All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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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,...
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...
Niwot's fourth annual Around the World Day and the Niwot community's demeanor were not dampened due to a little rain. While the turnout was limited at Around the World Day, spirits were high as Niwot, like EPCOT in Orlando, engaged in cultural activities, food, beverage, and music. WiNot Coffee showcased Colombia with authentic Colombian coffee, pastries, and decorations. Inkberry Books brought China to Niwot with two types of tea, fortune cookies, decorations, and music. Niwot Market, with a...
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...
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...
Mountain View Fire Rescue recently announced that the full service fire department will be moving its headquarters from Longmont to Niwot. In anticipation of the move, Mountain View Fire Rescue acquired the office building located at 6328 Monarch Park Place near Niwot. The building has hosted offices for both Crocs and Lucky's Market in the past. Following renovations, the new headquarters will support the department's Administrative, Training, Wildland, Operations, Wellness and Logistics...
This past Saturday, March 23, the families of Niwot gathered together to eat breakfast, hunt for eggs, and enjoy a morning of fun in their community. Niwot has held a similar egg hunt event since 1981 close to Easter for local families to enjoy. Sponsored by the Niwot Community Connection (NCC), but specifically by Pat Murphy with The Niwot Group at Compass, Tara Littell and Ann Mills, it continues to be a fun community event hosted at Niwot High School. The Easter Egg Hunt is not just the hunt...
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....
The heart of Niwot sits in District 12 of Colorado's House of Representatives. District 12 is represented at the Colorado capital by House Representative Kyle Brown, who was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Representative Tracey Bernett. Since Brown joined the state legislature on Feb. 1, 2023, he has been an active legislator focused on climate action, affordable housing, recovery from the Marshall Fire and health care. Despite joining the current legislative session...
The Boulder County Commissioners announced a new hourly minimum wage within the geographic boundaries of Boulder County’s jurisdiction, impacting unincorporated towns, communities, and outlying areas while excluding incorporated cities or towns. Ordinance 2023-4 became effective Jan. 1, 2024 with a $15.69 per hour minimum wage which is 15% above Colorado’s 2023 minimum wage and $1.27 higher than surrounding incorporated towns and cities. The minimum wage for unincorporated Boulder County will increase yearly, reaching $25 per hour by 2030, and...
The Left Hand Grange became a recording studio Feb. 17 when local musician-songwriter Kevin Dooley along with a group of fellow musicians performed Dooley's original song titled "Be More Like Bert." The result is a joyful earworm of a tune with a very specific and also completely universal message. The song was inspired by Bert Steele, owner of the Niwot Market, whose kind heart and great wisdom touched many lives in the community. Steele's passing in August of 2023 has left a big hole in the...
Saturday Feb. 24 marked the Niwot Cultural Arts Association's annual Let's Wine About Winter Event across both Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square. However, it wasn't very wintery at 60 degrees, but it was windy. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day to be outdoors to sample wine and culinary delights as well as support local businesses. Twenty-six businesses participated this year across the two primary hubs of Niwot's shopping district. Approximately 500 tickets were sold this year according...
Although Pawxatawney Phil has determined spring is right around the corner, based on last weekend's storm, winter seems determined to hang around. One upcoming event might offer some relief: Let's Wine About Winter in Niwot. Sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association, the annual Let's Wine About Winter event is planned for Saturday, Feb. 24 to welcome community members in from the cold with wine, art, food and hospitality. Kristin Alger, who is co-chair of the event with Anne Postle,...
Local musician Kevin Dooley was asked to perform six days before the Bert Steele memorial bench dedication ceremony. He responded, "I would be honored to do that. Bert was a dear friend and it would mean a lot to me to be there." Steele, the owner of Niwot Market and beloved community supporter, passed away suddenly last August after a short illness. A special bench surrounded by flagstones with many of Steele's philosophical sayings was unveiled at the memorial dedication in front of the...
In a genuine demonstration of true community support, Niwot High School students and families, Longmont merchants, and the greater Niwot community came together in support of Make-a-Wish Colorado last week and likely exceeded the $10,000 fundraising goal set by the NHS Student Council, the event's organizer. Niwot's Wish Week brought together people from a wide array of backgrounds, all in support of Charlie, Niwot's 2024 Wish Kid, and others like him. Make-A-Wish Colorado supports kids with cri...
