Career Exploration at Staples

The Staples campus of Central Lakes College on Friday, April 29 hosted a Career Exploration Day for more than 200 students from area high schools. The students were allowed to choose three career areas to explore during sessions led by instructors, lab assistants, or students at the college. Programs featured were Communication Art and Design, Computer Technology, Diesel Technology, Heavy Equipment, Horticulture, Liberal Arts, Machine Trades, Medical Assistant, Natural Resources, Nursing, Photographic Imaging, Robotics/Automated Systems, and Videography Production. The Brainerd and Staples campuses were represented for these informational introductions to careers and the training that leads to them. Scheduled schools were Aitkin, Browerville, Bertha-Hewitt, Eagle Valley, Long Prarie-Grey Eagle, Parkers Prairie, Sebeka, Staples-Motley, Verndale, and Wadena-Deer Creek. Medical Assistant students Ida Lombard (left), Ann Martins, Kelli Nelsen, and Christine Mayer showed students from Aitkin and Wadena-Deer Creek a sample of the many tasks they learn in the one-year program at CLC. More images at http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04

Raiders still in running

Sam Harting (left) pitched two complete games without giving up any earned runs as the Central Lakes College softball team finished its home schedule by sweeping Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, 6-0 and 6-1 in Thursday’s Northern Division doubleheader at Findorff Field. Sam gave up just six hits for the day while striking out five and walking three. Dani Thiesse and Steph Neugebauer each had doubles and an RBI for the Raiders. Steph also doubled in the second game and was 2-4. Ashley Zimmerman drove in two runs while going 2-4 and Trisha Wippler tallied two RBIs. “It was nice to end the home season on a positive note,” said CLC coach Greg Medeck, “and this keeps us in the running for the state tournament. The Raiders are one of five teams vying for three of the division’s spots at state. “Hopefully, this provides us with some momentum and we can keep playing well,” Coach Medeck added.

Staples Awards Day

The Staples campus of Central Lakes College held its annual Awards Day on Thursday after a free lunch in the campus cafeteria. Award winners included Student Employee of the Year - Jeremy Janousek, Staples; CLC Department of the Year – Diesel Technology; Club of the Year – Robotics; Club Advisor of the Year - Nate Peterson, robotics/automated systems; Student Senate Executive Officer of the Year - Tyler Acheson, Minneapolis; Student Senator of the Year - Rob Brown, Staples (pictured); Faculty of the Year - Mike Kuklok, heavy equipment operation and maintenance; Staff of the Year - Calvin Gudgeon, maintenance; Male Freshman of the Year - Dylan Arceneau, Belgrade; Female Freshman of the Year - Sharaea Bartlett, Sebeka; Male Sophomore of the Year - Brown; Female Sophomore of the Year - Alishia Zoch, Remer; Student of the Year - Mark Dahmes, Hawick; Heavy Equipment Student of the Year - Brown.
More pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04
News release: http://clcnewsblogreleases.blogspot.com/

$100 prize winners

Winners of $100 each from a random drawing among Service Learning and Civic Engagement participants in 2010-11 are the Medical Assistant Club and Practical Nursing program on the Staples campus and the Horticulture Club and Occupational Skills Program on the Brainerd campus. The funds are available for these groups to use in a celebration activity (pizza, lunch, etc.) for the winners. Last week, CLC held its first Civic Engagement and Service Learning celebrations on the Staples and Brainerd campuses. The drawings were held Wednesday, supervised by Erich Heppner and Rebecca Best, with Adam Schlangen from Student Senate doing the honors.

Brainerd Awards Day

The Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College held its annual Awards Day on Wednesday after a free lunch to the first 400 diners in the campus cafeteria. Award winners included Natural Resources instructor Kent Montgomery (pictured), Outstanding Faculty; Lori-Beth Larsen, Outstanding Adviser (International Club); Myron Stevens, Outstanding Staff (Maintenance); Rick Kangas, Outstanding Administrator; and students Adam Schlangen, Catie Sabin, Steve Sabin, Cody Platta, Melanie Mankowski, Santiago Continenza, and Abra Fish. Academic Achievement winners (4.0 GPA) were introduced, and Natural Resources won both Club of Year and Department of Year honors. Business Student award winners were Mary Monn and Mary Richards. Marcus McDonald received the Trio Student of the Year honor. Writing awards were announced. Several other departments cited colleagues and students for efforts in support of their particular missions.
Writing Awards – Co-sponsored by the CLC Foundation and Student Senate, the English Department presented awards in poetry, fiction, and essay writing judged by non-affiliated writers. Honorees were Poetry: 1. Kirsten Gudgeon, Staples; 2. Eric Bowman, St. Louis Park; 3. Neela Jarrott, Brainerd; Fiction: 1. Jason Rochelle, Deerwood; 2. Maggie Desmond O’Brien Tiede, Brainerd; 3. Jean Hopkins, Brainerd; Essay: 1. Cassidy Conklin, East Gull Lake; 2. Julie Jo Larson, Brainerd; 3. Rochelle.
More pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04
News release: http://clcnewsblogreleases.blogspot.com/

Player of Week

Trisha Wippler, a first baseman for the Central Lakes College softball team, was named Player of the Week in the Northern Division of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. The little Falls sophomore batted .696 (16 hits in 23 at-bats) over six games during the week. She belted four homers and a triple while producing 16 runs batted in. In the field, she handled 19 chances without a miscue. Congratulations Trisha!

Baseball rain-out

The Central Lakes College baseball game scheduled for Mills Field today vs. St. John's junior varsity has been canceled, reports Raider Coach Pat Held. He said it is unlikely to be rescheduled. The team dropped two games to Ridgewater on Tuesday in the final home twinbill of the 2011 season. Scores were 11-0 and 6-0. Adam Tautges had the Raiders' only hit in the frist game, and Josh Edwards belted two in the second shutout loss. Pete Lucken pitched a complete game in the 6-0 loss in which CLC was outhit, 8-4, but played errorless ball. The team record is 0-27.

