October 2006
By Betty Parham
The Courier’s First Annual Blue Ribbon Dessert Contest was Nostalgia Day’s version of the Pillsbury Bake-off. While there weren’t thousands of entrants or a grand prize of a million dollars, contestants turned in some truly wonderful desserts. There was no lack of drama as the judges rated the desserts on the checkered tablecloth at the Courier’s booth.
When the spirited judging was over, the grand prize went to the Vanilla Poppy Seed Cake With Black Raspberry Filling entered by Jean Reiman.
Coming in a very close second were
Caramel Pillows Cookies, entered by Jennie Poole (12) and Alyson Shut (12), of
Compared to the elaborately
decorated cake, which had the 30th Anniversary of Nostalgia Day artfully iced
on the top, the shy little caramel-drizzled pillows of chewy, slightly
salty/sweet dough were clearly the underdog. They were, however, the outspoken
favorite of at least two of the judges, who fought valiantly for them during
the judging process.
However, after the votes were tallied, the cake, which was a feast for the taste buds as well as the eyes, came in first.
Coming in first in the bar category were the Creamy Caramel Apple Squares by Loretta Sherman of Niwot who also won first place in the pie category with her strawberry pie.“It’s very difficult to judge a recipe contest,” said Dayna Nixon, co-owner of the Colorado Cupboard and one of the judges. The Colorado Cupboard provided the prizes for the contest, including dinner prepared by a professional chef as the grand prize and cooking lessons for the first place category winners.
The other judges were Lucinda Parham, a physical therapist, and Laura Moore, an attorney and long time Gunbarrel resident.
Photo by Curtis Jones
The winner of the Left Hand Valley Courier’s Blue Ribbon Dessert Contest is Jean Reiman for her Vanilla Poppy Seed Cake with Black Raspberry Filling.
By Mandy Sutyak
In a deal that benefits both
Under the terms of sale,
The terms of the sale provide that the restoration work on the barn must be done in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The work itself includes a new foundation, roof, siding where necessary, windows and white exterior paint.
While the barn dates back to the
early 1930s, the adjacent house was built in 1903. According to
Photo Courtesy of
Historic Cito Barn on Gunbarrel ridge south of Highway 52.
By J. Svendsen Delaney
This month’s Left Hand Laurel goes to Daryl Mercer for his 15-year commitment to the Niwot schools.
From the time his children were in kindergarten, Mercer volunteered in the schools. “Daryl is extremely committed and very supportive of the educational process,” said Niwot High School Principal Dennis Daly. “He is a great individual who goes above and beyond expectations.”
Mercer has worn several hats for the Niwot High School Education Foundation, including serving as president for two years. The foundation focuses on academic contributions, providing scholarships and fellowships, supporting teachers and staff in their professional development, improving the environment and upgrading technology. Recently, the group purchased a poster maker for the school and hosted its first benefit golf tournament.
The current foundation president, Kellie Hudson, said, “Daryl is passionate about his work for the kids and the community and he is a committed volunteer able to make things happen that benefit us all.”
Mercer was an active member of the Optimists Club during its existence from 1990-2004. During that time he served as president, and zone lieutenant on the board of governors. He was instrumental in recruiting members when the club was first founded.
Fellow Optimist Dick Mandile said, “Daryl is determined and organized – good at making sense out of a lot of confusion. He made sure goals were met, whether it was an individual or group effort.”
Mandile said that Mercer instituted important programs such as the monthly recognition of middle school children for their service. Mercer also took the bicycle rodeo under his wing.
Optimist member Joel Maguire said, “Daryl is one of the most dedicated people in the Niwot area. He is impressive – thoughtful, reliable and a tireless worker.”
Mercer received a degree in
accounting from the
Mercer’s father worked in the
propane gas business, which required that managers never spend more than three
years in any location. As a result, Mercer grew up in a number of small
All the moving in his childhood inspired Mercer to settle in one place once his kids were of school age, and he felt at home in Niwot.
Mercer met his wife Nancy at the
Bank of Boulder; they celebrated 22 years of marriage this year. Their son
Scott attends the
While he bakes most of the family birthday cakes and harbors a secret enjoyment for woodworking, Mercer insists that he is not artistic, noting the time he volunteered in his son’s kindergarten class: “I ended up teaching the kids how to make backward Pilgrim hats.”
While he questions his role as artist, Mercer is a model of respect and generosity. As a result, he has a thriving relationship with the school community. “It has been important to me to volunteer in the schools, because I believe that kids value their school and educational process if they see it is valuable to their parents,” Mercer said.
