Boulder/Louisville/Longmont Area Events

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Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 1:00-2:00 pm (in-person)
French Cuisine
Over 2000 years ago, the Roman Empire expanded north to incorporate the agriculturally abundant region of the Celtic Gauls. Thus began the rich culinary history of the land that would come to be known as France. Join Active Minds as we embark on a four-course exploration of the long and flavorful history of the people who gave us the word “restaurant”.
Location: Thornton Active Adult Center, 11181 Colorado Blvd, Thornton, CO 80233... map
Cost: $7 ($5 for Thornton residents)
Registration: Call Jenny Ressl at 303-255-7850 or click here

Saturday, May 10, 2025, 10:00-11:00 am Mountain Time (webinar)
Artificial Intelligence
The release of artificial intelligence programs such as ChatGPT has catapulted this technology to the forefront of global conversations. The enormous potential of this technology has many people both excited and fearful. Join Active Minds as we explain what AI is, how it can be used for good, but also the potential for abuse. This event is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.
Host: Anthem Ranch, 16151 Lowell Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020... map
Cost: Free
To Join Program: A few minutes before the program start time click here to join the live webinar (when prompted to join audio, select computer or internet audio).
Other: If for any reason you are unable to use the webinar link above, it is possible to join by phone with audio only. For info on dialing in using your phone click here for audio only dial-in instructions.

Monday, May 12, 2025, 1:30-2:30 pm (in-person)
South Africa: From Apartheid to Global Citizen
Join Active Minds as we explore the history of South Africa, its struggle with race and its journey to rejoin the international community since apartheid ended in 1994. We will discuss the pivotal role played by Nelson Mandela, the impact of immigration/colonialism, 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 South Africa, including the recent May 2024 elections.
Location: Broomfield Public Library, 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required

Monday, May 12, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Women Composers in Classical Music
Women in classical music might not have the same representation or achieved the same recognition as their male counterparts, brothers or husbands, but they have made significant contributions throughout music history. Join Active Minds as we explore the lives and music of female composers from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century. We’ll listen to works by Hildegard of Bingen, Barbara Strozzi, Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Amy Beach, and more.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1:00-2:00 pm (in-person)
Mount Everest
It’s been 10 years since a massive earthquake in Nepal in 2015 triggered the deadliest avalanche in the history of Everest climbing. 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 Brookdale Meridian Boulder.
Location: West Age Well Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: City of Boulder Older Adult Services: 303-441-3148

* * * Special Event * * *
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 2:00-4:00 pm (2:00 reception, 2:30 program) (in-person)
South Korea
In early December 2024, embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law plunging the nation into a constitutional crisis. President Yeol was subsequently impeached and imprisoned, leading many of his supporters to storm the detention facility. Join Active Minds as we examine the root causes of the crisis in South Korea and what it means for this crucial US ally in Asia.
Location: Brookdale Meridian Boulder, 801 Gillaspie Dr, Boulder, CO 80305... map
Cost: Free
RSVP required (limited seating): 303-494-3900
Other: Refreshments served.

Thursday, May 15, 2025, 7:00-8:00 pm (webinar)
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.
Host: Louisville Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: A few minutes before the program start time click here to join the live webinar (when prompted to join audio, select computer or internet audio).
Other: If for any reason you are unable to use the webinar link above, it is possible to join by phone with audio only. For info on dialing in using your phone click here for audio only dial-in instructions.
To Register: click here

Monday, May 19, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
The United Nations
Formed in 1945 in the immediate aftermath of a second world war, the United Nations was intended (in the words of its founding Charter) “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. Join Active Minds as we examine the origins and development of the U.N. as well as its current and future role in the world.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, May 19, 2025, 3:00-4:00 pm (in-person)
Genghis Khan & the Mongolian Empire
Genghis Khan founded and ruled over the Mongolian Empire, the largest contiguous land empire in the history of the world. Often misunderstood, Genghis Khan was far more than the world's greatest conqueror. Time magazine and the Washington Post named him "the most important person of the last millennium." Join Active Minds as we explore how this illiterate warrior-nomad came to have such a lasting and profound impact on world politics and modern society. This event is sponsored by Brookdale Meridian Boulder.
Location: East Age Well Center, 5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, CO 80303... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: City of Boulder Older Adult Services: 303-413-7290

Monday, June 2, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
World War II: D-Day
June 2025 will mark the 81st Anniversary of “D-Day.” Join Active Minds for a look at this crucial turning point in World War II. We will examine the dynamics that led up to the Invasion of Normandy, the complicated and challenging preparation process, and the decisive impact this battle had upon the outcome of the war.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

