By Donna
Currie
It’s as regular as clockwork: first comes Labor Day marking
the official end of summer. Then, Nostalgia Day in Niwot is sure to follow.
This year’s Nostalgia Day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8, kicking off at
7:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at Niwot Market.
The theme for this year’s event is “Partnership in Community
– Past, Present, and Future,” promoting a sense of community and celebrating
the community organizations that make Niwot such a great place to live – and
play,
The theme is particularly appropriate this year, given the
community-wide push for the restoration of the Grange and the beginnings of the
tree carvings, also a community effort.
Nostalgia
Day itself is a community effort, with volunteers – including residents,
businesses and business owners, and organizations – coming together to create a
unique event that’s fun for everyone.
The day
begins with the pancake breakfast at Niwot Market while vendors begin setting
up booths and the parade begins forming. At 9:30 a.m. the booths open and at 10
a.m., the parade wends its way through Old Town Niwot and along Niwot Road.
Along with food and vendor booths to browse, stores will be
open, and there will be kid’s games, magic shows, the annual quilt show and a
performance by the Timberline Orchestra.
New this
year is the 5.5K/10K Volkswalk starting at 83rd
Street and Niwot Road. Walkers will make their way on trails and through Old
Town and Cottonwood Square. The Volkswalk’s hours are
8 a.m. through noon.
There will
be a bake sale, mini flea market and craft show at Eagle Place from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m.
Also new this year is the Left Hand Valley Courier’s duck
race, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. (see details on page 5 and on the Courier
“web” site).
Niwot shops
close at 5 p.m., and with scarcely the time to catch a breath, Nostalgia Day
swings into its evening mode, with restaurants and food booths ready to serve
in Cottonwood Square at 5:30 p.m.
·
Bands
scheduled to play in Cottonwood Square are Awkward Silence and the Nacho Men,
with the event wrapping up at 10 p.m.
·
Look
for a complete schedule of events in the September issue of the Courier, as
well as on the Courier’s website, www.lhvc.com
·
The
Nostalgia Day organizer is Neal Anderson. For more information, contact him at
303-652-3099 or email nanderson82-@comcast.net.
·
For
parade information, contact Carol and Matt Forbes at 303-652-3588; and for
information about booths, contact Gaythia Weis at
303-652-1347.
Courier
file photo
Niwot’s
Nostalgia Day is always a crowd pleaser
Do You Know
Where Your Children Are?
By Mandy
Walker
Niwot experienced an increase in petty vandalism during June
with a number of reported incidents, plus a reported car entry. With the
exception of the car entry, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department believes
these to be the work of teenagers.
In one incident, a passerby caught two children in the act
of spray-painting graffiti on the underpass of the Niwot Loop by Niwot Road and
Springhill Road. While the passerby was able to confiscate the spray paint, the
youngsters ran off.
Commander Phil West of the sheriff’s department said once
caught, the police would likely be looking for restitution from the youngsters
in addition to some measure of restorative justice.
There have
been two other incidents of graffiti or tagging, one at the Somerset swim club
and another along the sidewalk on Longview Drive and along Niwot Road between
Longview Drive and 83rd Street.
The latter
has a number of graffiti markings that have gang references. One has the
letters “ESL” which West said is used by the East Side Latinos, a common gang
in Longmont. West is not sure the tag is authentic since it is “pretty
amateurish in style.”
Another symbol was that of a jester’s crown or hat, which
some biker groups use. Again, West doubts its authenticity. “They usually take
a little more pride in their work.” The number of different tags used in what
appears to be the same incident also makes it unlikely the work is truly
gang-related.
West
advised parents to keep track of where their children are. Parents are
responsible for any damage done by juveniles. Residents should report any
suspicious activity. “The greatest success we have is when people call us when
they see things occurring,” West said. He also urges residents to report all
property damage. “It’s not a bother. It’s what we’re here for.”
The Courier
reported previously about an increase in shoplifting at Niwot Market. Alison
Steele, daughter of owner Bert Steele said to the best of her knowledge there
has been no shoplifting since the end of the school
year. She did say that people continue to have fun rearranging the letters on
Niwot Market’s sign by Niwot Road.
If a crime is in progress, such as a car break-in or
graffiti being sprayed, call 911. Otherwise, property damage or suspicious
activity can be reported to the sheriff’s office by calling 303-441-4444 or via
the online crime reporting at www.co.boulder.co.-us/sheriff.
Photo BY
Mandy Walker
One of
example of the graffiti left on the Longview Drive sidewalk in June.
