Avoid Foodborne Illness While Preparing Holiday Meals
To avoid the risk of becoming ill from contaminated food this holiday season, state health officials encourage Coloradans to pay special attention to the handling and preparation of foods. Emphasizing the importance of preventing foodborne illnesses, such as E. coli and salmonella, Jeff Lawrence, the food safety program manager for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Consumer Protection Division, provides some simple safety precautions to ensure holiday parties and meals will be safe and enjoyable this season.

Handling practices that are important to keeping food safe include:

--Cool all leftovers to 41oF or lower within four hours after cooking is complete. Do not leave foods containing meat, milk, eggs, fish, or poultry at room temperature for more than the four-hour limit. This includes pumpkin or other custard pies that are popular during the holidays.
--Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water before food preparation and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing or eating, drinking or smoking.
--Thoroughly clean and sanitize knives, cutting boards, and other utensils before and after preparing raw foods and foods that do not require further cooking. A sanitizing solution can be prepared using one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, knives, sponges and counter tops.
--Buy a cooking thermometer and use it. Turkey and stuffing should be cooked thoroughly to 165 oF and ham to 155 oF or above before serving. Recipes requiring eggs must be cooked thoroughly to 145 oF or above. If egg dishes do not require cooking, such as homemade egg nog, use pasteurized egg products instead of shelled eggs.
--Do not thaw foods at room temperature. Plan enough time to thaw them in the refrigerator.
--Do not prepare or handle foods if you are already ill. You could spread the illness to others sharing the meal.

For more information, contact Jeff Lawrence at 303-692-3648.


Tips To Beat The Holiday Blues
The holiday season is a time full of joy, cheer, parties, and family gatherings. However, for many people, it is a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past failures, and anxiety about an uncertain future. Though some people may experience "holiday blues" that pass with the season, others will have profound feelings of sadness or depression that do not go away over time. The Mental Health Association of Colorado offers these tips for coping with stress and depression during the holidays:

--Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable.
--Remember the holiday season does not banish preexisting feelings of sadness or loneliness.
--Look toward the future. Life brings changes.
--Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some time to help others.
--Enjoy activities that are free, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations, going window-shopping without buying, making a snowperson with children.
--Be aware that excessive drinking will only increase feelings of depression.
--Save time for yourself. Recharge your batteries.

For more information about depression or to seek help with depression, contact the Mental health Association of Colorado at 800-377-3040 or visit www.mhacolorado.org.


23rd Annual Hiawatha Davis, Jr. Senior Conference And Luncheon To Be Held Dec. 21
City Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth, District 8, announced that the 23rd Annual Hiawatha Davis Jr. Senior Conference and Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Doubletree Hotel located at 3201 Quebec Street in Denver. The Senior Conference will begin at 9 a.m, and the Senior Luncheon is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event is free to senior citizens, with lunch provided by the Volunteers of America. The Senior Luncheon keynote speaker is Grant Jones, Executive Director, Metro Denver Black Church Initiative. Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper will be attending and giving welcoming remarks to the 600+ senior citizens who are expected to attend along with other elected officials and special guests. Awards will be given to individuals and business owners in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the enrichment and empowerment of Council District 8 residents. Conference workshops topics include sessions on healthy cooking, senior aerobics, fraud protection and housing.

For more information or to arrange transportation, call 303-298-7641.


Sankofa Arts Collective Presents Kwanzaa Art Experience
The Sankofa Arts Collective presents A Handmade Life, an interactive art experience and art show to celebrate Kwanzaa. On Saturday, Dec. 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sankofa will be joining a host of community volunteers for the Kwanzaa events, a week-long celebration of family, spirituality and harvest. There will be several activities held throughout the week, and A Handmade Life will be held at their new studio space, 3030 Downing in the historic Five Points neighborhood (rear alley entrance). Adult and child participants will be guided in the creation of a small art project that they can then take home. They will have six separate art stations for them to utilize, including art tiles, cards, bookmarks, collage, sketching, and painting. Materials fee is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Any Katrina survivors will be admitted at no cost.

For more information, call 303-907-4589.


Local Artist Designs Book Cover
A vibrant painting by Denver resident Rochelle Johnson graces the cover of a newly released novel by Monica Frazier Anderson, When A Sistah's Fed Up. Johnson, a graduate of the Rocky Mountain College of Arts and Design, has been painting for several years, but this is her first book illustration. The public is invited to join Johnson and Anderson at Blackberries Coffee Lounge, 710 E. 26th Ave. in Denver on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. for a combined art discussion and book reading.

To see the cover and read an excerpt of the book, visit www.drmoeanderson.com.


