T-Tapp Exercise

Kirsten Tucker was with us this morning to demonstrate a new type of exercise called T-Tapp.  T-Tapp has been reviewed by many and is said to be the most efficient and effective workout.  It is not tap dancing nor is there any jumping or stress to the joints. This workout is meant to rev up your metabolism.  It is not necessarily for weight loss, but does strengthen muscles layer by layer. It improves posture, lowers high blood pressure, stimulates the lymphatic system and increases cognitive processing. Review the attached handout for more details.  Also you can view a short video on you-tube.
Handout - Click Here - Shows Kirsten's contact info
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK7hs7Dvmzo

Senior Living Options

As we age one of the most important questions is "where will we live once we find that we need help with everyday activities"?  Sue Davis was with us on March 25th to discuss this very issue. She is a Geriatric Care Manager and a Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator.  Sue presented options to consider and addressed questions from class members.  Review her presentation and check out the suggested websites to learn more.
Presentation - Click Here

Tour of Texas State Parks

We took a tour of Texas State Parks with Cheryl LeJune, ALL and TPWD volunteer.  Cheryl shared the history of how the park system started to what is available today for visitors to the parks. We learned of the many programs offered by TPWD which can interest anyone in the family.  We also got a glimpse of the diverse landscape, flora and fauna to be seen in Texas.  Life is Better OutsideⓇ

To view the presentation, click here. 

Music in the Arts - Interconnections

We had a small turn out for the Music in the Arts class due to a sudden rain storm.  If you didn't attend you really missed a treat!!  Adam Clay with Houston New Arts Movement shared his dedication to incorporating music and arts into everyday life.  As younger generations come of age, they have not had the exposure to the music that we have had. Adam's hope is to reintroduce great music into society in a way that they can relate to it and participate in it.  He has formed a group of artists and musicians that shares his vision and created the Houston New Arts Movement.  He performed several piano pieces and also showed us how music relates to the visual arts (he also brought in several paintings as illustration).  Check out his website below to learn more and view his PowerPoint presentation giving more details about his group.
Website - http://www.artsmove.net/enter/

Presentation - Click Here

Katy Prairie Conservancy

Jamie Gonzalez presented a wonderful program on the Katy Prairie Conservancy.  The KPC was established in 1992 to conserve part of the Katy Prairie which is located just west of Houston, TX.  It is important to protect a sustainable portion of the Katy Prairie for the benefit of wildlife, Texans and the world.  Prairie lands are quickly being overtaken by cities.  But Jamie showed us how important the prairie lands are to our local ecology and to world ecology. To learn more about KPC, visit the following websites. 1-  http://www.katyprairie.org/preserves.html
2-  http://www.restorationsystems.com/projects/katy-prairie-mitigation-bank-stream-wetland-credits-houston-texas/  
3-  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Prairie_Conservancy

Advisory Board Minutes - February 2014

The Advisory Board met on February 19th.  Topics of discussion included the Volunteer Light Luncheon to be held in our classroom on Wednesday, Feb 26th at 11:15.  Everyone that enjoys the ALL program is encouraged to "give back" to the program by volunteering for a committee.  Come to the meeting to learn how you can help.  Bus Trip info was announced and is listed in the minutes.  We are now planning classes for the Fall Semester think about what topics you are interested in and who we might have present a class.  Get more involved with the ALL program.
February 2014 Minutes - Click Here

So You Want to Buy an RV

Have you been thinking about hitting the road in a recreational vehicle?  What kind to get; 5th wheel, Class A, bumper pull?  How will I use it; weekends only or that 6 week trip up to Alaska?  David Sparks shared with us how he answered these questions and more when it comes to deciding what kind of RV you may want to buy. 

Please click here to see David's presentation.

Islam and Democracy

Political Science Professor Sophia Mrouri led the discussion on the question of "is Islam compatible with the principles of Democracy"  She first outlined the tenets of Islam.  Like other religions, it becomes a review of texts that has been translated over centuries.  Understanding Islam is a struggle for many Americans.  Professor Mrouri suggested that we read the book titled Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam before our next class session on April 1st at 1:30.  Several copies of the book is available through the Harris County Library System....or you can order it from Amazon or other book stores.

Genealogy

Do you ever wonder "who am I" or "where did I come from".  Perhaps it is time to research your family history.  Jim Sigmund, Jane Ledbetter and Beverly Richardson from Cypress Historical Society presented a wonderful program on how to start your genealogical search.  Review the class presentation to learn some terrific resources for searching for your family history.
Presentation - Click Here
Internet Sites - Click Here
Cypress Historical Society Brochure - Click Here
Family Chart Sheets - Click Here

100 Years Ago - WWI

We had a full classroom for History Professor Tom Kelly's presentation on World War I. This was a difficult time for the United States and the rest of the world. Tom outlined the what was happening in the world 100 years ago and why war broke out.  Review his presentation for notes.....but if you missed the presentation, you missed a real lesson on history.  It was such a popular class that we talked him into adding another class talking about the next period....the time between WWI and WWII.  The new class will be on April 8th at 1:30pm in our regular classroom.  Be sure to mark your calendar for this newly added class.
Tom's Presentation - Click Here

North to Alaska

Interested in taking a trip to Alaska?  David Sparks shared his trip with us while explaining the planning that went in to making his RV trip a success.  Great pictures and information.
The presentation can be view by clicking here.

David's trip blog can be viewed by visiting:

http://andysbigtrip.blogspot.com/
 

Minestrone Soup

Winter in Houston has been colder than usual.  Are your ready for some good homemade soup?  How about making some Minestrone Soup and Dilly Bread using recipes from Bob and Connie Pepples. Those attending the cooking class were able to watch the preparation process and also taste the pot of soup that had been made the day before....soup is always better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
Recipes - Click Here