping, the Boulder Country Club, and employers such as Celestial Seasonings and IBM, it was thoughtfully...
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...
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...
Whether you're a senior about to graduate or a close friend of a senior, the spring semester is always a bittersweet time of year. Niwot High School's spring concerts are an example of one of the "lasts" in which seniors participate during their final days of high school, and one such bittersweet experience. The Niwot High School bands, orchestras, and mariachi held their final concerts this past week on May 7 and 8 at the NHS auditorium. Both jazz bands, the percussion ensemble, and both sympho...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental!• The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email address and phone number. • By submitting a photo, you agree that the Courier, in its sole discretion, may publish it in any medium at any time and in any way it determines in return for your name appearing in print and bragging rights....
"Shocked," "I can't believe it," and "Oh, no!" were community members' immediate reactions to last week's announcement that Old Town Niwot's beloved 1914 House restaurant will close at the end of July. The shock changed to both sadness and gratitude, and then to concern over the future of other restaurants in Niwot and Boulder County. A couple of days later, a very frequent diner at 1914 House related his personal story of his relationship with the staff and other guests. The Niwot Community...
A tribute song written by local musician Kevin Dooley for Bert Steele is now available online in video format. Recorded on Feb. 7, 2024, at the Left Hand Grange, the video is a montage created by Niwot's Social Media Coordinator Kristina Rugg using content from the recording session and photos provided by the Steele family. Niwot Market owner Bert Steele passed away on August 7, 2023. In December 2023, Dooley composed a song in his honor to be played at the dedication of Steele's memorial bench...
Last Friday, soon after the upcoming closure of 1914 House was announced, Nick Mastronardi was feeling both nostalgic and proud of what his team had accomplished at 1914 House. He said they had "a great run" as he reflected upon the good times, and suggested ways a new owner might move the popular restaurant forward. After purchasing the building in 2014, Mastronardi embarked on a complete remodel with the exception of maintaining the historic facade. He believes that creating a very warm,...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
Hallie Pasko has more than earned this month's Left Hand Laurel. Pasko, a 47 year resident of Niwot with her husband Don Pasko, raised their children here. They all went through the Niwot feeder system from elementary through graduation at Niwot High School. Dedication is a word that barely scratches the surface when describing Pasko. In addition to a 47 year residency in Niwot, Pasko has been deeply involved in every aspect of local Alzheimer's support groups for the past 24 years. Pasko's...
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 Left Hand Valley Courier is spotlighting various local neighborhoods, their history, issues and general nature. This week, the Courier is focusing on Burgundy Park. The Boulder County area continued to grow into the late 20th century, requiring more housing for families and individuals drawn to the area by employment opportunities, the outdoors, and other amenities. Niwot was well-positioned geographically as a prime location for multiple housing developments, and Bowron Builders Inc. had...
Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea at the Grange Sunday, May 5, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by WINC (Women's International Niwot Club), this Alice-themed tea is open to the public to enjoy the whimsy of Wonderland. In addition to the delicious tea and treats, there will be a drawing and silent auction. Funds raised at the event will be donated to local charities. Tea is provided by Luminous Tea and music is sponsored by DRF Real Estate, Slifer Smith & Frampton. Purchase tickets by visiting Mad...
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...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
North 95th Street between Valmont Road and Lookout Road is being "completely rebuilt" starting this week, with road closures for eight hours on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., according to an announcement from the Boulder County Public Works Department. Phase 1 of the plan began April 22 between Lookout Road and Gunbarrel Ridge Road and is projected to end sometime in early 2025. The Boulder County Public Works Department's website states there will still be access to neighborhoods...
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."...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
The Boulder County Consortium of Cities met on April 3 to offer progress updates in developing a regional plan regarding minimum wage for incorporated towns and cities in Boulder County. Boulder County Ordinance 2023-4 became effective on Jan. 1, 2024, setting a minimum wage of $15.69 per hour for businesses in Niwot and other unincorporated areas of the county, 15% above Colorado’s 2023 minimum wage and $1.27 higher than that of surrounding incorporated towns and cities that currently pay $14.42. The ordinance also gradually increases the m...
