MCC-Penn Valley exceeds United Way goal!

MCC-Penn Valley faculty, staff and students stepped up in a big way for this year's United Way campaign. The campus goal was to raise $7,000. The campus raised $9,373!

This year's campaign featured several highlights including: Breakfast served by the leadership team, Cupcakes With Carroll (O'Neal), Gurb's Cross-Campus shakedown, and a $100 Visa gift card raffle to all employees who turned in pledge forms.

The lucky gift card winner was Lee Antwine of the bookstore. Rumor has it Lee is on a roll and also recently won an ipod at the inservice benefits raffle. Hey Lee, let's hang out and get some lottery tickets while your streak is hot!

Congratulations to Penn Valley and everyone who helped make this year’s campaign a success!

Pint size ghouls trick or treat at MCC-Penn Valley

The most adorable little ghouls and goblins paraded across the MCC-Penn Valley campus in search of candy!

Children enrolled in Guadalupe Centers, Inc.’s Plaza de Niños participated in their annual trick or treat on campus. The Organizatin of Latin American Students (OLAS) helped guide the youngsters around. OLAS was a welcome addition because the majority of the children speak Spanish and it was helpful that the bilingual OLAS students served as guides.

Special thanks to Betsy Upton and Rosie Garcia-Muzquiz for organizing the group visits.

PHOTO CAPTION: Children at Plaza de Niños loaded up their bags with sweet treats.

MCC-Penn Valley bookstore event draws crowd for unlikely cause

The bookstore at MCC-Penn Valley knew they had to come up with a clever hook to get student feedback. So they partnered with campus life and leadership to host an event in the main lobby that featured video games, music, balloons, crafts, desserts and surveys.

Students completed surveys on their experiences at the bookstore as well as input on products they would like to see on the shelves.

KCAI 125th anniversary exhibit coming to Carter Art Center

Left to right: Curator Heather Lustfeldt and Carter Art Center Gallery Director Bernadette Torres hang one of the pieces to be featured in "In The Moment."

The Kansas City Art Institute is commemorating its 125th anniversary with an exhibit in the Carter Art Center.

"In the Moment" celebrates the anniversary of the Kansas City Art Institute with an exciting exhibition featuring work by 19 KCAI alumni who span generations, media, concepts and style. Drawing, digital media, painting, performance, photography, sculpture and site-specific installations will be featured by the following artists: Audra Brandt, Marcus Cain, Cody Critcheloe, Leo Esquivel, Ari Fish, Archie Scott Gobber, Rachel Hayes, Robert Heishman, Seth Johnson, Ke-Sook Lee, Nathan Mabry, Megan Mantia, Archer Prewitt, Eric Von Robertson, Eric Sall, Jesse Small, Jaimie Warren, Susan White and James Woodfill.

The exhibit will open Nov. 5 and last until Dec. 4. For more information, go to
http://mcckc.edu/pennvalley/art/

American Lung Association shoots anti-smoking video scene at Penn Valley

MCC-Penn Valley was selected to partner with the American Lung Association on an anti-smoking public service announcement. The scene focused on a young girl who was trying to get her mother to go inside with her for her dance recital. The only problem is mom couldn't break away because she was chained to her cigarette and ashtray. Just another reminder of the toll smoking takes on smokers and their loved ones.

Students connect with MCC-Penn Valley president

MCC-Penn Valley President Bernard Franklin recently hosted lunch with students. Franklin talked with students about safety in the aftermath of Dean Al Dimmit's assault. He and Dean Lisa Minis encouraged students to trust their instincts and report odd behavior to appropriate channels.

Students also heard from a guest speaker who was seriously injured and overcame his circumstances.

A Good Crowd at MCC-BTC Career Exploration

More than 60 people attended Tuesday & Thursday evening Career Exploration events at MCC-BTC this week. Program coordinators led lab tours after the opening session. Pamela Yeager is pictured presenting financial aid and enrollment information. Alex Grigsby coordinated the events.

Area chambers of commerce visit MCC-Blue River

Metropolitan Community College - Blue River recently hosted both the Independence and Blue Springs Chambers of Commerce. MCC-Blue River hosted the Independence Chamber's mini business expo and networking event which featured several chamber exhibitors and drew a nice crowd of visitors to the event.

Later that same day, MCC-Blue River welcomed the leadership academy participants from the Blue Springs Chamber. The leadership academy members were welcomed to campus by President Joe Seabrooks and viewed academic program information led by Karen Goos, associate dean of student development. The group then toured the campus and got the chance to experience simulator activities in the Public Safety Institute.

