Remembering Katrina – One Year Later:
As the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, numerous government and charitable organizations are still providing assistance to hurricane evacuees living in Colorado. 
The Hurricane Assistance Network of Denver (HAND) helps survivors of hurricanes Katrina and Rita living in the Denver/Boulder metro area to become self-sufficient members of the community by addressing serious, disaster-related needs not met by other sources of disaster relief. Numerous community organizations participated in forming HAND. The agencies involved in the yearlong assistance efforts are listed below.

• HAND Hotline (for evacuees in the Denver metro area): 303-607-4719
• Aurora Mental Health: 303-617-2300 
• Catholic Charities: 303-742-0828 
• Lutheran Family Services: 720-301-7239 
• Volunteers of America: 720-264-3323
• American Red Cross Mile High Chapter: 303-607-4768 
• FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) / TTY: 1-800-462-7585

ZATA Project Announces Zimbabwe Art Auction
The ZATA (Zimbabwe AIDS Treatment Assistance) Project’s second Zimbabwe art auction will be held on September 7 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at 722 E. 7th Ave. in Denver with an evening of music, discussions, food and spirits.  Authentic Zimbabwean paintings, Chapungu sculptures, photography and other artifacts, will be displayed and sold through both silent and live auction. The event will feature live Zimbabwean music performed by mbira musician Taruwona and the group Bangiza Dreaming. The proceeds from the auction will be used to purchase life-prolonging antiretroviral drugs for people suffering from HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe. 
Tickets are $75 and are available at the door or in advance.
For more information, call Jane Oppenheim at 303-733-9636 or visit www.zataproject.org.

A Writer’s GPS: Find Your Way To Success
Join the Denver Woman’s Press Club (DWPC) this fall and find out how to get your writing on track. Talk to professionals, sharpen your writing skills, and take your writing to the next level. Two seminars will be offered simultaneously each Saturday from 9:30 am to noon on Sept. 30, Oct. 7, and Oct.14 at 1325 Logan Street. Proceeds benefit the DWPC scholarship program and community outreach projects. The cost is $30 per individual seminar or $75 for three, with a five dollar discount for early registration by September 25.
For more Information, call 303-777-9194, e-mail carolcarder@msn.com, or visit         www.denverwomanspressclub.org.

Free Public Library Events
Montbello Branch Library, 12955 Albrook Drive, 303-373-0767. 

• Debt Does Not Mean Destruction: Tues., Sept.19, 6 to 7 p.m.
• GED Study Hour: Tues. 6 to 7 p.m.
• English Conversation: Mon. 5 to 6 p.m.
• Children’s Activities are offered the same times as adult classes.
• Storytime: all Wed. and Thurs., 10:30 to11 a.m.

Blair-Caldwell Branch Library, 2401 Welton Street, 720-865-2401.

• Debt Does Not Mean Destruction: Mon., Sept.18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• GED Study Hour: Mon. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• English Conversation: Tues. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Children’s Activities are offered the same times as adult classes.
• Storytime: Wed. and Fri., 10:30 to11 a.m.

Ford-Warren Branch Library, 2825 High Street, 303-294-0907.

• Debt Does Not Mean Destruction: Tues., Sept. 5, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• GED Study Hour: Tues., 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• English Conversation: Wed. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Children’s Activities are offered the same times as adult classes.
• Storytime: Tues., 12 to12:30 and Thurs., 10:30 to11:00 am.

Macy’s Northfield At Stapleton Preview Charity Shopping Day
Enjoy a day of shopping at Macy’s and support The Spirituals Project by purchasing a ticket for Macy’s Preview Charity Shopping Day on Tues., Oct. 10 at the Grand Store Opening of Macy’s NorthField at Stapleton. All ticket proceeds will directly benefit The Spirituals Project.
Participants will be entered to win a $1000 Shopping Spree. Enjoy up to 20 percent off regular, sale and clearance items throughout the store.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 303-871-4263 or e-mail mburton@spiritualsproject.org.

Teen Suicide Show Airs in September
A special 60 minute “Student Voices” program examines teen suicide. “Student Voices: Teen Suicide” debuts on Comcast Channel 8 on Thurs., Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. The program will air twice weekly on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. through Oct.11. On the show, metro-area students discuss the tragic problem and how it Is affecting our community. Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the country and it’s the second leading cause of death among teens. The Comcast/MetroBeat TV producers will make DVD copies of this
program available to schools, churches, youth, and community groups after the show’s first airing on September 7.
For more information, call Steve Hansen at MetroBeat TV, 720-236-9779, or visit www.metrobeat.tv.
     
