Cougar Bytes for December 17, 2010
December 17, 2010
Volume III, Number 13
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The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will come out on Friday, January 21, 2011.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- WOW! WHAT A TEAM!
- WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND CCCC
- Colleagues Come Together to Celebrate at Holiday Luncheons
- Honors and Fond Farewells For Linda Spivey
- Colleagues Bid a Fond Farewell to Jan Rider
- Retirement Reception Planned for Jill Gunter
- Red Clay Review Invites Submissions
- CCCC's Loftis Presents Check To CARA
- NCAEOP Silent Auction Benefits Scholarship Fun
- Announcing the North Carolina Community College System Office MVP Award
- Check This Out!
- Third Friday in Siler City - Wonderful Time To Shop!
- Designing Effective Library Research Assignments
- Scholarship Donors, Recipients Gather for CCCC Foundation Luncheon
- MS Society Receives $6,0000 Grant from Reeve Foundation
- Community Partnership Builds Green Habitat Home
- Cougar Pet News
- PERSONNEL NOTES
- CCCC-BAY
WOW! WHAT A TEAM!
CCCC Launches Firefighter Academy
As of January 18, the ESTC marks a new milestone in its high-quality training with the opening of the college's Firefighter Academy. The Academy will be a full-time program for individuals to learn the skills essential for employment as a firefighter. Graduates will be prepared to take the state exams required to be a certified firefighter.
"This is an exciting training opportunity," said Joey Shue, Fire & Rescue Coordinator. "The Academy will be a rigorous and challenging course of study. When the students graduate, they will be prepared physically, psychologically, and with the skills and knowledge for the challenges of successful fire fighting."
Students will earn certifications in areas such as emergency medical response, fire fighting, hazardous materials, and general and technical rescuer. They will also train in incident command systems, rapid intervention, safety and survival, interviewing, and physical agility. Students are required to wear firefighter uniforms during training.
Central Carolina Community College's Emergency Services Training Center live fire instructor Frankie Hobson checks on the progress of a fire at the facility's live fire-training building.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND CCCC
Colleagues Come Together to Celebrate at Holiday Luncheons
Good food, laughter, and seasonal music characterized the holiday luncheons on all three campuses. The Pittsboro luncheon is taking place as we go to press, so we are unable to show pictures of that event, but these photos from Harnett and Lee capture the good cheer prevalent at these annual gatherings.
Harnett County
Employees from the college's locations in Harnett County and guests gathered at the Lillington campus on December 10 for a holiday luncheon with delicious barbequed chicken and great entertainment. The desserts, made by members of the Harnett faculty and staff, were spectacular.
Mary Walker (right) led the Harnett Choir, which is composed of college employees and community members, in a medley of Christmas songs.
Lee County
A potluck lunch challenged hungry members of Lee County campus faculty, staff, and guests. Attendees were entertained by the traditional Holiday Video Extravaganza filmed by Morgan Steele and Carl Bryan.
Cosmetology students entertained us with a song and dance.
The CCCC Choir presented a medley of traditional holiday music as part of a program filled with talent.
Honors and Fond Farewells For Linda Spivey
Linda Spivey retired December 10 after a 33-year career with the college. She was at CCCC during the tenure of four of the college's five presidents. Co-workers past and present gathered to wish her all the best at a December 8 reception in the Science Building on the Lee County Campus. To honor her, NCEOP and the college's President's Council established a $600 scholarship with the CCCC Foundation. The scholarship is in memory of Linda and David's son, Walter Spivey, who passed away this year.
Linda was honored for her long and valuable service to the North Carolina Association of Educational Office Professionals District 7 by being named the district's 2010-11 Lula M. Burrell Educational Office Professional of the Year.
The award announcement was made at the district's annual meeting Oct. 29 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, in Sanford. Spivey also received a President's Award from outgoing District 7 president, Donna Cox, for her assistance during Cox's tenure.
Pictured (from left) are Martha Youngblood, newly installed NCAEOP District 7 president; David and Linda; and President Bud Marchant.
Colleagues Bid a Fond Farewell to Jan Rider
Jan Rider, Director of Business Services, is retiring after 33 years of service to the college effective December 16. Jan greeted old friends and new at her retirement reception on December 15 filled with shared reminiscences and good wishes for the retiree. Jan's plans include traveling and "doing exactly what I please."