For more information about MCC-Blue River, visit www.mcckc.edu/blueriver or call 816.604.6400.

Cooking up success at MCC and APPA

This fall, Darrel Meyer, director of facility services, was featured in the national trade magazine Facilities Manager. Meyer is the newly appointed president of APPA, formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators. APPA is a national organization for leadership development for facilities management. APPA represents more than 1,500 learning institutions serving over 4,700 individuals. Meyer was elected president by his peers, which is a great honor for him.

Meyer has been a key player in MCC building maintenance and capital improvements as well as heading up the Green Initiatives Task Force, where Darrel is passionate about making MCC more energy efficient.

Get an intimate look into Meyer’s life. Did you know he is “kind of known” for his barbeque talents?

MCC-MW inducts new members to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Career opportunities

CO# 10-158 BT Administrative Assistant - Level 4
* posted Oct. 29
* will be removed from the website on Nov. 15
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51232

CO# 10-159 AC Senior Campus Police Officer
* posted Oct. 29
* will be removed from the website on Nov. 15
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51231

Reverse trick or treating

Staff from the ‘haunted tower’ visited the kids at Plaza de Ninos this morning to pass out candy during the reverse trick or treat event put on by the morale committee at the Administrative Center. Children, dressed in their Halloween best, lined up to collect candy.

Kathy Disney lecture TONIGHT at MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Artist reception and lecture

Friday, Oct. 29

5-8 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Lecture begins at 6 p.m.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear photographer Kathy Disney talk about her latest project at the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center.

The Ties That Bind is a rare look into what it is means to live and grow in a nation with such a storied history. As a photographer, Disney was able to capture those moments in her subjects’ lives that can tell a story beyond a single image.


Haiti is only 90 minutes by air from Miami and an average Haitian family lives on less than $300 a year - that is $1.22 a day for a family. They have two sets of clothes, one for everyday and one for Sundays and eat only one meal a day. When you have so little, there is no pretense, no ego, they stand before the world and say here I am.

“I looked into their eyes and into their souls and realized that what I was witnessing was the string of humanity that ties us all together as brothers and sisters on this earth,” Disney said of her exploration and work. “For that I am eternally grateful and blessed. This trip changed my life before I ever left.”

Along with a month-long exhibit, Disney will also speak about her working and experience in Haiti at an artist’s reception on Oct. 29. You are invited to hear the stories behind the photographs.



MCC-Maple Woods Fitness Center presents: Fitness Friday!

Benefit eligible employees - open enrollment ends today!

Insurance Open Enrollment ends today, Oct. 29. Make sure that if you are making changes to any of your insurance plans, contributing your own money to the flexible spending account (FSA) or the health savings account (HSA) that you do so by the end of the day TODAY!

All changes will be effective January 1, 2011.

All changes must be made via the online benefits enrollment option located through myMCCKC page. To find the enrollment site, click on Employee Center>Benefits Summary. At the bottom of the summary page you will find a link titled “enroll in benefits.”

Gurb brings in big haul for United Way!

Things were looking pretty grim on Wednesday at MCC-Penn Valley. There were only two more days left before the end of the United Way campaign and the campus was about $2,500 shy of reaching its $7,000 goal.

Then Gurbhashan Singh, financial manager, donned his mighty Hercules costume and went to work. Gurb, as he's known to many, traveled to just about every department at the Penn Valley campus and HSI collecting donation forms and cash. When the dust settled, he collected more than $3200 in pledge forms and $200+ in cash!

Way to go Gurb!

Go to Penn Valley's facebook page for the outtakes and news that's not fit to print!

PHOTO CAPTION: Kate Duffy (left) and Michelle Allen (right) supported Team Gurb during this year's United Way campaign.

Volunteer opportunity - Bushwacking at Penn Valley Park

MCC is looking for volunteers to get down and dirty on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Penn Valley Park. The Bushwhacking event is aimed to enhance the park by greatly increasing public safety and make the park more usable by families and residents.

Volunteers (teenagers or older) should arrive at Penn Valley Park before 9 a.m. on Nov. 6 and park on Penn Drive, which is the road to the west of the lake. The activity will end at 11 a.m. Volunteers will need to provide their own bushwhacking tools (shovels, sickles, rakes, weed whackers, bow saws, limb loppers). Work will include cutting smaller bush honeysuckle, hauling brush to the pickup area, applying brush killer to cut stems and picking up trash. City employees will be on hand with chain saws.

Once the brush is collected, the parks department will load the brush onto trucks and haul away to appropriate landfill or for mulch.

Be sure to wear something you are comfortable in and don’t mind getting dirty. A good pair of work gloves is also recommended.

