In a comfortable setting, guided group participation and conversation will address the joys and pitfalls of being a grandparent in these times. We will draw on our own experiences and skills to share with the group and expand our thinking. Topics include how perspectives differ for the generations, setting and enforcing limits (mine, theirs and ours), how to talk to be heard and the best times to listen. The group will share ways to pass on our own life wisdom and values; and, when desired, influence doing things differently. This class is for grandparents who see their grandkids daily, as well as those who don’t. Our facilitator has 20 years’ experience working with discussion groups that inspire thinking and problem-solving for parents and grandparents. Limit 22.

Mary Taylor
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, Room 15
4700 Grover Avenue (78756)

In this ongoing seminar exploring how the arts affect us and why they matter, the subject this term is film. A mere half century after the birth of photography, cinematography animated its images, with more to come. Driven by technology and ambition – both commercial and artistic – film rapidly consumed aspects of older arts, including enactment, synchronized dialogue and sound effects, verbal and visual narration, music, color and stereophonic sound. After a hands-on introduction to the art of film in the first class, the course will feature seven modern classics displaying film’s protean powers, to be discussed one per week in the following order: Francois Truffaut’s The 400 Blows (1959); Penny Marshall’s Big (1988); Eric Rohmer’s Claire’s Knee (1970); Ingmar Bergman’s [& Mozart’s] The Magic Flute (1975); Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986); Robert Wise’s The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951); and Spike Jonze’s Her (2013). Class members will be responsible for watching films on their own before class discussion, which may involve a total expense of as much as $35. Some substitution of titles may be necessary depending on streaming availability or other considerations. Limit 24.

Joseph Longino, PhD
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Room 201
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)

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The commercial sailing ship of the early 1800s opened world travel opportunities to the common man. Your horizons were no longer limited to the few miles around your city or farm. Turn your watches back 150 years and transport yourself into the minds of your ancestors deciding how to go from Liverpool to New York, Philadelphia to Boston, New York to the gold fields of California the fastest way…by sea. We will explore life aboard a sailing ship (for both the crew and passengers), how sailing technology eventually gave way to steam, how sail and steam aided in California’s development, how lighthouses evolved, and we’ll see how all of this impacts commercial shipping and competitive sailing today.
Our six sessions:

• Harnessing the Wind—How World Travel Opened for the Common Man

• American Whaling and the Story of the “Essex”– our first oil business

• “Where are We?”—Making ocean voyages safe and America’s lighthouses

• Seeking California and China—Clipper Ships, the Pinnacle of Sailing

• Sail and Steam Tech Evolution—America’s First Hybrid Vehicles

• Commercial Shipping Today and Modern Sailing

Our ever-popular master instructor, retired Naval officer and business executive, brings his love of world exploration and history to bear on our country’s past. Note: There may be no formal break; restrooms are directly across the hall. 6 Classes. Limit 50.

Todd Clayton
10:00—11:30 A.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
The Village at The Triangle
4517 Triangle Avenue (78751)

We will begin with what is contained in an Estate Plan including a Last Will and Testament, Medical Power of Attorney, Statutory Durable Power of Attorney, Directive to Physician, HIPAA Release, and, if necessary, a Trust agreement. Then, we navigate through the Probate process from the filing of an Application to the closing of the Estate, as well as what happens if one passes away without proceedings. We conclude with a review of Federal Trust, Estate and Gift Taxes. 6 Classes. Limit 20.

Andrea V. Comsudi, Attorney and Counselor at Law
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Upper Room
9508 Great Hills Trail (78759)

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. Note: No class Oct. 20; course extends one week to Oct. 27. 6 Classes. Limit 20.

Farnaz Masumian
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Sept. 15, Rm. 13
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
4700 Grover Avenue (78756)

This course starts with a definition of slavery, its extent, and its earliest practices, from ancient slavery to the rise of large-distance slave trades conducted by Islamic and Christian societies. We examine the Transatlantic trade, including its African participants, conditions of the Middle Passage, slavery in the Caribbean and Brazil, and the development of slavery in North America. We give particular attention to the rise of abolitionism in Britain and America and the ideology of slavery in the American South. The Civil War and emancipation will be put into economic, military, and social context, including the significance of Black regiments in the Union Army. Finally, we consider slavery in contemporary times in the Islamic State and other instances of social structures that could be described as practicing slavery today. Limit 30.

Frank Pool
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Rm. 205
3525 Bee Caves Road (78746)

This Hatha Yoga class includes meditation/mindfulness practices, emphasizing the parallels of yoga with today’s neuroscience. It is appropriate for beginners to intermediate-level students in an atmosphere of welcome, inclusivity and fun. Movements will focus on improving balance, strengthening and adding flexibility to muscles, plus isometric contractions for loosening fascia. Please bring a mat and a strap or soft belt. Optional: eye pillow, water bottle. Note: No class Oct. 20 or 27; course extends to November 10. 7 Classes. Limit 15.

Deborah Schmidt
10:00—11:00 A.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
Unity Church of Austin
5501 W. US Hwy 290 (78735)

This course is for students ready for an intermediate (B1, European framework*) course as they keep up with news from south of our borders. Our ‘textbook’ will be the intermediate level of the website News in Slow Spanish (Latin American version), providing us with material for class and small group discussions of news and contemporary issues. Suggested short videos from YouTube provide other points of view or background and add opportunities to hear more native speakers. At home, students read and listen to the weekly compilation of news and compose questions in Spanish about each topic in the Latin American edition. In class, they break into groups of 3 or 4 to answer each other’s questions and continue in informal, unrehearsed discussion. Part of each class is reserved for discussion of pronunciation and grammar, with some at-home grammar exercises.  Expect this class to expand your vocabulary and your ability to engage others in informal conversation in Spanish about a variety of topics. A two-month subscription to News in Slow Spanish at a reduced group rate (about $10 per month) is required. Before purchasing, be sure to read abbreviated versions of intermediate weekly episodes online free at www.newsinslowspanish.com to determine if you will be able to read, listen to and start talking about a variety of stories.

*See https://europass.europa.eu/en/common-european-framework-reference-language-skills for a brief description of A2 and B1 levels. You should have an A2 level or better in listening, speaking, and reading. Google “EF language tests” for free quick tests online. (A2 = about 40% or higher). Limit 22.

Jann Randle
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
Lamar Senior Activity Center, South Room
2874 Shoal Crest Avenue (78705)

Ever wonder how laces such as Belgian, Swiss, or Chantilly are made? You will learn the basic techniques of weaving lace using bobbins, which may lead to using other threads, yarn, and/or wire to create your own designs. Bring a box of straight pins, scissors, pin cushion and “cover cloth” (cloth table napkin or piece of fabric 18 inches square). Limit 15.

Pat Tittizer
10:30 A.M.—12:30 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 15
United Christian Church
3500 W. Parmer Lane (78727)