Munson To Keynote EspeciallyMe Conference April 29
The Ninth Annual EspeciallyMe Conference, focusing on African-American high school girls, will be held on Sunday, April 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Denver South High School, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave. in Denver. Natasha Munson, motivational speaker and author of Life Lessons for My Sisters, will be this year’s keynote speaker. The conference centers on issues of self-value, dignity and achieving excellence. This is an interactive conference that takes a critical look at the aspects of life that prevent African-American girls from adopting the dynamics of success as a lifestyle. Registration for high school girls is $10 and $25 for parents and others. Registration forms and payment must be received by April 20, and mailed to EspeciallyMe, P.O. Box 370244, Denver, CO 80237.
For registration forms or more information, visit www.especiallyme.org.

CURIE Academy Available For Female High School Seniors
The CURIE Academy is a one-week summer residential program for high school girls who excel in math and science, enjoy solving problems, and want to learn more about careers in engineering. Cornell University's world-renowned faculty and graduate students lead academy participants in classes, lab sessions and project research. Participants work in teams to solve problems that mirror real-life situations. In addition, social events, panel discussions and other out-of-classroom activities provide participants with opportunities to network informally with each other and Cornell faculty, staff and students. Applications from African American, Native American and Hispanic/Latina girls are encouraged. Applications must be postmarked by April 16.
For more information, call 607-255-0735, e-mail cj38@cornell.edu or visit www.engineering.cornell.edu/curie.

INC Hosts Citywide Election Forum April 14
Denver's coalition of neighborhood groups, Inter-neighborhood Cooperation (INC), in conjunction with the Denver League of Women Voters and Denver's Channel 8, will conduct an election forum for all contested municipal races. The election forum will be Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to noon in place of the regular monthly INC meeting. Hosting the election forum will be the Whittier Neighborhood Association at its community center at 29th Avenue and Downing Street. Up for election this May are the offices of Mayor, Auditor, the new Election Clerk and Recorder, and all city council seats. There are open city council races in districts 7, 8 and 3. The election forum will be taped and re-broadcast on Denver's Channel 8.
For broadcast times or more information, visit www.denvergov.org.

Full Scholarship Available For Single Mothers
The Sister Thea Bowman Foundation has four scholarships for African-American single mothers and their child to attend the College of St. Mary in Omaha, Neb. The Foundation will grant $30,000, over a period of four years, to the college on behalf of each student granted the scholarship. In return, the college will match that grant with an additional $24,000. Applying students must be African-American single mothers who have completed high school, and must be from low income housing. Students must be able to gain admission to the college, but need not be Catholic. Each student will have an African-American mentor and mentor family during her course of study at the college. Each mother may take up to two children, no more than 9 years old, with her.
If interested, e-mail Mary Lou Jennings at marylouj11@aol.com.

Centus Hosts 6th Annual Silent Samaritan Luncheon
Centus Counseling, Consulting and Education, a nonprofit, interfaith counseling and education center, announces its 6th Annual Silent Samaritan Luncheon, entitled “Women of Strength Helping Women in Need.” The event will be held Thursday, April 19, at the Event Center, 2105 Decatur St. in Denver, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The special guest speaker will be Dr. Vie Thorgren, D. Min., founder and director of the Center for Spirituality and Work, presenting “Compassion That Never Burns Out.” The honorary chairwoman of the 2007 Silent Samaritan Luncheon is Colorado ’s first lady Jeannie Ritter. All proceeds from the Silent Samaritan Luncheon benefit the Silent Samaritan Fund, underwriting counseling services for women and their families.
For reservations or more information, call Cheryl Crane at 303-639-5240 ext. 20 or visit www.centus.org.

Lowry Family Center Presents Family Conference
The Lowry Family Center will host its 5th Annual Kinship, Foster and Adoptive Parent Conference. Entitled “Our Community Makes a Difference,” the conference will be held Monday, April 23, at the Park Hill Golf Course, 35th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard in Denver, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, and $20 for lunch only.
For more information, call Louise Moore at 303-307-0718.

ADL’s Foxman Addresses Holocaust Denial
The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) National Director and child Holocaust survivor, Abraham H. Foxman, will be the keynote speaker for the 26th Annual Governor’s Holocaust Remembrance Program on Tuesday, April 17. Known as an authority on the Holocaust and Jewish resistance to the Nazis, his address will focus on challenging those who deny the Holocaust during the 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. program at Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 14th and Curtis streets in Denver. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are free, but are required for admission.
For tickets or more information, call 303-830-7177 ext. 220, e-mail tborus@ADL.org, or visit www.adl.org.

