All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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The Courier is partnering with Inkberry Books again, and I've got quite the story for you. The minute I realized that Carrie Jane Knowles was the author (she wrote another excellent book that I reviewed, The Inevitable Past), I was instantly excited to read A Musical Affair It's excellent, engaging, exciting and definitely a page turner. Unless you just despise classical music or infidelities aren't particularly triggering to you, you're almost assured to like this book. The book largely...
Niwot Community Association board members are sticking to their plans to hold a July 4th motorcade instead of a full-blown parade, even though Boulder County has loosened COVID-19 restrictions on large outdoor events. "We are erring on the side of caution this year," said parade coordinator Julie Breyer. "We want people watching from their front yards along the motorcade route to be as comfortable as possible." In addition, the NCA board also plans to have each area representative host an...
A slow start gave way to an avalanche of scoring, as the Niwot girls soccer team cruised to a 9-0 victory over Roosevelt on May 13. The Cougars were led by senior Kiera Flanagan and her four goals, but several newcomers also contributed to the lopsided win, which second-year coach Jenna Machado took as a promising sign for the youthful team. "I was very happy with that," Machado said of the effort from the freshmen and sophomores in her team's second win of the season. "I'm very excited because...
Flagstaff Academy's Elementary and Middle School Visual Arts program is an important component of the K-8th grade public charter school's Core Knowledge Curriculum and one that also provides much joy and inspiration. Now the larger community can enjoy the beautiful artwork Flagstaff Academy students, known as Dragons, have created during this unprecedented school year. In a year when school was online, in-person, and hybrid, one might think art-making might not be a priority and would slow down,...
The past year has been challenging for prospective college athletes, particularly those who missed their junior seasons of competition in the spring of 2020. But for 15 Niwot High athletes, the arduous journey through the virtual recruiting process came to a satisfying end at the school's Letter of Intent signing ceremony on May 3. "This is probably the hardest year in the history of college athletics to have an opportunity to play at the collegiate level," Niwot High athletics and activities...
Meet Lucy. This adorable and energetic two-year-old kitty is looking for her forever person through Longmont Humane Society right now. Lucy is an outgoing, chatty and social kitty who will do best in a home with a seasoned cat owner who will be able listen to her cues about petting. She also loves playing with toys and benefits from time being active each day! Let us know if you'd like to learn more about Lucy by calling 303-772-1232 today....
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and if you're considering how to show appreciation to someone special, there are plenty of options for local gifts. Better yet, dollars that are spent in the community stay in the community, supporting local retailers and their families. Below are several gift ideas that can be purchased in the area. Each of them centers around different approaches to celebrating the mother in your life. Surprise her with something unusual Sometimes the best gift is...
Junior Nguyen Pham is a talented student in Niwot High's IB art program who prefers to let her artistry do the talking. She is currently enrolled in a 3-D design course at the school, where she has worked with everything from metal and plaster, to wood and clay. Last month, one of her sculptures was featured in St. Vrain Unframed student art show, a virtual showcase of the most interesting student artwork from schools around the district. Pham's submission resulted from an assignment to create...
As warmer spring weather takes hold and homeowners enact plans for lawncare and landscaping, North Denver Metro water providers are banding together to ask residents to use their water carefully. A dozen suppliers have joined together to help educate the public on wise water use. According to a recent press release, despite heavy snow on the front range in March, mountain snowpack is still below average in some areas and streamflow levels are expected to be low to average in the future....
It's not every teen who can find an emergency bandmate in their house, let alone one who can play Zimbabwean music. When Niwot High senior Noah Randall couldn't play in-person with his band during the pandemic, he would say, "Hey Mom, can you play with me?" It makes sense since she is the one who introduced him to music from Zimbabwe. She saw a band in Boulder and decided to take lessons on the marimba, an instrument similar to a xylophone. Randall was in elementary school at the time and had...
