'Refuse Reimaged'

Photographic artist Gina Dabrowski has a soft spot for trash – big piles of it. When she travels, her fascination leads her to the local dump or transfer station. This is where she does some of her finest work. Evidence awaits viewers of her Central Lakes College Gallery exhibit, “Refuse Reimaged,” Nov. 9 - Dec. 14 in Brainerd. The exhibit includes portraits from the Crow Wing County Landfill. From all angles and exploring many types of trash and recycled materials, the exhibit includes people encountered at the site with assorted contexts for their presence. Some of them are scavengers like she once was. “As a child my dad took me to the dumps,” she said, “and we would help him scavenge. I remember pulling things out at the age of five, looking for metal he could sell. My dad made extra money for the family that way.” Dabrowski knows that such scavenging is now illegal here. But in Mexico she encountered many of what she calls “independent contractors.” Her images also show the people who work in landfills. Not touting a political agenda, she simply wants to bring the landfills and the people who work in them to the public conscience in a way they might not now be. The gallery at CLC is open during regular college hours and is free for the public. It is located across from the Jon Hassler Library.

CJ Club wins 17 trophies

Central Lakes College’s Sigma Delta chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association (Lambda Alpha Epsilon) brought home 17 trophies in the 2010 Region 6 competition held Oct. 15-17 in Indianapolis, Ind. Competing in two divisions based number of student credits earned as well as professional/licensed peace officer categories, four club members represented CLC and finished second among colleges and universities in the seven-state region. The theme of the conference was “Criminologist and Murders in America.” The team of Shane Holtz, Jesse Omberg, and Nicole Roncalli placed first in firearms and second in crime scene investigation among professional competitors. Each captured first in physical agility against competitors in their respective age groups. Omberg, formerly of Aitkin, also won juvenile justice and LAE knowledge against upper division opponents, and Holtz took first in police administration knowledge of the upper division competition. Upper division is for those who have earned 70 credits or more in criminal justice education. CLC student Steve Smith placed first in LAE knowledge lower division, where he also took third in firearms.

Gallery exhibit

"Rural Aesthetic Initiative: New works by Lisa Bergh and Andrew Nordin” is the latest exhibit in the Central Lakes College Gallery in Brainerd. The art is displayed through Nov. 4. The paths of Bergh and Nordin crossed while studying art in San José, Calif. Since that time, they have constructed a similar if not shared artistic vision for themselves which at times has included collaborative projects. Like any married couple, their influences and intentions illustrate a polarity of conceptual synergy and tension. Recently, Bergh and Nordin have embarked on a public art project titled “Inheritance of Location,” a site-based video installation to be presented in 2011. At the apex of this new project is “Rural Aesthetic Initiative,” a moniker that suits their shared experience of being artists living in a small rural town in west central Minnesota. “Rural Aesthetic Initiative” allows Bergh and Nordin to present both collaborative works and their individual studio practices under a shared umbrella of identity. Their intention is to continue to exhibit and create works in this fashion, combining the strengths and weaknesses of their egos into one neat package. Bergh teaches drawing at St. Cloud State University and is the marketing manager at Glacial Ridge Winery. Nordin received a grant focusing on public art around the glacial lakes state trail in west central Minnesota.

Congressman visits Ag & Energy Center

Rep. Collin Peterson came to the Central Lakes Ag & Energy Center at Staples Oct. 21 to view biomass research plots and potential for renewable energy that is produced to sustain rural livelihood.

Football team to 9-0

The Central Lakes College Raiders finished their conference regular-season schedule unbeaten through nine games in preparation for the Oct. 30 state semi-final showdown. Stoney Burns (pictured) scored two touchdowns and Dominique Corder passed for three scores in a 33-13 win over Ridgewater at Willmar on Oct. 23. Burns scored the Raiders' first two TDs, with an 85-yard kickoff return and 63-yard punt return. He also recorded an interception and had another nullified by penalty. Corder, who passed for 206 yards, completed 12 of 20 attempts. He threw two TD passes to Barret Powell and one to Tyler Erickson. It's only the second time in school history that the football team has finished unbeaten in the regular season. The victory gave CLC, ranked 10th in the national Juco poll as of Oct. 26, the Southern Division championship and kept hope alive for defense of the state championship claimed a year ago in the upset of always-tough (and 16th-ranked) Rochester, whom CLC defeated 28-21, on Sept. 25 in Brainerd. CLC hosts Northland at 1 p.m. Sat., Oct. 30 for the right to add the 2010 MCAC prize to the expanding CLC athletic trophy case. In Week 2's second game, CLC escaped at Thief River Falls with a 7-0 win over Northland, which lost to Mesabi Range, 19-13, to finish second in the Northern Division regular season. The anticipated CLC-Rochester rematch would be played on Sunday, Nov. 7 at Husky Stadium on the campus of St. Cloud State University at 1 p.m.

