Career education

At Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples, more than 900 students from area school districts are offered a hands-on look at educational pathways to careers requiring technical skills. Mini-career fairs are designed to show the youngsters some of the choices awaiting them as they explore fields where proper training leads to employment, often within the regional community. Their success is reported as Gov. Mark Dayton proclaims February 2012 “Career and Technical Education Month” for the state of Minnesota.

'The Dream Alive'

In observance of Black History Month, the Central Lakes College Diversity Leadership Council on Tuesday, Feb. 7 will host a free, public presentation, “The Dream Alive,” as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Co-sponsor is the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. The 90-minute presentation starts at 10 a.m. in the Brainerd campus gymnasium. Joe Rogers (shown), who served as the youngest lieutenant governor in the United States during his time in Colorado, presents the moving remembrance. “The Dream Alive” is an acclaimed, positive and uplifting dedication that has been presented at colleges, corporations and conferences throughout the country. The commentary will take audience members back in time to the renowned 1963 March on Washington where King delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech -- to his final words delivered in 1968 in Memphis, Tenn. The Central Lakes College Diversity Leadership Council has invited college and high school students, faculty, staff, members of the Center for Lifelong Learning, and the greater community to come to the Brainerd campus for a remarkable morning in dedication to keeping the dream alive!

'Julius Caesar'

Following their month-long residency at the Guthrie Theater, the Acting Company will make Central Lakes College the first stop of their 2012 tour to perform Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" at 7:30 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 8 in Chalberg Theatre. The Acting Company has garnered critical acclaim on a national scale through 135 productions and 39 seasons of classic, contemporary, and new plays. Recipient of a TONY Award of Excellence in Theatre, they have won other numerous awards for performance and education including Obies, Audelcos, and the Los Angeles Critics Circle Award. The Cultural Arts Series is an offshoot of Central Lakes College Theatre. It is the goal of the Series to bring to local stages professional artists of national and international reputation. Prices for "Julius Caesar" range from $25, $20, or $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 www.clctickets.com

Valentine's Day concert

The Central Lakes College Music Department will present “The Sweetheart Tree,” an instrumental celebration of Valentine’s Day romance, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Chalberg Theater on the Brainerd campus. This year’s winter concert will feature the CLC Brass Ensemble and Jazz Band directed by Steve Anderson and CLC Woodwinds directed by Chris Bolstad. The love-themed music will range from Italian antiphonal brass to reggae to Duke Ellington with a little of everything in between. Admission to the concert is $5 for adults. CLC students with identification and children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. There are no reserved seats and no advanced tickets sold.  Seating is first-come, first-served. For information contact Steve Anderson at (218) 855-8215 or sanderso@clcmn.edu

DC trip

Kari Frisch of the CLC speech faculty was the only Minnesotan attending the Dec. 6-10 United Nations World Food Program White House Community Leadership Series in Washington, D.C. She had taken a class last fall offered by the organization and the ONE.Org Campaign that focused on global hunger and advocacy. As part of that course, Kari created a social networking advocacy, the Eleventh Hour Challenge, to raise money and awareness to combat local and global hunger. Her effort enlisted followers of her Facebook page to pledge resources for the cause. “It was an exciting surprise that came at the end of the class,” said Kari. “We were invited to Washington to be part of the White House Leadership Series.”

'To Kill a Mockingbird'

“To Kill a Mockingbird,” a beautifully crafted adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of violent racial events in a small town, will be staged at Central Lakes College in Brainerd Feb. 11-19. Set in 1935 Alabama, this popular, oft-performed play is scheduled for the 100-seat Dryden Theatre at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18 and 2 p.m., Feb. 12 and 19 (the latter ASL interpreted). Adapted by Christopher Sergel from the novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a powerful, stark drama performed by a cast of 24 under the direction of Dennis Lamberson. “To Kill a Mockingbird” takes its script from a novel by Harper Lee published in 1960. It was instantly successful, winning the Pulitzer Prize, and has become a classic of modern American literature. The plot and characters are loosely based on the author’s observations of her family and neighbors, as well as on an event that occurred near her hometown in 1936, when she was 10 years old.