As one of two main hubs of small businesses in Niwot, Cottonwood Square brings together a variety of retail stores. Businesses range from restaurants to clothing stores, and from florists to fitness studios. A surprisingly high number of these enterprises are run, either in whole or in part, by women. Many owners have several things in common. They enjoy the Niwot community and the support it gives local businesses. They also share a "give back" or "pay-it-forward" attitude. "I feel like Niwot i...
On Saturday, Dec. 16, some 200 Niwotians gathered in front of the Niwot Market for the unveiling of a bench dedicated to the memory of beloved community member Bert Steele. It was a touching final farewell to Steele, who died Aug. 7, 2023, after a short illness. Born on Oct. 16, 1950, Steele founded Niwot Market in 2002. A hard worker and passionate business owner, he cultivated a commercial space that has become truly integral to the community of Niwot. Niwot Market is frequently at the center...
Bert Steele was a beloved member of the Niwot community for over twenty years as the face of the Niwot Market in the Cottonwood Square shopping center. Steele, who died last summer after a short illness, was known for his friendly down-home demeanor, and made friends wherever he went. Steele and his family turned the Niwot Market into a successful business that also hosts several other small businesses within its doors. Steele was also involved in most of Niwot's many community events,...
The beginning of the Covid lock-down in 2020 was probably not the best time to consider opening a new restaurant in Niwot, but Lisa Balcom and her husband, Patrick Balcom, did so, and they are thriving since opening Farow in 2021 with 17 employees and a gourmet farm-to-table menu. And although finding experienced cooks has been tough, she said, "I love it here. It's beautiful. Definitely better than the Northeast." "What we've learned," she said, "is just keep going. Never give up. A situation...
Left Hand Grange's December agenda is loaded with community forums and community festivities. Holiday-themed windows painted by Niwot's own Denise Chamberlain are making the Grange extra merry and bright. Also, the Grange has announced some exciting news...new A/V technology is being installed, which will significantly enhance the Grange experience auditorily and visually. The new A/V system will make its first public appearance during the Grange's New Year's Eve party, and more information...
While Niwot has long enjoyed the beautiful flower arrangements from Sarah Cioni and Belle Terre Floral, the local florist has recently been in a larger spotlight. Belle Terre provided the flowers for weddings in Season 17 of Lifetime's television show, "Married at First Sight." Cioni was referred to the show's team by the owner of the venue where the weddings would be filmed. "About the second week of January, I got an email from someone on the show team asking me if I would be interested in...
The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band performed a set of holiday tunes at The Wheel House as part of the Niwot Holiday Market event Saturday, Dec. 9, then took the show on the road to the Denver Christkindlmarket on Sunday, Dec. 10. "A Can-Can Christmas" and "Conga Line Christmas Parade" brought out young dancers at both performances....
This year's Holiday Market at the Left Hand Grange had a record 1,003 people attending, marking a huge jump from the previous record of 635 people in one day, according to Deborah Fowler, one of the event organizers. This year, the Niwot Nickel, a specially made wooden coin worth $5 off one item in December at participating merchants, highlighted the event. Those visiting the Grange also received a tote bag with the Niwot Business Association logo on it. The Festive Food Hall at the Grange...
The final First Friday Art Walk of 2023 took place Dec. 1 on Second Avenue and in Cottonwood Square. Residents and art lovers enjoyed a break from the cold with beautiful art and holiday-themed socializing. The Niwot Market held an open house, hosting a large crowd with live music by local musician Tony Crank. Sarah Cioni of Belle Terre Floral provided instruction on creating flower arrangements, and customers flocked to the opportunity, with flowers donated by Belle Terre. Linda Verenkamp of...
Professional Holiday Portraits Sunday, Dec. 10, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Professional photographer Noah Katz of NJK Photography will be providing holiday portrait sessions in a beautifully decorated setting at the Left Hand Grange. Each session is $135 and includes 15 minutes with the photographer and one fully edited image of your choice from the session delivered digitally. NJK Photography is generously donating 15% of all fees to the Grange. To schedule your session, visit https:/...
