Limited to three items, no larger than 8.5 by 11.7 inches; USB drive provided.
     Classes and other offerings: Basic Kindle, Fri., Sept. 7, 11:30a.m. (call to register); Cooking from the Farmers Market, Tues., 11, 6p.m.; Movies and the Meaning of Life: The Most Profound Films in Cinematic History, Tues., 18, 6p.m.; I See Your Soul Mate: An Intuitive’s Guide to Finding & Keeping Love, Wed., Oct. 3, 6p.m. Between the Covers Book Club discusses Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea, Tues., Sept. 18, 2p.m. Info: 720-865-0120.

Go behind the headlines and history books with free one-hour Active Minds presentations on timely topics, including Aviation: From Kitty Hawk to Today, at the Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., Tues., Sept. 4, 10:15a.m. Info: 303-316-6359.
     Lebanon, at Allied Jewish Apartments, 11 S. Adams St., Fri., Sept. 7, 11a.m. (refreshments at 10:30). RSVP: 720-382-7813.
     Colorado Ballot Issues 2012, Mon., Sept. 10, 2:30p.m., at Springbrooke, 6800 Leetsdale Dr. RSVP: 303-331-9963.
     Al Qaeda, at Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St., Tues., Sept. 11, 11a.m. (10:45 refreshments). RSVP: Jodi: 303-388-4013, ext. 307.
     Myanmar (Burma), Tues., Sept. 11, 12:30p.m.; and Colorado Ballot Issues 2012, Tues., 25, 5:30p.m., at Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave. Info: 303-322-7727.
     The American West, at Malley Senior Center, 3380 S. Lincoln St., Wed., Sept. 26, 10a.m. RSVP: 303-762-2660. Parking pass available inside center.
     For details of other free presentations, visit activeminds.com or call Heidi Van Sickle at 303-550-3383.

Be part of a new grassroots volunteer effort improving the health and access to healthcare for individuals & families across the metro area through the Boomers Leading Change in Health Advocacy Academy, held Wednesdays, 5-7p.m., Sept. 5-Oct. 3, at Daniels Fund, 101 Monroe St. Taught by Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, adults 50+ learn how to stay informed on the issues and to let their voices be heard. Register at blcih.org; call Ashley Wheeland, 303-839-1261, with questions.

Writing Your Life: The Heroine’s Journey writing and self-discovery workshop offers women over 50 the opportunity to review their lives for greater self-understanding, enhance writing skills and build community with other women. Held at Eugene Field branch library, 810 S. University Blvd., six Saturdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 20, 10a.m.-noon. $259. Registration closes Sept. 8; space is limited. Info: 303-781-5544, redefinetheedge.com.

Find freedom from fear and anxiety in A Day of Healing, A Day of Refuge: Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni, at Avalokiteshvara Buddhist Center, 1081 Marion St., Sat., Sept. 8, 10a.m.-7:30p.m. Optional retreat Sun., 9, 9a.m.-2p.m., followed by public Refuge Vow Ceremony, 2-3:30p.m. Vegetarian lunch both days. Preregistration required for course and retreat, $65 Saturday only, $85 both. Donation for ceremony.     General program meditation classes Wednesdays & Tuesdays, 7-8:30p.m., $5. Prayers for World Peace and Dharma for Kids offered Sundays, 10:30a.m.-noon, suggested donation $8 adults, $1 kids. No registration required. Info: meditationincolorado.org, 303-813-9551.

Dig into compost in free classes offered by Denver Recycles and Denver Urban Gardens. Popular hands-on classes fill up quickly. Registration opens one month before each class, and closes one week before: Sat., Sept. 8, 22 and Oct. 13, 9-11a.m. Worm Workshop (vermiposting), Sat., Sept. 15, Oct. 6, 9-11a.m. Build-A-Pile Workshop, Sept. 29, 9-11a.m. Registration: dug.org/compost. Info: 303-292-9900.

Mayor Michael Hancock speaks on his proposal to develop a balanced, sustainable plan for the city’s fiscal future at the League of Women Voters Denver Kick-Off Meeting, Tues., Sept. 11, 7p.m., at the Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St. A question-and-answer session follows. Free, open to the public. Info: 303-321-7571, lwvdenver.org.

