This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
During the June 11, 2019 Longmont City Council meeting, Mayor Brian Bagley made three proclamations: June 2019 as Bicycle Month, June 17-22 as Longmont Pride Week, and June 17, 2019 as Rotary Club of Longmont 100th Anniversary Day.
Bike month is celebrated across Colorado each June. The City of Longmont participates in the celebration with several events include Bike to Work Day.
Ben Ortiz, City of Longmont transportation planner, accepted the proclamation. Ortiz noted the importance of having a strong bicycle oriented network in the city for those who choose to ride their bicycles and more importantly for those who have no alternative mode of transportation.
Residents are encouraged to explore cycling as a mode of transportation for all the benefits it can bring; no negative impacts on the environment, no traffic congestion, and for the health of residents.
The second proclamation of the evening claims June 17-22 as Longmont Pride Week.
Longmont Pride Week celebrates Longmont's LBGTQ community and their allies. Events begin with a Rainbow Storytime and the Longmont Public Library. The celebration culminates with a family-friendly event on Main Street.
Ray Rodriguez, 20-year resident of Longmont, spoke on behalf of the youth in the LGBTQ community by sharing, "This isn't your grandparents' Longmont anymore. Creating a safer world is why we are here today." Rodriquez went on to state that he feels better knowing that the local government is in support of the LGBTQ community and he hopes others feel safer, worthy, and enough because of it.
Mardi Moore, Executive Director of OUT Boulder County, accepted the proclamation. She stated, "On what is the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, the modern day uprising of the LGBTQ community, this means a lot to have this year. I think Longmont has come a long way in the 5 or 6 years that I have been able to be back in the state. It's the 25th anniversary of OUT Boulder County and we've been working hard and long in this community. As you look at all of us here tonight, know we are here, we're working to make Longmont a better place. You can count on us as I know we can count on you."
The final proclamation for the June 11, 2019 meeting proclaimed June 17, 2019 as Rotary Club 100th Anniversary Day.
The Rotary Club has served the Longmont community in many ways over the last 100 years including Salvation Army bell-ringing, coat drives, park clean ups, and committing to eradicate polio.
The proclamation was accepted by Debbie Setlock, president of Rotary Club of Longmont, and Leona Stoecker, past-president and former mayor of Longmont.
Stoecker stated, "I just thought I would share something we say during every rotary meeting and it's the Rotary's four-way test. It starts with: Is it the truth? Number two, is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? And this we say every week, the four-way test to the things we think, say, or do. The world would be a different place is we did all of these things."