Voting is open for the 2023 Window Decorating Competition sponsored by the Niwot Business Association. Many participating Niwot businesses have decorated their windows for the holidays, adding to a festive holiday shopping experience. You can vote for your favorite festive window online through this form, or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zib9XbYN5L1gWzCQaPrLUbUGNHzYWPe1vNUFzB-rulA/viewform?edit_requested=true. Turn in your ballot online for a chance to win a prize. Participating businesses include: •2nd Nature Hair Lounge •Belle Ter...
The annual Niwot Gingerbread House Competition is up and running. The competition raises funds for Cake4Kids, an organization dedicated to providing birthday cakes to children in need. Participants in the contest decorate pre-made gingerbread houses, showcasing their creativity and decorating skills. This year, the event is sponsored by Deborah Fowler, Realtor with Niwot's DRF Real Estate at Slifer Smith & Frampton. Local baker Joan's Petite Sweets donated her time and ingredients to make 50...
ACROSS 2. Market 6. Niwot 7. chocolate 10. Rutherford 11. soccer 12. libero 14. Portland 15. crush DOWN 1. parade 3. Enchanted 4. showstopper 5. Rodgers 8. third 9. Glendoveer 13. bench...
The Nov. 15 issue of the Courier stated that any excess donations above the cost of Bert’s Bench in front of Niwot Market “will be donated to Bert's Memorial Wrestling Scholarship at Niwot High School.” The GoFundMe page for the Robert M. Steele Memorial Scholarship Fund does not limit the scholarships to Niwot High School, stating, “All donations collected will go to a college or trade school-bound High School wrestler who demonstrates humility, acts of kindness and commitment to hard work, as Bert did, in the Fort Collins and/or Niwot,...
It's that holiday shopping time of year again, and the Niwot Holiday Market will be open beginning Saturday, Dec. 2. The Market will be set up in the Left Hand Grange and throughout downtown Niwot and Cottonwood Square from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lots of opportunity for holiday fun and magic. The Market will return on Saturday, Dec. 9, again from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendor stands offering various seasonal goodies, local art, crafts and trinkets will line the sidewalks, and several local...
In an uncertain world, Niwot's annual Holiday Magic events provide traditions, nostalgia and hope for the future. Holiday Magic in Niwot is comprised of four main events: Enchanted Evening on Nov. 24, the Friday after Thanksgiving; the Holiday Parade on the following day, Nov. 25; and then two Holiday Market days at the Left Hand Grange on the first two Saturdays in December, Dec. 2 and 9. During this magical time, there are several opportunities for children to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the...
Santa visits the Left Hand Grange Friday, Nov. 24, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 25, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The end of November brings two opportunities for the little ones to meet Santa in person at the Grange to tell him all about their holiday wish lists. Following Niwot's Enchanted Evening tree lighting event on Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will be meeting with children in the exquisitely decorated downstairs hall of the Grange. The next day, Saturday, Nov. 25, Santa will...
The Niwot community was shocked and saddened by the death of Niwot Market owner Bert Steele following a short illness last summer. A wrestling scholarship at Niwot High School was established in his memory at the request of his family, but many in the community looked for an opportunity to create a permanent visual memorial to beloved businessman and philanthropist, who for over 20 years, quietly got to know his customers and supported every event and project in Niwot, with little to no...
Historically in the United States, a wooden nickel was not typically legal tender, but instead more of a novelty coin often issued by merchants as part of a promotion. Wooden nickels became popular in the 1930s, though they may date back to the 1880s. Niwot has had its own share of wooden nickels through the years, issued by local businesses. Thanks to local Niwotians such as Adam Robinson and Tim and Carrie Wise, the idea of re-introducing a new wooden Niwot Nickel was born. The Niwot Business...
One of the highlights of the annual Great Pumpkin Party in Niwot is the presentation of the Curtis Lizakowski Golden Hammer Award. This year, event organizer Pat Murphy made the presentation on Oct. 28, just before the Halloween parade down 2nd Avenue, to long-time Scoutmaster Bill O'Donnell, and Niwot Nifties 4-H leaders Jerry and Marsha Slepicka. Murphy explained that the award is designed to recognize volunteers who devote countless hours to the betterment of the community, and often receive...
