Life on Capitol Hill June 2024

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JUNE 2024

2 Life on Capitol Hill

June 1, 2024Ju

What makes a sister city?

Denver and Chennai celebrate their 40th anniversary as sister cities

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON PARK PROFILE

Denver-based Sriram Madhivanan takes exceptional pride in his home city of Chennai.

Chennai is a sprawling city, nestled along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Southeast India (State of Tamil Nadu).

In 2017, Madhivanan moved to Denver from Chennai at 27 years old for work, looking forward to a new adventure. Madhivanan has spent the past eight years embedding himself in Colorado’s culture while also aiming to spread the history and culture of Chennai to Coloradans.

“My own Tamil culture has a recorded history of over 2,500 years. My state is known for all the beautiful medieval and ancient temples and large faithful population,” said Madhivanan. “At the same time, the population’s rationalism and ingrained secularism shows through its politics, which has been dominated by rationalist, atheistic, welfare-oriented parties and political leaders since the 60s.”

Madhivanan added that his state is the most industrialized in the country and also has the second largest economy.

“It pioneered universal voting rights

Denver Sister Cities International celebrates a 40-year relationship with Chennai, India, during a luncheon in March, during which representatives from both cities COURTESY OF DENVER SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL were in attendance.

without any exceptions while under British occupation in 1921, when British women themselves didn’t have any voting rights,” Madhivanan said. “So my language, beliefs, values, outlook and politics is closely tied to my home state and quite distinct from even neighboring cultures.”

To share his rich culture, Madhivanan volunteers with the Chennai Committee within Denver Sister Cities International (DSCI), an organization that fosters formalized partnerships between two commu-

nities from different countries. The organization promotes the fostering of mutual understanding, cooperation and exchange. Denver currently has 13 sister cities across the globe, with Chennai becoming its seventh in 1984.

“Sister city partnerships can involve various initiatives such as student and professional exchanges, arts and cultural festivals, humanitarian, business and economic collaborations.

These relationships aim to bridge cultural and national divides, enrich

DENVER’S SISTER CITIES Akureyri, Iceland Axum, Ethiopia Brest, France Chennai, India Cuernavaca, Mexico Karmiel, Israel Kunming, China Nairobi, Kenya Panama City, Panama Potenza, Italy Ramat HaNegev, Israel Takayama, Italy Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia To learn more about Denver Sister Cities International, visit denversistercities.org/.

local communities, promote international understanding and solve common issues through cooperative efforts and shared knowledge,” said Sacha Francois Heppell, executive director of DSCI. “The essence of sister city relationships lies in their capacity to build global bridges on a foundation of mutual respect and shared interests, fostering peace and understanding one community at a time.”

The Denver Sister Cities International Chennai Committee celebrated a significant milestone in March, marking the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Denver and Chennai. A grand luncheon in Chennai on March 7 brought together delegates, dignitaries and citizens from both cities to celebrate four decades of mutual respect, cultural exchange and shared successes.

SEE SISTER CITY, P15

Life on Capitol Hill 3

June 1, 2024

50-something, and finding optimism and possibilities University of Colorado-Denver’s Change Makers program now accepting applications for Fall 2024 semester “The mix of guest speakers covered all the different angles, from curiosity to creativity, that we’re trying to build within ourselves,” Amdur added.

A new kind of university program, Change Makers is one of a handful of university programs across the country that help older adults transition well from one life stage to another. Most of these programs are yearlong and in residence, in places like Palo Alto, California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts and cost between $60,000 and $80,000.

SEE OPTIMISM, P15

The 1981 Pride Parade passes the corner of East Colfax Avenue and Lafayette Street in Denver. This year’s celebration marks 50 years.

PHOTO BY PHIL NASH Story on page 4.

Diane Amdur, center, participates in a discussion with other Change Maker fellows.

The Change Makers program is offered at the University of Colorado-Denver for COURTESY OF ANNE BUTTON/UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO-DENVER CHANGE MAKERS PROGRAM people 50 and older.

BY ANNE BUTTON SPECIAL TO LIFE ON CAPITOL HILL

Last November, Diane Amdur was at a crossroads. The Denver resident had run a public relations consulting firm for more than 20 years, and she was looking for a professional refresh. In her mid-50s, she wasn’t ready to retire, yet she knew something needed to shift. The question was what.

Amdur is not alone. Many people 50 and older want to make the most of the 20 to 30 extra years of healthy living our generation can expect compared to a century ago. But they don’t know what to do, whether in mid-career or beyond.

Amdur was pondering these questions when she saw a story on the television news about the Change Makers program at the University of Colorado-Denver.

“It really spoke to me at a time when I was looking to recharge my work and my personal life in a way where both had more meaning, more purpose and more energy for the encore years,” she said.

A community sharing and shaping their stories together

So in January, Amdur joined a

group of 23 Change Maker fellows who met twice a week through May. With professional backgrounds ranging from medicine to engineering to nonprofit management, the fellows had built successful careers.

They came to the program ready for a change — to figure out how to use their hard-earned skills in new ways, to work differently or volunteer meaningfully.

Among them were Mark and Lori Quick, a Denver couple who enrolled in the program together.

Mark had been struggling with the loss of identity he felt after retiring from 32 years in the fire service.

Lori, a recently-retired nurse, had been “playing too much pickleball and needed purpose,” she said.

Drawing on readings, group discussions and guest-speaker presentations, the cohort examined what has worked and what hasn’t in their lives, what made the later-stage career years meaningful for others, and the pathways, obstacles and opportunities they face in designing a meaningful next chapter.

“It was reflective, meaningful work, and it really made me look back on where I’ve been and gave me ideas on where I wanted to go in this next chapter,” Lori Quick said.

SCAN NOW

VIEW JOBS

WORK DIFFERENT AT THE DENVER AIRPORT. WATCH YOUR WAGES TAKE OFF. VISIT YOURFLYJOB.COM

4 Life on Capitol Hill

June 1, 2024J

Decades of progress toward liberation and fair treatment will be celebrated during this year’s Pride Month

BY NATALIE KERR SPECIAL TO LIFE ON CAPITOL HILL

I

n 1976, Christi Layne, the stage name of renowned drag performer Christopher Sloane, stood with one of their best friends at the head of the very first Pride March in Denver, after having gone through some back-and-forth with the city and the state to get a permit.

