Genealogy Workshop - Feb 26

Today we were happy to have Connie Kimmey present a class on genealogical research sources.  Connie is an avid genealogist and volunteered to fill in while Michelle was out of town. Connie's presentation included a listing of web addresses for several genealogical historical societies, libraries, books, and maps.
She reminded us that genealogical research does not often go in a straight line, there may be detours along the way. But you just have to keep looking to connect the historical links. To see Connie's list - click here.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

Our culinary expert, Lou Master, shared one of his favorite recipes for a cold winter day, Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with a side of Creamy Cornbread. The kitchen smelled great as Lou prepared this delicious dish for the class.

The recipes for both the soup and cornbread are here.

Genealogy Workshop - Feb 19

Michelle Christie led another great genealogy class. Today's class was primarily about searching for "Vital Records". These include birth records, death records, marriage records, banns, bonds, licenses, certificates and other contracts. The next class will be on Feb 26th.
To view Michelle's PowerPoint Presentation - click here.
Website List for Vital Records by State - click here.
Colonial States Information - click here.

Creating a Backyard Habitat

In this class, we had the opportunity to learn how to create an environment outside our back door which brings nature to us. Richard Edie from Wild Birds Unlimited shared what plants, housing, food and water features help create in inviting habitat for birds.

You can view Richard's presentation by clicking here.

Clothespin Cross

A Cross to Share - Feb 18 & 25
Today our woodworking master, Gene Chism, started a class on how to make a Clothespin Cross. This is a fun class that allows you to construct a beautiful, custom-made cross using wooden clothespins. Once constructed you can stain it or paint it and add embellishments as you desire.

To view Gene's instructions - click here.

Barging in France

What is hotel barge cruising? Richard Gillespie shared his recent experience in France aboard a barge. What a great, relaxing way to see the countryside up close and personal. Richard and his wife spent a couple days in Dijon and a week in Paris in addition to the cruise. Great food, great wine and outstanding scenery.

To see Richard's presentation on the cruise, click here.
To see Richard's photos of the trip, click here.

Genealogy Workshops - Class 2 - Feb 12

Today's class was on how to search for Census Records and Military Records.  Michelle Christie gave us great information how census records were recorded and handed out sample census sheets for 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940. The 1940 census gives the most information and may be the best starting point for your genealogical research. Michelle also told us about how military records were kept. Be sure to review the PowerPoint presentation she showed in class. The next class will be on Feb 19th.
Once again you MUST know how to enter your Username and Password in order to get on a computer in the classroom. Try the following instructions from your home computer.
1. Go to www.lonestar.edu
2. Click on myLoneStar which is below the Search box.
3. Click on "OTC Service Desk" at the end of the sentence in blue area.
4. Below the boxes click on the line that says "click here to get username"
5. This will bring up a box where you will enter your Student ID #, Last Name and Birthdate.
6. Follow the instructions as you go along and it will tell you your Username.
7. You can also change your password to something you can remember.
8. Write down on a piece of paper both your Username and Password and keep it in your wallet or put it in your phone for quick reference.
If you need additional assistance please call the Technology Services Center at 832-813-6600.
To view Michelle's PowerPoint - click here.
Sample Census Sheets - click here.
Source for Laminated QuickSheets - click here.

Essential Oils

Stephanie Kutterer gave us a great education in the background and uses of essential oils. Many of us are familiar with some of the oils, lavender, frankincense, and peppermint, but how and when to use them is the question. In class, we smelled, tasted, and rubbed on several of the oils. Lots of oils and lots to learn. If you have any questions, Stephanie is happy to answer them.

Her handout with an overview of essential oils is here.
Stephanie's email is stephkutterer@yahoo.com.

Genealogy Workshops - Class 1 - Feb 5

Our first class in this Genealogy series was very well attended. Thank you for being understanding with the crowded classroom. Michelle Christie will give us new information in the first half of each weekly class. The second half of the class will be "hands-on" where you will actually be searching online.
As a reminder, please make sure that you have an active, up-to-date library card or your CyFair Student ID card. You must know your Username and Password associated with your ID Card.  If you do not know your Username and Password, be sure to go to the library prior to the next class and ask the Reference Librarians to help you set these up.  Be sure to write down the info and keep it in your wallet so you will have it for the next class.  If you bring your laptop to class you must also be able to sign in to the CyFair campus WiFi.  You can take your laptop to the CyFair library and again the Reference Librarians will help you get this set up. Once you log in on your laptop on campus, it should remember it the next time you are on campus.
To view Michelle's PowerPoint - click here.
To view the Birth/Death/Marriage Info Sheets - click here.

The History of Libraries

We covered a lot of ground in the class learning about the history of libraries from thousands of years ago to today. Jane Stimpson, CyFair librarian, gave us great insight to how history of libraries and history of civilizations are tightly interwoven. Great discussion ensued.

To see Jane's presentation, click here.

Reason and Being Human - Philosophy

Philosophy Professor Grady Watts once again made us think!!  Today's topic was about "reason" and "being human".  What sets humans apart from animals other than the power to think and reason?  We reviewed several philosophers that were in praise of reason and others that were in doubt of reason.  We then touched on the "belief in God".  Professor Watts feels that everything humans do can fall into three categories that progress toward "Fact".  The first category is everything that humans believe, have an opinion on, or taste.  This is where most people's thoughts remain. Philosophers try to take a belief into the next category which is "Argument" where pro and con arguments are made for a certain belief. If an argument could ever be finalized it would move into the third area of "Fact".  In relation to God, people have many beliefs, some philosophers will argue for the existence of God while others will argue against the existence of God. So far, that argument has not moved to the category of "Fact".  We always love having Grady....he makes us think beyond our everyday lives.  To view his PowerPoint click here.

Fit for ALL - Vitamins and Minerals

As we started the new year, Ronnie Nespeca, Chair Kinesiology at LSC-CyFair, shared some tips regarding nutrition for our members. We discussed the amount of vitamins, minerals or other supplements people may be taking. What do we really need? What can we get from wise food choices? Are their cheaper/better sources for those vitamins and minerals? Of course, discuss any changes with your doctor first.

Ronnie's handout on Vitamins and Minerals is here.
His handout from the National Institute on Aging regarding supplements is here.