CLC competes for $1 million

Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples, is one of 120 colleges competing for a share of $1 million to be awarded by the Aspen Institute for innovative strategies and student success. The first Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence will be awarded in December to an unspecified number of colleges from the 120 listed after the first round of competition. It will use data on colleges in 32 states which demonstrate strong outcomes in three areas of student success: 1. Persistence and completion, 2. Consistent improvement in outcomes over time, and 3. Equity in outcomes for students of all racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. CLC joins three other two-year colleges in Minnesota which prevailed in the first of three rounds of a process that incorporates a broad range of criteria using nationally available data. The others are Alexandria Technical and Community College, Minnesota State Community and Technical College (Fergus Falls), and Minnesota West Community and Technical College (Granite Falls). The Aspen Institute said the competition stems from initiatives to improve community college completion rates driven by President Obama. The goal is to enable more students to succeed in high-wage careers and further educational attainment.

Old-Fashioned Games

The Child Development program at Central Lakes College sponsored Old-Fashioned Game Day on the Brainerd campus April 26. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria Commons area, students supervised kite-making, Go-Fish, Slap Jack and other card games, Pick-up Sticks, Hi Ho Cheeri-O and other board games, Marbles, Kick the Can, Legos, Lincoln Logs, Hopscotch, Charades, Gunny Sack and Wheelbarrow races, and more. The Veterans Club provided root beer floats. Day-care children and the offspring of CLC students and staff enjoyed the variety of activities, and some of the mature guests remembered playing some of the old-fashioned games in a time before TV and the Internet.

Raiders lead but lose

The Central Lakes College baseball team lost a pair to St. Cloud Technical and Community College Monday despite leading much of the first game against the nation's fifth-ranked team. The Raiders got three of their four hits in the first inning of Game One including RBI singles from Pete Lucken and Jaron Hanson. SCTC then rallied for a 7-2 win. In Game Two, CLC managed five hits in an 11-0 shutout. Mike Gontarek hit a double and Jaron Hanson went 2-2. The Raiders are 0-8 in the division, 0-25 overall.

Honors comp showcase

Students in the Central Lakes College Honors Composition II: Public and Professional Writing course taught by Leane Flynn of the English Department presented a Research Showcase in the Lecture Hall of the Brainerd campus Monday. Guests included students, faculty, and administrators for the one-hour program based on semester-long investigation of individual topics. Student presenters were Julie Jo Larson, Brainerd, on the Mozart Effect: Educational Use Grades K-12; Mitch Collins, Aitkin, on Government Censorship in China and Impact on Economy; and Maggie Tiede (pictured), Remer, on Education Out of the Box; Homeschooling's Place in Education Reform. The students reviewed highlights of their findings and cited sources and rationale for positions where appropriate. "This showcase was intended to stimulate interaction and exchange of ideas among students," said Leane of the assignment. Students with qualifying aptitude are enrolled in the Honors AA Degree program that offers a liberal arts curriculum for transfer to greater academic challenge upon graduating from CLC.

Public Access Videophone

A public videophone installed at Central Lakes College on the Brainerd campus across from the computer commons will mean better access for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community at CLC. This site was selected due to its location that is always open and which can serve as a public access point for anyone attending community events on campus. It is made possible by Project Endeavor, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The project operates with an emphasis toward deaf and hard-of-hearing job seekers and also those transition students transitioning from "school to work" programs. The purpose is to bring Internet services to America's deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Communication Service for the Deaf received a grant to improve broadband access, and CSD contributed Public Access Videophones to organizations such as CLC at no charge, providing the recipient agrees to provide broadband service. Stephanie Nutt, Pillager, sampled the device by communicating through American Sign Language with an interpretive service at another location. CLC is currently the only public site to have a PAV between Duluth and St. Cloud.

Graduation events

Minnesota’s attorney general and secretary of state are the scheduled 2011 graduation speakers for Central Lakes College. Mark Ritchie, the state’s 21st secretary of state, will give the commencement address to Staples campus graduates in a ceremony that starts at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11 in the Staples-Motley High School gymnasium. Lori Swanson, the state’s 29th attorney general and first female to hold the office, will speak at the Brainerd ceremony that starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 in the Brainerd High School gymnasium. Approximately 600 CLC students are expected to participate, receiving degrees, diplomas, and certificates for program completion. Honor graduates will be recognized. Student speakers will be Latoya Ross-McRae at Staples and Anthony Allen at Brainerd.

Sports update

Softball
The Central Lakes College Raiders fast-pitch softball team dropped two games to Hibbing Saturday. CLC lost the first game 12-10 despite Trisha Wippler’s 3-for-5 effort at the plate, which included three runs, five RBIs and two home runs. Dani Thiesse had four hits with three runs, an RBI and three stolen bases. Lindsey Fryer also had four hits with two runs, three RBIs and two steals. Heather Zetah was 2-5 with a run and RBI. Hallsey Olson was 4-5 with a run and two steals. Losing pitcher Sam Harting went all eight innings, with nine earned runs, three strikeouts and three walks. In Game Two, Lindsey finished 4-5 with two runs, three RBIs a home run and stolen base in a 14-13 loss. Dani, Steph Neugebauer, Trisha and Hallsey each had three hits and Alicia Johnson and Katie Boody each added two. Steph, Alicia and Katie homered. Sam took the loss, allowing 12 earned runs and six walks with two strikeouts. Division: CLC 7-7. Overall: CLC 11-11. Next: Central Lakes vs. Itasca at Grand Rapids 3 p.m. Wednesday (2).
Baseball
The Central Lakes College Raiders remained winless following 14-2 and 15-1 losses to St. Cloud Technical and Community College on Saturday in a Central Division doubleheader at the Findorff Athletic Complex in Brainerd. In Game One, Josh Edwards singled and Pete Lucken contributed an RBI single in the third for CLC. In Game Two, Jaron Hanson doubled and Dan Koopmeiners delivered an RBI single for the Raiders. CLC is scheduled to make up a postponed doubleheader Monday at St. Cloud. Division: CLC 0-6. Overall: CLC 0-23. Next: CLC at St. Cloud Technical 11 a.m. Monday (2).

