All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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During lunchtime in Niwot, hungry high school students, residents, business people, and even Courier staff who are looking for a sandwich might head to the local Subway in Cottonwood Square. If they've done so over the last few years, they've likely been served by Emma Osckel, well known for her friendly, fun demeanor when taking orders and assembling sandwiches. Osckel is a regional native who has lived in Northern Colorado since the late 1990s. She came to Longmont when her son started middle...
If you have been keeping up with the Left Hand Valley Courier's Familiar Face features throughout the 2024 Rock & Rails season, you may have noticed a certain "photo-bomber" in the background of a few photos. While Rock & Rails came to a close this past Thursday, Aug. 29, with Hazel Miller's closing performance, that "photo-bomber" is a dedicated volunteer who deserves recognition. Tony Maurer has been a weekly regular behind the bar in the Depot for more than 10 years. He first got involved...
Ok. Can we all take a deep breath after the first week of school? That first week is a little rough, don’t you think? All the fuss, anxiety, and logistical planning comes to head with the start of school. Whether you are a parent of a student or the student, it’s a tumultuous time. In the blink of an eye, the lazy days of summer end and the regimen of school begins. I am also sure you are familiar with the sleepy, whiny, anxiety that permeates the house around the start of school. Yes, it com...
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...
Head coach Bobby Matthews witnessed a mix of good and bad throughout Niwot High School softball’s season-opening loss at Golden High School on Saturday, Aug. 17. Looking at the positives, Niwot’s offense limited the strikeouts and freshman second baseman Payton Stokes shined during her varsity debut. However, the Cougars’ seven defensive errors were too much to overcome in the 12-8 defeat. “It definitely showed our lack of experience together,” Matthews said. “We only really have three girls playing the exact same position as they did the yea...
There are so many who volunteer behind the bar at Rock & Rails every week during the summer, but one particular volunteer stands out. This week's Familiar Face is Mary Coonce, well-known through her work at Porchfront Homes in Niwot. In fact, Porchfront Homes built the Whistle Stop Park building where Coonce serves adult beverages, known as The Depot, in 2020. Prior to that, alcohol was served from a tent known as the "beer tent," which required set-up and take-down every Thursday night during...
There is a museum of cars right here in Gunbarrel, that according to its website, "has some of the rarest, most valuable and authentic cars on display anywhere in the world." The Shelby American Collection Car Museum has been right here in our neighborhood at 5020 Chaparral Court for over 28 years. The museum was founded almost thirty years ago by five gentlemen, including those who raced Shelby vehicles. It was opened in this location, "just because we all live here," said Steve Volk, co-founde...
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...
Kaiya Brown has been a member of the Niwot community for several years, during which she has become a familiar face and volunteer at events around Niwot. For her volunteer efforts throughout Niwot, Brown is the July 2024 recipient of the Left Hand Valley Courier's Left Hand Laurel. Brown has been volunteering as a Gargoyle at the local summer concert series Rock & Rails for three years, helping keep the event "zero-waste." As a middle schooler, Brown joined her school's "ECO Club." She would...
There are so many familiar faces around Niwot, especially for weekly regulars who attend Rock & Rails. Some faces are most familiar when they belong to those who have spent a majority of their life in Niwot and are continuously involved in the community. Colleen Beebe is one such familiar face. Beebe moved to Colorado in 1975 after her father, who annually visited this beautiful state to ski, fulfilled a dream of living here. Unfortunately, he passed away only 16 months after the family moved...
With one of Niwot's favorite summer concert series, Rock & Rails, in full swing, regular concert goers are beginning to recognize some regular volunteers behind the bar at the alcohol building known as The Depot. Many of these volunteers have been returning over the years and have become Familiar Faces to the Niwot community. Lori Shrader has been volunteering at Rock & Rails for the past nine years. Always serving beverages with a smile and having fun with her fellow volunteers behind the bar,...