Last fall, Boulder County kicked off its planning process for the future of Highway 287 with an extensive feasibility study focusing on bus rapid transit, or BRT. As part of that effort, on April 14, officials held the second in a series of transportation-focused virtual public meetings. The online information session was attended by approximately 38 people, according to Jeff Butts, the County's multimodal transportation planner. Butts helped run the meeting and has been key to coordinating comm...
Niwot sophomore Morgan Lane was a curious kindergartener the first time she heard someone play the violin. "We had show-and-tell, and one of my friends brought their violin and played "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" for the class," she recalled. "And I thought it was the coolest thing. So I went home and begged my parents to let me play." That was nearly a decade ago, and Lane has been working her way toward virtuoso status ever since. Today, she is a member of two orchestral groups at Niwot...
Recently, Longmont-based Left Hand Robotics experienced one of the biggest transitions a company can have. The beloved regional business, which focuses on creating autonomous turf mowing and snow clearing machines, was acquired by the Toro Company of Bloomington, Minn. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. "It's important to us that we now have the ability to get all the technology, all the work that we've done, to a much, much wider audience in a much shorter time than we were a...
Niwot senior Grable Howie is passionate about music. His advice to music students: "Take risks, never back down from a challenge, and surround yourself with people who will push you and help you become better. Always believe in yourself, and never let any amount of criticism stop you. If you want to become a musician, put in the work, and never quit." Howie certainly hasn't quit, and it's possible that his incredible drive was inspired by his parents, who are musicians as well. He's done...
On Saturday, March 6, Boulder saw its first crack of warm weather for the season. As the sunny weekend day progressed, thousands of my peers from the University of Colorado flocked to the Hill neighborhood for an impromptu party. By the time the sun went down, that soon turned into a riot, complete with smashed cars, injuries and, as is typical in the times of COVID-19, lethal potential for a superspreader event. What would have been, in normal times, a day likely filled with innocent outdoor recreation, was instead a hotbed for an irresponsibl...
Meet Max - This fun-loving little gentleman loves being in the company of people of all ages and is hoping to find a great forever family to call his own. Max is seven years old, is so sweet-natured and just seems to want to give and receive as much love as he can! Max prefers the company of calm and easy going dogs who can be respectful of his space and is looking for a home with no kitties, please. Want to learn more about Max? Please call (303) 772-1232 today and let us tell you what we know...
Can someone please solve this mystery? These "magic" mushrooms are on the back of a sign along the Cougar Trail which borders Niwot Road. What do these mushrooms signify? Is "SoLo" the artist and "SP'' making a comment? Inquiring minds want to know. If you have any answers, let the Courier know. Email us at Editorial@lhvc.com. We'll publish your responses....
I always enjoy partnering with Inkberry Books because I've received great recommendations with such interesting titles. This week, I had the pleasure to review Bruce McDougall's novel, The Lizards of Palm Beach. This is a tale about two brothers, a gold-digging teen, a flamboyant art dealer, a Jeffrey Epstein-like art collector, and other people (mainly rich) who live in the Palm Beach area. Let me tell you--it's a doozy. There's obviously art, a discussion and critique about both the search...
The Little Holiday Shops at Niwot, the Cottonwood Square microbusiness retail store that closed its doors at the end of last year, is poised to reappear permanently as the Little Shops at Niwot. On March 1st, it will set out a welcome mat in the old Shopgirl space next to Winot Coffee. "There were so many festivals and markets that were canceled due to COVID 19, and so many artists. We wanted to give them a place where they could still sell," Leigh Suskin, the Little Shops proprietor, said. ""Th...
Like all seniors in the class of 2021, Niwot girls basketball point guard Grace Wardle has been dealt a rough hand. The Cougars' season had already been cut down to 14 games and that number is even lower for Wardle. She has played in just three games this season and has missed another three and counting due to COVID-19 exposure protocols. Wardle said it has been hard to watch her team play from the virtual sideline in what has been a "disappointing" thorn in her senior season. Despite the...
