Bring donations to benefit Holistic Community Living, and canned goods for Food Bank of the Rockies. Call Paul at 720-529-9787 or visit www.uhna.com for information.
Toast the first anniversary of Seven Cups Chinese Tea House, 1882 S. Pearl St., with free tea tastings and cake, Wed., June 17, 6p.m. Or sample a variety teas any Friday at 3p.m.: June 5, Shi Feng Long Jing & Ming Qian Anji Bai Cha 2009 greens; 12, Tie Luo Han (Iron Arhat) & Imperial Meizhan rock oolongs; 17, Meng Ding Teas, Cui Zhu (Green Bamboo) and Huang Ya (Yellow Buds) 2009 teas; 25, Ma Guo Tuo Black Cake and Big Leaf black puers. Artist Harrison Xinshi Tu hosts a calligraphy talk and workshop, Wed., June 24, 7p.m.; $10, reservations required. (His work is currently on display at the teahouse.) Visit www.sevencupsdenver.com or call 303-777-CUPS (2877).
Stop in for a home-cooked meal and more at the Washington Street 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 are also served every Tues. & Wed. at noon (Community lunches 1st & 2nd Fridays). Feast on French fries, hamburgers, coleslaw and sodas on Sock Hop Night, the nextI Don’t Wanna Cook Night, Thur., June 18, 4:30-6:30p.m., for $5/person ($3/kids 5-12). Beverages, salad, dessert included. Summer program now in session; call 303-733-4643 or visit www.wscc-denver.org for details.
Drive a hard (or maybe soft) bargain at two upcoming neighborhood-wide collective garage sales, in early June. Cruise the Cory-Merrill neighborhood, Fri.-Sun., June 5-7, 8-2p.m. (E. Mississippi Ave. to I-25, between University and Colorado Blvd.) to try your luck haggling or treasure seeking. Watch for signs posted around the area to determine individual sale locations. The 20th annual Baker Bargain Bonanza will take center stage on Sat., June 13, in the historic Baker neighborhood, W. 6th Ave. to Mississippi, Lincoln St. west to the Platte River. BHNA is expecting to have 30 registered sites and will be handing out maps to the locations on event day; also posted at www.bakerneighborhood.org.
The CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair is a traditional celebration of the diverse Denver urban community and its residents. Attend Colorado’s 34th annual premier arts and crafts festival, Sat. & Sun., June 6 & 7, 10a.m.-7p.m., in Civic Center Park; free admission. The uniqueness and magic of the People’s Fair is created by the careful blending of great family fun, well-selected handmade arts & crafts, delicious culinary delights, fabulous entertainment and the commitment to raise funds for and promote the missions of non-profit organizations. Info: www.peoplesfair.com.
This summer, take a free tour of Gov. Bill & Jeannie Ritter’s residence – the Boettcher Mansion, 400 E. 8th Ave. – thanks to the Colorado Historical Society. Guided tours take place Tuesdays, 1-3p.m., and open-house tours, Saturdays, 11a.m.-2p.m., through August, including Celebrate Asian Heritage (June 6) open house tour with Polynesian dance, Chinese teas, Japanese drummers, Lei making and Mongolian acrobats and art. No reservations accepted. Call 303-866-3682 for info. Second Mondays at the Governor’s Residence lectures are held 5:30-7p.m., also free. June 8: Asian Heritage and Art at the Residence, featuring the Boettcher Asian Art Collection, Chinese teas and pastries, traditional tea ceremonies and Hawaiian music. Donation requested; RSVP cindy@grpfund.org.
Perambulate through Denver’s past on an inexpensive walking tour with author and historian Phil Goodstein. All outings are $10 per person unless noted, and are subject to weather. Tours and starting locations: The Seamy Side of Denver, Sat., June 6, 5-7:15p.m., meet at LoDo Bar & Grill, 1946 Market St. ($15); The Ruins of University Hospital, Sun., June 14, from 11a.m.-1p.m., meet west of tennis courts in Lindsley Park, south side of 12th Ave. at Cherry St.; Old East Denver, Sun., June 21, 11a.m.-1p.m., fountain at the northwest corner of 20th & Pennsylvania streets. Call Goodstein at 303-333-1095 for details.
