fOCUS on FORT MORGAN
June 2022
THE CITY OF FORT MORGAN EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER
Wellness......pg. 4 Department Profile......pg. 6
Message from the Manager......pg. 3
Welcome New Employees...... pg. 9 Business of the Month...... pg. 10 Birthdays and Work Anniversaries...... pg. 12 Monthly Dates of Celebration......pg. 13
IN THIS
EDITION: 2
FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - June 2022
Upcoming Events......pg. 14 Library/Museum Events......pg. 15 & 16
Welcome! MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER Originally established in 1894, the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department (FMVFD) has grown from five buckets and two ladders to have an assortment of equipment such as tanker trucks, pumpers, structural engine, and a second station with a training ground. The department does double duty, serving both the City and the Rural Fire District, with each governing body owning its own trucks. The Fire Department responds to not only fires, but also medical assists, auto accidents and hazardous materials spills or leaks. The team is trained to handle both structure fires and wildland fires. In fact, each member has at least 36 hours of training per year, and the crew is comprised of a variety of certified personnel including Fire Fighter I and II, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Haz-Mat Operators, and Ice Rescue Technicians. The City currently has 27 volunteers, but can have as many as 35 volunteers to fill positions such as Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, First and Second Captain, First and Second Lieutenant, and Firefighters. Full-time employees include four Emergency Vehicle Technicians, a Fire Marshal and an Administrative Assistant. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the Fire Department at (970) 867-2815, or visit their website. The FMVFD has battled several historic fires over the years, and we in the City are fortunate to have this committed group of people on call to fight fires and provide support as needed. I encourage you to look at the ‘Department Profile’ section of this newsletter to read more indepth about their work, and please join me in thanking them for all they do. As a friendly reminder, the Thursday Night Live events kick off June 2 with The Long Run, an Eagles tribute band. Also planned for that day is the mechanical bull challenge and contrary to popular rumor, I will not be attempting my 8 seconds of fame, lest it land me in 8 hours of traction! Food vendors, live DJ, and preshows will start at 6:00 PM, and the main performance is scheduled for 7:30 PM. For more information on this exciting concert series, please visit the TNL Facebook page! I would also like to take a moment to highlight the wonderful variety of events offered each month by our talented staff at the Library/Museum, Senior Center and Recreation Department. You can find many of these listed in the “Upcoming Events” section of this newsletter. Finally, as we approach construction season, please be mindful of the cone zones and the many staff we have out on the streets making repairs to utilities and roadways. Let’s do our part to keep them safe this summer. As always, thank you for all you do, and please enjoy this month’s edition of the newsletter.
Steve Glammeyer Welcome to a new edition of the “Message from the Manager” and City Employee Newsletter. I hope you enjoyed last month’s edition and learned a lot about our Gas Department. This month, we are profiling our Fire Department. This critical service is made possible by an extremely dedicated team of employees and volunteers. Please continue reading to learn more about the organization and responsibilities, and how the City benefits from this service.
Steve FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - June 2022
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The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration. --Claude Monet
JUNE WELLNESS Great Outdoors Month in June beckons us to go out and explore all that nature has to offer. Celebrated all over the U.S., the month is dedicated to the country’s diverse landscapes, which boast dense forests, long winding rivers, tranquil lakes, rocky mountains, and much more. We are not only surrounded by so much technology every day, but the hubbub and the fastpaced life of the 21st century have left many of us drained of energy. Therefore, visiting and exploring the great outdoors will provide us with a much-needed new lease on life, both mentally and physically. As if the mental and physical benefits weren’t enough, celebrating Great Outdoors Month also boosts the GDP and creates more jobs. No matter where you live, you will find something fun to do in the outdoors with your loved ones.
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GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH Great Outdoors Month first started as a Great Outdoors Week under President Clinton in 1998. The main aim was to increase jobs and the GDP of the country by getting people to enjoy nature and appreciate it. The week went on to become so popular that for the next few decades, starting from President Bush’s administration and continuing through President Obama’s and Trump’s administration, Great Outdoors Week was expanded to the whole month of June. In 2016, the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act was enacted in order to study America’s outdoor recreation economy. The report portrayed that outdoor recreation had contributed more than $412 billion, which is 2.2% of the total GDP, to the economy. The report further stated that outdoor recreation had the fastest growth of any industry in 2016 as it led to 4.5 million jobs. These numbers are some of the clearest depictions of fast industry growth, but this isn’t the only reason we’re excited for June. Summer means new exploration trips full of adventures. Whether you like trudging through thick green forests, going hiking on mountain trails, swimming in the cool waters of seas/rivers/lakes, or just sitting and gazing at the stars or clouds in the sky, nature has something for everyone. Each year, June brings in a ton of deals and offers by nature resorts and parks. Be quick to grab the best to plan a trip with your friends and family. Since 2008, many states in the U.S. have shown their interest in celebrating this event and, by the end of 2019, more than 30 U.S. states had become a part of this yearly celebration. This month helps people explore the natural sites of the country that aren’t often visited by tourists and locals.
FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - June 2022
w e l l n e s s
JUNE WELLNESS
FRITO TACO SALAD
REMINDER 30 Day Mental Health Challenge Completed worksheet & wellness log due by June 3 to wellness@cityoffortmorgan.com
INGREDIENTS: 1 pound lean ground beef 1 package taco seasoning (or homemade) 6 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped 1 cup tomatoes, chopped 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups Frito corn chips 1/2 cup salsa 1/2 cup Catalina dressing (or to taste) Toppings as desired: peppers, onions, jalapenos, sour cream
5K'S:
Sara House Prairie Run/Walk June 18, 2022 @ Keith Bath Farms Register by June 6 Brush Rush 5k & Fun Run June 25, 2022
DIRECTIONS: 1. Brown beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat. 2. Add taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer 5 minutes or until thickened. 3. Place lettuce in a large bowl. Top with meat, tomatoes, cheese, 1 cup of Frito corn chips, salsa and desired toppings. 4. Add dressing and toss well. Top with remaining corn chips. Serve immediately.
GOLF FUNDRAISER: Sara House presents the 11th Annual Prairie Challenge July 30, 2022 @ Keith Bath Farms Register by July 18
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DEPARTMENT PROFILE
Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission. --Zig Ziglar
FIRE DEPARTMENT
our WORK We are actually two fire departments in one; we are the City of Fort Morgan Fire Department as well as the Fort Morgan Rural Fire District’s Fire Department. We are governed by the Ft. Morgan City Council on the city side and by the Rural Fire Board on the rural side. The same firefighters respond for both departments, however, each governing body owns its own trucks.
Thank you to the brave employees and volunteers of our Fire Department
our INSPIRATION
for all they do to protect our homes
The dedicated staff and volunteers of the Fire Department find inspiration in serving and protecting the citizens, visitors, homes, and businesses of Fort Morgan and the surrounding area.
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FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - June 2022
and businesses in times of crisis.
DEPARTMENT PROFILE FIRE DEPARTMENT
FULL TIME EMPLOYEES POSITION NAME - YEAR HIRED Admin Asst Tanya Koch - 2010 EVT Auden Rey - 2021 EVT Jeff Braun - 2021 EVT Mike Bellendir - 2019 EVT Kurt Coup - 1991 Fire Marshal John Zink - 2017
VOLUNTEERS POSITION NAME POSITION NAME YEAR STARTED YEAR STARTED Chief Trae Boehm - 2005 FF Javier Lopez - 2017 Asst Chief Dillon Prevost - 2014 FF Kendal Staley - 2012 1st Capt. Jeff Braun - 2005 FF Trent Ruder - 2013 2nd Capt. Erik Sagel - 2012 FF Kaytlyn Cox - 2019 1st LT Chris Walker - 2009 FF Zach Deal - 2012 2nd LT Justin Starner - 2010 FF Alex Fierro - 2016 Trustee John Goodman - 2002 FF Tanya Koch - 2009 Trustee Eric Smith - 2007 FF Mike Smith - 2017 Trustee DJ Eicher -2008 FF Leroy Cooley - 2009 Secretary Matthew Sharp FF Mike Fisher - 2003 2019 FF Mike Bellendir - 2018 Treasurer Auden Rey - 2018 Past Chief Mark Frasco - 2002 FF Karl Kembel - 2016 FF Scott Griffith - 1989 FF Tony Cecil - 2006 Probationary FF Mya JuanPablo - 2021
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We have an entirely volunteer
DEPARTMENT PROFILE FIRE DEPARTMENT
response; every member works a full-time job outside the fire service and responds to calls from home or work. When an alarm comes in, a volunteer leaves work to respond to the emergency. Many times, a
Never stop believing in yourself. You had it all along. --Karamo Brown
firefighter must work nights or weekends to make up for time missed while on a fire call. We currently have 29 members in our department. Our monthly business meeting is held at 7 pm on the second Tuesday of every month. Most other Tuesday nights are training nights where we practice skills for structure fires, car accidents, hazmat, and wildland
FUN FACTS!
fires. Each member is required to have at least 36 hours of training per year! in 2021 our members averaged
Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department is very proud of its equipment and takes very good care of it. Each member is issued personal protective gear called “bunker gear” at a cost of approximately $3000 each. This includes coat, pants, gloves, boots, helmet and hood. In addition, each member is issued wildland gear, which we have affectionately nicknamed “chicken suits." Our City trucks consist of a 100’ ladder truck, three structural engines, one heavy rescue truck, one light rescue truck, a command vehicle, a suburban for the fire marshal, a rehab trailer and a safety house trailer. One of the structural engines is housed in Station 2 on the south side of the tracks. In addition, we have our two 1937 antique trucks. On the rural side we have two structural engines, three grass units, and three tankers. One rural structural engine is housed at Station 2 on the south side of the railroad tracks.
