'Graduate Minnesota'

Minnesota’s working adults who have earned some college credits are being urged to re-enroll and complete their two- or four-year degrees at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to boost their job prospects and help meet the state’s workforce needs. The message is part of a new statewide outreach initiative called “Graduate Minnesota – Complete your degree. Anytime. Anywhere.” The initiative is designed to connect former students with advisers who can help them find the best and fastest route to complete their associate or bachelor’s degree. “We must leverage the talents of the state’s 800,000 or so adults who have completed some college but have no degree,” said Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. “Many former students have earned a significant number of credits and may be closer than they think to earning a degree. Our colleges and universities can help them complete their degrees, compete for better jobs and deliver to Minnesota’s employers the educated workers and professionals needed for our state to remain competitive.” Each of the 31 state colleges and universities has at least one designated adviser to assist students in figuring out how to resume their studies and explore financial aid options. Returning students might be especially interested in taking online courses, enrolling in accelerated programs with flexible start dates and receiving course credits for work experience. To connect with an adviser, interested individuals can call a toll-free number, 1-800-366-7380, seven days a week or visit graduateminnesota.org. Currently, only 40 percent of working-age adults in Minnesota have a postsecondary degree, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree. A recent study by Georgetown University researchers predicted that 70 percent of the jobs in Minnesota will require education beyond high school by 2018. And projections show that the economic recovery will depend largely on new jobs that require higher levels of skills than many workers currently have.

Halloween fun

Happy Halloween. This quartet roamed the halls of the Brainerd campus early today to demonstrate what a fun group of employees we have in that northeast realm. From left: Jean Mershon, Kori Busho, Julie Platta, and Jody Flynn.
Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04

'Temperance and Temptation'

The Rose Ensemble will perform "Songs of Temperance and Temptation: 100 Years of Restraint and Revelry in Minnesota" at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4 in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College. This Cultural Arts series event Founded in 1996 in Saint Paul, The Rose Ensemble uses vocal music to stir the soul, stimulate the mind, and lift the spirit. Their show "Songs of Temperance and Temptation: 100 Years of Restraint and Revelry in Minnesota" is a musical exploration of the humor and history behind Prohibition and Minnesota’s long-standing love/hate relationship with the pub. The Rose Ensemble will present a free workshop at 11 a.m. Friday in the Music Rehearsal Hall at CLC (E 471). Learn about Early American music and get a preview of tunes from the Temperance and Temptation show. Open to all levels of experience. Limited seating available. Please RSVP to Patrick Spradlin at (218)855-8255 or pspradlin@clcmn.edu. Evening concert tickets: $12, available for purchase directly from The Rose Ensemble. Available online at
https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=ec5468c01613c31eb131a07f2c8c288d.
To purchase by telephone, call 651-225-4340, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Legislator visits

State Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City), a retired educator and author, visited Central Lakes College on Friday, Oct. 28. CLC President Larry Lundblad (left) welcomed Rep. Urdahl for a visit and tour. The five-term lawmaker representing Meeker and Wright counties south of St. Cloud discussed educational issues related to sustaining the state's economy with an educated workforce. Another subject was biofuel research underway at the college's Agricultural and Energy Center at Staples. Rep. Urdahl talked about legislative issues and the process of governance in two of Steve Wenzel's State and Local Government classes.

Staples campus open house

Jordan Reinarts of New Ulm drove the semi-truck simulator at the Staples campus open house Friday, Oct. 28. The annual event, which was held this year from 1 to 7 p.m., showcased all programs offered at the main and west campuses of Central Lakes College. There were door tours, prizes, treats, and several fun activities incorporated into the afternoon. The event included information on the Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Applied Science degree, and diploma programs available in these campus programs: Graphic Design, Machine Trades, Photography, Robotics, Video Production, Diesel Mechanics, Nursing, Heavy Equipment, Medical Assistant, and Viticulture.
Photo by Mark Slupe More: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04

Flamenco dance

The Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre from Minneapolis performs at Central Lakes College Sat., Nov. 5 @ 7:30 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. This is another Cultural Arts Series production. Celebrate the exotic and sultry ambiance of the early 1900s in Spain known as "Café Cantante" when flamenco dancers, singers and musicians performed for glamorous patrons in cabarets. Zorongo is one of the few American Spanish dance companies to present both traditional flamenco dance programs as well as original works. Comprised of an ensemble of international artists, dancers and musicians, Zorongo is renowned for bringing the power, passion, and virtuosity of the art of flamenco to American audiences. Tickets for Zorongo Flamenco Dance range from $25-$10 according to which section of seating. Tickets are for assigned seats. For full ticket details and seating charts, go to this event's page at http://www.clctickets.com/

