Aztec Mythology and the Meaning of Sacrifice, a lecture and workshop by Jungian analyst Nancy Furlotti, is set for Fri. & Sat., May 29 & 30. Info: 303-575-1055 or www.jungsocietyofcolorado.org.
Dr. Richard Geist presents Empathizing with Oedipus: The Self-Psychological Treatment of the Neuroses, Fri., May 1, 7:30p.m., in DU’s Boettcher Auditorium, 2050 E. Iliff Ave. Free. Info: 303-724-2666.
Fresh City Life provides information, ideas & experiences through free cultural programming for adults every month at the Denver Public Library: Cooking demos, with samples and recipes are offered Saturdays, 9a.m.-noon: May 2, Brother, Can You Spare a Pie?; 9, Mom’s Day Tea; 16, It Came From Planet Organic. Madame DeFarge’s Knitting Salon is offered every Monday, 5-7:30p.m., providing a social gathering for free knitting, with instructors on hand for problems. No registration required. Classes are available at same time, but require registration: Knitting for the Road shows how to knit the perfect travel bag, May 4, 11, 18 & June 1. How Money Works — Six Key Strategies is a women-only workshop hosted by the Women’s Financial Network, Sat., May 9, 1-3p.m. Releasing Genius is May’s two-part WordShop: Creative Writers’ Space offering, held Tues., May 12 & 26, 6-7:30p.m. Craft-O-Mat is the monthly freestyle crafting session (Sat., May 16, 1-4:30 p.m.) inviting patrons to bring their own portable projects and exchange tips and socialize with others. No registration required. On that same day, DIY diva Tran Wills demonstrates how to turn men’s old ties into really gorgeous and new objects d’art in this month’s Craft Services: Mancrafts – Tie One On!, Sat., May 16, 1:30 or 3p.m. Crafters can bring their stash of supplies & tools to trade with others in SwapLuck, Sat., May 16, 2-3p.m. (drop off items between noon and 1p.m.). Whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or someplace in between, come to the free Nuts ‘n Bolts Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop, Sun., May 17, 1:30-4:30p.m., in the Acoma Plaza, outside the west entrance. Details at http://denverlibrary.org/programs/fresh/bike.html. Bring your knitting or any favored handwork and watch a free movie at KnitFlix: Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce, Tues., May 19, 5:30-7:30p.m.
Unless noted, all events held in Level 1 Fresh City Lounge of the Central Library, located at 14th Ave. Pkwy. & Broadway. Registration required for all events unless noted, visit: www.denverlibrary.org/fresh or call 720-865-1205.
Do something relaxing & rejuvenating for yourself, with taijiquan (tai chi) classes through Taoist Tai Chi Society, 1060 Bannock St. The Society’s four-month beginning taijiquan (tai chi) course teaches 108 movements and basic angles. Saturday classes (9:30-11a.m.) start May 2; Monday classes (7:30-9p.m.) start June 1. Health Recovery classes held weekly. Call 303-623-5163 or visit www.colorado.usa.taoist.org.
Check out a free couples workshop at the University of Denver campus this month: Interracial Couples Workshop, Sat., May 2, 9a.m.-noon; DU Dating: Skills to Make a Relationship Work, Fri., May 15, noon-3p.m.; How to Improve Communication While Having More Fun: An Educational Workshop for Couples Blending Families, Sat., May 16, 9a.m.-noon. Call 303-871-3306 for details. Offered through DU’s Dept. of Psychology.
Spring garden classes are offered by Colorado State University Extension Saturdays at Harvard Gulch Park: May 2, Small Space and Container Gardens; May 30, 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.
Make recycled crafts in honor of Earth Day at Recycling Series classes at Caboodle Gifts, 1515 S. Holly St.: May 2, Wire Mobiles & Rooters, and 9, Wire & Beaded Candleholders; $15 each, 3-5p.m. Go green at How to Plant an Herb Garden, Sat., May 16, 1-2p.m. ($17), or ABC’s of an Herb Garden, Sat., May 23, 1-2p.m. ($15). Register: www.caboodlegifts.net, 303-759-3966, or email caboodlellc@gmail.com.
Transform any room in your home or office by using the things you already have, in Learn the Basics of Interior Design: For Students, Realtors, & Homeowners. Learn how to coordinate wall colors, fabrics and carpet. Pick one Sat., 9:30a.m.-3:30p.m., May 2, 9 or 16, or one Tues., 9:30a.m.-3:30p.m., May 5 or 19. Reserve a space for this “hands-on” workshop that will change the way you live and work in your current environment: 303-758-3707. Taught by noted interior designer Connie Morgan. $65 for each one-day workshop.
