ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Fraternal Military Association of the USA departs from New York on June 17 to tour the Normandy Invasion beaches, London, Bastogne, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris and more. Current and past military personnel, dependents, friends and the general public are invited to participate in the journey to commemorate the 64th anniversary of D-Day, which happened June 6, 1944. For more information call Sy Canton at 561-865-8495 or write to him at 14130-C, Nesting Way, Delray Beach, FL 33484.

The North Jefferson Junior Baseball Association is accepting registrations for its 8-and-under 2008 spring season. There are many walk-in dates as well as online registration. For more information on registration and in-house clinics, visit www.njjba.org or call 303-422-7406

EVENTS

MAR. 16

The Prom Dress Exchange annual give-away happens from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Copper Fields Event Chateau, 4901 Marshall St., Wheat Ridge (near I-70 and Wadsworth). The Exchange collects gently-used gowns throughout the year from a multitude of women and organizations throughout the metro area. It is not necessary to prove financial need, and there is no charge for the exchange. Donations will be accepted. 720-898-8388 or www.copperfieldevents.com

ONGOING

A Rising Star Equestrian Center hosts open shows March 2, April 6, May 4, Aug. 3 and Oct. 26 at 9470 Indiana St. in Arvada. An indoor arena and two-outdoor arenas will be available. Registration is at 8 a.m.; classes begin at 9 a.m. 303-431-4675, www.arisingstareq.com/horse_shows.htm or Roxxii2004@yahoo.com

VISUAL ART

THROUGH MARCH 30

Uzi Buzgalo celebrates hearing-impaired peoples’ mode of communication and how important hands are to personal expression in a mixed media exhibit in the Upper Gallery of the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Free. Arvadacenter.org or 720-898-7200

The Foothills Art Center presents Colorado Clay 2008, a juried biennial exhibition showcasing the best in contemporary ceramics by Colorado artists. This year’s juror, Richard Notkin, is perhaps most well-known for his series of unglazed stoneware teapots inspired by the remarkable Yixing wares of China. A slide presentation by Notkin starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7. An exhibition reception and awards presentation runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. www.foothillsartcenter.org | 303-279-3922

THROUGH APRIL 1

The Lakewood Arts Council seeks entries for “ABC’s & 1,2,3’s,” a multi-media exhibit of two- or three-dimensional art using letters and numbers in the composition. The show will be displayed April 7 to May 3 at the South Union Gallery, 85 S. Union Blvd. Registration deadline is April 1. For entry brochures, call 303-980-0625 or visit www.lakewoodartscouncil.org

THROUGH MAY 3

“Naturally Colorado: Quilts by David Taylor” is presented in Gallery I of the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, 1111 Washington Ave., Golden. David is an award-winning quilt artist from Steamboat Springs, CO. His quilts capture the magnificent flora and fauna of the Colorado outdoors in glorious color and detail. Admission costs $5 to $3. 303-277-0377

“New acquisitions, old favorites: Quilts from RMQM’s permanent collection” is presented in Gallery II of the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, 1111 Washington Ave., Golden. The museum opened its doors in 1990 with 100 quilts from its founder, Eugenia Mitchell. The collection has grown rapidly to over 400 quilts. New Museum acquisitions, never before seen, as well as old favorites will be on display. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $3 to $5. 303-277-0377

THROUGH MAY 30

Lakewood’s Heritage Center exhibits “Parallel Pathways,” a retrospective into the lifetime work of two former Colorado masters in the Radius Gallery at 801 S. Yarrow St. Featured artists are Rodger Lang, a 30-year instructor at Metropolitan State College of Denver; and Mark Zamantakis, a 26-year Denver Public Schools teacher. Both artists had distinctive, individual styles, but their artwork and lives have created parallel paths. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.lakewood.org or 303-987-7850

ONGOING

The Lakewood Cultural Center opens two galleries, “Woven Harmony” in the North Gallery and “Shredding Precepts: Explorations in Fiber” in the South Gallery, on March 3rd. The North Gallery is at 470 S. Allison Pkwy and the South Gallery is at 480 S. Allison Pkwy. “Woven Harmony” features the abstract work of textile artist Rebecca Bluestone and runs through March 31. “Shredding Precepts” features works from contemporary artists Jason Pollen, Regina Benson, Emily Dvorin, and Penelope Sharp, and runs through May 23.

