Boulder/Louisville/Longmont Area Events

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Upcoming Events:

Monday, December 30, 2024, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first secretary of the treasury during George Washington's presidency. Join Active Minds as we journey back to our nation’s early history and visit the life and times of Alexander Hamilton, his friends, his enemies, and the principles he fought (and perhaps died) for. This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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, January 6, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
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 of the luxury chocolate industry in Switzerland and the origins of the Hershey company. This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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, January 8, 2025, 1:00-2:00 pm Mountain Time (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. This event is sponsored by The Pearl at Boulder Creek and 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

Thursday, January 9, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm (in-person)
The Mississippi River
The mighty Mississippi River is the third largest watershed in the world, starting at Lake Itasca in Northern Minnesota and winding some 2,340 miles before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico not far from New Orleans. Historically home to over a dozen Native American tribes who lived near its banks, the Mississippi river has been both a vital transportation artery and a fertile agricultural region throughout the entire history of North America, up to and including the United States.
Location: The Pearl at Boulder Creek, 2525 Taft Dr, Boulder, CO 80302... map
Cost: Free
RSVP: 720-565-6844
Other: Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, January 11, 2025, 10:00-11:00 am Mountain Time (webinar)
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 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, January 13, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Martin Luther King, Jr.
It’s been over 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Join Active Minds for a look at his life and legacy. We will trace Dr. King’s rise to prominence from a Baptist pastor to Nobel Prize winner and leader of the civil rights movement. We will examine how Dr. King’s efforts impacted history and how his ideas continue to influence our society today. This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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 * * *
Thursday, January 16, 2025, 2:00-4:00 pm (2:00 reception, 2:30 program) (in-person)
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.
Location: Brookdale Meridian Boulder, 801 Gillaspie Dr, Boulder, CO 80305... map
Cost: Free
RSVP required (limited seating): 303-494-3900
Other: Refreshments served.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Switzerland
One of the world’s richest countries, Switzerland is known for many things, including banking, chocolate, watches, and more. The country is renowned for its neutrality, yet maintains an impressive state of military preparedness. Join Active Minds as we journey to the Alps to understand the Swiss, their history, and the current challenges facing Switzerland. This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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, January 27, 2025, 3:00-4:00 pm (in-person)
The History of Tea
Other than water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world and one of the oldest, tracing its roots (so to speak) to at least the 5th century BCE. Join Active Minds as we tell the story of tea, including the role it played in colonial empire building, the different types of tea, how it is grown and processed, who grows and drinks the most (which are not the same), and much more. 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, February 3, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
History of Skiing
There is evidence that humans have been skiing as far back as 6300 BCE. Skiing has been a means of transportation, utilized in combat, enjoyed for recreation, and an international competitive sport. Join Active Minds as we review the origins and history of skiing as well as explore current issues facing the industry. We will also discuss the emergence of Colorado towns as ski resorts and how that impacted them. This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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, February 7, 2025, 1:00-3:00 pm (1:00 reception, 1:30-2:30 program) (in-person)
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.
Location: Sunrise at Flatirons, 400 Summit Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80021... map
Cost: Free
RSVP required (limited seating): 303-466-2422
Parking: Complimentary parking is available. Please ask the Concierge about the parking when you make your reservation.

Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00-11:00 am Mountain Time (webinar)
Chicago: Biography of a City
Join Active Minds for the story of the Windy City. We will begin with the French explorers, missionaries, fur traders and Native Americans that inhabited the region in the early 1800s. We will cover the Great Chicago Fire and how it impacted the development of the city. And as we bring things all the way up to the present, we’ll cover the politics, crime, food, culture, and architecture of the “City of Broad Shoulders.” It’s the next best thing to being there! 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, February 10, 2025, 1:30-2:30 pm (in-person)
Harriet Tubman
Born a slave in Maryland around 1820, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849 and became the most famous “conductor” of the Underground Railroad that led slaves to freedom through a complex system of secret people and places. Nicknamed “Moses” for her efforts, she made over 19 trips and helped free hundreds. Join Active Minds as we review her life and legacy, including her efforts fighting in the Civil War and later fighting for Women’s Suffrage.
Location: Broomfield Public Library, 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020... map
Cost: Free

Monday, February 10, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Tuskegee Airmen
The issue of race in the military extends from colonial times to the present day. Join Active Minds as we explore a chapter of this story from World War II: the Tuskegee Airmen. These groups of African American pilots were the first black military aviators in the U.S. armed forces. We will tell their story of struggle and triumph and bring this issue into a current context. This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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, February 12, 2025, 1:00-2:00 pm Mountain Time (in-person)
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. This event is sponsored by The Pearl at Boulder Creek and 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

Monday, February 24, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
The Story of Salt
The word “salary” comes from “salt” and indicates the historic value placed on this important commodity. Used as a method of trade and currency, the role of salt in the history of civilization cannot be overstated. Join Active Minds as we tell the story of salt, from its key role in preserving food, to its influence in political conflict, to modern angles including gourmet salt and health concerns surrounding high blood pressure. It’s a salty tale indeed! This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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, February 24, 2025, 3:00-4:00 pm (in-person)
Syria
In December 2024, after more than a decade of periodic civil war in Syria, rebel forces took the capital of Damascus and toppled the government of Bashar al Assad with remarkable swiftness and ease. Join Active Minds as we seek to understand Syria's complex history and how a five decade long Assad dictatorship could come crashing down in the course of a few days and what it means for the future of an already unstable Middle East. 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, March 3, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
New Orleans: Biography of a City
Join Active Minds for a virtual visit to this iconic place. Often referred to as the “most unique” city in America, New Orleans is famous for its cuisine, French Creole influence, jazz music, and of course Mardi Gras! We will explore the colorful history, culture and people of the “Big Easy,” including the unique challenges of living in a coastal city where nearly half the land is below sea level! Bring your colored beads and your jazz trumpet. It’s the next best thing to being there! This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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, March 10, 2025, 1:30-2:30 pm (in-person)
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.
Location: Broomfield Public Library, 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020... map
Cost: Free

Monday, March 10, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
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. This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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, March 17, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm Mountain Time (webinar)
Ireland/Northern Ireland
It has been over 25 years since the US brokered the Good Friday Agreement, a treaty that brought peace to Northern Ireland after decades of sectarian violence. However, after the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) completed BREXIT, its departure from the European Union, new instability was introduced to the region, given that the Republic of Ireland remains a member of the EU. Join Active Minds as we discuss the history of Ireland and explore its cloudy future. This event is sponsored by Tattered Cover Bookstore.
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, April 14, 2025, 1:30-2:30 pm (in-person)
Turbulent Waters: Conflict in the South China Sea
The South China Sea is an incredibly strategic body of water located between China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. At stake is one of the busiest trade routes in the world as well as oil and fishing rights. Recently China has been pressing its claim to long disputed parts of the South China Sea, raising concerns as to what may happen as tensions rise. Join Active Minds for a closer look at this delicate situation.
Location: Broomfield Public Library, 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020... map
Cost: Free

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

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