Apprenticeships

Three Central Lakes College welding students have obtained apprenticeships at Lakeland Mold in Brainerd, a growing manufacturing facility and college collaborator. Jordan Hultgren, Pepin, Wis., Peter Wolkenhauer, Brainerd (pictured showing Brainerd High School junior Matt Jares samples of student welding at CLC), and Seth Strassburg, Burtum, are working Monday-Thursday in a modified second shift that permits them to be employed at the production plant following their academic day at CLC. Instructor Mike Reeser said he is pleased to have been able to provide the trio when Lakeland Mold requested some top students. Mike had provided some training to about a dozen lead welders at the company for a special project and learned of the hiring prospects. Mike also assisted at the Tour of Manufacturers event that began today at Lakeland Mold and continues at several area firms on Saturday.

Blood drive

The Central Lakes College Student Senate American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Staples campus on Oct. 19 netted its goal of 50 donors. Kirstin Nelson, a Practical Nursing student from Baxter, was among those giving blood, assisted by Nicole Folger, phlebotomist. The CLC Diesel Club earned a pizza party for having the highest percentage of donors. Erich Heppner, CLC director of student life, said the next blood drive will be Nov. 30 on the Brainerd campus from 8:30 to 1:30 in the gym. Donors may make an appointment by emailing him at eheppner@clcmn.edu
Photo by Mark Slupe

Band concert

The Central Lakes College Music Department will present “An Evening in Europe,” an instrumental celebration of the countries visited on the 2011 Community Band summer tour. The concert is Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 8:01 p.m. in the Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. Director Steve Anderson said that the program will feature the CLC Jazz Band doing selections from Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power and others. Steve said the CLC Community Concert Band will perform music from the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary to feature the works of Dvorak, Strauss, Mozart, Nelhybel, and Fucik. Displayed in the lobby will be posters, pictures and memorabilia from the summer tour. Pictures from each of the countries will be projected on the theater walls during the performance of the music from that country. Admission to the concert is $5 for adults. CLC students with identification and children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. Anyone wearing a visible “I Voted” sticker will be given a $1 discount on admission. There are no reserved seats and no advanced tickets sold. For information contact Steve Anderson at (218) 855-8215 or sanderso@clcmn.edu

Chancellor's installation

Central Lakes College honor student Rosa Sam of Brainerd, a 2008 Onamia High School graduate, and CLC President Larry Lundblad welcomed Steven Rosenstone as the fourth chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system at the Capitol Rotunda installation ceremony recently. She also met Gov. Mark Dayton at the ceremony. Chancellor Rosenstone expressed concern about the increasing cost of a college education. “To you - our students - I have heard you on tuition, and I get it,” he said. “I’m deeply worried, about the darkest cloud in the educational sky - the shifting of costs from the state to students,” he said. “People across Minnesota have expressed concern that this trend is pricing students out of college, and ultimately, out of a job. True accessibility will be possible only if we stop placing more of the financial burden on our students.” Traveling more than 6,000 miles during the past few months, Chancellor Rosenstone said he heard repeatedly about the value of the 31 state colleges and universities. “Minnesotans don’t see us as the problem; they see us as the solution to their most important challenges,” he said. “Our faculty help solve the real world problems facing businesses and communities. We prepare the workers and professionals who will lead every sector of Minnesota’s economy.” He urged the system’s leaders, faculty and staff to be responsible stewards and take calculated risks to accelerate progress. “Minnesota is counting on us to act courageously,” he said.

Pakistan program Nov. 3

Two students from Pakistan at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, will present the next free Cultural Thursday program on Thursday, Nov. 3 from noon to 12:50 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre. The program is open to the public. Imran Samuel (left), 31, is eager to talk about the variety of cultures in Pakistan with their individual foods, styles of dress, lifestyles, and ceremonies. He also will point out the contrasts with American culture. He said family bonding and a “joint family system” are part of Pakistani life. “Parents always live with their children, even after their marriages,” he said. Irshad Hussain (right), 24, is from one of the remote areas of Pakistan, where he said he grew up in humble conditions. “I have learned to accept challenges and believe that to live life in a better way is itself a big challenge, particularly for someone like me who has always encountered obstacles.” The students are attending CLC for one year through the Community Colleges for International Development program sponsored by the U.S. State Department. CLC was the first college in Minnesota approved for participation three years ago.