Africa Nite Benefits IAAL
The Dairy Center for the Arts will host Africa Nite, a fundraising event for the Institute for African American Leadership's (IAAL) Africa Project III – Ghana 2007, featuring the unique cultural, political, and social aspects of Africa. Africa Nite will be held Sunday, April 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature entertainment, live drumming, dancing, spoken word, a DJ, food and a silent auction. All money raised will help off-set the costs for the IAAL’s African Heritage high school youth to be able to travel to Ghana this summer. The Dairy Center for the Arts is located at 2590 Walnut St. in Boulder. Tickets are $30.
For tickets or more information, call 303-444-3040 or e-mail iaal@mindspring.com.

Miss African American International Pageant Search Is On
The newly formed Miss African American International Pageant is searching for African-American females who want to participate in a pageant designed to promote culturally aware Black women whose inner beauty is as important as their outer beauty. There are five age divisions of competition: Little Miss African American International, ages 7-9; Young Miss African American International, ages 10-12; Miss African American International Teen Jr., ages 13-15; Miss African American International, ages 16-18; and Miss African American International, ages 19-25. Winners in each subdivision will receive varying cash and prizes.
For more information, call 720-366-3743, e-mail missaai@hotmail.com or visit www.freewebs.com/missaai.

Broncos’ Foxworth To Speak At Luncheon
Denver Broncos Cornerback Domonique Foxworth and his mother, Karen, will give a keynote address about the importance of college at the Arapahoe Community College Foundation’s first scholarship recognition luncheon on Wednesday, April 4. The luncheon takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center, 200 Inverness Drive West in Englewood. Foxworth and his mother will discuss the legacy of Arapahoe Community College with empowering learners in the south metro area, the responsibility of children and parents when it comes to quality in education and the importance of giving and the profound difference it can create. Proceeds will support community college scholarships. Tickets are $25 each. VIP tickets and corporate tables are available as well.
For tickets or more information, call 303-797-5914.

CFCZ Holds Dances On April 22, 28
The non-profit organization Colorado Friends of Cajun-Zydeco Music and Dance (CFCZ) is hosting two events in April. The Colorado Friends of Cajun/Zydeco Music and Dance is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring Louisiana French culture, music and dance to the Front Range. The first event is the Amazing Zydematics, performing Sunday, April 22, at the Mercury Café, 2199 California St. in Denver. Doors open at 1 p.m. with a complimentary dance lesson at 1:30 p.m. and dance from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $7 for members and $8 for nonmembers. The second event is the legendary Roy Carrier and the Zydeco Night Rockers, performing Saturday, April 28, at D-Note, 7519 Grandview in Arvada. The dance will run from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a complimentary dance lesson. Tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non members.
For more information, contact Dan Willging at 303-745-9577 or dwillging@mho.net; Tom Roberts at 303-378-3428 or twrbasin@aol.com; or visit www.cfcz.org.

Sentenced Home Follows Refugees Facing Exile
Sentenced Home , a documentary that chronicles the lives of three Cambodian refugees facing deportation, is playing for free at the Starz FilmCenter, 900 Auraria Pkwy, on Wednesday, April 4, at 7 p.m. The free screening is sponsored by Rocky Mountain PBS, the Denver Film Society and Independent Television Service. Immediately after the film, a discussion will be held. Sentenced Home tells the stories of Kim Ho Ma, Many Uch and Loeun Lun. Raised as Americans in inner-city projects near Seattle, they find themselves caught between a tragic past and an uncertain future by a system that doesn't offer any second chances. In telling their stories, the film asks viewers to consider the very personal consequences of separating families and sending people into unfamiliar countries and cultures.
For more information, visit www.denverfilm.org.

Free Conference On Destiny, Vision And Purpose
A free conference on destiny, vision and purpose, designed to help individuals clarify their destiny, will be held Saturday, April 28, at the Parkside Mansion, 1859 York St. in Denver, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A continental breakfast during morning registration and a full luncheon will be available to conference participants for $15. Concurrently, Stepping Into God’s Plan for Your Life, a similarly themed youth conference, will be held for teens on the garden level of the Parkside Mansion. This conference will equip teenagers to step into their future careers or ministries confident of God’s plan and purpose for their lives. Teen participants will be provided free continental breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration is required by April 23. Both conferences are free, but donations are welcome.
To register or for more information, call 303-744-2122 or 720-581-0059, or e-mail ppsministries@msn.com.

