All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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This week's familiar face is Hannah Valadez, a paralegal at the Niwot law offices of Warren, Carlson, & Moore, LLP. You might know her as the friendly person who greets you whether you are there for legal services, a Left Hand Valley Courier matter, volunteer efforts, or youth sports sign-ups. Valadez first moved to Longmont from Michigan during her junior year of high school and ended up in the new Skyline High School's second graduating class. "I thought my parents were horrible at the time be...
Nothing says Easter like an Easter ham. Now that the holiday is over, what do you do with the leftover ham? Ham sandwiches only take you so far. Take a look at some inventive uses for that succulent piece of tasty protein. QUICHE LORRAINE Adapted from themodernproper.com Quiche Lorraine typically has cooked bacon as a main ingredient but ham works just as well and sounds fancier than "Ham and Cheese Quiche." Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust 1 Tbsp. salted butter ½ medium chopped yellow...
The score lines were not pretty, but Niwot soccer stayed spirited through a challenging two-game week at home. On Tuesday, April 15, the Cougars hosted Fairview High School and were handed a tough 7-0 loss. The Knights struck early, breaking through in the 13th minute and adding two more goals before halftime to take a 3-0 lead. Fairview did not let up in the second half, tacking on goals in the 56th, 59th, 66th, and 75th minutes. Two days later, the Cougars returned to the pitch for their...
Ok. It's that vacation planning time of year. After figuring out the when and the where of your trip, you inevitably find yourself swiping Tripadvisor trying to find the perfect hotel or Airbnb to settle in for five days away from the luxuries and familiarity of home. Location, amenities, size, and local food options all factor into this daunting task. As any seasoned traveler would tell you, ratings are not always helpful. Why do the Travelodge and the Four Seasons have the same rating? A five-...
Niwot High School’s Varsity tennis team played a match against Legacy High School on Thursday, March 27, winning by a score of 5-2. Up and coming freshman Georgia Jaffe played in a doubles match with her partner, Hazel Awsumb, winning points for the team with a victory. “I was a bit nervous going into my first match because I didn’t know what to expect, but I was also excited,” said Jaffe, reflecting on the lead-up to the competition. Despite some early nerves, she and Aswumb fought through a challenging match, with Jaffe focusing on her pos...
Who doesn't love waking up to the aroma of fresh breads, rolls and pastries warm from the oven? These breakfast sweets also freeze well so you can defrost on a daily basis. BANANA BREAD Submitted by Melissa Johnson Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups sugar ½ cup stick margarine or softened butter 2 large eggs 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4 medium). Or for more banana flavor, use up to 6. ½ cup buttermilk (regular milk works too) 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 ½ cups all-purpose...
'Tis the season of green. But rather than "greens," we mean literally green. Jesse Murphy has shared many of his family's recipes with you from potatoes to potatoes (with some green mixed in), Irish cream and green cupcakes for dessert. Éirinn go Brách! IRISH CREAM Submitted by Jesse Murphy This is a great drink to sip by itself or to add to a cup of coffee for a little kick. Can be made with or without alcohol. Ingredients: ½ tsp instant espresso powder 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder 1 t...
The Niwot High School varsity baseball team kicked off its 2025 season in style on March 6 with a drama-filled win at Severance High School. Needing one final out to secure victory, Niwot senior pitcher Kaige Kennedy played hero in the seventh inning when he made Severance pay for a baserunning mistake. With Niwot up 8-6, Severance had runners on second and third base when Kennedy threw a wild pitch. The Silver Knight on third scored easily, but his teammate on second stumbled after rounding thi...
Niwot Wheel Works bike shop is up and running at its new location and under new ownership, next to Fan's Chinese Cuisine, in the southwest corner of Cottonwood Square shopping center. Fernando Tapia, who worked at the original Niwot Wheel Works since its inception eight years ago, took over the ownership reins of the business from his friend and former colleague, Eric Bergeson. Bergeson announced in December that he would move on from the bike shop business and that he would not be renewing the...