Volleyball team finishes 19-12

The Central Lakes College Raiders finishes their 2010 season with a record of 19 wins and 12 losses, wrapping up the campaign in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference tournament on Oct. 22 and 23 at Fergus Falls, where their only match win was 3-2 over the hosting Spartans of Minnesota State Community and Technical College. CLC dropped 3-0 matches to Anoka-Ramsy (eventual runner-up) and Hibbing (fifth place finisher and regional qualifier). The Raiders needed to beat Hibbing for the consolation championship to have advanced. Since 2000, CLC has missed the nationals only in 2002, 2008 and 2010. Against Hibbing, all-tournament choice Melissa Widman (pictured) had seven kills, two aces and seven digs and Jenna Terhaar added six kills, two aces, six digs and a block to lead CLC. Widman, a freshman, was named to the All-Northern Division first team along with Terhaar, a sophomore.
Championship: Ridgewater def. Anoka-Ramsey 3-0
Third place: Rochester def. Itasca 3-0
Consolation championship
Central Lakes 14 19 17
Hibbing 25 25 25

'The Woman in Black'

When “The Woman In Black” opens on stage at Central Lakes College in Brainerd Nov. 4-6 and 11-13, it will be the first time area actor Erik Steen and CLC Theatre Director Patrick Spradlin will be on stage at the same time with the same production. The two have collaborated on several productions, with either Spradlin or Steen taking the directing chores, and the other acting. “The Woman in Black” is a two-person show, so they each will be carrying a hefty portion of the production’s load. Spradlin has directed Steen in at least seven different shows, including “Wait Until Dark”, “The Odd Couple,” “Sylvia,” and “Earth and Sky.” Steen adds, “It helps knowing and trusting your scene partner; Patrick’s not going to hang me out to dry.” Spradlin clearly enjoys working with Steen. “Erik had tremendous talent; I’ve got a great deal of respect for his work," he said. The play has run continuously in London for 21 years. “The Woman in Black” also features Cassandra Meyer in the title role. All shows are at 7:30 in the renovated John Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. Tickets can be reserved by calling (218) 855-8199 or (800) 933-0346 ext. 8199. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.clctickets.com

Rep. Peterson visits

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson of the Seventh Congressional District, Minnesota, spent about 90 minutes at the Staples Ag and Energy Center of Central Lakes College on Thurs., Oct. 21, discussing biofuels research and production. Bob Schafer, director, started Congressman Peterson off with a tour of demonstration plots at the acreage northwest of Staples. Varieties of non-food oilseed crops are harvested for tests as potential sources for locally produced fuels. Studies focus on renewable energy and economic development in greater Minnesota. The lawmaker agreed with much of the concept that could produce new fuel sources on marginal land and yield a sustainable, self-sufficient, on-farm economy with wider potential for economic security throughout rural Minnesota. Peterson, who lives in Detroit Lakes, chairs the House Agricultural Committee.

Senate candidate forum

Central Lakes College, Brainerd, hosted the Senate District 12 Candidate Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Sponsored by the Social Sciences Division, the one-hour event brought together the endorsed party candidates Taylor Stevenson (DFL-pictured), Paul Gazelka (Republican), and Steven Park (Constitution), and write-in candidate, Republican incumbent Paul Koering. Bob Brekken, history instructor, moderated. Following the forum the Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government at CLC hosted a five-hour candidate expo for those seeking state, district, and county offices.

