Registration Open For New Life Long Learning Classes

San Marcos Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Texas State University’s Retired Faculty and Staff Association (RFSA), continues to offer new Life Long Learning courses for the greater San Marcos area.

People can register for these classes by calling 512.393.8400 or by going to the Parks and Recreation Main Office at 401 E. Hopkins or the San Marcos Activity Center at 501 E. Hopkins.

You can also register online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/activeSMTX. Please search LLL for Life Long Learning classes. The classes are primarily for those age 50 and above, but adults of any age are welcome to register.

The classes will begin in July, and a minimum number of registrants is required for these classes to take place. Course offerings are listed below:

1. “Following the Bread Crumbs’: Hands on History through Internet Sites, Public Records, Genealogy and Material Culture

How do historians research history? How does anyone learn about his/her ancestors? How do we get at the past? If you have ever pondered any of these questions then this class is for you. For six weeks, we will engage in a hands-on approach to learning history by doing history.

Our history, be it personal history or national history, is about the stories and the people who have lived the stories of the past. We will learn how to find and understand those stories and weave them into the whole cloth of our history as a people and a nation, while enlightening each participant’s understanding of their personal story and family.

Materials List:  Please bring notebook paper, writing implements, and a folder or notebook to maintain your papers to each class. If you have a laptop or tablet bring that, as well.

Location: San Marcos Activity Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 501 E. Hopkins

When: Thursdays, Aug. 18 – Sept. 22

Time:   1-3 p.m.

Cost:    $40

Presented by Jo Snider, a veteran of nearly thirty years of college and university level teaching of American history. She holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Southwest Texas State University and has post-graduate hours from both Texas State University and University of Texas at Austin. She brings not only knowledge, but also a high level of enthusiasm to the study of history.

2. Beginning Watercolor 

The course is an introduction to the basic materials and techniques of watercolor for the beginner. Through a series of demonstrations and guided projects, students will explore basic techniques of wash, graded wash and dry-brush as well as studies in value, color and composition. The course is intended to give the beginning watercolorist a foundation for continued study of the medium.

Materials List  

PAPER:  Strathmore or Arches Watercolor pad 11×15 inches: coldpress 12 sheets;  ?PAINT:  Staedtler Paint set 24-count watercolors; ? BRUSHES: Master’s Touch Golden Taklon brush set of round brushes. (Buy at least one #6 round #8 round or larger and one flat wash brush); Other Supplies and Materials:  Artist’s Palette 6 wells plastic Master’s Touch;  2B pencil;  kneaded eraser and gummed  eraser; watercolor paper;  tape (Art Advantage 2 inch); old toothbrush; Paper Towels; Water jar (glass is best); Multi surface Frog tape 1.88 inches or 3M Safe-Release Blue Painter’s tape.

Location: Cephas House, 217 MLK

When: Fridays, July 15 – Aug. 19

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Cost: $40

Presented by Roxana Tuff, a metalsmith and illustrator who holds a BFA in painting and drawing and an MFA in painting. She has taught in the art studio area at Texas State for 14 years and for Life-Long Learning since its inception.

3. Experimental Watercolor                                     

Beginning and intermediate painters will learn how to create rich watercolors through process, experimentation, and practice layering transparent color. Demonstrations include wet-into-wet techniques, masking, resists, mono-printing, wet-onto-dry, splashing, splattering, salt washes, lifting, use of stencils, scraping, stamping, and other less traditional techniques.

Materials List

PAPER: buy either individual sheets as needed or a tablet (Arches 140lb cold press 22×30 inch watercolor paper or Staedtler cold press 140lb watercolor tablet 11×15 inches); PAINT: Staedtler Paint set 24-count watercolors; ?BRUSHES: Master’s Touch Golden Taklon brush set of round brushes.  Other Supplies and Materials: Artist’s Palette six wells plastic Master’s Touch; 2B pencil; kneaded eraser; paper towels; stencil paper; small spray bottle; plastic transparency sheets as needed; water jar (glass is best); waterproof India ink; old toothbrush; plastic cup; watercolor pencils or Sargent watercolor crayons; white resist crayon or small white candle; multi-surface Frog tape 1.88 inches or 3M Safe-Release Blue Painter’s tape.

Location: Cephas House, 217 MLK

When: Fridays, July 15 – Aug. 19

Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $40

Presented by Roxana Tuff

4. Give Falls the Boot

Many senior citizens assume that sub-par balance is just another side-effect of aging. However, it need not be.

You will be involved in light exercises to build strength and balance, as well as the mental habits required to gain confidence in being more active.  As instructor Camille Phillips is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, she can assist your independence and being safe in your home.

Location: San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28; Aug. 2, 4, and 9

Time:   10 a.m. to noon

Cost:    FREE

Presented by Camille Phillips Camille has presented this course 20 times and well knows that over 70% of falls can be prevented.  For more information, go to her website for her non-profit organization (Safe, Sassy, and Strong) at:  www.safesassy.org.