(Please note: We are reading the novel itself; we are not reading the 2020 graphic novel, with the same title.) It took the author over two decades to finish his anti-war novel, inspired by his being an American POW imprisoned in a Dresden slaughterhouse during the Allies’ 1945 aerial bombardment. The work combines elements of autobiography, historical fiction, satire, science fiction, and war service record. It’s both 1 of 10 books named in the very first Supreme Court case about public school libraries banning books (1982) and ranked at 18 in the Modern Library’s 100 Best Novels in English (1998). It wasn’t just banned: after the school board in Drake North Dakota had the school custodian burn all 32 classroom copies in the school’s own furnace in 1973, there was a national outcry. 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.)

(Please note:  The date of this class has been changed from May 8 to May 29.)  This presentation will discuss the evolution of American privacy laws, from its origins in Constitutional amendments through to recent case law. There will be a particular focus on media privacy and reproductive privacy rights. The cases discussed will be New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964), Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), Roe v. Wade (1973), and Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022).

Pelvic floor health plays an important role in bladder control, core strength and overall well-being. Yet many people are unsure about what is normal and when to seek medical care. Grace Chen, M.D., M.H.S., from the gynecology and obstetrics department at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine will discuss causes, prevention strategies and treatment options to help you take confident steps toward better pelvic health.

In 1854, Jennie Jerome (future mother of Winston Churchill) and Sara Delano (future mother of Franklin Delano Roosevelt) were born. They grew up with incredible privilege but refused to settle into predictable, sheltered lives. They lived life on their own terms, but both enabled their sons to reach the epicentre of political power on two continents. Charlotte Gray breathes new life into the stories of Jennie and Sara, arguing that the mothers were crucial in shaping their sons’ habits and careers. Gray’s book has been described as a “terrific and insightful double biography.”

You are cordially invited to spend a morning at the Muslim Community Center (MCC) in Silver Spring.  The vision of the MCC is to be a "Center of Islamic Excellence in which the Muslim community becomes a positive role model for all."  Under the leadership of the Imam, the Center serves the needs of the local Muslim community with religious, educational, youth and senior programs, community outreach, a medical clinic and many other services.   You'll have a chance to meet the Imam and tour the facilities, including the Mosque. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.  The Center is located at 15200 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20905.   There is plenty of space for parking in the back of the building. Participants will receive an email with more details shortly before the trip.  Limit:  25

Experience the joy of music as talented young guitarists from Vladimir Fridman’s Guitar Studio take the stage! This special concert features a delightful mix of solo and ensemble performances, showcasing a variety of musical styles from around the world. Be inspired by the skill and passion of these young musicians, including Logan Liu, 9, winner of the 2024 Charleston International Guitar Competition. Join us for an uplifting morning of beautiful melodies and youthful artistry—free and open to all!

Social movements are behind the most powerful changes in our world. They shift mindsets, enact laws, and influence how we relate to each other. In this class, we’ll address several key questions: What are the features of a movement that can hold leaders' attention and involve millions of participants? What have today’s social movements learned from their 20th-century predecessors? How are activists harnessing our changing media environment? We'll explore the rhetorical strategies activists use to build power and fight for change in the U.S. and around the world.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from a stroke is to understand your risk and how to control it.  Learn about stroke risk factors and prevention strategies. This webinar will outline a stroke action plan as well as vital signs and symptoms to be aware of using the be F.A.S.T. strategy.

"They’ve" been listening for longer than you think.  From wayward lovers to foreign spies, from private detectives to public officials, and from the silver screen to the Supreme Court, the author will explore the long and surprising history of wiretapping and electronic eavesdropping from the Civil War to the near present.

"They’ve" been listening for longer than you think.  From wayward lovers to foreign spies, from private detectives to public officials, and from the silver screen to the Supreme Court, the author will explore the long and surprising history of wiretapping and electronic eavesdropping from the Civil War to the near present.