Water, juice, fruit and muffins will be available. Police officers are also scheduled to be on hand.

If the weather is bad and the event has to be cancelled, the notice will be posted on this link.

(Note: the Lung Hill Run is happening at Liberty Memorial that morning. Please keep this in mind while planning for parking.)

I.W.I. Leaders Learn, Network at Latino Conference

As part of the Institute for Workforce Innovation’s Latino outreach initiative, Margaret Boyd, executive director of the Institute for Workforce Innovation, and Juan Rangel, director of workforce development, attended the inaugural National Council of La Raza (NCLR) workforce development conference in Chicago on Oct. 13-14.

Approximately 500 people attended the conference, entitled “¡Listo! Preparing Latino Workers for the New Economy,” with the goal of bringing together workforce development stakeholders from the local, state and national level to exchange ideas about program strategies, policy, and strategic partnerships. The NCLR presented a new report entitled, Learning in Context: Preparing Latino Workers for Careers and Continuing Education, which explores the impact of integrated training programs on low-skill and ESL participants. Workshops were offered along five tracks: career pathway strategies; serving vulnerable workers; youth workforce development; strategic partnerships; and local, state and federal policy solutions.

Hispanics represent the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce, with nearly 21.6 million Latino employees in the U.S. today. By 2050, it is estimated that one in three working-age Americans will be Latino. Through I.W.I., MCC is making a concerted effort to address Latino issues in education and community and workforce development.

Boyd and Rangel met with representatives from Carreras en Salud, a program sponsored by the Instituto del Progreso Latino, in search of a model site for a bilingual CNA program. Other opportunities for MCC to expand its outreach include law enforcement programming and other partnerships. Also in attendance at the conference were representatives from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, El Centro, the Guadalupe Center, the Full Employment Council, Donnelly College and Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Message from MCCA Director, Zora Mulligan

The final program for the 46th Annual MCCA Convention is now available. I'd like to point out a few changes:

First, our Opening Session will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3. This earlier start time is to accommodate Governor Nixon's schedule.

Second, the Great Teachers Alumni Breakfast will not be held this year.

Finally, I'm excited to announce that our OTC tech friends are setting up a Twitter feed to cover the convention. Follow us at #MCCA or @MCCATweet.

I look forward to seeing you at the convention!

Zora MulliganExecutive Director

Eldercare presentation at MCC-Penn Valley

The MCC Eldercare Support Group has been organized for about a year and will host an event to share important tips on this timely topic.

On Nov. 18, Craig Reaves, certified elder law attorney, will share legal tips for caregivers. The presentation will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in room 203 of the Carter Art Center at MCC-Penn Valley.

The event will also be a great source of support and resources for those traveling the different paths that accompany eldercare.

The major emphasis of Reaves’ law practice is in the areas of estate planning, elder law, special needs trusts and planning for persons who have a disability. He’s also an adjunct professor who teaches elder law at KU and UMKC.

Craig has offered to come to MCC to do a presentation of information and advice for anyone interested in, or challenged by, these issues. This will be a great source of support and resources for anyone as we progress on our different paths through the eldercare experience.

For more information about Craig Reaves, go to http://www.elderlawanswers.com/wsb-sliced/display_3.asp?firmid=758

The event is free and open to the public. To reserve a space, contact nancy.harrington@mcckc.edu by Nov. 12.

United Way - Message from the Chancellor

Good morning MCC,

Just a quick reminder that our United Way Campaign will soon be drawing to a close and unfortunately we are not where we need to be in terms of our goals for this year. I know many of you have done yeoman's work this month with all kinds of fundraising activities and I appreciate the time and effort you volunteers have put into this worthwhile cause.

There are still a few more days left in the month if you have not yet made a decision or pledge commitment. This is a great opportunity for us as a group to give back to our community and help those who are in need. Even $5, $10, or $20 a month collectively adds up to a significant amount if enough people chip in. Thank you for your consideration of this request and thank you to those who have already contributed.

Have a great day,

Mark
I'm committed to creating opportunities - are you?

Metropolitan Chorale opens season with an audience of over 500

The Metropolitan Chorale of Kansas City recently opened its season with "Mozart and More," to an audience of over 500 spectators at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Mo. The performance was in cooperation with the Heritage Philharmonic. The two ensembles performed mostly sacred music including Mozart's "Requiem Mass" and an original piece by composer in residence Ryan Main.

The chorale is made up of over 60 musicians, mostly from the community. MCC students do have the opportunity to audition each semester. Auditions include signing various pieces, but reading music is not a requirement.