He credits the administration of the local schools for welcoming parents and encouraging them to be involved. “Volunteering has become a family activity for us,” Mercer said. “I have made some of my best friends through the schools.”
In his free time, Mercer is passionate about pleasure reading, mostly espionage tales. His children followed suit; both are avid readers. “Nancy and I made it a daily practice to read to the kids, which may be a large part of why they developed an early mastery of the language.”
The Mercers enjoy travel in the
Fellow optimist Selene Hall summed it up well: “Daryl has worked hard over the years to make Niwot a great place to raise a family. He’s a great dad, a valued citizen and a good friend. His organizational and oratorical skills have enabled local organizations to make great strides in enhancing the lives of the children in our community.”
Photo by J. Svendsen Delaney
By
October brings cooler days, afternoon drives in the mountains to see the colorful leaves, pumpkins and, of course, Halloween.
Halloween began as a celebration of the Celtic new year Samhain (pronounced sow-en). The Celts believed that the laws of time and space were suspended for this day and the living and the dead could intermingle. They also believed that on this day the spirits of those who had died during the previous year would come back and look for living bodies to possess for the next year.
There are even rumors of one particular haunting in Niwot.
According to an urban legend that has circulated for years, a child was killed
in the basement of
Niwot resident Heidi Petersen is a
clairvoyant and spiritualist trained at the
She described Niwot as a blend of
different energies from the sacred space for Native Americans, to the
temperance movement during
So if you’re looking for things
that go bump in the night this Halloween, your best chance will be to check out
the Third Annual Niwot Haunted House on Oct. 28 at the Left Hand Grange on
Photo by
Local spiritualist and clairvoyant Heidi Petersen believes Niwot and Gunbarrel's acceptance of alternative and healing practices may create good energies that keep out all those scary things that go bump in the night.
Old Mockingbird Restaurant Truly DOA
By Ron Goodman
If you drive along
According to owner Petur Williams, who owns the land
the restaurant occupied, “We were stopped for years before the
The
The project was never started due to area residents’ concern over the proposed four-story height of the development as well as other issues dealing with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan.
As for his current plans for the Mockingbird site, Williams said, “We have a permit in place and must decide to do something within 90 days (otherwise the permit will expire). We will set the architectural tone, the building standard for the area.”
When asked about his specific construction plans Williams stated, “They have
not changed from those the Courier published a while ago.” Those plans included
two new office buildings, one of which will be built on the restaurant’s old
site, and the addition of two stories to the existing building at
As for any site improvements, Williams said, “There has not been any work done on the site, except for some Russian olive trees I removed that were near my home.”
By Mary Wolbach Lopert
The 30th rendition of Niwot Nostalgia Day is in the books and by all accounts the event is still going strong. Perhaps the energy generated this year was due to the Grand Marshals – children. The schools, clubs and activities that our area’s children populate represented the theme of “Yesterday… Today… Tomorrow.”
According to Niwot Community Association President Neal Anderson, the 2006
parade had 45 entries. Spectators were treated to fine performances by
the Niwot High School Marching Band,
As for the booths,
For the past four years, one of the unique events of the day has been the quilt display. Organized by Niwotian Emily DeCillis. This year there were 122 quilts shown. DeCillis said, “There was a good mixture of people from quilt shops, individual quilters, personal friends and readers of the Courier.”
Of special note was the Viewers’ Choice. “Each quilt was numbered and visitors filled in the number of the quilt they were voting for,” DeCillis said. Wendy Timmreck had the first choice entry of “Celebration of Grace.”
The evening was capped off by fun, food and music that rocked
Even with a distinct chill in the air and a few raindrops, the day and night time activities proved that you can trust events over 30.
For a complete pictorial wrap-up of the 2006 Niwot Nostalgia Day, see the Rotogravure.
Blue Ribbon Dessert
Contest Winning Recipes
Grand Prize: Vanilla Poppy Seed Cake With Black Raspberry Filling
Submitted by Joan Reiman
Cake
1 box vanilla cake mix
1/8 cup poppy seeds
3 eggs
1/3 cup oil (high altitude use 2 T)
1 1/4 cup water
Approx. 1/4 cup seedless black raspberry jam, stirred
Directions:
· Follow mixing directions on box.
· After blending, add poppy seeds and bake according to box directions.
· Cool.
· Level cakes for a flat, smooth surface by “shaving” the top off.
Butter Cream Frosting
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup shortening
2 T powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Dash of salt
Approx. 1/8 cup milk
Directions:
· Blend margarine & shortening.
· Add vanilla and salt.
· Slowly add powdered sugar alternating with small dollops of milk.
· Blend until smooth, and consistency is ready for frosting.
