The roots of today's international justice and international humanitarian law systems are the crimes and processes created by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson for the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg in 1945. Kristan McMahon will provide the historic context from Nuremberg and how that has evolved into the ad hoc tribunals and the International Criminal Court of today.  She'll also explore the possible paths to accountability for the Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine.

Whether or not you have read our May selection before, you probably know that many readers consider this title as a lifelong favorite.  An immediate best-seller upon publication, selling around 3 million copies in the first year or so, the novel has always been in print. It has been translated into 16 other languages.  It’s 1912 and eleven-year-old Francie Nolan lives in a Brooklyn tenement with her parents and ten-year-old brother Neeley. She loves her public library – taking out a book six days and two on Saturday.  Her mother supports the family by cleaning and her father, battling the demon drink, works as a singing waiter; their life is not easy.  We see her through to age seventeen and can imagine what comes next. Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated Zoom discussion.

The Beach Boys seemed to be the golden boys of endless summers as they sang songs about the southern California youth culture of surfing, cars, and teenage romances. Often touted as “America’s Band”, the Beach Boys produced the sort of monster hits that dreams are made of including “Fun, Fun, Fun”, “California Girls” and “Good Vibrations”. Yet despite their many successes, band members often struggled to keep the group from imploding due to personal problems.

The American University Museum hosts rotating exhibitions of political, international and local art from around the globe and the Alper Initiative, dedicated to the art history of Washington, DC.  The museum is located on American University’s main campus in the Katzen Arts Center.  Enjoy a guided tour of two of AUM's spring 2024 exhibitions, "Dana Hart-Stone: Kaleidescope" and "Art & the Demands of Memory."  The tour will spend a half hour in each exhibition.  You are then welcome to explore the other exhibitions and permanent collection at your leisure. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.  The museum is located on the American University main campus in the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC 20016.  There is parking available and the museum is also accessible via free shuttle from the Metro Red Line. Participants will receive an email with more details shortly before the trip. For more information, visit the museum website:  American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center .  

Level of Difficulty: 1 out of 5 We'll look for late blooming spring flowers, look for insects and talk about their importance to the ecosystem, and wildlife in and around the canal and river.  Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Follow signs off the Clara Barton Parkway to the Carderock C&O parking. Park in the Carderock South Parking Lot, opposite the US Naval Surface Warfare Center on Clara Barton Pkwy. There are bathroom facilities at the parking lot.  The Carderock Picnic Pavilion is located here.  Walkers will leave promptly at 10:30 am, so plan to arrive and park before then. (See additional walks:  #349, 396, 437)

Each year, the Maryland legislature deals with thousands of pieces of proposed legislation. This class will focus on the most important new laws adopted during the 2026 legislative session.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.  To celebrate, join us for a fabulous afternoon of pampering and style, courtesy of our friends at Macy's! Macy's associates will be on hand to help you look and feel your best this summer season — and yes, gentlemen, this one's for you too!

Enjoy a relaxing hand massage, a refreshing mini-facial, and get inspired by the hottest summer clothing styles of the season. Whether you're looking to refresh your skincare routine or update your warm-weather wardrobe, our Macy's experts will share tips and tricks tailored just for you.

Come as you are and leave glowing — inside and out. Light refreshments will add to the fun as you mingle with friends old and new.

As a follow-up to our December session which reviewed the new phonics-heavy curriculum in use by MCPS, Linda Shiffman, our Oasis Trainer, will present on the teaching of phonics. She will define and provide examples of the phonics-related terminology which students are taught and share materials and activities that may be helpful during your tutoring sessions. These materials and activates are a combination of existing and new additions to our Oasis Resource Center and will be available for check-out by tutors. *This course is for active, on-break and new Oasis tutors only *Due to the interactive nature of this session it will only be offered in-person at Oasis (not virtual)

Our lungs are amazing organs that work really hard. As we age, so do our lungs. Join Dr. Galiastatos to learn how our lungs change over time, what's natural, and what can be a warning that you should see a doctor.