The Central RED Society has released their schedule of programs for this spring that are open to the public.
Jim Hibma will present “Crossroads of Pella” on Wednesday, February 5th. The service started in 1983 during the farm crisis and provides counseling, coat drives for families, English language learning, and more. Cost for the event is $15 and begins with lunch at 11:30 a.m. with the program following at noon in the Dave and Ardie Sutphen Common Room in the Graham Annex.
On Thursday, February 27th, 1979 Central graduate and Pella native Bruce Boertje will present about some of the better-known businesses in town 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. Cost for the event is $20 and begins with dinner at 5:30 pm and the program following at 6 pm in the Graham Annex.
John Carter will present “Prohibition Stories from Fremont and Mahaska Counties,” on Thursday, March 6th. Iowa, along with Kansas and Maine, led the way for the passage of the 18th Amendment and had implemented 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. Cost for the event is $15 and begins with lunch at 11:30 a.m. with the program following at noon in the Graham Annex.
David Carter, professor in the department of political science at Washington University in St. Louis, will present “Territorial Disputes, Border Politics and Conflict in International Politics,” on Thursday, May 22nd. Carter’s presentation will cover what drives conflicts and wars, what can be done to help resolve them, and what long-term consequences these conflicts have. Cost for the event is $20 and begins with dinner at 5:30 pm and the program following at 6 pm in the Graham Annex, and a cash bar will be available.
On Wednesday, June 4th, plant supervisor at Missouri River Energies Vern Cochran will present “Red Rock Hydroelectric Project.” As a 40-year industry veteran, Cochran will explain behind-the-scenes capabilities of the plant. Cost for the event is $20 and begins with dinner at 5:30 pm and the program following at 6 pm in the Graham Annex.
Details about each event are available at central.edu/red. Register for individual events at central.edu/alumni/events. For more information contact director of engagement Mary Benedict at benedictm@central.edu or by phone at 641-628-7641.