Active Minds, Denver Area Events – Mar. 2014
* * * Great Decisions Seminar Series * * *
1st Thursday of the month, March – October, 2014, 10:00-noon
Great Decisions 2014
The Great Decisions program materials are published annually by the Foreign Policy Association to provide expert content for discussion groups throughout the United States. Facilitated by Active Minds Co-Founder John Henderson, this group meets once per month for two hours, March through October. Participants get an in‑depth examination of topics in a smaller group setting with more discussion and interaction than most Active Minds programs. Topics for 2014 are: Defense Technology, Israel & the U.S., Turkey’s Challenges, Islamic Awakening, Energy Independence, Food & Climate, China’s Foreign Policy, and U.S. Trade Policy.
Location: Parkplace, 111 Emerson St, Denver, CO 80218… map
Series Cost: $200 for Active Minds members or Parkplace residents, $225 for non-members/non-residents. Cost includes materials. For membership information, click here.
Registration: Limited to first 25 participants who sign up. Mail check to Active Minds, 990 Krameria St, Denver, CO 80220. Tel: 303-320-7652.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014, 10:15-11:15 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. This event is sponsored by JFS At Homeand Allied Jewish Apartments.
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 * * *
Wednesday, March 5, 2014, 1:00-3:00 pm (1:00 reception, 1:30 program)
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.
Location: Vita Flats, 101 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 720-242-7804
Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 11:00-noon
Inventions that Changed the World
Human beings often invent by learning from nature and famous inventions frequently have as much to do with chance as they do with intelligence and curiosity. Join Active Minds as we tell the fascinating stories of inventions and inventors that changed the world. This class will cover the invention of the abacus, safety glass, the paper clip, and the hypodermic syringe.
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Lakewood, 8210 W 10th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 12:30-1:30 pm
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.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax, Denver, CO 80206… map
Cost: Free
Info: 303-322-7727
Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 3:00-4:00 pm
Sudan
Join Active Minds for a discussion of Sudan. After decades of civil war, Sudan split into two countries, only to have conflict arise within in the new country of South Sudan. 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 history of genocide in Darfur and how the international response to war in Sudan impacts the prospects for long-term peace in the region.
Location: RiverPointe, 5225 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80123… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: RiverPointe: 303-797-0600
Thursday, March 13, 2014, 7:00-8:00 pm
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: Stapleton Master Community Association, 2823 Roslyn St, Denver, CO 80238… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
Monday, March 17, 2014, 1:00-2:00 pm
Women of Denver History
The city of Denver was shaped by the efforts of many great people. Join Active Minds as we focus on the women of Denver and their contributions to the city and the state. We will cover some familiar names as well as some lesser known figures as we trace the impact of these women and their place in history.
Location: Keystone Place at Legacy Ridge, 11180 Irving Dr, Westminster, CO 80031… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Keystone Place: 303-465-5600
* * * Special Event * * *
Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 2-4 pm (program at 2:30)
The American West
Join Active Minds for an exploration of how the West was opened and won. We’ll tell the story from a variety of perspectives–from the early explorers who ventured into the unknown to the fortune seekers who raced to the Gold Rush. We’ll also include the often brutal elements of what was known at the time as “Manifest Destiny” including conflicts with Native Americans as well as Spanish Mexico, all of which added significant territory to the United States.
Location: Emeritus at Green Mountain, 12791 W Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80228… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-237-5700
Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 1:30-2:30 pm
Understanding the Affordable Care Act
With many provisions taking effect recently, 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. This event is sponsored by JFS At Home.
Location: Washington Street Community Center, 809 S Washington St, Denver, CO 80209… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-733-4643
* * * Special Event * * *
Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 1:45-3:30 pm (program at 2:00)
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.
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, March 20, 2014, 2:00-3:00 pm
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 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, March 20, 2014, 2:30-3:30 pm
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.
Location: Atria Inn at Lakewood, 555 S Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80226… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-742-4800
Monday, March 24, 2014, 2:30-3:30 pm
The Mayans
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is hosting an extraordinary Mayan exhibit from February 14th to August 24th, 2014. Join Active Minds for an overview of Mayan history, culture, art, and science. This program will provide attendees with a solid understanding of Mayan civilization and can serve as a perfect primer for those interested in attending the exhibit. Either way, attendees will leave with a greater appreciation for one of the great civilizations in the history of the world.
Location: Springbrooke, 6800 Leetsdale Dr, Denver, CO 80224… map
Cost: Free
RSVP Required: Springbrooke: 303-331-9963
Misc: Limited seating. No groups please.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 1:30-2:30 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: The Inn at Greenwood Village, 5565 S Yosemite St, Greenwood Village, CO 80111… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-327-7340 (Limited seating. Call for availability.)
Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 5:30-6:30 pm
The History of Rock ’n’ Roll
Emerging as a powerful force on the American music scene in the 1950’s, Rock music has evolved with the decades and now includes many variations that sound pretty different from the likes of Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. Join Active Minds as we return to the roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll and trace its history and cultural impact through the years.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax, Denver, CO 80206… map
Cost: Free
Info: 303-322-7727
Thursday, March 27, 2014, 7:00-8:00 pm
John F Kennedy
Join Active Minds for a look at the life and legacy of John F Kennedy. His brief presidency coincided with some of the most dramatic foreign policy events of his time including the construction of the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the escalation of the Vietnam War. In this program, we will cover these milestones, and also seek to go beyond them toward a deeper understanding of the man behind the public image.
Location: Stapleton Master Community Association, 2823 Roslyn St, Denver, CO 80238… map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
Friday, March 28, 2014, 10:00-11:00 am
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.
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