13, Eight Immortals rock oolong and Organic Lapsang Bohea black; 20, Meng Ding Gan Lu (Sweet Dew) and Ming Qian An Ji Bai greens; 27, Eight Treasures herbal blend, with and without green tea.

Fuyiu Yip, L.Ac., discusses the importance of therapeutic foods, herbal medicines, acupuncture and numerous traditions within Chinese culture in Taste of China: Tidbits of Chinese Culture, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Food, Wed., March 18, 7p.m. Free. Info, call 303-777-CUPS (2877) or visit www.sevencupsdenver.com.

Hear the musical stylings of Joshua Novak and Sweet Tooth Meat Tooth at First Fridays Live, March 6, 6-8p.m., at Denver Open Media’s 700 Kalamath St. studios. First Fridays Live at DOM are free community events that spotlight local performance groups, musical acts and nonprofit organizations, and are broadcast live on Comcast channel 57 and community radio station KGNU-1390AM (www.kgnu.org), re-broadcast on channels 56, 57 and 219, and are also available online. Info: Deb Lastowka, 720-222-0160, ext. 206, or deb@deproduction.org.

Hustle over to Ladies Night Out at the Schlessman YMCA, 2625 S. Colorado Blvd., on Friday, March 6, 5-9p.m.! This evening of pampering, nuturing and fun features services including manicures, reflexology, chair massage, acupressure and much more – all for the minimal charge of $5/each, in 15-minute sessions. Open to YMCA female members and guests; a Kids Night Out will be held concurrently in the Yale YMCA building. Info: B.J. Bachman, 720-524-2776.

Don’t fret over finances – there’s free admission to two museums and the Denver Botanic Gardens this month, thanks to the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., offers free admission Wed., March 18. Info: 303-322-7009 or www.dmns.org. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., offers free admission Mon., March 16. Info: www.botanicgardens.org or 720-865-3500. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., welcomes Colorado residents for free the first Saturday of each month (March 7, April 4). Info: Call 720-865-5000 or visit www.denverartmuseum.org.

Join the Denver Astronomical Society for an Open House Sat., March 7, at historic Chamberlin Observatory (north Observatory Park, E. Warren Ave. & S. Fillmore St.). Starting at 6p.m., take a peek at the night skies through members’ scopes, as well as the observatory’s 100-year-old, 20-inch Clark refractor telescope ($1 per view). No reservations required. Also, DAS hosts Public Nights each Tues. & Thur., now starting at 7p.m., at the Observatory, with astronomy lecture and viewing. Reservations required. Info/reservatons: call 303-871-5172 or visit www.thedas.org.

Honor International Women’s Day with after-hours shopping, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment at Ladies Night Out at Ten Thousand Villages, 2626 E. 3rd Ave., Sat., March 7, 5-8p.m. Hear Celtic music on a hammered dulcimer while viewing work and stories of female artisans around the world at the nonprofit fair-trade store; 15 percent off all jewelry and personal accessories. Free. Info: 303-316-8773.

The handmade jeans and leather bags of Denver Couture debut Sat., March 7, at Blue Ice, 22 S. Broadway. Doors open at 7p.m., fashion show at 8p.m. Denver Couture founder Maureen De Haan fashions individual, personalized jeans with a Western theme, each pair taking several days to complete; her handbags continue the theme. Info: www.denvercouture.com or email De Haan at maureen@denvercouture.com.

Relax with the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra, view plein air paintings and enjoy tea at the Governor’s Residence Second Monday Event, Mon., March 9, 5:30-7p.m., in the Palm Room of the Boettcher Mansion, 400 E. 8th Ave. Register at 303-866-4686 or cindy@grpfund.org. Info: www.Coloradoshome.org.

Join Coloradans from across the state to demand healthcare reform at the Health Care Day of Action rally Mon., March 9, 8:30a.m.-1:15p.m., on the steps of the State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave. Sponsored by Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Center for African American Health, SEIU, Colorado Progressive Coalition, 2010 All Kids Covered, Colorado Citizens for Accountability, FRESC and Bell Policy Center. Info/RSVP: Eva Henry, eva@progressivecoalition.org, 303-866-0908.

Check out two of Denver’s inner city Catholic schools at an upcoming tour hosted by non-profit Seeds of Hope, helping to provide a Catholic education to economically challenged children of all faiths: Loyola School, 2350 Gaylord St., Wed., March 11, 9a.m.; and St. Rose of Lima School, 1345 W. Dakota Ave., Mon., March 16, 9a.m., and Wed., March 18, 9a.m. & 1p.m. Tours last less than an hour. Info: Betsy Boudreau, betsyb@seedsofhopetrust.org, or 303-715-3112.

