CHIPOLA ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR ‘BACK TO THE 80’S’

 

            MARIANNA—Auditions for “Back to the 80's—The Totally Awesome Musical!” are Jan. 12 and 13, at 6 p.m., in the Chipola College Theatre.

            From the era that brought the world the Rubik’s Cube, Max Headroom and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes this “totally awesome” musical.  Join the graduating class of William Ocean High School as they live through their senior year and experience the fun, the heartbreak, the loves and the loneliness of growing up all set to the biggest hits of the 80’s! 

            The musical is a journey back to a time when Michael Jackson was the King of Pop, blue eye shadow was cool and Atari was cutting-edge technology.

            The show runs March 18-22.

            For information, call Theatre director Charles Sirmon at 850-718-2227, or email sirmons@chipola.edu

 

 

 

SPANISH TRAIL PLAYHOUSE PREZ TO PRESENT AT CRAA MEETING

            MARIANNA—Chipola College theatre alumnus Kevin Russell, president of the Spanish Trail Playhouse, will present a program at the Chipola Regional Arts Association (CRAA) meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

            Russell was the star of several Chipola theatre productions from 2006 to 2008 including: Greater Tuna, Grease, Oklahoma and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Last year, he set his sights on opening a community theater in the town of Chipley.  He helped reestablish The Spanish Trail Playhouse as an all volunteer community theatre in the auditorium of the old Chipley High School. This playhouse originally began in 1962 under the leadership Ann Jensen. 

            The Playhouse presented “Steel Magnolias” in September of last year. “A Stroll Down Broadway: A Musical Salute to Broadway from the 1940's to Now,” is set for April 17-19 and 24-26.

            Two dozen community volunteers recently participated in the Playhouse’s first workday. Chris Kneiss is contractor for the playhouse which is currently under renovation. 

            Of his time at Chipola Russell says, “As I continue on this journey with the Spanish Trail Playhouse it is my hope that I can give the members the same love, compassion and encouragement that Chipola has given to me. The three years I spent in the theatre program at Chipola were some of the best of my life. Joan Stadsklev and Charles Sirmon gave me both the knowledge and courage to begin this journey of bringing live theatre back to Washington County. ” For information, visit www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com

            Russell is a 2005 graduate of Chipley High and a 2008 graduate of Chipola. He has a strong passion for the theatre and the arts. His theatre career consists of over 25 productions. He is currently enrolled at Chipola pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education.

            The public is invited to attend the CRAA meeting at Jim’s Buffet and Grill. A Dutch treat lunch is set for 11:30 a.m., followed by the program at noon.         

            For information, call Joan Stadsklev at 718-2301.

 

 

 

 

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS OPEN AT CHIPOLA

            MARIANNA—Chipola College offers a number of Workforce Development programs to prepare students for good-paying jobs in the area. Many programs feature open-enrollment which allows students to enroll whenever the college is in session.

            Students are encouraged to complete the registration process immediately and to call the program instructor for a seat in the program. 

            Cosmetology and Automotive Technology programs usually fill to capacity with waiting lists.  Many other programs feature open-enrollment which allows students to enroll whenever the college is in session.

            Bud Riviere, Dean of Workforce Development programs, says, “All programs offer valuable industry certification throughout the program and upon completion which will enhance employment and career advancement. Placement rates for all workforce programs are excellent.” 

            All programs are equipped with the latest technology and equipment which assures students of realistic training according to industry standards. 

            The college is offering a compressed schedule this Spring with classes Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 3:30 p.m. The new four-day schedule should help students save on fuel costs and allow students to work on Fridays.

            The college offers a number of Workforce Development Certificate programs, including: Automotive Service Technology, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Computer Systems Technology, Correctional Officer, Cosmetology, Cross-Over Corrections to Law Enforcement, Cross-Over Law Enforcement to Corrections, Electronic Technology, Firefighter II, Law Enforcement Officer, Masonry Apprentice Training, Surveying and Mapping Technology and Telecommunications.

            Chipola offers more than a dozen Associate in Science (AS) degrees which provide professional training associated with specific careers. These include: Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Electronics, Network Support, Computer Programming, Computer Information Technology, Criminal Justice Technology, Culinary Management, Early Childhood Education, Electronics Engineering Technology,       

            Fire Science Technology, Network Services Technology, Nursing (RN and LPN), Recreation Technology and Telecommunications Engineering Technology.

            Two Associate in Applied Science programs in Electronic Engineering Technology and Telecommunications Engineering Technology are available.

            Three College Credit Certificate programs are available in Child Care Center Management, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic. 

            A variety of continuing education programs are available on campus in areas ranging from Child Care to Real Estate. Through partnerships with www.ed2go.com and www.gatlineducation.com, the college offers open enrollment, online courses in courses like health care, internet graphics/web design, business, law and travel. 

