City Facilities Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Longmont city government observes the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 22, and Friday, November 23. On Thursday all City facilities will be CLOSED except the Longmont Recreation Center, which will be open from 7 to 11 am on Thanksgiving. Those age 14 and older can choose from a variety of fitness classes, use the cardio machines and weight room, and swim laps during the “Fitness Buffet.” Regular admission fees; call 303-774-4800 for information. On Friday the Rec Center and the Ice Pavilion will be open. Thursday trash, recycling and composting will be collected on Friday.

Free Landfill Drop Day
The City of Longmont lets residents take one level pickup load free of charge to the Front Range Landfill at 1830 Weld County Rd 5 in Erie from 7 am to 2 pm on Saturday, November 17. Loads must be covered and secured for transport; oversize loads and second loads will be billed. Take a photo ID and a copy of your current utility bill to show that you are a City of Longmont customer. For more information visit LongmontColorado.gov/WasteServices or call 303-651-8416.

Building Better Cities Program
The public is invited to join the Longmont Downtown Development Authority for a discussion about community development and public-private partnerships on Monday, November 19, at The St. Vrain, 635 3rd Avenue. Marilee Utter of Citiventure Associates specializes in transformational projects and public-private transactions, and her experiences and expertise in downtown Denver are known throughout the country. Happy hour is at 5 pm, and the discussion begins at 5:30. Visit DowntownLongmont.com for more information. 

Native American Heritage Storytime
From 6 to 7 pm on Monday, November 19, the Library at 409 4th Avenue is offering a special storytime to recognize and celebrate the people of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and other Native American tribes indigenous to Longmont. This all-ages storytime aims to raise the voices of indigenous authors and storytellers in our community. No registration is required, and all are welcome.

Kick off the Holidays in Downtown Longmont
At 6:30 pm on Friday, November 23, bring your friends and family to the 6th Avenue Plaza on Main Street to celebrate holiday traditions from around the world, then light the tree. This free event will also feature sing-alongs, crafts, goody bags, and Santa. Then, on Saturday, November 24, return downtown for Small Business Saturday with ice carving at St. Stephen’s Plaza, holiday characters and prize drawings. For more information visit DowntownLongmont.com.

Youth Junior Nuggets Basketball League
Basketball players in grades 3-8 can hone their skills in Recreation Services’ Junior Nuggets league that emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, participation and fun! Saturday games are played January through early March in Longmont and neighboring communities. Each participant receives a branded jersey, a basketball, and two tickets to a Denver Nuggets game, and scholarships are available. There also is a Sunday high school program for those not on a school or club team. Register to play at bit.ly/JrNuggets, or to volunteer to coach call 303-774-4800.

Enjoy Colorado’s Largest Holiday Home Tour
You’re invited to the Gift of Home Tour, a benefit for Longmont Meals on Wheels, November 29 through December 1. This is a self-guided tour of three beautifully decorated homes with decorations available for purchase. November 29 VIP tickets are $45 and include dinner at one of four local restaurants. General admission for November 30 and December 1 is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For information and to purchase tickets, visit TheGiftofHome.org or the Longmont Senior Center at 910 Longs Peak Avenue.  

Longmont Museum Holiday Showcase
At 7 pm on Saturday, December 15, and 4 pm on Sunday, December 16, the Longmont Museum’s holiday tradition continues at 400 Quail Road with songs of the season and holiday cheer featuring Longmont’s Centennial State Ballet “Nutcracker” excerpts and much more! Special Santa reception with cookies and hot chocolate at 3 pm on Saturday before the matinee concert. General admission is $20, $15 for students and seniors, and $12 for Museum members. Buy tickets at LongmontMuseum.org or call 303-651-8374. 

No Better Time Than Now to Begin Going Solar
Join a movement of residents who have taken control of their electric bills and are supporting the planet through putting solar on their home. Solar has never been cheaper and if you want to save 30% of costs through the Solar Investment Tax Credit, you must begin work in 2019. To make the process easier, Longmont has teamed up with Boulder County’s EnergySmart to provide you with a short list of trusted solar installers in the area. If you have other questions or want expert advice when comparing bids, EnergySmart can help with this too! Visit EnergySmartYES.com/Go-Solar to learn more and start going solar today!