(Please note:  the date of this class has been changed from January 10 to Monday, February 13.) What’s the cheapest form of energy? It’s the energy we don’t use! During this presentation, we'll discuss the two main ways to keep money in your pocket. We'll cover the difference between conservation and efficiency and the benefits of using less energy, plus some of the most efficient ways to do it. You’ll leave this presentation with helpful tips and advice to keep you from wasting your money and a deep dive into your electricity bill.

(Please note:  the date of this class has been changed from January 10 to Monday, February 13.) What’s the cheapest form of energy? It’s the energy we don’t use! During this presentation, we'll discuss the two main ways to keep money in your pocket. We'll cover the difference between conservation and efficiency and the benefits of using less energy, plus some of the most efficient ways to do it. You’ll leave this presentation with helpful tips and advice to keep you from wasting your money and a deep dive into your electricity bill.

(See other book discussions: #112, 192, 231.) The biographical facts read like a romance novel:  our protagonist, descended from enslaved people, is a nerdy girl focused on her studies and her debate team; boys do not notice her; she makes it to Harvard where she continues to work hard; her very first boyfriend (whom she marries) is from a New England family with four Mayflower passengers, a Continental Congress Delegate, and Massachusetts governors; his family has trust funds and really wonderful vacation homes so she gets introduced to the good things in life as she continues to work hard.  And the title of her memoir?  “Lovely One” is the translation into English of her first and middle names.  Justice Jackson was born in 1970 and seated on the Supreme Court in 2022.  Given how important the Supreme Court Justices are likely to be in 2026, this engaging read is an easy way to get to know one of those nine better.  Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated Zoom discussion.

Tap dance is an indigenous American art form blended from many cultures. Stemming from a tumultuous history, and once on the verge of extinction, it now finds itself in every corner of the world. Tap dance has been popularized by mass media and its ability to connect with everyone. This lecture will cover the roots through the contemporary form via footage and demonstration. Then you’ll have a chance to try a few basic steps, standing or seated. Leather-soled shoes are best, or any well-fitted street shoe.

About one in four adults 65 years or older experience some type of mental health concern that is not traditionally associated with aging. Sadly, far too many do not seek or receive the help they need. Join Dr. Rodney to learn about mental health challenges many older adults face and the resources and treatments available for seniors with mental health concerns.

Tap dance is an indigenous American art form blended from many cultures. Stemming from a tumultuous history, and once on the verge of extinction, it now finds itself in every corner of the world. Tap dance has been popularized by mass media and its ability to connect with everyone. This lecture will cover the roots through the contemporary form via footage and demonstration. Then you’ll have a chance to try a few basic steps, standing or seated. Leather-soled shoes are best, or any well-fitted street shoe.

A “standard” is a song that remains popular well beyond its original performance and setting, whether on the radio, on stage or in movies. Countless jazz and popular singers have interpreted standards from the Great American Songbook, ranging from Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble and Lady Gaga. Julie Kurzava compares styles of performances by our favorite performers, considering different ways they’ve made a song their own.

A “standard” is a song that remains popular well beyond its original performance and setting, whether on the radio, on stage or in movies. Countless jazz and popular singers have interpreted standards from the Great American Songbook, ranging from Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble and Lady Gaga. Julie Kurzava compares styles of performances by our favorite performers, considering different ways they’ve made a song their own.

We are doing too little, too late to address climate change and its many devastating impacts.  On the other hand, we have more powerful science, technology, engineering, economics, and social science to understand and solve the problem than ever before.   Dr. Davidson will discuss the means we have to make the transformational changes needed to avert the worst effects of climate change and other environmental, economic, and social pressures.  In fact, the solutions to all of these issues are mutually supportive.  Connecting these dots demonstrates how a healthy environment will reap economic and justice rewards. (See related classes # 111, 157, and 243)

No other Allied nation had as much to gain (or lose) as France in the liberation attempt that began with D-Day. This class describes the German occupation of France from 1940 until 1944 and looks at how the French resisted at home and organized military forces abroad. The discussion will highlight the various sides of the struggle, the Free French versus collaborationist Vichy France, through the prism of participants, their actions and attitudes. (See related class #102.)

No other Allied nation had as much to gain (or lose) as France in the liberation attempt that began with D-Day. This class describes the German occupation of France from 1940 until 1944 and looks at how the French resisted at home and organized military forces abroad. The discussion will highlight the various sides of the struggle, the Free French versus collaborationist Vichy France, through the prism of participants, their actions and attitudes. (See related class #102.)

Did you know that Marriott International started as an A&W Root Beer stand in Washington, DC in 1927? In this class, we'll explore Marriott's history and the company's integral connection with cars. Not only did the stands, named Hot Shoppes, expand because of their drive-ins, but the lodging business began as motor hotels at the advent of the Interstate Highway System. Highlights from the history of the company and its growth, including its move to Bethesda in 1955 and to its new headquarters building in 2022, will be featured.

(BUNDLE & SAVE $6 when you also sign up for related class # 107.) A musical standard is a song that remains popular well after its original performance and setting, whether on the radio, on stage or in movies. Countless jazz and popular singers have interpreted standards from the Great American Songbook, from Billie Holliday and Judy Garland to Michael Bublé and Lady Gaga. Julie Kurzava compares great performances by contemporary performers with those of an earlier generation, considering different ways each singer has made the song their own.  (See related class #107)