The people who bring you the news

The Left Hand Valley Courier has been fortunate to have devoted staff members who bring you the news every week. We profiled many of our staff members a year ago, and have had some new valuable additions this year, and thought you might want to know who is reporting what you like to read.

Joan Schaefer

I began writing for the Left Hand Valley Courier in early 2024. Last December, Managing Editor Biff Warren spoke at a Niwot Community Connection meeting to recruit "no experience necessary" reporters. I decided to give it a try.

I am glad I did. Reporting has introduced me to new people and perspectives. I have talked with a sniper, gained insights from a Native American dedicated to advocacy and education, and covered stories on gang-related break-ins. I am fascinated by the range of issues that small communities face.

I spend pleasurable time researching more about my subjects than the reporting role itself requires. I think of this as continuing education. Eventually I must sit down to write my articles. This most important step is surprisingly challenging and occasionally a little frustrating.

My foray into journalism is a departure from my professional work. After earning an MBA, I spent many years in strategic planning and marketing at a large corporation. I am a big-picture strategic thinker, and I began receiving opportunities early on to serve on the board of directors and in other roles for several nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofits became my passion, and I have been heavily involved in organizations from coast to coast, and in Africa. I am a strong advocate for this sector. Some of the organizations that have been particularly meaningful are YMCA of the Rockies, the Harvard Business School Alumni Board, African Leadership Academy, the Peter F. Drucker Foundation and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

My husband, Jim, and I have been avid hikers since 1980 when we first visited Rocky Mountain National Park. I have returned hundreds of times. Since our move to Colorado from Cleveland in 2021, Jim and I have hiked in the high mountains almost once a week.

I have organized group hiking and backpacking trips to the bottom of Grand Canyon eight times, so far. We have been to 49 states and love Americans' diverse lifestyles, opinions and demographics, along with our country's beautiful natural areas. We have also traveled internationally, including out-of-the-way places such as Tasmania, Tanzania, the Galapagos and the Azores.

We enjoy spending time with our two daughters, their husbands and our four young grandsons. Daughter Karen lives in South Carolina, and Kelly lives in South Boulder.

Anne Watts

I am a Niwot High School student and a writer eager to learn about the people and stories around me. Journalism and literature have long excited me. I love watching or reading international news, and crafting fictional stories when able.

We moved frequently throughout my early years. My father's career took us overseas, and I had the privilege to reside in many places, including Qatar and Germany. I am immensely grateful for those opportunities to explore incredible cultures, and I believe that our moving contributed to my interest in telling stories.

We settled in Boulder County in 2019, and still greatly enjoy its energy and stunning views. I have two playful dogs and one cat, who never fail to entertain our family. My favorite activities are hiking and jogging, designing things, and spending time with friends.

I am humbled to join the Courier team and hope to tell stories you find engaging while challenging myself. People are my favorite part of every topic, because I believe they bring so much joy and originality to stories. I look forward to writing about subjects of interest to the community. Thank you very much!