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February 2 – February 23 Wednesday3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Sessions: 3Instructor: Allen DartLocation: Zoom - Albuquerque OasisThe Mogollon Native American culture flourished in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, western Texas, and northern areas of Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico, from about the third through fifteenth centuries. Mogollon artifacts provide clues for interpreting how the people of this culture adapted to varied southwestern environments for centuries.... read moreThe Mogollon Native American culture flourished in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, western Texas, and northern areas of Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico, from about the third through fifteenth centuries. Mogollon artifacts provide clues for interpreting how the people of this culture adapted to varied southwestern environments for centuries. Archaeologist Allen Dart illustrates the material culture of the Mogollon and discusses what it can tell us about this culture’s relationships to the natural world, their time reckoning, religious practices, beliefs, and deities. The presentation includes abundant illustrations of Mogollon pottery and artifacts. No class February 9. Archaeologist Allen Dart has worked in New Mexico and Arizona since 1975. A UNM graduate, he worked for the Museum of New Mexico and the Bureau of Indian Affairs before receiving his master’s degree in Arizona. Al is the executive director of Tucson’s Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, a nonprofit he founded in 1993. He has received awards and honors from the National Park Service and other organizations for his efforts to bring archaeology and history to the public. -
February 23 – February 23 Friday11:00 am – 12:30 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Daryl RatajczakLocation: Zoom - Albuquerque OasisBlack bears are a common animal throughout most of North America. That doesn’t mean we want them hanging out in our backyard! There is a lot of information out there on how to be “Bear Smart,” but what are some of the most effective tools? Learn not just about the behavior of these wonderful animals, but how to improve your behavior in order to help... read moreBlack bears are a common animal throughout most of North America. That doesn’t mean we want them hanging out in our backyard! There is a lot of information out there on how to be “Bear Smart,” but what are some of the most effective tools? Learn not just about the behavior of these wonderful animals, but how to improve your behavior in order to help make you safe around bears. Daryl Ratajczak is a wildlife biologist working for the Bureau of Land Management. He obtained his degree in wildlife management and managed a black bear rehab, research, and education facility located outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He worked for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and served as the big game program coordinator, managing the state's deer, bear, and elk programs, eventually becoming the chief of wildlife and forestry. -
February 23 – February 23 Friday12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Javier Gonzalez-Meeks, Associate Professor of History, San Diego Miramar CollegeLocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisBlack cowboys (& cowgirls) played an integral role in the development of the American West. They were essential to the cattle industry, working as wranglers, ropers, and trail drivers. However, their contributions have often been overlooked or downplayed. We will meet a few of these incredible individuals and their continued... read moreBlack cowboys (& cowgirls) played an integral role in the development of the American West. They were essential to the cattle industry, working as wranglers, ropers, and trail drivers. However, their contributions have often been overlooked or downplayed. We will meet a few of these incredible individuals and their continued legacy. -
February 23 – February 23 Friday5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Chris Burns, Many-StringsLocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisThe musical traditions of Ireland, Scotland and other Celtic regions contain exceptional beauty…variety and unity, creativity and love…Tradition and contemporary musical expressions will delight your ears and warm your heart. Harps, fiddles, hammered dulcimers, flutes and beautiful Gaelic voices will add Celtic charm to your... read moreThe musical traditions of Ireland, Scotland and other Celtic regions contain exceptional beauty…variety and unity, creativity and love…Tradition and contemporary musical expressions will delight your ears and warm your heart. Harps, fiddles, hammered dulcimers, flutes and beautiful Gaelic voices will add Celtic charm to your day!
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February 26 – February 26 Monday12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Gina Simmons Schneider, PhD, Licensed Psychotherapist, Executive Coach & AuthorLocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisParticipants will learn about the evolving definitions of racism and antiracism in psychology. We will explore the social, cultural, and neuropsychological roots of racism and hate groups. Students will learn about multi-generational racial trauma and proactive strategies for healing. Gina Simmons Schneider, Ph.D. Licensed Psychotherapist, Executive Coach,... read moreParticipants will learn about the evolving definitions of racism and antiracism in psychology. We will explore the social, cultural, and neuropsychological roots of racism and hate groups. Students will learn about multi-generational racial trauma and proactive strategies for healing. Gina Simmons Schneider, Ph.D. Licensed Psychotherapist, Executive Coach, Author of Frazzlebrain: Break Free from Anxiety, Anger, and Stress using Advanced Discoveries in Neuropsychology (Central Recovery Press, 2022).
