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December 13 – December 14 Monday, Tuesday4:00 PM → 5:30 PMSessions: 2Instructor: Henry George, Engineer, Archaeologist and GeologistLocations: Online ClassGenetics is the science of heredity. This science seeks to explain how the characteristics of living things are passed down from parent to offspring. Humans have had a sense of genetics for millennia, first as hunter gatherers who knew how their food was propagated, then as Neolithic farmers who were able to selectively breed plants and animals and... read moreGenetics is the science of heredity. This science seeks to explain how the characteristics of living things are passed down from parent to offspring. Humans have had a sense of genetics for millennia, first as hunter gatherers who knew how their food was propagated, then as Neolithic farmers who were able to selectively breed plants and animals and transform them into domestic entities. Over the last one and half centuries, scientists have experimented and uncovered the determinants, mechanisms, and rules that cause genetics to work. Using the tools of molecular biology, scientists have discovered the nature of genes, chromosomes, and DNA. The purpose of this lecture is to understand how genetics works so that we can then apply it as a line of evidence in human origins and then more specifically to understanding our own individual backgrounds and how we pass traits to our descendants. This lecture is about molecular biology. -
RECORDEDOctober 27 Monday2:00 PM → 3:00 PMSessions: 1Locations: Online ClassStart planning your next great adventure with Oasis! We’re partnering with AFC Vacations to offer two unforgettable group trips in 2026. Join us for a free virtual presentation on October 27 to meet a travel representative, explore trip highlights, and get all your questions answered. Great Trains & Grand Canyon - April 2026 Experience the... read moreStart planning your next great adventure with Oasis! We’re partnering with AFC Vacations to offer two unforgettable group trips in 2026. Join us for a free virtual presentation on October 27 to meet a travel representative, explore trip highlights, and get all your questions answered. Great Trains & Grand Canyon - April 2026 Experience the American West in style on this scenic rail journey, featuring breathtaking views, historic towns, and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Classical Italy – Rome, Florence & Venice - November 2026 Discover the timeless beauty of Italy’s most iconic cities — from ancient ruins in Rome to Renaissance treasures in Florence and the romantic canals of Venice. -
November 29 Wednesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Guillermo Warley, Electronics EngineerLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreRenewable Sources of Energy, Wind, Solar, Geothermal, etc. Why do we need them? How do they work? How clean are they? Where do they stand? How efficient are they? Which are the more promising ones? The concept of Micro Grids and Smart cities. The important role of batteries in the switch to renewable sources. Limitations and challenges. Other futuristic... read moreRenewable Sources of Energy, Wind, Solar, Geothermal, etc. Why do we need them? How do they work? How clean are they? Where do they stand? How efficient are they? Which are the more promising ones? The concept of Micro Grids and Smart cities. The important role of batteries in the switch to renewable sources. Limitations and challenges. Other futuristic options for energy and their realistic possibilities. A look at what countries and regions are leading the conversion to renewable energies. -
November 29 Wednesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Guillermo Warley, Electronics EngineerLocations: Online ClassRenewable Sources of Energy, Wind, Solar, Geothermal, etc. Why do we need them? How do they work? How clean are they? Where do they stand? How efficient are they? Which are the more promising ones? The concept of Micro Grids and Smart cities. The important role of batteries in the switch to renewable sources. Limitations and challenges. Other futuristic... read moreRenewable Sources of Energy, Wind, Solar, Geothermal, etc. Why do we need them? How do they work? How clean are they? Where do they stand? How efficient are they? Which are the more promising ones? The concept of Micro Grids and Smart cities. The important role of batteries in the switch to renewable sources. Limitations and challenges. Other futuristic options for energy and their realistic possibilities. A look at what countries and regions are leading the conversion to renewable energies.