Employee recognition

Ten Central Lakes College employees will be honored as retirees during the 2011 Employee Recognition Event on May 13 in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. They are Russ Jenkins, welding; Terry Fairbanks, criminal justice; Shirley Johnson, Staples information center; Gerald "Butch" Goltz, Staples maintenance; Lee Todnem, farm business management; Marilyn Moses, English faculty; Donald Garey, communication art and design faculty; James Takala, farm business management; Nancy Smith, health faculty; and Barb Cline, customized training. They have a combined 245 years of service. Also recognized will be 33 employees who have 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 years of service.

Egg hunt

Erich Heppner, director of student life at Central Lakes College, reports that the Staples Student Senate held a very successful Egg Hunt for students, faculty, staff, and their families on Saturday, April 23. "We had a total of 60 children at the Staples Campus searching high and low for over 1,000 eggs. Thank you to those of you able to attend, and we hope to get an even larger number of youngsters at next year's event," Erich said. He also thanks Staples Senate President Toy Ross-McRae for her leadership in planning this event. Special thanks also go to Gary Rohr for his excellent maintenance work.

CLC satellite site at Pine River

Central Lakes College and the Pine River-Backus School District have agreed to offer college courses in Pine River starting around Oct. 1, 2011. Kelly McCalla (left), CLC dean of liberal arts and sciences, promises the college will offer CLC courses taught by local teachers with master's degrees, as long as there are 15 to 20 students signed up per course. A local marketing group is to direct curriculum and publicize classes offered. The Community Education program at PR-B will train members of the community to serve as mentors and tutors for students taking CLC courses in Pine River. Although not finalized, courses may include General Psychology and Introduction to Communications, and credits for general education coruses will transfer to Minnesota state colleges and universities. Approved by the PR-B School Board April 18 and reported on the front page of the Pine River Journal newspaper, the pact is aided by a grant obtaiend by the Cass County Economic Development Corp. for a community technology lab and coordinator. Classes will meet in the former PR-B district office. "We're adjusting start and end dates (for fall and spring terms) so that we can make this fit within the life of a community," Kelly told the Journal. Story can be found at http://www.pineandlakes.com/stories/042011/localnews_20110420036.shtml

Welding lab assistant

Paul Bremer has been hired as a seasonal, part-time welding lab assistant at Central Lakes College, starting April 18, 2011. Paul is from Brainerd. He received a CLC welding certificate as well as an Associate in Science degree in pre-engineering and also has training in criminal justice(Hibbing, Bemidji State), carpentry and masonry (USAF), and mechanical/manufacturing (BA degree pending, St. Cloud State). Paul was a self-employed general contarctor from 1991-204 and has worked for two years as a cold-weather testing engineer for Ford Motor Co.

Photo contest winners

A record 559 entries from 76 photographers made history in the 44th annual Central Lakes College Photo Contest. Submissions came from 31 communities. Contest coordinator Larry Kellerman awarded ribbons to 93 firsts, 162 seconds, and 208 thirds. Brandi Jerby, Wadena, captured Best of Theme in Glass, followed by Megan Maki, Brainerd. Gary Harris, Brainerd, received Best of Show in Color. Marion Segersten, Crosby, was first runner-up. Larry Helsene, Pillager, was second runner-up. Megan Bollings, Silver Bay, won Best of Show in Black and White, followed by Bill Kuehl, Nisswa. Judge’s Awards went to Juliette Omundson, Staples; Jeff Mozey, Brainerd; Carolyn Corbett, Lake Shore; and Vanessa Lenzen, Eagle Bend. Photos will be displayed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. through April 29 in the hallways near the Jon Hassler Library at CLC.

$8,000 for CLC students

The Brainerd Lakes Chapter of Muskies Inc. has presented a check for $8,000 to the Central Lakes College Foundation for scholarships to students in the CLC Natural Resources and Natural Resources Law Enforcement programs in Brainerd. The Hugh C. Becker Scholarship Foundation, which provides financial support to states with muskie management programs, provided half of the Muskies Inc. donation. CLC instructors Gary Carson and Kent Montgomery accepted the donation March 12 at the annual chapter banquet. On hand to formally thank the chapter at CLC during the Earth Day Fair April 20 were Carson, CLC instructor Bill Faber, Jean Beckmann of the CLC Foundation, and Jeff Wig, dean of career and technical programs and Staples campus. Greg Kvale and Donny Hines came to the Brainerd campus to complete the transaction, which will enable the CLC Foundation to oversee the endowed scholarship fund and provide annual scholarships to students in Natural Resources or Natural Resources Law Enforcement.

Picciano honored

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees Wednesday presented the system’s highest academic honor, the Educator of the Year Award, to four faculty members from Central Lakes College, Inver Hills Community College, Rochester Community and Technical College, and Ridgewater College. The four honorees were selected from among 33 Board of Trustees Outstanding Educators in the Board of Trustees Excellence in Teaching award program. They are Elizabeth "Betsy" Picciano of Central Lakes College, David I. Page of Inver Hills Community College, Pamela Anne Tranby of Riverland Community College, and Catherine Egenberger of Rochester Community and Technical College. "The nomination and selection process is very rigorous and participants face tough competition from their colleagues throughout the MnSCU System," said Larry Lundblad, president of Central Lakes College, who attended the event after nominating Betsy and fellow instructor Nancy Smith. "We are proud of our nominees and congratulated Betsy on her exceptional honor." Picciano is an instructor of reading and college and career studies at CLC. Reviewers said her enthusiasm for educating students jumps off the pages of her portfolio. "She’s the type of instructor who can push her students in ways they didn’t know they could be pushed," the Selection Committee announcement said. "Her classroom techniques and ideas for serving the institution are ones that any teacher would want to borrow." Betsy's use of the “InterviewStream” technology, was cited as helping students prepare carefully and realistically for getting a job. "She helps students understand their own strengths. Her use of a 'contract' teaches students the meaning of commitment and responsibility." See video acceptance speech: http://vimeo.com/24280351 and profile of the four honorees: http://vimeo.com/22912562 as well as photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/114422288629056089892/2011BOTAwardsEventPhotos#