Export financing forum

The North Central Small Business Development Center at Central Lakes College in Brainerd will host an export financing forum for businesses interested in exporting their products or services. The program is on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. in E203 of the Business and Industry Center at CLC (Entrance No. 6). The Minnesota Trade Office is co-sponsoring the event, which is “Financial Tools for Exporters: Access to Working Capital and Solutions for Risk Management.” This program will help business owners, financial executives and their bankers, and those responsible for financial strategies to expand their international sales and reduce risk to their export operations. Presenters are Carlos Sosa, regional manager of Export Solutions Group, U.S. Small Business Administration; Curt Hanson, founding principal, Trade Acceptance Group; John Novak, vice president, International Trade Services, Bremer Bank; and Jane Hay, vice president, Global Trade Services, US Bank. The fee is $30 in advance, $35 at the door. To register visit www.exportminnesota.com or e-mail mto.edu@state.mn.us

American Indian Heritage Day

To recognize American Indian Heritage Day in November, Central Lakes College is partnering with the College of St. Scholastica to host a special topics course titled "Boarding Schools and American Indians." This two-session course, which is scheduled for Nov. 5 and 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. in E354 (Lecture Hall) on the Brainerd campus, will examine the historical influences and impact of boarding schools on American Indians. Following the course, there will be a Reader's Theatre production featuring "The Great Hurt" in room E354 of the Brainerd campus (Lecture Hall) on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. Refreshments will follow in the Humphrey Center. Both are free and open to the public. The course is ideal for professionals representing or serving American Indians. CEU’s (6 credits) and Certificates of Attendance are available. Enrollment is limited. Please register by Nov. 1 to sdavis2@css.edu For more information: Contact Tracy Jeremiason at (218) 855-8006.

Operation Community Connect

The Crow Wing County Coalition to End Poverty in partnership with Central Lakes College is coordinating the second annual Operation Community Connect. Operation Community Connect is a one-day event where community members access resources from area agencies and organizations at one location in a single day. Operation Community Connect will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Free haircuts, a free lunch and a variety of providers will be on hand to screen for service eligibility and provide assistance to apply for services. “The community members and area agencies that make this event possible believe in our community and its ability to reach out and assist people in need,” said Jennifer Perez (pictured), a member of the Crow Wing County Coalition to End Poverty and graduate of Central Lakes College. “This event reduces barriers for families to access the services that already exist.” Jennifer said the target audience is individuals who are in need, but the event is open to everyone. “This is a great opportunity for individuals and families to access the services they need, or find information on eligibility requirements. One can meet with an employee of Energy Assistance, speak with someone about housing resources, meet with a veteran service officer, and connect with numerous other service providers in one location.” Additional services will include veterans services, mental health screenings, public health information, public assistance and food support information, financial counseling, housing services and energy assistance.

CLC enrollment

Central Lakes College enrollment is up .5 percent for 2011 over 2010, according to fall semester 30th-day numbers reported by MnSCU today. The headcount is 4,402 now compared to 4,378 this time last fall on the 30th day of the term. The MnSCU system is down 1.5 percent with 200,716 students. Among two-year colleges in the system, CLC and just seven others reported headcount gains. Those showing the biggest drops are Hibbing (-10.2%) and Mesabi Range (-9.4%). Sharpest drop among universities: St. Cloud State (-5.9%). The headcount total for colleges: 131,679, universities: 69,037.

'Of Mice & Men'

The National Players, America’s longest running classical touring company, will perform the stage version of John Steinbeck’s immortal “Of Mice and Men” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25 in Chalberg Theatre at Central Lakes College. The event is part of the Cultural Arts Series. Celebrating their 63rd year of touring, the National Players of Olney, Md., will captivate you with their telling of the story of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice during bleak times. Published by the Nobel Prize-winning Steinbeck as a novella in 1937, “Of Mice and Men” tells the tragic story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers during the Great Depression in California.George Milton is an intelligent and cynical man, and Lennie Small is an ironically named man of large stature and immense strength but limited mental abilities. Reserved-seat ticket prices for “Of Mice and Men” are $10-$25, based on section of seating. Details and seating charts are at www.clctickets.com

Legislators visit

Legislators serving on the 25-member Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee came to the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College Wed., Oct. 12 to hear about facilities projects requested for the Staples campus. The bonding tour was led by Rep. Larry Howes of Walker, chair of the committee, whow as greeted by CLC President Larry Lundblad before the group assembled in the administrative conference room to review projects. Reps. John Ward of Brainerd and Mike LeMieur of Little Falls were among those attending. Kari Christiansen, vice president of administrative services, gave a Power Point presentation outlining needs. The projects are proposed in bonding legislation for consideration by the lawmakers when they convene early next year.

