Rochester Oasis Classes

  • August 5
    Wednesday
    1:00 PM → 2:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Ann Cunningham
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    Join Ann Cunningham as we discuss 'The Lion Women of Tehran' By Marjan Kamalii. From nationally bestselling author Marjan Kamali, this perfect book club read is “evocative...and a powerful portrait of friendship, feminism, and political activism” (People Magazine) set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran. Come having read the book and...
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    Join Ann Cunningham as we discuss 'The Lion Women of Tehran' By Marjan Kamalii. From nationally bestselling author Marjan Kamali, this perfect book club read is “evocative...and a powerful portrait of friendship, feminism, and political activism” (People Magazine) set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran. Come having read the book and ready for a great discussion.        
  • November 10 – November 17
    Wednesday
    01:30 PM → 03:00 PM
    Sessions: 2
    Instructor: Otto Bruno, host of Jazz 90.1 FM’s “Sinatra and Company”
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of Columbo. The weekly detective show began on radio but Peter Falk's TV portrait of this idiosyncratic Los Angeles police lieutenant gave birth to a whole new type of character driven procedural where every episode began by showing us the murderer! Great writing, fabulous guest stars, and a brilliantly realized central...
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    2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of Columbo. The weekly detective show began on radio but Peter Falk's TV portrait of this idiosyncratic Los Angeles police lieutenant gave birth to a whole new type of character driven procedural where every episode began by showing us the murderer! Great writing, fabulous guest stars, and a brilliantly realized central character have made this show a fan favorite for half a century. Join us as we find "just one more thing" to love about Columbo.
  • November 10 – November 17
    Wednesday
    01:30 PM → 03:00 PM
    Sessions: 2
    Instructor: Otto Bruno, host of Jazz 90.1 FM’s “Sinatra and Company”
    Locations: Zoom
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of Columbo. The weekly detective show began on radio but Peter Falk's TV portrait of this idiosyncratic Los Angeles police lieutenant gave birth to a whole new type of character driven procedural where every episode began by showing us the murderer! Great writing, fabulous guest stars, and a brilliantly realized central...
    read more
    2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of Columbo. The weekly detective show began on radio but Peter Falk's TV portrait of this idiosyncratic Los Angeles police lieutenant gave birth to a whole new type of character driven procedural where every episode began by showing us the murderer! Great writing, fabulous guest stars, and a brilliantly realized central character have made this show a fan favorite for half a century. Join us as we find "just one more thing" to love about Columbo.  Register for this class if you will ONLY be attending via Zoom.  You must have a computer/tablet/phone with video and audio capability.
  • September 15 – September 29
    Thursday
    1:00 PM → 2:00 PM
    Sessions: 3
    Instructor: Laurence Britt, author and commentator on political and economic affairs
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    This three part course will deal with the turbulent history of the relationship between the United States and Russia. This relationship has been one of continual tension for more that 100 years, briefly interrupted during World War II when the two nations were critical allies to each other.  The first session of the course will cover the period from...
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    This three part course will deal with the turbulent history of the relationship between the United States and Russia. This relationship has been one of continual tension for more that 100 years, briefly interrupted during World War II when the two nations were critical allies to each other.  The first session of the course will cover the period from Czarist Russia through the Bolshevik revolution and the coming of WWII.  Session two will deal with the war time alliance, the quick descent into antagonism and the long Cold War struggle.  The third session will cover the period since the breakup of the Soviet Union and culminating with the current standoff between the United States, Putin's Russia and the conflicting policies in American political leadership.  The current war between Russia and Ukraine and American's response will also be considered.  Mr. Britt has travelled extensively in Russia and is a contributing author to the 1990 book "The Future of U.S.-Soviet Relations."

  • September 15 – September 29
    Thursday
    1:00 PM → 2:00 PM
    Sessions: 3
    Instructor: Laurence Britt, author and commentator on political and economic affairs
    Locations: Zoom
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    This three part course will deal with the turbulent history of the relationship between the United States and Russia. This relationship has been one of continual tension for more that 100 years, briefly interrupted during World War II when the two nations were critical allies to each other.  The first session of the course will cover the period from...
    read more

    This three part course will deal with the turbulent history of the relationship between the United States and Russia. This relationship has been one of continual tension for more that 100 years, briefly interrupted during World War II when the two nations were critical allies to each other.  The first session of the course will cover the period from Czarist Russia through the Bolshevik revolution and the coming of WWII.  Session two will deal with the war time alliance, the quick descent into antagonism and the long Cold War struggle.  The third session will cover the period since the breakup of the Soviet Union and culminating with the current standoff between the United States, Putin's Russia and the conflicting policies in American political leadership.  The current war between Russia and Ukraine and American's response will also be considered.  Mr. Britt has travelled extensively in Russia and is a contributing author to the 1990 book "The Future of U.S.-Soviet Relations."

