All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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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...
In what was the last official meeting for Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) members Eric Bergeson and Jeff Knight, the LID approved three funding requests. Bergeson's term as the Niwot Business Association (NBA) representative expires at the end of February, and the county commissioners have already appointed newly elected NBA president Jim Ditzel as his replacement. Bergeson, who has served on the LID for five years, said, "It's been a privilege. I won't be a stranger."...
Local artist Bill Enyart invited the community to join him while he creates his art at Niwot Hall for the first "Artist in Action" event at Let's Wine About Winter on Feb. 8. Enyart will continue to engage the community in his real time art creation on Feb. 14 from 1 - 5:00 p.m. and Feb. 28 from 5 - 8:00 p.m. where the public can experience his creative process firsthand. The highlight of the free series will take place on Valentine's Day when Enyart will be joined by a group of artists from...
For her longstanding contributions and volunteer efforts in the Niwot Community, Anne Postle is the Courier's February Left Hand Laurel. "Niwot becomes your whole world when you move here," said Postle. "You have everything here - work, friends, shopping, dining, activities, and events. When I first moved to Niwot in 2012, I thought I would always be going back to Boulder for dinner, but I found I rarely go back because everything I want and need is right here." Postle, a senior partner at Osmos...
Bill Enyart painting during Niwot's Wine About Winter Saturday, Feb. 8, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Wine lovers and shoppers are invited to watch Bill Enyart, the Hall's current artist in residence, as he paints another masterpiece. Learn about Enyart's inspirations and skills while he works some magic with his brushes. Other dates to come for a glimpse of Enyart's creative process are Friday, Feb. 14, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., and Friday, Feb. 28, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Niwot Community Connection Thursday Feb. 13, 10:...
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....
In a significant transition for one of Niwot's cornerstone businesses, Porchfront Homes announced new ownership effective Jan 1, 2025, as long-time project managers Brett Steury and Ben Beveridge took the reins from retiring owners Tim and Mary Coonce. The change in leadership marks the beginning of a new era for the well-established construction company while maintaining its deep roots in the community. Steury and Beveridge, who have each dedicated nearly two decades to Porchfront Homes, are...
In just a few short weeks, including the holiday season rush, Niwot's Sesquicentennial Committee is quickly making plans to celebrate the platting of Niwot 150 years ago. Under the leadership of Laura Skaggs, the committee is working to "put a ribbon on every event in Niwot," said Skaggs. To that end, Angie Miltersen of Few of a Kind Vintage and Mercantile quickly designed a banner that can be used by every organization in Niwot to promote its events throughout the year. The banner has already...
Although Mother Nature hasn't given us much to whine about this season, Let's Wine About Winter is still on tap for next month. Sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), with funding by the Niwot Local Improvement District, the event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Now in its eighth year, event participants, who become members of a club by purchasing tickets, have the opportunity to stroll through historic Niwot when Cottonwood Square and Second Avenue...
During these cold months, nothing beats a cozy body-warming soup or stew. Try one of these favorites and cuddle up. THE CENTRAL CAFE'S IRISH STEW Submitted by Jesse Murphy "My great-grandparents owned a restaurant in Rock Port, Missouri, called The Central Cafe. It was open for about 50 years until sometime in the 1970s. During the Great Depression, they would give out free stew and soups to anyone who was hungry. From those times to WW-II, meat was often scarce, so this stew was a special...
Janet Gates' wide range of volunteer efforts benefiting the Niwot, Gunbarrel, and surrounding communities have earned her the December Left Hand Laurel. Gates grew up in Gunbarrel, graduated from Niwot High School in 1984, moved out of state, then returned 13 years ago as a single mother with two small children. Immediately in need of a path to support herself and her family, her father suggested that she might start by cleaning people's homes. That led her to start her current business,...
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...
While there may be only a couple of Rock & Rails concerts left this season, there is an unlimited amount of friendliness that comes from its volunteers. This week's Familiar Face behind the Rock & Rails bar on Thursdays is Kristin Alger. Alger first got involved with Rock & Rails seven years ago. Bill and Jill Whitener used to manage the site at Whistle Stop Park and because Alger and the Whiteners were friends, she would help with pre-concert set-up during the first year. She soon got promoted...
Osmosis Gallery, a local art gallery at 290 2nd Avenue in Niwot, was born in an architectural firm known as Osmosis Architecture, which has been around for thirty years, the last 20 years in the Niwot location. The current location, a renovated and remodeled former church building which had been converted to residential use before Postle acquired it in 2004, houses both the architectural firm and the art gallery. "The architecture firm has been around since 1994 and we were in this location in...