Chief justice talk

Lori Gildea, chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, visited a criminal justice class at Central Lakes College in Brainerd on Wednesday, Oct. 12 to discuss how the court works and aspects of the state court system in general. The criminal law students followed up her presentation with several questions regarding particular situations and outcomes. Earlier in the day, she and fellow justices heard arguments of an actual court case as hundreds of students listened, including a number of CLC political science students. The court annually takes its activity to outstate Minnesota for a chance to have time with the public and demonstrate a real-life court case. An informal dinner took place Tuesday night at CLC (see below).

Hispanic Month

Central Lakes College celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15. This month recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. One way to observe this special period is by providing samples of the culture. On Wednesday, Oct. 12 in the Brainerd campus cafeteria Salsabrosa did just that, performing a number of songs that offered some "Havana Heat" for the mid-day traffic. Sponsored by Student Life, the showcase featured Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-nominated Cuban keyboardist/vocalist Viviana Pintado and conga musician Frank Rivery, with some brassy salsa from the trumpeter David Eiland. The trip kept the music going beyond the advertised 75-minute venue for some bonus time. Muchas gracias y viva la musica latina!

Poverty forum

The Gordon Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, will host a fee, public forum with panelists discussing the role of government in poverty Monday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the Chalberg Theatre. The forum kicks off a week – Oct. 17-23 -- in which poverty in the area will be a focus of organizers who want to raise awareness, according to Taylor Stevenson, one of the coordinators. The scheduled panelists are Tim Houle, Crow Wing County administrator; Beth Wilms, Crow Wing County community services director; Troy Schreifels, Brainerd Police officer and ISD 181 liaison officer; Craig Nathan, area operations manager at Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program; and Jennifer Bergman, executive director of Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Panelists will discuss the nature of the government’s involvement in combating poverty, the changing face of poverty in today’s society, and what more can and should be done to address poverty in the community, Stevenson said. The panel discussion will be followed by a brief question-and-answer session.

Supreme Court at CLC

The Minnesota Supreme Court came to Central Lakes College Tuesday. The justices mixed business with pleasure, giving the public an opportunity to enjoy informal time -- and a dinner -- in the Brainerd campus cafeteria. The court does it once a year around the state in conjunction with a judicial district, in this case the ninth. The community dinner showed the justices’ human side. Each justice spoke briefly to the audience, dispensing advice to college and high school students, teasing their colleagues about hobbies and emphasizing the importance of the civility and open-mindedness with which they try to approach their jobs. The justices were welcomed by CLC President Larry Lundblad. They include Chief Justice Lori Skjerven Gildea, and justices Alan Page (pictured), Paul Anderson, G. Barry Anderson, Christopher Dietzen, David Stras, and Helen Meyer. Justice Paul Anderson described CLC as a “gem of an institution.” He said his travels to other countries have convinced him that America’s top qualities are its freedom and its education system. “I’m at the point, if we don’t support education, I think it’s unpatriotic,” Anderson said.
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04

Open house

The Staples campus of Central Lakes College will host its fall celebration and open house from 1 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28. This is an opportunity to visit with students and faculty to find the career that is right for you. The event includes information on the Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Applied Science degree, and diploma programs available in these campus programs: Graphic Design, Machine Trades, Photography, Robotics, Video Production, Diesel Mechanics, Nursing, Heavy Equipment, Medical Assistant, and Viticulture. There will be tours, demonstrations, prizes, food, and fun. The campus is located at 1830 Airport Road, a half mile north of Staples Municipal Airport. For information, call 218-894-5100, toll-free 800-247-6836 or go to www.clcmn.edu

$65,000 bequest

The Central Lakes College Foundation next fall will award up to five student scholarships to Brainerd High School graduates attending CLC, thanks to a $65,000 bequest from a retired elementary school teacher. Erma Feriancek of Nisswa, who died last March at age 86, taught at Harrison School in Brainerd for 22 years. Several years after she retired, Erma purchased a life insurance policy with the CLC Foundation as beneficiary. Her bequest has created an endowment from which annual scholarships are to be distributed to eligible students. “This is a wonderful example of how even individuals of modest means can create a legacy,” said Pam Thomsen, executive director of the Foundation. Erma was a native of Blackduck who attended Bemidji State University twice – first to earn her AA degree in 1944 and later her bachelor’s in 1961. She also taught elementary school in Walker for 10 years. She was very active in numerous organizations following retirement.

