The Center announces its programming schedule for the week of August 28.
The week kicks off with an event from the Center’s increasingly popular Tuesdays for You series when Shawn Donnelly, a sales representative for Coffee King, will lead a discussion about one of America’s favorite, caffeine-infused fixes. Audiences can expect to learn about coffee’s origins, processing, roasting, and brewing and they will be provided with a 20-page book on the topic. Donnelly’s program will be held in the Betty Strong Encounter Center from 5:30 to 6:30 on Tuesday, August 29.
On Saturday, September 2, children’s classes at the Center resume after a break of approximately a month. The new series,called Adventure Saturdays, will extend from September through December with K-3rd Grade classes beginning at 1:00 and 4-6th Grade classes beginning at 2:30 on each Saturday.
The September 2 class is called “Take a Break,” and examines labor in the United States, including that of members of the Corps of Discovery. It will also trace the establishment of Labor Day and convey the message that work can help us all better appreciate our leisure activities. The Series has been designed by the Center’s new Education Coordinator, Amanada Gibson.
“Adventure Saturdays will highlight the diverse cultures in Siouxland and help kids learn social/emotional skills, in addition to gaining a lot of historical knowledge” says Gibson. “We’re making a real effort to engage kids by periodically changing up the instruction with guest speakers and making sure the lesson plans include plenty of interaction.”
Gibson is also innovating ways to communicate with the parents of students enrolled in the Adventure Saturday series by administering a Facebook group for parents of children who participate in Center classes and activities. Gibson will use the account to interact with parents in a familiar medium where parents are comfortable. She will provide updates about upcoming classes, schedule changes and the basic functions of the Center’s educational programming.
Parents can find more information about the Adventure Saturdays Series and register their children to participate by visiting the Center’s website.
On Sunday, September 3, at 2:00, retired long-time local journalist Joanne Fox will present an overview of her book “100 Years of Knoepfler Chevrolet” in the Betty Strong Auditorium. Her presentation will include a slideshow that describes the company’s founding, growth, challenges, and changes over the century of its operation in Sioux City, as well as the entrepreneurship and community involvement of its founding partners Ryal Miller and Duane Kidder. Free, signed copies of the book will be available to audience members and a reception will follow the program.
All the Center’s adult and children’s programming is offered to the public free of charge.