Those who frequent 2nd Avenue's coffee shop, The Old Oak Coffeehouse, as well as those who regularly attend any community events, have probably noticed some friendly and regular faces behind the counter. This week's Familiar Face is one such barista, Noah Smith, who has been a friendly face at The Old Oak since March of 2022. Smith started the job when he was on a walk downtown and saw a "help wanted" sign in the window. He went in, inquired about the position, submitted his resume, interviewed,...
Niwot's newest hair salon, 2nd Nature Hair Lounge, located at 300 2nd Avenue, is owned by Amanda Jensen, who originally hails from Rhode Island. Jensen said her salon specializes in unique services that include French Haircutting, balayage, and a special hair product line called Oribe. Jensen has been in the salon industry since 2004 and had no vision of being a salon owner until Liz Edge, the owner of Ivy and Thistle, the salon formerly at the same location, asked if she wanted to take over...
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...
The annual meeting of the Niwot Business Association on Feb. 13 saw the re-election of all current officers and directors. Eric Bergeson of the Niwot Wheel Works and The Wheel House will again serve as president, Deborah Fowler of Slifer Smith & Frampton real estate will continue as vice-president, Nancy Bureau of Left Hand Animal Hospital returns as secretary, and Mary Coonce of Porchfront Homes was re-elected as treasurer. All four officers ran unopposed for one-year terms, and their...
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,...
Niwot's community focus is one of the things that make it a unique and fun place to live. Events like Niwot's summer concert series, Rock & Rails, winter festivities such as Winterfest and Let's Wine About Winter, and its holiday markets and parades bind the community together. Even the art around Niwot is special with tree carvings and left-hand chairs decorated to the theme of their surroundings. One often overlooked feature also contributes to the quaint aesthetic of Niwot. Little boxes with...
The Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) Advisory Committee approved funding for three upcoming events to be held in January, February and June, 2024, at its Jan. 9 meeting. Mary Coonce, who serves as treasurer of both the LID and the Niwot Business Association (NBA), spoke in support of the events, saying, “The goal is to have an event every month.” In her treasurer’s report, Coonce reported a $10,716 decrease in sales tax revenues collected by the LID through October 2023, compared with...
First, just in case you were wondering, most of these groups of letters are not acronyms but initialisms, as they cannot be pronounced as a word. For example, FOMO (fear of missing out), FedEx, and NASA are pronounced as words, consequently they are acronyms, whereas ATM is not pronounced “attem,” thus an initialism. But the initialisms listed above represent organizations in Niwot, including non-profits, a taxing district and its advisory committee, and a business committee, which are all quite important to local Niwot citizens. The ini...
Inkberry Books, founded by Gene Hayworth and Keith Waters in 2018, holds a collection of over 6,000 books on its shelves. Rows of hardback books are neatly placed on large bookshelves, often featuring Colorado based writers and first edition fiction novels. Hayworth retired from the University of Colorado at Boulder as an Associate Professor Emeritus with the University Libraries in 2021. “I've been collecting and selling books for about 30 years,” Hayworth said. “I started selling books online....
A beautiful evening greeted concert-goers at the penultimate Rock & Rails concert of the season on Aug. 24. Although gray skies threatened, nothing more than a brief dash of rain fell, making for a perfect summer evening. Rock & Rails veteran Wendy Woo opened the evening. A Boulder native, Woo's parents were founding faculty members at Naropa University in Boulder. Influential beat writers such as Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Ken Kesey would be regulars in the living room – a fact s...
The June meeting of the Niwot Business Association, held Tuesday, June 13 outside of the former feed store at 291 Second Avenue in Niwot, was sponsored by Osmosis Art & Architecture. Owner and architect Anne Postle greeted members and introduced Tucker Huey of her staff. Postle has been instrumental in working with John Fischer, owner of the former feed store, and the Niwot Cultural Arts Association, to arrange for Open Studios artists to use the space until early July to display art by local...
A Colorado native, this month's Left Hand Laurel recipient, Kristin Alger, grew up following her parents' advice to "always be a volunteer." Now a half century later, this long-time employee of the international medical device firm, Medtronic, volunteers more than ever, and is an inspiration to her many friends and neighbors in Niwot. A familiar face in Niwot – "Everyone knows my dog," she says, "he's a friendly and gregarious mutt named Maxwell," Alger was born in Green Mountain near Red R...