A Spirituality of Aging opens The Wisdom Center’s 2012-13 season of classes on spirituality and aging, Sun., Sept. 9, 2-4p.m., at Most Precious Blood Church, 2250 S. Harrison St., presented by pastor Patrick Dolan. $15. Call to register.
     The cornerstone of the Center’s curriculum is a 22-week Spiritual Eldering class, held Wednesdays, 10a.m.-noon, at MPBC, starting Sept. 26. Topics include What is a Spiritual Elder?; Life Review – Gratitude and Healing; Telling My Story Decade by Decade; Becoming an Active Elder; and Facing My Death in Order to Live More Fully. $250. Register by Sept. 17.
     Other offerings: Finding My Stories in Biblical Stories – A Writing Workshop, Tues., Oct. 2, 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. ($20); The Creator in Action: Lessons from the “Micro” Cosmos, Tues., Oct. 16, 10a.m.-noon. Register in advance, pay at door.
     Open to elders of all religious traditions (or none). Registration/info: 303-756-3083, mpbdenver.org.

Join a librarian and other lifelong readers to read books and poems aloud together in a Read-Aloud Group for Lifelong Readers, Thursdays, 10:30a.m., at Schlessman Family branch library, 100 Poplar St. Perfect for adults with impaired vision or dementia, but also a fun social outlet.
     Free Monday night (6:30p.m.) presentations: When Did Humans First Enter the Americas?, Sept. 10; Cooking with Whole Grains, 17; Barry Fey: Backstage Past, 24; Cooking for One or Two, Oct. 1.
     Weekend offerings include The Civil War at Riverside Cemetery history lecture, Sun., Sept. 16, 2p.m.; plus a visit from insects, spiders and their invertebrate relatives in Bringing the Butterfly Pavilion to You!, Sat., 22, 2p.m.
     Librarians answer technology questions in Tech Open House, Thur., Sept. 6 & Oct. 4, 10a.m. Bring your gadgets! Tuesday Technology Night, 6p.m., explores My First Mac, Sept. 11, and Facebook, 25.
     Talk geek books – science fiction, graphic novels, horror & fantasy – at Geeks Who Read, third Saturdays, 2p.m.: Sept. 15, Un Lun Dun by China Mieville.
     Free. Info: 720-865-0000.

Register now for the Academy of Lifelong Learning’s fall semester, starting Sept. 11. The two-hour classes meet once a week at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., and typically run for three to 10 weeks. Membership fee for the two-term academic year is $30, or $20 for one term; tuition is $25-$80 per course. View all courses and facilitator profiles online at academyll.org; print registration form and mail it in with tuition. Info: 303-770-0786.

Author of Walking In Daniel’s Shoes and father of a Columbine High School massacre victim, Tom Mauser speaks on banning assault weapons at Progressive Women of Colorado’s next forum, Tues., Sept. 11, 5:30-7:30p.m., at Unity Church, 3021 S. University Blvd. $5-10 suggested donation. RSVP to Wendy Flax at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 303-587-6139.
     PWC will also join We Are Women Colorado, for an Equality Rally & March, Sat., Oct. 6, 9a.m.-1p.m. at Civic Center Park, a follow-up to the April 28 rally/march, attended by over 2,500 people.

Getting Ready to Quit Smoking provides the latest information on techniques and treatments available to create a personal plan to stop using tobacco, held at Porter Adventist Hospital, 2525 S. Downing St.: Wed., Sept. 12, 5-6:30p.m.; Tues., 18, noon-1:30p.m.; and Wed., 19, 6-7:30p.m. Free. Register at 303-778-5890 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Delve into history, hand-sewing and high-tech how-to in classes and workshops at Ross-University Hills branch library, 4310 E. Amherst Ave.:
     Making Sense of the American Civil War five-part discussion series examines the modern implications of the conflict and emancipation through books and scholar-led discussion, Thursdays, Sept. 13-Oct. 4, 6:30p.m. Call or visit for titles and to register. Related movie screening of Glory, Sat., Sept. 15, 2p.m. Free.
    Librarians answer technology questions in Tech Open House, Mondays, 11a.m. Bring your gadgets! Tuesday Technology Night, 6p.m., explores My First Mac, Sept. 11, and Facebook, 25.
     Sew and take home an owl in Hand Sewn Owl, Sat., Sept. 22, 2p.m. (Call to register).
     All events free. Info: 720-865-0955.