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FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - June 2022
over 73 hours of training. We have members who are state certified as FireFighter I and II, as Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, as well as Haz-Mat Ops or Tech and most are certified as Ice Rescue Technicians.
JESSE MILLS Jesse started working for the Parks Department May 23 as a General Maintenance Worker. He recently moved from Denver to Fort Morgan to be with his girlfriend and her daughter. His love for the outdoors led him to apply with the Parks Department and he really enjoys having a role in helping the City stay beautiful and attractive to residents and people just passing through. He hopes to go back to school part-time within the next year or so to finish his Business Administration Degree. He also enjoys teaching himself math and science. When not hitting the books, he enjoys most every sport, whether watching or playing. He also enjoys dancing to hip-hop and electronic music, especially Drum ‘n’ Bass, Trance, and House Music. He loves to smile, make people laugh and enjoy life in general. He looks forward to being a part of our wonderful Fort Morgan community.
MEET OUR NEW EMPLOYEES
WELCOME TO THE CITY!
General Maintenance, Parks Department
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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Great place for bike repairs and parts. They fixed my bike in less than a week and the price was reasonable. Friendly and knowledgeable staff..
Very polite and inviting.
Had parts I needed both times I've been in. Thanks.
BICYCLE ADVENTURE Our honoree started in the back of Alist Automotive as a
Recognizing the growing trend of
bicycle repair business. It soon expanded its operations and
electronic or EBikes, the store
became a retail store specializing in the sale of Trek and
added them to its local inventory.
Electra bikes as well as servicing bikes of all brands and
Both owner Richard Lapp, and
models. Unknown to some, Bicycle Adventure also services
store employee, Brianna Everhart,
all mobile chairs and scooters. The bike store moved its
have attended the Barnett Bicycle
operations to 319 Main Street less than two years ago and has
Academy to train for EBike service
a healthy inventory of bikes ranging from road to mountain,
as well as have enrolled and
as well as BMX bikes, perfect to ride and jump in Fort
completed the related Light
Morgan’s skate park. Additionally, the business carries cycle
Electric Vehicle Association
apparel, accessories, gear, and safety equipment for the bike
course.
enthusiast.
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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING This unique and niche retail establishment adds so much to our downtown personality. Like other niche businesses, it can help a downtown compete in a competitive retail environment as noted in a published study conducted by the University of Wisconsin extension service. Author Bill Ryan notes “shops in
BICYCLE ADVENTURE
the niche market constitute a specialized shopping center with the magnetism of a strong shopping destination and are known to draw customers from over 40 miles away.” The team at Bicycle Adventure has integrated into the community and has contributed to its quality of life in several ways. The business often goes to various Fort Morgan neighborhoods to fix kids’ bikes for those who need this service, but who can’t afford it. They donate to particular causes, such as the high school prom, to make the event a special occasion for our youth. Along with several of our downtown merchants, our Business of the Month candidate participated in a holiday food drive. Bicycle Adventure has also organized several community rides to promote healthy outdoor activities and is one of the instrumental partners on the upcoming City Family Ride scheduled for June 11. Make sure to ask Richard about his community slushy rides, too. The bike shop’s staff loves riding their
Each month the Business of the Month distinction is bestowed upon a Fort Morgan business that excels in such areas as pride in their business, top-notch customer service, business growth, active involvement in area organizations and programs, and community contributions that assist in creating a better quality of life. Congratulations Richard and Bri – please join me in recognizing and thanking our May Business of the Month, Bicycle Adventure, for the outstanding work and contributions this business provides in order to make Fort Morgan a great place to live, work, and enjoy!
bikes as much as others do. They recognize that biking is a contributor to personal health and wellness as well as to the health of our environment.
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IN RECOGNITION BIRTHDAYS & WORK ANNIVERSARIES!
