The Rewards of Teaching

March 20th, 2009 by huffmans

I recently received information about one of my former students.  It reminded me once again that one might easily overlook1 one of the most rewarding2 aspects3 of teaching as a career.  The most amazing thing to me is that I did not anticipate this when I began my career in teaching and research4 in biological [...]

The 31st Lemming Race[1] at Central College

March 20th, 2009 by huffmans

One of the enjoyable events of Homecoming2 at Central College in Pella, Iowa, is the Lemming Race.  This completely frivolous3 event for undergraduate4 students was started by Central College students, Larry Happel, Class of 1977, and his friend, Jack Grubaugh, who was elected by students as Grand Lemming5 of the first year’s festivities6.  We knew [...]

Homecoming Weekend

March 20th, 2009 by huffmans

This past weekend was Homecoming weekend1 at Central College, where Don and I used to teach.  It was a very busy and enjoyable week end for all of us.  The weather was perfect, warm and sunny.  Since many of the alumni2 wanted to (and did) attend the football game, the day was right for that [...]

Reading With Children

March 20th, 2009 by huffmans

Each Monday afternoon during the school year1 Don and I go to Jefferson Elementary School2 here in Pella3 to read with a 4th grade student.  This is the third year we have been involved4 in the “literacy” program5 and we enjoy it very much.  We have worked with the same 4th grade teacher6 each year.  [...]

The First Step for Choosing a US President -2008

March 20th, 2009 by huffmans

                                                by Don Huffman

       Maxine and I were both interested in the outcome1 of the “First In The Nation Iowa Caucus”2 which took place in our state of Iowa on January 3, 2008.  A caucus is a meeting of likeminded people3 to determine policy or elect candidates4 for office, and we have attended some5 [...]

Dutch Day Camp in Pella, Iowa

March 20th, 2009 by huffmans

                                                                                  by Kathy Li

Today’s blog was written by a much younger, and quite special, person, whom Don and I enjoy very much.  She would like to share a special experience with other people. 
 
My name is Kathy Li. I was born in Hangzhou, China, but I’ve lived in the U.S. for six years.  I am 11 [...]

Reading Circle

March 20th, 2009 by huffmans

I belong to a number of different groups, but the oldest one1 is the Ladies Social and Literary Society, more commonly referred to as the “Reading Circle”2.  This organization was started in 1876, just 26 years after Pella was settled3.  It was founded4 by a group of ladies who were already intelligent readers5, despite the [...]

Golden Girls

March 20th, 2009 by huffmans

                                                                             by Kim Huffman

The following blog was written by Kim, Maxine & Don’s daughter who has sometimes been mentioned in the other blogs.
 
This past Saturday I had lunch with the “girls1.”  For the past 25 years, the “girls” have gotten together for lunch.  I have known them since I was a little girl2, and have [...]

Winter Travel

March 20th, 2009 by huffmans

Traveling during the winter often is dangerous and not at all enjoyable.  If one is flying, it could be that the desired flight1 will be cancelled2 or so late that connecting flights3 will be missed.  When we are flying some place we try our best to avoid flying through the Denver4 airport because we have [...]

Sinterklas Day

March 19th, 2009 by huffmans

In our small ethnically1 Dutch2 town of Pella, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is Sinterklaas Day3.  In Holland it would be on December 6th but we celebrate4 it the Saturday after Thanksgiving so that grandchildren who come from out of town for Thanksgiving can stay and participate5. 
 
Who was Sinterklaas?  Let me tell you.  A good [...]