In this intermediate course for people who have played before and want to improve their bidding and play-of-the-hand, you will learn to play better bridge. This is a learn-by-doing class. You will play a lot of practice hands, each focused on some features of the "Standard American" system as taught in American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) classes and used by most players today. The content will be tailored to the skill level of the students attending. Limit 20.

Jack Graham
1:00—3:00 P.M. Monday, Starts Feb. 16
The Church at Highland Park, Burchette Room
5206 Balcones Drive (78731)

This course is for students who took Italian Beginner 1 or have some knowledge of basic Italian, for example how to introduce oneself, numbers, days of the week, months of the year and basic verbs like to be and to have. We will add essential verbs and vocabulary this term, and practice easy conversation in every class. The book that we use is Italian Now, Marcel Danesi, published by Barron’s. Please bring $4 for course handouts. Grazie e arrivederci. Limit 15.

Tina Polo
1:00—3:00 P.M. Monday, Starts Feb. 16                                              
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Upper Room
9508 Great Hills Trail (78759)

This course presents a general overview of important aspects of the civil rights history and struggle in Texas, including good and bad, of which many people are not aware. It also lays out salient themes that have arisen or re-arisen during the last few decades and are currently at play. The class sessions focus on:

• overview of the push for civil rights in the Mexican American and African American communities in Texas,

• farm worker organizing,

• police oppression,

• privacy rights,

• immigration and violence against women,

• poor people and access to the courts,

• disability rights, and

• free speech and assembly.

There is no textbook, but a bibliography will supplement class discussions. For each class, students will be expected to do readings, which are available on the internet or provided by the instructor. Discussion and critical thinking are valued. No written papers. Our instructor is the retired founder of the Texas Civil Rights Project, past Director of the South Texas Project in the Rio Grande Valley, and former Legal Director of the Texas Civil Liberties Union. A leading civil rights attorney nationally and former university and law school professor, he served as César Chávez’ Texas attorney for 18 years.  His recent memoir published by U.T. Press, The Texas Civil Rights Project: How We Built a Social Justice Movement, will provide the framework for the class. Limit 25.

Jim Harrington
1:00—3:00 P.M. Monday, Starts Feb. 16
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, Howson Hall
4700 Grover Avenue (78756)

Do you sometimes feel that there are different “yous” inside—one who gets things done, one who worries, one who longs for something more? This course offers a creative way to explore those inner voices without needing to fix or figure them out. SoulCollage® is a joyful and transformative creative process developed by Seena Frost. It helps you tap into your intuition, explore the many parts of your inner world, and perhaps discover wisdom that’s been with you all along. In this hands-on workshop, you will create your own set of 5- by 8-inch collages—small art works representing unique parts f you. You’ll also learn a gentle method of journaling and using your collage “cards” to support self-reflection, insight, and healing. The class is especially for adults who like to create, write, and reflect—or who are simply curious. No artistic experience is needed. All materials are provided. Come prepared to cut, glue, and meet your magnificent inner cast of characters. Here are two videos describing the process: Invitation to Soul Collage and Why Practice SoulCollage®?. Limit 24.

Sally Bennett
1:00—3:00 P.M. Monday, Starts Feb. 16
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, Room 13
4700 Grover Avenue (78756)

This course provides watercolor painting instruction for beginners. You will need to purchase your brushes, watercolor paints, and watercolor paper. No prior painting experience is necessary, but any kind of drawing experience will be helpful. The main focus of the course, though, is simply to remove fear or inhibitions to creativity. Limit 20.

Cherry Taylor
1:00—3:00 P.M. Monday, Starts Feb. 16
United Christian Church
3500 West Parmer Lane (78727)

This class will cover basic concepts and practical applications for any of your devices—laptop (PC or Apple), Android or iPhone, or tablets. You’ll learn how to make the most of your electronic devices, simplifying everyday tasks. Topics include the cloud, smart phone basics, passwords, backups, upgrades, security, sharing data between devices, and others requested by students. The instructor uses real-life examples and makes the complex simple. Limit 20.

Linda Gibson
1:00—3:00 P.M. Monday, Starts Feb. 16
Violet Crown City Church
1300 Morrow (78757)