All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Sorted by date Results 2422 - 2471 of 3916
President John F. Kennedy once said, "If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him." Unfortunately for many artists, they are often limited by financial means, thus preventing them from pursuing the activities they love. This phenomenon is not limited to professional artists, many of whom find art later in life after working in "practical" career fields like finance or education. It's well known that schools are often...
According to the American Pet Products Association, in 2019 nearly 112 million U.S. households had a bird, cat or dog as an inhabitant. With horses, fish, reptiles, and small animals included in the statistic, more than 65% of homes have a non-human being of some sort living with them. Homes with dogs outnumber those with cats by a third - 63.2 million versus 42.7 million. Birds are a smidgeon of the statistic at 5.7 million and horses are just 1.6 million. Experts have learned that our...
Congratulations to third grader Beau Fronckiewicz for placing in the top 10 for the K-3rd grade division for his submissions in the Creative Communication's Poetic Power contest. Beaus' poem "Snowy Owl" was selected from thousands of entries. He will receive a poetry anthology and a check for $25. Beau is a third grader at the Mackintosh Academy in Boulder. He and his family live in Niwot....
What's this? Do great minds run in the same mudpuddles? Is it deja vu all over again? Where in the world are these mirror images of dragon mailbox posts? Do they look familiar? And while they are decked out for Christmas, you can only wonder what they might do on New Year's Eve. As always, your prize will be having your name printed in the Courier, and be given the title of "Where in the World Master Sleuth."...
In the fall of 2013, Sarah Echsner lost her younger brother to suicide. "No matter how much time goes by, it doesn't really change how deeply wounded I feel," said Echsner. "It's something that I carry with me all the time." Our community carries the collective grief for many who have chosen to take their own lives. We feel it, we think about it, but often, we don't talk about it. "Talking about him is helpful for me," said Echsner, "and I think a lot of people feel that way. Especially around...
This is Mist, a 9-year-old Sheltie pup who looks like she's all sugar and spice, but is super spunky. During one car trip, not only did she snub a complimentary treat from a friendly banker, she also jumped up on the dashboard of her owner's car. Hunkered down beneath the windshield, Mist refused to move back to the safety of the passenger seat or floorboard. Think Mayhem from the Allstate commercial, but cuter. Despite all this, Mist is a loving dog who enjoys naps in the sun and playing with...
How often do you ask yourself if you are driving impaired? I know you're asking why you would ask yourself that if you are not drinking. But are you actually impaired and don't realize it? Think of it this way, have you ever driven when you were tired or just drove while daydreaming? Let's take a look at this idea. The official definition of Driving While Ability Impaired is driving a motor vehicle when a person has consumed alcohol or one or more drugs, or a combination of both alcohol and one...
Proponents of a regional library district got a boost last month when the Boulder City Council agreed to prioritize the issue during an upcoming "deep dive" into the city's long-term budget and budgeting processes. At a study session on Dec. 10, eight members of the council approved a proposal by city manager Jane Brautigam to conduct "a holistic review" of the city's funding needs, starting in early spring with a "robust conversation" about a potential Boulder Library District. "We are very...
Colorado state minimum wage is $11.10 an hour. But by various exemptions provided by law, many agricultural workers make only $7.25 per hour. That might be enough during the long days of summer, but for those whose livelihoods fluctuate with the seasons, winter can be an economically trying time. Casa de la Esperanza means House of Hope, and this local organization is dedicated to supporting agricultural workers and their families year-round. In 1993, the first migrant laborers moved into this...
Retiree Kamilla Macar is anything but re-"tired." She's incredibly active, positive, outgoing, and caring. Each week, among the long list of other happenings keeping her busy, the 83 year-old will be found giving her time and energy to Cultivate, a nonprofit organization serving a variety of needs of local seniors. Macar is a person who loves to keep moving, and she's also an avid steward of the environment. For the past two years, twice a week, she's walked the mile each way between her house...