DOCA Presents 3rd Annual Doors Open Denver
On April 14 and 15, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs will present its third annual Doors Open Denver, a free event celebrating Denver’s cityscape, diverse architecture and design. Doors Open Denver hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with event headquarters at Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop. Held once a year, Doors Open Denver offers residents and visitors the opportunity to tour Denver’s prominent architectural sites that they see every day but may never enter. Participants can experience Doors Open Denver through a self-guided tour, an Urban Adventure and an Expert Tour (led by architects and historians). Tours have limited capacity. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/doorsopendenver.

Engineering Summer Camp In Houston
The Mentoring & Enrichment Seminar in Engineering Training (MESET) summer program for high school seniors will be held June 3-15 in Houston. The MESET program is a two-week residential engineering-introduction program for students. Participants stay on the University of Houston campus in a dormitory, and UH engineering students will act as mentors and counselors. The program curriculum includes an introduction to the various disciplines of engineering; hands-on, project-based learning; site visits to engineering companies and other field trips; and panel discussions by working engineers and current engineering students. Registration is $200 per student and is limited to 50 students. A limited number of scholarships are available to help defray the cost of the camp. Applications are due April 15.
For applications or more information, e-mail promes@egr.uh.edu.

Historic House Tour Raises Funds For DSA
The Jewels of the Highlands House Tour, featuring eight dwellings in the historic Highlands neighborhood, will be held Sunday, April 29, from noon to 5 p.m. as a fund raiser for Denver School of the Arts (DSA). Organized by parents of students in the Stagecraft program, the tour will allow visitors to see the inner intricacies, as well as the beautifully landscaped grounds, of these properties, including the Lumber Baron Inn and the Adams Mystery Theater. All proceeds will support gaps in specialized program funding left by statewide budget cuts. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the tour, and can be purchased at DSA, 7111 Montview Blvd., or at the Lumber Baron Inn, 2555 W. 37th Ave.
For more information, call 303-321-2678 or 303-399-1267.

TAGallery Presents Colours Of Spring
TAGallery presents a group show called the Colours of Spring through April, featuring artists Linda Wilcox, Jovan Gallegos, Greg Sommer and Patricia Gordon. The artists will hold a First Friday reception on April 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the gallery, located at 617 22nd St. in Denver, between California and Welton streets. TAGallery is part of The Art Guild, a artist-managed organization that fosters and supports the development of both emerging and established artists.
For more information, call 303-888-6829 or visit www.bluewhitelight.com/tag.

VNA Hosts 9Health Fair
The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) continues its commitment to support the health of the community by hosting the 9Health Fair on Saturday, April 14, from 7 a.m. to noon, at 390 Grant St. in Denver. Participants can get a blood count by Quest Diagnostics, take home a colorectal kit, or have their blood pressure and height, weight, and body mass index checked. Screenings offered include vision, glucose and skin. In addition, participants can talk privately with a health care professional and learn more about first aid. Most services are free of charge.
For more information, call 303-698-2121 or visit www.vnacolorado.org.

betts Directs A House With No Walls
The Curious Theatre Company announces the fourth show of Season 9 with the world premiere of Thomas Gibbon’s A House With No Walls, directed by donnie l. betts and running through April 21. Rooted in real-life controversy, A House With No Walls weaves both past and present together in an exploration of the question: How do we decide which elements of our history will be commemorated and which will be erased? This project is a National New Play Network (NNPN) world premiere, as well as a Continued Life Project that partners Curious with other theatres across America (in this case, InterAct Theatre in Philadelphia and Florida Stage) to produce a sustainable world premiere.
For tickets or more information, call 303-623-0524 or visit www.curioustheatre.org.

KIND Creates 7,000 Smiles In 2007
Kids in Need of Dentistry (KIND), a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality, affordable dental care to children in need throughout Colorado, launched a campaign to create “7,000 Smiles in 2007.” Through a network of more than 250 volunteer and paid dental professionals, KIND provides prevention services, restorative treatments, orthodontics, and emergency care to thousands of qualifying children each year through its mobile Miles for Smiles dental clinic. This month, Miles for Smiles will visit Gilpin Elementary (April 2 through 13), Knapp Elementary (April 16 through 27); and Denver, Richard T. Castro Elementary (April 30 through May 11). Families who qualify for KIND services pay a small percentage of the total cost of the dental services; however, no child is ever turned away based on their family’s inability to pay.
For more information, call 303-733-3710 or visit www.kindsmiles.org.