Artist Freda Kanizay offers an open studio from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays with a model at 625 S. Parfet St., Lakewood. Her paintings are for sale. The open studio is free. 303-986-0427

The artwork of Joan Brooks is on display at the Nail Boutique, 106 N. Rubey Drive, Suite C, Golden. The artworks vary from oils to mixed media and from landscapes to abstracts.

A community art day runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturdays at Front Range Waldorf School, 12577 W. Cedar Drive, Lakewood. Attendees can explore watercolor painting, clay modeling and drawing. Kris Carlson, a Waldorf-trained teacher with more than 25 years experience as a professional artist, leads the classes. Classes are free and open to all ages. 303-232-9148

THEATER AND FILM

THROUGH MARCH 15

The “E” Project Theater Company presents “Good Night Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet” at the West Colfax E-vent Center, 9797 W. Colfax Ave. Journey into the worlds of “Othello” and “Romeo and Juliet” and discover the truth. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $16 for adults or $13 for students and seniors. 303-232-0363

THROUGH MARCH 23

“Nunsense!: The Nunsense Vegas Revue” shows in the Main Stage Theater of the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Straight from Las Vegas, Dan Goggin, creator of the play, will direct the production. The Arvada Center is at 6901 Wadsworth in Arvada. 720-898-7200 or log onto arvadacenter.org

THROUGH MARCH 29

“The Little Mermaid” shows at the children’s theatre in The Heritage Square Music Hall, 18301 W. Colfax, D-103. Tickets cost $6 to $5. 303-279-7800

THROUGH APRIL 12

“Beau Jest” shows at Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden. The romantic comedy starts at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays. A 2 p.m. matinee is on April 13. Tickets cost $20 with special rates available for seniors, students and groups. 303-935-3044 or www.minersalley.com

THROUGH MAY 2

“A Year with Frog and Toad” shows at 10 a.m. and noon on various weekdays and 1 and 3 p.m. on various weekends at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. The children’s theater musical, based on the award-winning books by Arnold Lobel, follows two best friends through four fun-filled seasons with an upbeat score. arvadacenter.org or 720-898-7200

APRIL 5 THROUGH AUG. 9

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” directed by Annie Dwyer, shows at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays at the Heritage Square Music Hall Children’s Theatre. This original adaptation of the fairy tale, written by Jane Nelson-Rud and Annie Dwyer, is interactive for children of all ages as they join on stage to help tell the story. Tickets cost $6 for children and adults, and $5 for seniors 62 and up. 303-279-7800 or www.hsmusichall.com

APRIL 8 THROUGH MAY 4

“The House of Blue Leaves” shows in the Black Box Theater of the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. The play starts at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1 p.m. Wednesdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with preview performances starting at 7:30 a.m. April 4 to 6. The main character of this social commentary of the 1960s is Artie Shaughnessy, a zookeeper by day and a hope-to-be songwriter by night. Artie’s creative space is encroached upon by a cast of crazy characters, including his son Ronnie, who is planning to assassinate the Pope when he comes to town. Tickets cost $23; discounts available. 720-898-7200 or arvadacenter.org

MUSIC

MARCH 26 AND 27

“Carrie Newcomer CD Release Concert” starts at 7:30 p.m. at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave, Golden (above the old Foss Drug). Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Carrie is an internationally-known musician, songwriter and storyteller (www.carrienewcomer.com). Tickets cost $18/advance and $21/door. Contact Mary Ray at 720-870-0397

ONGOING

Patrice LeBlane performs live jazz (piano/vocals) with Rex Spease on woodwinds every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cucina Roma Roma Restaurant, 12363 W. 64th Ave. 303-431-4200

Jon Chandler hosts a song circle the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Pickin’ Parlor, 7515 W. Grandview Ave., Arvada. 303-421-2304

A drum circle gets rolling at 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Full Moon Books, 9108 W. Sixth Ave., Lakewood. 303-233-6666

The dance group “Sidekickers” seeks enthusiastic performers for their Gold Rush Show, Malt Shop Review and USO Show, which all feature dances dating to those eras. Any level of dancing skill is welcomed. 303-936-9377 or 303-994-0955

