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March 21 Monday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Bonita Billman, Art History LecturerLocations: Oasis at the Macy's Home StoreAround 1900 a group of American artists arose with Robert Henri, painter and influential teacher, at their center. Their chosen subjects were scenes of urban life in New York City, in all its unvarnished truth. Their realistic pictures shocked academia and the public, who were used to the edited, beautiful sunlit subjects of the American impressionists. The... read moreAround 1900 a group of American artists arose with Robert Henri, painter and influential teacher, at their center. Their chosen subjects were scenes of urban life in New York City, in all its unvarnished truth. Their realistic pictures shocked academia and the public, who were used to the edited, beautiful sunlit subjects of the American impressionists. The dark gritty work of Shinn, Sloan, Glackens, Luke and Bellows was deemed by some to be fit only for the ashcan. Their truth to nature will influence the next generation of urban realists including Reginald Marsh and Edward Hopper. -
RECORDEDApril 3 Thursday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Dan Sherman, PhDLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineThe Canadian pianist Glenn Gould dazzled the world in 1955 with his razor-sharp versions of Bach before beginning a hugely successful career known both for his playing and also his musical and personal eccentricities. This course will outline Gould’s life and career and include many performance clips, along with interviews, lectures, and samples from his... read moreThe Canadian pianist Glenn Gould dazzled the world in 1955 with his razor-sharp versions of Bach before beginning a hugely successful career known both for his playing and also his musical and personal eccentricities. This course will outline Gould’s life and career and include many performance clips, along with interviews, lectures, and samples from his writings. -
March 21 Monday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Bonita Billman, Art History LecturerLocations: Online ClassAround 1900 a group of American artists arose with Robert Henri, painter and influential teacher, at their center. Their chosen subjects were scenes of urban life in New York City, in all its unvarnished truth. Their realistic pictures shocked academia and the public, who were used to the edited, beautiful sunlit subjects of the American impressionists. The... read moreAround 1900 a group of American artists arose with Robert Henri, painter and influential teacher, at their center. Their chosen subjects were scenes of urban life in New York City, in all its unvarnished truth. Their realistic pictures shocked academia and the public, who were used to the edited, beautiful sunlit subjects of the American impressionists. The dark gritty work of Shinn, Sloan, Glackens, Luke and Bellows was deemed by some to be fit only for the ashcan. Their truth to nature will influence the next generation of urban realists including Reginald Marsh and Edward Hopper.
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March 21 Monday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Blaine Davies, M.A., Professor of U.S. HistoryLocations: Online ClassWho is the man that inspired the hit Broadway play? Blaine Davies describes how Alexander Hamilton became arguably our most important Founding Father not to serve as President. He became George Washington’s most trusted adviser, built the foundation of our financial system, and co-authored the Federalist Papers that helped convince a young, skeptical... read moreWho is the man that inspired the hit Broadway play? Blaine Davies describes how Alexander Hamilton became arguably our most important Founding Father not to serve as President. He became George Washington’s most trusted adviser, built the foundation of our financial system, and co-authored the Federalist Papers that helped convince a young, skeptical nation to ratify the Constitution. From his humble, illegitimate birth on a small Caribbean Island to his tragic death in an infamous duel, we’ll explore his turbulent, remarkable life and the key role he played in shaping our nation.
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March 30 Thursday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Jane Ellen, Performer, Composer, and Recording ArtistLocations: Online ClassOne of the most successful artists of all time, Elton John (1947- ) has sold over 300 million records. Ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the 100 greatest artists of all time, his career has taken him from session musician, to recording innovative music written with Bernie Taupin, to film soundtracks, and finally to the Broadway stage. A tireless... read moreOne of the most successful artists of all time, Elton John (1947- ) has sold over 300 million records. Ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the 100 greatest artists of all time, his career has taken him from session musician, to recording innovative music written with Bernie Taupin, to film soundtracks, and finally to the Broadway stage. A tireless AIDS activist, he has received a Brits Icon Award for his “lasting impact on British culture”. -
March 21 Monday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Gary M Bennett, Founder, TechMedic4ULocations: Oasis at the Macy's Home StoreApple iCloud is a program that allows you to share your photos, calendars, contacts, reminders, bookmarks, and music between your iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC. In this class, we will configure iCloud for your individual preferences and explore its benefits and features. Please bring the devices you wish to set up with iCloud (iPhones, iPads, Macbooks and Windows... read moreApple iCloud is a program that allows you to share your photos, calendars, contacts, reminders, bookmarks, and music between your iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC. In this class, we will configure iCloud for your individual preferences and explore its benefits and features. Please bring the devices you wish to set up with iCloud (iPhones, iPads, Macbooks and Windows laptops). To participate in this class, you must have iOS11 or higher installed on your Apple devices. Please make sure to bring your Apple ID username and password.
