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February 23 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Vladimir Fridman, Guitarist and ComposerLocations: Online ClassBefore World War II Jews lived in every country of Europe. Roughly nine million of them lived in the countries that would be occupied by Germany during the war. By the end of the war, two out of every three of these Jews would be dead, and European Jewish life would be changed forever. Jews could be found in all walks of life, as farmers, tailors,... read moreBefore World War II Jews lived in every country of Europe. Roughly nine million of them lived in the countries that would be occupied by Germany during the war. By the end of the war, two out of every three of these Jews would be dead, and European Jewish life would be changed forever. Jews could be found in all walks of life, as farmers, tailors, seamstresses, factory hands, accountants, doctors, teachers, and small-business owners. Music and song was woven into every aspect of their lives. This music survived and experiences a revival now! -
RECORDEDMarch 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 OnlineOn Dec. 20, 1170, the most notorious murder of the Middle Ages took place in Canterbury Cathedral: Archbishop Thomas Becket was killed by four knights of King Henry II, who had (apocryphally) spurred them to act by exclaiming in exasperation, “Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?" What was so troublesome about Thomas Becket? Historian Jennifer... read moreOn Dec. 20, 1170, the most notorious murder of the Middle Ages took place in Canterbury Cathedral: Archbishop Thomas Becket was killed by four knights of King Henry II, who had (apocryphally) spurred them to act by exclaiming in exasperation, “Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?" What was so troublesome about Thomas Becket? Historian Jennifer Paxton explores how the archbishop fell afoul of his king for both personal and political reasons and ignited a political dispute that convulsed church and state for almost a decade, and why Becket’s violent death turned him from a lightning rod for controversy into the most important saint in Europe -
RECORDEDMarch 4 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Judy Scott Feldman, Ph.D., Art Historian/National Mall CoalitionLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and Online(BUNDLE AND SAVE $12 when you also sign up for related classes #182, 193, 201) After the emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in 312, artists in Rome started transforming ancient classical art to new Christian forms, subjects, and purposes, a process that flowered in new ways in Renaissance and Baroque Rome. We’ll focus on cross-cultural artistic... read more(BUNDLE AND SAVE $12 when you also sign up for related classes #182, 193, 201) After the emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in 312, artists in Rome started transforming ancient classical art to new Christian forms, subjects, and purposes, a process that flowered in new ways in Renaissance and Baroque Rome. We’ll focus on cross-cultural artistic interactions as artists reshaped pagan artistic traditions to new Christian purposes in Constantine’s Old St. Peter’s basilica, in wall paintings and mosaics commissioned by medieval Popes, and in the Sistine Chapel frescoes of Perugino and Michelangelo. -
February 28 Wednesday6:00 PM → 7:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Suburban Hospital PartnersLocations: Online ClassJoin us in celebrating National Heart Health Month. February is the month of love and while we focus on our loved ones, it is important that we also focus on ways to prevent and cope with heart disease so we can spend more time with those special people in our lives. We will kick off class with a heart pumping workout and finish with a cooking demonstration... read moreJoin us in celebrating National Heart Health Month. February is the month of love and while we focus on our loved ones, it is important that we also focus on ways to prevent and cope with heart disease so we can spend more time with those special people in our lives. We will kick off class with a heart pumping workout and finish with a cooking demonstration using foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, foods proven to improve your heart health. Registration is free but required. Please send an email to register: [email protected]. Include your name, email, and date of the class. -
February 23 Wednesday3:00 PM → 4:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Joan Hart, Art History Instructor, Museum One, Inc.Locations: Online ClassWant to expand your horizons? To develop your own creativity by discovering your personal artist guide and companion? In this 4-part series, beloved Oasis art history instructor Joan Hart combines lecture and discussion to help you enrich your daily life through art and the individual visions of artists. In this session, explore how you can integrate the... read moreWant to expand your horizons? To develop your own creativity by discovering your personal artist guide and companion? In this 4-part series, beloved Oasis art history instructor Joan Hart combines lecture and discussion to help you enrich your daily life through art and the individual visions of artists. In this session, explore how you can integrate the images and visions of Matisse and Bonnard as well Wyeth and Warhol into your daily lives, both outside and in your home. Included are themes of the art of shopping, home decoration, and gardening. (For other classes in this series, see class #154, #163, and #179.)
