Matt Maenpaa joins The Longmont Leader team

The Longmont Leader would like to introduce the newest member of its team — Matt Maenpaa. He will be serving the community as a local reporter, but don’t let us steal all his glory. Here are a few words from him. 

When Anvil Distillery closed in 2019, I found myself at loose ends. I’d gotten to know so many amazing people in Longmont, through sales, through tasting room events and festivals. The Longmont Observer had started by then, and was looking for writers. I was more than happy to volunteer.

Writing has been a passion for quite some time, from fiction and poetry to writing essays and reviews on restaurants, books and more. When The Leader put out the call for freelance writers and photographers, I leapt at the opportunity. Honing my skills with the pen, as well as from behind a camera lens, had their hooks in me once again.

From outdoor adventures to local arts, it’s been a thrill to find the pulse of Longmont’s vibrant and growing community. Now, stepping into this new(ish) role as a full-time journalist, it feels like living a dream. I look forward to this greater opportunity to make Longmont an informed community, with integrity, compassion and fairness. Working with this excellent and dedicated staff, we’ll strive for the best of Longmont.