News Blog

'To Kill a Mockingbird'

2012-01-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

“To Killa Mockingbird,” a beautifully crafted adaptation of Harper Lee’s PulitzerPrize-winning novel of violent racial events in a small town, will be staged atCentral Lakes College in Brainerd Feb. 11-19. Set in 1935 Alabama,this popular, oft-performed play is scheduled for the 100-seat Dryden Theatreat 7:30 p.m., Feb. 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18 and 2 p.m., Feb. 12 and 19 (thelatter ASL interpreted). Adapted by Christopher Sergelfrom the novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a powerful, starkdrama performed by a cast of 24 under the direction of Dennis Lamberson. “To Kill a Mockingbird” takes its script from a novel by HarperLee published in 1960. It was instantly successful, winning the Pulitzer Prize,and has become a classic of modern American literature. The plot and charactersare loosely based on the author’s observations of her family and neighbors, aswell as on an event that occurred near her hometown in 1936, when she was10 years old.

It was adapted into an Oscar-winning film in 1962by director Robert Mulligan.

The novel is renowned for its warmth and humor, despite dealing with theserious issues of rape and racial inequality. The narrator’s father, AtticusFinch, has served as a moral hero for many readers and as a model of integrityfor lawyers.

Critic Joseph Crespino said: “ToKill a Mockingbird” is “probably the most widely read book dealing withrace in America, and its protagonist, Atticus Finch, the most enduring fictionalimage of racial heroism.”

The primary themes of “To Kill aMockingbird” involve racial injustice and the destruction of innocence.

Lee’s Southern Gothic poeticism,the examination of the Deep South’s caste system, and themes of racism and lostinnocence still reverberate today. More powerful yet is that “To Kill a Mockingbird”is a Bildungsroman (or coming-of-age tale) in which children question – and areaffected – by the world around them (the title refers to murdering that whichis harmless).

Scott Lucas is the country lawyer, Atticus Finch, assigned by the courtto defend Tom Robinson (Robert Howell), a black man accused of raping a whitewoman.

Atticus’ children are 10-year-old Scout and 14-year-old Jem played byAbby Larson and Jack Friday. Janiqua Robinson is Calpurnia, the Finches’housekeeper.

Scout as an adult narrator is Miss Maudie (Barb McColgan), a wise, oldSouthern matron.

The rest of the cast of 19: Kevin Yeager, Jesse Brutscher, Bill Musel,Dustin Beechler, Gary Binda, Tristan Jenkins, Sarah Cooper, Justin Lane,Beatrice Mitchell, Deb Binda, Sally Boos, and Chuck Kaase.

Admission is $6 for general, unreserved seating.CLC students pay 25 cents. Feb.11 and Feb. 12 are Pay-What-You – Can performances with a minimum cost of $1.

The house will open 30 minutesprior to each show time. Once the play begins, no late-comers are seated untilintermission. It is recommendedtickets be purchased in advance by calling the theatre box office at218-855-8199 or on line at www.clctickets.com

This production is not recommended for those younger than10 years of age. No young children and no infants carried by their parents willbe admitted to this production.

Ag & Energy Expo

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

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

JuliaPalmer, Public Relations and Event Coordinator, Mid-Central said exhibitorsregistered for this annual event include several companies emphasizingconservation and natural resource stewardship with wind energy and solar powertechnological advancements and considerations for both home and commercialutilization, soil and water, and Energy Project Funding, and economicdevelopments.

“Wehave many exhibitors registering from many regions who will promote a varietyof products and solutions,” Palmer said. “Interests include wind towers andturbines, solar heat, and energy efficiency equipment, grain-drying cropdemonstrations, home energy and gasification boilers and bio equipment.”

Break-outsessions and a webinar will be taking place later in the day provide a largearray of opportunities and will address many topics ranging from energy cropopportunities and developments, Silent Power Projects, Energy Project Funding,Wind Energy Considerations at the CLC Agriculture and Energy Center near Staples.Participants from Central Lakes College include Robert Schafer, Del Lecy, BobRick, Keith Olander, and Nathan Converse.

“Wehad a phenomenal response and attendance for our first Expo,” said Palmer. “Lastyear was a huge success. We had embraced a topic that is pertinent to the well-beingof our local communities with future thoughts on energy conservation andnatural resource, and financial opportunities.”

Palmersaid those attending do not need to be a member of the bank or affiliated withthe college to attend or be an exhibitor.

For information or toregister, contact Julia Palmer at (218) 639-7615 or (218) 640-0193 orMid-Central Federal Savings Bank staff at 1-877-631-1414 or Cindy Hase of CLCat (218)-894-5100.

Outstanding Educators

2012-01-27T07:45:00.000-08:00

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

Steve has been at CLC since 1991 as an instructor and conductor. Heteaches American pop music history, evolution of jazz, music fundamentals,introduction to music industry, and audio recording. He conducts the jazz andcommunity concert bands, and brass ensemble.

He has also taught at Northland Community and Technical College andsince 1970 has been a professional musician.

Martha has been a psychology instructor at CLC since 1997. She twiceearned Awards for Excellence at CLC for her work in support of internationalstudents and implementation of a classroom response system. She is an adviser forthe Psychology Club and Psi Beta Honor Society.

She was in private practice as a counselor and mediator and worked as ayouth group facilitator for the Family Support Network in Brainerd.

Last year Elizabeth Picciano of CLC, an instructorof reading and college and career studies,was named one of four Educators of the Year.

Previous CLC nominees have beenNancy Smith (2011), Janet Bedard and Gary Carson (2010), Kari Frisch (2009), andJan Kurtz (2007). There was no nominee in 2008.

The MnSCU Board of Trustees Educator of the Year Award for Excellence inTeaching program acknowledges and rewards exceptional individualprofessional accomplishment in providing instruction that prepares Minnesota’scollege and university students for their professional, scholarly, and civiclives.

Now in its sixth year, thissuccessful recognition program is the result of the advisement and dedicatedwork of faculty, students, campus award committees, and a system-wide TeachingAward Review Committee. Each year, members of campus communities nominate andselect from faculty whose excellence they wish to reward, and presidents inturn designate them to the Board of Trustees as Outstanding Educators.

DNR roundtable

2012-01-26T12:51:00.001-08:00

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

“The Roundtable is an importantgathering that provides an opportunity for conservationists of all stripes tocome together, listen, learn and share ideas for the betterment of our state,”said Commissioner Landwehr. “Roundtable discussions help shape DNR decisionmaking on natural resource management, legislative initiates and policychanges.”

Harvey, who served as president ofthe Natural Resources Club at CLC last year, said he visited with the Division leadersfor Ecological and Water Resources, Enforcement, and Wildlife during the two-dayevent. Following the introductory session, Harvey joined one of threeroundtables, choosing ecological and water resources.

Dr. Faber selected the wildliferoundtable.

“Maintaining a healthy watershedwas the emphasis of the first half of our roundtable,” said Harvey. “The secondhalf dealt with aquatic invasive species, which interested me due to previouswork I have done through the DNR.”

The second day included apresentation on a new bird management blueprint developed with AudubonMinnesota.

Harvey said he was pleased toattend and hear remarks presented by not only Commissioner Landwehr but also Gov.Mark Dayton. “We had a productive dialogue. I was impressed by the people whowere there,” he said.

'Sparking Your Creativity'

2012-01-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

Jodi Schwen, editor-in-chief of the Lake Country Journal Magazine, willshare insight from her award-winning, 14-year writing career Tuesday at 3:30p.m. at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Schwen’s talk, “SparkingYour Creativity,” is part of the series hosted by the Center for LifelongLearning based at CLC. The program will be held in room E151 near Entrance No.6 (Business and Industry Center). Where does creativity comefrom? How can one capture it? Schwen will demonstrate the value – and fun – of usingwords to express yourself. The goal of the program is to stimulate writers topreserve memories by blending written word and images to produce creative photobooks, quilts, collages, and products of purpose and permanence. Schwen has written a varietyof stories, dramas, narratives, and documents journaling personal experiencesand well-researched, individual histories. She believes that each of us has a story (orstories) needing to be told. She supports the creative spark behind the storiesand will use her workshop experience toward that end. Thespeaker series hosted by the Center for Lifelong Learning is offered at nocharge 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

2012-01-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

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

Gardiner’s talk, to be given at 1 p.m. Feb. 8, is titled “Identifying and EnhancingBeneficial Insects.” Groves, who speaks at 8:45 a.m. Feb. 9, will address “Managingand Controlling Whiteflies, Aphids, and Other Serious High Tunnel Insects.” Rivard,scheduled for 1:45 p.m. Feb. 9, will present “The Art of Grafting High TunnelPlants.”

