Wednesday, August 6, 2008
OLLI OPEN HOUSE SET FOR AUGUST 19

A free open house to introduce the lineup of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) classes for the 2008 fall semester will be held at Casper College on Tuesday, August 19 from 4 to 6 p.m.

"The lectures, classes and programs we have lined up for the fall semester will renew students' enthusiasm for learning in a relaxed atmosphere without entrance requirements, grades or exams," said Vicki Pollock, lifelong learning specialist.

According to Pollock, the open house will allow all those interested in participating in OLLI the chance to learn more about the program, ask questions and register for courses. "They can also enjoy food and beverages, meet the staff as well as other lifelong learners," she noted.

The first fall offering, "Chukkers and Divot Stomps: A Look at Polo in Wyoming" (OLLI 5050), will be held on Saturday, August 23. Participants in that class "will spend the day at the Flying H Polo Club in Sheridan where they will watch a high goal polo match and learn about the rules and tradition of the sport," Pollock said.
Other offerings for the fall include: "The World of Tea: Steeped in History" (OLLI 8001); "CSI OLLI: Dead Serious About Crime Scene Investigations" (OLLI 7025); "Weathering Heights: Tips and Techniques for Amateur Weather Watchers" (OLLI 6030); "Silence is Golden: Four Classics of the Silent Film Era" (OLLI 2018); "Cave Art to Catacombs: A Survey of the Ancient World" (OLLI 2090); and many more.

OLLI at Casper College is a program created for adults age 50 plus who want to continue to learn and explore just for fun.

The open house will be held in the Scifers Dance Performance Studio lobby located on the south side of the Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex. For more information, contact Pollock at 268-2097, toll free at 800-442-2963, ext. 2097 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY OFFERED IN NIGHT CLASS

If you are like most people with a digital camera you have some great photos on your computer that you would like to turn into prints, but just don't know how. It may be easier than you think, with the help of a digital photography class being offered for the fall semester at Casper College.

"Electronic Digital Photo" (ELTR 2145) will include the basic techniques of digital photography and an overview of what is needed to acquire, store, retouch, and print digital and hybrid photographs.

Miles Hecker, digital photography professional, will teach the class on Wednesday nights from 6 to 9. Hecker will start with the basics of digital photography and also cover the use of scanners and printers. Students will learn the basics of Adobe's Photoshop software program to both restore prints, negatives and slides, and to create prints from digital camera images.

For more information or to register, call Casper College at 268-2206. "Electronic Digital Photo" begins on August 27.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
HOW TO LIVE WITHIN YOUR BUDGET CLASS OFFERED AT CASPER COLLEGE

For those who have a hard time staying within their budget, or who would like to simply learn the efficient management of money, "Personal Finance" (BADM 1030 01) will be offered at Casper College during the fall 2008 semester.

"Personal Finance can and will help anybody have a more successful and happy life at home. Students will learn how to budget their money, purchase an automobile and home, understand insurance products and do retirement and estate planning. This is a great class that will help anyone improve their life regardless of their profession," says Mark Oxley, instructor.

"Personal Finance" will be offered 12 to 12:50 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The class is recommended as an elective for business and nonbusiness majors "and anyone who wants to learn how to manage their money," says Oxley. The class can be taken for credit or audited.

Fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 25. For more information on this class or to register, call Casper College at 268-2207, toll free at 800-442-2963, ext. 2207 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
FLY-FISHING WRITERS TOP BOOKFEST BILL

CASPER (August 2008)-A panel of nationally known fly-fishing writers will be among the top attractions of the Equality State Book Festival Sept. 18-20 in Casper.

"Anglers, readers, and the generally curious won't want to miss the public conversation Saturday morning, Sept. 20 at the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper, among four writers who know their streams, fish, flies, and people so well," said Tom Rea, book festival director. Leading the discussion will be Casper's well-known book-reading angler and Casper College water-quality instructor, Bill Mixer.

Rea urged people to join Mixer and authors John Gierach, Ted Leeson, Mallory Burton, and Chad Hanson for an hour and a quarter of talk, tips, half-truths, and questions. All panel discussions, talks, and readings are free at the festival. There are fees for some workshops.

Gierach, of northern Colorado, is the longtime columnist for Fly Rod and Reel magazine and author of "Standing in the River Waving a Stick," "Dances with Trout," "Sex Death and Fly-fishing," "Trout Bum," and fourteen more. Gierach writes book after book filled with fish and good humor, and makes both look easy.

Oregon angler Leeson's approach to fly fishing is sometimes more how-to than Gierach's, for example "The Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying," and other times more meditative, as "The Habit of Rivers: Reflections on Trout Streams and Fly Fishing" and "Jerusalem Creek: Fly Fishing through Driftless Country."

Mallory Burton has worked as a fishing guide in Wyoming and Montana and lives in Prince Rupert, British Columbia where, when not fishing, she works in the provincial schools. The stories in her book "Green River Virgins and other Passionate Anglers" often star women coping with men who think girls can't fish.

