By Kathy Raczkowski Chris Finger, manager of Rev. Taylor Building, LLC, has submitted new plans to the Boulder County Land Use Department for the redevelopment of the old Rev. Taylor’s Restaurant and the under-developed property adjoining it. Pending approval of the slightly reworked plans, construction should begin shortly and the new tenant, Chef Dale Lamb’s “The Rev,” will move in upon completion. Finger and his wife, Barbara, purchased the property at 121 Second Ave. in Niwot in 2000 with the intent to expand Chris Finger Pianos into the space. Public outcry for another restaurant to replace Rev. Taylor’s made them reconsider their plans. As no other restaurant was interested in the property as it stood, Finger solicited architectural designs to make the restaurant space more desirable and to better utilize the land, while also providing more commercial and office space. Plans were submitted and approved in 2003. After extensive negotiations with a Japanese restaurant fell through, so did funding for the construction. The lenders required a signed lease for the major tenant, so building plans had to be put on hold. In 2007 Finger and Lamb were able to strike a deal and both secured funding for their projects. The 10-year lease for the new restaurant, The Rev, is contingent upon the completion of the proposed new construction in conjunction with the opening of the restaurant. The new plans include the removal of some of the existing structure at the rear of the lot, the addition of a two-story, partially-adjoining building to the east of the main structure, and the reconfiguring of some of the existing spaces. There will be space for a restaurant in the new part of the structure as well as in the old Rev. Taylor’s space, and 13 new parking spaces to the east, just off the alley. In a letter to the Land Use Department dated Nov. 15, 2007, Finger stated, “We have tried to listen carefully to discern the desires and needs of the Niwot Community. We believe the proposed redevelopment … reflects those desires and needs and will be a positive addition to the future of this historic town.” He concluded, “There is a lot of excitement in Niwot in anticipation of the opening of ‘The Rev.’”
Left Hand Laurel Euvaldo Valdez By Liz Emettt-Mattox If you’ve been to the Fourth of July parade, you might have seen him marshalling the parade route. If you’ve been to Nostalgia Day, you might have bought a hot dog from him at the NBA booth. Maybe you’ve even seen him putting up or taking down the Christmas decorations in downtown Niwot. But most of what Euvaldo Valdez does in the community is not quite so visible. According to Pat Murphy, he’s really “behind the scenes to do stuff and it always gets done. He’s just always there.” Valdez has been there for a long, long time. He was instrumental in the founding of the Niwot Business Association even when, as he said, “Not everyone felt the need for it. Not everyone could see what a functioning community organization could do for the community.” One of the things Valdez was instrumental in was getting Boulder County to make much-needed improvements to the infrastructure of downtown Niwot. Things that most of us don’t even notice, like street lights, curbs and gutters are there at least in part because of Valdez. Anne Dyni said, “Euvaldo attended years of meetings and planning with Boulder County” to get these things done. Even now, “he’s so knowledgeable about the problems and situation in town that he’s a good one to send. I have a great deal of respect for him.” Robin Abb said, “One of the things that gives me a sense of well being is that Euvaldo keeps an eye on things that others take for granted. People assume it just happens. It doesn’t just happen, it’s Euvaldo making it happen. Valdez’s son Tom says his dad has been like this his whole life. According to Valdez, his commitment to community service is “the basic philosophy I tried to impart to my kids. You give to your community before you take. Everybody should do things to the extent that they enjoy it. I enjoy making our town the best it can be.” In addition to his many contributions to Niwot, Valdez is a volunteer with the Boulder County Aging Services as the Medicare Ombudsman. In this role, he helps seniors fill out their forms and maximize the benefits they are entitled to. He also serves on the boards of the Community Foundation serving Boulder County, Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties which is the only non-profit hospice organization in the county, and the Hispanic Education Foundation which raises funds and provides scholarships for all children in the St. Vrain school district, regardless of race. When asked what motivated him, he said, “By doing these kinds of things, you can help your community, stave off boredom and keep your sense of humor. Keeping a positive outlook on life is the best way to be happy and this helps me keep a positive outlook.”
