He was among the best and the brightest of his generation and he was given the most difficult of tasks. General Manuel de Mier y Terán was charged with finding the way to keep Texas within the Mexican union. But after several years of toil, he was forced to acknowledge that "Texas is lost." And with that sober judgment Mexico lost one of her best men, for the next day the general killed himself. This class considers Texas History from the arrival of Spanish settlers to statehood within the United States. Special reference is made to notable Mexicans who, like Mier y Terán, labored in vain for their beloved but star-crossed nation. Those Mexican patriots include Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara, Juan Almonte, Juan Davis Bradburn, Antonio Diaz de León, and others. (And all the good guys like Austin, Travis, Houston and Lamar are there, too.) 7 Classes. Limit 20.

Jerry Buttrey
1:30 PM—3:30 PM Thursday, Starts Feb. 15
The Church at Highland Park, Burchette Room
5206 Balcones Drive (78731)

This class is an introduction to mat Pilates, a low- impact workout that concentrates on strengthening many muscles of the body with an emphasis on the smaller and deeper stabilizing muscles (deep core muscles). Pilates can improve our posture and reduce lower back pain. We will also work on balance and flexibility. Participants should be able to go from a standing position to the floor and back without assistance. Class is done barefoot. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes (yoga attire is fine). The instructor is an AFAA certified group fitness instructor and a Primary Pilates instructor. Limit 20.

Susan LeLaurin
1:00 PM—2:00 PM Thursday, Starts Feb. 15
Northwest Recreation Center
2913 Northland Drive (78757)

What is the difference between weather and climate? What causes them both? And what about global climate change? To get some answers we will explore the atmosphere of the Earth—its structure, composition, processes, and the resulting weather patterns and events. We will examine what drives it all, such as variations in Earth’s orbit and axial tilt, solar activity, volcanic action, greenhouse gases, land use, and natural feedback mechanisms. We will also learn about the data sources used by climate scientists: instrumental records, historical records, Paleo-proxy records, tree rings, sediments, ice cores, pollen and corals, carbon 14, and carbon dioxide. Finally, we will look at global climate models, severe weather events, global climate change and how we can respond to it. Please bring $5 to the first meeting to cover course handouts. Limit 25.

Peter Boone, PhD
1:00 PM—3:00 PM Thursday, Starts Feb. 15
Abiding Love Lutheran Church
7210 Brush Country Road (78749)

This continuation course emphasizes vocabulary development, pronunciation, reading and listening comprehension. It is suitable for those who have never studied French, as well as those who have some knowledge of the language. We will do a lot of group work to facilitate conversation in French. A variety of sources will be used, including Monarch’s Clear and Simple French, some video lessons, and some audio lessons from Pimsleur. Limit 25.

Betty Clough
1:00 PM—3:00 PM Thursday, Starts Feb. 15
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Room 201
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)

This is a gathering of people who love to do art, be it painting with oils, watercolor, acrylic or pastels, or pencil drawings or any other visual medium. It is not a course with instruction, but an occasion where we each work on our own art, and sometimes we share what we know—our mistakes as well as our triumphs. We learn from each other every time we meet. All visual art mediums are welcome, such as painting (non-volatile oils or other media), collage, gelli printing, alcohol inks, Zentangle®, etc. Our coordinator is a working artist, mostly in oil, sometimes in watercolor or pastels. Bring your own supplies, share your art and be inspired by fellow artists! Group members will help clean the area after each session. Limit 18.

Karen Golden
12:30 PM—3:30 PM Thursday, Starts Feb. 15
United Christian Church, Fellowship Area
3500 W. Parmer Lane (78727)