All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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For his enduring leadership and volunteerism for the Niwot community and advocacy for Niwot's businesses, Tony Santelli is the Left Hand Valley Courier's April Left Hand Laurel. As a former co-owner of the Niwot Tavern, a past president of the Niwot Business Association (NBA), and a current member of the community's minimum wage task force as well as the Niwot Future League (NFL), Santelli's leadership and dynamism is apparent when he discusses his love for the Niwot community. Niwot is the...
As April ushers in the beautiful renewal of spring, Niwot Hall hosts a month of invigorating cultural events, lectures, dance, music, and opportunities to connect where all are welcome. Dance Classes with Lindy Bartruff Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Beginning at 3:00 p.m. Participate in fun and fitness while dancing under the instruction of director-choreographer Lindy Bartruff. 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Aerobic Dance Do you love to dance and yearn for an easy, energizing outlet? Ignite your...
Niwot's Native Art Show on Sunday, March 16 at Niwot Hall saw a steady stream of visitors, many of whom purchased art and crafts from the emerging Native artists. Tom Myer of Gunbarrel, who helped coordinate the event with Phillip Yates of the Niwot Cultural Arts Association, had his art on display and sold out of some prints. "We had over $4,500 worth of arts and crafts sold by Native artists today at the art market," Myer said. Art included paintings, prints, pencil drawings, cards, jewelry...
The March 4, 2025 meeting of the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) began with Jim Ditzel, newly elected president of the Niwot Business Association, taking the place of long-time LID advisory committee member and former NBA president Eric Bergeson. LID Treasurer Mary Coonce reported that year-end sales tax revenues for 2024 were down 8.8% from 2023 at just under $250,000. The biggest losses came from the "Wholesale" (down 50%) and "Other" (down 24%) categories, in...
This is the inaugural installment of a monthly feature recapping the activities of the Boulder County Commissioners. Boulder County Commissioners background information: The Boulder County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) consists of three members: Claire Levy, Marta Loachamin, and Ashley Stolzmann. Each commissioner is elected at-large to a four-year term. They represent the entire county, which has a population of 330,758 according to the U.S. 2020 census. The BOCC is responsible for a...
Jim Ditzel is the new Niwot Business Association (NBA) president and is ready to continue the great work of Eric Bergeson, former NBA president and NBA board member. Ditzel said Bergeson and the board "did a great job, especially through Covid and the chaos that created. They provided support to the businesses, helping everyone." Ditzel is originally from the small town of Tipton, Iowa, and graduated from the University of Iowa. In 1983, he relocated to Boulder County to pursue a master's...
March is going to be a very energized and exciting time at the Hall. The month brings loads of art, music, literature, informational talks, dancing, all topped off by a huge celebration of Niwot's 150th birthday on March 30. Would you like to step into a gorgeous wedding scene? Don't miss the Micro-Wedding Open House. There's something for everyone at the Hall this month. Ollin Farms Food & Community Health Discussion - Who's Your Farmacist? Wednesday, March 5, 6:00 p.m. Ollin Farms is excited...
Niwot will host its first-ever Native Art Market on Sunday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Niwot Hall. The free event is co-sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association and Create áyA, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized artists. This unique event will feature a number of talented emerging Indigenous artists, both local to Colorado and from across the region, offering a diverse array of handcrafted artwork for the community to admire and purchase. The...
Boulder County coffee shops and markets are raising prices as global coffee shortages drive costs to record highs. The Old Oak Coffeehouse in Niwot recently increased prices, adding about 50 cents to basic drinks such as drip coffee, espresso, and americanos. "This is a very sad, frustrating and frightening time for us," said Old Oak owners Michael Tomich and Patty Machen, who opened their shop at 136 Second Avenue in 2017. Their supplier, Boulder-based Silver Canyon Coffee, recently raised...
Linda Vehrenkamp, owner of The Nook, has been a part of the Niwot community for 26 years, and 2025 marks her seventh year running the shop. Over the years, her store has become a beloved part of the Niwot Market, offering customers a diverse selection of gifts, home decor, and specialty items. Originally from Wisconsin, Vehrenkamp moved to Colorado and settled in Niwot, where being near Niwot Market inspired her to open a small shop. She spoke with Niwot Market founder Bert Steele about her...
Artist Bill Enyart's Valentine's Day "Artist in Action" event held on Feb. 14 brought artists and art connoisseurs together in Niwot Hall. Enyart is the current artist-in-residence at Niwot Hall and has various works displayed throughout the building. Enyart said, "My friend and leader of the Colorado Plein Air Artists of Colorado (PAAC - Boulder), Carolyn Bradley, was the first artist in residence at Niwot Hall and she reached out to me before the holidays about getting involved, and I thought...