Senator visits

U.S. Senator Al Franken (D-Minnesota) came to the Staples campus and the Central Lakes College Agricultural and Energy Center today (Mon., Oct. 10) to see for himself the applied research happening there. He heard from experts about the prospects for biomass and oilseed production with prospects for alternative fuel, some of which may be grown and consumed on a local basis. He witnessed the college's oilseed press and seed processing equipment in action and watched as a converted Ford tractor was powered by straight vegetable oil -- results of a collaboration among the Ag & Energy Center, the college's Diesel Technology and Machine Tool Technology programs. Industry entrepreneurs Duane Goetsch of Syngas Technology and Jerad Poling of Growan Energy joined Bob Schafer, director of the Center, in discussion about future fuel prospects from crops researched on the 500-acre CLC partnership acres. He also met several CLC student senators and received a Student Senate T shirt he promsied to wear when he works out in the Senate gym.
More images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04/

Leadership training

Executive officers from the Student Senate on the Brainerd and Staples campuses hosted 49 Central Lakes College club members for leadership training recently. The training is considered beneficial to all student organizations so that proper activities are scheduled, calendars don't create too much conflict, and protocol is followed to create abundant student life opportunities for all students. Student senators have developed a host of college-wide events and fostered an atmosphere of communication and collaboration. Student Activity funds can be dedicated to clubs and organizations meeting requirements of recognition as official entities. Congratulations to all students who are involved in improving student life -- especially student senators.

Tribute to Steve Jobs

The Central Lakes College IT Club (Information Technology) will host a free, 2-hour Tribute to Steve Jobs on Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Lecture Hall (E354) of the Brainerd campus. After a brief overview of the life of the American computer entrepreneur, the club will show on the big screen a short example of the animation films he helped produce as well as the 90-minute, "Pirates of Silicon Valley." It is a 1999 made-for-TV docudrama on the rise of the home computer and the rivalry between Apple Computer and Microsoft. The film stars Anthony Michael Hall as Bill Gates and Noah Wyle as Steve Jobs. Cris Weber, club president, said a hallway display at the lecture hall will exhibit of various early computer technology up to present-day tools. Jobs was co-founder of Apple Inc. and served as chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios. He died Oct. 5 at the age of 57.

'Technology and Your Kids'

Michael Amick, dean of technology at Central Lakes College, will present "Technology and Your Kids: What You Should Know" at Oak Street Christian School at 6 p.m. Sunday. Michael says "Technology is such a powerful tool for connecting, communicating, and accessing information, it's understandable that parents sometimes feel ill-equipped to help their children safely use technology." The free, community event includes a discussion on how to manage technology in your family, why you should have access totechnology used by your children, and why you should be informed and talking with your child about using digital media and technology. The school is at 2910 Oak Street, Brainerd. No registration is needed.

Ronny Cox concert

Musician-actor Ronny Cox, a New Mexico native who has created a niche as a folksie singer-songwriter after performing in more than 125 films, played to a full Dryden Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 6. His appearance was made possible by the Cultural Arts Series at Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples. This was the first in a nine-stop roadtrip of concerts for Cox and two fellow musicians. Accompanied by guitarist-accordionist Dave Stoddard of Fergus Falls and mandolinist-vocalist Karen Mal of Austin, Texas, Ronny covered a full range of favorites in a concert brimming with genuine affection for people, places, and sentiments. He played two tributes to his late wife Mary, pondered the fate of a mysterious of lost traveler in Mexico, paid homage to Navajo culture, and found the lighter side of trucker life. His cinematic affection served him well in lyrics and images painted in melody. He greeted the audience at the door, bid them farewell as they left, and after playing his announced encore politely suggested to the audience, "Go home."
Images by Mark Slupe: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04

Collaborators meet

Educators from Pequot Lakes, Long Prairie, Deer River, Pine River, Pierz, and Remer met recently with collaborator Dave Piasecki at Central Lakes College to review progress and plan future assessment and accountability for their College in the Schools partnership. Dave, who teaches economics and history at CLC, oversees the group of high school instructors teaching college-level courses in their respective districts. The instructors working with Dave at CLC: Pequot Lakes – Dan Moddes, history; Tony Maurer, economics; Long Prairie-Grey Eagle – Paul Urman, economics and history; Deer River – Jessica Felosi, history; Pine River-Backus – Isaak Anderson, history; Kyle Bergem, economics; Pierz – Wally Brown, economics; Northland (Remer) – Mike Horn, economics.

