All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Editor’s Note: The letter below was sent to the Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms by U.S. troops deployed overseas, and shared with the Courier. Good morning Niwot Cookie Momsters! A giant C-17 cargo aircraft delivered both of your boxes full of valentines cookies and treats yesterday evening (yes, they made it to the middle of the Desert!). The Christmas boxes were a giant morale booster for us, so seeing the Valentine's boxes caused a big cheer from the team! The little connection to home makes a huge difference for us. We have Colorado G...
The annual meeting of the Niwot Business Association on Feb. 13 saw the re-election of all current officers and directors. Eric Bergeson of the Niwot Wheel Works and The Wheel House will again serve as president, Deborah Fowler of Slifer Smith & Frampton real estate will continue as vice-president, Nancy Bureau of Left Hand Animal Hospital returns as secretary, and Mary Coonce of Porchfront Homes was re-elected as treasurer. All four officers ran unopposed for one-year terms, and their...
With roots dating to 1875, Old Town Niwot, the area on 2nd Avenue between Niwot Road and Murray Street, has always been a mixture of the familiar and the new and is widely considered to be the historic heart of town. John Nelson, a local carpenter, is credited with building the first commercial structure on Second Avenue in 1905. Most of the remaining shops in the first block were completed by 1915 and include the home of the oldest operating Grange in Colorado. These buildings comprise the...
Building a culture of respect among his employees, to say nothing of rehabilitating an historic building in Niwot and turning it into a terrific restaurant – 1914 House – are just a few of the many accomplishments of Nick Mastronardi. A former Wall Street trader for Goldman Sachs in Manhattan, Mastronardi moved west to Colorado, and seven years ago, created a fascinating new life in Niwot. "I snowboard now," he said. "I love spending time with my wife and four children and five gra...
The Jared Music Foundation's (https://jaredmusic.org/) annual RISE Concert on Sept. 7 had the concert's highest turnout ever with an estimated 1,000 people attending the performance in Whistle Stop Park. The Jared Music Foundation is dedicated to helping children interested in music by granting scholarships and providing instruments to help aid young musicians follow their passion. RISE is the Foundation's main annual fundraiser. The money raised will go towards scholarships for children and...
The House Blend Band and the Niwot Gig will team up for their last concert for the season on 2nd Avenue on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. outside of The Old Oak Coffeehouse. Michael Tomich and Patty Machen, co-owners of the coffee shop, and founding members of the band, are bringing young musicians from the Niwot Gig to perform an opening set. Martin Marks, owner of the Niwot Gig, will be on hand to assist the younger set. The Old Oak Coffeehouse will be serving its signature spaghetti...
The annual Jared Music Foundation RISE Concert fundraiser comes to Whistle Stop Park Thursday, Sept. 7, at 5 p.m. The concert will begin with Mojomama, a funky blues Rock & Rails favorite, followed by Soul School, a crowd-pleasing multi-genre band that plays anything from soul to country to pop. Donations will provide young musicians from Boulder to Niwot to Longmont with scholarships and instruments to continue pursuing their love of music. The concert is free. Dancing is encouraged. Food...
The House Blend Band resumes its summer concert series on 2nd Avenue in Niwot on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. 2nd Avenue from Murray Street to Franklin Street will be closed for the duration of the event to provide room for the portable stage set up, seating, and dancing in the street. The inside of The Old Oak Coffeehouse will be closed during the event, but spaghetti will be served from the window, along with other food and drinks. Other businesses, including 1914 House and The Niwot...
Niwot High School golfer Mina O'Dell wanted to do something to help animals and settled on a charity golf tournament as the best avenue. Her efforts paid off when she delivered a check to the Longmont Humane Society on June 30 for $5,120. The tournament, held at Twin Peaks Golf Course June 24, was a 4-person best-ball scramble. "We all had so much fun golfing and laughing," O'Dell said. "After playing 18-holes of golf, we served an all you can eat taco bar lunch catered by Marco's Tacos. The...
The Niwot Business Association presented four funding requests to the LID, including funding for five concerts on 2nd Avenue by the House Blend Band. All of the requests were approved unanimously. The House Blend Band concert series is now in its third year, and features co-owners of The Old Oak Coffeehouse, Michael Tomich and Patty Machen with what they describe as "about the most eclectic group of people ever to assemble in the name of music." Both appeared to present the application to the...
