All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Ok. I recently gave my friend's grandson a book called "How Things Work." I gave it to him because I would want a book like that. I always want to know how things work. I can't imagine anyone not wondering why the sky is blue or where the birds go in a snowstorm or how the whole cicada cycle even happens. How do sump pumps work, anyway? It is all a mystery waiting to be unpacked. Curiosity is a gift. It is also a key. Curiosity is like opening a door to find another door. And then another. It...
The Boulder County Commissioners voted to postpone a decision on the controversial 63rd Street Subdivision proposal until July 10, following a three-hour hearing on May 6. Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann was absent from the May 6 hearing. Commissioners Claire Levy and Marta Loachamin heard extensive testimony about the proposal to create three additional lots at the southwest corner of 63rd Street and Niwot Road. Levy noted for the record her familiarity with the case and surrounding controversy....
Peanut butter is a versatile ingredient that can bring to life a sweet dessert or a savory main course. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is always a reliable American staple but try that rich, often salty, spread in some of these recipes. Peanut allergies? Substitute almond butter or other nut butter you can tolerate. CHOCOLATE COVERED PEANUT BUTTER EGGS Adapted from allrecipes.com Ingredients: 4 cups sifted powdered sugar 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter ½ cup unsalted softened...
Ok. I try to avoid too much controversy, but it is time to discuss golf. I respect golfers and the Masters Tournament. I even followed Tiger Woods for a while. However, I just don't really get it. What used to be a game men played as a requisite for conducting business, is thankfully now a game for everyone. I want to be part of the party too. I want to conduct business too. But what happens if you just can't play very well? Or, in my case, not at all. Let's take a swing at golf. Golf is a game...
Good weather graced the fifth anniversary of Niwot's Around the World celebration, which was sponsored by the Niwot Business Association (NBA) with funding from the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID). More than 25 merchants welcomed community members with regionally specific food, entertainment, music, and smiles. Vendors included long-term businesses, new enterprises, and in one case, a combination of both as The Wheel House celebrated its first Niwot community event since it has been under...
Heatherwood Elementary School is preparing to unveil an ambitious new environmental STEAM program when students return to classes for the 2025-2026 school year this fall. The program aims to seamlessly integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics principles with environmental literacy in a way that connects students to the natural world around them. The Heatherwood Educational Advisory Team has been working diligently to create a program that fosters deep connections...
The Left Hand Valley Courier, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, launched a fundraising campaign in November 2024 with the goal of raising $250,000 to pay reporters and vendors, print the newspaper weekly, upgrade printing quality, and support our educational mission. On April 28, the Courier hosted a "Thank You" event at The Wheel House to thank donors with games, prizes, and auction items. Bruce Warren, Maria Karagianis, Elise Marylander and Madison Shaw spoke to the crowd about the...
As the May 6 hearing before the Boulder County Commissioners approaches, tensions continue to mount over the proposed 63rd Street Subdivision at the southwest corner of 63rd Street and Niwot Road. The hearing, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Boulder County Courthouse, will determine whether the development moves forward or is permanently blocked. "This does not deter us, we're energized," said community organizers Chris Ennis and Karen Mandery, who have helped coordinate opposition efforts....
In a move aimed at supporting local farmers and expanding access to locally grown produce, the Boulder County Commissioners have unanimously approved Docket DC-25-0001, Text Amendments to the Land Use Code related to Mobile Farm Stands, allowing mobile farm stands throughout unincorporated areas of the county. The decision, which came during the commissioners' regular meeting on April 15, amends the Land Use Code to permit mobile farm stands as part of accessory agricultural sales operations....
Later this spring, fishing flies will be flying off the racks of the Cottonwood Square location that previously housed the well-loved boutique, Fly Away Home. In welcome news to local anglers, Niwot resident Nick Wilson is opening a brick-and-mortar retail space for Togens Fly Shop, selling a wide range of flies, fly-tying supplies, and other equipment. The fly shop will be the first in Niwot since a fly tying shop in Cottonwood Square owned by Richard and Kay Laatt, known as Rocky Mountain Fly...
