Home Care In Niwot, CO

"Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic" is Niwot High School's fall theater production. This show is entertaining, comedic, and witty. It is also rated PG-13 because it includes adult language and situations at times. Amanda Foust, Niwot High's theater director and teacher, has put an immense amount of thought and effort into this show.

The production has two full casts, both of which are full of talent.

The characters in this show each have very unique personalities, one of which is played by Prugh Dunfee. "I love feeling like I get to be a kid again, like a silly little kid who gets to run around all the time," said Dunfee when asked about her favorite aspect of playing Leanne, a lighthearted and joyful character.

These unique personality traits of each character make the experience for both actors and viewers engaging. Ash Kissinger, who plays both Ernie Mac in the first cast and Cedric Diggory in the second, says that his favorite part of playing both characters is getting to "experiment with so many different character choices and be in all four shows." Another unique thing about this show is that the cast ranges from ninth to twelfth-graders. Reagan Lachky has had a great time playing a lead role as a ninth-grader. When asked about how she feels playing such a large role as a freshman, she said, "I love it. I'm so grateful for this experience and I love working with the cast."

The first cast, performing on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., and Saturday Nov. 11 at 7 p.m., features James Miller, Alex Fick, Kate Nelson, Ace Schuler, Ash Kissinger, Sophie Arnett-Simon, Aiden Sagner, Prugh Dunfee, Maya Netel, Audrey Owen, and Casey Sangelo.

This cast has bonded throughout their time rehearsing together, and have built quite a community. "I think it's a play that connects people really easily," said James Miller, a sophomore at Niwot playing the role of Wayne Hopkins in the first cast, and Ernie Mac in the second. "You get to know a lot of people and I think it's the best production I've ever been in."

All of the extras, the Braves, Snakes, and Smarts, are performing in both casts, and will be in all four performances of the show. The Braves include Olivia DeRose, Mathew Teegarden, Anna Schnell, and Cas Clark. The Snakes are made up of Elliot DeBusk, Grace DeRose, Ivan Valdez, and Cayla Piper. The Smarts are portrayed by Julian Wu, Elyse Prestopnik, Miriam Lakein, and Kennah Brackett. "My favorite part about being in the 'Puffs' cast is probably the amazing community," Brackett said. "Everyone is just so sweet and gets along so well. I think it's also just such a fun show and I love watching everyone on stage acting their hearts out!"

The second cast, performing on Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., features River Osgood, Fred Zorgdrager, Pali Sauer, Reagan Lachky, James Miller, Reese Lavigne, Jasper Allison, Tayler Studebaker, Rori Ann Barchers, Mimi Archibold, and Ash Kissinger. This cast includes multiple talented actors, including Barchers, who is a Colorado State Thespian Officer. This cast has bonded over their shared love of theater, and they make a great team.

Every "Puffs" actor has a favorite moment during their time with the cast, and Sauer, a 10th-grader, immediately responded with hers. "I feel like the most memorable moment was when I first saw the set because it was bigger and more elaborate than I had thought it was going to be and rehearsing on it for the first time was also a core memory."

This year's technical theater team did not disappoint with their elaborate set that includes lights, handcrafted doors, puppets, and more. When asked to speak about her experiences and favorite parts of being in tech, Paige Hahn said, "I think my favorite part of technical theatre is working with other people to make a creative product. The feeling of putting together a show that goes excellently is unparalleled."

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/events/landing/35733, or in the bio section of Niwot Theater's instagram (@niwot.theater). Get them fast before they sell out.

For a decade, Chuck Rodgers has both entertained neighbors and supported a local nonprofit with an elaborate holiday lights display, and this year is no exception.

At Rodgers’ Niwot home at 5980 N. 79th St., nearly 50 holiday-themed inflatables fill the front yard of his farm next to blinking trees and multicolored lights. Visitors don’t even need to step out of their cars, as drivers can wind through the decorated driveway in the comfort of their vehicles.

“I’ve always had a great fondness for Christmas, growing up out here on the farm,” Rodgers said. “Everybody was always decorating, so I just kept on decorating as I got older.”

While the display have been a staple in Niwot for years, installing it is no easy feat. This year, Rodgers began setting up in October, chipping away at various pieces until everything finally came together on Nov. 28. The display will stay up through the first week of January.

Rodgers said that while he usually aims for Dec. 1 as the first day, he moved the schedule up this year since so many people were stopping by his home in anticipation of the lights.

“We have lots of people who come through multiple times,” Rodgers said. “People have gone through with their kids, and now they’re bringing their grandkids.”

Rodgers is putting the crowds the display draws to good use: people who view the lights are encouraged to donate to Longmont Meals on Wheels. Spectators have the option of making a cash donation to a collection box or paying online by scanning a QR code. Donations to Longmont Meals on Wheels can even come in the form of food, with a wagon on site to collect canned goods.

