IN THIS ISSUE

October Cougar Champions

October FT Cougar Champion: Shirley Rijkse

Shirley Rijkse
Lead for Business and Human Resources, Advisor to HR Student Club, Toastmasters Club

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I have worked here as an adjunct instructor since 2013 and a full-time faculty since 2015.

What brought you to CCCC?
My journey at CCCC started as a student coming back to school to gain additional credentials to advance my career. I found new friends, great relationships, and opportunities I had not considered. I also had some advisors and mentors that challenged me to reach for things I had not thought of before. I’m so blessed and grateful.

What motivates you?
Making a real impact on the world. I’m a lifelong learner and enjoy coaching and mentoring. Filling up my bucket so I can give back to others. Having a large network of relationships can help give a voice and resources to make the world a better place.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family, my love of God above all things, and to see students find their path to success.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome in your career?
Going back to school later in life.

What is the key to your success?
Integrity and love for all people.

Where did you grow up?
Wisconsin for most of my life. I still have some family living there now.

Where do you live now?
Broadway, N.C. with my husband of 38 years. We came to N.C. because of military children. It was a great move. We have been here since 2007.

Educational credentials?

  • Master of Business Administration/HR
  • Master Certificate Data Analytics
  • SHRM-Senior Certified Professional
  • SHRM Specialty Credential-Inclusive Workplaces
  • Ziglar Life Coach-Choose to Win
  • DiSC Facilitator
  • Working Smart Facilitator (soft skills)
  • Numerous Finance Certifications from National Wellness and NGPF
  • Distinguished Toastmaster
  • SHRM Foundations Certifications

Tell us about your family!
I’m fortunate to have my husband, Art; our five children and eight grandchildren in this life so far. We lost our two furry babies this year, Sam and Maxine.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
When not volunteering, I enjoy crafts, music, and pro football.

Who is one of your favorite fictional characters and why?
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.


October PT Cougar Champion: Bobby Piggie

Bobby Piggie

Custodian

How long have you worked for CCCC?
Seven months.

What brought you to CCCC?
New job.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I am a custodian and my duties are to make sure that the facilities are nice and clean.

What motivates you?
The people that I work with on a daily basis know that I am making a difference at the college.

What is your work motto?
Be productive and stay busy.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
To go get it. And make it work.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
To be able to perform my daily task, and that I'm making a difference.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome in your career?
I really have not had any challenges. I just try to be the best version of myself that I could be.

What lessons have you learned in your role?
To continue to be kind, generous and polite to people.

What is the key to your success?
Having a relationship with God.

Who inspires you?
God, who is first in my life. My wife, children, and grandkids.

What is the best advice you can give your colleagues?
To continue to hold your head up and excel with integrity and character.

Where were you born?
Sanford.

Where did you grow up?
Sanford.

Where do you live now?
Sanford.

Educational credentials?
I have an associate's degree in maintenance and welding.

Tell us about your family!
I am married to my wonderful wife, Sheila. I have seven grandchildren. Both of my parents are deceased.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
Family time, church, and helping people.

What is your favorite meal?
Chicken, steak, pinto beans, macaroni and cheese.

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November Cougar Champions

November FT Cougar Champion: Kimberly Brzozowski

Kimberly Brzozowski
Education Navigator

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I have been blessed to have worked with CCCC since 2013 in various roles with the college. I have held both administrative and academic advising roles. In all my roles, I have had the pleasure of being able to help our students succeed academically and personally. My favorite part of the college is all the amazing people who work here and really try to help students no matter their role at the college. That is not something every college has.

What brought you to CCCC?
In 2013, I wanted to move back closer to where I grew up and closer to my family. I am from Chatham County and grew up on the border of Lee and Chatham counties, so the communities have a special place in my heart.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I work with first-year students enrolling at the college, setting up their first semester schedule, and making sure they have all the resources they need to get started. My special career community is the Health Sciences. I have worked with these students since 2021, assisting them to meet the requirements and apply to our limited enrollment programs here.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I recently had the opportunity to move over to the Chatham Campus and I am so excited to be helping students in the area I attended elementary, middle, and high school. My hope is to be able to get enrollment in Chatham up because it really is an asset to the community there.

November PT Cougar Champion: Willie Nixon

Willie Nixon
Criminal Justice Instructor

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I have been associated with the college (in various positions) since 1995.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
Presently, I am an adjunct criminal justice instructor.

What motivates you?
The desire to be the best at what I do and my Christian values.

