Save When You Buy a Car

Stephen Ruback talked to a very full classroom of people....I guess we all want to save money when we buy our next car.  His mantra was "Who has the power? I have the power!"  We each need to remember this when we go car shopping.  The power lies with the person who has the money....and that is the car buyer.  While I can't recreate this lively class, following are a few of Stephen's points. 1) Pre-arrange any loan; 2) If you have a trade in, check Kelly Blue Book so you know the value; 3) Have your old car valued by a third party such as CarMax or Used Car Dealer; 4) To save money think about buying a used car from a rental place: 5) Make two lists - the first list is titled "I will not buy a car without" and the second list is titled "I will not buy a car with".  That way you narrow focus on what is important to you. 6) Don't go car shopping on Saturday....go mid-week; 7) Carry a notebook with you so you can record VIN numbers of the cars you like; 8) Ask the salesman if he will do a "mini-deal" which is about $300 over invoice price; 9) When you have made your selection, get a copy of the worksheet to make sure it reflects everything you have decided to purchase; 10) Don't be afraid to walk away if you don't like how things are going....there are other dealerships available.
Stephen's Card - Click Here

Top Hat Balloons

What a FUN class we had with Top Hat Balloons.  Balloons are so much more that what you remember as a child.  Carolyn Moore and her assistant Debbie showed us many illustrations of balloon decorations for various venues.  Not only parties for children, but also banquets, conventions, company parties and promotions.....even weddings.  Give them a call the next time you are planning an event.
Website -www.TopHatBalloons.com.
Business Card - Click Here

Heartburn

Do you suffer from Heartburn or GERD?  Don't take it lightly.....that uncomfortable feeling you have may lead to damage of your esophagus.  Carol Ann Maurer, Program Coordinator, Memorial Hermann Hospital at Memorial City told us about the new Heartburn Treatment Program that is specifically dedicated to evaluating and treating these conditions.  If you have symptoms more than twice a week, you may want to be evaluated.  Review the attached sheet for more info.
Heartburn Flyer - Click Here
Carol Ann's Card - Click Here

Posole Soup

Yum !  Connie Pepples was the chef of the day with Bob serving as sous chef.  Their teamwork produced a mouth-watering soup that we all enjoyed.  Today's special in the ALL cooking class was Posole Soup.  Posole is a pre-Columbian soup or stew from Mexico typically made with pork, hominy and spices.  However there are variations using chicken or even a vegetarian version.  Try their recipe by clicking on this link....click here.

Cypress Symphony

There's a new symphony in town!  On January 28th we learned about the new Cypress Symphony from Founder and Executive Director Caroline Ewan.  She showed us how to identify certain components of a musical score.  It was very informative and gave us insight into the complexity of music.  This is the premier year for Cypress Symphony so we certainly want to support this new venture.  As soon as we know of performances, we will let you know.    Flyer - Click Here

Heart Painting on Canvas

Did you know we have budding artists in our group?  Several were born in Linda Gabrielson's Heart Painting on Canvas class.  First the class did a review of the painting style of Peter Max.  Then the creative juices began to flow.  The hardest part for the students was to know  -   "when to leave it alone".  By the end of the class, all were pleased with their Heart Painting on Canvas creations.  Perhaps we will see more of their work soon.
View Peter Max Paintings at these websites:
    http://www.petermax.com/
    http://www.artbrokerage.com/_main/search_advanced.php?p=x&q=peter%20max&q2=1&q_d=&q_view=
View Student Creations:  Click Here

How Money Works

Mike Sofia, Division Leader with Primerica, led the discussion on that age-old question - how does money work.  As seniors we have handled money all of our lives.  However, most likely you learned your money knowledge randomly rather than in an educational venue.  Mike is a former teacher and strongly feels that we should have a more structured course in how to manage money.  Learning important lessons (such as the Rule of 72) early in life can put you on a more productive track for building wealth.  The phrase "It's Not What You Earn, It's What You Keep" is certainly true....but you also need to know how to accumulate.  Contact Mike directly to review your current situation.  Click Here for his business card.

Where to Go

Thinking of a trip.....where would you like to go?  Peggy Presnell presented several ideas for group travel.  Travel with the ALL members can be a fun experience.  If you are interested in visiting specific locations, let Peggy know and she will work-up a group travel package.  Review her suggestions and give her a call.   Click Here

BBB - Identity Theft

Dan Parsons, President of the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Houston was the speaker for our first class of the Spring 2013 Semester.  Dan, a lively animated speaker, gave us lots of great information on Identity Theft.  Even though his stories were entertaining, they certainly brought home how we must all be vigilant to protect our personal identity.  Review his handout by clicking here.

Advisory Minutes - January 2013

The calendar page has turned. 

Welcome to 2013 !  

The ALL Advisory Board met on Wednesday January 16th, a copy of the meeting minutes is linked below.  The new semester starts with our Spring Registration/Open House on Saturday 19th.  Current ALL members should have received their Spring 2013 Course Schedule at home over the holidays.  We have a great lineup of classes starting January 22nd.....and bus trips are planned for each month (January-June).  Hope to see you on campus soon.

January 2013 Minutes - Click Here