By Donna
Currie
Karen Morales, FasTracks team
project manager, said that one goal of the public meetings is “to get public
input,” and there was plenty of that at a recent meeting in Longmont.
At the meeting, RTD representatives explained that because
part of the project could impact wetlands, and because the project isn’t
federally funded, the Army Corps of Engineers is the lead agency for
environmental concerns.
Meanwhile, RTD is working on its environmental studies.
Morales said, “One of our early action items is to look at the environmental
impact.” But cost must always be considered.
While RTD
is looking at the numbers again, based on the available dollars and the fact
that it would take 40 to 50 years before the difference in operational costs
would pay for the initial expense of electric power, it’s most likely that the
project will proceed with Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs).
As for environmental impact, Tim Baldwin, the consultant
project manager, said that DMUs are more
environmentally friendly than previous diesel designs. “The technology has changed
significantly,” he said at the meeting.
While RTD seems to be leaning toward DMUs,
the public isn’t quite as convinced. Environmen-tal
concerns were one objection, as was the possibility of oil scarcity in the
future.
However,
the public wasn’t in agreement as to what the alternatives should be. Electric
power was mentioned, but so was increased bus transportation, and diesel
locomotives rather than DMUs. Some questioned whether
light rail was ever on the table.
One DMU proponent said that he couldn’t wait to get on
commuter rail, and that he’d used similar systems in other states. “My
conclusion is that I’d much rather have the commuter rail
than highways.”
The cost of
the project was also an issue, with RTD reiterating that the project will come
in at its budgeted cost.
That means a close look at how the dollars will be spent.
For the Northwest Rail, it may mean a single-track system rather than a second
track. Passing rails would be installed where needed, but the single-track
would save significant money, and should be “do-able” from an operational
standpoint, according to Baldwin.
Baldwin said that although there is currently only one
manufacturer, because of the scope of the project, there might be others who
could be persuaded to bid, including Siemens, a European company.
Other concerns were the station locations, particularly in
Longmont, and there was no audience consensus on what was best. Also discussed
was the possibility that bikes or animals could travel on the trains so people
could ride the train to hiking and biking trails.
Another concern was the speed of the trip, with one audience
member noting that FasTracks seems to be improperly
named, considering trains only travel at 30 mph. In addition, he noted that a
trip he had measured as 25 miles actually had 35 miles of track, making the
trip even longer. “It’s not a 21st century system,” he said.
In the end,
Baldwin noted that FasTracks is never going to be the
transportation solution for everyone, but “our goal is to maximize ridership.” RTD is looking at FasTracks
as an alternative that will be viable in 2030, when auto traffic is expected to
be worse along those same routes.
What FasTracks is offering may not
be the fastest or shortest route, but according to Baldwin, the advantage of
commuter rail is “travel time reliability” which means that you’ll always know
how long it will take to get from one point to another, which isn’t possible
when driving when you have to factor in traffic and weather.
Besides commenting at meetings, the public is encouraged to
submit comments through the FasTracks website, via
comment card or by phone. Quinn noted that it’s easier to make changes early in
the project. As time goes by and planning is solidified, purchases are made,
and building has begun, there is less that can be modified.
Even when the ribbon is cut for FasTracks
and the first train rolls out, it doesn’t mean that
change is impossible. Baldwin noted that if it was cost effective, tracks could
be electrified, and a second set of tracks could be installed. “The key issue
is that you can always expand later,” he said.
The FasTracks Northwest Rail
website is www.rtdnorthwestrail.com
Photo by
Donna Currie
FasTracks
public meetings have begun.
No Fooling This Time - The “Scones”
Play Niwot
By Rockin’ Robin Abb
Rockin’ Robin here, local business owner (Rockin’ Robin’s: Retro & Resale), emcee for Rhythm on
the Rails, and subject of the last two years’ of April Fools’ stories in the
Courier.
People came into my store mad at me for not telling them
that the Rolling Stones were coming to Niwot and they had missed it. Or they
had sent the information to relatives who started planning their summer
vacation to Niwot to see the Stones.
I kept telling people that the joke should have been obvious
when it said I met Mick while skiing in Aspen. I don’t ski.I
had to do something to make it up to people. A few months ago, I saw a band in
Longmont from Paonia, Colo., The Strolling Scones.
The Strolling Scones play all 60s music plus some originals,
and they dress the part. They also change their names to things like “Chelsea
Morning” and “Yardley London” and add fake accents.
After the band depleted my store of retro clothes (I swear,
that was not part of why I wanted them to play), they started their first set.
From the first song by the Kinks to the last song by the Doors, the vibe was
great. The Summer of Love had finally come back to Niwot.