County’s Green Building Program Moves Forward By Mandy Walker The Boulder County Commissioners gave Land Use staff approval at their Jan. 8 meeting to go forward with incorporating the proposed mandatory green building program, referred to as BuildSmart, into the county’s building code. Mandatory measures include deconstruction, recycling, and reuse of construction materials, energy efficiency measures, reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and water conservation measures. There are also some optional guidelines for the use of sustainable materials and indoor air quality. The new requirements will apply to all residential construction requiring a building permit, including new developments, additions to existing structures, and exterior energy uses such as spas and pools. Window, roof, HVAC or mechanical system replacement is exempted, as is the building or replacement of decks and fences. Additions include renovations whether or not additional square footage is added. The commissioners decided not to implement, at this time, a proposal that would have added the square footage of deconstruction to the new construction square footage for determining the level of energy efficiency for the completed project. “There are some structures better to be deconstructed,” said Commissioner Ben Pearlman, believing that residents aiming for a more energy-efficient home should not be penalized for the existing structure. He also felt it was unnecessary, since most homes that are deconstructed are replaced with homes greater than 5,000 square feet, which will already have to meet the highest rating for energy efficiency. The commissioners also agreed that the program covers a rapidly developing area and will need reevaluating for possible updates more frequently than every two years, which is the standard for the building code. Land Use staff expects to have the first draft of the building code amendments in early April at which time there will be a public hearing prior to the final adoption. More information on the BuildSmart program is available at the Boulder County Land Use department’s website under the Code Update Process section at www.bouldercounty.org/lu/buildsmart/index.htm.
Miss Catherine’s Earns NAEYC Accreditation By Kathy Raczkowski The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) sets and tests for high standards in quality early childhood education and offers accreditation to the select few programs that achieve its rigorous standards. Currently only eight percent of all preschools and early childhood programs nationwide have earned the association’s seal of approval, and Gunbarrel Square is home to two of them: Miss Catherine’s Creative Learning Center and Miss Catherine’s Infant Center. “We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Catherine Medal, owner and director of both Miss Catherine’s Centers. “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.” Established in 1985, the NAEYC accreditation system sets voluntary standards in ten areas and has more than 400 related accreditation criteria. It tests programs for compliance to these standards with an on-site evaluation upon the program’s completion of an extensive self-study process and with unannounced inspections during the five-year accreditation period. In September 2006, the association revised its program standards and criteria, demanding even higher levels of quality, accountability, and service for parents and children in child care programs. Miss Catherine’s is one of the first programs in the country to earn NAEYC Accreditation under the new system. An official press release from NAEYC stated, “The new standards reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development. NAEYC is committed to utilizing the newest studies and analysis on positive child outcomes to ensure young children continue receiving the highest-quality care and education possible.” Miss Catherine’s Creative Learning Center is located at 6525 Gunpark Drive, Suite 340. The Infant Center is at 5280 Spine Road. Call 303-530-1820 or email misscatherine@qwest.net for more information.
Linda Trumble Wins 9News Award By Liz Emmot-Mattox Local resident Linda Trumble has been awarded the 9 Who Care Award for January, 2008. As alert readers might remember, Trumble and the local volunteers who meet monthly at Sew Fresh Studio to sew or alter clothing for injured vets were featured in a Courier article in November. Now Trumble is receiving wider recognition for her work with Sew Much Comfort, an international organization of volunteer seamstresses who sew adaptive clothing for wounded service members. Billie Jean Smith, who has worked with Trumble on this project, and Nora McCray, owner of Sew Fresh Studio, nominated Trumble for the award last January and were delighted that she has finally been recognized. Smith said, “Linda does so much for the soldiers, she does so much work and she spends so much money of her own…. I thought she should get some credit.” McCray, who donates space at her studio for the group said, “We’re so lucky to get all this publicity. One of our hopes is to give back to the community and this is such a worthy cause.” As for Trumble herself, she is “absolutely, positively thrilled to death” to have received the award. Although she described the filming of the segment as “nerve-wracking,” she is grateful to McCray and all the volunteers who came in to do a special afternoon of sewing for the cameras. Trumble is delighted with the response so far – she has over a dozen new people signed up since the segment first aired. But Trumble said, “The need hasn’t gone away, and we can always use more good seamstresses.” Interested volunteers are invited to join the group on the second Saturday of the month at Sew Fresh Studio. The 9News article and video are at www.9news.com/life/community/whocare/article.aspx?storyid=83589.