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December 3 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Barbara Blumberg Ressin, CCBCLocations: Online ClassElizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein were mortal business enemies yet were never in the same room together. They were both immigrants, had very humble beginnings and were innovators that helped shape the cosmetic industry as we know it today, a billion dollar conglomerate. There have been a number of books written about the two of them and even a Broadway... read moreElizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein were mortal business enemies yet were never in the same room together. They were both immigrants, had very humble beginnings and were innovators that helped shape the cosmetic industry as we know it today, a billion dollar conglomerate. There have been a number of books written about the two of them and even a Broadway musical, "War Paint". -
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January 20 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Jill Rivers, Founder, Enjoy the Photo MomentsLocations: Oasis at Macys Home Store(Repeat of October 2025 class.) (See other classes in this series #120, 140.) Tired of trying to find that one photo while your friend waits as you scroll and scroll? This hands-on workshop will help you take control of your iPhone Photo Library so you can find, organize, and enjoy your photos with ease. We’ll cover what’s new in the Photos app, how to... read more(Repeat of October 2025 class.) (See other classes in this series #120, 140.) Tired of trying to find that one photo while your friend waits as you scroll and scroll? This hands-on workshop will help you take control of your iPhone Photo Library so you can find, organize, and enjoy your photos with ease. We’ll cover what’s new in the Photos app, how to use filters to find images faster, how to manage People, Pets, Trips, Albums, and even how to pin collections and customize how your library looks. A helpful handout will also be provided to guide you. Whether your photo library feels overwhelming or just a bit messy, you’ll leave with tips to help you feel more in control. Be sure to bring your fully charged iPhone to class. -
January 9 Monday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Steve Roberts, Journalist and AuthorLocations: Online ClassJoin Steve Roberts for a lively look at the results of the 2022 Midterm Elections. Steve Roberts has been a journalist for almost 60 years, covering some of the major events of his time, including fourteen presidential election campaigns. As a broadcaster, Roberts appears regularly as a political analyst on the ABC radio network and writes a... read moreJoin Steve Roberts for a lively look at the results of the 2022 Midterm Elections. Steve Roberts has been a journalist for almost 60 years, covering some of the major events of his time, including fourteen presidential election campaigns. As a broadcaster, Roberts appears regularly as a political analyst on the ABC radio network and writes a nationally-syndicated newspaper column. He teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University and lectures widely on American politics and the role of the news media. -
December 3 Tuesday1:00 PM → 4:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Brigitte Messali, Resident Mosaic Artist, Artists and MakersLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreIf you attended the previous class in October, join us again and make a new piece. Holiday gift idea?! Under the guidance of an experienced mosaic artist, you will learn the basics of mosaic design, color choice, gluing, grouting and finishing a piece. The base is a 6x6'' wooden trivet which will be grouted for decoration or use on your table. Choose... read moreIf you attended the previous class in October, join us again and make a new piece. Holiday gift idea?! Under the guidance of an experienced mosaic artist, you will learn the basics of mosaic design, color choice, gluing, grouting and finishing a piece. The base is a 6x6'' wooden trivet which will be grouted for decoration or use on your table. Choose from a wide variety of pre-cut tiles of different sizes, shapes and colors. All materials included in the class fee. -
January 5 Wednesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Dan Sherman, Musical Theatre InstructorLocations: Online ClassJohn Williams turns 90 in February and has written some of best-known film scores of all time, including Jaws, Star Wars, E.T., and Schindler's List. This class will review Williams' long career in the film music genre and show many movie clips he has scored, along with interviews and videos. Join us to celebrate the contributions of this great composer and... read moreJohn Williams turns 90 in February and has written some of best-known film scores of all time, including Jaws, Star Wars, E.T., and Schindler's List. This class will review Williams' long career in the film music genre and show many movie clips he has scored, along with interviews and videos. Join us to celebrate the contributions of this great composer and enjoy some of his greatest scores.