While only a smidgen of locals dressed up, it was enough to
entertain the rest. There were kids and teenagers in tie-dye and a mom and
daughter in black and white Mod dresses complete with go-go boots.
Boulder Creek Events upped the ante and threw in a $50 gift
certificate for the best men’s costume and Tim Wise (Wise Buy Antiques) handily
won that.
But more
than anything, it was the music: Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, the Beatles
and the Mamas and the Papas. The music wasn’t just nostalgic; it had an effect
on people. It was a groovy happening.
Photo by Rockin’ Robin
Denise and
Gene Parker get in touch with their inner flower children and relive the 60s.
Festivities Planned For Niwot Criterium
By Mandy
Walker
The Niwot Criterium on Aug. 26 is
shaping up to be more than just a bike race and has all the makings of one of
those not-to-be missed events.
The racing starts early with the first event at 7 a.m. There’s a lunch break planned for
1:05 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. followed by a kids’ race sponsored by Niwot Cycles. The
kids’ race is free, with a prize for every participant.
The last of the 14 events is planned to finish at 7:10 p.m.
after which there will be an awards ceremony at Whistle Stop Park.
Boulder
Creek Events is extending the hours of the Whistle Stop Sunday Farmers’ Market
and is hoping to have a variety of musicians playing throughout the day. The
market will include a Sports Expo featuring sponsors for the criterium and will also be serving beer, wine and
margaritas.
A criterium, often referred to by
racers as a “crit,” is the most popular form of
American bike racing. The race takes place on a closed circuit featuring a mass
start. It’s exciting for both racers and spectators because of the high-speed
cornering and sprints. The Niwot Crit should offer
exciting viewing for spectators along the full course.
Volunteers for race marshals, parking and pedestrian control
should contact Mike Groaning for more information at mike@gsboulder.com Volunteers will receive a free entry into the
race.
Going Way Back To “Back-to-School”
By Donna
Currie
As a new school year beckons, we asked Courier staff members
to dredge up their earliest memories of school, along with appropriate photos.
Some staffers wriggled their way out of the assignment by claiming that no
photos exist (vampires, perhaps?) or that they had absolutely no recollections.
However, we managed to twist enough arms to take a peek at
what grade school days were like when we were young(er).
Just for
the fun of it, we’re publishing the photos and remembrances first, with the
staffers’ names revealed at the end of the article.
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Hamster
Attack
I remember starting at a new school – I was probably six or
seven. On my first day there, in trying to make me feel welcomed the teacher
gave me the class hamster to hold. The hamster wriggled and squirmed and as I
struggled to keep him from falling, he bit me.
Another early memory of school is our whole class having to
line up outside the classroom, which was outdoors because we were in temporary
classrooms. The teacher then came along the line and slapped my calf with a
ruler – I think it was for talking. I don’t think it was just me who was
punished.
Fire
Escape
I grew up in Monmouth, Illinois and walked just three blocks
to Garfield Elementary School where I attended grades one through seven. I
dreaded the day when I entered fifth grade because the older classes met
upstairs and had to use the fire escape chute for fire drills.
I was terrified of that dark tube and couldn’t understand
why all the boys begged to be first in line so they could break open the doors
at the bottom for the rest of us. They even kept waxed paper on hand to make
them slide faster. Unfortunately, that greased it for the rest of us as
well.
I hadn’t thought of that silly childhood fear for years
until I saw a picture of the Niwot Elementary School that stood northwest of
town until the 1950s. Guess what kind of external fire escape it had?
Married
Young
I don’t actually remember my first day of first grade. The
school I went to, Francis W. Parker, had junior and senior kindergarten, so I
had been in the building, known as “the little school” for two years.
What I do
remember about first grade was that I was very good at candle making, but
reading was another matter. I was, however, simultaneously married to both Paul
Manning and Robbie Mayer, with both weddings being performed in the sandbox.
Date of divorces unknown.
Bombing
Drills
The first days of school were always exciting for me. I
wanted to see my friends, and who was in my class – this was important in
setting my social calendar for the year. Actual school work and learning were
secondary.
I lived in Germany during my early elementary years. Our
typical year began very routinely by refreshing our memories of the “Pledge of
Allegiance,” some German heritage stuff, and then practicing the emergency
bombing drills.
I never thought it was strange we were learning a few
maneuvers in case we were bombed – which in hindsight; crawling under the desk
or placing our head between our knees would be useless if a bomb landed near
us.
I think our German friends may have still been stinging
about the whole WWII ending, but at least they made sure we felt well prepared.
Not to offend anyone – I’m mostly German.
