Active Minds: Boulder, Longmont, Louisville Area Events – Mar. 2014

The Active Minds events listed below are open to the public. Please call to RSVP.

Monday, March 10, 2014, 11:00-noon
Sudan
Join Active Minds for a discussion of the separation of Sudan into two countries after decades of civil war.  We will also cover the genocidal crisis in the Darfur region.  We will examine the origins and current status of the conflicts, including the role of colonialism, tribal ethnicity and religion.  We will also look at the international response and the prospects for long-term peace in the region. This event is sponsored by The Carillon at Boulder Creek.
Location: West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Friday, March 14, 2014, 10:00-11:00 am
Mount Everest
As the tallest mountain in the world, Everest holds a special place in the minds and hearts of many.  It has religious significance for inhabitants of the region; additionally, it captivates the many mountaineers who have attempted to summit it and thus stand “on top of the world.”  Join Active Minds as we explore the stories of Everest—both triumphs and tragedies—and examine different perspectives on the mountain’s past, present, and future.
Location: Lafayette Senior Center, 103 S Iowa, Lafayette, CO 80026… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Registration is appreciated, but not required. Click here for registration info.
Questions: Lafayette Senior Center: 303-665-9052

Monday, March 24, 2014, 11:00-noon
Colombia: A Powder Keg? 
The government of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos is in the midst of a number of delicate and dangerous situations, most prominently the peace talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Colombia continues to experience high levels of violence between leftist rebels, right-wing paramilitary groups, as well as between drug cartels and the government forces trying to quell their activity. Extreme economic disparities and a Free Trade Agreement with the United States whose long-term costs and benefits for Colombians are as of yet unknown add to the already great uncertainty of Colombia’s path forward. Join Active Minds as we examine these tensions and what they portend for Colombia’s future. This event is sponsored by Balfour Senior Living.
Location: East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, CO 80303… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

* * * Special Event * * *
Thursday, April 3, 2014, 2:30-3:30 pm
Benjamin Franklin
As perhaps one of the most colorful Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin lived a life of lasting impact.  As politician, publisher, inventor and diplomat, Franklin left his mark on all he touched.  Join Active Minds as we trace the life of this extraordinary man and tell some of the stories that mark his legacy.
Location: The Carillon at Boulder Creek, 2525 Taft Dr, Boulder, CO 80302… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 720-565-6844
Misc: Valet parking will be available for this event.

* * * Special Event * * *
Monday, April 7, 2014, 1:00-3:00 pm (1:00 reception, 1:30 program)
Gay Marriage
Perhaps one of the most significant social issues of our time, Gay Marriage is both emotionally charged and politically divisive.  The future of this issue is being played out in legislatures and courtrooms across America and is likely to be heard by the Supreme Court within the next couple years.  Join Active Minds as we examine the issues involved in the legalization/banning of Gay Marriage.
Location: Sunrise at Flatirons, 400 Summit Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80021… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-466-2422