They had expected a crowd of 200 people. But as they looked back at the gathering of more than 1,200, Layne’s friend turned to them and, with tears in his eyes, said, “now I know I’m not alone.”

June is observed as national Pride month, with LGBTQ+ community celebrations taking place across the nation. Here in Denver, The Center on Colfax hosts the region’s largest annual Pride event, which has a rich history and roots going back to that first march in 1976. Pride on South Pearl is in its infancy, returning in 2024 for its second year with hopes of surpassing last year’s $5,000 fundraised to support Denver’s LGBTQ+ community.

In anticipation of these events, LGBTQ+ community members reminisced on Pride’s history and its importance to a community that had to fight to be celebrated after centuries of being forced into shame and secrecy.

A history of activism

Fifty years ago, clandestine gay and lesbian bars were some of the only safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people, and even then, the threat of a police raid loomed over the patrons, said Phil Nash, who served as the first coordinator of The Center on Colfax and is the author of the visual history book “LGBTQ Denver,” which was published in April this year.

In Denver, homosexuality used to be considered a major political and social problem for the city.

Police would lure gay men in by advertising gayfriendly spaces, but once there, the men would find themselves being handcuffed for sodomy.

LGBTQ+ individuals were always in danger, no matter where they were, Nash said.

“The vice squad of the Denver Police Department was constantly harassing gay bars,” Nash said. “They set up mechanisms to entrap gay men and arrest them, and this got out to the public.

They were at risk of losing their housing and their jobs and their reputations.”

In October 1973, the newly founded Gay Coalition stormed city hall during a council meeting, with men and women demanding safety as rightful citizens of the city.

Though it didn’t mean complete safety for the LGBTQ+ community, the protest helped usher in calmer relations with the police, with bars starting to police their own establishments and public displays of homosexuality engendering less harassment.

Though Denver’s first official Pride parade was in 1976, a “gay-in” in 1974 was a huge turning point for a community that hadn’t before been able to gather publicly and proudly, and is considered by many to be the very first Pride celebration.

“It was a family that wasn’t wanted, it was the black sheep of the city,” Layne said. “But we were all together, and in the numbers and the strength that that projected, you could feel that there would be a future.”

Nash’s book uses historical images to document this history as part of the 50th anniversary celebration as a direct challenge to people who are trying to suppress LGBTQ+ history and education across the country, he said.

“It’s long overdue that we have a book available that would work for somebody who just really wants to know the history,” Nash added.

SEE PRIDE, P5

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June 1, 2024

PRIDE FROM PAGE 4

Denver Pride carries on its legacy of activism 50 years later, even as Pride today has evolved to be a spirited, rainbow-filled, month-long party. It continues to raise money for The Center on Colfax, a nonprofit organization supporting the LGBTQ+ community by ensuring community members are safe and supported with resources and education, promoting pro-LGBTQ+ legislation and speaking out against homophobia, said the organization’s CEO Rex Fuller.

Anti-trans legislation and homophobia has farreaching and sinister effects. The FBI’s 2022 annual crime report documented 1,947 instances of violence relating to a victim’s sexual orientation — a 13.8% increase from 2021 in reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation and a 32.9% increase in reported hate crimes based on gender identity.

“The bottom rung of the theatrical ladder is a boy in a dress. The bottom rung of the social community is a boy in a dress. The bottom rung of the straight community is a boy in a dress,” Layne said.

Though Layne could comfortably take off their dress and heels at the end of their performance, they know transgender people who were isolated and scorned on a daily basis because of their appearance.

Ruby Slippers is the theme for Layne’s 2024 PrideFest speech. It is a reference to “The Wizard of Oz’’ and an analogy to how LGBTQ+ people have to publicly step into their identity, despite knowing there could be consequences. It was a nerve-wracking decision in 1976, and in the current political climate, it is just as nerve-wracking today, Layne said.

But a life of secrecy can be the worst fate of all, Layne said. Pride is meant to show people that they are not alone, and that they have a home in the LGBTQ+ community.

“Just be you, because the exciting part of being you is it doesn’t matter what you wear on the outside, it should reflect who you are,” Layne said. “Have confidence in that always, because if you be you, there’s no place anybody can take you, but home.”

Celebrating the community

The Center on Colfax is hosting its annual Denver PrideFest June 22 and 23. The two-day festival includes the Denver Pride 5K, hundreds of exhibitors and food vendors, live entertainment and the Coors Light Denver Pride Parade.

Pride is important both for people who have attended dozens of times and for people who have never been to Pride and may be open about their gender or sexuality for the first time, Fuller said.

“A few years ago, two guys showed up for volunteering. One of them was 18 years old, and the other was 80, and it was for both of them, their first Pride,” Fuller said.

This year, PrideFest will also be recognizing its 50year legacy by honoring key figures in the history of Denver’s LGBTQ+ community, including Layne,

Fuller and Nash among others, including some LBGTQ+ elected officials.

This is also The Center’s main fundraising event, meaning attendance helps support its mission and the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community in Denver. In particular, The Center is hoping to bolster its mental health and youth programs this year with funds raised from the festival.

Nash will also be doing readings of “LGBTQ Denver” at The Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave., on June 7, and at the Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St., on June 11.

Pride on South Pearl street will kick off its second year of celebrations on June 15 with vendors, entertainment, drag queen story time, pet adoptions, free and pride-themed exercise classes and a Pride dance party in the evening. More information on the schedule and signups for the free classes can be found on the South Pearl Street website: southpearlstreet.com.

It’s exciting to be able to bring the event back for a second year in a row, especially since it had great turn out and engagement last year, said Paige Milstein, coordinator for Pride on South Pearl and manager of the business, Ride Revolution, on South Pearl Street.

“It was a great success, it was super fun, and we’re just so excited for this year to be bigger – and every year, we’re going to keep adding more,” Milstein said.

A portion of money raised from vendor sales and donations will go to The Center on Colfax. Last year, Pride on South Pearl raised more than $5,000 and the hope is to surpass that this year, said Jody Fidler, owner of Wheelhouse Gifts and a coordinator for Pride on South Pearl Organizers are trying to get as many local businesses involved, both to raise more money, and also to send a message to the community that everyone is safe and welcome, Fidler said.

Last year, there was a protester who tried to heckle the crowd with homophobic statements, Fidler said.