A fire at Colterra, a French restaurant at 210 Franklin Street in Niwot, led to the closure of the popular high-end restaurant in October, 2018. Now, five years later, the iconic property is finally being redeveloped. Restaurateur Bradford Heap, who transformed the previous restaurant known as Le Chantecler into Colterra, faced with the prospect of bringing the damaged building up to current code, ended up selling the property to Boulder developer Terry Palmos for $625,000 in September 2019,...
An informal committee met with Alison Steele and Seth Steele last week to plan a memorial to their late father, Bert Steele, Niwot Market owner who died last summer after a short illness. The committee was organized by Vicky Dorvee, and included Selene Luna, Deb Fowler, Karen Edwards, Kamla Chopra, and Biff Warren. Everyone was in agreement that a proposed memorial bench with a red Chevrolet tailgate would be an appropriate remembrance of the man who was a beloved fixture in the community for the past 20 years. Steele was known for driving a...
Three enterprising and compassionate high school students from the St. Vrain Valley School District are this week's Left Hand Laurel recipients for their creative – and highly successful efforts – to raise money for Ukrainian relief. They are Murray Avila, Tomas Dabove and Zach Rojo. In February 2022, Dabove, a sophomore in high school at the time, started obsessing about the terrible news of Russia bombing Ukraine with thousands of innocent people – adults and children – being killed. So he cam...
Building a culture of respect among his employees, to say nothing of rehabilitating an historic building in Niwot and turning it into a terrific restaurant – 1914 House – are just a few of the many accomplishments of Nick Mastronardi. A former Wall Street trader for Goldman Sachs in Manhattan, Mastronardi moved west to Colorado, and seven years ago, created a fascinating new life in Niwot. "I snowboard now," he said. "I love spending time with my wife and four children and five gra...
The 2023 Niwot Trot 5K, which began and ended at Whistle Stop Park Oct. 1, brought a record number of participants, some running, some walking, and some with strollers. Aimee Morin, one of the main organizers, said the event was well attended, and was a huge success. "We had a record number of participants, just over 600," 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...
Saturday Sept. 23 brought the return of Niwot's annual "Out & About," a day to celebrate the small businesses of Niwot. Sponsored by the Niwot Business Association (NBA), this annual event brings out tents and stands featuring Niwot businesses and live music along Second Avenue and in Cottonwood Square. Out & About was started last year as a way to showcase the various goods and gifts from businesses in Niwot, and to bring support and awareness for Niwot's charming business community....
The Niwot Elementary Parent Teacher Advisory Council (PTAC) is hosting the annual Niwot Trot for the 15th year to raise money for Niwot Elementary School. The Trot will start on Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. in Whistle Stop Park, and will likely end around 12 noon. Registration is $25 and includes a T-shirt, with race day registration at $30. All proceeds go towards the PTAC to help improve the school. Register at https://www.niwotptac.com/niwottrot.html. The PTAC is a non-profit organization composed of...
Whether you love them or fear them, insects make up approximately 80% of animals found on earth, and make up the majority of pollinators. This weekend, Niwot celebrated one of the most well-known and well-loved species of pollinators – bees. The over 900 species of bees found in Colorado play an integral part to the farming culture Niwot was built upon. From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.16, 2nd Avenue and Cottonwood Square were taken over by various small businesses, artisans, and b...
The air is starting to cool and summer is firmly a thing of the past. That can only mean that it's time for Niwot residents to break out their lederhosen and raise a stein or two. Oktoberfest is returning to Niwot. The event, sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), is slated for Saturday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will feature German beer from local brewery Fritz Family Brewers, known for their German lagers including pilsners, a kolsch or two and marzens, which are...
The Niwot Market is alive and well, and, "Open for Business." In the weeks following the passing of Bert Steele, the face of the Niwot Market for over 20 years, many customers have asked whether the Niwot Market will continue. The answer, according to Bert Steele's daughter Alison Steele, and his son, Seth Steele, is a resounding "Yes." Though their father's passing after a short illness was unexpected, Alison and Seth Steele and other family members are not going anywhere. "I've been asked by...
Karen Ragland, Niwot's St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) school board representative, joined the Niwot Community Association's (NCA) September board meeting to hold a conversation with members and the public about the banners on the football field fence, an upcoming bond measure, and property valuation and taxes. NCA board members have previously spoken with Niwot High School (NHS) principal Eric Rauschkolb about the advertising banners on the football field fence facing Niwot Road, which...
