A longstanding club at Allen Community College is getting a much needed boost in awareness. During Monday evening’s Iola Council meeting, council member Josiah D’Albini spoke about the Scarlet & Black Club. D’Albini, who also serves as the director of advancement at ACC, gave an overview of what the club does and who it serves.
Touted as a “lifelong learning program,” the Scarlet & Black Club is an opportunity for Kansans over the age of 60 to enroll in college courses and pay no tuition. “Members only pay for book rental and fees,” D’Albini said.
Members also enjoy free admission to all regular season athletic events and fine arts productions or performances.
D’Albini said he took on the responsibility of the program to expand its outreach.
“Starting this summer, we’re going to paint the state of Kansas scarlet and black,” said D’Albini. “We’re opening it up to all citizens in Kansas who are 60 and older. It’s a better way for us to get connected with folks in other counties.”
In the past, the club had been open to anyone in the college’s service area — Allen, Woodson, Coffey, and Osage counties, as well as half of Anderson and Wabaunsee counties.
“I know there are Red Devils everywhere and we want to show it,” he said.
D’Albini said those taking classes through the program will earn college credits.
“It’s not an audit,” he added.
IN OTHER NEWS, Mayor Steve French presented a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Donita Garner and Kayla Knavel of Hope Unlimited, along with Alisha Turner of the Kansas Children’s Service League, accepted the proclamation from the council.
Judy Brigham and Sharon Moreland with Iola Rotary Club requested city support for the club’s annual Smokin’ Hot Cars and BBQ event scheduled for May 16-17 at Riverside Park. Requests include allowing camping overnight in the park for the cooking teams; regular police patrol of the park during the event; providing and maintaining dumpsters; installation of temporary electric panels and use of water; as well as use of the Riverside Park community building. Council members unanimously approved the requests.