Many had signed a farewell gift for her featuring her picture from a college yearbook. Pictured with Jan are college President Bud Marchant and Wayne Robinson, Vice President of Administrative Services.
Retirement Reception Planned for Jill Gunter
A retirement reception for Jill Gunter will be held in the Science Building conference room on the Lee County Campus on December 17th from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Please join us in honoring Jill, who has served in a number of roles during her tenure with the college, most recently as the CCCC Liaison to Lee Early College.
Red Clay Review Invites Submissions
The Red Clay Review, CCCC's literary magazine, invites submissions from the public for its spring 2011 edition: The South. The editors are seeking poetry, short fiction, and creative non-fiction that explores what it means to be Southern or to live in the South. They are also seeking 2-D art submissions for the cover contest. The winning art will be featured on the issue cover.
Cash prizes will be given for the best prose, poetry, and cover art. The deadline for submissions is January 14. Send submissions and inquiries to: rcr@cccc.edu or contact Summerlin Page, (919) 718-7270.
Submission Guidelines:
- Applicants should be members of the greater CCCC community or residents (past, present, or future) of Lee, Harnett, or Chatham counties.
- All submissions must be connected to the current theme: The South.
- No simultaneous submissions.
- Prose submissions (fiction or creative non-fiction) are limited to 1,500 words and should be typed and double-spaced. No more than two submissions.
- Poetry is limited to three submissions; no more than 80 lines per poem.
- In the upper left-hand corner of the first page of each submission, list the writer's name, address, and phone number.
- Electronic submissions are required.
- Cover contest submissions must be 2-D art in a high quality digital file. There is a limit of three submissions per artist.
CCCC's Loftis Presents Check To CARA
Jonathan Loftis, president of the North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians, presents a $500 donation check from that organization to Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption treasurer Laurie Trusdell, November 18 at CARA, in Sanford. Loftis, of Cameron, is a Veterinary Medical Technology instructor and the Animal Facility manager at the Lee County Campus. CARA will use the money to care for the animals at its shelter and prepare them for adoption.
NCAEOP Silent Auction Benefits Scholarship Fun
The CCCCAEOP would like to thank all who donated and participated in the Silent Auction on December 1. With your help we have almost $2000 for scholarships for our CCCC students. This would not be possible without the donated items and participation in bidding of our wonderful employees.
Thanks again for participating and helping us better support our students!
Announcing the North Carolina Community College System Office MVP Award
Did you receive excellent customer service from a co-worker that went beyond your expectations? Do you know a co-worker who developed an innovative way of doing a task? Do you work with someone who constantly inspires others to do their best? Do you see teamwork defined in one of your colleagues? If so, you know a System Office MVP.
The MVP Award offers the opportunity for members of the community college family to recognize System Office staff who go beyond their expected job duties, provide extraordinary service and technical assistance, and are positive leaders or team players. Employees may be nominated by a System Office peer, by an employee of an NC Community College, by a trustee, or by a State Board member.
The MVP award will:
- Recognize NC Community College System Office employees who have made a significant contribution to the community colleges, the System Office, or their work unit
- Be open to both SPA and EPA System Office employees
- Be given to an individual rather than a group, unit or team
- Be awarded only once during a 12-month period to the same individual
Employees may be nominated in one of the following categories:
- Innovation: Demonstrated a creative new approach to a current process
- Service: Delivered excellent service to a community college student, staff or faculty, to a potential student or other customer, or to another System Office employee
- Inspiration: Inspired teamwork, cooperation and participation
- Leadership: Demonstrated exceptional leadership on the job
- Outstanding Performance: Delivered a high quantity or quality of work over a period of time
Nominations are due by the 15th of each month and may be submitted using the following link: www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/Personnel/
mvp/nomination.aspx
Please contact HR if you have any questions about this award or need more information.
SGA Bus Gets New Look!
The CCCC bus is a work of art. That's the designated driver, Mike Neal, coming around the corner.
Third Friday in Siler City - Wonderful Time To Shop!
Enjoy a crisp evening and join friends in downtown Siler City for the Third Friday Art Walk on December 17, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Good music and refreshments will keep you warm while you shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.
CCCC's Sculpture program student gallery will be open with a wonderful variety of student work. The gallery is at 138 N. Chatham Avenue. All Art Incubator galleries and shops will be open.
