All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Around the World Day is returning to Niwot for the fourth year in a row on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with 26 businesses participating in spreading cultural exposure and celebration. Around the World Day is Niwot's one-day version of the World Showcase in EPCOT. "We started the event in 2020," said Deb Fowler, one of the organizers of Around the World Day. "It was a good way to get people outdoors to socialize safely and bring people to the businesses during that time."...
It’s been a year in the making, but the Niwot Youth Sports Monarch Improvement Project will be the focus of the Opening Day ceremonies Sunday, April 28, starting at 11 a.m. at Hangge Fields at Monarch Park. The six-field complex, with access off of Highway 52 just west of 79th Street, is now home to a building which includes permanent restrooms, a concession area, and equipment storage space. The facility was built as part of the Monarch Improvement Project, which has raised most of funds to meet the goal of $500,000 for the building and o...
Sadie Warren has two complementary ideas about her future. She has wanted to own a bookstore since she was a little girl. Warren remembers playing a game she called "bookstore" where she would use her mother's bookshelves, had a small cash register, and her mother would buy books from her. She would also like to own a publishing company. Warren admits that books are her favorite things in the world. She loves to organize them in unusual ways. "I have a wall of books in my room that are in a...
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...
When Yaretzi Martinez Prieto was younger, she enjoyed the way music sounded. Her father wanted her to play in the orchestra, but she decided to join the school band instead, playing alto sax when she entered Longs Peak Middle School. But Prieto remained interested in orchestra, and later she began to learn guitar, which led her on the path to mariachi. "Since mariachi is part of my culture," Prieto said, "my parents were very supportive of my interest in it, and they helped me get into the...
Minimum wage, master plan, housing costs, Highway 119 underpass, key priorities. Those are the topics Niwot's Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) members hope to take up with the Boulder County Commissioners when the two boards meet at the Left Hand Grange on Thursday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m. The annual meeting between the three county commissioners, who govern Niwot as well as the rest of unincorporated Boulder County, and the members of Niwot's most active advisory board, all of...
Niwot High School seniors Noah Wurth and Noah Hadders have been performing together since elementary school. They have performed duets at the Multiple Piano Festival for several years, and both attended the same piano studio. "We also played together in middle school band," Hadders said. And they both learned new instruments together: Hadders on trumpet and Wurth on saxophone. Throughout high school the two friends continued to play and perform together. Both musicians are members of NHS...
Local musician Kevin Dooley was asked to perform at the dedication of a memorial bench outside of Niwot Market last December 16 in honor of Niwot Market owner Bert Steele. The guitarist singer-songwriter quickly accepted the invitation, and set to work writing a song in honor of his long-time friend, who passed away last August after a short illness. Six days later, Dooley performed the song, "Be More Like Bert," at the dedication, incorporating several of Steele's well-known words of wisdom,...
Currently enrolled in Drama 2 at Niwot High School, performing arts student Olivia Cesar Cipriani has an interest in both acting and technical theater, and she speaks thoughtfully about the difference between the two worlds. "As an actor," Cipriani said, "you get to become someone else for a performance, and forget about the real world. Theater techs create a whole new world onstage, and the actors become the people in it." According to NHS drama teacher Amanda Foust, who selected Cipriani as...
Thanks to the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID), the Grange building has been granted enough funds to allow the community center to complete three major improvements to the main floor hall. Watch for the rental space to be upgraded with paint and acoustic ceiling tiles by the end of April. New lighting fixtures will be installed in May. Each of these upgrades will go a long way in adding character and warmth to the venue's ambiance. The LID has approved funding half of the improvements of...
Niwot High School produces a much anticipated musical production each year. Under the direction of drama teacher Amanda Foust, students have spent the last three months preparing for the upcoming performances of "Shrek The Musical." Not only are the actors preparing for the performances, but technical theater teacher, Jason Watkins, and his crew of technical theater students have been working tirelessly to create a beautiful set. Impressive set pieces will be featured including a bridge built ov...
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...
Although Niwot High School sophomore Lexi Adams does not yet have any firm plans regarding her future school and work, the one thing she knows for sure about what lies ahead is that she would like to dedicate herself to something artistic. Adams readily admits that art has always been present in her life. "I didn't practice it consistently until about six years ago," she said. "I enjoyed having a hobby that was unique in my family and friend group, and it quickly [changed] from a hobby to an asp...
Departing on Saturday, March 16, and returning home on Wednesday, March 20, the Niwot High School Symphonic Band ventured down to Orlando, Florida, to experience the "Most Magical Place on Earth." Forty-two students, two directors, and eight chaperones got to experience Disney magic in ways not many people do as a part of their Disney vacations. Saturday morning, students and chaperones met behind Niwot High School at 3:30 a.m. to catch a bus to Denver International Airport for a flight...