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March 22 Tuesday10:30 AM → 11:30 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Geoffrey Kabasevice, Director, Political Studies, Niskanen CenterLocations: Oasis at the Macy's Home StoreEx-president Donald Trump has only strengthened his hold over the Republican Party since leaving office, in spite of his role in the January 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol. Why has Trump's Big Lie of a stolen election become GOP orthodoxy? What will the consequences be if the Republican Party retakes control of one or both houses of Congress in 2022? And... read moreEx-president Donald Trump has only strengthened his hold over the Republican Party since leaving office, in spite of his role in the January 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol. Why has Trump's Big Lie of a stolen election become GOP orthodoxy? What will the consequences be if the Republican Party retakes control of one or both houses of Congress in 2022? And how serious is the threat to American democracy in 2024?
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March 22 Tuesday10:30 AM → 11:30 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Geoffrey Kabasevice, Director, Political Studies, Niskanen CenterLocations: Online ClassEx-president Donald Trump has only strengthened his hold over the Republican Party since leaving office, in spite of his role in the January 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol. Why has Trump's Big Lie of a stolen election become GOP orthodoxy? What will the consequences be if the Republican Party retakes control of one or both houses of Congress in 2022? And... read moreEx-president Donald Trump has only strengthened his hold over the Republican Party since leaving office, in spite of his role in the January 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol. Why has Trump's Big Lie of a stolen election become GOP orthodoxy? What will the consequences be if the Republican Party retakes control of one or both houses of Congress in 2022? And how serious is the threat to American democracy in 2024?
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April 14 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Martina Sestakova, Art Educator, Designer and PainterLocations: Oasis at Macys Home StoreDid you know flowers are the most popular theme in art? In this workshop we will take a look at famous floral patterns and create a series of our own small floral paintings in watercolors. We will play with colors, shapes, and textures and delve into basic watercolor techniques. No prior experience required, and everyone is welcome, regardless of skill... read moreDid you know flowers are the most popular theme in art? In this workshop we will take a look at famous floral patterns and create a series of our own small floral paintings in watercolors. We will play with colors, shapes, and textures and delve into basic watercolor techniques. No prior experience required, and everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level. All materials will be provided. -
March 22 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Peter Bolland, MA, Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Southwestern CollegeLocations: Online ClassExciting things happen when you compare and contrast the teachings of different wisdom traditions. Vedanta and Christian mysticism are no exception to this rule. The Vedanta school of Hinduism proposed a non-dual philosophy where all is one. A mystical, metaphorical interpretation of Christian scripture leans tantalizingly close to that perspective. Let’s... read moreExciting things happen when you compare and contrast the teachings of different wisdom traditions. Vedanta and Christian mysticism are no exception to this rule. The Vedanta school of Hinduism proposed a non-dual philosophy where all is one. A mystical, metaphorical interpretation of Christian scripture leans tantalizingly close to that perspective. Let’s see where this inquiry goes! Join us for this close reading of the Mandukya Upanishad and selected passages from the Gospels.