Become a better tender of your domestic Garden of Eden with the help of classes at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St.: Putting Your Garden to Bed imparts tips on fall maintenance efforts, Thur., Sept. 13, 6:30-8:30p.m. ($25-30); Growing Great Garlic divulges the best varieties for our area, planting preparation, care, harvest and storing, Wed., 19, 6:30-8:30p.m. ($31-36); Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga at the Gardens is held every Tuesday & Thursday, 7-8:30a.m., through September ($8-10 per session).
     Info: botanicgardens.org, 720-865-3580.

Dr. Christine Chao digs deeper than Disney into a Chinese fable in The Myth of Hua MuLan: A Jungian Perspective, the first lecture of the Colorado Jung Society’s fall series, Fri., Sept. 14, at the First Divine Science Church, 1400 Williams St., at 7p.m. Nonmembers $15, students & seniors $10. Info: 303-575-1055 or visit jungsocietyofcolorado.org.

Will emerging art blogs and digital art publications provide an informed discussion about contemporary art? Explore that question with art critics, artists and gallerists in Art Criticism in the Digital Age: An Interactive Seminar, Sat., Sept. 15, 1-4p.m, at Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant St. $25 nonmembers. Register by Sept. 9: 303-778-6990, asld.org.

Critique Groups: Beneficial or Intimidating? opens Denver Woman’s Press Club’s literary salon series, Sun., Sept. 16, 3-5p.m., at 1325 Logan St. Children’s book author Elizabeth Cook, women’s novelist Bonnie McCune, and mystery writer Suzanne Young lead the discussion about what makes an effective group and what to expect from members. Free. Info: 303-394-3710.

U.S. Patent & Trademark Office will share information and gather comments on the America Invents Act, new patent legislation that will affect individual inventors, businesses and entrepreneurs, Mon., Sept. 17, 10:30a.m.-5p.m., in the B2 Conference Center of the Denver Public Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Free, open to the public; seating is first-come, first-served. Info: 720-865-1363, uspto.gov/aia_implementation.

The Denver Metro Building Urban Farmers program focuses on business plan development for urban farms over eight nights, Oct. 16-Dec. 8, at the CSU Denver County Extension Office, 888 E. Iliff Ave. Topics include Strategic Business Planning; Markets and Marketing Principals; Production Planning and Record Keeping;  Risk Management: Liability and Food Safety; and Managing Labor, Zoning Regulations and Community. Fee: $75-200. Apply by Sept. 17; 20 spots available. Info: 303-271-6620, urbanag.colostate.edu.

Active seniors and families of seniors seeking ways to enhance their lives are invited to the free Seniors Expo, Wed., Sept. 19, 10a.m.-2p.m., at Cook Park Recreation Center, 7100 Cherry Creek South Dr. Sponsored by Seniors Solutions of Colorado and 50 Plus Marketplace News, the event features information booths, Q&A panels, discussion groups, food, entertainment, door prizes and giveaways. Free. Info: seniorssolutionsofcolorado.com, 720-295-6263.

Create original art at Creativity Uncorked, a social and stress-free evening with professional artists at Art Student League of Denver’s historic studios, 200 Grant St. Michael Gadlin hosts Fri., Sept. 21, 6-9p.m. No experience needed. Wine, light appetizers, art supplies and art instruction included in $50/person fee. Info/RSVP (by Sept. 20): 303-778-6990, ext. 100.

