This Week in Longmont: Grants for COVID-impacted businesses, prescription drug drop-off and more

A boost for Longmont businesses

The city of Longmont is launching the Boost Longmont Business Grant to encourage the recovery, resilience and long-term viability of local small businesses and nonprofits that contribute to a strong local economy. Grant funding is provided through the federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund and is administered by the city. Grants will provide working capital assistance for businesses and nonprofits in amounts of up to $15,000 each, and there is a total of $1.1 million available. Eligible businesses and nonprofits can apply beginning Tuesdasy. Visit LongmontColorado.gov/boost-business-grant for details.

Drop off old medicines for free

Drugs discarded down the drain can pass through the wastewater treatment plant and into St. Vrain Creek without treatment. Instead of throwing them away, residents can take them to a free drop-off event from 8 am to 2 pm Oct. 24 in the circular drive in front of Longmont United Hospital, 1950 Mountain View Ave. Do not park your vehicle or enter the hospital or lobby, and please wear a mask when you enter the drive. Pills, capsules, liquids, inhalers, patches, over-the-counter medicines, etc. are welcome. No needles, thermometers, controlled substances, medical equipment, personal care products, household hazardous waste or business waste accepted. For more information, visit bit.ly/takeback-rx or call 303-651-8416.

Author talk: Stranger than fiction

Amid COVID-19, climate change, civil unrest, historic political polarization and a highly contentious U.S. presidential race, “truth is stranger than fiction” is a phrase we’ve all become a little too familiar with. Join three accomplished novelists as they reflect on how the present moment far outstrips even their wildest imaginings. This program will be livestreamed on the Longmont Museum’s Facebook page, on LongmontPublicMedia.org, and on Comcast channel 8/880 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Visit LongmontColorado.gov/museum for more virtual programs.

Help make Longmont more sustainable

Would you like to contribute to Longmont’s sustainability and community resilience? The city of Longmont is offering volunteer opportunities to become SOLL sustainability ambassadors to provide education and perform cost-saving eco-upgrades for Longmont residents. Applicants must be 18 or older and live in Longmont. Training and health and safety wear will be provided. For more details visit bit.ly/longmontsoll, email [email protected] or call 303-774-3540.

Volunteer for police review panel

The city manager is accepting applications for five volunteer positions on the Longmont Police Department Professional Standards Review Panel. This group reviews highly confidential information, including internal investigations and allegations of misconduct, and makes findings to the chief of police. Panel members must be able to read and comprehend large investigations and must be registered to vote in Longmont. Applicants with misdemeanor convictions in the past five years or any felony conviction will not be considered. Current employees of any law enforcement agency, as well as immediate family members of Longmont Police Department employees, are not eligible. Visit bit.ly/LongmontPSU or call 303-651-8694 for an application and more information. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 23.

Don’t trash your leaves. Compost

After you’re finished playing in the leaves, bag them up for collection instead of putting them in the trash can. Curbside leaf collection begins Nov. 2, and collected leaves are composted. Visit bit.ly/longmont-leaf or call 303-651-8416 to find your pickup date.

Maintain your trees and shrubs

Public sidewalks, streets and alleys must be kept clear of low-hanging tree branches and overgrown vegetation that impede pedestrians or vehicles. There must be a minimum of 8 feet of vertical clearance over sidewalks and 15 feet of clearance over streets and alleys. Shrubs and other vegetation must be maintained so the entire width of the sidewalk is clear, and vegetation in alleys should provide adequate access for waste collection vehicles. Please use a locally licensed tree contractor to remove larger tree limbs. You can take tree limbs and other yard waste to the Waste Diversion Center at 140 Martin St. at no cost. Also take a picture ID and a recent city of Longmont utility bill to show residency. Call 303-651-8416 with questions.