Second and Final Reading...

The second and final reading of the proposed ordinances to allow hens in Fort Collins will be this Tuesday, September 2nd at the City Council Chambers, 300 LaPorte Avenue. We are on the agenda after the Glade Reservoir discussion, so it is estimated that we will be heard around 9:00pm. The council is divided, so it is very important that we have a strong showing! If they see enough support, this will pass. We need to show the council that there is citizen support for hens in the city.
I want to thank everyone who has helped organize, gather signatures, sat at booths, held events, etc. We would not have come this far without many hours of activity. I am grateful for your support.

Big THANK YOU to HSUS and CCHC volunteers

This past weekend at New West Fest, we were honored to be allowed to share a booth with the Humane Society of the United States as they promoted animal welfare in general and the plight of hens in factory egg farming. We would like to recognize Holly Tarry (the CO state director of the HSUS) and Dan Paul (local HSUS grassroots coordinator) for providing the booth space and allowing us to work together with them to advocate for better conditions for our egg-laying friends.

I would like to thank the HSUS volunteers that worked with us: Teresa Redmond-Ott, Hilary Foshee, Marty Hanna, Keiko Krahnke, and Dan Paul

I would like to thank the following folks for staffing the booth for the Choice City Hen Coalition: Teresa Redmond-Ott (doing double duty), Lori Van Skike, Theadora B'ey, Jen Zorich, Duncan Eccleston, Emily Zielinski, Dan Brown, and Barb Lattin

The local HSUS folks have been working to get our local restaurants to make the move to cage-free eggs. As you dine at local eateries, please ask them if they serve cage-free eggs. And if they do not, politely request that they do. Several have said that they would if they saw a concern from their customers.

As a result of our efforts, we have 386 signatures on the petition of support that I submitted to the city on Tuesday. The level of public support that we get the night of Septmeber 2nd will be the deciding factor on whether or not the urban hen initiative passes. Please make every effort to be there at 6:00pm to show your support for urban hens.

Again, thank you so much to everyone that made the booth at New West Fest a success!!

A Big Thank You to the HSUS!!

This weekend is the New West Fest; Sat. 10am-7pm and Sunday 10-6.
The Humane Society of the United States (based in Washington, D.C.) aka "HSUS", has bought us a booth (the cost was $350, and they do not ask for any funds from us!!!) at the New West Fest. They fully expect to share the booth with the FC Urban Hen coalition.
Sooooo......Teressa is looking for committed volunteers to staff the booth!!! THIS is a wonderful and mainstream opportunity to clarify and inform Fort Collins residents of our Hen Movement. Alongside with us is the national backing and support of the HSUS who is educating Americans about the plight of Battery-Caged egg laying hens among many other animal cruelty issues.
Help us to dove tail these issues for a WIN / WIN outcome. Who can commit? It's time to step up to the plate. :o)
We're full steam ahead now. Please create room in your schedules while we're HOT. Sept. 2 is only 3 weeks away.
Anyone, feel free to contact Teresa directly, or at least email fortcollinshens(at)gmail.com so everyone is in the loop and sees who's coming this weekend.
This can be done. Never underestimate the Will of a few passionate people.

Up close and personal with a city council member...

The next session of "Community Conversations with Kelly" will be at 6 pm. this Wednesday in the multi-use room at the Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend, but I encourage hen supporters out there to show up and chat with one of our "yes" votes on the council to thank him for his vote and to encourage him to continue his support.