It's been more than two weeks since my neighbors' dog got out, and made a beeline toward me and my dog as we walked down our driveway for our daily walk. I froze, not knowing what the dog wanted. I'd never seen her loose before. I knew from walking on the path behind the dog's yard that it was a snarly, yappy little thing. It trotted toward us, not showing any clear signs of aggression. No growling or barking or teeth baring. No obvious hackles up. It didn't occur to me that she was coming to...
In April 2020, the St. Vrain Valley School Board authorized an architect design contract for an eight-lane swimming pool to be added onto Silver Creek High School. Nearly a year later, construction is set to begin in February and is expected to be completed in the fall. "People are excited about it," said Silver Creek Athletic Director Patrick DeCamillis. "I think it's a win for the community for sure, not just Silver Creek, but the St. Vrain community and Longmont in general." Up next on the ag...
On June 11, 2020, a beautiful flower bloomed somewhere in Japan. That same day in Colorado, Gunbarrel resident Beniko Olsen drove home with her family after 45 days in the hospital fighting for her life after contracting COVID-19. But first, she directed her husband and two sons to stop off at Starbucks for a long-anticipated Matcha latte. Olsen is a petite woman with a radiant smile and a joyous laugh. In her late 60s, she worked for over 20 years as a teacher's aide at a local preschool while...
A local teen who stutters and his speech therapist have an extra reason to watch Joe Biden give his inauguration speech next week. For the more than three million people in this country who stutter, the silver-haired, president-elect is a symbol of what's possible. "It is amazing. He is really an incredible role model for everybody like him," said Longmont High senior Adam Benes, who has stuttered for as long as he can remember. "I think that's the most impressive thing about him - being...
In 1997, the Southwest Acupuncture College was founded in Boulder, its mission is to educate and license students in acupuncture and Chinese medicine so as to provide affordable services to the local community. But in mid-March of last year, COVID forced the Gunbarrel college to close its doors for in person classes. "Rather than go from zero to 100 mph in one week with a full return to campus, our didactic, practical and clinical coursework would be rolled out slowly," explained Nate Mohler,...
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently announced that businesses and communities can now apply for a COVID certification program that allows certain areas of the community to open up to a less-restrictive level. The 5 Star Certification Program is voluntary, and it is up to each county to determine whether or not to implement it. According to the program's site, it is "set up at the county level through an administrative committee... It encourages businesses to impleme...
I started to write this article to soothe my nerves, as I sat in my car just prior to my COVID-19 vaccine appointment. I was eligible for it because of my part time work as an in-home care provider for older adults. I agreed because I want to do my part to stop the virus from spreading. Earlier in the week, when I first learned I was eligible and booked my time, those I told were excited for me. Some people even congratulated me. I was less enthusiastic. I'm not typically an early adopter of...
Each year, the Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms send out special holiday care packages to military members stationed overseas, hoping to give those away from their families a little reminder from home. They have no expectation of being recognized or thanked, but they often receive notes like those below from grateful soldiers, sailors, and airmen who appreciate being remembered this time of the year. Received in thanks for the Halloween care packages, mailed in late October: Good afternoon! My name...
It is often most difficult to feel happy or excited, at times when everyone is pressured to do so. The holiday season has always marked a time of joy, peace and hope; thus, it is expected of everyone to share such sentiments. However, amidst all of the polarization of this year caused by the global pandemic, widespread riots and one of the most divided elections in U.S. history, it is sometimes difficult for any individual to exhibit the traditional spirit of the holidays. There are two obvious...
Last month, Lorne Jenkins, a former Niwot resident and CEO of Mini Money Management, was named to the Board of Trustees for the Longmont Community Foundation, a public charity dedicated to "improving life in the St. Vrain Valley." "It was kind of a no-brainer for me," the former Cougar track star said of his decision to accept LCF's invitation. "I'm joining at a unique time because it pretty much is primarily Covid-based, and the basic things are planning around what's going to happen with...
