50 back seat drivers

by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal, Nov 19, 2008

Can you imagine taking 50 friends for a drive to look at Christmas lights? That is what happens every fall on Club Ed's Hill Country Lighting Tour. It is second nature to Don Ball, our longtime tour host and owner/operator of Si Texas Tours. To Ball, a seat on his bus is the best seat in the house.

"In a car, you sit low and look up," he said. "On my bus, you sit high and look out. It is an unrestricted view - you know you are going to see the best of the best."

Ball has been driving buses since 1973. He never tires of escorting travelers to all the popular destinations, and he can recite all the reasons people prefer to travel by bus.

"A lot of seniors don't like to drive at night; big cities are easy to get lost in; people don't want the hassle; when they take the bus, they leave the driving to us."

Ball believes that people also like the fellowship of traveling with a group. On board his 45-foot, climate-controlled 54-seat cruiser, riders travel in comfort.

"Many people think of that old yellow school bus they rode 50 years ago," Ball said. "It was not very comfortable. But when get on a motor coach costing a half million dollars, you get a different perspective. You can recline, plug in your headphones and watch TV, or just visit with your neighbor. You can't do that while driving a car."

Ball also hosts Club Ed's Holiday Barge Ride, where passengers cruise San Antonio's famous Riverwalk and see the Christmas lights from a different perspective - being able to see lots of lighting they couldn't ordinarily view unless they did a whole lot of walking.

At Club Ed, Ball has watched the profiles of his passengers evolve over the years. He notes that "today's 50 is yesterday's 70." That is, he sees more people retiring in their 50s, with the resources and time to get around more.

Even as he approaches the 3 million mile mark, Ball never tires of driving. But he does mention one special challenge.

"If you have four people in your car, you have three backseat drivers," he said. "I have 50 back seat drivers!"

He still enjoys it.

"In the bus industry, everybody buys the same piece of equipment; it's what kind of service you give people," he said. "You meet the best people in the world this way. Yes, sir, that's why I do it."

XXX

Club Ed is offering two holiday travel opportunities: The Hill Country Christmas Lighting Tour on Dec 13, and the Christmas Barge Ride on the Riverwalk on Dec 17. There is also time to sign up for the trip to China scheduled for next April. To learn more about these and other lifelong learning classes, call 830-895-4386, or visit www.clubed.net.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

Crawl onto the Web

by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal, Nov 5, 2008

A web site is never finished.

So we decided to do something about it.

A few years ago, we noticed more of our computer students wanted to build their own web sites to sell products or services online.

So Club Ed came up with a whole new level of training. We called it Web Site Development & Design. We made it intensive and expensive. And it has been so successful that in a few years we have trained dozens of individuals.

Christie Kitchens, who has more than 30 years experience in graphic design, web development, and software instruction, developed and teaches the course.

She realized as early as the 1980s that business marketing was moving from "cut and paste" to "point and click."

"Having a business that is not on the web, is a little like having no phone," she said. "You need 'click and order' instead of 'brick and mortar.'"

A lot of businesses agreed. Club Ed has trained dozens of individuals and organizations, selling everything from knives to landscaping to land to furniture to jewelry. Clients have come from England and Canada. One Alaskan takes a refresher every year during his "Winter Texan" phase.

Kitchens' approach is two-fold. First, she helps students set up and design an initial web presence. This includes securing a domain name and establishing a hosting site. She also helps develop the "look" of the web page - a graphic presentation that is attractive and effective.

The key to the class success however, is that during the course of training, the client learns the basic skills needed to maintain the web site on their own - the student is able to add and change photos and text as needed. This saves money and gives the client more control of their web presence.

"She makes you take the mouse and do it," said one client. "So I feel it is mine, rather than something she did for me while I watched."

Even as the economy surges and ebbs, the web will continue to grow as a way for businesses and organizations to push their products out into the marketplace. It is fast, easy, efficient, effective, and cost-effective.

And it is working.

"When they post that first page and see it up in the browser they are so excited," Kitchens said. "They all go, man this is awesome!' They did something and got it on the web. That is a 'eureka' moment."

