A proclamation recognizing and celebrating the service of greater Capitol Hill Community activist Roger D. Armstrong.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the public and to have had an amazing career and to be of service. And thank you so much. This just means the world to me. Thank you. Thank you. All right, councilman, do you please read proclamation 1157. Thank you, President. You. It's a proclamation recognizing and celebrating the service of greater Capitol Hill community activist Roger D. Armstrong. Whereas Roger de Armstrong worked tirelessly on behalf of the greater Capitol Hill and Denver community for more than 25 years. And. WHEREAS, Roger de Armstrong died on October the 14th, last Saturday after a long and quiet battle with cancer. And. WHEREAS, Roger de Armstrong began his career in Philadelphia, performing AIDS outreach and education and producing large fundraising events for AIDS research and patient support. He relocated to Denver and continued his work with the Colorado AIDS Project. And. WHEREAS, Roger de Armstrong became executive director of the Historic Temple Events Center in the Uptown neighborhood, overseeing the preservation of this architectural masterpiece and its transformation into a functional arts and cultural center that hosted many events and forums unto itself. And. Whereas, he joined Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Chung, first as a board member in 2005, became the director of the Capitol Hill's People's Fair. And. WHEREAS, he accepted the appointment as executive director of O Chung in June 2008, serving for nine years. In this role, he managed the Capitol Hill Community Center at the historic Teres McFarland mansion, including many renovation projects. And. Whereas, he conducted himself with professionalism, knowledge, thoughtfulness, fairness, kindness, dignity and integrity. With Chung board members, staff, volunteers, city officials and community members earning the admiration of those whose lives he touched. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Council, the city and county of Denver, that Section one that the City Denver City Council offers its thanks and appreciation for the life and work of Roger D Armstrong. Session two The clerk of the city of Denver shall test in a fix the seat of the city of Denver to this proclamation and that copies be transmitted to Cathy Lopez and to John. Thank you councilman knew your motion to adopt. A move the proclamation 1157 be adopted. It has been moved and seconded. Councilman. Thank you, Mr. Roberta. I've known Roger for over many years and all the activities I've had with Chung. And it was just a pleasure working and knowing Roger as a as a human being, but also as a leader with Chung. I first met Roger at the People's Fair when he was running and organizing the People's Sphere, arranging all this wonderful musical events and artistic arts and crafts, and just a wonderful treat for all the citizens in Denver. And in all my interaction with Roger as I thought about it. I think I would try to truly describe him as a true gentleman. It was in my sense of the words. He was courteous, mild mannered, positive, soft spoken, and never seeking any recognition for himself. He was always focusing on the greater good for our communities. He served and participated in many of the city and community committees, working diligently to improve the quality of life for the residents. He was a tireless worker in that regard. We were hoping to have this proclamation ready tonight to be able to Roger can enjoy it in person or see it on TV. And unfortunately, he passed away last last Saturday. So it's a pleasure to me to to bring this proclamation forward. And I'll always remember Roger for his many contributions, and not only to the Chung, but to the city and all the neighborhoods that Chung represented. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Kennedy. Thank you, Mr. President. I don't have a lot of words to add other than to say that. I remember when this came across our desk last week, Thursday, and I remember feeling glad that we were acknowledging someone before they had passed. And so it was really devastating, actually, to to get the news of his passing over the weekend. And, you know, Randall Loeb was here, but he shared a very moving piece that he wrote. And I think, you know, the friendship that Roger showed to people on a very personal level shined through in that story. And so in addition to all of the civic contributions and the organizational investments, it's just clear that that also translated to some very personal one on one ability to see people and find ways to engage them. And so, you know, to his to his survivors and to those who loved him, I just want to honor your loss as well, especially this being so soon after his loss. Ordinarily, we wouldn't, you know, be here. We'd give you some time and some privacy. But this being previously scheduled, it's fitting, I think, that we're here, even though I'm sure it's a lot harder for people because it's so very recent. So I just wanted to just acknowledge that pain that folks are feeling and hope that these memories and celebration are a small part of the long road to to remembering him and getting through a hard time. So thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Councilwoman Ortega. Thank you, Mr. President. Pro Tem. I have the pleasure of getting to know Roger when he was involved with the Denver Road Home Program, when I worked over at Denver Human Services for eight years, and he was an incredible advocate for people who had fallen hard on their luck, that were labeled as homeless, that needed services and . I also had the benefit of interfacing with him in his role at Chun, both in in the capacity of working with the people's fair and enjoyed going to some of the meetings where they were awarding the funds from what was raised from the People's Fair to support local organizations in the community. He was just such an incredible human being that was just very personable, very humble in his approach. But he was an effective leader that, you know, was tenacious in trying to get things done that he saw needed help. And he was a huge. Advocate for the Capitol Hill neighborhood. His passing leaves a void in our community, and he'll truly be missed. And to all of his family and many friends who are here tonight that knew him, worked with him. I express my condolences as well. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. And thank you, councilman, who for bringing this proclamation forward. Madam Secretary, roll call. New Ortega assessment. Hi. Espinosa. I Gilmore. I. Herndon, i. Cashman. Can each. Mr. President. All right. Madam Secretary, please close the voting and announce the results. Nice, nice, nice. Nice proclamation. 1157 has been adopted. Councilman, who is there someone you'd like to bring up? Yes, I've got six people who'd like to come up. Just say a few words. But also we want to close Rangel, a good friend of Roger's, going to end with a little prayer from Roger. So first is Councilwoman Jenny Robb. Thank you, counsel. As Councilman Nu mentioned, we had hoped that Roger would be able to watch this presentation, but nonetheless, I believe he is with us tonight, although now he is witnessing the honor in spirit a little beyond Channel eight, our earthly viewing system. But I want you to know that as Councilwoman Kennish said, it is so important to all of us that you have taken the time to honor Roger because of our admiration and love for him. I had remarks in mind before I heard of his death Saturday, but still the main thing I wanted to say still applies. I would have mentioned that Roger excelled in his quiet way at networking artists, band leaders, retailers, developers, restaurant owners, liquor store owners, marijuana shop owners, social service agencies, city and state officials, even volunteers, neighbors, you name it. He knew them. He knew someone in the field. But what I really want to concentrate on is that, above all, he was a friend. I lost my own husband in 2000, and at the time I was serving on the board of the Temple Events Center uptown, where Roger was the executive director. And man, he was just there. He was just quietly there. You knew he got it. Didn't make a big deal of anything. But there he was, steady. And he was one of the first people to hear me contemplate running for council. And later at our annual lunch, he'd hear about my quandaries in trying to balance neighborhood business, citywide issues. And I know he was there for many people like me, listening, nodding, supporting us as we faced quandaries, loss and success. And Cathy, I hope we can be there for you, too. I've often said that District ten council people are lucky to have an organization like Chun because it's so fairly intelligently balances all points of views and communications early and often with the Council district tin rep. But I will say he was smart enough to have some trepidation and also some strong expectations before he took on that role and we talked about it. You can't be a neighborhood leader without facing just a little controversy. And Roger faced it quietly without creating more controversy. And I think the line from the story project guy Brian Andreas that anyone can slay a dragon but try waking up every morning and loving the world all over again. That's what takes a real hero. And to me, Roger was a hero citizen. I wish everybody could be a citizen like Roger Armstrong who cared so deeply for this community. Thank you. Like Michael Henry. Thank you. Thank you. My my name is Michael Henry. I'm a past long time board member and early president of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods. I don't know why, but I feel compelled to think about how Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods has been a great incubator of public servants. Two of our original founders were. Congresswoman Pat Schroeder and Councilwoman Cathy Donahue. And after that, after Councilwoman Donahue retired. Councilman Ed Thomas had been on our board and Councilwoman Robb had worked with us and been on our board and then also councilman knew it. Could I just ask everybody who's here especially to thank and honor Roger, just to raise your hands? There are an awful lot of us. Here. Who want to do that? In particular, she does not wish to speak. But Roger's wife, Cathy Lopez, is here. Brad Cameron and I went to see Rodger Friday afternoon about 4:00, and we told him about this proclamation and he knew about it. And the words that he had for were. I am so humbled. Thank you. Thank you, Mike. Charles Nussbaum. Thank you, counsel. My name is Charles Nussbaum, and I've known Roger for probably six or eight years, most closely as the immediate past president of John. A role I had for three years, and only a few people can. Claim that. Anyway, I want to thank everyone close to Roger for allowing his time and contributions. Tirelessly to help advocate for everybody in this community. It's unbelievable. How one person can be so close in touch with the reality of so many levels of our society. He will be greatly missed. And it was a pleasure and an honor to know him. Thank you. Okay. Charles. Dave Wallstrom. They Wallstrom, longtime friend and colleague of Roger Armstrong. Thank you for the proclamation. It was wonderfully. It was recorded. Thank you for the help wording. The proclamation. You guys. And thank you for this forum to allow public expression of our love and respect for for Roger. I think that the way and the manner in which Roger went about serving our community. Can be instructive to others. Roger earned and gained the respect and the truck and the support of others because he always gave people his respect. To them upfront. And he demonstrated his respect by listening. Truly listening. And by listening. He created common ground to discuss just about any topic that was on the table. And I don't know if people were always aware about how Roger worked in terms of respecting people, listening to them and creating common ground. But that's how he worked. And he was terribly successful at that. Wonderfully successful. Roger also knew the first order of leadership, which is to serve. You know that. And that was his gift of leadership to our community. Losing Roger leaves a hole in our hearts. This will heal in time. But for now, maybe our sadness behooves us to become more attuned to life fragility enough so as to recalibrate our priorities in life a bit. And how we treat others, whether that be family or friends or members of our community. Of this. I'm sure Roger loved