Helping Haiti

On Friday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6 the Central Lakes College Student Senate will host a Project Haiti fundraiser during the final Raider basketball home games of the regular season. The students will donate ticket sales and concessions proceeds to Project Haiti, a local, non-profit organization that has been helping the people of Haiti for several years. Contributions will provide supplies to the hospital in Pignon, Haiti, for treating earthquake victims. Games are Friday vs. Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, with the women playing at 6 p.m. and men at 8 p.m., and Saturday vs. Vermilion Community College, when the women start at 1 p.m. and the men play at 3 p.m. Door prizes will be given away during each game, with all ticket-buyers eligible to win.

Raiders win

The men's and women's basketball teams from Central Lakes College defeated their Fond du Lac oponents Wed., Jan. 27 on the home court in Brainerd. The men won, 74-45, led by Nick Grewe's 10 points and 15 rebounds. Milos Prijovic added15 points, Yasin Jama 11, and Cody Hofmann 10. CLC's seventh straight victory lifted the Raiders to a Northern Division-leading 6-0 mark and to 16-3 overall. The CLC women won, 86-45, behind Cassie Pearson's 26 points. Trisha Wippler added 16 points and Carlee Davich tallied 14. A boost for the Raiders was their lack of turnovers - just 10 on the night for a team that has struggled. The teams travel to Hibbing for games Saturday, where the women start at 1 p.m. and the men play at 3 p.m. The final two home games of the regular season are Feb. 5 vs. Mesabi Range and Feb. 6 vs. Vermilion. (Brainerd Dispatch photo)

Marketing award

President Dr. Larry Lundblad of Central Lakes College is pleased to announce that the Central Lakes College Marketing and Public Relations office has been chosen to receive a national award. The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations will present the Paragon to CLC at the March 16 ceremony held in Albuquerque, N.M. It recognizes the college's 2008-2010 academic catalog, a printed document of 256 pages produced by the team of Kenn Dols, marketing director; Steve Waller, public information specialist; and Sasha Sparks, graphic arts specialist. Seventy-five judges reviewed over 1,700 entries in competition recognizing excellence in communications exclusively among two-year colleges. NCMPR's annual conference this year is March 14-17.

Building futures

Central Lakes College hosted the Business Council of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Comerce Tuesday, Jan. 26 for a morning review of progress at the community and technical college in Brainerd and Staples. President Dr. Larry Lundblad welcomed the council and provided a vision for the future. Jeff Wig, dean of enrollment and student services, shared graphs and data outlining growth at CLC. Enrollment has increased 43 percent in three years, with a headcount of 5,936 students taking at least one class this year. A significant number of new students are in their late 20s, and more are non-traditional age from the unemployed ranks. Criminal Justice student Joe Klemmetsen, 29, of Duluth described his experience as a dislocated worker on a new career path since his February 2009 lay-off from Kuepers Construction. Joe has a bachelor's degree in construction management. He has found the Central Lakes College enrollment process to be a straight-forward series of accommodations followed by quality instruction to enable him to transition toward a viable profession.

Free farm meeting

The Farm Business Management program at Central Lakes College will host a free producer meeting to address questions regarding the ACRE program, milk and crop marketing opportunities as well as the latest strategies using crop insurance. All area producers are encourage to attend, at no cost, this meeting held at the Staples campus of Central Lakes College on Tuesday, Feb. 16 beginning from12:30-3:30 p.m. For information, contact Bob Rick at (218)-820-8699 or Keith Olander at (763)-257-2881.

Students produce chef show

Central Lakes College Communication Art and Design students have produced a series of six cooking shows with professional tips for the Staples cable TV public access channel. “Cooking with Kevin" will begin airing in February, every Wednesday at noon. Each show will instruct viewers on the preparation of special French and Italian entrees favored by T Maxwell’s Executive Chef Kevin Aho. Students Jessica Murdock of Staples, Amber Hulke of Nisswa, and Amanda Johnson and Kevin Ballinger of Aitkin, along with instructor Leon Dahlvang, worked with Aho in the development of these videos, which will be viewed on the Public, Education, and Government Channel 8 of the Charter system managed by the City of Staples. Starting with the 2010 fall term, Central Lakes College will offer a two-year Videography Productions Associate in Applied Science degree with diploma option.

