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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-10-2024 to 06-10-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 10:30 AM → 11:30 AMInstructor: Dr. Michael Kryzanek, Professor Emeritus, Political Science, Bridgewater State UniversityTerm: 2024-2Location: Online ClassThe movement of thousands of undocumented migrants into the United States has become a top concern of the American people and a major policy issue in the presidential campaign. Responding to the immigration crisis at our borders has become a challenge not just for political leaders and government officials but for the country as a whole. This course will... read moreThe movement of thousands of undocumented migrants into the United States has become a top concern of the American people and a major policy issue in the presidential campaign. Responding to the immigration crisis at our borders has become a challenge not just for political leaders and government officials but for the country as a whole. This course will explore the challenges of responding to this crisis and the policy options currently being discussed in Washington and in the cities and states facing the influx of migrants.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-10-2024 to 06-10-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:30 PMInstructor: Barbara Paulson, Travel SpecialistTerm: 2024-2Location: Online ClassSee the first submarine to sink an enemy ship (in 1864!), tour the fields and taste the product from a 128-acre tea plantation, learn to speak a few words in Gullah (the black Creole dialect still spoken in communities along the southern coast), see the work of a 21st century wrought iron worker whose artistry is in the Smithsonian, and visit the French... read moreSee the first submarine to sink an enemy ship (in 1864!), tour the fields and taste the product from a 128-acre tea plantation, learn to speak a few words in Gullah (the black Creole dialect still spoken in communities along the southern coast), see the work of a 21st century wrought iron worker whose artistry is in the Smithsonian, and visit the French Quarter (no, not New Orleans!). Travel Specialist Barbara Paulson offers alternatives to the more familiar Charleston sites.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-11-2024 to 06-11-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:30 PMInstructor: Sheldon Hochberg, AttorneyTerm: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineSince OpenAI released ChatGPT in November 2022, Generative AI has become the hottest topic in technology. Within two months, ChatGPT had 100 million users -- an all-time speed record for adoption. This presentation (with slides and video clips) will explain in a non-technical way what Generative AI is, how it works, and the amazing things it can do. More... read moreSince OpenAI released ChatGPT in November 2022, Generative AI has become the hottest topic in technology. Within two months, ChatGPT had 100 million users -- an all-time speed record for adoption. This presentation (with slides and video clips) will explain in a non-technical way what Generative AI is, how it works, and the amazing things it can do. More importantly, it will also discuss the benefits and risks of this technology, which Bill Gates has described as having "the potential to change the world in ways that we can't even imagine."
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-11-2024 to 06-11-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:00 PMInstructor: Johns Hopkins MedicineTerm: 2024-2Location: Online ClassJoin us for a panel discussion with Johns Hopkins experts and the American Heart Association as we dive into the importance of heart disease awareness in honor of Men’s Health... read moreJoin us for a panel discussion with Johns Hopkins experts and the American Heart Association as we dive into the importance of heart disease awareness in honor of Men’s Health Month.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-12-2024 to 06-12-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 10:30 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: Deeva Garel, Technology InstructorTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreGoogle Photos is a simple and free app for managing your photos and videos. Topics covered include uploading, organizing, sharing, editing, and backing up your photos. This class includes demonstrations with time for hands-on practice. Participants should have a Google account; please bring your log-on id and password to class. See related Google classes:... read moreGoogle Photos is a simple and free app for managing your photos and videos. Topics covered include uploading, organizing, sharing, editing, and backing up your photos. This class includes demonstrations with time for hands-on practice. Participants should have a Google account; please bring your log-on id and password to class. See related Google classes: #350 and #360.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-12-2024 to 06-12-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 10:30 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: Owen Ullmann, Journalist and AuthorTerm: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineVoters weigh a president’s economic stewardship every four years--usually rewarding incumbents and their party during good economic times and punishing them during bad times. Yet, presidents have less influence on the economic cycle while in office than the public realizes. They often are beneficiaries or victims of the marketplace, Federal Reserve... read moreVoters weigh a president’s economic stewardship every four years--usually rewarding incumbents and their party during good economic times and punishing them during bad times. Yet, presidents have less influence on the economic cycle while in office than the public realizes. They often are beneficiaries or victims of the marketplace, Federal Reserve interest rate changes and predecessors’ policies that later boost the economy or blow it up. We'll examine this pattern from Lyndon Johnson to Joe Biden.