From Laura Lewis: My name is Laura Lewis, and Meredith was one of my best friends in high school. After our freshmen year in college, Mere, I, and our other friend Amy took a trip up to Glenwood Springs for the 4th of July. I have this picture of Mere and I on our cell phones, Mere is making a serious face, but really she is making fun of Amy and I for being on our phones at the same time. She was like “Well I guess I need to be cool to and get on my phone…" From Freya Seeburger: I think it is wonderful that Meredith will be remembered in the community with love and prayers. Meredith and I lived in the same neighborhood during high school. I took three years of German with her and always admired her charisma and spirit. I tried a few times to emulate her, as she was the girl everyone wanted to be. She had gleaming eyes and a bright wide smile that she shared with anyone in her presence. She had the gift of extraordinary kindness and optimism. To this day, I have never met anyone who had the same light in their eyes. After college, we found each other again through the Internet. She had graduated with a major in French and had moved to Georgia for her studies. We began contacting each other every few weeks with messages. She wanted to come visit me in France, where I currently reside. I was, of course, ecstatic that the young woman I had always wanted to be, wanted to come visit my husband and me in a foreign country. We started writing about the adventures we would have together. Meredith was a sort of angelic presence in the lives of those she touched. Her memory will always be bold in the minds of all who love and cherish her. I want to live my life as she did, always moving forward with intangible spirit. She has left us with many gifts, for which I will be eternally grateful. --La Mer-- to grieve To share your memories of Meredith Emerson, send them to editorial@lhvc.com. To donate to the Meredith Emerson fund, please contact the Longmont Humane Society at http://www.firstgiving.com/meredithemerson. Photo of Laura Lewis and Meredith Emerson
Donations Needed For Korean Service Trip ByKathy Raczkowski On April 4, Niwot resident Sandy Burrell will join 12 other women on a first-of-its-kind 11 day service trip to Korea, and they need your donations of new and gently used goods. A collection box will be set up at Curves in Cottonwood Square through March 23. Coordinated by the A.A.C. Adoption Agency in Berthoud, which specializes in adoptions of children from Korea and China, the mission of the trip is to help Korean orphans, handicapped children, and unwed mothers by bringing supplies and assistance to the under-serviced agencies that cater to and house these needy people. Burrell became aware of the need when she adopted her now 18-year-old son, Marc, through A.A.C. from Korea when he was five months old. A Homeland Tour of the country with Marc in 2004 cemented her commitment to help the agencies that support the adoption of children like her son. Burrell said most of these agencies are under-funded, under-staffed, and unable to supply the daily needs of their residents, including such basic essentials as toothbrushes and toothpaste. Burrell and her cohorts will each bring an extra suitcase filled with requested supplies and items to sell at a department store there to raise money for the programs. They will also work at various centers, offering assistance and education wherever possible. The first leg of the service trip will be spent aiding the Eastern Child Welfare Society in Seoul and its various homes for adoptive children, orphans, unwed parents, and special needs children. They’ll then move down to Busan to help out at Hope Home Orphanage. According to Burrell, current Korean law dictates that the only adoptable children are those older than five months whose birth parents have signed documents releasing them. Born in South Korea, Dr. Kim Duk Whang founded the Christian organization Eastern Child Welfare Society after the Korean War when he saw the multitudes of abandoned children fathered by foreign servicemen in Seoul. He has worked to care for such children and their families and to facilitate the adoption of Korean children by American and Australian families ever since. Most of the women mounting the service trip have adopted Korean children through Dr. Kim’s organization and want to give back to the people who have brought so much joy into their lives. The women may also be able to escort adoptive babies back to the US for other families when they return, if all the paperwork is in order for the adoptions at that time. Burrell was able to bring back two such children from her 2004 trip. “My hope is that we can each come home with a baby in our arms,” said Burrell. The group has registered at Target, Babies R Us, Wal-Mart, and Bed Bath and Beyond in their automated systems for requested items. The listings are under “A.A.C.” and you must type in the periods between the letters to access the lists.
Contact Sandy Burrell at 303-652-3287 for more information. Visit www.aacadoption.com for information on Korean adoptions.
School District Assesses New Bond and Mill Levy By Mandy Walker The St. Vrain Valley School District is assessing placing a bond issue and a mill levy override on November’s ballot. The need for a bond issue stems in part from a fall audit on the district’s facilities that indicated $150 million was needed for maintenance. At the board’s retreat on Jan. 18, board member John Creighton said just as with a home, the board would have to decide what maintenance was essential. The district would also have to examine whether in some cases it would be more cost effective to demolish and rebuild a school rather than continue to retrofit it. A bond issue may also include some additional new schools. A mill levy override is needed to meet increasing operating costs. Creighton said financial projections indicated the district would be running at a $3 million deficit in two to three years time, with some fixed costs increasing faster than inflation. One continuing area of concern is teacher compensation. Jerri Modrall, president of the St. Vrain Valley Education Association, said the district had lost 42 teachers already during the current school year and that salary was one reason why teachers were looking elsewhere. “We’re 21 out of 22 districts on the Front Range. They can’t afford to stay.” Don Haddad, assistant superintendent for learning services, has been holding a number of community meetings and gathering feedback from residents about the district. Haddad said common priorities expressed were the need for highly qualified teachers; reasonable class sizes; technology available equitably throughout the schools; safety; aesthetics and instructional programs. “There is some momentum,” said Haddam. “I think this community is ready to support schools.” The district is now pulling together a task force to evaluate what a mill levy override might look like and whether one is feasible. The Community Bond Review Committee will make a similar assessment with respect to a new bond issue. The board has until August to decide.