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November 30 Thursday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Vladimir Fridman, Guitarist and ComposerLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreMusic affects your mood in many ways. When we listen to a rhythm, our hearts sync with it. Music can... read more -
December 3 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Denver Brunsman, Associate Chair, Department of History, George Washington UniversityLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineThis timely session will explore the origins of executive power by analyzing George Washington as a Constitutional thinker and practitioner. Washington not only played a vital role in framing the Constitution as the president of the Philadelphia Convention, but he also put the document into practice as America's first president. Washington's experience... read moreThis timely session will explore the origins of executive power by analyzing George Washington as a Constitutional thinker and practitioner. Washington not only played a vital role in framing the Constitution as the president of the Philadelphia Convention, but he also put the document into practice as America's first president. Washington's experience provides helpful context for our debates over the proper limits of executive power today. -
December 4 Monday10:30 AM → 11:30 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Dr. Michael Kryzanek, Professor Emeritus, Political Science, Bridgewater State UniversityLocations: Online ClassOne of the key aspects of American politics and government is how the president and the Congress interact in the formation and implementation of US foreign policy. This presentation will examine the various ways in which the two branches of government shape our international relations in terms of war, funding, diplomacy, intelligence, public relations,... read moreOne of the key aspects of American politics and government is how the president and the Congress interact in the formation and implementation of US foreign policy. This presentation will examine the various ways in which the two branches of government shape our international relations in terms of war, funding, diplomacy, intelligence, public relations, domestic and foreign lobbying and the media. -
December 5 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: David B Lindauer, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), US Army Signal CorpsLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home Store(At the instructor's request, the date of this class has been changed from September 19 to December 5.) “Medici” - their mere name conjures up images of breath-taking works of art that they commissioned; murderous plots, counterplots, and subterfuges that propelled them to be key figures in the scheming, convoluted world of Renaissance Italy, as well as... read more(At the instructor's request, the date of this class has been changed from September 19 to December 5.) “Medici” - their mere name conjures up images of breath-taking works of art that they commissioned; murderous plots, counterplots, and subterfuges that propelled them to be key figures in the scheming, convoluted world of Renaissance Italy, as well as their involvement in the wider history of western Europe. This course traces the roots of the family from one of provincial bankers to a clan that produced three popes and two Queens of France. Examine their guile, their wealth, their sense of art and excess, their dumb-founding combination of political acumen and sheer folly, and their relentless ambition, as they interacted with many of the famous figures from the world of Italian art, letters, and politics during the course of four centuries. -
December 5 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: David B Lindauer, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), US Army Signal CorpsLocations: Online Class(At the instructor's request, the date of this class has been changed from September 19 to December 5.) “Medici” - their mere name conjures up images of breath-taking works of art that they commissioned; murderous plots, counterplots, and subterfuges that propelled them to be key figures in the scheming, convoluted world of Renaissance Italy, as well... read more(At the instructor's request, the date of this class has been changed from September 19 to December 5.) “Medici” - their mere name conjures up images of breath-taking works of art that they commissioned; murderous plots, counterplots, and subterfuges that propelled them to be key figures in the scheming, convoluted world of Renaissance Italy, as well as their involvement in the wider history of western Europe. This course traces the roots of the family from one of provincial bankers to a clan that produced three popes and two Queens of France. Examine their guile, their wealth, their sense of art and excess, their dumb-founding combination of political acumen and sheer folly, and their relentless ambition, as they interacted with many of the famous figures from the world of Italian art, letters, and politics during the course of four centuries.
