UKRAINE FROM COLORADO

Words by Kristen Grace | Photos courtesy of Ukrainians of Colorado

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS POTENTIALLY TRIGGERING CONTENT INCLUDING DESCRIPTIONS OF WAR AND DEATH AND MENTIONS OF RAPE.

“Nothing is quite as it seems if you rely on your American instincts,” says Zachary Dickerson, Montrose carpenter and small business owner. Dickerson traveled to Ukraine with volunteer educators and a territorial defense force unit, all of whom came from various backgrounds, including former United

States military members; the volunteer unit was formed by the mayor of a small town in western Ukraine.

“I went over there for a shot of humanity and humility, and I’ve got to say, I overdosed on both,” he shares. The needs in Ukraine are immense and diverse, and many Coloradans are stepping up to express their solidarity for the country in a variety of ways, such as welcoming refugees, participating in medical mission trips, providing prosthetic limbs and other supplies and raising awareness about Ukrainian culture and history.

Friends Of Ukraine

This Montrose-based organization’s goal is to welcome and support Ukrainian refugees for the duration of the war. Michelle Prentice-

Leslie, one of the organization’s leaders, brings a wealth of understanding to the cause from her nearly 40 years of work with refugees from around the world.

“On the Western Slope, we have a lot to offer [refugees], because we have a lot of generous, caring people here,” Prentice-Leslie shares. “They would be an incredible asset to the rebuilding of Ukraine. They will have experienced another culture [and] a democracy. They will have learned a language; they will have developed many life skills, and hopefully, they will be able to use those to help rebuild their own country.”

Friends of Ukraine raises awareness for their cause in numerous ways, including wearing yellow and blue ribbons celebrating Ukrainian holidays. Recently, one of their members, Jeannie Mueller, chief medical officer at River Valley Family Health Centers, traveled to Poland with International Medical Relief — a nonprofit out of Denver — to serve Ukrainian refugees.

“The people I was taking care of are just like you and I,” she says. Mueller was forever changed by the people she met while on her medical mission. She recalls, “There are stories that women shared with me when I was over there of torture and rape, and I just don’t think Americans get that. They don’t understand that one day you’re living your life, and the next day your home is being blown up, and you’re on a train to a different country.”

“I remember doing acupuncture on this one lady, and when she got up to leave, she gave me a hug, and she went to leave the room, and she got a phone, and on that other end was somebody informing her that her husband had just been killed on the frontline,” Mueller shares. “I just hugged her. I don’t know how long I stayed there … that really made me [understand] this is real; this is war; this is happening.”

Limbs For Liberty

“At the onset of the war, I had zero connections to Ukraine. My grandfather’s family was helped out of Belgium during World War II, and I’ve always wondered why some people help others, regardless of relationship or lack thereof. When I saw the videos of people crossing the border to Poland from Ukraine, I felt moved and understood that this was maybe my calling,” says Kelli Rohrig, co-founder of Limbs for Liberty.

Her organization brings wounded amputees to Colorado for prosthetics. Plus, they help source and deliver phones, computers, hand-held radios and GPS units to the frontlines, drones, winter clothing and boots to civilians and civilian defense, and various medical supplies. Rohrig also helps coordinate volunteers and doctors on trips in and out of Ukraine.

“At this point, sending financial aid to small, American-based, vetted nonprofits is the best way to support Ukraine,” Rohrig shares. “Organizations like Limbs for Liberty and Backroads [an organization delivering supplies to communities that are inaccessible due to conflict and other factors] know what supplies, via our Ukrainian and American contacts in Ukraine, are needed, and we make sure the supplies are delivered to the people directly. We never hand over supplies to a mediator, because we’ve found that not all supplies make it to those in need.”

“If it wasn’t for this country and their gumption and will to be a sovereign country, Russia would have walked right across the country and would be positioned at the Polish doorstep. Since Poland is part of NATO, we would have been obligated to step up and support Poland who, in all likelihood, would have pushed back, creating a bigger international crisis,” Rohrig shares in regards to why it’s important for Americans to support Ukraine.

Ukrainians Of Colorado

Ukrainians of Colorado leads fundraisers through community events to bring medical supplies and other necessary recourses to Ukraine.