The after-dinner “bullsession” Feb. 8 is a traditionally popular time of opportunity to meet othergrowers, discuss issues, and develop suggestions for future research.

Registration is $100 byJan. 30 and $125 thereafter, available through Sue Schuler at schul925@umn.edu orTerry Nennich at nenni011@umn.edu or by calling 888-241-0885.

Scholarship for manufacturing class

2012-01-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-23T04:55:00.000-08:00

The Center for Lifelong Learning at Central Lakes Collegepresents Dr. Louis Johnston, head of economics at St. John’s University and theCollege of St. Benedict on Thursday, Jan. 26, where he will address the Great Depressionand the Great Recession. Johnston’stalk begins at 6:30 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus, whereadmission is free to members of the Center for Lifelong Learning, $5 fornon-members. Johnstonspecializes in macroeconomics and economic history. His most recent projectsfocus on analyzing the evolution of Minnesota’s economy and how Minnesotabecame “above average” over the past 60 years. He writes a weekly columnon economics and the economy for MinnPost.com, and is a regular guest onMinnesota Public Radio’s “Midday” program. For information on The Center forLifelong Learning, visit www.clcmn.edu/lifelonglearning.

South Africa program

2012-01-23T02:30:00.000-08:00

Shanice Hector (right) and Nqobile "Obi" Mahlangu of South Africa will present thenext 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 thepublic. Shanice, 19, is fromCape Town and Obi, 20, is from Johannesburg. Both are majoring in Business, attendingCLC for one year through the theCommunity Colleges for International Development (CCID) program sponsored bythe U.S. State Department. CLC was the first college in Minnesota approved forparticipation three years ago. With a stunning variety of spectacular naturalenvironments, 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.

South Africa, officially the Republic of SouthAfrica, is multi-ethnic and has diverse cultures and languages.

About 79.5 percent of the South African populationis of black African ancestry, divided among a variety of ethnic groups speakingdifferent Bantu languages, nine of which have official status. South Africaalso contains the largest communities of European, Asian, and racially mixedancestry in Africa.

Although English is commonly used in public andcommercial life, it is only the fifth most-spoken home language. Education continues to receive thebiggest share of the country’s budget.

South Africa has the largest economy in Africa,and the 28th-largest in the world. About a quarter of the population isunemployedandlives on less than US $1.25 a day.

All ethnic and language groups have politicalrepresentation in the country's constitutional democracy comprising a parliamentaryrepublic; unlike most parliamentary republics, the positions of head of stateand head of government are merged in a parliament-dependent President.

'Julius Caesar'

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-23T01:30:00.000-08:00

The Central Lakes College Music Department will present “The SweetheartTree,” 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 JazzBand directed by Steve Anderson and CLC Woodwinds directed by Chris Bolstad. The love-themed music will range from Italian antiphonal brass to reggaeto Duke Ellington with a little of everything in between. Admission to the concert is $5 for adults. CLC students with identificationand children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. There are no reserved seats and no advanced tickets sold. Seatingis first-come, first-served. For information contact Steve Anderson at (218) 855-8215 orsanderso@clcmn.edu

Forum on Legislative Redistricting and Reapportionment

2012-01-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Panel participants will be: 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.

Moderating the panelwill be Taylor Stevenson, Vice President of the Rosenmeier Center Board ofDirectors. Executive Director of the Rosenmeier Center, Steve Wenzel, willintroduce the panel. Opening remarks will be delivered by Dr. Larry Lundblad,President of Central Lakes College.

Wenzel explainsthat, “The panel will be a bi-partisan, non-partisan forum…that will bring tobear the vast knowledge and experience on elections, redistricting, legislativepolitics, and a host of other key public policy issues our tremendous panelistsoffer.” The panel will examine the history of redistricting, how recent shiftsin demography have impacted the current political landscape, as well as theongoing redistricting process.

Peter Wattsonretired July 1, 2011 as General Counsel to Governor Mark Dayton. In thatcapacity, he was the Governor’s staff person on redistricting. Before workingfor the governor, Mr. Wattson spent 40 year as Senate Counsel to the MinnesotaSenate, most recently as counsel to the committees on Rules and Administration,Finance, and Capital Investment. In 2009 and 2010, he also served as Secretaryof the Senate (Legislative). In1991-92, Mr. Wattson served as counsel to the Redistricting Committee. From1993 to 2008, he served as counsel to the committee or subcommittee responsiblefor election law.

State Rep. Sarah Anderson is in her third term representingthe cities of Plymouth and Medicine Lake in the Minnesota House and chairs theRedistricting Committee. Rep. Anderson served as a Plymouth PlanningCommissioner and worked as a legislative staff member before being firstelected to the House in 2006. Her other current committee responsibilities includeCommerce and Regulatory Reform, Rules and Legislative Administration, Taxes,and Ways and Means.

Gregg Peppin is a highly respected Republican activist andstrategist with over 25 years legislative and campaign experience. Mr. Peppinworked for 18 years at the Minnesota Capitol in several capacities, includingas the Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader, andas Committee Administrator for the House Redistricting Committee.

The RosenmeierCenter was named in honor of the late Senate Gordon Rosenmeier of Little Fallswho was regarded by Minnesota legislative colleagues and historians as the mostknowledgeable, influential, and powerful legislator in Minnesotahistory. The purpose of the Center is to "educate and inform"the citizenry on issues of importance at the state and local level.

New director

2012-01-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

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

Kayak Lady

2012-01-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

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

Schedule and topics:

Jan. 24 - Whole Farm Planning, Nutrient Cycles and Interactions.Betsy Wieland and Benjamin Arlt. Learn about cycles and interactions and how touse them properly within your production model.

Jan. 31 - Soils and Composting. RandyNelson. Covering the basics of soils and how to compost yard and garden wastes.

Feb. 14 - Vegetable Production andPlanning Your Market Garden. Terry Nennich. Learn the basics of vegetableproduction, including site selection, water needs, seed selection, planning,and some basic methods of dealing with the short grand harsh winter of northernMinnesota. Learn how to layout a vegetable garden or market garden for maximumproductivity.

Feb. 21 - Starting and Managing an AppleOrchard. Jake Overgaard. A practical look at considerations. Site selection,varieties, rootstock, orchard layout, pests, diseases, orchard floormanagement, pruning, post harvest management, and finances. Emphasis onproviding useful re-sources for future use.

Feb. 28 - Small Fruit. Terry Nennich. Basicproduction and management of the three major small fruit crops grown innorthern Minnesota – strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries – along with someminor small fruit crops. Soils, plant spacing, growth management, fertility,and harvest.

March 6 - Backyard Poultry. Jim Stordahl. Forthe beginner or poultry enthusiast. The entire cycle of raising poultry (mostlychickens) on your farm or in your backyard. Common poultry terminology andbreeds, this is a guide through feeding, common problems, housing, and dealingwith predators.

March 13 – 1. Marketing and BusinessPlanning. Ryan Pesch. Marketing local foods takes both planning and creativity.Learn about how to identify your market, options to promote your product, andthe basics of a business planning for your enterprise.

2. Farm to School: Find, Learn, andConnect. Sarah Reese. It takes a whole community to put nutritious foods fromlocal farms on the menu at schools. Local growers/farmers restore a connectionto eaters and gain reliable new markets in schools. Learn how to connect withvaluable resources.

A participantmay attend any single session for $10 or all seven for $50. One family memberor partner will be admitted at no additional cost. For information call888-241-0781. Online registration is available at http://www.rsdp.umn.edu/Northwest/

Checks may be made payable to University of Minnesota and sent toRegional Extension Office, 2900 University Ave., Crookston, Minn. 56716.

Other ITV locations are Bemidji State University, Minnesota StateUniversity Moorhead, Northland Community and Technical College, Thief RiverFalls, University of Minnesota Crookston, and Clearwater County Courthouse.Additional locations may be available.

Co-sponsorsare Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, Blue Crossand Blue Shield Minnesota, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research andEducation, and Health Reform Minnesota.

'The Dream Alive'

2012-01-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

In observance of Black History Month, the Central Lakes College DiversityLeadership 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 CivilRights 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 lieutenantgovernor in the United States during his time in Colorado, presents the movingremembrance. “The Dream Alive” is an acclaimed, positive and uplifting dedication thathas been presented at colleges, corporations and conferences throughout thecountry. The commentarywill take audience members back in time to the renowned 1963 March onWashington where King delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech -- to his final wordsdelivered in 1968 in Memphis, Tenn. The Central Lakes College Diversity Leadership Council hasinvited college and high school students, faculty, staff, members of the Centerfor Lifelong Learning, and the greater community to come to the Brainerd campusfor a remarkable morning in dedication to keeping the dream alive!

