Ex-Congressman to present for CLL

DieticianTeresa Farrell and former Congressman Tim Penny will present programs at Central Lakes College in the next two weeks, sponsored by the Center for Lifelong Learning at CLC. Farrell will speak about “Good Fats/Bad Fats” from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2 in Room E203 on the Brainerd campus (Business & Industry Center). The Essentia Health Brainerd Clinic expert will discuss saturated fats, trans fats, polys and mom-unsaturated fats. She will explain the amount of fat one ought to be consuming – or not consuming. Farrell has more than 20 years of experience and is committed to helping individuals, families, and communities achieve health goals. Penny, who represented Minnesota’s First District in the U.S. House from 1982-94, will speak on “Current Election Outcomes” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9 in Chalberg Theatre. He served in Congress on the Education and Labor, Agriculture, and Veterans’ Affairs committees. He chaired the subcommittee on Veterans’ Education and Training and the Foreign Agriculture and Hunger Subcommittee. Throughout his career, Penny focused on budget issues, especially as chair of the Democratic Budget Group and the “Porkbusters Coalition.” Admission to each program is $6 for non-members but free to members of the Center for Lifelong Learning. For information, call (218) 855-8142 or email bberg@clcmn.edu

Veterans helping veterans

The Brainerd Disabled American Veterans (DAV), beneficiary of $3,000 from VFW Post 1816 in Garrison, recently presented a check for the same amount to the Central Lakes College (CLC) Veterans Resource Center (VRC). “We at Central Lakes College sincerely appreciate the tremendous amount of community support, donations and assistance we receive,” said Kathy Marshik, VRC director. “This has changed the lives of our veterans, current military members and dependents who attend college in Brainerd. We have been able to assist veterans in the community as well, with gas cards, food cards, guidance and resources we could not have provided without your help.” Veterans organization representative Steve Rosenow and Kathy Marshik are shown with the check. Others at the presentation were Jonathan Nieman, student veteran; Bill Wroolie of the Brainerd Purple Heart Association of the DAV; and Pam Thomsen, CLC director of resource development and CLC Foundation.

Deuces Wild! to replace George Winston

Grammy Award-winning pianist George Winston has canceled his Tuesday, Oct. 23 benefit concert at Central Lakes College in Brainerd due to medical reasons. Winston, 63, was to present a solo concert as a student scholarships fundraiser. Replacing Winston will be Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos -- David Charles Eichholz and Ted Manderfeld. The Waite Park-based artists present a piano variety act offering a Las Vegas-style show mix of comedy, enticing extensive audience participation and featuring an unlikely and surprising mix of music and parodies. Ranging from classic rock to country to rap to show tunes- they do it all, and they do it hilariously well. The Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos show has appeared throughout the Midwest in performances for colleges and universities, corporations, conferences, weddings, and fundraisers. For information about the performers, go to www.wildpianos.com Tickets for reserved seats are $35 or $50 per person. The $35 seats are available next to either auditorium wall - the two seats next to the wall which are not on an aisle. All other seats are $50. For more information please call Pam Thomsen, director of resource development and CLC Foundation, at (218) 855-8129 (toll-free 800-933-0346 ext. 8129) or email pthomsen@clcmn.edu

New Director of Admissions

Jennifer K. Hirsch of Brainerd is the new Director of Admissions at Central Lakes College. She is the lead worker in Admissions and Advising and assigned to operational management of admissions and recruiting efforts. Nick Heisserer, Director of Enrollment Services, is the supervisor. Jennifer has been an admissions representative at CLC since 2010, first as a recruiter and more recently as an admissions adviser. She has served as director of student services at the Academy of Natural Therapy, Greeley, Colo., and was an enrollment adviser and team leader for University of Phoenix in Fort Collins, Colo. She earned her Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training from University of Phoenix after receiving a bachelor’s degree with honors from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2002. "Jennifer’s breadth of knowledge combined with her organizational and process-development skills and experience will no doubt be assets as we develop and implement new strategies to recruit students to CLC,” said Beth Adams, dean of students.

