All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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I was walking my dog on the LoBo Trail through Niwot, wearing a homemade blue-cotton mask, when a group of three runners came toward me. None wore masks. One coughed about 25 feet in front of me. I hoped my mask gave me some protection, but I wasn't sure. I heard that wearing a mask was mostly to keep my germs out of someone else's lungs. The cough set me off. I felt like I was put in danger by someone who carelessly spewed his viral or non-viral particles (I'll never know) and I was walking...
One Friday morning, Claire Levy sat in her basement, sewing masks for health care workers in Boulder County. She lives in district one of Boulder County and is currently running unopposed for its county commissioner seat. "I think right now, I just feel like my campaign and my needs are unimportant relative to others'," she said. Levy has been a longtime participant in local and state government. She has worked as an assistant county attorney, a citizen activist, a member of the state...
Timing and relationships have been key to the success of several local small businesses that received loans in the first round of funding from the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The $350 billion fund dried up within days, leaving some businesses empty handed and hoping to get a piece of the $310 billion second round of funding that is funneled through lending institutions. "It's been a chaotic process for everyone," said Kate Head of Pebble Jewelry. She got on the phone with her...
Meet Al - Al is thought to be a Norwegian Forest Cat, about seven years old. Al decided that he would live at Niwot Rental and Feed about five years ago, that they had a good thing going on. Two years ago Al began living in the store and overseeing operations. A die hard Broncos fan, Al is often seen in team colors. We look forward to seeing your pets in our Spotlight. Please send your photos and a brief description to editorial@LHVC.com...
Inkberry Books has partnered with the Left Hand Valley Courier again to bring you a riveting historical fiction account of familial history that deals with ghosts, dreams, and even politics across the centuries. We all carry generations of knowledge and experience within us. We carry our ancestors' hopes, dreams, loves, and fears within our very being. Sometimes they manifest in obvious ways, like when you're told that you seem just like Aunt or Uncle so-and-so. But other times, the past is...
The Niwot Business Association's application to develop up to a 50-space multimodal parking facility on vacant land between the BNSF railroad tracks and Murray Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues, is back on track at the Boulder County Community Planning and Permitting Department after a three-month delay to resolve transportation questions. Neighboring residents, businesses, and other potential stakeholders have until May 19 to submit comments on the proposal. Assuming no more delays, the...
Gardeners are good at sharing with others. We offer advice, give seeds and seedlings or leave zucchini on doorsteps of neighbors. In good or difficult times, gardeners rise to help with small kindnesses. These everyday things make us happy; it's how we sow community as well as gardens. We know that big things can come from a single seed, that an individual flower, combined with dozens or hundreds of others can turn a vacant lot into a paradise. These things the garden teaches us, along with the...
In school, students are taught the basics of government; there's a president for the country, governors for states and mayors for cities and towns. There are various boards who oversee different aspects of communities, but these boards are often overlooked when teaching civics. "What is a county commissioner?" Boulder County residents constantly ask Longmont resident Marta Loachamin. Loachamin is, arguably, a prime candidate for this question. This is not only because she is currently running...
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,...
Here is a ray of sunshine in these dark times; a ray of sunshine, shining on a solar panel, producing energy locally in Longmont for residents of the Left Hand Valley. Jack's Solar Garden, the community solar project created by Byron Kominek on his farm in south Longmont, is on track to be built, connected, and producing power by fall. In early April, Kominek signed a contract with Namasté Solar to build the panels. Namasté is a local solar developer, and as Kominek pointed out, also a c...
It can prove difficult to spot a silver lining amidst the current global pandemic. Daily news bombards us with rising infections, death rates, and unemployment stats. Our lives are upended and new daily routines require patience, compassion and understanding just to make it through. However, catastrophe and disaster often have a way of bringing out the best in humanity. People want to lighten the load for those with heavy burdens and Boulder County is no different. The folks at Vapor Distillery...