The next performance will be "American Praise and Thanksgiving" on Nov. 14. The performance begins at 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1307 Holmes, in Kansas City, Mo. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for seniors and children. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance.

For more information about the chorale visit www.mcckc.edu/metrochorale or call 816.604. 6400.

Ferris Bueller comes to MCC-Blue River

Tonight at 7 p.m., MCC-Blue River’s Student Ambassadors will host a movie night featuring the famous 80’s teen rebellion comedy “Ferris Bueller’s Day off”. This free, fun viewing will be shown on the big screen in the Arts and Sciences gymnasium.

Popcorn is free and additional concessions will be available to enhance the movie watching experience! Check out Blue River's Facebook page to view full flyer.

The event is part of several recurring opportunities (hosted by the Ambassadors) for students and community members to relax on campus in a free, safe environment.

Anyone familiar with this student organization knows they know how to have a good time, so come out and be a part!

Seating is limited, so grab a friend and arrive early to get a good seat!

Additional Movie Facts:
Rating: PG-13 (for language)
Theatrical release: 6/11/1986
Run time: 103 minutes

MCC-Blue River's Phi Theta Kappa honors new inductees

The Alpha Pi Sigma chapter of Metropolitan Community College - Blue River’s Phi Theta Kappa recently inducted over thirty area students into the honor society. To be eligible for induction, a student must have a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) and have completed at least 12 credit hours at MCC-Blue River in courses numbered 100 or above. Students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain a member.

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is a permanent recognition of a student’s hard work and academic achievement. The organization offers unique opportunities for scholarships, honors studies, leadership development and civic engagement. The significance of membership is recognized by other colleges, universities and potential employers.

The 2010-11 inductees are: Aaron Butz, Jordan Gowan, Abigal Brightwell, Kathleen Zeiler, Alexis McGhee, Kayla Hopkins, Angela Fields, Kristin Wright, Chante Campbell, Kristy Bailey, Charity Vitteto, Laura Harz, Charles Rockhold, Cristina Martinez, Crystal Brown, Laura Hankins, Daniel C. Lamb III, Lisa Aber, David Kinne, Micah Chrisman, Donovan Hill, Michael Slocum, Elisa Wood, Michael Brown, Gina Duffie, Shayla Nelson, Jacqueline Klenklen, Sherry Rosson, John Billings, Trey Turner, Jonathan Yuille and Zachary Lucas.

Phi Theta Kappa, founded in 1918, is recognized as the official honor society for two-year colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges. Among the Society's distinguished alumni are the late Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick, astronaut Fred Haise and journalist Jim Lehrer.

For more information, visit www.mcckc.edu/blueriver.

MCC-Penn Valley ambassadors continue to raise funds for Haiti

The Student Ambassadors at MCC-Penn Valley were a welcome sight for anyone with sweet tooth recently. The group hosted their annual bake sale with proceeds benefitting Haitian relief.

MCC-Penn Valley welcomes MCC chancellor

MCC Chancellor Mark James recently met with MCC-Penn Valley faculty, staff and students. During the lunch chat, James addressed student, budget, teamwork and safety issues.

Centralized phone system at the district’s Command Center

Over the summer, the public safety office main phone lines at each campus began forwarding their phones to the Public Safety Control Center, located at 1601 Prospect, during times when the campus office is vacant.

“The reason for the switch from calling the local public safety office to the command center was to improve response,” said Bill Hudson, chief of campus police. This change was made to ensure students and employees would contact a live person; weak cell phone signals didn’t allow the transferred calls to always reach campus safety. The change was intended to enhance customer service and provide better communication said Domenick Brouillette, associate director of public safety.

“When a call comes into the command center, all of the on duty officers can be contacted at one time,” said Hudson.

Due to this change, you may be asked for more information regarding your call for service. Since the Control Center will be receiving calls from all campuses, please provide the officer with the following information: (Caller ID does not show campus location).

· Your name
· Phone number you are calling from (when requested)
· Location you are calling from (campus, building, parking lot, etc.)
· Nature of call
· Call-back number

Any questions can be directed to contact Domenick Brouillette at 816.604.1370.

Cupcakes With Carroll rakes in United Way dough!

MCC-Penn Valley was buzzing Monday when Carroll O'Neal strutted her stuff and sold sweets for United Way. O'Neal, associate dean of students and 40+ year MCC employee, was fierce in her red flapper dress. She also raised nearly $300 for this year's United Way campaign.

Brian Chasteen was just one of many hopeful gentlemen who stood in line to support Carroll O'Neal's United Way benefit.

