June & July

Oscar Wilde in Leadville
Saturday, June 27, 6-8 p.m.
The Tabor Opera House
308 Harrison Avenue, Leadville CO 80461

Celebrating Leadville’s First Annual LERCH (Leadville Enrichment, Relaxation, Crafts and History), Fresh City Life presents our favorite Denver actor, Ed Cord, in a role he originated last year – Oscar Wilde. Wilde came to Denver in 1882 on a lecture tour to promote the latest operetta from Gilbert and Sullivan. And the man who would become one of the finest playwrights in Europe took a side trip to Leadville to lecture the hard-bitten miners, soiled doves and straight-laced women that populated Colorado’s most exciting and dangerous city. As a guest of Horace Tabor, Wilde even took a detour to the bottom of the Matchless Mine where he shared what he described as a “five course meal” with the miners which consisted of “first course: whiskey, second course: whiskey, third course: whiskey….”

This engaging and historic event will be held at the Tabor Opera House, the venue where Wilde held court for his lecture in 1882. Wilde was particularly keen to perform in the Leadville Opera House when he was told that, because of inclement weather, a public hanging had been held on the stage only days before his arrival. See and hear Oscar Wilde in all his Wild West glory at this special one-night-only event.

Tickets for this event can be purchased through Denver Bookbinding Company at www.denverbook.com or 303-455-5521; general admission is $15, chartered transportation and general admission is $30. For additional information on this event and transportation to Leadville, please contact cloffel@denverlibrary.org or call 720-865-1205.

Freestyle Crafting - No Registration Required
Saturdays, June 6 and July 11, 1-4:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

One Saturday each month, Fresh City Life opens its doors for all crafters. Freestyle crafters are welcome to bring in their own portable projects and work in our Fresh City Lounge while enjoying the company of other crafters, sharing ideas and tips. At the same time, our new Craft Services debuts: enjoy technique based craft instruction with one of our fabulous Craftinatrixes. In addition, we're creating a section of Brown Bag Crafts: easy and fun packaged crafts that you can do in the lounge or take with you for satellite crafting elsewhere! Brown Bag Crafts are also a great way to do a good deed; they can be purchased inexpensively and all proceeds go to adult cultural programming at the Denver Public Library; or rack up some extra karma points when you trade your non-perishable food items for a craft project to go—we'll donate your food items to a local food bank and everybody wins!

June Craft Services: Needle Felting: Rocky Mountain Fairies -
This class is full, registration is closed.
Saturday, June 6, 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Learn a fabulous craft that is finding new ground with artists and fiber fanatics – needle felting. Expert crafter Gail Lindley demonstrates the basics of this traditional process to make a fairy or forest gnome doll; at the same time she’ll show you techniques for further exploration in this trendy art form. This class is full, registration is closed.


July Craft Services: All Tied Up in Knots – Beginning Macramé - This class is full, registration is closed.
Saturday, July 11, 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Put your macramé owl wall hanging in a garage sale, and come to this class to learn some new ways of knotting that will bring macramé back without making you feel like you’re in the road show of Saturday Night Fever. This class is full, registration is closed.

Freestyle Knitting - No Registration Required
Every Monday, 5-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Get out amongst 'em! Fresh City Life offers a great space for knitters and needleworkers of all stripes in our new Monday night salons. Every Monday evening the Fresh City Lounge is open for freestyle stitchers to come in and enjoy the company of other knitters. There will also be instructors on hand in case you knit yourself into a corner! In addition to freestyle knitting and handwork, each month will feature a guided class (see below) for a variety of knitting and crocheting techniques for beginners and advanced students.

June: Sticks and String: Beginning Knitting - This class is full, registration is closed.
Mondays, June 8, 15, 22 and 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Fresh City Life has been hosting beginning knitting classes for five years and has helped create hundreds of new knitters with the aid of our expert knitting teachers, Jani Fellows and Heather McKenzie. Beginning Knitting is a four-night workshop. Materials list will be provided with registration confirmation. This class is full, registration is closed.

July: Shibori Felting - This class is full, registration is closed.
Mondays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Shibori is the Japanese technique of manipulating fabric to create textural effects. In this class, you’ll learn to apply Shibori techniques to your felted knitting projects. Heather McKenzie leads this class that focuses on an elegant Shibori scarf. Materials list will be provided with registration confirmation. This class is full, registration is closed.

How Money Works — Six Key Strategies
Tuesday, June 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

Tame your finances with the information you’ll hear in this workshop hosted by the caring and knowledgeable experts at the Women’s Financial Network. The WFN sponsors free interactive workshops that help hard working Coloradans make the most of their paychecks. Though the Women’s Financial Network does offer ‘women-only’ seminars, this event is open to all.

