DOWNED TREE BENEFITS NIWOT

Cottonwood trees coming down in Niwot may not be such big news, but when an 80-foot tree fragment hit 79th Street Aug. 7, it set in motion a sequence of events.

First, the emergency crew from Mountain View Fire Department removed the tree from the road. Then, the Country Creek HOA snapped into action, calling experienced arborist Dave Walker to the scene to remove the tree from the property.

Walker discovered a large, active bee colony in the remaining trunk of the tree. It was decided that the trunk shouldn’t be removed right away, Long-time Niwot beekeeper and meadmaster Mark Beran was enlisted to save the bees and safely transfer them to his hives.

Soon, Niwot woodworker John Stobbelaar appeared on the scene looking for workable wood. A few choice chunks were reserved for him as the rest of the downed tree was removed. Several other woodworkers also inquired and have secured some of the remaining bark and core.

Later, Walker cut the remaining trunk just above the bee colony, getting stung just once in the process. The bees were allowed to settle down before the next segment was cut, enabling Beran to place a hive over the exposed bee entry, channeling the bees out of the tree and into the hive for transfer.

The bees will have a new home and the rest of the trunk will be removed. Niwot will have more honey wine and wood sculpture as a result.

Many thanks to all who helped make this happen including the Mountain View Fire Department, Dave Walker, Mark Beran, John Stobbelaar, and members of the Country Creek HOA including Jill and Bill Whitener and Ed Urbanic.

Jennifer Knerr
Photo by Ed Urbanic

LUCKY TO LIVE IN NIWOT

With yet another Nostalgia Day in the rear view mirror and the dust settling from another Rhythm on the Rails season, I find myself thankful to claim Niwot as my home. I oftentimes reflect back on what special times I've had and what special people I've had the privilege to work and play with.

Nostalgia Day brought home to me how lucky we are to have such great community-oriented volunteers. What a different place Niwot would be without Neal Anderson and his hardworking Niwot Community Association crew, Niwot Market's Bert Steele with his fundraising pancake breakfasts, Curtis Jones, our favorite Niwot shutterbug.

Thank goodness we are fortunate enough to have in our midst Mike Anfinson and Liz Darling of Ni-Wot Prairie Productions and Diane Atwood as stewards to a crosscultural exchange with the Arapahoe nation.

The touching and educational tree carving dedication could not have occurred without the support of Cottonwood West Homeowners Association. Thanks, Dean! Laura (The Duck Lady) Skaggs and Anne Dyni with the Niwot Historical Society who also help keep us aware of our ties to the past. Great job!

A special debt of gratitude goes to Biff Warren, a man with so many community hats that it would take too much space away from advertising space in his own Left Hand Valley Courier. We love you, man.

In the words of our favorite absentee left-handed artist, Jane Langdon, "a small town is like a big family." Help the Rotary paint the caboose, check out Oktoberfest, join the Grange, support the Niwot Farmer's Market, walk around town on First Friday, dress up and join Pat Murphy and the rest of us on Halloween. Pick out your favorite costume at Rockin' Robins. Have a brew at the Tavern or a latte at Winot or the Eyeopener.

Get out and enjoy your hometown. It's a great place to be!

Tim Wise

COMMISSIONERS OUT OF CONTROL

For those of you who have ever dealt with Boulder County regarding building permits, you understand when I say our county is completely out of control. They have no respect for property rights and seem to have their own incomprehensible agenda when deciding what you can do with your property.

My only hint as to their motivation is that Will Toor, County Commissioner, once said that his goal was to "keep the middle class the middle class." whatever that means. This is a non-partisan issue; democrats and republicans I know are incredibly frustrated with the process and the rules.

It is time for a change. I would love to hear your horror stories - check out "Boulder County Business Codes are insane" on Facebook - post your horror stories or any information you might have in regards to the process. We will do research as to your rights and options you have when trying to make changes to your property. Also, vote for a change!

Curtis Jones