Recharging leaders

2012-01-10T06:11:00.000-08:00

Three inspirational speakers will share the spotlight of a half-dayworkshop designed for all levels of management, from CEO to the up-and-comingorganizational leader. Drs. Jim Bensen and RoseWard (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 calltheir partnership UPBEAT are sponsoring the event that starts with breakfastand concludes with lunch. UPBEAT is the acronym for Unified Professionals inBusiness Education and Training. Dr. Bensen is presidentemeritus of Bemidji State University. Dr. Ward is a worksite health promoter andCertified Intrinsic Coach. Schick is a corporate trainer, motivationalspeaker, 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, or218-855-8140 or jplatta@clcmn.edu

Sabin honored

2012-01-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

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 MollyWinters, Nick Weeks, Toy Ross Sullivan, Dylan Arcenau, Ethan Russell, Denny Benjamin, Mandi Drevlow, Catie Sabin, Erich Heppner (Student Life Director), Adam Schlangen, and KendrichHeppner.

Robotics competition

2012-01-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

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.

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.

In 1992, the first robotics competition was held in a New Hampshire high school gym, with 28 teams participating in the game, "Maize Craze." Now, the competition involves more than 1,300 teams competing in more than 40 Regional Events, and The Championship held at the Georgia Dome and World Congress Center in Atlanta where more than 8,500 high-school-aged young people participate.

FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.

Kayak Lady here Tuesday

2012-01-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

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

In close-up encounters, she observed birdsand animals in their forest and wetland habitats and became adept atidentifying wildflowers. Along the way, she also learned to trust her owncapacity to overcome obstacles, including her fear of being alone.

“The Kayak Lady” is a collectionof stories and photos – a mix of adventure and fun – that documents Mary’sexperiences over 15 years.

She is a lifelong resident of the GrandRapids area where she grew up at Back O’ The Moon Resort. Mary learned in her youthto appreciate and respect the outdoors. She has traveled to six of the sevencontinents and worked worldwide, once capturing wild camels in the outback ofAustralia.

Other January speakersin the series include Tom Hanson, foreign policy expert, on “Middle East Realignment” at 1p.m. Jan. 17 in the Lord of Life Church in Baxter; Dr. Jim Benson, presidentemeritus of Bemidji State University, with “Make the Future Your Friend” at6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 in Chalberg Theatre at CLC; economic expert Dr. LouisJohnston of St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict on “The GreatDepression and The Great Recession” at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26 in Chalberg Theatre;and Jodi Schwen, editor-in-chief of Lake Country Journal Magazine, on “SparkingPersonal Creativity” at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at CLC.

The series grewfrom the Center of Lifelong Learning mission to offer life-enriching programsand opportunities for community building, said Bill Brekken, coordinator. Allprogramming is designed to serve age 50-up.

Membershipsprovide discounts to all programs, with top-level Founding Members andSustaining Members earning exclusive benefits. For information contact Billat (218) 855-8146 or bbrekken@clcmn.eduand to make credit card payment call Beverly Berg at (218) 855-8118.

Foreign policy expert

2012-01-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Hanson’s presentation will mark the first in a series of international topics through The Center for Lifelong Learning at Central Lakes College. It is an introduction to the Great Decisions program, a national program offered through The Center for Lifelong Learning, and designed for those interested in learning more about world affairs and foreign policy. Great Decisions membership is $30 for members of The Center for Lifelong Learning and $35 for non-members.

Great Decisions is a national program initiated by the Foreign Policy Association in Washington, DC. It sponsors discussion groups in all states and is supported by the Minnesota International Center. Programming will be offered through The Center for Lifelong Learning eight times throughout the year, meeting the third Monday of each month – February through June and September through November.

For information on Great Decisions, contact Bob Passi at bobpassi@charter.net. For more information on The Center For Lifelong Learning at Central Lakes College, visit www.clcmn.edu/lifelonglearning

Dr. Bensen at CLC Jan. 17

2012-01-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

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

Hespeaks, writes and consults in the areas of change, technology, entrepreneurship,quality, educational excellence, innovation and the future. He serves on more than a dozen boards,consults with corporations, and contributes to innovations in education.

A native of Erskine, Jim holds a bachelor’s degree from BSU, earneda master’s at University of Wisconsin-Stout, and his doctorate from Penn StateUniversity.

During his career, Jim has served as a consultant to public andprivate organizations throughout the world. He has worked with thousands ofcompanies, communities, universities and economic development organizations indesigning a “competitive edge for tomorrow.”

He chaired a community revitalization initiative in Bemidji, andco-chaired Destination

2025, the visioning process of theBioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota.

The speaker series grew from the Center ofLifelong Learning mission to offer life-enriching programs and opportunitiesfor community building, said Bill Brekken, coordinator. All programming isdesigned to serve age 50-up.

Memberships provide discounts to all programs,with top-level Founding Members and Sustaining Members earning exclusivebenefits. For information contact Brekken at (218) 855-8146 or bbrekken@clcmn.edu and to make credit cardpayment call Beverly Berg at (218) 855-8118.

Service to others

2012-01-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Students in the Central Lakes College Welding program in Brainerd haveadditional benefits as a result of a new partnership with the American WeldingSociety. Membership in AWS bringsnational accreditation acknowledged by SENSE – Schools Excelling throughNational Skill Standards Education. With the start of the spring semester, CLC Weldingstudents begin American Welding Society training that leads to Level I WelderCertification. Students then advance to Level II during a summer session. Upon graduation from Central Lakes College andcompletion of the SENSE program, the student obtains industry certification asa Level II Advanced Welder. The affiliation with AWSgives students access to technical resources and a national registry ofapprenticeships and career opportunities. Employers profit by knowing CLCgraduates have the skills required for success. Less on-the-job training meansreduced 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.

Food drive

2011-12-29T07:21:00.000-08:00

The Central Lakes College Foundation has been awarded the traveling food drive trophy as well as refreshments from the CLC Student Senate as the winner of the Fall Semester Food Drive. The Foundation earned this honor with a total of 162 pounds donated to the campus food shelf. "Collectively, with all the clubs/organizations donating we took in 335 pounds of food," said Steve Sabin, Brainerd campus senate president.

Pine River courses

2011-12-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

Central Lakes College is offering two courses at itsPine River Outreach Site, as well as many more online. Introductionto Manufacturing, a two-credit class that provides a basic overview ofmanufacturing processes and opportunities, will be held from Jan. 31 to April24. PracticalWriting, a three-credit class, will meet from Feb. 2 to April 26, helpingstudents learn to structure business correspondence, including memos, letters,executive summaries, and e-mails. TheOutreach Site includes a computer lab that is open from 4 to 9 p.m. daily at980 First St. North in Pine River. Thefacility enables students to take online and on-site classes from Central LakesCollege toward an Associate in Arts degree. To register, call Admissions at CLCtoll-free, 1-800-933-0346. Information is available at www.clcmn.edu Thishigher education project is made possible by a partnership of CLC, InitiativeFoundation, Cass County Economic Development Corp., and Pine River-BackusSchool District.

John Jorgenson Quintet

2011-12-28T13:50:00.000-08:00

The John Jorgenson Quintet willbe on stage at Central Lakes College Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. for aconcert in the Cultural Arts Series. Jorgenson, founding member of the Desert Rose Band, theHellecasters, and a six-year member of Elton John’s band, is a pioneer of theAmerican gypsy jazz movement. Since rising to prominence in the 1980s with theDesert Rose Band, he has performed as a solo artist and collaborated with othermusicians all over the world. Although Jorgenson is well-renowned in the pop, countryand rock world, gypsy jazz is the style of music closest to his heart. Jorgenson admits he is a “Djangomaniac,” His reproduction of Django’s playing was applaudedthroughout the world by many critics and the media. It led to the formation ofthe John Jorgenson Quintet. At a John Jorgenson Quintet performance,audiences are amazed by Jorgenson’s dazzling guitar work as well as his masteryas a clarinet player and vocalist. Whether playing his accessible compositionsor classic standards, this band makes music that is equally romantic andecstatic, played with virtuosity and soul. Tickets can bepurchased at www.clctickets.com or by contacting the CLC Theatre Box Office at(218) 855-8199. Cultural Arts Series information can be found at www.clcmn.edu/theatre

Director hired

2011-12-22T06:41:00.000-08:00

Deb Norlin, former Distance Learning Coordinator/Adviser for Southwest State University (1998-2007) on the Brainerd campus, has been hired as Central Lakes College Director of Career, Transfer and Placement Services effective Jan. 4. Announcement was made Dec. 22 by Beth Adams, Dean of Students. "Deb brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in career and transfer advising, job and internship placement, and academic advising," said Beth. Deb also served as SWSU's Assistant Director of Enrollment Services and Alumni Director as well as Coordinator of New Student Recruitment.

