Neal Anderson receives Golden Hammer Award

The Great Pumpkin Party began Oct. 26 with an impressive vocal performance by Niwot Elementary School students in the Left Hand Corner parking lot, a fitting prelude to the presentation of the Curtis Lizakowski Golden Hammer Award for outstanding volunteerism to longtime Niwot resident Neal Anderson.

Niwot resident and realtor Pat Murphy, who helped create the award many years ago, made the presentation to Anderson, explaining that the award honors often unsung volunteers who make things happen in Niwot.

Lizakowski, a behind the scenes volunteer in Niwot who constructed the bandstand in Whistle Stop Park in 2005, died unexpectedly at age 40 in 2009. Since then, Murphy consults the previous recipients, of which she is one, seeking nominations for the award. The award is presented annually at a community event, with the Great Pumpkin Party serving as a popular venue.

This year, the award was presented to Anderson, a longtime Niwot resident and community volunteer. Anderson served as President of the Niwot Community Association (NCA), leading the organization through an era when land use decisions by Boulder County had a great impact on Niwot. Anderson recruited other volunteers for the NCA, building the organization into a respected voice with the Boulder County Commissioners on matters concerning Niwot.

"He initiated the 4th of July parade," Murphy said, which is now a beloved community event in Niwot, sponsored each year by the NCA. "He was always interested in protecting Niwot's interest in the Comprehensive Plan." Murphy also noted that Anderson is currently interested in discussing plans for Niwot's evacuation in the event of a catastrophic fire in the area.

Anderson also served several years on the Boulder County Planning Commission, beginning in 2000, giving Niwot a voice on land use proposals coming before the commission.

Past recipients attending the Saturday award presentation included Tim Wise and Selene Luna. Other recent recipients include Julie Breyer, Sheriff Joe Pelle, Bill O'Donnell, and Jerry and Marsha Slepicka.

Permanent plaques on the wall near the deli in Niwot Market list all previous award recipients.