            For information about college programs, call 526-2761, or visit www.chipola.edu

 

 

 

 

CHIPOLA AWARDED GRANT TO HELP TRAIN UTILITY WORKERS

            MARIANNA—Chipola College recently received a Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern Utility Quick Response Training Grant in the amount of $297,431.

            The letter of award came from Chris Hart IV, Executive Director of Workforce Florida, Inc.  The grant will allow the college to facilitate the training of 255 full-time employees in the utility industry.

            Specifically, training funds will be allocated to Florida Public Utilities, Gulf Power Company, West Florida Electric Cooperative, and Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative.

            Bud Riviere, Chipola’s Dean of Workforce Development programs, says, “This project not only benefits Florida utility companies seeking to bolster their workforce, but it also positions utility workers in our region to take advantage of in-demand, high-wage jobs.  Chipola’s Division of Workforce Development is pleased to facilitate this training need and appreciates the assistance provided through this grant.”

            Training will begin immediately both on and off campus.    

            For information, contact Riviere at 850-718-2268.

 

 

 

 

CELTIC CROSSROADS COMING TO CHIPOLA

            MARIANNA—The Chipola College Artist Series presents “The Music at the Crossroads” performed by Celtic Crossroads, Jan. 26, in the college theater.

            Individual tickets—$12 for adults and $8 for ages 18 and under—are on sale in the Chipola Business Office. 

            Celtic Crossroads is critically-acclaimed as one of the best live music concerts to come from Ireland in over 20 years. 

            This magical display of music incorporates seven world-class musicians, who play an array of both traditional and non-traditional instruments on stage. Joined by a pair of dancers, they create a truly incredible and unforgettable musical experience. Because much of the world's music was influenced by traditional Irish music, the show mixes in other genres such as Classical, Gypsy, Jazz, and American Bluegrass.

            The final event of the 2009 Artist Series is classical pianist, Christine Yoshikawa on March 24. The Canadian pianist has enjoyed a multi-faceted international career performing as soloist with orchestras, recitalist, chamber musician, and teaching masterclasses throughout North America, Europe, and Asia and at Chipola College.

            The Chipola Artist Series is funded through Chipola's Performing Arts Fund, with grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Southern Arts Federation, the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, the Chipola Regional Arts Association and corporate donors.

            For more information, contact Joan Stadsklev at 850-718-2301 or stadsklevj@chipola.edu.

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC INVITED TO JANUARY 13 MEETING OF BLUE SPRINGS GROUP

            MARIANNA—The public is invited to attend a meeting of the Jackson Blue Spring Basin Working Group, Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the Continuing Education Building Conference Room at Chipola College.

            Presentations begin at 9 a.m. and will run until 1:15 p.m. Chipola science professor Allan Tidwell, Working Group Leader, will direct the meeting.

            Russell Williams, Jackson County Springs Ambassador, will give an update of the Springs Ambassador program.

            Chuck Hatcher, Director of Jackson County Parks and Recycling, will discuss Disposal of Hazardous Household Wastes.

            Edd Sorenson will give an update on Cave System Exploration.

            Jeremy Branch, Homer Hirt and Chad Taylor, Jackson County Coalition Representatives, will hold a Panel Discussion on “Water Wars” Apalachicola Riparian Counties Stakeholders Coalition.

            Richard Deadman, Environmental Planner Division of Community Planning Department of Community Affairs will discuss Springs Protection Through Land Use Planning.

            Kevin Defosset, Hydrogeologist, Ground Water Resource Management, Northwest Florida Water Management District, will discuss recharge age of ground water and nutrient sources for the second magnitude and smaller springs in Merritt’s mill pond.

            Brian Niemann, Statewide Homeowner Coordinator, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, University of Florida, will discuss principles of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.

            Sky Notestein of Wetland Solutions, Inc., will present An Ecosystem-Lever Study of 12 Major Florida Springs Systems (including Jackson Blue Springs).

            For information, contact Allan Tidwell at 850-718-2761, Ext. 3248 or email tidwella@chipola.edu .

 

 

 

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES SET AT CHIPOLA

            MARIANNA—Chipola College will offer a variety of short courses in the coming weeks.

            A Curriculum for Young Children course will meet Mondays, Jan. 12 through April 27 from 6 to 9 p.m.  Cost is $191.  An Early Care & Education Administrative Overview course will meet Tuesdays, Jan. 13 through April 28 from 6 to 9 p.m.  Cost is $191. 

            A Real Estate Sales course will meet Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 14, 15, 28 & March 1, 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $250.

            The following Mandatory training for Child Care Facility Personnel and Family Child Care Home are scheduled:  Child Abuse and Neglect, Feb. 6, 6 to 10 p.m.; Child Growth and Development, Feb. 7, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Behavioral Observation and Screening, Feb. 9 & 11, 6 to 9 p.m.; Rules and Regulations (center), Feb. 16 & 18, 6 to 9 p.m.; Health, Safety and Nutrition, Feb. 21, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Pre-School Appropriate Practices, March 7, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Special Needs Appropriate Practices, April 11, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Costs range from $17 to $43 depending on length of course.