Club Olympics, tree decorating

2011-12-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

The Student Senate announces the following winners from recent activities at CLC: Holiday Tree decorating - Staples Campus - Best Overall: Medical Assistants Club; Unique: Diesel Mechanics Club; Brainerd Campus - Best Overall: Medical Secretary Class; Most Technologically Advanced: IT Club; Most Creative: International Club. Club Olympics. Clubs had the opportunity to compete against one another for a period of 7 weeks. Each week an activity was held that was either academic or athletic based. The Student Senate voted to award $1,000 to the winning club, Law Enforcement; $500 to Natural Resources for second place, and $250 to Welding for third place.

Kids holiday party

2011-12-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

More than 80 children of Central Lakes College parents enjoyed the 2011 holiday party on the Brainerd campus Dec. 14, where the Staples and Brainerd campus student senates coordinated activities for a festive and fun-filled evening. The party is held annually for all CLC single parents and their children. The party includes games, crafts, dinner, and a visit from Santa Claus. Thanks to the generosity of CLC staff and students, each child went home with a gift. "The Student Senate really looks forward to this event each year and senators are already talking about next year," said Erich Heppner, director of student life. Santa was Staples Student Senator James Deegan.

Student Services reorganizing

2011-12-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

Changes are ahead for the Brainerd campus Student Services Department, according to Beth Adams, Dean of Students. Starting Monday, Dec. 19, office reassignments will relocate more than two dozen employees. "We are in the process changing our counseling and advising services model. After Spring Semester, the Counselors will no longer be providing academic advising services to students. Their focus will be on developing and implementing retention programming and continuing to see students who are seeking personal and career counseling services," Beth said. "We are making significant changes to office assignments and consolidating our 4 reception areas into one area on the Brainerd campus (the current Records/Registration, Financial Aid, Business Office windows). There will no longer be a reception area in the current Admissions and Counseling suite and all students will be routed to the windows to make appointments or request service. This change will provide us with a pool of support staff to whom we are referring as generalists."

Mary DeVahl and Suzie Karsnia will serve as our counselors for the Brainerd campus and Christina Kavanaugh will serve as the Staples campus counselor. Our Admissions Representatives (Dan Davidson, Joan Jenkins, Jenni Hirsch, Jill Albie, Rose Tretter and Peggy Thorn) are in the process of being trained to serve as Advisors. Their positions will serve to assist students with +80% of their questions regarding financial aid, admissions and academic advising. An additional advisor will be hired this spring and we will be hiring a Director of Admissions and Advising Services to replace Charlotte Daniels who will be retiring later this month. The new Generalists group includes Jan Sterner, Carrie Ray, Linda Bartylla and Elene Pawlu. Phil Olson will be continuing with his cashiering duties but help us to provide coverage at the reception desk as well. This model will allow us to better serve students by reducing "bouncing" them from one window to another and provide for sufficient back-ups to ensure coverage at the windows. Our generalists are in the process of training for their new roles as well. To sum up, The Advisors and Counselors will be our "front line" staff and will see the vast majority of our students and visitors. They will be located in the offices in closest proximity to the reception desk (the Advisors in the offices down the hall on the left as you are facing the desk and the Counselors down the right-hand hallway). All of our Records/Registration, Financial Aid, and various other administrative and/or processing staff will be located in the current Admission and Counseling Suite. We anticipate that there will be limited traffic to these offices given that the Advisors will be crossed train to assist with most student questions.

Faber appointed to state committee

2011-12-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

Dr. William Faber, a Central Lakes College natural resourcesinstructor, has been appointed to serve along with 11 other new appointees onthe Minnesota DNR Wildlife Oversight Committee. His term runs from Dec. 15,2011 to Dec. 14, 2014. Tom Landwehr, DNR commissioner,informed Faber of the appointment. He said the committee is responsible foroversight of the Game and Fish Fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.055,subd. 4b. The orientation meeting of thegroup is scheduled for Dec. 20 in the DNR Central Office, St. Paul. Faber willmeet with Dennis Simon, chief of the DNR Section of Wildlife, and fellowcommittee members to begin working on budget oversight and management of gameand fish resources. The New York-born Faber is a nativeof Fridley, a 1985 University of Minnesota graduate in Wildlife Biology, andhas a second degree from St. Cloud State University, where he taught for threeyears. He is a moose expert who spent 13 years in Swedenand elsewhere in Europe for doctoral research. Faber is in his eighth year as an instructor atCLC.

Natural Resources Advisory Committee

2011-12-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

The Central Lakes College Natural Resources Advisory Committee met on the Brainerd campus recently to review curriculum and internships as well as forthcoming faculty assignment changes. Instructors Gary Carson and Dr. Bill Faber conducted the luncheon meeting. Volunteer members include Marc Bacigalupi, Andy Carlson, Gary Drotts, Jeff Halverson, Mike Loss, Mark Mortensen, Pam Perry, Paul Roth, Ron Sanow, and Bill Schnell of the DNR, Phil Baird, Dr. John Loegering, and Dr. Dan Svedarsky of the University of Minnesota-Crookston, Jay Brezinska and Brian Dirks of Camp Ripley, Darrin Brezinska and Gary Roerick of the U.S. Forest Service, Walter Ford of Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Jake Frie and Kirk Titus of Crow Wing County Forestry, Frank Svoboda of Svoboda Ecological Resources, Jessica Weiss of NRCS, and Steve Windels of Voyageurs National Park. NR instructor Kent Montgomery and Michael Amick from Administration are also CLC members of the group.

After-school lab

2011-12-09T10:55:00.001-08:00

Twenty-four Staples-Motleyfourth and fifth graders enjoyed two days of special,after-school learning Dec. 6 and 8 at Central Lakes College in Staples.Their teachers were CLC students in anatomy and physiology, whose service-learningexercise required them to provide stations demonstrating skeletal, muscular,and nervous systems. The CLC students are enrolled in a semester-long class taught by Ann Domagala,biology and chemistry instructor. They worked in teams to offer interactiveexploration and measurable outcomes. The collegians included Michelle Herbst, Stephanie St. Hilair, Erica Munsch,and Becky George, Baxter; Meleah Holbrook, JoLeen Buchta, Laura Moore, AnneHolker, and Rachel Keehr, Brainerd; Alanna Tibbetts, Aitkin; Amanda Brown,Staples; Ryan Markham, Pequot Lakes; Jennifer Swanson, Upsala; Nanci Dupre,Royalton; Meg McArdell, Fort Ripley; Leah Peterson, St. Cloud; and MollyAnderson, Randall. Photos by Mark Slupe

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04

Salsa for stress relief

2011-12-07T12:02:00.001-08:00

The Central Lakes College Psychology Club sponsored Student Stress Day Wednesday, where club members provided activities and advice to alleviate stress just days before final exams. One display offered "the miraculous medicine of laughter." The club provided chair massages by Club President Casey Burnett, CMT, color therapy, hand treatments, free cookies and drawings for prizes during the four-hour event. Meanwhile, a noon-hour stress-reliever sponsored by Student Life was a Latin American salsa dance lesson led by Carlos Solano of Costa Rica and Lori-Beth Larsen, co-adviser of the International Club. Stephanie Stine of Walker was one of the students enjoying this activity in the Multi-Purpose Room. Fall semester exams are Dec. 13-16. The semester break ends on Jan. 9, 2012 when the spring term starts.

College applications skyrocket

2011-12-07T10:51:00.001-08:00

Applications to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities skyrocketed over a year ago during the first-ever National College Application Week, an initiative to increase access to college, particularly for students from groups underrepresented in higher education. Nearly 10,000 high school students submitted 15,600 applications to the 31 state colleges and universities, compared to 4,900 students who submitted about 5,500 applications during the same week in 2010. Central Lakes College received 213 applicants during the period this year, compared with 73 the same week a year ago. “This initiative was tremendously successful,” said Chancellor Steven Rosenstone. “Collaboration clearly encouraged more high school students to apply to college, and we look forward to welcoming them to our campuses as freshmen this fall.” Each college and university waived its $20 application fee from Nov. 14 to Nov. 18, resulting in the colleges and universities collectively forgoing about $300,000 in revenue. Students could complete one application and submit it simultaneously to more than one Minnesota state college or university, a service that had not been available before this year. Gov. Mark Dayton proclaimed Minnesota College Application Week as part of a national initiative by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the State Higher Education Executive Officers. The week provided a framework for high schools and post-secondary institutions to collaborate in a concentrated push to engage underrepresented students in applying for college and to highlight college and career readiness programs throughout the state.