Service Learning and Civic Engagement

Central Lakes College on Wed., April 20 celebrated its service learning and civic engagement mission by acknowledging a number of projects and partnerships with community collaborators. A lunch-hour ceremony was held in the Brainerd campus cafeteria during Earth Day. Rebecca Best, dean of workforce, economic and regional development, thanked students and staff who volunteer to make a difference in the lives of their friends and neighbors. Civic Engagement and Service Learning are strategic priorities at Central Lakes College. Activities that provide students with hands-on learning can make a significant contribution to our region by producing good citizens and future leaders. In 2010 alone hundreds of CLC students, faculty, and staff amassed nearly 40,000 hours in service projects, earning Central Lakes College national recognition on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll along with colleges such as Carleton, Hamline, and St. Olaf.

On-campus interviews

Central Lakes College Heavy Equipment Operations and Maintenance students, as well as Diesel Technology students on Wed., April 20 were allowed to submit to two interviews each for jobs with employers who were represented by human resources staffers on the Staples campus. The job interviews engaged 84 CLC students who were in either their first or second year of the career education programs located at Staples. Some landed jobs the same day, and others gained experience for additional opportunities to be employed with the companies and organizations that came from as far as Aberdeen, S.D., and southern Minnesota. Students had received assistance in this part of their education through Employment Stratgies offered by instructors Betsy Picciano and Don Pfeffer.

Earth Day Fair

The Central Lakes College Earth Day Fair was held Wednesday, April 20 on the Brainerd campus. Dozens of displays lined the Cafeteria Commons area, many supplied by students in the CLC Natural Resources, Horticulture and Environmental Studies classes. Student Sharia Merten of Brainerd brought in a few of her reptiles, including a pet turtle and two crossbred corn snakes. They fascinated even the youngest guests. Beth Hippert from the Soil and Water Conservation District directed the installation of a water garden outside the west entrance. SWCD also sold out of half-price portable composting bins. About 35 eco-oriented table displays and vendor exhibits filled the event space. Videos were shown, children's environmental activities took place, and drawings for door prizes concluded the day. April 18-22 is Earth Week. More images at http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04

Softball team sweeps FDL

With a double, triple and a home run Lindsey Fryer (left) led the Central Lakes College softball team to a sweep of Fond du Lac and avenged an early-season, non-Division loss to FDL. The Raiders jumped into second place in the Northern Division of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference Tuesday at Findorff Field. Sam Harting struck out four through seven shutout innings and added a double during a 7-0 win. Lindsey blasted a double in the first game as CLC scored all seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings. In the second game, she poked a double, triple and a home run. On the hill, Sam hurled another win, striking out three in a 9-8 escape. “This was big for us,” said Coach Greg Medeck. “To beat a very good team in both games is big. We picked up four points in the standings. We played really well and I’m really proud of the way we’ve been playing.” Dani Thiesse scored three times for the Raiders in the finale, including the game winner in the eighth inning. Division: CLC 7-3. Overall: CLC 11-7. Next: CLC at Northland, Thief River Falls, 3 p.m. Friday.

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Locks of Love May 4

On Wednesday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College will host its second annual Locks of Love. Last spring’s inaugural Locks of Love event was very successful. Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that accepts donated hair and resources to provide hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 21 with medical hair loss. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge. To be an eligible donor, please have 6-10 inches for a hair donation. Cosmetologists who will provide the hair-cutting on May 4 would like a $10 donation for each cut. They will donate this money to Locks of Love. Participating are Panache Salon, Hair & Beyond, Nona’s Hair Studios, Halo Salon and Spas, JC Penny Salon, and Cabana Hair Salon. Several will provide chair massages throughout the day. If you are interested in donating your hair and would like to sign up for an appointment please e-mail eheppner@clcmn.edu or cray@clcmn.edu Appointment sheets are also posted outside the Student Senate Office.

Ayala signs with DII team

Marcus Ayala, a 6-foot guard from Phoenix, Ariz., who led the Central Lakes College men's basketball team as a two-time first team All-Conference pick, has signed a national letter of intent to play for Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo. Marcus led the Raiders to a 26-3 record in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. During his two seasons, he scored 827 points, dished out 246 assists and notched 171 steals. Last season, Marcus averaged 16 points, five assists and three steals per game. He also led CLC to a school record 22-game winning streak to start the season. During his two-year career, the Raiders were 48-8 overall. Marcus said he believes Fort Lewis is a good fit for him for not only basketball but its Business program, and he is excited to be moving closer to home. The Skyhawks have been to the NCAA Division II tournament seven of the last 10 years. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success to this outstanding young man and CLC alum.

Raiders come close vs. powerful Riverland

Pete Lucken, Tyler Wohlwend, and Adam Tautges (pictured) hit doubles as the Central Lakes College baseball team lost to one of the MCAC powerhouses, Riverland, at Findorff Athletic Complex on the CLC campus in Brainerd. Riverland has been to the college-level World Series the past two years and carries a roster of more than two dozen players, including three from Australia. Ted Rohr picked up a loss as the Raiders were tagged for 19 runs on 15 hits, with only Jon Rempel and Tony Madsen reaching via hits during the 19-0, five-inning loss in Game One. It was a different story in the second game, as CLC showed determination and competitiveness. Spunky CLC catcher Tautges slapped an RBI double in the first inning to get it going. The home team had the tying run at the plate in the seventh before losing, 5-2. “We could’ve rolled over and played dead after that first game,” Coach Pat Held said. “The guys we have left aren’t quitters.” Eleven Raiders suited up for the chilly twinbill Monday. Josh Edwards drove in the Raiders' second run with a single in the fifth. The next opponent, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, is ranked fifth in the NJCAA Division III poll. CLCplays at St. Cloud Friday and hosts the team on Saturday.

