All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Keynes Chen came to Niwot High School in January of 2019 with 15 students across three different ensembles. By the end of the following school year, he had 85 students across three groups and has since added two more ensembles, with another in development. "That first year really energized me," said Chen. Niwot now offers three orchestras, a small ensemble, and a mariachi ensemble, and will be looking to add another mariachi group to the list of available courses due to the growing interest and...
To say that this past weekend's massive windstorm really blows is not only an excellent pun, but a bit of an understatement. Xcel Energy notified Niwot residents via email that starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, Xcel would preemptively be de-energizing power lines in Boulder County resulting in an outage that may continue through at least Sunday. However many areas felt the effects of the power outage long past that point. "Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our communities,...
Niwot High School is host to many music courses, ensembles, and after-school groups - it always has been. But recently there has been an increase in musical presence and student dedication. That's not to say that music at NHS hasn't always been filled with exceptionally dedicated students and staff, but it feels that in recent years there has been a significant increase and fulfillment, making it desired by the larger student body. The latest of these groups is the Niwot High School Mariachi...
Niwot became a hub for some early St. Patrick's Day celebrations on Saturday, March 9. Lucky Niwot Day brought crowds to Niwot to enjoy St. Patrick's Day-themed fun throughout town. In Cottonwood Square, Avoca Irish Dancers performed outside Blessings Day Spa, and later in the day, Ceili Irish social dancing lessons were in full swing at the Left Hand Grange. In Old Town, children, and some adults, had their faces painted at Cimmini's and then walked a couple doors down to Niwot Jewelry & Gifts...
Peter Cottontail is returning to Niwot a little early this year. But nevertheless, hippity hoppity, Easter is indeed on its way. The 43rd annual Niwot Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by the Niwot Group at Compass, will be held on Saturday, March 23, at Niwot High School. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Niwot Community Connection (NCC), which will have volunteers serving breakfast. The event began in 1979, but a snowstorm canceled it for one year, and two years were...
Saturday Feb. 24 marked the Niwot Cultural Arts Association's annual Let's Wine About Winter Event across both Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square. However, it wasn't very wintery at 60 degrees, but it was windy. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day to be outdoors to sample wine and culinary delights as well as support local businesses. Twenty-six businesses participated this year across the two primary hubs of Niwot's shopping district. Approximately 500 tickets were sold this year according...
Last year, several students from the choir and orchestra departments at Niwot High School were given separate opportunities to travel during the spring and summer of the 2022-2023 school year. Orchestra members took a trip to Europe and the Baltics, while choir members took their traditional trip traveling to New York City to perform on Broadway and see some Broadway musicals. This year, the music department world tour continues for students at NHS. Keynes Chen, the orchestra director at Niwot,...
Road maintenance and development has been, and continues to be, a concern for residents within the Niwot and Gunbarrel communities. The degeneration of roads within residential subdivisions and neighborhoods are very apparent and only continue to get worse as time goes on. So how do they get improved? Well, it's not that simple. Issues regarding road maintenance are not new and have been prevalent for decades. It wasn't until the mid-2000s that residents started really noticing the...
Thirteen choir students from Niwot High School had the unique experience of attending a special All-State Choir event held annually in Denver. On Feb. 8-10, the best junior and senior students from across the state had the opportunity to work with clinicians and spend most of their time, morning to evening, in rehearsals, with the final performance on the last day, Feb. 10, at 4:00 p.m. at the Buell Theatre. This year, the 2024 All-State Choir saw 1,717 students from across Colorado audition,...
Niwot High School bands have no shortage of different ensembles and talent. On Wednesday Jan 31, Wade Hendricks, Director of Bands at Niwot High School, took students from both the Jazz and Advanced Jazz band classes to perform at Longs Peak Pub and Tap House in Longmont. Each student participated in at least one jazz combo (or smaller group of live jazz musicians) starting at 6:30 p.m. They referred to this performance as their "Combo-Rama." The preparation for this event was described as a...
Niwot is known for its great small-town feel and numerous community events. The inaugural WinterFest event on Saturday, Jan. 27, did not disappoint. WinterFest brought food, games and carriage rides from Cottonwood Square to 2nd Avenue. Vendors, musicians, and activities were scattered through Niwot including Nothing Bundt Cakes in Cottonwood Square and Sweet Maple Cotton Candy at the Emporium on 2nd Avenue. A steady flow of attendees participated throughout town. However, the real hit was the...
Open areas are dwindling as urban areas continue to be developed into more densely populated regions. One location being proposed for development is a vacant parcel on the west side of 79th Street between Lookout Road and Highway 52, next to the Church of the Lookout. An application for development of the parcel to be a private tennis club, "Tennis Center of the Rockies," was dated Nov. 22, 2023 and formally filed with Boulder County on Dec. 5, 2023. Many Gunbarrel residents met on Dec. 17,...
