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January 25 Tuesday03:00 PM → 04:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Jonina Duker, Certified Book Discussion LeaderLocations: Online ClassBest-seller? Check! Deeply researched historical novel? Check! Immersion in a culture likely to be new to you? Check! Matrifocal society? Check! If this book checks all your boxes for your next intriguing read, please join us. It’s about two friends, members of the haenyeo, a guild of female free divers on the Korean island of Jeju. (In 2016 United... read moreBest-seller? Check! Deeply researched historical novel? Check! Immersion in a culture likely to be new to you? Check! Matrifocal society? Check! If this book checks all your boxes for your next intriguing read, please join us. It’s about two friends, members of the haenyeo, a guild of female free divers on the Korean island of Jeju. (In 2016 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization placed the haenyeo on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.) Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated, Zoom discussion. Author: Lisa See, 2019. (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.) -
January 30 Monday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Naomi Daremblum, Professor, Latin American Culture & Politics, Montgomery Coll.Locations: Online ClassAlthough democracy remains the dominant form of government in Europe, the quality of democracy has been stagnant or in decline across many countries. Almost half of all democracies—a total of 17 countries-- have suffered erosion in the last five years. This class will be a timely update on the spread of democratic erosion and the rise of autocracy in... read moreAlthough democracy remains the dominant form of government in Europe, the quality of democracy has been stagnant or in decline across many countries. Almost half of all democracies—a total of 17 countries-- have suffered erosion in the last five years. This class will be a timely update on the spread of democratic erosion and the rise of autocracy in Europe. (See related class #120) -
February 11 Wednesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: John McCarthy, Montgomery County State's AttorneyLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineIn this session, Mr. McCarthy will review the case of Eduardo Valdivia, a former FBI agent convicted for raping three women in tattoo parlors he owned. He’ll discuss how Valdivia allegedly used his position of trust and professional skills to manipulate his victims. This case provides a stark example of how authority can be abused, and raises... read moreIn this session, Mr. McCarthy will review the case of Eduardo Valdivia, a former FBI agent convicted for raping three women in tattoo parlors he owned. He’ll discuss how Valdivia allegedly used his position of trust and professional skills to manipulate his victims. This case provides a stark example of how authority can be abused, and raises questions about accountability, justice, and institutional safeguards. -
RECORDEDFebruary 4 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Jennifer Paxton, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of History, The Catholic University of AmericaLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineThe 1066 invasion of England led by Duke William II of Normandy never should have succeeded. England was ruled by King Harold Godwinson, a powerful warrior with a mighty army who ought to have been able to easily repel William’s invading force. Yet William turned out to be one of the luckiest rulers in history, since his opponent had to face another... read moreThe 1066 invasion of England led by Duke William II of Normandy never should have succeeded. England was ruled by King Harold Godwinson, a powerful warrior with a mighty army who ought to have been able to easily repel William’s invading force. Yet William turned out to be one of the luckiest rulers in history, since his opponent had to face another invasion by Scandinavians at the other end of England before facing the Normans, at less than full strength. Learn why William succeeded, and how the initially bitter legacy of the Norman Conquest was transformed, surprisingly quickly, into a new cultural consensus that created the England we know today. -
January 29 Monday1:00 PM → 2:15 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Hank Levine, Bethesda Historical SocietyLocations: Online Class(See also class #141: The Roots of Modern Bethesda: 1920 - today.) Ever wondered how and why Bethesda came to be? Bethesda Historical Society Secretary and Tour Chair Hank Levine will take us through how, between 1750 and 1920, transportation lines, a turnpike, the automobile, and Chevy Chase set the stage for developing Bethesda into an affluent suburb and... read more(See also class #141: The Roots of Modern Bethesda: 1920 - today.) Ever wondered how and why Bethesda came to be? Bethesda Historical Society Secretary and Tour Chair Hank Levine will take us through how, between 1750 and 1920, transportation lines, a turnpike, the automobile, and Chevy Chase set the stage for developing Bethesda into an affluent suburb and urban center. Learn about early churches, stores, and real estate moguls; the decades Bethesda was bypassed and almost died; the experimental animal farm that struck many as less than heaven scent; and the town’s first neighborhoods. -
January 29 Monday1:00 PM → 2:15 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Hank Levine, Bethesda Historical SocietyLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home Store(See also class #141: The Roots of Modern Bethesda: 1920 - today.) Ever wondered how and why Bethesda came to be? Bethesda Historical Society Secretary and Tour Chair Hank Levine will take us through how, between 1750 and 1920, transportation lines, a turnpike, the automobile, and Chevy Chase set the stage for developing Bethesda into an affluent suburb and... read more(See also class #141: The Roots of Modern Bethesda: 1920 - today.) Ever wondered how and why Bethesda came to be? Bethesda Historical Society Secretary and Tour Chair Hank Levine will take us through how, between 1750 and 1920, transportation lines, a turnpike, the automobile, and Chevy Chase set the stage for developing Bethesda into an affluent suburb and urban center. Learn about early churches, stores, and real estate moguls; the decades Bethesda was bypassed and almost died; the experimental animal farm that struck many as less than heaven scent; and the town’s first neighborhoods.