For Gunbarrel's Mary Capone, food has always played a central role and much of her life has revolved around the heart of the home - the kitchen. The renditions of Capone have included starting a creperie in downtown Boulder, being a cookbook author, writing gastronomic columns for magazines, owning a food manufacturing business and offering hands-on cooking classes. "My grandfather was a pretty famous restaurateur and had several Italian restaurants in our hometown," Capone said. "The rest was...
Looking for a winter outing that is fun for parents and children? Look no further than Gunbarrel Brewing Company. This treasured neighborhood brewery consistently hosts a bevy of year-round, community events, delicious food trucks, and musical performances. Beat the winter blues and get the kids out of the house by attending Gunbarrel Brewing's winter concert series, featuring award-winning children's entertainers, Jeff & Paige. This husband-wife duo met when each were studying environmental...
Niwot's local law firm, Warren, Carlson & Moore LLC (WCM), is excited to introduce the community to their newest member of the team. Attorney Heather Rutherford has taken over much of the firm's family law practice and is thankful to have been welcomed both by the WCM family as well as the Niwot community at large. She joins attorneys Bruce Warren, Tom Moore and Laura Moore as well as paralegals Vicki Maurer and Hannah Valadez at the law firm, which was established by Warren in 1975. Rutherford...
During the first week of December, the Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms packed and sent 25 boxes full of Christmas goodies to troops deployed overseas. Hattie Steege and her daughter Michelle added some festive flair to the boxes, which were then loaded with home-baked cookies and other holiday treats for military personnel all over the world who will be away from their families during the holidays. One of those boxes reached an Army Major, who sent the following response: Good afternoon, I sincerely...
Featured this week is Iggy, who resides in Niwot with companions Dawn and Jeff Server of Meadow Lake Honey. Writes Jeff, "Iggy the bee cat watches over his realm from his favorite warm spot near the barn. He enjoys chasing down voles, field mice and an occasional tomato hornworm caterpillar. We call him the bee cat because he likes to hang out with us while we work the beehives out in back. Not sure if he's got a taste for honey, but he does love popcorn."...
To celebrate the season, sing along with me (with apologies to the original version of the carol). In the final days of Christmas, the garden calls to me: Twelve seeds-a-sprouting – In late winter, change up your garden by starting your own seeds. You'll expand your varieties beyond the choices everyone is offered and have a garden custom fitted to your taste or pleasure. Eleven pipes- a-bursting – If you don't get your backflow preventers wrapped before the arctic blast in November, take tim...
Every year, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators holds contests for up and coming illustrators. In 2017, the Rocky Mountain Branch recognized then-Niwot High School senior Anya Berlova for her artwork and published it in their annual calendar. Drawing on her love for artwork and her interest in business, she knew she wanted to find a way to combine these passions. Thanks to the support of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder, Berlova has created...
Our community knows a thing or two about how to throw a party. We may be small, but we are lively, as seen by the turn out at each Rock & Rails, First Friday or Dancing Under the Stars event. This New Year's Eve, close out the decade in style with friends, family, and neighbors by attending any of these awesome events around Boulder County. This Dec. 31, The Niwot Tavern will host a celebration unlike any other. Join beloved bartenders Tara and Stacy as they pour sparkling glasses of champagne...
Niwot's Mary Codevilla was named the Athlete of the Meet at the Coaches Invite, held at the VMAC on Dec. 21. The sophomore All-American took first in the 100 meter breaststroke, with a time of 1 minute 3.16 seconds, and first in the 200 freestyle (01:50.78). "It was a great way to kick off her high school season," Niwot head swim coach Sarah Stamp said of her performance. "Mary won her two individual events in a very stacked field of swimmers. She also broke the school records in both of these...
Earlier this month, members of the Niwot Nifties 4H Club created and delivered holiday gift bags for residents of the Eagle Place senior living community in Niwot. An annual tradition for the Nifties, each member contributes an item for all 12 of the bags, and club funds are used to add gift cards to Niwot Market. Back row, from left: Zach Shepherd, Harrison Falborn, Harrison Campbell - Beig; front row, from left: Francesca Fowler, Hazel Campbell- Beig, Beryl Campbell - Beig....