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February 26 – April 8 No Class: 2024-03-11,2024-04-01Monday1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Sessions: 5Instructor: Wendy Davenport, MA British and American Literature, retired drama coach, high school and college English teacher and Oasis leadership team memberLocation: Zoom - Syracuse OasisThroughout history, literature has been censored and bowdlerized for a variety of reasons: subject matter, style, intent. Most recently, books dealing with LGBTQ topics have come under fire, especially in YA works. Often these books are central to a reader’s understanding of others’ hardships and feelings of isolation. Although these are often valuable... read moreThroughout history, literature has been censored and bowdlerized for a variety of reasons: subject matter, style, intent. Most recently, books dealing with LGBTQ topics have come under fire, especially in YA works. Often these books are central to a reader’s understanding of others’ hardships and feelings of isolation. Although these are often valuable pieces of literature with significant themes, schools, libraries, and politicians continue to override our freedoms by outlawing such writings. Using mini-lectures and seminar discussions, we will examine five such works (in order of publication): The Color Purple by Alice Walker, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, and Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel. (The public library has multiple copies of each, or you can purchase them from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Thriftbooks or Abebooks.com.) Note: Please read The Color Purple for the first class. No class 3/11 & 4/1. -
February 27 – February 27 Tuesday12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Susan Sharp, MS, retired Earth Science and Astrobiology teacher, adjunct instructor of Astrobiology, SUNY ESF, Woodrow Wilson Fellow at Princeton UniversityLocation: Zoom - Syracuse OasisSea glass is a naturally recycled beautiful and sometimes rare artifact found in nature, with each piece having its own history. The study of sea glass is a captivating window into the past, which first begins with the science of how glass is made. The sea glass journey is one of intrigue, enchantment, and sometimes even archaeology. Join Susan as she... read moreSea glass is a naturally recycled beautiful and sometimes rare artifact found in nature, with each piece having its own history. The study of sea glass is a captivating window into the past, which first begins with the science of how glass is made. The sea glass journey is one of intrigue, enchantment, and sometimes even archaeology. Join Susan as she explains what the ocean does to sea glass, why it is such a coveted and diminishing resource today, and where you can find these spectacular treasures.
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February 27 – February 27 Tuesday12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Sofia Laurein, PhD, Professor of HistoryLocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisLet’s put some famous paintings under a magnifying glass to reveal the fascinating stories, hidden insights and secret messages. Unveil the layers of meaning and discover mysterious symbols beneath the surfaces of celebrated... read moreLet’s put some famous paintings under a magnifying glass to reveal the fascinating stories, hidden insights and secret messages. Unveil the layers of meaning and discover mysterious symbols beneath the surfaces of celebrated masterpieces.
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February 27 – February 27 Tuesday12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Derrick Pratt, Director of Education, Erie Canal MuseumLocation: Zoom - Rochester OasisWhy was the Erie Canal built? How was it built? What happened with it once it was built? Where is it now? All these questions and more will be answered in this crash course on “Clinton’s Ditch.” This class is presented via Zoom. A computer, phone or tablet is needed to access the... read moreWhy was the Erie Canal built? How was it built? What happened with it once it was built? Where is it now? All these questions and more will be answered in this crash course on “Clinton’s Ditch.” This class is presented via Zoom. A computer, phone or tablet is needed to access the class.
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February 28 – February 28 Wednesday12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Costa Dillon, M.P.A., National Park Ranger/Superintendent and Screenwriter (Attack of the Killer Tomatoes)Location: Zoom - San Diego OasisWas the Gettysburg Address really written on the back of an envelope? Did the Liberty Bell crack on July 4, 1776? Did Columbus set out to prove the world was round? There are all kinds of stories we learn about U.S. history in school, from others, and in books. Which ones are true and which ones are false and why do we believe myths of American history?... read moreWas the Gettysburg Address really written on the back of an envelope? Did the Liberty Bell crack on July 4, 1776? Did Columbus set out to prove the world was round? There are all kinds of stories we learn about U.S. history in school, from others, and in books. Which ones are true and which ones are false and why do we believe myths of American history? This class will look as some of the more common myths, how they started, and why they continue to be told. The class will use examples from popular culture as well as comments from class participants.