“We had a lot of merchants who were very willing to just move this gentleman along,” Fidler added.

“We will be prepared for that type of person, if he decides to hear about it and come back.”

The significance of Pride

Every year when Pride comes around, Layne is reminded about what it took to get to this point: The protests and permits, the police and the pushback.

But they are also reminded of how many people have stood alongside them to make it possible, and the progress the LGBTQ+ community has made through the decades.

Back in 1976, despite being a leader in the community, Layne didn’t have a solid idea of what a Pride celebration meant. The definition a friend gave them has stuck ever since.

“The Declaration of Independence says we all are created equal,” Layne recalled hearing. “Are you treated equally? I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Well, do you think you’re a good person? Are you an asset to this world?’ (I said) ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘that’s your Pride, and that pride deserves to be shared.’”

MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE PRIDE IN DENVER A search online for ‘what to do in Denver to celebrate Pride’ will provide hundreds of results metro-wide. While all will be unique events, the list would be much too lengthy for us to publish. So our staff narrowed down the results to some of our top picks.

Melodies of Pride: The Mile High Freedom Bands’ Winds and Strings will be performing its annual Melodies of Pride concert at 7 p.m. on June 20 at City Park, approximately located at 2001 Colorado Blvd. in Denver. Free to attend and family-friendly. Visit mhfb.org for more information.

X Fest: X Bar, 629 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, is hosting its 10-day X Fest from June 14 to June 23. Daily events range from dance parties to karaoke to drag shows and much more. Festival passes can be purchased as 10-day, threeday or single-day. Find a full lineup of X Fest events and purchase tickets at xbardenver. com.

Pride with JCC Denver: The StaenbergLoup Jewish Community Center (JCC Denver) has a few Pride events going on. Namely, its annual Pride Kabbalat Shabbat & Dinner, which takes place on June 21 this year; and a screening of the Israeli documentary “Transkids” on June 13. Learn more and register for these events at jccdenver.org.

Queeridescence: The annual youth Pride celebration, Queeridescence, takes place from 7-10 p.m. June 14 at the History Colorado Center, 1200 N. Broadway in Denver. This event is alcohol-free and is intended for teens and young adults, though attendees age 12 and younger are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. There will be plenty of activities, including an opportunity for aspiring drag queens and kings to walk the runway. Learn more or purchase tickets at historycolorado. org.

Black Pride Colorado: Black Pride Colorado is putting on a number of events at a variety of venues in Denver throughout June.

Noteworthy are the family-friendly Queer Cookout on June 16 at the Sie Film Center and the Strange Fruit of Black Excellence Gala on June 14 at the Denver Botanic Gardens. But there are many others — check out the roster at blackpridedenver.com.

To Wong Foo Festival: The Rainbow Cult is hosting the To Wong Foo Festival on June 15 at the Historic Elitch Theatre, 4600 W. 37th Place in Denver. The festival’s Red & Wild Festival, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 2-6 p.m. The ticketed event begins at 6 p.m., and includes a screening of the “To Wong Foo” film, a drag show and after party. Learn more and purchase tickets at historicelitchtheatre.org.

Photo on P4: The first Pride Parade in Denver took place on June 27, 1976. Prior to that, in both 1974 and 1975, the gay and lesbian community celebrated Pride with “Gay-Ins” PHOTO BY PHIL NASH at Cheesman Park.

6 Life on Capitol Hill

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Kid-friendly summer activities

A

h, summer break! The possibilities are endless: sleeping in, backyard barbecues and content kiddos playing the days away. The reality, though, is often a bit more challenging. My kids typically make it about one day before proclaiming, “I’m bored.”

So, what to do? Check out these inexpensive — or free! — ideas to keep everyone entertained this summer: For the adventurer

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Try your hand at geocaching: Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt? To get started geocaching, download the free app and go. You’ll use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers, with any number of surprises inside.

Go camping — at home: Heading off on a camping trip is an amazing activity for kids, but not everyone has the gear, or the time. Backyard camping can be a great alternative. Set up a tent or sleep

under the stars, roast some s’mores in a fire pit (and if you don’t have one, use the grill), and swap ghost stories once the sun goes down. Bonus: if the kids lose patience, you’re steps away from a real bed.

Cool off: Ditch the Megan Trask and neighborhood pool for a day, and try out Cody Galloway a new water spot.

Plan a “beach day” — pack a picnic, and head to a local lake or river. There are a lot of great options in the Front Range, such as Boyd Lake State Park in Larimer County, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Big Soda Lake in Jefferson County and Boulder Reservoir. Also, Denver’s City Park and Washington Park have paddle boats available to rent.

LIFE BALANCED

Stamp your (national parks) passport: Purchase a passport booklet through the Passport To Your National Parks program, and gift your children a keepsake they can contribute to for years. Then head to one of Colorado’s national parks to secure that first stamp.

For the budding foodie

Browse the farmers market: Farmers markets are a perfect place to spend a weekend morning. Pick out some produce and sweet treats, enjoy a sample or two, and grab some lunch at a food truck. Tie this into an add-on activity and prep a recipe from all the tasty market finds.

Bake up a masterpiece: Use those berries from the market to whip up a cobbler or crisp. Or, set up a cupcake or cookie decorating station.

SEE LIFE BALANCED, P7

We all deserve the luxury of aging affordably

W

e’ve all seen the recent headlines: “Boomers aren’t moving” or “Empty nesters holding on to McMansions.” The cost of moving or owning a home is making it very difficult for everyone.

Not making the headlines, however, is just how expensive it is to simply age in this country.

As we age, we want the resources, economic freedom and peace of mind to live where we feel most comfortable — whether that means at home or in our community. At least 77% of adults 50 and older want to age in a place where they are comfortable, according to AARP, yet 70% of older adults will need financial and health care support to do so. In 2021, an all-time high of nearly 11.2 million older adults were “cost burdened,” meaning they spent more than 30% of their income on housing, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Colorado is the third most expensive state for home health care to support aging in place. Only 14% of single people over 75 can afford a daily visit from a paid caregiver, and just 13% can afford to move to assisted living, accord-

ing to MarketWatch.

The median monthly cost of assisted living in the U.S. is $4,500 — while the average monthly social security check is just $1,700.

The evidence is clear — we need more affordable support services and systems that allow all of us to Peter Kaldes maintain autonomy and connections to our community as we age. Specifically, we need more affordable housing or homelessness prevention programs, creative solutions for in-home wraparound services, and policies that support caregiver or direct care workforce support and services.

