Bert Steele and the Steele family receive Rotary's Eli Buzas Community Service Award

The wind came up just as the House Blend Band took a break Thursday night at Rock & Rails, but it did not deter the Rotary Club of Niwot from presenting the Eli Buzas Community Service Award posthumously to Bert Steele and the Steele family.

On stage to receive the award were Seth Steele and Alison Steele, owners of the Niwot Market, with several other family members in the audience. Thom Lynch made the presentation on behalf of the Rotary Club of Niwot, which was also one of the tip jar recipients for the concert, with multiple members in attendance to support the award presentation.

Lynch said, "This esteemed award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of community and service that Eli Buzas himself championed, and truly, no family better exemplifies these virtues than the Steeles.

"Bert Steele, a name synonymous with integrity and a quiet, unwavering commitment to Niwot, has been a pillar of this community for decades. Whether it was through his tireless work on local initiatives, his generous spirit in supporting countless causes, or simply his welcoming presence at the Niwot Market that made everyone feel like a neighbor, Bert's impact has been profound and far-reaching. He consistently demonstrated a selfless dedication to making Niwot a better place, not for personal gain, but for the collective good of all who call it home.

"Bert's passing in 2023 left a big hole, but his shoes were quickly filled by his children Seth and Alison who continue to run the Niwot Market with the same spirit of generosity and commitment to the Niwot community. They have shown us that community building is a shared endeavor, a legacy passed down and nurtured through generations.

"The Eli Buzas Award is not just about recognizing past contributions, it's about celebrating the ongoing spirit of generosity and involvement that strengthens our community year after year. The Steele family, through their unwavering dedication and their embodiment of the very best of Niwot, has set an extraordinary example for us all. They remind us of the power of consistent, heartfelt service and the profound impact one family can have on the well-being of an entire community.

"True community achievement comes from the heart. True achievers care about people. They believe in their community and they stay with it over the course of time. The Steele Family is an outstanding example of providing heart-felt service to their community, each and every day."

Seth Steele thanked the Rotary Club for the honor on behalf of the Steele family, and also thanked the Niwot community for supporting the Niwot Market, which was started by Bert Steele 25 years ago.

He also spoke briefly about the effects of Boulder County's minimum wage ordinance that affects only businesses in the unincorporated portion of Boulder County. Steele asked patrons to visit saveniwot.com to learn more. And as the wind let up, Alison Steele followed with another thank you to the community and the Rotary Club.