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January 25 Tuesday7:00 PM → 8:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Serenella Linares, Director of Adult EducationLocations: Online ClassTravel virtually with ANS Adult Programs Director, Serenella Linares to the beautiful and diverse island of Puerto Rico. Explore the orchids, mushrooms and briofites hidden in El Yunque rainforest; observe the crustaceans and sea urchins of tidal ponds in Barceloneta, and discover the dwarf trees and invertebrates endemic to the State dry forest of Guanica.... read moreTravel virtually with ANS Adult Programs Director, Serenella Linares to the beautiful and diverse island of Puerto Rico. Explore the orchids, mushrooms and briofites hidden in El Yunque rainforest; observe the crustaceans and sea urchins of tidal ponds in Barceloneta, and discover the dwarf trees and invertebrates endemic to the State dry forest of Guanica. You don't want to miss a look at these fabulous ecosystems! This program is in partnership with and hosted by the Audubon Naturalist Society.
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January 31 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Dr. Michael Kryzanek, Professor Emeritus, Political Science, Bridgewater State UniversityLocations: Online ClassOur history shows that migration is a major national issue that remains linked to race and ethnicity. Emphasis will be placed on the segregationist-initiated “Reverse Freedom Rides” during the 1960s as well as the movement of African-Americans to northern cities to find work and avoid the impact of segregation and discrimination in the South. We'll... read moreOur history shows that migration is a major national issue that remains linked to race and ethnicity. Emphasis will be placed on the segregationist-initiated “Reverse Freedom Rides” during the 1960s as well as the movement of African-Americans to northern cities to find work and avoid the impact of segregation and discrimination in the South. We'll also take a look at the movement of people from Mexico, Central America and the northern tier of South America. In 2022, the governors of Texas and Florida bussed Venezuelans and others to DC, NY, Chicago, and Massachusetts. How do these events in history parallel and illuminate each other? -
RECORDEDFebruary 11 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:15 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Bernadette Sweeney, Estate Planning Attorney, and Susan Baer, Cybersecurity Expert Locations: Hybrid - At Oasis and Online(See related classes: #114, #143, #164, #183.) Don't want your kids to find compromising photos, or uncover your private files and conversations? Time to get things tidied up before it's too late. Join Bernadette Sweeney, Estate Planning Attorney, and Susan Baer, Cybersecurity Expert to learn about: Estate planning for cloud data, emails, social... read more(See related classes: #114, #143, #164, #183.) Don't want your kids to find compromising photos, or uncover your private files and conversations? Time to get things tidied up before it's too late. Join Bernadette Sweeney, Estate Planning Attorney, and Susan Baer, Cybersecurity Expert to learn about:- Estate planning for cloud data, emails, social media accounts, digital photos, online banking, and medical records.
- Best practices for managing these assets during life and creating a plan in the event of your incapacity or death.
- Integrating your digital wishes into your overall estate plan.
- Secure methods for storing access credentials like passwords/MFA.
- Legal documents necessary to carry out your plan.