While Peyton Rhodes would have liked to extend her high school career another game, the senior remains proud of what she and her Niwot High School girls basketball team accomplished this winter. After falling to Aurora Central High School on Feb. 26 in the Cougars' first state tournament game since 2014, Rhodes reflected on her now-complete high school career. Niwot won only nine combined games in Rhodes' first two varsity seasons before breaking through with 10 senior victories. "My first two...
After a "Fishy Friday," you might be in the mood for a "Sizzling Saturday." Let's get our sizzle going with some excellent meat dishes. THE BEST PORK CHOPS These really are the best pork chops.The secret is the dry brine and reverse sear. Juicy and delicious every time. Top with a sauce of your choice. Ingredients: 6 bone-in or bone-out pork rib or loin chops cut 1 ½ inches thick 2 Tbsp. fine sea salt or Maldon salt 1 tsp. sugar 6 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided Directions: 1. The night...
Nothing screams "fish" like Fridays. Fish sticks are a thing of the past with these delicious options. And no one can think "fish" without thinking about salmon and tuna (grilled, baked, burgers or salad). But special mention goes to tuna salad, a crowd favorite and much debated topic any time of year. Next week, the Courier Cookbook will offer Sizzling Saturdays focused on steak recipes (any kind of meat or meat products are welcome). Send your recipes to editorial@lhvc.comeditorial@lhvc.com....
Niwot area author Jennifer Svendsen discussed her supernatural tale, "Stranger to Myself," at a book signing at The Boulder Bookstore on Feb. 11. "Stranger to Myself, " published in January 2014, is about a character who lives in Niwot, switching bodies and lives with someone else in New York, trying to figure out her new identity, and coming to terms with her life. Limited copies were available at the signing, but her book is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and at the Boulder Bookstore....
Ok. You know what is not ok? When you fall for one of those ubiquitous "loss leaders" without knowing what you are getting into. You know how it goes. You can't believe your good luck when you are offered a subscription for $1 for a year or a two-for-one deal you just can't pass up? Let me warn you, my friend, if it seems like you can't pass it up, you can. These "deals" are like a shiny penny that once grabbed, turns into a dark pouncing piece of stealth. Let me give you a couple of examples....
Ok. Call me old school, but when I get a text from someone I barely know that starts with "Hey," I assume it is spam. Who says just, "Hey?" Apparently, everyone. The manner in which we communicate has changed in my lifetime. We used to start a letter with "Dear Mr. Smith." Now, we start a text with "Hey." What happened there? Does anyone born after 1970 even remember what a letter is today? Letter writing is a lost art with which our children are unfamiliar. To review, a letter is where you put...
The Courier Cookbook recently covered "Meatless Mondays" and "Taco Tuesdays" so today we will explore "Wicked Wednesdays." After those meatless, grilled, fresh vegetable offerings, it seemed time to indulge a bit on hump day. So relax and give yourself a treat for making it halfway through the week. Next week, we will explore "Thirsty Thursdays" so be sure to send your best elixirs to editorial@lhvc.comeditorial@lhvc.com. BROCCOLI CHEESE RICE CASSEROLE A true indulgen!ce! Except for the...
Niwot resident Gil Gilmore saw a need in the community, and took action. Now 13 years of age, the homeschooled eighth-grader was only nine years old in 2020 when he noticed "there was a lot of hate towards law enforcement," he said. "We didn't think that was okay" he said, speaking of himself and his mother, Susan Gilmore, He acknowledged that there were incidents which garnered much negative national publicity toward police officers, but he felt it was unfair to lump all law enforcement...
Meatless Mondays are almost as popular as Taco Tuesdays. Perhaps after an over indulgent weekend, a little break from meat is welcome. Any day of the week, these recipes will please as either a main course or side dish. Next week we will move on to Wicked Wednesdays. By the time Wednesday rolls around, you might be ready to indulge in something heavenly wicked. What are your secret indulgences? Send them to editorial@lhvc.comeditorial@lhvc.com. THE BEST FRIED RICE Submitted by Alyson Varvel...