Shadow Theatre Company Kicks Off Ninth Season With Regional Premiere Of Emergence-See!
Denver’s Shadow Theatre Company will be launching its 2005-06 season with the regional premiere of Emergence-See!, written and performed by Daniel Beaty. The first installment of the four-play season will begin on Thursday, Dec. 1 at the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts (located at 2344 East Iliff Avenue in Denver) with a Black-Tie Reception following the 7:30 p.m. performance. Tickets for the Opening Night Gala will be $100 per person. Remaining show prices will be $25 per person.

Emergence-See! is the story of a slave ship that rises ghostlike out of the water beside the Statue of Liberty. As New Yorkers are abuzz at the vision, the appearance occurs on the day that a poetry slam is being held. By the time this one-man performance is complete, Daniel Beaty has introduced us to a total of 40 characters who touch on reparations, ethnic identity, street vendors, and dozens of other topics.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 303-871-7720.


Ring In The Holidays With The Aurora Singers
Under the direction of Stephanie Fisher, the Aurora Singers ring in the holiday season with their annual Holiday Extravaganza.
The performances will be held on Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. All performances will be at East Middle School, 1275 Fraser St., in Aurora.

Tickets are $8 adults, $6 student/seniors, children 12 and under free. Family and group rates are available. For tickets and more information call 303-343-3377. Tickets are also available at the door. Visit their web site at www.aurorasingers.org.


14th Annual Harambee Founder’s Day Brunch
The National Council of Negro Women Denver Section annual fundraising event celebrates the life and legacy of founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. This event will honor those women and youth that exemplify the mission of NCNW.

This year’s Harambee Brunch, "I Leave You A Responsibility," will be Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel Denver, 4040 Quebec Street. Tickets are $40. This year the Honorary Chairperson is Denver City Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth and Master of Ceremonies will be Denver City Councilman Michael Hancock.Denver’s Yvonne Underhill, a University of Denver, Lamont School of Music student will provide a live jazz performance. Honorees this year are Cathy Callum--Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award; Carrie Scott--Black Woman Award; and Krystal Green-- Dr. Dorothy I. Height Youth Leadership Award.

For more information, call 303-296-4359.

Blossoms Of Light At Denver Botanic Gardens
Experience Denver Botanic Gardens in a different light this holiday season at the sparkling spectacle known as Blossoms of Light, nightly Dec. 3 through Jan. 22, 2006 at from 6 to 9 p.m. One million colorful lights draped in elegant designs will illuminate the plants and hardscape features throughout the Gardens. Romantic and popular kissing spots (ornate balls of mistletoe hung in the most romantic spots throughout the Gardens) also will return, making it a perfect date night.

Indoors in Gates Lobby Court, a captivating display of seasonal plants will be on display. Each night includes special seasonal entertainment such as bell choirs, carolers and dancers. You can also enjoy warm drinks and tasty snacks to take the edge off the winter’s chill.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for member adults, seniors (65+) and youth (4-15), $4 for senior members and youth members, children 3 and younger admitted free.

For more information, call 720-865-3544 or visit www.botanicgardens.org.


Funding Opportunity For Your Church
In partnership with JVA Consulting, LLC with a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) and President Bush’s Faith-based Initiative, the Metro Denver Black Church Initiative can help increase the capacity of Denver area Black churches to deliver more effective and efficient services.

Interested churches must attend a bidder’s information orientation on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon, or Wednesday, Dec. 7 from noon to 3 p.m. Attendance at one of these sessions is mandatory to be eligible to apply for funding. Orientations will be held at the offices of the Metro Denver Black Church Initiative located on the Clayton Campus at 3601 Martin Luther King Blvd.

For more information or to register to attend, visit www.denverblackchurch.org.


Arvada Center Presents AIDA
The Arvada Center announces the regional premiere of Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA in its mainstage theater. AIDA updates a classic story of forbidden love with its rousing pop-rock score. Based on Giuseppe Verdi's opera of the same name, this contemporary musical premiered on Broadway in 2000 on the heels of John and Rice's other blockbuster hit, The Lion King. Featuring a multi-cultural cast, exuberant dancing and singing, this show is the perfect holiday choice for family entertainment. AIDA runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 30 at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. and Wednesday matinees at 1 p.m. Special holiday show times are also available. Ticket prices range from $34 to $44.

For tickets or more information, call the Arvada Center box office at 720-898-7200 or visit www.arvadacenter.org.