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January 26 Wednesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Denver Brunsman, Associate Chair, Department of History, George Washington UniversityLocations: Oasis at the Macy's Home StoreGeorge Washington is celebrated for many things, particularly his military and political leadership, but rarely his intellect. In this lecture, Professor Denver Brunsman of George Washington University will explore the intellectual life of America’s first president. Contrary to Washington’s reputation as a man of action over ideas, he was a dedicated... read moreGeorge Washington is celebrated for many things, particularly his military and political leadership, but rarely his intellect. In this lecture, Professor Denver Brunsman of George Washington University will explore the intellectual life of America’s first president. Contrary to Washington’s reputation as a man of action over ideas, he was a dedicated lifelong learner who deserves recognition as an Enlightenment figure.
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RECORDEDFebruary 4 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Geoffrey Kabaservice, Director of Policy Studies, Niskanen Center, D.C.Locations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineWhy was Donald Trump reelected as president in 2024 despite being a convicted felon who tried to overthrow the government four years ago? What might he do in office and what will the consequences be for the country and the world? And what does his reelection suggest will be the future direction of the Republican... read moreWhy was Donald Trump reelected as president in 2024 despite being a convicted felon who tried to overthrow the government four years ago? What might he do in office and what will the consequences be for the country and the world? And what does his reelection suggest will be the future direction of the Republican Party? -
January 26 Wednesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Denver Brunsman, Associate Chair, Department of History, George Washington UniversityLocations: Online ClassGeorge Washington is celebrated for many things, particularly his military and political leadership, but rarely his intellect. In this lecture, Professor Denver Brunsman of George Washington University will explore the intellectual life of America’s first president. Contrary to Washington’s reputation as a man of action over ideas, he was a dedicated... read moreGeorge Washington is celebrated for many things, particularly his military and political leadership, but rarely his intellect. In this lecture, Professor Denver Brunsman of George Washington University will explore the intellectual life of America’s first president. Contrary to Washington’s reputation as a man of action over ideas, he was a dedicated lifelong learner who deserves recognition as an Enlightenment figure.
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January 30 Tuesday10:30 AM → 11:45 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Glenn Frankel, Journalist and AuthorLocations: Online ClassIt's one of the most revered movies of Hollywood's golden era, starring screen legend Gary Cooper. Yet what's often been overlooked is that "High Noon" was made during the height of the Hollywood blacklist, a time of political inquisition. In the middle of the film shoot, screenwriter Carl Foreman was called to testify about his former membership in the... read moreIt's one of the most revered movies of Hollywood's golden era, starring screen legend Gary Cooper. Yet what's often been overlooked is that "High Noon" was made during the height of the Hollywood blacklist, a time of political inquisition. In the middle of the film shoot, screenwriter Carl Foreman was called to testify about his former membership in the Communist Party. Faced with the choice between betraying his principles or losing his career, Foreman turned "High Noon" into a parable about courage and loyalty. Our program revisits a great American movie and the perilous historical era it reflects. -
January 26 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Seth Kibel, Musician and ComposerLocations: Online ClassClassical Music. Pop Music. Does “never the twain shall meet” hold true here? Does musical genius consign composers to only one genre or does musical genius free composers to bridge and crossover the musical spectrum? In Part 1 of this class, the works of seminal composers such as George Gershwin, Darius Milhaud, and William Grant Still will be... read moreClassical Music. Pop Music. Does “never the twain shall meet” hold true here? Does musical genius consign composers to only one genre or does musical genius free composers to bridge and crossover the musical spectrum? In Part 1 of this class, the works of seminal composers such as George Gershwin, Darius Milhaud, and William Grant Still will be explored. Part 2 will delve into the oeuvres of Duke Ellington, Claude Bolling, Dave Brubeck, and Wynton Marsalis. (For Part 2 of this series, see class #143.)