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-12-2024 to 06-12-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:30 PMInstructor: Dan Sherman, PhDTerm: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineWagner’s Ring Cycle is often seen as a long, dull tale set in a world of German mythology. The Ring has always had its devoted followers (the instructor included) who find it a fascinating work telling a profoundly moving human story. This class will provide information needed to appreciate the Ring, including its sources, its use of interrelated musical... read moreWagner’s Ring Cycle is often seen as a long, dull tale set in a world of German mythology. The Ring has always had its devoted followers (the instructor included) who find it a fascinating work telling a profoundly moving human story. This class will provide information needed to appreciate the Ring, including its sources, its use of interrelated musical themes, and its spectacular range of orchestral effects. The class is designed both for those largely unfamilar with the Ring and also for those who know it well and want to know more.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-13-2024 to 06-13-2024Day(s) of the week: ThursdayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:00 PMInstructor: Dorothy Trench Bonett, WriterTerm: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineSince Westerners first came into contact with China, there has been an interest in Chinese women, seen as so alien. In recent years, feminism has focused on this ancient culture and novels like Lady Tan’s, "Circle of Women" have explored the lives of those who ‘transcended’ what is seen as millennia of oppression. But how accurate are they? Dorothy... read moreSince Westerners first came into contact with China, there has been an interest in Chinese women, seen as so alien. In recent years, feminism has focused on this ancient culture and novels like Lady Tan’s, "Circle of Women" have explored the lives of those who ‘transcended’ what is seen as millennia of oppression. But how accurate are they? Dorothy Trench Bonett will present recent research about imperial China, often from women’s own writings, to answer this question. (See related class #367)
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-17-2024 to 06-17-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 10:30 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: Deeva Garel, Technology InstructorTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreGoogle Maps is more than finding how to get from one place to another. Explore additional features such as checking traffic, adding extra stops, and finding gas stations and other landmarks. Get organized using Google Calendar by tracking appointments and more through such features as sharing and reminders. Explore Gmail features to help tame an overflowing... read moreGoogle Maps is more than finding how to get from one place to another. Explore additional features such as checking traffic, adding extra stops, and finding gas stations and other landmarks. Get organized using Google Calendar by tracking appointments and more through such features as sharing and reminders. Explore Gmail features to help tame an overflowing email inbox. This class includes demonstrations with time for hands-on practice. Participants should have a Google account; please bring your log-on id and password to class. See related Google classes: #350 and #354.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-17-2024 to 06-17-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 10:30 AM → 11:30 AMInstructor: Julianne Mangin, Writer and HistorianTerm: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineFiddler Will Adams had deep roots in the African American communities of Montgomery County from Sandy Spring to Norbeck to Ken-Gar. In 1953, he was recorded by folklorist Mike Seeger (half-brother of Pete Seeger) who grew up in Chevy Chase. Adams’ family history offers a glimpse of African American life in Montgomery County from the final years of slavery... read moreFiddler Will Adams had deep roots in the African American communities of Montgomery County from Sandy Spring to Norbeck to Ken-Gar. In 1953, he was recorded by folklorist Mike Seeger (half-brother of Pete Seeger) who grew up in Chevy Chase. Adams’ family history offers a glimpse of African American life in Montgomery County from the final years of slavery to the mid-twentieth century. Learn how the music of both Adams and Seeger lives on among contemporary old-time musicians.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-18-2024 to 06-18-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 10:30 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: Steven Friedman, Music HistorianTerm: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineHow could the guy who wrote pop hits such as "Witchcraft" morph into one of the greatest musical theater composers and win "Best Musical" three years in a row? Not even Sondheim ever did that! From "Sweet Charity" to the "Will Rogers Follies," come enjoy a style and the music that you will sing all... read moreHow could the guy who wrote pop hits such as "Witchcraft" morph into one of the greatest musical theater composers and win "Best Musical" three years in a row? Not even Sondheim ever did that! From "Sweet Charity" to the "Will Rogers Follies," come enjoy a style and the music that you will sing all day.