Casper College sociology instructor Hanson's new book of nearly true fishing stories, "Swimming With Trout," featuring a narrator named Chad and his wife named Lynn, came out last year and has been winning him some riparian fame outside the classroom.

The panel will start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Nic, and is just one of several panels, readings, and a daylong book fair at the same place that day. For details on the authors and the three days of readings, talks, panels, banquet, poetry slam, book fair, workshops and more at Casper College and around town, check out www.equalitystatebookfest.com.

Friday, August 8, 2008
COLLEGE ANNOUNCES AUGUST MEETING TIMES

The Casper College District Board of Trustees will hold its August board meeting on Tuesday, August 19 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Strausner Student Center, Room 217.

Prior to the board meeting the board will hold its work session and finance meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Strausner Student Center, Room 207.

All meeting minutes and schedules for the board are available on the Casper College Web site at www.caspercollege.edu.

Both meetings are open and the public is invited to attend.

Friday, August 8, 2008
FOUCAULT PENDULUM RECEPTION SET FOR AUGUST 19 AT CASPER COLLEGE

A free opening reception for the Casper College Foucault Pendulum will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 19 beginning at 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Wold Physical Science Center.

The Foucault Pendulum, one of less than 100 in the world, will display the rotation of the earth, according to Melissa Connely, geology instructor at Casper College. "As the bob swings back and forth due to gravity and inertia, the earth rotates underneath it. However, because we are standing on the earth, it appears that the whole pendulum is moving," she said.

According to Connely, at the place where the pendulum is located in the Wold lobby, it takes the earth 35 hours to rotate under the pendulum. "This is due to the Coriolis effect, which means basically anything not attached to the earth and in motion in the northern hemisphere is deflected to the right. This accounts for the 35-hour time span," said Connely.

Originally conceived in the mid-1800s by French physical scientist Jean Bernard Leon Foucault as an experiment to demonstrate the rotation of Earth, the Foucault Pendulum blends art and science into a dramatic modern teaching tool, Connely noted.

The 235-pound mirror-finished brass ball will slowly swing across a platform designed by Linda Ryan, Casper College art instructor. According to Ryan the platform project was created in five different studios: Ryan's private studio, Janet Zambai's glass studio, and the Casper College clay, jewelry and sculpture studios. Additional work was done in both the Casper College woodshop and electronics lab. "This was truly a collaborative project, with between 30 and 40 people involved including Casper College faculty, staff, students and the community," Ryan said.

The platform of the pendulum is made of copper, brass, steel, tile, LED lights and wood. The centerpiece or rosette is cast in bronze, and sits on top of a 32-inch circle of ceramic tiles with the image of an ancient map sandblasted onto the surface. A copper ring surrounds the ancient map acting as a border. A second 18 inches out to the edge of the platform a mosaic consisting of pieces of hand-smoothed blue tile, hand-cast bronze stars, bronze rods and LED lights make up the night sky consisting of 12 constellations. "These are constellations that Wyomingites would expect to see throughout the year," said Connely. The perimeter of the mosaic area is finished off with brass and copper discs and LED lights and then surrounded by a copper band.

The final outer ring, constructed of wood, is covered in varnished steel. On top of the steel are copper plates that make up the compass rose points. "This is truly a one-of-a-kind platform," said Connely.

In addition to the pendulum display, the area will feature several cases representing the many different educational disciplines that can utilize the pendulum as a learning tool. "The pendulum is a terrific multidisciplinary instructional tool that can be used by educators in both K-12 schools as well as the college level," Connely noted.

The opening reception will run until 5 p.m. and refreshments will be served. At 10 a.m. Connely and Ryan will give a brief talk on the pendulum. The Casper College Foucault Pendulum was built by the California Academy of Sciences and made possible through a grant to Casper College by the Central Wyoming Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES).

Monday, August 11, 2008
ETHNIC DINNERS ANNOUNCED; SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGE AVAILABLE

A special ticket package is being offered for the 2008-2009 ethnic dinners at Casper College.

All dinners will be held on Thursday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and include: German, September 25; Middle Eastern, October 23; Soul Food in conjunction with the 42nd Annual Kinser Jazz Festival; Hawaiian, February 26; and Native American on April 2.

The cost for the ticket packages is $40 for adults and $30 for children. If adult tickets were purchased individually in advance for each ethnic dinner the total cost would be $42.50. The savings is even larger for those diners who purchase their tickets individually at the door and spend a total of $50.

"Selling both the dinner ticket package and individual ethnic dinner tickets in advance helps us to better plan for the amount of food we need to have prepared," says Tim Hammerschmitt, food service general manager.

The ethnic dinner ticket package will be available for purchase August 25 through September 19. The packages can be purchased at the Roberts Commons Cafeteria Monday through Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.; at the coffee bars located in the Administration Building and the Wold Physical Science Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon, and in the Casper College Office of Accounting and Financial Management, (located in the Administration Building, Room 103), from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Credit cards are accepted at the cafeteria and two coffee bars, but not in the business office.