Former U.N. Secretary General To Speak At CU-Boulder
Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan will visit the University of Colorado at Boulder on April 18 at 7:30 p.m., with doors open at 6:30 p.m. Annan will talk about cultural acceptance, the challenges he faced during his tenure and eight major goals set by the international body to meet the needs of the world's poorest people. The speech will be held at the Coors Events/Conference Center. CU-Boulder's Distinguished Speakers and Cultural Events boards are sponsoring the event. Tickets are $1 for CU-Boulder students, $10 for general admission and $45 for floor seating. Tickets are available at www.ticketswest.com, 866-464-2626, and King Soopers.
For more information, visit www.colorado.edu/StudentGroups/ceb. For more information about the United Nations, visit www.un.org/english.

Free Public Library Events In April
The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library (2401 Welton St., Denver, 720-865-2401), the Ford Branch Library (2825 High Street, Denver, 303-294-0907), and the Montbello Branch Library (12955 Albrook Drive, Denver, 303-373-0767) host a variety of free public events throughout the year. These events include children’s story times, English classes, GED study hours, citizenship test study hours, and children’s activities that run concurrent to adult programs. A special event this month is “Pasito a Pasito: Aprenda a Usar el Sitio de la Red de la Biblioteca Pública de Denver (Learn to Use the Denver Public Library’s Spanish Web Site).” This event will be held at the Blair-Caldwell Library on Monday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m.; at the Ford Library on Tuesday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m.; and at the Montbello Library on Tuesday April 3.
For more information, call the above libraries.

Meet The Artists Of Un Ballo In Maschera
Opera Colorado presents its popular "Meet the Artists" series at the Tattered Cover Book Store in lower downtown Denver. On Wednesday, April 18, at noon, the principal artists and artistic team for Un Ballo in Maschera will attend a lunchtime chat, moderated by Opera Colorado's President and General Director, Peter Russell. The event is free of charge, open to the public, and offers a fun, casual setting for people to interact with the stars of the production prior to the opening performance. Discussions typically last one hour, and are suitable for ages 10 and above.
For more information, contact Heather Tinley at 303-698-2334 or htinley@operacolorado.org, or visit www.operacolorado.org.

Menopause The Musical Returns To Denver
Responding to theatre-goers passionate requests for another run, Menopause The Musical will return to the New Denver Civic Theatre on April 20. Menopause’s new run will be a limited engagement and is currently scheduled for two months. The cast includes many of the same powerhouse actresses who performed in Denver during the first run, including Dee Etta Rowe (Earth Mother), Julie Cadwell (Iowa Housewife) and Mary Louise Lee (Power Woman). New to the Denver cast is Cherie Price (Soap Star), who is a cast member from the show in Portland, OR. Alex Ryer will once again be on-hand as the triple understudy. Inspired by “a hot flash and a bottle of wine,” writer/producer Jeanie Linders created this fun-filled evening of laughter and song as a celebration that launches women into an exciting new phase of their lives.
For tickets or more information, call 303-309-3773 or visit www.menopausethemusical.com.

Nominations Sought For History Teacher Of Year
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking nominations for the annual Colorado History Teacher of the Year Award. The award honors one exceptional American history teacher from each state and U.S. territory. This year’s award is offered to K-6 teachers only. The selection of the state winner is based on several criteria: teaching American history for at least three years; a career commitment to teaching American history; evidence of creativity and imagination in the classroom; and close attention to documents, artifacts, historic sites and other primary materials of history. The state winner will receive a $1,000 honorarium and will run for the National History Teacher of the Year award to be awarded this fall. The winner’s school library will receive a core archive of history books and materials. Application deadline is April 15.
For more information, contact Colorado coordinator Mary Anne Hoffman at 303-908-4855 or gmahoffman@msn.com, or visit www.gilderlehrman.org.

North Middle School Hosts Drill And Dance Competition
North Middle School is looking for the cream of the crop in precision drill and dance teams to compete in their annual Best of the Best Competition, a Tribute to Stepping and Dancing. This year’s competition will be held on Friday, April 20, at North Middle School, 12095 E. Montview Blvd. in Aurora, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students with ID. The competition is open to elementary, middle and high school teams, private studios and special groups, and will feature Colorado’s top DJ, Starchild. Official judges will award the top three teams with trophies, and the first place team will also receive a $100 cash prize and entry into the next competition. All proceeds go to the NMS Drill Team, Dance Team and Hip-Hop Team.
To enter or for more information, call Robin Gordon at 303-364-7411 ext. 25629.