Musicians play during free Friday afternoon wine tastings at the D-Note, 7519 W. Grandview Ave., Arvada. 303-463-6683

A DJ will play jazz music on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Cheshire Cat Brewpub, 7803 Ralston Road, Arvada. 303-431-9000

A jazz jam starts at 11 a.m., followed by $5 salsa lessons and dancing with La Candela salsa orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Sundays at the D-Note, 7519 W. Grandview Ave., Arvada. 303-463-6683

A karaoke contest begins at 9:30 p.m. Sundays at Eck’s Saloon, 9890 W. Girton Drive, Lakewood. Winners get cash prizes. 303-989-2991

Residents have 15 minutes to do anything they want at the open stage at 7 p.m. Mondays at the D-Note, 7519 W. Grandview Ave., Arvada. 303-463-6683

The Cheshire Cat Brewpub, 7803 Ralston Road, Arvada, hosts a Celtic Jam every Thursday at 7 p.m. All Celtic musicians are welcome. No cover charge. 303-431-9000

The Village Roaster Cafe, 7978 W. Alameda Ave., Unit E, Lakewood, has musical artists performing a variety of styles Friday nights from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Clam Daddys plays at 7:30 p.m. most Wednesdays at the D-Note, 7519 W. Grandview Ave., Arvada. 303-463-6683

Mulligan Stew, a Celtic folk band, plays at 8 p.m. Tuesdays at the Cheshire Cat Brewpub, 7803 Ralston Road, Arvada. 303-431-9000

LITERARY

ONGOING

All Jefferson County libraries accept used books, both paperbacks and hardbacks, year-round. 303-275-2240

Each Jefferson County Public Library location offers a used book sale area. Most hardbound books cost $2, paperbacks $1 and magazines 10 cents. Proceeds go to a good cause; they help fund children’s and teen reading programs, including the Summer Reading Club, Traveling Children’s Library and Knott’s Kids. www.friendsofjcpl.org.

Jefferson County Public Libraries publish a monthly newsletter listing free classes, activities for children and special programs for adults. Pick up a copy at any Jefferson County public library. 303-275-2205

Jefferson County Public Libraries offer recycled children’s books and materials to Jefferson County nonprofit agencies. Materials may be picked up the second Thursday of every month at the library offices, 10200 W. 20th Ave., Lakewood. Representatives should bring identification of their organization. 303-275-2224

Storytime is offered at all Jefferson County libraries. For a schedule of Storytime, programs and activities for children, visit www.jefferson.lib.co.us

OUTDOORS

MARCH 29

Wildlife Sightings at the Nature Center starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Lookout Mountain Nature Center & Preserve, 910 Colorow Road, Golden. Participants will hike six-tenths of a mile on the Forest Loop trail with a naturalist in search of wildlife that lives on Lookout Mountain. Learn what animals have been recently spotted there, and learn why they make it their home. Ages 6 to adult. lmnc@jeffco.us or 720-497-7600

ONGOING

Kayak Roll Lessons are offered 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Golden Recreation Center pool. The $50 fee includes equipment and instruction by Renaissance Adventure Guides. 303-215-9386 or www.goldenriversports.net

The Colorado Mountain Club, 710 10th St., Golden, offers a variety of introductory and intermediate climbing classes for youth this summer. 303-996-2751 or www.cmc.org/education

FAMILY

MARCH 25 AND MARCH 27

American Red Cross babysitting training courses for ages 11 to 15 are offered at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, West Sixth Avenue and Indiana Street, Golden. The six-hour courses are limited to the first 40 participants. The cost is $40 and includes all materials. To register, call Joyce Wallace at 303-271-6620 or visit www.coopext.colostate.edu/jefferson/4h

ONGOING

Colorado Mills, 14500 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, has a variety of free programs for children each month. 303-590-1393

The D-Note, 7519 W. Grandview Ave., Arvada, presents Baby Boogie, a music and dance event for families and children, from 3 to 6 p.m. every Sunday. 303-463-6683

Various classes and activities for kids are presented at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. www.arvadacenter.org, or 720-898-7200

AUDITIONS

ONGOING

Sweet Adelines High Country Chorus is hosting a membership drive for women of all vocal ranges 6:30 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4500 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge. Come and meet women who love to sing. 303-295-0307