The current state of health in the United States looks dire. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) statistics state, "Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease... Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in America, and they are also a leading driver of healthcare costs." In addition, the average lifespan of Americans is declining. In 2022, The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reported the life expectancy at birth at its lowes...
Halfway between Boulder and Longmont lies the charming, unincorporated little "whistlestop" town of Niwot. The "small town with a big heart" was platted in 1875, but never incorporated. Today, Niwot is home to a unique commercial downtown district that is primarily located along two blocks of 2nd Avenue, with the "first block" located between Murray and Franklin streets, and the "second block" between Franklin Street and its intersection with Niwot Road. For many years this modest "downtown"...
Many Niwot residents and long-time customers of 1914 House gathered on Oct. 5 for the Grand Finale fundraiser event for the Niwot Small Town Big Heart - Marshall Fire Fund. The event put the fund over the goal of raising $100,000 for victims of the Marshall Fire. The event was sponsored by 1914 House, the Slifer Smith and Frampton Niwot office, Seven Wealth, and DRF Real Estate. Guests enjoyed a welcome cocktail, great food, live music by Tim Stiles, and an opportunity to participate in an...
Niwot Business Association President Eric Bergeson of The Wheel House led a discussion among NBA members regarding what projects should be a priority for the NBA in the coming year. Bergeson noted that the NBA was working with the Niwot Cultural Arts Association and Cottonwood Park West Homeowners Association to expand and enhance the sculpture park along Niwot Road. He noted that the Niwot Future League had met with Jim Fudge, president of the HOA, about a possible opportunity to return the...
On Dec. 30, 2021, the devastating Marshall Fire destroyed neighborhoods and shattered families. In response, local community members created the Niwot Small Town Big Heart Marshall Fire Fund, working through the Community Foundation Boulder County. Multiple festivals and charity events took place over the course of 2022 and the fundraiser has currently raised $93,436. Now comes the Grand Finale Fundraiser, which will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 4-8 p.m. at the 1914 House restaurant....
The Niwot Business Association is sponsoring the Pumpkin Walk for the second year in a row. Niwot realtor and NBA Vice-President Deb Fowler, who is spearheading the event said, “As we approach the colder months, it is even more critical to ensure we support the local restaurants and stores so they continue to stay in business.” The concept is simple - you check in and pick up your pumpkin pass and empty swag bag, one per household, at DRF Real Estate - Slifer Smith and Frampton. located in Suite E behind (not next to) The Old Oak Cof...
On Saturday, September 3, Niwot said farewell to summer in its traditional style–festive and focused, with an eye towards helping others. Lobster Fest was better than ever–the lobster (flown in from Maine) sweeter, the butter richer, the music delightful, and every detail carefully orchestrated from the kids' favors to the sand-filled Mason jar centerpieces. Tim Stiles & The House Blend Band entertained guests and volunteers alike with songs by Steely Dan, John Denver, David Gray and Chi...
Business is anything but "as usual" in Niwot's business district. A nationwide worker shortage has left businesses everywhere struggling to maintain their typical working hours and functionalities, and many of the staple establishments in downtown Niwot have been affected by the shortage as well. At 1914 House, the worker shortage has affected all levels of employment, but the restaurant has been very fortunate to have had enough staff on hand thus far. Head Chef Justin Hirshfield shared his ins...
The Small Town Big Heart Marshall Fire Fund is into its last group of events in an effort to get to the $100,000 finish line. Headed by Niwot Business Association President Deb Fowler, the effort began shortly after the first of the year to show victims of the fire that other communities cared. "I couldn't be more delighted," Fowler said. "The support from the local businesses, some Niwot clubs and residents joining in, has been overwhelming and the next few events are going to be so much fun."...
From June 17 through June 23, 2022, the Niwot Branch of the U.S. Postal Service closed for renovations. According to Adam Lambing, Sales Service Distribution Clerk, it took two days to move everything out of the building before the work could be started. "All of the flooring, from the front to the back of the building, was replaced," Lambing said. "It's an old building and there were several missing tiles." Post Office officials chose to begin the renovations on June 17 in part, "because June...