The Niwot Sanitation District has been conducting preventative maintenance of its pipe system as part of a three-year clean-out plan. The most recent area in Niwot to be cleaned was at the intersection of 83rd Street and Niwot Road. DRC Construction and C & L Water Solutions have been contracted to provide this service. Adrian Gibson, Operator at Niwot Sanitation District, explained that after the pipes are put in a bypass mode, “We have a Jetter truck first clean with a Jetter which is a specialized truck with a high-pressure water nozzle t...
Ok. Why is it when you have a doctor's appointment, you are asked to come 15 minutes early to "check in and fill out forms?" I try to do that ahead of time from home, but I arrive early anyway because they asked me to. You arrive early, they check you in again, and then you wait. I have clocked over a 45-minute wait before hearing my name called. You are then escorted to an exam room where the nurse or assistant asks a few questions (most of which you already answered on their forms), types on...
For over three months, Niwot High School’s theater department has been working hard to bring the iconic musical, “Footloose,” to life. The musical was performed April 3, 4, 10, 11 and 14 to a packed NHS auditorium. The “Footloose” story revolves around Ren McCormack, played by Niwot sophomore Camryn Bell. and his mother, played by Alison Kraut, who relocate to the fictional town of Bomont, Utah, from Chicago. Ren is horrified to learn that all things rock music and dance, both which are engra...
Mountain View Fire Rescue will be moving its headquarters to 6328 Monarch Park Place in Niwot this spring. The move was announced last fall. Mountain View Fire Rescue will take possession of the building in late May, however, currently, there is not a set date as to when the move will take place. Once the move is complete, the fire protection district is planning to have a ribbon cutting and grand opening in July after their operations are moved in. There will be quite a few new operations, and...
Ok. It's that vacation planning time of year. After figuring out the when and the where of your trip, you inevitably find yourself swiping Tripadvisor trying to find the perfect hotel or Airbnb to settle in for five days away from the luxuries and familiarity of home. Location, amenities, size, and local food options all factor into this daunting task. As any seasoned traveler would tell you, ratings are not always helpful. Why do the Travelodge and the Four Seasons have the same rating? A five-...
Ok. I am confused by dress codes. They can be problematic because there is no consistent rulebook. We recently received a wedding invitation that said "semi formal." I thought that was pretty straightforward. Semi formal seems to me to mean men in suits and women in cocktail dresses. I am so wrong. After attending a couple of "semi formal" events, I realize that today, "semi formal" means simply "not formal." Basically, I think it means that you can wear anything you want, except a tuxedo. If...
The City of Boulder is soliciting public input as to a proposed interpretive experience on a "healing trail" in connection with the Fort Chambers site on 63rd Street south of Jay Road. The open space site is connected to the Sand Creek Massacre. In August 1864, more than 100 Boulder-area volunteers trained at Fort Chambers before taking part in Sand Creek Massacre on Nov. 29, 1864, where at least 230 Arapaho and Cheyenne People who had been promised military protection were killed. Prior to the...
Ok. You know how they say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?" Well, Benjamin Franklin was right. For example, do you tie your shoelaces once or do you double-tie them? Yesterday I was walking Emma, our dog, and I nearly tripped on my untied shoelaces. I looked down to see one foot on top of my lace and thought, "I could fall head first onto the pavement and break a hip or something." What is so hard about double-tying my shoes? It isn't hard to do, but it takes longer than tying...
Ok. What is on your mind these days? If you are like me, your mind has become a little numb during the recent deep freeze. Below-zero weather snaps happen every year, yet they always seem to take everyone by surprise. I hear, "It is so cold out there. It has never been this cold." It has. And it will be again next year. I am not a meteorologist, but I think we are probably about done with this year's deep-freezes. "Whew!" Right? Not so fast. Don't wish it all away. Do you remember Admiral Boom...
After a "Fishy Friday," you might be in the mood for a "Sizzling Saturday." Let's get our sizzle going with some excellent meat dishes. THE BEST PORK CHOPS These really are the best pork chops.The secret is the dry brine and reverse sear. Juicy and delicious every time. Top with a sauce of your choice. Ingredients: 6 bone-in or bone-out pork rib or loin chops cut 1 ½ inches thick 2 Tbsp. fine sea salt or Maldon salt 1 tsp. sugar 6 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided Directions: 1. The night...