Candidate expo

Several candidates for office attended the Candidate Expo at Central Lakes College in Brainerd Oct. 19, hosted by the Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government. Guests were welcomed by several new Rosenmeier Board members, including President Chris Kellett (left), accompanied by board member Kris Hasskamp. Steve Wenzel of Little Falls, a former legislator now on the political science faculty, was one board member who also took a turn on the soap box to greet old friends. As the event convened CLC students were finishing mid-term exams at the approach of a two-day break from classes.

Student voter registration

The Central Lakes College Student Senate recently sponsored a voter registration effort on the Brainerd and Staples campuses, raising awareness of the students' potential influence on Election Day Nov. 2. Students were taking advantage of the opportunity during the recent Student Success Day in the Brainerd campus gym. Student Senate President Ron Oden reported that in a regional contest among public college campuses, the CLC effort captured first place with 287 new registered voters.

New admissions rep

Jill Albie of Staples is a new admissions representative for Central Lakes College. She is based on the Staples campus. Albie is a 1988 graduate of Staples High School and from 1988-93 attended Moorhead State University. She is in the process of completing studies for a degree in elementary education and special education. With over 20 years of experience in customer service and sales, Albie brings management skills to her position as a member of the recruitment and retention team headed by Charlotte Daniels, director of admissions. She was employed by Herbergers in Brainerd since 1993 and also was a shift manager and waitress at the Brainerd Pizza Hut.

Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

The next free Cultural Thursday program at Central Lakes College, Brainerd will be a musical journey through the islands of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea at noon on Nov. 4 in the Lecture Hall (E 354) of the Brainerd campus. Scheduled presenters for the 50-minute public program are Indonesians Jaka Mahendra, Muraty Harsono (left), Djamaluddin Paratmadi, and Ana Marliana Saber, along with Bud, Marlys, and Lori-Beth Larsen, who have worked in both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Lori-Beth Larsen, an English instructor at CLC, was raised in Papua New Guinea. Bud Larsen will offer sound samples from a collection of many musical instruments that includes those from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. “We’ll discuss the social, cultural, religious, political influences on music from this incredibly diverse area of the world,” said Lori-Beth Larsen. The program is sponsored by the Resource Center for Cultures and Languages of the Americas (RCCLA) at Central Lakes College.

Medical Assistants Week

Taking vitals, recording patient histories, answering insurance questions, and scheduling appointments — the medical assistant does it all and then some with competence and compassion. Every year National Medical Assistants week is celebrated the third full week of October. This year the celebration is Oct. 18-22. Students in the Central Lakes College Medical Assistant program on the Staples campus are observing Medical Assistant Recognition Day on Wed., Oct. 20. The medical assistant is trained to perform a variety of positions on the healthcare team, from administrative, to phlebotomy, to radiology and assisting the physician. The medical assistant’s biggest asset is the ability to communicate with both the physician and the patient, keeping a line of communication open. The CLC Medical Assistant program is observing the week by participating in the blood drive on Wednesday at the Staples campus. Last Saturday a group of students and instructor Dawn Michel donated their time and joined in the fun of working the Haunted Hollow in Staples. Please join the American Medical Technologists and CLC Medical Assistant students in honoring and acknowledging all of the medical assistants working in the field and the many thousands of medical assistant students currently attending programs. -- Cindy Meierhofer, Medical Assistant student

Band concert

On Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. the newly remodeled Chalberg Theater at Central Lakes College in Brainerd will ring with the sounds of “Fall Breezes,” a fall semester concert by the CLC Community and Jazz bands. The concert will feature large-group music from “The Minnesota Portraits,” a 2004 commissioned concert band suite in three movements by St. Olaf graduate Carl Schroeder (left), originally written for the Calhoun-Isle Community Band. The suite of musical sketches is inspired the state’s landmarks and history to showcase the 28-year-old composer’s impressions of historic Fort Snelling, the Mississippi River, and Lake Calhoun. The community band will also perform traditional marches, American folk tunes, and hymns. “The Jazz Band portion of the concert runs the gamut from cool jazz to 70s average white band funk,” said Director Steve Anderson. The Community Concert Band is in preparation for its first international tour to Europe in July of 2011. Proceeds from the Nov. 9 concert help defray costs associated with the trip. General admission is $3 for adults, and free for age 12 and under and CLC students with identification. For information contact Anderson at (218) 855-8215 or sanderso@clcmn.edu

