As we move fully into Fall and towards the holiday season, I want to express my gratitude to all Longmont Rotarians, who make our Club who we are.
I’m very proud that our Coat Drive is entering its 35th year, embodying the spirit of service in our community. Many thanks to Jim Britton, who has stepped up to lead this year's effort with our new partner (ARC) and to the band of volunteers who make this possible.
I also want to thank Andy Lee (who has decided to step back from the Good Works committee). Through Andy’s leadership, the Good Works committee has made a real difference (locally and Internationally) over the past years.
The Longmont Rotary Board continues our efforts to ensure that our Club continues supporting our mission. We are also working to clarify expectations on dues payments.
Finally, a big THANK YOU to all Longmont Rotarians for all you do to make our Longmont Rotary Club special!
Yours in Rotary service,
Anne Reynolds-Smith and Clay Douglas
Co-Presidents 2026-27
⏱️ The Rotary Minute
🌍 World Polio Day – October 24, 2026
Every year, Rotary joins the global fight to eradicate polio. World Polio Day is an opportunity to celebrate the progress we’ve made, recognize the dedication of our partners, and renew our commitment to a polio-free world.
On the Plus Side: More Than Vaccines
Did you know that Rotary and its PolioPlus partners deliver much more than vaccines? Their work supports stronger health systems, community outreach, disease surveillance, and other essential services.
Discover how Rotary’s polio eradication efforts are creating a broader, lasting impact.
Our noon meetings are in-person and a buffet meal is provided. Lunch is served at 12pm. The actual meeting starts at 12:30 and ends at 1:30 pm.
We also have a Satellite group that meets in the evenings. See website for details.
🎉 Celebrating 35 Years of the Winter Warmth Coat Drive!
Longmont Helping Longmont
For 35 years, the Rotary Club of Longmont has brought our community together to help keep our neighbors warm during the colder months.
This fall, we’re asking Longmont to help us make our 35th Annual Winter Warmth Coat Drive another wonderful success!
Since 1991, this community tradition has grown through the generosity of local residents, businesses, schools, churches, and volunteers. Every donated coat, blanket, hat, or pair of gloves helps make a difference.
🧤 What Can You Donate?
We welcome new and gently used items for men, women, and children of all ages and sizes:
🧥 Coats
🛏️ Blankets
🧣 Scarves
🧤 Gloves and mittens
🎩 Hats
📍 Where Can You Donate?
Look for collection points throughout Longmont at participating businesses, schools, churches, and community locations.
Local businesses
Ace Hardware, Airborne Gymnastics, BigDaddy Bagels, Brewing Market Coffee, Climbing Collective, Costco, Flower Bin, Gold’s Gym, High Plains Bank, IBMC, LAC Athletic Club, Meadow View Cleaners, and Red Frog Coffee.
Churches
Bethlehem Lutheran, First Lutheran, Heart of Longmont Church, and Longs Peak Methodist.
Schools and community locations
Silver Creek High School, St. Vrain high schools, Gateway Montessori School, St. Vrain Community Montessori School, Longmont Senior Center, and Longmont Civic Center.
💙 Where Do the Donations Go?
Our community partner, HOPE for Longmont (Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement), helps ensure donated items reach people who need warmth and support during the winter.
Through this partnership, the generosity of our community becomes practical support for local individuals and families.
🙏 Thank you!
To every resident, business, school, church, and volunteer who has supported this wonderful Longmont tradition over the past 35 years: thank you for helping us keep Longmont warm.
Together, we’re making a difference — one coat at a time.
🤝 Rotary in the Community
November 5, 2026
🌱 Growing Gardens – Pratt Street FarM
On November 5, we’ll visit Growing Gardens’ Pratt Street Farm to learn more about its work in sustainable agriculture, community gardening, and increasing access to fresh, healthy food.
Growing Gardens connects people with the land, helping individuals and families develop gardening skills while strengthening local food systems.
This visit offers an opportunity to explore how community-based agriculture can improve food security, promote environmental sustainability, and bring people together.
November 24, 2026
Formerly Non-Profit Day Out
Rotary is about more than what we do at our weekly meetings. It’s about building relationships, understanding our community, and working together to make a positive difference.
On November 24, Longmont Rotary will take our meeting out into the community for a special opportunity to visit local nonprofit organizations, learn about their work, and strengthen our connections with the people who make Longmont a better place.
This new initiative reflects Rotary’s commitment to building goodwill and better friendships while deepening our understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our community.
Three Organizations. Three Opportunities to Learn.
Members will have the opportunity to visit three local organizations.
🌱 Happy Day Plants
Cultivating growth. Growing community.
Happy Day Plants is much more than a plant shop. This Longmont nonprofit creates meaningful employment opportunities and inclusive community experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Through plants, education, and hands-on work, Happy Day Plants helps individuals develop confidence, workplace skills, and a sense of belonging. It’s a wonderful example of how a local business can create opportunity while strengthening our community.
BRITE Collaborative works to strengthen relationships and rebuild trust through restorative justice and restorative practices.
By bringing people together to address conflict, repair harm, and promote accountability, BRITE helps create a more compassionate and connected community. Its work supports individuals, families, schools, and organizations in finding meaningful ways to resolve conflict and move forward.
The Reentry Initiative supports adults transitioning from incarceration and those involved in the justice system, helping them build stable, fulfilling, and crime-free lives.
Through comprehensive support, including care management, employment and housing assistance, wellness services, and community connections, the organization helps individuals overcome barriers and build a positive future.
Its work demonstrates the power of compassion, opportunity, and second chances in creating a stronger community for everyone.
A sign-up sheet will also be available at our weekly Rotary meetings.
Let’s get out into Longmont, learn from our community partners, and build stronger relationships together!
🎓 Looking Ahead: The Future of Education
January 11, 2027 | Innovation Center
Our first Rotary in the Community meeting in 2027 will take place on January 11 at the Innovation Center.
We’ll explore one of the most important questions facing our community:
What does the future of education look like?
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring:
Dr. Jackie Kapushion – Superintendent, St. Vrain Valley School District
Janel Highfill - Associate Vice President Workforce Development FRCC
Joss Bybee – High School Junior - Areas of Interest: Entrepreneurship, Drone Performance Team, UAS Drone Team, and Drones for Dreams.
Together, our panelists will bring leadership and student perspectives to a conversation about the future of learning, educational innovation, and the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation.
This promises to be an engaging discussion connecting Rotary with the future of our community.
More details to follow.
🗓️ The Horizon: Save the Date
Here’s what’s coming up! Mark your calendars and join us as we continue to serve, connect, and make a difference in our community.
Date
Event / Activity
Details
October – First week of December
35th Annual Winter Warmth Coat Drive
Coat collection and distribution in partnership with ARC and community organizations.
November 5, 2026
Growing Gardens – Pratt Street Farm
A community visit to learn about sustainable agriculture, food access, and community gardening.
November 24, 2026
Rotary in the Community
Community site visits to Happy Day Plants, BRITE Collaborative, and The Reentry Initiative.
