Housing Options for Seniors

Peggy Presnell led this interesting class in Housing Options for Seniors.  What will you do when your current living arrangement no longer works.  There are several options such as independent living, assisted living, nursing home, or memory care center.  It is important to know the options so that you can express your desires to relatives before you need to make a change.  Click on the attachments to learn more. Peggy will be arranging for visits to various facilities during the Spring Semester.  Let her know if there is any particular ones you would like to have the group visit.
Housing Options Definitions - Click Here
Facilities near Cypress, TX - Click Here

Gift for You - From Louise Hayes

Louise Hayes has sent us a gift for the holidays.  Below is a link to her booklet on improving your vision.  As we age many of us experience vision issues.  Feel free to download this booklet and do the exercises.  Louise have shared many of her health enhancing tips with us in classes and she is inviting you to share this information with your friends and family.  Remember that she makes individual appointments to assist you with particular needs. Happy Holidays to ALL.
Vision Booklet - Click Here
Workshop Schedule for January 2013 - Click Here
Order form for other booklets - Click Here

Life Insurance Need

Even though life insurance isn't the most friendly topic, Duane Horne of Guidance Financial presented an informative and interesting program.  Most people need life insurance at one some time in their lifetime...especially if others are dependent on them for support.  Open the handout that Duane reviewed with us to learn some more.  Duane outlined the different types of life insurance and what their functions are.  Feel free to contact Duane if you would like to review your personal situation.
Worksheet - Click Here
Duane's Bio - Click Here
Duane's Card - Click Here

Holiday Cookie Plate

What a fun class we had decorating plates for the holidays. This would be a fun activity for both adults and kids.  Check out the following information to learn more about how to use the Porcelaine 150 paint by Pebeo.  This is a food safe paint when the china is heat cured in the oven.

Linda’s Picture Examples – Click Here

Website for paint used to paint the plates  -www.pebeo.com

Website to find ideas on painted plates….or any craft idea -www.pinterest.com

http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=painted+holiday+plates

Good Instructions -http://www.miycreations.com/MIY-christmas-dishes-painted.html

Good Instructions -http://www.kidspot.com.au/Christmas-Christmas-crafts-Hand-painted-Christmas-mugs-and-plates+1391+117+article.htm

Good Pictures -http://www.scriptandscribble.com/Holiday-Themed-Gifts-Holiday-Ceramic-Plates-Frames-Plaques/c156_230/index.html

Christian Right and American Politics

Dr. Blake Ellis, associate professor of History at LSC-CyFair, shared with us his study of the Christian Right and its influence on American Politics starting in the 20th century until now.  We learned some very interesting takes on the history of the United States from this different perspective.  The class was very informative with some interesting Texas tidbits thrown in for good measure.

You can view the presentation here.

Staging Your Home for Sale

Have you tried to sell a house lately?  It has become more difficult to sell a house for the price you want.  Many people have turned to "staging" in order to make their house more attractive to potential buyers. Home staging is the act of preparing a property for sale.  The goal of staging is to make the home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers and in turn lead to a greater selling price.  Suzanne Davis, owner of "Signs of Design", shared some great tips and pictures showing how staging a property improves (shortens) time on the market. The goal is to sell a property for the highest price in the shortest period of time.  Check out Suzanne's handout and her web videos.
Signs of Designs Handout - Click Here
Suzanne's web videos - http://www.signsofdesign.biz/StagedListings.html

Another website video - http://www.signsofdesign.biz/index.html

Suzanne's Business Card - Click Here

Tax Free Investing

We all know how dismal earning rates currently are for Certificates of Deposit and other investments.  Anita Bowman-McCormick of Edwards Jones enlightened us on the use of Tax-Free Investing to build your financial accounts.  It's not what you make, it's what you keep.   There are three primary ways to earn tax-free income:  Municipal Bonds, Retirement Accounts and Life Insurance.  Tax-Free Investing definitely deserves a spot in your portfolio.  See the Tax-Free Yield chart to compare tax-free equivalent yields.  Example:  an investment in a tax-free bond earning 3% would be equal to a taxable account earning 4% because you would then have to pay taxes on the taxable earnings.  If you would like further information on this investment approach, feel free to contact Anita directly.
Tax-Free Equlvalent Yield Chart - Click Here
Anita's Business Card - Click Here