Let The Jailhouse Rock: It’s APD Versus DOC In Charity Boxing Event                  
Aurora Police Officers next month will step into the ring with their Department of Corrections counterparts for a 10 bout, charity boxing exhibition event "Let the Jailhouse Rock."  The card   will feature both policemen and women, and bouts will take place in several weight classes.  The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Fri., Sept. 15, with bouts beginning at 8 p.m. The event takes place at the Holiday Inn DIA, located at 15500 E. 40th Avenue (I-70 and Chambers Road). In addition to the bouts, attendees will enjoy silent and live auctions, the chance to win great giveaways and door prizes, and live music. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Richard Montoya Memorial Fund -- benefiting the family of the late Denver firefighter who died in the line of service last May. Proceeds also will go toward Cops Fighting Cancer. Tickets are $16 in advance and $20 at the door.  
For more information, call 303-363-0111, or 720-207-3715 or visit www.copsfightingcancer.org.

Café Nuba: Moves to Mercury Café
“Café Nuba: It’s Hot & it’s Black, returns to Five Points at the Mercury Café, 2199 California St. in Denver on Fri. Sept. 29 from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. This latest move for “Café Nuba” represents both a physical return and a renewal for the organization. The program features Denver Slam Team Member, Bianca Mikahn and Def Poetry Jam Veteran, Amir Suleiman plus open mic and music by DJ S.D with host Day Acoli. Tickets are $10 for a censor-free program for all ages. 
All proceeds support the BLAM Youth Program at the Pan African Arts Society.
For more information, call 303-298-8188 or visit www.CafeNuba.com.

New Five Points Theater Seeks Cast
Crossroads Theater at 2550 Washington St. in Denver is seeking African American actors, singers, dancers and musicians for Sisters Sweetwater, a new two-act drama written by Hugo Sales and directed by Jimmy Walker. The age range sought is 22 to 55.
For more information or to schedule an audition, call 303-292-3436.

Denver Pan African Film Festival Seeks New Director
The Denver Pan African Film Festival (DPAFF) produced by the Pan African Arts Society, is seeking a new Executive Director to coordinate the 8th edition of the festival slated for April 23 to 30, 2007 including film screenings, panels, parties and the “hip-hopcentric” “BrownSuga Fest” for youth. This is a team-based, part-time, stipend position that works closely with local and national film artists, educational institutions, activists and students to coordinate a multifaceted arts event at the Tivoli Student Union on the Auraria campus. Leadership, programming and fundraising experience is necessary to be successful in this role as liaison between the community-at-large and the artists. Deadline is October 2. Interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume directly to Artistic Director, Ashara Ekundayo at BluBlakwomyn@yahoo.com.
For more information, call 303-298-8188.

PodSlam.Org Uploads Worldwide Competition Featuring Denver Poets
The Just Media Fund in conjunction with BluBlak Media, LLC has launched the web’s first world-wide poetry slam competition featuring short digital films for free online downloading. In addition to viewing poets from national venues, the project features local poets from Denver, along with members of Denver’s 2006 Slam Team who just won the PSI National title as #1 Slam Team in the U.S. Podslam.org poets perform provocative pieces of three minutes or less on a myriad of topics allowing the viewer to rate their performance on a scale from 1 through 10. The highest scoring poet, as well as a randomly selected juror, receives prizes and bragging rights.
For more information, call 303-871-9015 x1214 or visit www.PodSLAM.org.

Cleo Parker Presents Fall Concert
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble presents its fall concert "Isis Rising" celebrating the works of noted women choreographers, on Sat., Sept. 9 at 8 p.m., Sun., Sept. 10 at 2 p.m., Sat., Sept.16 at 8 p.m. and Sun., Sept.17 at 2 p.m. at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Gates Center Hall at the University of Denver.
Tickets may be purchased at the theater Box Office (303-871-7720) or through Ticketmaster by calling 303-357-ARTS (2787) or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.
For more information, group sales, or student and senior citizen rates, call Mary Hart at 303-295-1759 x20 or Susan Medina at x10.

