Enjoy some easy and some more challenging trails in and around Austin (several may not be within the city limits). Participants should be able to walk several miles at a medium steady pace. Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Bring water. Hiking poles or walking sticks will be recommended for some of the trails. A list of 8 hikes, leaders and more information will be provided before the first meeting. Everyone will need a car or other transportation. Limit 25.

Wendy Otsuka and Astrid Kaufman, Coordinators
9:30—11:30 A.M. Monday, Starts Sept. 15
For the first class, meet at ZILKER HIKE & BIKE TRAIL at 2105 Andrew Zilker Road (78746) Park in the first parking lot by playground
Google GPS Coordinates: 30.264879, -97.768823

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 gayle-opie@austin.rr.com or call 512-704- 6558 and leave a message with your name and phone number. Limit 12.

Gayle Opie, Facilitator
9:45 A.M.—12:15 P.M. Monday, Starts Sept. 15
Unity Church of Austin
5501 W. US Hwy 290 (78735)

The practice of meditation is becoming increasingly common among people from all walks of life, encouraged in high-level corporate sessions, during coffee breaks and before academic tests and sports competitions. These are practices that have been cherished since ancient times. In this course you will learn about the many benefits of meditation and practice various meditation and visualization techniques, including mantra meditation, single-object meditation, breath-awareness meditation, meta-meditation, and mindfulness of the present moment. The class features multimedia-based lectures, guided meditation, and relaxation video clips. Our text is the instructor’s book, The Divine Art of Meditation, the result of almost a decade of research on the subject. 6 Classes. Limit 20.

Farnaz Masumian
10:00—Noon Monday, Starts Sept. 15
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Room 205
3525 Bee Cave Road (78746)

This course focuses on genealogy research for Texas ancestors using national, state, county, and local resources as well as Ancestry and FamilySearch. First, a brief history of Texas and a timeline of the influx of immigrants will be reviewed. We will search for vital records (birth, marriage, death, and burial), military service, education and occupation, passenger lists and passports, land grants and tax lists, censuses and directories, legal records (wills, probates, court records), and more. We will also learn how to use AI for historical context and historic maps with land grant notations. Laptops can be used in class if desired but are not required. A one-time fee of $5 is requested for handouts. 6 classes. Limit 24.

Phyllis Zumwalt
10:00—Noon Monday, Starts Sept. 15
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Rm.B-18/19
8134 Mesa Drive (78759

This course is conducted entirely in Spanish and is designed for persons with proficiency in the language. The first hour includes student presentations, followed by discussions to include questions and answers about grammar, vocabulary, and the presentations. The second hour of class is dedicated to small group discussions of the reading for the week. This course is integrated with an ongoing year-long Spanish program. This semester the class will read Casi una Mujer by Esmeralda Santiago. Both hardcopy and Kindle editions of the book are available on Amazon.com. Limit 30.

Rosa Zúñiga
10:00—Noon Monday, Starts September 15
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Upper Room
9508 Great Hills Trail (78759)

The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns one pen stroke at a time. No drawing skills are required. This class will take a craft-oriented approach, working on a different project during each class. Although this class is specifically organized for a student new to Zentangle®, experienced students are also welcome. The instructor is a Certified Zentangle® Teacher. Please bring supply fee of $20 to the first class. Contact the instructor at pat@tittizer.us for more information. Note: No class November 3; course extends one week. Limit 15.

Pat Tittizer
10:00—Noon Monday, Starts Sept. 15
United Christian Church
3500 West Parmer Lane (78727)

This class takes off from basics to cover more in-depth knowledge about phones, tablets and PCs. It is recommended for students who have completed FROM PCs TO PHONES AND MORE—SIMPLE ADVICE ABOUT YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES or those who use technology daily. Is artificial intelligence, smart fitness trackers, organizing your desktop, or when to buy new devices on your mind? We can discuss these and other advanced topics identified by a short student survey. The instructor uses real-life examples of tech problems and solutions. Limit 15.

Linda Gibson
10:00—Noon Monday, Starts Sept. 15
Violet Crown City Church
1300 Morrow Street (78757)