When it comes to Rock'n'Roll guitarists of the 1950s, Chuck Berry's name jumps out ahead of everyone else's name as being the man who created Rock'n'Roll guitar playing from which all guitar players of that genre evolved. In this class we'll take a look at some of the other great but lesser known players of that generation.

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 3, we'll "Celebrate Paris: From the Theater to the Race Track. Degas and Other Impressionists." Highlights include Degas' "Dance Class" and "At the Races in the Countryside."

When it comes to Rock'n'Roll guitarists of the 1950s, Chuck Berry's name jumps out ahead of everyone else's name as being the man who created Rock'n'Roll guitar playing from which all guitar players of that genre evolved. In this class we'll take a look at some of the other great but lesser known players of that generation.

In this workshop, you'll learn how to utilize the latest high-tech safety features in your current car, what technology to look for when shopping for a new car, the safety benefits of blind-spot warning systems, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, smart headlights, and more!  Limit: 18

Spinal stenosis is a debilitating condition that involves the narrowing of the spinal canal. Louis Chang, M.D., a neurosurgical spine specialist, will describe minimally invasive surgical options for spinal stenosis that can help patients restore mobility and improve their quality of health.

(At the instructor's request, the date of this class has been changed to Friday, November 7.) We’ll explore the parallel innovations of Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys) and Sylvester Stewart, a.k.a. Sly Stone (Sly & The Family Stone), two visionary artists who transformed the sound of American popular music in the 1960s and 70s. Their music inspired countless future musicians and remains relevant today.  (Directly following this class, please join us for another program with Daryl - see class #561)

Norman Cousins is probably best remembered as the long-time editor of the influential American weekly magazine Saturday Review. But Cousins was also engaged in secret missions behind the Iron Curtain to conduct high-stakes negotiations directly with the Soviet leadership. In the shadow of the nuclear arms race, Cousins worked tirelessly to slow proliferation and improve relations with the Soviet Union. Take a fascinating look at the enormous impact one individual had on the course of American public debate, international humanitarianism, and Cold War diplomacy in the decades after World War Two.

This park in North Bethesda, MD is significant because of its association with Reverend Henson, whose 1849 autobiography, The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of Canada inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This two-part program includes a presentation about Reverend Henson, followed by a tour of the museum and grounds of the plantation where he was enslaved.  Participants will learn about the ongoing archaeological investigation at the site and view some of the artifacts discovered. Participants provide their own transportation.  Josiah Henson Museum and Park are located at 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, MD 20852.  Visitor parking is available 1.5 blocks away at the Shriver Aquatic Center in Wall Local Park located at 5900 Executive Boulevard. Limited accessible parking for those who display a handicap parking permit.  Upon arrival, check in with the front desk at the Visitor Center.

We all wish to sustain our quality of life and remain active and engaged as we age. Learn how to safeguard your health while enjoying the activities and social relationships which bring you happiness. In order to continue an active lifestyle, one needs both physical and mental capacity. Learn the concrete steps one can take to minimize your health risks and maintain your quality of life.

(At the instructor's request, the date of this class has been changed to Friday, November 7.) You may know Daryl Davis as a talented musician, but he is also renowned for his decades-long work engaging and transforming members of the Ku Klux Klan—work that began with a chance conversation in a country music bar. In his newly revised book, The Klan Whisperer, Daryl shares powerful stories and lessons from these encounters. Join us to meet Daryl, hear about his book, and ask your questions. He will have a few copies available for purchase and signing, or you can bring your own (available through Amazon). No purchase is necessary to attend this free event.

Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) is the most influential architect in Western architectural history. We will examine his reinvention of ancient Roman classicism in villas he created for his wealthy clients in the Veneto during the Italian Renaissance, his influence on Thomas Jefferson, and his enduring impact on architects and domestic architecture today, including the McMansion phenomenon.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was one of the founding fathers of the movement we call Impressionism, along with his friends Bazille, Sisley, Monet, Pissarro, Degas, and Morisot. Known for his endearing genre scenes, nude bathers and lush flowers, Renoir consciously chose charming, cheerful and colorful subjects. He said “There are enough unpleasant things in the world without me adding to them.” Unlike his friends Bazille, Morisot and Sisley, Renoir lived to see great personal success.

Since our first Presidential election when the nation unanimously elected George Washington, the history of presidential elections in the United States has been marked by controversy, back room deals and on a couple of occasions being decided by the House of Representatives.  Blaine Davies explores the turbulent history of our Presidential elections dating back to the days when only white men with property were allowed to vote.  Jefferson vs. Adams in 1800, Jackson vs. Adams in 1824, Lincoln’s election in 1860, Hayes vs. Tilden in 1876 and Gore vs. Bush in 2000 are just a few of the Presidential elections that remain controversial to this day.

The lights go down, the curtain goes up and the audience is plunged into the world of a show.  On Broadway, the opening number is more than just the first song —it’s a musical mission statement of the story, style, and tone of the journey ahead. From Oklahoma to Hamilton, revisit great Broadway opening numbers that set the tone for the theatrical journey ahead.

The lights go down, the curtain goes up and the audience is plunged into the world of a show.  On Broadway, the opening number is more than just the first song —it’s a musical mission statement of the story, style, and tone of the journey ahead. From Oklahoma to Hamilton, revisit great Broadway opening numbers that set the tone for the theatrical journey ahead.

A traditional harvest festival, Thanksgiving gives us a communal opportunity to consciously shift out of our normal worried minds, stuck, on how there’s never enough – never enough money, never enough time, never enough love – and move instead into the awareness that we have everything we need. “Gratitude,” wrote the Roman philosopher Seneca “is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Is gratitude an endpoint, a state only realized after I get everything I want, or is it a decision I make in the here and now regardless of outer conditions? Join us as we explore this and other questions surrounding the transformative power of the consciousness of gratitude.

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? In this 3-part series, 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 personal tour of Monet’s water lilies pond, unsurpassed in its beauty. (See related classes:  #579 and #583)

November is American Diabetes Month! Half of all Americans age 65 or older have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Come join Dr. Zilbermint to learn about diabetes prevention, what prediabetes is and how to avoid it as we age.

Journalist Owen Ullman shares the story of Janet Yellen, a remarkable woman who shattered glass ceilings in the economics profession and government by using her cognitive skills and compassion to make the American economy benefit everyone. In particular, she has sought to help the disadvantaged in society and end the inequality gap still faced by women today, all the while maintaining a humble, down-to-earth attitude despite her exceptional success.

Journalist Owen Ullman shares the story of Janet Yellen, a remarkable woman who shattered glass ceilings in the economics profession and government by using her cognitive skills and compassion to make the American economy benefit everyone. In particular, she has sought to help the disadvantaged in society and end the inequality gap still faced by women today, all the while maintaining a humble, down-to-earth attitude despite her exceptional success.