Youth Mentoring Collaborative Press Conference Convenes
Mayor John Hickenlooper and local musical celebrity Lannie Garrett will speak at the Youth Mentoring Collaborative press conference on Sept. 6 at 10:30 a.m. in the atrium of the Wellington Webb Municipal Office Building at 201 W. Colfax Ave. in Denver. The Collaborative matches at-risk and homeless 5th and 6th graders and high school students with adult mentors. Then they provide mentoring opportunities that fit the adult’s interests and availability.
Studies show that mentoring programs help young people improve their school performance, social skills, and self-esteem while providing support, encouragement and guidance to help kids steer clear of at-risk activities and lifestyle choices. Mentoring doesn’t require any special skills It’ simply spending time with a young person who will benefit from a positive adult role model.
Interested mentors must be at least 18 years old, be committed to mentoring at least four hours each month, and make a commitment to being a mentor for at least one year.
For more information, call United Way’s 2-1-1 phone line or go to www.metrovolunteers.org.

Workshop and Training for New Trainers Slated
The Colorado Progressive Coalition and United for a Fair Economy are presenting the “Color of Wealth—Closing the Racial Wealth Divide” workshop and training for new trainers. The workshop will take place on Fri., Sept. 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the training for new trainers will take place on Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both events will be at the Colorado Education Association, Columbine Meeting Room, 1500 Grant St. in Denver. Community members are invited to participate and the facility is wheelchair accessible. There will also be simultaneous Spanish translation and refreshments.  
For more information or to RSVP, contact: Raúl Paz Pastrana at 303-518-7391 or zhokka@gmail.comor or John Kefalas at 720-254-7598 or fairtaxes@progressivecoalition.org.

World Gospel Tabernacle Celebrates First Anniversary.
In commemoration of the first anniversary of World Gospel Tabernacle, the public is invited to attend the following free three-day program: Revival Service, Fri., Sept. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Leadership and Finance Seminar, Sat., Sept. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Lunch and Fun from noon to 2 p.m., Celebration Worship Service, Sun., Sept. 24, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. All events will be held at the World Gospel Tabernacle located at 16744 E. Iliff Ave. in Aurora.
For more information, call 720-299-5564 or visit www.worldgospel.org.

Mothers & More Hosts Upcoming events
Mothers & More, a secular organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy, invites area mothers to join us for an evening without the kids at one of our upcoming events:

• On Tues., Sept. 5 our Book Club meets at the “Tattered Cover” for an evening of discussing books and life. For more information, call Jenny at 303-282-8119.

• On Tues., Sept. 12 we have our Monthly Meeting, always open to non-members. It is held in the Activities Room of The Heritage Club, near Colorado and Evans, and this time our guest speaker Beverly Mendel will talk about ‘Financial Planning.’ For more information, call Chery at l-720-560-3854.
• On Tues., Sept. 26 we have a special meeting with a representative from Mayor Hickenlooper's office about the November pre-school ballot measure in the Activities Room of The Heritage Club, near Colorado and Evans. For more information, call Anne 303-744-9438.
• We are now accepting door prizes and donations for our yearly open house on Tues., Oct. 10 in the Activities Room of The Heritage Club, near Colorado and Evans. For more information, call Marie at 303-518-9968.

You are welcome to participate in a few activities before joining at $45 a year. Scholarships are available.
For more information, call 303-393-1459 or visit denvermothersandmore.com. 

Ethnic College Announces Orientation
The Ethnic College Counseling Center (ECCC) will hold its orientation for the 2006-2007 school year on Sept. 16, at Park Hill United Methodist Church at 5209 Montview Blvd in room 205, from 9 a.m. to12 p.m. for middle school and high school aged youth. ECCC offers workshops on College Prep, Scholarships, Mentoring, Career Education, Tutoring, and Internships,
For more information, call the Ethnic College Counseling Center at 303-751-0024.

LWV Examines Voting Issues At Forum
Changes in election laws and the security of the vote are among the issues to be discussed by the Denver League of Women Voters at a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Mon., Sept. 11, at the Calvary Baptist Church at Hampden Ave. and Monaco Parkway. The evening will begin with a presentation by author Charlotte Waisman followed by a panel discussion. A non-partisan organization, the Denver LWV encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
For more information, visit www.lwvdenver.org or call 303-321-7571.