New Registrar

Michelle Kangas of Baxter has been named Registrar at Central Lakes College. Michelle has been a senior customer service specialist at CLC since 2004 and from 1997-2004 was a cashier. From 1993-97 she was a Financial Aid Assistant at CLC. A native of Menahga, Kangas earned her BS in elementary education from St. Cloud State University and has completed many courses from Bemidji State University, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and CLC. She has experience as a classroom teacher and a corporate administrative assistant. “Michelle has been a valued member of the Records and Registration Department for nearly a decade and part of our college community for the past 19 years,” said Beth Adams, CLC dean of students.  “Her knowledge and experience will help her to hit the ground running in her new leadership role.”

Poetry series inaugurated

The Central Lakes College English Department series dedicated to excellence in poetry introduced to a capacity audience award-winning poet Li-Young Lee of Chicago today. The noon-hour reading and remarks from Li-Young drew about 250 people to Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus, including community members, students, faculty, administrators, and media representatives (Lakeland Public TV News reporter Shane Lee and KAXE Northern Community Radio's Steve Downing). The Verse Like Water series created by Jeff Johnson, English adjunct faculty, is co-sponsored by the college's Center for Lifelong Learning and the CLC Foundation. Li-Young read two of his poems and answered questions during the enriching program that was free and open to the public. The poet signed his works and extra posters for a steady line of admirers before moving to E363 to lead an afternoon workshop. The event was made possible with the help of a grant from the Five Wings Arts Council and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund authorized by the people of Minnesota and our elected representatives. Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04/

Training grant

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Central Lakes College  and three institutional partners a $13.1 million grant to expand educational opportunity in advanced manufacturing. CLC, a community and technical college in Brainerd and Staples, is the consortium leader. The three-year grant award, announced Wednesday by Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, will enable CLC, St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC), Pine Technical College (PTC), and the 360 Degree Center of Excellence at Bemidji State University to train workers for high-wage, high-skill jobs. “We are excited about the opportunity to better serve the manufacturing sector of the state’s economy with this grant,” said Dr. Larry Lundblad, president of CLC. “The most economically distressed rural regions will benefit the most.” The $13,100,920 awarded to the consortium will be divided as follows: CLC -- $3,748,561; SCTCC -- $3,953,961; PTC -- $3,209,312; 360 Center -- $2,189,086. Jeff Wig (shown), CLC dean of career and technical programs and Staples campus, worked for months with many partners in pursuit of the grant.

Food shelf makes Strib

The Star Tribune today reported on college food shelfs that are playing an important role in retaining students. The article cites Central Lakes College among examples where campus dfood shelves stcoked by donations from employees and others who care can make a difference in students' lives. Reporter Jenna Ross (shown) said in her report: Food shelves are popping up on campuses across the state and country, serving students who struggle to afford lunch along with tuition, fees and books. They're most common at community colleges, which serve a larger share of low-income students. ... The food shelves work in different ways. North Hennepin's is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, while Normandale opens each weekday at 7:30 a.m. Central Lakes requires no sign-in, while others have students complete a form.

Trustees tour campus

Two trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities visited the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College today. Dawn Erlandson (left) and Margaret Anderson Kelliher met students in the Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) program, as well as student senate leaders, student tutors, and staff in fine arts, athletics, and support services such as the Learning Commons and the Bridge. They toured the Jon Hassler Library, Rosenmeier Center, and Humphrey Center. The trustees had been attending a fall retreat nearby and took time before returning to their home communities to see one of the state's foremost community and technical colleges. This was the first visit to CLC's Brainerd campus for Erlandson and Anderson Kelliher, who are among the four newest appointees of Gov. Mark Dayton. Other recent appointees by the Governor are Ann Anaya, Alfredo Oliveira, Maria Peluso, and Alexander Cirillo.
Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04/

