May 30 outdoor class will be a tree identification walk in the park. All classes held 9:30-11:30a.m., at the CSU Extension office, 888 E. Iliff Ave. Fee: $20/class, $22 at door, cash or check. Call 720-913-5270 for registration info. Class size is limited.
Celebrate Earth Day, Easter and health at free events this month at Whole Foods Market, 2375 E. 1st Ave.: April 16, Pangea Organics Mini-Facials, 5-8p.m. (RSVP); 18, Earth Day Celebration, 11a.m.-3p.m., live music, free compost, recycling sign-ups, wind power credits, and carbon footprint calculations; 23, Cooking for One! culinary demo, 7p.m. (RSVP). Info/reservations at Customer Service Desk or 303-941-4100.
Yoga classes for friends and family can be found at Harmony Yoga, 560 S. Holly St.: Family Yoga Class Series held Sundays, 3-3:45p.m., April 5-May 3. Kundalini Spring Cleanse Workshop, offers exercises plus cleansing recipes and techniques to take home, Sat., April 4, 2-5p.m. Come Alive! Your Body Speaks Your Mind & Yoga, shows how feelings and thoughts connect with illness and body parts, Sat., April 25, 2-5p.m. Register/find prices: www.harmony-yoga.com or 303-388-8501.
Make recycled crafts in honor of Earth Day at Recycling Series classes at Caboodle Gifts, 1515 S. Holly St.: April 18, Recycled Crafting; 25, Paper Beads & Magnets; May 2, Wire Mobiles & Rooters; Wire & Beaded Candleholders. Classes $15 each ($50 all four), 3-5p.m. (except April 18 – 3:30-4:30, $10). Register: 303-759-3966, email caboodlellc@gmail.com, or visit www.caboodlegifts.net.
Pearl Street Yoga, 1550 S. Pearl St., loves to share the yoga! Six-week Prenatal Yoga Series held Sundays, 11a.m.-12:15p.m., starting April 5. Four-week Mindful Eating, Mindful Movement Workshop with clinical nutritionist & yoga instructor Erica Viggiano begins Sat., April 4. Info & complete weekly class schedule: www.pearlstreetyoga.com, 720-203-4241.
Meet printmaker-turned-mixed-media artist Mark Friday, his art and influences, at First Monday Art Talk, Mon., April 6, 7p.m., at Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge, 930 Lincoln St. Evening includes tunes played by DJ Check One, poetry performance by Hilary Depolo, exhibition of Friday’s artwork, plus Q&A session. Free. Details at www.myspace.com/firstmondayarttalk.
Loosen up limbs and improve your mood, with taijiquan (tai chi) classes through the Taoist Tai Chi Society, 1060 Bannock St. The Society’s four-month beginning taijiquan (tai chi) course teaches 108 movements and basic angles. Sunday classes (9-10:30a.m.) start April 5. Health Recovery classes held weekly. Call 303-623-5163 or visit www.colorado.usa.taoist.org.
Learn to develop greater compassion for oneself and others in Living an Ethical Life, a Mussar workshop presented by Temple Micah, Sun., April 5, 12 & 19, 10-11:30a.m., at the Denver Campus for Jewish Education, 2450 S. Wabash St. Mussar is a Jewish means of spiritual and character self-improvement. To RSVP or for more information, call 303-388-4239, or email office@micahdenver.org.
Hear Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to climb the Seven Summits – the highest peak on each continent – at East High Community Forum, Mon., April 6, 7p.m., at 1600 City Park Esplanade. Doors open at 6:30p.m., presentation at 7p.m., followed by signings of Touch the Top of the World. Purchase tickets ($5-$15) and books ($10) at www.eastangelalliance.org or East High School, Room 130, Tues.-Thur., from10a.m.-2p.m. (prices $2 higher day of event). The Forum raises money for East’s scholarship grants, and supplements funds for student projects and classroom needs; info: http://eastangelalliance.org/.
Becoming a Love & Logic Parent classes are coming to Cook Park Recreation Center, Tuesdays starting April 7, 6:30-8:30p.m. Learn easy and practical tips to end whining, arguing, power struggles and more in the five-week class, Cost: $100, $175 couple. Registration/info at Cook Park Rec Center, 7100 Cherry Creek S. Dr. or www.HeadandHeartParenting.com.
Hear the low-down on Denver’s proposed Zoning Code Update in a low-key setting, Wed., April 8, 7p.m. at West University Community Association’s monthly meeting, held at Evanston United Methodist Church, 2122 S. Lafayette St. Denver Planning Board and WUCA member Jeff Walker will help demystify the proposed changes, and answer questions. Info: Rick Schutz, 303-517-5154.