MCC-Maple Woods inducts new Tri-Beta members

Your opinion matters - In-service survey

Last week’s In-service had many changes from programs of the past. Many of those changes come from the yearly feedback sent to professional development through follow-up surveys. Did you like this year’s program? Do you have suggestions for next year?

Here is your chance to voice your opinion. Complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 29.

MCCA Convention info

The 46th Annual MCCA Convention will be held in St. Louis, Mo. on Nov. 3-5. This is just a week away.

Visit the 2010 program for hotel/plaza maps, members and a detailed list of all the sessions.

To see MCC's position of support for MCCA, view the Chancellor's message here.

STUDENTS: MCC-Longview's Mark Johnson shares his insights and wisdom (Nov. 16)

Join us for a presentation for students by MCC-Longview's own Mark Johnson, an internationally recognized expert in leadership and team building.

Johnson spent 21 years as a highly decorated Special Forces, Green Beret officer. In combat in Desert Storm, he led his Green Beret unit in special operations including reconnaissance, combat search and rescue, and coalition support.

Since retiring from the military Johnson has delivered over 500 seminars and motivational training programs to students, business leaders and companies across the country showing them his own formula for success. Do not miss out on this opportunity.

Formula for Leadership

Learn the secret formula for becoming an exceptional leader

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 3-6 p.m.

In the Education Center (Connected to the Business Building)

Dinner will be provided at the end of the program.

RSVP by Thursday, Nov. 11, to campus life & leadership at 816.604.2130, CC 253.

Check out: http://www.markthespark.com/
or The Mark Johnson Fan Club on Facebook

This event is ssponsored by MCC-Longview's campus life & leadership

Institute for Workforce Innovation – new hires

Margaret Boyd, executive director of the Institute for Workforce Innovation (IWI), is pleased to announce that IWI now has filled three key positions. These positions will facilitate increased resource generation, provide more services to students and clients, improve communications, and measure and evaluate outcomes from IWI’s divisional initiatives. Each of the people assuming these new roles are current MCC employees working within IWI so they are ready to jump in and provide leadership to their respective areas.

Carolyn Brown will serve the district as performance director for resource development, responsible for identifying federal, state and local grants. She will also identify viable funding opportunities, facilitate development of proposals, and support implementation for any funds awarded.

Kevin Kelley will serve as performance director for community development, responsible for identifying and developing new opportunities for training with area employers. His team will process all new ideas for IWI, conduct preliminary research, and design curriculum that meets employer requirements. He will also participate in identifying partnerships and grant opportunities to support new ideas.

Elaine Mondschein will serve as performance director for workforce development. Her team is responsible for expanding and continuously improving non-credit workforce development programming and associated support services, building and enhancing partnerships with funders and community agencies engaged in workforce development, and extending linkages with K-12 educational and workforce entities.

A major function of these new roles will be to collaborate within MCC to maximize the use of available resources to better meet the needs of IWI clients. Each of these positions is accountable for the revenue generated by their respective teams.

A final position, the performance director for business development, is being advertised. This position will lead the Business & Learning Solutions unit and be responsible for generating contract training opportunities with area employers. The hiring committee will be reviewing candidates in the coming weeks with hopes of filling the position by mid-November.

Build a house, help a colleague

Like countless Kansas Citians, you're likely familiar with the fine work of Habitat for Humanity.

Our area Habitat is offering an amazing opportunity to the MCC-Blue River community. One of our Blue River colleagues is the recipient of a Habitat house and you can help make her dream a reality!

Volunteers needn’t have experience in building or construction. In fact, Pat Turner, the executive director of the Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity, says there are “zero” expectations for construction knowledge.

You can contribute in a variety of ways. Some of the tasks are:

· Hammering nails and screwing screws
· Cutting and hanging siding
· Picking up scraps and much more!

Your help is needed on Saturday, November 6 and Saturday, Nov. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No need to bring tools, Habitat provides everything needed.

If you (and/or a friend) can offer assistance to this worthy cause and help a Blue River co-worker, please contact Barbara Schaefer as soon as possible. Her number is 816.604.6558.

Setting soccer ablaze -Trail Blazers Update

MCC-Blue River is pleased to announce the men’s Trail Blazers soccer team defeated East Central College Saturday (Oct. 23) with a score of 1-0. This triumph propels them to the Semi-Final round of the Region 16 tournament.


That the semifinals and finals will be at STLCC Florissant Valley. The Trailblazers were a #3 seed (team placement). This is the third year in a row we have earned a top four seed, as well as advanced to the regional semifinals. The goal scorer for the East Central game was Steven Long. It was his team leading 13th goal of the season.