Niwot's community focus is one of the things that make it a unique and fun place to live. Events like Niwot's summer concert series, Rock & Rails, winter festivities such as Winterfest and Let's Wine About Winter, and its holiday markets and parades bind the community together. Even the art around Niwot is special with tree carvings and left-hand chairs decorated to the theme of their surroundings. One often overlooked feature also contributes to the quaint aesthetic of Niwot. Little boxes with...
A record number of choir students earned the distinction of becoming members of the St. Vrain Valley School District Honor Choir for January 2024. Fifty-three singers were selected after an arduous try-out process. The Honor Choir consists of both a Mixed Choir and a Treble Choir. Laura Walters, Director of Choirs at Niwot, said, "We practiced in class all semester up until the audition and students had to audition on their own in November." The audition process included learning a portion of...
Winter is a time for cheer, time with loved ones, good food, and of course, festive music. The Niwot High School orchestras, choirs, and bands will be hosting their annual winter concerts from Dec. 4 through Dec. 7. Kicking off the performance schedule on Monday, Dec. 4 at 7:00 p.m. is the “Winter Jazz in the Rockies” concert featuring the two jazz band ensembles at Niwot High School. The ensembles will perform several pieces including Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five,” Van Morrison’s “Moondance,” Lena Horne’s famous “Stormy Weather,” and more....
Coach Christina Ayers took her Niwot High School cheer squad to Colorado State University July 6-9 for a cheer camp, and they came home with first-place and second-place awards. "We attended the UCA Varsity Summer Camp at CSU this summer," Ayers said. "During the camp, the team won the Spirit Bananas on the first night, and during the showcase, came in first in the Camp Dance and second in the Game Day Routine." "Our objective this camp was to unite our team and continue forward with our...
"It seems like it's probably been twelve years at this point," said Mark Trippensee of Last Men on Earth as the band prepares to return to the familiar bandstand in Whistle Stop Park on July 13. "[Rock & Rails] is a hometown gig for us, which we don't do a lot of in the summer," he continued, "so it's always nice to have that amount of people come out." Last Men on Earth's music ranges from classic rock and pop, to country from the 70s, 80s, and current popular music. But what can patrons...
"[Niwot] is a comfortable town. Even if you don't know someone, you probably still recognize them." Chris Teta said this is why he has been involved in the Niwot community since 1988. Teta is originally from New York and moved to Colorado in 1986 to attend college at The University of Colorado Boulder. He received a degree in political science and later got two masters degrees in urban planning and public administration. He is a member of the City of Longmont Planning & Zoning Commission....
Niwot is no stranger to wildlife occasionally roaming into this neck of the woods every now and then. There have been recent sightings of lynx, bobcats, foxes, deer, raccoons, snakes, prairie dogs, and even bears. While this is not the first instance of a bear making its way into Niwot, it surely is the furthest east that we know of. There have been several bear sightings in the Lake Valley area, closer to the foothills. And there was a bear on the railroad tracks across from IBM during daylight...
American flags are a common decoration and symbol to see flying during national holidays that celebrate the United States of America. Most notably, the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day are holidays where the flag is seen frequently. However, American flags have decorated Niwot this year for longer than usual. According to the Niwot Community Association, the "Flag Fairy" recruited some volunteers this year to raise American flags all around Niwot, including Cottonwood...
"Why would anybody ever eat anything besides breakfast food?" This excellent question was posed by the fictitious character, Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, from the television show "Parks and Recreation." Quite frankly, it appears a large majority of Niwot agrees. The only thing that makes breakfast foods better is when that food is shared with friends, neighbors, loved ones, and new faces. That, and when a portion of the proceeds go towards helping our community. This year's pancake...
Another year, another Fourth of July - it seems like Niwot just had a celebration, just last year. This year, the Niwot Community Association is once again hosting a town-wide celebration for our nation's independence beginning at 8:00 a.m. and wrapping up around noon. Festivities include a pancake breakfast and concert as well as the Niwot Downhill Mile Run, and a parade winding around both Cottonwood Square and down Second Avenue. The pancake breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. until...
What does it take to be a "Teacher of the Year?" According to the St. Vrain Valley School District Education Foundation, this honor requires someone who is innovative, goal-oriented, a motivator, an expert in their subject, and connects subject material to the real world. Recognition for this title must be made through nominations from students, staff, parents, community members, and other affiliates of the school. Only teachers who are licensed educators in the State of Colorado and employed...
You might recognize him as a volunteer at various Niwot Community Association events, such as Niwot Clean Up Day. Perhaps you have seen him on the NCA Road Crew or as a member of the tech team at Rocky Mountain Christian Church. Most likely, you have seen him driving the golf cart offering transportation service at Rock & Rails. Misha Barrett started providing his transportation services for patrons who parked down the street from Rock & Rails in the summer of 2022. His usage of the golf cart...
Thanks to generous contributions from the community, the Niwot High School Education Foundation (NHSEF) sponsored several student field trips during the 2022-2023 school year. The mission statement of the NHSEF is: "In partnership with our community, the NHSEF endeavors to enrich academic experience through learning and teaching grants, to expand opportunities for students to explore next steps in their education and professions, and to award scholarships to NHS students, enabling them to achiev...