Student art exhibit

The 2011 Central Lakes College Juried Student Art Show runs through May 5 in the CLC Gallery on the Brainerd campus. Artist and educator Andrew Nordin of New London judged the entries in this annual exhibit. Luke Grittner of Pillager received Best of Show with untitled earthenware. Merit Awards went to Ryan Hollen, Brainerd, for his untitled pen drawing and Lindy Jo Johnson, Crosby, for “Family Generations,” a watercolor. “The students’ work is of a really high quality overall,” said Nordin. “I’m impressed with the earnestness and straightforward search for originality and beauty.” He said that all of the works he judged has, “in at least one way, great qualities.” The important thing is that the works create a dialog and a cohesive idea with the viewer.

Choir concert

“Classics, Old and New,” the free Central Lakes College spring choir concert, will be Thursday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. The concert features the music of Martini, Richard Rodgers, Lennon and McCartney, Manhattan Transfer and more, according to Brenda Handel-Johnson, director. Featured are the Cantare’ Concert Chorale, Chamber Singers, Women’s Ensemble, and Fine Arts Festival Ensemble. Soloists include Joe Anderson and Emma Widmark, both of Brainerd; Danica Karli, Winona; and Ryan O’Rourke, North St. Paul. A Brainerd High School String quartet will accompany groups in a performance of “Domine, ad adjuvandum me, Festina” by Fr. G. B. Martini. St Cloud oboist Annaeka Johnson will play with the women's ensemble in “The World is Full of Poetry"”by American composer David L. Brunner.

Eagles tribute performance added

Patrick Spradlin, Central Lakes College Theatre Cultural Arts Series producer, has announced the addition of a second performance of "Takin' It to the Limit: A Tribute to the Eagles." The added show will be at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, May 13 in the Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus of CLC. The show is performed by The Fabulous Armadillos, a band made up of musicians and singers from the St. Cloud and Twin Cities music scene. "The Armadillos were at CLC in March with their Motown show, and really wowed the audience," said Spradlin. "After that show, the sales for their Eagles show took off. We're sold out of all but a few rush ticket seats for the 7:30 show, and the concert is a month away. It seemed like there is a demand to be met here." The show features songs from one of the most popular bands in the world. Audiences will be treated to renditions of such favorites as "Hotel California", "Take it Easy", "The Long Run", "Desperado", and many others. "When I came up with the idea to add a second show at 9:30, a lyric from the Eagles song 'Heartache Tonight' came to mind," said Spradlin. "The lyric is 'Some people like to stay out late, some folks can't hold out that long' ... Now that there are two shows, both kinds of people can be accommodated," he said. Tickets for The Fabulous Armadillos' "Takin' It to the Limit'" show are available by calling the CLC Theatre Box Office at 218-855-8199, or can be purchased online at www.clctickets.com

CLC congratulates honoree

Central Lakes College President Larry Lundblad congratulates student Stephanie Kinnsey of Brainerd on her selection as honoree for the May 21 Northern Lakes Arthritis Walk on the Paul Bunyan Trail. Stephanie will lead the awareness event and fundraiser for participants who may choose to cover up to three miles. It starts at the Northland Arboretum trailhead. The Central Lakes College team, coordinated by Deb Breneman and Raz the Raider, will accompany Stephanie, who graduates in May with her Associate in Arts degree. She plans to attend either the University of Minnesota or the University of Colorado to pursue a major in kinesiology, the study of human movement. Diagnosed at 14 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, she suffered from the swollen and painful joints before finding relief and remission. But at 19 the ailment returned and continues to challenge her quality of life at 23. Stephanie works as a hostess at Grizzly's and tutors students in mathematics at CLC, still earning top grades through exceptional determination. She hopes for a good turnout at the kick-off/fundraiser Thurs., April 21 at Northland Arboretum, where there will be hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, green-screen photography, DJ, and speakers from 5-8 p.m. A $10 donation gets you in.

EZ Enrollment

New students are enrolling for the summer and fall courses at Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples. On Thursday, April 14, the spring's first EZ Enrollment for all programs attracted a large number of registrants to the Brainerd campus. By mid-morning the lines had grown as these new students proceeded through areas such as Financial Aid, Business Office, TRIO Student Support Services, Counseling, Assessment, and Admissions. The idea is to offer enroling students a one-stop, single-day means to sign up for clases and leave the campus that day with course schedule in hand. CLC is a pioneering institution that designed the efficient and convenient model for what can otherwise often be a time-consuming and more expensive endeavor. It is one reason that affordable, safe Central Lakes College is the fastest growing quality college in Minnesota. EZ Enrollment Days are scheduled throughout the spring and into summer on both the Brainerd and Staples campuses. Check the CLC website calendar for details, http://www.clcmn.edu/news/calendar.htm

Raider baseball, softball

SOFTBALL -- Sam Harting pitched a 6-hitter and Alicia Johnson collected three hits as the Central Lakes College Raiders defeated Rainy River 11-2 in the first game of a Northern Division doubleheader Wed., April 13. Sam struck out two and walked three. Dani Thiesse tripled and Alicia went 3-for-4 with two doubles. The Raiders lost Game Two 8-5 as Sam struck out four and walked three. Steph Neugebauer was 2-for-3 with a triple and Trisha Wippler was 3-3. Division: CLC 5-3. Overall: CLC 9-7. Next: Mesabi Range at CLC, noon Sat., April 16 (2). BASEBALL -- The Central Lakes College Raiders lost both games of a doubleheader to the St. John’s JV in Collegeville Wed., April 13. The Johnnies won the first game 6-2 and the second by a 11-1 score. Adam Tautges and Peter Lucken each had an RBI for the Raiders. CLC had two hits in Game One, and seven in Game Two. Overall: CLC 0-19. Next: Riverland at CLC, 2 p.m. Sat., March 16 (2).