  • May 11
    Thursday
    11:00 AM → 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Dr. Susan Friedman, Geriatrician, URMC
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    Did 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...
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    Did 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!  Register for this class if you plan to participate in person.
  • October 27
    Thursday
    1:00 PM → 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Susan Carmen-Duffy, Owner, Create Art 4 Good
    Locations: Central Creatives
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    Autumn is the season of shedding of leaves from deciduous trees. The transition from green to light yellow, deep gold, orange, crimson and dark red is an inspiring sight! As someone who’s favorite season is Autumn, I am enthralled with the colors of the season. The trees, the shapes of the lives, and the colors too! This workshop is inspired by Autumn,...
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    Autumn is the season of shedding of leaves from deciduous trees. The transition from green to light yellow, deep gold, orange, crimson and dark red is an inspiring sight! As someone who’s favorite season is Autumn, I am enthralled with the colors of the season. The trees, the shapes of the lives, and the colors too! This workshop is inspired by Autumn, and the wonder of it all! This class is greatly inspired by the Autumn season and its color palette. In this class we will learn to paint different autumn trees incorporating the nature’s color palette. We will work through colors that work the best for this type of painting, we will talk about different types of trees and their shapes and how to build your color and values. I will walk you through mixing a custom autumn watercolor palette and we will also help you build your own color palette by looking at reference images. We will explore the different shape of trees. Materials needed: watercolor paper, watercolors - (please feel free to paint with what you have!), brushes, water cups, rags or paper towel, sponge scraps and whatever you personally use to create watercolors.  
  • March 10
    Thursday
    1:00 PM → 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Susan Carment-Duffy, Owner, Create Art 4 Good
    Locations: Zoom
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    Dragonflies are mystical creatures! This workshop will explore the beauty of the dragonfly. We will create a delicate painting using the best mixed media combination!  Class is given via Zoom.  You must have a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability. Materials needed-pencil, watercolor paper, brushes, water, watercolors, ink pens, colored...
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    Dragonflies are mystical creatures! This workshop will explore the beauty of the dragonfly. We will create a delicate painting using the best mixed media combination!  Class is given via Zoom.  You must have a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability. Materials needed-pencil, watercolor paper, brushes, water, watercolors, ink pens, colored pencils, paper towels or a rag (a blow-dryer might be helpful as well- but is not necessary).  
  • June 25
    Thursday
    9:30 AM → 11:00 AM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Rosemary Johnson, Hiker
    Locations: Turning Point Park
    Rescheduled from 6/11.  Located in the Charlotte neighborhood near Lake Ontario and the Genesee River.  Follow Boxart Street until it dead ends in a parking area near the Genesee River.  We will walk north along the west shore of the Genesee.  This is a paved pathway with a scenic boardwalk over the river.  There is one moderately steep incline but we...
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    Rescheduled from 6/11.  Located in the Charlotte neighborhood near Lake Ontario and the Genesee River.  Follow Boxart Street until it dead ends in a parking area near the Genesee River.  We will walk north along the west shore of the Genesee.  This is a paved pathway with a scenic boardwalk over the river.  There is one moderately steep incline but we take it slow. Please come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, water and sunscreen.  Boots and trekking poles are useful. Walk will only be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or thunder.  
  • June 11 – July 23
    No Class: 7/2
    Thursday
    10:00 AM → 11:30 AM
    Sessions: 6
    Instructor: Bob Richane
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    America’s struggles with race remain a central element of today’s political and cultural polarization. This class explores the origins and history of racism in the United States and how its many forms have shaped the present. Topics include the racial attitudes of several presidents and other political leaders, the creation and expansion of slavery in a...
