The greatest question of life is what good will I do with it? - Benjamin Franklin

2011 Seminars

The 3rd Third will present the following seminars for 2011. Seminars will normally be held in Golden, Colorado, although at times they will be held in other parts of Colorado.

Coffee will be available at 9:45 am and all seminars will be from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Free coffee and lunch will be provided. Those with dietary restrictions are asked to bring their own lunch.


Thursday, January 20
Steve Friesen
Buffalo Bill: Scout, Showman, Visionary

History and Wild West lovers will enjoy this seminar as Steve Friesen, the director of the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave and author of the book Buffalo Bill: Scout, Showman, Visionary, will talk about one of America's most loved and exciting historical figures. Steve will take us through the interesting adventures of Cody's life: as a boy from a pro-abolitionist family to his stint as a buffalo hunter for the pony express, an expert scout, and a marksman and unrivaled showman. Come spend the day with us and travel back to the Wild West.


Thursday, February 24
Multiple speakers
Volunteerism, Finding a Program that Works for You

Do you want to give back to your community by volunteering your time with a local nonprofit organization? But do you also want to feel valued by the organization and know that your contributions are not being made in vain? Join us for a day well spent in discussing various groups that offer volunteer programs. Bring both your horror and hero stories about your past volunteer experiences. After lunch, volunteer coordinators from local nonprofit organizations will be on hand to explain how their system works and how they keep their volunteers organized and motivated.


Thursday, March 17
Pam Sandlian Smith
Why Libraries Matter

Pam Sandlian Smith, director of the Rangeview Library District in Thornton (Anythink Libraries), received the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service at a White House Ceremony on Dec. 17. First Lady Michelle Obama presented the prestigious award. Pam was also named Colorado Librarian of the Year in 2010 for her progressive innovation in transforming the seven libraries of the Rangeview Library District. These Anythink Libraries are either new or remodeled and are constructed with green technology. The cataloging of books is more user-friendly, using a Wordthink system (more like bookstores) rather than the Dewey Decimal system. We are very honored to have Pam share her innovative ideas with us on why libraries matter.


Thursday, April 21
Gary Hart
The Thunder and the Sunshine

For almost four decades, from his role in the 1972 George McGovern campaign to his years as a visionary senator, from his leadership on national security issues before and after 9/11 to his role in international environmental issues, Gary Hart has been one of America's great public servants. Through times of triumph and disappointment, Hart's dedication to the ideals of the founding fathers, particularly Thomas Jefferson, and his devotion to the American Republic never wavered. Gary will share insights from his years in Washington as documented in his autobiography, The Thunder and the Sunshine: Four Seasons in a Burnished Life.


photo by Sonya Sones

Thursday, May 19
Julie Danneberg
Women of the Historic West

Julie Danneberg, author of Women Artists of the West: Five Portraits in Creativity and Courage, Women Icons of the West: Five Women Who Forged the American Frontier, and Women Writers of the West: Five Chroniclers of the Frontier, will share with us the motivating and interesting biographies of strong but little-known women of the 1800s and early 1900s who not only survived in the West but helped shape the West that we know today.


Thursday, June 23
Bob Baron
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson

The letters of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson revealed the two former presidents to be among the most learned men of their day. Avid readers both, each man built an impressive library containing thousands of volumes. Over time Jefferson built three libraries, the second of which served in 1815 as the basis for the Library of Congress, reconstructed after the burning of Washington during the War of 1812. Their reading permeated their thought and their actions, providing an important foundation for their contributions to American governance. Bob Baron developed and led a conference about the libraries of these two great leaders that took place in Boston and Charlottesville, Virginia in 2009. Bob will discuss their libraries and how this influenced the foundation of our country. For more information


Thursday, August 11
Sam Scinta
Ideas and Ideologies
Using History and Political Philosophy to Understand the 21st Century

Do you find yourself getting your -isms confused? How do liberal democracy and capitalism interact? And why has everybody started using the word "socialism" so much lately? Join Sam Scinta, lecturer in the Political Science Department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (and Publisher at Fulcrum Publishing) for a tour of the key ideologies that shaped recent history and continue to shape our current world. Along the way, we will discuss political philosophy and whether ideology still matters in the world, as well as contemporary politics.


Thursday, September 15
Dottie Lamm
A Changing World

Dottie Lamm, the former first lady of Colorado, has run for the US senate, is a columnist, freelance writer, book author, and modern day renaissance woman. She will give us a treat when she discusses the changes she sees in today's world. Her perceptions and stories will make for a memorable seminar.


Thursday, October 20
Boyd Norton
The Serengeti: The Eternal Beginning

Boyd Norton, world-renowned conservation photographer, will talk about and show incredible images from his newest book, The Serengeti: The Eternal Beginning. Come and be transported to a place where man began. The Serengeti ecosystem includes Serengeti National Park, Kenya's Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater, totaling almost 10,000 square miles in size. You soon realize that the reserves need to be large in order for the life cycles to continue as they have for thousands of years. Boyd has made nearly 40 trips to Africa with about 600 days spent in the Serengeti ecosystem. One hesitates to ponder how many rolls of film he's shot and memory sticks he's filled during those 20 years of travels.


Thursday, November 17
Multiple Speakers
Some of the Speed Bumps in Aging

You've heard the saying "Life—nobody gets out alive." True, but the journey can and should be fun. We all encounter changes in our body and lives along the way. Some changes are humorous, some puzzling, and some are downright discouraging. Speakers will be on hand to discuss various "speed bumps" and how they can be dealt with before becoming potholes, either in practical application or attitude. Come enjoy as we all hear and share stories.




Register for Seminars

Map to Seminars

Missed a seminar? Let us know. If there is enough interest, we will hold the seminar again. Email your request to patty@fulcrumbooks.com.