6/21
Erik Sagel
6/28 Kathleen Dupre 6/29 Caleb Webb
6/1
Jesse Mills
6/2
Jeton Edge
6/4
Tekiah Dabbs
6/6
Trae Boehm & Tina Walker
6/11
Carlos Garcia & Doug Hofman
6/13
Jason Riggs
6/30 Charles Peters
6/16 Marlene Funk 6/20 Jeriah Blake & Nicole Sorrentino
BIRTHDAYS WORK ANNIVERSARIES YEARS OF SERVICE 6/1
Rat Horst, 29 years Loren Sharp, 28 years Trent Mount, 1 year
6/22
Mark Hoffman, 2 years Connie Musgrave, 24 years
6/5
Al O'Canas, 16 years
6/24
Caleb Creech, 3 years
6/8
Adam Meeks, 7 years
6/25
Bob Covey, 20 years Brian Uhrich, 2 years Roger Wunsch, 10 years
6/10 Mateo Salcido, 3 years Tom Smith, 14 years
6/26
Tony Gagliano, 17 years
6/20 Lisa Samples, 6 years
6/28
Sara Cummings, 1 year
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JUNE 13 - 19 IS NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH WEEK
Celebrate the men in your life and encourage awareness of preventable health problems, early detection, and treatment of disease among boys and men.
JUNE IS LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated each June in commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, and to recognize the impact of LGBTQ individuals on history.
JUNE 19 IS JUNETEENTH Juneteenth is short for "June Nineteenth" and it is commemorated to honor the end of slavery in the United States. It is considered to be the longest-running African American holiday. It officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday, back in 1979. Today, it is often celebrated with music, barbecues, and prayer services, among other activities.
JUNE 14 IS FLAG DAY
JUNE 19 IS FATHER'S DAY
JUNE 21 IS THE SUMMER SOLSTICE
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Senior Center Grilling on the Patio: 6/3/22: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Enjoy a slider or hot dog with grilling on the patio! Featuring refreshments and entertainment with cornhole and horseshoes outside. Senior Night Out: 6/8/22: 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Bring the crew or go solo and enjoy a night out of town with dinner and good company! Featuring Tipsy Cow in Merino. Bus
Library StoryTime Tues & Thurs @ 10:00 am Makerspace Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00 - 4:45 pm Creative Club -
departs from Senior Center at 4:15 p.m. and should return around 7:30 p.m. $5 for
Rock Painting
transportation. Meal on own.
June 7 @ 5:00 pm
Movie Afternoon: Citizen Kane: 6/10/22: 2:00-4 p.m.: Grab a seat, get ready for lights, camera, action! Movie featured: Citizen Kane. Presentation in the afternoon.
Brown Bag Presentation -
Popcorn provided.
John Wesley Anderson's book
Mindful Meditation with Madeline: 6/15/22: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: A new group
"A TO Z Colorado Nearly
class being offered at the Senior Center on Wednesdays. Indoor and outdoor class focused
Forgotten History 1176 to
on teaching different meditation and stress management techniques. Includes guided meditation, mindfulness exercise, and group discussion. Chair meditation or feel free to bring your own mat or rug. Candlelight Dinner Theater: Singing in the Rain: 6/18/22: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: A special weekend event on Saturday, June 18th. Sing along to some of your favorites with this classic musical. Bus departs from Senior Center at 10 a.m. Cost: $60-includes ticket,
1876" June 14 @ 12:00 pm Art Walk June 16 @ 4:00 pm
meal, and transportation. The Orphanage Museum/Gallery: 6/21/22: 1:30 p.m.: An automotive themed gallery
Teen Night Out -
and exhibit space. Browse through vintage rare cars and admire the quilt show exhibit on
Tie Dye
display. Bus will leave at 1:30 p.m. from the Senior Center and will return before 6 p.m.
June 17 @ 4:30 pm
Cost is $10 for transportation. No admission for the museum. June Birthdays Party: 6/24/22: 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.: Is your birthday in the month of June? Come recognize those who celebrated this month with a birthday party! Encouraged to bring family and friends. Cake provided! DIY Anti-inflammatory Pain Salve and Golden Milk Workshop: 6/28/22: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Taught by Holistic Home Health Owner, Madeline Hagan. Learn how to make your own oil infused pain salve and golden milk recipe to help with anti-inflammatory and joint pain. Plus, you get to take your own home for future use!
City Park June 2 - The Long Run, Colorado's Tribute to The Eagles June 9 - El Loco Fandango June 16 - Ronnie Raygun and The Big Eighties June 23 - Delta Sonics June 30 - Girls on Top Preshows @ 6:00 pm and Main Stage Performance @ 7:30 pm
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FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - June 2022
Fieldhouse Sela Moya has fitness classes for a $5.00 drop-in fee Monday/Friday @ 12:15 pm Yoga with Maria Monday @ 8:30 am & Friday @ 9:30 am Registration for many activities is open now! Make a reservation for your swimming pool party!
FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - June 2022
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FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - June 2022
thank you! We hope you enjoyed this month's edition of Focus on Fort Morgan. Have an idea for the newsletter? We'd love to hear from you! Email wellness@cityoffortmorgan.com
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