Bus Trips - Spring 2014

First Quarter 2014 CyFair ALL bus Trips

January 21 (Tuesday)

Join us for a guided tour of the Texas Hill Country. Sights include Blanco River Road tour, Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit, Devil’s Backbone and Driftwood Estates Winery.  The cost is $5.  Lunch will be additional at a popular BBQ establishment in Lockhart, the BBQ capitol of Texas.

Note: This trip is non-refundable

February 23, (Sunday)

We will enjoy a musical (“Anything Goes”) at 2pm at the historic Crighton Theater, built in 1934, in downtown Conroe. Madcap antics aboard the ocean liner as a stowaway is in love with an heiress who is engaged to a lord.  He is aided in his quest to win her by various assorted characters.  Cost is $15 plus dinner after the show at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse. 

March 12, (Wednesday)

A Preservation Houston guide will take us on a morning walking tour of Broadacres. Broadacres was among the residential neighborhoods developed near Rice University in the early 20th century.  Its breathtaking oak allées and landscaping were the work of William Ward Watkin, the supervising architect of the Rice campus, and many of Houston's finest architects (John Staub, Birdsall Briscoe and Watkin among them) designed the houses that line North and South boulevards.  The tour explores the architecture of these gracious homes and the stories of the oil, cotton, lumber, banking and railroad leaders who built them.  After lunch at a local restaurant we will visit Houston Museum of Contemporary Crafts, one of the many museums in Houston’s Museum District. The cost is $10 plus lunch.  NOTE: This walking tour will last approximately 90 minutes without access to bathroom facilities. There will be uneven sidewalks. Please keep this in mind before signing up for this bus trip.

Sign Up & Refund Policies - January 2014  
click here

Advisory Board Minutes - December 2013

The ALL Advisory Board met on Wednesday, December 11th.  The Fall Semester will end with a holiday party on Friday, December 13th.  Much of the meeting was a discussion on the upcoming Open House / Registration on Saturday, January 11th.  It was decided that we would hold a planning meeting on Wednesday, January 8th.  Susan Chapman and Stan Wylie agreed to organize this event.  The meeting was adjourned at noon.
Advisory Board Minutes, December 2013 - Click Here

ALL Holiday Party

What:  ALL Holiday Party 

When:  Friday, December 13th from 11:00am-1:00pm

Where:  HSC 105 & and 106 (our regular classroom)

Bring:  A dish to share with friends....finger food, hors d'oeuvre, dessert (your choice)

Join us for fun with friends.  Santa will have gifts for those that attend.

See You There !!!

Tool Box Class

Everyone needs a tool box......or magazine rack.......your choice on this project.  This was another fun woodworking class with head woodworm Gene Chism.  Check out some of the finished projects - click here.

Make-A-Clock Class

What time is it?   Its not Howdy Doody time.....but time to once again have fun in woodworking class.  Gene Chism cut the wooden clock face and prepared it with the proper cutout for the clock works.  Class members decorated the face of the clock to their personal liking.....painted, decopodge, etc.  These woodworking classes are fun because you get to "visit" while your hands are busy working.  Check out the finished clocks - click here.

Advisory Meeting November 20, 2013

The ALL Advisory Meeting was held on Wednesday, November 20th, 2013.  Review the minutes of the meeting by clicking the link below.  We hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends.  The Fall Semester will continue for a couple more weeks....through December 13th.  We are planning on a holiday party similar to what we had last year.  Please mark your calendar for Friday, December 13th for a potluck get together from 11:00am-1:00pm.  Bring a dish to share.......either savory or sweet.  With a little of "this" and a little of "that", we will have a great variety.  Iced tea and water will be provided.  P.S. Santa has dropped off a bag of goodies for those that attend.
November Minutes - Click Here

Don Quixote Class

Professor Laura Taggett gave us an exciting review on the book "Don Quixote".  Her probing questions helped us see the story within the story.  Her explanation of "metanarrative" likened to layers of an onion.  In Don Quixote you have the story of the old crazy man, then you have the narrator telling the story about the old crazy man, then you have the underlying sub-story that the narrator wants you to perceive.  Perhaps it is commentary on life in a troubled social system and how men with values are always needed within any society.  Review Laura's outline to see common themes running throughout the book.
Laura's Presentation - Click Here
Additional websites you may want to review.

1.  Overview of medieval chivalry: 

          http://usna.edu/Users/history/abels/hh315/Chivalry.htm

2.  Overview of Don Quixote's place in history:

          http://www.royalhonor.com/book.htm

3.  Contextual information regarding Don Quixote:  

          http://www.college.columbia.edu/core/node/1764  

If you want to re-read the book, you can download the entire book for FREE at this site:

          http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/996

Click on this link to review chapters I - IV   Click Here

Producing A Novel

Jim Lower was with us again to talk about producing a novel.  Do you have a burning desire to write and publish a book?  Of course the first step it to develop an idea into a manuscript.  But then what?  Jim gave the class members several ideas on both writing a manuscript but also on how to get the book published through the both traditional publishers and newer electronic publishers.  The last step is to sell your book.  Review Jim's presentation to learn more about the process.   Click Here

Basics of Photography (and then some)

The photography class with Dick Cummings has come to an end.  For the first four classes Dick led the discussion talking about general tips and techniques, books to own, magazines, where to buy stuff, repair shops, and local photography schools in Houston.  There was in-depth discussion about the Exposure Triangle, Depth of Field and White Balance. The last class was a review and critique of student photos....certainly a learning experience.