Living Mindfully

Do you live in the present, past or future?  That is a question to ask yourself.  Life is better when you live in the present and do it thoughtfully. Micki Fine, a Certified Mindfulness Teacher, shared how we need to live fully with an open-hearted awareness.  Don't let things from your past drag you down.  Don't waste today by worrying about tomorrow.  We need to learn how to live our lives appreciating each day's beauty in surroundings and people.  Learn more by reviewing Micki's info below.
Presentation - Click Here
Inspiration - Click Here
Living Mindfully Info - Click Here
Tips for Relieving Stress - Click Here

Travel in England

Louise Rugaard shared her travel tips and pics from several trips to England....it was just like we were sharing the fun of her vacations. She gave us tips on packing, traveling, using travel websites and local resources to make your trip more enjoyable.  Be sure to review her presentation and pictures.
Presentation - Click Here
Travel Tips - Click Here

Exercise for Cardiovascular Disease

What a GREAT class !!  Pamela O'Mara, Director of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Christus St. Catherine gave us great information on how exercise affects our cardiovascular system.  Then she showed us basic gentle stretching exercises that each of us should do regularly.  She also explained how each person must determine their own level of exercise.  What's hard for one person might be easy for another.  Review her presentation and learn more.
Presentation - Click Here
Brochure - Click Here
Pam's Card - Click Here

Garlands & Ornaments

Crafty lady Linda Gabrielson presented a fun class on making holiday garlands and ornaments.  Since this was a "hands-on" class, it is difficult to convey all of the instructions she gave......you just needed to be there.  However, I've tried to summarize the instructions for the Spiral Ornament that she demonstrated.  Click below to open the file.  I also found several interesting websites that will give you more ideas for ornaments and garlands.
Click Here

Chinese Spring Rolls

Would you like to have a fun hands-on party with your friends and family, how about making Chinese Spring Rolls.  Fred Teoh perfected this idea.  He showed us how to gather the ingredients and get everyone involved in the cutting, cooking, and wrapping of spring rolls.  Everyone shares in the preparation, then gets to eat the delicious results.  Review Fred's recipe and pictures to learn how.
Recipe - Click Here
Additional Pictures - Click Here

Annuities

Duane Horne of Guidance Financial gave us an informative talk about Annuities.  We learned what they are, what kinds are offered, and options that are available.  Please review the bio on Duane and also review his worksheet to learn some basic info about annuities.  Feel free to contact Duane directly if you would like more info on annuities and how they can help you prepare for your retirement for years to come.
Duane's Bio - Click Here
Worksheet - Click Here
Duane's Card - Click Here

Alaska, The Last Frontier.  Their logo tell us a lot.  Much of the state is simply raw natural beauty.  This summer a group of 20+ people traveled to Alaska on a cruise/tour.  This was a wonderful experience for both the first-time traveler and the seasoned traveler.  If you have not yet been to Alaska, make plans for a trip.  To view some of the pictures and information on Alaska, click on the following items.
Alaska Facts - Click Here
Presentation - Click Here
Selected Pictures - Click Here

Advisory Minutes -November 2012

The ALL Advisory Committee met on November 14, 2012.  This semester and the year will soon draw to an end.  Be sure to watch your email to mark changes on your calendar.  One date to mark is Friday, December 7th, that's when we will have a Holiday Party.  This will be an open house from 11:00-1:00.  Bring a dish to share and visit with your fellow members.
November Minutes - Click Here