* * * Special Event * * *
Friday, June 6, 2025, 1:00-3:00 pm (1:00 reception, 1:30-2:30 program) (in-person)
Istanbul: Biography of a City
Straddling the point where the Mediterranean and Black Seas meet, Istanbul is a city of two continents: Europe and Asia. Originally settled as Byzantium, it would later be named Constantinople before being taken in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks and given the name Istanbul. Join Active Minds as we explore the rich and fascinating story of one of the world’s great cities.
Location: Sunrise at Flatirons, 400 Summit Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80021... map
Cost: Free
Info: 303-466-2422
Parking: Complimentary parking is available. Call 303-466-2422 and ask for the Concierge for details.

Monday, June 9, 2025, 1:30-2:30 pm (in-person)
Greenland
At over 836,000 square miles (25% larger than Alaska), Greenland is a massive land located in the North Atlantic. Its small population (just about 50,000) rule themselves as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland, however, has come to the world’s attention since President Trump has expressed his desire to acquire the territory, saying “We need Greenland for national security purposes.” Join Active Minds as we discuss the history of this remote but strategically placed part of the global story.
Location: Broomfield Public Library, 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required

Monday, June 9, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
The Year 1963
1963 is considered a definitive year in the history of the civil rights movement. It also saw the peak of the Cold War, the seeds of the feminist movement, the rise of the youth culture, and the tragic assassination of John F. Kennedy. Join Active Minds as we travel back in time to this key year in history to explore these and other important events.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm (in-person)
The Challenges of China
China has achieved remarkable economic success in the last 40 years, bringing most of its people out of poverty, creating very impressive cities and infrastructure, and is now a world leader. But with this progress, China has encountered significant problems, mostly domestic. Can its president and government solve these issues? What position should America have, since some of these challenges are impacting us? How important is Taiwan to the U.S.? Join Active Minds and learn more about this subject as we explore these and other questions in some depth.
Location: Northglenn Senior Center, 1 East Memorial Parkway, CO 80233... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-450-8801

Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 1:00-2:00 pm (in-person)
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. This event is sponsored by Brookdale Meridian Boulder.
Location: West Age Well Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: City of Boulder Older Adult Services: 303-441-3148

Saturday, June 14, 2025, 10:00-11:00 am Mountain Time (webinar)
Georgia O’Keeffe
Born in Wisconsin in 1887, Georgia O’Keeffe would emerge at a young age as a promising artist. Eventually she would come to be renowned for her abstraction of natural forms such as flowers, clouds and, perhaps most famously, desert spaces of the American Southwest. Join Active Minds as we trace the outlines of one of the most prominent figures in 20th Century modern art. This event is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.
Host: Anthem Ranch, 16151 Lowell Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80020... map
Cost: Free
To Join Program: A few minutes before the program start time click here to join the live webinar (when prompted to join audio, select computer or internet audio).
Other: If for any reason you are unable to use the webinar link above, it is possible to join by phone with audio only. For info on dialing in using your phone click here for audio only dial-in instructions.

Monday, June 23, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Mount Everest
In 2015 a massive earthquake in Nepal triggered the deadliest avalanche in the history of Everest climbing. 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.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, June 23, 2025, 3:00-4:00 pm (in-person)
South Korea
In early December 2024, embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law plunging the nation into a constitutional crisis. President Yeol was subsequently impeached and imprisoned, leading many of his supporters to storm the detention facility. Join Active Minds as we examine the root causes of the crisis in South Korea and what it means for this crucial US ally in Asia. This event is sponsored by Brookdale Meridian Boulder.
Location: East Age Well Center, 5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, CO 80303... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: City of Boulder Older Adult Services: 303-413-7290

Monday, June 30, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
The European Union
Gradually created in the wake of World War II, the European Union was formed to provide a unified trading bloc for Western Europe. As the EU has grown, it has faced obstacles, such as the addition of Central and Eastern European countries and BREXIT, the first and only withdrawal of a nation from the Union. Join Active Minds as we explore the historical roots of the formation of the EU as well as the issues that challenge its future.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, July 7, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
The National Parks
The world's first national park, Yellowstone, was created by an act of Congress in 1872. Today, the national park system includes over 400 units (63 national parks), over 84 million acres of land, and hosts over 300 million visitors per year. Join Active Minds as we tell the story of the development of our national parks system and highlight some of the more notable parks and their stories.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Thursday, July 10, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm (in-person)
The United Nations
Formed in 1945 in the immediate aftermath of a second world war, the United Nations was intended (in the words of its founding Charter) “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. Join Active Minds as we examine the origins and development of the U.N. as well as its current and future role in the world.
Location: The Pearl at Boulder Creek, 2525 Taft Dr, Boulder, CO 80302... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 720-565-6844
Other: Refreshments will be served.

