Sunrise photo by Claudia Quezada. (c) 2026 All Rights Reserved.
by Kat Valdez/Diverse Fort Collins
Debut Theatre Company’s fantastic production of The Odyssey closed at The Lincoln Center recently, and one moment in particular spoke to me.
“Row! Row! Row!” Odysseus shouts to his soldiers as they row over open sea and away from danger while battling their way home to Ithaca after the great Trojan War.
I recently completed Fort Collins Rowing Association’s two-day Learn-To-Row course. Wow, what an epic adventure that was, starting with the class time: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
The world is a different place at sunrise: peaceful, beautiful, and full of promise.
My rowing knowledge was limited to what I’ve seen in movies and TV; I had no idea how complex sculling technique is.
If your timing is off or your handle gets caught on your clothing, or the oar angle is not “square” (perpendicular) to the water as it enters, you “catch a crab” and the oars get swept up in flow of water and crash into your teammate’s oars. And everyone has to stop. (“Weigh enough!”)
But then some Canada geese flying overhead honk at each other and land on the water near your boat.
Or you see the sunrise peek through the clouds.
Or you leave the bay and row in open water on Horsetooth Reservoir for the first time and the water is a bit choppy but everyone listens to the bow’s commands and the coach’s advice, and soon you’re gliding over the water, fast and in sync.
It’s magic.
When was the last time I tackled something completely new? Something that makes me uncomfortable. Scares me a little, even.
Am I up for embracing “beginner’s mind”? Am I willing to stay open and curious as I make mistakes?
Challenge accepted.
Thank you to my friend Lore for paving the way by taking the Learn to Row class last year, encouraging me to do the same, and giving me a heads up on what to expect.
And thanks to my friend Teresa for gifting me with tickets to see the delightful and entertaining production of The Odyssey by Debut Theatre Company. Mark your calendar for Debut’s next production at The Lincoln Center, Oct. 9-24.
Life is meant to be lived in community. If you’re searching for your people, keep exploring. They’re out there.
And they’re waiting for you.
Registration is open for the adult Learn To Row class, June 13-14. NoCo Juniors beginners camp is June 1-5. Learn more and register at FCRowing.org
If you’d like to support a great local nonprofit, head to Chipotle at 2120 E on Harmony Road on Tuesday, June 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. and mention Fort Collins Rowing Association to help buy new oars. Twenty-five percent of sales will be donated during this fundraiser. Or order online for pick up using code KYZVAZD.
June 2026 Community Events
Looking for inclusive community events? We’ve got you.
June 6 Fort Collins Pride from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Library Park, 207 Peterson St. Visit the website for full schedule and details: Pride Read-A-Thon, Teen Quiet Space, bandanna printing, zines and more, vaccine clinic, movement workshops, Wag In Drag, drag sets, music, DJ sets, and more. Venues: Main Stage, Odell Beer Garden Stage, Center for Creativity, Old Town Library, Library Park.
June 11-14 FoCo Fringe
“FoCo Fringe is a multi-day festival for performing artists with bold creativity – professionals and amateurs alike – to share their art, inviting our community to experience the raw, the beautiful, and the unexpected.
“The Fringe will feature 50+ performances across multiple downtown venues, showcasing theater, dance, film, comedy, and more.”
June 11 Beyond the Month: Expanding How We Understand Black History at The Global Village Museum, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $10
Black history is more than a designated month or commemorative observance. Those who advanced the study of African American history envisioned it as a year-round, interdisciplinary pursuit. This interactive presentation invites participants to engage with Black history through a humanizing lens—one that foregrounds the many stories, epistemologies, and lived experiences that shape it.
Dr. Alexander Pittman is an Assistant Professor of History in the Department of History at CSU, where his work sits at the intersection of Social Studies teaching, History Education, and African American History.
June 19-20 Fort Collins Juneteenth at Foothills Mall. “Celebrate with us! 215 E Foothills Parkway. Our main celebration features a vendor-market-meets-health-and-wellness fair, food interactive workshops, entertainment, face painting, educational opportunities, and so much more.” Family friendly fun, and live entertainment on the Main Stage, at Foothills Mall.
Youth Night from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19 at Cultural Enrichment Center, 1825 E. Mulberry St.
Visit FoCoJuneteenth.com for Friday night concert schedule (The Reminders, Saja Butler, Kanna, Sol Pride, New Bloodline, Caleb Colors, Sam Adams) and event map.X
Business Spotlight
From The Crowded Bookshelf: “We’re opening a brick and mortar shop! FoCo’s death positive, sex positive bookstore is getting a permanent home! Help us get there. Donate now! Scan the QR code in the above flier. Visit the website for information on book groups, events, and monthly pop-ups at local venues.”
Event Calendars
https://www.rbarfc.com/
https://oldfirehousebooks.com/events/calendar/2025
https://artmuseum.colostate.edu/programs/
https://moafc.org/moafc-events/
https://www.lyriccinema.com/upcoming
https://bandwagmag.com/
https://downtownfortcollins.com/
https://focoma.org/directory/media-resources
https://www.fortcollins.gov/Events/Event-Calendar
https://www.larimer.gov/events
https://www.visitftcollins.com/
https://www.wolverinefarm.org/events/
https://poudrelibraries.librarycalendar.com/events/month
https://www.culturecurrentmag.com/
https://www.dfccd.org/
DiverseFortCollins.com Connecting people with resources and each other
Diverse Fort Collins 