Ok. You know what is not ok? When you fall for one of those ubiquitous "loss leaders" without knowing what you are getting into. You know how it goes. You can't believe your good luck when you are offered a subscription for $1 for a year or a two-for-one deal you just can't pass up? Let me warn you, my friend, if it seems like you can't pass it up, you can. These "deals" are like a shiny penny that once grabbed, turns into a dark pouncing piece of stealth. Let me give you a couple of examples....
Ok. Call me old school, but when I get a text from someone I barely know that starts with "Hey," I assume it is spam. Who says just, "Hey?" Apparently, everyone. The manner in which we communicate has changed in my lifetime. We used to start a letter with "Dear Mr. Smith." Now, we start a text with "Hey." What happened there? Does anyone born after 1970 even remember what a letter is today? Letter writing is a lost art with which our children are unfamiliar. To review, a letter is where you put...
Meatless Mondays are almost as popular as Taco Tuesdays. Perhaps after an over indulgent weekend, a little break from meat is welcome. Any day of the week, these recipes will please as either a main course or side dish. Next week we will move on to Wicked Wednesdays. By the time Wednesday rolls around, you might be ready to indulge in something heavenly wicked. What are your secret indulgences? Send them to editorial@lhvc.comeditorial@lhvc.com. THE BEST FRIED RICE Submitted by Alyson Varvel...
A bear that has been sighted throughout Niwot for the last few months was captured and relocated from Niwot by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Typically, bears in this region hibernate through the colder months, but this particular bear was seen roaming the area in search of food and sleeping within a hollowed tree. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds residents to lock up trash and food. After eluding the officers for several weeks, the bear was safely tranquilized...
After over 35 years of dedication to the biking industry, a seasoned expert and longtime community figure is pedaling into a new chapter. Having spent years honing his craft at Niwot Wheel Works on Second Avenue, Fernando Tapia is opening a new bike shop in Cottonwood Square, bringing his expertise and passion for cycling to a new location. The opening is planned for March 1. Cornelia Sawle, new owner of the property at 101 Second Avenue in Niwot where the Niwot Wheel Works has been located,...
Ok. I was recently digging into that filing cabinet labeled "The Differences Between Men and Women," and stumbled upon that universal issue of getting dressed in the morning. Specifically, let's talk about men getting dressed at any time. Disclaimer: I asked my husband if it was okay that I throw him slightly under the bus on this one, and he agreed because, well, it is humor that keeps a marriage alive. Or so they say. So, with a gentle nudge onto the third rail, I offer him some observations...
The Left Hand Valley Courier, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, launched a fundraising campaign in November 2024 with the goal of raising $250,000 to pay reporters and vendors, print the newspaper weekly, upgrade our printing quality and support our educational mission. Your generosity has been overwhelming. To date, we have raised $44,958.00 to date because of the outpouring of local support from you, our loyal readers. We are in the process of applying for grants to supplement our local fundraising efforts. Several of you have also pledged...
Ok. One of my New Year's resolutions is to "lighten up." I can think of few better places to lighten up than discussing that poor maligned condiment that is often one of the first foods to be tossed out when going on an after-holidays diet. Yes, I am talking about mayonnaise. Either you love it or hate it. Let me offer a little background. I love condiments of all kinds. I love mustard of every ilk, including Dijon, brown, spicy, yellow, and horseradish-filled. I love aioli, salad dressings,...
Ok. 2025 has just entered the building. Does that mean it is time to take a swing at New Year's resolutions? Do we decide to lose weight, get a new job, or call our moms more often? Here is what I think. It is time to restart and reboot. Like your computer or your refrigerator's water filter, sometimes you just have to reset it to see clearly. It is like a mental cleanse. Erase the board, clear the cache, start over. I cannot count how many times my computer gets "clogged up" and it just won't...