Originally co-founded in 2014 by Marina Dubrova, Ukrainians of Colorado partners with Project C.U.R.E., an organization based in Centennial meeting medical needs around the world, and is involved in a myriad of other efforts, such as markets, festivals, local readings and partnerships with restaurants around the state.

Mark Dillen, who is involved in public affairs and political advocacy, points out that Ukrainians of Colorado was originally founded to keep Ukrainian culture alive, but now, the organization’s goal is to keep Ukraine alive.

Dillen encourages Coloradans to support Ukraine however they can and at their own level, which could look like a mission trip, community activities, supporting refugees, political awareness, fundraising or sharing stories and inspiring others to help.

Dubrova recently attended a screening of 20 Days in Mariupol, a film made by two Ukrainian journalists that documents the first 20 days of war after the Russian invasion. She remembers watching the film next to a refugee that had lived through the experience. “Her father was a Ukrainian army veteran, and one of the neighbors ratted him out, and Russians killed him,” Dubrova recalls the woman’s story.

During that time, there was only one spot in the whole town where Ukrainians had cell connection for one hour a day, and they would go there every day in attempt to access information. “It was on the 20th day, because of her husband running every day to that spot under bombing and the shelling, that he learned that there would be a Red Cross convoy leaving Mariupol on such a day, and that’s when they were able to escape town and escape Russians.”

Dubrova believes that education is key, which is why Ukrainians of Colorado will continue to host events such as this throughout the state. “Without Coloradans, we wouldn’t be able to help Ukrainians in Ukraine as much as we were able to,” she adds, “and we’re still helping.”

SOLIDARITY ACROSS 5,664 MILES

Although the state of Colorado is 5,664 miles from the capital of Ukraine, the similarities in our communities are striking; they come together in times of need and appreciate their home and culture; they are generous and loving people, much like those who call the Centennial State home.

Dickerson recalls being hosted at a safehouse during his time in Ukraine; after an enjoyable time spent dining on breads, cheeses, coffee and tea, his group left the house that was being lit by a generator. “As we stepped out and went on to the apartment across the way that we were to be staying at, I looked back, and I saw that our host turned off the generator and put it back inside, and the house went dark,” he remembers. “So, they couldn’t afford that convenience for themselves, but they would have been ashamed to offer us any less than the very best that they could possibly afford.”

From being with his group, Dickerson, along with the Ukrainians that his group continues to educate, learned how to tell the difference between exit rumbles and impact rumbles, dig efficient trenches and assume safe formations, be aware of their surroundings and understand that everything may be rigged to explode. More than anything, Dickerson developed a profound appreciation for how good people come together in bad times. “There was a simplicity to it; there was a gratitude for every moment; there was a comradery between the people for their shared struggle,” he imparts.

Dickerson, along with many other Coloradans, are acting on an ardent desire to help Ukraine in ways big and small. You can help, too. :

Resources For Supporting Ukraine

Friends of Ukraine

To donate to Friends of Ukraine, you can send a check to Friends of Ukraine, in care of First Presbyterian Church in Montrose. Funds go directly to helping refugees.

International Medical Relief

970.635.0110 contact@imrus.org internationalmedicalrelief.org

International Medical Relief has an Amazon page where you can donate and buy supplies that will be sent to Ukraine.

Limbs for Liberty info@limbsforliberty.com limbsforliberty.com

Backroads

571.405.0045 solomons@backroadsfoundation.org backroadsfoundation.org

Ukrainians of Colorado ukrainiansofcolorado@gmail.com ukrainiansofcolorado.org

Project C.U.R.E.

1.303.792.0729 info@projectcure.org projectcure.org

June

Arbol Farmers Market

Paonia, CO

This small-town farmers market opens on May 16 and closes for the season on October 17. There are plenty of chances to attend and try a variety of local, organicallyproduced vegetables, fruits, herbs, meats, dairy products, eggs, preserved foods, baked goods, flowers, artisan crafts and more. thelearningcouncil.org

Compiled by Riley Tedesco

BBQ & Bonfire

Ignacio, CO jackalopeacresfarm.com

This event takes place the first Saturday of every summer month (June, July, August) and includes fresh BBQ, cozy campfires, live music and s’mores. You can’t go wrong with this nostalgic summer event.