Click on this link to see Dick's suggestions - Click Here
PowerPoint Presentation of Class Photos - Click Here
PDF of Class Photos - Click Here

Charro Bean Soup

In Texas, Charro Bean Soup is a favorite at every Mexican restaurant.  Elsie Markuson shared her recipes with us...both a full version and a simplified version for those that like shortcuts.  This recipe makes a big pot that can be shared with friends.  Add a salad and chips and you have a complete meal.
Elsie's Recipes - Click Here
Pictures from Class - Click Here

Women on Fire

Professors Bobby O’Brien and Robert Holmes gave us an interesting presentation on two dynamic women of the mid-1800s in Concord, Massachusetts….Mary Moody Emerson and Mary Merrick Brooks.  These women were intellectual leaders in a time when women were generally not included in higher education.  Learn more about Mary Moody Emerson and Mary Merrick Brooks by reviewing the following items.

Books:

To Set This World Right: The Antislavery Movement in Thoreau’s Concord by Sandra Herbert Petrulionis

Virtue's Hero: Emerson, Antislavery, and Reform by Len Gougeon

Shadrach Minkins: From Fugitive Slave to Citizen by Gary L. Collison

Mary Moody Emerson and the Origins of Transcendentalism: A Family History by Cole, Phyllis

Emerson: The Mind on Fire by Robert D. Richardson

 All on Fire: William Lloyd Garrison and the Abolition of Slavery by Henry Mayer

Two journal articles on Concord by Robert A. Gross

    Click Here

    Click Here

The Concord Library is a great additional source -www.concordlibrary.org/scollect/scoll.html

Jewelry Making

Gloria Marubio led this fun (but sometimes frustrating) class on beading.  She presented several stitches including Peyote, Daisy Chain, and Spiral.  Most class members were beginners.....but through four class sessions learned the basics of these techniques.  I think all will continue in beading and expand to make beautiful jewelry.....something to be proud of.  Pictures of jewelry in progress - Click Here

Pet Therapy

"Man's Best Friend" is generally associated with dogs.  But maybe we should change that to be "Pets are man's best friend".  Pets offer a special love and attachment to people.  Cheryl McClure talked to class today about Therapy Pets.  She brought along Ernie the dachshund.....and Ernie was a big hit.  Review Cheryl's presentation to learn more about Pet Therapy.
Presentation - Click Here
Cheryl's Card - Click Here
Pictures - Click Here 

Kitty Ornament from Gourd

Linda Gabrielson once again led a fun craft class....this time class members took small gourds and handpainted them to look like cats.  These could be made into Halloween cats lurking in your pot plants, or you could paint them with a Christmas theme.  These make great gifts for your cat-loving friends or those that just appreciate the craft involved in making them.  For more pictures, click here.

Birding Around Houston

Jeffrey Mohamed shared his love of bird watching with the ALL class this morning.  He specifically moved to Houston in order to pursue his love of bird watching.  He showed us many pictures of birds that he has taken at several sites around the greater Houston area.  Review Jeff's presentation and his list of birding sites and then pack your camera and take an outing for yourself.
Presentation - Click Here
List of Birding Sites - Click Here

Zoly Zamir - WWII Survivor

We were privileged to have a presentation by Zoly Zamir.  He told us of his experiences of being a teenager in Romania when Nazi Germans invaded.  His life as a student was abruptly cut short and he was forced to find work to support his family.  As times got tenser, he had to use his wits to remain in control of his life.  Here's a link to learn more about Zoly Zamir.

http://thewhiterosesociety.tripod.com/website/zoly.html

Medicare Workshop

Medicare is a hot topic these days.  Toni King presented a program on Medicare and answered many questions on enrollment, benefits, upcoming changes, etc.  Review her presentation for some answers.  If you need more info, please feel free to contact Toni for more personal attention.
Presentation - click here
Toni's Card - click here

Lubbock Cotton Club

Professor Ashley Pettiet gave us a lively program on The Lubbock Cotton Club.  This was a popular dinner club and dance hall that operated from 1938 to 1982.  Many big bands performed there and young performers that later became famous....such as Elvis, and Buddy Holly.  Ashley will soon release a book that will tell the history and include some never seen before pictures.  Below are links to articles from 2009 that tell some of the history on The Lubbock Cotton Club. 

