Monday, August 30, 2010

End of Summer Feast Tuesday at Open Arms Dining

News Release
August 30, 2010
End of Summer Feast Tuesday at Open Arms Dining

Open Arms Dining will be celebrating the end of summer on Tuesday night when the menu is an all-you-can eat rib feast. The free community dining program is anticipating hitting a service milestone Tuesday night when the number of community members fed by the organization will escalate upwards of 14,500 meals since the project began in November of 2009.

The community dining project is headed by master chef Nowa Littlesun, Director of Great Western Dining at Independence Community College. The meals are served by community volunteers every Tuesday evening at the community room of the First Christian Church at 319 W. Myrtle. Serving begins at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s menu includes the picnic fare of barbecued ribs, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, rolls and dessert. Everyone is welcome and donations are gratefully received to support the cause.

Open Arms Dining, held every Tuesday, is star treatment dining for everyone and anyone wanting a well prepared meal and fellowship. The meals are free of charge and everyone is welcome to attend. A donation box is on site for those who would like to support the ongoing project. Raffle items will be on display as another means of supporting the project.

In addition to First Christian Church’s volunteering their facility, community volunteers work each week to prepare the meal, serve the diners and clean up. Anyone who would like to contribute financially or through the giving of their talents should contact Nancy LaBatt at (620) 205-6325. Donations to support the mission can also be sent to: Open Arms Dining, P.O. Box 129, Independence, KS 67301.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Additional Training offers Career Opportunities for Nurse Aides

News Release
August 27, 2010
Additional Training offers Career Opportunities for Nurse Aides

Certified Nurse Aides can expand their skills and increase their earning potential with additional training. CNA’s have an opportunity to enhance their careers this September when Independence Community College’s Allied Health Program offers a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) Class in Independence.

The five-credit hour CMA training will begin on September 20 and continue through October 25 under the leadership of instructor Suzanne McDonald, R.N. The class will meet on Mondays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesdays from 2:00-6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in Room W103 of the College’s newest facility ICC West, located at 2615 W. Main.

The 75 hour course is designed to promote specific skills required in the performance of certain duties and responsibilities in administering medication safely. Successful completion of this class allows the student to take the Kansas State Examination and become certified by the State Department of Health and Environment. Prerequisite: Kansas certified nurse aide certification, and must successfully pass the CASAS reading test (8th grade level).

The course size is limited and all interested persons are encouraged to pre-register to guarantee their placement in the class. For more information about this class or any of ICC’s other Allied Health programs and opportunities, call Denise Clark, Allied Health Coordinator, at (620) 332-5498.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Activity Director and Social Service Designee Courses set to Begin

News Release
August 26, 2010
Activity Director and Social Service Designee Courses set to Begin

The Activity Director course and Social Services Designee course are being offered in tandem by Independence Community College as part of the Fall course line up and are set to begin in September. The classes are designed to assist people currently in or interested in a career in the geriatric care industry. The courses are also part of ICC’s Long Term Care Certification Program.

The classes will be held at the same time and will meet on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the College’s newest facility, ICC West, located at 2615 W. Main. The classes begin September 18 and continue through November 13. The course combination will be taught by Toni Barnhart, RN, FNP.

Both the Social Services Designee course and the Activity Director course meet the requirements of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Students will perform specialized skills needed when caring for residents in a long term care facility. Students should enroll prior to the beginning of class, as class space is limited.

Students must enroll in both classes as the material is covered concurrently. Books must be purchased prior to the beginning of class from the college book store on campus in the Student Union building.

Long term care is an exciting, ever changing field and one in which jobs are plentiful and qualified personnel are in high demand. The Long Term Care Certification is designed to give the student an overall understanding and employment versatility in patient care at a nursing home or assisted living facility. Long Term Care certification consists of the following courses: CNA, CMA, Home Health Aide, Social Services Designee, and Activity Director.

