Reading books changes lives as we at Oasis – readers and volunteer tutors – know!  In this novel, three people meet in a Portland, Maine bookstore.  One person who must find a way to change her life going forward is a young woman.  She has just been released from prison after serving a sentence for driving drunk and killing another person.  A prison book discussion group had been her lifeline and she wants to buy the novel she hadn’t finished reading in prison 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.)

When you’re faced with a chronic health problem, an acute event, or the prospect of a life-threatening condition, it’s natural to feel scared, vulnerable, and overwhelmed.  At the same time, the complexity and fragmentation of the medical environment make it challenging to find the right resources and support.  Colette and Charlene will share guidance, insights, and practical tips that will help you become empowered as you make your way through the challenges of the healthcare system.

When you’re faced with a chronic health problem, an acute event, or the prospect of a life-threatening condition, it’s natural to feel scared, vulnerable, and overwhelmed.  At the same time, the complexity and fragmentation of the medical environment make it challenging to find the right resources and support.  Colette and Charlene will share guidance, insights, and practical tips that will help you become empowered as you make your way through the challenges of the healthcare system.

There have been major changes in the geopolitics of the Middle East. The United States is trying to “pivot” to Asia; Iran has expanded its presence in neighboring states; and Israel has concluded diplomatic and commercial arrangements with Arab states. What does this portend?

When you’re faced with a chronic health problem, an acute event, or the prospect of a life-threatening condition, it’s natural to feel scared, vulnerable, and overwhelmed.  At the same time, the complexity and fragmentation of the medical environment make it challenging to find the right resources and support.  Colette and Charlene will share guidance, insights, and practical tips that will help you become empowered as you make your way through the challenges of the healthcare system.

There have been major changes in the geopolitics of the Middle East. The United States is trying to “pivot” to Asia; Iran has expanded its presence in neighboring states; and Israel has concluded diplomatic and commercial arrangements with Arab states. What does this portend?

American master John Singer Sargent is mainly known for his dazzling portraits of the Gilded Age. However, he had a love affair with Spain, traveling and painting there for some 30 years. Beginning in October, the National Gallery of Art will be showing Sargent and Spain, a major exhibition of some 120 memorable works of art, ranging from landscapes to seascapes, everyday life, and native people, full of the bright colors, luminous light and romantic atmosphere of the Iberian peninsula.

Immerse yourself in the Paris art scene of 1874 and explore the origins of the French Impressionist movement with art historian Joan Hart. This three-part series will illuminate the historic exhibition at the National Gallery, "Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment", a rare reunion of many of the paintings featured in the groundbreaking 1874 Paris exhibition that gave birth to French Impressionism. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn more about the exhibit. The National Gallery of Art is the only stop in the U.S. for this blockbuster exhibition. In Part 2, we'll go "Inside the World of Women and Children: Renoir and Morisot." Highlights include Renoir's "La Loge" and Morisot's "The Cradle".

American master John Singer Sargent is mainly known for his dazzling portraits of the Gilded Age. However, he had a love affair with Spain, traveling and painting there for some 30 years. Beginning in October, the National Gallery of Art will be showing Sargent and Spain, a major exhibition of some 120 memorable works of art, ranging from landscapes to seascapes, everyday life, and native people, full of the bright colors, luminous light and romantic atmosphere of the Iberian peninsula.

Join us as we recognize World Arthritis Day! Living with arthritis can be distracting and difficult — quite literally a pain. More than 60 million people in the United States have some form of arthritis. During this virtual session, gain valuable information, practical tips, and expert insights on managing and improving arthritis from the Arthritis Foundation. The program will begin with a guided physical activity session to promote flexibility and joint mobility and will end with a live cooking demonstration. Registration is required and your Zoom link will be emailed 24- and 1- hour prior to the session.