Ag & Energy Expo

STAPLES — The Staples campus of Central Lakes College will host the second Ag & Energy Expo from 9:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., Friday Feb. 24, a free event featuring Michael Reese the Renewable Energy Director at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center at Morris. The day-long event that includes breakfast and lunch is co-sponsored by CLC and Mid-Central Federal Savings Bank of Wadena, Staples and Long Prairie. Reese has participated as Project Manager or Coordinator on several renewable energy research and demonstration projects including large scale wind energy, biomass gasification, renewable hydrogen, and other renewable energy systems. He has spoken at regional, state, and national conferences on the topic of renewable energy. He maintains a strong focus in agriculture, rural economic and business development, and community vitality.

Outstanding Educators

Dr. Suresh Tiwari, vice president of academic and student affairs at Central Lakes College, announces that Steven K. Anderson of Merrifield and Martha Kuehn of Brainerd have been named 2012 Outstanding Educators by CLC President Dr. Larry Lundblad. Steve, who teaches instrumental music, and Martha, a psychology instructor, are eligible for the annual statewide Educator of the Year honor to be announced April 18 at the Excellence in Teaching award luncheon in St. Paul. The award is given by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. “Steve and Martha are veteran faculty with a history of accomplishments in the teaching and learning arena,” said Dr. Tiwari. “They have been heavily engaged in service to the college.”

DNR roundtable

Natural Resources student Bryan Harvey of Aitkin and instructor Dr. Bill Faber of Central Lakes College attended the Department of Natural Resources 22^nd annual Roundtable in St. Paul earlier this month. They were among about 350 invited conservation leaders who gathered at the request of DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. The event focused on fisheries, wildlife and ecological issues. Harvey was the only student not from the University of Minnesota to be invited. He had been nominated by Dr. Faber. Of the seven students invited, five were graduate students. The gathering provides hunting, angling and conservation organization representatives the opportunity to share insights with DNR staff and receive updates on the latest trends, research and natural resource issues.

'Sparking Your Creativity'

Jodi Schwen, editor-in-chief of the Lake Country Journal Magazine, will share insight from her award-winning, 14-year writing career Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Schwen’s talk, “Sparking Your Creativity,” is part of the series hosted by the Center for Lifelong Learning based at CLC. The program will be held in room E151 near Entrance No. 6 (Business and Industry Center). Where does creativity come from? How can one capture it? Schwen will demonstrate the value – and fun – of using words to express yourself. The goal of the program is to stimulate writers to preserve memories by blending written word and images to produce creative photo books, quilts, collages, and products of purpose and permanence. Schwen has written a variety of stories, dramas, narratives, and documents journaling personal experiences and well-researched, individual histories. She believes that each of us has a story (or stories) needing to be told. She supports the creative spark behind the stories and will use her workshop experience toward that end. The speaker series hosted by the Center for Lifelong Learning is offered at no charge to those who become members of the public enrichment enterprise. Otherwise, admission is $5. For information, contact Bill Brekken, coordinator, at (218) 855-8146 or email bbrekken@clcmn.edu

Ice auger champ

Central Lakes College Science Club member Sylvia Olson of Crosslake recently won the Breezy Point World Ice Fest Auger Competition -- both power and hand. Sylvia, a student in the CLC Nursing Program, was among 35 registrants in the contest. In the power auger women's division she captured the first place trophy to finish ahead of runner-up Kelly Johnson and third-placer Dianna Hazelton, both of Ramsey. The CLC Science Club meets Wednesdays from 11 to 3 with a potluck lunch during that period. Their current meeting room is E425 (art studio drawing room) on the Brainerd campus. Students may join any time, according to President Lindy Jo, who is available to answer questions at lindyj@charter.net
Photo courtesy of pineandlakes.com, the Lake Country Echo and Pine River Journal

Viking Label, Lakes Vybe

Second-year Communication Art and Design students at Central Lakes College recently toured Viking Label, Nisswa, to witness custom printing and participated in a networking opportunity at the Lakes Vybe luncheon to cultivate relationships. Instructor Mandi Yliniemi said Brian Trees of Viking Label gave a behind-the-scenes tour and answered student questions about the customer service-oriented company that prints pressure-sensitive labels, inserts, specialty coupons and booklets. At the Lakes Vybe luncheon, young professionals explored ways to make impressions that are remembered and the world of social media. Lakes Vybe links those age 21-40 through educational programs and professional networking opportunities. CLC students prepare to enter the work world equipped with insight gained from business tours and networking events.

