City Closes Union Reservoir Swim and Dog Beaches, Fishing Pier
Several changes are coming to Union Reservoir beginning Saturday, May 9. All the changes are related to public health and safety issues during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The swim beach, dog beach and fishing pier at Union Reservoir will no longer be open for use beginning Saturday. Read the news release.

New Fund Supports Local Businesses
The Advance Longmont partner organizations have formed the Strongmont Fund to provide grant funding to local small businesses as they navigate the reopening process. The Longmont Community Foundation manages the fund and oversees the grant application process. You can support local businesses by donating to the Strongmont Fund at LongmontFoundation.org. Grant applications will open on May 18, and any business that meets the criteria is welcome to apply. For more information visit Longmont.org/Covid-19.

Two-Week Closure Planned for Eastbound Pike Road
The City of Longmont is planning a full 24-hour closure of the eastbound lane of Pike Road from S. Sunset Street to Kristy Court starting on Monday, May 11, and continuing until Friday, May 22, weather permitting. This closure is necessary to allow crews to safely widen Pike Road to accommodate bike lanes as part of the current Pike Road Improvements Project.

Social Security Webinar for Pre-retirees
Join Longmont Senior Services for a free Social Security 101 webinar for pre-retirees. From 10:30 am to noon on Friday, May 15, Josh Weller with the Social Security Administration will discuss Social Security benefit eligibility, how benefits are calculated, enrollment options, and more. Registration is required at bit.ly/SSLongmont. If you need help with participating in a webinar, request assistance at sites.google.com/friendslongmont.org/sctc.

Weigh in on Button Rock Preserve Plan
The weather is warming, and we’re seeing more and more people, pups and wildlife taking advantage of the beauty of Button Rock Preserve. Take the latest and final survey at bit.ly/BMRPThirdSurvey to express your opinion as we continue developing the Button Rock Management Plan, making our preserve better for all.

Get an Early Start on Water Savings
Have you heard that the City of Longmont and Resource Central are offering you a FREE sprinkler consultation this summer? All you need to do is visit ResourceCentral.org/Sprinklers or call 303-999-3824, and Resource Central staff will contact you this summer to schedule.

Fight the Bite!
The mosquito-borne West Nile virus can cause serious illness, even death. Protect yourself by using DEET or an alternative, dressing in long sleeves and long pants, staying inside from dusk to dawn, and draining standing water. Longmont contracts for citywide monitoring from May through October, and spraying is used when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are detected and exceed thresholds. To stay informed about monitoring results, the spraying schedule, and things you can do to prevent West Nile virus, visit LongmontColorado.gov/WestNile.

Commit to Time Outside for Kids
Time outside is critical to the physical and mental well-being of our children (in rain, shine and even snow). The City of Longmont’s Parks, Open Space and Trails division is joining other organizations and agencies to participate in the Outside Every Day Challenge. Visit OutsideEveryDayChallenge.org to sign the pledge, and join us by agreeing to try your best to get the children you care for outside every day! New challenges are posted weekly.

VIRTUAL Social Security 101 webinar
If Social Security benefits are a part of your retirement plan, join Longmont Senior Services for a Social Security 101 webinar for pre-retirees. Josh Weller, public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration, will provide this presentation discussing Social Security benefit eligibility, how benefits are calculated, enrollment options, online services and more. The next online class will be Friday, May 15 from 10:30 am to noon. Please register directly with the Social Security Administration at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1793873415512884491. For additional help, call Longmont Senior Services at  303-651-8411. If you need assistance with how to participate in a webinar, consider a request to our Senior Computer Tech Center: https://sites.google.com/friendslongmont.org/sctc/home.

P&Z Meeting Cancelled
The May meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission has been cancelled. For details about future meetings, please visit the P&Z board page.

Complete Your Census Now
A complete count of all Longmont residents is vital to Longmont’s future. If we miss just 100 residents, Longmont could lose almost $1.5 million dollars in federal funding over the next decade. The census count also determines our representation in Congress, and Colorado is expected to gain one seat – if everyone is counted. You can complete your census online, over the phone, or by mail. Your responses are protected by law, and confidentiality is guaranteed. Don’t wait. Visit 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020. Be sure that everyone counts in Longmont!