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Sessions: 6Class Date(s): 06-18-2024 to 07-30-2024No Class: 07-02-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 3:00 PMInstructor: Gary Cahn, Computer InstructorTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis at the Macys Home StorePrerequisite: Completion of the Oasis Bridge for Beginners course taught in the winter of 2024. If you did not take that course, you MUST call Oasis and obtain permission from the instructor to take this course. The following topics will be covered: very brief review of the Bridge for Beginners course, bids at the 2 level and responses by partner,... read morePrerequisite: Completion of the Oasis Bridge for Beginners course taught in the winter of 2024. If you did not take that course, you MUST call Oasis and obtain permission from the instructor to take this course. The following topics will be covered: very brief review of the Bridge for Beginners course, bids at the 2 level and responses by partner, preemptive bids, slam bidding, overcalls, and cross ruffs. Lots of practice playing many hands will give you confidence with these new skills.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-19-2024 to 06-19-2024Day(s) of the week: WednesdayTime: 10:30 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: Topher Bellavia, Improv Teacher and PerformerTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreEvery day and from moment to moment, we are all improvising our lives. Learning a few “improv” techniques can help boost brain health, illuminate possibilities, and foster creative expression. In this workshop, outside worries will melt away as you play improv games and laugh with others in a relaxing and supportive... read moreEvery day and from moment to moment, we are all improvising our lives. Learning a few “improv” techniques can help boost brain health, illuminate possibilities, and foster creative expression. In this workshop, outside worries will melt away as you play improv games and laugh with others in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-20-2024 to 06-20-2024Day(s) of the week: ThursdayTime: 10:30 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: Steven Gimbel, Professor of Philosophy, Gettysburg CollegeTerm: 2024-2Location: Online ClassThe classical Greeks defined human beings as rational animals, but are we really? It turns out that our brains are actually wired in many circumstances to believe irrational ideas, to draw unsupported conclusions and believe them. We will examine a number of these cognitive biases and logical fallacies and consider ways to avoid... read moreThe classical Greeks defined human beings as rational animals, but are we really? It turns out that our brains are actually wired in many circumstances to believe irrational ideas, to draw unsupported conclusions and believe them. We will examine a number of these cognitive biases and logical fallacies and consider ways to avoid them.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-20-2024 to 06-20-2024Day(s) of the week: ThursdayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:00 PMInstructor: Dorothy Trench Bonett, WriterTerm: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineDid women have a Renaissance? The historical answer is yes. But what does this mean? In her talk, Dorothy Trench Bonett will discuss the effects of humanism on women’s education in 15th and 16th century Europe and introduce women like Sophonisba Anguissola, Marguerite de Navarre and Louise Labe who painted, sculpted and wrote poetry and plays in this... read moreDid women have a Renaissance? The historical answer is yes. But what does this mean? In her talk, Dorothy Trench Bonett will discuss the effects of humanism on women’s education in 15th and 16th century Europe and introduce women like Sophonisba Anguissola, Marguerite de Navarre and Louise Labe who painted, sculpted and wrote poetry and plays in this period, and promoted scholarship. She will consider the differences between their works and those of men and changes from the medieval period. (see related class #357)
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-24-2024 to 06-24-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 10:30 AM → 11:30 AMInstructor: Elaine Apter, Secretary, League of Women Voters, Montgomery Cty.Term: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineMany factors will be contributing to how voters are receiving knowledge about candidates and issues in the 2024 Presidential Election. We will discuss AI, social media, TV, international interference and how they are affecting the 2024 Presidential Election... read moreMany factors will be contributing to how voters are receiving knowledge about candidates and issues in the 2024 Presidential Election. We will discuss AI, social media, TV, international interference and how they are affecting the 2024 Presidential Election campaign.