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RECORDEDFebruary 5 Wednesday10:30 AM → 11:30 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Scott Shane, Reporter and AuthorLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and Online Discover the lost story of Thomas Smallwood, born into slavery in Maryland, who bought his freedom and began to organize mass escapes from slavery. Smallwood's daring operation took place against the very dark background of the domestic slave trade, which thrived on Washington's mall and at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. He invented the term “underground... read moreDiscover the lost story of Thomas Smallwood, born into slavery in Maryland, who bought his freedom and began to organize mass escapes from slavery. Smallwood's daring operation took place against the very dark background of the domestic slave trade, which thrived on Washington's mall and at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. He invented the term “underground railroad.” The speaker will offer copies of his book for sale after the class. Cost is $20 ($10 off the cover price). Payment via Venmo, Zelle, cash and check. -
February 12 Thursday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Julie Kurzava, Faculty, Loyola UniversityLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineWhile the late composer Stephen Sondheim is gone, it’s apparent his words and music aren’t going to fade into oblivion. Sondheim’s musicals are known both for their ardent fans and committed detractors, and Julie Kurzava will discuss and compare examples from the Sondheim canon, looking for the reasons why people still buy tickets to a Sondheim... read moreWhile the late composer Stephen Sondheim is gone, it’s apparent his words and music aren’t going to fade into oblivion. Sondheim’s musicals are known both for their ardent fans and committed detractors, and Julie Kurzava will discuss and compare examples from the Sondheim canon, looking for the reasons why people still buy tickets to a Sondheim show. -
January 30 Tuesday10:30 AM → 11:45 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Glenn Frankel, Journalist and AuthorLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreIt's one of the most revered movies of Hollywood's golden era, starring screen legend Gary Cooper. Yet what's often been overlooked is that "High Noon" was made during the height of the Hollywood blacklist, a time of political inquisition. In the middle of the film shoot, screenwriter Carl Foreman was called to testify about his former membership in the... read moreIt's one of the most revered movies of Hollywood's golden era, starring screen legend Gary Cooper. Yet what's often been overlooked is that "High Noon" was made during the height of the Hollywood blacklist, a time of political inquisition. In the middle of the film shoot, screenwriter Carl Foreman was called to testify about his former membership in the Communist Party. Faced with the choice between betraying his principles or losing his career, Foreman turned "High Noon" into a parable about courage and loyalty. Our program revisits a great American movie and the perilous historical era it reflects.
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January 27 Thursday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Scott A Wood, Music Director/Conductor, Arlington PhilharmonicLocations: Oasis at the Macy's Home StoreThis presentation provides a view from the conductor's podium. Why is there a conductor in the first place? What are the challenges faced by the conductor? What is the origin of orchestra customs and how have they changed over time? Using music and visuals, the music director and conductor of the Arlington Philharmonic and the Amadeus Orchestra explores... read moreThis presentation provides a view from the conductor's podium. Why is there a conductor in the first place? What are the challenges faced by the conductor? What is the origin of orchestra customs and how have they changed over time? Using music and visuals, the music director and conductor of the Arlington Philharmonic and the Amadeus Orchestra explores these questions in an engaging talk that will bring you inside the world of the conductor.
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RECORDEDFebruary 5 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Dan Sherman, PhDLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlinePremiered more than 200 years ago, Beethoven’s 9th symphony revolutionized music with its vast structure and introduction of voices to call for peace and human unity. This class will place the great piece in the context of Beethoven’s life and time, show some of its innovations, and discuss its influence, both on composers and on listeners. You will... read morePremiered more than 200 years ago, Beethoven’s 9th symphony revolutionized music with its vast structure and introduction of voices to call for peace and human unity. This class will place the great piece in the context of Beethoven’s life and time, show some of its innovations, and discuss its influence, both on composers and on listeners. You will hear excerpts from well-known performances, including Leonard Bernstein’s 1989 performance in Berlin at the fallen Wall celebrating freedom. -
January 31 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Bonita Billman, Art History LecturerLocations: Online ClassAn Italian and a Jew, and diagnosed with tuberculosis at age 16, Amedeo Modigliani lived his life under the ever-present shadow of death. In the few short years left to him he created paintings with a distinctive look: figural works and portraits inspired by pre-classical antiquity and Renaissance painting. Market demand for his female nudes also influenced... read moreAn Italian and a Jew, and diagnosed with tuberculosis at age 16, Amedeo Modigliani lived his life under the ever-present shadow of death. In the few short years left to him he created paintings with a distinctive look: figural works and portraits inspired by pre-classical antiquity and Renaissance painting. Market demand for his female nudes also influenced his output. His female nudes are immediately identifiable, appealing and irresistible, with bodies stretching beyond the picture frame.