Monday, April 14, 2014, 11:00-noon
Germany
As the European Union struggles with a variety of complex issues, many of them financial, Germany has emerged as a critical player in the development of economic policy for the region.  German elections served as a referendum on how the German government, under the leadership of Angela Merkel, has performed in the eyes of Germans.  Join Active Minds as we explore the role of Germany in the world as well as how the process of German reunification has evolved, especially given Merkel’s roots in the government of the former Communist East Germany. This event is sponsored by The Carillon at Boulder Creek and JFS At Home.
Location: West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Monday, April 28, 2014, 11:00-noon
The State of the European Union 
Formed in the wake of World War II, the European Union was created to provide a unified trading bloc for Western Europe.  As the EU has grown, it has faced obstacles to integration, such as the addition of Central and Eastern European countries and partial adoption of the euro.  Now, years later, the EU faces economic and political threats from challenges arising from debt-laden member countries.  Join Active Minds as we explore the historical roots of the formation of the EU as well as the economic and social issues that challenge its future. This event is sponsored by Balfour Senior Living.
Location: East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, CO 80303… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Monday, May 5, 2014, 11:00-noon
The Struggle of Syria 
Since gaining its independence from the French in 1946, Syria has had a rocky and troubled history and recent events are no exception.  Located in one of the most conflict ridden parts of the world, Syria’s turmoil has involved both its regional neighbors as well as its own internal factions that have made self-rule a challenging goal.  Join Active Minds as we seek to understand Syria’s history and recent atrocities and how this informs current and future challenges for this pivotal player in the Middle East. This event is sponsored by Balfour Senior Living.
Location: East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, CO 80303… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Monday, May 12, 2014, 11:00-noon
North Korea 
Join Active Minds for a discussion of the history of North Korea and the development of the North Korean nuclear program.  We will cover the successes and shortcomings of diplomatic efforts between North Korea, the United States and other countries.  North Korea’s place in the world relative to global issues such as international trade and human rights issues will also be addressed as well as the transition from Kim Jong-Il to his youthful son Kim Jong-Un. This event is sponsored by The Carillon at Boulder Creek.
Location: West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Monday, June 9, 2014, 11:00-noon
Wildfires
For those who live in areas subject to fire, few things can be more frightening.  Join Active Minds as we address the issue of wildfires from a variety of perspectives.  We will take a look at how fires are fought once they are burning and the role of forest policy, weather, and newer challenges such as huge swaths of dead trees in many areas due to the pine beetle infestation.  We’ll also look at the role of fire in nature and how areas have recovered from devastating burns. This event is sponsored by The Carillon at Boulder Creek.
Location: West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Monday, June 23, 2014, 11:00-noon
Origins of World War I
As we approach the hundred year anniversary of the start of World War I, join Active Minds for a look at the origins and causes of “the Great War.”  Our focus will be on understanding how the stage was set for war by a variety of forces, including military alliances, imperialism, nationalism, and failed diplomacy.  We will trace the seeds of conflict and examine how they played out, ultimately erupting into a war that involved most of the world and changed the face of history. This event is sponsored by Balfour Senior Living.
Location: East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, CO 80303… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Monday, July 14, 2014, 11:00-noon
China‘s Human Rights Struggle
Twenty-five years ago, China’s human rights issues were showcased to the world by the Tiananmen Square Massacre.  Join Active Minds as we look at how modern China continues to struggle with the balance between authoritarian government and basic human rights.  We will highlight the ways in which Chinese society is restricted as we peer through the lens of American freedoms we sometimes take for granted. This event is sponsored by The Carillon at Boulder Creek.
Location: West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Monday, July 28, 2014, 11:00-noon
The Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of federal legislation that outlawed major forms of discrimination against minorities and women.  Join Active Minds as we examine the act 50 years later and evaluate its impact on civil rights in the United States. This event is sponsored by Balfour Senior Living.
Location: East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, CO 80303… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Monday, August 11, 2014, 11:00-noon
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Reflecting on Roosevelt’s presidency, his biographer commented that FDR “brought the United States through the Great Depression and World War II to a prosperous future.  He lifted himself from a wheelchair to lift the nation from its knees.”  Join Active Minds as we look at the life and leadership of one of our nation’s most admired presidents and examine how his legacy is currently viewed (for better or worse) through the lens of our recent challenges. This event is sponsored by The Carillon at Boulder Creek.
Location: West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148

Monday, August 25, 2014, 11:00-noon
The Life & Legacy of Richard Nixon
2013 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Richard Nixon.  From the opening of China to the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon’s presidency was both memorable and controversial.  Join Active Minds as we examine Nixon’s life before becoming president, his years as Commander-in-Chief, and his lasting impact on the country and the world. This event is sponsored by Balfour Senior Living.
Location: East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, CO 80303… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Boulder Senior Services: 303-441-3148