Central RED Society offers an impressive schedule of programs for this spring that are open to the public. Details about each event are available at central.edu/red.
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Jim Hibma will present “Crossroads of Pella.” The service started in 1983 during the farm crisis. Crossroads provides counseling, coat drives for families, English language learning and more. Funds raised from the Klompen Classic race are used to help local families in crisis. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and program at noon, in the Dave and Ardie Sutphen Common Room, Graham Annex. Cost is $15.
On Thursday, Feb. 27, the public may take a walk back in time with Bruce Boertje, 1979 Central graduate and native of Pella. Boertje will give a history of some better-known businesses from the late 1940s into the 1970s. Businesses included car and implement dealerships, gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and more. He will compare the quantity and variety of businesses that Pella once had with today’s businesses and how the introduction of better roads, big box stores and the internet have impacted local businesses. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6 p.m., annex. Cost is $20.
Central RED attendees can take another stroll through history with John Carter as he presents “Prohibition Stories from Fremont and Mahaska Counties,” Thursday, March 6. Prohibition was a controversial policy in the early 1900s that made the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages illegal. Iowa, along with Kansas and Maine, led the way for the passage of the 18th Amendment. Iowa had statewide prohibition in 1916, four years before the national policy of 1920. Carter will share stories from his father who ran a hotel and speakeasy during Prohibition. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and program at noon, annex. Cost is $15.
Conflicts over the control of territory have long been a prime cause of war in international politics. David Carter, professor in the department of political science, Washington University in St. Louis, will present “Territorial Disputes, Border Politics and Conflict in International Politics,” on Thursday, May 22. Countries in every region of the world are building walls and fencing their borders at an unprecedented rate. What drives these conflicts and wars? What can be done to help resolve them? What long-term consequences do these conflicts have? Learn the answers with this presentation that includes dinner at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6 p.m., annex. Cost is $20, and a cash bar will be available.
Join Vern Cochran, plant supervisor, Missouri River Energies, as he presents “Red Rock Hydroelectric Project,” on Wednesday, June 4. As a 40-year industry veteran, Cochran will explain behind-the-scenes capabilities of the plant. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6 p.m., annex. Cost is $20.
Register for individual events at central.edu/alumni/events. For more information contact Mary Benedict, director of engagement, at benedictm@central.edu or by phone at 641-628-7641.
The Central RED (Ready to Engage and Discover) Society is a volunteer-driven, lifelong learning and social organization with an abiding partnership with Central College alumni and friends who wish to share knowledge, talents and experiences. Membership is no longer required to attend Central RED classes.