· Place first layers onto dish.
· Frost top.
· Pipe edge around cake edge.
· Allow it to set and dry. Spread raspberry jam evenly over frosting.
· Top with second layer.
· Spread a thick “crumb coat” over entire cake.
· Allow it to dry before spreading another thicker coat of frosting on cake.
· Decorate as you desire.
Note: There will be leftover frosting that can be frozen for later use.
Submitted by Jennie Poole and Alyson Shut
2 T butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cup flour
1 large egg white
21 caramels, cut in half
1/4 cup milk
Directions:
· Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
· Cream butter and sugar.
· Add egg white and vanilla.
· Add flour in 2 batches.
· Add 1/4 cup milk and mix.
· Use a teaspoon to spoon dough on a cookie sheet, flatten out and add 1/2 caramel piece in the middle.
· Fold over and roll into a ball.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
First Place Bar Category: Creamy Caramel Apple Squares
Submitted by Loretta Sherman
First Layer
1 package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup soft butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Second Layer
2 large apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
Third Layer
1 cup sour cream
8 oz cream cheese
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fourth Layer
2/3 cup of reserved first layer mixture
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Caramel Sauce
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 oz milk
Directions:
· Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
· Mix together ingredients for first layer.
· Reserve 2/3 cup of mixture; set aside.
· Press remaining mixture into bottom of 9 x 13 pan to form crust.
· Layer sliced apples over bottom crust.
· Mix ingredients for third layer until well blended. Pour over apples.
· Combine reserved 2/3 cup of crust mixture with fourth layer ingredients. Sprinkle over the cream cheese layer.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool and store in the refrigerator.
To serve slice into squares and drizzle with warm caramel sauce.
Stir caramel sauce ingredients together in small saucepan. Bring to boil. Let boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Submitted by Loretta Sherman
1 pre-baked 9-inch pie shell in pan
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp almond extract
1 cup whipped topping
· Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and almond extract until smooth.
· Add the whipped topping, blending well.
· Spread on the bottom and sides of the pre-baked pie shell.
Filling:
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 T cornstarch
1 cup water
3 T strawberry gelatin
1 quart cleaned and sliced strawberries
· Combine sugar, cornstarch and water in microwave safe bowl. Cook in microwave until thick and bubbly, stirring every 2 minutes.
· Remove bowl from microwave and add the strawberry gelatin, stirring until dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
· Gently fold the glaze over the strawberries and spoon onto cream cheese mixture in the pie pan.
By
ShariP@lhvc.com
Whether it is your neighbor’s cat relieving itself in your potted plants or you being accosted by an overly enthusiastic dog along your favorite hiking trail, for many people bad manners means more than just bad drivers or poor table etiquette.
According to the Humane Society of
the
At Home
Do not let cats or dogs run loose. Aside from the obvious danger of being injured or killed by a car, pets that are allowed to run loose face many other risks. A loose dog or cat may damage property, may be injured or cause injury in a fight with another cat or dog or may be infected by diseased rodents or birds. And allowing your pet to roam free increases the potential for a negative interaction with your neighbors.
If someone is coming to your home, remember that not everyone enjoys your Great Dane jumping up and putting his front paws on their shoulders. Your dog or cat may just be showing affection by jumping up in your guest’s lap, but for many this behavior is annoying or even frightening, especially to smaller children.
Most cats and dogs shed. If your furniture and carpet is covered in pet hair, try to clean up as much as possible before your visitors arrive. It’s helpful to warn people coming into your home of the potential for contact with pet hair for those with allergies.
On The Town
Plastic bags are a must, so never leave home without a supply. Responsible pet ownership means picking up after your pet and there is no excuse not to.
Keep your pet under control. It doesn’t do anyone any good if you let your dog run wild on a 25-foot retractable leash. Watch for people approaching from in front and from behind and shorten the leash as necessary. Remember: it’s their sidewalk too.
If you are planning on taking your pet with you to the local art fair or bluegrass festival, check with the event organizers in advance to make sure your pet is welcome. Events with large crowds and lots of noise can be extremely stressful to your pet.
The dog park or a trip to the pet store are better options for socialization, and more enjoyable for your pet. Keep in mind, though, that even the dog park may be too much freedom for some dogs. If your dog doesn’t play well with others, or is fearful or aggressive, allowing your dog to interact with strange dogs may be a bad idea.
Once you have the okay to bring your pet to a public place, make sure you provide access to food, water and shelter from the elements. A hot sun or cold wind can be dangerous.
