Active Minds, Denver Area Events – Feb. 2014
The Active Minds events listed below are open to the public. Please call to RSVP.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014, 10:15-11:15 am
The Great Depression
Join Active Minds for a look back at the Great Depression. We will examine the origins of the depression and its legacy as well as take a look at it through the lens of our current economic environment.
Location: Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia St, Denver, CO 80246… map
Cost: Free
RSVP not required; for info, call Lil Shaw: 303-316-6359
* * * Special Event * * *
Monday, February 3, 2014, 1:00-3:00 pm (1:00 reception, 1:30 program)
Eleanor Roosevelt
As the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt was both outspoken and, at times, quite controversial. Join Active Minds as we examine her life and the impact it had on important causes such as human rights and the successful launch of the United Nations.
Location: Sunrise at Flatirons, 400 Summit Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80021… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-466-2422
* * * Special Event * * *
Wednesday, February 5, 2014, 1:00-3:00 pm (1:00 reception, 1:30 program)
The Challenges of Mexico
Join Active Minds for an in-depth look at Mexico. We will cover Mexican history and recent events as we seek to understand how this country fits in the regional puzzle of North, Central and South America. We will examine key issues in Mexican relations with the U.S. such as violence associated with drug trafficking, trade agreements and immigration.
Location: Vita Flats, 101 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 720-242-7804
* * * Members Only Event * * *
Thursday, February 6, 2014, 6:30-8:30 pm (program starts promptly at 6:30 pm)
Olympic Figure Skating: >From the Judge’s Perspective
On the eve of the opening ceremonies for the Sochi Winter Olympics, join us for this very specialMembers Only Event in which our speaker, Peggy Graham, an international figure skating judge, will take us “behind the scenes” for a look at the world of elite skating from the perspective of the judge. Peggy will explain how competitions are organized and how judges watch and score figure skating routines. It’s a perfect primer for watching your favorite skaters compete on the world’s greatest stage. This event is sponsored by InnovAge.
Location: Thornton. Members will be provided with exact location.
Cost: Free for paying Active Minds members. For membership information, click here.
RSVP: info@activeminds.com or 303-320-7652
Friday, February 7, 2014, 11:00-noon, refreshments at 10:45
Cuba: Past, Present & Future
Less than 100 miles from the United States, Cuba remains a mystery to many in the U.S. Join Active Minds for a past, present and future look at our communist neighbor to the south. We will cover Castro’s revolution, the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Guantánamo Bay and ongoing property disputes. We will also take a look at what the future holds for Cuba after Fidel and Raúl Castro. This event is sponsored by Senior Helpers.
Location: Allied Jewish Apartments, 22 S Adams St, Denver, CO 80209… map. Please note: This is the building on the east side of Adams (different from past). Please go to the Shul Classroom on the 2nd floor.
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not necessary
Parking: Primarily street parking. Some passes for the lot are available by calling 303-399-1146.
Tuesday, February 11, 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.
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Lakewood, 8210 W 10th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 12:30-1:30 pm
China: The Superpower
The world has changed. There is no denying the prominent role of China in the world today. They are a formidable military presence. Their economy is projected to exceed that of the U.S. within five years. Their political influence reaches every part of the Globe. And nearly 20% of the world lives there. Join Active Minds as we seek to understand a shifting world order and what it means for the United States. This event is sponsored by Vi Living.
Location: Tattered Cover, 9315 Dorchester St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129… map
Cost: Free
Info: 303-470-7050
Wednesday, February 12, 2014, 12:45–1:45 pm
Chocolate
The story of chocolate is a “rich” tale indeed. It involves aristocracy and slavery, innovation and coincidence. Pivotal roles were played by both Christopher Columbus and Hernando Cortéz. Join Active Minds as we describe how extremely bitter cacao beans are transformed into one of the world’s most sought after flavors and tell chocolate stories such as the rise the luxury chocolate industry in Switzerland and the origins of the Hershey company. This event is sponsored by InnovAge.
Location: Thornton Senior Center, 9471 Dorothy Blvd, Thornton, CO 80229… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Thornton Senior Center: 303-255-7850
Wednesday, February 12, 2014, 3:00-4:00 pm
Olympics
The Olympic Games, born of diplomatic and political design, have always played an important role in international politics. The Olympics provide a stage for both international cooperation and peaceful competition, as well as international conflict and confrontation. Join Active Minds as we explore the rich history of the Olympic Games and how the games have been involved in a variety of international political issues over the years.
Location: RiverPointe, 5225 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80123… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: RiverPointe: 303-797-0600
Thursday, February 13, 2014, 7:00-8:00 pm
The Korean War
Join Active Minds for a look at the origins, key events, and the lasting legacy of this conflict. We will also examine the role played by the United States, China, and the Soviet Union as part of the broader Cold War.
Location: Stapleton Master Community Association, 2823 Roslyn St, Denver, CO 80238… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
* * * Special Event * * *
Saturday, February 15, 2014, 10:00-noon (10:00 reception, 10:30 program)
Understanding the Affordable Care Act
With many provisions recently taking effect, the Affordable Care Act is once again in the national spotlight. Join Active Minds as we review the major elements of what has become known as “Obamacare” and take a look at how these changes will be implemented and their likely impact on individuals and businesses.