Thankfully, our state and community have some real leaders working hard to make aging less expensive. Colorado is using federal funds to substantially raise base wages for thousands of direct care workers providing a range of services to older adults.

Locally, Bell Policy Center in Denver designed and conducted a cost

GUEST COLUMN

study of Colorado’s direct care ecosystem for older adults that examined the economic conditions for older adults, their families, and paid and unpaid caregivers. This study identified statelevel data gaps on direct care, as well as provided tools for advocates looking to make systems and policy changes to benefit older adults.

And Housing Resources of Western Colorado in Grand Junction addresses the housing shortage in Mesa County that is impacting young people and older adults by developing an intergenerational village that will provide homes for older adults at risk of homelessness and for youth transitioning out of the foster care system.

Creative collaborative solutions are what we all need to help make living here less expensive. But we should all do a better job of advocating for ourselves as we age so that future generations have the luxury of aging affordably.

Peter Kaldes, Esq., is the president and CEO of Next50, a national foundation based in Denver. Learn more at next50foundation.org.

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June 1, 2024

LIFE BALANCED FROM PAGE 6

Your kitchen helpers can also assist with dishes, so don’t be afraid to make a mess.

Grow your own: Maintaining a small garden means homegrown produce + a great learning opportunity. Start with simple, hardy plants like tomatoes, pumpkins or herbs. Then put your kids in charge — they can plant, water and weed all the way through harvest.

Fun for the whole fam

Build a time capsule: Grab a shoebox or plastic bin, and have your kids create a collection for their future selves. A “letter to me” is a great inclusion.

Then tape up the box and label it with an open date — try to wait at least 10 years.

Plan a family movie night: Have everyone vote on a flick, then make it an event. Pop some popcorn, set up an ice cream sundae bar, and bring out blankets and pillows for a comfy night in.

Go retro: In the heat of summer, bowling alleys and skating rinks are a perfect escape. Head to either for air-conditioned exercise, nostalgic snacks and a few hours of family fun.

Host a chalk art festival: Pick a sunny summer morning, and challenge your neighbors to create driveway masterpieces. Set a time frame, and find a few judges as well. Afterward, walk the block and enjoy.

Pack a picnic: Picnics are an oldie but goodie.

Grab fried chicken and sides from the store, pack up some games, and head to the park. Scan local listings for free outdoor concerts — many areas offer them in the summer.

For keeping sharp

Foster the love of reading: Join a summer reading challenge. Your kiddos’ school may have a program, Barnes & Noble has a fun one (earn free books!) or there is a great summer reading challenge from Scholastic as well. Many local libraries also have challenges.

Prep to become a future day trader: Check out TD Bank’s virtual stock market program, which allows children to fund a portfolio using virtual cash.

For the parents

Form a baby-sitting co-op: Babysitters are saviors, but they also come at a cost. One solution is to form a co-op with friends or neighbors. Most systems use tokens or points to track hours. Save yours up for a big night out — or even an overnight trip.

Are you reading this list and thinking: cool, but we don’t have time? TULA can help. Pass off your to-do list to your very own, on-demand personal assistant — and free up some of those hours for summer fun.

Megan Trask and Cody Galloway are Denver residents and co-founders of TULA Life Balanced.

Learn more about their business at tulabalanced. com.

“Maze 103” This maze was created to challenge. To solve, start at an ‘S’ found in the bottom four corners, and maze-out to near the top center to find the hidden ‘W’ for win.

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Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.

8 Life on Capitol Hill

June 1, 2024Ju

A hankering for the harmonica

Lee Taylor, one of the original Swallow Hill Music students who banded together to help form the Mile High Harmonica Club, plays a large chromatic harmonica during a recent club meeting.

Thirteen of the 65 harmonicists with the Mile High Harmonica Club posed for a portrait at a recent meeting. The club meets twice a month and welcomes new members, from beginners to experts.

PHOTOS BY TIM COLLINS

The Mile High Harmonica Club welcomes new members, from beginners to experts. Meetings take place twice a month, on Sunday afternoons from 1:303:30 p.m. in the Historic Grant Avenue Community Center, 216 S. Grant St. For more information, visit milehighharmonicaclub.com or call (303) 810-4655.

Members of Denver’s Mile High Harmonica Club share how the small instrument has a mighty impact

BY KIRSTEN DAHL COLLINS SPECIAL TO LIFE ON CAPITOL HILL

I

t’s just a little oblong tube filled with flexible metal “tongues” that vibrate when you blow into it.

But members of Denver’s Mile High Harmonica Club seem to find endless joy in their instruments.

Along with the fun of making music together, club members also credit the humble harmonica with improving their social lives, making them smarter and even helping people with lung disease breathe easier.

Founded in 1994, the harmonica club is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. The club now has about 65 members, but it originally sprang from a small group of enthusiastic students under the tutelage of Swallow Hill Music instructor Paul Davies.

“The first meeting officially gathered at my house,” said Davies. “We

have all become very good friends.”

Today, the harmonica club meets twice a month at Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S. Grant St., a former Methodist church built in 1908 that is now used as a community center.

Once a year, however, club members go on the road to attend a national convention with other harmonica-lovers from all over the U.S. This year, the Society For the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH) convention will take place from Aug. 13-17 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Davies, who is a past president of SPAH, said he expects “non-stop jamming.”

An invention from Germany catches fire

By many accounts, the harmonica was invented in Germany in 1826 by instrument-maker Christian Buschmann. Also called a mouth harp or mouth organ, although it doesn’t

sound much like either, the pocketsized instrument is played with a combination of blowing and ‘drawing’ (inhaling). The instruments are inexpensive and easy to learn. No ability to read music is required.

The new instrument became wildly popular. Soon Germany was dotted with harmonica factories. From 1900 to the 1920s, German harmonicas poured into the United States to meet the swelling demand.

Today the harmonica has multiplied into a crazy quilt of different models, large and small. The most familiar is the simple diatonic harmonica, which has 10 holes and usually plays in the key of C. It has a folksy, bluesy sound — exemplified in the music of folk-rocker Bob Dylan, who famously termed it, “The best-selling instrument in the world.”

The larger chromatic harmonica — favored by artist Stevie Wonder — produces far more notes and chords,

but is tougher to learn. It’s often used in jazz, classical and pop music.