What is your work motto?
Never let anyone be better than you when doing the same job.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Educational achievement.

Who inspires you?
My wife.

Where were you born?
South Carolina.

Where did you grow up?
Brooklyn, New York.

Where do you live now?
Moore County.

Educational credentials?
I have a graduate degree in Criminal Justice.

Tell us about your family!
I have a dynamic wife, a lovely daughter, a wonderful son-in-law, two fantastic granddaughters, and a superstar great-grandson. We are very close and enjoy family time.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
Physical fitness, reading, and research.

WOW! WHAT A TEAM!

Years of Service Awards – 2024

The annual Thanks for All You Do Celebration/Service Awards luncheons were held at each main campus—Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Chatham Main Campus; Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Harnett Main Campus; and Thursday, Dec. 5, at Lee Main Campus.

View the Full Presentation

Below is a list of the Service Award recipients as well as photos from the events. Thanks to our President, Dr. Lisa M. Chapman, for her inspiring remarks!

Celebrating 35 Years of Services

  • Edwin Thomas

Celebrating 25 Years of Services

  • Travis Perry
  • Vivian C. Simpson
  • Melanie Yarborough

Celebrating 20 Years of Services

  • Amanda Carter
  • David Flatley
  • Latasha Terry McIver
  • Crete H. Smith
  • Bianka Rhodes Stumpf
  • BJ Thompson

Celebrating 15 Years of Services

  • Tonya Burt Davis
  • Robert Hammond
  • Karen Hight Minter
  • Summerlin P. Webb
  • Wesley M. Womack

Celebrating 10 Years of Services

  • Tracy Autry
  • Randy Baker
  • Gary Blankenship
  • Donna Newby Boykin
  • Meghan Reece Brown
  • Felicia Crittenden
  • Misty Davin
  • Garrick Ewers
  • Darren Fincher
  • Pamela A. Fincher
  • Becky Finken
  • Juan Gonzalez-Venegas
  • Wendy Harrington
  • Steve Heesacker
  • Oscar A. Hernandez
  • R.V. Hight
  • Joshua Johnson
  • Susan Johnson
  • Audra Kallimanis
  • Sylvester A. King
  • John D. LaVere
  • Nicole D. Lofton
  • Stormy Mascitelli
  • Regina Renee Minter
  • Paul Reynolds
  • Penny Shoun
  • Lisa Ziblay

Celebrating 5 Years of Services

  • Michelle L.Acevedo
  • Jennifer T. Babb
  • Emily A. Barrick
  • Erin L. Blakeley
  • Scott Butcher
  • Jordan R. Carter
  • Shavonda L. Chance
  • Gwen Collins
  • Wendy W. Craig
  • Jennifer Dillon
  • Alexandra B. Dowdy
  • Ian Dunham
  • Theresa Ellis
  • Gary M. Franks Jr.
  • J. Reid Clonts Haslup
  • Karmisha G. Hernández Luciano
  • Christy J. Jones
  • Bryan Koprowski
  • Samantha J. Lane
  • Glenda M. Lassen
  • Heather N. Ocegueda
  • Michael Parnell
  • Jason Rouse
  • Crystal D. Sanders
  • Soni L. Sundquist
  • William Taylor
  • Andrew Walser
  • Crystal W. Way
  • Karen Weaver
  • Justin S. West
  • Macy A. Woods

View the Full Presentation

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Cougar Express Drive-Thru

The CCCC Foundation sponsored a special holiday season "Cougar Express" drive-thru event on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic and Conference Center in Sanford.

Special thanks to Christa Mashburn and Nathan Stevens for leading this event -- and for all of our faculty and staff volunteers who helped to make this event such a success for our community!

See downloadable photos from the event at www.cccc.edu/foundation/photo-galleries/galleries/20241205-Holiday-Drive-Thru.

Lots of toys were received during the recent Cougar Express drive-thru event at Central Carolina Community College – including some additional donations following the event. The toys, which are going to children in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene, were delivered to Alan Lynch with Riding on Faith Equestrian Center. Lynch and Pastor Arvill Scott, who operates a ministry called The Nest Alliance, delivered the majority of toys to Blue Ridge Elementary School in Warrensville, N.C. – in Ashe County. Other toys went to individuals in The Nest Alliance.

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Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringing

Central Carolina Community College was proud to take part in The Salvation Army Christmas bell ringing activities!

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Broadway Christmas Parade!

CCCC was proud to have participated in the Broadway Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 12. The college also participated in other area parades, too.