Veteran Benefits

Are you a Veteran or do you know a Veteran?  If so then you need to review the information presented by Elizabeth Hilbun of the HIlbun Law Firm.  She presented a class outlining 47 Secret Veteran Benefits for Seniors.  She is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law and can assist you with the legal documents we all need to have in place.  Please contact Elizabeth if you would like a private consultation.
47 Secret VA Benefits - Click Here
A Summary of VA Benefits - Click Here
Medicaid Eligibility for LTC - Click Here
Elizabeth's Card - Click Here

Holiday Entertaining - Party Foods

The A.L.L. group was treated to a fun cooking demonstration with professional chef John Gatteys.  John recently returned to Texas and opened the "Puttin' on the Ritz" Catering firm in Dallas.  He shared three of his favorite recipes from his catering business....showing us step by step how things are done.  Click on the following items to see the recipes and view his website.
Recipes - Click Here

Website - www.puttinontheritzcatering.com

Business Card - Click Here

Incorporate Yoga In Your Life

Barbara Morrison of Texas Yoga Center showed us how Yoga can be a great benefit in anyone's life.  Besides the physical benefits of better balance and flexibility, Yoga offers us ways to reduce stress, anxiety and insomnia.  We enjoyed the meditations, poses and breathing exercises Barbara taught us.  The benefits of good diet and home remedies were also discussed.
To see Barbara's presentation notes, click here.

Creative Writing

Kathy Haueisen led this interesting class on creative writing.  Much of the discussion was geared toward learning the ropes of how to submit your material to publishers and other outlets.  Kathy gave the class a few writing assignments to complete before the next class on November 26th. Check out Kathy's handout - Click Here 

Road Scholar

Are you over age 50?  Do you like to travel?  Do you like to learn about places and things?   If you answered yes to these questions then you are ready for a trip through the Road Scholar educational travel program.  Sid Trest presented an interesting program on Road Scholar.....he and his wife have been on several trips.  To learn more review his presentation and check out the website.
Presentation - Click Here
Website - Click Here

Advisory Minutes - October 2012

Curriculum Report - We are in the final stages of finalizing classes for the Spring Semester.  Bus Trips - Dates for the fourth quarter have been set.  Events - We hope to have a holiday party on December 7th.  Membership - Welcome to appx 122 "new" members to the ALL group.  Read the Minutes - Click Here.

Scotch Eggs

Portable Food.....that was the incentive for making the original Scotch Egg many years ago.  What is a Scotch Egg.....you can think of it as "Breakfast in your hand".  Simply stated it is a hard boiled egg, wrapped in pork sausage, coated in bread crumbs and fried to a golden brown.  They can also serve as a great portable snack food.  Marsha Dugger showed us step-by-step how to make Scotch Eggs....then we got to eat them.  Needless to say this was a mmm mmm good class.  Check out the recipe here.

Beginning Birdwatching

We were thrilled to have Professor Tim Sebesta share his love of birds with the ALL members.  Evidently we have a lot of bird enthusiasts in our group.  Tim gave us a lesson in how to identify birds (start with the shape) and also played several bird calls for us to identify.  Look at his attached presentation for more info.  Go to the websites he recommends at the end of his presentation to get started with your bird watching.
Presentation - Click Here
Bird Songs - http://www.enature.com/challenge/birdcallchallenge.asp

Travel With The ALL Group

Peggy Presnell, our travel organizer, has reserved several travel options for our group.  Review the following attachments and let her know if you are interested in a trip.  She will help you find a travel partner if you want to share a cabin or room to make the trip more economical.....just let her know you want a partner and what trip you are interested in.  Contact Peggy with any questions you may have. She will be happy to mail you a brochure on any of the trips mentioned.

Peggy Presnell, Agent
TravelTime Vacations
Phone 281-304-7127
peggy@586travel.com

Travel for 2013 - Click Here
River Cruises - Click Here
Senior Cruises - Click Here

Beginning Photography

The series of photography classes led by Dick Cummings was a big hit.  Class members learned some of the technical details on how to handle the settings for their digital cameras and lenses.  We hope to have Dick back in the fall for more photography classes.
Click here for a list of websites mentioned by Dick.

