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. Stories are how we explain, understand, and reconcile our values, ideas, and how we live our lives. 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. 16
The Church at Highland Park, Burchette Room
5206 Balcones Drive (78731)

Science fiction stories, art, and movies have always reflected the times in which they were made, articulating our hopes and fears about our future. By studying sci-fi movies, and especially those lesser-known and made since the sci-fi renaissance of 1977, we’ll develop a deeper appreciation of the prevalent themes and ideas about humanity that these films encompass—our engagement with technology and how it changes and defines us as humans: the possibilities of time travel, exploration, alien life, climate change, and our tendency to make war. We’ll consider the consequences of our own evolution as a species and finding our place in the cosmos. We’ll start each week’s screening with about a dozen slides including the movie’s trailer, factoids from the history and context of the time of its production, and interesting trivia. After the screening, we’ll facilitate a brief group discussion. Every semester features different films. Limit 20.

Rex Schuller and Adam Miller
10:00—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept.16
Bethany Lutheran Church, Chapel
3701 West Slaughter Lane (78749)

This class is B1 level according to the CEFR. This means you'll be able to talk about topics in simple language, construct more complicated sentences, listen to longer audio clips and understand instruction 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 or contact the instructor via email (deutsch2henrike@gmail.com).

Ich helfe gerne! Bis bald! Ich freu' mich drauf!

Please bring $5 to the first class for copies. Limit 16.

Henrike Belz
10:00—11:30 A.M. Wednesday, Starts Sept. 16
Violet Crown City Church
1300 Morrow Street (78757)

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Discover the poetry of Pablo Neruda! This course explores the life and art of Latin America's best known and most widely translated poet. We will study exemplary poems from five of Neruda's books and contextualize each one within both his oeuvre and twentieth-century poetry.  Discussions and readings will be supplemented with handouts, film clips, music, books, and other interdisciplinary materials to offer keys to understanding the breadth, depth, and reach of Neruda's work. The instructor has taught widely in Hispanic literature, and Neruda is always a class favorite. She has taught this course many times, in Spanish as well as in English. This one will be in English. All poems will be provided in quality bilingual versions. Please bring $10 for course handouts to our first class meeting. 8 Classes. Limit 50.

Catharine E. Wall, PhD
10:00—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept. 16
The Village at the Triangle
4517 Triangle Avenue (78751)

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.

Karen Williams
10:15—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept. 16
Hancock Recreation Center
811 E. 41st Street (78751)

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This class is designed for people who enjoy independent and thought-provoking films, value personal growth, and are eager to expand their perspectives through meaningful discussion. Each week, participants will watch two assigned films at home and come together to explore them in class. Every double feature is thoughtfully paired around a shared theme—such as perfectionism, loss, revenge, or empathy—or a filmmaking technique, including cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène, performance, or sound. By comparing and contrasting the films, participants will deepen both their appreciation of cinema and their understanding of the human experience. The instructor will facilitate engaging, open-ended discussions that encourage critical thinking, reflection, and diverse viewpoints. Films will be selected on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or free streaming platforms. No films will be repeated from one semester to the next, ensuring that each class offers a fresh cinematic experience for students repeating the course. Sessions will feature lively conversations, collaborative activities, and multimedia resources that inspire learning, curiosity, and personal insight. Limit 24.

Miki Tesh
10:30—Noon Wednesday, Starts Sept. 16
Northwest Recreation Center
2913 Northland Drive (78757)

This course focuses on movement practices for functional health, to regain and maintain a radiant quality of life and physical independence as we age. Using functional markers for aging, the program emphasizes joint stability, muscular strength, coordination, agility, and dynamic balance to minimize falls and maintain ability to rise from the floor. Classes also include impact training for maintaining and improving bone density. This practice can be done sitting or standing. Please wear comfortable fitness attire, non-slip socks or flexible sole tennis shoes. Note: Course starts one week late. 7 Classes. Limit 20.

Renee Forsythe
10:15—11:15 A.M. Wednesday, Starts Sept. 23
Dittmar Recreation Center
1009 West Dittmar Road (78745)

This mindful movement practice consists of gentle, calming exercises that create an overall sense of health, well-being and vitality. Studies have shown physiological and psychological health benefits including stress relief, improved balance, heart health, enhanced immune response, and increased mental focus. The movement and balance sequences can be done sitting or standing. Please wear comfortable fitness attire (yoga pants or loose-fitting clothes and breathable shirt), and non-slip socks or flexible sole tennis shoes. Note: Course starts one week late. 7 Classes. Limit 20.

Renee Forsythe
11:30—12:30 Wednesday, Starts Sept. 23
Dittmar Recreation Center
1009 West Dittmar Road (78745)