Get on top of technology and more at a Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce presentation this month: Judith Spendlow and Allison Taylor present Don’t Sabotage Your Goals at the Women of Cherry Creek’s Wed., April 15, luncheon presentation, held 11:30a.m.-1p.m., at Second Home at the JW Marriott, 150 Clayton Lane. $20 members, $25 non-members. RSVP by April 10. I’m All a’Twitter ‘Cause Your MySpace Hurts My Facebook When I’m Linked-in is the next Business Success Series presentation, Tues., April 28, 7:45-9:15a.m., at 101 Monroe St., $20 (free for Chamber members). Business After Hours takes place Thur., April 9, 5:30-7:30p.m., at Orvis, 2701 E. 1st Ave. Members free, $25 others; RSVP by Tues., April 7. RSVP at www.cherrycreekchamber.org or 303-388-6022.
Educator, designer and author Connie Morgan offers dynamic seminars and workshops to help awaken participants to a life of purpose and unforeseen fulfillment. Offerings include: Out of the Cocoon, a step-by-step workshop held four Weds., April 15, 22, 29 & May 6, 6:30-9p.m. Stand, Walk, Run Free: Overcoming Expectations of a Perfect Life will be offered Mon., April 13, 9:30-11:30a.m. or Tues., April 14, 7-9p.m. Info/registration: 303-758-3707.
Learn intentional relaxation in A Blessing of the Soon-To-Be-Born, a hypnosis experience for pregnant women held at Le Celle Medical Wellness and Aesthetics, 1940 E 18th Ave., Sat., April 11, 3-4:30p.m.; and The Energie Center, 2236 S. Albion St., Tues., April 14, 7-8:30p.m. Space is limited. Reservations, Jennifer at 303-393-1062; information: www.womenswellnesshypnosis.net.
Learn how to be an interior designer – without attending design school! Beginning Interior Design classes, taught by designer Connie Morgan, will be held Sat., April 11, and/or Tues., April 14, both 9:30a.m.-3:30p.m. Make daring, decisive moves and transform “any” space – by breaking the rules of design. Info/registration: 303-758-3707.
Become your own handywoman! Women-only home maintenance classes are held at Workshop for Women, 47 W. Alameda Ave.: Learn to repair or replace sprinkler heads, risers, connectors and piping in Sprinkler Maintenance Class for Women, Mon., April 13, 6-9p.m.; $100. Call 303-284-6354 or www.workshopforwomen.com for schedule.
Geologist, brewpub pioneer and now Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper speaks next at Voices of Experience, Mon., April 13, 6-8p.m., in DU’s Davis Auditorium, Sturm Hall, Room 248, 2000 E. Asbury Ave. Xcel Energy CEO Dick Kelly presents The Ethics of Environmental Leadership on May 7. Free, but registration required: 303-871-3213, www.daniels.du.edu/Events-VOE.aspx.
Mi Casa Resource Center For Women provides good, free advice on common legal problems every Legal Night the third Tuesday of each month (April 14), 5:30-7:30p.m. Attorneys are available to provide legal guidance in areas including housing, employment, credit problems, family law, immigration, etc. Held at Mi Casa, 360 Acoma St. Info: 303-573-1302.
The best things in life are free, so Denver Community Credit Union offers free financial classes 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6p.m. at 1041 Acoma St.: April 14, Auto Buying; 28, Couples & Cash. Email education@denvercommunity.coop or call 303-573-1170, ext. 754, to register or for more information. Can’t attend? Go to www.denvercommunity.coop and click on “Education” for free online tools.
Wes Hempel is the subject artist of the next Artists on Art – Focus: The Figure Logan Lecture, Wed., April 15, at the Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Future presentations: Sandy Skoglund (May 20) and Beverly Semmes (June 17). Doors open at 6p.m., lectures at 7. Series tickets are $40-$75, $8-$18 individual lectures. Reservations recommended: 720-913-0150, www.denverartmuseum.org.
Temple Micah presents We Died Laughing: Jews, Death & Comedy in Film, a three-part film series, Thur., April 16, 23 & 30, 7-8:30p.m., at 2600 Leyden St., led by University of Colorado-Denver film studies teacher Janet Robinson. See clips and discuss films made by Jewish filmmakers that address the issue of treating death with humor. Free for Temple Micah members; $36 for nonmembers. RSVP: 303-388-4239, office@micahdenver.org.
