This talk will explore the history of The Manhattan Project, looking at the fact that while many celebrated the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as having helped to bring the Second World War to a close, the reality is a lot more complicated. We’ll examine not just the development of the atomic bomb and the long shadow it cast, but also explore some of the fascinating and little known ramifications of how the success of the Manhattan Project continues to affect us even 77 years later.

Drivers who complete this course may receive a multi-year discount on their auto insurance, depending on state regulations. Exciting new content includes information on brain health, railroad and animal crossings, plus expanded information on car technology and updates on the many new laws in Maryland. A number of tips will be offered to help reduce your chances of having an accident and getting injured. The fee is due at the start of class ($20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members). You can pay by cash or check (made out to AARP). Bring your driver's license, AARP card, cash or check, and a pen. There will be a break for lunch. Limit: 25

Google Maps is more than finding how to get from one place to another. Explore additional features such as checking traffic, adding extra stops, and finding gas stations and other landmarks. Get organized using Google Calendar by tracking appointments and more through such features as sharing and reminders. Explore Gmail features to help tame an overflowing email inbox. This class includes demonstrations with time for hands-on practice. Participants should have a Google account; please bring your log-on id and password to class. See related Google classes: #350 and #354.

The guitar is a relative newcomer to the genre of jazz music. But due to its tremendous potential for different sounds, textures and styles, it has had a great influence on how jazz has evolved since the beginning of the twentieth century. Through performance and commentary, guitar virtuoso Vladimir Fridman will paint a picture of the development of the jazz guitar by examining the styles and personal histories of jazz guitar greats, including Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian, and Joe Pass.

Every family has papers and photographs sitting around — dad’s letters from the war, mom’s recipe cards, photo albums, various diplomas, and more. What do you DO with it all? How do you know what to keep and what to discard? And how can you continue to preserve your family’s story for future generations? Archivist Sarah Hedlund from Montgomery History will take you through the basics of organization and preservation, focusing on proper storage and conservation techniques you can implement at home, as well as advice on when to call in a professional.

The Quakers were the first group of white Christians to confront slaveholding as a religious problem that demanded social action. But in the late 1600s, many Quakers were slaveholders themselves. It took energy and activism on the part of a small number of activists within this faith group to disrupt that status quo and steer their church towards an outspoken commitment to Black freedom. This lecture tells that story.

Fiddler Will Adams had deep roots in the African American communities of Montgomery County from Sandy Spring to Norbeck to Ken-Gar. In 1953, he was recorded by folklorist Mike Seeger (half-brother of Pete Seeger) who grew up in Chevy Chase. Adams’ family history offers a glimpse of African American life in Montgomery County from the final years of slavery to the mid-twentieth century. Learn how the music of both Adams and Seeger lives on among contemporary old-time musicians.

The Quakers were the first group of white Christians to confront slaveholding as a religious problem that demanded social action. But in the late 1600s, many Quakers were slaveholders themselves. It took energy and activism on the part of a small number of activists within this faith group to disrupt that status quo and steer their church towards an outspoken commitment to Black freedom. This lecture tells that story.

Published in 1978, Samuel Shem's (pseudonym for Dr. Stephen Bergman) novel changed medical education in the USA.  Its reception illustrated the “generation gap” among physicians in the 1970s.  The novel is still inspiring articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and retrospectives.  Rhodes Scholar and psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Bergman wrote the book, not intending it for publication, as a way to come to terms with how the reality of his medical internship distressingly confounded the expectations set by his medical education.  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.) (See other book discussions: #322, 401, 440)

How could the guy who wrote pop hits such as "Witchcraft" morph into one of the greatest musical theater composers and win "Best Musical" three years in a row? Not even Sondheim ever did that! From "Sweet Charity" to the "Will Rogers Follies," come enjoy a style and the music that you will sing all day.

In one of the great ironies of history, the successful outcome of the French and Indian War triggered a series of events that ultimately led to the American Declaration of Independence. Professor Blaine Davies traveled to upstate New York to visit many of the sites where the war was fought. His presentation will feature a photographic journal of his trip as well as a synopsis of the key events in the war, including how the outcome of the war helped shape our nation’s future.

Learn how to act as an immediate responder to help save lives when disaster strikes. Individuals with little or no medical training will learn how use their hands to apply pressure to a wound, pack a wound to control bleeding, how to correctly apply a tourniquet. These three techniques will empower you to assist in an emergency and potentially save a life. Get trained!

Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams were front-page news for decades, on and off the baseball diamond, and during and after their playing careers. This program discusses their interesting rivalry and lives.

Every day and from moment to moment, we are all improvising our lives. Learning a few “improv” techniques can help boost brain health, illuminate possibilities, and foster creative expression. In this workshop, outside worries will melt away as you play improv games and laugh with others in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere.

TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). In this discussion group, we will watch a pre-selected TED talk together and then engage in dialogue about it. By sharing our individual points of view about the ideas expressed in the talk, we’ll gain insights about different perspectives, philosophies, and perceptions.  The topics will be personal and philosophical, not political.  The environment will be safe, open, welcoming, and informal.  Refreshments will be served!   Sign up for one, two, three or all four meeting dates (see class #317, 395, 434).  Limit: 20