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April 3 Monday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Victor Rezmovic and Gary Cahn, Technology InstructorsLocations: Online ClassWe use technology in our daily lives. Once a technology meets our needs, we tend to stay with it. Technology, however, is always changing. You may benefit from examining what’s new and incorporating these new technologies. Adding or upgrading to new options will enable you to do more, be more productive and often save money. In this class we will help... read moreWe use technology in our daily lives. Once a technology meets our needs, we tend to stay with it. Technology, however, is always changing. You may benefit from examining what’s new and incorporating these new technologies. Adding or upgrading to new options will enable you to do more, be more productive and often save money. In this class we will help you sort through the latest changes in areas like computer hardware, software, the Internet/Cloud and online safety. -
April 3 Monday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Dan Sherman, PhDLocations: Online Class(Please note NEW date: Monday, April 3 at 1 pm.) The now legendary Enigma machine was used by all branches of Nazi Germany’s military to encode messages by scrambling letters that could only be read by another machine with proper keys to decode the message. The fact that the Allies were able to intercept and read messages sent at the highest levels of... read more(Please note NEW date: Monday, April 3 at 1 pm.) The now legendary Enigma machine was used by all branches of Nazi Germany’s military to encode messages by scrambling letters that could only be read by another machine with proper keys to decode the message. The fact that the Allies were able to intercept and read messages sent at the highest levels of secrecy likely shortened the war. This class will explain the general principle of encrypting messages, describe how the Enigma machine work, and how the Allies exploited a small weakness in the design of the machine to read Enigma’s secret messages. The class will combine a discussion of codebreaking with WWII history, and the later history of how the effort to break the Enigma code came to light. -
April 3 Monday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Dan Sherman, PhDLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home Store(Please note NEW date: Monday, April 3 at 1 pm.) The now legendary Enigma machine was used by all branches of Nazi Germany’s military to encode messages by scrambling letters that could only be read by another machine with proper keys to decode the message. The fact that the Allies were able to intercept and read messages sent at the highest levels of... read more(Please note NEW date: Monday, April 3 at 1 pm.) The now legendary Enigma machine was used by all branches of Nazi Germany’s military to encode messages by scrambling letters that could only be read by another machine with proper keys to decode the message. The fact that the Allies were able to intercept and read messages sent at the highest levels of secrecy likely shortened the war. This class will explain the general principle of encrypting messages, describe how the Enigma machine work, and how the Allies exploited a small weakness in the design of the machine to read Enigma’s secret messages. The class will combine a discussion of codebreaking with WWII history, and the later history of how the effort to break the Enigma code came to light.
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March 22 Tuesday03:00 PM → 04:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Jonina Duker, Certified Book Discussion LeaderLocations: Online ClassA New York Times Notable Book of 2021. Do you pride yourself on predicting plot twists? Or just enjoy a good read that keeps you guessing at what might happen next? Either way, author Jean Hanff Korelitz has thrown down the gauntlet to you the reader. As always, her usual ear for language – as the 1985 winner of the University of Cambridge... read moreA New York Times Notable Book of 2021. Do you pride yourself on predicting plot twists? Or just enjoy a good read that keeps you guessing at what might happen next? Either way, author Jean Hanff Korelitz has thrown down the gauntlet to you the reader. As always, her usual ear for language – as the 1985 winner of the University of Cambridge Chancellor’s Gold Medal for poetry – adds to the overall enjoyment. Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated, Zoom discussion. Author: Jean Hanff Korelitz, 2021 (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.)