Oh. I was kidding about the "expensive" part. The cost is actually less than many firms charge just to design your web site.

As one student said, "We thought it was worth the investment to buy the software and learn to use it, as opposed to paying someone to do site for us. We are always going to be changing the site as we add inventory and change seasons. We wanted to do that ourselves."

I told you a web site is never finished!

XXX

The Web Site Development class is set up according to the student's schedule. To learn more about this and hundreds of other lifelong learning classes, call 830-895-4386, or visit www.clubed.net.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

The magic of fly fishing

As published in the (Kerrville TX) Community Journal, Oct 22, 2008 - Phil Houseal

For Mike Andrews, the difference between fishing and fly fishing is like the difference between checkers and chess.

"Checkers is a fine game," Andrews explained. "It is enjoyable and challenges the mind. But chess offers a whole new dimension. You can spend a lifetime learning the game, and you never master it. There is always something new to learn."

Andrews helps others learn those new things while teaching Fly Fishing On The Guadalupe for Club Ed. He is a Certified Instructor for the Federation of Fly Fishers, but he did not pick up a fly rod until about three years before he retired. Andrews was watching those Saturday morning outdoor shows when he began his fascination with the sport

"It did not look like a very efficient way to fish, but there was something magical about it," he said. "There was something about that cast that just mesmerized me."

So he bought a cheap rod and reel. Not having access to a Club Ed class, Andrews pretty much taught himself, watching TV, reading books, and asking advice of all his fly fishing buddies. He figures he spent a year out in his yard "making bad casts."

Then he retired and moved to Kerrville, where the bounty of great fishing water beckoned. He became a charter member of the Hill Country Fly Fishers and refined his technique, eventually earning certification as an instructor and guide.

Andrews led many clients up the hill country's rivers and streams, and over the years he noticed the effect fly fishing could have on people.

"It is a form of recreation that relieves some of the stress we have," he said. He attributes this in part to just being in nature. "During fly fishing, you are IN the water, not standing on the bank. There is a closeness to nature when you are in the water with the fish. And you have a chance to see places off the beaten trail. You see more of the outdoors in a natural state than you do in other types of sports."

Now the teacher, Andrews feels great rewards introducing others to the intricacies of this watery chess game.

"I sense most of them feel like they've been introduced to a sport and know enough basics they can go fly fish on own. There is a genuine enthusiasm."

It is the same enthusiasm Andrews first experienced 20 years ago. He doesn't watch the fishing shows much anymore. But the perfect cast still holds that magical feel for him.

"I like to watch my own cast go out," he admitted. "It is like how a pitcher feels when he is pitching. When he wants to throw a curve ball, and throws a good one, that is the feeling I get."

XXX

Mike Andrews will teach Fly Fishing for Club Ed in the spring session. To learn more about this and hundreds of other lifelong learning classes, call 830-895-4386, or visit www.clubed.net.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

The Art of Knitting

As published in the (Kerrville TX) Community Journal, Oct 22, 2008 - Phil Houseal

Iris Miller has discovered the cure for arthritis, insomnia, and dyslexia, along with the secret to personal success.

Knitting.

The 76-year-old Midwestener has been knitting since she was 6, taught under duress by her grandmother.

"My mother was bound and determined that I was going to learn all the womanly crafts that her mother had shown her," Iris said. "But she couldn't get knitting across to me because I am left handed. So my grandmother took over and taught me."

Her English grandmother taught her the womanly arts well, because Iris learned to not only knit, but also to spin, crochet, weave, and dye natural fibers ("You'll never be hot in wool, because it breathes."). She ended up designing and making her own clothes.

In spite of her mother's insistence on learning to be a homemaker, the no-nonsense Omaha native never married and went on to a career as a librarian. She moved to Texas 13 years ago to escape the cold Nebraska winters ("I am real cold-blooded; I wasn't going to stay up there and freeze.").

But she never abandoned the skills passed down from her grandmother. Even as she teaches knitting at Club Ed, she espouses the benefits of knowing the ancient cloth arts.