Monday, July 14, 2025, 1:30-2:30 pm (in-person)
Vietnam
Over seventy years ago, France, under pressure from Soviet-backed forces, ended its colonial control of Vietnam. Thereafter, the U.S. increased its troop presence in the region, an escalation that led to the Vietnam War. Over half a century after US withdrawal, Vietnam is a very different country with a bustling economy and relatively friendly relations with the United States. Join Active Minds as we take a look back at the evolution of Vietnam with a particular focus on its relationship with its neighbor China.
Location: Broomfield Public Library, 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required

Monday, July 21, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Buddhism
Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world with some 500 million adherents. Join Active Minds for an examination of its origins, teachings, beliefs and practices. We will discuss the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and discuss the various types of Buddhism, including Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and others.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, July 28, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Istanbul: Biography of a City
Straddling the point where the Mediterranean and Black Seas meet, Istanbul is a city of two continents: Europe and Asia. Originally settled as Byzantium, it would later be named Constantinople before being taken in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks and given the name Istanbul. Join Active Minds as we explore the rich and fascinating story of one of the world’s great cities.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, August 4, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Established in 1945, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency within the UN with a mission of promoting peace through education. As part of that mission, UNESCO oversees the selection and legal protection of World Heritage Sites, locales judged to “be of outstanding value to humanity”. Join Active Minds as we trace the origin and extension of World Heritage Sites and take a tour of a few highlights.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, August 11, 2025, 1:30-2:30 pm (in-person)
Lebanon
Join Active Minds as we trace the history of the nation of Lebanon. We will provide the background necessary to understand the rise of Hezbollah, Lebanon’s Shiite militia, and Lebanon’s role in the current Arab-Israeli conflict, including the complex relationship with its neighbor Syria. Come learn how this important country fits into the puzzle that is the Middle East.
Location: Broomfield Public Library, 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required

Monday, August 18, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Artificial Intelligence
The release of artificial intelligence programs such as ChatGPT has catapulted this technology to the forefront of global conversations. The enormous potential of this technology has many people both excited and fearful. Join Active Minds as we explain what AI is, how it can be used for good, but also the potential for abuse.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, August 25, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Greenland
At over 836,000 square miles (25% larger than Alaska), Greenland is a massive land located in the North Atlantic. Its small population (just about 50,000) rule themselves as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland, however, has come to the world’s attention since President Trump has expressed his desire to acquire the territory, saying “We need Greenland for national security purposes.” Join Active Minds as we discuss the history of this remote but strategically placed part of the global story.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, September 8, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
The Great Depression
In the autumn of 1929, a crash of prices on Wall Street triggered a global economic contraction that would last for over a decade. 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.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, September 15, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Scotland
The northernmost territory of Great Britain and the United Kingdom, Scotland has its own fierce national identity and deep historical ties with the United States due to centuries of Scottish emigration. The future of Scotland is uncertain, however, given the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union and calls for second vote on independence (a first vote was narrowly defeated in 2014). Join Active Minds as we explore Scotland’s history, its current situation, and its uncertain future.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, September 22, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
History of Movies
At the turn of the 20th century, inventions by Thomas Edison and others introduced a new art form to the world: motion pictures. From the early era of Nickelodeons and silent films to the era of “talkies” and the growth of Hollywood, movies went from a mere fad to an industry. Now, with the introduction of streaming services like Netflix, films are evolving once again. Join Active Minds as we roll out the red carpet and tell the story of movies.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

Monday, September 29, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Marshall Plan
In the wake of World War II, the United States invested over $13 billion to help rebuild Western Europe. The Marshall Plan, as it came to be known, not only helped Europe and the world recover economically, but also served to strengthen post war alliances for the U.S., providing an important balance against Soviet power as the Cold War era began. Join Active Minds as we review this historic initiative and discuss its relevance in the world today.
Host: Jefferson County Public Library
Cost: Free
To Join Program: Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link via e-mail 30 minutes before the program. This link will work for this and all future Jefferson County Public Library Active Minds programs, so you only need to register once if you save the link for future programs.
Info: Call the library at 303-235-5275 for help or information

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