Fulda's Hulstein to play for CLC

Fulda High School athlete Brittany Hulstein will play volleyball and basketball for the Brainerd-based Central Lakes College Raiders of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. The 5-10 standout, who graduates this spring after an illustrious high school career, will be welcomed by Coaches Jane Peterson in volleyball and Dennis Eastman in women’s basketball. Central Lakes College is a Division III member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Hulstein was the Fulda Raiders’ Most Valuable Player in volleyball and also an All-Red Rock Conference pick. She was also named to the All-Area Team. In basketball, Hulstein earned first team All-Conference as a freshman, sophomore, and senior and was named to the All-Area third team last season. She was an Academic All-State honoree by the Coaches’ Association. “We are excited about having an athlete of her caliber here,” said Coach Peterson, a three-time NJCAA Division III volleyball coach of the year in 2000, 2001, and 2007 when CLC captured national championships. Coach Eastman, who took the Raiders to the college’s only national basketball championship in 1996, said he is equally pleased that Hulstein joins a corps of quality recruits headed into his program.

Geriatric nursing event

Three Central Lakes College nursing students, accompanied by Connie Frisch, CLC director of nursing, attended the April 8 “Students Investing in Nursing’s Future – Geriatrics” workshop at Alexandria. Associate Degree candidates Kelly Hammerbeck, Brainerd, and Deb Bowman, Pierz, and Practical Nursing student Catherine Hebig, Little Falls, were at Alexandria Technical and Community College along with students from nine other campuses for sessions hosted by the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and Minnesota Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence. This unique event provided an opportunity for the students to learn more about nursing care of older adults, network with students from other schools of nursing, and engage in an interactive activity to strengthen the focus of geriatric nursing in schools of nursing. Topics included “Wisdom and Reflection about Aging” led by professors emeritus from the U of M School Nursing; “Nursing Care of Older Adults – Career Opportunities and Options” with a panel of healthcare professionals; “Future of Nursing Education – Setting the Stage;” “Creating Innovative Ways to Learn about Geriatric Nursing – An Interactive and Creative Exercise;” and “Your Next Steps in Geriatric Nursing.”

Softball team splits with St. Cloud

Alicia Johnson (left) ripped a pair of home runs and went 5-8 for the day as the Central Lakes College softball Raiders split a doubleheader with St. Cloud Technical and Community College Tues., April 12 at CLC's Findorff Athletic Complex in Brainerd. Alicia had a solo blast in the sixth inning of the first game, which CLC won 8-6. Stephanie Neugebauer went 2-2 with a pair of singles and Sam Harting pitched the win. Alicia, Stephanie, and Lindsey Fryer belted home runs in the second contest, which saw St. Cloud nudge the Raiders 12-11 in eight innings. Overall: CLC 8-6. Next: CLC vs. Rainy River at Keewatin (2) noon, Wed., April 13.

CLC at C & I Show

Central Lakes College shared center stage with the Bridges Academies and Workplace Connection at the April 8 and 9 Commerce and Industry Show at the Brainerd Area Civic Center. Our faculty, staff, Business and Industry friends, and even a few students volunteered time for this free, annual Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event. Despite the first great spring day of 2011, turnout was respectable as a number of guests paused to watch demonstrations from Robotics and have some important health measurements taken by the Medical Assistant volunteer students and instructor. CLC occupied about eight display spaces thanks to its partnership with the regional program for recruiting high school students into education and high-demand careers that offer livable wages in the Brainerd area. Many thanks to all who donated their time at the CLC exhibit and answered questions from the public about the state's fastest-growing college. See you in 2012!

For more pictures go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04

Glad to lend her voice

Stephanie Kinney is the 2011 Northern Lakes Arthritis Walk Honoree, and she is thrilled to be leading the May 21 event in Brainerd. She is a student at Central Lakes College, maintaining straight A’s while holding down two jobs — tutoring at CLC and working as a hostess at Grizzly’s.

From The Brainerd Dispatch: Stephanie Kinney appears to be a typical energetic college student, but there is more going on just below the surface. As a teenager, she learned she would have to deal with a chronic and potentially debilitating disease for the rest of her life. “It’s hard to tell a 14-year-old this is going to be the rest of forever so you better start changing things in your life to have a better tomorrow,” she said. That concept of forever is one she said she is just getting a handle on now — at 23. This spring, Kinney is the honoree for the Northern Lakes Arthritis Walk on May 21. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis damages and destroys joints in the body and affects other organs and systems. For Kinney, the pain started when she was 14. She was a Music General dancer in tap, jazz and ballet. Complete article is at http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2011-04-08/college-student-glad-lend-her-voice-cause Photo courtesy of Brainerd Dispatch CLC is organizing a team of walkers for the event. If interested, contact Deb Breneman at (218) 855- 8158 or dbreneman@clcmn.edu

Raiders defeat Hibbing

Katie Boody went 6-for-7 with two doubles and Sam Harting recorded two wins as the Central Lakes College fast-pitch softball team swept Hibbing on Saturday at CLC's Findorff Athletic Complex in Brainerd. Katie was 2-3 with a run and two singles in a 6-2 win in Game One. Sam pitched a complete game, with one earned run, four strikeouts and two walks. Stephanie Neugebauer went 3-4 with three RBIs and a double, Tricia Wippler was 3-4 with an RBI and double and Lindsey Fryer was 2-4 with two runs, an RBI and two doubles. In Game Two, Katie batted 4-for-4 with a run, RBI, two doubles and two singles in a 9-4 win. Sam pitched five innings to get the win, allowing two runs, striking out one and walking four. Lindsey pitched the last two innings, allowing two runs, with one strikeout and four walks. Dani Thiesse was 2-4 with two doubles, Lindsey was 3-4, Stephanie was 2-4 with a triple, Alicia Johnson was 2-4 with a double and Sam was 1-4 with a double. Division: CLC 4-2. Overall: CLC 7-5. Next: St. Cloud Technical at CLC 3 p.m. Tuesday (2). .