Kinship kids

2011-12-07T08:34:00.001-08:00

The Drug Awareness class that meets on the Brainerd campus at Central Lakes College received aYouth As Resources (YAR) grant to create a fun evening for the Kinship Kids waiting for partners. YAR is a program under the direction of the Greater United Wayof Brainerd. "The CLC students chose this project to give the children a fun night withpositive role models and show them that the dream of college is attainable, foranyone," said Jean Mershon, instructor. "The class organized the project because it’s so importantto let kids know that someone cares about them and that they can reach theirgoals and dreams." The event was held in late afternoon-early evening Tuesday, Nov. 29. Activities included basketball, tag and dodgeball in the gym with the men’s and women’s basketball team, a scavenger huntthroughout the entire campus taking the participants through all the differentareas and programs available at Central Lakes College, games, crafts and tie dye T-shirts. Donationsfrom Little Ceasar’s, Central Lakes College Food Service, Mid-Minnesota FederalCredit Union, Affinity Plus, and Walmart helped to make it possible. On hand to assist from the YAR Board were Kelsey Binggeli and Julie Ashburn. Members of the Drug Awareness class on hand were Molly Nelson, Skyler Shearer, Sam Erickson, Suzy Cavalier, Jeff Grimsley, Adam Gunderman, ArielSwitajewski, Nicole Mason, Kelsey Schwartz, Jed Jaekel, Michael Farmington, Kahreem Horsley, RobinTurner, Sophia Hotzler, Rachel Borgschatz, and Kaycee Nelson.To see images go to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04/sets/72157625850895169/with/6431053957/

Career exploration

2011-12-06T12:26:00.001-08:00

About 225 students from five area school districts on Dec. 2 sampled careers at the Staples campus of Central Lakes College. At this Career Exploration Day each high school student could choose three, 30-minute sessions. The students were from Little Falls, Staples-Motley, Pequot Lakes, Pierz, and Pine River-Backus. CLC provided presenters on academic degree programs in photography, communication art, diesel tech, heavy equipment, nursing, child development, welding, robotics, horticulture, criminal justice, medical assisting, and liberal arts. Minnesota State Community and Technical (Wadena campus) programs represented were computer network, medical office, and cosmetology, and a local dental hygienist covered dental assisting. Images by Mark Slupe can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04

Steele Family Christmas

2011-12-06T06:36:00.000-08:00

The Steele Family returns to Central Lakes College for concerts Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. This is a CLC Cultural Arts Series event. The Steeles are the First Family of Twin Cities gospel, soul, and jazz. Join Jearlyn, Jevetta, Billy, J.D., and Fred for a musical treat the whole family will love. Prices for The Steele Family Christmas range from $10-$25, depending seat location. Ticket details and seating charts are available at www.clctickets.com

Merry Tuba Christmas

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Central Lakes College Music Department will present its annual “Merry Tuba Christmas” at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 10 in the Herberger’s court of Westgate Mall, Brainerd/Baxter. Rehearsal is at 10 a.m. in the Music Hall on the Brainerd campus (E471). All trombone, euphonium (baritone), and tuba players are welcome to participate in the event. Music and stands will be provided, and refreshments will be served after the rehearsal. “This is the 16th year that CLC has hosted this celebration of Christmas and low-brass music,” said Director Steve Anderson. "Come join us in making a joyful noise with our special approach to Christmas music. See you there.” For information contact Anderson at 218-855-8215, 218-831-3652 or sanderso@clcmn.edu

Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus the Central Lakes College Cultural Arts Series presents Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular, a Las Vegas-caliber, multi-media, full-production show that mixes an eight-piece band with music, comedy, parodies – even a game show. What would Christmas be without Led Zeppelin? Jethro Tull? AD/DC? It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular. Join an all-star cast of musicians as they rock their way through timeless holiday classics and bring new takes on hit songs you didn’t even know were holiday classics. Rock out to traditional Christmas songs played in a non-traditional way, with a tribute to the great rock bands of the world. Come hear what audiences around the state are calling the greatest (rock Christmas show) on earth. Tickets range from $10-$25, according to section. Tickets are for assigned seats. For full ticket details and seating charts, go to each event’s page at http://www.clctickets.com/ The Theatre Box Office window is open one hour prior to show time for rush seats if the show isn’t sold out. CLC students are admitted for $10. For information, call (218) 855-8199 or email clctheatre@clcmn.edu

Students meet Attorney General

2011-12-05T11:35:00.001-08:00

Central Lakes Collegeinternational students recently toured the state capitol in St. Paul and metwith Lori Swanson, state attorney general. The group included Carlos Solano Monestel, Costa Rica; ShaniceHector, South Africa; Nqobile Mahlangu, South Africa; Dennis Musasizi, Uganda; Swanson,Steve Wenzel (adjunct political science instructor), Karmila Seran, CentralJava, Indonesia; Genevieve Avevor, Ghana; Erich Heppner (director of studentlife), Georgi Georgiev, Bulgaria; and IrshadHussain, Pakistan. The students were given a tour byformer state representative Wenzel. The tour included a visit to House chambers,where the students learned about the significance of the art work and how legislatorsproduce laws when in session. The students also were also shown the Senate chambersand the historic former Supreme Court chambers. The group met withthe Attorney General Lori Swanson.

'Winnie the Pooh'

2011-12-05T09:59:00.001-08:00

The Central Lakes College Adventures ’N Theatre musical “A Winnie thePooh Christmas Tail” will be staged in Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus Friday,Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17. Performances are 7:30 p.m. both days, with matinees at 10 a.m. and 2p.m. on Dec. 17. Adventures ’N Theatre is a young people’s acting troupe designed forperformers ages 7 to 17. The12-song musical tells the story of how a bear with a very little brain,Winnie thePooh, and his friends help the gloomy, tail-less donkey Eeyore have a verymerry Christmas. Actors include Andy Hopps (Eeyore), 15, Baxter; Abby Pratt (Piglet), 7, Merrifield;Matthew O’Reilly (Winnie the Pooh), 13, Brainerd; Andrew Smith (Owl), 14,Brainerd; Theodore Wadsten (Christopher Robin), 10, Merrifield; Justin Lane(Rabbit), 12, Brainerd; Luke O’Reilly (Tigger), 10, Brainerd; Sydney Stock(Kanga), 13, Brainerd; and Trinity Shields (Roo), 9, Brainerd. Members of the Rabbit Chorus are Emily Dechaine, 12, Brainerd; EmmaFerrie, 11, Brainerd; Lauren Forsythe, 12, Brainerd; Abby Larson, 12, Brainerd;Ahnicka Perez, 9, Brainerd; Kristen Schroer, 11, Brainerd; Lizzy Thurlow, 14,Nisswa; Laura Wadsten, 12, Brainerd; and “grandpa rabbit,” Nathan Shetka, 13,Pine River. For information contact Lamberson at 218-855-8202 or dlambers@clcmn.edu

Stand up

2011-12-02T08:16:00.001-08:00

Carl Wilkens, recognized as the only American in Rwanda to remain after the genocide started in 1994, spoke in the Brainerd campus cafeteria Friday, Dec. 2, giving a one-hour talk about the courageous people who took a stand during that period when more than 800,000 people were killed. Wilkens is the former head of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International in Rwanda. He is credited with saving hundreds of lives, aided by the people he befriended -- especially the calming, honorable older women of the region where he and his family resided. He is advising his audiences that even the smallest gesture that builds relationships can stop racism, bullying, and intolerance. Even a Facebook acknowledgment can counter forces that create chaos and destabilize nations such as Rwanda, where mineral exploration feeds the consuming world's lust for high technology such as modern communication tools. For more, go to http://www.genocideintervention.net/

Blood drive

2011-11-30T13:50:00.001-08:00

Brandee Stomberg, Menahga, was among the 80 people who gave blood on Wed., Nov. 30 in the Brainerd campus gym as the Student Senate-sponsored project for the American Red Cross attracted numerous walk-in volunteers willing to donate a pint of red. Brandee said her fellow members of the Natural Resources Club hoped to contend for the prize awarded to the campus organization donating the most blood. The club captured that honor. This was Brandee's first such donation, and she did so just because she knows there is a critical need -- and you never know when you yourself may be the recipient of this life-sustaining gift. The senate thanks everyone who gave during the five-hour event. We'll get another opportunity in the spring at the Staples and Brainerd campuses.

Senators visit

2011-11-30T13:39:00.001-08:00

Members of the Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee, led by Chairman David Senjem (R-Rochester), were welcomed to Central Lakes College Wed., Nov. 30 for a series of bonding presentations for proposed projects that could be approved for funding in the next legislative session. Other members scheduled to meet at CLC were John Carlson (R-Bemidji), Keith Langseth (D-Glyndon, ranking minority member), Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), Sandra Pappas (DFL_St. Paul), LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Plummer), David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), and Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood). Other projects scheduled to present requests during the stop: Cuyuna wastewater infrastructure upgrades; Cuyuna drinking water infrastructure upgrades; Paul Bunyan Trail; Backus wastewater treatment facility improvements.