Statewide conference

Guest speakers from three Midwest universities are among speakers scheduled at the Feb. 8 and 9 Minnesota High Tunnel Conference in Baxter. High tunnels, or hoophouses, are unheated greenhouses that can help market gardeners extend their growing season so that they can improve the profitability of their farms. Mary Gardiner of Ohio State, Russ Groves of Wisconsin, and Cary Rivard of Kansas State will lead sessions during the event that begins with a separate half-day beginner workshop. The event promises the latest research, demonstration reports and grower discussions on high tunnels and season extension in Minnesota. Held at the Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, the conference co-hosts are the University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences at the U of M, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, the USDA’s North Central Integrated Pest Management Center, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, which includes the Agricultural and Energy Center of Central Lakes College, Staples.

Scholarship for manufacturing class

The Initiative Foundation is making it easier to enroll in college and train for a new job in manufacturing with a scholarship for students who take  “Introduction to Manufacturing” at the Central Lakes College Outreach Site in Pine River this spring.  A special scholarship fund will defray 50% of the tuition for this 2-credit class for students enrolled in this section. To take advantage of this opportunity, call 1-800-933-0346 (ask for Peggy) or attend the On-site Registration Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Outreach Center at 980 First St. North in Pine River between 5 and 8 p.m.  Ask for the Initiative Foundation Manufacturing Education Challenge Scholarship when registering. The CLC Outreach site in Pine River is a partnership project between Central Lakes College, the Pine River-Backus School District and the Cass County Economic Development Corporation.

Hatch added to forum panel

The Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government at Central Lakes College in Brainerd has announced that former Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch has been added to the slate of panelists for its Forum on Legislative Redistricting and Reapportionment. The forum will take place at the Chalberg Theater at CLC from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, January 25. The panel will also include Peter S. Wattson, a veteran Minnesota Senate Legal Counsel and former General Counsel to Governor Mark Dayton; Rep. Sarah Anderson, Chair of the House Committee on Redistricting; and Gregg Peppin, former legislative analyst on the 2001 legislative redistricting legislation. Taylor Stevenson, Vice President of the Rosenemier Center Board of Directors will moderate the forum. Mike Hatch served as Minnesota Attorney General from 1999 to 2007 and was the 2006 DFL candidate for governor. Prior to being Attorney General Hatch was in private practice at the law firm of Hatch, Eiden & Pihlstrom, a firm he headed from 1992 to 1998. From 1983 to 1990 Mr. Hatch served the state as Commissioner of Commerce.

Great Depression & Great Recession

The Center for Lifelong Learning at Central Lakes College presents Dr. Louis Johnston, head of economics at St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict on Thursday, Jan. 26, where he will address the Great Depression and the Great Recession. Johnston’s talk begins at 6:30 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus, where admission is free to members of the Center for Lifelong Learning, $5 for non-members. Johnston specializes in macroeconomics and economic history. His most recent projects focus on analyzing the evolution of Minnesota’s economy and how Minnesota became “above average” over the past 60 years. He writes a weekly column on economics and the economy for MinnPost.com, and is a regular guest on Minnesota Public Radio’s “Midday” program. For information on The Center for Lifelong Learning, visit www.clcmn.edu/lifelonglearning.

South Africa program

Shanice Hector (right) and Nqobile "Obi" Mahlangu of South Africa will present the next Cultural Thursday program at Central Lakes College from noon to 12:50 p.m. Feb. 2 in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. It is free and open to the public. Shanice, 19, is from Cape Town and Obi, 20, is from Johannesburg. Both are majoring in Business, attending CLC for one year through the the Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) program sponsored by the U.S. State Department. CLC was the first college in Minnesota approved for participation three years ago. With a stunning variety of spectacular natural environments, exotic wildlife, award-winning vineyards, historic townships, uniquely sophisticated cities, world-renowned cuisine, and lively culture, South Africa offers a journey of discovery like no other.

Forum on Legislative Redistricting and Reapportionment

The Gordon Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government at Central Lakes College will host a public Forum on Legislative Redistricting and Reapportionment from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, in the Chalberg Theatre at the Brainerd campus.