Next in Line…Jefferson College
The men will play Jefferson [College] in St. Louis, Mo. at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29. Should they claim their victory, they will compete in the championship game on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 1p.m. also in St. Louis.

---

Women Soccer Update

The women’s Trail Blazers soccer team launches their post-season as the #3 seed in Region 16 with an 11-2 record! They will challenge Maple Woods in the Regional Tournament Semi-Finals on Friday, Oct. 29. The women's game will begin at 5 p.m. Come out and support them at the new Sport-turf field at Bingham Middle School, 2 miles west of the College.

John Burke, MCC-Blue River’s dean of student development, encourages support of the Blue River Trail Blazers “Our student athletes have worked hard to achieve success and to represent Blue River”, says Burke, “please provide them a word of encouragement and continued support.”

Go Blazers!



Trailblazers in the News:

"MCC-Blue River soccer team advances to Region 16 semis"

Source: Examiner.Net

Single parent book loan program - MCC Blue River

The Single Parent Book Loan Program is unique to Metropolitan Community College-Blue River. While other programs are tied to financial aid or specific degrees, Blue River’s program is open to all single parents who attend classes at our campus. Students complete a simple application for assistance with books when they enroll. Most students receive books for at least half of their classes. After classes begin, any Blue River student who has a financial need is eligible to borrow books. At the end of the semester, the books are returned and re-issued the following semester.

The program continues to grow as more students become aware and as financial need becomes more severe. When the program began in fall of 2001, we served 18 students with 51 books. In the fall of 2008, 93 students were served with 232 books. This past summer 2010, 23 students were served with 35 books. Fall 2010 semester funded 63 applicants, totaling $3,854.91, 187 books, and 467 credit hours. Not only does the book loan program provide financial assistance to students, it also provides personal support and encouragement and has helped to contribute to the MCC-Blue River sense of community.

MCC Blue River students can obtain an application for Spring 2011 on November 1, 2010 in Arts & Sciences Rm. 113.

Blue River campus contact:

Dr. Victorie J.Hollwell
Email: Victorie.Hollwell@mcckc.edu
Phone: 816.604-6651

Kathy Disney's 'The Ties That Bind' exhibit opens at MCC-Longview

The MCC-Longview 2010 Fall Arts Series continues with a vivid and eye-opening photography exhibit by Kathy Disney.

The exhibit opened this past week and offers a rare look into what it is means to live and grow in a nation with such a storied history. As a photographer, Disney was able to capture those moments in her subjects’ lives that can tell a story beyond a single image.

Haiti is only 90 minutes by air from Miami and an average Haitian family lives on less than $300 a year - that is $1.22 a day for a family. They have two sets of clothes, one for everyday and one for Sundays and eat only one meal a day. When you have so little, there is no pretense, no ego, they stand before the world and say here I am.

“I looked into their eyes and into their souls and realized that what I was witnessing was the string of humanity that ties us all together as brothers and sisters on this earth,” Disney said of her exploration and work. “For that I am eternally grateful and blessed. This trip changed my life before I ever left.”

Along with a month-long exhibit, Disney will also speak about her working and experience in Haiti at an artist’s reception on Oct. 29. You are invited to hear the stories behind the photographs.

Artist reception and lecture

Friday, Oct. 29

5-8 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Lecture begins at 6 p.m.

Career opportunities

CO# 10-151 PV Campus Police Officer
* posted Oct. 22
* will be removed from the website on Nov. 7
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51224

CO# 10-156 AC Systems Analyst II
* posted Oct. 22
* will be removed from the website on Nov. 7.
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51229

CO# 10-157 BT Academic Advisor - Graduation
* posted Oct. 22
* will be removed from the website on Nov. 7
* For more information or to apply:
www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51230

The MCC-Longview Choir presents: 'The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber'

The MCC-Longview choir presents a stunning look into the work and talent of songwriter Andrew Lloyd Webber.

You are invited to come see the music performed live by the MCC-Longview students as they belt out the highlights of Webber's 40 years of success.

Some of the musicals the students will be performing songs from include: Aspects of Love, Cats, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express, Song and Dance, Sunset Boulevard, and more.

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Nov. 12 & 13, 19 & 20

7:30 pm in the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Tickets are $7 at the door, $3.50 for kids under 10

Project Success host women's conference

Students in the Project Success program hosted a women's conference on Oct. 22 at MCC-Penn Valley. The conference celebrated the strength of women and encouraged female students to stay committed during their academic journey.

The program featured a poem entitled "A Strong Woman" that summed up the purpose of the conference:

"A strong woman
is one who feels deeply
and loves fiercely.
Her tears flow
just as abundantly
as her laughter.

