Jimmy's American Café has reopened on Eighth Street in West Des Moines, following a brief closure. The reopening, of course, means Jimmy Buffett fans will once again have an excuse to wear Hawaiian shirts - as if there's ever a good one - and drink margaritas - as if one were ever needed. Jimmy Buffett Night returned on Wednesday, and will continue every Wednesday starting at 4 p.m. featuring all Buffett music, all night long.

Drink liberally
On Thursday, May 5, Des Moines will become the location of the 67th Drinking Liberally chapter in the nation. Drinking Liberally is a drinking club where socializing and politics mix. The club will meet every Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Lift, 222 Fourth St.

Like the original chapter that started in New York's Hells Kitchen in 2003, weekly guests and regulars could very well include local politicians and their staffers, political organizers, activists, would-be volunteers or just newly interested conversationalists.

Benefit for
Rwandan children
Inyana, a non-profit organization, is holding a benefit to fund the education and healthcare of 61 children in a small orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda. "Project 61: Hope for Rwanda" will be held on May 14, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church. Participants will learn about Rwandan culture, enjoy authentic Rwandan foods and crafts and participate in a silent auction and drawing for prizes.

Thousands of children have lost their parents to genocide, poverty and AIDS. Money raised at the event will provide education and healthcare through 2005.

Tickets are $20 per person or $30 at the door. For tickets or information, call Juliette at 271-7449 or Jim at 961-1801.

Free Paps, mammograms
Broadlawns Medical Center will host a Women's Health Clinic on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Variety Club Women's Health Center, located on the third floor of the medical center at 1801 Hickman Road in Des Moines.

Women who qualify may receive a mammogram, breast exam, Pap smear and pelvic exam, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and counseling on birth control options. There may be a small fee for women who don't qualify. Pre-registration is required by calling 282-2224.

IMPA to host educational events
The 14th Annual Iowa Motion Picture Awards will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, with a full day of educational and professional events at the Savery hotel. The full-day event will feature workshops on technical, producing and writing topics including: how technology puts incredible tools in the hands of independent filmmakers; writing the first 10 minutes of a feature-length screenplay; and how to make a feature on a tight budget.

Following a networking dinner at 6 p.m. is the Iowa Motion Picture Awards ceremony, which will honor excellence in the Iowa production community.

For information or to make reservations, call Shirley Long at 964-4599, e-mail screenwriters@xrlink.com or visit impa.tv. CV

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