Poem published

Leane Flynn, an English instructor at Central Lakes College, has had a poem published in Volume 21 of the literary journal “The Talking Stick” published by the Jackpine Writers’ Bloc based in Park Rapids and Menahga. “Late-Night Subway Song” by Flynn is part of the annual anthology. The publication, a collection of prose and poetry by writers with a connection to Minnesota, is an outgrowth of the writing community that since 1993 has been encouraging development of the craft among its members. It is an organization dedicated to celebration of life in North Central Minnesota. Leane taught full-time at the University of Minnesota-Duluth from 2004-08 and teaching at CLC since 2009. She earned her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Minnesota-Morris and received her master's in English from Northeastern university, Boston, Mass., in 2004. The Jackpine Writers' Bloc holds formal meetings on the third Sunday of each month from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Bella Café, Park Rapids.
 

MAELC board appointment

Dr. Larry Lundblad, president of Central Lakes College (CLC) in Brainerd and Staples, has been appointed to the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC). Dr. Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, made the appointment. MAELC is a 16-member legislative council dedicated to improving and restructuring Agricultural Education in Minnesota at all levels. Pre-school through adult learners benefit from the critical knowledge provided by Agricultural Education programs. From basic food systems knowledge to advanced processing sciences, agriculture is the key to one in four jobs in Minnesota. Only with sufficient Agricultural Education can the state continue to grow and prosper. Recognized for an ability to build partnerships with business and school districts, Dr. Lundblad has overseen notable enrollment growth at CLC, ensuring college presence as a driver of economic and cultural development.

Human rights forum

Kevin Lindsey, Minnesota commissioner of human rights, will lead a forum at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, on Thursday, Oct. 25 to provide an update on Minnesota's changing demographics as affecting jobs, education, and the state's economic future and community dialogue of the proposed Voter ID and Marriage constitutional amendments on the Nov. 6 ballot for Minnesota voters. The presentation is at 10 a.m. in Chalberg Theatre, followed by the community dialogue at 11 a.m. As Commissioner, Lindsey is responsible for a department whose mission is to make Minnesota discrimination free. The Department of Human Rights enforces the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, religion, color, creed, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation and other characteristics protected under the Act. Discrimination is prohibited in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, business, credit and other areas. The Department of Human Rights also ensures that businesses seeking state contracts are in compliance with equal opportunity requirements, and strives to eliminate discrimination by educating Minnesotans about their rights and responsibilities under the Act.

Cultural Thursday Oct. 4

Cultural Thursday at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, will feature a closer look at Mexico’s traditional “Day of the Dead” on Oct. 4. Jan Kurtz, who has traveled to Mexico numerous times, will illustrate the observance that occurs annually Nov. 1 and 2 but is prepared for – as our Halloween – a month ahead of time. The free, public program is from noon to 12:50 p.m. in the Chalberg Theatre.

Student Success Day

The fifth annual Student Success Day at Central Lakes College is Wed., Sept. 26 on the Brainerd and Staples campuses. This day is dedicated to all CLC students' success, with informative and enriching activities scheduled. Keynote speaker is Jermaine Davis,who has been a previous highlight at Student Success Day and has graciously accepted our invitation to return. He will present his entertaining, inspirational talk at the Brainerd and Staples campuses. This is a day set aside for students to:
* Meet one on one with their instructors.
* Attend fun and exciting; success promoting workshops.
*Time Management, College Budgeting, Stress Management, Yoga, Career Planning, Procrastination, Memory and much more!
* Hear a fantastic motivational speaker who will excite and motivate you about your college journey at CLC.
* Create a sense of community among our students and staff with fun activities.
* FREE FOOD!
* PRIZES and FUN!