February 2023 marked the return of Let's Wine About Winter and it made its return in spectacular fashion. Anne Postle, event founder and co-organizer, said more than 500 people attended the event on Feb. 11 and approximately $13,000 was raised that will go towards maintaining the Niwot Children's Park and Whistle Stop Park. "This was our most successful Wine About Winter to date," Postle said. "The beautiful weather and the event's hiatus for two years certainly helped add to the excitement."...
People packed Cottonwood Square and Second Avenue last Saturday for the Let's Wine About Winter event, sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association with partial funding provided by the Niwot Local Improvement District. After a two-year hiatus, the tasting event attracted more than 30 shops, businesses and restaurants who participated in the event, as well as over 400 participants. "We haven't had it since 2019, and we just love the event," business owner Holly D'apolito said. "It brings...
Let's Wine About Winter, sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), returns Feb. 11 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The walk-about event begins at 1 p.m. and runs until 5 p.m., with businesses offering beverage samples, refreshments, and live music for participants in Cottonwood Square and the downtown business district. Several businesses are pairing up for the event, with a total of 31 shops, restaurants and offices participating. To purchase a ticket and become a me...
Soup, Soup & More, a community event sponsored by the Niwot United Methodist Church, returns for its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. The free event began in 1997 as an opportunity to connect with the community, enjoy homemade soup and other refreshments during a time of fellowship, and raise money for outreach programs. This year Soup, Soup & More returns after a Covid-induced hiatus, marking the 25th year the church has offered the event. Janet Gates, who grew up in the...
After a brief hiatus, Let's Wine About Winter, one of Niwot's most popular events, is scheduled to return to Niwot on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Suspended for two years, one of the many consequences of Covid, the Niwot Cultural Arts Association event is now in its sixth year. For those who have not heard about the event, Kristin Alger, who is coordinating the event this year, has an apt description. "I will describe it the way my dad's wife described it," Alger said. "It's...
Well, I'll start by saying that I interview other people, so I don't have to talk about myself...So this is a little rough, but here goes. A Colorado native, I grew up near Red Rocks and have lived in Denver, Colorado Springs and Durango. A five-year stint in Detroit made me realize how fabulous our state (and its weather) is and I returned, settling in Niwot where my dad and step-mother still reside. I always thought I'd be here for a few years before returning to the "big city." That was 17...
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) met April 6 at the Niwot Inn to consider two funding requests, both of which were approved. LID Chair Scott Firle welcomed Jeff Knight to his first meeting as a member of the committee. Knight was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners as the Niwot Community Association representative on the nine-member advisory board. He replaced longtime LID member and former chair Laura Skaggs. Mark Ruzzin, liaison to the LID from the...
At its first monthly meeting of 2022 on Jan. 12, the Niwot Local Improvement District advisory committee approved two funding requests from the Niwot Business Association, heard an update about the parking lot, and discussed the final version of the 2021 strategic plan. Treasurer's Report After September's record-high revenues of $29,164, the LID's collections "settled" to a more normal $22,790 in October 2021, treasurer Bruce Rabeler told the board in his January report. Still, that was more th...
Like it or not, 2022 is just around the corner, and if your plans for the new year involve bettering the world, there's no better place to start than your own community. The Left Hand Valley is home to dozens of non-profit organizations that are making a difference, and they need engaged volunteers to help them do it. No experience is necessary; there's a position for you. By volunteering, not only are you helping your community, you'll also reap the benefits from connecting with others, learnin...
In 2020, charitable giving rose to an all-time high in the U.S., even as many Americans struggled with uncertainty and disruptions. While that is good news for the nation's non-profit organizations, the unfortunate reality is that much of the bounty went to high profile causes and groups, leaving small and locally-focused charities scrambling to make up for lost fundraising opportunities. As 2021 comes to a close, many of those groups could still use some help to balance the scales. "There are a...
The Niwot and Gunbarrel areas have their share of exceptionally talented chefs, some of whom have just opened or expanded restaurants in the past year. Each has expressed appreciation for working out of this community and serving those who live here. As a thank you, they've provided some of their favorite recipes as a gift for readers who might want to try something new for their Thanksgiving meal. Potato Jurasien Pie from Christine Carr of TipTop Pies This recipe is not only decadent and...
As part of the effort to update the town's five-year strategic plan, the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee invited leaders from more than a dozen local community organizations to a round table discussion at the Left Hand Grange on Nov. 2 to discuss how to prioritize tax revenues over the coming years and encourage cooperation among the groups on community projects. Among the groups represented were the Niwot Business Association, Niwot Community Association, the Rotary Club of...