Meet hard-to-define painter Chris Schranck, his art and influences, at First Monday Art Talk, Mon., May 4, 7p.m., at Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge, 930 Lincoln St. Evening includes tunes played by DJ Check One, poetry performances by Lenny Chernilla & Ken Arkind, exhibition of Schranck’s artwork, Q&A session and light buffet. Free. Details at www.myspace.com/firstmondayarttalk.
Can introducing an endangered plant species into the nursery trade help “save” it? Or should we protect it in its native habitat? Hear opinions from experienced horticulturists and research scientists on this sensitive issue in Conservation or Commercialism: What’s Right for Saving Rare Plants? Tues., May 5, 6-9p.m., at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Gates Hall, 1005 York St. $5 suggested donation. Visit www.botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3500.
Get an edge on the competition with grant-writing skills in a Grant Writing Workshop, Wed., May 6, 9a.m.-4p.m., at the University of Denver’s Joseph Korbel School of International Studies. Learn about structure and formation of grant proposals, setting program goals and objectives, quality grant applications, and successful grant proposal tips. Workshop and materials for $45; registration at www.korbelcareers.com. Info: 303-871-2544.
Tune in and turn on as the Denver Art Museum brings the art, artist and San Francisco scene into sharp focus in the Conversation Lounge series, complementing The Psychedelic Experience rock posters exhibition, Wednesdays, 6:30-8p.m., in the Duncan Pavilion, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. May 6, Setting the Stage: Crafting an Exhibition, with exhibition curator Darrin Alfred; 13, Warming Up for the ‘60s: The Folk Music Revival, with Singer Gallery’s Simon Zalkind and Denver Folklore Center’s Harry Tuft; 20, Taking the Stage: Live at the Fillmore, with Twist & Shout’s Paul Epstein; 27, From the Soul: Poetry, with Jake Adam York, associate professor of English, CU-Denver. Tickets: $14, $12 members/students. Registration: 720-913-0051 or www.denverartmuseum.org/adultprograms.
Connect with the plants and essential oils of springtime in Italy In Essence of Italy, a free community class at Apothecary Tinctura, 2900 E. 6th Ave., a medicinal herb store & clinic, Wed., May 6 or Thur., May 14, 6:30-8:30p.m. Call 303-399-1175 to sign up; details, visit www.apothecarytinctura.com.
Xcel Energy CEO Dick Kelly speaks on The Ethics of Environmental Leadership in the final Voices of Experience lecture of the season, Thur., May 7, 6-8p.m., at The Cable Center, 2000 Buchtel Blvd. Free, but registration required: 303-871-3213, www.daniels.du.edu/Events-VOE.aspx.
Learn to connect and communicate with your baby before birth in MotherSong: PreBirth Parenting, a four-week class held Thursdays, 6:30-8:30p.m., starting May 7, at Grant Avenue Community Center., 216 S. Grant St. Fee: $60, pre-registration required. Info: 720-988-8322.
Out Of The Cocoon is a four-part, step-by-step workshop for anyone who is looking for a job and a new direction. When you discover what you really “want” and “deserve,” you will attract the perfect career and relationship. Next sessions Wednesdays, May 13-June 3, or Thursday mornings, May 7-28. Call to enroll or schedule a time that works for you: Connie Morgan, author and educator, 303-758-3707. $165 for four classes.
Students with learning disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will have an opportunity to have their specific questions and concerns about college answered at the Learning Disability and ADHD College Readiness Conference, Sat., May 9, 9:30a.m.–4:45p.m., at the University of Denver, 2050 E. Evans Ave. Presented by DU and the Learning Disabilities Association of Colorado, the conference aims to help prepare and inform parents, educators, and junior and senior high students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD about a successful transition to college. Cost: $15 students, $25 others, tickets at conference door, space permitting. Information available: www.du.edu/studentlife/disability/lep/conference/ or info@ldacolorado.com.
DU 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.
Explore the powerful mind of forgiveness and learn how to let go of the memory of our pain in Forgiveness, a special course at Avalokiteshvara Buddhist Center, 1081 Marion St., Sat., May 9, 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.