Constructing Justice in the Americas – The Center on Rights Development’s Spring Human Rights Symposium – takes place Fri. & Sat., April 17 & 18, at DU’s Sturm College of Law, 2255 E. Evans Ave. Topics include Rule of Law and Judicial Reform; Justice and Peace; Civil Society Efforts; Human Rights Trials and Truth Commissions; Public Security; and Security Sector Reform. For details, email centeronrightsdevelopment@gmail.com, visit www.du.edu/korbel/cord, or call 303-871-4021.
Learn to meditate during a half-day meditation course for beginners at Avalokiteshvara Buddhist Center, 1081 Marion St., Sat., April 18, 9a.m.-1p.m. Pre-register, $30. General Program Buddhist Meditation classes held Wednesdays, 7p.m., & Sundays, 10:30a.m. Also: daily chanted prayers, advanced study programs and free stress-buster meditation. Info: call 303-813-9551 or www.meditationincolorado.org.
Take a closer look at the city’s birthplace in 150 Years of LoDo: Denver’s Newest Old Neighborhood with historian Judy Morley, Tues., April 21, 1 & 7p.m., in Boettcher Auditorium at Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway. Part of the Milestones and Anniversaries lecture series. Tickets: $7/$8.50. Tour the Vance Kirkland Museum is this month’s Red Hot Sundays for Red Hat Ladies program, Sun., April 19, 2p.m. $20 includes program, refreshments at 3p.m., and museum admission. Vincenza Scarpaci gives a free presentation on her new book, The Journey of the Italians in Colorado, Tues., April 14, 7p.m. Learn about frontier families, rodeo riders and women ranchers in a family concert by Liz Masterson, Songs of Ranch Women and Cowgirls, the next First Friday lunchtime program, May 1, 12:15-1p.m. Bring or buy lunch; free cookies/drinks. $4/$5. Admission is free on Día del Niño (Day of the Child), Sun., April 26, featuring international dance and music performances, craft and hands-on activities from noon to 4p.m. Reservations required for all events: 303-866-4686; www.coloradohistory.org.
Catch a free class, tutorial or lecture for adults this month at Schlessman Family Branch Library, 100 Poplar St.: Travel Tales – Brazil (Tues., April 21, 2-3p.m.); Evening with Denver Poet Laureate Chris Ransick (Wed., 22, 6:30-7:30p.m.); Value Line/Morningstar (Thur., 23, 4:30-5:30p.m.); Celebrate Earth Day with Transition Denver (Sat., 25, 3-4p.m.); Be a Read Aloud Volunteer (Sun., 26, 2-3p.m.); Google More (Tues., 28, 4:30-5:30p.m.); Explore the New Catalog (Wed., 29, 4:30-5:30p.m.) Full descriptions at: www.denverlibrary.org/calendar. Volunteer docents available (by appointment) to help set up email accounts, search the library’s catalog and use other Web resources. Info: 720-865-0000.
Dr. Elliot Engel presents The Wizardry of Oz: L. Frank Baum at the annual Spring Event & Luncheon of Women’s Library Association/Friends of Penrose Library, Wed., April 22, starting with an 11a.m. patron reception, at Denver Country Club, 1700 E. 1st Ave. Patrons, $125; general luncheon, $75. Proceeds benefit DU’s Penrose Library. Info/tickets: WLA, 303-871-3405. Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Denver, Bernie Spilka, Ph.D. will speak on Thur., April 9, about individuals who were influential and memorable in the arts, humanities and sciences at DU. Held at Phipps Memorial Conference Center, 3400 Belcaro Dr.; tea, 1:30p.m., talk at 2p.m. Info: call the WLA office, 303-871-3405 or email bpowers@du.edu.
Get an in-depth look at domestic violence and its impact on senior victims and society in Domestic Violence in the Senior Community, Wed., April 22, 8a.m.-noon and 1-5p.m., at 1900 Grant St. The workshop is tailored to anyone working with seniors, and addresses issues and remedies related to domestic violence and abuse. To register ($25, deadline April 15) email Di Holmes at dholmes@safehouse-denver.org or call 303-302-6123.
Will every large, mature lodgepole pine forest in Colorado be dead within three to five years? Explore the science behind the spectre in The Pine Beetle Infestation, a free Active Minds presentation, Tues., April 28, 5:30-6:30p.m., at Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave. Consider today’s economic crisis – how we got here and where we’re headed – in The Financial Meltdown, Wed., April 22, 2:30-3:30p.m., at Springbrooke (formerly Cherry Oaks), 6800 Leetsdale Dr. Free, but RSVP: 303-331-9963. Info on all Active Minds offerings: www.ActiveMindsForLife.com.