Merrick Blondeau has been a member of the Niwot Community for all 18 years of his life. Over the years he has become a familiar attendee and volunteer at events around the town. For his volunteer efforts over the years throughout Niwot, Blondeau is the June 2024 recipient of the Left Hand Valley Courier's Left Hand Laurel. Blondeau recently graduated from Niwot High School with the class of 2024. From the NHS drumline to choir and musical theater, to various clubs, Blondeau has been involved 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,...
When Staci Pencis walked into the Garden Gate Cafe two years ago to borrow a cane, she had no idea she would be leaving the Café with a job. Pencis' son, Sy, was putting together a costume for Senior Day at Skyline High School, and he needed a cane to complete his outfit. "He had a hospital gown and an adult diaper," Pencis said. "And he needed a cane." She placed a message on Facebook and soon heard back from Dawn Dunlap, manager of the Cafe, who offered to lend them one. When Pencis came to...
Her name is simply Sunshine – and she totally exudes it. Sunshine provides manicures, pedicures and facials at Classic Looks in Niwot and is this week's Familiar Face. The owner of Classic Looks, Sheri Sutton, met and hired Sunshine in 2005, when Sunshine first moved to Colorado, and they have been together ever since. "Classic Looks is like my second family," Sunshine explained one recent day, sitting in the salon in Cottonwood Square. "I just love, love this place," she added with a smile. "...
Donna Guerra has been the cheerful face behind the counter at Boulder Cleaners in the Jerry Sinor building on 79th Street in Niwot's Cottonwood Square shopping center for 32 years. Guerra began working at the shop in 1991 when it was owned by Rozanne Penka, and known as Sew-Clean Shoppe. Although Penka sold the business several years later, Guerra continued to work at the shop for the new owners. Penka, who was a familiar face in the cleaners business for many years, continues to do alterations...
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....
Ah, Halloween in the Left Hand Valley! Trick-or-treaters, haunted houses, maybe a surprise blizzard… it’s a spookily festive time. But as you prepare to revel beneath your Barbie wig or Cousin It’s hair, be forewarned: this is the Season of the Witch. And the Left Hand Valley Courier has learned that sorcery may lurk in the local DNA. Go ahead; laugh it up. The proof lies in prominent family trees. “I’m a researcher. People who know me know about my research.” Donlyn Arbuthnot is a passionate historian, especially in the area of ancestral r...
Ok. Remember when you were a kid and all you wanted out of that long road trip to some great destination like Mount Rushmore was to stop at a motel for the night and get into the swimming pool? I do. My parents and six children traveled across the country at least five times. Each time, all I could think about was whether the next Motel 6 or Best Western had a swimming pool. And we would happily forgo dinner to throw on our bathing suits and jump into an often over-chlorinated indoor swamp of a...
Ok. Have you gone to any of your high school reunions? You know, where you reconnect and reminisce with old friends? I just got back from mine in California where I saw people I hadn't seen for 35 years. In the days prior to the event, I was filled with anticipation, excitement, and a bit of anxiety. I was really looking forward to seeing people who were a big part of those formative years. And let's be honest, I wanted to look good. We need to unpack this a bit. Let's start with why I decided...
Talk about an interesting life. Michael Brennan has done it all – from being a "ski bum" and working in a sawmill in Telluride, to living in London during the Beatles era, to having assisted as a Yale-educated physician's assistant at 7,500 open heart surgeries at the biggest medical facility in Maine for 25 years. He is now a Niwot Familiar Face as a bartender for the past two years at The Wheel House. This is a story you couldn't make up. "Pure luck," he said of his fascinating life. "It w...
Niwot's restaurant scene has always been a significant part of the community. From small businesses to the people who own them, each and every restaurant has its own personality that makes it stand out from the rest. La Musette, one of Niwot's best, is a farm-to-table caterer and restaurant run from a permanent food truck on Murray Street next to The Wheel House in Niwot, and owned and operated by Skyla Olds. Her unique menu rotation includes new dishes every two weeks, although she includes...
