Tuesday, September 28, 2010

LSC-CyFair ALL Advisory Committee

We want everyone to stay informed and to contribute to the programs and events offered by ALL Academy for Lifelong Learning. To encourage participation, we will post the minutes of each Advisory Committee meeting. These meetings are OPEN to any and all ALL Members. Meetings are normally held on the third Wednesday of the month immediately following the L.I.F.E. program....so you can just walk from the Library to the Mod 2 classroom. Come give us input !!
Minutes from 9-22-10 - Click Here.

Change Your Mind / Change Your Life - Class 3

Your mind is a puzzle but you can arrange your thoughts to have a positive outlook. In the third class Denese presented some Mind/Brain Openers that will help you to control your thoughts.
Mind/Brain Openers - click here.
She also shared Denese's Five Rules of Life
1. Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.
2. Deny adverse conditions.
3. Picture good outcomes.
4. Pray for every person with whom you meet.
5. Practice Universal love toward everyone.
Be sure to come to the final class on Thursday, October 14th at 10:00 when Dick will share his perspective on overcoming difficulties following brain surgery. Dick's wit and humor helps us more clearly see how you Can Change Your Mind to Change Your Life.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Art Class

Drawing Class continues to be a big success. Class members are learning the basics of drawing....much more than picking up a pencil and drawing stick figures. Next class meeting will concentrate on drawing cloth, wrinkles, folds and texture. There is still time to join the class, but don't wait too long.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Change Your Mind / Change Your Life - Class 2

In the first class meeting of Change Your Mind / Change Your Life Denese started us on an amazing journey. She explained that we all have the ability to manage our brains, our bodies and our minds.

In Class II Denese explained how new science and therapies come together to help us learn new ways of dealing with situations.

Refer to the earlier post on Tuesday, 9/21/10 for more info.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Pesticides

Helpful or Harmful - Precarious Balance !
Pesticides have significantly improved the quality of human life. They are effective means of controlling diseases, weeds and insect pests. They help increase crop and livestock yield. They protect human health by preventing disease outbreaks through control of rodent and insect populations. They are used to sanitize our water. However, pesticides can also be hazardous if not used appropriately - so it is important to read and follow product labels. Read more about it by reviewing the class materials presented by Paul Nester of the Texas AgriLife Extension service.
Pesticides Part 1 - Click Here
Pesticides Part 2 - Click Here

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Change Your Mind / Change Your Life - Class 1

Life changed dramatically for Dick and Denese Schmelzkopf when Dick was diagnosed with a pituitary gland tumor. Emergency surgery saved Dick's life but he was left with substantial brain damage. This four-part class gives us insight into how Denese's research and diligence helped Dick work through physical and mental challenges. Dick's recovery is an inspiration to anyone facing difficulties.
Denese did extensive reading on brain science and philosophy so that she could develop tools and tricks to help Dick cope with his new situations. The bibliography of the 76 books she reviewed is attached. If you want more in-depth info on specific topics, you may want review a book from the list. Bibliography - Click Here.
Dick has written two books in which he shares information about his recovery with humor and love. Both of these books are "a good read" that may help you cope with situations within your own sphere of family and friends. His books are available on Amazon or from the author. Book Titles are shown below.
Brain Damage: Overcoming Adversity With Wit and Humor
Brain Damage II: I Know Who I Used To Be But Who Am I Now?
Author - Dick Schmelzkopf

Monday, September 20, 2010

Fall Vegetable & Community Gardening

Jean Fefer shared information about the Turning Point Center Garden. This is a donation garden that provides food for residents of the Turning Point Center that provides assistance to homeless elders in the Houston area. This community garden welcomes volunteers in many different areas. Jean also provided the class a lot of good basic information about gardening in Houston's climate. Check out the attachments for more information.

Turning Point Center Info - Click Here.
Vegetable Varieties Harris Co - Click Here.
Vegetable Garden Plant Dates - Click Here.
Vegetable Gardening Guide - Click Here.
Urban Harvest Comm Gardens - Click Here.
Harris County Master Gardener - Click Here

Turning Point Center http://www.turningpointcenter.org/index.htm

Urban Dirt Website – review their informative newsletters from Master Gardeners Association http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/urban/2010.aspx

Urban Harvest Website – learn about community gardens http://www.urbanharvest.org/index.html

Texas AgriLIFE Extension Publications http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort/pubs/vegherb.htm

Friday, September 17, 2010

Drawing Class

Drawing Art Class is a great success with lots of budding artists. Tony Kram leads this diverse group through the basic concepts of drawing. Next week they will explore how to establish proportions, placement of objects and composition. By the end of the semester we hope to see their art work on display. As Tony says "let the fun begin."

Inkle Loom Weaving

Have you ever seen an Inkle Loom? Well class members attending the Inkle Loom Weaving class at LSC-CyFair got a first-hand look and some hands-on experience. Mary Ellen Walsh demonstrated the art of weaving on an Inkle Loom. It may look complicated, but once you get into the rhythm you can make beautiful things. Review the following resources for more info.
Mary Ellen Walsh Email - maryellenwalsh@sbcglobal.net

Inkle Loom Resources - click here.

Pictures of Braids - click here.