Michelle’s Music Studio has openings for 7th to 12th grade tenor and baritone singers wanting voice coaching. Solos are available for the Spring 2008 concert at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood. Auditions will be scheduled after an interview and with parent approval. 303-989-7272 or MTBecole@msn.com

Original roots rock band Carla Conover and the E Project Band seeks a drummer at West Colfax E-Vent Center, 9797 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood. 303-883-0204 or kencrow@comcast.net

The Wheat Ridge Community Chorale is auditioning for all voice parts. 303-431-2201

The Musical Sacra Chamber Orchestra is holding auditions for section players in all string and brass sections. Contact 303-421-2141 for an audition time.

The Lakewood Symphony has openings for section strings and substitutes in all other sections are ongoing. 303-980-0400.

The Colorado Chorale is holding auditions for all voices. Call for an audition appointment. 303-422-5785

CLASSES, LECTURES

MARCH 14

Dr. Charles Fay presents classroom strategies for preventing disruptive behavior and teaching responsibility and practical techniques that make teaching more fun and less stressful. The seminar runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Arvada Covenant Church, 5555 Ward Road. The cost is $99. 1-800-338-4065 or www.loveandlogic.com.

MAR. 22 AND 23

Rose Weaving Gallery & Studio holds an Around-the-Corner Shawl Workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., lasting 2 days, at 7508 Grandview Ave. in Olde Town Arvada. Learn to weave a wonderful “around-the-corner” shawl from teachers Judie Dickinson and Mary Pigman. This is a triangular shawl made from one warp. Limit 8 to 10 students; there are only three looms available for rent, so bring own workshop loom if you have one. Cost is $60, plus materials, and loom rental costs $25. 303-424-ROSE (7673)

THROUGH MAY 27

Parent-Tot Playgroup runs 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Front Range Waldorf School, 12755 W. Cedar Drive, Lakewood. The class is for children newborns to age 31⁄2 and includes activities, games, songs, and parenting tips. The cost is $48 for a six-week session or $10 a class for available drop-in space. To register, call 303-384-0139 orwww.frontrangewaldorf.org

ONGOING

The North Jeffco Park and Recreation District board of directors meetings take place the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the Apex Center, 13150 W. 72nd Ave. For more information and an agenda, visit www.northjeffco.org. 303-424-2739

Community Tai Chi and Yoga Classes are offered through the Eli Ashby Healing Arts Center, 7401 Grandview Ave, Arvada. Tai Chi is a form of moving meditation that incorporates preventative and curative traditional Chinese medicine. $180/18 classes. Yoga eases anxiety, increases self-esteem and confidence and benefits immune, muscular and skeletal systems. $125/10 classes, $15/drop-ins. All levels and ages are welcome. Family discounts are available. Call 303-463-6565

Working with Artists, 445 S. Saulsbury St., Lakewood, offers a variety of classes on traditional and digital photography for adults and children taught by professional working artists. 303-837-1341

Free yoga classes for people with Parkinson’s run from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Asana Studio, 16399 South Golden Road, Golden. The primary goal of the class is to empower Parkinson’s patients with skills that enable them to cope with the physical challenges of the disease. For more information contact Joann Gibson. 303-915-4971 or JGibson624@aol.com

StrollerFit Exercise with Your Baby invites new and expectant moms for a 50-minute total body workout using strollers as a portable fitness machine while songs, nursery rhymes and other visual and tactile stimulation entertain babies. The group meets at 9:30 a.m. Mondays in the event center at Colorado Christian University, 8787 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood; and 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Gold Crown Foundation Field House, 150 S. Harlan, Lakewood. The first class is free. 720-233-6666 or www.strollerfit.com/denver/west

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Colorado sponsors free family education classes through October. The classes are offered at various locations throughout the state and are designed for families and caregivers of adults, adolescents and children diagnosed with a brain disorder. Call or visit the Web site for locations, dates and times. 303-697-6808 or www.namicolorado.org

Singles University offers numerous classes for singles via telephone and Internet. Topics include making small talk, attraction traps, flirting with women and dating over the holidays. www.singles-university.com

The Tri-County Workforce Center, 730 Simms St., Golden, offers a variety of free workshops on job searching, networking and computers. www.trico1stop.org or 303-271-4715