Mike the Headless Chicken Festival

Fruita, CO

June 2-3, 2023 miketheheadlesschicken.org

This festival got its name from a unique story about a chicken, and celebrates it through a fun summer festival. The weekend includes activities such as a 5K run, a poultry show, live music and more fun for the whole family.

Animas River Days

Durango, CO

June 2-4, 2023

For the fourth year in a row, enjoy a day on the water participating in or just watching stand-up paddling, river surfing, freestyle kayaking, boatercross, raft and kayak slalom, downriver races and — the local favorite — costumed river parade. There’s nothing like spending hot summer days in the water. animasriverdays.com

Telluride Balloon Festival

Telluride, CO

June 2-4, 2023

This weekend is sure to be one to remember with a beautiful sight of colorful hot air balloons flying across the Colorado sky. Bring your camera, and get ready to capture this one-of-a-kind view. telluride.com

Crawford Pioneer Days

Crawford, CO

June 8-10, 2023

Celebrate the community’s roots with this fun summer festival filled with local vendors showing their pride. Come together as a community and attend the parade followed by live music, craft booths, fair food, races and kids’ activities. crawfordpioneerdays.com

NightVision Festival

Grand Junction, CO

June 9-10, 2023

Ring in the summer season with this music festival that features top Christian bands, artists and speakers. In addition to the music scene, there will also be a variety of fun summer activities, such as outdoor games, bounce houses, concessions, food vendors and more. Ticket packages can be viewed on the website. songkick.com

Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival

Palisade, CO

June 9-11, 2023

Enjoy a weekend of bluegrass with some of the top bluegrass artists, such as Big Richard and Armchair Boogie. This weekend of live performances is sure to have all the right vibes you didn’t know you needed, enhanced by artisan vendors, camping, paddle boarding, local wine and distillery tastings, lavender tours, painting workshops and more. palisademusic.com

Country Jam Music Festival

Grand Junction, CO

June 22-24, 2023

Calling all country music lovers. This festival features all your favorite country singers. Rain or shine, this event is sure to make your summer one to remember. countryjam.com

Telluride Yoga Festival

Telluride, CO

June 22-25, 2023

Connect with a deeper power at this three-day festival with over 100 offerings, including yoga, meditation, music, hiking, SUP yoga, wellness and wisdom talks, social gatherings and more. Receive guidance from world-renowned teachers, artists and scholars, and reach a new level of inner peace. tellurideyogafestival.com

Colorado Lavender Festival

Palisade, CO

June 23-25, 2023

This enlightening festival is one to make your soul and body happy. It celebrates and teaches about the underrated lavender plant with many health purposes. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the farms, educational events and a variety of lavender-infused products up for purchase. coloradolavender.org

JULY Paonia Cherry Days

Paonia, CO

July 3-4, 2023 paoniacherrydays.com

This cherry-themed event is sure to be fun for the whole family, especially cherry lovers. While showcasing the many uses of the cherry, this event features activities like a costume contest, a cherry days 5K run, a cherry pit spit contest, a wood-splitting contest and more.

Pinkapalooza

Gunnison, CO

July 4, 2023

This annual Fourth of July concert is a patriotic way to celebrate another year of America. Enjoy live music, drinks, a mechanical bull, food, dancing and even a fireworks show to end the evening. Watch performances by artists like Chancey Williams and Ward Davis at this concert for a good cause. gunnisontetwp.com

High Mountain Hay Fever

Bluegrass Festival

Westcliffe, CO

July 6-9, 2023 highmountainhayfever.org

Sing and dance to some popular bluegrass artists at this festival honoring a great cause. In addition to multiple prominent bluegrass performers, enjoy food and beverage vendors and fun workshops.

