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HomeSpeakers Series

Speaker Series

 

The Chevy Chase At Home Speaker Series invites well-respected authors, journalists, academics, and experts to speak to our community.

Often nationally known, these speakers offer their expertise on a wide array of fascinating topics, including local history, current affairs, and personal well-being.

These free events bring thoughtful conversation and intellectual enrichment to the entire community. Generally held each month, they are open to our members and volunteers, as well as the wider community.

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Up Next

 

Declutter for Clarity & Freedom: Let go of the excess with Chris Palmer

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1:00-2:00 pm

What kind of legacy will you leave behind? For many of us, the thought of saddling our loved ones with closets, attics, and garages overflowing with “stuff” is daunting. Decluttering is a thoughtful, practical way to ease that burden, ensuring your home holds only what is useful, meaningful, or truly valuable.

In this engaging program, Chris Palmer will explore both the “why” and the “how” of decluttering. You’ll learn:

·Why taking action now can bring peace of mind for you and your family

·How to decide what to keep, give away, or let go

·Simple, practical steps to get started — and keep going

Far more than just tidying up, decluttering is an act of love, clarity, and legacy. Join us to discover how small steps today can create lasting comfort for tomorrow.

Author and end-of-life activist Chris Palmer discusses decluttering in one of the chapters in his latest book, Achieving a Good Death: A Practical Guide to the End of Life (Bloomsbury, 2024). Chris, a trained hospice volunteer, frequently gives pro bono presentations and workshops to community groups on aging, death, and dying issues. He founded and leads an aging, death, and dying group for the Bethesda Metro Area Village and serves on the board of several nonprofits focused on end-of-life issues, including Montgomery Hospice, Final Exit Network, the Hemlock Society, and the Maryland Office of Cemetery Oversight.

Proceeds from all his books fund scholarships for American University (AU) students. Chris Palmer served 14 years on AU’s full-time faculty as Distinguished Film Producer in Residence. He holds advanced degrees from Harvard and University College London. Before becoming involved in end-of-life issues, he spent forty years as a wildlife and conservation filmmaker. To learn more about Chris, visit www.ChrisPalmerOnline.com.

More Info and to Register



Past topics and speakers have included:

What Happened to Tucker Carlson?
Jason Zengerle
New York Times Magazine writer and political journalist

Golden Era at The Washington Post
Bob Levey
Retired Washington Post columnist

 

A Different Russia: Khrushchev and Kennedy
on a Collision Course

Marvin Kalb
Journalist and former host of Meet the Press


How Democrats Won–And Lost

Michael Kazin
Professor of history at Georgetown University

 

Lessons Learned and Adventures on the Appalachian Trail
Gary Windom 

 

Turning Family Stories into a Historical Novel
Christine Kessides
Author

Healthy Aging
Allison Aubrey
NPR Correspondent

 

Reinventing Yourself in Retirement
Dian Seidel
Climate scientist turned author


Jason Zengerle

Bob Levey
Bob Levey

Gary Windom
Gary Windom

Allison Aubrey
Allison Aubrey

Dian Seidel
Dian Seidal