The Dallas County Area Retired School Personnel Association (DCARSPA) welcomed Dr. Jim Caufield, editor and publisher of ThePerryNews.com, as our guest speaker at the March 5 lunch meeting at the Spring Valley Assisted Living.
Continuing the theme of Perry graduates who are giving back to our community, Jim spoke of his life’s journey leading to the creation of ThePerryNews.com, our town’s only locally owned news source.
Former PHS English teacher Julie Walstrom remembered Jim from the 1970s as “unforgettable, creative, articulate and never dull.” She shared her memory of saving his class papers till last to read as a treat to herself.
Jim shared details about his professional career, from working as a college professor in California to his current hectic schedule in bringing up-to-date news and information to Perry residents. It was easy to see what Julie meant.
Following the program, the DCARSPA members met to discuss the Iowa Retired School Personnel Association District 4 meeting that they will host in Perry May 19. District coordinator Venita Escher was on hand to answer any questions the group had.
Members also discussed awarding the $500 DCARSPA scholarship, given each year to any senior graduating from a Dallas County high school who is going on to study at the DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy. Seniors will be encouraged to apply.
