"Run thru the River 5K" brings in smiles, prizes, and big bucks

The inaugural “Run thru the River” 5K at MCC-Blue River was a fabulous success. Eighty participants signed up for the event, several times the goal number that event organizers had originally aimed for. Laughs and smiles abounded at the finish line despite muddy conditions on portions of the course due to the previous night’s rain. 

The overall first through third place females to finish the race were Mindy Johnson, Emily Morgan and Karla Deathrage. The overall top three male finishers were Tom Ballew, Geordie McGonagle and Devyn Mapes.

Medals were awarded to the top male and female finishers in 7 age categories:

Jester Weston

Courtney Woodward

Devyn Mapes

Olivia Heacock

TJ Casper

Jessica Stacy

Mindy Johnson

Eric Sligar

Cheri Cain

Diane Bales

Geordie McGonagle

Tom Ballew

Sara Woodward

Steve Grubbs

Mary Ellen Jenison

Event organizer Dave Owens expects to have many more participants in Run thru the River next year. Runners came from all over the greater Kansas City, Mo. area and eastern Kansas. This kind of success in the first year of

Employees - National Walk at Lunch Day

MCC’s Living Well Program has joined with A Healthier You™ at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City to encourage our employees to take a walk during their lunch break on April 27.

Walking is one of many ways the Living Well Program suggests to achieve a healthier lifestyle. And to add more incentive, employees who complete the group walk on each campus will be eligible for 5,000 points on their Points-to-Blue account.

Look for more information in upcoming emails from each campus coordinator:

BTC- Peggy Gann
BR – David Owens
LV– Vicki Clark
MW-Sheila Juenger
PV and AC – Michelle Schmiedeler

Mark your calendars today!

Re-Entry Coffee House on stress management at MCC-Blue River

Students, teachers, and staff are invited to the Re-Entry Coffee house in the MCC-Blue River Education Center on April 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Presenter Jane Zeitner, retired administrator and faculty, will speak about stress and its effects on learning.

This is the third Re-Entry coffee house to be held at MCC-Blue River, and its subject matter speaks to people from all backgrounds. Stress is a normal part of life; however, learning to manage it properly can do more than simply remove obstacles from the path of learning. According to Zeitner, stress can be harnessed to enhance learning.

Light refreshments will be served, and students are welcome to bring a friend or family member.

Re-Entry Coffee House, Stress and its Effects on Learning, Education Center room 110, Tuesday, April 12, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Points-to-Blue puts money in employees’ pockets

Since the launch of the Points-to-Blue (PTB) program in April 2010, approximately $32,000 of gift cards have been paid out to MCC employees. And that’s not the whole story – thousands more dollars worth of points have been banked, but not yet redeemed.


Tomorrow is the last day to redeem any points banked in 2010. Points banked during 2010 that have not been redeemed will expire on March 31, 2011.

MCC employees love the PTB program. From gift cards as gifts, to treating themselves to a little something special, there is something for everyone. Some employees purchased well deserved spa time, while others tried new restaurants and department stores.

“I redeemed mine at a new store,” said Leawna Parker, module leader for enrollment services. “There’s nothing to lose. It’s like free money for things I’m already doing.”

The PTB incentive program is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City. The program rewards employees for making healthy choices by providing tools to track participation in activities that improve health or keep employees healthy, while allowing them to choose their own rewards.

Once an employee records 25,000 points or more in their bank, they can redeem those points towards gift cards to more than 350 retail, restaurant, travel and entertainment providers. Gift cards start at $25 and increase in $5 increments.

*Note: due to high volume this time of year, processing of gift cards may take up to 6 weeks.

Free Wednesday Workouts at MCC-Blue River

Metropolitan Community College-Blue River students and staff members who are ready to get in shape will have plenty of opportunities. Every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. they can enjoy a free beginning level guided workout in the MCC-Blue River gymnasium (Arts & Sciences 100).

The schedule of workouts is a diverse selection that should give participants a taste of many different styles of exercise. The activities will include Zumba®, dancing and martial arts among other workouts.

Dates	Activities
3/30 and 4/13	Zumba®
4/6	Cardio Interval Training
4/20	Hoop Dancing
4/27	Martial Arts
5/4	P90X Strength Training

For more information about Free Wednesday Workouts, contact David Owens at David.Owens@mcckc.edu or by phone at 816.604.6426.