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 !!
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.
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.
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.
Helpful or Harmful - Precarious Balance !
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.
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 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
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