See what the event it all about:  http://youtu.be/qfNaEsHD6As

Conservation Officer candidates

Twelve conservation officer candidates, including two Central Lakes College graduates from the Natural Resources Law Enforcement program, were selected from 800 applicants to spend the next 12 weeks at the DNR Enforcement Conservation Officer Academy at Camp Ripley. The candidates are receiving instruction on fish and wildlife laws, rules of evidence, patrol procedures, search and rescue, and fish and wildlife investigation. Upon graduation, the new conservation officers will spend 16 weeks in field training with a veteran conservation officer before receiving their initial assignment. The officer candidates represent the 14th academy class of Minnesota conservation officers, celebrating 125 years of service to the people of Minnesota. Among this year’s candidates are 2010 CLC graduate Staci Beto of Royalton, who has been a CLC security specialist,  and 2007 CLC grad Caleb Silgjord of Motley, who worked for Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department.

The Bridge opens at CLC

The Bridge is a new center for student support on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College. On Thursday, Sept. 13, this shared space held an open house to provide everyone an opportunity to see how efficiently and effectively the former Aacademic Center for Enrichment has been reorganized. Located in the east wing near Entrance No. 4, The Bridge provides services to students, program participants, and community. Within this space are the Office of Diversity, Equity and Tribal Relations; TRiO Student Support Services; Upward Bound; Meta 5 Displaced Homemakers; Race Equity Policy Fellow; Disability Services; Check & Connect; and Experience Works. Mary Sam is the lead administrator of The Bridge. For more open house images and a look at the people who work at The Bridge go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04/

State, business partnership aids CLC

Thanks to the State Legislature and business backers, two career education programs at Central Lakes College (CLC) by the end of 2012 will be able to offer students training equipment to prepare them for the latest industry practices and technologies. The financial support making it possible is part of an infusion of more than $1.2 million driven by a state appropriation and private funding. The colleges and universities were required to procure matching contributions in non-state funds to receive state funds. The Legislative Leveraged Equipment Fund from the Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton plus matching funds from businesses will enable CLC to obtain two major pieces of excavation equipment valued at $151,250. A loader and an excavator will be purchased for use by students in two career education programs at Staples: Heavy Equipment Operations and Maintenance and Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology.

CLC interns are everywhere

Natural Resources student interns from Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd, seem to be everywhere this summer. Thirty full-time interns in 2012 have logged thousands of hours working in Minnesota and Wisconsin for natural resources agencies, primarily the Department of Natural Resources. “I think it is an impressive testament for our NR program and the students,” said instructor Dr. Bill Faber, internship coordinator. He said 19 students took internships for academic credit and 11 students were non-academic interns not required by their hiring agency to register for internship credits. Those 11 earned small stipends. Rarely are room and board provided. For one academic intern, summer hasn’t ended, and the work offers more than college credits.

CLC gets Daily Planet mention

Central Lakes College's Occupational Skills Program and Check and Connect student support system are included in a Twin Cities Daily Planet online report, which discusses the changing demographics of today's college students -- particularly those with intellectual disabilities. In 2010, the federal government distributed $10.9 million in grants to fund college programs for students with intellectual disabilities. This was part of President Barack Obama's push to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. "ThinkCollege" directs 250 college programs across the United States charged with running five-year demonstration projects to help researchers figure out what works. CLC and Ridgewater are the two Minnesota colleges serving students with intellectual disabilities to lift them into employability, independent living, and societal inclusion. The Daily Planet report notes that Brian Miner, interim coordinator of the OSP program at CLC, said he expects many students will take fitness classes or vocational courses such as CPR/first aid training or food service managementis part of a mainstreaming movement aided by Check and Connect.

Discussion canceled

The Tuesday discussion at Central Lakes College regarding the proposed Marriage Amendment to the state constitution has been canceled due to withdrawal from the event by one of the presenters, State Senator Warren Limmer, author of the bill. It had been organized in a cooperative effort by the League of Women Voters and the Center for Lifelong Learning at CLC and was to have offered a forum with input from both sides of the issue as well as information about the amendment process. Minnesota voters on Nov. 6 will vote on aspects of the marriage definition relating to government. The ballot question: Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?