"It should be called Stress Management 101, because it's very relaxing," she said, noting that knitting is the perfect way to pass the time while waiting in a doctor's office, or while traveling.

As a young girl, Iris was dyslexic, but knitting helped her distinguish between right and left. As a senior citizen, Iris notes that knitting helps keep her hands limber and her mind sharp. Knitting is also Iris's cure for insomnia.

"If you can't sleep, get up and knit for half hour, " she offered. "You will sleep the night through."

Best of all, the end result of all that therapeutic handiwork is a gift you create for someone else.

"I make things people can use," said Iris, showing me a picture of a sweater she was knitting for a friend who has cancer. "She is real hot-blooded so I made it a lacy one."

I started to tell her that I never learned to knit, but Iris firmly interrupted me.

"My mother never allowed me to use those words 'I can't,'" she said with a scowl. "You would be surprised at what I can do."

I wanted to tell her nothing she could say or do would surprise me. But I did want to know if everyone could learn to knit?

"Sure," she insisted. And I believed her. "People who want to knit, knit all the time."

XXX

If you want to learn to knit, Iris Miller teaches beginning knitting classes for Club Ed. To learn more about this and hundreds of other lifelong learning classes, call 830-895-4386, or visit www.clubed.net.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District.

Visit our blog at http://clubedcomments.blogspot.com/

Backpacking

As published in the (Kerrville TX) Community Journal, Oct 15, 2008 - Phil Houseal

In America, we don't consider "walking around" a sport. But hiking and backpacking are hugely popular in Europe, and there is a segment of Texans who see the trail less traveled as a highway to adventure. Anthony Coden, a native of France, wants to lead us down the path to his world of discovery, fresh air, and better fitness.

But it takes more than just putting one foot in front of the other. There are rules.

First, there is a difference between hiking and backpacking.

"When you backpack you are carrying your house," Coden said. "When hiking, you just carry your water, map, compass, and snacks. When you hike you go in and you go out; when you backpack you are staying."

In Europe, especially in Britain, land is open for public access. Coden notes that Texas has good hiking trails, but they are far apart and require some travel to reach.

"Big Bend is an amazing place," he said. "The problem with Texas is the amount of travel between locations. It's just big. Water is also a problem, because you have to carry 10 or 15 extra pounds just to have water."

Part of Coden's teaching is geared to dispelling the romance many have when it comes to backpacking. His is a no-nonsense approach. He believes in the "no trace" principal - carrying out everything you carry in. The rest of his course will address practical matters such as how to set up a campsite; making a fire (with one match!); purifying water; what food to bring; and what clothing to wear.

"Gear is very confusing," he said. "There is so much of it on the market. What does it all mean? What is the difference between wool, silk, cotton, and all the synthetics? I will dispel lot of that confusion."

And sorry, techies - no global positioning satellites for you. Coden will be teaching people to use a compass to find their way back from the wilderness.

"A GPS is a cool tool, but it will make you more stupid," he said with a laugh. "We all have an internal compass, but if we don't use it enough it becomes dull. I know it works because no one has been lost forever!"

Coden, who also teaches cooking and ping pong, prides himself on his ability to break down complex issues for the lay person. But he also has a passion for this activity.

"This class is more about people having an understanding of backpacking," he said. "It is something I love to do."

XXX

Anthony Coden starts his backpacking series on Oct 23, with classes following on Nov 1 and Nov 8. To learn more about this and hundreds of other lifelong learning classes, call 830-895-4386, or visit www.clubed.net.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

Born in the Renaissance

As published in the Community Journal (Kerrville TX) Phil Houseal, Oct 08, 2008

"I feel like I was born in the Renaissance."

With Angela Freeman's Italian accent and continental aura, you could easily believe she was. Freeman is Club Ed's expert on all things Italian, from art to history to speaking the language. She will combine all those interests in Il Salotto Del Rinascimento - A Salon of the Renaissance.

While not born in the Renaissance, Freeman was born in the heart of Italy in the region of Parma. She was raised and schooled in Milan. It steeped in her an abiding affinity for the Renaissance.