Raiders to host semi-final Oct. 30

Despite having four touchdowns nullified by penalties, the Central Lakes College Raiders football team earned the right to host a state semi-final football game on Oct. 30 by defeating Vermilion, 35-6, at Findorff Field on Sat., Oct. 16. The win was 11th-ranked* CLC's eighth straight without a loss and was a day to recognize the parents of all sophomore players on the team. For the first 21 minutes, the Raiders found themselves needing to improve drastically as they fumbled away the ball three times, and mishandled it three more times. "We came out a little flat today," running back Nick Grewe said. "We've been having a little trouble with that lately, but we're working on it." When the Raiders found themselves trailing the winless Ironmen, they followed up a five-play, 73-yard drive with a 10-play, 81-yard drive to take a 14-6 halftime lead. On the first play of the second half Grewe took a pitch to the right, picked up a block and cut back upfield for an 80-yard TD. The Bertha-Hewitt product finished with a season-high 191 rushing yards, before being relieved by Montrel Hemsworth, who highlighted a 99-yard performance by bowling over Ironmen for a 68-yard score. CLC amassed 433 yards on the ground. All-Conference candidate Dominique Corder completed six of 15 passes for 65 yards. Corder passed for two TDs - a 25-yard strike to Ryan Fay and 26-yarder to Johnny Egan. He spun his way up the sideline for a 21-yard rushing score. The Raiders travel to Ridgewater Sat., Oct. 23 to close the regular season of MCAC play and defend their state championship as well as retain the coveted axe in a special theme at Willmar. On Oct. 30, the Raiders will play either Mesabi Range or Northland, depending on the outcome of a showdown between those two Northern Division teams Oct. 23. * NJCAA Division III poll Oct. 19, 2010.

Get ready to laugh

The Central Lakes College Cultural Arts Series will present two shots of the highly caffeinated “Triple Espresso” – Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. in the renovated Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. “Triple Espresso” tells the story of three guys whose bid for showbiz fame and fortune ended in four minutes of magnificent failure on national television. Hugh Butternut, Buzz Maxwell, and Bobby Bean tell their rags-to-rags story earnestly, with hysterical results. Butternut is a musician, a vulnerable soul with a lounge lizard smile; Maxwell is an uncertain magician with an attitude; and Bean is an irrepressible, all-over-the-map entertainer with big dreams. The show is advertised for kids from 6 to 106. Tickets are $25 for center section or first two seats on aisle of left or right section, $20 for side seating, and $10 for CLC students. Family ticket: $70 in any section. Premium and side seats can be purchased online at www.clctickets.com and student and family package tickets are available from the box office (218) 855-8199 or toll-free (800) 933-0346, ext. 8199.

Children's show group reservations

School and group reservations are now being taken for the Central Lakes College’s 2011 Children’s Theatre Production of “Tinytown – A Very, Very Poor Village.” The production is designed for children in pre-school through the fourth grade. Performance dates are Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 5 through May 5, 2011 in the Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus. All tickets are $3 for school performances. Each year a new show is presented, with more than 1,000 children bussed to the college, many to see their very first live theatre performance. For the information packet and order form e-mail Dennis Lamberson, the play’s author and director, at dlambers@clcmn.edu

State volleyball

Central Lakes College plays Anoka-Ramsey in the first round of the 8-team Minnesota College Athletic Conference volleyball tournament Oct. 22 at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls. The Raiders' first match is scheduled for noon against the No. 4 team in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association Division III poll. The bracket includes Itasca, which is sixth in the national poll. The Vikings play the M State Spartans. The other bracket's opening games on Oct. 22 pit Ridgewater (No. 2 in the NJCAA rankings) vs. Mesabi Range and Hibbing vs. seventh-ranked Rochester. The meet continues Oct. 23 ahead of the regional tournament the following weekend.

