Advisory Committee Minutes - December 2011

The Fall Semester is over and we wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season. The Spring Semester will begin with our Registration and Open House on Saturday, January 21st. It will be held in the Conference Center rooms from 10:00-12:00. Mark your calendar to attend this event where you can sign up for Bus Trips and classes. The minutes of the December Advisory Meeting are attached here.

Happy, Healthy, Furry Friends

Heather Thomas, DVM from Cypress Falls Animal Hospital presented a great program on how to care for our pets. Pets are an important part of our everyday lives. View her presentation to learn more about the stages of life and various ailments that may occur. Click Here
Business Card - Click Here

Maximized Living Nutrition

We learned about several nutritional myths at the class Tuesday, December 6th. Traci Mahan, a Maximized Living Nutrition coach, helped educate our class on the benefits of fats, the right fats to eat and how to lose weight and look younger too. There are two different food plans she used as examples that we can all benefit from. To learn more, as well as getting hundreds of free recipes, check out www.maximizedliving.com and look under nutrition. Also, look at their own website for FREE community events held monthly in their office. www.drmickmahan.com.

Geocaching

We learned about the high-tech treasure hunt called geocaching. By using a handheld GPS unit and putting on a pair of walking shoes, you are ready to head outdoors and give geocaching a try. Carol Edwards and Cheryl LeJune introduced us to this great way to get outside and discover the world around us with family and friends. We also spent time using a GPS unit and looking for the various caches that were placed around campus waiting for us to discover them.

Click here to see the class presentation.
Click here to see a short introduction video to Geocaching.
Click here to go to Geocaching.com to begin the adventure.

Cardiac Rehab

Yissela Ortega and Celeste DeMarino, from North Cypress Medical Center Cardiac Rehab, talked to us about the importance of cardiovascular exercise and it's not just for cardiac patients. We also learned about the benefits of strength training and ways to do it without having to join a gym. They then told us how cardiac rehab works, who qualifies, and the various phases of rehabilitation.
Click here to view the class handout.

ABCs of RVing

Thinking of trying your hand at RVing? Mark Darby and Cheryl LeJune helped take the mystery out of all those RVs heading down the highway. They introduced us to the different types of RVs, what's in an RV, and where to go camping. They even brought their RV to show the class the various systems and amenities.

Click here to see the presentation.

Math Logic - Numbrix, KenKen, Hundreds

Math can be FUN - at least that is what Roxanne and Ann tell us. Math is a part of our everyday lives. Also, there are several popular games that utilize math and logic. Attached are the Hundreds Chart with a refresher on Divisibility Rules, Numbrix and Ken Ken puzzles.....with answers. But don't look at the answers until you have tried to work the puzzles yourself. If these interest you, check out the websites given for more fun.
Handout with Puzzles - Click Here
Websites for Math Games - Click Here

RePhoto Class

Linda has done it again....taken discarded items and turned them into something beautiful. Review the attached documents to learn how to take old photos, cut and paste and add a little glitz and turn them into avant-garde greeting cards.
Linda Instructions - Click Here.
Photos of Cards - Click Here.

Writing a Novel

Have you always wanted to write a novel? We are lucky to have had Norman Ray Fitts, professional novelist and screenwriter, share his writing tips with us. He gave us info on how to structure a story. His two main points are to develop the story line and develop the characters. Once you have that info it will be easier for you to write the story. Norman also told us about copywrite laws and self-publishing through CreateSpace.com. www.createspace.com/ . He has self-published five books through this company. Read Norman's handout to learn more. Or perhaps you would prefer a personal meeting with Norman......call him at 832-259-0940 or email him at normanfitts@normanrayfitts.com.
Story Development Handout - Click Here

Intro to Yoga

Yoga can be done by anyone no matter what shape you are in. Kay Mewara gave us basic info on the practice of yoga and how we can incorporate it into our lives. She even works with Parkinson's patients....so this is something we can all do. Review her attachments for more info and some chair poses that will help loosen up our bodies and help us feel better.
Intro to Yoga - Click Here
Chair Poses - Click Here
More Exercises - Click Here
Websites for more info on Yoga - Click Here

eBooks & Digital Downloads

The room was packed with people who wanted to learn more about downloading library books to their eBook Readers. Librarian Dorrie Scott presented a great program showing us the steps for downloading books. Participants asked questions related to many different formats - Nook, Kindle, Sony, I-Pad, etc. All of these devices can be used to make life easier to always have a good book handy. To learn more click on the following presentation from Dorrie - Click Here.

Harmonica Lessons with Jason

Jason Moulenbelt is a such a FUN teacher. We all had a great time learning how to "blow" and "draw" on the harmonica. Mouth position is a key element with this musical instrument. Review his presentations below to learn more. Much of the material was pulled from Jon Gindick's website.....be sure to check it out. You may want to purchase the book if you want to pursue your "career" in harmonica. Perhaps you too can play in Carnegie Hall like Buddy Green.
Jason's Presentation Presentation, Part 1 - Click Here
Jason's Presentation Presentation, Part 2 - Click Here
Jon Gindick's Website - http://www.gindick.com/
Jon Gindick's Book - Rock 'n Blues Harmonica

Buddy Greene at Carnegie Hall - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJB1j5PFsQg