Writing our stories down may be one of the most important things we do. In our own vernacular and style, we write the narrative of the experiences and people of our lives so they can be visited and revisited by ourselves and by those who follow us. Story is how we explain, understand, and reconcile our values, ideas and how we live our lives. We expand our horizons as we learn about the lives and culture of others. We write the stories at home, read them in our class, and learn from each other. We will also share tips for writing and publishing memoirs. Class members choose which of their stories will be published in our semester book. Limit 18.

Glenda Love Bell, Coordinator
9:30—11:30 A.M. Wednesday, Starts Sept. 17
The Church at Highland Park, Burchette Room
5206 Balcones Drive (78731)

What do people across various cultures need to experience happiness and inner peace? It’s not wealth, youth, perfect health, large families, talent, or power. Extensive research reveals that certain activities, attitudes, and characteristics play a significant role in fostering lasting happiness and tranquility. This course is based on the instructor’s book, The Secrets of True Happiness. Dr. Stephen Post, best-selling author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People, calls it “the finest book on happiness I have ever read, both in content, style, and its transformative potential.” 6 Classes. Limit 25.

Farnaz Masumian
10:00—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept.17
Bethany Lutheran Church, Chapel
3701 West Slaughter Lane (78749)

Discover the joy of Argentine tango—a dance of playful connection, musicality, and gentle movement that anyone can enjoy. No experience is needed. If you can walk, you can tango! This class introduces you to the basics of tango in a relaxed, welcoming environment. You’ll learn how to move comfortably with a partner, navigate the dance floor, and adapt your steps to a variety of tango music styles. Everyone gets to try both leading and following—no fixed roles, just a chance to explore what feels natural. Tango improves balance, posture, and mental agility while offering a fun way to stay active and social.

Come solo or bring a friend—no partner needed. Our inspiring, experienced guide will have you moving with grace. You can see him in the Warmup Video https://youtu.be/llxaddP88pg and contact david@tangotribe.com if you have questions. Wear comfortable shoes and get ready to move, connect, and smile! Limit 20.

David Phillips
10:00—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept. 17
Northwest Recreation Center, Multi-purpose Room
2913 Northland Drive (78757)

Congratulations! You are committed to building on your first-level study of Spanish. After the long summer, we’ll start with a quick review of level 1B and then begin learning how to describe situations in the past. We will continue using the framework of “Destinos”* to introduce new vocabulary, grammar, and culture. This includes listening and reading activities as well as opportunities to speak and work together. Homework will center on watching episodes of “Destinos”, answering questions and exploring new material in each episode. It’s helpful to have a binder to organize handouts.

*Destinos is a free online 52-episode language telecourse that takes us to five different countries. If you are new to the class, there are online summaries (in English) of each episode, so anyone can catch up easily. https://www.learner.org/series/destinos-an-introduction-to-spanish/unit-i/
Please bring $4 to the first meeting for copies for the whole course. Limit 20.

Verónica Putney
10:00—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept. 17
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Rm. 205
3525 Bee Caves Road (78746)

This state is an area of great beauty and enormous diversity. It has greatly varied landscapes as well as water resources, soils, climate, vegetation, fauna, and human use. Basic to all this diversity is the underlying geology. Variations in the geology—the types of rocks present, their geometric arrangement (geologic structures), and the geologic processes active now and in the past—are the major determinants for the present landforms. Climate and biologic activity also play important parts. This course will cover

• Geologic Basics—to set the background for understanding what’s to come

• Bedrock Geology—the distribution of rocks by geologic age

• Geologic History of Texas—the geologic events that have brought us to the present time

• Landscapes of Texas—how all this geology and geologic history are reflected in the present surface features.

Our very popular instructor is a retired Petroleum Geologist and teacher, who brings a wide perspective and thorough detail to his classes. Please bring $5 to the first meeting to cover course handouts. Limit 40.

Peter Boone, PhD
10:00—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept. 17
The Village at the Triangle
4517 Triangle Avenue (78751)

Travis County is a great place to take up bird watching, with 430 species recorded. This course, suitable for new, casual and “new to Austin” birders, will consist of four classroom sessions and three field trips in the Austin area. Topics include the well-equipped birder, bird identification, attracting birds, and where to go birding. The focus will be on charismatic species that are easily seen or heard like expected backyard birds, owls, hummingbirds, chimney swifts, common ducks and waterbirds. Field trips will take place within about a 30-minute drive from the Highway 183/N. Mopac intersection. Plan to dress for the weather and expect to walk up to a mile and a half on mainly level surfaces that may not be paved. A few locations may not have restrooms available. Field trips will shift to 9:30 a.m. start time to beat the heat. There will be seven classes, as one Wednesday in October will be skipped. An experienced teacher and avid birder, our instructor has taught for Travis Audubon, the Native Plant Society and many local groups. She gardens for birds, with 104 species on her yard list. 7 Classes. Limit 20.

Jane Tillman
10:00—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept. 17
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Upper Room
9508 Great Hills Trail (78759)

This film class is the latest edition in The Birth of Modern Sci-Fi series. It will present a new set of eight films we have not seen before, released between 1954 and 1961. They could all be considered "hidden gems" because, despite their high quality, they have not received the widespread recognition and critical acclaim they arguably deserve. Though underrated or overlooked, flying under the radar, each offers a distinct and entertaining experience. The political, social, and scientific factors influencing each movie will be discussed before we watch the film. Limit 25.

Michael Hendrickson
10:00—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept. 17
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Room 201
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)

This class may be considered B1 level according to the CEFR. This means you'll be able to talk about most topics at least in simple language, construct more complicated sentences, listen to longer audio clips, and start explaining new vocabulary mostly in German. Most explanations by the teacher are in German. If you are not sure whether this class is right for you, try this placement test: https://learngerman.dw.com/de/einstufungstest-b1/l-36782618 and/or contact the instructor via email (deutsch2henrike@gmail.com)

Ich helfe gerne! Bis bald! Ich freu' mich drauf!
Please bring $5 for copies to the first class. Limit 16.

Henrike Belz
10:00—11:30 A.M. Wednesday, Starts Sept. 17
Violet Crown City Church
1300 Morrow Street (78757)

The investment world is full of lingo, jargon, and terminology. It can be difficult to understand with so many buzzwords, charts, and graphs. This course goes over the basic terminology and strategy around investment and retirement planning. Whether you are just starting out or want to learn something new, the workshop will bring you back to the basics so you can become a more educated investor. You'll learn

• Key features and strategy of bonds, stocks and mutual funds

• Cash-flow planning in retirement

• Basics of Medicare

• Basics of estate planning

Our instructor is a registered CFP (Certified Financial Planner) and a popular presenter. 7 Classes. Limit 20.

Chris Cybulski
10:00—11:00 A.M. Wednesday, Starts Sept. 17
Lamar Senior Activity Center, South Room
2874 Shoal Crest Avenue (78705)

This course is for those who already read music and have some previous experience playing one or more sizes of recorder. A "consort" is an ensemble of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorders, with occasional use of other sizes. We learn and play music from the Medieval and Renaissance periods to the present. If you enjoy playing recorder music and would like to be part of a consort, then this group is for you. Before registering as a new member, please contact the group facilitator at 512-825-4252 or richter@haus.org. She will provide more information about what's needed for the course. Limit 25.

Susan Richter
10:15—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept. 17
Hancock Recreation Center
811 East 41st Street (78751)