Candidate Expo

The Gordon Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government, in conjunction with Central Lakes College, is hosting the 2010 Candidate Expo on Tuesday, Oct. 19 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria Commons on the Brainerd campus. State-level candidates, candidates for Minnesota State Senate District 12 and House of Representatives Districts 12A, 12B and 4A have been invited to attend as well as Crow Wing County candidates. Besides the Expo, there is also a State Senate Dist. 12 forum set for 1-1:50 p.m. in the Lecture Hall (E354), featuring candidates Paul Gazelka, Steven Park, and Taylor Stevenson, hosted by the Social Science Division at CLC. For information on the Expo contact Kris Hasskamp at (218) 546-7010 or Dale Walz at (218) 831-5412.

Raiders defeat Voyageurs

Jenna Terhaar had a strong game attacking at the net as she finished with 14 kills and Kirstie Grill was close behind with 12 in the 3-1 Central Lakes College win over Rainy River's Voyageurs Wed., Oct. 13. It was the last regular-season home game. Rachel Pfeffer tipped 40 set assists and Betsy Helmeke served two aces. On the defensive side, Melissa Widman collected five digs and Kaitlyn Roerick totaled four. With the win, the Raiders finished the Northern Division season with a record of 10-4 and 18-11 overall, according to the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. CLC, Hibbing, and Mesabi Range finished in a three-way tie for second place in the Northern behind leader and nationally ranked Itasca, a favorite in the Oct. 22 and 23 state tournament along with three nationally ranked teams -- Ridgewater, Anoka-Ramsey, and Rochester -- Hibbing, and tourney host Minnesota State Community and Technical College (Fergus Falls).
Rainy River 25 23 18 18
Central Lakes 19 25 25 25

Federal grant

Central Lakes College has been awarded a 5-year, $2,199,895 million grant by the Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education under the federal Transitions Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID). Central Lakes College is one of 27 institutions of higher education in 23 states receiving this grant. The funding allows CLC to partner with Ridgewater College, Willmar, and the University of Minnesota. CLC and Ridgewater are both community and technical colleges whereas the Institute on Community Integration at University of Minnesota is a federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Under the grant, the three institutions will establish a comprehensive and inclusive model for engaging and retaining students with intellectual disabilities in higher education programs. Dr. Suresh Tiwari (left), vice president of academic and student affairs at CLC, is the principal investigator for the grant. He will assume primary responsibility along with Rick Kangas, interim dean of enrollment and student services at CLC, for convening and imanaging a state advisory committee to address issues related to the grant project.

Rosenmeier Center adds managers

The Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government at Central Lakes College is proud to announce the addition of two program managers. Kris Hasskamp (D) and Dale Walz (R), both former area legislators and one-time political rivals, will now combine their government knowledge and experience and work as a team to help the Rosenmeier Center fulfill its mission. They will work under the direction of the Center’s board of directors, and the board’s new president, Chris Kellett, and executive director, Steve Wenzel, to implement ideas and develop educational projects and forums inspired by its board of directors. Hasskamp will serve as Director of Resource Development and Program Planning. Walz will serve Director of Research and Logistics. Some of the duties of the new project managers will include serving as project coordinators for the board, developing fundraising plans, implementing fundraising strategies.

Education Fair

About 1,000 people attended the Wed., Oct. 13 Education Fair on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College, including Brainerd High School senior Abbi Hehner. She received information about CLC from Joe Kavanaugh, admissions representative. Among Hehner's vocational interests are child therapy and young child education, the latter which is offered in CLC's career education menu of more than 60 degree and diploma programs.

International students' tour

Central Lakes College students in the Community Colleges for International Development program recently enjoyed a weekend tour of the Lake Superior North Shore. According to Erich Heppner, CLC student activities director, the international students were hosted by friends of CLC speech instructor Jann Stumbo in the Silver Bay area. They visited several Minnesota state parks, including Splitrock Lighthouse and enjoyed fantastic, unseasonably warm autumn weather. During the paid year of attendance at CLC, each student participates in 15 credit hours per semester and at least 60 hours of unpaid internships as well as volunteer activities. A key component is leadership and acquisition of knowledge essential to economic and democratic development for their home nations. The program was created to reinforce the community college role in building international ties that enable nations to move forward economically and politically.

