Event Details
See the recordings of a few panels, follow the link on the right!
Tuesday, September 21
Experiential Learning Opportunities (2:00pm – 5:00pm)
Heart of Colorado RPD Housing Forum
Heart of Colorado RPD Housing Forum
Resources
- Slides
- Handouts
Colorado is experiencing an overwhelming housing crisis, and to address it at scale it will take true cross-sector partnership and collaboration. While there are increasing funds available to support housing solutions, through strategy and regional collaboration we can leverage these funds to make transformational change for our communities.
The Heart of Colorado Housing Forum will explore:
- Current regional housing market landscape
- Available funding for housing (federal, state, philanthropic, private) and gaps
- Engagement opportunities for local governments
- Highlight innovative solutions being implemented across the region
This dialogue will center on the challenges, resources, and solutions of our small and rural communities across the Heart of Colorado region.
Speakers & Facilitators
- Nellie Stagg, Community Resource Center
- Alison George, Division of Housing, Department of Local Affairs
- Andy Proctor, Division of Housing, Department of Local Affairs
- Jerilynn Francis, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
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Phillip Enmark, Housing Colorado
- Steve Cordova, Total Housing Concepts
- Tracey Stewart, Colorado Health Foundation
- Laia Mitchell, Gates Family Foundation
- Becky Gray, Chaffee Housing Authority, Office of Housing
- PT Wood, Mayor of Salida
- Andy Hill, Community Development Office, Department of Local Affairs
- Don Reimer, Town of Frisco
- Read McCulloch, Chaffee Housing Trust
- Rick Harrmann, City of Cañon City
Natural Resource/Recreation Tour
The West is exploding with the economic benefits of outdoor recreation. People are taking advantage of trails for hiking, biking and motorized use like never before, bringing a boom to nearby towns and cities when participants spend money nearby. Yet in some cases, the economic boon is outrunning the community’s ability to keep up with infrastructure or even service workers. Counties across southern Colorado are bolstering efforts to combat the changes and provide healthy recreation opportunities for all. Chaffee County provides a model of a community seeking to be planful about recreation development with an eye towards infrastructure, wildlife, agricultural lands, healthy forests and healthy waters. River Science, based in Cañon City, is working on river restoration and wildfire recovery all while combining these projects with high school curriculum in order to provide students with experiences and skill sets that target Colorado’s growing job demands. Also in Fremont County, Fremont Adventure Recreation harnesses community support to build and maintain trail systems and allow residents of all ages to engage with local outdoor amenities.
This tour is a one mile hike along the Point AltaVista Trail and will discuss Economic benefits of recreation development, benefits to community, Chaffee County model, and the local river.
Please note this is a walking trail tour, dress appropriately.
Speakers:
- Ashlee Sack, Fremont Area Recreation
- Dominique Naccarato, Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA)
- Luke Javernick, River Science
Evening Reception (6:00pm – 9:00pm)
Opening Night Welcome Networking Reception
Wednesday, September 22
Networking Breakfast (8:00am – 9:00am)
Networking Breakfast
Join your fellow RPD attendees at the Abbey Event Center for breakfast and informal networking.
Funder Office Hours will be coordinated during this time – conference attendees will be able to stop by, introduce themselves, and ask a question or two of participating funders. This informal session will not require pre-registration and information on locations/participating funders will be provided after conference registration.
Keynote Address (9:00am – 10:30am)
Thriving Through Change
Thriving Through Change
The world as we knew it changed in March of 2020. Since then we have been on a journey, unlike anything we’ve experienced before. We’ve had to refocus our priorities and overcome numerous obstacles in our personal and professional lives. We have attempted to pivot, rise, adapt, be flexible, find silver linings, and face challenges head-on.
While change is inevitable, we have been living through an unprecedented time of rapid and unsolicited change. Many of us are struggling with how to cope. There are complex feelings that go along with change as well as a variety of responses we can have towards it.