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February 28 – March 2 Tuesday, Thursday10:30 AM → 12:15 PMSessions: 2Instructor: Gary Cahn, Computer InstructorLocations: Online ClassDo you own an iPad? Are you comfortable surfing the web on your iPad, and have you been using it for at least one month? If so, come to learn 39 tips and tricks to enable you to utilize more iPad features. Topics include hidden iPad shortcuts; backing up your iPad; organizing the apps on your home page; using Safari; updating the operating system; and much... read moreDo you own an iPad? Are you comfortable surfing the web on your iPad, and have you been using it for at least one month? If so, come to learn 39 tips and tricks to enable you to utilize more iPad features. Topics include hidden iPad shortcuts; backing up your iPad; organizing the apps on your home page; using Safari; updating the operating system; and much more. Students should have their own fully-charged iPad with them to use during class. In addition, you should have a computer or other device available to watch the class on Zoom. (This course is NOT for individuals who own other tablets such as the Kindle, Nook, Samsung, etc.) Limit: 12 -
March 4 Tuesday2:00 PM → 3:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Martina Sestakova, Art Educator, Designer and PainterLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreDo you enjoy flowers and their blooms? Are you intrigued by watercolor? Join Martina Sestakova, art educator, for a workshop, during which you will create a colorful 3D flower collage in watercolors. We will tear out shapes, assemble our flowers, and paint them in a variety of bright colors. You will learn the basics behind watercolors and create a unique... read moreDo you enjoy flowers and their blooms? Are you intrigued by watercolor? Join Martina Sestakova, art educator, for a workshop, during which you will create a colorful 3D flower collage in watercolors. We will tear out shapes, assemble our flowers, and paint them in a variety of bright colors. You will learn the basics behind watercolors and create a unique floral composition. No experience is needed, all skill levels are welcome, and all supplies will be provided. (See also class #205) -
February 24 Thursday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: John McCarthy, Montgomery County State's AttorneyLocations: Oasis at the Macy's Home StoreLarge-scale implementation of police-worn body cameras begin in the United States in 2014. The Montgomery County Police Department is the most progressive in Maryland in terms of adopting body cameras; there are 2,000 cameras on the streets already. Maryland lawmakers are now pushing for a statewide mandate requiring every police department in... read moreLarge-scale implementation of police-worn body cameras begin in the United States in 2014. The Montgomery County Police Department is the most progressive in Maryland in terms of adopting body cameras; there are 2,000 cameras on the streets already. Maryland lawmakers are now pushing for a statewide mandate requiring every police department in Maryland to equip officers with body cameras. But the cost for equipment and maintenance of the footage may be the biggest challenge. What has Montgomery County learned from using the cameras for several years now that might address some of the challenges? How do body camera policies of use vary across our state and the nation?
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February 29 Thursday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Jennifer Paxton, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of History, The Catholic University of AmericaLocations: Online ClassJulius Caesar's conquest of Gaul, which he undertook largely out of personal ambition, changed the course of European history by bringing the most important center of power north of the Alps under Roman domination. The Gaulish tribes were divided internally over how to deal with the Roman superpower to their south, leaving an opening for Caesar to exploit.... read moreJulius Caesar's conquest of Gaul, which he undertook largely out of personal ambition, changed the course of European history by bringing the most important center of power north of the Alps under Roman domination. The Gaulish tribes were divided internally over how to deal with the Roman superpower to their south, leaving an opening for Caesar to exploit. By Caesar's own estimation, the campaigns cost over a million Gaulish lives, but not before a brave last stand by a Gaulish chieftain named Vercingetorix provided a hero the French still admire today. (For related classes about the Celts and the Roman World, see #122 and 215.) -
February 28 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Richard Bell, Professor of History, University of MarylandLocations: Online ClassThis special program features a presentation by Dr. Richard Bell, the author of Stolen, a recent book that tells the incredible story of five boys whose courage forever changed the fight against slavery in America. Their ordeal shines a glaring spotlight on the Reverse Underground Railroad, a black-market network of human traffickers who stole away... read moreThis special program features a presentation by Dr. Richard Bell, the author of Stolen, a recent book that tells the incredible story of five boys whose courage forever changed the fight against slavery in America. Their ordeal shines a glaring spotlight on the Reverse Underground Railroad, a black-market network of human traffickers who stole away thousands of legally free African Americans to fuel slavery’s rapid expansion in the decades before the Civil War. -
February 24 Thursday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: John McCarthy, Montgomery County State's AttorneyLocations: Online ClassLarge-scale implementation of police-worn body cameras begin in the United States in 2014. The Montgomery County Police Department is the most progressive in Maryland in terms of adopting body cameras; there are 2,000 cameras on the streets already. Maryland lawmakers are now pushing for a statewide mandate requiring every police department in... read moreLarge-scale implementation of police-worn body cameras begin in the United States in 2014. The Montgomery County Police Department is the most progressive in Maryland in terms of adopting body cameras; there are 2,000 cameras on the streets already. Maryland lawmakers are now pushing for a statewide mandate requiring every police department in Maryland to equip officers with body cameras. But the cost for equipment and maintenance of the footage may be the biggest challenge. What has Montgomery County learned from using the cameras for several years now that might address some of the challenges? How do body camera policies of use vary across our state and the nation?