Take in a soiree of wine, hors d’oeuvres and invaluable image insight at Refresh and Renew from the Inside Out, Thur., March 12, 6:30-8:30p.m., at Nectar Spa, located inside Pura Vida Fitness Club, 2955 E. 1st Ave. (3rd floor entrance). A 30-minute consultation with both a life coach and image consultant, a three-day pass to the club, discounts on spa services, and a chance at a door prize are included in the $35 fee. RSVP/info: Milena Joy, 303-585-0589, joy@milenaconsulting.com.

Free tax help for low-income and elderly people is available at the Washington Park Community Center, 809 S. Washington St., Thursdays, 9a.m.-1p.m., through April 9. By appointment only; call 303-733-4643.

Mull over today’s tough times with FDR, Alexander Hamilton & others in A Chicken in Every Pot Dinner, Fri., March 13, 6p.m., at Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St. Family-style dinner, cash bar and a little levity benefitting the Park. Tickets $80, last will be sold Thur., March 12, 4p.m. Coming Sat., April 4, 6p.m.: Murder Mystery Dinner 1905: The Peephole’s Choice includes four-course dinner, open bar and a few dead bodies. Tickets: $80, $100 after March 27, last sold Fri., April 3, 4p.m. Call 720-865-0815 for tickets. Info: www.FourMilePark.org.

The Second Chance Shoppe, E. Hampden Ave. & Pennsylvania St., seeks men’s & women’s clothes and household items. All sale proceeds benefit Swedish Hospital Auxiliary projects. Open Mon.-Fri., 9a.m.-3p.m.; donations always accepted. Info: 303-788-6470.

Teas with teddy bears and suffragettes are treats this month at the Molly Brown House, 1340 Pennsylvania St.: Votes for Women Full Tea, Fri., March 13, 1p.m.; and Teddy Bear Cream Tea with namesake and past-president Theodore Roosevelt (bring your bear!) Sat., March 21, 11a.m. & 1p.m. Cost: $20, includes tea in the romantic third-floor tearoom and museum tour. Create your own Victorian hat, replete with feathers and bows, with the help of Victorian fashion experts in the Spring Hat Workshop, Fri., April 4, 10a.m.-1p.m. Hats, supplies and snacks included for $55. Reservations required for all events; call 303-832-4092, ext. 16, or go online to www.mollybrown.org.

Think shopping ended in December? Spring Fling offers folk-art, antiques, hand-knit items, unique jewelry, Easter delights, vintage linens and pillows, clothing, flowers and herbs, pottery, papier mâché, original artwork and handbags from more than 30 artisans. The fourth annual free market takes place at Phipps Tennis Pavilion, 3400 Belcaro Dr., on Sat., March 14, noon-6p.m., & Sun., 15, 11a.m.-4p.m. For more information, call Sam Robinson at 303-618-3669 or visit www.springflingdenver.com.

Eat hearty with Navajo tacos, mutton stew and frybread at the Native Food Concession, Fri.-Sat., March 20 & 21, 10a.m.-6p.m. at Christian Indian Center, 501 S. Pearl St. Coincides with the 35th annual Denver March PowWow, at the Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt St. (info about PowWow: 303-934-8045 or www.denvermarchpowwow.org). Besides great native food at the Christian Indian Center, native arts & crafts and silver/turquoise jewelry will be displayed and sold. Questions: 303-733-3693 or 303-682-9540.

Spring’s around the bend, so are Phil Goodstein’s historic tours, starting with a Bicycling Tour of South Denver, Sat., March 21, leaving from the South High School parking lot, S. Franklin St. & Louisiana Ave., at 11a.m. All outings are $10 per person unless noted, and are subject to weather. Other tours and starting locations: Ghosts of Cheesman Park, Sun., March 22, 11a.m., the Gazebo near 12th Ave. & Gilpin St.; The Seamy Side of Denver, Sat., March 28, 5p.m., LoDo Bar & Grill, 1946 Market St. ($15); South of the Country Club, Sun., April 5, 11 a.m., at Steele School, south of Alameda Ave., on Marion St. Pkwy. Call Goodstein at 303-333-1095 for details.

Take in a guided walking tour of Whittier neighborhoods’ picturesque Victorian homes, Sat., March 21, 2-4p.m., sponsored by Denver’s Old House Society. Hear tales, triumphs and tragedies of Denver’s earliest pioneers, then enjoy tea amongst trellised tendrils in a Victorian garden. Register by calling 303-916-4359, $10 person.