In this engaging presentation, we will examine the process of change and share ideas for how we can use humor and heart to thrive through change. We will also talk about the importance of perspective, the role of courage, and the power of compassion.
If we want to cultivate our resilience, we need to reconnect with the best parts of ourselves. Doing this will enable us to truly thrive as we navigate the challenges and changes in our lives.
Speaker: Kari Knutson (Pronounced: Carry Canoe-t-son)
- Kari Knutson, M.A. is a professional speaker, therapist, and storyteller. She is an expert in the field of Human Development and Emotional Intelligence (also known as EQ). Kari’s company, Knutson Speaks, takes psychology ‘off the couch’ and brings it to the people. Kari demystifies concepts in psychology and turns them into clear, tangible, and relevant takeaways that people can use to help transform their personal and professional lives. She does this through her engaging, humor-forward presentations, impactful coaching sessions, and a laugh-out-loud storytelling show that she wrote, directed and performs in called, “Ain’t Never Met a Stranger” all about our shared human experience. She has a live monthly podcast called Get Big Out Loud which is hosted on the Transformational Talk Radio Network. You can listen by searching for Get Big Out Loud on your favorite podcast app. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two children, two cats, and five very emotionally intelligent guinea pigs.
Capacity Building Workshops – Session One (11:00am – 12:30pm)
Board Roles and Responsibilities Training
Board Roles and Responsibilities
- Join Amber Coté, Director of Education, Colorado Nonprofit Association, for this deep dive into the critical role board members play at nonprofit organizations. Topics covered will include expectations for board members, as well as the governance, financial and legal roles and responsibilities they assume when joining a board.
Presenter: Amber Coté
- Hello, I’m Amber, I was born in Colorado, an only child raised by a single mom, and now the proud mom of an only child. I have the privilege of living in my hometown where four generations of my family reside, along with a host of two-and-four-legged chosen-family. I’ve worked in nonprofits most of my adult life with over 20 years in leadership and governance roles for regional and statewide organizations. I’ve served on and for dozens of boards and committees over the years, experiencing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Through those experiences, I have developed a passion for working with people around board governance so we can all better understand how it works best to truly meet the needs of communities. As a lifelong learner, myself, I am thrilled to get to walk alongside people on their personal and professional development path.
Connection to Care - Regional Behavioral Health Panel
Connection to Care – A Conversation Between Regional Behavioral Health Leaders
- The regional panel will discuss the experience of providing behavioral health care in rural communities in the midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency and its impact on demand, access, and innovation. The conversation will discuss how providers have adapted their services to the needs of our communities including youth-led initiatives, domestic violence services, regional substance abuse collaborations, emerging telehealth services, and work to reduce stigma and barriers to care.
Facilitator: Amie Adams, LMFT, Chief Administrative Officer, Solvista Health
Panelists:
- Jen McAtamney, Executive Director, Building Hope Summit County
- Lori Cuno, Executive Director, PeaceWorks
- Kelsey McNeill, Solvista Health
- Mike Orrill, Chaffee County Public Health
- Brian Turner, President & CEO, Solvista Health
- Jed Green, Fremont Youth Initiative
Finance 101 for Nonprofits Training
Finance 101 for Nonprofits
- This session will include the following: how to read a profit and loss and balance sheet, the importance of income diversification, key elements for a financially healthy nonprofit, how to effectively present and talk about financials, how to understand the Form 990, and how to do projections and use a budget as an evolving tool.
Presenter: Jessica Berrett, PhD, Assistant Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Dr. Jessica Berrett is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She earned her Ph.D. in Public Administration at North Carolina State University’s School of Public and International Affairs. She also holds an MBA with a focus on nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship from Syracuse University and a BA in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her area of specialization is nonprofit management with a research focus on nonprofit financial and performance management. Dr. Berrett’s research has been published in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, VOLUNTAS, and the Journal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs. Her strong commitment to the social sector is reflected in seventeen years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, management, and consulting. She is also the CEO of Three Stones Consulting, a strategy firm for the social sector that she founded in 2010.
