Tai Chi/Qigong is mindful movement practice consisting 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, and heart health, enhanced immune response, and increased mental focus. Wear comfortable fitness attire (yoga pants or loose-fitting capris, breathable shirt), and non-slip socks or flexible smooth-sole tennis shoes. A good example is Amazon Ozalic yoga socks for women, $10.99, with non-slip grip and straps. Also bring a Yoga mat or large towel for the cool down. Limit 20. Note: no class on March 19; class extends one week.

Renee Forsythe
12:00—1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Starts Feb. 19
Dittmar Recreation Center
1009 W. Dittmar Road (78745)

Note: #19 Beginning Spanish will be taught on Wednesday afternoons.
Classes #43 and 19 were switched in the printed catalog. 

This section of Spanish for Beginners 1B is a continuation of Spanish 1A, emphasizing pronunciation, basic vocabulary and present tense verbs. This is the second part of Spanish 1, so all students should be familiar with basic Spanish vocabulary (for example, names of family members, numbers to 100, telling time, names of days and months), pronunciation of vowels and consonants, and the present tense of regular verbs.  We will continue the story of Destinos (a no-cost online video and textbook), beginning with a review of the story and vocabulary of chapters 1-6. In classes, expect structured partner conversations and some discussion of grammar. Outside of class, expect to do homework using free online resources (Destinos and other) and an online dictionary on your cell phone. New material will include describing people, parts of the body, differences in use and meaning of ser and estar, indirect object pronouns, present tense of important irregular verbs and stem-changing verbs in the present tense. Bring $2 to the first class for handouts.  You will need a computer or tablet to view the Destinos textbook, videos and other course materials. Limit 22.

Jann Randle
1:00—3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Starts Feb. 19
Lamar Senior Activity Center
2874 Shoal Crest Avenue (78705)

This course is for students with a good grasp of Italian grammar. They can read with ease and formulate sentences on a variety of subjects. By the European standard, it is a B1-B2 level class. No book is required, as we will use online video sources and handouts in class.  Please bring $4 to the first meeting for handouts. Limit 20.

Tina Polo
1:00—3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Starts Feb. 19
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Upper Room
9508 Great Hills Trail (78759)

If you have completed a basic watercolor class or have reached the point where you feel comfortable painting and would like to improve those skills, then you may enjoy this open studio where you can explore any subject matter while you benefit from the experience of others. Please note that this will be an open studio for watercolor painting only. Limit 20.

Cherry Taylor
1:00—3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Starts Feb. 19
United Christian Church
3500 W. Parmer Lane (78727)

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—3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Starts Feb. 19
Bethany Lutheran Church, Chapel
3701 W. Slaughter Lane (78749)

One form of the arts few older adults have tried is writing for film. But you have plenty of stories, experiences, perspectives to share. This is your chance to learn another creative outlet, guided by an experienced film maker and instructor. The first class focuses on The Power of Story, a montage of clips from films that work because of the narrative. We also discuss the expectations and process of writing during class meetings. We consider what types of stories and scenes work best on the big or little screen, versus fiction, graphic novels or audio telling. Each subsequent class meeting will focus on the “writing point of the day”—in-class writing exercises, followed by small group sharing and peer review (after learning how to critique meaningfully and helpfully). The culminating homework assignment is to write two short scripts for films of 3-8 minutes. At the end of the course, you’ll have the option of having one of your scripts produced by the instructor at his studio in Austin Public Studios of the Austin Film Society. And you’ll receive a copy of the resulting film. Our instructor is the founder of Mister Mama Bear Studios, screenwriter, director, and art director, as well as an experienced instructor and curriculum developer. You should bring a laptop computer to every class if available, but a journal to write in will suffice. Limit 18.

Sxott Rawgers
1:00—3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Starts Feb. 19
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Rm. 201
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)

Instructor Jay Bond has always liked taking things apart and has gradually learned how to reassemble them successfully. In addition to work experience in a hardware store, home improvement center, machine shop, and 10 years as a bicycle mechanic, he lived in a 1950s-era house for more than 30 years, successfully tackling a wide variety of repairs and improvements involving carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. Course topics include:

• Basic tools, manual and power, and how to use them safely

• Assembling and installing things—hanging pictures, mirrors and blinds, installing a bi-fold door, replacing a door lockset

• Basic plumbing—water supply and cutoff valves, toilets, drains, installing faucets

• Basic electrical issues—circuit breakers, outlets, rewiring a lamp

• Carpentry—quality repairs, reinforcements, using clamps

• Exterior, lawn and garden tools, and repairs

Get ready to make and share your own list of prospective projects or “honey-do” tasks.  Limit 20.

Jay Bond
2:00—4:00 P.M. Wednesday, Starts Feb. 19
The Church at Highland Park, Burchette Room
5206 Balcones Drive (78731)