Enrollment report

At 9.2 percent, Central Lakes College has the fourth largest enrollment increase among colleges and universities in Minnesota, according to the official enrollment data released by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. CLC has 4,378 students taking at least one class this fall. Last year's count was 4,010. This is the fourth consecutive year of growth at CLC, where enrollment has risen by about 50 percent since 2007. More than 200,000 students are attending the 32 MnSCU schools this fall, resulting in the fifth consecutive fall enrollment increase and setting another record high. The system now has 203,756 students or 5,262 more students than last fall when 198,794 students were enrolled, a 2.7 percent increase. Enrollment growth among the 25 community and technical colleges averaged more than 3 percent, while the seven state universities grew by almost 2 percent.

Football team to 7-0

The 7-0 Central Lakes College Raiders football team clinched its fourth straight Minnesota College Athletic Conference playoff berth on Sat., Oct. 9. Dominique Corder threw two touchdown passes and Michael Iverson ran for two others in a 47-13 win over Minnesota West at Worthington. Corder, who finished 8 of 13 passing for 175 yards, threw TDs of 15 yards to Tyler Erickson and 48 yards to Ryan Tri. Iverson scored on two 1-yard runs. Nick Grewe scored on a 42-yard run, Stoney Burns (pictured) returned a kickoff 75 yards for a TD, and Montrel Hemsworth ran 36 yards for the other score. The Raiders accumulated 369 total yards to MnWest's 187. Jordan Laroche intercepted a pass and Matt Spoden recovered a fumble for the Raiders. CLC is ranked 12th as of Oct. 12 in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III poll. The Raiders next host Vermilion of Ely on Sat., Oct. 16 at 1:30 p.m.

Volleyball team 9-4 in Division

Kaitlyn Roerick and Kirstie Grill each collected nine kills for the Central Lakes Raiders in a competitive three-game loss to Itasca of Grand Rapids on Sat., Oct. 9. Itasca, ranked fifth in the NJCAA Division III poll coming into the match, had first place secured in the Northern Division with an 8-1 record. The Raiders lost 25-23, 25-23, 25-21. CLC's Megan Rakow (pictured) scooped 13 digs, and Kayla Atkinson and Melissa Widman followed with 11 each. Grill also led the team in blocks with four. Friday, Oct. 8 at CLC the Raiders dominated all three games vs. Fond du Lac, winning the first 25-12, the second 25-9 and the third 25-6. Kirstie Grill pounded out nine kills, and Melissa Widman and Jenna Terhaar combined for six each as the Raiders dominated the net. Rachel Pfeffer led the way with 25 set assists. Defensively, Melissa Widman totaled 10 digs, and Kayla Atkinson added eight as the Raiders were stingy in allowing the Thunder to get any offense going. CLC also combined for seven points off blocks. The Raiders finish the regular season on Wed., Oct. 13 at home against Rainy River before heading to the state tournament in Fergus Falls, where they will join Itasca, Mesabi Range, and Hibbing from the Northern Division. Division: CLC 9-4. Overall: CLC 17-10.

Auditions for 'Drowsy Chaperone'

The Central Lakes College Theatre Department will host auditions for “The Drowsy Chaperone” at 10 a.m., Sat., Oct. 30 in the Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus. Winner of five Broadway Tony Awards, “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a good old- fashion musical for the whole family. With its jazzy musical numbers, slap-stick humor and comic delight this show is sure to drive away the “winter blues.” It all begins when a die-hard musical-theatre fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally burst to life in his living room telling the rambunctious 1928 tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep her true love. Performances will be Feb. 24-26 and March 3-6 in Chalberg Theatre. Rehearsals will be in November and December, with one tap dance lesson per week, and full rehearsals start Jan. 10. Director Dennis Lamberson said the show needs an African-American actress with a belt voice and men who can tap dance. “All cast members sing and dance,” he said. To audition, prepare a short up tempo 1920’s song. Examples of this are “Tea for Two,” “Bye, Bye Black Bird,” “The Varsity Drag,” and “Yes! We Have No Bananas.” Music may be picked up at Lamberson’s office, E-443, on the Brainerd campus. A script is on reserve at the Jon Hassler Library at CLC. For information call or e-mail Lamberson at 218-855-8202 or dlambers@clcmn.edu

Theatre renovation

The Chalberg Theatre renovation project at Central Lakes College in Brainerd is nearing completion. New seating, floor covering, surround sound, and air handling are part of the work, which will be completed when high-tech controls for audio and visual presentation for classroom functions are installed. The first show to be staged in the remodeled facility will be the Oct. 30 and 31 comedy "Triple Espresso," which provides its own sound system. The full-functioning surround sound will be in place for productions after that.