"[Niwot] is a comfortable town. Even if you don't know someone, you probably still recognize them." Chris Teta said this is why he has been involved in the Niwot community since 1988. Teta is originally from New York and moved to Colorado in 1986 to attend college at The University of Colorado Boulder. He received a degree in political science and later got two masters degrees in urban planning and public administration. He is a member of the City of Longmont Planning & Zoning Commission....
You might recognize him as a volunteer at various Niwot Community Association events, such as Niwot Clean Up Day. Perhaps you have seen him on the NCA Road Crew or as a member of the tech team at Rocky Mountain Christian Church. Most likely, you have seen him driving the golf cart offering transportation service at Rock & Rails. Misha Barrett started providing his transportation services for patrons who parked down the street from Rock & Rails in the summer of 2022. His usage of the golf cart...
OK. Raise your hand if you miss "TV Guide." I mean the pint-sized weekly magazine, not the website. I do. A lot. "TV Guide" ushered in the whole era of television watching starting in 1953, designating which shows were broadcast in "living color" in its familiar grid of times and channels. Do we even say "channels" anymore? "Channels" meant ABC, NBC, CBS, maybe one or two independent stations, and PBS, where all the "educational" shows were found. "Times?" That's prehistoric too. Now, you watch...
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...
Mary Jo Wysocki, Manager of Winot Coffee in Cottonwood Square, just happened to arrive early to work at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, Aug. 6. She was opening the shop and was about to water the patio plants when she looked up to see smoke billowing from the recently mural-adorned external wall at Abo's Pizza. "It was just my intuition that told me to get in early. I knew I was the only one seeing the smoke and it was up to me to call 911 right away," she said. "I'd headed out of Winot late the...
This Friday, July 29, the Colorado Rockies face the LA Dodgers at Coors Field in Denver, and the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band is scheduled to perform the National Anthem to open the game. Since its founding on July 4, 2005, at the dedication of the bandstand at Whistle Stop Park, the band has always had its collective eye on interesting local venues. The band is a regular at Niwot events, including the 4th of July celebration, the "Why Not Niwot?" Juried Art Show, Enchanted...
Right now, those of us at Leigh Suskin Farmers Insurance Agency in Cottonwood Square spend the majority of our time reviewing policies and making changes to ensure that our policyholders are prepared for and protected. As insurance agents, our job is to educate and provide advice. We are a resource for Niwotians regardless of which company you use. Things have changed, and this is our new reality. The Marshall Fire was first reported at 10:30 a.m. on December 30, 2021, and by 11:00 p.m. it had consumed 1,100 homes. No longer are we safe from...
"I like stuff I can learn from," said Dawn Dunlap, a waitress at the Garden Gate Cafe who has been working at her job in Niwot for the past eight years. Before that, she had been a waitress in Lyons but she lost that job when the town flooded in 2013. "I love it here," she said, with a bright smile. "People in Niwot are so kind." We were sitting at an outside cafe table one recent afternoon, shortly after her 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. work-day had ended. She didn't look fatigued in the least. Talking abo...
If you've dined at Raza Fresa in Niwot (or Ajuua! as it was formerly known) during the last 17 years, chances are good that you've been served by Kelly Paquette. Paquette began her career in the food service industry as manager of a Burger Chef restaurant. "It was my first job out of high school," the Platteville, Colo. native said. "When I had children, it became too many hours." Paquette then began a 12-year stint as a waitress at Colacci's, an Italian restaurant in Longmont. After the...
When a call for help goes out in Niwot, it seems as though Gil Pomeroy's hand shoots up faster than anyone else's. Oktoberfest, Rock & Rails, Niwot Jazz Festival, you name it, he's there. Pomeroy may be new-ish to town, but he quickly started giving his time and energy to make Niwot a better place. He's made loads of new friends and admirers along the way. That's why a long-time Niwot resident suggested we feature Pomeroy in our Familiar Face column and learn about his life. Left Hand Valley...
