Jerry Ostwinkle, representing the Arizona Raptor Center, plans to bring several birds to liven up his Nov. 30 class. (Photo courtesy of the Arizona Raptor Center)
Classes Support Healthy Eating, Cultural Inclusivity, and Wild Birds
Patricia Ingalls
Registration remains open for three of LifeLong Learning’s (LLL) five November classes—topics include gluten-free cooking, Arizona raptors, and diversity circles. (Two other November classes—artisan bread-baking and streaming television services—have already filled.)
Each class costs $20 per person, is limited to 24 students, requires registration on www.lifelonglearningatpc.org, and takes place in the LLL Center. Diversity Circles is free, but requires registration.
Diversity Circles: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
PebbleCreek resident Jacqueline Blake-Broughton will explain how forming Diversity Circle groups can help individuals promote and accept racial diversity and cultural inclusivity. Groups meet separately, in person or virtually, to discuss various topics, as determined by each group’s members. Initially the goal was to expand awareness and understanding of how race deeply impacts individuals in different ways, and to appreciate those distinctions and similarities. The small groups consist of people of various ages, some black, white, and multicultural, with diverse upbringings, backgrounds, and life experiences. Over time, the conversations may expand to include additional topics, such as religion, social issues, and economic challenges, depending on members’ interests.
Gluten-free Cooking: Thursday, Nov. 9, 1 to 3 p.m.
PebbleCreek resident Lois Chohon will explain and explore the many challenges of living with celiac disease, for which she was diagnosed in 2012. It is estimated that 7% of the U.S. population has either celiac or gluten sensitivity. Others suffer from other common allergies that make it difficult to navigate social situations that involve eating and drinking.
Chohon is a retired human-resources professional, home chef, and foodie. She will discuss her journey to become gluten free and offer suggestions on how to navigate social situations, such as restaurants, buffets, and weddings. She’ll also provide tips and tricks for easy substitutions in cooking and some basic, easy recipes, as well as samples. This training is designed to be interactive and applicable to anyone who has food sensitivity or allergies, or who has a friend or family member who is affected.
Arizona Raptors: Thursday, Nov. 30, 1 to 3 p.m.
Many PebbleCreek residents have seen a variety of raptors, such as hawks, owls, and falcons, in their yards and common areas. Here’s an opportunity to learn more about those wild creatures. Jerry Ostwinkle from the Arizona Raptor Center will explain the history of falconry, the various types of raptors found in Arizona, and more about the Arizona Raptor Center, a nonprofit. Learn why these magnificent creatures are so important to the ecosystem. An extra bonus is that Ostwinkle plans to bring several raptors from the center for class members to see.
Cruise, Dine, Reveal Desert Secrets
Patricia Ingalls
The Lake Pleasant Sunset Dinner Cruise on Thursday, Nov. 2, from 3:15 to 9:15 p.m., promises to provide a delightful, social, and informative evening. While exploring one of the Valley’s most scenic reservoirs, the captain of this private charter will regale guests with commentary about the surrounding mountainous desert’s history, legends, wildlife, flora, and fauna. Guests will relax onboard, scanning the shoreline for wild burro or bald eagle sightings.
With a colorful Arizona sunset as backdrop, the onboard crew will serve a delicious buffet barbecue dinner, prepared by Dillon’s Restaurant, and staff an optional cash bar. (See LifeLong Learning’s website for menu details.) The cruise boat is climate controlled and handicapped accessible. No worries about a weary drive home; your bus driver awaits.
Sleep Is Your Superpower
Bill Nee
In this month’s TED Talk, Matthew Walker, director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at University of California-Berkeley, offers new understanding of the vital importance of sleep. He shares numerous studies on why everyone needs a good night of sleep to improve learning and health.
He shares results of studies that show, once a person drops below seven hours of sleep, objective impairments occur in the brain and body. The shorter one’s sleep, the shorter one’s life. Short sleep predicts all-cause mortality, according to Walker.
He explains how to harness sleep to improve learning and energy levels, regulate hormones, resist disease, slow the effects of aging, and increase longevity. He also provides actionable steps toward getting a better night’s sleep.
To watch this powerful 19-minute TED Talk, go to TED.com, then in the upper left corner, click the three-horizontal-bar menu button. Under the category “Watch,” click “TED Talks,” then in “Search talks,” input “Sleep is your superpower,” scroll a little lower, and click on the talk you selected.
Go get those elusive Zzzs, and may your best sleep start tonight.