Cash in on free admission to the Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science this month, thanks to the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., offers free admission Wed., June 10. Info: 303-322-7009 or www.dmns.org. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., welcomes Colorado residents for free the first Saturday of each month (June 6). Info: Call 720-865-5000 or visit www.denverartmuseum.org.
Yoga Rocks The Park! – in Washington Park & City Park – afternoon yoga workshops with live local music and a guided prayer for local and global peace, held every Sunday, 4p.m., through Aug. 16. First Sundays boast a family-friendly yoga class suitable for kids, plus slack-lining and hula-hooping. $10 suggested donation benefits Boulder-based Yoga World Reach. All June & August Rocks will be held in City Park (west side, off of York St. & E. 21st Ave.); all July Rocks will be in Washington Park (northwest corner off of Downing St. & E. Virginia Ave.). Info: www.yogaworldreach.org, or Erik, 970-390-4318.
Books for cents! Books in tents! Step right up, ladies and gents, to the three-day Used Book Sale, Fri.-Sun., June 12-14, on the north lawn of the Central Denver Public Library, 14th Ave. Pkwy. & Broadway. More than 80,000 books – children’s, fiction, non-fiction – 50¢ and up. Public sale hours: Fri. & Sat., 10a.m.-4p.m., Sun., 10a.m.-3p.m. Teachers and non-profits (with valid ID) can pick up remainders for free at the Great Book Giveaway, Sun., 3:30-4:30p.m. Info: call 720-865-2050.
Stuff to sell? Be part of the ‘hood-wide University Neighborhood Garage Sale, Sat., June 13. Call Christ Lutheran Church, 303-722-1424, to register, and they’ll provide advertising, maps and signage to direct buyers to your sale. Things unsold at day’s end can be brought to the church parking lot, 2695 S. Franklin St. (at Yale), 2-4p.m., where a charity will pick up.
Denver has free building permits for common home-improvement projects on single-family homes and duplexes in the Home Renovation Bonanza, through June 15. The permits, valid for 180 days, will be issued on the spot to residents or their contractors for: basic interior remodel (existing kitchen, bath or bedroom); basement remodel; roof covering repair or replacement; wall insulation; replacement of water heaters; change out central heating/air; photovoltaic systems (solar panels); and stucco or siding exteriors. (Complex projects requiring detailed plan review – new homes, additions, garages and new structures, as well as engineering and structural modifications – are excluded.) The free building permits can be obtained Mon.-Fri., 7:30a.m.-4p.m., at the permit counter on the second floor of the Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave. Building permit fees can range from $20 to several thousand dollars. Info: call 311 or www.denvergov.org/building.
Miffed at the Mayor’s choice for last year’s One Book, One Denver book selection? Now it’s the public’s turn. Citizens will have the opportunity to vote on their choice of 27 books – classic and contemporary works, with diverse themes and authors – by voting at www.OneBookOneVote.org now through June 15; choices, excerpts, etc. are on-line – winner will be announced Sept. 1.
Youngsters (6-21) running a Colorado business are invited to apply for the Celebration for Young Entrepreneurs. The annual competition recognizes and rewards young people who start and run their own businesses. Winners receive $1,000; finalists, $250. They will be paired with Presenting Mentors from the business community. All applicants, finalists and winners will be honored at a dinner and awards ceremony, Thur., Sept. 10, 6-9 p.m., at the Seawell Grand Ballroom, 1050 13th St. Application deadline is June 18; visit www.yacenter.org to download an application, or call 303-321-2265.
The North Side High School Alumni Association is doing a North High School All Classes Reunion, Thur., June 18, at Lakeside Amusement Park, 4601 Sheridan Blvd. People identifying themselves at the gate as a former or current North High student will be admitted for free, along with their guests; unlimited-ride wrist tags are $9. Dinner for association members, friends and guests is $7.50/person, at the Royal Pavilion, 6p.m. Reservation deadline June 15; for details call 303-431-0103, -964-2308 or -477-4125.