Future of Philanthropy Panel
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Join this panel of statewide grantmakers discussing how philanthropy has changed over the past year, lessons grantmakers have learned, and what lies ahead in their work. Representatives from the Kenneth King Foundation, Boettcher Foundation, and Caring for Colorado Foundation will participate in this discussion facilitated by Community Resource Center’s President & CEO, Maria Fabula. A facilitated conversation amongst the panel will be followed by ample time for audience Q&A.
Facilitator: Maria Fabula, President & CEO, Community Resource Center
Panelists:
- Garrett Mayberry, Program Manager, Boettcher Foundation
- Janice Fritsch, President, Kenneth King Foundation
- Melanie Bravo, Vice President of Community Programs, Caring for Colorado Foundation
Today’s Employee Experience – Redesigning the Three R’s: Retention, Recognition & Recruitment
Today’s Employee Experience – Redesigning the Three R’s: Retention, Recognition & Recruitment
- This session will spend time focusing on the employee experience. The way employees are welcomed and onboarded. The actions are taken to ensure employees are leading the charge in their own employee experience from an inclusive approach. The WIIFM, what is in it for me. The view from the employee lens.
Presenter: Dr. T. Renata Robinson
- Dr. T. Renata Robinson is currently the first Chief Human Resources Officer of Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, as well as the Principal and Chief People Officer of her consulting practice MeekAdvantages, LLC. Dr. Robinson was the first Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Boulder, CO, and Director of Organization Development and Talent Management for Total Long-Term Care Solutions. In her free time, Dr. Robinson is a wife and mother of two, and she gives back to her community through coaching, mentoring, and helping individuals design and accomplish their career path goals. She teaches youth workshops on public speaking skills, how to become bully-proof through confidence-building, personal branding, and interviewing skills. Dr. Robinson’s educational background consists of a Bachelor’s of Science in Organizational Leadership, a Master’s of Art in Organizational Management, and an Educational Doctorate of Organizational Management.
Lunch (12:30pm – 1:45pm)
Taste of Main Street - Cañon City
You will have a selection of local Cañon City Main Street restaurants to have for lunch. Please select which venue you will eat lunch at during registration. See our list of supporting restaurants to learn more about your options. All food choices can be taken to go and eaten outside at Macon Plaza.
Bikes & Brews
224 Main St, Cañon City, CO 81212 We are a tap house, restaurant and have bicycle repair, parts and rental. We have 16 Colorado Craft Beers on tap and a full bar. The Patio and Beer Garden are amazing and dog friendly. |
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DiRito’s Italian Restaurant
231 Main St, Cañon City, CO 81212 DiRito’s Italian Restaurant proudly offers their daily homemade bread, signature roasted garlic, homemade meatballs, and sausage, as well as numerous other homemade Italian specialty dishes. Don’t forget to check the daily specials available and homemade soup of the day. Quaint setting for classic Italian cooking with beer & wine plus outdoor seating & takeout. |
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Fremont Provisions
507 Main St, Cañon City, CO 81212 Fremont Provisions prepares folks for the journey ahead by providing deliciously wholesome food made with locally sourced ingredients. We connect local farmers with culinarians to create mouthwatering farm-to-table meals that capture the unique flavors of our home region. Our community-oriented practices directly support the health and sustainability of Fremont County and its residents. |
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Julian’s Taco Shop
(619 Main St, Cañon City, CO 81212) |
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Mose Public House
409 Main Street, Cañon City, CO 81212 Mose Public House in beautiful downtown Cañon City, Colorado, where life is always happening and not overwhelming. Mose Public House is a great place to kick back to enjoy drinks, connect with friends, and relax at the end of the day with some blues or bluegrass playing in the background. Come experience a local bar with masterfully-crafted cocktails, great domestic and imported beer, liquor, good wine, attentive servers, and the very best drinks in town. |
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Pizza Madness
509 Main Street, Cañon City, CO 81212 We use only the freshest, highest quality ingredients and never ~ I mean never ~ compromise. Now you may question our tastes in cars, clothes and women, but you will never question our taste in pizza. And we try to be king to the environment, recycling everything we can ~ after all the planet’s been good to us. We have a lot of fun making pizza, and we hope you have as much fun eating it. If you enjoyed yourself, tell your friends; if you didn’t, write your congressman ~ we’re sure he’ll get right on it! Voted Best Pizza in Fremont County 10 Years Running! |
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SoCo Chicken Food Truck at Macon Plaza | Specific Menu Items:
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Educonomy Tour (1:30pm – 5:15pm)
Educonomy - Education and Economic Development Tour
Educonomy – Education and Economic Development Tour
Resources
- Case Studies
- Handouts
Rural communities are finding fertile ground for innovation in the intersection of two critical issues: education and economic development, or “educonomy.” We will learn about the innovative, county-wide efforts in Fremont County to diversify and grow a vibrant economic sector that is bringing back folks who grew up in the area while attracting newbies to contribute their talents and establish roots. At the same time, the local school districts are leading the way in their community and the state to grow opportunities and pathways for youth to gain work skills, explore careers, and earn college credit and associate’s degrees.