One of the things about living in rural parts of Colorado means often having to travel on two lane roads. Where it is sometimes a lot more pleasant than driving on a big highway, it can have its drawbacks. One of those is not having a passing lane you can access the entire time you are traveling that roadway. In Colorado, there are 11 state statutes that talk about the proper way to pass another vehicle. I'm going to hit on a few of them this month. Passing on the left in an unsafe manner. This...
If you drove south on 71st to Lookout Road the week of Dec. 8, you probably experienced some delays. Xcel is repositioning power lines in advance of the long-awaited upgrades to 71st Street. Although the project was originally slated to begin in spring 2019, the Courier reported in April that the schedule had been pushed back to early winter 2020. As previously reported, the project is divided into two phases. However, the first phase, which runs from Lookout Road to Winchester Circle/...
You’re likely to have spotted the recognizable shape of cannabis plants in fields throughout Boulder County and even gotten a whiff of the skunky scent more often this year. Since those spiky-leafed plants are in open fields, rest assured it’s not marijuana – it is hemp. By definition of the U.S. government, hemp has less than .3% THC, which is the psychoactive element of marijuana. With proper licensing, it’s perfectly legal to grow acres of hemp. But there’s a big learning curve for governmen...
Even Mrs. Claus couldn't resist partaking of the goodies offered during the annual Women's International Niwot Club (WINC) Holiday Fayre on Saturday, Dec. 14. Niwot's community center, the Left Hand Grange, was alight with holiday cheer as more than 500 visitors perused the booths of 23 local vendors. Shoppers bought presents for others, some items to keep for themselves, and quickly snatched up tantalizing baked goods to be enjoyed sooner rather than later. Art work, jewelry, candles, body...
On Thursday, Dec. 12, Lookout Alliance, 350 Boulder County, and Colorado Rising hosted a community forum that discussed threats from proposed fracking development in Boulder County. Currently, a moratorium that bans fracking development is in effect until March 2020. As this end date approaches, anti-fracking groups such as these are working to convince county commissioners to adopt revisions on oil and gas regulations or ban fracking altogether. This forum brought together legal experts, environmental activists, and policy makers in hopes of...
Blizzard (Blizzie) is an extra small (8.5 lbs.) miniature schnauzer who lives with her human companions Dave and Rhonda Curran. Writes Rhonda, "Her parents were named Snow and Ice. She's been our little princess here in Niwot for 15 years. She still loves taking walks - but on her terms: temperature not too cold and not too hot. With the way she gets around and continues to wag her stubby tail, you'd be surprised to know she can't see or hear much of anything. Her senses of taste and smell...
Following a prolonged delay, plans for a permanent concession stand in Niwot's Whistle Stop Park got the final nod from Boulder County Land Use in early December, and now the project's co-sponsors, the Niwot Business Association and Niwot Cultural Arts Association, are kicking off a community campaign to raise the remaining $70,000 needed to fund the construction. "We have over $35,000 in the bank from donations and fundraising efforts, and we just received a $5,000 donation today, giving us...
Author Jonathan Gottschall once said, "We are, as a species, addicted to story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night telling itself stories." Storytelling is part of the human psyche, an element which has fascinated Sarah Echsner throughout her life. After graduating from Niwot High School, Echsner took psychology, photography, creative writing and even a documentary class at university. While this may seem like an eclectic selection, these choices led her to develop...
Niwot's annual window decorating contest, sponsored by Left Hand Animal Hospital, drew an unprecedented number of participants at Enchanted Evening on Nov. 29. With 23 businesses included in Old Town and Cottonwood Square, those attending the festival saw a wide array of themes: Santa's welcome home living room, gnomes welcoming visitors to Gniwot, even miniature superheroes celebrating a tiny terrarium version of Hanukkah. New participants in the contest this year, Classic Looks and Abo's...
This year marked the introduction of Recovery Café Longmont, a not-for-profit community organization reaching out to those who want support overcoming addictions, mental health issues, and loneliness. It was quiet at first, Executive Director Lisa Searchinger said, but now six months in, word is spreading. "We learned that a slow start is very much in keeping with other Cafés that have opened across the country," Searchinger said. "But, now we have enrolled 71 members." About half of those m...