When the curtain comes up on the Niwot High School spring show "Shrek the Musical" in April, senior Fred Zorgdrager will be front and center in the leading role. "It is a really big honor," Zorgdrager said. "I don't plan to do musical theater professionally but if I were to perform on Broadway 'Shrek' would be my dream role. It is super exciting to get the opportunity to do it now." Based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film "Shrek," "Shrek the Musical" is a show with music by Jeanine Tesori...
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) met March 5 at the Niwot Inn to consider funding requests from the Left Hand Grange No. 9 for improvements to the Grange Hall, now owned by Niwot Community Hall, a newly formed non-profit organization. The meeting began with an introduction of Carla Hunter, the newest member of the committee, who was appointed to fill the resident vacancy held by Lisa Rivard, who did not apply for reappointment. LEFT HAND GRANGE Left Hand Grange No....
During his junior year, percussionist Owen Powers played his first homecoming game with the Niwot High School Marching Band, performing alongside the Niwot drumline. "There were hundreds of people lining the football field and all up the hill adjacent to it," Powers recalled. "It was surreal. And on top of that, it was pouring rain, so everyone was getting drenched. Nevertheless, that performance might have been my personal best, and will without a doubt be one that I remember and cherish for...
On Wednesday March 6, 2024, the Niwot High School Advanced Symphonic Band attended the Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA) festival at Fort Collins High School. The CBA is made up of active and retired band directors in Colorado. One of the primary purposes of the CBA is to host events for band students of all levels and ages throughout the year, including marching band competitions in the fall, All-State Band and All-State Jazz Band events throughout winter and spring, and middle-high...
Niwot's newest hair salon, 2nd Nature Hair Lounge, located at 300 2nd Avenue, is owned by Amanda Jensen, who originally hails from Rhode Island. Jensen said her salon specializes in unique services that include French Haircutting, balayage, and a special hair product line called Oribe. Jensen has been in the salon industry since 2004 and had no vision of being a salon owner until Liz Edge, the owner of Ivy and Thistle, the salon formerly at the same location, asked if she wanted to take over...
The Left Hand Grange became a recording studio Feb. 17 when local musician-songwriter Kevin Dooley along with a group of fellow musicians performed Dooley's original song titled "Be More Like Bert." The result is a joyful earworm of a tune with a very specific and also completely universal message. The song was inspired by Bert Steele, owner of the Niwot Market, whose kind heart and great wisdom touched many lives in the community. Steele's passing in August of 2023 has left a big hole in the...
March's lineup of lectures, music, and dancing at the Left Hand Grange offers the public many ways to connect to others in the local community both in the past and present. Also, watch for more news soon, but for now here's a tease to let Home on the Grange readers know that more aesthetic upgrades to the Grange are in the making. Lucky Niwot Day at the Grange Free Irish Folk Dance Session Saturday, March 9, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Lucky Niwot Day at the Grange with a fun and free drop-in...
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...
Niwot's first First Friday Art Walk of 2024 will be held on Friday, March 1, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Old Town Niwot and Cottonwood Square. The Art Walk is an evening of enjoying local artist's work displayed throughout Niwot, with outdoor live music by local and regional musicians, weather permitting. Coordinator Anne Postle said, "We are very excited to have both our regular first Friday businesses and some new faces participating for our first, First Friday in 2024." Many businesses stay...
Rod Archer smiles modestly when he says, "if I were looking for a job now I would say two words, 'Stanford' and 'Apple.'" Indeed, his story includes his success in combining his mechanical engineering training at a prestigious university with his ability to work with developing technologies at one of the world's most innovative companies. Archer grew up in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota, with his parents, a younger sister and a younger brother. He says he was "a good, quiet kid." He chose to...
Niwot High School Performing Arts student James Miller has a clear vision of his role in the world. "My interest in theater defines who I am as a person," Miller explained. "Most things about my personality come from my experiences and peers in the theater." His commitment to his craft was one reason his teacher, Amanda Foust, selected Miller as Arts Student of the Week. "James is a terrific actor!" Foust said. "He was in the high school's fall production of 'Puffs' and as his first production...
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,...
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,...
Four Sunset Middle School students, Keeva Walton, Heidi Kintzel, Sylvia Madry, and Avery Nixon, and Sunset Choir Director Anna Hansil participated in the prestigious Colorado Middle All State Choir 2024 on Feb. 8 and 9. Acceptance into the Colorado Middle All State Choir is an incredible accomplishment for these young musicians. Students from Sunset Middle School auditioned back in October, along with over 1,500 other students statewide. Colorado Middle All State Choir gives seventh and...