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December 4 Wednesday10:30 AM → 11:30 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Paul Farhi, Former Reporter, The Washington PostLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineLots of things are wrong with the news media, but not the things you might think. News reporting is in lots of trouble these days, but the reporting -- particularly on the president and Congress -— may be the least of the problem. Paul Farhi, the Washington Post’s former media reporter, surveys the news landscape and finds it barren. Where can we go... read moreLots of things are wrong with the news media, but not the things you might think. News reporting is in lots of trouble these days, but the reporting -- particularly on the president and Congress -— may be the least of the problem. Paul Farhi, the Washington Post’s former media reporter, surveys the news landscape and finds it barren. Where can we go from here? -
December 4 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Steven Friedman, Music HistorianLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineIf it was good once can it be better now? Come see how revivals of gret musical treasures have often created a new appracjh to a revered... read moreIf it was good once can it be better now? Come see how revivals of gret musical treasures have often created a new appracjh to a revered work! -
December 6 Wednesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Richard Bell, Professor of History, University of MarylandLocations: Online ClassThe global dimensions of the American Revolution are nowhere more evident than in India. The subcontinent had long been the target of British land grabs, and Indian rulers tried to use the distraction of American secession to push Britain out of Asia entirely. Consider Haidar Ali, the ruler of Mysore. He swung into action in 1780, laying siege to British... read moreThe global dimensions of the American Revolution are nowhere more evident than in India. The subcontinent had long been the target of British land grabs, and Indian rulers tried to use the distraction of American secession to push Britain out of Asia entirely. Consider Haidar Ali, the ruler of Mysore. He swung into action in 1780, laying siege to British forts and quickly proving himself as tenacious an opponent of imperial authority as George Washington. By war’s end, Ali and his son Tipu Sultan had put Britain firmly on the backfoot, forcing King George to order an all-or-nothing troop surge to India—a dramatic Swing to the East in which the independence of the entire subcontinent hung in the balance. -
December 5 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Bonita Billman, Art History LecturerLocations: Online ClassAmerica has produced a number of artistic dynasties: the Peale family, the Calders, and—spanning the 20th century—the Wyeths of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The patriarch Newell Convers Wyeth, a member of the Brandywine School, was a famed illustrator. N.C's youngest son, Andrew, chose to paint the local people and the rural landscapes around his summer... read moreAmerica has produced a number of artistic dynasties: the Peale family, the Calders, and—spanning the 20th century—the Wyeths of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The patriarch Newell Convers Wyeth, a member of the Brandywine School, was a famed illustrator. N.C's youngest son, Andrew, chose to paint the local people and the rural landscapes around his summer home. At his death in 2009, Andrew Wyeth was hailed by some as the greatest American realist painter. N.C.’s daughters Carolyn and Henriette were painters too. Andrew's son Jamie Wyeth—the third generation of Wyeth painters—continues the family profession into the 21st century. -
December 6 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Barbara Paulson, Travel SpecialistLocations: Online ClassWhether you’re contemplating your first solo adventures or a veteran solo traveler, Travel Specialist Barbara Paulson offers tips for increasing your comfort level and fully enjoying the experience. Topics include: getting around on your own (paper maps vs. GPS), personal safety (e.g., “share location” on your mobile device), dining alone (e.g., make... read moreWhether you’re contemplating your first solo adventures or a veteran solo traveler, Travel Specialist Barbara Paulson offers tips for increasing your comfort level and fully enjoying the experience. Topics include: getting around on your own (paper maps vs. GPS), personal safety (e.g., “share location” on your mobile device), dining alone (e.g., make up scenarios as you people-watch), making friends (e.g., fellow enthusiasts at a cooking class), testing the waters by traveling with a tour or small group of friends. (See related classes #485, 535.) -
December 5 Thursday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Steven Gimbel, Professor of Philosophy, Gettysburg CollegeLocations: Online ClassPeople regularly say that humor is subjective. While it is true that we all have our own taste in humor, that we find different things funny, there are certain properties that successful jokes have that failed jokes lack. What are the elements of well-structured jokes? Why do some deliveries make jokes funnier? (See related classes #508, 556,... read morePeople regularly say that humor is subjective. While it is true that we all have our own taste in humor, that we find different things funny, there are certain properties that successful jokes have that failed jokes lack. What are the elements of well-structured jokes? Why do some deliveries make jokes funnier? (See related classes #508, 556, 595)