Alone at top

The Central Lakes College men's basketball team held the high-scoring Pioneers of Northland College 27 points under their average in a 66-56 battle of Division unbteatens Wed., Jan. 20 in the Brainerd campus gymnasium. Northland averages 83 points but ran into the Raider buzz-saw in this one. CLC emerged to win its 15th game in 18 starts. Scoring leaders were Nash Falk with 15, Milos Prijovic with 13, Nick Grewe and Marcua Ayala with 11 each, and Yasin Jama with 10. CLC is now 5-0 in the North Division. In the women's game, CLC lost, 57-49, while playing with just six due to an injury to Brittany Gravelle. CLC trailed by just 28-26 at the half. Carlee Davich tossed in 18 points to lead the Raiders in scoring, Cassie Pearson scored 12, Carissa Utsch 11. Weather postponed the teams' Saturday games at Vermilion in Ely. (Brainerd Dispatch photo)

Helping state park

CLC Natural Resources students and instructors Gary Carson and Dr. Bill Faber have been officially recognized with a certificate of appreciation from Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park for numerous occasions in which the students were part of volunteer activities designed to improve the educational experience for all park visitors. Jim Cummings, park manager with the DNR, presented the certificate. One of the projects is the establishment of a self-guided trail with views of natural history. The Natural Resources Club at CLC has been actively supporting the park mission through the planting of seedlings and prairie grasses, as well as providing programs for park visitors to events such as the Jan. 16 winter camp demo day in 15 below temps and the upcoming candlelight ski (Jan. 30, 6-9:30 p.m.). In May, CLC students accompany elementary pupils during Kathio Day, navigating the Rum River in 10-person voyageur canoes.

New board members

Two Staples community residents have been elected to serve three-year terms on the Central Lakes College Foundation Board of Directors. Julia Palmer and Brad Anderson join the 21-person board of the non-profit organization responsible for providing scholarships and other student financial support at the community and technical college in Brainerd and Staples. “We welcome our two newest members to our board,” said Diane Scearcy, Foundation executive director. “Without their support, the Foundation couldn’t provide financial assistance to students at our Brainerd and Staples campuses. “Through the generosity of our community we are awarding nearly $285,000 in student scholarships during 2009-10.” Each year the Foundation serves at least 350 students.

Chalberg Theatre included

Central Lakes College's renovation of Chalberg Theatre is included in Gov. Tim Pawlenty's $685 million bonding package that was announced Friday, Jan. 15. The proposed funding of $500,000 is for a multi-functional learning space. Both the Minnesota House and Senate versions of the bonding bill include this project. CLC also wants to convert two small classrooms into one larger space as part of its proposal. Several heating and ventilation upgrades on campuses in Brainerd and Staples are part of the MnSCU system HEAPR proposal, which the Governor's version reduced about 50 percent.

Raiders win 14th

The Central Lakes College men's basketball team kept its Northern Division record perfect, moving to 4-0 in division play and 14-3 overall, with a 78-71 comeback victory over Hibbing Sat, Jan. 16. The Raiders shot 42 percent in the second half and made 22 free-throws down the stretch. Milos Prijovic scored 19 points, making 8 of 13 from the field and one 3-pointer. Cassie Pearson scored 19 points but the CLC women lost 65-59 to Hibbing after holding a 31-27 halftime lead. Brittany Gravelle had 13 points and Trisha Wippler 12. The CLC teams had both defeated Rainy River on the home court one night earlier and next face Northland at home Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Copper Canyon, Mexico

Jan Kurtz will present the Feb. 4 Cultural Thursday program in Chalberg Theatre at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, giving a free noon-hour program on Copper Canyon, Mexico. Kurtz will start her presentation at noon and show images from a train trip she took to the land of Zorro, Pancho Villa, and the Grand Canyon’s big brother. The Chihuahua-to-Pacific Railroad heads out of Topolobampo at sea level, climbs to Ojitos at 7,874 feet, and switches back through the mountain tunnels and passes, the deserts, remote villages and, some 584 miles later, connects with the capital of Chihuahua, Chihuahua. It offers breathtaking views through Tarahumara Indian country, once back-water villages, and remote mountain rivers. The audience will cross the Rio Grande at the infamous Ciudad Juarez, bus to Creel, and board the train. “You will hear the myth, legend and reality of Zorro and Pancho Villa,” Kurtz said.