Pets should never be allowed in areas where food is cooked, served or eaten. At many festivals, seating is limited and people often sit on the grass to enjoy their funnel cakes and hot dogs. But no one should have to find they’ve been sitting in the same spot your dog relieved itself 10 minutes ago. That’s rude and disgusting.
On The Trail
The City of
Boulder County Open Space allows dogs on trails with the exception of areas designated prime wildlife habitat. Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times while on open space land.
The two exceptions to the county leash rule are the
Remember, having good manners applies to pets as well as humans. In both cases, it means being considerate of others and being aware of how your behavior affects those around you.
The Longmont Humane Society offers affordable puppy and dog manners classes throughout the year. For more information, contact Lisa Torick at 303-772-1232 ext. 60 for more information.
Photo by
Good manners for you and your pet are more than knowing which fork to use for dry kibble. Knowing your petiquette lets you and your dog interact with others in a safe, friendly and enjoyable way.
Youth
Basketball and Wrestling Programs Start Soon
By Bruce Warren
Basketball and wrestling compete for some of the same athletes at the high school level, but in youth sports, it’s a family affair.
Dave Webster, a Niwot High grad, is in his fourth season with Niwot Metro Junior Wrestling, which offers youngsters 4 to 14 a chance to learn the sport and compete with area programs. His sister-in-law, Megan Roth, another Niwot High grad, is in her third year as Basketball Director for Niwot Youth Sports (NYS), which offers recreational basketball programs for youth in grades K through 6, as well as competitive programs for grades 5 though 8.
Webster and his wife, Alicia (Roth), occasionally help Megan Roth with the administrative details of the basketball program, while Megan Roth does the same when needed for the wrestling program.
They share the same sense of commitment to the community demonstrated by Roth’s late father, Dennis Roth, who was one of the incorporators of NYS in 1972. The elder Roth also ran the basketball program for NYS in the early 1990s, and was instrumental in changing the NYS referee program from volunteer dads and moms to high school students, who are able to earn a few dollars while gaining valuable experience.
Webster was a standout wrestler in high school, and was offered a scholarship to wrestle at Colorado School of Mines. He was also an outstanding football player, and when the Mines wrestling coach insisted he had to choose between the two sports, he chose to play football. Now he’s back in wrestling, and enjoying every minute of it. In addition to coaching, refereeing and administrative duties, Webster also enjoys watching his 9-year old son wrestle in the program.
Webster started helping former Niwot High wrestling coach Gary Daum four years ago, then took over as Daum headed to retirement. “It’s a lot of fun,” Webster said. “The kids learn a lot. Some of them or their parents aren’t sure about wrestling in competition but can come and participate in practice and find out what it’s like.”
Niwot Metro Junior Wrestling has averaged about 35 participants over the last three years, but Webster expects those numbers to increase. Age group divisions include 6 & under, 8 & under, 10 & under, 12 & under and 14 & under. Each division has several weight classifications. High school students are not eligible and must wrestle in the high school programs, but Webster does work with middle school wrestling programs, which typically start after the Metro season ends.
Dads such as Mark Stager of Niwot, who has had three sons in the program, are
recruited to help out each year. Webster relies heavily on Morgan Thompson, who
has many connections with wrestling coaches such as Vance Aschenbrenner
at
Practices are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Niwot High wrestling loft, beginning Oct. 23. To register, call Dave Webster at 303-579-7184.
When not helping out with wrestling, Megan Roth is organizing the NYS basketball program. Although her daughter played in the program two years ago, Roth has continued as Director even when her daughter didn’t play last year, just like her father did. Roth herself played basketball and softball in NYS programs as a youngster, then played volleyball in high school. She feels it’s important to give back to the community. She also served as a referee in the program before graduating from high school in 1993.
Registration for the recreational program is set for Oct. 8, 15, 21 and 22 at
Third and fourth graders should register between 1 and 2:00 p.m. each day, and fifth and sixth graders should register between 2 and 3:00 p.m. each day. These children should bring gym clothes and court shoes for evaluations. No one is “cut” from the program, but evaluations are used to try to balance the teams. Practices typically start after Thanksgiving, with a weekly game schedule from January to the first part of March.
“We have lots of returning coaches,” Roth noted. “Craig Minor is doing the scheduling again, and Lisa Eustler works with the referees. Jon Hangge and Liana Laartz will be the head referees.” High school students are needed to referee games, and more coaches and administrators are also needed. Teams typically practice once a week at elementary schools, with games at Niwot High on Sundays. Registration cost for the clinic (K-2) is $55, while the cost for 3rd through 6th graders is $85. The family maximum is $180, and financial assistance is available upon request.
For more information, contact Roth at 303-772-4609.