Wouldn't it be an incredible experience, not only to visit New York City with forty-two of your closest friends, but to sing a masterwork at Carnegie Hall? Well, forty-three Niwot High School choir students are able to add that exact experience to their life's resume. The NHS Choir Department departed from Denver International Airport on June 9 for New York City and returned to Colorado on June 13. During that time, their itinerary was jam-packed with visits to several famous landmarks, tourist...
"You know you did something right when your kids throw you a retirement party and all you have to do is show up," said Julie Breyer, recently retired Niwot Elementary School third grade teacher. On June 17, a joint retirement party was held at The Wheel House on 2nd Avenue in Niwot for Breyer and her husband, Bob Breyer, who also retired this year. Bob is an aerospace software engineer who worked for many companies over the years and takes significant pride in working on the Hubble Space...
Niwot Clean-Up Day saw favorable weather Saturday, May 20, and a large amount of household waste recycled or sent to the landfill. "Another year and another successful NCA Clean-Up Day event," said event manager, John Barto. "I think everything went very well, and it was great to have such amazing volunteers. We couldn't do it without the help of our NCA members, the [drumline], and the scouts." There were approximately thirty volunteers helping this event operate smoothly. Barto mentioned that...
Three beloved teachers are retiring from Niwot Elementary School this year - Julie Nelson-Breyer, Lori Charbonnaeu, and Jessica Easley. Breyer has taught for twenty-five years and Charbonneau for seventeen. Both of them have spent their entire teaching careers at Niwot Elementary. Easley has taught for twenty-eight years, fifteen of which have been at Niwot. "Teachers who come to Niwot, stay at Niwot," Breyer said. Between them, they have a combined fifty-seven-year tenure at Niwot Elementary,...
The Niwot High School Symphonic Band had the honor and privilege to perform an original composition by Gus Brockmann at the final "Crossroads" concert of the 2022-2023 school year. The final concerts for choir, orchestra, and band traditionally provide an opportunity to recognize the graduating seniors and send them off with further recognition beyond Music Awards Night, which took place Wednesday, May 3. Seniors of the band this year had an extra special treat. For the past 10 years, Gus...
The Music Department at Niwot High School is going on a world tour - sort of. In June, the NHS choir is headed to New York and Carnegie Hall, and the orchestra is going to Finland and the Baltics. The marching band is planning to go to Walt Disney World next year. For many years, the Music Department at Niwot annually alternated which "sub-department" (choir, band, orchestra) would get to travel during the summer. In the few years preceding the pandemic, it had become common for each...
Niwot High School has appointed Dr. Felicia Reimer as the new Dean of Students for the Fall of 2023. "It's the first time [Niwot High School] has ever had a Dean of Students," said Principal Eric Rauschkolb. "Our enrollment will be at about 1,450 students, which is the biggest [Niwot High School] has ever been." The role of Dean of Students will be similar to that of an assistant principal, helping with attendance initiatives, behavior support, and academic support for students. With a lot of...
The Niwot High School Music Department hosted its annual awards night on May 3. The awards recognize music students for their dedication, commitment, and accomplishments made throughout the school year. This year had an added element of fun to the evening. Attendees of the awards night were encouraged to dress up more formally than usual for this year's event, including parents, friends, and other guests. "Other departments, when they host their end of the year celebrations, all have nice...
It's that time of year - when your favorite summer concert series once again returns to Whistle Stop Park. Starting June 1, with the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band opening for Girls on Top, you can enjoy free live music with your friends all the way through August 31. If you are a long-time fan of these weekly summer events, you are sure to recognize several of the headlining bands such as Last Men on Earth, Mojomama, Face Vocal Band, Hazel Miller & the Collective, and The Long...
Mark your calendars for May 20 as the Niwot Community Association (NCA) is once again hosting its annual Clean-Up Day. The event will take place in the parking lot of Niwot High School from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for all members of the NCA. If you are not currently a member of the community association or have yet to renew your membership, don't worry. You can make your payment of $30 when you arrive at the event. Payments can be made to the NCA via cash, check, Paypal, or Venmo. For more information...
It seems like there's a holiday for just about everything these days. International Talk Like A Pirate Day occurs on September 19th, Batman Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of September, and March 14th (3.14) is Pi Day. Popular culture has even deemed February 15th as Annoy Squidward Day based on an obscure line from the first season of the popular children's cartoon, "Spongebob Squarepants." Whether one has seen "Star Wars" or not, everyone seems to be familiar with the line "May the...
Candidate interviews have taken place for the new Boulder Library District Board of Trustees as part of the process of organizing the district approved by voters last fall. After a final round of interviews on April 20, the City of Boulder and Boulder County appointed a committee to complete the selection process of seven members of the board. Proposition 6C was approved in the 2022 election to establish a new library district for a large portion of Boulder County, with boundaries that include...