We're in the home stretch of the holiday shopping season, and for those of you with a few names left to check off your gift list, be sure to consider one of the dozens of unique items from the artists, growers and crafters that call Niwot and Gunbarrel home. Gas up and grab a gift When you fill 'er up at the Niwot Conoco in the Cottonwood Shopping Center, don't just drive off - go inside where you'll find a treasure trove of charming gifts for your loved ones. You'll be stunned by the corner of...
You're likely to have noticed this month's Familiar Face, Dr. Jess Johnson, DVM, eating at a local restaurant, browsing in local stores, riding her bike, and on the job at Left Hand Animal Hospital on Franklin Street. She's a quintessential Niwotian because she and her husband are raising their daughter in Niwot and she works in town too. The Courier asked Johnson a few questions to find out about her background and to get to know her better. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Where are you from...
If you weren't in your seat when the horn sounded to start Niwot's game against Regis-Groff (9-7) in the first round of the Class 4A soccer playoffs, then you probably missed all of the scoring. Just seconds into the Oct. 28th game, senior forward Azael Marrufo took a kick-off pass from Mason Wright and sent it past the Fusion's keeper, giving the 19th-seeded Cougars a 1-0 lead before many spectators realized what was happening. "It was amazing," Maruffo said of the game-winning goal, his...
If there's a Niwot event happening Joanne Neville is likely in attendance, especially if music is involved. Dressed in beautiful long skirts, with her long flowing hair, and a warm smile, Neville's love for shared joyful times shines through as naturally as sunshine. The Courier wanted to hear about this Niwotian's life – past, present, and future. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Where are you from and what brought you to the area? Joanne Neville (JN) - I grew up on the East Coast, mostly i...
Kristina Burgoon is the warm welcoming face at The Niwot Inn & Spa and she's also the face of Niwot through her creativity as the social media coordinator for the Niwot Business Association. The Courier reached out to discover a bit about Burgoon's history and her current life. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Where did you grow up and what brought you to the area? Kristina Burgoon (KB) - I was born in Orange, California, and lived there until I was 10-years old. My family moved to Flemington,...
Many residents in the area are well acquainted with Geof Sparks due to his passions, the genuine way he connects with others in conversations, and also because he works at a very popular retail store in Niwot. Here are a few tidbits about Sparks which give us insight into the man behind the familiar face. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) – How have you become a familiar face in Niwot? Geof Sparks (GS) - Most people know me as the evening face of Niwot Liquor where I've worked for over 16 y...
Things are changing at the Bank of Estes Park in Niwot. Long term vice president and Branch President Wanda Fisher is retiring after 27 years. "It's been a long time. A lot of my customers through the decades have started to ask, 'How long have you been here?' I tease and always say it's been like 400 years," Fisher said jokingly.Wanda Fisher retires from Bank of Estes Park What's not as much of a joking matter is how much she'll miss the Niwot community members she's gotten to know. "One of...
Niwot's walkability is one of its best features, and for those who regularly stroll, over time they're likely to repeatedly cross paths with folks doing their own version of movement in the great outdoors. Since her relocation here in January 2018, Sharon Blatchley has been one of those out and about regulars. Blatchley, in the company of her brown and white spaniel, always offers a friendly wave and smile. Instead of being passing ships, we asked Blatchley some questions to learn about her...
Ed Nuhfer has become a familiar face over his cumulative 17 years in Niwot thanks to everyday walks with Zion, his dog, and the time he regularly spends at local establishments such as Winot Coffee and Garden Gate Café doing work on his laptop. We wanted to hear a bit of Nuhfer's life story, so we asked him a few questions. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - Where are you from, and besides Niwot, where have you lived? Ed Nuhfer (EN) - I'm originally from a small town on the Ohio River,...