The quiver in Nancy Armstrong's voice tells the story. She knows it's time. But she is still struggling with her choice to close the hair salon she's owned in Niwot for nearly a quarter of a century. "I'm sad about leaving Niwot. It's been a very, very hard decision," said Armstrong. "It's just a cool little town. It's been really good for me, and to me, for 24 years." A lot has changed since 2nd Ave Hair Studio first opened its doors. For years, she had a contingent of ladies who came in every...
Our local nonprofits do tremendous work in supporting the Boulder County community. However, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and market drop, they have taken a hit. Many have had to shift day-to-day operations and get creative with funding to ride out the current storm. Via Mobility, which provides free or reduced cost transportation for older adults, people with disabilities, and others living with mobility limitations, has noted a 50 to 70% ridership decrease across its four ride divisions, of...
Buses are a common sight for those living in Boulder and Longmont, but they are easily forgettable since they seem to simply blend into the daily landscape of Colorado traffic. For those living in Niwot, perhaps the primary source of exposure to public transit may come from the park and ride lots on either end of Niwot Road, at Highway 287 and Highway 119. So, it may come as a bit of a surprise to discover that Denver's Regional Transportation District serves close to 3 million people across...
Last week's surprise winter storm might have seemed out of place in April, but as a recently donated artifact to the Niwot Historical Society (NHS) attests, spring blizzards are nothing new in the area. According to the April 6, 1957 edition of the Niwot Tribune (1921-1958), the area was "buried" under 18 inches of snow, which disrupted local phone service for four days. The Tribune clipping was one of several items donated to the NHS in March by longtime member Judy Gould Dayhoff, who has been...
It has been a source of immense frustration to me for many years that I can't be a hunter-gatherer. And it all began with a degree in cultural anthropology. Wading back through the annals of our agrarian past, and studying the marginal hunter-gatherer groups that existed into the 1900s, I had a glimpse of the life humankind evolved to live. Did you know that most hunter-gatherers lived to about 70 years of age, ate approximately 2000 calories of nutrient dense food a day, avoided infectious...
Just because it's been the snowiest winter on record, it doesn't mean that spring isn't right around the corner. April snow has one great quality; it holds a lot of water. While Colorado champagne powder is great for skiing, anyone who grew up in a more humid climate knows that means the snow packs well. Gunbarrel Estates has the perfect example. This mother ducky and her chicks illustrate what can be done with good snow and an eye for detail....
Meet Nolan, canine companion to Sam French. French writes, "He is a 3-year-old yellow lab/German shepherd mix. He is currently working as an essential employee at Table Mesa Hardware and enjoys naps and squeaky toys. Nolan was adopted from an Indian reserve where he was a stray. He was so skinny and sick when we got him, but look at him now." We look forward to seeing your pets in our Spotlight. Please send your photos and a brief description to editorial@LHVC.com...
I always figured if I made it through a Colorado winter living in my built-out Dodge ProMaster cargo van, then everything else that came my way would be a piece of cake. However, I never considered a pandemic, no one really did. I couldn't have fathomed how quickly my life would change, and I'd have to get used to a new norm, all over again. I rely on the public sphere for a lot of the stuff I need to make my day to day life work - recreation centers, coffee shops, parks, campgrounds, etc. As a...
It's tempting to start waging war on those early dandelions, but before you dig in, keep in mind that bees are counting on the yellow morsels. They don't have a lot of dining choices this time of year and their honey pantries are a little bare coming out of winter. "Right now it's a little tough, because everything is on the cusp of being ready to bloom," said Niwot native Dawn Server who owns Meadow Lake Honey in Niwot with her husband, Jeff. Maple trees and daffodils are other early sources...