Senate candidate forum

The Social Sciences Division at Central Lakes College is sponsoring a Candidate Forum for State Senate District 12 on Tuesday, Oct. 19 from 1-1:50 p.m. The forum will be on the Brainerd campus in Room E354, a lecture hall. Confirmed participants are candidates Paul Gazelka, Steven Park, and Taylor Stevenson.

'Triple Espresso'

The Central Lakes College Cultural Arts Series will present two shots of the highly caffeinated “Triple Espresso” – Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. in the renovated Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. The Los Angeles Times called “Triple Espresso” a “triple threat of inspired craziness. Three guys, a coffee house, an utter lack of common sense... the funniest show you will see this century!” “Triple Espresso” tells the story of three guys whose bid for showbiz fame and fortune ended in four minutes of magnificent failure on national television. Hugh Butternut, Buzz Maxwell, and Bobby Bean tell their rags-to-rags story earnestly, with hysterical results. Butternut is a musician, a vulnerable soul with a lounge lizard smile; Maxwell is an uncertain magician with an attitude; and Bean is an irrepressible, all-over-the-map entertainer with big dreams. The laughter in this two-act, two-hour production is infectious. The comedy appeals to everyone from first graders to college students to baby-boomers to grandparents. The show is advertised for kids from 6 to 106.
Audience comments echo one result: Unbridled laughter. Tickets are $25 for premium (center section or first two seats on aisle of left or right section) seating, $20 for side seating, and $10 for CLC students. A family ticket package provides two adult and two child tickets for $70 in any section. Premium and side seats can be purchased online at www.clctickets.com with student and family package tickets available at the box office (218) 855-8199 or toll-free (800) 933-0346, ext. 8199. The box office window is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday noon to 1:30 p.m. for in-person purchase and also one hour prior to each showtime. For information, email clctheatre@clcmn.edu

CLC football action

Photos by Mark Slupe for Central Lakes College

Candidates' views

The three major gubernatorial candidates offered their views about tuition, budget priorities, jobs for graduates, online learning and other higher education issues in videotaped interviews with Scott Thiss, chair of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees and a student leader, Caitlin Stene. Their responses are available online at www.fan.mnscu.edu/electionguide/video.html. The candidates - Democrat Mark Dayton, Republican Tom Emmer and Independent Tom Horner - answered questions from Stene, who represented the Minnesota State University Student Association and the Minnesota State College Student Association, and Thiss. The interviews were sponsored by the Board of Trustees in partnership with the two student associations. The three candidates were asked the same questions in individual sessions.

Volleyball team sweeps Northland

The Central Lakes College volleyball Raiders swept Northland at Thief River Falls Wed., Oct. 6, winning by scores of 25-12, 25-14 and 25-6. The Raiders have now defeated the Pioneers twice this season, and they improved to 17-9 on the year, 8-3 in the Northern Division of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. It has been a long stretch of away matches for CLC, but now the team comes home for three straight to close the regular 2010 season, playing Fond du Lac Friday, Oct. 8 at 6:30, seeking revenge vs. Itasca (15-3, ranked 5th in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III poll) on Sat., Oct. 9 (noon), and finishing with Rainy River (12-10) at 6:30 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 13.

Education Fair

A Minnesota Education Fair for area high school students and Central Lakes College transfer students will be held in the gymnasium on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College Wed., Oct. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. This program gives students an opportunity to explore a variety of options for continued education at a four-year transfer institution. Representatives from 75 colleges and universities will be available to answer questions and provide additional information. Officials expect about 1,000 to attend, including students, high school counselors, and parents.