Yesterday’s News
Before he passed away in 1992 at the age of 94, Clarence Conilogue was one of Niwot’s best-known musicians. Conilogue also was part of a long musical tradition. Many before him had played in the Niwot Military Band or were affiliated with one of the many local dance bands of the ‘20s and ‘30s.
Their father, Edward, was a road overseer for the Beasley Road District east of town. In the evenings he played his fiddle for family entertainment, and by the time Clarence was eight years old, he was playing too. Encouraged by his family, Clarence took weekly fiddle lessons from a teacher he called “Old Man Hatch” in Longmont – an advantage his father probably never had. He alternated between the family’s Model T and his horse and mail wagon, because the horse and wagon could negotiate muddy roads much more efficiently than the Ford. His association with the postal service lasted for 42 years, and he missed only six days because of bad weather. Clarence lost his first wife, Susan, in 1933. His second wife, Rachel, was a musician and accompanied him on the piano for the rest of his fiddling days. Whether it was for a square dance at the Grange or an impromptu performance with friends in his living room, Susan’s chording kept Clarence in step and in tune. When asked to play a tune, Clarence invariably chose his favorites, “The Wabash Cannonball” and “Redwing,” sometimes reciting the lyrics as he played.
By Bruce Warren BASKETBALL
In the boys’ game, Niwot came out flat and found itself on the short end of a 17-4 first quarter score, that didn’t seem that close. Poor shot selection, the complete absence of offensive rebounds, defensive lapses and turnovers, and frustration fouls marked the Cougar’s play. But rather than panic, Niwot came out looking like a completely different team in the second quarter. Niwot took the lead with 3:05 to play and closed the half with a four-point lead, 28-24. The Cougars took the ball to the basket in the second quarter and stepped up the defensive effort. Ryan Strufing, who draws the tough defensive assignments, shut down Skyline senior Dustin Wright, who finished the game with 17 points, most of them early. The Cougars scored in transition, and Skyline went cold, in large part due to better pressure from Niwot defenders. Kenny Haisfield came off the bench near the end of the half and forced a five-second call in the front court that seemed to shake Skyline. Niwot coach David Ross kept his composure in the face of questionable calls and non-calls throughout the night, picking the right moments to respectfully make his point with officials. Skyline head coach Brandon Knudsen let his frustration get the best of him and drew a technical foul near the end of the game after officials called a defensive block on a driving layup by Niwot that went in, resulting in a three-point play. Though the call could have gone the other way as an offensive charge, the calls evened out as Niwot players were knocked to the floor on more than one occasion without a foul call. Coach Ross, who is a former referee coordinator for Niwot Youth Sports, made it a point to make sure his players kept their composure in the fiercely contested game, and a Jeff Roueche dunk off a fast break near the end capped the night for the Cougars. Although the final score was 73-55, Niwot held only a 4-point lead with 1:39 to go. Niwot’s balanced scoring attack was led by Bryan Black with 17 points. Luke Lahman (14), Roueche (13) and Strufing (11) also scored in double figures. Niwot didn’t fare as well against Longmont. After trailing by only two points at the half, the Niwot boys were outscored 20-13 in the third quarter, resulting in the final margin of victory for Longmont, 73-64. Roueche had 23 points to lead the scoring, while Andrew Guido and Luke Lahman added 13 and 11, respectively. Especially costly was a 7-22 performance from the free throw line as Niwot actually had one more field goal than the Trojans. In the girls game, the sixth-ranked Trojans prevailed 62-48. Niwot stayed with Longmont until the fourth quarter when the Cougars were outscored 24-15. Pinnick had 16 points to lead the scoring, while Runge and Emily Landblom added eight points each. In the girls game, Silver Creek took control early and never let up, winning 77-34 in a game that wasn’t that close. Erin Gunther led the scoring with 22 points, while Jessie Jones and Jacy Drobney each added 11. Earlier in January, Alec Ryan led the Raptor scoring with 10 points against Broomfield, but it wasn’t enough as the Eagles turned a 2-point halftime lead into a 65-40 victory. T.J. Adams, a freshman, has stepped up for Silver Creek to earn more playing time in Ryan’s absence. Adams had 10 points in a 64-41 loss to Fossil Ridge, while Carl Enright took over the scoring leadership with 13 points. Adams led the scoring in a 51-42 loss to Mountain View with 