Outstanding Educator nominations welcomed

Dr. Suresh Tiwari, vice president of academic and student affairs at Central Lakes College, invites nominations of CLC instructors for the Outstanding Educator award presented annually by the MnSCU Board of Trustees. "CLC has been fortunate to have so many wonderful, caring, engaged and outstanding faculty in its ranks," VP Tiwari said. "In recent years Kari Frisch, Jan Bedard, Gary Carson, Betsy Picciano, Nancy Smith, and Jan Kurtz have been recognized through this award." Any employee of CLC, student, alumni, or community member may nominate. A nominee must be full-time and unlimited, tenured, and have at least three years of full-time teaching service. Once designated as a nominee for CLC, a faculty member must create a teaching portfolio to demonstrate consistent exemplary teaching and to provide evidence of contributions to student learning. Nominations are open through Wed., Oct.19. For details and a nomination form, contact Scott Foster, 218-855-8271 or sfoster@clcmn.edu

Poetry reading tonight

Poet Richard Fenton Sederstrom will give a free, public reading from 7 to 8 p.m. today (Thursday, Oct. 6) in the Jon Hassler Library of the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College. A retired English professor who served as a student writing contest judge at CLC last spring, Richard lives in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and Mexico and the north woods of Minnesota near Park Rapids. He was raised in Minnesota. His first book, “Fall Pictures on an Abandoned Road,” was released in 2009. “Disordinary Light” came out in 2010, and a new book, “Folly, A Book of Last Summers,” appeared in June. Yesterday he presented a 2-hour poetry workshop for the public on the Brainerd campus. He also is working with students in Donna Salli's creative writing classes during his three-day artist in-residence period.

The Brain and Being Human

Central Lakes College students studying psychology and participating in the Honors Associate in Arts degree program joined instructors Martha Kuehn (psychology) and Robert Brekken (history, leadership) on Oct. 4 and 5 to view live streaming video of speakers on the sold-out Nobel Conference 47 program at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter. They viewed large-screen projection of the webcasts, including one by Dr. Paul Glimcher of New York University (pictured). His topic: Neurobiology of Decision-Making. The 47th conference theme was "The Brain and Being Human." Collaborations between neuroscientists and researchers in seemingly disparate fields have forged new ideas and new questions about the working of the brain. Aspects of daily human life are now incorporated into the scientific arena in a new synthesis to understand the human experience and what it means to be human. The braiding of neuroscience with the humanities, arts, social sciences, theology, and engineering has empowered explanations of the motivations and operations of our daily activities. This insight engenders uncertainty in terms of how to best apply this knowledge responsibly and ethically, and perhaps is even challenging the distinctiveness of our own species. The 2011 Nobel Prizes are being awards this week. For more information go to http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/prize_announcements/

Suicide Prevention Program

The Crisis Line and Referral Service, in conjunction with Northern Pines Mental Health Center, Inc., and Central Lakes College, will host a free Suicide Prevention Program called "Judd's Story" at 3 p.m., Monday, Oct. 24 in the Lecture Hall (E 354) on the Brainerd campus. The program is designed to make students aware of the issues surrounding suicide and depression. There are three parts to the presentation. In the first, factual information about depression and suicide is given along with symptoms of depression and suicide. Presenters explain to the students why depression is a disease and what help is available. The second part is a personal account of the lost a child by suicide. The third is teaching students to be life savers and watch for the signs of depression and suicide in each other. After the presentation, students will be asked to fill out a survey. If they wish to speak with someone about depression or suicide that day, they may. They will also be given a business size card with the signs of depression and suicide on it.