Aurora ’s Power Of One Features Civil War Films
The City of Aurora is presenting three Civil War films in April as part of the Power of One Film, the second segment in the city’s year-long Power of One program. Cold Mountain (R) will be shown April 5, The General (NR) will be shown April 12, and Glory (R) will be shown April 19. All three films will begin at 7 p.m., and will be shown at the Colorado Film School at Lowry, located in Building 965 at the corner of Lowry Boulevard and Yosemite Street. A Colorado Film School representative will briefly introduce each film, and a short discussion will follow each screening. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Snacks and beverages will be served.
For more information, call 303-739-6617 or visit www.auroragov.org/powerofone.

RFB&D Local Scholarship Available
The Rocky Mountain Unit of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) will award the George ‘Bud’ Y. King Scholarship Award, named for their late Chairperson of the Board of Directors, to six students who are blind, visually impaired, learning disabled and/or physically impaired. The three middle school and/or high school winners will each receive a cash award of $500, and the three college/university winners will each receive a cash award of $1,000. The winners will be honored at the George ‘Bud’ Y. King Scholarship Luncheon on May 11. Recipients must be present to receive the scholarship award. Applications are due April 9 and must be mailed to RFB&D, 1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite C, 406, Denver, CO 80222, Attn: Scholarship Committee. Applications may also be faxed to 303-758-1092.
For more information, call Betsy at 303-757-0787 or e-mail betsyrfbd@qwest.net.

RMWI Calls For Entries
The Rocky Mountain Women’s Institute is accepting applications for the 2007/08 Associate Program through April 19. The Institute provides a yearlong support program selecting six to 10 Associates each year; a stipend of $1,250 to assist them with creative projects; public presentation/performance opportunities; a one-month exhibition at the Emmanuel Gallery on the Auraria Campus; an opportunity to teach at the university level; and monthly/bi-monthly meetings with fellow Associates. Applicants must be Denver residents.
For applications or more information, contact Elizabeth Braden at 303-830-1818 or erbraden@yahoo.com, or visit www.rmwico.org.

Inspire Higher Women’s Retreat April 20-22
The inaugural Inspire Higher Women's retreat will be held April 20-22 in Estes Park. This personal development conference is designed to give women the tools and support they need to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally. Speakers will lead nearly a dozen sessions that teach attendees how to expand their networks, unleash bolder self-confidence, create more life balance and secure a brighter future. Registrations is $345, including two nights of lodging (double occupancy), meals, conference materials and workshops. Registration ends April 5.
To register or for more information, call 303-371-7445 , e-mail weekends@inspirehigher.net, or visit www.inspirehigher.net.

NIICS Hosts This Far By Faith Service
The National Institute for Indigenous Cultural Studies (NIICS) will host the This Far By Faith Community Resurrection Service and Brunch on Sunday,April 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Institute, 911 Park Ave. West in Denver. This event is a celebration of multi-cultural spirituality, community dialogue and collective renewal. Ifalade Ta’Shia Asanti, award-winning journalist & poet, will host the event. Discussions will talk about and celebrate the 30 year anniversary and re-airing of the epic series Roots on TV One on April 8. Attendees will share great sermons, songs and music honoring the spiritual fortitude of our amazing ancestors. Brunch will immediately follow the service. The event is free, but donations are welcome.
For more information, call 303-298-1792 or e-mail allthewords@aol.com.

Ace Hosts Dollars For Scholars Fundraiser
The Ace Mentor Program of Colorado hosts its annual Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Fundraiser on Tuesday, April 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 3203 Quebec St. in Denver. Speakers for the evening include Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and Colorado State House Speaker Andrew Romanoff. ACE of Colorado is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that encourages professionals in the fields of architecture, construction and engineering to donate their time to teach high school students about career opportunities in the industry. In the past two years, ACE of Colorado has awarded more than 30 scholarships totaling $50,000, the highest amount awarded by any outside organization to students in the Denver Public High School system.
For more information, contact JuliAnne Murphy, ACE Mentor board member, at 303-589-9014 or JMurphy@forestcity.net.