Fresh City Life revives one of the lost traditions of small-town America with Cora Vette’s Pie Social: Come for thePie, Stay for the Music!, Sat., Sept. 22, 2-4p.m., outdoors on the Acoma Plaza at 14th Ave. Pkwy. Whole Foods Market provides the pie at 2, and Cora Vette and the Vinyl Tops take the stage at 2:30 p.m. Registration encouraged.
     Inside the Central Library, classes, workshops and music abound: Create your own paper cutouts suitable for framing in Art for the Masses: Henri Matisse and the Papiers Coupes, Sat., Sept. 8, 1:30-4:30p.m., in the Level B2 Conference Center. $20 fee; registration required.
     Free music performances include a poetic and lyrical sitar concert with Chris “Citrus” Sauthoff, Sat., Sept. 1, 2-3p.m., in Level 1 Schlessman Hall; and Wink: Songs with the Flirt Built In with Nancy Stohlman, Tues., 25, 7-8p.m., in the Level 7 Vida Ellison Gallery (registration encouraged).
     Explore the intricacies of the publishing world with insider Shana Kelly in The Business of Books: From Idea to Publication, Tuesdays, Sept. 4 & 18, 5:30-7:30p.m. Registration required.
     Recipe Exchanges: Recipes Are Your History offered in the Level 4 Community Technology Center, Mon., Sept. 10 & 24, 4:30-7:30p.m. $10. Registration required.
     Madame Defarge’s Knitting Salon presents Last Train to Knitopia: Beginning Knitting (the last intro class of 2012) Mon., Sept. 10, 17 & 24, 5:30-7:30p.m. $10 materials. Registration required.
     Unless noted, free, no registration required, and held in DPL’s Level 1 Fresh City Lounge, 14th Ave. & Broadway.
     Info/registration:denverlibrary.org/fresh, 720-865-1206.

Beginning Ink is a monthly, start-to- finish, basic screenprinting course at Ink Lounge, 1512 S. Acoma St., next held Sat., Sept. 22, 10a.m.-4p.m. $85 includes materials. Limited to eight.
     Stop by after work for a cold beverage and a creative way to make one- color T-shirts or flat fabric pieces in Sweet T Tuesday, Sept. 25, 5:30-8p.m. Limited to 8-10 adults (21+); $20 includes beverage, bring your own t-shirt. Info/RSVP: inkloungecreative.com, 303-321-7101.

Learn to use classic and new contraptions for a perfect cup of coffee in Strange Brew, Sat., Sept. 22, 10:30a.m., at Ross-Broadway branch library, 33 E. Bayaud Ave. Cake Decorating offered Tues., Oct. 2, 6:30p.m. Free, but call to register. Books on Broadway book group discusses Susan Orlean’s Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend, Tues., Sept. 18, 6:30p.m. Info: 720-865-0135.

Joanne Burney presents Painting With Pastels, a Demo and Dialogue live art demonstration and discussion sponsored by Art Students League of Denver, Sat., Sept. 22, 1-3p.m., at Meininger Art Supply, 499 Broadway. Hand-Building With Clay with Janey Skeer is offered Sat., Oct. 6, 1-3p.m., at ASLD, 200 Grant St. $5, seating limited.
     ASLD provides beginning to advanced instruction for adults, children and teens in drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and fiber art. Info: asld.org, 303-778-6990.

Harlan Abrahams and Arturo Lopez Levy discuss recent economic changes in Cuba in a public forum sponsored by the Colorado Committee on Africa and the Caribbean., Sun., Sept. 23, 2p.m., at Mercury Café, 2100 California St. The two wrote Raul Castro and the New Cuba: A Close-Up View of Change (2011). Info: 303-329-5881.

Architect Paul Bormann shows how to get the space you want while maintaining the integrity of the original home in Designing Period Sensitive Additions, Wed., Sept. 26, 7p.m., in National Jewish Hospital’s Heitler Hall, 1400 Jackson St. (parking available in Jackson St. lot). The free lecture is part of the Congress Park Historic Speakers series. Details: 303-377-4913 or congressparkneighbors.org.

Explore the art, beauty and creativity of trees in Denver Botanic Gardens’ Bonfils-Stanton Lecture Series –Beyond Bark: Playing, Learning and Growing in Denver’s Canopy – presenting Bark: An Intimate Look at the World’s Trees with botanic photographer and landscape architect Cedric Pollet, Thur., Sept. 27, 7p.m., in Mitchell Hall, 1007 York St.; $20 nonmembers. Social hour and tasting by Slow Food Denver at 6p.m. (included). Related tour, The Garden’s Champion Trees, takes place at 5p.m.; $10 nonmembers.
     Visitbotanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3580 for registration/tickets.