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-24-2024 to 06-24-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:30 PMInstructor: Adrienne Hausman, Certified Master Holistic AromatherapistTerm: 2024-2Location: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreLearn about the benefits of essential oils (concentrated plant extracts) and how to apply these oils to points on the face, hands, and chest. Acupressure involves applying pressure to different parts of the body to help reduce pain, stimulate the mind, and calm the nervous system. When we combine essential oils with a light touch to these areas, we create a... read moreLearn about the benefits of essential oils (concentrated plant extracts) and how to apply these oils to points on the face, hands, and chest. Acupressure involves applying pressure to different parts of the body to help reduce pain, stimulate the mind, and calm the nervous system. When we combine essential oils with a light touch to these areas, we create a safe, non-invasive, dynamic healing experience
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-25-2024 to 06-25-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 10:30 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David B Lindauer, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), US Army Signal CorpsTerm: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineRarely in modern military history has any unit identified so strongly with its commander as did Patton’s Third Army in the final campaigns of World War II. We will take a look at the Third Army, its commander, and its notable campaigns from the breakout from Normandy until it crossed Germany and entered Czechoslovakia. Along the way, we’ll discuss some... read moreRarely in modern military history has any unit identified so strongly with its commander as did Patton’s Third Army in the final campaigns of World War II. We will take a look at the Third Army, its commander, and its notable campaigns from the breakout from Normandy until it crossed Germany and entered Czechoslovakia. Along the way, we’ll discuss some vignettes about a few of the people in the Third Army. The Third Army was in combat only from August 1944 until May 1945 (that is, 281 days); but its contribution to the victory of the Western Allies was spectacular.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-25-2024 to 06-25-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 1:00 PM → 2:30 PMInstructor: Barbara Blumberg Ressin, CCBCTerm: 2024-2Location: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineFashion has been in existence in America since the first Pilgrim women arrived in the 1600s. What determined fashion is as varied as the fashions themselves. Mores, religion, government, politics, laws, wars, economics, and practicality all played significant roles in deciding what we women should wear. By way of a PowerPoint that includes videos of... read moreFashion has been in existence in America since the first Pilgrim women arrived in the 1600s. What determined fashion is as varied as the fashions themselves. Mores, religion, government, politics, laws, wars, economics, and practicality all played significant roles in deciding what we women should wear. By way of a PowerPoint that includes videos of fashions from the colonial period up through today's fashions, you will witness the ultimate fashion show. From watching how many layers of clothing women had to wear hundred's of years ago, to actual fashion shows from 1917 on up, you will witness what we women have had to put up with and all in the name of fashion.
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Sessions: 1Class Date(s): 06-25-2024 to 06-25-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 3:00 PM → 4:30 PMInstructor: Jonina Duker, Certified Book Discussion LeaderTerm: 2024-2Location: Online ClassIt reads like a thriller; yet the story of an almost ten-billion dollar disaster is all too true and a harbinger of times to come. Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada used to be America’s biggest foreign supplier of oil. Then came May 2016, and the usual cyclic fire in the adjacent northern-climate forest burned until August 2017. Charles Darwin credited the... read moreIt reads like a thriller; yet the story of an almost ten-billion dollar disaster is all too true and a harbinger of times to come. Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada used to be America’s biggest foreign supplier of oil. Then came May 2016, and the usual cyclic fire in the adjacent northern-climate forest burned until August 2017. Charles Darwin credited the development of human society to both the development of language and the control of fire; in a hotter world, the control of fire is evolving. The book was a finalist for the National Book Award, was named on multiple Best Books of 2023 lists, and won the Baillie Gifford Prize. Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated, Zoom discussion. (Note: Please join the meeting at 3 pm if you would like some assistance using the features of Zoom. Otherwise, join us at 3:15 pm for the start of our discussion.)