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    America’s struggles with race remain a central element of today’s political and cultural polarization. This class explores the origins and history of racism in the United States and how its many forms have shaped the present. Topics include the racial attitudes of several presidents and other political leaders, the creation and expansion of slavery in a nation that functioned as a slave society and economy for 250 years, and the undermining of Reconstruction that enabled a century of Jim Crow supported by Northern opinion, courts, and business interests. The course concludes with an examination of how persistent white supremacy produced the nation’s deep segregation and the roles local, state, and federal governments played in creating and sustaining it.
  • June 11
    Thursday
    12:30 PM → 1:30 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Judy Prevratil and MaryDel Wypych, Elder Justice Committee
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    Too often a difficult decision must be made quickly with little information or guidance when someone is about to be released from the hospital and needs rehabilitation or long-term care.  Or someone currently in a nursing home is not receiving good care and wants to move. This class will address what to look for in making a decision beyond the lovely lobby...
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    Too often a difficult decision must be made quickly with little information or guidance when someone is about to be released from the hospital and needs rehabilitation or long-term care.  Or someone currently in a nursing home is not receiving good care and wants to move. This class will address what to look for in making a decision beyond the lovely lobby and brochure. Common problems that can be solved, how to advocate for quality care and residents’ rights will also be covered. Elder Justice Committee of Metro Justice is an organization regionally recognized for advocating for quality care for those living in nursing homes and assisted living communities.
  • June 18
    Thursday
    9:30 AM → 11:00 AM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Rosemary Johnson, Hiker
    Locations: Genesee Valley Greenway
    Located on Rt. 251, south of the intersection at 383 Scottsville Road, just across from Oatka Creek.  parking lot will be on the east side of 251.  Park in the designated greenway parking area.  This is a gentle walk through woods and wetlands, habitat for an interesting variety of wildlife and plants.  Please come prepared with comfortable walking...
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    Located on Rt. 251, south of the intersection at 383 Scottsville Road, just across from Oatka Creek.  parking lot will be on the east side of 251.  Park in the designated greenway parking area.  This is a gentle walk through woods and wetlands, habitat for an interesting variety of wildlife and plants.  Please come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, water and sunscreen.  Boots and trekking poles are useful. Walk will only be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or thunder.  Rain date, 6/25.
  • June 18
    Thursday
    10:00 AM → 11:30 AM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Pat Martinez
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    The Internet provides us with powerful tools to shop,  message with friends, send emails and video chat with family. However, it also creates some threats to our privacy. Learn about using passwords, good security habits, virus protection, firewalls and much more. Knowing how to protect yourself online can go a long way towards making the use of the...
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    The Internet provides us with powerful tools to shop,  message with friends, send emails and video chat with family. However, it also creates some threats to our privacy. Learn about using passwords, good security habits, virus protection, firewalls and much more. Knowing how to protect yourself online can go a long way towards making the use of the Internet safer.  Recent phone and other scams will also be discussed.  This class has been updated with new information.
  • June 18
    Thursday
    1:00 PM → 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Susan Carmen-Duffy
    Locations: Central Creatives
    Meditative Drawing for Stress Relief & Clarity. Neurographic art is a deeply relaxing drawing practice that uses flowing lines and soft shapes to help release stress and create a sense of balance. There’s no planning and no “right way”—just allowing your hand to move and your mind to rest. This workshop is especially supportive for anyone...
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    Meditative Drawing for Stress Relief & Clarity. Neurographic art is a deeply relaxing drawing practice that uses flowing lines and soft shapes to help release stress and create a sense of balance. There’s no planning and no “right way”—just allowing your hand to move and your mind to rest. This workshop is especially supportive for anyone seeking calm, clarity, or emotional release through a gentle, guided process.
  • July 23
    Thursday
    10:00 AM → 11:30 AM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Paul Gayton, National Warplane Museum
    Locations: National Warplane Museum
    The National Warplane Museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of significant historical and military aircraft and artifacts for the benefit and education of the public.  Located in Geneseo, New York, the Museum offers visitors an up-close, living history experience that connects the past with present-day audiences.  Get up close with legendary...
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    The National Warplane Museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of significant historical and military aircraft and artifacts for the benefit and education of the public.  Located in Geneseo, New York, the Museum offers visitors an up-close, living history experience that connects the past with present-day audiences.  Get up close with legendary warbirds including the C‑47A Whiskey 7, Antonov An‑2R Colt, B‑23 Dragon, and other meticulously preserved aircraft from WWII and beyond.  Discover authentic jeeps, trucks, and the amphibious DUKW vehicle, along with other ground equipment that supported aviation operations during the war.  Experience personal connections to history through exhibits showcasing uniforms, photographs, oral histories, and artifacts that tell the human stories behind the machines.  Wear comfortable shoes for walking and dress for the weather as there are some outdoor exhibits. RSVP by 7/16 at noon.