You've likely driven past it many times, glancing at the impressive red brick Queen Anne-style house on 63rd Street, just south of Jay Road, without realizing its historic significance. The property which includes the house at 3902 N. 63rd Street, now consists of 78 acres, but the property once spanned the area between Haystack Mountain and Valmont Butte. This is the story of Chambers Homestead/Fort Chambers, the Boulder County Poor Farm and Hospital. Many Indegenous peoples consider this land...
Five months have elapsed since the Marshall Fire, and as the affected families continue the long process of rebuilding their homes and lives, Niwot's 'Small Town, Big Heart' campaign continues to drive on toward the Niwot Business Association's goal of donating $100,000 to victims of the devastating fire. Deborah Read Fowler, vice-president of the NBA and local broker at the Niwot Colorado Landmark office, has spearheaded the Small Town, Big Heart Wildfire Relief Fund campaign from day one. "I...
When the community's "Small Town Big Heart" fundraising campaign to help Marshall fire victims kicked off during Apres Ski Weekend at the end of January, coordinator and NBA Vice-President Deborah Read Fowler expected that it could take through the summer to reach an ultimate goal of $100,000. But thanks to the generosity of area residents, the effort is getting closer much earlier than that. So far, the campaign has raised $62,468, including a single $10,000 contribution from an anonymous...
Deborah Read Fowler, NBA vice-president and chief architect of Niwot's Small Town/Big Heart fundraising effort to assist victims of the Marshall Fire, reported that the fund is now at $60,160.75 as of March 16. The Niwot Business Association's goal is to raise $100,000 from the Niwot community. Several Niwot businesses have hosted fundraising events, and students at Niwot High School have joined the effort. Donations are being administered by the Community Foundation for Boulder County, and so...
Thank you to all who participated in this year's Holiday Window Display Competition! All of the beautiful displays helped to usher in an abundance of holiday cheer! Walking the streets of this little town was made that much more magical with all of the twinkling, festive décor. The votes have been tallied (and the list has been checked twice!) and the winners are: - 1st Place: Few of a Kind Vintage + Mercantile - 2nd Place: Belle Terre Floral - 3rd: Fly Away Home Decor And let's not forget...
It's December so gingerbread house decorating is easy to find in seasonal magazines and televised baking shows. Constructing them can be difficult and the best ones stand out because of their creator's use of candy, icing and sprinkles. Now the decorating skills of Niwot's community are being put to the test with the return of Niwot's annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. Local realtor Deborah Reed Fowler, of DRF Real Estate LLC, Colorado Landmark Realtors, created the contest last year...
Remember when Niwot Tavern used to be Flanagan's Pub? Or when Pinnochio's used to be Treppeda's? Or when 1914 House used to be Reverend Taylors? Though some may not realize it, Niwot has always been home to a large number of high-quality, diverse restaurants. Recently, local resident Laura Bloom has started to document the progression of one establishment to another beginning as far back as the 19th century. Bloom is keeping her history on a website, Serving Boulder, which she created in 2010....
Niwot community pride was on display during last weekend's homecoming events. Friday afternoon's bright sun and cool temperatures set the stage for the parade, which returned following a pandemic-induced break. Junior Olivia Lacert was watching with friends from just outside 1914 House. "I'm excited to go to a homecoming game and to have the dance this year," she said. "I love dances. Last year we didn't have a lot of school events, so this is pretty cool. The football game is later and I'm...
Sometimes you just have the music in you, and other times you just wanna get the music in you. Either way, the annual RISE Benefit Concert in Niwot will help satiate music lovers of all ages. The very danceable event returns Saturday, Sept. 11, for the fourth year following an obligatory COVID skip in 2020. This year the event will be held at Whistle Stop Park in Niwot at the corner of 1st Avenue and Murray Street, after the 2019 event was held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. RISE stands for...
To a lay person, the new downtown Niwot parking lot on Murray Street may seem like one of the simplest of construction projects. But don't be fooled....it took a lot of planning, red tape, managing, and time to get it to this stage. Integral in that process was this month's Left Hand Laurel recipient, Chad Fletemeyer. In July, the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) was tapped for additional financial assistance owing to unforeseen expenses needed to comply with Boulder County mandates....