A combination of familiar favorites and new sounds will be making their way to the Whistle Stop Park gazebo this summer when Niwot’s popular weekly summer concert series Rock & Rails returns to the stage on Thursday, June 3. From blues-inspired rock, to Afro-style reggae, the 2021 lineup has a little bit of something for all music fans and even a few surprises along the way, according to longtime talent manager Satir DeMarco. “I wanted to create a combination of ‘comfort food’, to honor the fol...
Whether it's first thing in the morning or a break later in the day, time with coffee in-hand is practically a ceremonial daily act. The emotional warmth of that ritual is nearly equal to the physical enjoyment it delivers. Part of that anticipated experience includes the kind people who provide that soul hugging treat such as Winot Coffee's manager Mary Jo Wysocki. The Courier wanted to learn more about the familiar face that is as uplifting as our daily cup of java. Left Hand Valley Courier...
Found either on a bike or working on one, Fernando Tapia is one of Niwot's most Familiar Faces. From the day the doors opened and through the relocation to its expanded space, Tapia has been part of Niwot Wheel Works bike shop and the new Wheel House Bar. With more than 35 years of experience, this master bike mechanic is the go-to person when it comes to bike maintenance. Niwot Wheel Works and Wheel House Bar owner Eric Bergeson said, "Fernando is the definition of a master in his trade. He is...
You're in the midst of Thomas Studholme's artwork when you shop and stroll in Niwot. Studholme's paintings are found throughout the Niwot Market and likely, Studholme himself is at the market, so mask aside, he's got a very recognizable face. For the last four years, he's painted holiday scenes on the windows of local businesses and won several awards as a result. We asked this Familiar Face some questions to get to know the man behind the art. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - How did life...
There aren't many places where you can pick up a bag of birdseed, a bale of alfalfa, rent a Bobcat, buy a plush dog toy and goat's milk soap, check the community bulletin board to see who has chickens for sale, and be recognized by a familiar face at the counter who rings you up. "Most of the people call you by your first name when they come in. They know us," said Tim Rollman whose parents, Steve and Kay Rollman, started Niwot Rental and Feed Jan. 1, 1981. The store's 40th anniversary is...
As part of Jump Start January, everyone is invited to join in a community fun run. Runners should meet in front of Niwot Market on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 9:15 a.m., with the starting gun set to go off at 9:30 a.m. At the end of the four miles, participants are invited to join in for free coffee, hot cocoa and a prize drawing. Prizes are yet to be determined. The untimed race will be relaxed and fun, not competitive. It will be held in any weather, including rain, shine, or snow. All participants...
Diners attribute the quality of their eating out experience to the people they interact with – the front of house workers. For 17 years, Leslie Middleton has been the most noticeable front of house person at Gunbarrel’s Café Blue American Grill while her chef husband Kevin runs the kitchen. These days, because of COVID, Leslie isn’t just taking orders and bringing out delicious drinks and food to diners at the restaurant, she’s also driving freshly prepared meals to patrons’ homes. She’s doin...
We're in the home stretch of the holiday shopping season, and for those of you with a few names left to check off your gift list, be sure to consider one of the dozens of unique items from the artists, authors and crafters that call Niwot and Gunbarrel home. Niwot in watercolor Niwot's historic downtown is a frequent subject of resident and renowned artist Jane Langdon, whose graceful style evokes warmth and nostalgia. Recently, her wintry depiction of 2nd Avenue was featured on the Niwot...
This wonderful Familiar Face suggestion was courtesy of co-owner of the Niwot Tavern, Tara Kpogoh-Narh. Kpogoh-Narh wrote, "Jennifer Morrison lives and breathes Niwot. She is a local who helps support everyone...small businesses in Boulder, Hygiene and Longmont. She's just amazing. She's always advertising for everyone. I'm sure you've seen her posts." The posts Kpogoh-Narh is referring to are on a public Facebook page called Nifty Niwot. Kpogoh-Narh added, "She brings Stacy [Szydlek, co-owner]...