  • June 19
    Friday
    12:00 PM → 2:00 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Locations: Little Theatre
    Enjoy a private screening for Oasis members only of a currently running movie at the Little Theatre. In the past, we've had several Academy Award winners. We select the movie based on what is playing at the theatre - you take your chances and enjoy a wonderful afternoon with friends. The movie will be announced via Facebook and an email by Tuesday of the...
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    Enjoy a private screening for Oasis members only of a currently running movie at the Little Theatre. In the past, we've had several Academy Award winners. We select the movie based on what is playing at the theatre - you take your chances and enjoy a wonderful afternoon with friends. The movie will be announced via Facebook and an email by Tuesday of the week the movie is scheduled. You must pay in advance.  Concessions will be available.  Doors open at 11:30 am and the movie starts at 12:00 pm. The doors will be locked when the movie begins. You may register and pay yourself and one guest.  Registration deadline 6/19/26 at 9:30am.
  • June 26
    Friday
    1:00 PM → 2:30 PM
    Sessions: 1
    Instructor: Bruce Smoller, Sommelier
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    While most New Yorkers are familiar with Rieslings produced in our immediate surrounds, the wine is produced worldwide.   Not all Rieslings are created equal or identical.  In this class, we will explore the many facets of this wine. RSVP by 6/19 at...
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    While most New Yorkers are familiar with Rieslings produced in our immediate surrounds, the wine is produced worldwide.   Not all Rieslings are created equal or identical.  In this class, we will explore the many facets of this wine. RSVP by 6/19 at noon.
  • June 26 – August 14
    No Class: 7/3
    Friday
    11:00 PM → 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 7
    Instructor: Biv Beckaroo and Emily Gonzalez, U of R Dance Interns
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    This Hip-hop class will introduce you to the fundamental moves of hip-hop dancing. The dynamic movement and contagious rhythms will have you movin’ and groovin’ like a pro.  Each class will include a thorough warm-up, skill-building, and fun combinations. All levels welcome.  Sneakers and comfortable close are all you’ll need! Class is led by U of R...
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    This Hip-hop class will introduce you to the fundamental moves of hip-hop dancing. The dynamic movement and contagious rhythms will have you movin’ and groovin’ like a pro.  Each class will include a thorough warm-up, skill-building, and fun combinations. All levels welcome.  Sneakers and comfortable close are all you’ll need! Class is led by U of R dance interns.
  • June 26 – August 14
    No Class: 7/3
    Friday
    12:30 PM → 1:30 PM
    Sessions: 7
    Instructor: Biv Beckaroo and Emily Gonzalez, U of R Dance Interns
    Locations: Oasis Rochester
    This Latin dance class invites participants to explore movement through rhythm and traditions of Dominican culture. Styles of dance include: merengue, bachata, and salsa. In addition to warm-up, foundational steps of solo and partner work, each class will address the cultural contexts of these dances.  Class aims to build confidence, musicality,...
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    This Latin dance class invites participants to explore movement through rhythm and traditions of Dominican culture. Styles of dance include: merengue, bachata, and salsa. In addition to warm-up, foundational steps of solo and partner work, each class will address the cultural contexts of these dances.  Class aims to build confidence, musicality, expressivity, and cultural appreciation. All levels welcome. Wear socks or dance shoesClass is led by U of R dance interns.
  • February 4 – February 18
    Friday
    1:00 PM → 3:00 PM
    Sessions: 3
    Instructor: Memorial Art Gallery Staff
    Locations: Memorial Art Gallery
    REGISTRATION CLOSED
    This class has received rave reviews from our members. Using art at the Memorial Art Gallery, the docents will guide you through the Gallery, teaching art appreciation skills of observation and interpretation. You will learn new ways to look at, and engage deeply with, works of art. Your new skills will enable you to enjoy art differently in the future. Pay...
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    This class has received rave reviews from our members. Using art at the Memorial Art Gallery, the docents will guide you through the Gallery, teaching art appreciation skills of observation and interpretation. You will learn new ways to look at, and engage deeply with, works of art. Your new skills will enable you to enjoy art differently in the future. Pay at registration, not at the door.
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