The Left Hand Valley Courier has been fortunate to have devoted staff members who bring you the news every week. We profiled many of our staff members a year ago, and have had some new valuable additions this year, and thought you might want to know who is reporting what you like to read. Madison Shaw Hi, I'm Madison Shaw! I was born and raised in Colorado, graduated from Dawson School, and am now a student at CU Boulder. Sko Buffs! Growing up, I was an avid reader and imagined a career in journ...
With the new year, many of us resolve to change something in our lives. Small changes can make a difference. Whether it is to eliminate a behavior or add a behavior or perhaps treat yourself to a new experience, there are many good reasons to start the year with a “clean slate” and resolve to make 2025 a better year. The Left Hand Valley Courier staff shares some of their New Year’s resolutions below. Now that you have gotten to know us better, maybe their resolutions might inspire you to make your own. Scott Barto - • Get back into the hab...
TOP OF STOVE COOKIES Submitted by Alyson Varvel Bell My great grandmother used to make these and gift them inside the small General Mills Quaker quick oats round container with a bow on top. They are super quick and easy to make and my kids love them. My grandmother, her daughter-in-law, wrote the recipe down for me when I was in my early twenties. Ingredients: 1 stick of butter 2 cups sugar ½ cup milk 2 level tablespoons peanut butter 3 cups quick oats (quick is important) 2 Tbsp. cocoa...
The Niwot Community Association (NCA), in collaboration with the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID), conducted parallel surveys Dec. 2 - 16 to gather community input on the proposed underpass from the new Niwot Transit Center & Park-n-Ride in the median of CO 119 to downtown Niwot. The proposed underpass to Niwot is part of the CO 119 Safety, Mobility, and Bikeway Project. Initial design of the bikeway showed access to Niwot at the Niwot Road intersection with CO 119, at grade. The Niwot...
Ok. Are you stressing out about the holidays? Maybe you are someone who doesn't give the holidays much attention. Or you might be somewhere in the middle. The holidays bring a gamut of feelings and depending on where you are in life, the excitement, or in some cases, anxiety, changes over the years. The meaning of the holidays also transforms a bit. When you are very young Christmas is filled with excitement and anticipation. The most stressful thing you worry about is talking to Santa. I must...
The "Future of Local Journalism" series concludes with a reflection on the unique role the Left Hand Valley Courier (Courier) plays in supporting and enhancing our community. This final article recaps earlier insights and includes my personal perspectives as a Courier reporter on why the Niwot-Gunbarrel area is a more vibrant, friendly, and informed community due to the Courier than it otherwise would be. This article also encourages us all to help strengthen the Courier's financial footing and...
Ok. You have probably heard the phrase, "The power of the written word." Somehow putting words on paper packs a punch. The law clearly recognizes the impact of and the difference between the written word and the spoken word when they made "slander" (a spoken defamatory statement) and "libel" (a written defamatory statement) two distinct bad acts. Libel has historically been treated as the more egregious of the two, and it is not hard to see why. Writing something down gives it a bit of...
The heart of Niwot is once again aglow with festive spirit as the beloved Holiday Market returns for its annual celebration. The cherished tradition, taking place on two consecutive Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., transforms the historic business district into a winter wonderland. This year's Holiday Market, organized by the Niwot Business Association and supported by the Niwot Local Improvement District, spans both Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square, creating an enchanting...
Ok. Do you remember when you first learned about Thanksgiving? It probably included the tale of Pilgrims sailing to America and befriending some Indians, after which they had a turkey feast in thanks for the Indians’ help surviving the winter. Wow, that was a lot to unpack as a child. In a nutshell, this song, sung to the tune “We Gather Together,” I learned in first grade summed up all I knew about Thanksgiving: “The year 1620 the Pilgrims came over. The good ship Mayflower brought them ac...
In a decisive 6-1 vote following a nearly six-hour hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Boulder County Planning Commission supported the staff recommendation by the Boulder County Community Permitting & Planning Division and rejected a proposed Transferable Development Rights/Planned Unit Development (TDR/PUD) submitted by the owners of the 39.5 acre parcel located at the corner of 63rd Street and Niwot Road. The commission's near-unanimous decision to deny the application reflects the...
