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July 11 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Dan Sherman, PhDLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StorePerhaps best-known for the variety wildlife that Charles Darwin Darwin observed that informed development of his theory of evolution. The course will discuss the history of the islands, including their formation, their early settlement, their role in Darwin's life and career, and subsequent history balancing tourism and conservation. The course will inform... read morePerhaps best-known for the variety wildlife that Charles Darwin Darwin observed that informed development of his theory of evolution. The course will discuss the history of the islands, including their formation, their early settlement, their role in Darwin's life and career, and subsequent history balancing tourism and conservation. The course will inform those interested in science and history, and also provide background for those who may visit these enchanted islands. -
July 11 Tuesday3:00 PM → 4:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Jonina Duker, Certified Book Discussion LeaderLocations: Online ClassOasis favorite author JoJo Moyes was inspired by a Smithsonian magazine article about the WPA’s Pack Horse Library Project. The Australian author sets her historical novel in 1930s Kentucky and gives us plenty of scenery, protagonists, drama, and of course reading. Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated, Zoom... read moreOasis favorite author JoJo Moyes was inspired by a Smithsonian magazine article about the WPA’s Pack Horse Library Project. The Australian author sets her historical novel in 1930s Kentucky and gives us plenty of scenery, protagonists, drama, and of course reading. 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.) Author: JoJo Moyes, 2019. (For other book discussions, see classes #314, 354, 431) -
June 24 Friday6:00 PM → 7:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Chris Burns, Many-StringsLocations: Online ClassJohn Williams has been honored with 25 Grammy Awards, five Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and much more! He was trained at Julliard, played in New York’s jazz clubs and went on to compose music to celebrate the Olympic games and the resilience of the human spirit. He is an American master of dramatic and romantic orchestral music. This is an hour of... read moreJohn Williams has been honored with 25 Grammy Awards, five Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and much more! He was trained at Julliard, played in New York’s jazz clubs and went on to compose music to celebrate the Olympic games and the resilience of the human spirit. He is an American master of dramatic and romantic orchestral music. This is an hour of gorgeous melodies, rich musical imagery, and film orchestral history! -
June 27 Monday1:00 PM → 2:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Lola Sparrowhawk, Author/HistorianLocations: Online ClassEuropean nations came to the Americas to increase their wealth, claim territory, and broaden their influence over world affairs. By 1650 England had established a dominant presence on the Atlantic coast. In 1770, more than 2 million people lived and worked in Great Britain's 13 North American colonies. The British colonists formed the First Continental... read moreEuropean nations came to the Americas to increase their wealth, claim territory, and broaden their influence over world affairs. By 1650 England had established a dominant presence on the Atlantic coast. In 1770, more than 2 million people lived and worked in Great Britain's 13 North American colonies. The British colonists formed the First Continental Congress in 1774 seeking representation in British parliament. The English crown scoffed at the idea. When the American colonists refused to back down, a fierce war ensued. This lecture looks at how a band of settlers fought and won against the most powerful empire in the world. -
July 12 Wednesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: John McCarthy, Montgomery County State's AttorneyLocations: Online ClassThis class will focus on the top dozen cases, both civil and criminal, heard by the Court during the past year. Special emphasis will be placed on evolving trends and voting blocks on the Court. As always, issues related to criminal decisions will be discussed in... read moreThis class will focus on the top dozen cases, both civil and criminal, heard by the Court during the past year. Special emphasis will be placed on evolving trends and voting blocks on the Court. As always, issues related to criminal decisions will be discussed in depth. -
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July 12 Wednesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: John McCarthy, Montgomery County State's AttorneyLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreThis class will focus on the top dozen cases, both civil and criminal, heard by the Court during the past year. Special emphasis will be placed on evolving trends and voting blocks on the Court. As always, issues related to criminal decisions will be discussed in... read moreThis class will focus on the top dozen cases, both civil and criminal, heard by the Court during the past year. Special emphasis will be placed on evolving trends and voting blocks on the Court. As always, issues related to criminal decisions will be discussed in depth.
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June 28 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Victor Rezmovic, Computer InstructorLocations: Online ClassThe computer and the internet are among the most important innovations of our era, but few people know who created them. In 2014, Walter Isaacson published The Innovators, in which he covered the last 175 years of the history that produced today's technology. This lecture will follow Isaacson’s timeline and supplement his narrative with additional details... read moreThe computer and the internet are among the most important innovations of our era, but few people know who created them. In 2014, Walter Isaacson published The Innovators, in which he covered the last 175 years of the history that produced today's technology. This lecture will follow Isaacson’s timeline and supplement his narrative with additional details on the people and events. Reading Isaacson’s book is not required for attending this class. -
June 28 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Victor Rezmovic, Computer InstructorLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreThe computer and the internet are among the most important innovations of our era, but few people know who created them. In 2014, Walter Isaacson published The Innovators, in which he covered the last 175 years of the history that produced today's technology. This lecture will follow Isaacson’s timeline and supplement his narrative with additional details... read moreThe computer and the internet are among the most important innovations of our era, but few people know who created them. In 2014, Walter Isaacson published The Innovators, in which he covered the last 175 years of the history that produced today's technology. This lecture will follow Isaacson’s timeline and supplement his narrative with additional details on the people and events. Reading Isaacson’s book is not required for attending this class.
