The Bucket Courses

Everything you want to learn before you kick the bucket.
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Spring 2025 Bucket Course Schedule

All Classes Wednesdays 10:00-11:30 am | Caulkins Community Room at Drake Community LibrarY No preregistration required | No fee for attendance

February 5

Owls of Iowa: Winter’s Nocturnal Hunters 

Join Poweshiek County Naturalist Amy Durbin for an engaging program on Iowa’s owls! She’ll begin with an update on local parks and programs before diving into a fascinating look at these nocturnal birds. Learn about the owls that call Iowa home, their unique adaptations, and how to spot and hear them throughout the winter season. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and discover the wonders of Iowa’s owls! 

February 12

Cancelled due to weather

Due to the forecasted weather conditions, we are canceling the Bucket Courses session scheduled for Wednesday, February 12.
Lesley Wright’s presentation, "Creating a Museum for the Entire Community," has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 16. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

February 19

Bridging Perspectives: A Dialogue Series  

The Listening Project is a series of interactive workshops designed to foster meaningful conversations and deeper understanding. These sessions provide a space for students and community members to come together, listen, learn, and engage in thoughtful discussions on important topics. This spring, the series will focus on exploring different perspectives and building constructive dialogue. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about this program from Ryan Solomon.

February 26

UnityPoint Health: Grinnell Updates with Rural President David-Paul Cavazos

Join David-Paul Cavazos, Rural President of UnityPoint Health, for an informative session on the latest updates regarding healthcare in Grinnell. Learn about recent developments, ongoing initiatives, and future plans aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the community. This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand about UnityPoint Health’s commitment to rural healthcare and ask questions about the future of medical services in Grinnell. Don’t miss this insightful discussion!  

March 5

Cancelled due to weather

Due to the forecasted weather conditions, we are cancelling the session for today. Monty Roper's Build a Better Grinnell - A Community Drive Vision presentation has been rescheduled to May 14 and May 21, a two part series.

March 12

City of Grinnell

Stay informed about the latest developments in Grinnell! This presentation will provide key updates from the City of Grinnell, covering current projects, upcoming initiatives, and community priorities. Learn about infrastructure improvements, economic development efforts, and city planning updates that impact residents and businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from city leaders and engage in discussions about the future of Grinnell.

March 19

Public Health Initiatives

Join us for an informative session on Public Health with Brooke Holder, Public Health Manager at UnityPoint Grinnell. Brooke will share valuable insights on current public health initiatives, community well-being, and practical steps to promote a healthier lifestyle. Whether you're interested in local health resources, disease prevention, or overall wellness, this session will provide important information to help you stay informed and engaged in your community’s health.

March 26

International Women's Day Celebrations Around the World

Discover how International Women’s Day is celebrated across different cultures! Grinnell College students from the Office of International Student Affairs will share global perspectives on this important day, highlighting traditions, events, and the diverse ways countries honor women's achievements. Join us for an engaging discussion on the significance of this global celebration and its impact on communities worldwide.

April 2

Coping, Parenting and Grandparenting in the
Digital Age, Part 1

Dr. J.R. Paulson will present Coping, Parenting, and Grandparenting in the Digital Age, a thought-provoking session exploring the challenges of raising children in today’s technology-driven world. In Part 1, he will dive into The Anxious Generation: How We Got Here, examining the impact of digital culture on youth and discussing strategies to navigate this ever-changing landscape. This session will provide valuable insights and practical tools for fostering resilience and balance in the digital age.

April 9

Coping, Parenting and Grandparenting in the
Digital Age, Part 2

Dr. J.R. Paulson continues the conversation of Coping, Parenting, and Grandparenting in the Digital Age with Mental Health Solutions for the Digital Age. This session will explore practical strategies to support children’s mental well-being in an increasingly digital world. Dr. Paulson will provide expert insights on managing screen time, fostering resilience, and promoting healthy development amid today’s technological challenges. 

April 16

Creating a Museum for the Entire Community

Lesley Wright served as Director of the Grinnell College Museum of Art for its first 22 years. She will talk about weaving the Museum into the fabric of the college, creating community around Grinnell College Museum of Art’s exhibitions and collection, and connecting with faculty across campus and the community.  

April 23

Disaster PrepWise – Preparing Grinnell for Emergencies

Join Brooke Holder, Public Health Manager at UnityPoint Grinnell, for an essential presentation on Disaster PrepWise, a program designed to help individuals and communities prepare for emergencies. Learn practical strategies for disaster readiness, how to create a personalized preparedness plan, and the resources available to keep you and your loved ones safe. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a public health expert on building a more resilient Grinnell.

April 30

Protecting Yourself from Medicare Fraud: Tips & Tools to Stay Safe

Join us for an informative session on Medicare Fraud, presented by Marlu Abarca, Caseworker and Outreach Specialist for the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Learn how to recognize common scams, protect yourself and loved ones from fraud, and take action if you suspect fraudulent activity. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to stay informed and safeguard your healthcare benefits!

May 7

MICA’s Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) Impact in Grinnell

Join us for an informative session about Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) and the vital services they provide. MICA works to strengthen families and communities by offering programs in housing assistance, food security, early childhood education, and more. Discover how MICA supports local residents and how you can access or contribute to their important work. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how MICA is making a difference in Grinnell. 

May 14

Part 1: The Process Behind Build a Better Grinnell

Join us for an inside look at the Build a Better Grinnell project, a community-driven initiative designed to identify and prioritize local needs. Grinnell College Professor Monty Roper and Director of Community Development, Melissa Strovers, will walk through the planning and organization behind this effort, including the project’s goals, guiding principles, and research methods. Learn how the initiative was structured to ensure broad community engagement and a data-driven approach to understanding Grinnell’s needs. 

May 21

Part 2: Key Findings and Community Insights

In the second part of this series, Grinnell College Professor Monty Roper and Director of Community Development, Melissa Strovers, will share the key findings from the Build a Better Grinnell project. Discover the strengths identified in the first survey, how different demographic groups prioritized local needs in the second survey, and the community’s feedback on the top seven issues. This session will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping Grinnell’s future. 

To learn more: www.buildabettergrinnell.org

May 28

Get Back to Doing What You Love: An Information Session with Dr. Anthony Tedesco

Join us for an informative session on the Grinnell Orthopedic Clinic with Dr. Anthony Tedesco, a specialist in knee and shoulder orthopedic surgery, orthopedic sports medicine, and general orthopedic surgery. Dr. Tedesco is passionate about helping patients regain function and improve their quality of life. As he puts it, “The patient comes first in all things… Being able to ease someone’s pain and help them get back to activities they had given up is incredibly rewarding.”

Learn about the services offered at the Grinnell Orthopedic Clinic, treatment options for injuries and chronic conditions, and how orthopedic care can help you stay active and pain-free. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights from a leading orthopedic expert!

To View Previous Courses
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Bucket Courses Archive

*Below is an archival list of Bucket Courses, listed from newest to oldest.  You can watch videos of previous courses online by clicking on the session in the right-hand column. Some presenters choose to not have their course videos posted online.  Videos before 2021 are available on DVD at the Drake Community Library in Grinnell.  The Bucket Class Planning Committee and the library has archives of all videos.

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