This tour will begin in downtown Cañon City at TechSTART and travel to nearby Florence where you will hear about a vibrant and growing business community (with nonprofits) and tour the Emergent Campus (collaborative business and public space) in the 100-year old building of the former high school and middle school. We will be joined by district leaders, students/interns, teachers and business leaders to learn about educonomy in practice. There will be an opportunity to visit Cañon City High School with a student-led tour of the first rural “innovation lab” in the state as well as the welding and automotive programs.
Speakers:
- Rob Brown, Executive Director, Fremont Economic Development Corporation
- Brad Rowland, Partner & General Manager, Emergent Campus
- Shannon Nicholas, Chief of Staff, Colorado Succeeds
- Alex Carter, Colorado Education Initiative
- Brenda Krage, Superintendent, Florence-Penrose School District
- Dan Melendrez, Principal, Florence-Penrose School District
- Lisa Tedesko, Regional Internship Coordinator, Canon City High School & Florence Junior Senior High School
- Bill Summers, Principal, Cañon City High School
Resources:
Capacity Building Workshops – Session Two (1:45pm – 3:15pm)
Community Engagement and Equitable Coalition Building Panel
Community Engagement & Equitable Coalition Building Panel
- A panel dialogue on community engagement and coalition building across the region, approaching the topic with an equity lens.
Facilitator: Lisa Duran, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition
Panelists:
- Janie Hayes, Community Equity Coalition
- Liz Tabraj, Food Systems Manager, Family and Intercultural Resource Center
- Mara Gwin, Lake County Building a Generation
- Jimmy Sellars, Partnership for Community Action
Grantwriting for Rural Nonprofits
Grantwriting for Rural Nonprofits
- This interactive session will present best practices and tips for success in seeking and writing grants. Participants will understand the essential elements included in a grant proposal, terminology, research and grant management tools. As a participant, you will learn how to utilize nonprofit best practices to make your grants even more competitive.
Presenter: Nellie Stagg, Senior Program Director, Community Resource Center
- Nellie is the Senior Program Director at Community Resource Center, working with hundreds of rural nonprofit leaders across the state to strengthen their organizations and communities. Nellie has a background in rural programmatic management, nonprofit capacity building, and data informed decision making. A proud AmeriCorps NCCC alumni, Nellie understands the value of national service and the impact it can have on individuals, organizations, and communities. As a former Program Officer with Serve Colorado – the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Nellie brings the unique perspective of having been a grant maker overseeing a portfolio with rural and developing programs across the state. When not driving across Colorado, she can be found at the library, in a makerspace, or in the garden.
