Hearing Class

"Can you hear me now?" If the answer is NO, maybe it is time for a hearing checkup. Jeff Petrosky and Florence Maldonado of Beltone Audiology presented a great program on hearing loss. Did you know that 1 in 10 Americans have a hearing loss and that 65% of people with hearing loss are below retirement age. Since hearing is one of our most precious senses, it is important to our quality of life. Be sure to see your physician or hearing specialist routinely to catch hearing loss early. Review the attachments to learn more about hearing issues and how technology can help you maintain your hearing. Personalized Hearing Health Assessment - Click Here Beltone Info - Click Here

Diabetes & Nutrition

Belle Washington and Fralonda Anderson of Texas AgriLife Extension Department presented a six hour program on Diabetes. There was lots of discussion on the symptoms and treatment of diabetes. Then we learned how important nutrition and exercise are in managing diabetes. The handouts were not dark enough to post on the blog, but I was able to find many of the resources online. Review the following items to learn more about living with diabetes.
Healthy Behaviors - Click Here
My Pyramid Poster - Click Here
My Pyramid Brochure - Click Here
Diabetes Resource Websites - Click Here

Traveling On - Part 2

In the second of our Traveling On series, Peggy Presnell presented some ideas on river boat travel and bus tours. We discussed the pluses of river boat travel including docking in the center of town, smaller boats giving more intimate setting, guided sightseeing is usually included, and viewing the changing countryside as you go. The next class is scheduled for March 12th.

Gems & Jewelry

Christine York, Master Gemologist Appraiser, held us enthralled with her knowledge of gems and jewelry. We got to see and touch a variety of necklaces and rings. There were detailed discussions about diamonds, colored gemstones, and pearls. She stressed that we should always have the details of the purchase written on the receipt when we purchase jewelry. Please review the attached documents for additional information.
Buying Tips
How to Buy Jewelry
Colored Gemstones
Diamonds
Pearls

Texas 42 Dominoes

Ray and Patsy Grace taught a roomful of people the basics of playing Texas 42 Dominoes. First we reviewed the rules, and then we actually played a couple of games. This couple certainly lived up to their name by showing “grace” throughout a myriad of questions. Following are links to two popular websites for the game. Also attached are booklets that you may want to print for future reference. Note that the plural of domino is shown as either dominos or dominoes…..both are acceptable according to Webster’s Dictionary. Two additional beginner’s classes will be held in the Student Center during the Spring Semester. Also, we plan to continue playing throughout the Summer Semester…..so plan on joining the group.
http://www.texas42.net/
http://www.pagat.com/pointtrk/42.html
Booklet: Learn to Play 42 – A Game of Dominos
Booklet: Texas 42

Economics

Rick Pretzsch, Associate Professor of Economics, presented an enlightening discussion on our current economic status. We learned about the components of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) including personal consumption, import/export, investments and government consumption. Even though the economy has not fully recovered, things are on an upswing. For more info, visit the following websites and review the attached document. We hope to have another review of the economy in the Fall.
Bureau of Economic Analysis http://www.bea.gov/
Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/

Fire Ants !!!

Dr. Paul Nester of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service gave us the sad news that there is no "getting rid of" Fire Ants....we can only hope to control them in our environment. Review the slides, brochures and websites to learn all about it.

Presentation - Click Here
Fire Ant Brochure - Click Here
Rasberry Crazy Ant Brochure - Click Here
Websites for more Info - Click Here

Hiring a Repairman & Reverse Mortgages

Candice Twyman, Executive Director of the The Better Business Bureau Foundation shared information on How To Hire a Repairman For Work In Your Home. Be sure to check out the great information and resources she provided. The last segment of the presentation was giving the class facts about Reverse Mortgages, including advantages and disadvantages. Review the following handouts.

> Finding A Repairman (click)
> Test Yourself (click)
> Getting Bids & Signing Contracts (click)
> Reverse Mortgages (click)

Green Living - The Green Lifestyle

Stephanie Edwards-Musa asked us, "Are you awakened to the true aspects of being green?" She shared with us her thoughts about the hype of buying and living locally. We learned how easy and enjoyable it can be and that it's all about the choices we make. View her presentation on here.

Green Living - Indoor Air Quality

According to the EPA, the air inside your home can be up to 80% more polluted than being outside. Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Certified Eco-Broker, discussed what can affect our allergies and asthma in our own homes. View Indoor Air Quality presentation here.