Legislative redistricting is a vital part of American democracy. Every ten years, following the release of results of the Census, states must reapportion legislative and congressional districts to ensure each citizen has equal and fair representation. Yet, despite the incredibly important role redistricting plays in maintaining the vigor of American political life, few understand how the process occurs – or even why it is so important. On February 21st, a special judicial panel will prescribe the legislative and congressional lines that will divide Minnesota politically for the next decade.

New director

Deb Norlin of Brainerd is the Director of Career, Transfer and Placement Services, a new position at Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples. The job entails leadership and coordination of CLC’s Career, Transfer and Placement Services Center, including career exploration and support services, information on transfer, and job placement and internship sites for CLC students. Norlin, who comes to CLC from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, was a Distance Learning Coordinator-Adviser on the Brainerd campus of CLC from 1998 to 2007, employed by Southwest Minnesota State University. She was Assistant Director of Enrollment Services and Alumni Director for SMSU from 1994-98 and had been employed in two other student services-related posts there since 1987. She is a graduate of Southwest Minnesota State and earned a Master’s of Science in Educational Administration at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Kayak Lady

Mary Shideler, known as “The Kayak Lady,” was the first guest presenter Tuesday, Jan. 10 in the Center for Lifelong Learning Speaker Series at Central Lakes College, Brainerd. Over the last 15 years Mary has kayaked all 1,007 lakes in Itasca County. To document her paddling adventures, she wrote and self-published “The Kayak Lady: One Woman, One Kayak, 1007 Lakes.” Her adventure has been showcased by Minnesota Public Radio, Fox News, On the Road with Jason Davis, and many publications. Sometimes with the help of friends, but often on her own, she carried her kayak through brush, trudged across bogs in tall boots, and put up with hordes of mosquitoes and legions of wood ticks. The new series offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning continues next Tuesday, Jan. 17 when Dr. Jim Bensen, president emeritus of Bemidji State University, speaks at 6:30 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre on how to “Make the Future Your Friend.”

Local Foods College

Central Lakes College, through its Agricultural and Energy Center, is a co-host for seven sessions for farmers to increase the production of local foods in the region by building production and business management skills. Local Foods College takes place at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 24 and 31, Feb. 14, 21, and 28, and March 6 and 13 via interactive television at the Staples campus.

Recharging leaders

Three inspirational speakers will share the spotlight of a half-day workshop designed for all levels of management, from CEO to the up-and-coming organizational leader. Drs. Jim Bensen and Rose Ward (pictured) will join Ted Schick on Thursday, Feb. 16 at Grand View Lodge for “Recharging Your Leaders” from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Collaborators who call their partnership UPBEAT are sponsoring the event that starts with breakfast and concludes with lunch. UPBEAT is the acronym for Unified Professionals in Business Education and Training. Dr. Bensen is president emeritus of Bemidji State University. Dr. Ward is a worksite health promoter and Certified Intrinsic Coach. Schick is a corporate trainer, motivational speaker, and consultant. Admission is $50, Register by Feb. 9 by going to http://clcmn.augusoft.net and clicking on “courses.” Information is available from the SBDC at 800-933-0346 ext. 8140, or 218-855-8140 or jplatta@clcmn.edu

Sabin honored

On Jan. 6 and 7 members of the Student Senate from each campus of Central Lakes College attended the annual Minnesota State College Student Association Scholarship Dinner and Leadership Conference in Bloomington. Last summer Steve Sabin, our Brainerd Campus Student Senate President, ran a series of marathons to raise funds for the MSCSA Leadership Scholarship. Steve was able to raise over $3,000 for the scholarship. These funds were awarded to numerous high-achieving students from across the state, including our own Julie Jo Larson. During the Scholarship Dinner Steve was awarded a medal by MSCSA President Geoff Dittberner (right) and MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone to celebrate this achievement.Congratulations! Also attending the event from CLC were Molly Winters, Nick Weeks, Toy Ross Sullivan, Dylan Arcenau, Ethan Russell, Denny Benjamin, Mandi Drevlow, Catie Sabin, Erich Heppner (Student Life Director), Adam Schlangen, and Kendrich Heppner.