Old friends and newcomers of the Transition Denver community are invited to a potluck at Andy & Nancy’s, Sun., March 22, 6-9p.m. Bring a homemade dish (or fine quality take-out) and spend the evening fraternizing with the fascinating folks participating in this great transition. To RSVP/get directions, call 303-588-3937. Transition Denver is part of a world-wide Transition Town movement for a creative transition from oil dependency to local, resilient communities. General info: Dana Miller at 303-300-3547 or pompomdana@comcast.net, or Kenzie Davison at sacreddynamics@gmail.com.

Find food and intergenerational fun at the Washington St. Community Center, 809 S. Washington St. Weekly breakfasts served 1st, 2nd & 3rd Fridays, 8:30-10a.m., for $5 ($4 members). Senior/community lunches at exceptionally reasonable prices also served every Tues. & Wed. at noon (Community lunches 1st & 2nd Fri.). Fill up on spaghetti and all the trimmings at the next I Don’t Wanna Cook Night, Thur., March 19, 4:30-6:30p.m., for $5/person ($3/kids 5-12). Beverages, salad and dessert included. Info: 303-733-4643 or visit www.wscc-denver.org.

Leyden Chiles Wickersham American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1 celebrates the American Legion’s 90th anniversary with a dinner to honor veterans, Sat., March 21, 6p.m., at Post 1 (the state’s first), 5400 E. Yale Ave. Preceding the dinner at 5p.m. is a Post Everlasting ceremony, burning the military papers of Legionnaires who died in the past year. Tickets: $10 at door or by calling 303-757-1919. Meetings for the Post and Auxiliary are Tues., March 24, 7p.m. This month the Auxiliary resumes quilting clothing protectors for patients at the VA Medical Center. Call Lue Anne Robbins at 303-795-2056 for info.

Porter Thrift Shop, 2329 S. Downing St., is looking for savvy shoppers to buy good used clothing and more, and benefit Porter Hospital Volunteer Association, which funds various projects throughout the year. Open 10a.m.-4p.m., Mon.-Thur. Call 303-744-3491 for information.

The Visiting Nurse Association needs volunteers for its Home Care Visitor and Hospice at Home programs, to provide support to isolated home-care patients, and patients and their families who are facing end-of-life issues. VNA will hold a series of Tuesday evening training sessions beginning March 24. Call Nora Simmons Daly at 303-698-6387 for an application packet and details.

Hounds On The Hill Doggy Daycare is hosting an anesthesia-free teeth cleaning for dogs, Tues., March 31, 9a.m.-2p.m., at 960 Lincoln St. Allow a half-hour and $135 per dog. Call 303-830-1226 for an appointment.

Walk with literary characters on the edge between despair and determination in A Little Frayed at the Edge, Homegrown Tales’ readings of Colorado-authored short stories at the Byers-Evans House, 1310 Bannock St., Sun., March 29, 4p.m., and the Denver Book Mall, 32 Broadway, Sun., April 5, 6p.m. Call 303-620-4933 for tickets ($10) and reservations.Info: www.homegrowntales.com.

Walk through the Old Testament with Augustana Lutheran this Lent, on a family-friendly, fast-moving journey through the places, people and events of the Old Testament using drama, overhead visuals, hand signs and humor presented by Mount Carmel Ministries. Held at 5000 E. Alameda Ave., April 3 & 4, Fri., 7-9p.m., and Sat., 9a.m.-1p.m. Registration/info: 303-388-4678, www.augustanadenver.org.

Celebrate the architecture and design of Denver’s “built” environment in Doors Open Denver, a free event featuring lectures and tours at about 80 sites throughout the city, Sat. & Sun., April 18-19. Visit www.DenverGov.org/DoorsOpenDenver for information on expert tours, self-guided tours, urban adventures and a complete list of sites, or visit Event Headquarters inside Union Station (1701 Wynkoop), 8:30a.m.-4p.m. during the event.

Peruse and purchase vinyl records, CDs, videos, DVDs and more at the Denver Record Collectors Spring Expo, Sun., April 19, 10a.m.-4p.m., at the Ramada Plaza Hotel (I-25 & 120th Ave.). Admission: $2. More info: BigKProductions.com, 303-238-0433.

March is American Red Cross Month. The Mile High Red Cross responded to 291 local emergencies last year, assisted 992 military families and trained 3,233 people in lifesaving skills. It relies on its donors and volunteers to give their time and talents to help others through training, volunteering, or making financial donations. Support the Red Cross and change a life, starting with your own. For information, please visit www.denver-redcross.org or call 303-722-7474.