Free dental exams

Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples, is teaming up with dental professionals across the state to provide free care to those age 3-18 whose families cannot afford to pay for the care. Thursday, Feb. 4 and Friday, Feb. 5 are Give Kids a Smile Days, an opportunity for free oral exams, x rays, teeth cleaning, and fluoride treatment courtesy of the Minnesota Dental Association and the Central Lakes College Dental Assisting program. On both days Dental Assisting students at CLC join volunteer dentists and dental hygienists to provide the services. In Brainerd appointments may be scheduled for up to 64 persons each day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday, Feb 5 services will be in Staples from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the office of Dr. John Gorton. All appointments must be made at (218) 855-8106 or 800-933-0346, ext. 8106.

'African America'

Central Lakes College and the Crow Wing County Human Rights Commission are co-sponsoring a free performance of “African America” at 7 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 20 in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. The new play by Warren C. Bowles of Minneapolis is about the unexpected appearance of a near-magical African man, which leads a very modern interracial couple to a better understanding and appreciation of the modern African Diaspora and the immigrant experience. It also helps them consider how to connect and celebrate one’s heritage. The 45-minute work is a fresh script from Bowles, who has been a member of the Mixed Blood Theatre Co. since 1977. While primarily an actor and director, he has written plays and adapted works for Mixed Blood, including “Black Eagle,” a biographical piece about the astronaut Dr. Ronald McNair, performed at CLC a few years ago.

Gallery exhibit

Chinese-American artist Michael Wong of Minneapolis has selected work in the Central Lakes College Gallery in Brainerd from Jan. 19-Feb. 11. “Visions of History” is a display destined for Lynchburg, Va., following a debut at CLC, where the free public gallery is open during regular Brainerd campus hours. The gallery is located across from the Jon Hassler Library at CLC. “Much of the content of my work focuses on the historical landscape, combined with noted political figures to create anachronistic hybrids of time and place,” Wong said. “The tradition of political satire and cartoon also plays a central role in the content of my work, inspiring me to use subtle social commentary to investigate contemporary events.“As an American artist of Chinese descent, I identify myself as the other outsider, one who is neither grounded in Western or Eastern identity, and employ my feelings of cultural isolation to create new representations of identity and history.”

Raiders split at Mesabi

The Raider men's basketball team allowed just four field goals to Mesabi Range in the second half and cruised to a 72-53 North Division victory Jan. 9 at Virginia. Nash Faulk (left) led the Warriors with 20 points followed by Milos Prijovic's 12, Marcus Ayala's 10 and Ahmed Farah's 10. CLC amassed a 41-19 rebounding advantage. Nick Grewe had 12 rebounds and did a nice job. The Raider women shot 25 percent from the field while Mesabi Range made 58 percent in a 84-41 loss. Cassie Pearson led the Raiders with 20 points. Carlee Davich and Alicia Johnson each added seven points. Next games for the teams are Friday, Jan. 15 at home vs. Rainy River, followed by a Saturday, Jan. 16 home stand vs. Hibbing. Come cheer our teams to victory!

Concert Jan. 22

The band Bearfoot opens the spring Cultural Arts Series at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, on Friday, Jan. 22 in a 7:30 p.m. Chalberg Theatre concert. Bearfoot has performed for nine years, performing at major festivals and recordign three albums. Collaborative, uplifting, energetic, haunting, beautiful, inspired are all words that anyone should feel comfortable with while describing the sound of Bearfoot. "Doors and Windows," their latest recording, includes several guest performers. Lead singer and newest member Odessa Jorgensen provides the vocals. California-born fiddle player and vocalist Jorgensen, formerly a member of The Biscuit Burners, joined Bearfoot in September 2008. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on concret day. The box office is at (218) 855-8199. Window hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and one hour prior to each show time.