Frankenstake

Beware.....Frankenstake has been sighted around town.  This is because we had great fun in the class with Linda Gabrielson.  Each participant started with a "green" slate.  Then a piece of this and a piece of that were added to create personal creations for this fun Halloween season yard stake.  Now Punkin Headz from last year has a playmate.  Click on the link to view the class creations.
Frankenstake Presentation - Click Here

Advisory Committee Minutes - Sept 2012

The ALL Advisory Committee met on September 19th.  Remember that these meeting are open to A.L.L. members.....please join us on the third Wednesday each month at 11:15 in our classroom HSC 106.  We would love to have more members involved in the behind the scenes operation.  Please volunteer for committees such as the Bus Trip Committee, Curriculum Committee and the Events Committee.   
September 2012 Meeting Minutes - Click Here

Prime Time Health

Joyce Schaffer shared information about the Prime Time Health program developed by Dr. William Sears.  Most healthy eating guides tell us to eat 6-7 servings of both fruits and vegetables per day.  That's a lot of food and most of us just don't eat that much.  With that in mind, Dr. Sears developed the Juice Plus program to help us get the best of fruits and vegetables in a concentrated form.  Go to the following website to learn more.  Also review the attachments.

Website - www.juiceplus.com

Eight Week Prime Time Plan - Click Here

Top 10 Reasons to Exercise - Click Here

Juice Plus Brochure - Click Here

Bibliography - Click Here

Joyce Schaffer's Business Card - Click Here

Cajun Roux & Crawfish Etouffee

Yum !!   Edwina Klepac showed us how to make a basic roux and use it as the basis for Crawfish Etouffee.  Needless to say that one of the best things about our neighbor state Louisiana is their wonderful flavorful food.

Roux & Creole Boiled Rice - Click Here
Crawfish Etouffee - Click Here

Rummikub

There's a new game on campus and it's called Rummikub.  If you like to play games and socialize with your ALL friends, join the Rummikub game on Thursday afternoons in the cafeteria from 2:00-4:00.  Fred Teoh, and his volunteers John Renola and Mary Hosking, will help you learn the game.  Keep those brain cells firing.  Read the Rummikub Rules - Click Here

Balance, Gait, Posture, Back Comfort

Louise Stiedle Hayes, Ph.D. presented a great program on Balance, Gait, Posture and how it affects Back Comfort.  The old song of "this bone connected to the next bone" is so true.....everything is connected.  When one thing is not working properly, it affects other things. You need good posture to stabilize your body.  Review Louise's information to learn more.  She will be back with us for another class on "Stop Stress" on Monday, October 29th at 10:00....so mark your calendar.
Presentation Info - Click Here

Campus Orientation

Now you have joined ALL, Cheryl LeJune explained many additional benefits of being on campus.  From the Arts Center to the library to special events throughout the year, there is plenty to keep you entertained while visiting LSC-CyFair.  If you want some things to do, there are also many volunteer opportunities available on campus. 

The class presentation is here.

Advisory Committee Minutes - August 2012

The August Advisory Committee Meeting was primarily a discussion on the upcoming Fall Registration scheduled for September 8th, 9:00-12:00.  As in the past, registration will be in the college Conference Center.  This is when members turn in their completed registration forms and pay the annual membership fee of $20.....this covers the time period of September 1st through August 31st.  Members will also be able to sign up for many educational and fun classes offered by the ALL program.  Fall class schedules were mailed to current ALL members several weeks ago.  Additional schedules will be available at Registration.  Hope to see you at Registration.....however, if you cannot attend on Saturday, August 8th, you will be able to register in the CASA building later.  Click on the following link to learn more.  You can view the Fall 2012 ALL Class Schedule by clicking the link on the right side of the page.  http://www.lonestar.edu/cyfair-all.htm