Designing Effective Library Research Assignments
Instructors often give library research assignments to students. But do your students get frustrated in trying to find the necessary information to complete the assignment? Are their grades less than you had anticipated? Here are some tips that may help save you and your students some headaches.
Best Practices:
- Consult with a Librarian: A librarian may actually have some helpful ideas or spot potential problems with an assignment. They can also help you keep abreast of changes in the information world that may affect your assignments.
- Put assignments in writing: Your students can better meet and understand the requirements of an assignment when they have a copy to read and reread. Be sure directions are clear, complete, and error-free. Define any technical, library, and discipline-specific terminology also.
- Provide a copy of the assignment to the Library: The library staff can better help your students when they are alerted to coming assignments. This also helps the library build a stronger curriculum-centered collection.
- Integrate library research objectives with course objectives: Students can simultaneously learn course content and research skills. Students need to see the relevance of assignments to the course, and the relevance of library research skills to the assignment. They also need to understand that research skills learned now will be helpful to them in future classes and in real life.
- Match the assignment to the research level of the students: Consider the grade level of the students and the amount of instruction they have had in research skills, etc.
- Be up-to-date: Make sure your assignments require up-to-date research methods and resources. The information world is constantly changing!
- Promote ethical habits of scholarship: Make sure your students understand the importance of academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism. Expect proper source citations.
- Test your assignment - Is it do-able?: Can you complete the assignment with the resources that are available to your students? Have you recently checked that the needed materials are available in the library? Is the assignment too hard? Is it too easy? Does it meet your objectives?
- Attend a library instruction class with your students: Actions speak louder than words. By attending a library class with your students, you are sending them a message that these skills are important, and it reinforces your assignment. By the same token, not attending a library class with your students will send the opposite message. Which message would you rather send?
Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Overestimating students' research skills: Dissect the assignment and analyze the skills needed to complete it. Do your students have these skills? If not, work with a librarian to design the necessary instructions. Note: Students often overestimate their own research skills.
- Creating a mob scene: Sending a large group of students to look for the same resource or to research the same topic at the same time can create havoc. Consider placing heavy-demand items on Reserve or give students broader choices in topics and sources. Plan ahead by scheduling your class to visit the library to do research when you know the librarian is available to assist.
- Setting limitations that are unclear or inappropriate to the assignment: Beware of restrictions such as, "You may not use the Internet" or "No encyclopedias" or "Books only." Such limitations must carefully match the assignment/topic. Examples of such problems may include:
- Requiring scholarly journal articles for non-scholarly topics.
- Failure to help students distinguish between free web sites and library research databases (such as NC LIVE). Students often mistakenly think they cannot use articles from research databases when an instructor bans use of the Internet for an assignment because the databases are accessed via the Internet.
- Banning use of the Internet or online resources (databases) when those sources would be the most appropriate sources for the assignment.
- Banning use of encyclopedias when what you mean to ban are general encyclopedias and not subject encyclopedias.
- Requiring too many or too few sources.
- Expecting traditional library research on a too-local topic: There is often little published information available on a very local topic. Again, ask yourself "Is this assignment do-able? Can I complete it myself? How many sources are available in our library?
- Assigning a photocopied assignment from a textbook: Every library is different. A generic assignment may need to be tweaked or customized to work at our library.
- Failing to incorporate research assignments in your classes because you feel uncomfortable with your own level or knowledge of research skills: There is no shame in admitting that you do not know everything about the modern information world. It has changed dramatically over the past decade, and online resources are constantly changing. As a college instructor, you need to have up-to-date knowledge of the information world in which you and your students are operating. Make an appointment with a librarian, attend library workshops, or view some of our online tutorials to learn more about the resources offered at our library.
Observing these tips can make your assignments easier for your students to complete, and will save both you and them a lot of frustration. The library staff is available to assist you in designing your library research assignments. To schedule a consultation, a library instruction session, or a working research session for your class, please contact Mary Coleman in the library.
Scholarship Donors, Recipients Gather for CCCC Foundation Luncheon
Several hundred scholarship donors and recipients gathered November 16 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center for the Foundation's annual Scholarship Luncheon.
"The luncheon provides an opportunity for the donors to become personally acquainted with those they are helping and enables the recipients to thank them in person," said Diane Glover, Foundation executive director. "Most of our scholarship recipients wouldn't be able to afford college without this help. We are fortunate to have generous individuals, organizations and businesses in our communities willing to assist them."