Taco Tuesday is a thing. But rather than going for that two-for-one taco special at Taco Bell, try making one of these easy recipes for the gang. Perfect for leftover chicken, fish, pork or steak. Whether crunchy, soft or street, we've got this covered. Instead of (or in addition to) topping with cheddar cheese, try delicious queso fresco, cotija, or Asadero cheese. Next week we will explore "Meatless Monday." Send any meatless dinner recipes to editorial@lhvc.comeditorial@lhvc.com. AL PASTOR...
Ok. I was recently digging into that filing cabinet labeled "The Differences Between Men and Women," and stumbled upon that universal issue of getting dressed in the morning. Specifically, let's talk about men getting dressed at any time. Disclaimer: I asked my husband if it was okay that I throw him slightly under the bus on this one, and he agreed because, well, it is humor that keeps a marriage alive. Or so they say. So, with a gentle nudge onto the third rail, I offer him some observations...
January's Left Hand Laurel recipients are Michael Tomich and Patty Machen, who have a long history of giving back to the Niwot community. During the months of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, Tomich and Machen felt that people desperately needed social interactions and to not feel so isolated. As the owners of The Old Oak Coffeehouse, they could not let anyone sit in the shop, or even at The Emporium next door during that time. They had the idea to have free socially distanced...
Ok. One of my New Year's resolutions is to "lighten up." I can think of few better places to lighten up than discussing that poor maligned condiment that is often one of the first foods to be tossed out when going on an after-holidays diet. Yes, I am talking about mayonnaise. Either you love it or hate it. Let me offer a little background. I love condiments of all kinds. I love mustard of every ilk, including Dijon, brown, spicy, yellow, and horseradish-filled. I love aioli, salad dressings,...
It is my hope that this column will be another way to connect to you and give you insight into my whole-body approach to health and wellness as we embark on a new year, 2025! In this month’s edition of Tooth Be Told, I’d like to talk about fluoride. What is fluoride, and what are the exposure modalities? Let’s also discuss the increased opposition to water fluoridation. First, fluoride is the ionic form of fluorine, the thirteenth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It is released into the environment naturally in both water and air...
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...
Ok. 2025 has just entered the building. Does that mean it is time to take a swing at New Year's resolutions? Do we decide to lose weight, get a new job, or call our moms more often? Here is what I think. It is time to restart and reboot. Like your computer or your refrigerator's water filter, sometimes you just have to reset it to see clearly. It is like a mental cleanse. Erase the board, clear the cache, start over. I cannot count how many times my computer gets "clogged up" and it just won't...
TOP OF STOVE COOKIES Submitted by Alyson Varvel Bell My great grandmother used to make these and gift them inside the small General Mills Quaker quick oats round container with a bow on top. They are super quick and easy to make and my kids love them. My grandmother, her daughter-in-law, wrote the recipe down for me when I was in my early twenties. Ingredients: 1 stick of butter 2 cups sugar ½ cup milk 2 level tablespoons peanut butter 3 cups quick oats (quick is important) 2 Tbsp. cocoa...
Coming into the Dec. 19 game against Prairie View High School, the Niwot High School girls varsity basketball team had won three games in a row. With a record of 5-1, they were off to their best start in years. Led by an excellent class of seniors and receiving contributions across the lineup, the Cougars were firing on all cylinders. On their home floor, they weren't about to let this one slip away. From the first whistle, after Prairie View won the tip, two Niwot defenders immediately trapped...
The Niwot Holiday Market wrapped up Saturday, Dec. 14, after spreading holiday cheer to the business district of Niwot. One of highlights every year is the opportunity for younger Niwot residents to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus have been attending the Niwot Holiday Market since at least 2016. With Christmas only being one day a year, it is rumored that Mr. and Mrs. Claus have day jobs as well. Kim King, who closely resembles Mrs. Claus, works as an insurance broker. Her...
It is that time of year filled with parties and cheer. Whether you are hosting a party or bringing an appetizer, these are tried and true simple appetizers that will be gone well before the end of the evening. Next week we will explore those cookies you only make during the holidays. Send your recipes to editorial@lhvc.comeditorial@lhvc.com. MEDITERRANEAN ONION DIP A Mediterranean twist to the traditional onion dip everyone loves. Ingredients: ½ envelope onion soup mix 2 cloves minced...