Actors League Holding Auditions
The Physically Handicapped Amateur Musical Actors League, Inc. (PHAMALY) will hold auditions for Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” on Tues., Sept. 26 beginning at 6 p.m. Call backs are Sat., Sept. 30 from noon to 5 p.m.  Both will be held at the Mizel Center for Arts & Culture located at 350 S. Dahlia St. in Denver. Needed are physically and developmentally challenged men, women and children of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Actors need to prepare a short dramatic monologue from a published source, one to two minutes in length. A selection from “Our Town” is acceptable. Resume and headshot are required. To schedule an audition, call 303-575-0005 or e-mail mmayner@phamaly.org. 
For more information, visit www.phamaly.org.

Mccory James Photography Hosting Ghana Exhibit
Fine art photographer McCory James will exhibit his work showcasing the people and culture of the West African country of Ghana on Fri., Sept. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the McCory James Photography Studio located at 2385 S. Downing St., in Denver. The event is free. A portion of sale proceeds will purchase medical supplies for Ghana.
For more information, call 303-744-6700 or visit www.mccory.com.
 
Sankofa Remembers Katrina
The Sankofa Arts Collective presents “Remembering Katrina,” featuring work by New Orleans artist and hurricane survivor Robert Aquarius and the members of the collective, with an opening reception Sat., Sept.16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library, located at 2401 Welton Street in Denver. (Call 720-865-2401 for library hours). The show runs from Sept. 1 to 30, and features new work by the artists as both celebration and commemoration of all of the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
For more information, call 303/394-4069.

Sankofa Presents “Faces And Places”
The Sankofa Arts Collective presents “Faces and Places,” featuring new work by Randy McAnulty with an opening reception Fri. Oct. 13 from 6 p.m. until, at Sankofa’s Back Do’ Studio, 3030 Downing St. featuring KUVO DJ Linard “Scotty” Scott. The show runs from Oct. 1 to 31.
For more information, call 303/394-4069.

October Events At Denver Botanic Gardens

• Colorado residents can enjoy a special free day at the Denver Botanic Gardens on October 16 and at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield on Oct. 6.
• Living bronze sculptures by Robert Wick -- April 20 through October 31
• 7th Annual Corn Maze -- September 8 through October 31
• 18th Annual Pumpkin Festival -- October 14 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Denver Botanic Gardens is located at 1005 York Street in Denver.  
For more information, call 720-865-3500 or visit www.botanicgardens.org.
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is located at 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Rd. in Littleton,
For more information, call 303-973-3705.

Rain Pryor, Daughter of Richard Pryor, Speaks Out About MS
Rain Pryor, daughter of the late comedian Richard Pryor, will be speaking at The National MS Society’s annual Women Against MS Luncheon (WAMS) at the Seawall Grand Ballroom in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Tues., Sept. 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Ms. Pryor will share her story of how MS affected her father and her own life. When Richard Pryor was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it was Rain who was by his side. She has since dedicated her life to finding a cure for MS. In reaction to the high prevalence of multiple sclerosis among women, WAMS has become an important educational and fundraising event, bringing women together to learn more about multiple sclerosis and raise funds for research.
For more information, call Lori Leidholm at 303-813-6687 or visit fightmscolorado.org.
           
CBCC Honors Corporate, Political And Entrepreneurial Leadership
The Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) announces its Eighteenth Annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and Dinner on Sat., Sept. 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Denver Marriott City Center Hotel, 1701 California St. in downtown Denver. Business awards will be presented in several categories. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will go toward college scholarships given to African American high school seniors.
The theme for this year’s event, From Civil Rights to Silver Rights, speaks to the focus on teaching financial independence and empowerment in the African American community. The Mistress of Ceremonies will be Ms. Bazi Kanani, anchor for KUSA 9NEWS. John Hope Bryant CEO of Operation HOPE is the keynote speaker. Entertainment will feature The Mary Louise Lee Band and Mr. Danny Showers. Individual tickets are $100 each, with a number of sponsorships available.
For more information, call the CBCC office at 303-831-0720 or visit www.coloradoblackchamber.org.

CORE Celebrates 25th Anniversary
CORE New Art Space will be celebrating past and present members of the cooperative during its 25th Anniversary show on Fri., Sept.15 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the gallery at 900 Santa Fe Dr. in Denver, featuring music by Del Clark and the Margarita Brothers. The event will also include a three-day Artist Lecture Series given by current and past CORE members who will talk about their latest work. The show will run from Sept.14 to 30.
For more information, call 303-297-8428 or visit www.corenewartspace.com.