Spartans defeat Raiders four times

Cody Stange had one RBI and Pete Lucken two as the Central Lakes College baseball Raiders lost 6-1 and 14-2 to Minnesota State Community and Technical College (Fergus Falls) in a Central Division double-header Saturday at CLC's Findorff Athletic Complex in Brainerd. Adam Tautges went 2-for-3 in Game One while Jon Rempel and Lucken were 2-4 in Game Two for the Raiders. CLC remained winless at 0-4 in the division, 0-17 overall. According to CraigOlsonSports.Com, the Spartans also posted two wins over CLC, 11-1 and 4-2, on Friday in Fergus Falls.

Old-Fashioned Game Day

Central Lakes College Child Development students on Tuesday, April 26 will sponsor Old-Fashioned Game Day from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Commons area and outside the south entrance (weather-permitting) onthe Brainerd campus. This free event includes kite making and flying, Go Fish, Slap Jack, and other card games, Pick-up Sticks Hi Ho Cherrio-O, and other board games, Marbles, Kick the Can, Legos, Lincoln Logs, Hopscotch, Charades, and more games. The Child Development students have requested Brainerd campus faculty to let classes know about the opportunity.

5K walk/run

The Staples Campus Student Senate of Central Lakes College is sponsoring the Tour de Staples 5K Walk/Freedom Run Saturday, May 7 to benefit the CLC Veterans Resource Center. Community veterans at this event will be on hand to accept donations for Staples All-Veterans Park.The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) race for runners starts at 10:30 a.m., with the non-competitive walk beginning moments later. Registration is from 9 to 10 a.m. for those not signing up in advance through the Staples Campus CLC Bookstore. The entry fees are $15 advance, $20 day of event for individual adults, $25/$30 for teams of three to six people, and free to ages 11-under. All participants receive 5K Walk/Run T-shirts and refreshments before and/or after the event. Award recognition is presented to the top individual and team finishers. While racers can complete the distance in 20 minutes or less, walkers may take as much time as they want, but most will finish within an hour of their start. Rain, wind, and spring sunshine are all part of the experience in previous years. Nothing stops this event. To register, make checks payable to Central Lakes College, delivered to the CLC Bookstore, Staples Campus, 1830 Airport Road, Staples, Minn., 56479. Registration forms are available in various newspaper ads or can be obtained by contacting Heppner at eheppner@clcmn.edu or (952) 807-3279.

National awards

The Sigma Delta chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association’s national grand chapter, Lambda Alpha Epsilon, represented Central Lakes College at the 74th national ACJA conference in Memphis, Tenn. Sigma Delta earned nine awards, including first place in physical agility for Cherelle Boleman, Brainerd (pictured), in the age 36-up division. Boleman also was chosen as the student representative for an expense-paid trip to Cincinnati, Ohio for the national conference in 2012. The Crime Scene team of Boleman, Steve Smith, and Bridget Ryan, all of Brainerd, won first place in the Lower Division (undergraduates). Savannah Martinson of Isle, Erin Butler of Brainerd, and Caitlin Robinson of Merrifield teamed up for third place. Co-advisers Gae and Dave Davis and Nicole Roncall of Brainerd as the Crime Scene team in the Professional Division, captured second place. In shooting, the Professional Division trio of Derek Johnson of Pillager, Dave Davis, and Aaron Schiller of Wadena took third. Dave Davis and Gae Davis each placed third in agility among 36-up competitors, and Robinson finished second in the 18-25 agility age group.

Raider softball team 4-4

Central Lakes College 's Stephanie Neugebauer, Northern Division Player of the Week in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference, on Tuesday showed why she deserved the honor. Her game-winning double in the bottom of the eighth produced a 4-3 win over Itasca at Findorff Field. Neugebauer’s hit up the middle scored Lindsey Fryer from second base as CLC evened its record at 4wins, 4 losses. Winning pitcher Sam Harting struck out four and walked two in a complete game. Fryer finished 3-for-4 with three runs scored and a double. Alicia Johnson and Dani Thiesse also doubled. In the first game Tuesday, an 8-0 loss, Harting struck out two and walked one while Hallsey Olson doubled and Johnson went 3-for-3 with a double. Next: Northland at CLC 3 p.m. Friday (2). Photo: Third baseman Heather Hejhal takes a grounder. Courtesy Steve Kohls, Brainerd Dispatch.

Softball games at CLC

Due to conditions on opponents' softball fields, weather-permitting Central Lakes College will host three doubleheaders this week at Findorff Field in Brainerd. The games are set for Tuesday, April 5 vs. Itasca at 3 p.m., Friday, April 8 vs. Northland at 3 p.m., and Saturday, April 9 vs. Hibbing at noon. Each game of the doubleheader is scheduled to go seven innings. CLC also is scheduled to host St. Cloud Tuesday, April 12, a game that had always been set for the CLC site. Kudos to Myron Stevens and groundskeeping assistants at CLC for preparing the frozen tundra for action. Go Raiders!

Baseball team loses

STORM LAKE, IOWA — The Central Lakes College Raiders baseball team lost four games over the weekend. On Sunday, the Raiders fell to Mesabi 8-0 and Minnesota West 5-2. On Saturday, they lost to Rochester 7-1 and Mesabi Range, 19-0. During Sunday’s loss to Mesabi, Cody Stange went 2-for-3 and Jon Rempel and Josh Edwards each had hits for CLC. Against Minnesota West, Adam Tautges hit an RBI double. Stange, Peter Lucken and Edwards had the other CLC hits. Jamey Quick added an RBI ground out. “We got some excellent defensive plays by Adam Tautges at third and Lucken at first,” Pat Held, CLC coach, told the Brainerd Dispatch. “They were ‘SportsCenter’ highlights. Tony Madsen had a good game against Minnesota West at shortstop. We played great defense, now we just need to get our bats going.” In Saturday’s loss to Rochester, Hunter Young, Edwards, Tim Chandler, Dan Koopmeiners and Stange all had hits. Stange added an RBI. Stange added two more hits in the 19-0 loss to Mesabi. Young, Jaron Hanson and Rempel had the other hits.