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February 29 Thursday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Jennifer Paxton, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of History, The Catholic University of AmericaLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreJulius Caesar's conquest of Gaul, which he undertook largely out of personal ambition, changed the course of European history by bringing the most important center of power north of the Alps under Roman domination. The Gaulish tribes were divided internally over how to deal with the Roman superpower to their south, leaving an opening for Caesar to exploit.... read moreJulius Caesar's conquest of Gaul, which he undertook largely out of personal ambition, changed the course of European history by bringing the most important center of power north of the Alps under Roman domination. The Gaulish tribes were divided internally over how to deal with the Roman superpower to their south, leaving an opening for Caesar to exploit. By Caesar's own estimation, the campaigns cost over a million Gaulish lives, but not before a brave last stand by a Gaulish chieftain named Vercingetorix provided a hero the French still admire today. (For related classes about the Celts and the Roman World, see #122 and 215.)
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February 29 Thursday1:00 PM → 2:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Molly Atwood , Ph.D., M.A., Director of Clinical Training, Behavioral Sleep Medicine ProgramLocations: Online ClassInsomnia is a common problem among people of all ages. However, people aged 60 and older are more susceptible to insomnia. In addition to not having enough energy throughout the day, not getting enough high-quality sleep can increase your risk of depression, weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and memory and... read moreInsomnia is a common problem among people of all ages. However, people aged 60 and older are more susceptible to insomnia. In addition to not having enough energy throughout the day, not getting enough high-quality sleep can increase your risk of depression, weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and memory and concentration problems. This class is offered in partnership with Suburban Hospital Community Health and Wellness. -
RECORDEDMarch 5 Wednesday10:30 AM → 11:45 AMSessions: 1Instructor: John Emond, Program Manager, NASA (Retired)Locations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineThis presentation is a true "Tale of Two Cities". In 1814, within less than a month and distance of ~40 miles from Bladensburg/Washington DC to Baltimore, the United States went from despair to celebration. British forces encountered: American chaos and panicked retreat at Bladensburg that opened the way to easy capture of the nation's capital. Courage... read moreThis presentation is a true "Tale of Two Cities". In 1814, within less than a month and distance of ~40 miles from Bladensburg/Washington DC to Baltimore, the United States went from despair to celebration. British forces encountered: American chaos and panicked retreat at Bladensburg that opened the way to easy capture of the nation's capital. Courage at the battle of North Point. And defiance at Fort McHenry. This presentation will also touch on the leading causes of the war and though little was formally resolved with the Treaty of Ghent's "status quo antebellum", there was a major gain by our fledgling country. -
March 1 Wednesday10:30 AM → 11:30 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Geoffrey Kabasevice, Vice President, Political Studies Niskanen Center, D.C.Locations: Online ClassAmerica is both narrowly and deeply divided, and our social and political divisions are magnified by divided government in Washington. Have the Republicans learned any lessons from the unexpected outcome of the 2022 midterms? Is there any chance for cooperation in Congress? And what are the prospects for... read moreAmerica is both narrowly and deeply divided, and our social and political divisions are magnified by divided government in Washington. Have the Republicans learned any lessons from the unexpected outcome of the 2022 midterms? Is there any chance for cooperation in Congress? And what are the prospects for 2024? -
March 1 Wednesday10:30 AM → 11:30 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Geoffrey Kabasevice, Vice President, Political Studies Niskanen Center, D.C.Locations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreAmerica is both narrowly and deeply divided, and our social and political divisions are magnified by divided government in Washington. Have the Republicans learned any lessons from the unexpected outcome of the 2022 midterms? Is there any chance for cooperation in Congress? And what are the prospects for... read moreAmerica is both narrowly and deeply divided, and our social and political divisions are magnified by divided government in Washington. Have the Republicans learned any lessons from the unexpected outcome of the 2022 midterms? Is there any chance for cooperation in Congress? And what are the prospects for 2024?
