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

Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm
Abraham Lincoln
As we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, join Active Minds for a look at the man and the legend. He is rated by many as the greatest president in our country's history, yet there are as many fascinating myths as there are great true stories of his life. We will tell a few of these tales as well as reflect on how he changed history in ways that continue to this day. Sponsored by the Jefferson County RSVP Program.
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Lakewood, 8210 W 10th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
Cost: Free
For more info: Call Jeffco RSVP Program: 303-235-6907

Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 12:30-1:30 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: Tattered Cover, 9315 Dorchester St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 (call 303-470-7050 for directions)
Cost: Free

* * * Special Event * * *
Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 2:30-4:30 pm
Coffee & Chocolate
Join us for dessert with Active Minds! We will be sampling Coffee and Chocolate—with our mouths and our brains. While sipping, we will tell the story of coffee from its origins in Ethiopia to the Starbucks around the corner. While munching, we will cover the “rich” tale of chocolate, involving aristocracy and slavery, innovation and coincidence. We will discuss the different varieties of both coffee and chocolate and their unique characteristics as well the role they have played in global power, politics and intrigue.
Location: Cherry Creek Retirement Village, 14555 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80014
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-693-0200

Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 3:00-4:00 pm
The Life and Legacy of Ronald Reagan
From "supply side" economics to the end of the Cold War, Ronald Reagan presided over some of the most significant changes of 20th century. Frequently ranked in opinion polls among the most popular presidents, Reagan was both bold and controversial. Join Active Minds as we examine Reagan's life before becoming president, his years as Commander-in-Chief, and his lasting impact on the country and the world.
Location: RiverPointe, 5225 S. Prince St, Littleton, CO 80123
Cost: Free
RSVP: RiverPointe: 303-797-0600

* * * Special Event * * *
Thursday, Feb 11, 2010, 10:00-noon (10:00 reception, 10:30 program)
Abraham Lincoln
As we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, join Active Minds for a look at the man and the legend. He is rated by many as the greatest president in our country's history, yet there are as many fascinating myths as there are great true stories of his life. We will tell a few of these tales as well as reflect on how he changed history in ways that continue to this day.
Location: 1375 High Street, Denver, CO 80218
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-399-5555 (limited seating)

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 1:30-2:30 pm
South Africa: Journey from Apartheid
Join Active Minds as we explore the history of South Africa, its struggle with Apartheid, and its journey to rejoin the international community since Apartheid's end in 1994. We will discuss the role of immigration/colonialism, Nelson Mandela, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other important aspects of this story. We will end with a look at the current challenges and opportunities for this important country.
Location: Heritage Club Mountain View, 8101 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80247
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-803-1180

Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 11:00 am -12:00 noon (refreshments served at 10:45)
Abraham Lincoln
As we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, join Active Minds for a look at the man and the legend. He is rated by many as the greatest president in our country's history, yet there are as many fascinating myths as there are great true stories of his life. We will tell a few of these tales as well as reflect on how he changed history in ways that continue to this day. This program is sponsored by JFS At Home.
Location: Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape, Denver, CO 80220
Cost: Free
RSVP: Jodi: 303-388-4013 x307

Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 1:00-2:00 pm
Japan
From imperialist empire to economic power, Japan has a complicated and fascinating history. Join Active Minds as we trace the evolution of the modern Japanese state from its ancient roots to the present. We will cover the impact of Japan's involvement in World War II as well as their economic recession in the 1990's.
Location: The Village at Hampden Town Center, 3601 S Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80014
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-750-5400

Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 5:30-6:30 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: Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax (2 blocks east of York)
Cost: Free

Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 10:00 am
What Makes an Orchestra Special?
Join Active Minds as we delve in to the unique world of a symphony orchestra. What makes it tick (literally)? What are their origins? Who’s really in charge? Why do they sit where they do? Beautiful musical examples will highlight a discussion of ways you can enhance your appreciation of this universal experience. No prior music knowledge is necessary. Just bring your sense of humor and zest for great music!
Location: Malley Senior Center, 3380 S Lincoln St, Englewood, CO 80110
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-762-2660
Misc: If parking in the lot, get pass from inside center

Friday, February 26, 2010, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Brown v. the Board of Education
Join Active Minds for an in-depth look at school segregation and the landmark legal case on this topic. We discuss the historic doctrine of "separate but equal" and the social and historical implications of the 1954 Supreme Court decision that shattered it. We will also discuss current trends in the schools that are increasing “de facto” segregation.
Location: Thornton Senior Center, 9471 Dorothy Blvd, Thornton, CO 80229
Cost: Free
RSVP: Thornton Senior Center: 303-255-7850

Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 10:00 am
The History of Denver
Come learn the stories of the Mile High City. You will learn how our city was founded and the roles played by James Denver, Robert Speer, Ben Stapleton, and others. We will cover the booms and the busts and the story of why the 1976 Winter Olympics were not held here. Bring your favorite Denver trivia to share! This event is sponsored by JFS At Home.
Location: Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia St, Denver, CO 80246
Cost: Free
RSVP: Lil Shaw: 303-316-6359

* * * Special Event * * *
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 2:00-4:00 pm (2:00 program, 2:30 reception)
Water in Colorado
Water may well become the most disputed natural resource of the 21st century. Population growth, climate change, urbanization and other factors have put increasing pressure on a finite resource. Competing water interests have affected Colorado’s history for over 100 years. The legal right to divert and use water in Colorado has been debated, legislated and litigated since before the time of statehood in 1876. Join Active Minds as we seek to understand our water history, the current challenges, and what the future holds for our use of this precious resource.
Location: Garden Plaza of Aurora, 14221 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014
Directions: From I-225 & Iliff, go east 1 block and turn left (north) on S Blackhawk St, take the 3rd right on E Evans Ave and drive to the 2nd main entrance on your left.
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-750-0820