New science club

The newly formed Science Club of Central Lakes College invited students to view the world of science during Student Success Day, Sept. 28. Club members and faculty demonstrated experiments and projects of science; Rocket launching, Trebuchet throw, balloon rocket race, Thermite and dry ice experiments along with sun gazing through a filtered telescope. Student participation was exciting. The club’s success is largely due to the support, advice and enthusiasm of faculty members; Mark Platta, Kirby Scott, Yoshinao Hirai and Dave Kobilka. These exceptional educators make a difference in a student’s success in the journey of higher education. Study in the areas of science requires deep thinking and often difficult learning scenarios. The professional educators in the science areas make this task intriguing, fun and rewarding. The event ended with a drawing for prizes donated from the Brainerd Lakes area businesses; MarJons, Famous Daves, Perkins, Giovannis, Papa Murphys, Jimmy Johns, Ernie’s on Gull, Buffalo Wild Wings, KFC, Dominos and Poncho and Lefty’s. These businesses are a shining example of our wonderful community and their support for the education of future generations. Special thanks to L&M Steel owner Richard Tyner, who donated his time and shop to special grind aluminum for the Thermite experiment. The club's next activity is observation of the Draconid Meteor shower 8-9 pm Oct. 8. The club is planning a day field trip of hiking and biking in the beautiful Cuyuna Lakes Recreation area with a BBQ; then up to the park lookout for star-gazing. Students interested in joining may contact club President Lindy Johnson at: lindyj@charter.net

Natural resources seminar

The Friday, Oct. 7 Natural Resources Seminar at Central Lakes College features Peter Jacobson, research supervisor with the Minnesota DNR, talking about "Protecting Cisco Oxythermal Habitat from Climate Change: Building Resilience in Deep Lakes using a Landscape Approach." This is the second in a three-Friday series of free seminars to learn more about the innovative research activities taking place on our lakes and how information is being used to protect these lakes. The event is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in E 354 of the Brainerd campus. Cisco Coregonus artedi are coldwater stenotherms that are sensitive indicators of ecological stressors that reduce oxythermal habitat, such as climate warming and eutrophication. However, deep lakes with high concentrations of hypolimnetic oxygen may provide a refuge for coldwater fish such as cisco. Potential refuge lakes in Minnesota were identified using a process-oriented, dynamic, one-dimensional year-round lake water quality model by projecting oxythermal habitat under future climate. Water quality protection of these refuge lakes will be critical for maintaining suitable oxythermal habitat for cisco. A landscape approach that protects watersheds from future urbanization and agriculturalization was developed to protect water quality in these systems and maintain the resilience necessary to sustain cisco in at least some Minnesota lakes after climate warming. For information, contact Kent Montgomery of the CLC natural resources faculty, 218-855-8155, kmontgomery@clcmn.edu

Empowering readers

Jessica Teague, Little Falls, is one of the CLC students in Reading I. She is shown reading to pre-schoolers.

Janet Bedard, a Central Lakes College reading instructor, has learned more from mistakes than she has by doing things right the first time. She was raised a working-class daughter of a mechanic father with only a high school education and a mother whose institutional education ended after tenth grade. Life has taught her to own mistakes and misgivings. “Living causes learning,” she said in her “Philosophy of Education” statement last year to the board of trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. She was honored in 2010 by MnSCU as one of the state’s 26 outstanding college instructors along with colleague Gary Carson in natural resources. “Readers who develop critical thinking skills become problem solvers,” Bedard said. “Problem solvers can determine their own course in life without waiting for some outside person or entity to come to the rescue. They move from seeing themselves as victims to being creators. They control their own happiness. Our country needs more creators.” This philosophy continues to drive her 47 years after entering the teaching profession. She’s driven to help young minds mature so that they may more fully share in what life has to offer. That’s why she teaches by example, reading to campus day care pre-schoolers before turning that duty over to the college students. They become part of a grander vision to lessen the hold of illiteracy and poverty from generation to generation.

Scrubs Camp

About 20 area residents became "scrubs campers" last week at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. They were participants in the hands-on, Adult Scrubs Camp that provides an opportunity to be familiar with health care careers. Offered in partnership with area health and medical providers and Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., the camp demonstrated several kinds of experiences that can be encountered in nursing, medical assisting, mental health, dentistry, and other allied heath careers. Dawn Michel of the CLC Medical Assistant program showed how blood hemoglobin can be measured with one of many technological tools associated with that field. Amanda Roache offered to be the "patient" for the demonstration. Speakers included experts in radiology, imaging, lab etch, phlebotomy, pharmacy, chiropractic and massage. Professionals from St. Joseh's Medical Center, Cuyuna Range Medical Center, and Rural MnCEP made presentations.