Check & Connect

2011-11-30T13:32:00.001-08:00

Ann Chouinard and Aaron Mertes are two new employees at Central LakesCollege, hired for the Check and Connect disabilities support program. They are referred to as“coaches” who will work as part of a team that includes counselors, advisers,Occupational Skills Program and disabilities services staff, faculty, familymembers, and the qualifying students. Ann last Decemberreceived a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the College of St.Scholastica after receiving her AA degree from CentralLakes College. Chouinard began as a C andC coach in May and she is a licensed social worker. Chouinard resides inAitkin. Aaron earned his B.A. from the University ofMinnesota Duluth after receiving an AA degree from Central Lakes College. He isa Brainerd High School graduate and had been employed at Confidence LearningCenter, Pine River-Backus High School, and Life Support Services to gain nearlysix years’ experience working with people with disabilities. Check and Connect is an initiative funded, inpart, by a Transition Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities(TPSID) grant for higher education. Partners in securing the grant include CLCand the OSP and disabilities programs at Ridgewater College, Willmar, and theInstitute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. The Check and Connectprogram at CLC is an inclusive and comprehensive model for engaging andretaining students with intellectual disabilities in higher education.

Humphrey Center donation

2011-11-29T12:49:00.001-08:00

A bow that once belonged to thelate Pete Humphrey has been placed in the Skone Family Conservatory housing theHumphrey Center for American Indian Studies. LaVonne Danzl, whose late husbandBob had received the six-foot basswood hunting bow as a gift from his canoeingpal, Humphrey, recently donated the bow to the Humphrey Center so that it maybe displayed along with the many other artifacts housed in the facilityadjacent to the Jon Hassler Library at CLC. Humphrey had bequeathed hiscollection to the CLC Foundation in 1995. Bob Danzl died in 1999. The latest addition to theconservatory is in line with expansion plans, said Mary Sam, CLC director of interculturalservices, diversity and tribal relations. “Ourlong term plan is to generate dollars to fund building interactive kioskswithin the Center, a smart board for showing American Indian films and teachingfor all ages, and a hands-on area that will allow guests to learn aboutAmerican Indian crafts,” Mary said. Totalcost of this undertaking will be about $45,000. Mary said the goal is toutilize the Center as a cradle to college learning and community engagement onAmerican Indian issues.

To be a better teacher

2011-11-29T08:30:00.000-08:00

“B is for Bully,” a new production by Theatre for a Diverse Population at Central Lakes College, explores the lasting effects of bullying. Designed to stimulate discussion, the show features student actors, including Amy Claypool of Bemidji (pictured). "I like being in this cast," she said. "And showing everyone that bullying happens all the time and it's not right. We need to start making some changes. I'm planning on being an elementary teacher, and I think this play is a great experience to learn about bullying. When I see it as a teacher I'll be able to help students. It happens way too much in our society. People are taking their own lives because of what's going on. No one should feel this way. People need to be aware...I don't have any acting experience, but I feel strongly the message needs to get out there. That's why I am performing in this show." CLC instructor Nancy Smith and members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, will conduct a talk-back session after each performance. The show will be staged Nov. 30 and Dec. 2 at 10 a.m., Dec. 1, at noon, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 3 at 2 p.m., with American Sign Language interpretation. Joining Amy in the cast are Alex Schmolke, Garrison; Jeremy Boltjes, Brainerd; Ann Campbell, Fargo; Grant King, Germantown, Tenn.; Cassandra Patrick, McGregor; Dillon Pool, Rockford; and Bea Mitchell, Onamia. Tickets are pay-what- you-can, with a $1 minimum. Recommended ticket cost is $5. To reserve tickets call the theatre box office at 218-855-8199 or on the web at www.clctickets.com

According to the National Crime Prevention Council 43 percent of teens have been victims of online abuse in the past year. Bullying can happen anywhere, face to face, by text messages or on the web. Bullying is not limited by age, gender, race or education. It is not a phase, it is not a joke; bullying causes lasting harm.

Theatre for a Diverse Population is designed to stimulate discussion on current social issues. The company is made up of students with diverse background and learning styles. Theatre for a Diverse Population productions have toured throughout Minnesota as well as performing for the International Chair Academy in 2010 and The Region Five Kennedy Center Festival in St. Louis in 2005.

Dennis Lamberson, director of this theatre program, has won state, national and international acclaim for this unique theatre event.

Fall celebration

2011-11-28T12:37:00.001-08:00

Forty students were recognized as fallgraduates of the Central Lakes College Heavy Equipment Operation andMaintenance program at Staples on Nov. 23. Keynote speaker at the fall celebration was Andy Mackof Strata Corp., Grand Forks, N.D., a member of the Heavy Equipment AdvisoryBoard at CLC. Zachariah Helton of Baxter and Tad Woessner of Fergus Falls shared Outstanding Student honors for their participation level and demonstrated teamwork. Instructorsparticipating in the event were Andy Anderson, Jeff Klehr, Mike Kuklok, JohnMaleski, Michael Sams, Corey Uhrich, and Gordy Vierkant. Staff participantsincluded Jeff Wig, dean of career and technical programs and Staples Campus;Pam Thomsen, executive director of the CLC Foundation and Alumni Association;and Nancy Schmidt, Heavy Equipment Operations and Maintenance program coordinator.

Strata Corp. has hired numerous CLCgraduates.

Mack, who is employed as EarthmovingOperations Manager in the Construction Division at Strata, also has worked forthe North Dakota Department of Transportation. He has a degree in ConstructionManagement from North Dakota State University and has 20 years’ experience inthe profession.

Graduating this fall with diplomasfrom the two-year program:

Aberdeen, S.D. – Wyatt Earsley.

Backus – Ricky Richards.

Baxter – Zachariah Helton (Outstanding Student).

Brainerd – Charlie Leibold, Cody Rehberger.

Burtrum – Shawn Barthel.

Deer Creek – Tyler Wohlwend.

Duluth – Layne Viaene.

Eagle Bend – Alexander Sandy.

East Grand Forks – Douglas Willet.

East Gull Lake – Jacob Clark.

Elk River – Zachery Frieberg.

Fergus Falls – Tad Woessner (Outstanding Student).

Hammond, Wis. – Noah Bollom.

Hastings – Thomas Beissel, Caleb Thurmes.

Hill City – David Olson.

Jordan – Jason Stocker.

LeSueur – Aaron Meyer.

Little Falls – Jordan Chaika, Joshua Hoheisel.

Merrifield – Skyler Robinson.

Milaca – Shawn Bekius, Mitch Rowland.

Mora – Seth Nelson.

Ogilvie – Cory Lewellin.

Park Rapids – Morgan Quinn.

Pine River – Kendall Swenson.

Puposky – Dylan Radke.

Randall – Tyler Leavell.

Royalton – Joshua Gill.

Rush City – Jordan Scheffer.

Saginaw – Storm Johnson, Adam LaFontaine.

Sauk Rapids – William Sufka.

St. Cloud – Brandon Lokken, Mark Palmersheim.

St. Peter – Jameson Johnson.

Staples – Corey Woodwick (Student Speaker).

Wadena – Nate Braith.

Prize winners

2011-11-23T08:02:00.001-08:00

Prize winners have beenannounced from the Oct. 27 and 29 Tour of Manufacturing in Brainerd, Crosby,Jenkins, and Merrifield. Elias Peterson of Aitkinwon an Ipad. Mitch Treichler and Branden Spaid, both of Brainerd, won Ipods. Prizes were donated byClow Stamping Co., Graphic Packaging International, Lakeland Mold Co., PequotTool and Manufacturing, Precision Tool Technologies, and Central Lakes College. The tour attractedhundreds of guests to five area manufacturers for an inside look at good-payingjobs and the training designed to put skilled workers into those localopportunities.The Bridges Career Academies and Workplace Connection along with CentralLakes College collaborated to get the word out to students.

Corey Hins joins CLC tech team

2011-11-23T06:52:00.001-08:00

Corey Hins of Brainerd, a 1990 Associate in Arts degree graduate of CentralLakes College in Brainerd, began working as a lead systems administrator withthe Technology Services team at CLC on Nov. 21. "Corey will be a instrumental part of our team, and will focus on designing and engineering new technologies and systems, as well as supporting our highly complex network and server environment," said Scott Streed, CLC director of Technology Services. Corey, who has a working knowledge of multipletechnical computer systems, has experience with Essentia Health (four years) andISD 181 (12 years) as a network engineer. His experience includesworking with systems such as Cisco Networking, Citrix, Exchange, SQL, VMWare,Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, Windows Print Server, ISA Server, HPSAN, Compellant SAN, and Sonicwall. He is a 1993 graduate ofComputer Science NEI, Columbia Heights, which merged with Dunwoody in 2002. Corey graduated from Brainerd High School in 1987.