For more information about these courses or any other Allied Health course offering, contact Denise Clark, Allied Health Coordinator, at (620) 332-5498 or email: dclark@indycc.edu.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Cosmetology Seminar announced for Paradise West

News Release
August 23, 2010
Cosmetology Seminar announced for Paradise West

Independence Community College’s Cosmetology Department will be hosting a Cosmetology Seminar beginning on Tuesday, August 31. The one-credit hour class is for cosmetology program graduates and/or licensed cosmetologists wanting to extend their training or take update refresher training. Enrolling students must have a cosmetology license.

Classes are scheduled by appointment and instruction will be offered at ICC’s newest facility ICC West, located at 2615 W. Main, in the Paradise West Salon. Anna Harshman will be the instructor for the course.

Enrollment is also being accepted in the Nail Tech training. Nail Tech is an introduction of performance-based Nail Tech practices both in theory and demonstration.

The twelve credit hour classes began August 17 but late enrollment is still open. The one-semester course will conclude on December 9 or upon completion of the required 540 hours. The course meets from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday.

For more information about ICC’s Cosmetology Program, as a student or client, call Paradise West at (620) 332-5643.

Neodesha Site for ICC’s Next CMA Class

News Release
August 23, 2010
Neodesha Site for ICC’s Next CMA Class

Certified Nurse Aides wanting to enhance their careers will have an opportunity this month when Independence Community College’s Allied Health Program offers a five credit hour Certified Medication Aide (CMA) Class at Neodesha.

The CMA training will begin on August 31 and continue through December 14. The class will meet on Tuesday nights from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Vintage Park in Neodesha. Toni Barnhart, R.N., is the instructor.

The 75 hour course is designed to promote specific skills required in the performance of certain duties and responsibilities in administering medication safely. Successful completion of this class allows the student to take the Kansas State Examination and become certified by the State Department of Health & Environment. Prerequisite: Kansas certified nurse aide certification, and must successfully pass the CASAS reading test (8th grade level).

The course size is limited and all interested persons are encouraged to pre-register to guarantee their placement in the class. For more information about this class or ICC’s other Allied Health programs and opportunities, call Denise Clark, Allied Health Coordinator, at (620) 332-5498.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Cast Set for ICC’s Fall Play

News Release
August 20, 2010
Cast Set for ICC’s Fall Play

The Independence Community College Theatre Program has announced the cast of the Fall 2010 staged production of Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker. The show dates are October 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Baker’s play is about four lost New Englanders who enroll in a six-week-long community-center drama class and begin to experiment with harmless games. It is in this class that hearts are quietly torn apart, and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. This beautifully crafted diorama is a Petri dish in which we see, with hilarious detail and clarity, the antic sadness of a motley quintet.
The play will be directed by ICC Theatre Professor Jon Sidoli. The cast of ICC students includes Taryn McAllister, of Bartlesville; Colin Stephens, of Seattle, WA; Asa Walker, of Cherryvale; Jessi Kebert, of Independence; and Paige Almond, of Altamont. Aysha Baros, of Altamont, will be the production stage manager.
“We were so happy to get the rights to produce this play,” said Sidoli. “I believe this will be the first production of this play in the southern mid-west area. Many professional regional theatres have jumped on this play. I think Annie Baker is one of the best new playwrights out there. Her sense of the delicacy yet depth of emotional needs coupled with her playwright’s craft make for a remarkable script.”
The New York Times says: "Annie Baker's play is an absolute feast. CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION is the kind of unheralded gem that sends people into the streets babbling and bright-eyed with the desire to spread the word. The play traces the lives of a handful of small-town Vermont residents who gather each week for an acting class taught at the local community center. By the play's end we seem to see to the very bottom of these souls, and feel how the artificial intimacy of the acting class has shaped their lives in substantial ways.”
ICC Theatre will present Circle Mirror Transformation in the William Inge Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on October 7th, 8th, and 9th, and at 2:30 p.m. on October 10th.
For more information about the ICC Theatre Program, contact Sidoli at (620) 332-5422 or by email at: jsidoli@indycc.edu.