December has brought a range of new art to the walls of Niwot businesses. These micro exhibits give needed visibility to regional talent during the holidays, and the exposure is appreciated by both the artists and community members alike. This is the case for Amanda Maldonado, the artist currently featured at Winot Coffee. Maldonado shared that her style has grown a lot in 2020 and that she's leaning more towards community-based work. "I wanted to find a way to feel more connected to the rest...
Look out NYC! You've got some competition for most festive holiday window displays! Take a stroll down 2nd Avenue or peruse the shops of Cottonwood Square in Niwot and you're sure to feel the Christmas spirit! Almost all of the businesses have donned their windows with glittering demonstrations of festive cheer. While 2020 has dealt us a Christmas season that only Ebenezer Scrooge would enjoy, the Niwot business owners aren't about to let the holiday magic slip away! In an effort to keep the...
It is hard to find such a wide variety of interests and talents in one person, let alone see them all come together in one book. But Niwot resident Sandi Siegel has combined her love of yoga, mythology, modeling, and the Sanskrit language to create a new coffee table book, "Sanctuary Song." It's based on a poem written between the years 700 and 750 A.D. and features the Hindu goddess Tripurasundari. "This particular story is set to the three stages of a woman's life. The daughter, mother, crone...
From simple pleasures to outright splurges, the season for giving is upon us. As you rush to buy gifts for your gardeners, stop to consider what type of green thumb they have. This will help you narrow down your choices in making that small purchase go a long way to happiness. Experienced gardeners are a little harder to shop for since we have the basics. But that doesn't mean we don't like a load of manure. A big pile of poo would have appalled my mother, but I think it's a very sweet gesture....
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...
Meet Poe. This sweet and social 12-year-old fellow is looking for a special someone to call his own. Poe is very chatty and affectionate and loves to be involved with what is going on around him. This senior kitty is not shy about asking for cuddles and sincerely enjoys the company of people! Poe is diabetic and so is looking for a new partner who will be able to help him take his insulin every day. To learn more about Poe or to make an appointment to come in for a visit please call...
With Thanksgiving almost upon us, I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at the tart, red fruit that is a staple on most Thanksgiving menus. Whether you like to make your sauce from scratch, or you prefer to open a can and let the cylinder of wriggly jelly slide out, the cranberry is something we should all know more about. A member of the Ericaceae family, also known as the heath or heather family, cranberries are related to blueberries, huckleberries, azaleas and rhododendrons....
Emotions were running high at Erie's Tiger Stadium on Friday, Nov. 20. In a season finale battle of winless teams, Niwot senior quarterback Ayden Bartko led a game-winning fourth-quarter drive to defeat the Thornton Trojans, 26-20. Head coach Nik Blume came away with his first win leading the green and white. He credited his resilient senior class for sticking together despite a challenging season. "I couldn't be more proud," Blume said. "Our seniors carried us tonight. (Wide...
Much to my surprise, I tested positive for COVID-19 in October. We all know of the highly contagious nature of the virus and unfortunately, I must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yes, I am a 20-year-old college student attending CU Boulder, but I live with my parents in Longmont and limited myself to a small group of friends. Colorado’s cases are skyrocketing and unless you build a hut in Antarctica, odds are you’ll be exposed eventually. Despite this belief, it was still a shock when my turn came. Sometimes life doesn’t go your...
Luring new businesses to town has been an ongoing challenge for the Niwot Business Association, so they've decided to start growing their own. Last month, the group launched the Little Holiday Shops of Niwot, a new retail project to help fledgling entrepreneurs get off the ground. "We've been working on it for about a year," NBA member and project leader Leigh Suskin said about the initiative, which was set to debut in March 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our intention was...
On March 5, 2020, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's public health laboratory confirmed the first presumptive positive COVID-19 test result in Colorado. What followed is well known to Coloradans, but looking back to March, there are some behind-the-scenes heroes from the early months of the pandemic who deserve some added thanks, namely the volunteers and organizations who helped support early mask-making endeavors in local communities. When COVID-19 cases were first on t...