Explorer post

2011-11-22T11:20:00.001-08:00

The Central Lakes College Natural Resources Club is sponsoring a new Explorer Post, which will meet Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. for a "First Nighter" in Room W 147 of the Brainerd campus, according to Adviser Kent Montgomery. Exploring is a unique career exploration program for youngmen and women ages 14 to 20 years old. The program provides students the opportunity to learn about careersin natural resources and network with professionals in thefield. "The Exploring program is a greatopportunity to find out whether a particular career field is right for you andto get to know other students who share your interests and work aspirations," said Kent. "Exploring can be the first step inidentifying a future career while having fun in an exciting and informalenvironment." The Natural ResourcesExplorer Post First Nighter is an opportunity to learn more about the programto see if it’s right for you. For information contact Kent at (218) 855-8155 or kmontgomery@clcmn.edu

Veterans' Resource Center Coordinator

2011-11-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

Kathy Marshik of Little Falls has been named coordinator of the Central Lakes College Veterans' Resource Center on the Brainerd campus, effective Nov. 28. She will serve as the liaison between Central Lakes College, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Minnesota National Guard, and the Director of Higher Education Veterans Programs and community service agencies. The VRCC meets with prospective and returning veterans to provide information about educational opportunities, the application process, financial aid and veterans’ funding procedures, and transfer of military educational credit. Kathy is a CLC grad as well as Concordia University, St. Paul (bachelor's), and Cappella University, Minneapolis (master's). She has 18 years of military experience as an administrative, training, and readiness supervisor, most recently as Medical Operations and Military Readiness Supervisor for the Army National Guard at Camp Ripley. She has 19 years' experience in the Minnesota Guard, serving in Iraq from January 2003 to April 2004.

Aquatic invasive species video

2011-11-21T07:23:00.000-08:00

Central Lakes College Natural Resources instructor Kent Montgomery and NR student Jodi DuBay of Apple Valley appear in a new video public service announcement prepared in partnership with the DNR, Crow Wing Soil and Conservation District, Thirty Lakes Watershed District, and University of Minnesota Extension. The short PSA starts with a light-hearted "hitchhiker" scene at the south entrance to Brainerd on Old Highway 371. Then the teacher and student share tips for avoiding the transport of Eurasian water milfoil and other aquatic invasive plant and animal species. The video with Montgomery and DuBay is one of two produced as part of the project to restrain further infestation, which has already affected 18 lakes in the state. "We hope to reach a unique audience with these videos by showing young people and families involved in this issue," said Melissa Barrick, district manager with the SWCD. Distribution is through YouTube, Facebook, and other channels associated with younger audiences. To view, go to www.co.crow-wing.mn.us/swcd and copies or links may be obtained from Barrick by e-mailing melissa.barrick@co-crow-wing.mn.us or call (218) 828-6197.

Scholarships announced

2011-11-21T05:30:00.000-08:00

The Central Lakes College Foundation in Brainerd and Staples has awarded $101,400 through 172 scholarships to 126 students during the fall semester of the 2011-12 academic year. Another round of awards is made each spring semester as well. The CLC Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization guided by a volunteer board of directors and housed on the Brainerd campus. Pam Thomsen is the executive director.

Fall 2011 scholarships and recipients:

Aitkin

Ann	Evans	Sally Fawcett Memorial
Molly	Hogg Franz	Maxine Kaiser Russell Literary
Carol	Magness	Lynn & Paul Hunt Family Nursing
Olivia	Speed	Brainerd Area Zonta Club, Kenneth & Bernice Codner
Kamron	Tibbetts	Nathan Family

Aldrich

Kimberly	Bollig	Nisswa Women's Club
Jennifer	Hanes	Helen Anderson Piano

Backus

Sarah

Wood

Lynn & Paul Hunt Family

Baxter

Jesse	Arganbright	Military Order of the Purple Heart
Kellie	Barnaby	CLC Employee Fund
Courtney	Barnett	Michael E. Norris Memorial
Tina	Borgstrom	Ashmun Family Faith Based
Zachary	Hewitt	Kenneth & Bernice Codner
Ashley	Juenemann	Francis & Helen McCaffrey
Jalynn	Lamb	Dan Duda Memorial
Sean	Nokken	Stewart C. Mills Sr. Memorial
Jared	Sedlacek	Kangas Family

Bowlus

Kaitlynn

Bollig

Stewart C. Mills Sr. Memorial

Brainerd

Tammy	Alexander	Brainerd Jaycees, Goble Family Memorial, Pfeffer/Lehmann Memorial
Leah	Bahr	F. Richard & Orbie Miller & Sally Ihne Family
Brad	Borg	Henry F. McCollough, John 'Pete' Humphrey
Rebecca	Ellzey	BTC Student Senate, Kenneth & Bernice Codner
Candice	Estey	MN Elks Association, Nisswa Garden Club
Georgi	Georgieve	Dr. Stanley A. & Rose M. Edin Family, Ione Johnson Estate
Jordan	Getty	Ione Johnson Estate
Jaclyn	Hallgren	Francis & Helen McCaffrey, Henry F. McCollough
Alyssa	Herget	General Presidential, Kenneth & Bernice Codner, Mary F. Tornstrom Memorial
Scott	Hubert	Ione Johnson Estate, MN Elks Ass'n
Malcolm	Jones	Ione Johnson Estate, Ted Soteroplos Memorial
Charles	Kassulker	Viking Coca-Cola/Loren Thompson
Karen	Keller	Lakes Area Human Resource Association
Angela	Kleinschmidt	Brainerd Jaycees
Andrew	LaDouceur	Stewart C. Mills Sr. Memorial
Julie Jo	Larson	Amer. Ass'n of Univ. Women, General Presidential, Wells Fargo Bank MN, NA
Rachel	Lindholm	General Presidential, Glen Gustafson
Sharia	Merten	Brainerd Service League
Earl	Miller	William Van Essen Memorial
Brooklyn	Motschenbacher	Norm Arveson-Brainerd Elks, Wells Fargo Bank MN, NA
Rebecca	Munsch	Bang Printing/Dennis Johnson, Ione Johnson Estate
Megan	O'Neill	Stewart C. Mills Sr. Memorial
Heather	Palmer	Warren & Marion Meyer Marketing Education
Tatiana	Park	Hunt Family
Cassandra	Peters	Brainerd Rotary STRIVE
Bruce	Praska	Kangas Family
Daryl	Sanford	Brainerd Fire Dept Relief Ass'n
Daniel	Schad	CLC Natural Resources, MN Darkhouse & Anglers Ass'n - Brd Chptr
Elizabeth	Shea	Brainerd Friends
Samantha	Sheehan	CLC Liberal Arts
Jennifer	Smolke	Brainerd Sports Boosters
Jacob	Smude	Ione Johnson Estate
Trista	Stock	American Ass'n of University Women
Jayme	VanRisseghem	Gayle Rognaldson Memorial
Kayla	Voss	Brainerd Rotary STRIVE

Breezy Point

Jennifer

Salvevold

Breezy Point Women's Club, Pat Miller, Staples General Endowment

Callaway

Logan

Baker

Jean Collins Estate, Shipman

Clear Lake

Wyatt

Earsley

Clarence E. & Ruth L. Cook Family, Staples Gen Endowment

Crosby

Kelsey	Flores	Edward N. & Lorraine Skone, Myrtle & Ray Little
Holly	Seguini	First National Bank of Deerwood

Crosslake

Brittany

Croak

Hunt Family

Cushing

Richard

Hanych

Military Order of the Purple Heart, Richard A. Ungerecht Mem.

Deerwood

DeAnna	Bauer	Charles Burton Memorial, Nisswa Women's Club
Brittany	Martin	CLC Liberal Arts, Edward N. & Lorraine Skone
Jackie	Ostrowski	Clarence & Fran Holden Project Achieve
Amber	Taylor	Dutch & Irma Cragun Endowment

East Gull Lake

Lance

Zetah

Meth Porwall

Elk River

Rachel

Quist

Ione Johnson Estate

Emily

Chase

Meulners

William Van Essen Memorial

Fifty Lakes

Elena	Igonina	Ione Johnson Estate
Diane	McCulloch	Essentia Health/Physicians of BMC

Fort Ripley

Dennis	Benjamin	Lynn & Paul Hunt Family
Desiree	Chisholm	CLC Lib Arts, Don Adamson Mem., Nisswa Wmn's Club, Women of Moose

Frederiksted, V.I.