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February 28 – February 28 Wednesday12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Diana Biro and Eric Rogers, Oasis Education Committee members and long-time volunteersLocation: Zoom - Syracuse OasisIn August 2019, Diana and Eric traveled to Switzerland with her brother and his new wife a few weeks after their wedding. Our 8-day Globus tour took us from Zurich and Liechtenstein to St. Moritz, Lugano and Zermatt, then to Lake Geneva, Berne, and Lucerne, a diverse itinerary with plenty of spectacular scenery, interesting history, and urban delights.... read moreIn August 2019, Diana and Eric traveled to Switzerland with her brother and his new wife a few weeks after their wedding. Our 8-day Globus tour took us from Zurich and Liechtenstein to St. Moritz, Lugano and Zermatt, then to Lake Geneva, Berne, and Lucerne, a diverse itinerary with plenty of spectacular scenery, interesting history, and urban delights. After the tour we spent 4 days on our own exploring the Bernese Alps, via trains, trams, hikes—and a parasailing adventure. Join us to experience the beauty and variety of Switzerland, plus a virtual glide between alpine mountains. -
February 29 – February 29 Thursday12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Kaye LindauerLocation: Zoom - Syracuse OasisIs Narcissism becoming normalized in our culture? Explore the psychological roots and behaviors of those dominated by this personality disorder. How does Narcissism relate to Envy? A heightened awareness of such psychic phenomena is a person's only protection against... read moreIs Narcissism becoming normalized in our culture? Explore the psychological roots and behaviors of those dominated by this personality disorder. How does Narcissism relate to Envy? A heightened awareness of such psychic phenomena is a person's only protection against victimhood.
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February 29 – February 29 Thursday12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Linda Hawley, Ed.M., Author, Teacher & World TravelerLocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisAll aboard for an exciting visual exploration of exotic, culture-rich cities--Lisbon, Seville, Cadiz, Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh &... read moreAll aboard for an exciting visual exploration of exotic, culture-rich cities--Lisbon, Seville, Cadiz, Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh & Funchal. -
March 2 – March 30 Saturday11:00 am – 12:00 pm Sessions: 5Instructor: Lynn Morgan, Licensed InstructorLocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisThis class is for everyone who enjoys music and wants to have fun while getting some exercise. We will dance salsa, merengue, swing and cha-cha using Latin and International music! No experience necessary. Lynn will carefully demonstrate the easy-to-follow movements and help everyone learn in a safe, welcoming... read moreThis class is for everyone who enjoys music and wants to have fun while getting some exercise. We will dance salsa, merengue, swing and cha-cha using Latin and International music! No experience necessary. Lynn will carefully demonstrate the easy-to-follow movements and help everyone learn in a safe, welcoming manner.
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March 4 – March 4 Monday9:00 am – 10:30 am Sessions: 1Instructor: Nancy Alexander, Physical therapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistLocation: Zoom - Rochester OasisGet back to those activities you enjoy when you learn how to decrease pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Presented by Nancy Alexander, Physical Therapist, CSCS, Advanced Licensed Buff Bones® instructor, and author of, “Get UP! Defy Aging with Movement,” this class: o Helps you understand the impacts of OA o Reviews... read moreGet back to those activities you enjoy when you learn how to decrease pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Presented by Nancy Alexander, Physical Therapist, CSCS, Advanced Licensed Buff Bones® instructor, and author of, “Get UP! Defy Aging with Movement,” this class: o Helps you understand the impacts of OA o Reviews evidence-based treatments for OA o Identifies common exercise principles you can follow to help you feel better and move better. This is a classroom-style presentation with no active exercise. A review of treatment options will include the use of injections, platelet rich plasma, regenerative stem cell therapy, and total joint replacement. Time will be available at the end for active discussion.
