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 to illustrate tech problems and solutions. Limit 15.

Linda Gibson
10:00 AM—12:00 PM Monday
Starts Feb. 12. Ends April 1.
Violet Crown City Church
1300 Morrow Street (78757)

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 for more information at pat@tittizer.us . Note:  No class on March 11; course extends 1 week. Limit 15.

Pat Tittizer
10:00 AM—12:00 PM Monday
Starts Feb. 12. Ends April 8.
United Christian Church, Room 2
3500 West Parmer Lane (78727)

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 discussion 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 Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Both hardcopy and Kindle editions of the book are available on Amazon.com. Limit 30.

Rosa Zúñiga
10:00 AM—12:00 PM Monday
Starts Feb 12. Ends April 1.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Room B-19
4121 Steck Avenue (78759)

If you enjoy learning and discussing new ideas and hearing a variety of viewpoints, this class is for you. TED talks are concise (under 18 minutes) video talks from top people in their field that are meant to inspire, inform and enlighten viewers on a variety of topics, including science, politics, global issues, human development, and relationships, among others. You will view two to four TED talks per week OUTSIDE of class (web access/internet connection required). Then we will discuss them in class, learning from and being respectful of each other’s varying responses and ideas. For specific questions, please email the facilitator at maryjaneburson@gmail.com. Limit 15.

Mary Jane Burson, Moderator
10:00 AM—12:00 PM Monday
Starts Feb. 12. Ends April 1.
The Church at Highland Park, Burchette Room
5206 Balcones Drive (78731)

In this class, we will learn tips and techniques for U.S.-based genealogy research. We will cover how to create a research plan, use Ancestry.com to build a tree (plus Newspapers.com, FindAGrave.com, Fold3.com) and how to use FamilySearch.com. We will find birth, marriage, death, and burial records, passenger lists and passports, censuses, directories, and historic and current maps, occupation and/or military records, and more. We will discuss how to scan and edit photos and images, use Google Drive (and other Cloud-based repositories), research on social media (Facebook) and use other research sites (Library of Congress, state resources, etc.) to help you build a family story. Please bring $3 to first class for handouts. Laptops can be used if desired but are not required. 6 Classes. Limit 21.

Phyllis Zumwalt
10:00 AM—12:00 PM Monday
Starts Feb. 12. Ends March 18.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Room B-13
8134 Mesa Drive (78759)

Tatting produces durable, beautiful lace for edgings, collars, bookmarks, ornaments, even jewelry.  Once you learn the basic technique of constructing knots and loops, tatting is fun, economical and portable. Websites such as www.tattedtreasures.com provide many examples and inspiration. Beginners should call the instructor at 512-345-1256 regarding materials. Limit 12.

Jo Saunders
10:00 AM—12:00 PM Monday
Starts Feb. 12. Ends April 1.
Ascension Lutheran Church
6420 Hart Lane (78731)

Are you ready to get beyond the political “noise” and “drama”? As a senior, your attained life wisdom can offer peace of mind well into your golden years while calming your political discussions and allowing you to effectively influence others, especially the younger generations of your family. Seniors are uniquely qualified to better understand and appreciate the existential goals and politically artistic design of democracy. Learn how democracy serves to elevate both human consciousness and conscience, as was intended by the American founders and framers. This course will offer essential political science concepts that are commonly missing in high school and college classes, while also guiding you through a self-exploration and personal assessment of your earliest political influences and learning. Our instructor is a retired college political science professor and certified life coach with varied career experiences in public service and local governance.  Limit 15.

Gregory Garlow
10:00 AM—12:00 PM Monday
Starts Feb. 12. Ends April 1.
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Upper Room
9508 Great Hills Trail (78759)

The Great Books Foundation, established in 1947, promotes lifelong education through the reading and discussion of outstanding literature. Its aim is to encourage all people to participate in a “Great Conversation” with the authors of significant works in the Western canon. We’ll discuss one selection each week from Great Conversations 1, an anthology of classic and contemporary works, including The Epic of Gilgamesh (author unknown), Prometheus Bound (Aeschylus), Of Friendship and Of Solitude (Francis Bacon), Pensées (Blaise Pascal), Self-Reliance (Ralph Waldo Emerson), Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking (Walt Whitman), Democracy in America (Alexis de Tocqueville), and An Enemy of the People (Henrik Ibsen). This is a discussion class; it is not a lecture. Each week, we’ll share our thoughts about the piece—the author, the period in which the piece was written, and the piece’s signifi-cance. If you enjoy good intellectual discussion, this course is for you.  We’re looking for people who can commit to 2 hours per week of reading homework. We’re also looking for folks who are excited enough about these selections to commit to near-100% attendance.  If this describes you, please sign up! The book Great Conversations 1 is readily available from Amazon and other sellers for as little as $6. Just Google “amazon books great conversations 1”. The book cover of the correct edition is colored white-over-dark gray, and the authors are Born and Whitfield. Order your book by January 25th at the absolute latest so you’ll have it in time to prepare for the first class. Our first reading, Gilgamesh, is rather long. Questions? Call/text the moderator at 512-694-3669.  Note:  No class on Feb. 19 or April 1; course extends 2 weeks. Limit 15.

Leonard Hough, Moderator
10:00 AM—12:00 PM Monday
Starts Feb. 12. Ends April 15.
Tarrytown United Methodist Church Administration Building
2531 Exposition Boulevard (78703)

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 the instructor at 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 AM—12:15 PM Monday
Starts Feb. 12. Ends April 1.
Unity Church of Austin
5501 W. US Hwy 290 (78735)

Enjoy some easy trails in and around Austin (several may not be in the city limits). Everyone will need a car or other transportation. Participants should be able to walk several miles at a medium steady pace. Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Bring water. A list of hikes and more information will be provided before the first meeting. 8 classes. Limit 30.

Carol Biesemeier, Facilitator
9:30 AM—11:30 AM Monday
Starts Feb. 12. Ends April 1.
For the first class, meet by the entrance to Zilker Pool House (Barton Springs Pool)
2201 William Barton Drive (78746)