Niwot Cultural Arts Association's Let's Wine About Winter event celebrated its eighth successful year this past Saturday, Feb. 8, from 1 - 5 p.m. in Cottonwood Square and old town Niwot's business district. The event invited locals and visitors to explore the unique shops and restaurants of Cottonwood Square and Second Avenue while they enjoyed tasting a variety of wine, beer, and other culinary offerings. Everyone was able to gather, share good conversation, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere...
This is the fourth article in a series on the Consortium of Cities, which recently addressed child care challenges in Colorado and Boulder County. The Boulder County Consortium of Cities (COC), which includes the cities of Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Boulder, and the Town of Erie, as well as non-voting Niwot representatives, convened on Dec. 4, 2024, to discuss the county's child care challenges. The City of Longmont presented its initiative to support the overlooked network of friends,...
Whining about winter will be put on hold in favor of the wondrous world of wine at Let's Wine About Winter 2025 this Saturday Feb. 8, in the Niwot Business District. Starting at 1:00 p.m., businesses throughout downtown Niwot and Cottonwood Square will celebrate the Eighth Annual Let's Wine About Winter event, sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), with funding from the Niwot Local Improvement District. Anne Postle and Kristin Alger are coordinating the event again this year....
Niwot resident Gil Gilmore saw a need in the community, and took action. Now 13 years of age, the homeschooled eighth-grader was only nine years old in 2020 when he noticed "there was a lot of hate towards law enforcement," he said. "We didn't think that was okay" he said, speaking of himself and his mother, Susan Gilmore, He acknowledged that there were incidents which garnered much negative national publicity toward police officers, but he felt it was unfair to lump all law enforcement...
The Community CSA Fair is coming to Niwot on Sunday, Feb. 2. at Fritz Family Brewers from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) member, Slow Food Boulder, is organizing this event to promote local, environmentally friendly, and organic food to encourage a healthier lifestyle. The fair will support local farmers and producers, as different communities and farmers gather to showcase and provide their agricultural goods. By joining a CSA, participants can receive fresh...
The Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) opened 2025 by approving several funding requests, including one for new street banners celebrating Niwot's first 150 years. LID members Scott Firle, Eric Bergeson, Mary Coonce, Carla Hunter, Heidi Storz, Cornelia Sawle, and Keith Waters were present, along with Boulder County liaison Mark Ruzzin. Jim Ditzel also attended the LID meeting. Ditzel, who is running unopposed for the position of president of the Niwot Business Association, was the only...
Last year was Niwot Hall's first as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Many donations were made throughout the year, and end of the year fundraising efforts resulted in additional tax deductible donations of just over $8,000 thanks to participation in the Colorado Gives Foundation, two Rebecca Folsom concerts, and the sale of Carolyn Bradley paintings displayed in the Hall. Niwot Hall is operated solely by unpaid volunteers and several new volunteers have just been welcomed to the organization....
The Niwot Holiday Market wrapped up Saturday, Dec. 14, after spreading holiday cheer to the business district of Niwot. One of highlights every year is the opportunity for younger Niwot residents to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus have been attending the Niwot Holiday Market since at least 2016. With Christmas only being one day a year, it is rumored that Mr. and Mrs. Claus have day jobs as well. Kim King, who closely resembles Mrs. Claus, works as an insurance broker. Her...
Holiday Markets and Time with Santa Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Niwot Business Association and Women's International Niwot Club, this year's Holiday Market event promises to be more elaborate than ever before. In addition to Father Christmas' presence, there will be fabulous festive gifts available from a multitude of artists and vendors, along with delectable baked goods to enhance your holiday table. Bring the kids to spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus from...
The heart of Niwot is once again aglow with festive spirit as the beloved Holiday Market returns for its annual celebration. The cherished tradition, taking place on two consecutive Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., transforms the historic business district into a winter wonderland. This year's Holiday Market, organized by the Niwot Business Association and supported by the Niwot Local Improvement District, spans both Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square, creating an enchanting...
Niwot organizations are poised to begin celebrating Niwot’s first 150 years as a Boulder County community. Sparked by the Niwot Historical Society’s plan to publish a recap of Niwot’s 150-year history with historical photos and descriptions, other organizations in Niwot have formed a committee to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of the recording of the town plat of Niwot by Ambrose Murray and Porter Hinman on March 30, 1875. The first meeting of the organizing committee, chaired by Niwot resident Laura Skaggs, was held Dec. 2, 2024....