this place better than he found it. Thank you. Thank you. To heckle. Good evening, council members. My name is Ted Heckel. It's such a pleasure to be with all you tonight, especially to talk about a dear friend of mine, Roger. I volunteered to the People's Fair for the past 25 years. I found him to be one of the best leaders that I've ever worked under. The one thing about Roger, he gave everybody a voice. He listened to everybody and cared about what they said. And gave them room to prove himself. And he sure. Did that with me. I. Have you seen two executive directors leave us since? I've worked at the People's Fair, and it's really heartbreaking for me to stand up here and talk to you all about him. I know there's many more people that have want to speak. I just want to say. I love you, Roger. And you'll be missed. Thank you. I could hear you. You mirror. Thank you very much, city council. Speaking of slaying a dragon, my name is Aaron Yoshimura and I'm the former executive director for the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. And Roger has done so much for so many large organizations. And I want you to know that he also carved out time to help a dinky little organization get on its feet. And the one of the founders of the Dragon Boat Festival could not be here. So I have some words to share from her as well. So this is from Ding. When Shu, she said Roger quickly became a key player in the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival Board in 2008. He not only shared his rich experience in event production, but also provided leadership in forming the future of the festival. His selflessness made a huge impact on the board, and his leadership paved a new path for those of us who had the opportunity to opportunity to work with him. And then these are my words. I actually expected to tell them this in person. Roger, when you stepped on the board, you stepped on the board as board chair in 2008 and I joined in 2010. You didn't really know me, but you certainly took me under your wing and mentored me. You helped me navigate a lot of the many facets of festival production. I always appreciated how calm and cool you were. You were so unflappable. You were my rock to lean on and get me through the turbulent times. And while you taught me a lot, you always made space for me to find my own answers. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me and for the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. You may have been my rock, but you always have a soft space in my heart. Whether you know it or not or will admit it or not. You made a huge contribution to the festival and have left an indelible mark on all of us who had the privilege of knowing you. On behalf of the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, board staff, volunteers and community. Thank you very much. We are forever grateful and I brought some flowers for you and I made sure that they weren't overly colorful, so not to embarrass you. So, Cathy, if you would please accept the flowers on behalf of the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, I appreciate it. Thank you, Aaron. We're going to close this recognition with a prayer by Randall. Thank you, counsel pro tem and the rest of you, which is of course, a great honor to be able to share a few thoughts. I have an executive committee badge on at Roger's tonight. We are all watching. In memory of those who touched our hearts. We each must be ready, willing and able to let go, no matter what we have done or how we have lived. We are here for a finite time as sentient beings. We are here. But a brief time. Essentially, we pass in a flickering of a candle, leaving little trace of our presence. What we do with this gracious moment makes all of the finite difference in how we are remembered. If we make others feel better and be more alive, then we are immortal. Success is not judged by what we do, but by our impact on the world we share. Never be afraid to catapult into the unknown, to offer the best and lose one's way to fail utterly and remain steadfast. This is the gift of being alive. Our mission is to being focused on never squandering anything that we are given. Being fulfilled in the presence of the divine in us. And as individual spirits on earth. We're connected vitally throughout the passages of time, both aft and thereafter, without limits, reservations or turning back. When we have assessed the worth of our touring outpouring, we realize that there is no way to lose. Forget what we have and where we come from. That makes us possible in the early moments of our creative presence. We are present to a greater stillness that resides in our being awake. Listening. Of being free. In our approach to all that is sacred. And that we have. And from which we have originated. There is this. Time here. What we have become from the moment we are conceived, we are a blessing to every place, every way, ever intersection of hope and love that defines our way. There is no turning back, no turning round, no place of refuge. We verily must let go of the suffering, the loss, the adversity of being here, reflecting, integrating the mysteries of being alive, of being chosen to be and to have and hold the field, to deliver, to come to know that we have made a covenant with all life, that we are related across time was brought bands of waves that lap against the shore that bring the nutrients here that made our presence matter. For these gifts possibilities. We are eternally rewarded with a legacy of substance, of intention, of faith that this is what we have been called upon to do. All when he's, no matter how we are living, juxtaposed helplessly how much of the or little we use of the natural resources to which we are heir to. We are partners in the great sea of creating, donating, of giving, for giving of certainty that every participle, every obstacle, every way is sacred, that. No matter whether we are tossed and shattered against the stony. We're. We are here. We belong. We matter. Amen. Thank you, Randall. Thank you. Our thoughts are with you and thank you for all the speakers. And thank you all for being here on a roger tonight. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Councilman. That concludes our proclamations. Resolutions, Madam Secretary. Please read the resolutions.