Niwot High School senior Drew Moore has many talents, but he is particularly proud of the fact that he once built a guitar with Legos. "I took the fretboard from a real guitar. And all the hardware. And it worked for a moment, but the nut wouldn't stay on the plastic," he said. "Legos are so much fun. You build whatever you want." Moore developed a love for music when he was about three years old, playing piano and xylophone. At the age of seven his parents got him his first guitar. He remembers...
Niwot High School's Unified Basketball team edged out Longmont's Main Street School team in overtime on Feb. 6. The matchup wasn't just another high school basketball game, it was a celebration of inclusivity, teamwork and the joy of competition among students of varying abilities. Players for Longmont's Main Street unified basketball team arrived at Niwot High School early and in high spirits while the Niwot players were finishing their final classes of the day. Amber Jasmin was among those on...
Rick Clark and Bob Stadtherr are the latest recipients of Left Hand Valley Courier's Left Hand Laurel for their contributions to local music - most notably, as members of the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band, formed in 2005, is iconic in the Niwot community. The band plays at local events such as Rock & Rails, the July 4th Breakfast and Parade, Enchanted Evening, the Christmas Holiday Parade, and Niwot High School basketball...
February at the Left Hand Grange gives the public opportunities to be part of a number of social interactions that are unique to this community. Whether you're ready to get up and dance, or like to sit and listen to music, be amongst a vibrant group of your neighbors, or learn about the soil your food is grown in, this month's activities at the Grange will bring you happiness and gratification. Community Dance Sessions Wednesdays, Feb. 7, 21 and 28, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Teacher and choreographer...
Niwot High School senior Anna Enssle has the rare privilege among young musicians to say that she has performed at Carnegie Hall, twice. During her junior year, Enssle auditioned for and was accepted into an honor choir in New York, where students from across the country met together to rehearse for a few days and then perform in the Hall. "It was such a surreal and wonderful experience," Enssle said. "I got to meet so many talented people who shared a deep love for creating music. I got to...
Local musician Kevin Dooley was asked to perform six days before the Bert Steele memorial bench dedication ceremony. He responded, "I would be honored to do that. Bert was a dear friend and it would mean a lot to me to be there." Steele, the owner of Niwot Market and beloved community supporter, passed away suddenly last August after a short illness. A special bench surrounded by flagstones with many of Steele's philosophical sayings was unveiled at the memorial dedication in front of the...
On Tuesday, Jan. 30, the auditorium of Frederick High School resonated with the combined talents of 194 students from across the St. Vrain Valley School District for the High School Honor Choir Concert. Fifty-three of those students were from Niwot High School. The other schools that participated were Erie High School, Frederick High School, Longmont High School, Lyons Middle Senior High School, Mead High School, Silver Creek High School and Skyline High School. The annual Honor Choir Concert...
When Merrick Blondeau was in elementary school, his sister Ana's friends were percussionists. Blondeau thought they were cool, so in sixth grade he joined the band at Sunset Middle School. Since then, he has simply loved making music and getting lost in music. Blondeau enjoys listening to classical music, "But," he said, "not often enough to be able to pick a favorite." One piece he does appreciate listening to is "The Planets," a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav...
Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the A Capella Club. In the words of Greta Stauch, who is currently an 11th-grader at Niwot High School as well as the founder of the A Capella Club, "The Niwot High School A Capella Club is made up of a select group of auditioned performers from all four grades who put together vocal performances without the help of accompaniment other than from their peers in the group. The club is completely run by students-everything...
In years past, the Niwot hosted Apres Ski Day, a fun winter event that included winter treats and activities around town. This year, the revamped event has changed its name to "WinterFest" and will be held on Jan. 27 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The name was changed to better celebrate the season and let the community know that no one needs to go skiing before enjoying all the activities. WinterFest is sponsored by the Niwot Business Association (NBA) with most of the funding coming from the Niwot...
The Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) Advisory Committee approved funding for three upcoming events to be held in January, February and June, 2024, at its Jan. 9 meeting. Mary Coonce, who serves as treasurer of both the LID and the Niwot Business Association (NBA), spoke in support of the events, saying, “The goal is to have an event every month.” In her treasurer’s report, Coonce reported a $10,716 decrease in sales tax revenues collected by the LID through October 2023, compared with...