RIDE Festival

Telluride, CO

July 6-10, 2023

This summer festival brings the world of rock n’ roll to the gorgeous Rocky Mountain state. If you love rock n’ roll, be sure to head over to this festival featuring nine artists in four different historic venues around Telluride. ridefestival.com

Four Corners

Gem & Mineral Show

Durango, CO

July 7-9, 2023

Visit this fun and educational event where over 60 vendors from across the U.S. come to sell and showcase extraordinary rocks, gems, minerals, crystals, fossils, meteorites, geodes, shells and beads from all over the world. Also, enjoy family-friendly activities such as treasure hunts and gold panning. durangorocks.org

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival

Crested Butte, CO

July 7-16, 2023

This 10-day festival includes over 200 workshops in wildflower expertise. Some of these fun workshops include painting, pollination, photography, culinary arts and leading hikes in the wild. Learn to be one with nature while treating it with the care it deserves. crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org

Mesa County Fair

Mesa, CO

July 11-15, 2023

Enjoy a classic carnival atmosphere at this county fair in Mesa fit with all your favorite fair activities, from a ferris wheel to carnival food, vendors to animal shows. Be sure to grab the family to enjoy the fun. mesacountyfair.com

Cattlemen’s Days

Gunnison, CO

July 13-15, 2023

This rodeo is bound to be fun for the whole family because of all the extra activities it offers. Enjoy the oldest rodeo in Colorado or take your pick from a horse show, concert, cowboy poetry, barrel races and even a carnival. No matter what you choose, get ready to have some wild west fun. cattlemensdays.com

Meeker Farmers Market

Meeker, CO

July 23, 2023 meekerchamber.com

Connect with the local community and businesses at this farmers market that promises to bring you the freshest quality foods and top-tier handcrafted goods and services.

Delta County Fair

Hotchkiss, CO

July 29-August 6, 2023

This week-long family event is sure to produce many memories that you’ll remember for years. Enjoy a shooting sports contest, rodeo, horse show, barn dance and so many more festive fair activities. deltacountyfair.com

AUGUST

Crested Butte Art Festival

Crested Butte, CO

August 4-6, 2023

With over 130 world-class fine artists, this festival is sure to be arttastic. In addition to being in the presence of great artists, festival goers can enjoy live music, food vendors, picnic lawn, art auction and family-based art activities. crestedbutteartsfestival.com

La Plata County Fair

La Plata, CO

August 9-13, 2023 laplatacountyfair.com

This summer fair has the best that America has to offer with activities ranging from live music to a demolition derby to a kids’ carnival and even a rodeo. Enjoy good eats and good company at this summer event.

Telluride Jazz Festival

Telluride, CO

August 11-13, 2023 telluridejazz.org

This intimate festival has all the vibes to create a summer weekend you’ll never forget. Indulge in the beauty that is jazz music and experience world-renowned artists of that genre as they use the rhythm to move you.

Garfield County Show

Rifle, CO

August 12-13, 2023 westernaires.org

This event for a good cause brings people together to raise awareness and put a stop to human trafficking. Watch a variety of Westerners perform their specialty acts and be among fellow humans who also thrive to make a difference.

2023 FUNC Fest

Montrose, CO

August 13, 2023

Get ready for some fun on the Uncompahgre River at this family-friendly festival featuring a full schedule of water sports competitions, live music, family activities, local vendors, a food truck village and a beer garden. visitmontrose.com

Palisade Peach Festival

Palisade, CO

August 17-19, 2023

This summer, fruit-themed festival is a great way to taste the best peaches around. There will be a variety of peach-themed activities, as well as a chance to tour peach orchards and learn about the great peaches of Colorado. palisadecoc.com

Keystone Mountain Town Music Festival

Keystone, CO

August 19, 2023

Come celebrate all things Colorado at this summer festival in the high country. Guests can enjoy various live music performances, circus acts, an outdoor bar and a river run village bazaar. This is the perfect place to get your last summer hoorah in before the warm weather starts to fade away. keystonefestivals.com

San Juan Brewfest

Durango, CO

August 25-26, 2023 sanjuanbrewfest.com

Calling everyone 21 and over for a brew-tastic summer weekend. This festival is one of the largest brew fests in the Four Corners region, with over 50 breweries and 100 beers to taste and live music to enjoy.

Thirsty 13 Half Marathon

Durango, CO

August 26, 2023 thirsty13durango.com :

Do you like working for your beer? Well then, this is the race for you. Run a half marathon from Hesperus Church through Wildcat Canyon and past Lake Nighthorse, and be rewarded with over 50 breweries waiting for you at the finish line.