New crop of MPCC community ed. classes starting

    Food, safety, art, Medicare info and even pickleball are among the community education classes about to get started at Mid-Plains Community College Imperial campus.
    Ten classes, the first of which kicks off next week, have small fees attached in most cases, but a whole lot of learning is also included.
    Brenda Ledall, MPCC Imperial campus coordinator, said she is always amazed at the college’s variety of community education classes each year.
    “It’s never the same. We rarely repeat classes and the community is so responsive,” she said.
    Coming up with ideas for community ed. classes isn’t difficult. Ledall said they develop the schedule from patron suggestions and by looking at scenarios or needs in the community.
    “And, sometimes, people call us like the Brain Injury Alliance group asking us if they can hold a class,” she said.
    All classes on the community ed. schedule are non-credit, Ledall said.
    First on the fall MPCC schedule is a Microsoft Office Excel introductory course on Sept. 12, 14, 19 and 21 from 3-5 p.m. at the campus. Instructor is Sheri Hink-Wagner. Fee is $69.
    Here’s a recap of the other courses offered this fall in chronological order:
    Traumatic Brain Injury—Sept. 15, 6-8 p.m. presented by the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska staff. The two-hour session is free.
    Pickleball—Local residents can learn the basic fundamentals of this fast-growing activity in short course Sept. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Campbell Park tennis court. Colette Jessen of Grant is instructor. Fee $10.
    Medicare Basics 2022—This free class will be held Sept. 21 starting at 11 a.m. and will cover the basics of Medicare, presented by staff with the Nebraska State Health Insurance Information Program, or SHIP.
    Healthy Foods Fast With Your Air Fryer—Sept. 28, 6-7:30 p.m. Learn how air fryers work and get some great recipes. Extension Education Nancy Frecks is instructor. Fee $15.
    Affordable Meals in Minutes—Nancy Frecks returns to teach this class Oct. 5 from 6-7 p.m. The class will focus on planning and preparing quick meals, with one recipe to be made that night. Fee $10.
    Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System—Oct. 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. with Deaun Carpenter, instructor. The class will explain how herbs can work to provide a protocol when infections arise, especially for those prone to sickness. Fee $79.
    Food Safety in Your Home—Safe food storage, preparation and handling are among topics in this class Oct. 12 from 6-7 p.m. Instructor is Nancy Frecks. Fee $10.
    Helping Children Deal with Loss—Mondays in October from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Grief Recovery Specialist Deb Hrcka will teach the class that comes with a book to keep. Fee $85.
    Acrylics, Collage & Altered Books—Tuesdays in October, 1-4 p.m. Students will have the freedom to create collage works on a traditional 3-D format or within a bound book format, with printing text and journaling within the art encouraged. Instructor is Marcia Bauerle. Fee $99.