Niwot's summer calendar will look more like its pre-pandemic norm, after the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee voted to provide funding for three familiar events at its monthly meeting on May 4. The board also elected new officers, and discussed its financial priorities for the rest of 2021. Officer Elections In the first order of business, the NLIDAC unanimously elected member Scott Firle as chair, replacing Laura Skaggs, who is leaving her seat on the committee in January...
April is National Volunteer month, a moment when the US acknowledges and honors the impressive impact volunteers make by giving their time and energy. We can all make the world a better place by volunteering in big and small ways, and while pitching in, you're also bringing health and happiness to yourself. Here's a list of nearby organizations where volunteers make a huge difference. Note: For the past year, we've been told to stay socially distant during the pandemic, but many organizations...
The Niwot Cultural Arts Association, often referred to as the NCAA, has nothing to do with March Madness, or intercollegiate sports. In Niwot, the NCAA has everything to do with charitable activities involving arts and culture. The NCAA was formed in January 2009 by Tim Wise, Mike Anfinson and Biff Warren at the urging of the Niwot Business Association. The NBA, through Wise's efforts as head of the Historic Projects Committee, had worked with Bank of the West to establish Whistle Stop Park on...
Thirty years ago Niwot's 2nd Avenue was a mess whenever it rained or snowed. No curb and gutter, no streetlights, and nowhere for moisture to drain. As an unincorporated community, the downtown business district had no tax revenue or funding mechanism for basic infrastructure projects. In the early 1990s a small group of local commercial property owners approached Boulder County officials seeking a solution. Anne Dyni, who with her husband Jack owned the former blacksmith building (now occupied...
The Niwot Business Association unveiled its 2021 budget at February’s monthly meeting of the Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Board, prompting a discussion of the district’s 2021 finances. The board also approved a handful of funding requests, discussed topics for its upcoming meeting with the Board of County Commissioners, and got an update on recruitment for upcoming vacancies from county liaison Mark Ruzzin. Treasurer’s Report Up first was the February treasurer’s report from Bruce R...
Across social media sites, pictures of smiling people and a variation of the caption "new year, new me," abound. But this new year celebration was unlike those of years past-there weren't big parties or big crowds, instead, most celebrations were more low key. Despite the change in how we celebrate the new year, people are still promising themselves a better future. Sometimes that's by resolving to be healthier, happier or maybe even just more self-aware. As Joanne Neville with the Southwest...
The COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down for most of us over the past 12 months, but it was especially hard on the local non-profit community, which saw its donations dry up as traditional fundraising events and activities were postponed or canceled. Fortunately, there's still time to help balance the scales as we count down the final hours of 2020. Among the many provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) passed back in March, was a change to an IRS rule...
Boulder County is seeking applications for three openings on the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) Advisory Committee, a nine-member independent board that "prioritizes expenditures of the LID sales tax revenue," and makes recommendations to the county commissioners, who serve as the board of directors for the district. The Niwot LID was formed in 1992 and was authorized to collect a half-percent sales tax to pay for street, drainage and other improvements in Old Town, beginning in 1993. In...
In 1975, the Lutheran Medical Center Foundation was created as a way to support a nonprofit hospital in West Denver. Since then, it has been renamed the "Community First Foundation" (CFF) and has sought to create change beyond just the Denver Metro. Then, CFF became involved with ColoradoGives.org, an online tool that is a way to connect with and support nearly 3,000 nonprofits around the state. In 2010, CFF and ColoradoGives.org kicked off Colorado Gives Day, which has garnered $355 million in...
Amongst the shapes, colors, and textures inside Niwot's Osmosis Art and Architecture on 2nd Avenue, there's a face locals are well acquainted with - that of Michelle Henzel. She's raised a family, worked, and been an integral part of community events and organizations for more than 35 years. The Courier reached out to learn more about this vivacious member of the community. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) – Where is your hometown and what path brought you to Niwot? Michelle Henzel (MH) – I gre...
On Sept. 17, as Niwot finally enjoyed the cooler temperatures of a late summer afternoon, the doors opened at The Wheel House bar and café at 101 2 nd Ave in Niwot. The new gathering spot is an extension of Wheel Works bicycle shop, founded three years ago across the street. "Business in our old location did really well, and we made the decision late last year to move across the street," Eric Bergeson, who co-owns the Wheel House with his wife Tammy, said. "We actually started the move in Februa...
For over 35 years, the Firehouse Art Center has been the leading contemporary art center in Longmont, featuring national and local artists with over a dozen exhibitions a year. Founded in 1986, the center has been a cornerstone of the Longmont Creative District where it was started by local artists to create a space for artists to create as well as exhibit their work. "Our mission is to bring arts and culture to our community through education, exhibits and cultural events," said Elaine...