            Chipola also offers custom workshops. The following are available: Eat That Frog: Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done; Whale Done: The Power of Positive Relationships; The Pygmalion Effect: Managing the Power of Expectations; Discussing Performance; The Attitude Virus: Curing Negativity in the Workplace; Team Building: What makes a Good Team Player?; and After All, You’re the Supervisor!

            Gatlin Education Services (GES) offers, open enrollment, online courses in: health care, internet graphics/web design, business, law and travel.  Register online at www.gatlineducation.com/chipola.

            Education To Go offers online programs in: computers, photography, languages, writing, entertainment, grant writing, business, sales, accounting, test prep, finance, health, child care, parenting, art, history, psychology, literature, statistics, philosophy, engineering, law and nursing. For dates and course outlines, visit www.ed2go.com/chipola .

            For information about any of these non-credit courses, call 850-718-2395.      

 

 

 

 

CHIPOLA HEADS TO NORTHWEST STATE FOR PAIR OF GAMES

            MARIANNA—Both Chipola College basketball teams head to Northwest State College (formerly OW) for a pair of big conference games on Saturday, Jan. 10.

            The Indians lead the state and national polls after whipping Tallahassee, 76-48, in the conference opener on Jan. 3. Casey Mitchell led the Indians with 21 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. Jeremy Jacob had 17 points and 8 rebounds. Josh Sain scored 11. Gary Flowers had 6 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals.

            The defending state champion Indians are 1-0 in league play and 17-1 overall.

            Northwest enters the contest at 0-1 in the league following an 86-82 loss to Gulf Coast. Northwest is third in the state poll and sixth in the national rankings.

            The Lady Indians beat TCC, 51-38, in the conference opener. Latoya Williams led Chipola with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Ashlie Billingslea had 9 points.  Sequoyah Griffin and Lenita Sanford each scored 8 points.

            The Lady Indians are second in the FCCAA state poll behind top-ranked Gulf Coast. PJC is third. Northwest is tied with Daytona for fifth. TCC is ninth.

            Chipola is seventh in the national poll. Gulf Coast is third. Pensacola is ninth. Northwest is number 13. Gulf Coast whipped Northwest 65-43 in the league opener.

            Both Chipola teams travel to Gulf Coast on Jan. 14 before returning home Jan. 17 for a pair of games with Pensacola.

            For the latest scores, call 718-2CJC or visit www.chipola.edu

 

 

 

 

CHIPOLA BASEBALL ALUMNI WEEKEND AND

RAHAL-MILLER JUCO NATIONAL CLASSIC SET FOR FEB. 6-8

 

            MARIANNA—Several major league ball players are scheduled to appear at Chipola College’s second annual Baseball Alumni Weekend, Feb. 6-7.

            The weekend’s events begin at 12:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6, with a Chipola Alumni Baseball Golf Outing at Indian Springs Golf Course.

            The alumni events are scheduled in conjunction with the Rahal-Miller JUCO National Classic.  Chipola, the 2007 JUCO National Champion, will play host to three of the top JUCO teams in America, including Walters State, 2006 JUCO National Champion; the College of Southern Nevada, 2003 National Champion; San Jacinto, five time JUCO National Champion and St. Petersburg College, 2006 JUCO National Runner-Up.

            The Rahal-Miller Classic begins Friday, Feb. 6, at 12:30 p.m., with Chipola vs. Walters State. Chipola plays San Jacinto at 3 p.m.

            The action heats up Saturday, Feb. 7, with a 3 p.m. game featuring Chipola and the College of Southern Nevada. The final event of the weekend is a game between Florida powers Chipola and St. Petersburg College, Sunday, Feb. 8, at 12:30 p.m.

            Several big name major league baseball players are scheduled to provide instruction at a Chipola Baseball Alumni Youth Camp on Saturday, Feb. 7.

            Ages 6 to 12 are invited to register the morning of the camp which is set for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $50. There is no pre-registration.

            An Alumni Game and Home Run Derby is set for noon at the Chipola field.

            Current major leaguers expected to participate in the clinic and home run derby, include: Russell Martin, Adam Loewen, Jose Bautista, Matt Gamel and Jeff Mathis. Mathis was drafted out of Marianna High, but he has many friends from Chipola, including his brother Jake Mathis who played for Chipola. 

            Minor league players scheduled to appear include Cole Armstrong, Tyler Flowers, Steve Clevenger, Rene Tosoni, Alan Horne and Jaye Chapman. Former Chipola stars Charlie Dees, Blake Balkcom, Jake Mathis, Jonathan Swearingen and many others are expected to attend the event.

            For information, contact Brent Shelton at 850-718-2332, or email sheltonb@chipola.edu.

 

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