Eli Buzas brought the idea of forming an education foundation to Niwot High School from Florida when he moved to Colorado in 1991. Buzas, who died earlier this year of COVID-19 complications, envisioned a foundation that did more than provide scholarships to students. Other school foundations in the school district raised money for scholarships, but Buzas had in mind a foundation that could fund current projects as well as develop a long-range funding program. Through his leadership while workin...
For months, Niwot has been the site of a string of events to give residents a reason to safely gather during the pandemic and keep them in front of local businesses. These events have offered something to appeal to a wide range of interests. There have been fun runs, events for every holiday including St. Patrick's Day, scavenger hunts, window decorating contests, a whole-lifestyle approach to fitness in January, concerts, and sidewalk sales. But an event coming up May 15 might be the most...
5 is getting off to a good start for one Niwot business. DRF Real Estate, LLC, has been certified as a B Corporation, an ambitious designation that recognizes a business's commitment to the planet and to the community. Similar to a "fair trade coffee" designation, the recognition doesn't bring direct benefits to a business, but it allows customers to know more about a company's values and approach to its operations. It also makes the business part of a regional and global community of other...
As we eagerly await the official start of spring, there's plenty to look forward to in Niwot during March. Starting March 1, and continuing all month, visitors to Niwot can participate in a St. Patrick's Day-inspired virtual scavenger hunt. This festive activity, sponsored by the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) and the Niwot Business Association (NBA), will send players on a quest to find the lucky leprechauns hidden around town. Owner of Deborah Read Fowler Real Estate (DRF) and recent L...
There's good news for anyone looking for more variety when they eat locally in Niwot. As of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27 , the 1914 House (121 2nd Ave.) is reopening for limited dine-in seating and takeout. According to owner Nick Mastronardi, now felt like a good time to step back into service. With spring coming soon, the beginning of a vaccine distribution plan, and improvement in the COVID-19 cases tracking curve, he was optimistic that reopening now is the right thing to do. "We'll start...
It is a truth that food brings people together-family gatherings, casual business meetings, and first dates often occur with some sort of dining experience. Even pop-culture recognizes the level of importance of restaurants. Famously, in When Harry Met Sally, Marie (played by Carrie Fisher) said, "Restaurants are to people in the 80s what theatres were to people in the 60s." Dining out has become more complicated lately, especially in light of COVID. In response, the Niwot Business Association...
On Tuesday, May 5, the Niwot LID advisory committee gathered via videoconference for its first monthly meeting since March. Unsurprisingly, the coronavirus pandemic and its ongoing economic impact on Niwot drove the discussion. Summer Events Noting a paucity of funding requests on the board's official May agenda, chair Laura Skaggs opened the meeting by asking LID members Bruce Warren and Eric Bergeson (presidents of the Niwot Cultural Arts Association and Niwot Business Association,...
Niwot Market has long been a staple of the Niwot community. But in recent weeks, with grocery stores and grocery store employees deemed essential during the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, the market has perhaps played an even more critical role in the community's new normal. At its heart, Niwot Market is a family affair. And this can be seen in the way the Steele family has stepped up to protect their employees and support their community in recent weeks-from implementing curbside pickup to install...
The Homestead Act of 1862 turned the American West into a promised land for religiously and socially repressed Swedish Lutherans, who were coming off three years of crop failure. Around 1.3 million Swedes immigrated to the United States between 1862 and the early 1900s. But not all Swedish immigrants in Longmont acquired their land through the Homestead Act; at least one earned it by gratitude. In 1870, August Nelson accepted a job in the Blackhawk smelter. With help from his two brothers,...
Niwot businesses are staying nimble as each day brings new developments in the fight against the coronavirus. A new page on the business community's website, Niwot.com/COVID-19, has the latest information on when shops and restaurants are open and what services they are providing. The idea is to support the local economy by keeping potential customers in the loop, according to the town's economic development director, Catherine McHale. "I think we all have to get a little bit clever about how...