Open house

The Central Lakes College Dental Assisting and Nursing programs will host an open house Wed., Jan. 20 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. to showcase new facilities on the Brainerd campus. A short program is planned for 5:30 p.m. in the open house area, which is located on the second floor of the west wing. Two recent remodeling projects created new space for a community dental clinic and new classroom and lab areas. The improvements feature new dental diagnostic and patient management software to enhance the dental assisting skills of CLC students. The Department of Human Services operates a community clinic co-located with the college Dental Assisting program. Nursing program space was improved with the addition of a fourth training lab. The campus now has 16 bed stations for Nursing Assistant, Practical Nursing, and Associate Degree students. New simulation tools replicating patient medical situations are among the latest improvements.

Rural rebound

Central Lakes College on Jan. 7 hosted a free USDA Rural Development program featuring Colleen Landkamer, state director, USDA Rural Development. Landkamer discussed business opportunities in rural Minnesota. A four-person panel outlined emerging opportunities and obstacles. Discussion covered bioscience, renewable energy, and financial resurces. Bob Schafer, director of the Central Lakes College Ag and Energy Center near Staples, was among the panelists. Discussion focused on renewable energy and funding for feasibility studies and business start-ups, as well as support for existing businesses with innovative ideas to grow and provide jobs.

Green Week

Central Lakes College will hold its first Green Week Jan. 19-22. Co-sponsors are the student-driven Green Club and the faculty- and staff-led Green Team. Activities include the Recycling Challenge to see who can collect the most cans and bottles to win free pizza, carpooling to win gas cards, a clothing drive and giveaway, solid waste sorting in the cafeteria, posted tips for going green, and a free showing of "Wall-E" with popcorn. The Green Club is planning for "Power-Off Day," a February event to demonstrate how CLC is doing its part in the Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon initiative. Holiday lights were collected at the Brainerd campus until Jan. 15, with over 150 pounds received. Adult clothing and outerwear not procured by students during Green Week will be donated to a non-profit used clothing outlet.

Orientation at Mille Lacs

Central Lakes College has held two EZ Enrollment Days at the Mille Lacs Tribal College in preparation for the spring semester of classes offered at the community and technical college. CLC counselor Suzanne Karsnia, who teaches a two-credit Career Planning class, assisted student Kelly Friend with the enrollment process. Other courses available at Mille Lacs this spring are Composition I, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Algebra, Federal Indian Policy, and Beginning Ojibway II. The most recent orientation was Jan. 4 and included assistance from CLC officials such as Jeff Wig, dean of enrollment Management; Charlotte Daniels, director of admissions; Mike Barnaby, director of Financial aid; Cousnelor Steve Jennissen, Lynn Anderson with assessment and Elene Pawlu of the support staff. Mille Lacs Tribal College leader Josh Maudrie and Mille Lacs Band elder Joe Nayquonabe participated in the orientation.

Business marketing series

Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Camp Ripley near Little Falls are the sites for a series of four morning business marketing seminars. “Marketing Now” features business experts with advice on targeting customers, how much to budget for marketing, what type of advertising works best, and more. Seminars will be held from 8 a.m. to noon and include the same topics at both locations. The event is held on consecutive Tuesdays, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2, 9, and 16 in the Business and Industry Center at CLC in Brainerd. On Thursdays, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, 11, and 18, the seminar will be held in the Camp Ripley Town Hall. Presenters are Pat Swarthout of CLC, Kathy Moore of Moore Consulting, and Curt Walczak of the University of Minnesota. The four-session package price is $65 per person, including a textbook. Registration deadline is Jan. 19 and can be made with a credit card at (218) 855-8142 or 800-933-0346, ext. 8142. Information is available at www.clcmn.edu/BUSINESS