10 points, while Tom Much added nine. The Raptors also took a cross-town game from Longmont, 52-45, behind sophomore transfer student Kyle Bullock, who played his first game for Silver Creek after leaving Longmont High. Bullock had 11 points on the night, while Milspaugh (13) and Enright (12) also scored in double figures. The Niwot boys fared no better against Mountain View, losing 63-53. Mountain View is coached by NHS grad Darin Reese, who was a high school teammate of Niwot Coach David Ross. The Cougars fell behind by six in the first quarter and could never close the gap. Roueche led the scoring with 13 points. Niwot also lost to top-ranked Broomfield, 72-52, after falling behind by 10 in the first quarter. Roueche (14) and Guido (10) led the scoring. It was the same story against Fossil Ridge, with the Cougars unable to overcome a first quarter deficit in a 76-54 loss. Cody Lahman had 11 points to lead Niwot. The Niwot girls dominated Mountain View, winning 48-28 behind a 15-point performance by Pinnick. Lee (9) and Marissa Gradoz (7) added to the Cougar attack. Against Broomfield, the much smaller Cougars struggled, losing 67-21 after falling behind 21-3 in the first quarter. Maddie Bright led the scoring with six points. The Cougar girls stayed close to Fossil Ridge for a quarter before falling 70-45. Laartz and Gradoz each had eight points to lead the Cougars. The Silver Creek girls are ranked No. 3 in Class 4A, with their only loss coming to top-ranked Broomfield, 60-37. Silver Creek trailed only 28-20 at the half, but couldn’t close the gap against what may be the best girls team in Colorado in any class. Meghan Heimstra led the scoring with 19 points. The Raptors were led by Janelle Kramer with 21 points and eight assists in a 76-59 win over Fossil Ridge. Heimstra added 14 points and had 11 rebounds. Danielle Figliola (12) and Gunther (11) also scored in double figures. The Raptor girls continued their winning ways with a 74-49 win over Mountain View in a game that wasn’t that close. Silver Creek built a 44-15 halftime lead, with Heimstra leading the scoring with 17 points. Drobney added 15 points for Silver Creek. The Raptors had a much tougher time against Longmont, trailing by three points at the half. But a solid third quarter gave Silver Creek a lead it wouldn’t relinquish as the Raptors won, 86-66. Heimstra led the scoring with 23 points, while Jones (15), Kramer (14), Gunther (13), and Lauren Wolfinger (12) also scored in double figures. Alyssa Beck of Niwot had seven points for Alexander Dawson in a 48-44 win over favored Estes Park. Estes Park was 5-2 entering the contest, while Dawson picked up only its second win of the season. The Mustangs followed with a 48-28 win over Nederland, with Beck adding 13 points and nine steals. Former Niwot High assistant basketball and baseball coach Alan Schultz has led the Boulder High boys basketball team to solid wins over quality opponents in his first year at the helm. Perhaps the best victory was a 72-50 win over second-ranked Mullen at Mullen, a game which saw Mullen complain about a BHS timeout called in the final minutes with a 20-point lead. Boulder has lost only two games on the season. |
Meredith was such an amazing person and friend. She had a lust for life that we could all learn from. Every day she was out and about doing something, be it dancing, hiking or traveling. 
Clarence, known to friends as “Con,” and his younger brothers “Toots” and “Babe,” spent their childhood on a farm east of Niwot. Like most rural youngsters growing up in the early 1900s, Clarence’s days were filled with farm chores at home and classes at the Beasley School near the family farm. But there was time for fun as well. The boys loved baseball and they played for many years on the Niwot Farmers baseball team.
Jan. 25 was a good night for Cougar basketball as Niwot traveled to Skyline for a boys/girls doubleheader and came away with two victories. In the first game the Niwot girls built a big lead with hustle, defense and an offense that took what was given. Niwot forced nine turnovers in the first quarter to build a 14-7 lead. By halftime the lead was 30-18, When Skyline tried to close the gap late in the game, Maggie Pinnick took charge and calmed the Cougars, leading them to a 52-35 win. Pinnick has become the floor leader for the Cougars with her aggressive play and ball handling skills complementing her shooting touch, which produced a game-high 14 points. She is one of the few high school players in the girls’ ranks who uses her body to protect the ball, and refuses to be intimidated when closely guarded. Senior guard Jenny Martinez also came up with some key steals for Niwot. Bri Laartz added 12 points, while Amanda Lee had nine. Coach Terri Ward credited Laartz and Claire Runge for their strong play in the post, despite being undersized against most opponents. 