The Wheat Ridge Senior Center, 6363 W. 35th Ave., offers a variety of classes on computers, cooking, art, Spanish, cooking and wellness. 303-205-7500

The Wheat Ridge Senior/Community Center, 6363 W. 35th Ave., hosts a Healthy Design series from 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays. Learn how to transform your favorite recipes into healthy alternatives and how to use herbs and spices in your cooking. Cost is $4 a class. 303-205-7500

Jefferson County Colorado State University Cooperative Extension hosts an urban gardening series at Belmar. Receive free gardening tips from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays. 303-742-1520

The Festival Playhouse in Olde Town Arvada offers acting classes for children ages 6 to 17 of all levels of experience. Cost is $100 to $200. 303-422-4090

Whole Foods Market-Belmar, 444 South Wadsworth Blvd., hosts a variety of food classes and book signings each month. 303-935-5000

The “E” Project, 9797 W. Colfax, Lakewood, offers performing arts classes for children and adults. Classes include beginning theater, playwriting for teens, improvisational theater and playacting for seniors. www.theeproject.org 303-883-0204

The nonprofit Small Business Development Center of Colorado, 1667 Cole Blvd., Building 19, No. 400, Golden, provides private individual counseling to emerging and existing businesses at no charge.

A teen acting and on-camera audition workshop for ages 11 to 18 is offered Sundays at Bill Howey’s Acting Workshop. 303-763-9029. 303-233-5555 ext. 1202 or www.digitalmovies.tv

Charles Whitlock Recreation Center, 1555 Dover St., Lakewood, offers ongoing classes in Nia, a barefoot, cardiovascular mind-body fitness. Classes meet at 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays. There is a $10 drop-in fee. 720-963-5366

Timberline Gardens, 11700 W. 58th Ave., Arvada, has a wide range of gardening classes on Saturdays and Sundays. 303-420-4060

Beginners’ dance classes for individuals and couples begin at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Golden, 17701 W. 16th Ave. Dances include Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Waltz and Latin. Cost is $5. 303-279-5591

The Music Workshop of Golden will meet Wednesday nights in the Olsson Music Studio, 659 Partridge Circle, Golden. 303-279-2932 or musicworkshopofgolden@comcast.net

Classes on computers, technology and library usage are offered at various Jefferson County libraries. 303-271-6387

Full Moon Books, 9108 W. Sixth Ave., Lakewood, offers a wide variety of classes every month. 303-233-6666 or Cathy@FullMoonBooks.com

Open Studio is available with instruction by Lynn Carrol, previously a teacher of painting and collage in Lakewood. The class takes no more than six students. The fee is $60 a month. 303-273-5876

Open Studio is available with instruction by Claudia Gausman for a maximum of six students. The fee is $58, plus a $5 materials fee. 303-271-0138

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Colorado sponsors two free educational programs for families and caregivers of loved ones diagnosed with a brain disorder in various locations throughout the state. All materials are furnished free of charge.

Foothills Art Center in Golden hosts art classes. 303-279-3922 or www.foothillsartcenter.org

The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities hosts a variety of classes, camps and workshops for both children and adults that are available year-round. Participants learn about the performing arts, visual arts and humanities. Sessions range from one day to 10 weeks. Some courses are available for college credit through Red Rocks Community College. Prices range from $25 to $325. 720-898-7200 or www.arvadacenter.org

Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, 14357 W. Colfax Ave., Golden, hosts a variety of wellness programs each month. These programs are open to the public. 303-277-1339 or www.wildoats.com

Free financial education classes run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Complete Spectrum Financial Services, 10090 Garrison St., Westminster. Topics include the understanding of indexed life insurance, indexed annuities, long-term care, different mortgages, reverse mortgages and creating tax-free income. 303-922-4309

FUNDRAISERS

ONGOING

A pancake breakfast, hosted by Belmar Optimist Club and Whole Foods Market to benefit Alameda High School, is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at the Market at Belmar on West Alaska Drive., Lakewood. The cost is $5. 303-742-1520 or www.belmarcolorado.com

Bring your old glasses to Samuel Baron’s Golden Vision Clinic, 2301 Ford St., Golden. Donate your glasses to be reused, recycled or given to those in need, to be distributed by missions in various parts of the world. 303-278-2020