Tattered Cover Hosts Book Signing For Manual Teacher
Former Manual High School English teacher Marilyn Griggs Riley, known to students as “Mrs. Griggs,” will sign copies of her book High Altitude Attitudes, Six Savvy Women on Thursday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tattered Cover in Cherry Creek, 2955 E. 1st Ave. The book focuses on six Colorado women who impacted at least three generations of Coloradans. Their stories lay the framework for a tumultuous time in Colorado history from 1900 to 1970.
For more information, call Vanessa Martin at 303-517-8810 or Kim Tracy at 720-249-4000.

Abend Gallery Displays Works Of Nine Women Artists
Abend Gallery presents an exhibition of nine women artists from Colorado and the southwest. Participating artists are  Nancy Condit, Susan Dickson, Jane Ford, Peggy McGivern, Carolyn Miller, Karen G. Myers, Jill Soukup, Marsha Whitesides Piper, and Sandra Pratt. The exhibition runs from June 16 through July 22, The opening reception is from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, June 16. The Abend Gallery is located at 2260 E. Colfax at York. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
For more information, call 303-355-0950 or visit www.abendgallery.com.

Refugees And Immigrants Host African Market
Refugees and immigrants from Sudan, Somalia and Uganda will host an African Market on Sunday, August 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda in Denver. The African Market will feature traditional African food, clothing, jewelry and music as well as a fashion show, hair braiding and henna. The event is designed to foster better understanding of the cultures and traditions of Denver’s residents who are refugees and immigrants from Africa. There is no admissions fee.
For more information, call Anders Snyder at 303-217-5188 or e-mail anders.snyder@lfsco.org.

American Cancer Society Announces Relay For Life
Join us for what could be the last event held at Denver Manual High School for a 14-hour relay against cancer from 6 p.m. on July 28 to 8 a.m. on July 29. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbeque, dance, and take turns walking around a track relay-style to raise funds to fight cancer. At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminariears around the track in a ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease.
For more information, call Angie Perino at 720-524-5480 or visit acsevents.org/relay/co/denvermanual.

Young Colorado Entrepreneurs Wanted For Business Competition
Young Americans Center for Financial Education is seeking young business owners to apply for the 5th annual Celebration for Young Entrepreneurs, a competition for entrepreneurs, ages 6 to 21, who currently run a business in Colorado. This competition recognizes and rewards young people who run their own businesses. One winner and two finalists will be selected from each of four age categories.          
Winners will receive $1,000 and finalists will receive $250 to be used for business or education purposes. Additionally, winners will be paired with adult mentors — prominent business people in the community who will spend time with their winner and share advice. All applicants, finalists and winners will be honored at a dinner and awards ceremony on September 21 at the Belmar Center in Lakewood. Application deadline is June 15.
For more information, call 303-321-2265 or visit www.yacenter.org.  

June Art Show At Sankofa
The Sankofa Arts Collective presents “Griots: Voices to be Heard,” featuring work by the men of the collective with an opening Saturday, June 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St. in Denver. The show runs through June 30. Featured artists are Robert Aquarius, Eddie Brown, Ernest Leigh, Randy McAnulty, Kef Parker, Jack Price, II and Dave Wright. Library Hours are Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday,10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Thursday and Sunday.
For more information, call 303-394-4069.

Auditions For Experienced Voices And Musicians
Souls For Christ Gospel Choir is looking for experienced voices and musicians. All vocal parts are needed  (sopranos, altos, tenors and bass), and the following musicians: keyboards/piano, organ, bass guitar, drums, percussion and electric guitar. Applicants must have good pitch and the ability to learn and retain parts, as well as commit to rehearsals on Monday evenings and Saturday afternoons, and must be at least 18 years of age. All denominations are welcome.  The deadline is June 28.
For more information or to schedule an audition, call 303-337-9711 or e-mail linda@lindastyles.com.

Denver Museum Of Nature And Science Hosts Free Event
The National Jewish Medical and Research Center will host “Breathing Good ROCKS!” on June 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. “Breathing Good ROCKS!” is designed to teach children and families about respiratory health by encouraging them to participate in activities and interactive displays.
For more information, call Shelli James at 303-398-1873. 

ADL Holds Annual Community Meeting 
The public is invited to attend ADL's 2006 Annual Community Meeting on Thursday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St. in Denver. U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III will discuss "Judicial Independence in Tumultuous Times -- The Intelligent Design Decision as a Case in Point," and Vincent Carroll, editorial page editor for the Rocky Mountain News will receive ADL's Freedom of the Press Award.
The meeting will also include the installation of new board members and Rob Klugman as ADL's Regional board chair. The event costs $25 per person. Reservations are required by Friday, June 9.
For more information or to register, call Judy at 303-830-7177 or e-mail jbohlender@ADL.org.