Rodgers said his dad was a big supporter of both the Boulder and Longmont branches of Meals on Wheels, and he’s had several friends and family members use Meals on Wheels’s services. The idea to feature his display as a fundraiser came about when he saw a couple on TV do the same thing, and he realized Longmont Meals on Wheels would make a good beneficiary.

“Every dollar counts, and we’ll take whatever anybody wants to leave in the container,” Rodgers said. “People are just trusting you to give it to Meals on Wheels, and I give every dime to them.”

The fundraiser’s $20,000 goal has been surpassed each of the last four winters, with donations topping $21,000 last year. Unfortunately, Rodgers said, donations are down this holiday season compared to recent years.

“I think it’s just inflation,” he said. “People are short on money and things are so expensive. Charity is not quite high up on a lot of people’s lists.”

The fundraiser does have some extra support this year through a donation from Pivot Energy. At a ceremony at Rodgers’ home Wednesday celebrating a new solar garden project, the company and its construction partner Namaste Solar presented Longmont Meals on Wheels with a check for $7,500. Rodgers said the contribution takes the fundraiser halfway to its goal.

Katie Wiser, development and communications director for Longmont Meals on Wheels, said the nonprofit is consistently amazed by the display and Rodgers’ support.

“He wants it to be his gift to us,” Wiser said. “To take his talents and what he wants to give, and to leverage that and encourage others to give … it’s just really special.”

In an uncertain world, Niwot's annual Holiday Magic events provide traditions, nostalgia and hope for the future. Holiday Magic in Niwot is comprised of four main events: Enchanted Evening on Nov. 24, the Friday after Thanksgiving; the Holiday Parade on the following day, Nov. 25; and then two Holiday Market days at the Left Hand Grange on the first two Saturdays in December, Dec. 2 and 9.

During this magical time, there are several opportunities for children to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Left Hand Grange. First, they can chat with Santa during Enchanted Evening from 6.30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., then again from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on parade day, and finally, from 1:00 p.m. until 3 p.m. during both Holiday Market days.

Enchanted Evening starts at 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 24 at the Left Hand Corner with the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band playing holiday music as the crowd gathers in anticipation of Santa's arrival. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to arrive sometime after 6 p.m. to light the Niwot Christmas Tree across the street in the Niwot Sculpture Park.

Rumor has it that Elsa from Frozen will make an appearance as well, just as she did last year. All around town, businesses will showcase their holiday-themed windows, and serve festive treats. It will be a real life Hallmark Channel event.

A new addition to Enchanted Evening will be the beautiful Luminary Walk where 1,000 luminaries will be positioned all around town to connect Niwot downtown, the Sculpture Park and Cottonwood Square. "It's going to be truly magical," said Niwot town administrator Angela Hudgins. Colorado Materials donated sand to weigh down each of the 1,000 bags holding the luminaries.

The next day, Nov. 25, at 11:00 a.m. the festive holiday parade begins. The parade is organized by longtime resident and former Niwot business owner, Linda Klueber. The parade will have approximately 60 participants featuring local businesses, schools, churches, and social groups.

The grand finale of the parade will be the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on the local fire truck.

This year's parade day will be particularly exciting as it is the same day as Small Business Saturday and the launch of the new Niwot shopping bag and the Niwot Nickel. Check out niwot.com and the article about the launch of the Niwot Nickel in this edition of the Courier for details about how to obtain the Niwot shopping bag and nickel.

The Holiday Market, held on the first two Saturdays in December, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, will be held at the Left Hand Grange from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Twenty-eight local vendors will showcase and sell beautifully handmade festive crafts. The Women's International Niwot Club will host its famous bake sale featuring holiday desserts from around the world. The bake sale typically includes treats such as British mince pies (no, they don't contain meat), stollen and lebkuchen cookies.

A horse and carriage will be available during each Holiday Market for festive rides between Cottonwood Square and Second Avenue so everyone has an opportunity to frequent all the local businesses and restaurants.

The season promises to have the Hallmark stamp of approval thanks to hard work by numerous volunteers, sponsorship by the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID) and the Niwot Business Association, and the leadership of Deb Fowler, the NBA events committee chairperson. Visit https://niwot.com/niwot-holiday-magic/ for more information.

Niwot is no stranger to wildlife occasionally roaming into this neck of the woods every now and then. There have been recent sightings of lynx, bobcats, foxes, deer, raccoons, snakes, prairie dogs, and even bears.

While this is not the first instance of a bear making its way into Niwot, it surely is the furthest east that we know of. There have been several bear sightings in the Lake Valley area, closer to the foothills. And there was a bear on the railroad tracks across from IBM during daylight hours several years ago.

And in 2013, a bear caused Niwot High School and Niwot Elementary School to go into lockdown briefly while officials from the Colorado Division of Wildlife monitored his whereabouts near the intersection of Niwot Road and Franklin Street.