The inaugural New Year’s Eve party at the Left Hand Grange went off without a hitch. Close to 40 attendees started the night with cocktails while listening to the music of local musician John Shepherd. International appetizers and entrees were provided by Anam Soul Food, and the rousing tunes of Niwot’s own House Blend Band chimed in the rest of the evening as folks danced their way into 2024. The Grange’s new audio-visual system featuring a large television and new speakers allowed party...
First, just in case you were wondering, most of these groups of letters are not acronyms but initialisms, as they cannot be pronounced as a word. For example, FOMO (fear of missing out), FedEx, and NASA are pronounced as words, consequently they are acronyms, whereas ATM is not pronounced “attem,” thus an initialism. But the initialisms listed above represent organizations in Niwot, including non-profits, a taxing district and its advisory committee, and a business committee, which are all quite important to local Niwot citizens. The ini...
Contrary to popular belief, I am actually quite private and introverted, so writing this profile on myself is challenging. I am a born and raised Niwot native who attended Niwot Elementary, Altona Middle School, and graduated from Niwot High School (an undisclosed amount of years ago). Having grown up in our cute little town, I've gotten to know a lot of people and become involved in several things over the years. I received my Eagle Scout award from Troop 161 (an undisclosed amount of years...
Thanks to the alarmingly successful recruitment efforts of the Courier's Biff Warren, Keith Waters was persuaded to contribute articles to the Courier beginning last summer. Local readers lavish praise on his prose, noting that his articles are "remarkably adequate," with one local going so far as to say that they are "appropriate in length." When asked about Waters's writing, Niwot novelist Jim Ringel was quoted as saying, "...uhh, right, Keith Waters," before abruptly leaving the room. When...
Hi! I'm Camryn Bell. I am a student at Niwot High School, and I have always had a love of writing. I've been a part of the Niwot community my entire life and I love everything about it. I have two brothers, two dogs, and one sister-in-law (my brother has a lovely girlfriend as well). My mom, Alyson Bell, is by far the most inspiring person I have ever met. I'm passionate about a lot of things, writing being one of them, of course. I also enjoy theater, music, sports (specifically horseback...
You don't have to leave Niwot or Gunbarrel to enjoy New Year's Eve. Whether you're looking for drinks and good company at midnight or a special celebratory dinner, you can find what you need without leaving the area. Here are a few suggestions for New Year's Eve. Niwot New Year's Eve Gala at the Left Hand Grange 195 2nd Avenue The Left Hand Grange is inviting the community to its inaugural New Year's Eve gala, with dinner and dancing from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The evening includes a welcome cocktail...
Julianna Deems was nominated by her art teacher, Jennifer Tjornehoj, as the Sunset Middle School Arts Student of the Week. Deems is in the sixth grade and recently won the Blue Ribbon Award, a prestigious award based on handpicked artwork by the principal of the middle school. Deems loves painting, oil pastels, and creating sculptures in and outside of her classes at Sunset. She also participates in the school's orchestra program. Deems said that she has a strong connection with art. "When I do...
Bert Steele was a beloved member of the Niwot community for over twenty years as the face of the Niwot Market in the Cottonwood Square shopping center. Steele, who died last summer after a short illness, was known for his friendly down-home demeanor, and made friends wherever he went. Steele and his family turned the Niwot Market into a successful business that also hosts several other small businesses within its doors. Steele was also involved in most of Niwot's many community events,...
Ok. We are in the middle of that hectic time between Thanksgiving and New Year's where the vast number of tasks staring at you can be overwhelming. Tasks in addition to your normal life's tasks. It doesn't help anxiety levels when everywhere you go, someone asks, "So, are you ready for Christmas?" Do I look ready for Christmas? My hair is standing on end, and I have twenty notes with Christmas present ideas falling out of my purse. Let's streamline the process a bit. What makes the holiday...
Left Hand Grange's December agenda is loaded with community forums and community festivities. Holiday-themed windows painted by Niwot's own Denise Chamberlain are making the Grange extra merry and bright. Also, the Grange has announced some exciting news...new A/V technology is being installed, which will significantly enhance the Grange experience auditorily and visually. The new A/V system will make its first public appearance during the Grange's New Year's Eve party, and more information...
Niwot High School’s Second Annual Art Showcase was a big success Dec. 4-6. The show was hosted by the Niwot High School Booster Music Performance and Art which is affiliated with the Niwot High School Boosters, Inc., and sponsored by the Boulder School of Fine Art. The show displayed art from both students at Niwot High School as well as from younger art students at Burlington Elementary School and Sunset Middle School. The show was started a year ago to help display the achievements of local arts students which often has been overlooked due to...