Rohan

Gustave

Ione Johnson Estate

Garrison

Rebecca

Durbin

CLC Liberal Arts, E. Terry Skone, Oren D. Abraham

Knife River

Jennifer

Faughnan

Ione Johnson Estate

Little Falls

Ethan	Albrecht	Ione Johnson Estate
Jennifer	Carlson	MN Darkhouse & Anglers Assn - Brainerd Chap.
Brian	Dyer	Ione Johnson Estate
Kaila	Fernelius	Clarence & Fran Holden Project Achieve
Katie	Gerwing	Good Neighbor Home Health Care
Mary	Monn	Paul C. Findorff Memorial
Mitchell	Waldvogel	Stewart C. Mills Sr.

Long Prairie

Virdiana

Morelos

Arnold & Jo Ann Johnson

Melrose

Joseph

Lomax

Robert R. Exsted Law Enforcement

Menahga

Mitchell

Byman

Ione Johnson Estate

Merrifield

Matthew

Solid

Myrtle Ellis

Montrose

Robert

Moynaugh

Ione Johnson Estate

Mora

Kirk

Mitchell

Ione Johnson Estate

Motley

Zachary

Buss

Stewart C. Mills Sr., W.W. Thompson Memorial

Nisswa

Bailey	Moe	CLC Faculty, Mary F. Tornstrom Memorial, Stewart C. Mills Sr.
Jacob	Reichenbach	Brainerd Sports Boosters
Matthew	Rutske	Brainerd High School Class of 1959

Palisade

Jamie

Lamke

Lynn & Paul Hunt Family Nursing

Parkers Prairie

Trey

Thompson

A. Leslie Smith

Pequot Lakes

Teresa	Blomer	Breezy Point Women's Club
Carol	Jensen	Sybil B. Nies Memorial
Nicole	Lloyd	Androli Memorial, Les & Rachel Gray Memorial
Ryan	Markham	Good Samaritan Society
Jeanne	Schwankl	Lynn & Paul Hunt Family
Dane	Walter	Ione Johnson Estate, Walter W. Doran

Pillager

Sara	Birkholtz	Ione Johnson Estate
Amy	Duda	Gayle Rognaldson Memorial
Sara	Martin	Dutch & Irma Cragun
Stephen	Schnichels	Atek Products, Ed & Evelyn Fox
Kristie	Seidl	Hunt Family

Pine River

Adrian	Hanson	Ione Johnson Estate
Gina	Peterson	Esther B. Schroeder
Gina	Peterson	Michael B. & Jericho Herron
Kathryn	Rundhaug	Stephen C. Amy Memorial
Joy	Smoot	Ione Johnson Estate

Princeton

Dylan

Moorlag

Jeff Oliphant Memorial

Randall

Matt

Toenies

Charles & Jean Widmark, Viking Coca-Cola

Royalton

Tara

Gottwalt

Dutch & Irma Cragun

Sartell

Michelle

Graunke

Adopted Children

Sauk Rapids

Kimberly

Brack

Brainerd VFW, Maxwell Douglas Adamek Best Memorial

St. John, V.I.

Carson

Wessinger

Taber Engineering

St. Thomas, V.I.

Deshawn

Creque

Arnold & Jo Ann Johnson

Staples

Beverly	Anderson	Brainerd VFW, Essentia Health/Dr. Don Wennberg/BMC Endowment
Dale	Wuollet	CLC Employee Fund
Douglas	Denning	Clow Stamping, Kenneth M. Krueger
Cody	Hanson	Dr. Duane Lund, Ione Johnson Estate
Sheryl	Olson	Sally Fawcett Memorial
LaTeesha	Rieck	Ione Johnson Estate, Jim Hess

Thief River Falls

Justin

Olson

Myrtle & Ray Little

Verndale

Elizabeth

Johnson

CLC Employee Fund

Wadena

Shelly	Arel	Arlee Hork Beougher Memorial Fund
Kyle	Moench	Gary Volner, Harry & Louise M. Nysather Family, William Van Essen Memorial

Theatre audition

2011-11-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

Central Lakes College Theatre will hold an audition night Dec. 1 for those seeking roles in the February production “To Kill a Mockingbird.” A favorite with regional and academic companies, “To Kill a Mockingbird” has become one of the most performed shows in the nation. It was adapted into an Oscar-winning film in 1962 by director Robert Mulligan. Director Dennis Lamberson said the production, which will be staged Feb. 10-19 in Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus, will have a cast of eight women and 11 men ages 16-75. Two boys age 10-14, and one girl age 9-11 are needed, as are two actors and two actresses of color. The audition time Dec. 1 is 7 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre. Actors will read from the script for the audition.

Videography tour

2011-11-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

Central Lakes College first-year Videography Production students recently spent a day in the Twin Cities visiting television production facilities and meeting professionals who work in the field. Mark Ambroz, instructor, said the metropolitan area has a robust production industry. “The goal of this trip is to introduce students to the career potential in that market,” he said. The group visited KARE 11 in Golden Valley, an NBC affiliate that has a major news market share in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area as well as across the state. Students received a tour from KARE News Director Jane Helmke, who is a member of the CLC Videography Production Advisory Board. The students watched the morning show from inside the studio and met producers, photographers, and editors in the newsroom. They also toured Cinequipt and Tremendous! Entertainment (where the Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern" is produced).

All about Joe

2011-11-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Friends and former colleagues of retired Central Lakes College instructor-author Joe Plut will want to read a new blog about the "mad hugger." It is by Bob Collins of Minnesota Public Radio. It was posted today in advance of the dedication of the Joe Plut Reading Room at Prairie Bay in Baxter. Collins interviewed Joe at Prairie Bay for about 3 hours last Saturday. Joe's book "Conservations with Jon Hassler," is inspiring fans of the late author (another former CLC instructor for whom the Brainerd campus library is named) to re-read the novels Jon wrote before he died in 2008. The blog:
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/news_cut/

Fall celebration

2011-11-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

The annual "Fall Celebration" honoring 40 graduates of the Heavy Equipment Operations and Maintenance program, will be held at the Staples campus of Central Lakes College on Wed., Nov. 23, with a lunch and program. The featured speaker will be Andy Mack of Strata Corp., Grand Forks, N.D., a member of the Heavy Equipment Advisory Board at CLC. Strata Corp. has hired numerous CLC graduates. Mack, who is employed as Dirt Coordinator in the Construction Division at Strata, has worked for the North Dakota Department of Transportation. He has a degree in Construction Management from North Dakota State University. The event starts at noon in the campus commons, with a welcome at 12:15 p.m. and the buffet lunch of roast beef, a photographic slide show, the speaker, and presentation of graduates. Those attending may RSVP by Thursday to Nancy Schmidt, Heavy Equipment coordinator, at (218) 894-5136 or nschmidt@clcmn.edu The luncheon cost is $11.50 per person, payable at the door.

MnSCU appointments

2011-11-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, recommended on Monday that the Board of Trustees appoint Douglas Knowlton (far left) to be vice chancellor for academic and student affairs and Michael Dougherty to be vice chancellor for advancement. Knowlton is the president of Dakota State University in Madison, S.D., and Dougherty is vice president of communications at the Valspar Corp. and president of the Valspar Foundation. Before taking his current position in 2004, Knowlton was vice chancellor for academic affairs and a tenured professor at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He served on what was the Minnesota State Board of Technical Colleges and the Minnesota Higher Education Board before the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities began operations in 1995. Before taking the Valspar position, Dougherty held a variety of positions at 3M, including director of global communications; managing director of a Swedish subsidiary, Svenska AB; vice president of operations at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce; acting deputy assistant secretary for legislation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and manager of government relations and legislative assistant at Pillsbury Co.

Celebration of Nations

2011-11-14T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Central Lakes College Diversity Leadership Council and International Club are co-hosting an organizational meeting Nov. 21 for the April 20, 2012 Celebration of Nations at CLC. The Celebration of Nations is a diversity event that showcases cultural displays, music, food, performances, dance, and activities. The co-sponsoring clubs are enlisting faculty and staff to oversee student committees in the following areas: building of structures, decorating, and activities in the various cultural areas and public relations (posters, advertising/publicity on campus and in the community). Tashana Husom, DLC adviser, is asking potential staff volunteers to contact her at 855-8013 or email thusom@clcmn.edu. The first meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 21 from 4 to 5 p.m. in E203 in the Business and Industry Center on the Brainerd campus. "We are excited to sponsor the third annual event," said Tashana, "and we thank you in advance for your involvement and support in this endeavor."