Anniversary Gala To Celebrate 20 Years Of Community Service
The Greater Park Hill Sertoma Club (GPH) invites the community and friends to join them as they usher in the 2005 Holiday Season with a gala affair in recognition of their 20th anniversary. The celebratory occasion will be held Sunday Dec. 11 from 6 to10 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select located at 455 South Colorado Blvd. in Denver. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, music and dancing. Tickets are $40.

For tickets or more information, call Dolores Kennedy at 303-344-8353.


Grand Design, Inc. To Host Amistad Auditions
Grand Design, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) performing arts organization based in Aurora, will be hosting auditions for their upcoming production of Amistad. The story of Amistad, the famous slave revolt (La Amistad, the Spanish word for friendship) centers on the legal status of Africans caught and brought to America on a Spanish slave ship in 1839. The trials of Amistad focused on the legality of slaves and what constituted freedom in the United States.

Actors, dancers, musicians, singers, stage managers, a musical director and a set director are needed. Major roles will receive honorariums. Roles for novice adult and children actors are also available. Auditions will be held Dec. 2, 3, 9, and 10.

For more information, call 303-699-9092 or visit www.grandbydesign.com.


Catalyze Public Support For The Arts In Colorado
The Boards of Directors of Colorado Council on the Arts, the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Arts for Colorado, and the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs invite you to join them for a luncheon discussion on catalyzing public support for the arts in Colorado. The luncheon will be held on Friday Dec. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Walnut Foundry (3002 Walnut Street, Denver).

The guest speaker will be Dan Hunter, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Advocates for Arts, Sciences and Humanities (MAASH). An award-winning playwright, songwriter, and humorist, Hunter has 17 years experience in politics and arts advocacy, serving as Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and running a successful advertising and political consultancy firm in Des Moines prior to joining MAASH in 2002. Admission is $25 per person, payable at the door by check (to CBCA) or cash. Reservations must be made no later than Dec. 5.

For directions, reservations, or more information, write to main@cbca.org.


DU To Host The Timeless Bead: Personal Expression In Art And History
Beads became part of human culture in the very earliest times. Thousands of years later they still retain their appeal both as wearable art and as desirable objects with which to create. DU ART!, a membership organization which supports the School of Art and Art History at the University of Denver The Timeless Bead: Personal Expression in Art and History, on Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, to be held on the DU campus in Sturm Hall, 2000 E. Asbury Ave., and the Shwayder Art building, 2121 E. Asbury Ave., will include beading classes, art bead sales, lectures, the showing of an award-winning film and bead appraisals. Reservations are required.

For more information, admission prices, to register, or to view a detailed schedule of events, contact Laurel McMechan at 303-871-2846 or visit www.du.edu/art/du_art/Eventschedule.html.


An Evening With The McCoy Tyner Jan. 22
Chuck Morris Presents is pleased to announce that the McCoy Tyner Trio will perform at the Paramount Theatre on Sunday Jan. 22. This show is entitled "An Evening With". There will be no opener. Showtime is 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tyner performs with drummer Aaron Scott and bassist Avery Sharpe. Tickets are on sale at the Paramount Theater box office and all Ticketmaster locations. Ticket prices include parking for the Plaza garage located one block north of the Paramount Theater at 18th and California. Patrons must present concert ticket stub upon exit of parking garage. Doors open 60 minutes before show time. This is an all-ages show.

For tickets or more information, call 303-830-TIXS or visit www.ticketmaster.com.


Authors Urged To Enter Unknown Writers' Contest
The Denver Woman's Press Club invites Colorado writers who have not been commercially published to enter the club's annual Unknown Writers' Contest. Fiction, non-fiction and poetry submissions, conforming to the contest rules, are welcome. Entries must be postmarked no later than Feb. 1, 2006. Winners will be honored with cash prizes and a reception at the club's 95 year old historic home.

For rules, entry forms or more information, call 303-839-1519 or visit www.denverwomanspressclub.org.


Denver Department Of Environmental Health Offers Free Radon Testing To Denver Residents
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas found in elevated levels in approximately 43 percent of homes in Colorado. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking. The only way to determine if your home has elevated radon levels is to test for it. The Department of Environmental Health is offering free radon testing to Denver residents while our testing supplies last. Testing is easy and only takes a few minutes of your time. If your home has high levels of radon gas there are steps that you can take to protect you and your family.

For more information or to have your home tested, call Tiffany Brown at 720-865-5362.


Applicants Wanted For HMD Ethics Committee
The Hospice of Metro Denver is seeking members to serve on the Hospice of Metro Denver Ethics Committee. Memberships are measured in three-year terms, and attendance at monthly meetings is required. The deadline for application submission is Dec. 19. References are required to accompany your application.

For more information or to request an application, call 303-398-6220.