A strong woman
Is both soft and powerful.
She is both
practical and spiritual.

A strong woman
In her essence
is a gift to all the world."

MCC-Penn Valley student recognized for outstanding leadership

Sereptia Evans gives her all in classes, at work and in the various offices she holds at MCC-Penn Valley. Evans is president of the Student Ambassadors. Recently she found out her hard work was appreciated and that she will be honored as an Oustanding Student Leader awarded by the Missouri Community College Association. Evans will receive the honor at the MCCA convention on Nov. 5 in St. Louis.

MCC-Penn Valley bookstore salutes faculty

Love beads, bell bottoms and peace signs were all the rage at MCC-Penn Valley book store's third annual faculty appreciation celebration. This year's event was a blast from the past as book store staff & decor saluted the wild and crazy '60s!

MCC-Longview's FLYT invites you to learn about "The New Normal"

MCC-Longview's FLYT invites you to hear from guest speakers Dr. Angela Bahner and Hossien Bhamie as they discuss "The New Normal" in our education system.

Connect with fellow peers and take some time to learn something new with FLYT.

3 p.m. Oct. 25

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Chancellor Mark James looks to the future at in-service presentation

Chancellor's in-service presentation 2010

View more presentations from mcckc.

United Way Twins

Sherry Skinner & Lelain Lorenzen took advantage of the United Way Casual Day Thursday.

With one week remaining in MCC's United Way drive, Vickie Mackey reports that MCC-Business & Technology campus is still working toward its goal. Vickie has created a special cookbook with her mother's handwritten recipes, and she has made it available for just a $5 donation to United Way. It includes recipes for hand lotion and homemade glass cleaner. Vickie says both work really well, and they're inexpensive to make. Let her know if you would like a copy. Her phone number is 604-5430, and e-mail is vickie.mackey@mcckc.edu.

Latino Innovators & Inventors

A series of six posters and a brochure featuring Latino Innovators & Inventors were produced by MCC-Business & Technology campus for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). Large posters were framed for display at BTC. Other campuses and the Administrative Center posted smaller prints.

They're also being distributed to area high schools & middle schools, including some Project Lead the Way classrooms, to show the value of math & science preparation & careers and offer Latino role models. Monica Stevens designed the pieces, based on research by BTC's PR intern, Kodie Squires.

MCC-Maple Woods Phi Theta Kappa - Upsilon Xi Chapter welcomes new members

MCC-Maple Woods Fitness Center presents: Fitness Friday!

MCC-Longview presentation of A Flea in Her Ear ends its run this weekend.

MCC-Longview's Dinner Theater presentation of A Flea in Her Ear ends its run this weekend. Get your tickets before this show ends.

MCC-Longview's Dinner Theater presents: A Flea in her ear

$30.00 for dinner theater and the show

$15.00 for show only.

Students for show only are $10.00.

Group discounts available for 10 or more people. October 22 and 23.

To make reservations or get more information call 604-2299

Did you miss the fun?

If you missed the fun today, don't depsair, it's not too late!

Thursdays are open volleyball [tournaments] in the MCC-Blue River Arts and Sciences Gymnasium. Perfectly suited for the lunch hour, all games begin at Noon.

Among several others, Jenny Steen was keeping things moving on the volleyball court today!

Come on and join a team (and the fun) next Thursday, October 28! You'll also see who gets a Trailblazers shirt for 100% participation!

If you have any questions, contact David Owens at 816-604-6426 or email him at David.Owens@mcckc.edu.

Other Photos:

More 80s shenanigans at MCC-Maple Woods' Homecoming

For those of you unable to attend MCC-Maple Woods' 3rd Annual Homecoming celebration, the 80s-themed events spawned some great student activities, like the 80s Hairspray Hairstyle contest.

Simone, channeling classic Pat Benetar, won the competition, followed closely by Lance, with his "Flock of Seagulls" inspired 'do.

For more videos of MCC-Maple Woods Homecoming activities, visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel - http://www.youtube.com/MCCMapleWoods. Lots of campus videos will be posted over the next few weeks, so tune in!

MCC-Blue River's very own published author - Eve Brackenbury

Don’t miss an occasion to experience Eve Brackenbury’s recently published book “A Companion of Lesser Brilliance”. Brackenbury, a MCC-Blue River creative writing and English tutor, will read excerpts from her paperback inside the Bookstore on the Blue River campus. Copies will be available for purchase.