Peer into the ethnic cauldron of tribalism, religion and oil in Uzbekistan & The Central Asian Republics, a free Active Minds presentation, Tues., May 12, 12:30-1:30p.m., at Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave., and Wed., May 27, 10-11a.m., at Malley Senior Center, 3380 S. Lincoln St. (RSVP at 303-762-2660.) Tattered Cover is also the venue for examining China’s continuing struggle to balance authoritarian government with individual rights in China’s Human Rights Struggle, Tues., May 26, 5-6:30p.m. Free. Consider today’s economic crisis – how we got here and where we’re headed – in The Financial Meltdown, Tues., May 12, 11a.m.-noon at Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St. (free, but RSVP: Jodi, 303-388-4013, ext. 307), or Wed., May 27, 1-2p.m., at Generations at Lowry, 8505 Lowry Blvd. (free, but RSVP at 303-364-8500.) Info on all Active Minds offerings: www.ActiveMindsForLife.com.
Do you often regret your speech or reactions to family when angry? Then take Effective Communication Skills, a two-evening workshop, Tues., May 12 & 19, 6:30-8:30p.m., at Xylem Family Resources, 4201 E. Yale Ave., Ste. B130. Fee: $60/person $100/couple (scholarships available). Registration/info: www.xylemfamily.org, info@xylemfamily.org, 303-756-0951.
Discuss the new Master Plan for the Baker neighborhood’s Dailey Park, Tues., May 12, 7-8:30p.m., at First Avenue Presbyterian Church, 120 W. 1st Ave. The Denver Parks and Recreation forum provides an opportunity to voice preferences and priorities for future improvements to the park, located at Archer Place and W. Ellsworth Ave. Info: Jennifer Kovarik, jennifer.kovarik@denvergov.org.
Introduce your friends to the Academy for Lifelong Learning – “an Athletic Club for Your Mind” – at a free One-Day University, Tues., May 12, offering one- and two-hour sampler classes on history, economics, current events and art, held at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. Details: 303-770-0786, www.AcademyLL.org.
Denver Community Credit Union offers free financial classes 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6p.m. at 1041 Acoma St.: May 12, Home Buying; 26, Money Myths. 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.
Financial advisor Erika L. Mouser presents A Woman’s Guide to Money Matters, Tues., May 12, 6p.m., at Edward Jones, 1519 S. Pearl St. Topics include retirement and child/grandchild college planning, and financial strategies. Light meal served. Free. Space is limited, RSVP to Erika or Dana at 303-722-8838.
Get motivated to succeed and enjoy it at a Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce presentation this month: Motivational speaker, humorist, author and recovering attorney Cynthia Nimerichter shares her mantra of 3 Gs and the Delicious Theory at the Women of Cherry Creek’s Wed., May 20, luncheon presentation, held 11:30a.m.-1p.m., at a location TBA. $25/$20 members; RSVP by May 15. Sell As If Your Life Depends On It! with Vance Moorman of Strategic Business Consultants LLC is the next Business Success Series presentation, Tues., May 26, 7:45-9:15a.m., at 101 Monroe St., $20 (free for Chamber members). Mingle with other area chamber members and watch exhibition tennis matches at this month’s Business After Hours, Fri., May 15, 5:30-7:30p.m., at Gates Tennis Center 3300 E. Bayaud Ave. #201. $25; members free. RSVP to www.cherrycreekchamber.org or 303-388-6022.
Learn to repair that leaky faucet or that toilet that never stops running in Plumbing 101 for Women, Sat., May 16, 1-4p.m., at Workshop for Women, 47 W. Alameda Ave. Covers basic home plumbing systems, focusing on toilets, faucets, tub, showers and drains. $100. Call 303-284-6354 or www.workshopforwomen.com for schedule.
Center for Spiritual Living Denver, 1420 Ogden St., offers soul-soothing workshops and events this spring: Art For the Soul: Transforming Challenges Through Creative Expression, Fri., May 16, 6:30-9p.m. ($10); How to Write Heart-Opening Songs with Robert Johnson, Sun., May 31, 12:30-3p.m. ($15 advance, $20 at door.) Info: 303-832-5206, info@csldenver.org.
Children’s Hospital Butterfly Program medical director, Brian Greffe, M.D., will speak on Sun., May 17, 2p.m., at the Colorado Chapter of Compassion & Choices May meeting, at First Universalist Church, 4101 E. Hampden Ave. (entrance on Ash). The program provides palliative and curative care to young patients with a life expectancy of 12 months, providing spiritual, medical and emotional comfort to patients and family. Info: 303-829-6465 or www.coloradochoices.org.