Dinner for Muslim Spokesman Scheduled
On Fri. and Sat., Sept. 15 to 16, the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology, in conjunction with several local interfaith associations, will host Imam W. Deen Mohammed, Muslim American Spokesman. A dinner event, public interview and lecture are scheduled for his brief visit to Denver. Tickets are $50 per person and $500 per table of ten. 
For more information, call 303-297-8010 or e-mail NDIC34@aol.com.

Airport Announces Plans For DIA Day
Denver International Airport recently announced plans for the upcoming DIA Day scheduled for Fri., Sept. 22 beginning at 8 a.m. The full day of speakers, workshops and a trade fair will take place at the Holiday Inn, at I-70 and Chambers Rd. DIA Day brings businesses together in a workshop setting with the airport’s leading experts in their fields. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from real airport minority and women business owners who will share their experiences in a panel setting. Denver City Council President Michael Hancock, District 11, will kick off the day’s activities. DIA Day is part of this year’s celebration of MED Week, a series of workshops and networking events conducted throughout the city to support and honor successful minority businesses in Colorado. There is no cost for “DIA Day.” However, advance registration is required.
For more information or to register, call 303-342-2924 or visit www.flydenver.com.                                                           
New Festival International To Celebrate Metro Area's Many Nationalities
The Northern Aurora Business Association presents New Festival International from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat., Sept. 16, at Fletcher Plaza on East Colfax in Original Downtown Aurora. This inaugural event highlights the music, dance, food, children's activities, and arts and crafts of more than 20 nationalities representing five continents. Entertainment will be provided by cultural groups representing such countries as Somalia, Ethiopia, Spain, Ireland, Brazil, Japan, China, the Sudan, Mexico and Polynesia. Visitors will be able to sample food from Vietnam, Ethiopia, Peru and other countries. A World Market will feature arts and crafts from several countries around the world. Passport to Culture, a children's activity area, will feature hands-on, interactive cultural activities. This event is free to the public.
For more information, call 303-361-6169 or visit www.aurorabusiness.org.

Grand Design Fundraiser Scheduled                              
Aurora’s only African American performing arts company, Grand Design, Inc. presents A GRAND TASTE, sponsored by Carrabba’s Italian Grill. This fourth annual fundraiser will be held on Fri, Sept. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St. in Aurora and will feature fine foods, wine tasting and stellar performances. Tickets are $50 per person.
For ticket information, call 303-632-0927 or visit www.grandbydesign.com.            

AIDS Walk Colorado & Inaugural AIDS Run Bring Community Together
The 19th Annual AIDS Walk Colorado & Inaugural AIDS Run will take place on Sun., Sept. 10. AIDS Walk Colorado is a 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) fundraising walkathon that begins and ends in Denver’s Cheesman Park. New for 2006 is the Inaugural AIDS Run, a 5k running race sanctioned by the USA Track & Field Association. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 9:30. In addition to raising money for Colorado AIDS Project, the event benefits the fundraising teams of 30 AIDS service and education providers in Colorado.
For more information, call 303-837-0166 or visit ColoradoAIDSProject.org.

FACE It Hosts Benefit
FACE IT, the Family Advocacy and Crisis Education Intervention Team, is hosting a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction to benefit the program and raise funds to do additional work in the community. The event will be held on Thurs., Sept. 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Above the Rim Wine Shoppe at 1936 Pennsylvania St. in Denver. The cost is $25 per person.
For more information, call 303-377-0046 or e-mail faceit@faceitcommunity.org. 
                   
Exhibit Space Available For Health Organizations
Colorado health organizations are invited to exhibit at the Culture of Data conference: Moving from Data to Impact, Working Together: The 2006 Health Disparities in Colorado conference and the Mental Health Disparities Summit. The conferences will take place from Oct. 11 to 13 at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities located at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd.
There is no exhibit fee for non-profit organizations or businesses; however registration is required.
For more information, call Catia Chávez at 303-692-2087.

HATS Off To Big Start
HATS! The New Musical For The Rest Of Your Life begins performances at The New Denver Civic Center Theatre at 721 Santa Fe Dr. in Denver on Sat., Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Opening night is Wed. Oct. 11 at 6:45 p.m. Performances are Tues. through Fri. at 7:30 p.m. and Sat. at 5:30 p.m. with matinees Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Tickets are $39.50 and are available at the DCT box office.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 303-309-3773 or visit www.ticketswest.com.

Alzheimers Walk Slated For September
A walk to benefit Alzheimers research will take place on Sept. 16 at City Park.
For more information, or to make a donation, call Francene at 303-399-5524.