Mark your calendar to join Eve at either (or both) of the following appearances:

Wednesday, Oct. 27
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 28
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Bookstore is located in the Education Building on the MCC-Blue River campus. The campus address is 20301 E. 78th Hwy in Independence, Mo. 64057-2053.

MCC-Blue River applauds Eve Brackenbury on her accomplishment and wishes her continued success.

MCC Launches State-funded Logistics Training

A workforce development grant that Gov. Jay Nixon announced last spring is coming to fruition this week as Metropolitan Community College launches the first of a series of pilot training programs.

The Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) course is part of the governor’s Training for Tomorrow initiative, a program launched in January to educate Missourians for careers in growing industries. In conjunction with Buchanan, Cass and Platte counties, MCC received the first grant awarded as part of the state-wide program, in the amount of $2.22 million.

The CLA course addresses the growing workforce needs of the local and regional transportation and logistics industry.

“This training is essential for our area,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort. “The demand for logistics specialists, especially entry-level workers, will continue to grow as Kansas City maintains its position as a major transportation hub.”

A second, more-advanced course in Certified Logistics Technician is slated to be piloted in January. Additional courses in supply chain integration and courses in healthcare, animal health and small business operations are under development. MCC will roll out more than 25 courses over the next two years. These courses are being coordinated by the MCC Institute for Workforce Innovation.

The CLA course is designed to train both incumbent logistics workers who need skills enhancement and entry-level workers new to the industry. Participants enrolled in this week’s pilot course include workers from Smith Electric Vehicles, Pure Fishing, InnovaPrep, and several other Kansas City area manufacturers, as well as individuals from other industries who have recently been laid off.

The pilot, which is being offered at no cost to participants, will be held Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Platte County Resource Center, 11724 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City, Mo. 64153.

MCC-Maple Woods grad shares parenting tips and tools

Former MCC-Maple Woods student Lorraine Esposito, now a life coach and author of "The Peacemaker Parent," is returning to campus to give back to her Northland community. The seminar, "The Glory of Failing," will be held from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 21 in the Campus Center, Room 103 and is free and open to the public.

Lorraine will be sharing information from her book, "The Peacemaker Parent," to all those interested in teaching their children (or grandchildren) valuable life skills without resorting to nagging or fighting.

MCC-Maple Woods Homecoming - The Music Files

MCC-Maple Woods featured all kinds of student talent, including choir music, karaoke and local high school garage band rock.

The Evening of the Arts & Coffeehouse III featured the MCC-Maple Woods choir, conducted by Nicole Murray.

Meanwhile, Indie rock was the flavor of the evening at the 3rd Annual Northland High School Battle of the Bands. Eight local high school bands performed in the Campus Center for year-long bragging rights - the winners were decided via fan votes.

First Place: Tastemaker

Second Place: The Tempest

Third Place: Hero for a Day

And last, but certainly not least, students opted for a more off-the-cuff performance style on karaoke day in the Student Center.

There you have it - today's musical talent at Maple Woods!

Direct debit payment for MCC retirees coming soon

MCC is announcing the implementation of a convenient new way for retirees to pay for their benefits. Effective Jan. 1, 2011, monthly benefit payments will be automatically deducted from retirees checking or savings accounts. This eliminates retirees having to write and mail checks each month.

Benefit eligible retirees who participate in the MCC sponsored retiree benefits plan, will be making monthly premium contributions by direct debit Automated Clearing House (ACH) through a secure ACH network.

This new program, in addition to adding online benefit enrollment, reflects positive changes MCC has made to provide more efficient and timely service to our retirees.

The change will not affect any plan benefits. All benefits are remaining the same. However, retirees are bound by their choice of MCC insurance elections made during the annual open enrollment period. Retirees may cancel any coverage at any time during the year by notifying human resources in writing.

MCC Board Holds Special Meeting

On Thursday, October 14, the MCC Board of Trustees held a special telephonic meeting to recommend approval of bids and employee insurance benefits. The meeting, called by Board President David Disney, was convened from the Administrative Center board room. Four bids, including three annual bids for building maintenance expenses and one bid for program-related equipment expenses, were approved. The board also approved the chancellor's recommendation that MCC retain the current plans for employee medical, dental and vision insurance.

The next board of trustees meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 6:30 in the AC board room.

MCC-Maple Woods hosts NKCSD College & Career Fair

MCC-Maple Woods hosted colleges, employers and military recruiters from all over Missouri Oct. 14 for the North Kansas City School District College and Career Fair. High school and college students were able to meet with representatives from MCC, as well as many other prospective institutions and employers.

Students and their parents also were able to attend special sessions focusing on financial aid and A+ benefits hosted by Maple Woods financial aid manager Robin Stimac.