Ok. You have probably heard the phrase, "The power of the written word." Somehow putting words on paper packs a punch. The law clearly recognizes the impact of and the difference between the written word and the spoken word when they made "slander" (a spoken defamatory statement) and "libel" (a written defamatory statement) two distinct bad acts. Libel has historically been treated as the more egregious of the two, and it is not hard to see why. Writing something down gives it a bit of...
Up 54-51 with only seconds remaining in regulation, the Niwot High School varsity girls basketball team could have folded when Mountain Range High School's Delilah Lucero hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from well beyond the arc to force overtime. Instead, second-year head coach Todd Trobaugh gathered his Cougars and urged them to move past the deflating end to the fourth quarter. Niwot embraced the message and rallied to a 66-59 win. "I sat them down and said, 'Hey, you knew it was gonna happen,...
Let's be honest, the bread accompanying dinner is often the best part of the meal. Whether dipped in olive oil, gravy, or slathered with butter, dinner rolls never disappoint. Similarly, a good bun is the difference between a good and an outstanding burger/slider/sandwich. These recipes make the perfect rolls and buns every time. THE BEST DINNER ROLLS Submitted by Joey Marylander Adapted from https://www.joshuaweissman.com/post/greatest-dinner-rolls These rolls are soft, fluffy, and delicious....
Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening will once again light up the town the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Enchanted Evening brings small town images to life with Niwot's small town atmosphere, lights aglow down Second Avenue, a Christmas tree lighting, and holiday music filling the air. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band will provide festive, holiday music in the parking lot at the corner of Niwot Road and Second Avenue. The band will also...
Ok. Do you remember when you first learned about Thanksgiving? It probably included the tale of Pilgrims sailing to America and befriending some Indians, after which they had a turkey feast in thanks for the Indians’ help surviving the winter. Wow, that was a lot to unpack as a child. In a nutshell, this song, sung to the tune “We Gather Together,” I learned in first grade summed up all I knew about Thanksgiving: “The year 1620 the Pilgrims came over. The good ship Mayflower brought them ac...
Just in time for Thanksgiving! Let's start with the green bean casserole so many of us feel must be on the Thanksgiving table. Simply follow the recipe on the back of the French's Crispy Fried Onions can, or look at these options. GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE Submitted by Karen Sherlock Ingredients: 2 cups chicken broth 2 pounds frozen cut green beans, thawed 1 teaspoon celery salt Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups heavy cream...
For the past two years, the Left Hand Valley Courier found a way to survive, barely, by borrowing money to pay the bills, with several key staff members deferring any compensation for 10-hour-plus work weeks. In an era of news deserts in Colorado and across the nation—areas without any local newspapers—newspapers must adapt, or die. Like other small businesses struggling to survive, the Courier owners decided to create a non-profit educational corporation, and donated the newspaper to the non-profit. The transfer took effect January 1, 202...
Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson and five other law enforcement officers met with almost 100 Niwot homeowners in person and on Zoom on Nov. 6 to discuss the rash of break-ins in the area which had begun two to three weeks earlier. Johnson said, "Although we can't share everything, we are taking the situation very seriously." He said that the department's aggressive actions support the goal of putting an end to the intrusions quickly. A great concern is that the perpetrators may be part of...
A big change is coming to an historic building in downtown Niwot. What has been known as "The Grange" for nearly 80 years will now be known as "Niwot Hall." It's not the first time the building has been renamed. Originally, the building at 195 Second Ave. was known as Nelson Hall, named after John Nelson, who built it and ran a mercantile business at the location. It is believed to be the first commercial building in Niwot and was home to several different businesses and meeting rooms. Left...
Nothing says autumn like hearty grains to accompany all the pumpkin dishes you will be serving. These are tried-and-true delicious. Next week we will start thinking about Thanksgiving with your favorite stuffing/dressing dishes. Send your favorite recipes to editorial@lhvc.com. GREEK LEEK HERBED RICE (Prasorizo) Submitted by Karen Sherlock Ingredients: 4 leeks (about 2 pounds), trimmed, white and pale green parts sliced ¼-inch thick 1 lemon ¼ cup raw almonds ½ teaspoon...