Location: Fairway Villas Clubhouse, 5223 Espana St, Denver, CO 80249… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-486-8713
Sunday, February 16, 2014, 2:00-3:00 pm
Privacy vs Protection in the War on Terror
Join Active Minds for a discussion of the tension between combating terrorism and protecting individual privacy rights. We will review various domestic surveillance techniques used by the government and explore the implications for how far this power should extend.
Location: Roxborough Library, 8357 N Rampart Range Rd, #200, Littleton, CO 80125… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-791-7323
Monday, February 17, 2014, 1:00-2:00 pm
Chocolate
The story of chocolate is a “rich” tale indeed. It involves aristocracy and slavery, innovation and coincidence. Pivotal roles were played by both Christopher Columbus and Hernando Cortéz. Join Active Minds as we describe how extremely bitter cacao beans are transformed into one of the world’s most sought after flavors and tell chocolate stories such as the rise the luxury chocolate industry in Switzerland and the origins of the Hershey company.
Location: Keystone Place at Legacy Ridge, 11180 Irving Dr, Westminster, CO 80031… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Keystone Place: 303-465-5600
Tuesday, February 18, 2014, 2:00-3:00 pm
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 InnovAge.
Location: Heather Gardens, 2888 S Heather Gardens Way, Aurora, CO 80014… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 720-974-6931
Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 1:30-2:30 pm
Olympics
The Olympic Games, born of diplomatic and political design, have always played an important role in international politics. The Olympics provide a stage for both international cooperation and peaceful competition, as well as international conflict and confrontation. Join Active Minds as we explore the rich history of the Olympic Games and how the games have been involved in a variety of international political issues over the years.
Location: Washington Street Community Center, 809 S Washington St, Denver, CO 80209… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-733-4643
* * * Special Event * * *
Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 1:45-3:30 pm (program at 2:00)
The U.S. Internment of Japanese-Americans
Months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 authorizing the internment of over 100,000 Japanese-Americans. Join Active Minds as we seek to understand this dark chapter in American history and what we learned as a nation from this experience.
Location: Covenant Village of Colorado, 9153 Yarrow St, Westminster, CO 80021… map. CRC does not discriminate pursuant to the Fair Housing Act.
Cost: Free
Misc: Doors open at 1:45; please arrive and be seated by 2:00 for the start of the program.
RSVP: 303-515-6351
Thursday, February 20, 2014, 2:00-3:00 pm
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 Springbrooke, Garden Plaza of Aurora,MorningStar at Dayton Place and Juniper Village at Aurora.
Location: Windsor Gardens, 597 S Clinton St, Denver, CO 80247… map
Cost: Free
Thursday, February 20, 2014, 2:30-3:30 pm
Eleanor Roosevelt
As the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt was both outspoken and, at times, quite controversial. Join Active Minds as we examine her life and the impact it had on important causes such as human rights and the successful launch of the United Nations.
Location: Atria Inn at Lakewood, 555 S Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80226… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-742-4800
Monday, February 24, 2014, 2:30-3:30 pm
Chopin and the Piano
“Hats off, gentleman — a genius!” So raved Robert Schumann when he first encountered the music of a shy young man from Poland named Frederic Chopin. And who could resist the sweep and gracefulness of all those memorable works for piano? Unlike other composers of the day, Chopin showed no interest in the more fashionable world of opera and orchestra — instead focusing solely on piano pieces that mixed moonstruck melodies with fiery virtuosity. In this Active Minds program, we’ll hear some of his hits as we trace the short life of a true romantic with glorious musical gifts.
Location: Springbrooke, 6800 Leetsdale Dr, Denver, CO 80224… map
Cost: Free
RSVP Required: Springbrooke: 303-331-9963
Misc: Limited seating. No groups please.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 5:30-6:30 pm
Understanding the Affordable Care Act
With many provisions taking effect in January, the Affordable Care Act is once again in the national spotlight. Join Active Minds as we review the major elements of what has become known as “Obamacare” and take a look at how these changes will be implemented and their likely impact on individuals and businesses.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax, Denver, CO 80206… map
Cost: Free
Info: 303-322-7727
Thursday, February 27, 2014, 7:00-8:00 pm
Putin’s Russia
Having influenced the country far beyond the term of his first official Presidency and now having returned to the role and consolidated his power, Vladimir Putin’s leadership of Russia suggests a return to an authoritarianism that, for some, feels similar to the days of Soviet control and the Czars of old. Join Active Minds as we examine the story of Russia under the influence of Vladimir Putin.
Location: Stapleton Master Community Association, 2823 Roslyn St, Denver, CO 80238… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
Friday, February 28, 2014, 10:00-11:00 am
Egypt in Turmoil
The civil unrest that began in late January 2011 with the ouster of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak continues to roil this critically important Arab country. Subsequent President Mohammad Morsi, an Islamist and Egypt’s first freely elected leader, was ousted by the army in July 2013 after mass protests. Join Active Minds as we explore the origins and implications of Egypt’s current situation and where this story may go from here. This program is sponsored by JFS At Home.
Location: Malley Senior Center, 3380 S Lincoln St, Englewood, CO 80110… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-762-2660
Misc: If parking in the lot, get pass from inside center
Friday, February 28, 2014, 2:30-3:30 pm
Eleanor Roosevelt
As the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt was both outspoken and, at times, quite controversial. Join Active Minds as we examine her life and the impact it had on important causes such as human rights and the successful launch of the United Nations.
Location: The Cottages at Dayton Place, 2032 S Dayton Ct, Denver, CO 80247… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-751-5150