The object of this course is to get your family/personal stories on paper.  Studies have shown that most family stories fade beyond two generations. Our lives are filled with funny, poignant, sad, spiritual, and meaningful stories. You have stories only you can write. Most of us have wished we could ask about our families, but there's no one left to ask. Leave that written legacy for others and save them that frustration. They will thank you for it. There is no instruction, but we will discuss stories and the process of writing—don’t worry, it's painless. Each member should expect to write one story each week and read it to the class. Listening to the stories of others frequently sparks memories of our own, which we can add to our list of stories to write. At the end of the semester, we will produce a class book to which I encourage you to contribute your stories. Need more info? Email the instructor at gayle-opie@austin.rr.com or call 512-704-6558 and leave a message, including name, phone number, and question. Limit 12.

Gayle Opie, Facilitator
9:45 A.M.—12:15 P.M. Friday, Starts Feb. 20
The Church at Highland Park, Burchette Room
5206 Balcones Drive (78731)

In this class we will begin with a panel printed for quilting. We will consider how to create an original, unique quilt by adding different piecing to it or by cutting it up. We will use various patterns and information provided by the instructor to stretch our design potential. Each student will bring a panel that they want to use, and all students will provide critiques and encouragement to aid in creating the final products. This class is geared to advanced quilters. Note: No class 4/3; extends 1 week. Limit 16.

Susan Tennison
10:00—Noon Friday, Starts Feb. 20
Christ Lutheran Church
300 E. Monroe Street (78704)

Research has shown that there's nothing more effective for keeping aging brains alert and active than making music with other people. So why not learn to play acoustic guitar with like-minded folks? Students will learn basic guitar techniques, including tuning the guitar, chords to accompany songs, basic strum patterns, bass runs (individual notes played between chords) and playing scales. You’ll use these techniques to play and sing songs. Reading music is NOT TAUGHT in this course. A tablature notation will be introduced to show how the songs are played. An instruction book is available on this website. The website also has audio to help you learn. The book has a pdf file for each chapter. You can print them yourself, or printed copies are available for $20. Each student must provide his/her own guitar. If you need help selecting a guitar, email instructor ahead of time at ray.voith@gmail.com or read these notes. The instructor has 30+ years’ experience teaching guitar. Limit 15.

Ray Voith  
10:00—Noon Friday, Starts Feb. 20
Northwest Recreation Center, Multi-purpose Room
2913 Northland Drive (78757)

Plants are the basis of our entire ecosystem—all life on Planet Earth. This course focuses on identification, discussion, and understanding of the vegetation that surrounds us. Topics will include native and cultivated flowers, trees and grasses, as well as ID resources, pollination, animal/plant relationships, life cycles and botanical curiosities. Whether we greet the plants outside on their turf or bring bits of them inside to study, the emphasis will be on getting up close and personal with our floral friends (except for poison ivy). Note: No class on April 3; class extends one week to April 17. Limit 20.

Valerie Bugh
10:00—Noon Friday, Starts Feb. 20
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Rm. 205
3525 Bee Caves Road (78746)

If you are new to the Spanish language and want a good foundation to learn it, this is a good place to start. We begin with pronunciation, some basic vocabulary, and essential, useful verbs in present tense only. You will start conversing with colleagues at your table in Spanish on day one. Expect to do homework, practicing at home with a free, online program that is our “textbook”, as well as handouts from the instructor. You will need a notebook for organizing handouts and a good Spanish/English dictionary. Please bring $4 to the first meeting for materials for the whole course. Limit 24. 

Julie Sanford
10:00—Noon Friday, Starts Feb. 20
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Upper Room
9508 Great Hills Trail (78759)

In this course, taught entirely in Spanish, we will be talking about artists and interesting people of the Spanish-speaking world. We will read about them, hear their music, see their painting, read some works and also get better acquainted with pre-Columbian cultures. If you like painting, music, books, films and ancient cultures, then this is the class for you. You will also have the chance to introduce the class to Latin American artists that you like. While learning about these artists you will grow your vocabulary and practice your Spanish conversation. Our instructor is a native of Chile, worked as a university Chemistry professor in different universities of Chile and in the printing industry in Bolivia and Peru. Note: Intermediate-level Spanish proficiency or higher is recommended. Limit 20.

Adriana Bustos
10:00—Noon Friday, Starts Feb. 20
Violet Crown City Church
1300 Morrow Street (78757)