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February 24 Thursday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Barbara Paulson, European Travel SpecialistLocations: Online ClassBracing whiskey tastings, a museum with everything from prehistoric tools to Dolly the cloned sheep, the bridge of the Royal Yacht Britannia, a fully restored Georgian House, a museum dedicated to native literati Robert Burns, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Robert Louis Stevenson as well as the café where modern Scottish writer J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter,... read moreBracing whiskey tastings, a museum with everything from prehistoric tools to Dolly the cloned sheep, the bridge of the Royal Yacht Britannia, a fully restored Georgian House, a museum dedicated to native literati Robert Burns, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Robert Louis Stevenson as well as the café where modern Scottish writer J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter, and a department store in continuous operation since 1838. These are only a few of the treasures highlighted by European Travel Specialist Barbara Paulson.
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March 1 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Denver Brunsman, Associate Chair, Department of History, George Washington UniversityLocations: Online Class“The Room Where It Happens,” one of the most beloved songs of the hit musical "Hamilton," tells the story of the Compromise of 1790, the political deal that placed America’s capital on the banks of the Potomac River. In this lecture, Professor Denver Brunsman of George Washington University will recount the actual events that resulted in the... read more“The Room Where It Happens,” one of the most beloved songs of the hit musical "Hamilton," tells the story of the Compromise of 1790, the political deal that placed America’s capital on the banks of the Potomac River. In this lecture, Professor Denver Brunsman of George Washington University will recount the actual events that resulted in the Compromise of 1790 and how the political values of the Founding Era resulted in disenfranchisement for the future residents of Washington, D.C. Professor Brunsman will further bring these issues to the present by discussing the political and constitutional obstacles to DC realizing statehood. -
March 16 Saturday10:30 AM → 12:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Marianne Starr, Naturalist, Locust Grove Nature CenterLocations: TripLevel of Difficulty: 2.5 out of 5 Let's look for waterfowl as well as signs of spring as we meander along part of 90 acre Clopper Lake. Wear sturdy shoes and layers, as the wind can be strong and cold off the water in a few places. Hiking poles are recommended since some areas have exposed roots and rocks. Participants are responsible for their... read moreLevel of Difficulty: 2.5 out of 5 Let's look for waterfowl as well as signs of spring as we meander along part of 90 acre Clopper Lake. Wear sturdy shoes and layers, as the wind can be strong and cold off the water in a few places. Hiking poles are recommended since some areas have exposed roots and rocks. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Seneca Creek State Park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. (See additional walks: #227 and #248) -
March 5 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Caron Dale, Singer and SongwriterLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreExplore the history behind iconic songs that fueled movements for civil rights, peace and equality. From folk anthems to protest ballads, we’ll examine how artists used their voices and lyrics to spark change and empower communities. And we'll sing some timeless classics like Blowin’ in the Wind, This Land Is Your Land and We Shall Overcome. Whether... read moreExplore the history behind iconic songs that fueled movements for civil rights, peace and equality. From folk anthems to protest ballads, we’ll examine how artists used their voices and lyrics to spark change and empower communities. And we'll sing some timeless classics like Blowin’ in the Wind, This Land Is Your Land and We Shall Overcome. Whether you're a music lover, a history enthusiast, or someone who wants to be part of these songs’ enduring legacy, this class promises an uplifting and enriching experience.
