It's a Snow Day in Greater KC
Everyone who has grown up in an area where real snow storms are a common occurence and now lives in the KC area knows that many people here refuse to address the problems associated with snowfall. City budgets and snow removal staffing are commonly inadequate. People freak out, drive with uncommon foolhardiness, and create an economic bonanza for the auto body repair shops and tow truck companies. It didn't break my heart when I heard that classes were cancelled for today. After 27 years with the USPS, I've seen enough bad driving habits out here to prefer staying home when there's no need to fire up my Honda and venture out into traffic.
Oh yeah, those classes I've been talking about. I decided to enroll in the Kansas State Extension Services Master Food Volunteer program. Most of my classmates are former professionals with experience in teaching and food sciences. Everybody seems to classify themselves as a "foodie" of some sort. Canning and other food preservation is quite popular as well. I seem to be the only bread person in the class but I had requests to bring in some sourdough bread on the first day. I've established a deal with another student to bring in some of her homemade jam when I bring in the bread. Seems like a good deal to me.
Much of the curriculum covers food, preparation, and food handling safety. Once we complete the course, we're obligated to spend 40 hours in the next twelve months in volunteer service, participating in demonstration events and educational classes. After I meet that obligation and show adequate aptitude, I should be able to develop lesson plans and hold classes in basic bread baking skills as part of the program. It will be nice to have more competition at County Fair. I'll still have an advantage since judging County Fair competitions will be part of my participation. At last I'll have a copy of the judging guidelines before I enter a loaf. It almost seems unethical until I consider that there's no money involved.
Armed with some skills that I acquired for a degree in Elementary Education during my foolish youth in the late 60s and early 70s, I expect to enjoy this endeavour. Teaching a class to people who are in front of me because they want to be there should be a lot of fun. I won't be teaching all bread, all the time but I know a little and I'd like to share that knowledge.