Advisory Committee Minutes - July 2012

The ALL Advisory Committee did not meet in June....but did meet July 15th as noted in the attached summary.   Between scorching HOT weather and buckets of rain, we hope that your summer has been a good one.  The Fall Semester will start with our Fall Registration event on Saturday, September 8th from 9:00-12:00.  Remember that your annual ALL Membership runs concurrent with the school year from September through August.  That means that we will collect the $20 membership fee at this Fall Registration.....by cash, credit card or check payable to LSC-CyFair.  Payment for bus trips and/or class fees must be paid by cash or check (no credit cards) on the day of registration.  That means that you may need to bring several checks with you on Registration day.  Note that the Fall Class Schedule is now posted on the college website and there is also a link on the right side of this blog.

See you soon.....back on campus.

July Minutes - Click Here

Fall 2012 Class Schedule - Click Here

Teaching English with the Peace Corps

Are you in for an adventure?  Melissa West shared her experiences in Azerbaijan with the Peace Corps.  She taught English for two years in the local school and had lots to share about her daily life. From the school, to shopping, to watching World Cup soccer, we heard some great stories about her time in country.  She also let us know about the process for joining the Peace Corps and shared with us some interesting tidbits from the more mature volunteers.  The Peace Corps website and other information are given in Melissa's notes here.

Looking for Energy Savings?

In this informative class, James Carter and Christian Evans of GreenStreet Energy, a local Cypress company, presented information on ways to save energy.  We learned where to look for savings and what some of the options are to help us save money on our monthly bills and be more comfortable in our homes, especially during the hot summer months.  Also, we learned about tax incentives available for using green technology.

Advisory Committee Minutes - May 2012

      The Spring classes are over and done and the Focus Day "It's a Small World" was a great success with five countries represented.
       Summer Registration will start Monday morning May, 21st in the CASA building. You will be able to sign up for the Summer Bus Trips, Beginner Mah Jongg and Build-A-Birdhouse class.
May Minutes - click here

Focus Day - It's a Small World

We presented our fifth Focus Day based on the theme "It's A Small World."  Speakers from Indonesia, Japan, Senegal, Switzerland and Turkey's Consulate-Generals shared their culture, food, dress, and history with us. We were invited to visit their Consulate offices in Houston and look for any of their events to learn more. It was a very informative day and greatly appreciated by ALL.  

Contact information for the speakers - click here.
Turkey's Vice Consul generously gave us her presentation to view - click here. 

Bird Friendly Yard

Professor Tim Sebesta gave us another great class related to his passion for birds.  This program highlighted "how to make your yard bird friendly".  Review his presentation to learn more about the steps to take to have your yard certified by Texas Parks and Wildlife.  Learn what plants attract birds and what foods the birds prefer.  People in the Houston area are lucky to be in a flyway for birds with great weather much of the year.
Tim's Presentation - Click Here
Websites to review - Click Here

Advisory Committee Minutes - April 2012

Can you believe it is the middle of April? How time flies, especially when you are over 50. The ALL Advisory Committee is busy planning some functions for the end of this Spring semester and also planning classes for the upcoming Fall semester. Every member is encouraged to participate in these meetings....we need your help in making this a successful program. To view the April minutes - click here.

Jefferson: The Educator

Professor Bobby O'Brien gave an interesting and informative program on "Jefferson: The Educator". We are lucky to share in his experience with the NEH (National Endowment for Humanities) program. This was a week long immersion in the subject matter. One of Bobby's favorite quotes from Jefferson is "I cannot live without books". Jefferson was instrumental in both developing and designing the University of Virginia.
Presentation - Click Here

Threats to Family Security

Do you know what financial threats you might be facing? Elizabeth Hilbun of The Hilbun Law Firm highlighted "7 Threats to Your Family Security" and then discussed each in detail. We learned what the threats are and how we can address them. Those that attended the class are invited to have a free initial consultation. Elizabeth is also offering other programs in the CyFair area that you might want to attend.
7 Threats to Your Family Security
> Losing control or access to your assets
> Not knowing the law
> Not knowing your predators
> Your health fails
> Failing to "Plan When You Can"
> Not working with qualified Professionals
> You don't know the cost
Additional Programs - Click Here

Pom Pom Chicks

Look at the cute Pom Pom Chicks the class made. Linda Gabrielson led this fun, hands-on class. If you missed it maybe one of these ladies will show you how.

