The Olivewood Cemetery Project: Research, Results and Ongoing Efforts

Dr. David Bruner, CyFair Anthropology professor, gave us an update on the ongoing work by his students at Olivewood Cemetery, Houston's first incorporated black cemetery. In coordination with several institutions, Dr. Bruner and his students are conducting research and writing applications to include this cemetery along with other properties from Galveston to Houston to preserve the area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can see Dr. Bruner's presentation here.

Pershing, Patton, Pancho and the Punitive Expedition: The Hunt for America's First Terrorist

Bobby O'Brien, CyFair History Professor, has invited ALL to a presentation by Prof. Raul Reyes.

This presentation examines the border backdrop circumstances in West Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico, which fueled Pancho Villa’s 1916 attack on Columbus, New Mexico. Delving into reactionary events in the organization and execution of the expedition, Reyes analyzes the role General John J. Pershing and Lieutenant George S. Patton played. His lecture also explores the racial climate relative to attitudes between Mexicans, African Americans, and Anglo expeditionary leaders. The presentation is part of Lone Star College-CyFair’s commemoration series for the 100-year anniversary of World War I.

Tuesday, March 6 from 1-2:30 pm

TECH 102

Note to Self

Patrick Barton, CyFair Communications Professor, gave a fun presentation on how we can better communicate with ourselves and therefore with others. He took us through several steps on how to successfully do this. We also discussed time and money; the basis of many of the choices we make.

You can view Patrick's presentation here.

Restoring Mental Function

In Dr. Louise Hayes' first class this semester, she introduced us to techniques to grow brain connections which help restore brain function. She showed some exercises to do for ADD, Autism, Dyslexia, among others.

You can view Dr. Hayes' handouts here.

Acrylic Painting

Another fun day with Linda Gabrielson in our Acrylic Painting class. Linda led us through step-by-step to create our own unique painting on canvas. You can view some of our work below.

Project C.U.R.E

Judy Torrance of Project C.U.R.E. (Commission on Urgent Relief and Equipment), gave us a great presentation about how the organization is able to provide medical supplies to developing nations who are without medical basics. By partnering with hospitals, corporations, manufacturers, and volunteers, Project C.U.R.E. is able to source the equipment, fund its shipment, and perform the daily tasks necessary to make the program a success.

You can learn more about this organization or even look into volunteering or donating by going to their website, here.

Gumbo!

What better way to celebrate Mardi Gras than eat a little (or a lot of) gumbo! Cheryl LeJune and Lou Master showed the enthusiastic and hungry crowd two different kinds of gumbo, Creole and Cajun, with some great help from sous-chef Rick LeBlanc. The Creole version included shrimp and okra and the Cajun included chicken and andouille sausage. For dessert, Lou whipped up a Pina Colada Bread Pudding and there were also a couple of King Cakes to try.

You can view our Gumbo Information handout here.
Lou's Creole Shrimp Gumbo recipe is here.
Cheryl's Cajun Chicken and Sausage recipe is here.
Lou's Pina Colada Bread Pudding recipe is here.

Indians of Texas

Monte Parks, Educational Programmer at Jesse H. Jones Park, gave us another great presentation. This time he talked about the Indians of Texas. We learned of the many tribes who were in Texas, some known to us and others not, how they got here, how they lived, and what happened to them.

You can view Monte's presentation here.

Collections - For Fun or Investment?

Do you collect anything? Tracy Bradford, ALL member and antiques and collectibles dealer, gave us some great insight into our own collections. Some are for fun and some are for investment. He shared a great amount of information on how to downsize or dispose of the collections you probably have or have inherited.

You can view Tracy's handouts here.

Rustic Heart

It's almost Valentine's Day and Linda Gabrielson led a fun class to make Rustic Hearts. There was lots of nailing, cutting, painting and laughing as the class put together their own unique hearts. Below are a few pictures from the class.