Community Announcements
The Bid Easy, N’awlins Style
The Bid Easy, Park Hill Elementary’s silent auction and annual party, is set for Saturday, Feb. 7. This is the 11th year of the Mardi Gras-themed, adults-only fundraiser, featuring food, drinks, celebration and bidding on great items in all price ranges. The school’s biggest fundraiser of the year is free and open to the public. There’s no need to RSVP. Just show up and be ready to have a good time. The money raised pays for essential services that directly benefit the kids. The event is from 7-10:30 p.m. at the Park Hill Golf Club, 4141 E 35th Ave. For more information, visit www.parkhillelementary.org. As they say in N’awlins, laissez les bons temps rouler: let the good times roll!
Rick Recht To Rock It
Rockster Rick Recht will appear at Temple Micah on Saturday, Feb. 21 for an interactive concert and fundraiser. The concert kicks off at 6 p.m. and offers the community an opportunity to experience the sounds of this nationally touring musician from St. Louis in person. Reserve now for you, your family and friends to hear locally based musical pros and lay talent merge vibes with his. The interactive show for fans of all ages is courtesy of the Frances Reed Music Fund, which makes possible Rick’s shtick and other noteworthy performances at Temple Micah, 5209 Montview Blvd. Cost is $5/person or $10/family for Micah members, $10/person or $15/family for non-members. Parents-to-be or families with children younger than 5 may be eligible for a MazelTot.org discount to cover full price. Download the concert flyer and RSVP at http://www.micahdenver.org. Contact Bethany Friedlander at 303-388-4239 x4, for more. Rock with Rick!
Picking Preschool With Curious George
It’s not too soon to be thinking about preschool for next school year. Denver families can find out how to access tuition support and meet more than 150 quality-rated preschools in the Denver area all in one place during the third annual Preschool Showcase presented by the Denver Preschool Program (DPP). The free event is designed for parents of 3 and 4 year-olds to help them identify the right school for their child as well as learn how to access tuition funding dollars available for all Denver families through DPP. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 at The Westin Downtown Hotel, at 16th & Lawrence Street. In addition to the preschool programs, the Showcase will feature free light refreshments, family-friendly activities and entertainment, free dental screenings, online preschool locator demonstrations and photo opportunities with Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George. Spanish translators will also be on site. “High-quality preschool can help close the early achievement gap” says Jennifer Landrum, President and CEO of DPP, noting, “Over 90 percent of DPP students leave preschool ready for kindergarten, and by 3rd grade they are outperforming their peers on the state reading assessment.” Email ellen@dpp.org or call 303-595-4377. For more information, visit www.dpp.org/showcase.
10 Bucks Gets You 10 ‘Free’ Trees
Get in the mood for spring planting by joining the Arbor Day Foundation. Anyone from Colorado who joins the Foundation in February will receive 10 “free” Colorado blue spruce trees to plant when the weather turns warm. “The blue-green hue and distinctive shape of Colorado blue spruce trees will help beautify Colorado for many years to come,” says Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees will also add to the proud heritage of Colorado’s existing Tree City USA communities.” The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between March 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced free of charge. Members also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s colorful bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which contains information about planting and care. To become a member, send a $10 contribution to Ten Free Colorado Blue Spruce Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by February 28, or visit arborday.org/february.
Still Time For Saving Places
Registration is still open for Saving Places 2015, the nation’s second largest preservation conference, which takes place Wednesday, Feb. 4, through Friday, Feb. 6, at the Colorado Convention Center downtown. The 2015 conference theme, Advancing Preservation Practices, will focus specific attention on identifying and elevating core competencies of preservation, including traditional building trades, advocacy and outreach, and funding mechanisms, while also discussing long-term solutions to expand the pool of preservation professionals in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region. The conference includes round table discussions focused on regional needs, workshops, a mentorship program for sharing of best practices and a conversation about how to recruit the next generation of preservation professionals. One highlight of the conference will be an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour led by Dana Crawford of Denver’s newly transformed Union Station, followed by a short screening of the film Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress. Online registration and detailed session descriptions are available at www.coloradopreservation.org/saving-places-conference/.