Skin Cancer Screening

Dr. Adam Czalusta presented a very informative program on skin cancer. While Houston is a sun-loving city, that can often lead to problems with getting too much sun exposure and skin cancer. We reviewed a slide presentation showing the three types of skin cancer (Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Melanoma) as well as several pre-cancerous skin conditions. Check out the following websites to learn more about how to spot skin cancer and what to do about it if you suspect problems.
http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/skin-cancer
http://www.skincancer.org/
Dr. Czelusta's Card - Click Here
ABCDE's of Melanoma - Click Here
Sunscreen Info - Click Here

Social Security Online

Did you know that Social Security has a great website that will allow you to do lots of things without going to their office. Nikki Davenport of the Dillard Drive Social Security office gave us a great presentation on the "new" Social Security website. Check it out before you go wait in line. Some of the things you can do are: 1) apply for SS benefits, 2) get a benefits estimate, 3) request a SS Statement, 4) change your address or phone number, 5) get a replacement SS card, 6) request a Proof of Income letter, and other things as well. Check out the website at www.socialsecurity.gov .
Nikki's presentation - click here

ESD - Emergency Services District

Mike Larrivee, Commissioner Emergency Services District 9, gave us a great presentation on how the ESD was formed and what their services are. Review his presentation for more information.
Presentation - click here

Lone Star College Foundation

Darcy Mingoia, Executive Director of the Lone Star College Foundation told us the great support and the great work that the Foundation is doing. The mission of the Foundation is to change student lives through scholarships and quality educational programs achieved by excellence in relationship building, fundraising, and investment management. If you would like to know more about LSC Foundation, please contact Darcy at 832-813-6636. View presentation - click here. This little graphic shows that you can reach goals if you have a good foundation.....such as education.

What's Eating You?

Dr. Shawn K. Taher, D.C. shared some valuable information with us on nutrition and Fast Food. Actually he thinks the words don't even belong in the same sentence since there isn't much nutrition in today's fast food. However there are lots of preservatives, fat and sugar. He actually brought in a hamburger and fries that have resided in his car for several weeks....it looked like it just came from the "restaurant"....very well preserved. It will probably look the same in a year or even five years.....it is made to last in their stores so they don't have to throw any molded bread away. He encouraged everyone to take better care of themselves by simply eating better. Review his presentation - click here.

Interpersonal Communication

Professor Patrick Barton presented a lively interactive class about Interpersonal Communication. People communicate in many ways including our language, our voice, written word, and body language. One key component to effective interpersonal communication with another person is to listen to understand. Three tips from Professor Barton: 1) really listen, 2) own your feelings (use the "I" word rather then "You" statements, 3) move from egocentrism to altercentrism. Following are clips from several TED Talks that we listened to in class in order to understand the speaker's content and communication style.
Jane Fonda: Life's Third Act - click here
Additional Link related to Jane Fonda & Vietnam - click here
Comment from Patrick: (in 1988, she did apologize for her “thoughtless” things that she said and did during her protests of the Vietnam War. Based on reading this, it’s clear she was sorry for some of her actions, but does stand behind her reasons for doing them. Painting an ever more complicated picture.)
Less Stuff, More Happiness - click here
The Best Gift I've Ever Survived - click here
Letter Writing - click here
5 Ways to Listen Better - click here
The Hidden Power of Smiling - click here
How the Internet Enables Intimacy - click here
Randy Pausch - The Last Lecture - click here
Interpersonal Communication and communication in general is an important part of our lives. Make the effort to listen when talking to others.