Having too much fun

At a recent meeting of the Mile High Harmonica Club, a diverse group of male and female club members, aged 24 to 94, sported both diatonic and chromatic instruments. The joy of music-making was palpable. People sang along and applauded as various players stepped up to the open mic, performing numbers as disparate as Al Jolson’s 1921 hit, “April Showers,” and Led Zeppelin’s 1971 rock classic, “Stairway to Heaven.”

Jackson Campbell played his own composition, a lively piece reminiscent of Irish folk music. A quartet made up of Gayla Michelin, Shawn Mass, Lee Taylor and Roger Bale played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Wayne Diffy put his heart into SEE HARMONICA, P9

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June 1, 2024

HARMONICA FROM PAGE 8

“Elk River Blues,” a folk song about a man watching as a new dam submerges his ancestral home.

Between numbers, Lloyd Williams showed off harmonica covers his daughter had knitted for him. Charter club member, Lee Taylor, told an anecdote about his childhood, when his little brother was exiled to a closet for bad behavior. Inside the closet, the boy discovered a harmonica and started playing it. After he’d served his time, he refused to come out.

“He was having too much fun!” Taylor said.

Scott Paulding serves as the club’s president and harmonica enthusiastin-chief.

“I try to be a welcomer for everyone who walks into club meetings and encourage people to play music,” he said.

Paulding believes the harmonica he acquired as a teenager had a big impact.

“I definitely was not musical,” he said, “but learning the harmonica rewired my brain.”

He may be on to something.

“Playing an instrument may be one of the best ways to help keep the brain healthy,” said a recent post on the University of Pennsylvania’s medical school website. It reported that studies have found benefits for kids — but also gains in memory and cognitive function for people older than 60.

Learning is a key purpose of the club, Paulding said, whether it’s teaching beginners or helping experienced players improve their technique. Experience has taught him that without instruction, it’s difficult to progress.

Breathing easier with the harmonica

Paulding also teaches technique when he visits The Harmonicats, a group of pulmonary rehab patients

at University of Colorado Medical Center’s Anschutz campus in Aurora.

Some patients attend the bi-weekly meetings with oxygen tanks in tow.

All are coping with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or other respiratory disorders.

Dean Hutto, a Mile High Harmonica Club member, played with the Harmonicats as he recovered from a double lung transplant.

“I would go home after playing the harmonica and feel like I could breathe deeper,” he said. “Everyone in the group swears by it.”

He said the group plays a lot of “campfire songs,” including “Michael Row Your Boat Ashore,” and the Gaelic barn dance, “Skip to My Lou.” “It’s easier to learn if you already know the song,” he explained.

The pursed lip breathing required to play the harmonica helps relieve shortness of breath, according to UC Health’s Pulmonary Rehab Supervisor Alexandra Worl.

“When they’re practicing harmoni-

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ca during the week, they are creating muscle and integrating it into activities of daily life,” Worl said.

These musical gatherings also address another pressing problem.

Many COPD sufferers isolate themselves because they dread the breathlessness that accompanies simple exertion, such as standing up, walking or climbing stairs.

Worl says the Harmonicats biweekly meetings are an important tool in fighting this isolation.

“It improves quality of life and human connection,” she said. “And the old familiar songs can remind you of your youth. It brings back amazing memories.”

Back at the harmonica club meeting, Myron Wilson took his turn at open mic with a heartfelt rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

He regarded his two, large chromatic harmonicas with something akin to adoration.

“Here I am, 60 years old,” he said, “and I’m still learning new things.”

10 Life on Capitol Hill

June 1, 2024J

Kick off the summer in Denver with an array of events Summer is a glorious time of the year to be spent in Denver. Though the first day of summer isn’t technically until June 20 this year, we’ve already had some lovely weather and the summer events – from outdoor art exhibits to free concerts in the park – are getting the season started. members are professional musicians, and the nonprofit organization as a whole truly cares about providing an experience for the entire community. The Denver Municipal Band will be performing a number of free concerts – mostly in neighborhood parks – all across Denver nearly every weekend this summer. (It kicked off its summer concerts in May, and there will be concerts through mid-September.) A full schedule is available on the Denver Municipal Band’s website: denvermunicipalband.org. But to get a sampling of what the summer will entail, check out the band’s Fourth of July concert at Washington Park or on July 5 at Cheesman Park.

Fantastical creatures at the Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens has a new outdoor exhibit – the first in roughly five years – now on view. “Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles” features eight large sculptures inspired by an ancient Zapotec stone calendar in the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca. Jacobo and María Ángeles are a married artist team based in San Martín Tilcajete in Oaxaca, Mexico. Their sculptures embrace both contemporary art practices and folk art traditions. “Spirit Guides” will be on display at the York Street location through Sept.

8 and is included with general admission. On select Fridays and Sundays through the duration of the exhibit, the gardens is offering a Spirit Guides Outdoor Art Tour for an additional cost, during which attendees will explore the outdoor sculpture exhibition as well as related plant themes, including the biodiversity of Mexican flora. Visit botanicgardens.org for more information and tickets.

Photo: The Jaguar-Eagle is one of the spirit guides on display for an outdoor exhibit at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Photo by Christy Steadman.

Enjoy a concert by the Denver Municipal Band

The Denver Municipal Band is sure something we as Coloradans have bragging rights to – forming in the 1860s, it is the longest-running band west of the Mississippi. But not only that, band

Clyfford Still Museum’s ‘Dialogue and Defiance’

Fun at Denver Union Station and the Dairy Block

There is a lot going on at Denver Union Station, this summer: Popup Denver Maker Markets on three weekends in June and July, an Urban Market at Union Station from June through August and a Mile High Global Bazaar on June 29 and June 30. More about these can be found on denverunionstation.com. And don’t forget that the nearby Dairy Block also has a lot to offer. Its June Alley Soundscapes is a live music series. It’s free to attend and a diverse variety of local musicians will be performing. Check out the lineup at dairyblockcom/events.

Photo: The June Alley Soundscapes in Denver’s Dairy Block will feature a variety of local musicians throughout the month. Courtesy photo.

The Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St., opened its “Dialogue and Defiance: Clyfford Still and the Abstract Expressionists” exhibit in May, and it will be on view through Jan. 12. This exhibit is a curated collection of Still’s work that demonstrates how he “was part of an artists’ community in the late 1940s and early 1950s, despite his protestations to the contrary,” states the museum’s website. “Considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century, Clyfford Still (1904–1980) was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists,” states the website. Throughout the duration of the exhibit, the museum will offer various programs and events.

Learn more at clyffordstillmuseum.org.

Photo: “Dialogue and Defiance: Clyfford Still and the Abstract Expressionists” will be on view through Jan. 12.

‘Why Does Washington Park Matter’

In celebration of Washington Park’s 125th anniversary, Friends And Neighbors (FANS) of Washington Park is putting on two contests that showcase the park. The first contest is a photography contest, which returns this year after a seven-year hiatus. Photos should demonstrate the theme: Celebrating Wash Park.

Entry fee is $5 and entries can be submitted at Fansphotocontest.com through June 30.

SEE EVENTS, P11

Life on Capitol Hill 11

June 1, 2024

EVENTS

“Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence” concert takes place on June 15. Courtesy photo.

FROM PAGE 10

Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation

Winners will be chosen by public, in-person voting during FANS’ Anniversary Celebration.

Prizes will be awarded in youth and adult categories. The second contest is the first-ever Wash Park essay contest. The prompt for this is: Why Does Washington Park Matter. There is no fee to enter the essay contest, and submissions can be entered at fansessaycontest.com through June 30. Essay contest divisions are 8-14 years, 15-18 years and Adult (over 18). Essays will be judged by a local panel of educators, writers, librarians and community leaders. FANS’ Anniversary Celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 7 at Washington Park. The free community event will include a full schedule of events and entertainment, including a parade, sports clinics, park activities, history and educational displays, food trucks and live music. Learn more about FANS at fanswashingtonpark.org.

Denver Chamber Music Festival

The Denver Chamber Music Festival, a local nonprofit music organization, has four noteworthy concerts coming up in June. The first is the Colorado Cello Quartet, co-presented with the Denver Friends of Chamber Music. It takes place at 6:30 p.m. on June 2 at Dazzle, 1080 14th Street, in Denver. On June 12, a special concert will take place in downtown Denver’s Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower, 1601 Arapahoe St. This event has limited seating available. The other two concerts both take place at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave, on the University of Denver campus. “Horn Calls and Love Letters – The World of Schumann” takes place at 7:30pm on June 14. “Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence” takes place at 7:30 p.m. June 15.

To learn more about the Denver Chamber Music Festival or to purchase tickets to any of these concerts, visit denverchambermusicfestival.org.

Photo: The Denver Chamber Music Festival’s

The Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation, commonly known as Denver INC, which is a registered neighborhood organization that represents all Denver neighborhoods, is inviting the entire community to its Neighborhood Block Party and Artfest on June 22 in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. From 1:30-3:30, the community is invited to attend RNO 101 - The Art of Community Organizing at nuROOT Studios, 2942 Welton St. Afterwards, from 3-6 p.m., the event moves to Spangalang Brewery, 2736 Welton St., for art showcases, live music and meetand-greets/networking with neighbors from across the city. To learn more about Denver INC, visit denverinc.org. To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/DENARTFEST.

Le Dîner en Blanc

The Le Dîner en Blanc is returning to Denver for the second year on June 15. The location is kept secret until one hour before the event takes place, though it will be in one of Denver’s bestknown public spaces. This event is a Parisianinspired picnic-style dinner and is characterized by its all-white dress code. Denver is one of 120 cities across the globe that is hosting a Le Dîner en Blanc. Tickets range from $63-$76. This event is invite-only, so people wanting to attend should sign up to the waitlist/Phase3 at denver. dinerenblanc.com and click on the Register tab.

Photo: Le Dîner en Blanc returns to Denver on June 15 with a secret location. Photo by Ben Sorrells.

Sunset Cinema

The theme for this year’s Sunset Cinema is a celebration of animation. Sunset Cinema, put on by Denver Arts & Venues and Denver Film, is a free outdoor movie series that takes place

at the Denver Performing Arts Complex Sculpture Park. The films to be presented this year are: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” on June 25, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” on July 9, “The Triplets of Belleville” on July 23, “The Incredibles” on Aug. 6 and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” on Aug. 20. The University of Colorado-Denver’s Digital Animation Center Student Showcase will be presenting animated shorts prior to each feature film. Additional highlights include food trucks, lawn games and photo booths. Learn more at denverfilm.org/film-series/sunset-cinema.

Photo: Courtesy image.

PLAN AHEAD: FAN EXPO

This year’s FAN EXPO will take place July 4-7, and early announcements of celebrities in attendance include Shannen Doherty, Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs from the TV show, “Charmed,” Mario Lopez of “Saved by the Bell,” and Jason Lee of “My Name is Earl” and “Clerks 2.” Additional celebrities are to be announced. The event takes place at the Colorado Convention Center and a variety of ticketing options are available. FAN EXPO comes to Denver thanks to a partnership with Pop Culture Classroom, which is a Denver-based nonprofit.

To learn more, visit popcultureclassroom.org/ fanexpo.

12 Life on Capitol Hill

June 1, 2024Ju

Annual Juneteenth festival returns to Denver’s Five Points The festivities connect community, celebrate African American culture

BY MERYL PHAIR SPECIAL TO LIFE ON CAPITOL HILL

Denver’s Five Points neighborhood will be transformed into a mecca of local businesses and live entertainment in celebration of this year’s Juneteenth, welcoming the community to attend a free celebratory event on June 15 and June 16. The packed weekend will feature one of the Mile High City’s longest running parades that dates to the 1950s, headlining rapper Bow Wow and more than 200 booths of unique vendors and artists.