Sunday, June 14, 4-6:30 p.m.
Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge
930 Lincoln Street, Denver CO 80203

‘Swish’ is the sound that silk makes when it rustles. Inspired by chic and fun ‘swishing parties’ in London, Fresh City Life is teaming up with Dazzle Jazz to bring you a fabulous party where you’ll leave with your wallet intact and your outfit in style. Here’s how it works: Come to Dazzle with a few pieces of high quality clothing or accessories that you’d be proud to give to a close friend. Enjoy a free wine tasting with nibbles provided by Dazzle while you browse the fashions that others have brought to swap. At the appointed hour (5:30 p.m. to be exact), the Swish will begin. Claim your favored piece of fashion – if you get there first! It’s all for fun so remember: no scratching, spitting or biting. Party and display of swap items begins at 4 p.m. (please bring your items no later than 4:30 p.m.). And the swank cats at Dazzle have got a great evening of entertainment planned, so you can continue your evening there if you like! Swishing is free and open to the public, but you must bring swappable fashion to participate. For more info about Dazzle, go to dazzlejazz.com. Please RSVP online.

Denver's amazing advocates for writers young and old, Art from Ashes, conducts bimonthly writing classes for those interested in all aspects of the power of words. Each month will feature a two-part workshop with guided exploration on relevant topics like prose and poetry fundamentals, personal style, new writing approaches and autobiographical storytelling. The first night of the month will focus on techniques and methods for getting your words down on paper; the second workshop will be centered on sharing what you've written and constructive discussion for honing your skills. 

June WordShop: Power Up - This class is full, registration is closed.
Tuesdays, June 16 and June 30
6-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Focus on specific writing techniques that channel self-empowerment and help to break the legacy of need. You’ll learn to recognize that sometimes the important people in your life can’t give you what they don’t have to give, but that you have reserves of compassion, understanding and generosity that you can share with yourself and your readers. This class is full, registration is closed.

July WordShop: Back to the Future - This class is full, registration is closed.
Tuesdays, July 14 and July 28
6-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

It’s your story and only you can tell it. Explore autobiographical writing that generates positive emotions and exorcises negative feelings from your past. Telling your story IS the happy ending! This class is full, registration is closed.

August WordShop: Prepare for Impact - This class is full, registration is closed.
Tuesdays, August 11 and August 25
6-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Discover how incoming stimulus from the world around you impacts your writing. Tap into methods for a meaningful dialog between your thinking, your behavior and what’s happening externally. This class is full, registration is closed.

September WordShop: Song for Myself - This class is full, registration is closed.
Tuesdays, September 15 and September 29
6-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Write about your place in the world. Learn to embrace your identity – your past, present and future – based on the knowledge that you are valuable and divine and even beautifully imperfect. This class is full, registration is closed.

Land of Silence and Darkness - Tuesday, June 16, 6-9 p.m.

Little Dieter Needs to Fly - Tuesday, June 23, 6-9 p.m.

Wheel of Time - Tuesday, June 30, 6-9 p.m.

Grizzly Man - Tuesday, July 7, 6-9 p.m.

Encounters at the End of the World - Tuesday, July 14, 6-9 p.m.

All films will be shown in the Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center.

Go to the Film Series page for more details.

Playing Dog - Registration Required
Saturday, June 20, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

When DIY goddess, Trish Tilly, isn’t dreaming up mad crafts in her studio, she’s raisin’ and lovin’ a whole family of dogs – as well as running a doggy day care. So she knows how to combine her two favorite loves: dogs and makin’ stuff. In this workshop you’ll learn how to create toys for Fido: two easy braided tug toys and a fleece pompon ball. Did you know that fleece toys act as a toothbrush for dogs at the same time as entertaining them? All materials provided. Registration is required. Please register online or call 720-865-1206. Learn all about Trish and her dog complex at www.allaboutpaws.org.

Dog is my Co-pilot - Registration Required
Saturday, July 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Have dog, will travel? Then Trish has got two tempting projects for you before you start any journey with Fido: a collapsible travel water/food bowl made from oil cloth, and a fabu travel dog bed that will have your pooch sleeping (and sitting) pretty. Materials provided for water/food bowl project; instructions provided for travel dog bed. Registration is required. Please register online or call 720-865-1206.

Nuts 'n Bolts Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop
Sundays, June 21 and July 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Central Library, Acoma Plaza (outside the west entrance)

Please note: the end time for Nuts 'n Bolts has been changed from 4:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or someplace in between, come to the free Nuts 'n Bolts Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop to learn how you can maintain and repair your own bike.

Your bike – build it  fix it  ride it  love it.

Go to the Nuts 'n Bolts page for more details.