Please join us for Oasis Volunteer Day at Comfort Cases. Comfort Cases serves children being placed in foster care.  Most are removed from their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.  Through Comfort Cases, these children receive a special bag containing a cozy new pair of pajamas, a brand new warm blanket, and a new stuffed animal to hug during the traumatic transition into foster care. Volunteers will meet at the Comfort Cases National Center to help with processing donations, counting inventory, assembling Comfort Cases, and other miscellaneous tasks. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation.  Meet no later than 10 am at 15825 Shady Grove Road, Suite 60, Rockville, MD 20850. Park on the right side of the building (if you are facing the building from Shady Grove Road).  Enter from the door on the right side of the building.  Once inside, the entrance to Comfort Cases is the second door on the left. Please wear comfortable clothes that you can move in and closed-toe shoes for standing. Limit:  10

Join to connect with others on Zoom who have lost their "true love", "best friend” and life partner.

The National Building Museum educates the public about the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning, and design on our daily lives and communities. Its exhibits and interactive programs about the past, present, and future reside in the awe-inspiring spaces of the historic Pension Building in DC.

 On this special docent-led tour just before Halloween, participants will see hidden features of the museum's historic structure, in the context of haunting tales and legends collected over decades, and defying easy explanations.

 After the tour (over by 12:15 pm), participants are encouraged to explore the museum's ongoing and special exhibits, and visit the unique museum shop (see https://www.nbm.org/).  Note: This Oasis tour is for adults only. However, year-round the museum exhibits and its shop welcome adults, children, and families.

 Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Please plan to be at the museum entrance promptly at 11:00 am when the museum opens, at 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.   The museum is accessible by Metro/Red Line and car.  Detailed Metro and parking instructions will be provided to participants.

Food-on-your-own options include bringing your own bag lunch, or purchasing from the museum's cafe SakuSaku (menu online). If you want to go to a nearby restaurant, re-admission to the museum that same day is included.

If you use the Internet or have a smartphone, then you will be targeted by cybercriminals. According to the FBI, American individuals and businesses lost over $3.5 billion in 2019. Learn how to protect your personal information, your email, your financial data, and your devices from this growing threat. Part 1: Cybercriminal Tricks and Traps, Monday, October 31, 10:30am – 12:00pm Part 2: Protect Your Devices and Home Network, Wednesday, November 2, 10:30am – 12:00pm Attend one or both parts online or join us in person! This program is sponsored by AARP Maryland.

If you use the Internet or have a smartphone, then you will be targeted by cybercriminals. According to the FBI, American individuals and businesses lost over $3.5 billion in 2019. Learn how to protect your personal information, your email, your financial data, and your devices from this growing threat. Part 1: Cybercriminal Tricks and Traps, Monday, October 31, 10:30am – 12:00pm Part 2: Protect Your Devices and Home Network, Wednesday, November 2, 10:30am – 12:00pm Attend one or both parts online or join us in person! This program is sponsored by AARP Maryland.

Jerome Robbins was a complicated, talented and inventive choreographer and director. Come enjoy the story of how he changed the Broadway musical forever with such shows as On The Town, The King and I, and West Side Story.

Jerome Robbins was a complicated, talented and inventive choreographer and director. Come enjoy the story of how he changed the Broadway musical forever with such shows as On The Town, The King and I, and West Side Story.

During one of the most violent conflicts of human history, a unique event unfolded five months into the hostilities along the Western Front of the First World War. Lulls had occurred in the fighting as armies ran out of men and munitions and commanders reconsidered their strategies following the first two major engagements. And in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day in 1914, French, German, and British soldiers crossed trenches to exchange seasonal greetings and talk. The soldiers organized a series of informal truces for a number of activities from collecting their dead comrades from the battlefield to a football match leading to the exchanging of gifts and celebrating Christmas Day together. This lecture covers this remarkable symbolic moment of peace and humanity amidst the horrors of war.

Why is Monet such a popular artist today? And why do so many of us love his works of art? For instance, do you count his paintings among your favorites?  Beloved Oasis art history instructor Joan Hart combines lecture and discussion, seeking answers to these questions by taking us on a journey into the world of Monet. In this session, we will take a walk with Monet through an Impressionist Paradise, the sun-filled gardens and fields of the French countryside. (See related classes: #583 and #588)