Pull out the stops for the 100th anniversary of Father’s Day at the Colorado Fatherhood Rally, Sat., June 20, at The Meadows at City Park (just west of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science). Family-friendly activities will take place throughout the day, with a Fatherhood Recognition Program from 10:30a.m. to 12:45p.m., featuring Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., Mayor John Hickenlooper, other local and national celebrities and the 2009 Be There for Your Kids Awards winners. Parking at East High School and along the Esplanade. Info: www.coloradodads.com.
MoonDance Botanicals, 601 Corona St., will host Dandelion: A Celebration of Local Arts and Culture, on Sat., June 20, from 11a.m.-4p.m., in the parking lot shared by MoonDance and Table 6 restaurant right off E. 6th Avenue at Corona St. Local crafters will sell their unique creations, while readers and holistic health practitioners nurture body and spirit, and the shop hosts ongoing workshops on living consciously. Kids Herb Camp (ages 6-12) is June 16-19, 10a.m.-3:30p.m. Children will learn how to use herbs for healing, cooking and creating potions for the body; go on herb walks; and connect with the Earth through art and yoga. Also in June: Funky Fairy Playshop on Sat., June 27, 10a.m.-5p.m. Info/register: 303-263-7275.
Batterrrrr ... up!!! South High School’s 13th annual Alumni Baseball Game is set for Sat., June 20, 8-10a.m. at Rebel Field, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave. (at Franklin St.). Anyone ... not just former players ... is welcome to play, and all others are encouraged to come watch! All proceeds will benefit the Boys Baseball Program at South. Donations welcome; send to South High Alumni & Friends, Attn: Gary Burkgren, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave., Denver, CO 80210. Play ball!!
Dare to do digital downloads – drop in on the Digital Bookmobile demonstration, Sat., June 20, 9a.m.-4p.m., southeast corner of 1st Ave. and Quebec St., across from Schlessman Family Branch Library.The free event shows how to use Denver Public Library’s audiobook, e-Book, music and video download service in its Digital Bookmobile, a 74-foot, high-tech tractor-trailer. Or, check out downloadable services and resources around the clock: http://downloadmedia.denverlibrary.org.
Celebrate summer’s solstice & Father’s Day, Sun., June 21, at Whole Foods Market, 1111 S. Washington St. $5 dinners for dad and family with brats, salad and live entertainment. Whole Foods will also host a blood drive, Fri., June 26, 10-11:40a.m. & 1-3:30p.m. To sign up, call Bonfils’ Appointment Center at 303-363-2300 or 800-365-0006.
Take your ten-speed to a iced-tea tasting at Ten Thousand Villages, 2626 E. 3rd Ave., Sat., June 13, noon-3p.m., and sample fair-trade iced teas – raspberry and mango teas from the Women’s Bean Project, iced chai, orange mint, ginger and light refreshments. Pedal in anytime on or before Bike to Work Day, Wed., June 24, and enter a drawing for several bike-enthusiast fair trade prizes, as part of Bike to Work Month. Also, 15 percent of sales on BTWD will be donated to Recycle Bicycles, a volunteer-run nonprofit that collects, repairs and redistributes bikes to those in need throughout Denver. Info: 303-316-8773.
Put museum do’s and don’ts up for debate in Untitled #22 – Ps & Qs – this month’s Final Friday (June 26) at the Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., 6-10p.m. The multi-media series combines live music, detours, art making, munchies and a cash bar, the last Friday of the month through September. Free with admission (2-for-1 student admission with valid I.D.). Call 720-865-5000 or visit http://untitled.denverartmuseum.org/ for info.
Denver’s Animal Care & Control and Whole Foods Market will host a pet adoption drive, Sat., June 26, 3-6p.m., at the 1111 S. Washington St. store. Goodie bags and grateful pet kisses will accompany all proud new pet parents home. This Whole Foods now offers free WiFi coverage and a community room available to area nonprofits at no charge (info/reservations, heather.larrabee@wholefoods.com).
Learn to live a healthier, sustainable life – mind, spirit, body, home & work – at Down to Earth Natural Living Fair, Sat., June 27, 7a.m.-2p.m., at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. Presentations and demonstrations include yoga, meditation, fitness and T’ai Chi classes; educational lectures; green living exhibitors; and hands-on, eco-friendly gardening and composting demos by the Gardens’ Green Team. Free with admission. Info: 720-865-3500 or www.botanicgardens.org.
