Three year old granddaughter, Calyn, starts next week as a peer model at Helping Hands Pre-school. It does not feel like sixteen years have passed since our son Matt was a peer model in the same program. I would say the “Helping Hands” program has stood the test of time and shown how successful learning can occur when matching children with special needs along side a few peer models.
While everyone expects kids from pre-school age through high school to be heading back to school, what about the learning that occurs after the diploma or degree is earned? That, I believe, is where Extension educational programs fit in. If you have reached the golden years and enjoy staying active, mark your calendars for Sept. 1 and join me from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Great Bend Senior Center. We will kick off the morning with some healthy refreshments. I have invited a number of agencies who work with our senior populations to be on hand and share information about services they provide. Participants will have an opportunity to have their blood sugar and blood pressure checked. It should be a fun morning with hands on activities at the various booths.
The morning will also give me a chance to unveil a program geared toward seniors titled, “Activity through the Ages.” Registration for this monthly program to encourage exercising and healthy lifestyle choices will conclude the morning event. All of the activities I have highlighted for September 1st are free and open to every one of all ages!
Gardeners take note!
If you enjoy gardening, want to learn more about it, and have some spare time on your hands for volunteer work, then the Master Gardener program might be for you. Reno County Extension has opened up their training to nearby counties to participate in. Training for new volunteers will begin on Sept. 15 with classes held every Thursday until Dec. 8 except on Thanksgiving Day. Classes will be held in Newton from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A one-time fee of $100 will be charged to cover the cost of a class reference book and other materials.  Call me for more information about this neat educational experience.
Watch my column in the weeks ahead for more educational opportunities you may want to take advantage of. Remember, back to school time isn’t just for kids!
Donna Krug is the Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County.  You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu