Class act
1/31/2024You learn something new every day. Sometimes it’s by accident, but sometimes it’s intentional. Some people continue their education out of necessity — to maintain a license, for example — while others enroll to further their career or launch a new one. Still others simply want to learn a new hobby or expand their horizons. Whatever the case, the thirst for knowledge knows no age limit or bounds. And plenty of opportunities — in person and online — are out there to quench it.
Kris Hinkeldey Plagman
A master gardener
Kris Hinkeldey Plagman, who has lived in Adel for more than 30 years, works at Drake University, so education is a big part of her life. She recently took coursework to become a Master Gardener.
“Gardening is something I have always enjoyed, so I took the Master Gardner class through Iowa State University Extension,” she says.
The Master Gardener program is designed for anyone interested in gardening or horticulture, and the series of courses aims to inspire and educate.
“Anyone interested in learning more about flowers, gardens, trees, pest management, and landscape design can take this course,” says Plagman. “Gardening has been on my bucket list to learn more about it,” she says.
Her favorite part about the coursework was when she and her fellow Master Gardener group cleaned up the demonstration garden at Dallas County Fairgrounds this fall.
“I loved volunteering with others with the same interests and making our county more beautiful,” she says. “I have learned so much more than I ever knew before and will continue to gain more knowledge over the years of attending more classes and working with others.”
Source: Adel Living, January 2024; by Chantel Boyd
Shannon Johnston
Slow and steady
To say that Shannon Johnston is busy would be an understatement. Not only is she a wife, but she is also mom to five and employed full time. She had often thought about going back to school and took a few classes here and there.
“I love learning new things and gaining knowledge in whatever I am doing,” she says. “As my boys got older, and we started talking about college for them, I decided maybe I should lead by example since I didn’t finish the degree I started 20 years ago.”
Johnston was nervous going back to school, but she is in it for the long haul, even though it’s often hard to find a quiet space or good time to study.
“If I can do it, anyone can,” she says. “I don’t think we’re ever too old to follow our dreams or passions. Even if I never use my degree, at least I can show my children that I will always thirst for knowledge and adventure, and I won’t let my fears or age stop me.”
Source: Indianola Living, January 2024; by Becky Kolosik
Linda Davis
Free opportunities
Linda Davis of West Des Moines is a fan of the library — and not just for checking out books or movies. She takes advantage of the many adult classes and events offered each month.
In fact, Linda and her son, Tom, often attend classes together. They have enjoyed the music series, adult craft night and educational sessions.
Linda began attending classes at the library when she moved to West Des Moines a year ago. She said she thought attending the classes might be a great way to get out of the house to meet some people. And an added bonus: Most events are free.
“It’s like a routine now. We see what is available at the library and plan our month.”
Linda says she has met new friends at classes, and it’s vital for her to experience new things.
“It’s great for mental health and to see a different side than just staying at home,” she says. “I’m not a lonely person, but I think you have to work at taking advantage of the opportunities you have. You feel so much better about yourself getting out and doing things.”
Source: West Des Moines Jordan Creek Living, January 2024; by Jackie Wilson
Mary Voss
A crafty crew
The Voss family is a crafty crew. They have been crafters since childhood and have continued to expand their skills and interests over the years.
Mary Voss and her husband, Terry, attend monthly woodcarving classes, and Mary and their daughter, Staci Barba, attended Craftcation in California for a week. Demonstration, education and creation have been a big part of Mary’s life since childhood.
“I was in 4-H and participated in sewing, cooking, canning, gardening and livestock.”
She later was a leader for Staci’s 4-H club, and she and Terry spent years helping the local Boy Scout troop while son Jeremy participated.
Now that the kids are grown, Terry and Mary find many ways to scratch “the creative itch.” One way is attending Mid Iowa Woodcarvers Club meetings.
“I am relatively new to carving but love to sit on the deck with a carving knife and a piece of basswood,” says Mary. “I soon realized that the beauty of this craft is that each finished item has its own personality, and sometimes ‘happy accidents’ result in the most whimsical pieces.” ♦
Source: Norwalk Living, January 2024; by Chantel Boyd