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Niwot's 2nd Avenue was temporarily transformed into Santa Claus Lane as the big guy himself made a return trip to town for the annual Holiday Parade. This year's procession featured a wide variety of scouts (cub, boy, brownie, and girl), as well as classic car clubs, elementary school students, horses, marching bands and much, much more. Santa led the festive procession from the bed of Longmont Rural's Old Engine No. 10, and then headed over to the Left Hand Grange to meet...
Mica and Kira are both true snow dogs and love nothing more than romping in fresh powder. Mica and Kira live in southwest Longmont with their humans Linnie and Ben. Mica is a nine-year-old Border Collie mix and Kira is a Husky and Swiss White Shepherd combo....
After a busy fall coordinating the Niwot Veterans Banner project and taking part in the Great Pumpkin Party and Enchanted Evening, Niwot Community Association board members turned their attention to helping spread holiday cheer in Niwot. At the Dec. 4 board meeting, NCA board members agreed to add to their decorations at the corner of Niwot Road and the Diagonal Highway. The area currently has some lighted wreaths and a holiday snowman courtesy of the NCA and the property owner, and board...
Edison was chided "It really is berserk, You had so many failures, Before you made it work." Edison responded: "Failures I had none. From my wrong assumptions, I learned to get it done." - By Ian Hayes, based on words from Thomas Edison From his hilltop home, 88 year old Ian Hayes has a front row seat to a long stretch of the Front Range. Hayes and his wife Jackie moved to their home on the edge of Niwot two years ago, along with Monte the dog and Carlo the cat. Yes, that's Monte Carlo when you...
Marcus McCauley is the owner of a 40 acre diversified organic farm in Longmont. If you take a farm tour, McCauley will start by asking you an important question: what modern food crops are native to this region? The answer is none. "Perhaps raspberries," McCauley added. But McCauley noticed that there is one plant that is abundant in Colorado--grass. "How do you feed people from grass?" he asked. The answer is to use a ruminant. Or a pig or a chicken. Which is why McCauley raises all three....
Their first names rhyme, so it is easy to see them as a matched set and their last name is emblematic of the brightening effect they have on the community. It's Jill and Bill Whitener - the vivacious, capable, and caring duo who have become very familiar faces in Niwot. We posed a few questions to find out what makes this generous couple tick and here is what we've learned. Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC): Tell us a bit about your backgrounds. Jill & Bill (J&B): Jill grew up in Aspen. Her...
Niwot High School Key Club members assisted the Niwot Business Association with the preparation for Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening on Friday, Nov. 29, and members are also assisting with the Holiday Parade the following weekend. Key Club president Adam Rose will be the emcee at Niwot's annual Holiday Parade, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 11 a.m. Rose said that the club has reached out to the NHS Boys and Girls Volleyball Club, NHS cheerleaders, NHS Environmental Club and...
This article continues a monthly series about the artworks and artists chosen for Community Corner at Sculpture Park at the corner of 79th Street and Niwot Road. This month's feature is "Waco Curves II" by artist Rollin Karg. This tall steel and blown glass structure is the most colorful sculpture currently on display, and the only one in the park which features glass. The sculpture is now a permanent resident at the park - after it was bought by the Burrell Family Foundation and generously dona...
Russell and Gabrielle Chagolla, owners of Gym No. 5, added the tagline "Level the F*** up" to declare they're fiercely serious about being the best lifting gym in the area. They should know...they've tried them all and when they didn't find one that worked well for them, they decided to invent it. It took two years of planning, months of hands-on work, and a $150,000 investment to bring the facility up to their standards. They quietly swung the doors open in mid-October. The 5,000 square-foot...
Deb Fowler understands how scary and difficult it can be with a newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a hospital. So when she learned about the organization Love for Lily, whose mission it is to help families with children in a NICU to thrive while in the hospital and when they go home, she was moved to support them. "It's a charity we chose because myself and Bonnie [Beam], who's on the team, were both NICU moms and we would have loved something like this." Fowler's son Oliver...