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July 13 Thursday10:30 AM → 11:45 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Glenn Frankel, Journalist and AuthorLocations: Online ClassIn an era when a new wave of movies broke through the boundaries of mainstream film-making, Midnight Cowboy (1969) stands out as the most creative and unconventional of them all. The making of the only X-rated film to win a Best Picture Oscar offers a window onto the creative ferment and social unrest that gripped New York and America in the 1960s: the rise... read moreIn an era when a new wave of movies broke through the boundaries of mainstream film-making, Midnight Cowboy (1969) stands out as the most creative and unconventional of them all. The making of the only X-rated film to win a Best Picture Oscar offers a window onto the creative ferment and social unrest that gripped New York and America in the 1960s: the rise of gay liberation, the renaissance of New Hollywood and adult treatment of sexual themes in popular culture. -
June 28 Tuesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Peter Bolland, MA, Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Southwestern CollegeLocations: Online ClassSocrates (470-399 BCE), the “gadfly” of Athens, was a teacher to so many, including the young Plato who would go on to devote his career to writing the most important philosophical dialogues in the Western canon, nearly all featuring his long-dead teacher Socrates. Against a backdrop of moral relativism, destructive self-interest, and political chaos... read moreSocrates (470-399 BCE), the “gadfly” of Athens, was a teacher to so many, including the young Plato who would go on to devote his career to writing the most important philosophical dialogues in the Western canon, nearly all featuring his long-dead teacher Socrates. Against a backdrop of moral relativism, destructive self-interest, and political chaos (sound familiar?) we find Socrates cajoling his fellow Athenians, and us, to devote our energies instead to the care of our souls. -
July 13 Thursday10:30 AM → 11:45 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Glenn Frankel, Journalist and AuthorLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreIn an era when a new wave of movies broke through the boundaries of mainstream film-making, Midnight Cowboy (1969) stands out as the most creative and unconventional of them all. The making of the only X-rated film to win a Best Picture Oscar offers a window onto the creative ferment and social unrest that gripped New York and America in the 1960s: the rise... read moreIn an era when a new wave of movies broke through the boundaries of mainstream film-making, Midnight Cowboy (1969) stands out as the most creative and unconventional of them all. The making of the only X-rated film to win a Best Picture Oscar offers a window onto the creative ferment and social unrest that gripped New York and America in the 1960s: the rise of gay liberation, the renaissance of New Hollywood and adult treatment of sexual themes in popular culture.
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July 13 Thursday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Barbara Paulson, Travel SpecialistLocations: Online ClassDone the Freedom Trail? Seen Faneuil Hall? Instead: Check out a library with ancient cookbooks and Julia Child’s personal papers, explore Boston Harbor’s island nature parks, enjoy a cocktail of white rum infused with Cape Cod cranberries at a small-batch distillery, walk INSIDE a 3-story tall stained-glass globe, or visit the site of one of the most... read moreDone the Freedom Trail? Seen Faneuil Hall? Instead: Check out a library with ancient cookbooks and Julia Child’s personal papers, explore Boston Harbor’s island nature parks, enjoy a cocktail of white rum infused with Cape Cod cranberries at a small-batch distillery, walk INSIDE a 3-story tall stained-glass globe, or visit the site of one of the most famous art heists in an Italianate private mansion. Travel Specialist Barbara Paulson offers alternatives to the “Big Box” museums, churches, and sites of Boston. (See related classes #319, 357, and 436.) -
June 29 Wednesday10:30 AM → 11:30 AMSessions: 1Instructor: Docent/Museum Educator, American Visionary Art MuseumLocations: Online ClassThe American Visionary Art Museum, housed in its award-winning building in Baltimore, specializes in original thematic exhibitions that seamlessly combine art, science, philosophy, humor, and especially social justice and betterment. Our virtual group visit will be hosted by a museum guide and share fan favorites of this wondrous collection of art by... read moreThe American Visionary Art Museum, housed in its award-winning building in Baltimore, specializes in original thematic exhibitions that seamlessly combine art, science, philosophy, humor, and especially social justice and betterment. Our virtual group visit will be hosted by a museum guide and share fan favorites of this wondrous collection of art by self-taught artists. This is a unique opportunity to learn about highlights in this dynamic museum’s permanent collection. -