Beginning Inkle Weaving by Heather Haroldt http://www.heatherspages.net/images/weaving/beginning%20Inkle%20Weaving.pdf

How to Weave on the Inkle Loom by Mary Atwater http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/monographs/amm_inkl.pdf

Warping Your Loom http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPMUszodRH0&feature=fvsr

Local Weaving Vendor – Upstairs Studio http://www.upsstudio.com/about.html

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Math With Roxanne

Math can be FUN. At least when the games are led by Roxanne. Class participants enjoyed playing Math Trivial Pursuit that let them brush up on their math skills. There were a couple of handouts showing Number Crunchers and Brain Twisters.
See attachments for some of the fun.
Brain Twister Questions - click here.
Brain Twister Answers - click here.
Number Crunchers - click here.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Life of a Park Ranger

Ben Horstmann is an Interpretive Ranger at Stephen F. Austin State Park. He told the class all about the great State Parks available in Texas. These parks are wonderful places for families to get out and enjoy nature. You don't have to "rough it"....the parks have great facilities. Visit the links below for more information.

Stephen F. Austin State Park - click here.

State Park Guide (pdf version) http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4000_0000aa.pdf

State Park Guide (online version) http://archive.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/parkguide/

Stephen F. Austin State Park – Trails http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4504_051f.pdf

Stephen F. Austin State Park - Map http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4504_051d.pdf

Texas Outdoor Family Workshops – Video and Calendar http://beta-www.tpwd.state.tx.us/outdoor-learning/texas-outdoor-family/

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Reverse Mortgages

We were treated to a very informative class on reverse mortgages by Vicki Cheairs. Vicki let us know who is eligible, what is involved, and why they may be of interest to us. She started with a little history and then led us through the reasons for using this financial planning tool.

To see her presentation, click here.
Top 5 Questions on Reverse Mortgage, click here.

Monday, September 13, 2010

World War II Submarine Experience

Hestel Walker joined the war as a young man and quickly grew into an adult as he served his country with the crew on the U.S.S. Rasher submarine during World War II. Those are times that will never be forgotten.

Following are several attachments related to the U.S.S. Rasher and Mr. Walker's service.

U.S.S. Rasher Statistics - Click Here
Red Scorpion book based on the sub's service - Click Here
Interview with Hestel Walker by granddaughter Laurie Williams - Click Here
Hestel Walker's Card - Click Here

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Growing African Violets

Members from the Spring Branch African Violet Club, Mary McFarland, Linda Wheaton, and Carol Thomas, introduced us to the world of African violets. From their discovery in Tanzania, to how to grow, maintain, and propagate the violets, the instructors shared a wealth of knowledge with us. We were even given our own starter plant to take home.

How to Grow African Violets - click here
History of African Violets - click here

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Tramp Ants

Paul Nester, PhD, Program Specialist - Integrated Pest Management lead a great program talking about Tramp Ants. Tramp Ants include our dreaded Fire Ants and Rasberry Crazy Ants, and other species. There was lively discussion how to deal with these pests. Please review the following attachments to learn more about ant control.
Taking the Bite Out of Fire Ant Stings - Click Here
Latest Broadcast on Fire Ant Control Products - Click Here
Fire Ant Control - Click Here
Rasberry Crazy Ant - Click Here
Managing Imported Fire Ants In Urban Areas - Click Here
Management of Imported Fire Ants in Cattle - Click Here

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Orientation to Campus


It's a new school year, new classes and new members. So for the first class, we had an orientation to the campus. Dr. Bob Williams let us know what is happening with the construction on campus and then Cheryl LeJune described the learning, entertainment and volunteer opportunities available. Christine Timmerman and Rachel from SOAR (Student Outreach and Retention) gave campus tours for our class members.

From the many fun things we have going on in ALL, to the diverse programs available at the library, and then the great entertainment provided by the Center for the Arts, there is definitely something that would interest each of our members.

Orientation to Campus presentation - click here
Construction Update presentation - click here

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Mah Jongg - Fall Semester 2010


MAH JONGG

Fall Semester 2010
Lone Star College CyFair

ALL
Program

Fridays 1:30-3:30
Corner of Cafeteria in College Center
Facilitator - Judy Dankers

Welcome to Mah Jongg. This class is for those who have taken lessons or know how to play the game. We are starting our third year of playing this fun and challenging game, having periodic classes for new players, and a "Play and Learn" when needed.

Notes: Congrats to O.J. Whipple. He has missed the fewest classes (besides Judy). O.J. has missed only 3 playing dates and is always helpful to set-up and play with newcomers. Also, Thanks to Bill Dankers and Melanie Pratho who have helped so much with the details of our group. Thanks to everyone who donated their time this summer for the Beginner's class. Remember: Bring sets and mats. Let us play with your lovely new set.

1. VERIFY the Mah Jongg - when Mah Jongg! is declared by another player and the tiles are lined up on the rack (just as they appear on the card) check your card and VERIFY. Do not display your hand until the Mah Jongg is verified.

2. DOWN IS DOWN - You may not take back a discard. If you name a tile and realize you could have exchanged it for a Joker, it is too late, the tile must be discarded.

3. CALL THE TILES CORRECTLY - Watch the tiles with your eyes and ears. You may not blame another player because you did not hear or see the discard.

4. CHANGE OF HEART - when you "call" a tile and realize you do not need/want it, you may put it back and pick from the wall as long as you have not added tiles from your hand to the top of your rack.

HAVE FUN !!
Judy Dankers

Attachment - Click Here