The Niwot High School softball varsity team has secured its spot in the state Tournament of 16 after an impressive showing at the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 4A Regionals in Pueblo, Colorado, Oct. 18 and 19. The team demonstrated resilience and skill, finishing with a 2-1 record in the round of 32. In their opening game against the Palisade High School Bulldogs, the Cougars emerged victorious with a tight 2-1 win. Standout pitcher Kianna Butler dominated from the circle,...
It is that time of year where everyone buys, carves, decorates, and cooks with pumpkins. Coffee shops are selling out of pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin bread. The Courier is sharing a few community favorites to reignite that pumpkin love. Next week, we will feature grains. Think rice, quinoa, their cousin the lentil, and their second cousin, orzo, which is actually a pasta. Today these traditional side dishes are front and center and add lots of flavor to any meal. Put some in your salad for...
Niwot Historical Society's Now & Then Lecture Series' latest speaker was Gunbarrel resident Tom Myer, an activist and expert on Native American culture. Before an audience of 40 people at the Left Hand Grange on Oct. 10, Myer introduced his lecture called "What is a Powwow?" accompanied by "hand talk," a form of Plains Indian sign language. Myer's information-packed and enthusiastic presentation wove together the tragic history of how American Indians have been treated as a way to elucidate why...
Everyone needs a few go-to salad dressings, whether to ramp up a salad or top pasta, potatoes, or use as a sandwich condiment. Here are a few favorites from our community. CAESAR SALAD DRESSING Submitted by Alyson Varvel Bell Adapted from Once Upon A Chef by Jenn Segal "Super easy and flavorful - we love Caesar's and it's our new favorite dressing." Ingredients: 2 small garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon anchovy paste 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon 1 teaspoon Dijon...
Ok. Here comes the rain again. Who didn't love that sweet smelling, ground drenching rain that fell on Saturday night and into Sunday? Didn't we all sleep well under the sound of a soothing blanket of water falling gently on our homes and gardens? It wasn't a torrential downpour, and it wasn't accompanied by near hurricane force winds. It was just rain. What a relief! I love a rainy night. But you know what that means? The grass will once again be green, the flowers will perk up and we will...
When you think of "piccata" it is usually accompanied by "chicken" or "veal." That butter, capers, and lemon flavor is a favorite. If you like that flavor, try using it in salads, pasta, and of course chicken. Piccata sauce can go any which way. CHICKEN PICCATA Submitted by Elise Marylander Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts ½ cup heavy cream or milk 2 tsp. Maldon salt ½ cup cornstarch or flour 3 Tbsp. butter (or more) 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 yellow sweet onion, roughly chopped 2 tsp....
Allisson Diaz Arredondo takes an emotional approach to her craft. In describing her interest in art, she said, "It really helps you. For example, when I feel sad, I paint something happy to make me happy. When I feel bored, I also paint." Her favorite artist is Frida Kahlo, and Arredondo herself also likes to paint using acrylics. One of her favorite art projects is a canvas she painted that includes her name and flowers that represent her. Arredondo looks back on middle school and the art class...
The Boulder County Commissioners have scheduled a public meeting for Sept. 17 to discuss a staff proposal for a potential moratorium to halt the processing of applications for new projects that exceed the median residential floor area in designated neighborhoods within unincorporated Boulder County. For decades, the Boulder County Commissioners have expressed concern about how increasing home sizes negatively affect the county's rural character, sustainability, and affordability. The Boulder County Comprehensive Plan’s Sustainability Element s...
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...
The Niwot High School varsity softball team extended its winning streak with an 11-1 win over Fairview High School on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at home, followed by a 15-3 win at Longmont High School, and a 3-0 win over The Academy High School at home on Saturday. The Cougars scored six runs in the first inning against Fairview, beginning with a solo home run to right field by pitcher Kianna Butler. RBIs from Anna Halverson, Simone Paterno, Saleen Amaya, and Butler added to the lead, resulting in a...