June 29 Wednesday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Jane Ellen, Performer, Composer, and Recording ArtistLocations: Online ClassDolly Parton (1946- ) began her career on radio, recorded her first single at age 13, and went on to become the most honored female country performer of all time, with 44 Top 10 albums and sales of more than 100 million records worldwide. Best known as a singer-songwriter and actress, she is also an author, philanthropist, and humanitarian. She is involved... read moreDolly Parton (1946- ) began her career on radio, recorded her first single at age 13, and went on to become the most honored female country performer of all time, with 44 Top 10 albums and sales of more than 100 million records worldwide. Best known as a singer-songwriter and actress, she is also an author, philanthropist, and humanitarian. She is involved with projects at the Dollywood theme park, and works as an advocate for childhood literacy through her Imagination Library. -
June 30 Thursday1:00 PM → 2:30 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Robert Watson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of American History, Lynn UniversityLocations: Online ClassMuch has been written and said about the presidents, but this salacious (but historically accurate) look at presidential peccadilloes offers... read more -
RECORDEDJuly 15 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Seth Kibel, Musician and Composer, and Harry Appelman, PianistLocations: Hybrid - At Oasis and OnlineAugust 15, 2025 will mark the centenary of the birth of Oscar Peterson, whom many hold up as the greatest jazz pianist of all time. Part concert and part lecture, this presentation will feature OASIS stalwart and woodwind wizard Seth Kibel along with gifted jazz pianist Harry Appelman. The two will illustrate OP's (as his friends often referred to him)... read moreAugust 15, 2025 will mark the centenary of the birth of Oscar Peterson, whom many hold up as the greatest jazz pianist of all time. Part concert and part lecture, this presentation will feature OASIS stalwart and woodwind wizard Seth Kibel along with gifted jazz pianist Harry Appelman. The two will illustrate OP's (as his friends often referred to him) remarkable life story, from his childhood in Montreal as the child of immigrants from the West Indies, to his many decades at the pinnacle of the jazz world, both as a featured soloist and as an accompanist to pretty much every jazz legend that ever lived. In addition to sharing classic recordings and videos, Seth and Harry will perform live, both to highlight some of the musical techniques that Peterson perfected, as well as to highlight some of his original compositions. -
July 7 Thursday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Daryl Davis, MusicianLocations: Online ClassIs it real or is it Memorex, or is it someone who just sounds like the hit-making artist? Some singers have voices that are often imitated but never duplicated, or are they? Come see how well your ears can discern the originals from the... read moreIs it real or is it Memorex, or is it someone who just sounds like the hit-making artist? Some singers have voices that are often imitated but never duplicated, or are they? Come see how well your ears can discern the originals from the soundalikes. -
April 30 Friday6:00 PM → 7:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Chris Burns, Many-StringsLocations: Online ClassWhat’s happening in this dramatic musical overture? Who’s invading who? Who wins and why? The “1812 Overture” is a brilliant and exciting musical portrait of Napoleon’s failed invasion of Russia. We will appreciate the 1812 battle through the music: its military charges, desperate prayers and celebrations. In this class history and music join... read moreWhat’s happening in this dramatic musical overture? Who’s invading who? Who wins and why? The “1812 Overture” is a brilliant and exciting musical portrait of Napoleon’s failed invasion of Russia. We will appreciate the 1812 battle through the music: its military charges, desperate prayers and celebrations. In this class history and music join hands: Why did the great French general experience the complete collapse of his military campaign? We will also appreciate Tchaikovsky’s life. The music, the history, Tchaikovsky, and Napoleon are our focus in this one-hour musical event. -
July 7 Thursday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: Daryl Davis, MusicianLocations: Oasis at the Macys Home StoreIs it real or is it Memorex, or is it someone who just sounds like the hit-making artist? Some singers have voices that are often imitated but never duplicated, or are they? Come see how well your ears can discern the originals from the... read moreIs it real or is it Memorex, or is it someone who just sounds like the hit-making artist? Some singers have voices that are often imitated but never duplicated, or are they? Come see how well your ears can discern the originals from the soundalikes.
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July 18 Tuesday10:30 AM → 12:00 PMSessions: 1Instructor: David B Lindauer, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), US Army Signal CorpsLocations: Online ClassThe Battle of Kursk, in Russia, in 1943 was the largest tank battle in history. This course will not only analyze the battle and the events leading up to it but will also examine how the literature about the Eastern Front in World War has been evolving, so that, although the events themselves took place eighty years ago, our perspective on those events is... read moreThe Battle of Kursk, in Russia, in 1943 was the largest tank battle in history. This course will not only analyze the battle and the events leading up to it but will also examine how the literature about the Eastern Front in World War has been evolving, so that, although the events themselves took place eighty years ago, our perspective on those events is only now coming clearly into focus.