Small Group Financial Coaching
Small Group Financial Coaching
- Have your burning nonprofit financial questions answered in this unique Small Group Financial Coaching session! Sit down at a table with ~4 of your peers and an expert coach to discuss finance questions specific to your organization, learn from the questions asked by your peers, and walk you through some sample scenarios. Participants will be encouraged to bring copies of their financial statements and questions which you are seeking to discuss with the coach. The number of participants for this session will be limited to maintain intimate discussion groups and enough time for the participating coaches to answer your specific questions.
Coaches:
- Jessica Berrett, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
- Linda Boedeker, Giving Nonprofits a New Perspective
- Tammy Mulligan, Director of Operations, Community Resource Center
- Monica Abrahams, Principal, Mission + Action Consulting LLC
The New World of Work – The Matter of the People: How to prioritize your people
The New World of Work – The Matter of the People: How to prioritize your people
- This session will focus on psychological safety as essential for employees and the employer. Stress is inevitable and creating safe spaces physically and mentally is the counteraction. Some key concepts we will focus on are:
- Collaboration and Empowerment
- Trustworthiness & Transparency
- Humility & Responsiveness
- Authenticity & Forgiveness
Presenter: Dr. T. Renata Robinson
- Dr. T. Renata Robinson is currently the first Chief Human Resources Officer of Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, as well as the Principal and Chief People Officer of her consulting practice MeekAdvantages, LLC. Dr. Robinson was the first Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Boulder, CO, and Director of Organization Development and Talent Management for Total Long-Term Care Solutions. In her free time, Dr. Robinson is a wife and mother of two, and she gives back to her community through coaching, mentoring, and helping individuals design and accomplish their career path goals. She teaches youth workshops on public speaking skills, how to become bully-proof through confidence-building, personal branding, and interviewing skills. Dr. Robinson’s educational background consists of a Bachelor’s of Science in Organizational Leadership, a Master’s of Art in Organizational Management, and an Educational Doctorate of Organizational Management.
Capacity Building Workshops – Session Three (3:30pm – 5:00pm)
Smarter Software Searches and a Chat about Internet Security
Smarter Software Searches and a Chat about Internet Security
- Getting Started – What’s a “good fit”?
- The dizzying array of donor management software.
- Finding a good CRM package – why it’s tricky.
- “Off the shelf software” or build your own? – Map your Requirements First!
- The bidding process – Pros and Cons.
- To RFP or not to RFP.
- The bid document – creating your own
- Don’t Rush! How to be sure you’ve made the best choice.
- It’s your contract – Dot the “I”s and cross the “t”s.
- Watch your back! Some truths about Internet Security & tips on what you can (realistically) do.
Presenter: Karen Rulo, KruloTech – IT Consulting
- I have been a working IT Manager for over 30 years. Completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science in 1993 from Regis University. I have completed network infrastructure projects, software searches and implementations as well as administered user support. My focus has always been smaller organizations as they need technical expertise too. Before launching on my own in 2017 I spent a little over 16 years as the IT Manager for El Pomar Foundation. Every organization I have worked for has provided rich experiences and permanent friendships.
Governing with an Equity Mindset
Governing with an Equity Mindset
- This interactive workshop explores the possibilities of moving from wanting change to discussing how board can govern to ensure change happens.
Presenter: Carolyn Love
- Carolyn Love, PhD is an organization consultant, leadership coach, and trainer. Areas of expertise include equity, inclusion and creating cultures of belonging.
Planned Giving 101
Planned Giving 101
- This session will explore the fundraising impact Planned Giving can create for a non-profit organization. It will identify key building blocks to start or strengthen a Planned Gift program, and also explore the common ways in which donors create these gifts. Attendees will depart with a clearer understanding of how to better secure this fundraising revenue.
Presenter: William Albrecht, Pathways Non-Profit Solutions
- William Albrecht has served the Colorado non-profit community since 1991. His staff roles include positions at National Jewish Health, Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Regis University. In 1997, Bill became a Certified Financial Planner®, choosing this path to better position philanthropy within a donor’s overall financial plan. In 2003, he founded Pathways Non-Profit Solutions to specialize in Planned and Major Gift consulting. Bill is also a graduate from Indiana University, holding a B.S. in Finance.