Article - http://www.virtualubbock.com/stoJHughes_ElvisBuddyJoe.html

Article - http://lubbockonline.com/stories/102909/fea_510437708.shtml

Jambalaya

Yum !  We had a real treat on Monday....Lou Master cooked up a big batch of Jambalaya.  What could be better than a big pot of rice with chicken, sausage, onions, peppers, carrots, celery, etc. - all of those good flavors coming together.  Just add a piece of bread and you have a meal.  For Lou's Recipe - Click Here

Exploding Box

Mariluz Wofford led a fun class on making an Exploding Box.  We learned to create a beautiful and fun-to-make box that "explodes" open to reveal treasures inside.  You start with 4 pieces of 12x12 cardstock.  Then measure, score, cut, and fold to make a three layer box with lid.  Then the fun continues with the many ways to decorate your box.  Look at the following to learn how and get ideas for your Exploding Box.
Instructions - Click Here
Inspiring Ideas - Click here

Birdhouse Class Fall 2013

Gene Chism and his band of woodworms completed another fun Make-A-Birdhouse class in October 2013.  These are always fun classes where class members sit around assembling, sanding, gluing, painting and decorating their birdhouse while they chat about current events.  To view pictures of finished bird houses, click here.

Quilling Papercraft

Have you ever done Quilling.....not to be confused with quilting?  Quilling is a craft of rolling paper strips into shapes and then using those shapes to build beautiful pictures, ornaments, cards, tags, etc.  Batool Merchant showed the class the process and opened our minds to a wonderful new form of expression.  Review the handouts to learn more about Quilling.
Handout - Click Here
Pictures - Click Here
Batool's Card - Click Here

Fall 2013 Arts Performances

The 2013 Fall Arts Performances will start soon.  The first theater production is Molly's Delicious which runs November 1-3 & November 8-10.  JazzRoots will premiere November 13th. Kickin' Up Classics Symphonic Band will be November 21st.  Pop Singers Concert will be on December 3rd and the choral production Grace Journey will be on December 7th.  Mark your calendar for these events.  To see the poster, click here.

Law on the Books vs Law in Action

Professor Grady Watts gave us a thought provoking presentation on the US Justice System. Law on the books – legal foundations, what ought to happen compared to Law in action – applied law, what actually happens. The basis of our system is "innocent until proven guilty". We reviewed several cases and had lots of open discussion.  Review his presentation - click here

Supreme Court & Constitutional Language

Political Science Professor Heidi Jo Green gave us a great review of our current Supreme Court Justices and the following Constitutional Amendments.  First, Second, Fourteenth, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth. Refresh your memory by reviewing her presentation.  Her questions make you think about the laws that form the basis of our legal system.
Presentation - Click Here

Hwy 290 Construction

For people traveling in northwest Houston, it seems that Hwy 290 construction will never end.  But they are making progress and it will be wonderful once it is finished.  Mike Zientek gave us a great presentation on the timelines for different sections of the construction.  Review his presentation to learn more - click here.

1972 The Year of Texas Women

Texas Politics....there's nothing like it.  According to Professor Blake Ellis, 1972 should be dubbed "The Year of Texas Women".  His presentation centered on three women that led the headlines in Texas Politics in 1972 - Sissy Farenthold, Barbara Jordan, and Ann Richards.  Review his presentation to learn more.  If you missed this presentation, you missed a great discussion.
Blake's Presentation - Click Here

Greeting Card Boxes

Have you got a drawer full of lovely greeting cards that you have received over the years. Here's a fun way to make something cute and useful. Mary Ellen Walsh led a fun hands-on class on Recycling Greeting Cards Into Special Boxes. Mary Ellen's instructions are attached below along with extra diagrams showing some of the steps in the process.
Mary Ellen's Instructions - Click Here
Extra Diagrams - Click Here

Anni's Life & Travels in Africa

Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent and accounts for about 15% of the world's human population.  ALL member Anni Shugart lived and worked in Africa for many years. She shared her memories of Libya and Sudan with us in a class on October 2nd. To view her presentation and a map, click below.
Anni's Presentation - Click Here
May of Africa - Click Here

WMD - Nuclear Weapons

The topic of nuclear weapons is not an everyday topic but continues to linger in the minds of people.  Why do countries need Nuclear Weapons?  How are they managed?  How do we keep things in balance?  Political Science Professor Milosz Kurcharski presented a great program answering these questions.  He explained the controlling concept of "deterrence".  Because the US and Russia have similar nuclear weapon capacities, the people in control of them understand that each country is deterred from ever using them because retaliation would mean mutual destruction.  Presentation - Click Here

Impromptu Speaking

When asked to “say a few words” do you freeze?  Are you afraid of impromptu speaking?  Professor Patrick Barton helped us overcome these fears by giving us an outline that will help you quickly organize your thoughts.  Review his presentation to learn about: AGD, WIFM, Thesis, Pomp, MP1, Transition, MP2, Romp, Thesis, Closing.

Presentation - click here.
Outline - click here.

Birdfeeder Yard Stake

 

What is fun to make, looks good, and invites visitors to your yard?  Why, of course, it is a Bird Feeder Yard Stake…..another fun project created by crafter Linda Gabrielson.  This was a hands-on project where class members painted, built and decorated their creations.  I imagine that the birds are flocking to these new yard ornaments.