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Liftoff to Success Is Here!

Start the semester strong with Liftoff to Success, a week of professional development and community-building activities designed to energize and equip you for a successful semester. Whether you’re discovering innovative teaching strategies, expanding your professional skills, or reconnecting with colleagues, these sessions are your launchpad for the new year.

Explore the Schedule

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Partnership Agreement

Dr. Lisa M. Chapman (left), Central Carolina Community College President, and Dr. Alexander "Sandy" Stewart (right), Sandhills Community College President, shake hands after signing a partnership agreement to guide students preparing for health programs at the other’s campus to ease the transfer process and increase access to high demand careers. Read the full story.

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Holiday Basketball

Get ready for a holiday basketball event as Central Carolina Community College hosts the Cougar Classic Dec. 28 and 29 at Powell Hall on the CCCC Lee Main Campus in Sanford. Also participating in the two-day event are Fayetteville Technical Community College, Brunswick Community College and Wake Technical Community College.

The tournament schedule:

Dec. 28 (Saturday): 3 p.m. – Fayetteville Tech vs. Wake Tech; 5 p.m. – Central Carolina vs. Brunswick.

Dec. 29 (Sunday): 3 p.m. – Fayetteville Tech vs. Brunswick; 5 p.m. – Central Carolina vs. Wake Tech.

Tickets: $15 for the weekend, $10 for a single day, or $5 per game.

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5th Robotic Welding Competition

The Central Carolina Community College 5th Robotic Welding Competition was held Monday, Dec. 9.

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Automotive Restoration

The Central Carolina Community College Automotive Restoration Technology program hosted a Super Striping Tech Night with Dennis McGoldrick, owner of Super Striping, on Dec. 6. Hands-on demonstrations of pin striping, graphic automotive art and sign painting were included in the program.

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Rave Reviews Are In: CCCC Students Enjoyed Johnny Cash's RING OF FIRE

Thanks to CCCC's Academic & Cultural Enrichment Series (ACES), 78 students from HUM 120: Popular Culture, MUS 110: Music Appreciation, and DRA 111: Theatre Appreciation bobbed their heads and tapped their toes at Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire on Oct. 24 at Temple Theatre, a local performing arts venue. Students and their faculty (full-time and adjuncts alike) enjoyed learning about the musical icon through a blend of live music and staged memoir. Q&A with the musicians/actors and creative team followed. The student reviews are in, and they raved. Here are a few responses to what struck Summerlin Webb's HUM 120 students from the ACES program on Cash:

"...I enjoyed it more than I thought that I would. The way they changed so fast was awesome and the fact that they could play more than one instrument was very impressive. It made me want to learn more about music and get back into maybe learning a new instrument myself (I can play the clarinet, baritone, and trombone). I loved how into the songs the cast members were singing. It made it more enjoyable to watch and made me tap my foot and bob my head ... I had fun and was happy that we got to do that."

"As for the musical performances, having live music played on stage by the actors themselves was a stroke of genius. It not only showcased their musical talents but also brought an electrifying energy to the production. This live element added a raw and genuine feel, blurring the lines between performer and character, and creating a captivating atmosphere that transports the audience into his [Johnny Cash's] world."

"It was refreshing, and it inspired me to try and attend another musical performance soon. I've been looking and now have my eyes set on the Beauty and The Beast show that's coming up for the spring..."

"My only frame of reference for Johnny Cash's story was the movie and a handful of interviews, so this was a completely different way of experiencing it...the most prominent part of the show, the music, blew me away ... The live performance was effective at immersing me into the story without having to use any complex sets or props, and it was just very impressive to watch."

Photos from Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire.

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Career Fair - Lasers

The Central Carolina Community College Laser & Photonics Technology program hosted a Career Fair on Nov. 19 at the CCCC Harnett Main Campus Miriello Building in Lillington, N.C. Participants had the opportunity to:

  • Connect with top employers;
  • Explore cutting-edge innovations in laser systems, optical communications, and photonic devices;
  • Discover exciting career opportunities in these rapidly growing industries!

Learn more about the CCCC Laser & Photonics Technology program at www.cccc.edu/lasers.

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Advisor for CCCC's new Scholar of Global Distinction Program

In addition to his duties as a Sociology Instructor, Kris Rixon is helping grow global education efforts at CCCC and serves as advisor for CCCC's new Scholar of Global Distinction program. There are now lots of advantages that affiliation brings to instructors and students. Kris was featured recently by UNC WorldView. See Educator Spotlight here.