College President Bud Marchant welcomed the donors and recipients to the luncheon.
"This luncheon, along with graduation, is one of the most festive and joyous occasions we have at the college," he said. "We thank all of our donors for helping our students achieve their dream of a college education."
Nursing student Stephanie Oglesbee (left), of Sanford, received the John E. and Eunice L. Dotterer Nursing Scholarship. Nursing student Robin Creason (center), of Siler City, received the James. B. Holt Nursing Scholarship named for Dr. James Holt (right), of Pittsboro. The children of J.W. and Elizabeth Glosson Thomas established it in his name in gratitude for the care he gave their parents.
MS Society Receives $6,0000 Grant from Reeve Foundation
The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to announce that it has received a $6,000 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 89 grants totaling more than $500,000 awarded by the Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that aid in providing more opportunities, access, and daily quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. Since the program was developed in 1999 by the late Dana Reeve, over 1,700 grants have been awarded, totaling over $13 million.
The Chapter will use the grant for its Equipment Loan Program. Many people living with MS have limited financial resources and poor health insurance coverage, making it difficult to purchase needed durable medical equipment. This program ensures that people living with MS can continue to live an active and independent lifestyle after diagnosis. Through the Equipment Loan Program the Chapter frequently provides short and long term loans to clients who need durable medical equipment.
Community Partnership Builds Green Habitat Home
An attractive, three-bedroom home is the 32nd Habitat for Humanity home built in Lee County, but this one is different. According to Gary Wicker, director of the Sanford Area Habitat for Humanity, this home is "green," incorporating extra energy efficient features such as solar panels for hot water heating, a double layer of insulation for improved weatherization, and water retention barrels to conserve rainwater for use on the landscaping.
Construction was funded primarily through a Golden Leaf Foundation Golden Leaf Opportunities for Work (GLOW) grant obtained by Central Carolina Community College. The purpose of the grant was to train students and displaced workers in sustainable, energy-efficient construction.
The college partnered with Habitat for Humanity, Lee County Schools, and many community business partners in the project. Construction of the home brought together the college's expertise in green building education, the school district's goal of training students in green construction technology, and Habitat's desire to build a home for another Lee County family.
"This is a perfect example of people working together and achieving something truly remarkable," said CCCC President Bud Marchant. He thanked the Golden LEAF Foundation for making it possible.
Lorrie Cotton (center left) gives a hug to Marc Clark, chairman of the Family Selection Committee of the local Habitat for Humanity, as he makes the official presentation to her of a new Habitat for Humanity home for her family. Also pictured (from left) are Gary Wicker, director of the Sanford Area Habitat for Humanity; Cotton's sons Kenneth and Tony (behind quilt); Aaron Fleming, Lee County Schools director of career and technical education; Central Carolina Community College President Bud Marchant; and Lee County Schools Superintendent Jeff Moss.
Cougar Pet News
If you or anyone you know is considering adopting a pet, please consider the animals available for adoption at the CCCC Sanford campus animal facility. The dogs and cats waiting for permanent homes there are healthy, have all their shots, and have been spayed/neutered. They are ready to love you.
Visit the Cougar Pets website at cougarpets.webs.com/index.html for more information and pictures of all the animals who need homes. Call (919) 718- 7465 or email jloftis@cccc.edu if you want to adopt.
PERSONNEL NOTES
Cougar Profile
Kendra McKinney
Administrative Assistant, Curriculum
Chatham Campus
Kendra McKinney literally grew up with CCCC. She was born in Sanford and gradated from Lee Senior High School. Kendra's family still lives in Sanford and she calls it "the home place." Kendra went from Lee Senior to UNC - Chapel Hill, where she earned her B.A. in English. After UNC, she worked for two years at a law firm before returning to school to earn her Master of Divinity degree from Duke University.
Kendra discovered the opening for an administrative assistant at the Pittsboro campus while browsing on the Internet looking for work and came on board in August of 2010. She provides administrative support for Provost Karen Allen and others in the curriculum area. She told us that she enjoys the view from her position, "There is so much vision and energy here on the Pittsboro campus. It's a privilege to be a small part of it."