Learn what type and amount of insurance you really need at a free Protecting What’s Important seminar, Thur., April 23, 6-7:30p.m., at the 1519 S. Pearl St. Edward Jones office. Light dinner served; call 303-722-8838 to RSVP.
Join Dr. Tiffany Binder for a talk on ADD/ADHD in children at the Fri., April 24, Monthly Tea Talk, 9-10a.m., at Origins at Cherry Creek North, 2800 E. 2nd Ave. RSVP: 303-388-0018. While you’re at it, bring your empty cosmetic tubes, bottles and jars – regardless of brand – to the store: the new Return to Origins Recycling Program sends all returned packaging to a central location for recycling or energy recovery. Details at www.origins.com.
Art education advocates are invited to the Colorado Arts Education Summit, Sat., April 25, 9a.m.-3:30p.m., in the North Classroom of the Auraria Campus, Larimer St. & Speer Blvd. Kickoff address by Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien; hosted by the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and Colorado Council on the Arts. Free. Share ideas and resources, build skills and develop tangible action steps to improve arts education at area schools. Visit www.denvergov.org/artsedsummit for a list of free workshops and presentations, details on a kids art workshop/daycare program during the event (lunch provided; register in advance), resource materials and the opportunity for your school to receive a $500 mini-grant.To register, contact Jan Brennan at jan.brennan@denvergov.org or 720-865-4312.
Gardening through the Season – attend a series of FREE gardening classes, a joint project of The Bridge Community Garden and the Platt Park People’s Association Green Team. Class locations will alternate between Denver Urban Garden’s well-established 1700 S. Grant St. community garden, and DU’s newly-founded Bridge Community Garden, 1817 S. High St. The Bridge Garden is a collaboration between the student-led DU Environmental Team and neighbors in the adjacent communities. Preparing Your Soil/Planning & Planting a High-Yield Food Garden, will be led by DUG garden leader John Hershey, Sat., April 25, 2-4p.m., at the Grant St. garden. Master Composter Gail Neujahr will join Hershey at The Bridge Garden, Sat., May 16, 2-4p.m. for Successful Composting. Info: http://projectduet.com.
A Good Day for Art offers fun, easy art workshops for adults 17+ in south Denver: Process Painting, a supportive, non-judgmental, creative art experience for adults, is Sun., April 26, 1-4p.m. All materials included for $45. Preregistration required. Info: 303-369-1952 or www.agooddayforart.com.
Examine the influence of media on kids and adolescents – and how parents can cope – in I’m So Full I’m Empty, a free lecture by master teacher and educator Betty Staley, April 27, 7p.m., at the Denver Waldorf School, 940 Fillmore St. Info: www.denverwaldorf.org or call 303-777-0531.
Watch the controversial, Islam-slamming film Obsession – then discuss it with moderate Muslim scholars – in Dagwell Hall, Saint John’s Cathedral, 1350 Washington St., Tues., April 28, 7p.m. Iman Mohamed Samer Altabaa from the Colorado Muslim Society and Iman Ibrahim Kazerooni will comment on the film, which was distributed by newspapers nationwide this past fall. A free presentation by the Abrahamic Initiative, providing a forum for dialogue among Jews, Christians and Muslims. Call Canon Greg Movesian, 303-577-7711, for information.
Want to learn to turn herbs into medicine? Attend Green Pharmacy: Beginning Herbal Medicine Making, a seven-week class at Apothecary Tinctura, 2900 E. 6th Ave., a medicinal herb store & clinic, Tuesdays, 6:30-9p.m., starting April 28. $245. Call 303-399-1175 to sign up; visit www.apothecarytinctura.com for details.
New Horizons in Storytelling, the 34th annual Rocky Mountain Storytellers’ Conference, is at a new venue this year, Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E. Yale Ave. Held Fri.-Sun., April 23-25, it features three evenings of concerts, in addition to performances, workshops and presentations on Friday and Saturday. Complete details at www.rmstory.org. For questions, e-mail RMSC at info@rmstory.org – please do not call Swallow Hill.
Would you like to see South High School be the clear school of choice for your kids by the time they are ready for high school? Attend a forum on Wed., April 29, 6-7:15p.m. in the South Auditorium, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave. to hear from educators, local parents and South students who are working to raise awareness of South’s achievements and potential among families in the community. Topics include South’s extensive AP program, Newcomers Center and ESL program, facts behind test scores and ratings, and Denver Public Schools’ vision for South. Info: Ann Shiveley, 303-908-0550 or annshive@yahoo.com.
