A week ago, Cute and I got away from our unboxing, hanging pictures, re-cluttering activities and went to Stowers Institute for their reincarnated Big Ideas , Scientific Lecture Series to listen to “Reflections of a Plant Intelligence Maverick.” Paco Calvo, from the University of Spain, has written a much talked about book, Planta Sapiens. Moderated by very enthusiastic Dr. Kate Biberdorf (Kate the Chemist), it was a fascinating foray into the world of plant intelligence. For some reason, this is a topic I’ve just not given much thought to, but it seems I should be. I also am pretty guilty of ignoring science whenever it confronts me, accepting new inventions and conclusions as they come without pondering the work that went into them.
Although I always listen to Science Friday on KCUR I’m proud to say.
Stowers is trying to not only make science understandable, but also relatable -- to help us normal folk recognize all scientific fields, including biology, are highly important to our everyday lives and well-being. Since research seems to be under attack lately, it’s an even more important mission. It’s been 25 years since Stowers opened it doors, despite the skepticism of many in Kansas City, and they continue to tackle unusual and meaningful research.
I am NOT trying to just plug Stowers (and have no reason to do so but they did do a great follow-up reception [flowers, music, wine, food]) but that Tuesday night was a key reminder to me of another big idea: Kansas City is full of ways to keep us learning.
Another example is the Cockefair classes and lectures at UMKC which are varied and fascinating (almost always). There’s one tonight that I just signed up for, “A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary Mcleod Bethune” which I bet you could still get into to (which is why I made it a link to that page). I wasn’t even sure who Mary Bethune was, until I read the description, so I can hardly wait to learn more. UMKC’s special classes are probably still available and run the gamut from politics to art to trade wars to cinema. Again, click this link.
Another source for learning? KU has numerous courses, tours, and experiences this spring and summer both online and in person all over town – some lasting an hour, some a series through their Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. We’ve been to several of these and are checking them out now for this spring.
There are many, many more offered by schools, organizations, and retail establishments, but as Cute continually reminds me, my blogs are too long. If you just search “Kansas City adult classes 2025,” you will be amazed at what is offered – from dance to brain surgery. (Well, maybe not the latter.) Spend a few minutes and discover how much is available here, the stranger the better – and we need to get out and take advantage of them.
I hope you’ll discover something new, too, and soon.
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