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RECORDEDApril 8 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Barbara Blumberg Ressin, CCBCLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineExplore the extraordinary journey of women’s shoes through history — from ancient foot coverings to daring heels that defy gravity and medical advice. Discover how shoes have evolved with societal shifts and fashion trends, including the cultural impact of Chinese foot binding and the surprising origin of high heels. We’ll also dive into the legacy of... read moreExplore the extraordinary journey of women’s shoes through history — from ancient foot coverings to daring heels that defy gravity and medical advice. Discover how shoes have evolved with societal shifts and fashion trends, including the cultural impact of Chinese foot binding and the surprising origin of high heels. We’ll also dive into the legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo, from his roots in rural Italy to his iconic status in Hollywood. Join us for a captivating virtual tour of his museums in Milan and Florence, as we celebrate one of the 20th century's greatest designers. -
April 4 Tuesday10:30 AM → 11:45 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Grigore Scarlatoiu, Executive Director, Committee for Human Rights in North KoreaLocations: Online ClassJoin Greg Scarlatoiu as he discusses the modern and contemporary political and economic history of South and North Korea. He'll address the "Han River Miracle," the astounding economic development of South Korea, as well as its negative side effects. He'll also analyze the nature of the Kim family regime in North Korea, including its policy of human rights... read moreJoin Greg Scarlatoiu as he discusses the modern and contemporary political and economic history of South and North Korea. He'll address the "Han River Miracle," the astounding economic development of South Korea, as well as its negative side effects. He'll also analyze the nature of the Kim family regime in North Korea, including its policy of human rights denial, and he'll examine the importance of the U.S.-ROK alliance and the prospects for Korean reunification. -
RECORDEDApril 8 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Nicki Jhabvala, NFL Reporter, The Washington PostLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineSix months after Josh Harris and his partners purchased the Washington Commanders for a record $6.05 billion, they quickly set about overhauling operations. Now, only two seasons into Harris's tenure as owner, the Commanders have morphed into one of the more exciting NFL teams, with their young quarterback Jayden Daniels, well-respected coach Dan Quinn and... read moreSix months after Josh Harris and his partners purchased the Washington Commanders for a record $6.05 billion, they quickly set about overhauling operations. Now, only two seasons into Harris's tenure as owner, the Commanders have morphed into one of the more exciting NFL teams, with their young quarterback Jayden Daniels, well-respected coach Dan Quinn and savvy general manager Adam Peters. How did the Commanders, who just two years ago were a perennial stain on the NFL, turn things around so quickly? And are they built to sustain their early success — on the field and off? -
March 23 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Robert Watson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of American History, Lynn UniversityLocations: Online ClassAmericans love to rate and rank everything, from the NCAA top 25 football teams to the Fortune 500 to the US News & World Report rankings of the best colleges. So, it seems only natural that we would also rank the presidents. This lecture examines how scholars rank the presidents and who they list as the best and worst, as well as the lessons of... read moreAmericans love to rate and rank everything, from the NCAA top 25 football teams to the Fortune 500 to the US News & World Report rankings of the best colleges. So, it seems only natural that we would also rank the presidents. This lecture examines how scholars rank the presidents and who they list as the best and worst, as well as the lessons of greatness and failure.
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April 2 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Richard Bell, Professor of History, University of MarylandLocations: Online ClassBy now, it seems everyone has an opinion about The 1619 Project. Published in 2019, The 1619 Project was a special edition of The New York Times Magazine that tried to focus readers’ attention upon the centrality of race slavery in American history. We’ll push past the headlines and the posturing and test four of The 1619 Project’s central claims... read moreBy now, it seems everyone has an opinion about The 1619 Project. Published in 2019, The 1619 Project was a special edition of The New York Times Magazine that tried to focus readers’ attention upon the centrality of race slavery in American history. We’ll push past the headlines and the posturing and test four of The 1619 Project’s central claims against the evidence in the historical record. After class, in-person participants will have a chance to chat with Dr. Bell and enjoy light refreshments. -
RECORDEDApril 9 Wednesday10:30 AM → 11:30 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Robert K Sutton, Chief Historian of the National Park Service (Retired)Locations: Hybrid - At Oasis and Online(At the instructor's request, the date of this class has been changed to Wednesday, April 9 at 10:30 am.) Fort Hunt, Virginia was the site of a World War II high-level, clandestine operation. Under code name PO Box 1142, American servicemen interrogated and eavesdropped on high value German prisoners, translated German documents, and developed an escape and... read more(At the instructor's request, the date of this class has been changed to Wednesday, April 9 at 10:30 am.) Fort Hunt, Virginia was the site of a World War II high-level, clandestine operation. Under code name PO Box 1142, American servicemen interrogated and eavesdropped on high value German prisoners, translated German documents, and developed an escape and evasion program for American pilots. These servicemen were young, bright, hardworking, and absolutely dedicated to their work. Many were highly-motivated Jews, who had escaped Nazi Germany as children, with and without their parents. Avoiding corporal punishment, they gained information through dozens of tricks they developed. The speaker will have a limited number of copies of his book available for sale, $20, cash or check.