Thanks to the Niwot Historical Society archives, we get a glimpse into Niwot's bygone Thanksgiving celebrations. On Nov. 22, 1957 "The Niwot Tribune" reported an evening church service at the EUB Church, a middle school rendition of "Wildcat Willie Carves the Turkey," and advertisements from Curtis Confectionary encouraging readers to "Start Now with Your Christmas Lay-Away." First and second grade teacher Dora Chappell reported, "Last Friday we made many vegetables and fruits for our Horn of...
This year's J.A.R.E.D. Foundation music festival, Remember in September, will take place Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. A far more spacious location than the first two event renditions, the outdoor venue on the southwest corner of the grounds will showcase two stages, more than a dozen bands, fun-in-the-sun activities, food trucks and drinks for all ages. Colorado's treasured acoustic group, Face Vocal Band, will be the attention-grabbing performance of the festival. The...
Niwot Market’s Friday Night Dinners are back, bigger and better than ever. Comments from diners at last week’s dinner were a resounding thumbs up. Chuck, a regular at the dinners, summed it up well. “This is the complete package in that you get the music, the quality of the food and the overall spirit of our town. This is really the Niwot kind of chill.” The rave reviews never ended. Jim, another regular, poetically stated, “Just a great place to get together after a long hard day at work. The f...
When he was just 24 years old, Justin Hirshfield was likely the youngest head chef in Boulder at his gig with Laudisio’s Ristorante. Hirshfield is familiar to those in Niwot because of his 12 years working at the Niwot Market where he could be spotted most days. But, about a year and a half ago he joined the team at 1914 House as their head chef, so now it’s the evening crowd that’s most likely to see him. You may never have crossed paths with Hirshfield when he didn’t have a hat on his head or...
The turning of a page to a new year often signifies a time to improve our bodies, minds, and spirits. For those who have vowed to eat healthier to achieve their goals in 2019, there’s no need to swear off the pleasures of eating out. Niwot, Gunbarrel and South Longmont offer a medley of restaurants with healthy fare. Here’s a smattering of local establishments offering delicious ways to eat mindfully. Each eatery was asked for its philosophy on healthy food, what accommodations the kitchen is...
The Rotary Club of Niwot celebrated its 10th anniversary on Dec. 18 with a holiday dinner held at 1914 House. On hand to commemorate the milestone were several of the group’s founding members, including Kamla Chopra, Dennis Daly, Matt Dolan, Marty Wehr, Scott Stockert and Jo Kirkenaer, a Norway native who has been deeply involved with the international service organization for nearly 40 years. Kirkenaer, the club’s treasurer, was pleased with turnout for the event, and even more pleased wit...
On Oct. 17, the former home of Chris Finger Pianos and Powder Keg Brewing Company at 101 2nd Avenue in Niwot was sold to 3601 Park Ave Association, LLC, a New Jersey company. The LLC, registered to do business in Colorado, bought the building for $1,735,300 from the Christian and Barbara Finger Charitable Remainder Trust. Public records state the building was previously purchased in 1978 for $75,000. Architects Fletemeyer and Lee Associates will continue to occupy part of the building. The...
Winds gusts up to 65 mph this afternoon took out power for much of downtown Niwot this afternoon. See more pictures on our Facebook page by clicking here. https://www.facebook.com/lefthandvalleycourier/posts/1541497405972835...
Recent infill development in downtown Niwot has prompted Boulder County land use officials to reconstitute the Old Town Niwot Design Review subcommittee. The subcommittee had lost members and stopped meeting over the years, but with the current development and recent proposals, county officials decided the committee should be active again. New members of the subcommittee include Niwot Business Association members and Niwot business owners Pat Murphy (Niwot Real Estate), Tim Wise (Wise Buys Antiques), Nick Mastronardi (1914 House) and Margo...
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP An Alzheimer’s support group will meet on the first Wednesday of every month. This class is free and open to the public, no registration required. The events are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Niwot United Methodist Church, 7405 Lookout Rd., Gunbarrel. WEEKLY MEETING Meet at The Grange for an open lunch group concerning “sugar and carb habit solutions.” The group will get together every Tuesday. Email [email protected] for more information. NIWOT BOOSTERS EVENT The Niwot Boosters are hosting a Community Social/...