On July 8, a local trail-walker witnessed a black bear on the path behind Niwot High School. "I'd better stop," said Bob Breyer of Morton Heights as he saw the bear come out of the bushes. "It wasn't a huge bear, and fortunately I saw it before he saw me," Breyer said. "Once he did see me he ran the other way into the ditch."

Before that, reports were coming in that the bear was seen roaming around in backyards in the Overbrook neighborhood near Niwot High School. "The bear walked across the path behind our house, came over the bridge, and strolled across the other side of our fence," said Dave Limbach, a resident of the Overbrook neighborhood. He spotted the bear later in the evening before it disappeared into the open space near the creek.

At about this time last year, residents of the same neighborhood had a similar experience with a black bear that was rummaging through trash cans. It isn't known if that was the same bear. Similar sightings have occurred in Lake Valley Estates, including a bear, several bobcats, foxes and even a badger.

With increased land development, animals are becoming less fearful of people and reclaiming their land as they look for new places to live. There are certain sanctions in place to prevent further deforestation and to maintain some wildlife habitats, but people should be aware of these potential interactions.

Other reports have claimed that there is an increase in prairie dogs appearing in residential areas significantly away from the preservation area near the Monarch Trailhead of the Niwot Loop Trail. Prairie dogs have been known to carry fleas that carry the plague.

With these increased sightings, the Colorado Division of Wildlife asks residents to be mindful of your pets, children, and yourselves when walking around nature. If you do see wildlife, do not engage with or startle the animal. Do your best to give it space and back away. Keep yourself, loved ones, and the wildlife safe. Please be sure to keep your trash cans locked as well.

Contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife at (303) 291-7227 or the Lakewood Animal Control Center at (303) 987-7173 if you do encounter these animals in your residential area.

For more information on Colorado wildlife, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at https://cpw.state.co.us/.

Charlie is a 14-year-old who absolutely loves basketball, specifically the Lakers and the Warriors, as well as Legos and U.S. History. Charlie also loves to eat macaroni and cheese and Doritos.

In many ways, he is a totally typical teenager, but something that is unique about Charlie is that he has cystic fibrosis. Make-A-Wish Colorado supports kids just like Charlie, granting their one true wish and raising awareness for kids with critical illnesses.

For the past few years, Niwot High School has partnered with Make-A-Wish Colorado to help grant wishes for kids like Charlie. Once again, Niwot High School, led by its Student Council, will be hosting "Wish Week" to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Colorado. This year, the school is asking the larger Niwot community to join the effort to reach this year's fundraising goal of $10,000. Wish Week 2024 is Monday, Jan. 22 through Saturday, Jan. 27.

Planning for this year's Wish Week began in November 2023 with student leaders Lila Repsher, who is also a part of the Make-A-Wish Colorado Youth Leadership Council, and Meleah Perez leading the effort. All Student Council students are working hard to make the week a successful series of events, participating in various committees.

"I like the fact that we are all working toward a greater goal that is part of our community," Perez said. "We really have an impact because we are granting wishes for local kids. We can see the impact of our work."

While the Student Council is leading the charge to make Wish Week a reality, the school is inviting the entire community to join the effort. Community events at Niwot High School open to the public include the boys and girls basketball games on Wednesday, Jan. 24, where basketball fan Charlie will be in attendance at the boys varsity game at 7 p.m., and at the All-Ages Game Night on Friday, Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. where a $5 entrance fee goes directly towards the fundraising goal. Game Night will include bingo, yard games, prizes and more.

In addition to the on-campus events, the public is invited to treat themselves at various local restaurants that will be donating proceeds towards the $10K goal as well. Just mention that you are there to support Niwot High School and Make-A-Wish Colorado at these generous restaurants:

Monday, Jan. 22

Restaurant Night: Blue Agave - Longmont (time TBD)

Tuesday, Jan. 23

Raising Cane's - Longmont 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Kona Ice & Hot Chocolate Truck after school at Niwot High School 3 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 25

Qdoba - Longmont

4 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 26

Cold Stone Creamery - Longmont 6 p.m. – Close

Saturday, Jan. 27

Colorado Dutch Bros Give-Back Day ($1 from every drink will be donated by Dutch Bros toward Wish Week at the Longmont location)

Community members and Make-A-Wish Colorado are raising money for kids like Niwot High School's "Wish Kid," Charlie, and their efforts also enables the organization to continue its 40-year legacy of granting special wishes for local kids. "There are kids at [Niwot High School] who have been impacted by Make-A-Wish Colorado," said Repsher. "It's great to be able to highlight the organization, plus it's fun to be able to share my passion for the mission with my fellow students."

Donations can be made here. Or click bit.ly/3O2XxUq

Donation Deadline: January 31, 2024

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].