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Future Town marks culmination of Light in the Valley Series 

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Summit Daily staff report
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A sound healing event was organized was Grand County Rural Health Network.
Grand County Rural Health Network /Courtesy photo

After months of conversations, storytelling and education, the Grand County Rural Health Network invites residents to participate in Future Town. This is the final event in the Light in the Valley Series.

“(It’s) a one-of-a-kind community experience celebrating connection, creativity and the future of Grand County, the Health Network stated in a June 9 press release.

The event will take place on from from 12-2 p.m on June 14 at Polhamus Park in Granby, and from 2 -4 p.m. at the Granby Library. Future Town is presented in partnership with Warm Cookies of the Revolution, a nationally recognized organization that combines civic engagement with creativity, conversation and community building. 

The day begins with the Festival de la Interdependencia at Polhamus Park, featuring free food, live music, performers, games and opportunities for connection. The event then moves to the Granby Library for the Love Letters to Grand County workshop where world-class mentalist Professor Phelyx will spark imagination as attendees are encouraged to write letters to friends, community leaders, organizations or future generations. 

‘Through music, food, conversation and creativity, Future Town invites residents of all ages and backgrounds to explore what’s possible when neighbors come together to shape the future of rural communities,” the release saaid.

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. 

Reducing stigma, increasing awareness

Nicole Akselrad, left, and Lauren Stokes, right joined a Men’s Mental Health event organized by Grand County Rural Health Network.
Grand County Rural Health Network /Courtesy photo

“Light in the Valley was created to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and foster a deeper sense of belonging in our community,” said Amanda Uehlein, executive director for the Health Network. “Future Town is an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve learned through this series, celebrate our interdependence and imagine what comes next.” 

Since launching in September 2025, the Light in the Valley Series has brought community members together to explore topics related to mental health, wellbeing and belonging. Funded by the LOR Foundation, the series has included events ranging from a screening of the film “Legacy” in Kremmling to sound healing in Hot Sulphur Springs to a conversation on men’s mental health in Winter Park.

Through film screenings, panel discussions, storytelling, educational workshops and healing-centered experiences, the series has created space for honest conversations about the challenges facing residents and the strengths that make the community resilient. 

The Light in the Valley Series was developed through the Community IMPACT Team, a group of local residents working alongside the Health Network to strengthen community wellbeing and address issues such as mental health, housing and access to support.

“Over the past nine months, we’ve seen people come together to share stories, learn from one another, and have conversations that don’t happen every day,” said Uehlein. “Some of the most meaningful ideas have come from people who don’t always have a seat at the table. Future Town is an opportunity to build on that momentum and bring even more voices into the conversation as we look to the future.”

About Grand County Rural Health Network

Marilyn Banks, Melissa Johnson, Stevie Kitterman, Pamela Flor-Stout, Jeanette Causey and Jennifer Tibbetts joined an All That Glitters event.
Grand County Rural Health Network /Courtesy photo

Grand County Rural Health Network works in partnership to advocate for and support the health of our community through programs and services that provide health education and increase access to care. Serving Grand and Jackson counties in Colorado, it offers access, resources and support for all our neighbors.

In 2026, the organization celebrates 25 years of working toward its vision of a caring and connected community where everyone has what they need to thrive and be healthy. For more information about Future Town or the Light in the Valley Series, visit GCRuralHealth.org or contact the Grand County Rural Health Network at (970) 725-3477. 

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