Bring your knitting or any favored handwork and watch a free movie in the Fresh City Lounge. KnitFlix is a relaxed film presentation—so film buffs beware: there will be occasional talking, munching, sipping and laughing during this event. Please bring your favorite beverage in a container with a lid.

Damn Yankees (1958)
Starring Gwen Verdon, Tab Hunter, Ray Walston. 111 minutes. Unrated.
Tuesday, June 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Down Argentine Way (1940)
Starring Carmen Miranda, Betty Grable, Don Ameche. 89 minutes. Unrated.
Tuesday, July 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

A Moveable Feast
Saturdays, July 11, 18 and 25, and August 1,
10:30 a.m.-12 noon
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

Join us for the return of our brilliant cooking instructor, Chef Shellie Kark, as she explores excellent al fresco foods – A Moveable Feast.

Saturday, July 11 – Appetizer: Salmon Rillettes with Croutons, Olives with Lemon and Fennel

Saturday, July 18 – Main Dish: Smokey Chicken Brochettes with Sauce Romesco

Saturday, July 25 – Sides: Ratatouille of the Countryside

Saturday, August 1 – Dessert: Blueberry Lemon Parfait

In addition, we’ll also be fostering some friendly rivalry when Fresh City Life hosts several Chef Throwdowns – and you’ll pick the winner. Check back for details or become a fan of Fresh City Life at facebook.com.

Potato Salad Wars – Recipe Contest
Recipes must be received by Tuesday, July 21
Judging will be held on Saturday, August 1

In celebration of long, summer days and our cooking series on al fresco dining in July and August, Fresh City Life is teaming up with our partners Whole Foods Market, Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge, and The Seasoned Chef Cooking School for a food challenge for all interested cooks. Share your recipe and you could win a $200 shopping spree at Whole Foods Market, brunch for two at Dazzle every Sunday in August, a free class at The Seasoned Chef, and have your winning recipe featured on the brunch menu at Dazzle for the month of August! Go to the Potato Salad Wars page for more details.

Overdue Love Club - Registration Required
Friday, July 17, 6:30-8 p.m.
Michelangelo's Wine & Coffee Bar
1 Broadway at Broadway & Ellsworth

Fresh City Life is pairing up with local author and Dr. John Gray protégé Janice Hoffman to bring you the Overdue Love Club, a singles' night for intelligent people. Come chat with other interesting singles while indulging in wine and complimentary coffee. Go to the Overdue Love Club page for more details. Registration is required, please register online or call 720-865-1206.

WordNerds
Wednesdays, August 26, September 30 and October 28, 5-8 p.m.
Novo Coffee
1200 Acoma, across from the Denver Art Museum Hamilton Building

Fresh City Life is partnering with Novo Coffee to bring word nerds, bibliophiles and grammar freaks together once a month to test their skill, learn new small words and find like-minded friends (who can appreciate the alternate spelling of "Chi" as "Qi"). Go to the WordNerds page for more details.

Recycled Fashion: Tightening Our (Cute) Belts - This class is full, registration is closed.
Saturday, July 25, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Our new craftinatrix, Sarah Moss, will show you how to tighten your belt, and still look fabulous doing it. Learn how to create personalized belts, jewelry and more from old magazines and crafting supplies – all while saving things from a trip to the landfill. These adorable accessories are easy, chic and allow your creativity to soar. All materials provided. This class is full, registration is closed.

Keeping Our Soldiers Warm All Over the World!

Fresh City Life is partnering with the Rocky Mountain USO to create knitted items for care packages for our service men and women overseas.

It's easy to join the project: just knit a cap or two and deliver them to the Fresh City Life office, in the Central Library (Fresh City Life is located on Level One, west entrance) and we'll bundle them up and deliver them to the Rocky Mountain USO.  They'll package the caps with other donated gifts and essentials for our soldiers and send them off.

Go to the Knitting for Our Troops page for more details and a pattern for a great cool weather cap.

A sign language interpreter will be provided upon request with five business days notice. Call 720-913-8484 TTY or contact Lorrie.Kosinski@ci.denver.co.us.

Join Fresh City Friends to support the 2009 Fresh City Life classes and events.

In appreciation for your gift, you'll receive:

• Special recognition in the Fresh City Life brochures
• Invitations to VIP events
• Acknowledgment in the Annual Report

Fabulous Fresh City Friends $1,000+
Fresh City Friends $500+

Thank you to our first Fabulous Fresh City Friends, Steve Savageau and Reba Lee!

For membership information, contact Laurie Romer, Denver Public Library Friends Foundation, at LRomer@denverlibrary.org or call 720-865-2050.

For information about Corporate Sponsorship, contact Brenda Cook at 720-865-2046 or bcook@denverlibrary.org.