Rabbi Steven Foster To Share Stories
The Lowry Speaker Series presents Rabbi Steven Foster on Tuesday, February 24, from 7- 8:30 p.m. at the Eisenhower Chapel, 293 Roslyn Street (on Lowry). Admission is free; no reservations are necessary. Rabbi Foster, who retired as Senior Rabbi from Temple Emanuel in 2010, will talk about the Jewish community in Denver, including the reform, conservative and orthodox movements and their different forms of worship, observances and ideological distinctions; how Jews are identified by ancestry, culture, values and religious observances; the role of women in the Jewish community; and attitudes toward interfaith marriage. Additionally, he will discuss and share stories from his latest trip to Israel. For more information, e-mail Karen House at khouse@jherzog.com or call (303) 757-7658.
Thinking About Lincoln, Paris, Malcolm X
February Events for Active Minds
Friday, Feb. 6, 11 a.m.-noon — Malcolm X
As we mark 50 years since the death of Malcolm X in February, join Active Minds for a review of the life and legacy of this controversial civil rights leader. To his admirers he was a courageous advocate for the rights of blacks, but his detractors accused him of preaching racism and violence. We will examine how Malcolm X’s efforts impacted history and how his ideas continue to influence our society today.
Location: Eugene Field Library, 810 S. University Blvd.
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
Thursday, Feb. 12, 6:45-7:45 p.m. —
New Orleans: Biography of a City
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. Join Active Minds as we 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.
Location: Sam Gary Library, 2961 Roslyn St.
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2-3 p.m. —
Chocolate
The story of chocolate 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.
Location: Ross-University Hills Library, 4310 E Amherst Ave. Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2-3 p.m. —
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. Location: Heather Gardens (Banquet Room), 2888 S Heather Gardens Way
Cost: Free
RSVP: 720-974-6931
Thursday, Feb. 19, 2-3 p.m. —
South Africa: Nelson Mandela and the Journey from Apartheid
As the world continues to honor the passing of Nelson Mandela, join Active Minds as we explore the history of South Africa, its struggle with Apartheid, Mandela’s legacy, and the country’s journey to rejoin the international community since Apartheid’s end in 1994. We will discuss the pivotal role played by Mandela, the impact of immigration/colonialism, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other important aspects of this story.
Location: Windsor Gardens, 597 S. Clinton St. Cost: Free RSVP: Not required
Friday, Feb. 20, 2-3 p.m. —
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.
Location: Virginia Village Library, 1500 S. Dahlia St.
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required
Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-noon — Turkey
Turkey plays a pivotal role in the world. A strong U.S. ally during the Cold War, Turkey is now one of the world’s largest Muslim democracies. Join Active Minds as we explore Turkey’s past and current challenges, including its struggles with its Kurdish minority and its role in the rise of the terrorist organization calling itself ISIS.
Location: Fairway Villas Clubhouse, 5223 Espana St. Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-307-4719
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5-6 p.m.
— Global Pandemics
Concern over the global spread of diseases such as Ebola, Swine Flu, AIDS, and others has increased dramatically. Join Active Minds as we seek to understand the current threats by examining both the science of how diseases spread as well as the history of pandemics.
Location: Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax
Cost: Free
Info: 303-322-7727
Thursday, Feb. 26, 6:45-7:45 p.m.
— Malaysia
With roots as a British colonial territory, Malaysia today is home to an ethnically-diverse population of about 30 million people, including a sizable Chinese minority. Join Active Minds as we explore the history of Malaysia, its current role in the region and the world, as well as the events involving Malaysia Airlines Flights. Location: Sam Gary Library, 2961 Roslyn St.
Cost: Free
RSVP: Not required