Kayuh is a 2 year-old energetic husky who loves snowboarding and playing in the snow. She also enjoys running around her Oma's house and tearing the leaves off plants. She rarely has any down time, but when she does, she loves snuggles with her owners, Kirsten Maurer and Mat Tocko....
The conditions were decidedly seasonal at Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening celebration, held Nov. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. Hearty locals braved frigid temperatures and snowy sidewalks to enjoy musical performances, the holiday tree lighting, shopping deals, and a visit from the big man himself....
Medicine on a leash is how this month's Laurel recipient Jim Thomas refers to his faithful companion, Archie the fox red Labrador retriever. As part of the organization, Therapy Dog Boulder County (TDBC), 65-year-old Thomas and six-year-old Archie are weekly visitors at Superior Elementary School. All 76 pounds of the wagging pooch exudes love, so it's the perfect gig for him. His human partner is all about being there for others too. "My mom and dad brought us up to help people," Thomas said...
Climate Reality campaign organizer and Niwot High School graduate (2013) Natalie Negrelli, presented 24 Hours of Climate Reality, Truth in Action, a world-wide event discussing climate change and solutions. About 35 people were in attendance at the Left Hand Grange, including a contingent of Niwot High School's Environmental Club. Climate Reality is a global nonprofit organization focused on climate change advocacy and education which was founded by Nobel Laureate and former U.S. Vice President...
One hundred and fifty years ago, we weren't the only place named Niwot. Chief Niwot--or Left Hand--was an Arapaho chief. He was a skilled linguist, a visionary, and a constant advocate of peace. He made such an impression on the local settlers that a mine, an inn, and two towns claimed his name. The mine closed, the inn is gone, and the other Niwot changed its name to Altona to appease the postman. In the end, we are the only town that bears the name Niwot. So it is fitting that the first thing...
Thanks to the Niwot Historical Society archives, we get a glimpse into Niwot's bygone Thanksgiving celebrations. On Nov. 22, 1957 "The Niwot Tribune" reported an evening church service at the EUB Church, a middle school rendition of "Wildcat Willie Carves the Turkey," and advertisements from Curtis Confectionary encouraging readers to "Start Now with Your Christmas Lay-Away." First and second grade teacher Dora Chappell reported, "Last Friday we made many vegetables and fruits for our Horn of...
It's that time of year...the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving when Chuck Rodgers waves his magic wand and the massive extravaganza of holiday merriment in his yard just appears. If only, especially this year. But no - that's not it at all. As has been Rodgers' tradition for more than three decades, he spends several weeks setting up inflatables, lit-up scenes and words, putting out his reindeer, and stringing thousands of lights for what becomes the area's most impressive holiday display. And...
Cities and towns across the country and world ring in the yuletide season in numerous ways: parades of lights, tree lighting ceremonies, holiday craft bazaars, and more. Niwot will be joining in on this practice with the annual tradition, Enchanted Evening. Scheduled for Friday, Nov. 29, the community will come together to celebrate the holidays--there will be musical groups throughout Old Town and Cottonwood Square; local crafters; an ice sculpture demonstration; holiday window contest voting;...
In 2011, Heather McCarthy and her daughter joined a friend on a trip to Thailand aimed at helping local children there. Overwhelmed by the love and gratitude from those she helped, she was inspired to do more. Her need to serve this community resulted in McCarthy and a few peers starting Charities Within Reach (CWR) and opened up the Promise Home in northern Thailand. What is unique about CWR is the organization is not supported by any major corporation. It is a self-identified grassroots group...
As of Jan. 14, 2020, the Board of the Boulder County Commissioners will be slotting in a new staff member between themselves and many county departments. The new county administrator role will be filled by Jana Petersen, the current head of Boulder County’s Administrative Services Department. In a letter addressed to Boulder County employees dated Nov. 6, the three-member board of the Boulder County Commissioners stated, “After much discussion over the past year with our leadership staff and with the help of a team of organizational con...