Sunday, March 7, 2010, 2:00-3:00 pm
Suffrage of Women in the U.S.
Join Active Minds as we tell the story of women’s right to vote in the United States. We will begin in the 1780’s when, state by state, women were excluded from the right to vote. We will then trace the suffrage movement that culminated in the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920. We will highlight the role of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and others as well as discuss prominent current women political figures such as Nancy Pelosi, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Hillary Clinton.
Location: Aurora Central Library, 14949 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012
Cost: Free
Call: Aurora Central Library at 303-739-6600

Monday, March 8, 2010, 2:30-3:30 pm
Paris: Biography of a City
Join Active Minds for the story of the City of Lights. We will trace the city's history from its Celtic origins through modern times. In the process, we'll visit with some of the city's most colorful characters and notable places, including the Eiffel Tower, which was despised by Parisians in its day. Grab a baguette and a bottle of wine; it's the next best thing to being there!
Location: Springbrooke, 6800 Leetsdale Drive, Denver, CO 80224
Cost: Free
RSVP: Springbrooke: 303-331-9963

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm
Somalia: Piracy and Anarchy
Somalia's history is a story of Colonialism yielding to authoritarianism dissolving into anarchy. Chaos has reigned since the early 1990's with rampant wars between rival clans, with no functional government in charge. Severe famine prompted the United Nations and the U.S. to intervene in the 1990's with decidedly mixed results. Lately, heavily armed Somali pirates in speedboats have been seizing passing cargo ships and oil tankers and holding the ships and crew for ransom. Join Active Minds as we examine Somalia's troubled path and where it may be leading. Sponsored by the Jefferson County RSVP Program.
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Lakewood, 8210 W 10th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
Cost: Free
For more info: Call Jeffco RSVP Program: 303-235-6907

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 12:30-1:30 pm
The Future of Iraq: A Path to Self Sufficiency?
Seven years after the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. policy objective is now withdrawal. This only works if Iraq can govern itself and become a self sufficient nation. Join Active Minds as we look at the potential path for Iraq to stand on its own and the challenges that may be encountered along that road.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax (2 blocks east of York)
Cost: Free

Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 3:00-4:00 pm
The Future of Iraq: A Path to Self Sufficiency?
Seven years after the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. policy objective is now withdrawal. This only works if Iraq can govern itself and become a self sufficient nation. Join Active Minds as we look at the potential path for Iraq to stand on its own and the challenges that may be encountered along that road.
Location: RiverPointe, 5225 S. Prince St, Littleton, CO 80123
Cost: Free
RSVP: RiverPointe: 303-797-0600

Thursday, March 11, 2010, 1:30-2:30 pm
The Future of Iraq: A Path to Self Sufficiency?
Seven years after the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. policy objective is now withdrawal. This only works if Iraq can govern itself and become a self sufficient nation. Join Active Minds as we look at the potential path for Iraq to stand on its own and the challenges that may be encountered along that road.
Location: Heritage Club Mountain View, 8101 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80247
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-803-1180

Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 11:00 am -12:00 noon (refreshments served at 10:45)
Coffee: A Brief History
Join us as we trace the history of coffee from its origins in Ethiopia to the Starbucks around the corner. It is a fascinating story of politics, power, chance and intrigue. We will also examine coffee's cultural influences as well as the differences between various types of coffee. Cream and sugar not included. This event is sponsored by Parkplace.
Location: Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape, Denver, CO 80220
Cost: Free
RSVP: Jodi: 303-388-4013 x307

Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 1:00-2:00 pm
Bandits, Thieves, & Outlaws
Join Active Minds as we visit some of the most notorious outlaws in history. We will tell the stories of Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, and others. Bring your posse and help us round up the bad guys.
Location: The Village at Hampden Town Center, 3601 S Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80014
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-750-5400

Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 1:30-2:30 pm
The Future of Iraq: A Path to Self Sufficiency?
Seven years after the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. policy objective is now withdrawal. This only works if Iraq can govern itself and become a self sufficient nation. Join Active Minds as we look at the potential path for Iraq to stand on its own and the challenges that may be encountered along that road.
Location: Cranbrook Senior Living, 5565 S Yosemite St, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-327-7340 (Limited seating. Call for availability.)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 5:30-6:30 pm
Water in Colorado
Water may well become the most disputed natural resource of the 21st century. Population growth, climate change, urbanization and other factors have put increasing pressure on a finite resource. Competing water interests have affected Colorado’s history for over 100 years. The legal right to divert and use water in Colorado has been debated, legislated and litigated since before the time of statehood in 1876. Join Active Minds as we seek to understand our water history, the current challenges, and what the future holds for our use of this precious resource.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax (2 blocks east of York)
Cost: Free

Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 10:00 am
Iran
Join Active Minds for an in-depth look at the country of Iran. We will cover Iranian history as well as the turmoil over Iran’s last presidential election. We will discuss the relationship between Iran’s religious and political leadership and the thorny issue of Iran's nuclear program. In particular, we will discuss how the rest of the world is responding to the various challenges presented by Iran.
Location: Malley Senior Center, 3380 S Lincoln St, Englewood, CO 80110
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-762-2660
Misc: If parking in the lot, get pass from inside center


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