Recycle your plastic flower pots – keep the plants – Sat., June 27, 9a.m.-3p.m., at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. Plastic garden pots of any size or color, hanging baskets (sans wires), carrying trays and flower pack holders will be taken for recycling, thanks to Garden Centers of Colorado, Monrovia Nursery, the Denver Post and Denver Recycles. Can’t make the event? Participating garden stores will accept these items – Denver Recycles does not – during business hours. For details, visit www.GardenCentersofColorado.org.
The Denver Astronomical Society invites the celestially curious to take a peek at the night skies through its members’ scopes, as well as the observatory’s 100-year-old, 20-inch Clark refractor telescope ($1 per view) at the next Open House, Sat., June 27, 7p.m., at historic Chamberlin Observatory (south Observatory Park, E. Warren Ave. & S. Fillmore St.). Also, DAS hosts Public Nights each Tues. & Thur., 8:30p.m., at the Observatory, with astronomy lecture and viewing. Reservations required; $3, $2 kids. Info/reservations: call 303-871-5172 or visit www.thedas.org.
Show your true colors at the 2009 Denver PrideFest gathering, June 27 & 28 in Civic Center Park, (Colfax & Broadway). Denver’s PrideFest is a celebration of the local gay and lesbian community and culture. There will be live music, dancing, food, art, and booths on social causes & health awareness. This free event is held Sat., 11a.m.-8p.m.; Sun. 10a.m.-6p.m. PrideFest Parade will start Sunday, 9:30a.m. in Cheesman Park and will proceed down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. Info: www.denverpridefest.org.
Saturday Night Golf at Harvard Gulch Golf Course, 660 E. Iliff Ave., boasts glow-in-the-dark balls & flag markers, and lit tee boxes and holes. Cost: $25 per person. The course will also host a junior golf program in conjunction with First Tee of Denver, www.thefirstteeofdenver.com. Call 303-698-4078 for general Harvard Gulch info, hours and reservations.
Ride through the Confluence Rapids and support the city’s youth with cityWILD’s Ventures Rafting Company, providing rafting trips on the South Platte and the Arkansas rivers. All proceeds go to support cityWILD’s non-profit Youth Leadership Program in Denver. CityWILD provides outdoor adventure recreation to all youth and youth agencies at greatly reduced costs. Nonprofits, schools, church groups, families, and friends can contract cityWILD for rafting, climbing and other courses, too. For program information and bookings, visit www.citywild.org or call 303-477-RAFT (7238).
Volunteers are needed for a menopause-related research study at the Anschutz Medical Campus: Prevention of Obesity in Women via Estradiol Regulation, or POWER. Healthy women aged 18-45 years who have regular menstrual cycles, are not currently using hormonal contraceptives and are non-smokers are invited to participate. Benefits include measurement of body composition and bone density, fitness testing, a personalized and supervised exercise program and compensation for time. Info: Ellie Gibbons, 720-848-6408, Ellie.Gibbons@ucdenver.edu.
Tie on your dancin’ shoes! International Folk Dancing in Washington Park, with teacher Schukr “Sugar” Basanow dances through its 39th summer in front of the Washington Park Boathouse Pavilion, each Thur., 7-10p.m., (weather permitting) through Oct. 14. Open to all levels and ages of dancers; beginners are welcome 7-8p.m. for instruction, with dancing continuing for all from 8-10p.m. Longtime dancers have reported dancing their way through international visits – “You don’t even need spoken language!” Dancing is free; donations are definitely accepted. Info: Darlene at Washington Park Rec Center, 303-698-4962.
Denver Croquet Club and Washington Park Bowling Club continue to offer classes, club play and tournaments throughout the summer near the Martha Washington Garden in Washington Park, near S. Franklin St. and E. Arizona Ave.Participate by joining the Club, which meets every Mon., 6p.m., through October on the Lawn, and provides tournaments and social activities for all players. For details, call Ron Eccles, 720-937-2056, or email denvercroquet@yahoo.com.
There’s a book to read, and 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 Fri. & Sat., July 3 & 4, for Independence Day.
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.
