Become a Sister Cities chaperone, take an Historic Walking Tour, explore nature with rangers, attend the Bilingual Resource Fair and more! - City of Longmont
https://longmontcolorado.gov/news/become-a-sister-cities-chaperone-take-an-historic-walking-tour-explore-nature-with-rangers-attend-the-bilingual-resource-fair-and-more/ — printed September 19, 2026
Longmont Sister Cities chaperone Amy Robbins and Chino International Club host Saori Kubota pose for a selfie during their travels in Chino, Japan.
Become a Chaperone for Longmont Sister Cities Next Summer
Want to see the world while making a difference? The Longmont Sister Cities Association needs chaperones for their summer exchange, traveling alongside St. Vrain Valley School District students in grades 8-11 as they connect with a new culture. Bring your sense of adventure and help our students have the experience of a lifetime.
Explore one of Longmont’s three sister cities: Chino, Japan; Ciudad Guzmàn, Mexico and the Wind River reservation in Wyoming. Exchanges range from 10 to 15 days, staying with a host family and getting to know a new culture from the locals. Chaperones travel for free. Chaperones must be 21 or older and live or work in Longmont.
Amy Robbins, a 2026 chaperone for the Chino, Japan trip, had this to say:“Serving as a chaperone on the Chino, Japan exchange was an incredibly rewarding experience. Watching the ambassadors grow in confidence while experiencing a new country and culture together was unforgettable – and a lot of fun!”
Learn about Longmont’s early years, the Oligarchy Ditch, mid-century modern architecture, and the city’s expansion post-WWII in a historic walking tour of Lanyon Park with Longmont Museum Curator of History Elizabeth Beaudoin.
Explore the ecosystem of Sandstone Ranch with the Longmont Ranger Team. Learn about the elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and deer that roam our great state. This program is best suited for ages 8+, and part of the event may be held outdoors. Free registration with a $4/person suggested donation.
No promises, but it looks like sometimes participants learn to assemble (and disassemble) s’mores, too!
Saturday, September 26
10 am-noon
Sandstone Ranch Visitor Center, 3001 Sandstone Drive
Discover all the Spanish-language and bilingual resources the Library has to offer at a community resource fair in the Library Meeting Rooms. The day includes Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations featuring live music, traditional dance performances, family activities, snacks and a piñata.
On Tuesday, September 15, the Longmont Urban Renewal Authority (LURA) met at 5:30 pm, followed by a Council Study Session at 7 pm where the proposed 2027 budget presentation was discussed.
Next Meeting
On Tuesday, September 22 Council will have a Regular Session focused on the budget.
View the City Council meeting schedule, agendas, minutes, and recorded meetings on the City Council Meetings webpage.
Medicare’s open enrollment period runs October 15 through December 7.
Come to the Senior Center to meet the Medicare counseling team, learn the do’s and don’ts of Open Enrollment, and identify how to prepare. Your coverage should be evaluated every year: networks change, prices change, and formularies are updated. This class is free; please register in advance.
Longmont Recreation Center Pool Updates
Due to construction delays, the new water play feature grand opening is rescheduled for October 10 at 11 am. The Lap Pool and Hot Tub reopen September 17 at 5 am, with water fitness classes returning September 21. The Leisure Pool is expected to reopen in late September. Find updates and fall pool schedules on the Longmont Pools webpage.
Apply for City Boards and Commissions
Consider applying for Longmont’s new Technology Policy Advisory Board – or one of many other open seats. All community members are encouraged to apply. Recruitment runs through October 16. It’s time to make your voice heard and take a more active role in your community. Learn more about boards and apply.
“Voices of Change: Councilwoman” Film Screening and Conversation
Visit the Museum on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 pm to hear the inspiring story of Carmen Castillo, a Dominican immigrant and hotel housekeeper who won a seat on the Providence, Rhode Island, City Council. The film is followed by a conversation with Mayor Susie Hidalgo-Fahring and County Commissioner Marta Loachamin. Please register for this free event.
Free Trees in East Longmont
Growing Shade is a program focused on increasing tree canopy to help reduce extreme heat, improve air quality, and enhance climate resilience and public health. Select neighborhoods in Longmont east of Main Street with less than 25% canopy will be eligible to participate in the Fall 2026 Growing Shade program. To learn more, see who’s eligible and sign up, visit the Growing Shade website.
LET’S CLEAR THAT UP
Q: I’m planting a new tree this fall, but I have a power line near my home. How do I make sure I’m not planting too close to it?
A: When a tree is too close to an overhead line, one broken branch can take out power for the entire neighborhood. So when you’re planting new trees this fall, remember these tips:
Keep your tallest trees at least 50 feet away from overhead utility lines. This includes maples, spruces, oaks, large evergreens and anything else likely to grow taller than 40 feet.
Medium-sized trees should be no closer than 20 feet from the lines. These are the trees that are between 25 and 40 feet tall at maturity, like goldenrain trees or Amur cork trees.
Anything closer than 20 feet should be small trees only – or preferably none at all. And never plant a tree directly beneath the power lines.
Smart planting now can help keep your power reliable for a long time to come. That’s something to root for!
Okay, we know it’s the wrong season, but this Hallmark-inspired “From Longmont with Love” video just won a Silver Circle Award at the 3CMA (City-County Communications & Marketing Association) annual conference on September 10. And it’s fun.