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...
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the much-anticipated Niwot Holiday Market. The cherished tradition will take place over two Saturdays, Dec. 7 and Dec 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the heart of the Niwot business district. Centered along Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square, the market is a festive celebration of the season, featuring live music, unique shopping, delicious treats, and activities for the whole family. Sponsored by the Niwot Business Association with...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Niwot Investment Club, an economics-based club that teaches students about different types of investments (such as stocks, bonds, dividends) through stock market simulations and related activities. Whether it be local competitions or in-club discussions, the group is dedicated to educating themselves on the growing world of investments. A passionate group of students lead the Investment Club. The leadership...
The Holiday Parade is going to be marching through Niwot on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on this year’s Small Business Saturday. Make sure to stop by for this classic holiday parade that has been a staple in Niwot for over 30 years, then stop in and support the small businesses in Niwot that help make the event possible. Santa will be swinging by in his magical sleigh to participate in the parade. The parade will start on Murray Street, with many local businesses participating. Once everyone is gathered, the parade will head...
Alison Steele, co-owner of the Niwot Market, conquered the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 3. For Steele, the race was not just about covering 26.2 miles. For Steele, it was about balancing her passion for running with her roles as a mother, a business owner, and a community member, all while honoring the memory of her father, Bert Steele. Steele has been a runner since high school, where she competed in cross country and track. Though she ran her first marathon in college, it was not...
Just in time for the holidays, it's official, Niwot Hall is the new name of the Grange building. The community will be flowing in and out of the Hall to socialize, learn, shop, listen to music, and dance. Professional Holiday Portraits Nov. 23, 24, 25, and Dec. 10 Professional photographer Noah Katz of NJK Photography will be taking holiday portraits in the beautifully decorated setting of Niwot Hall. Each session is $135 and includes 15 minutes with the photographer and one fully edited image...
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...
The Great Pumpkin Party began Oct. 26 with an impressive vocal performance by Niwot Elementary School students in the Left Hand Corner parking lot, a fitting prelude to the presentation of the Curtis Lizakowski Golden Hammer Award for outstanding volunteerism to longtime Niwot resident Neal Anderson. Niwot resident and realtor Pat Murphy, who helped create the award many years ago, made the presentation to Anderson, explaining that the award honors often unsung volunteers who make things happen...
Belle Terre Floral opened a new location in Niwot, taking over the space in Cottonwood Square previously occupied by Blessings Day Spa, which moved to 2nd Avenue. To celebrate this milestone, owner Sarah Cioni hosted a grand opening event last Thursday, Oct. 24, which saw an impressive turnout. Cioni said, "Sales have never been better. Our revenue has doubled, making this our highest-earning year yet!" The move to the new location was driven by a need for more space due to the growing business,...
A crowd of approximately 50 attended the Grand Opening of Inner Space Healing, located in the Cottonwood Square Shopping Center in the former Niwot Veterinary Clinic offices, on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. The celebration began with Chuck Roberts introducing therapists Patti Ashley, Jules Radu, and Elaan Brudno, who offer three separate healing practices that operate out of Inner Space Healing. Ashley is a psychotherapist who practices Heart-Centered Psychotherapy and Shame-Informed...
The Niwot Trot, a fundraising race for Niwot Elementary School, was a huge success on Sunday, Oct. 6, raising over $10,000 for the school. "We had a record number of over 700 participants, surpassing our numbers by 100 racers," organizer Aimee Morin said. "It was a perfectly cool, sunny morning and everyone brought happy smiles and great energy, making it a memorable and successful event for our community." The event sent runners of all ages through a new route through the streets of Niwot,...
It shouldn’t take a research paper to figure out that the reason the cost of living is driving workers and young families out of Boulder County is one thing. It’s not the cost of food, or clothing, or utilities, or other essentials of living that makes it unaffordable to live here. It is the cost of housing. Yet the governing bodies in Boulder County have taken only token steps to address the shortage of affordable, attainable and workforce housing their own policies have created. It’s much too little, and too late. A recent study concl...
Last Friday, Oct. 4, a beautiful chinkapin oak sapling was planted outside of Niwot Market in honor of the market's late owner, Bert Steele, with a small personal ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The oak will grow to provide shade over the Niwot Market, where Bert loved to work and help the community. The tree honoring Steele began as part of a project started in March 2023 to plant a few trees around Niwot. The focus of the project changed with the loss of Steele, whose life had an amazing impact on...