The annual meeting of the Niwot Community Association (NCA) will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at the Left Hand Grange No. 9. The guest speaker will be Don Haddad, St. Vrain Valley School District Superintendent, and will include a question and answer session. There will also be a speaker on the topic of urban interface wildfire mitigation. The annual meeting is also the occasion for NCA board elections. The board is seeking nominations for Secretary and Area 6 Representative. Area 6 includes Gunbarrel Estates and the Homestead...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is spotlighting various local neighborhoods, their history, issues and general nature. This week, the Courier is spotlighting Cottonwood Park West. In the mid-20th century, Niwot began to grow from its origins as a small railroad town and farming community into a fully suburban community that provided housing, schools and amenities for families working in Boulder and Longmont. This was particularly true once IBM purchased land for its operations in the late 1950s,...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
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...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is spotlighting various local neighborhoods, their history, issues and general nature. This week, the Courier is spotlighting The Cove residential neighborhood. Most Niwot residents are familiar with Somerset and Legend Ridge, but any mention of The Cove is usually met with raised eyebrows and puzzled looks. Small, lovely and secluded, the neighborhood was established in the early 1990s. You won't find The Cove unless you happen upon it while walking or are in the...
Local musician Kevin Dooley was asked to perform at the dedication of a memorial bench outside of Niwot Market last December 16 in honor of Niwot Market owner Bert Steele. The guitarist singer-songwriter quickly accepted the invitation, and set to work writing a song in honor of his long-time friend, who passed away last August after a short illness. Six days later, Dooley performed the song, "Be More Like Bert," at the dedication, incorporating several of Steele's well-known words of wisdom,...
In the February 5, 2020 edition of the Left Hand Valley Courier, an article was published about a young Ugandan boy named Peter Kamuhanda, who was a recipient of the Mwebaza Foundation's scholarship program. This program provided for his schooling, whereas in Uganda, insufficient funding for schools forces citizens to fill the financial gaps. Tragically, Kamuhanda was orphaned as a child and vulnerable to losing his scholarship. His current guardian had planned to send him to live with his grand...
Zachary Scott Swanson April 7, 1984 - February 10, 2024 At 39, our beloved Zack left us far too early. He was born in Niwot, Colorado, and spent his school days at Niwot public schools, graduating in 2002. He received an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology from Front Range Community College in Fort Collins in 2012. He added many automotive technology certificates and achieved Master Mechanic status. Zack had an amazing ability to stay level-headed, even-keeled, and calm throughout life....
At her daughter-in-law's suggestion, Niwot's Amy Klein found a way to combine her love for kids with her love for baking. The result is the fastest growing chapter of Cake4Kids in the country. For her volunteer efforts, Klein is the April 2024 recipient of a Left Hand Laurel. "My daughter-in-law moved to California and told me about it four years ago," Klein recalled. The non-profit organization is based in California, but has chapters all over the country, but Klein discovered that Colorado...
Ok. How do we feel about artificial intelligence? First, the term "artificial intelligence" sounds like something from outer space to me. So, I approach the whole concept with some trepidation at the outset. Artificial intelligence, or "A.I.," has many common uses including self-driving vehicles, fraud detection by your bank and facial recognition. And don't forget that our friends, Alexa and Siri, are complete products of artificial intelligence. But, for now, let's talk about the kind of A.I....
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...
The City of Boulder, through its Open Space and Mountain Parks Department, announced an effort to seek public input on a collaborative land stewardship plan to be developed for the site of the former Fort Chambers near Boulder Creek, just east of 63rd Street and south of Jay Road in the Gunbarrel area. The city purchased the property in 2018. The city has recently worked with Arapaho and Cheyenne Tribal Representatives on a plan to use the land, now owned by the City of Boulder, to acknowledge...
With the creation of a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization on December 31, 2023, a new entity called Niwot Community Hall (NCH) now owns the building at 195 Second Avenue in Niwot which has long been the home of Left Hand Grange No. 9. As the name indicates, the intent of the new entity is to recognize the building as the community center it has become and for the organization to be able to accept tax-deductible contributions which will support improvements to the building. The Left Hand Grange No. 9, a fraternal organization, received its...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
Calling all photographers, intentional or accidental! The Left Hand Valley Courier’s Photo of the Week feature is open to any area resident who personally photographs Niwot-Gunbarrel area sights, including people (with permission, of course), buildings, animals, birds, plants, flowers, events, or anything else. Naturally, there are a few rules to follow: • The photograph must be submitted in jpg format via email to [email protected]@lhvc.com in high resolution. • Please include a caption describing the photo, your name, email addre...
On March 12, the Niwot Community Association (NCA) held a Subdivision Paving Summit at the Left Hand Grange in Niwot. The meeting was led by NCA President David Limbach and Liz Marr, NCA Board Member and member of the Subdivision Paving Coalition (SPC). Approximately 35 members of the community attended the spirited and collaborative session. The meeting had a number of objectives, including: • Review issue history and update the community on recent activities • Give Niwot neighborhoods a for...