Juneteenth, a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” recognizes the historic day of June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued a proclamation that Denver’s annual Juneteenth Music Festival, which takes place this year on June 15-16, PHOTO COURTESY OF E FONTAINE MEDIA the last enslaved people in Texas boasts one of the Mile High City’s longest-running parades. were free. It wasn’t until 2021 that the annual celebration was recognized nual celebration of freedom. In ad- family. The food vendor has been at as a federal holiday. dition to new partners and spon- the festival for the past nine years, But Denver, like many other cities sorship, the festival will welcome seeing first-hand how the annual across the U.S., has been hosting Ju- headliner Bow Wow alongside a celebration grew from a handful of neteenth celebrations for decades. large section of live musicians. booths made out of two-by-fours to This year, the celebration will be “The size and scale of the June- the massive block party it is today. back with many of its iconic staples, teenth celebration is a reflection “I’m originally from Texas and along with a rich array of fresh addi- of the legacy of African Americans growing up, we would always celtions that both celebrate the legacy who were moving from rural to ur- ebrate Juneteenth in my uncle’s of African American history and ban, from south to north during the backyard,” said Moore. “It was a tracontinue forwarding social dialogue. Great Migration period,” Harris said. dition from my mother, and it got me Below are just some of the many “And what occurred in Denver was, hooked. I enjoyed just spending time highlights happening during the Ju- there was a concentration of African with the people I grew up with, a lot neteenth weekend.

Americans living in the Five Points of whom I only see once or twice a neighborhood – it was actually the year.”

Juneteenth Music Festival only neighborhood (where) people With sweet watermelons, home Norman Harris, executive direc- could really live due to redlining.” brews and delicious food, Moore tor for the Juneteenth Music FestiAs the Denver community comes said the annual tradition is still woval, describes the annual event as a to Welton Street to celebrate the fes- ven into his life, with his own fam“cultural treasure chest” that comes tivities, Harris said it’s important to ily now participating in serving their together in unique ways every year. be intentional. mouthwatering barbecue at the fes“I used to watch my mother cook “It’s the one real holiday here in the tival every year. gumbo, and she’d start with the base United States centered around AfriThe home of the Mile High Monsauce called the roux,” said Harris. can American culture so supporting ster sandwich will be offering an ar“The roux of Juneteenth is the love our local business, artists and ven- ray of food out of its red food truck. and commitment of our committee dors is a great way to pay homage to Moore said he wasn’t revealing this who work tirelessly to keep improv- some of the sacrifices that African year’s secret, but said Big G’s BBQ ing the event and providing a cultur- Americans have made to make this would be bringing out something al anchor for so many people.” country – an amazing place,” he said. fresh for the festival.

This year’s music festival includes “We’re determined to keep these traditions going and to keep enjoyan activated space that invites pod- Food, vendors and a family feel casters to broadcast live onsite, givFor Gary Moore, owner of Big G’s ing ourselves,” said Moore. ing the thousands of people who BBQ, and many community memIn addition to ample food options, move through the festival a platform bers in the Denver area, Juneteenth the festival will welcome a selection to voice their excitement for the an- has always been centered around of vendors, many of whom represent

To learn more about the Juneteenth Music Festival, visit juneteenthmusicfestival.com. To learn more about Absolute Equality’s Juneteenth Mural Project, visit absoluteequality.org.

nonprofits and organizations doing essential community work in Denver. This year will be the first time the Denver Public Schools Climate & Safety Office will have a booth. Serving more than 90,000 students and 14,000 staff members in the metro area, DPS Climate & Safety coordinates with investigators, armed patrol officers, dispatchers, emergency management professionals, campus safety officers and a prevention-focused support team.

“One thing we want to improve is our engagement with the community as there is a lot that happens in the realm of school safety and we want that to be shared knowledge,” said DPS Climate & Safety Chief Greg Cazzell. “It’s an opportunity to meet our community in person and empower parents with information on the tools they have at their disposal.”

Campus safety officers and school staff will be at the Juneteenth festival booth talking with attendees about DPS Climate & Safety’s work such as standard response protocols, programming and supportive resources.

A major focus of the office is addressing student needs through preventative measures, such as youth violence prevention programming and wraparound support systems that alleviate the need for uniform officer intervention.

Dream Big Awards

The Juneteenth Music Festival has worked to highlight community champions who set high standards for achievement with the annual Dream Big Awards, which started in 2015. This year’s awards will include a lifetime achievement award to Chauncey Ray Billups, who was recently named to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Another awardee is Bianka Emerson, president of Colorado Black Women for Political Action. Formed in 1977, the political organization was founded by former State Sen. Gloria Tanner to enhance African American political participation.

SEE JUNETEENTH, P13

Life on Capitol Hill 13

June 1, 2024

JUNETEENTH FROM PAGE 12

Today the organization works to educate the community on current issues, along with supporting candidates and ballot measures that benefit the Black community.

“One of the things we really focus on is voter education,” said Emerson, a Denver native with nearly 20 years of experience in electoral politics, campaign strategy and program management. “It’s not enough just to vote but understanding what your vote means, who the political players are and how the government works.”

For Emerson, the Dream Big Award is a full-circle moment as dreaming big has been a guiding force in her life. One of only a few Black students in her graduating high school class in the Cherry Creek School District, Emerson went on to earn degrees from Southern University and A&M

College in Louisiana, as well as a law degree in Arizona, and has a background working in immigration law.

The daughter of two pastors, she was introduced to advocacy and acts of service at a young age, remembering her mother’s impactful sermons that encouraged women to always dream big and strive to fulfill their passions, regardless of what others might say.

“There’s value in making sure that everyone’s voice is heard,” said Emerson. “We make sure the needs and issues that uniquely impact the Black community are heard and addressed.”

Absolute Equality’s Juneteenth Mural Project

Denver will be participating for the first time this year in Absolute Equality’s Juneteenth Mural Project, a national initiative that encourages social dialogue through coordinating public art installations. Organized by community partner EDENS, local artist Detour (Thomas Evans)

will unveil a new mural at Noble Riot in Denver’s River North Art District during the Juneteenth festival weekend.

The mural project got its start in 2021 in the birthplace of Juneteenth – Galveston, Texas – with a 5,000-square-foot mural titled “Absolute Equality” overlooking the site where Granger issued his historic general order. Since then, 13 murals have popped up in 13 different cities across the United States. This year’s Juneteenth welcomes four new murals.

“Public art helps spark conversations and fosters new connections within these communities,” said Absolute Equality artist Reginald Adams. “Projects like this amplify marginalized voices, challenge perceptions and offer opportunities for collective reflection on our shared history.”

The locations of the murals are intended to be long-term storytelling spaces that will forward other

community engagements. Adams said the growing number of murals serve as gathering points and outdoor classrooms, permanent reminders of a collective commitment to equality.

Absolute Equality works with local community organizers through supporting research prior to starting the mural projects, assisting in finding a location and volunteering their time working with the artists.