When the building at 101 2nd Avenue went up for sale, Niwot's Cornelia Sawle saw it as an opportunity to invest in the town she loves. Sawle, who owns and operates the Niwot Inn & Spa just down the street, also owned commercial property in Ohio, which was recently taken by the local government there through the eminent domain process for public improvements. To avoid capital gain taxes resulting from the compensation paid to her, she had to quickly find a replacement property that was also a...
The five-day auction of the second parcel of property at Haystack Mountain, 5655 Niwot Road, concluded on Tuesday, Sept. 24, with the prevailing offer for the 105-acre site placed by Boulder County. According to Janis Whisman, Real Estate Development Manager for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, "We competed in the auction and are now under contract to purchase it and 31 shares of the Reformer New Hinman Ditch Company for their combined fair market value of $6.2 million. Closing is currently...
Judges and fans of the 2024 "Why Not Niwot?" Juried Art Show agreed - "Why Not Bert?" The awards ceremony for the Niwot Cultural Arts Association's (NCAA) signature art event, now in its 13th year, was held at the Former Feed Store at 291 Second Avenue in Niwot on Friday, Sept. 6. And when it came time to announce the awards, the first award and the last award both went to artist Karin Antoni, for her colored pencil drawing titled, "Keep It Running," depicting the late Bert Steele in front of...
The Niwot branch of the Bank of Estes Park has a new Branch Manager, Kim Reiber, with big plans for the bank's involvement in the community. "I'm super excited to be working in a small town," Reiber said. "I absolutely love working in the community and volunteering and going to lunch at all the little local places. It was my favorite part of working in Olde Town Arvada. I went to lunch at all the local places in town, shopped in all the stores, and had dinner at the restaurants. I just love...
The Niwot Cultural Arts Association's (NCAA) annual Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show will present awards at the First Friday Art Walk on Friday, Sept. 6, at Osmosis Gallery, 290 Second Avenue, in Niwot, with an artist's reception following at the former Feed Store across the street. Osmosis Gallery has sponsored the NCAA event since its inception 12 years ago, the brainchild of Osmosis owner Anne Postle. The three judges who make up the jury have selected a first, second and third-place winner...
The second annual Flower Fest on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Niwot's business district proved to be a resounding success, drawing in a large crowd eager to celebrate the beauty of summer blooms, local artistry, and community spirit. Event organizer Kathy Trauner, owner of Fly Away Home, expressed her delight, noting, "Visitors seemed to really enjoy themselves." The festival's signature activity, the "Flower Journey," was a major hit. With 150 passports available for attendees...
The House Blend Band held its fourth summer concert on Saturday, Aug.10 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., which had Niwot cheering for more songs at the end of the performance. The concert has undergone many difficulties and interruptions over this summer with the band's saxophone player, Greg Worthington, acquiring COVID not long before the July performance. Other concerts were interrupted by bad weather, but not this time. While there was a bit of rain an hour before the concert, the weather Saturday...
On Saturday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Niwot will come alive with the vibrant colors of the Flower Fest. The second year of this annual celebration will be held on 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square and promises a delightful experience for all ages. Kathy Trauner, owner of Fly Away Home and one of the event organizers, describes the Fest as a celebration of everything we love about summer. "Flowers are everywhere, all grown by local farmers," said Trauner. One of the event's highlights...
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission website, https://puc.colorado.gov/, states that Xcel Energy conducted a public safety power shutoff for the first time in Colorado over the April 6-7, 2024, weekend. Colorado experienced a weather event that brought wind gusts in excess of 100 mph in some areas of the state and sustained high winds throughout the weekend which precipitated the shut off. Will a power shut off happen again? It looks like Xcel Energy is planning on it. According to Xcel...
Saturday mornings are the best time to visit the Niwot Market, whether it be to stock up on ingredients for dinner or to grab breakfast with loved ones. You will not be alone, because Valentina Godat runs a pop-up stand for her limeade business, Yum Yum Limeade, at the Niwot Market every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or until she sells out. Godat and her mother, Larissa Godat, can be seen around town with a bright green sign and a pop-up table on Saturdays at the Niwot Market and at...
We are sad to share that Dallas Plese passed away at home on May 14, 2024. A rare Colorado native, Dallas was born July 17, 1941, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Theodore and Christine Plese. Christine died shortly after childbirth and Theodore died two years later during training for WWII. Dallas was then adopted by an aunt and uncle in Pueblo where he grew up with two sisters, numerous cousins, and lifelong friends. Dallas attended Pueblo Catholic High School (PCH) where he was the definitive Big Man...