Enrich Your Life is a series of weekly life-coaching sessions held each Wed. through May, 6:30-7:30p.m., at Ross-Cherry Creek Library, 305 Milwaukee St., or every Thursday through June, 6:30-7:30p.m., at Eugene Field Library, 810 S. University Blvd. First time free, space is limited. Call Dianne, 303-388-2251.
Is your daughter making you crazy? Are you worried about how to deal with puberty? Peer pressure? Boys? Attend a How to Mother a Successful Daughter or How to Father a Successful Daughter workshop, Thur., April 16, and Wed., April 29, respectively, 7p.m., presented by Colorado-based non-profit Smart-Girl, at Stanley British Primary School, 350 Quebec St. Cost: $45. For details and registration, contact Smart-Girl at 303-815-1921.
Adolescents (13+) with juvenile arthritis and their parents are invited to a free Arthritis Foundation workshop to aid their transition to adult-oriented health care on Thur., April 30, 6:30p.m., at the Arthritis Foundation Office, 2280 S. Albion St. Facilitator Jackie Wilson, LCSW, will discuss adjusting to chronic illness, depression, anxiety and other issues. Register with Isabelle Stohler at 303-756-8622; or www.rockymountainarthritis.org.
Laurel Howell presents The Meaning of Color in Dreams, in the Colorado Jung Society’s spring lecture series, Fri., May 1, 7p.m., at First Divine Science Church, 1400 Williams St. $20 at door, $10 members. Info: 303-575-1055 or www.jungsocietyofcolorado.org.
D.U. College Republicans and Denver Women’s Republican Club host Conservative is Not a Dirty Word: What Republicanism Can Do For You!, Sat., May 9, 10a.m., at Sturm Hall’s Lindsay Auditorium, 2000 E. Asbury Ave. The inaugural forum boasts a panel discussion with five local Republican leaders, Q&A session and continental breakfast. Free. Info: contact Jan Bonnett, 303-815-8950 or jan@janbonnett.net.
Drop in to work on a project, get help, make friends and hang out at free Weekly Wednesdays, 5-8p.m., at TACtile Art Center, 7777 E. Hampden Ave. Different crafts and mentor each week: fashion sewing, beading, weaving, embroidery & needlecraft. DIY FRI with Wiley Sherer shows how to craft useful things out of others’ junk, Fridays, 5-7p.m. Info at www.tactilearts.org, email info@tactilearts.org, or call 720-524-8886.
Rock and Water: Nature’s Elements in Japanese Garden Design is next in the Bonfils-Stanton Lecture Series, Thur., May 28, 7p.m., in the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Mitchell Hall, 1005 York St., presented by Sadafumi Uchiyama, project designer of the Shofu-En Japanese Garden renovation at the Gardens. Complete lecture listings: visit www.botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3580.
Looking for a way to explore your artistic side and a fun night out? Check out Canvas and Cocktails, 249 Clayton St., an upbeat creative class for both the artistic and not so artistic. Learn the basics of acrylic painting while enjoying the company of friends and your favorite beverage. An instructor will guide you step by step in recreating the featured night’s painting. Adult classes are Wed.-Sat. at 6:30p.m., $35-$40 per painter, including materials. Register at 303-333-3288 or www.canvasandcocktails.com.
Attend Free Yoga every Sunday (except fifth) at 10:10a.m. at Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St. Beginners welcome! Learn to live your yoga off the mat in The 10 Yoga Keys of Happiness!, every Monday, 7p.m., at 854 Pearl St. Includes meditation. Donation appreciated. Info: MJ – 303-433-6280.
The Inner Connection Institute is a center for spiritual growth and psychic development, offering classes in meditation, healing and clairvoyance. Call 303-282-9439 for a free newsletter, or come by the free aura healing clinic, held each Wed., 6-7p.m., or on Thur., noon-1p.m., at 4101 E. Louisiana Ave., Suite G-1 (entrance around the back of building).
Meditation and Buddhist philosophy classes are held Thursdays, 6-8p.m., in Cook Park, using the Dalai Lama’s The Art of Happiness and Sogyal Rinpoche’s The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Call Deb Rosenberg, 303-695-0499, for location and details.
¿Habla usted Español? Haroldo’s Spanish conversation group takes place on Fridays, 9:30a.m.-noon, at Washington Park United Church of Christ, 400 S. Williams St. Advanced conversation, reading, translation and grammar. Info: 303-733-9693.