When Lorne Jenkins was eight years old and his sister was five, they were constantly asking their mom, Ellen Ross, if they could eat out for dinner. "She just got fed up with it, so she posted on the refrigerator a job opening for son and for daughter," said Jenkins. They had to interview for the jobs, and Ross even called their references. Fortunately, Jenkins said, "We got the jobs and then we got a salary every week." They had to pay for rent, transportation, and for bills. Eating out on any...
In an increasingly digital age, when it's easier than ever to connect with millions of people, it has also become easier to take advantage of others. Gone are the days of snake-oil salesmen; instead, the public must be on the lookout for digital imposters everywhere. "We always hear about an uptick in scams when there is any government activity affecting the public, and especially our older adult population – tax time every year, the new Medicare cards that came out in late 2018, the census, e...
Easter was different for everyone this year: there were no community egg hunts or egg rolls, and for those who hold the religious side dear, there weren't (in-person) services either. Instead, families--religious and non-religious alike--spent the holiday together, which really is the main point of the day. Easter is a time to celebrate what we have, it's a time of new beginnings and reflection. Even though this Easter is unlike any other recent years, individuals and organizations alike sought...
As the economic impacts of the coronavirus shutdowns continue to accumulate, more and more families are seeking supplemental food assistance from state and county agencies. To help fill the growing demand in Boulder County, Kilt Farm of Niwot will be distributing fresh, organic produce to more than 40 local families on a weekly basis starting in June. "My mission as a farmer is to improve my community through the food I grow and the neediest amongst us deserve to have access to the best food,"...
As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to hit not only the United States, but the entire world, I know that it is affecting everyone's mental health. It's hard not to focus on anything but what is plaguing us. But there are still things going on that have nothing to do with COVID-19 that we still have to deal with. My articles are about being safe on the roadways, and they still need to be. What we need to remember now during all of this is keeping our minds focused when driving, and b...
Each spring, Colorado welcomes an abundance of new young wildlife across the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is partnering with the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) to remind residents to keep wild animals wild and leave young wildlife alone. As wildlife becomes more visible in backyards, trails and open spaces, CPW and local parks receive an increase of office visits and calls from concerned people that report they "rescued" young wildlife that appeared "abandoned" by...
Duck is a 2 ½ year old Golden Retriever. She is a master at nose work and can sniff out any treat, no problem. She loves hiking, swimming, and playing with her friends. She can often be found wrestling with her Golden brother or carrying her favorite stuffed baby around to show off to everyone. We look forward to seeing your pets in our Spotlight. Please send your photos and a brief description to editorial@LHVC.com....
LHVC reader Sarah Hersh sent along this photo and description of a recent day out in Niwot. "Oliver (6) and Ella (5) have been homeschooling/adventuring due to school being closed. We read books about bees and honey and then rode our bikes to "mountain lake honey" to learn more from the owners. We talked about movement and exercise to keep our bodies healthy, supporting local business, the health benefits of honey, and learned more from the bee keepers including seeing the bees' homes. This was...
Members of the Noterman family of Niwot tracked down Easter rocks in Niwot's "No Touch Easter Rock Hunt." From left, Makenna, Brennan, Kaleb, and Hailey. https://www.lhvc.com/story/2020/04/08/news/the-no-touch-easter-rock-hunt-in-niwot/5392.html...
Lori and Russ Lindemann moved to the Gunbarrel Estates neighborhood in 1994 with their two children and niece in tow. For the past two and a half decades, they have called Boulder County home and have done a huge part in making it a terrific place to live for its variety of residents. The Lindemanns are no strangers to hard work and have spent much of their free time volunteering throughout the community. Lori has volunteered with the St. Vrain Valley School District, the VA in Denver, the DA's...
As an alternative to the canceled Niwot Easter Egg hunt, a local family has created the "No Touch Easter Rock Hunt". Rocks painted in Easter colors have been placed throughout downtown Niwot, and starting on April 10, families can search for these rocks, using a the map printed below. Be sure to stay safe and follow the rules, then send us your best photos for the April 15 and April 22 issues of the Courier!...