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March 4 – March 11 Monday10:00 am – 11:00 am Sessions: 2Instructor: David WoodruffLocation: Zoom - Rochester OasisThe One-Legged Spy. James Bond, she was not… she was better than that. Much better. It’s hard for us to imagine someone who was rejected by all the allies as being one of the most successful spies in history, but that’s Virginia Hall. It is even harder for us to imagine a woman who could command troops in WWII and defeat hardened German troops with... read moreThe One-Legged Spy. James Bond, she was not… she was better than that. Much better. It’s hard for us to imagine someone who was rejected by all the allies as being one of the most successful spies in history, but that’s Virginia Hall. It is even harder for us to imagine a woman who could command troops in WWII and defeat hardened German troops with amateurs, but that was also Virginia Hall. If ever there were a story of someone overcoming their disabilities to achieve their goals… this is the one. -
March 4 – March 4 Tuesday12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Sonya Caruso, M.A., CFRM, MCHC, NBC-HWC: Health and Wellness CoachingLocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisWhat are Blue Zones? They’re geographic regions where people live longer, healthier lives than average-- often past 100 years of age with few medical issues and remarkably little cognitive decline. It has been postulated that many of the foods from these regions play a role longevity with vitality. Our Blue Zone Cooking series will discuss the... read moreWhat are Blue Zones? They’re geographic regions where people live longer, healthier lives than average-- often past 100 years of age with few medical issues and remarkably little cognitive decline. It has been postulated that many of the foods from these regions play a role longevity with vitality. Our Blue Zone Cooking series will discuss the environmental and social factors which make these regions distinct as well as provide guidance on how you can prepare and/or cook foods from the various Blue Zones.
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March 4 – March 4 Monday12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Dr. Susan Friedman, Geriatrician, URMCLocation: Zoom - Rochester OasisDid you know that 75% of chronic disease in this country could be eliminated by addressing straightforward things – like the food we eat, exercise, sleep, managing stress, avoiding tobacco, and building healthy relationships? Lifestyle medicine is a new field of medicine that works with patients to help them make and sustain changes, in order to reduce... read moreDid you know that 75% of chronic disease in this country could be eliminated by addressing straightforward things – like the food we eat, exercise, sleep, managing stress, avoiding tobacco, and building healthy relationships? Lifestyle medicine is a new field of medicine that works with patients to help them make and sustain changes, in order to reduce chronic illness and achieve their best health. Dr. Susan Friedman, Professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester, who is a geriatrician and lifestyle medicine physician, will discuss the principles of lifestyle medicine, and review some of the evidence of how it can lead to a healthier you!
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March 4 – March 25 Monday1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Sessions: 4Instructor: Tom Henry, MS, retired social studies/history teacher and historianLocation: Zoom - Syracuse OasisPresidents from Truman to Reagan faced challenges unimagined by earlier holders of the office. Threats from abroad, real and perceived, shaped expanding foreign influence. Pressure for dramatic social change at home demanded Presidential intervention. New technologies, especially television, both exposed the Presidency to greater scrutiny and expanded the... read morePresidents from Truman to Reagan faced challenges unimagined by earlier holders of the office. Threats from abroad, real and perceived, shaped expanding foreign influence. Pressure for dramatic social change at home demanded Presidential intervention. New technologies, especially television, both exposed the Presidency to greater scrutiny and expanded the reach of the office. Join us as we continue to examine the office of the President into our own dynamic times. There is no need to have been in previous classes to enjoy this one!
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March 5 – March 5 Tuesday3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sessions: 1Instructor: Kim Keeline, Ph.D., Freelance Consultant and WriterLocation: Zoom - San Diego OasisIn August, 1920, the U.S. passed the 19th amendment to the Constitution: “The right to vote shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex.” While this was not the first time women were granted the right to vote nor did it bring the right to vote to all women, the 19th amendment was an historically important step in the crusade for equal rights.... read moreIn August, 1920, the U.S. passed the 19th amendment to the Constitution: “The right to vote shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex.” While this was not the first time women were granted the right to vote nor did it bring the right to vote to all women, the 19th amendment was an historically important step in the crusade for equal rights. We'll look at the movement leading up to the amendment, some of the women involved, and the continued efforts forwards.