Emergency Medical Training Classes at Indy High

News Release
January 23, 2009
Emergency Medical Training Classes at Indy High

There is a great opportunity for employment in emergency care in southeast Kansas and across the country and to help meet this need, Independence Community College’s Allied Health Department will offer EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) training at the Independence High School for all interested seniors.

The new beginning EMT class starts on September 1st. Class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:05-2:35 p.m., and on Fridays from 2:30-3:15 p.m.

“This is a year-long EMT Class held at the high school. Students will graduate next May with the potential to be a certified, employable Nationally Registered EMT,” said instructor Sue Manning, EMT I/D. “In addition, participating students will earn high school credits as well as 13 credit hours from ICC. This is the 3rd year for this program to be held at IHS and it has been very successful. Interested high school seniors should contact Jamie Savage at the high and let her know of their interest.”

The beginning EMT class teaches students the skills needed in vehicle extrication, trauma assessment and injury care, medical assessment and care as well as splinting and caring for injuries to bones and basic life support CPR in the pre-hospital setting.

Successful completion of ICC’s program qualifies the student to sit for the state boards and become certified as a Kansas State Emergency Medical Technician.

“There is a lot of need in the medical community for EMTs and this is a fairly short instructional period when you consider that it’s everything you need for a career as a professional Emergency Medical Technician,” said Manning, veteran EMT, Emergency Room Technician and instructor. “After successful completion of the training and testing a student can go directly into the workforce. It’s a wonderful way for someone wanting a career in the health care industry to begin and it’s a great way for someone already in the health care industry to step-up their career.”

Manning will also be teaching an EMT class college students and adults, beginning August 24th and continuing through February 11, 2011. Class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The instruction will be offered from 5:30-9:30 p.m. in W105 at ICC West, located at 2615 W. Main, Independence.

An Advanced EMT program of six credit hours will begin on August 23rd and continue through October 28th. Class will meet from 6-10 p.m. at ICC West. This class is for certified EMTs only and will go to boards in November. It is a 6 credit hour class. Enrollment for these classes can be on line, or by phone or the first night of class.

The ICC’s EMT program completers have an excellent pass rate with 100% for both First Responder and Advanced EMT and a 90% state board pass rate for the EMT B training. For more information, call Denise Clark, Allied Health Coordinator, at (620) 332-5498.

Playwriting Classes set to begin September 9th

News Release
August 20, 2010
Playwriting Classes set to begin September 9th

Registration continues for Professional Playwriting Certificate program at Independence Community College, which begins Thursday, September 9th. The class concludes November 18 and features a rehearsed reading of the students’ script.

The course runs every Thursday from 2-4 p.m. until the week of November 1-18. At that time, two playwrights of national accomplishment, including a past William Inge Theatre Festival New Voices winner, will teach the class as guest artists in residence. The class will then meet Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. in an intensive workshop atmosphere.

The guest artist instructors are Lynne Kaufman and Adam Symkowicz.

Lynne Kaufman is the author of fifteen full-length plays, three novels and dozens of short stories, and winner of the 2005 Otis Guernsey New Voices in American Theatre Award at the Inge Festival. Kaufman regularly teaches writing workshops at Dominican University and U.C. Berkeley.

Adam Szymkowicz’s plays have been produced throughout the U.S., and in Canada, England, The Netherlands and Lithuania. Several of his plays have been published by Dramatists Play Service and Samuel French.

The class is taught at four levels: those who have not yet taken the course should enroll in “Playwriting I.” For registration information, contact ICC at (620) 332-5400 or visit www.indycc.edu. For questions about the playwriting class please call (620) 332-5492.

ICC and the William Inge Center for the Arts offer America’s most comprehensive playwriting instruction at any two-year college. Over the course of four semesters, students are taught by a minimum of eight professional working playwrights and dozens of guest-artist actors, directors and other theatre professionals from all over the country.

