April 13, 2020
History Day virtual judging – I have participated as one of the judges for the state National History Day competition in Iowa for the last seven or eight years. This contest is a wonderful way for students to explore a given theme in Iowa history and beyond.
This is usually done in a school or for the state at Hy-Vee Hall with swarms of students, teachers and families present. The students participate in various categories, including exhibits, documentaries, webpages, papers and performances.
This year presented a new challenge with the competition provided in a virtual format. This by necessity eliminates the possibility of talking with the students and your fellow judges after the presentations.
The documentaries were viewed via computers. Being on the short end of the technological curve, I experienced some challenges submitting the results and comments for the grade 6-8 documentaries I judged. With the patience of Vania Bolan, the state coordinator, I did get that accomplished for one of the district events.
Now for the next adventure to judge for the virtual state event to occur early in May. ~ contributed by Nancy Hanaman
Sorting at the Hanaman household – With extra time at home, sorting and cleaning cupboards has been the name of the game at Dale and Nancy Hanaman’s with Dale on cupboard detail with some assistance and Nancy sorting. There are many boxes of family treasures including letters, pictures and other documents from three and four generations.
Nancy is a slow sorter since she tends to stop and read, as well as taking pictures of pictures to send to family members and friends.
Some of the most interesting finds are the 1873 wedding certificate of Albert Jester and Hattie Smith, parents of her maternal grandmother, Alberta Bardole, and one of Alberta’s teaching contracts in 1898. For a 12-week term, she received the princely sum of $24. Many trips down memory lane for the sorter have slowed and/or paused the journey,
