Biff Warren Awarded Golden Hammer For Volunteerism   April 2011

BY GENEVIEVE JACOBI
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At the Chili Cook-Off held at the Left Hand Grange in February, Biff Warren was awarded the Golden Hammer Award. This is the third year the Golden Hammer Award has been presented to a Niwot volunteer extraordinaire. The plaque engraved with the names of past winners is kept on display at The Niwot Tavern.

The idea for this particular honor is credited to Niwot resident Maitland Kunik, and it was conceived as a memoriam for a beloved member of the community, Curtis Lizakowski, who passed away suddenly in March of 2009.

The hammer represents Lizakowski’s profession as part-owner of Niwot Construction with his brother. Lizakowksi was an active volunteer in Niwot affairs. He built the gazebo in Whistle Stop Park and often assisted at Nostalgia Day.
Lizakowski was the first recipient of the Golden Hammer award, which was given posthumously. Pat Murphy of Niwot Realty, who was instrumental in establishing this award, still tears up remembering Lizakowski. “He was always there to help people with a smile on his face,” she said.  

Tim Wise of Wise Buys Antiques in Niwot received the award in 2010. He sees the Golden Hammer Award as something noteworthy for the volunteer community of Niwot. As far as Warren, Wise said, “He’s done everything from Niwot sports, things with the school system, he has been the Niwot Business Association President, currently the Niwot Cultural Arts Association President spearheading the Sculpture Park and an LID chairperson. You name it, he’s done it.”

Warren said, “Niwot is fortunate to have so many people who contribute so much to the community. I’m honored to receive the award, knowing that it was created in honor of Curtis and knowing that Tim, who does so much for this town, received the award last year. My wife, Susan, and my kids, Randi, Michael and Katie, have allowed me to spend time on community projects. I’m very grateful to them and to the community for the opportunity. It’s been extremely rewarding and I wouldn’t do it if we weren’t having fun.”