The Inge Center sponsors the annual William Inge Theatre Festival, the Official Theater Festival of the State of Kansas. The 30th annual festival will be held April 13-16, 2011.

The Inge Center is named for the late William Inge, a native of Independence and Pulitzer and Oscar-winning playwright and screenwriter.

The Inge Center is funded in part by grants from the Kansas Arts Commission, Hallmark Corporation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Dramatists Guild Fund of New York City.

For more information, visit www.indycc.edu.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Copithke Scheduled to Teach One-Day CPR Class

News Release
August 19, 2010
Copithke Scheduled to Teach One-Day CPR Class

Keith Copithke will instruct training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as part of Independence Community College’s Allied Health programming this month. The one-day class session will be held on Saturday, August 28th. Copithke will instruct the half-credit hour course from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in room W105 at ICC West, located at 2615 W. Main in Independence.

This course is open to anyone interested in training for professional growth or personal knowledge. Study will include infant, child and adult foreign body airway obstruction and CPR as well as pocket mask use, universal precautions, skills performance and didactic learning.

Completion of this course will result in certification of the student by the American Heart Association.

For more information on CPR, Emergency Medical Technology training or Allied Health’s Long Term Care Certification course offerings, call Denise Clark, Allied Health Coordinator, at (620) 332-5498.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

ICC Foundation awards First Writing Scholarship

News Release
August 18, 2010
ICC Foundation awards First Writing Scholarship

Amanda Raef took the $500.00 prize in Independence Community College’s first Writing Scholarship Competition. Open to all ICC students, both full and part-time, the annual ICC Foundation scholarship was established in 2009 to encourage and reward excellent writing.

The topic for this inaugural completion was: Compare the Activism of the 1960’s and Today. “I thought it was an interesting topic to explore and write about,” said Raef, an English major. “I’m also a history major and the turbulence of the 60’s have always interested me from both a fiction and a non-fiction perspective.”

The competition required students to submit a 500 word essay in MLA format on the given topic. The entries were judged by Professor Matt Hoven and Professor Marsha Hayes.


First ICC Writing Award Finalists and Judges - Left to Right: Joe
Bryson, First Runner-Up, Amanda Raef, Award Winner, Professor
Marsha Hayes and Professor Matt Hoven, competition judges.

Flyers and e-mails encouraged students to vie for the $500 cash prize. “The first round of entries presented a problem,” reported Hoven. “Many lacked coherence and were filled with spelling errors, as well as a generally careless presentation.” After discussions with ICC Deans and staff, it was decided to re-open the competition. “We chose not to reward poor writing and set higher standards,” Hoven concluded.

The second set of essays showed a marked improvement, requiring a tie-breaking session between the top four. Several excellent essays were from Independence High School students taking ICC classes part-time.

“Writing is such an important part of good communication,” said Hayes of her interest in continuing the scholarship. “I think ICC is making strides in teaching, honoring, and rewarding good writing. The decision to hand a student $500 in cash shows our commitment to encouraging good thinking and good writing.”

First-time winner Raef has been invited to participate in the judging of the 2011 contest. The topic for the next scholarship will be: The Politics of Food in America.

Raef utilized her winning cash to help with expenses involved with her move to Missouri Southern State University in Joplin where she will pursue her ultimate goal to become a college English professor. With the financial burdens facing students today, Raef said of her award, “It was very, very much appreciated.”

Lori Shaw, ICC Foundation Director, explained that the scholarship was established through a generous gift and is designed as an annual competition award. “We are so happy to be a part of this opportunity for our ICC students,” said Shaw, “as it recognizes students in the area of writing. Exceptional writing skills can offer a student a lifetime of possibilities.”

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Pirate Cove Academy announces Open House

News Release
August 4, 2010
Pirate Cove Academy announces Open House

Pirate Cove Academy daycare and education center, located on the ICC campus, will be hosting a “Back to School Open House” for the public on Monday, August 9th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. The event will include tours of the facility, the opportunity to meet staff, refreshments and activities for children.