Curious Auditions Scheduled
The Curious Theatre Company is accepting headshots and resumes for the '06-'07 season. Auditions will be held the evening of June 6 by invitation only. Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to apply.  Send headshots and resumes to Auditions, Curious Theatre Company, 1080 Acoma, Denver, CO 80204. No phone calls please.
 
Celebrate The 25th Anniversary Of Xeriscape!
Come see Colorado’s most mature Xeriscape Demonstration Garden and learn about the techniques of Xeriscape gardening on Saturday, June 3, Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, August 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Denver Water Administration Building, 1600 W. 12th Avenue in Denver. Master gardeners and conservation experts will be available to answer questions and provide garden ideas. Light refreshments will be provided. 
For more information, call 303-628-6343 or visit www.denverwater.org.

Hike For Youth Fundraiser Kicks Off 
The third annual Hike for Youth fundraising hike-a-thon will take place on Saturday, June 10, in Golden Gate State Park. In addition to hikes for all ages and abilities, the event will feature an after-hike party with live music, local merchants, booths and activities for the kids, giveaways, prizes for the hikers who raise the most pledges for their favorite charity, and food. Registration fee is $25. To register on line, visit www.active.com.
For more information, call Anna Brower at 303-433-0016, ext. 1, or visit www.hikeforyouth.org.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Holds Annual Conference
The Colorado Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion denomination will be held from June 8 to 11, at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, 3301 Milwaukee St. in Denver. The conference will begin with a “Welcome to the Community” at 6 p.m. on Thursday June 8. Admission is free.
For more information, call Rev. Dr. Odukoya at 303-321-2744 or 303-745-3003.

Sorority Hosts Scholarship Fundraiser
The Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, in cooperation with Denver Delta Inc., will host a reception and engagement of the musical production Crowns on Sunday, June 11 at 1:30 p.m., at the Stage Theatre in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the college scholarship fund for high school seniors. Tickets cost $60. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts. Tickets are available at www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp (enter event code: Crowns) or by calling Yvonne Parker at 303-343-3146.
                         
Conflict Center Offers Garden Tour
The Conflict Center invites the public to stroll among some of the most lush and fragrant residential gardens of the metro area Saturday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will start at The Conflict Center at 4140 Tejon Street and will provide a day of touring extraordinary gardens and a chance to meet Northwest Denver neighbors and gardeners. Learn the secrets to beautiful flowers, foliage and landscaping. There will be an After Party from 4 to 8 p.m. at the 23rd Avenue Sculpture Garden.
Tickets for the Garden Tour are $15. For more information or tickets call 303-433-4983 or visit www.conflictcenter.org.
           
Volunteers Needed For Safe Night Colorado Event
The Optimist Club is looking for volunteers, information booths and sponsors for the Annual Safe Night Colorado/Respect For the Law Event, on Saturday, June 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. Act includes food, music, entertainment, helicopter, bike safety, K-9 team, horse patrol, fire department’s smoke house and jaws of life, gift bags and more.  Also looking for nominees who have performed a good deed for the Citizenship Award. 
For more information, call George Mills at 303-360-7772.

Denver Botanic Gardens Host June Events 

• Story Time In The Gardens. Saturdays and Sundays, June 3 to Aug. 27, 10 to 11 a.m.
• 2006 Free Fitness Walks and T'ai Chi presented by AARP. Every Tuesday morning, June 6 to Aug. 29, 7 to 9 a.m., T'ai Chi 7:15 to 8:15 a.m.
• Free Wildflower Tours On Mount Goliath. Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 22 to Aug 3, as well as Saturdays July 1, July 15 and July 29.

Denver Botanic Gardens is located at 1005 York Street in Denver.  
For more information, call 720-865-3500 or visit www.botanicgardens.org.

Free Children’s Activities At Montbello Branch Library In June.

• Hawkquest will bring live birds of prey (owls, falcons, eagles) for families to learn about and pet. Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Jungle ZooSafari with Ann Lincoln: juggling and animal magic. Wednesday, June 14         10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Teens learn the art of henna body painting. Wednesday, June 14, 3:30 to  4:30 p.m.
• Balloon Reading Adventure, Wednesday, June 21, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Wild & Wooly Magic Safari with Magician Mark Strivings. Wednesday, June 28, 10:30 to  11:30 a.m.
• Teens learn to draw manga. Thursday, June 29, 3:30 to  4:30 p.m.
• Storytime. Thursdays, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Bring your young children and grandchildren to listen to Barbara read exciting stories and simple non-fiction books.

The library is located at 12955 Albrook Drive (3 blocks east of Peoria on 47th/Albrook).
For more information, call 303-373-0767.
 
Free Children’s Activities At Ford-Warren Branch Library In June.