Poetry reading, workshop

On Monday, Sept. 24, Central Lakes College will host award-winning poet Li-Young Lee as the first guest presenter of the Verse Like Water series produced by the English Department on the Brainerd campus of CLC. Instructor Jeff Johnson, who has coordinated similar national poet readings elsewhere, said the series intends to introduce visiting poets to bring literary life to the college and community. The Center for Lifelong Learning and CLC Foundation are co-sponsoring the event. The Chinese American Lee, who since1964 has lived in Chicago, will read some of his poems and meet with the public at a free event from noon to 1 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre. There will be a free-will offering. Lee will also lead a free poetry workshop for students and other writers in E363 from 1:35 to approximately 2:20 p.m., according to Johnson.

Certified

Michael A. Reeser, Welding Technology instructor at Central Lakes College, has completed requirements to be recognized as a Certified Welding Educator (CWE) according to the American Welding Society. The CWE program is geared for the professional in the welding education field. This AWS certification confirms one’s ability, talent and knowledge to specifically direct and perform operations associated with welder training and classroom instruction. Michael is in his fourth year at CLC. He instructs students in CLC’s accredited National Skill Standards program recognized by the American Welding Society as part of a worldwide network of industry employers with apprenticeships and technical resources for graduates.

Prize winners

Rachel Bartosh (left), Brainerd, and Kelsey Saba, Baxter, each received a $50 Super America gas card for winning the Brainerd campus scavenger hunt during Welcome Week at Central Lakes College. They had worked as a team to fulfill the requirements, including pictures or video evidence of each task completion over a five-day period. At Staples, Deb Hegg, Crookston, earned the $50 gas card working independently. Taylor Finger, Baxter, was the lucky winner in a drawing for the day’s grand prize, a Google Nexus 7 valued at $250. He qualified by attending orientation workshops during Welcome Week, registering at each one. Welcome Week was new at CLC during the week of Aug. 27, an event that featured orientation workshops, social and recreational activities, free lunches, concerts, a stand-up comedian, and opportunities to learn about community and college resources.

           

International students

The 2012-13 Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) international students attending Central Lakes College (CLC) in Brainerd for one year are eager to broaden their cultural experience in the area. The eight are (from India) Khan Zishan Anwar, 20, Chiranjeet Shah, 24, and Richard Andrews, 22; (from Pakistan) Nasir Hussain, 28, Usman Naeem, 25, and Abdul Qadir, 29; and (from Indonesia) Beatha Saskia Astamarindraputri, 24, and Elsa Sasmita, 27. “They are looking for people willing to take them fishing, boating, sledding, tubing, attend religious activities, or just visit in a Minnesota home for an evening,” said Megan Olson Heppner, CCID coordinator at CLC.
Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04/

Education Fair

Central Lakes College will host a 2012 Minnesota Education Fair on Friday, Sept. 28 on its Brainerd campus, with 800 to 1,000 area high school students expected to attend the 9-11 a.m. event in the gymnasium. Andres Freeman, CLC recruiter, said that over 60 public and private colleges and universities and military institutions will be represented. CLC admissions reps, such as Jennifer Hirsch (shown at the Minnesota State Fair) will be on hand to assist interested students and provide information about the college. Nearly 20 high schools in the area have been invited to send students or allow them to independently attend. The event is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling. For information, contact Andres at (218) 855-8161 or afreeman@clcmn.edu

Career Academies expand

The fall semester at 12 area high schools marks a new era for Central Lakes College and its partners in educating the future workforce for high-skill, high-demand careers. Bridges Career Academies has been expanded from its original partnering districts to reach a greater number of young people viewed as tomorrow’s employees. The original group has expanded and the 2012-13 school year includes Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, Staples-Motley, Pillager, Aitkin, Browerville, Eagle Valley (Clarissa), Little Falls, Pierz, Pine River-Backus, Sebeka, and Swanville. Using the strength of each school’s existing course catalog, the academies feature unique career themes and hands-on learning. Partners with the college include businesses with resources dedicated to exploration among high school students. As the students in grades 9-12 study an array of careers in personal interest areas, they will have business experiences such as tours, job shadows, and industry speakers.