During his Paris years (1886-1888), Vincent van Gogh interacted frequently with Pissarro, Seurat, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec and others. Vincent viewed these artists as outsiders like himself, misunderstood and rejected by conventional gallerists and patrons. Vincent called this circle of young artists "painters of the petit boulevard" in opposition to the established Impressionists of "the grand boulevard": Monet, Degas, Renoir. He conceived the idea of his fellow artists joining him in group exhibitions and forming an artistic community—a vision that never came to pass.

Our Banned Books series continues with a book frequently banned from organizations across the spectrum: from public commissioners in several states soon after its publication to the NAACP in the 1950s to the most recent challenges from both the political left and the right.  Set before the Civil War, teenager Huck and adult Jim flee together leaving their families behind them along the Mississippi River.  Jim flees slavery and leaves his family behind with great distress; on the other hand, Huck flees his father’s abuse.  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.)

Have you felt the buzz? The protagonist in this best-selling debut novel is a research chemist who gets fired. No, she didn’t blow anything up at work – it’s just that she is a she, and although unmarried ... gets pregnant. Wanting to stay in the workforce and knowing that “cooking is chemistry,” she becomes a TV cooking show host and a “catalyst” for change. Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated, Zoom discussion. (Note: Please join the meeting at 3:00pm if you would like some assistance using the features of Zoom. Otherwise, join us at 3:15pm for the start of our discussion.)  Author:  Bonnie Garmus, 2022. (For other book discussions, see classes #124, 194, 234)

The studio system of the late 1930s brought together extraordinary writers, directors, and actors to give us extraordinary films starring Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Henry Fonda, Joan Crawford, and Jimmy Stewart. This class will explain how the studio system worked by telling the story behind films such as "Stagecoach," "Young Mr. Lincoln," "The Women," "Babes in Arms," and "Gone with the Wind." There will be many clips of these and other films as we discuss the Hollywood in its prime.

Catherine Hoggle's children went missing in 2014 and she was charged with their murder.  However, Hoggle was ruled mentally unfit for trial.  In December 2022, the charges were dismissed due to the Maryland law which says a person charged with a felony can be held in a mentally incompetent posture for no more than five years.  Mr. McCarthy will discuss the history of competency law in this country, in the context of the Hoggle case.

Sorting nutrition facts from fiction in the age of information overload can be overwhelming, contradictory, and time-consuming. Learn the top ten ways to spot red flags of misinformation, and source trustworthy, science-based approaches to nourish your health and wellness.

The studio system of the late 1930s brought together extraordinary writers, directors, and actors to give us extraordinary films starring Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Henry Fonda, Joan Crawford, and Jimmy Stewart. This class will explain how the studio system worked by telling the story behind films such as "Stagecoach," "Young Mr. Lincoln," "The Women," "Babes in Arms," and "Gone with the Wind." There will be many clips of these and other films as we discuss the Hollywood in its prime.

Catherine Hoggle's children went missing in 2014 and she was charged with their murder.  However, Hoggle was ruled mentally unfit for trial.  In December 2022, the charges were dismissed due to the Maryland law which says a person charged with a felony can be held in a mentally incompetent posture for no more than five years.  Mr. McCarthy will discuss the history of competency law in this country, in the context of the Hoggle case.

The author, Alice McDermott, will speak about her book at Oasis on February 8.  Whether you attend her talk or not, we invite you to read and join us to discuss her novel, set among Americans in Saigon in 1963.  No spoilers here: suffice it to say that the author has been publishing books and winning awards for her craft since 1982. 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.) Author: Alice McDermott, 2023. (For other book discussions, see classes #)

Laughter Practice, aka Laughter Yoga, is a revolutionary idea to refresh the body and spirit. Simple and profound, it is sweeping the world as a physical and mental refresher through a new type of exercise that stresses both without overtaxing either. Usual yoga gear is not needed. Only your time and willingness to laugh and enjoy the hour are required.

(The date of this class has been changed from January 12 to February 23.) Creating an Advance Directive can be intimidating! Learn the process of creating one with a local, practicing, board certified physician who is passionate about Advance Directives.   This class will provide an overview of Advance Directives, including considerations in choosing a Medical Power of Attorney and how to define your "Medical Wishes.”

Considering selling your home this year or in the next couple of years? What steps do you need to know NOW to start the process and get your home market-ready? This session will cover what you can do in advance that will ease your overall process. Understand how current interest rates and lack of inventory can affect sales. Gain knowledge of what the sellers’ legal responsibilities are. The goal of this session is to reduce stress and be ready when the time comes to make your move!

Considering selling your home this year or in the next couple of years? What steps do you need to know NOW to start the process and get your home market-ready? This session will cover what you can do in advance that will ease your overall process. Understand how current interest rates and lack of inventory can affect sales. Gain knowledge of what the sellers’ legal responsibilities are. The goal of this session is to reduce stress and be ready when the time comes to make your move!