• See Live Animals from the Denver Zoo. Thursday, June 1, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Hawkquest will bring live birds of prey (owls, falcons, eagles) for families to learn about and pet. Thursday, June 8, 10:30 to11:30 a.m.
• Jungle ZooSafari with Ann Lincoln: juggling and animal magic. Thursday, June 15,        10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Teens learn the art of henna body painting. Thursday, June 22,  3 to 4 p.m.
• Balloon Reading Adventure, Thursday, June 22, 10:30  to 11:30 a.m.
• Wild & Wooly Magic Safari with Magician Mark Strivings, Thursday, June 29, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Storytime. Thursdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
• Teen crafts. Saturdays, June 3 and June 17, 2 to 3 p.m.
• Kids’ crafts. Saturdays, June 10 and 24, 2 to 3 p.m.

Ford-Warren is located at 2825 High St. in Denver
For more information, call 303-294-0907.

Community Notes 2

"Cafe Nuba" Launches Weekly Show On KGNU Radio
Check out “Café Nuba LIVE,” Denver’s award-winning poetry event every Friday from noon until 1 p.m. on the “Metro Arts” show on KGNU Community Radio 88.5FM/1390AM and www.kgnu.org featuring performance segments and interviews with some of the country’s most provocative artists and activists. “Café Nuba” is also broadcast nationally on DISH Network’s FreeSpeech TV (9415) and locally on Access TV.
For more information, call 303-298-8188 or visit www.CafeNuba.com.

Café Nuba Is Hot And Black
This month Café Nuba celebrats poetry, music and dancing with Bay Area featured artists NerCity, Scorpio Blues, and Rodrick The Blackademic, with hot beats from DJ S.D., plus short film category winners from the 7th Starz Denver Pan African Film Festival and Open Mic on Friday, June 30th at The Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St. in Denver from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover is $10 at the door for 21+ with i.d.
For more information, call 303-298-8188 or visit www.CafeNuba.com.

Webb Traces Ancestry To Cameroon
The Friends of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library
will sponsor another DNA ancestry testing event in June following a successful
fundraiser earlier this year. Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, recently received the result of his DNA test. African-Ancestry, a company based in Washington, D.C., discovered that Webb shares ancestry with the Bamileke people in Cameroon, West Africa.
African Ancestry will be making the test available to the public from 1 to 4 p.m., June 11 at the library, 2401 Welton St. The library, usually closed on Sundays, will open for this special event. The fund-raiser is co-sponsored by the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce. The cost is $300 with a portion being donated to the library. The test will be administered on a first-come basis.
For more information, Peggy Wortham at 303-796-0132.
                       
CHAC Hosts Art Show
CHAC presents "Eyes on Color," an art show featuring the works of Richard Pẽna, Helen Littlejohn, Rebecca Romero, Gary King and Aubrey Valencia. The gallery is located at 772 Santa Fe Drive. An art lover’s preview will be held Thursday, June 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. The opening reception will be Friday, June 9 from 6 to10 p.m. The gallery is open Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 6 to10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. The show runs June 7 to 24 and is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 303- 571-0440.

Arts Supporters Needed For Community Art Event
Finding Common Ground will join forces with the Chicano Humanities Arts Council and the Sankofa Arts Collective to produce an art show held in three community art spaces during the month of July. In addition to showcasing over 30 artists, the effort will provide educational venues for students and support the ongoing cultural diversity and community outreach efforts of both groups. Opportunities for sponsorship include:        advertising, postage costs, food, underwriting for musical presentations, and beverages. Your donation is tax deductible.
If you are able to support this event, call CHAC at 303-571-0440 or email Sankofa at okumaki@aol.com.
     
Black Press Chief To Speak On Significance Of Minority Media
The first leader from the South to head the National Newpaper Publisher's Association (NNPA), "the Black Press of America," will address interested parties on Thursday, June 8 in Colorado Springs on the Importance of the Black Press and its continued relevance to African Americans. John B. Smith, Sr., publisher and CEO of The Atlanta Inquirer, will discuss the milestones Black Americans have achieved in part due to the Black press.
For more information, visit www.nnpa.org.                                                                          
 
Six Flags Elitch Gardens Presents Two New Shows
New in the Trocadero Theatre: The Amazing Acrobats of China – a visually-impressive show highlighting the talents of world-renowned Chinese acrobats. Part dance, part martial arts, and 100 percent showmanship, The Amazing Acrobats of China tumble and twirl their way into the spotlight. Show runs multiple times daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.
New in the Batman Arena: Carnaval de Fuego presents an original production of spectacular pyrotechnics, spellbinding dancing lasers and captivating characters.    Show runs nightly from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Both shows are free to guests with the purchase of a park admission ticket.
For more information, call 303-595-4386 or visit sixflags.com.