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Promote a WCE Class, Event, or Spotlight

Want to promote a Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) class, event, or spotlight a standout student or colleague? Submit your post to the WCE Facebook page using this form! Please allow up to three business days for review, and submit well in advance to help with scheduling. For questions, contact Erin Blakeley at eblak142@cccc.edu, Emma Lineberry at ejone104@cccc.edu, or Lincoln Frye at lfrye914@cccc.edu.

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"Ask Me" Welcome Program

Student Onboarding and Success invites you to participate as an "Ask Me" Welcome Program volunteer for the Spring 2025 semester!

The goal of this program is to increase visibility, accessibility and to practice radical student hospitality campus wide. We want to ensure our students feel welcomed from the moment they step onto campus and receive any support they may need as they begin their semester. Please consider signing up as a Spring 2025 volunteer! You would wear an “Ask Me” button, T-shirt, or CCCC shirt and be present at a designated welcome location, greet students, and help them as they navigate their first week of the semester. Thank you for your consideration and for your willingness to volunteer time. We look forward to seeing "Ask Me" welcome volunteers out and about throughout Spring 2025 welcome week! Click Here for more information and for the links to sign up!

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CCCC REGULARS

WWGP Radio

Thanks to WWGP Radio and Margaret Murchison (right) for hosting Dr. Emily C. Hare (left), CCCC Foundation Executive Director, on Nov. 25 to discuss the CCCC Foundation.

Thanks to WWGP Radio and Margaret Murchison (right) for hosting Kelvin Hunt (left), Central Carolina Community College Director of Student Outreach and Recruitment, on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Also visiting in the studio were Ellie Mummert and Alex Little of the CCCC Student Outreach and Recruitment team.

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News From The Library

by Jessica Thomas, Lee Main Campus Library Programming Assistant

Lee and Harnett Highlights

Unwind and relax during your holiday break with our extensive collection ebooks from Dogwood Digital, available through Libby! Whether you love fiction, thrillers, or romance, we have something for everyone. Just visit Libby to get started. Click 'Sign In With My Card', select 'Central Carolina Community College', and then sign in with your Portal account! It's that simple!

 

Chatham Community Library Highlights

Exhibit: Making Our Voices Heard

Chatham Community Library is hosting “Making Our Voices Heard: North Carolinians Fighting for Civil Rights.” Developed by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) as part of the state’s America 250 NC “When Are We Us?” initiative, the exhibit highlights the stories of seven everyday North Carolinians and extraordinary leaders: Gertrude Weil, Henry Owl, Joe Lewis, Abraham Galloway, Ronald Mace, James Hunter, and Willa Player. The exhibit explores change, freedom, civic responsibility, and overcoming adversity, showcasing how these North Carolinians raised their voices to challenge injustice and fully participate in our democratic society. The exhibit is on display through the end of January.

Virtual Film Screening: I Am a Girl
Dates: Dec. 12-19

There is a group of people in the world today who are more persecuted than anyone else, but they are not political or religious activists. They are girls. Being born a girl means you are more likely to be subjected to violence, disease, poverty and disadvantage than any other group on Earth. In I Am a Girl, we meet 14-year-old Kimsey from Cambodia, forced to sell her virginity at 12; Aziza from Afghanistan, who will be shot if she goes to school; Breani, a teen living in a ghetto of NYC and dreaming of stardom; Katie from Australia, who is recovering from a suicide attempt; Habiba from Cameroon, betrothed to a man 20 years her senior; and Manu from Papua New Guinea, about to become a mother at 14 following her first sexual encounter. As they come of age in the way their culture dictates, we see remarkable heart-warming stories of resilience, bravery and humor.

Closures

Closed Dec. 24-26 for Christmas
Closing early at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31
Closed Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day
Closed Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Library Event Calendars

Want to know what else is happening in the Lee, Harnett or Chatham Library this semester? Keep an eye on the Lee and Harnett Library Events Calendar and Chatham Events Calendar for events that interest you!

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From Institutional Research

View full PDF

 

Interested in more data?
View all Data Reports by CCCC's Institutional Research.

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COUGAR PETS

Cougar Pets

Cougar Pets is a local animal rescue group housed on the Lee Main Campus. As part of the Veterinary Medical Technology program, our animals help teach veterinary technician students essential skills that will help future animals. All of the animals are rescued from shelters, and all are adoptable.