Robotics competition

The Central Lakes College Robotics Club will host the FIRST Robotics Kickoff from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Staples campus. FIRST means "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology." FRC Kickoff marks the beginning of the design and build season. Whether it’s in Manchester, N. H. or one of the numerous “local” Kickoffs, teams have the opportunity to meet with others to compare notes, get ideas, make friends, find mentoring teams, learn the game, pick up the Kit of Parts, and get geared up for the exciting competition season. National sponsors include NASA and PTC, a Massachusetts-based product development company. More than a half dozen high school teams from the area are involved, working to build competing models. They will advance to one of 3 Minnesota Regionals in March. CLC Robotics instructor Nathan Peterson coordinates the local event.

Kayak Lady here Tuesday

Mary Shideler, known as “The Kayak Lady,” will be the guest presenter Tuesday, Jan. 10 in the debut of the Center for Lifelong Learning Speaker Series at Central Lakes College, Brainerd. Over the last 15 years Mary has kayaked all 1,007 lakes in Itasca County. To document her paddling adventures, she wrote and self-published “The Kayak Lady: One Woman, One Kayak, 1007 Lakes.” Her adventure has been showcased by Minnesota Public Radio, Fox News, On the Road with Jason Davis, and many publications. Sometimes with the help of friends, but often on her own, she carried her kayak through brush, trudged across bogs in tall boots, and put up with hordes of mosquitoes and legions of wood ticks. Mary’s presentation is the first of a series offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning based at the Brainerd campus of CLC. She speaks at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in Chalberg Theatre, where admission is $5.

Foreign policy expert

Foreign policy consultant and former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson will be the featured speaker sponsored by Central Lakes College’s Center for Lifelong Learning from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Lord of Life Church in Baxter. Currently serving as Program Secretary of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Committee on Foreign Relations, Hanson is a former US Foreign Service Officer whose postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. He also participated in the opening of new US Embassies in Mongolia and Estonia, worked on the foreign relations committees of the US Senate and House of Representatives, and served as Director for NATO and European Affairs at the Atlantic Council of the United States in Washington, D.C. He is active with the Upper Midwest Association of Foreign Service, a member of the Minnesota International Center’s Great Decisions advisory committee and frequent Great Decisions speaker. He is a contributor to local media, a board member of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights (US Foundation), and Diplomat in Residence at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. He is also the featured speaker each year at the Humphrey Institute giving the State of the World assessment.

Dr. Bensen at CLC Jan. 17

Dr. Jim Bensen, president emeritus of Bemidji State University, will present a program in the Center for Lifelong Learning speaker series at Central Lakes College Tuesday, Jan. 17. Jim will speak on how to “Make the Future Your Friend” in a 6:30 p.m. event held in Chalberg Theatre, where admission is $5 but free to members of the Center. Jim has been involved for four decades with the design and development of leadership initiatives on the local, state, national and international levels. He enjoys his role as an “ambassador without a portfolio” and “entrepreneur at-large.” Formerly, professor and dean of the College of Industry and Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, he has served as president of the Dunwoody College of Technology and Bemidji State University. He retired as president in 2001.

Service to others

Service learning and civic engagement remain at the top of Central Lakes College priorities for students and staff. The latest report of activities involving volunteer service for 2011 show that students conducted 37,939 hours of service. Faculty and staff contributed 15,256 hours supervising and participating in projects with our students. In addition, 166 students collectively completed 929 internship credits for a minimum of 41,805 hours. "This amounts to 20 person-years contributed to the communities, including Brainerd and Staples," said CLC President Larry Lundblad. CLC has applied to receive a fourth straight year of recognition on the President's National Service Honor Roll.

Welding program makes SENSE

Students in the Central Lakes College Welding program in Brainerd have additional benefits as a result of a new partnership with the American Welding Society. Membership in AWS brings national accreditation acknowledged by SENSE – Schools Excelling through National Skill Standards Education. With the start of the spring semester, CLC Welding students begin American Welding Society training that leads to Level I Welder Certification. Students then advance to Level II during a summer session. Upon graduation from Central Lakes College and completion of the SENSE program, the student obtains industry certification as a Level II Advanced Welder. The affiliation with AWS gives students access to technical resources and a national registry of apprenticeships and career opportunities. Employers profit by knowing CLC graduates have the skills required for success. Less on-the-job training means reduced cost of hiring. Instructor Mike Reeser will obtain Certified Welding Educator certification in the spring after completing proficiency requirements from AWS March 12-17 in Indianapolis. The certification confirms his ability to specifically direct and perform operations associated with welder training and classroom instruction.