All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Strong headwinds are blowing against the success of small businesses in unincorporated Boulder County, including Niwot. In the last year, small businesses have incurred losses due to a power shutdown and significant increases in sanitation fees, property taxes, food costs, and insurance. Small businesses now face the impact of the recent Boulder County minimum wage increase, with Niwot, Hygiene, and other businesses in unincorporated Boulder County required to pay a minimum wage of $15.69 per ho...
National Night Out is a nationwide community-building event held on the first Tuesday of August in communities across the country to promote awareness and cooperation between police and first responders, on one hand, with local residents. “[The event] enhances the relationship between (the community) and law enforcement…,” according to their website. The social setting of National Night Out is meant to create camaraderie in an informal setting to make communities safer. This year the event will be held on Aug. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Murra...
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...
Dear Courier and Niwotians: What a great 4th of July holiday our little town just put on! Like all the volunteer-run events that happen here, the pancake breakfast (Bert Steele's) and the parade with so many enthusiastic participants was a sight to behold! An estimated 1,000 plus people were served, and I'd guess double that amount were watching and marching in the parade. I heard several people comment on how special this event was, and how nice of the town to arrange such fun. Strangers that...
Niwot's annual Fourth of July celebration was packed with fun activities from start to finish, thanks to the continued efforts of the Niwot Community Association (NCA) which sponsors the event, with financial support from the Niwot Local Improvement District. Starting the morning off at 7:30 a.m. was the "Bert Steele Pancake Breakfast" served in front of the Niwot Market. Net proceeds from this year's ticket sales went towards purchasing another grill for the breakfast to help cover the increasi...
Ok. You know how they say color influences your mood? Stores are decorated in colors that apparently make you want to buy. Casinos are decorated to make you gamble. School walls are a color that is supposed to help concentration. You catch my drift. So, when it comes to decorating your house, you have to think about your goals. Serenity? Cozy? Creative? A friend of mine who recently moved to Niwot told me she is struggling to decorate her home. No kidding! It's difficult and fraught with...
Flags are in place, the parade lineup is set, bands are rehearsing, the road crew is organizing, volunteers are lined up, and the grand marshals are ready. The Niwot Community Associations's (NCA) signature event, the annual July 4th celebration in Niwot, is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Hundreds are expected to turn out for a pancake breakfast, now named in honor of the late Niwot Market proprietor Bert Steele, in Cottonwood Square. But before it all starts, NCA volunteers and...
Justin Hirshfield is the well-loved head chef at 1914 House restaurant. As the upscale eatery in Niwot prepares to close, Hirschfield expressed his gratitude for people who helped him become the chef he is today and reflected on his tenure at the popular dinner venue. He shared thoughts on his future inside and outside of the kitchen. Hirshfield is the kind of person who treats you like a friend the moment you are introduced. He shares his life story freely and finds joy in his relationships....
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...
Alison and Seth Steele, owners and operators of the Niwot Market, have been named as the Grand Marshals for the upcoming 4th of July Parade in Niwot. Not only do they continue to manage the Niwot Market, but they have been active volunteers for different community events as they carry on the legacy of their father, Bert Steele. "Their Niwot heritage and being involved in activities reflects over a century of families serving the Niwot community," said Kathy Koehler, one of the organizers of the...
The Niwot Jazz Festival, held on June 22 in Cottonwood Square, once again brought a symphony of sounds and community spirit to the Niwot community. As the third iteration of this beloved event, the festival showcased a remarkable lineup of talented musicians, drawing in jazz enthusiasts from as near as local areas and as far away as North Carolina. With an estimated 300 to 400 attendees, the festival reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of Niwot's cultural calendar. The festival kicked off with...
It's never good when rain and hail blow through an outdoor concert venue an hour before the event is scheduled. That's what happened in advance of the Rock & Rails program on June 20, 2024. However, in typical Colorado fashion, the skies cleared quickly and fortunately the weather remained delightful throughout the evening. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band kicked off the event with selections consistent with the evening's country and Southern rock theme. A large group of 28...
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 June meeting of the Niwot Business Association (NBA) featured Niwot resident Amy Scanes Wolfe, describing her efforts to create a suburban homestead through regenerative agricultural design. She described a small farming operation in Niwot on about an acre of land that is grounded in regenerative agriculture, with volunteers raising crops and farm animals with minimal resources from outside the community. She said, "That's what has stood out to me is how people are craving that genuine...
Niwot's First Friday Art Walk took place June 7, from 2nd Avenue to Cottonwood Square, starting at 5 p.m. and lasting for at least two-and-one-half hours, although several businesses stayed open until 8 or 9 p.m. as well. It was the opening art walk to a series that will take place monthly this summer, sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association in conjunction with Osmosis Gallery. There was a small scare for the opening of the art walk when a large power outage along 2nd Avenue,...
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...
For Liza McConnell, Research Farm Director for Sprout City Farms, farming and working at Jack's Solar Garden is a multi-sensory experience that began as a passion for cooking good, fresh food. "Really freshly grown food is a wonderful experience - the flavor, color, and vibrancy is just amazing," said the Niwot resident. "The first time eating food directly from a farm really made an impression on me." Helping others experience the same fresh food and finding regenerative farming practices that...
The edge of spring verging onto warmer summer months marks the start of the House Blend Band concerts on Second Avenue. The concerts start on Saturday, May 18, at 6 p.m., with one concert every month throughout the summer. This year, the House Blend Band event will be working with the Boulder County chapter of Slow Food to provide salads at the event in addition to the spaghetti that is typically served at Old Oak Coffeehouse. All of the ingredients for the salads are locally sourced from farms and businesses in or around the Niwot area to...
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...
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,...
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...