Don’t flush old drugs down the toilet – Denver’s Household Hazardous Waste Program will take expired meds for proper disposal. Call 800-HHW-PKUP (800-449-7587) to request a collection kit, which includes a small baggie for pills or capsules (but no bottled or controlled substances). Once collected, the medications will be destroyed in a federally regulated furnace. Studies have shown that when medications are disposed of in the trash or down the drain, they can find their way into waterways and have a negative impact on fish and other aquatic life. Residents not participating in the HHW Program are advised to mix expired meds with kitty litter or dirt in a bag or container before placing them with garbage, which helps prevent prescription drug abuse and protects watersheds from chemical contamination.

Don’t dump your decrepit digitals without doing Denver’s E-cycle Coupon Program first. The City & County of Denver, Best Buy and Guaranteed Recycling Xperts (GRX) program allows Denver residents to drop off televisions, monitors and other electronic items at GRX’s recycling facility at a significantly discounted rate. Request an E-cycle coupon (one per home) at www.DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles or by calling 311. Fees with the coupon: monitors, $5 first item, $8 additional items; TVs, $10 and $12; other electronics and small appliances, $2 each. (Without coupon, monitors are $12, TVs $15-40, and other items $5.) GRX has signed the Basel Action Network (an international non-profit organization that monitors the international trade of toxic wastes, www.ban.org) pledge to not export or “dump” e-waste, or use prison labor in their recycling process.

Think no one else wants the snapshot of your Grammy on her porch? Think again! Local historians seek photos of Denver for possible inclusion in pictorial essays of the city, to be published as part of Denver’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Specifically needed are photographs and associated ephemera dealing with the Capitol Hill, City Park and Whittier neighborhoods from 1880-1950, preferably showing people and buildings. The general boundaries of this area are 6th to 40th avenues and Broadway to Colorado Blvd. Material is needed by March 31. Contact Amy Zimmer for Capitol Hill photos at victoriandenver@yahoo.com or 303-725-7843, and Shawn Snow for Whittier and City Park photos at shawn@denverhistorytours.com or 303-866-0888.

For many Denver Public School students and their families, INC’s gift of a free dictionary & thesaurus for each DPS 3rd-grader may be two of very few books owned, and they are gratefully used. As one recipient wrote in Sept. 2008 about the gift, “... I am going to use it carefully. We learned volunteer means someone that wants to do something but do not get paid, and I want to say thank you to the two ladies.” 2009 marks the 14th year of this award-winning project of Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation – donate your tax-deductible dollars online at www.neighborhoodlink.com/denver/inc, or mail contributions to: Dollar Dictionary Drive, P.O. Box 18347, Denver, CO 80218. For information, contact co-chair Steve Nissen, 303-733-8524, or email: pennissen@cs.com; or Cathee Fisher, 303-333-3141, or cathee@earthlink.net.

Denver Kids, Inc., needs mentors, particularly men, to help at-risk students in Denver Public Schools. Denver Kids has 19 educational counselors working caseloads of students and their families; the program tries to pair as many students as possible with volunteers. The program boasts an 88-91 percent graduation rate, with 75 percent of students bound for college. For information, visit www.denverkidsinc.org, or call Volunteer Program Director Penny Stanley at 720-423-8264.

Where there’s a book to read, there’s a readers’ group to review or rip it, at a nearby Denver Public Library branch. Scheduled meetings, open to all: Central, 14th Ave. Pkwy. & Broadway, 720-865-1111: Downtown Bookies, 2nd Tues., 7p.m.; Thursday Afternoon Book Group, 2nd Thur., 1p.m.\\ Ross-Cherry Creek, 301 Milwaukee St., 720-865-0120: Between the Covers Book Club, 3rd Tues., 2p.m. Ross-University Hills, 4310 E. Amherst Ave., 720-865-0955: Evening Book Club, 4th Mon., 6:45-8p.m.; Books ‘n Brown Bag Book Club, 1st Fri., 12:30-2p.m. Schlessman, 100 Poplar St., 720-865-0000: Booktalkers Book Club, 2nd Thur., 10:15a.m. Virginia Village, 1500 S. Dahlia St., 720-865-0940: Daytime Book Club, 2nd & 4th Tues., 1:30-2:30p.m.; We Love A Mystery Book Club, 3rd Wed., 6:30p.m. Note: all branch libraries closed Wed., March 18, for Staff Planning & Training Day, and Mon., March 30, for Cesar E. Chavez Day.