Just in time for Thanksgiving! Let's start with the green bean casserole so many of us feel must be on the Thanksgiving table. Simply follow the recipe on the back of the French's Crispy Fried Onions can, or look at these options. GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE Submitted by Karen Sherlock Ingredients: 2 cups chicken broth 2 pounds frozen cut green beans, thawed 1 teaspoon celery salt Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups heavy cream...
Cranberry Concoctions What would Thanksgiving dinner look like without cranberry sauce and its progeny? Probably a little more peaceful since the debate between homemade cranberry sauce and the jellied kind from a can dominates the very important Thanksgiving cranberry decision. Go ahead, buy the canned kind, slice it into half-moons and enjoy. But here are a couple of alternatives. CRANBERRY SAUCE MADE FROM CRANBERRIES Basic cranberry sauce is almost as easy as opening a can. The bonus is that...
The Left Hand Valley Courier (Courier), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dealing with the same issues that the journalism industry, particularly local journalism, is grappling with across the country. This article is the third in a series of reports on the current journalism business climate, the history and contributions of the Courier, why local journalism remains an important asset in community-building, and ways in which its business model can be strengthened. The Left Hand Valley...
Ok. Life can bring great joys and great disappointments. In the face of adversity, do you despair or embrace it? For example, last week, I was wearing sandals and a tank top. This week I was planning to hike Mt. Sanitas but instead found myself bundled in a sweater cuddling my electric blanket. By the way, it is only in the high thirties. By February the mid-thirties will seem downright balmy. Abrupt changes can be a jolt. But before long, we get used to the change and fluctuations in the...
With Halloween behind us, attention turns to Thanksgiving. The Courier Cookbook will count down to the big day with recipes perfect for any Thanksgiving meal. We start with stuffing. "Stuffing" is usually used to fill the turkey while the term "dressing" is used for similar dishes but served outside of the turkey. Either way, they are essential to the traditional Thanksgiving fare. Instead of buying it in a box or bag, try these. Next week we will focus on cranberry sauce and other fruit side...
The Great Pumpkin Party kicked off its 27th year in Niwot with an immense crowd on Saturday, Oct. 26, with hundreds of trick-or-treaters in costume roaming the Niwot business district from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Local businesses, with owners and staff dressed in costumes themselves, gave out candy to the trick-or-treaters. The Left Hand Grange provided children's movies for youngsters who needed a short break from trick-or-treating. The Niwot High School Key Club created another very popular...
Ok. Was I the only one who thought "trunk-or-treat" was a typo? Seriously. I soon realized I saw the words too often together for "trunk" to be a typo. But I still didn't understand what trunk-or-treat meant for longer than I want to admit. What was happening here? And was there really an elephant involved? I figured it had to be a social distancing remnant of COVID. But after a little googling, I learned trunk-or-treating has been around for at least 10 years, well before COVID. Where have I...
Click on the names to see what makes Courier reporters anything but dull. All work and no play makes Biff a dull boy. All work and no play makes Elise a dull girl. All work and no play makes Alyson a dull girl. All work and no play makes Vicki a dull girl. All work and no play makes Scott a dull boy. All work and no play makes Vicky a dull girl. All work and no play makes Jack (Carlough) a dull boy. All work and no play makes Anne a dull girl. All work and no play makes Deborah a dull girl. All work and no play makes Ryan a dull boy. All work...
The third annual Niwot High School Fall Fest spilled from the front entrance of the school into the parking lot on Friday, Oct. 25. The NHS Student Council organized the event, which attracted many ghosts, goblins, and superheroes from throughout the community. High school clubs and organizations, as well as the Niwot High Boosters, manned themed booths and trunks with plenty of activities for all ages. Costumes, candy and activities ensured high energy. Children of every age participated in a...
Facing significant enrollment challenges, Heatherwood Elementary School has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform its educational offerings through a new Environmental STEAM program set to launch in the 2025-2026 school year. The school, which was designed to accommodate 500 students, is currently operating at just 40% capacity, a decline that began during the COVID pandemic. Current projections suggest enrollment could drop to approximately 200 students by 2028. When a school's enrollment...