Kendra is single and presently lives in the pretty little town of Morrisville, adjacent to the Research Triangle. She is a scholar at heart; her idea of fun is reading biblical Hebrew. She intends, in spite of the unrest in the Middle East, to take a long trip to Israel as soon as she can. Kendra's long term plans focus on a return to school to earn her doctorate and, eventually, teaching on the college level. In the meantime, she is grateful that CCCC has turned out to be "part of my journey."
News From the CCCC Family
Retirement, here I come. Through the many years of service to Central Carolina Community College, I have held multiple positions with numerous titles. The constants in my service are the people with whom I have worked. The members of the college family who step up to the line everyday to serve our students and community, in good and bad budget years, is what makes CCCC a great place to work. To all of you who serve and make a difference, I bid you farewell. I have served where needed and I am proud of my record of service. It is now time to pass my responsibilities on to others. I look forward to an active and long retirement. I joyfully anticipate this new chapter in my life. Best wishes, Jan Rider
Words cannot express my gratitude for all the acts of kindness that were extended toward me during my time of illness and recuperation. I am grateful to be among such caring people. Your prayers, cards, calls, emails, and the beautiful plant will long be remembered. Sandra Cain
"I'm gonna miss ya"! Thanks so much for a wonderful "send off into retirement" - cards, emails, calls and much, much more. Your kind expressions of love were overwhelming and I am so thankful for my CCCC family. CCCC was good for me and to me and I certainly have very fond memories. Please stay in touch! Linda Spivey
Birthdays
| 12/18 | Polly Bouldin |
| 12/18 | Tamara Joyner |
| 12/19 | Peter Eckley |
| 12/20 | Michelle Powell |
| 12/21 | Ben Johnson |
| 12/23 | Anne Davis-Johnson |
| 12/24 | Joy Hewett |
| 12/28 | Diane Dellinger |
| 12/28 | Charlotte Harrington |
| 12/29 | Reginald Dowe |
| 12/29 | Mike Spivey |
| 12/29 | Dawn Tucker |
| 12/30 | Fred Fritz |
| 1/02 | Teresa Harrington |
| 1/03 | Sharlene Satchell |
| 1/05 | Johnny Frye |
| 1/06 | Nicole Brown |
| 1/06 | Evelyn Rivera |
| 1/07 | Michelle Wheeler |
| 1/09 | Joyce B. Thomas |
| 1/09 | Lerah Snipes |
| 1/10 | Jessica Brown |
| 1/10 | Rory Dutterer |
| 1/10 | David Watson |
| 1/11 | James Anderson |
| 1/12 | Jonathan Loftis |
| 1/14 | Vivian Davis |
| 1/15 | Stephen Athans |
| 1/15 | Andrew McMahan |
| 1/16 | Kelly Dehring |
| 1/16 | Mary Ann Gaster |
| 1/16 | Pam Riddle |
| 1/17 | Doris Dowdy |
| 1/17 | Patricia Wicker |
| 1/18 | Amy Kennedy |
| 1/19 | Starlene Jackson |
| 1/19 | Edward Stumpf |
| 1/20 | George Clayton |
| 1/20 | Nellie Hill |
| 1/22 | Laurence Tipton |
| 1/24 | Richard Love |
| 1/24 | Abby Walker |
| 1/24 | Jason Ziebart |
| 1/27 | Benjamin Falero |
| 1/27 | Tina Godbey |
| 1/27 | Mark Hall |
| 1/27 | Laura Musselwhite |
| 1/29 | Lisa Duncan |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Dates to Remember
Dec. 17 - Third Friday Walk, Siler City, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dec. 22 - Christmas Holiday begins. College reopens on January 3, 2011.
Feb. 20 - Chinese New Year Celebration, Civic Center, 3:00 p.m.
CCCC-BAY
Things For Sale, For Adoption or for Free
Beautiful Christmas Kittens for Adoption. Litter trained, first shots, wormed. Call Irene Smith, (919) 718-7518 or (919) 777-9668.
For Sale:"Mio MOOV 500, 4.7" Portable GPS Navigation Device with Text-to-Speech for Spoken Street Names. Brand New - Never Taken Out of the Box. Can be used for all 50 States and Puerto Rico. Would make a great Christmas gift. Will take best offer. Contact Debra McNeill, (919) 777-7704 or dmcneill@cccc.edu.
Wanted to Buy: Used treadmill/jogging machine. Call Irene Smith, (919) 718-7518 or (919) 777-9668.