"I believe it was the most interesting and important part of our history," she said. "There was such an evolution in every field - not just painting, but also sculpture, architecture, philosophy, and literature."

The Renaissance is usually described as a cultural movement that bridged the Middle Ages and the modern era. It began in Italy and later spread to the rest of Europe. The Italian word Rinascimento comes from re- "again" and nascere "be born."

Freeman was born into a family where culture was important. She grew up surrounded by books. Her mother was a teacher, and her father was an officer in the Italian army. She married an American and has spent most of her adult life in this country, where she sees the connection to her beloved Renaissance.

"America now finds in this era something that is popular, so they are becoming more interested in the Renaissance," she said. "The Italian style is liked. Just look at the fashion, the furnishings, the food, even the important buildings in the capital reflect the influence of Italian architecture."

Freeman has compiled - by hand - a 64-page book with examples of the art and influence of the Renaissance ("My husband said this is not just a book - it is an encyclopedia!" she said). She will share it with her students in the class. In her book, she tried to pick the most important figures, not just the most well-known names of the Renaissance: Michaelangelo, da Vinci, and Raphael.

"There are many minor figures that also did excellent work, but who do not enjoy the fame of those three," she said, citing names such as Titian, Cellini, Dante, and Veronazi. "Please come... it will be una posseggiata attraverso il Rinascimento!"

That translates to "a walk through the Renaissance." With Angela Freeman, it is more like "a lifetime in the Renaissance."

XXX

To learn more about this and hundreds of other lifelong learning classes, call 830-895-4386, or visit www.clubed.net.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.

Arrows as art

by Phil Houseal, (Kerrville TX) Community Journal Oct 1 2008

Everyone knows what skill it takes to flake an arrowhead from flint. But making a stone toothpick?

That is one of the actual pieces created by a flintknapping instructor at the Club Ed Arrowhead Making course.

Local jeweler Jim Morris, who has taught flintknapping at Club Ed for at least a decade, is excited that he will have a very special guest instructor at his Oct. 4 class in Kerrville.

That would be John Kiernan, the internationally-known arrow point specialist.

"I think he is one of the world's greatest pressure flakers," Morris said. Kiernan is so respected in the lithic arts that he was featured on the flintknappers calendar this year.

Kiernan's work is so intricate it is collected as art - something previously unheard of in the world of stonework. He starts with the classic form of arrowheads and spear points, but refines them into eccentrics - intricate and delicate decorative forms that swirl and end in graceful balanced flutes. The reclusive artist engraves his name into every piece with a diamond stylus, partly to ensure no one mistakes them for ancient creations. Morris notes that most serious flintknappers are also amateur archeologists and have great respect for maintaining the historic record.

Amateur flintknappers already seek one of the limited seats in Morris's popular classes. Morris can claim credit as a pioneer in the field of modern arrowhead making. He first fell in love with the stone tools in 1952, and spent years studying the leftover flakes of flint and stone in order to unlock the secrets of how the natives made them. He has written a book explaining the process, and has taught hundreds of students his techniques.

Morris is known in the field for utilizing the same tools and raw materials used by the ancients.

Morris promises other surprises in the all-day workshop. He expects visits from Paul Stein and David Calame, both presidents of the Texas State Amateur Archeological Association.

Since flintknappers support research and interest in archeology, Morris invites all students to bring their own arrowhead collections. The instructors will help identify and classify them, even as they strive to recreate them.

But the goal of the workshop is to have each student produce a finished piece by the end of the day. That is a challenge, as it takes 300 blows to make a typical arrowhead, and any one blow can shatter the stone.

But it is a challenge every true flintknapper embraces, even knowing his first attempt may not be a work of art.

XXX

To see more of John Kiernan's art:
http://lithiccastinglab.com/gallery-pages/2002maykiernanpage2.htm

Jim Morris will teach Arrowhead Making on Saturday, Oct 4. To learn more about this and hundreds of other lifelong learning classes, call 830-895-4386, or visit www.clubed.net.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.