Misbehaving
I was
required to switch to a parochial school in second grade after attending a
small home school where there were only two of us in class. In rebellion, on my
first day, I decided to write wrong answers for all 40 of my math assessment
problems, which sent me straight to the corner.
There,
instead of contemplating my misdeed, I considered the fact that at least I
wasn’t as naughty as my aunt who, at the same school a few years earlier, had
stomped on a student’s plaid skirt just as she was descending the slide,
tearing the uniform from the girl’s body.
Chicago
Tough
Within my first few days of grade school I had already
established my reputation. It wasn’t my fault, really. I had grown up the
youngest of six kids in Chicago.
So when
little Mikey Skinner started puffing out his chest in
kindergarten, saying that he was made of steel, that nobody could take him
down, I felt compelled to tell him that he was just asking for trouble.
“Do it!” he
demanded. “I can take it!”
It was that day I learned the term solar plexus and what
happens to a person when a little girl rams her fist into it to prove a point.
That was
also the first and last time I was sent to the principal’s office for fighting.
When they called my mom in to take me home, she scolded me and made me promise
never to hit another kid.
Once outside she assured me with a
wink that I’d never have to. My reputation was set.
Melting
Crayons
The only thing I remember about kindergarten is the smell of Crayola Crayons being melted on the radiator in the
classroom. What fun! And
my hand being slapped with a ruler when I got caught.
The
Color Violet
I remember the first day of kindergarten being somewhat
chaotic. My mother walked me to school, telling me that it was nothing to worry
about, while at the same time she was sniffling and holding back tears.
In the classroom, there was a little boy who was crying his
eyes out while someone was encouraging him to play with some blocks. Other kids
were clinging to their mothers and crying.
For my part, I didn’t see what the fuss was about. I knew
older kids who went to school every day and they didn’t make a big deal out of
it.
Later, when the moms were escorted out (many of them also
crying), the teacher had us sit in a circle while she held up colored cards and
we were supposed to name the colors.
Sister
Dresses
My younger sister and I had this photo taken in front of my
Grandma Olyha’s house after we got back from a
vacation with the other grandparents. These were our first matching “sister
dresses.”
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The Courier staffers are: Hamster
Attack - Mandy Walker; Fire Escape - Anne Dyni;
Married Young - Mary Wolbach Lopert;
Bombing Drills - Laurie Grassmeyer; Misbehaving -
Jennifer Delaney; Chicago Tough - Kathy Raczkowski;
Melting Crayons - Gail Ludwig; The Color Violet - Donna Currie; and Sister
Dresses – Karen Copperberg.
By Bruce
Warren
Niwot’s
Legion B team, coached by Mike Owens, won the state title July 29 in Fort
Morgan with a convincing 10-3 win over Monarch.
Niwot went undefeated in the double elimination tournament. Cody Lahman was
named tournament MVP.
Ben Packard pitched six strong
innings to pick up the victory, allowing only one run on two hits. Forrest Carpenter finished on the hill.
Packard also led the Cougar offense
with three hits, all homeruns. He got
Niwot on the board in the bottom of the first with a two-run homer, then hit a
solo shot in the third to give the Cougars a 3-1 lead.
In a seven-run fifth inning, Packard
homered with two on base, while Tyler Strong hit a
grand slam to account for the rest of the RBI’s.
Niwot beat Ft. Morgan 16-11 in the
opening round, thanks to a grand slam homerun by Luke Lahman,
which broke a 10-10 tie as well as the windshield of the Ft. Morgan coaches’
brother’s car. Tyler Strong had a three-run homer and Forrest Carpenter added a
solo shot. Jimmy Reed was the winning pitcher.
Niwot made it to the semifinals of
the state tournament by beating Greeley Central 5-4. The Cougars trailed 4-2
heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, but scored three runs to win.
Tyler Strong had a two-run single to tie the game, and Parker Jones singled in
the winning run with two outs. Jones,
Ryan Strufing and Zach LaBorde
each had two hits for Niwot. Cody Lahman went the distance on the mound for the win.
In the semifinals, Niwot beat
Monarch 3-1 behind Strufing’s complete game,
seven-strikeout performance. Carpenter
had two hits, including a double, to lead the offense. Luke Lahman, Cody Lahman and LaBorde each added
doubles.
Photo by
Carlos Quinones
Niwot first
baseman Ben Packard (#6) is late on the tag in the Bauldie
Moschetti Tournament for Niwot. Packard had three homeruns in the state title
game.
Photo by Ed
Navarro
Niwot’s Tyler Strong takes a cut in Legion B action in the Bauldie
Moschetti Tournament.
Strong had a grandslam homerun in the state
title game.