Enjoy an evening of interactive art, tasty margaritas, light fare and beautiful music while customizing a glass with colorful enamel paints in CHAC It Up! Wine Glass Painting, Fri., Sept. 28, 6:30-9p.m., at Chicano Humanities & Arts Council, 772 Santa Fe Dr. $20 includes materials and a margarita. RSVP required; phone payment to Belinda, 303-571-0440. Info: Cindy, 720-236-9389.

Educators of every grade & discipline learn how to incorporate arts-integration practices into teaching in Intro to Arts Integration, a two-day workshop for K-12 educators, at Creativity Challenge Community School, 1551 S. Monroe St., Fri., Sept. 28, 6-8:30p.m., and Sat., 29, 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Info: think360arts.org, 720-904-8890, ext. 101.

Beginner and experienced felt makers learn new techniques for making detailed and controlled felt design on fabric in Felt Collage Scarves, Sun., Sept. 30, 10a.m.-4p.m., at TACtile Art Center, 1955 S. Quince St., located above JBC International. $75 (nonmember) plus $15 kit. Registration/info: tactilearts.org, 720-524-8886 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Learn how to embrace the Triple Bottom Line of people, planet and profit to grow your small business at The Greater Good Academy, an eight-week business development course starting Mon., Oct. 1, 6-9p.m., at Mi Casa Resource Center, 360 Acoma St. Denver’s top sustainability experts show how to build a company that supports environment and community while generating revenue, and help students create a custom Triple Bottom Line action plan and present it at a public showcase. Register by Sept. 17 at proggroup.com/greater-good-academy.html. Info: 303-478-0131.

View the first presidential debate live, followed by a discussion with local politicos and a “town hall” meeting, Wed., Oct. 3, 6:30-10p.m., at History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway. Former governor Richard Lamm, CU Center of the American West’s Patty Limerick, former senator Hank Brown and former lieutenant governor Gail Schoettler chair the talk, to be taped for broadcast on Rocky Mountain PBS. Tickets ($15, $25 two) on sale Sept. 4 at HCC. Info: 303-447-8679, historycoloradocenter.org.

Urban homesteaders show off coops and educate the public about chickens in the Denver Chicken Coop Tour, an annual tour of coops and homesteads throughout the urban area, sponsored by Denver Urban Homesteading, 200 Santa Fe Dr., Sat., Oct. 6, 11a.m.-4p.m.
     Buy and sell chicks, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, quail, rabbits and goats at the monthly Chicken Swap, every first Saturday (Sept. 1, Oct. 6), 10a.m.-noon at Earthdog Denver, 370 Kalamath St. Free.
     Upcoming classes (200 Santa Fe Dr.): Cold Frames, Sat., Sept. 15, 1:30-3p.m. ($20); Canning 101: Not Just For Grandmas Anymore, Sat., 15, 3-5:30p.m. ($50); Restore Old Wood Furniture, Fri., 21, 6-8:30p.m. ($25); Beekeeping Introductory Workshop (w/field trip), Sat., 29, 10a.m.-12:30p.m. ($50).
     Meet beekeepers, observe a honeybee colony, watch the honey extraction process and taste honey at the free Denver Honey Festival, Sat., Sept. 22, 1-4p.m.
     Info:denverurbanhomesteading.com or 303-572-3122.

Expand your network and re-energize your job search with the 8 O’clock Job Club, meeting Wednesdays, 8-10a.m., at 3773 Cherry Creek North Drive, Ste. 575. Refine your networking pitch and learn the latest resources for securing your next job opportunity. $5 materials fee. Reservations (required)/info: 303-331-3401, thewinsorgroup.com.

Happy Pathways Laughter Club offers free Laughter Yoga classes at Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St., every Thursday, 4:30-5:30p.m. Info: 720-917-4890.

Free yoga on Sundays at 10:10a.m. Beginning and intermediate practitioners welcome. Held in the park; call for location and info: MJ, 720-244-8252.