For anybody who has followed Niwot football over the past few years, the name Ayden Bartko should ring a bell. Niwot's senior quarterback has just three games remaining in his high school career and his departure will leave a gaping hole for the Cougars. Between the lines, Bartko has racked up 2,865 passing yards in 32 career games dating back to his 2017 freshman year. At 6-foot-5 and 205 lbs, Bartko towers over his teammates and uses his height to comfortably read the field. Although it...
NASA released a statement on October 14 announcing planetary scientist and associate vice president of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), Dr. Alan Stern, will be the first private sector scientist to fly aboard a commercial space vehicle, Virgin Galactic's suborbital plane SpaceShipTwo. The exciting news means that Stern will realize his lifelong desire to go into space and Niwot will have bragging rights over its first astronaut. The mission was selected in a proposal process through NASA's...
His mom cries every time he heads toward the flames of a wildfire. "She acts like I'm going off to war," said Mountain View Fire Protection District Lt. Chris Queen, who has been a firefighter for 34 years. He recently returned from the Cameron Peak Fire, northwest of Longmont. But his mom may soon be worried again. Queen thinks he'll be back on that fire or another one until Colorado gets multiple snowstorms to help put an end to a devastating string of fires. Queen and other local...
For the past few weeks, Colorado television and the internet have been littered with commercials about Amendment B. This amendment seeks to repeal the nearly 40-year-old Gallagher Amendment, a provision in the Colorado constitution used to calculate property tax rates. As it is now, residential property taxes make up 45% of the overall tax base, while nonresidential properties--primarily businesses, --make up the other 55% of property tax revenue. As Colorado’s population has grown, the value of housing has increased far more than commercial p...
R.L. Maizes is a Niwot local whose debut novel "Other People's Pets" is set in a fictional small town on the front range of Colorado. For Maizes, setting the book in Colorado was a natural choice. "It's so inspiring to look out your window and see a red tailed hawk, to see a fox when you're on your evening walk," said Maizes. "I recently saw a bobcat going behind a neighbor's house. There's incredible wildlife both in Niwot and in Colorado, so it was really a perfect place to set a book about...
Things will look different when St. Vrain Valley School District students step into the classroom next week for the first time since March. Everyone will be wearing masks, there will be arrows on the hallway floors, desks too far apart to steal a glance at someone else's answers. And there will be plenty of new rules and protocols to follow. The first day of school is a mix of excitement and anxiety in normal times. That's ramped up during the pandemic, leading experts at the Colorado...
The Niwot boys golf team learned some painful lessons about their short games at the final Longs Peak League event of the 2020 season, held at Thornton's Todd Creek Golf Course on Sept. 17. Bedeviled by lightning-fast greens and what were described as "challenging pin placements," the Cougars often gave up strokes where they normally don't, and that was reflected in their higher than average final scores. Luckily, it didn't seem to be a handicap for Niwot alone, and the Cougars ended up...
The Niwot varsity cross country teams looked formidable as they battled some friendly but fierce rivals at the Fairview Invitational on Sept. 12. Led by junior Zane Bergen in the boys race and freshman standout Mia Prok in the girls race, the Cougars claimed both team titles for the second consecutive weekend, and appear to be in great shape as they head into the most crucial weeks of the shortened 2020 season, according to head coach Kelly Christensen. "The kids are responding to the stress...
A truncated softball season doesn't leave much room in the schedule for tournament appearances, but Niwot was able to make time for four games at the 2020 Berthoud Invitational, held Sept. 11-12 at the Barnes Softball Complex in Loveland. Thanks to clutch play on both sides of the ball from Dulce Amaya, Anne Booth, and Ayva McComas, the Cougars pulled off two wins over non-conference teams, and nearly escaped with a third win over a dreaded conference rival. While far from perfect, sixth-year...