Don’t trash those valuable kitchen scraps! Learn to compost at a FREE Successful Composting class, held Sat., May 16, 2-4p.m. at the Bridge Community Garden, 1817 S. High St., led by Master Composter Gail Neujahr and Denver Urban Gardens, 1700 S. Grant St. leader John Hershey. Hershey shows kids how to garden in Story Time in the Garden, Sat., June 6, 2-4p.m., at the Grant St. garden, with materials provided by Tattered Cover bookstore. The classes are part of the free series Gardening Through the Season, a joint project of the Bridge Community Garden and the Platt Park People’s Association Green Team. Class locations will alternate between DUG’s Grant St. garden and DU’s newly-founded Bridge Community Garden, a collaboration between the student-led DU Environmental Team and neighbors in the adjacent communities. Attend the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the Bridge Community Garden, 1817 S. High St., on Sat., May 16, 1p.m.; dignitaries and dirt-diggers alike will be on hand. Info: http://projectduet.com.
Hear about resettling of orphans from Eastern cities to rural areas in Orphan Trains and Western Settlement with author Marilyn Irvin Holt, Tues., May 19, 1 & 7p.m., in Boettcher Auditorium at Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway. Part of the Milestones and Anniversaries lecture series. Tickets: $7/$8.50. The Emily Griffith Murder Mystery is this month’s Red Hot Sundays for Red Hat Ladies program, Sun., May 17, 2p.m. $20 includes program, refreshments at 3p.m., and museum admission. Tours include A Day in the Park Tour (Denver Botanic Gardens and neighboring Cheesman Park, with Tom Noel, $35), Sun., May 31, 9a.m.; and Walking Tour of Montclair Neighborhood (with Fran Pierson, $20), Sat., May 30, 10a.m. Reservations required for all events: 303-866-4686; www.coloradohistory.org.
Mi Casa Resource Center For Women provides good, free advice on common legal problems every Legal Night the third Tuesday of each month (May 19), 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.
Sandy Skoglund is the subject artist of the next Artists on Art – Focus: The Figure Logan Lecture, Wed., May 20, at the Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Final presentation is Beverly Semmes (June 17). Doors open at 6p.m., lectures at 7. $8-$18 individual lectures. Reservations: 720-913-0150, www.denverartmuseum.org.
Keeping Cool Without an Air Conditioner – discover how it’s done in old houses at this free public lecture, Wed., May 27, 7p.m., in National Jewish Hospital’s Heitler Hall, 1400 Jackson St. (parking available in Jackson St. lot). All About Saving Heat’s Dennis Brachfeld tells how to take advantage of cooling systems built into historic homes. First of six lectures in the Congress Park Historic Speakers series. Questions: 303-377-4913 or cvansciver@earthlink.net or visit www.congressparkneighbors.org.
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.
The Arthritis Foundation’s Rocky Mountain Chapter will train Tai Chi instructors, Fri. & Sat., May 29-30, at its 2280 S. Albion St. offices. The Foundation’s Tai Chi Program is designed to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis using Sun-style Tai Chi, agile steps and exercises that may improve mobility, breathing and relaxation. Register with Isabelle Stohler at 800-475-6447, ext. 235. Arthritis info at www.rockymountainarthritis.org.
Join best-selling author/dyslexia expert Ron Davis for an informative and in-depth look at the GIFT of dyslexia, Tues., June 2, 6:30-8:30p.m. at First Divine Science Church, 1400 Williams St. Davis will recall his own story of overcoming severe dyslexia, illuminate the background and development of the Davis® Dyslexia Correction methods, and stay for a Q & A session with the audience. Tickets ($10/person) on line: http://www.rondavislectures.com/June09/co.html or at door: $15/person; $20/couple, $30/family of 4 (checks/cash only). Info: 303-850-0581.
Enrich Your Life is a series of weekly life-coaching sessions held every Weds. 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. First time free. Space is limited. Call Dianne, 303-388-2251.
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.
Don’t just learn, live Spanish through free social and educational gatherings of the Denver Free Spanish Network. Speakers of all ages and skill meet in homes, restaurants and coffee shops to share interest and learn. For dates & details, visit http://spanish.meetup.com/22/ or call Isobel McGowan, 303-964-9129, or Bruce McLarty, 303-733-7390.
Attend Free Yoga every Sunday (except fifth) at 10:10a.m. at Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St. Beginners welcome! 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., 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.