Head toward the mountains on Niwot Road and you'll run into a big zig north at 45th before you zag back west. It seems like the same road, but it's not. You're now on Neva Road. It makes sense that the two roads are connected and that one isn't as well traveled. Neva was the brother of legendary Chief Niwot, the Arapaho chief also known as Left Hand. "He [Neva] maybe hasn't gotten as much publicity as he deserves," according to Margaret Coel, author of the acclaimed book 'Chief Left Hand.' "He...
In light of social distancing, numerous businesses have limited operations or closed entirely. However, this means more than simply missing out on shopping and dining opportunities; for some, it also means unemployment. However, even if you still have a job, someone else's unemployment can still affect you. Maybe it's your favorite restaurant that gets closed, or the auto-shop had to lay off employees and you can't get your car serviced. It's important to have a financial plan in your pocket,...
Pat Murphy of Niwot Realty didn't get a chance to hand out candy and prizes at Niwot's annual Easter egg hunt this year, but that didn't stop the canceled event's founder from bringing smiles to more than a few faces-at an appropriate social distance, of course. Goodies once destined for the baskets and bellies of Niwot's would-be egg hunters instead went to military personnel overseas and those on the front lines a little closer to home. "This is more relaxing, but I've got a house full of...
Can you imagine how we would all be feeling if this had happened in the '80s? The question came up in a friendly Zoom conference happy hour recently. How would we have coped in the pre-internet era? How would we have spent our time? How would we have connected with each other? One thing is certain: we would have had many fewer options for entertainment. As media giants such as Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, and others are offering new or exclusive options, some for free, what if what we are...
He was number 1,200 in the cue for the Small Business Administration helpline. Two and a half hours later, Michael Tomich got through to a real person who pointed him to a specific loan application to get a lifeline for his business, The Old Oak Coffeehouse in Niwot. It was a different form than the one he initially found on the SBA website, making it worth the time and patience he needed to spend hours on hold. "This is stressful and I'm spending huge amounts of time on it," said Tomich who is...
In September 1918, a group of soldiers came from Montana to the University of Colorado, in Boulder. Within a week, nearly 100 soldiers fell ill with the Spanish Flu and were quarantined. At the time, Boulder was a city of about 10,000 residents, and health resources were limited--fraternity houses became hospitals and convalescent wards, but most people were cared for by their families in their homes. Chief public health officer M. E. Miles declared Boulder to be quarantined--schools, churches...
Here we are, a new spring has sprung. The natural world has come out of its winter slumber and is expanding all around. Yet for many of us our world has become smaller and more constrained. We are forced to move inward and to limit our physical interactions as we struggle to understand a new threat. We do this to serve the greater good of our species, our community and our world. This experience of being restricted in movement is new and challenging for many of us. Accepting this change can be...
The stay-at-home order for Colorado due to the coronavirus has put the Niwot Community Association’s plans on hold. The group met April 1 by teleconference to discuss what should be done about the April annual meeting, the May Clean Up Day and the July 4 parade. The April annual meeting is cancelled. NCA members had proposed holding a live-streamed meeting, but the group decided that it was impractical. “The limitations of an online meeting would make it really difficult for many members to participate,” said NCA President David Limbach. “The...
Meet six-month old Arrow. Arrow is a beagle/lab mix who loves eating sticks and digging holes. You can find Arrow hounding about with his family in Longmont but don't wake him during one of his many daily naps. Arrow is an early riser and enjoys serenading the neighborhood with his signature bark. If you hear him though, don't hesitate to say hello (from six-feet away). We look forward to seeing your pets in our spotlight. Please email your photo and captions to Editorial@lhv...
For more information concerning the pandemic response at the local, state, and federal level, visit the following sites: Boulder County Boulder County coronavirus homepage Resources for Those Affected by COVID-19 Boulder County COVID-19 Illness & Recovery Summary State of Colorado Information on the Outbreak of COVID-19 Colorado case summary Governor's Public Health Order (updated April 11) Federal Federal resources on Coronavirus Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Federal Emergency...