Understanding and Accessing COVID Relief Funds
Understanding and Accessing COVID Relief Funds
Presenter Content
- The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) offers much needed relief to communities, including $350 billion allocated for use by state, local and Tribal governments. These funds can be spent in ways that help households, small businesses and nonprofits recover from the pandemic. This session will give an overview of ARPA programs relevant to state and local communities, how Colorado is deciding how to spend these funds, and opportunities for nonprofits to access these available resources in support of their missions.
Presenter: Mark Turner, Senior Director of Public Policy, Colorado Nonprofit Association
- Mark Turner is the Director of Public Policy for Colorado Nonprofit Association. Since 2005, he has directed the organization’s actions on state and federal policies, trained nonprofits on advocacy and lobbying strategies, and communicated with Colorado’s nonprofits about pertinent laws and regulations. Previously, he was the Membership Services Manager for the Association and worked as a Research Assistant for the Latin American Research and Service Agency in Denver. He earned a B.A. in Government and Legal Studies from Bowdoin College in 2000 and completed the Denver Community Leadership Forum in 2004 through the University of Colorado at Denver. In his spare time, he plays the drums, writes poetry, and plays Ultimate Frisbee.
Your Swiss Army Tool for Professional Survival Panel
Your Swiss Army Tool for Professional Survival
- This panel of seasoned nonprofit sector leaders will share tools, skills and best practices when entering into the nonprofit sector. Topics will include: managing up, giving & receiving feedback, self advocacy, career mapping, networking, and mentorship.
Facilitator: Erica Oakley-Courage, Associate Vice President of Grants, El Pomar Foundation
Panelists:
- Linda Boedeker, Giving Nonprofits a New Perspective
- April-Dawn Knudsen, Summit Habitat for Humanity
- Lucille DiDomenico, DiDomenico Group
Resources:
- Podcast – 9 to 5ish with theSkimm (lack of space not a typo)
- Podcast – Happier with Gretchen Rubin
- Book – Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin (great for someone looking to create good habits); I also like her two books around happiness
- Book – The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
- Book – From Good to Great by Jim Collins, particularly the parts about Level 5 leaders
- Book – Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves (this has a ton of suggestions and activities to try)
- Book – Working with Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- Book – Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership; she also has a podcast
- Melissa Urban weekly email newsletter com (I’ve found this to be a good resource regarding mental health and boundaries); I also follow her on Instagram for the same reasons
- Calm app for meditation
- Instagram – Thrive Global; Arianna Huffington also has a podcast that’s good
- Podcast/books/Instagram – Adam Grant
Funder Office Hours (5:30pm – 6:30pm)
Funder Office Hour
A Funder Office Hour will be coordinated during this time – conference attendees will be able to stop by, introduce themselves, and ask a question or two of participating funders. This informal session will not require pre-registration and information on locations/participating funders will be provided after conference registration.
Evening Reception (6:30pm – 9:30pm)
Taste of Fremont County at the Dinosaur Experience
Thursday, September 23
Networking Breakfast Tea (8:00am – 9:30am)
Breakfast
Custer County Tour (9:30am – 1:00pm)
Custer County Tour
Come for the mountains, stay for the stars… On this tour of the small towns of Silver Cliff and Westcliffe, experience the serenity while taking in the magnificent views of the Wet Mountain Valley. We will showcase our history, the arts and our designated dark sky. Join us on Main Street and learn how our local nonprofits make a huge difference in the life of our special community. Stay the night – before and/or after our program – to catch a sunset over the Sangre de Cristo mountains with a full moon rising over the Wet Mountains. And you might even consider a morning hike on the Rainbow Trail.
Note that there will be an optional continental breakfast and drinks beginning at 8:30 am at the AAW Heritage Center (110 Rosita Ave, Westcliffe, CO 81252).
Learn more about Custer County – https://visitwetmountainvalley.com/
Please note: Martin A. Reiner will be speaking at the All Aboard Westcliffe instead of Sandy Messick