Special Events

When: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: The Carnegie Lyceum, 10100 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878

As the 25th anniversary of September 11th approaches, Roger Mola, former writer and researcher for Air & Space Magazine, offers a unique perspective on the closure of U.S. national airspace. September 11th was not the first time the skies were still. You’ll learn about Operation Sky Shield, three exercises of unprecedented scope which simulated an airborne attack by the Soviet Union and tested U.S. military response across North America. Sky Shield deployed more than 250,000 members of the military, required all air traffic grounded, and all airports north of Mexico closed so that NORAD and the US Air Force could control our skies. Join us to examine the exhaustive planning behind Sky Shield and its results, which were classified for decades and forgotten to history when the actual airborne attack came in 2001. Light continental breakfast is included.

When: Friday, October 23, 2026
- Morning tour: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Afternoon tour: 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Where: The National Gallery, (meet in the Rotunda in the West Building) 6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565

Join Osher instructor, Nora Hamerman for a two-part tour. The morning tour will include works by some of the finest 17th century Dutch artists in the world. The tour will include works by Rembrandt, Hals, and Vermeer. It will include landscapes, seascapes, and still life as well as interiors of homes and churches. It will also include a touch of comedy in the art of Jan Steen and Adriaen Brouwer.

The afternoon tour focuses on Van Gogh’s six pictures painted in Arles between 1888 and 1890 including portraits, landscapes and flowers. We will also look at the artists who influenced him (Impressionists), his friend Gauguin, and 20th century artists like Matisse who were inspired by his work.

When: Friday, November 6, 2026, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: The Carnegie Lyceum, 10100 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878

The Montgomery County Police Department's Drone as First Responder (DFR) program began in October 2023 with one site in Downtown Silver Spring. Since then, the program has expanded to six total sites providing DFR coverage in Downtown Silver Spring, White Oak, Downtown Wheaton, Downtown Bethesda, Germantown and Montgomery Village. This program has proven to add as a force multiplier to MCPD, as well as helping to address short staffing issues being experienced by law enforcement agencies nationwide. MCPD DFR has conducted over 5,000 flights for calls for service since 2023. Light continental breakfast is included.