Dear Readers, In an effort to survive in the current COVID-19 economy, the Left Hand Valley Courier will change to an on-line only format as of the April 15 issue. We have brought local news to your doorstep for 23 years, but times have changed, and after April 8, the Courier will arrive ONLY on your computer, ipad, or cell phone. And, for the first time, we are asking readers to pay for the content in the Courier by subscribing. For 23 years, our advertisers have been our sole source of income, enabling us to pay for printing and delivery...
He can't be here in person due to the coronavirus, but the star of the movie, "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," is sending his blessing to Niwot residents as they add Ron to the name of the Burgundy Park neighborhood. "It's about time," said Will Ferrett, who played Ron Burgundy in the 2004 film. He recalled a line from the movie that explains why he thinks it is 16 years late. "I don't know how to put this, but I'm kind of a big deal. People know me. I'm very important. I have many...
While spending more time at home soaking in the ambiance of your space, have you experienced niggling feelings that some of those things you're sitting amongst no longer suit you? Maybe you'd like to find a new home for them. Perfect. Here's something you can do about it right now while serving a higher purpose – dogs. For the fifth year, Cause4Paws (C4P), a not for profit organization (www.facebook.com/C4P.ARF) started by Gunbarrel's Laurel Fox, will be holding a fundraising yard sale that far...
An unusual number of bears are showing up in local neighborhoods this spring. Desperate measures are being taken as families enlist their children to hunt a variety of species such as Teddy, Panda and Pooh. The fuzzy ursine have emerged from numerous human dens, pressing their plastic noses against windows, signaling the start of "hunting" season. It began after a social media post on Nextdoor by Amanda Dean, who shared the idea that was inspired by a children's book, "We're Going on a Bear...
Two pieces of blue-floral cotton, thread, elastic, experienced hands and a caring heart. That may be all that separates sickness from health and life from death for cancer patients and workers at a hospital in Maryland. "These are very, very sick patients. We don't want to spread anything to them," said Sandy Rozzelle, whose job is to get medicine for cancer patients. "We want them to be safe, as well as us too." Rozzelle wouldn't normally wear a protective mask for her job at Frederick Health...
It seems like everywhere you look there are articles about maximizing your experience during this COVID quarantine. But when you’re not usually working from home and trying to maintain some semblance of your formerly busy life, boredom is sure to settle. Being cooped up in your house is sure to become overwhelming after a few days; that’s why there are so many memes about it on the internet right now. When that sense of boredom strikes, you don’t always want to maximize that time; sometimes you just want to distract yourself. Those distr...
New measures by Boulder County to enforce prairie dog social distancing are facing blazing criticism from scientists and citizens alike. The county commissioners last week announced the new decree, aimed at "helping the small creatures in our county show solidarity with the humans who have been enduring increasingly extreme social distancing and stay-at-home measures," according to Boulder County Manager Barbara "Red" Taype. The measure, which calls for a $10,000 budget to build walls in county...
An emergency coronavirus response measure that Colorado Governor Jared Polis rolled out this week has an unexpected loophole, and local businesses are rushing to be the first to corner a new market. The initial "stay at home" order by Denver's mayor Michael Hancock, which went into effect on March 24, at 5 p.m., caused a panic and rush to liquor and pot stores, which were initially set to be closed under the order. Governor Polis extended the order to the entire state on Thursday, March 26, at...
With virtually all area economic activity at a halt due to coronavirus restrictions, Jim and Mary Good of Good Find Antique Store in Niwot (666 2nd Ave.) said they are now having second thoughts about selling a cursed monkey's paw to a group of local high school students, who told the pair they needed the mummified relic for "research purposes." "They said they wanted to examine the ugly thing as part of some video project or something or other," Mary Good said about the shriveled, disembodied...