Cougar Pets

Meet Serena

My name is Serena and I love to cuddle. I am very sweet and laid back. I enjoy quiet time with my humans, but will play from time to time.

Serena

Cougar Pets

Meet Grogu

My name is Grogu. I am a happy girl with a big personality! I love to go walking through the pine trees to give my sniffer a nice workout while I stretch my legs.

Grogu

See all of the adoptions, or rather Happy Tails of Cougar Pets.

All adoptable dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccines. They have regular dental cleanings, blood work, and physical exams. We pride ourselves on the care that our cats and dogs receive during their stay. Contact www.cougarpets.org for more information on our colony dogs and available cats.

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PERSONNEL NOTES

New Employees and Position Changes

Updates as of Dec. 1

Welcome and Congratulations!

November Position Changes

  • Lisa Braxton - Public Safety Administrative Specialist
  • Lee Bryant - Controller
  • Penny Shoun - Administrative Specialist, Workforce Accessor
  • Erin Blakeley - Director of Workforce Development and Strategic Industry Initiatives

November Departures

  • Tonya Rutherford-Hemming - Nursing Instructor
  • Regina Williams - CCR Instructor, Mathematics Specialist
  • Belinda Scott - Payroll/Travel Specialist
  • Sylvester King - Custodian Coordinator (Harnett County)
  • Jalen Cheek - Education Navigator

Office Moves

  • Jessica Lujan - LMC - Bell Welcome Center - 105D
  • Lee Bryant - LMC - Hockaday Hall - 39

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

Happy Birthday
to all of you!

12/16 Danielle Bruner
12/16 Margaret Provost
12/18 Karen Weaver
12/19 Wendy Craig
12/19 Liza Guzman-Ramirez
12/19 Dianne Johnson
12/19 Ryan Jones
12/19 Nick Sullivan
12/20 Chad Parrish
12/20 Brian Simpson
12/22 Crystal Sanders
12/23 Maryann Aucompaugh
12/24 Devon Woodruff
12/28 Katie Hall
12/29 Adam Wade
12/30 Darrell McLaurin
12/30 Kimberly Stewart
12/31 Kim Brzozowski
1/1 Daniel Dennison
1/2 Felicia Gilmore
1/3 Brenda Barefoot
1/3 Mike Peluso
1/5 Kelly Dorman
1/6 Mike Parnell
1/7 Lee Bryant
1/7 Jason Rouse
1/9 Jessica Thomas
1/10 Jessica Brown
1/10 Nichelle Lariviere
1/10 David Watson
1/11 Claudia Clayton
1/13 Tracy Kelly
1/14 Tracy Autry
1/14 James Lassiter
1/14 Tim Myrick
1/15 Rick Heptig
1/15 Andy McMahan
1/15 Margaret Roberton
1/16 Jessica Lujan
1/18 Amy Kennedy
1/20 Kaylen Bryan
1/22 Mary Burke
1/24 Richard Love
1/24 Abby Walker
1/24 Jason Ziebart
1/26 Mary Schmid Carter
1/27 Walter Creswell
1/27 Ben Falero
1/27 Mark Hall
1/27 Joshua Johnson
1/27 Laura Musselwhite
1/29 Pam McKoy
1/31 Faye Miller

If you prefer not to be listed or if your name does not appear as you'd like, please email Cris Oliver.

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Calendars 2024

Download the 2024 CCCC Pay Dates

Download the 2024 CCCC Holiday Calendar

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News From The CCCC Family

Please keep Claudia Clayton, Dean of Career and Academic Engagement, Career and Academic Engagement, and her family in your thoughts. Claudia's father passed away on Dec. 7.

Please keep Scott Byington, Associate Vice President, Onboarding and Advising, and his family in your thoughts. Scott's father passed away on Nov. 21. Leave any condolences or learn more about Audrey Dale Byington at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

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CCCC-BAY

Things Wanted, For Sale, or For Free!

CCCC-Bay is happy to post any unwanted items in Cougar Bytes. Send along to Marketing and we'll feature in the next publication.

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CONTRIBUTE

Contribute to Cougar Bytes

Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions about our wonderful faculty and staff! We welcome your images, staff and faculty successes, events, and shout-outs in each issue. Submit your contributions to Cris Oliver in Marketing at coliver@cccc.edu.

Deadline for contributions is Jan. 21, Tuesday, by 5 p.m. for the next issue. Upcoming issues will be published on the following days:

  • Jan. 24
  • Feb. 21
  • Mar. 21

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The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will be published on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.
Flashback to December 2021