Celebration of Nations

About 500 attended the second annual Celebration of Nations at Central Lakes College on Friday, April 1. The Brainerd campus gym was filled with activities, including games for all ages and exhibits, food, and performances showcasing cultures around the world. Hosting the program were students from the International Club, Diversity Leadership Council, Student Senate, and Spanish Club. CLC's commitment to diversity and cultural understanding once again was demonstrated and acknowledged by the hundreds who participated to share this enrichment opportunity. For pictures go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04/

Children's theatre

The public performances of Central Lakes College’s Children’s Theatre production of Tinytown –A Very, Very Poor Village” will be Saturday April 16 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus. Loosely based on the story “Stone Soup.” the play is written by Dennis Lamberson. Tinytown, located in the lush valley between the Tower Mountains in the Kingdom of Dillydob, is a rich and prosperous village. When the villagers hear rumors of a royal visit they fear taxes will be raised and pretend to be very poor. This little fib proves fatal, as the Prince of Dillydob has really come to spend money in their town, for he loves to shop. The production is playing to over 1,200 school children during the 10 performances for schools playing through May 5. District 181’s Community Education Department (Brainerd) purchased tickets for all second graders to attend the theatre. The cast includes Ralph Knowlton as Alex the inventor, Dillon Pool is The Prince of Dillydob and Justin Jordan as the Mayor and his twin brother Horace, the goat herder. Savannah Spreeman plays Millie, a girl on the look-out for a husband. The deceitful villagers are played by Ariel Sutton, Beatrice Mitchell, Katie Nier, Aidan Muller and Nicholas Brutscher and Bruce Praska is the Prince’s body guard. The 2 p.m. show April 16 is an ASL-signed performance. Tickets are $5.

Health fair

Nearly 400 students from grades 5-12 attended the Mille Lacs Area Health Career Fair for Isle, Onamia, and Nay-Ah-Shing Tribal School in Onamia Friday, April 1. A portion of the fair was open to the public as well for health screenings. "This was a great opportunity for students to experience interactive and educational materials to encourage pursuing a career in the health services," said Mary Sam, CLC director of diversity. The students received information about a variety of occupations related to health care from the people who work in the areas of mental and physical health, law enforcement, education, chemical dependency, counseling, and human services. Fair contributors with booths included Central Lakes College (Nursing, Dental, Medical Assisting and Admissions), Mille Lacs Health System, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, American Indian Center, St. Cloud State University, Onamia Community Education, Mn Green Corps, Rum River Health Services, Healthy Brains for Children, Mille Lacs County Sheriff, Onamia Fitness Center, Onamia Public Schools, and College of St. Scholastica. The event was co-sponsored by Central Lakes College, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and the Mille Lacs Health System. A HealthForce Minnesota grant awarded to CLC Customized Training and the Office of Diversity funded this event. Jean Mershon of CLC was a coordinator of the event.

Voter ID forum April 13

State Representatives Steve Simon (D–District 44A) and Mary Kiffmeyer (R–District 16B) will express their opposing views on the controversial Voter ID issue in a program hosted by the Gordon Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government at 7 p.m., Wed., April 13 in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College. The free public event will include a question and answer period following the speakers’ discussion. Each guest speaker will be allowed no more than 30 minutes. Refreshments will follow the forum, which is expected to conclude by 8:30 p.m. Kiffmeyer is the chief author of H.F. 210, a bill which would require all voters to have a current photo ID in order to receive a ballot. If passed, the new law would take effect June 1, 2012. Rep. Steve Simon has voiced concerns that the bill would make it more difficult for some to vote. The Gordon Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government strives to educate and encourage participation of citizens in effective government and the political process. For information, contact Kellett at (320) 260-8064 or Steve Wenzel, executive director, at (218) 855-8073.

Softball team is 3-3

ROSEMOUNT — After wining two of three games in their softball season opener Thursday, the Central Lakes College Raiders lost two of three at the Irish Dome Friday. CLC lost the first game 11-7 to Fond du Lac. CLC's Dani Thiesse tripled and Trisha Wippler went 2-for-4. Sam Harting pitched a complete game, struck out three and walked seven. In an 11-7 win over Itasca, Wippler doubled and homered and finished 3-4. Alicia Johnson was 2-4 with a home run. Steph Neugebauer was 4-4 with a double and three singles. Winning pitcher Lindsay Fryer struck out one and walked one in a complete game. In Game Three, the Raiders lost 12-4 to Hibbing. Harting pitched a complete game, struck out four and walked two, and Neugebauer went 2-3. Overall: CLC 3-3. Next: at Itasca (Grand Rapids) 3 p.m. Tuesday (2).

Scholarship

Jeremy Janousek of Staples has received a $500 “tools” scholarship from the mikeroweWORKS Foundation in partnership with the Associated Equipment Distributors. Jeremy is an honor student in the Central Lakes College Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Associate in Applied Science degree program. CLC President Larry Lundblad recently presented the award, accompanied by an autographed photo of Mike Rowe of the “Dirty Jobs” Discovery Channel TV show and a certificate. AED is a nonprofit, international trade association representing dealerships and rental companies in construction, mining, forestry, power generation, agriculture and industry. AED membership includes equipment manufacturers and industry-service firms. The mikeroweWORKS Foundation promotes the skilled trades through public awareness and education plus career planning and job opportunities for graduates in programs such as that offered at Staples. Rowe is the founder and host of “Dirty Jobs” who works with the AED Foundation to create and distribute training materials and other educational tools to career and technical schools across the United States. The Diesel Tech program at CLC is affiliated with AED and was among the first in the nation to be accredited by AED since its creation in 1919, according to Dan Gunderson, instructor, who has been involved with the group since 1995. Mike Rowe, creator and executive producer of “Dirty Works” on the Discovery Channel, said that through his support for aspiring students such as Janousek a new generation of laborers will “redefine our nation’s dysfunctional relationship with work.” His mikeroweWORKS.com is currently focused on “the decline in the trades and the crumbling state of the infrastructure.”