“The Open House provides an opportunity for families to spend time in the environment where their child(ren) will learn, play and grow”, says Misty Gascich, Pirate Cove Director.

The center is in operation Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and accepts children one to five years of age. Cost is $90 per week. In the summer months school-age children are also accepted. Enrollment is currently open for all ages.

Pirate Cove Academy is an Early Head Start, SRS approved, licensed, childcare facility. Additionally, it serves the college as a training site for ICC students seeking degrees and certifications in the College’s Childhood and Early Education Programs.

For more information about the center or enrollment opportunities, drop by Pirate Cove Academy, located at 915 W. College Ave., in Independence, or call Cara at (620) 331-7834.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Fall Courses Start Soon!

Hurry and enroll in the fall 2010 semester! Classes start August 17th and are filling up fast. Reserve your spot by going to http://www.indycc.edu/, or contact Student Services.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Nominations Open for Vacancy on ICC Board of Trustees

The Independence Community College Board of Trustees is currently accepting applications for an opening on the Board This vacancy will be filled by Board of Trustee appointment for the unexpired term.

Nominations will be accepted through Wednesday, August 4th. All interested persons are encouraged to send a letter of interest and a resume to Beverly Harris, Board Clerk, by the end of business on August 4th.

The materials may be dropped off at the President’s Office, located in Administration Building on the ICC Main Campus, or mailed to: Beverly Harris, Clerk of the Board of Trustees, Independence Community College, P.O. Box 708, Independence, KS 67301.

CNA Training offered in Independence and Neodesha in August

The next training opportunity for people interested in a career in the health care industry has been set for August. To meet industry demands, a special entry-level health care course in Certified Nurse Aide training is being offered in both Independence and Neodesha beginning in August.

The Independence Allied Health course will be offered by ICC instructor and trainer Suzanne McDonald, R.N., starting on Monday, August 3rd and continuing through September 15th. The six-credit hour course will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at ICC’s newest educational facility, ICC West, 2615 W. Main. Clinicals will be held on Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Regal Estates.

The Neodesha CNA course will be offered by instructor Michelle Kobel, R.N., beginning on Monday, August 5th and continuing through September 20th. The six-credit hour course will meet on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Vintage Park. Clinicals will be held on Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Golden Living Center in Neodesha.

The CNA course is designed to teach the concepts of direct patient care and apply current nursing assistant practice to patient/resident. Successful completion of this class will allow the student to take the Kansas State Examination and become certified by the State Department of Health and Environment. CNA is a 90-hour course specializing in training for long-term care facilities and elderly care. This course is a component of ICC’s Long-Term Care Certification Program.

Entering students must successfully pass the CASAS reading test (6th grade level) before enrolling. A $10.00 fee for a TB test is charged; the TB test will be taken by the instructor the first night of class.

ICC’s Allied Health courses continue to fill to maximum enrollment numbers. For more information about this course, ICC’s Long-Term Care Certification or Emergency Medical Tech programs call Denise Clark at (620) 332-5498. Outside of Independence call 1-800-842-6063, ext. 5498.

Pirate Soccer Camps set to begin August 2nd

Students looking to improve their soccer skills or who have an interest in the sport and want to learn more are invited to participate in the 2010 Pirate Soccer Camp at Independence Community College the week of August 2nd.
The camps will be run by Head Men’s Soccer Coach Derek Gish and Head Women’s Soccer Coach Ian Thomson. The camps are designed to develop confidence, skills and teamwork for girls and boys going into grades 3-8.
The soccer camps will be divided by grades. Camp for 3rd-5th grade students will be held August 2nd through August 4th from 10:00 a.m. to noon each morning. Students in grades 6th-8th will attend camp from August 2nd through August 5th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. each afternoon. Cost is $35 per student.

For more information about the camps and to register, contact the Soccer Offices at (620) 332-5677 or by email Coach Gish at: dgish@indycc.edu; or Coach Thomson at: ithomson@indycc.edu.