Sund earns national berth

John Sund of Central Lakes College carded a two-day score of 162, punching his ticket to the national tournament next June as the Raiders finished fourth with a total of 657 in the MCAC state and Region 13 tournaments Tues., Oct. 5 at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's. CLC's Cody Cederberg, Jared Cowden and Paul Albrecht will be alternates should any of the individual qualifiers be unable to make the tournament. Morgan Morris shot a total of 200 and is also a national alternate for the CLC women, who finished third. Men scores: 1-Rochester 639, 2-M State 645, 3 - SW Wisc. Tech 646, 4-CLC 657. Medalist: Josh Vandenbush (SWT) 151. CLC: John Sund 78-84=162, Cody Cederberg 80-84=164, Jared Cowden 83-82=165, Paul Albrecht 82-84=166, Nick Smith 94-DQ. Women scores: Bismarck State College 739, Minnesota West 898, CLC 915. State Leader: Minnesota West 301. Region Leader: Bismarck State 374. Medalist: Corbin Carlson (Roc) 175. CLC: Morgan Morris 94-106=200, Dayna Pearson 119-97=216, Lindsey Ross 127-120=247, Brittany Gravelle 127-125=252.

Operation Community Connect

The Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College on Saturday, Oct. 30 will host Crow Wing County’s inaugural Operation Community Connect, an event sponsored by the Crow Wing County Coalition to End Poverty. The event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is being held to provide a one-stop shop for individuals and families in the Crow Wing County area to apply for various types of benefits, receive information on opportunities for them, and apply for social service assistance. Free workshops include Nutritious Meal Demonstration, Women’s Health 101, Bridge to Benefits (benefit eligibility), Basics of Financial Literacy, Family Law Panel, and Job Searching. Other free services available at the event will be haircuts, energy assistance, gas and food cards, veteran assistance, benefit screening for housing and employment, and public health. Lunch is included. Partnering Agencies/Organizations include Bridges of Hope, Central Lakes College- Upward Bound, College of St. Scholastica Social Work Program, Crow Wing County, Lakes Area Senior Center, Legal Aid Services, Lutheran Social Service - Energy Assistance, Lutheran Social Service – HOPE Housing, Northern Pines Mental Health, Parish Nurses, Rural Minnesota CEP, and Tri-County Community Action, Inc. Information is available by calling Natasha Leyk, AmeriCorps VISTA, at (218) 825-7682 or email vista@bridgesofhopemn.org

CLC golfers in contention

John Sund shot a 78 helping the Central Lakes College Raiders to second place after the first round of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference state and Region 13 championships Mon., Oct. 4 at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's, East Gull Lake. CLC trails Rochester by two strokes heading into today's final round. Cody Cederberg shot 80, Paul Albrecht 82 and Jared Cowden an 83. Morgan Morris led the Raider women with a 94 for fifth place after Day 1. Men scores: 1-Rochester 321, 2-CLC 323, 3-Southwest Wisconsin Tech 323, 4-Minnesota State Community & Technical (Fergus Falls) 323. Women State Team Leader: Minnesota West 301. Region Leader: Bismarck (N.D.) State 374. CLC team score: 467 (Morris 94, Dayna Pearson 119, Brittany Gravelle 127, Lindsey Ross 127). The meet concludes today (Tues., Oct. 5), with winners advancing to national meets held next spring in New York (men) and Florida (women).

Volleyball team is 16-9

Melissa Widman collected 18 kills and Megan Rakow totaled 21 digs for Central Lakes in a 3-1 volleyball loss to Mesabi Range Sat., Oct. 2 in Virginia. The loss leaves the Raiders with a 16-9 record after picking up a pair of wins Fri., Oct. 1 vs. Vermilion and Gogebic (Mich.). Rachel Pfeffer tallied 41 set assists and Jenna Terhaar finished with 20 kills. The Raiders will end their week by playing cellar-dweller Fond du Lac Fri., Oct. 8 in the Brainerd campus gym at 6:30 p.m. and host division leader Itasca at noon Sat., Oct. 9 in hopes of avenging a loss to the VikeQueens. Against Vermilion and Gogebic Rachel Pfeffer had 46 set assists. CLC defeated Vermilion 3-1 and then scored a 2-1 win over Gogebic. Jenna Terhaar and Kirstie Grill combined for 27 kills while Kayla Atkinson (pictured), Bristy Bourgoin, and Megan Rakow dug up 40 digs in the two matches for the Raiders.