While artists are given an overarching theme, they use their own interpretation to create something that would resonate with the surrounding community through their own local lens.

“What we hope people take away from the mural project really is a sense of the spirit of resilience that we as humans have to overcome being enslaved to actualizing freedom,” said Adams. “I hope the imagery within each mural serves as a sense of inspiration of what’s possible when we exercise our freedoms.”

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Life on Capitol Hill 15

June 1, 2024

SISTER CITY FROM PAGE 2

The anniversary luncheon featured speakers who highlighted the partnership’s rich history and cultural significance, along with the announcement of upcoming cultural initiatives.

These aim to continue the tradition of cultural exchange and mutual understanding that has been the hallmark of the Denver-Chennai relationship.

Cultural exchanges are a cornerstone of sister city programs. These initiatives enrich the local arts scene and introduce residents to diverse artistic expressions. Events like cultural festivals, art exhibitions and live performances educate and entertain, building a culturally diverse community. An artist exchange will happen this year between the RiNo Art District and St+art India to facilitate a mural collaboration between artists in Denver and one artist in Chennai in honor of the 40th anniversary of the DenverChennai sister city relationship.

“The benefits of having an official sister city relationship, particularly between Denver and Chennai, are profound, aligning with the overarching goals of fostering education, cultural arts and enhancing global business relationships, “ said Heppnell.

“These aspects are crucial in today’s interconnected world, where trade and international collaboration are key drivers of local and global progress.”

Displays of the 40-year partnership can be found all across Denver. From parks to peacocks, and a display case in City Hall, the Denver-Chennai sis-

OPTIMISM FROM PAGE 3

Change Makers was designed to be an accessible option. It is one semester long in duration and costs $3,400.

Sessions take place in the evenings, so those who work on weekdays can attend. Tuesday sessions are virtual, and Wednesdays take place in-person on the university’s campus in downtown Denver.

‘I feel energized and curious’

By May, the fellows had developed 12-week plans to launch their next chapters. Mark Quick’s plan includes helping refugees and Lori Quick’s plan involves getting her pilot’s li-

ter cities relationship is obvious.

“Locally, the City of Chennai Park in Denver and ‘Krishna,’ a specially named peacock at the Denver Zoo, symbolize the enduring connection with Chennai,” Heppnell said. “These landmarks, along with the Denver House in Chennai — originally intended as a residence for Denver students and now a bed and breakfast — emphasize the outcomes of this relationship.”

In addition to these timeless symbols of friendship, several Denver events will take place throughout the summer that highlight the rich diversity and beauty of Indian culture.

• Taste of India Festival in Denver: Scheduled for July 17-20, this festival will celebrate Indian culture, bringing a slice of Chennai’s vibrant traditions to Denver.

• Mural Artist Exchange with RiNo Art District: This program will facilitate artistic exchanges between muralists from Denver and Chennai, fostering creative collaboration and sharing unique artistic talents.

• Third Friday Lunch Concert Series presented by Denver Sister Cities International: Shows continue on Third Fridays through Fall 2024 with a different Denver Sister City explored during each show. Performances and tickets are to be announced.

“I patronize Hindu temples in and around Denver and also frequently take part in communal celebration of various religious and secular festivals like Pongal and Diwali,” said Madhivanan. “My hope is to contribute to education and cultural exchanges. I hope to aid Sister Cities International in facilitating any steps in that regard through the Chennai committee.” cense and working on her Spanish.

“You may not see the finish line in week one or two,” Mark said, “but when it starts to materialize later in the class, you feel like you’re on the right path, and you have hope again.”

Amdur’s plan includes refocusing her business toward serving more nonprofit clients, while also creating space for more community involvement and volunteer service travel.

“I see things differently, for myself and my community — and all the opportunities in between,” she said. “Instead of feeling like there’s a dead end, I feel energized and curious for what’s next, both professionally and personally.”

Editor’s note: Anne Button is the founding director of the University of Colorado-Denver Change Makers program.

16 Life on Capitol Hill

June 1, 2024Ju

dents, community leaders, business leaders under one roof, listening to those experts debate the issues of the day,” said Melanie Pearlman, president and CEO of CELL. CELL is a nonprofit, non-partisan institute and offers a speaker series and training programs.

It reopened on May 7, following a four-year pause to renovate its home at 99 W. 12th Ave. in Denver. CELL updated its displays and offerings during the four-year hiatus in order to provide an interactive experience to block security threats.

Among the exhibits is a large, attention-grabbing, badly damaged piece of metal recovered from the south tower of the World Trade Center.

“The CELL is a place to stay on top of an evolving landscape of the threats we continue to face,” said Pearlman.

BY BRUCE GOLDBERG SPECIAL TO LIFE ON CAPITOL HILL

Thanks to Denver’s CELL (Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab), 16,000 people in Minneapolis took training to recognize and possibly prevent attacks at the Super Bowl about 10 years ago.

And they weren’t alone.

“CELL has done similar training in Arizona when it hosted the Super Bowl two years ago, as well as many other events and venues nationwide,” said Tom Ruppel, chief operating officer for CELL. Other municipalities and sporting events have had CELL customize their training to match a specific event, venue or place.

“What’s tremendous about these events is that there are 2,000 to 3,000 people each time – the public, stu-

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For example, its Community Awareness Program works with local, state and federal safety officials to help train people on how to recognize and report suspicious activity, as well as “discover how hatred can lead to violence, learn how terrorism influences global security, and engage ... to make our community safer.”

“This past year, we developed a new education series all about how we can address the rising threat of domestic, violent extremism here in Colorado,” Ruppel said. “We brought in experts from across the country to address and really speak to the community members about how to recognize (terrorist threats) and what concrete steps you can take to help prevent radical (behavior).”

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Titled exhibits with names such as “Vitriol & Violence,” “What is Terrorism,” “Rooted in Extremism,” “Countering Today’s Threats” and “Civil Liberties & National Security” grab visitors’ attention.

“The impetus for the CELL was brought by the unfortunate attack of Sept. 11,” Pearlman said. “We wanted to form a (way) to educate people about issues that affect our national security and our global security. We brought together an array of thought leaders and subject matter experts for everything you can imagine, people from all different religious and political persuasions, that really helped us for an understanding for visitors.”

CELL does more than just share the knowledge.

“We want to help prevent crime and possible acts of terrorism to help prevent radicalization, and to teach

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