The ethnic dinner series is sponsored by the Casper College Diversity Committee.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
GUNNARE SIGNS FOUR MORE T-BIRDS

Casper College women's basketball coach Dwight Gunnare announced this week that he has signed four more players this summer.

The new recruits include Wendy Walker, a 5-8 forward from Lovell High School. Walker was Lovell's Female Athlete of the Year. She averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds her senior season, and was named all conference three years running.

Megan Wilson is a 5-9 point guard from Colstrip, Mont. Wilson was a first-team all-stater in the Big Sky state, averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

Yianna Nadeau is another 5-9 guard from Central Catholic High School in Portland, Ore., and Samira Van Grinsven is a 6-2 post player from Helmond, Netherlands.

Gunnare says his new recruits will add valuable depth on a team that includes two all-region returnees in Josie Stewart (Glenrock) and Julianna Paunovic (Australia).

Thursday, August 14, 2008
"FAMILY COMMUNICATION" MORE THAN JUST TALK

A class that is designed to introduce students to the diverse world of families and their communication patterns is being offered by the Casper College Communication Department for the fall semester.

In addition to introducing students to the diverse world of families and their communication patterns instructor Ebba Stedillie said that "Family Communication" (CO/M 2125) will also "improve the student's observational and analytical skills in understanding the role that communication plays in family identity, rules, roles, and functioning."

Stedillie noted that anyone who would like to better understand how communication affects them, their family, their community and their relationships with each should take this class. "This class is especially valuable to those interested in communication studies, counseling, education, social work, health care, police work, and public service," she said.

"Family Communication" (CO/M 2125) will begin on Monday, August 25. For more information or to register, call Casper College at 268-2206 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
CLASS OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO CURATE SHOW

A class being offered for the fall semester at Casper College will include curating a show at Fort Caspar Museum as part of Valerie Innella's "Museum Studies" (ART 1300).

According to Innella, art instructor at Casper College, the class "provides an understanding of the basic operations of a museum or gallery such as exhibit design, education, collections management, marketing, and an overview of the history and changing role of these facilities in society. The course also involves travel to Casper museums to explore their missions, services and collections."

"The goal of this course is for students to become familiar with museums in their role as informal learning institutions and the diverse professional practices in museums," Innella said.

"Museum Studies" (ART 1300) will begin on Monday, August 25. To register or for more information, call Casper College at 268-2206 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
PREACHER MOSS COMES TO CASPER COLLEGE

Well-known comedy lecturer Preacher Moss will present his "End of Racism" comedy and lecture tour at Casper College on Friday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. on the McMurry Mainstage in the Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex.

"The ‘End of Racism' is not just the name of the tour, but a commitment. Preacher Moss knows how to deliver the goods on how we see race, through laughter, respect, and the humility of a man who has felt the sting of racism for not just blacks, but whites, gays, Latinos, Asians, the poor, and the underclass of America," said a spokesperson from Bass-Schuler Entertainment.

"No matter how unflattering or funny it is we must investigate to find truth in the world. I believe that we are all one family, but ignorance and indifference make it seem like some of us were adopted," said Moss. "Understanding diversity and multiculturalism requires that we eliminate or reduce the anxiety of our ignorance, and how to speak honestly when we can't," he added.

"We need to realize our differences, but we also need to live together. We all have a common bond, and not that much is different," said Barb Meryhew, student activities director. "Instead of a lecture, Moss brings in the element of humor to get his message across," she said.

"Delivering some of the most important things you'll ever hear about diversity, he gives you the uncut truth, and boy is it funny the way he does it. He's absolutely unforgettable!!" exclaimed actor, writer Damon Wayans.

The "End of Racism" comedy and lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Casper College Student Activities Board.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
COLLEGE OFFERS RADIO BROADCAST WORKSHOP FOR FALL

A new class for the fall semester is being offered at Casper College: "Radio Broadcasting Workshop" (CO/M 2490).

"Whether your interest is news, sports, music or commercial sales, this course covers it all, and will include actual hands-on experience at a local radio station for each student's lab work," said Joe Simon, instructor. "This course will allow students to see what it is really like to work at a radio station," he added.

"Radio Broadcasting Workshop" (CO/M 2490) begins on Monday, August 25. To register, or for more information call Casper College at 268-2206 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS; NEED SUPERVISION TRAINING?

A class to help anyone starting up a small business and a class focusing on supervision of employees will be offered during the fall semester at Casper College.

"Small Business Practices" (BADM 2100) is created for anyone who is thinking about starting his or her own small business. "Developing their own business plan is key to this course," says Joe Simon, business instructor. According to Simon the class will put strong emphasis on "all the tools necessary for success, including financing, management, human resource training and development."

"Small Business Practices" (BADM 2100) will be held every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Going hand-in-hand with running a business or directing a department is the supervision of employees. "Motivating your work force is of paramount importance for a successful business operation," said Simon.

"'Principles of Supervision' will show students why effectively supervising people has become increasingly complex due to new laws, new methods of communication, training and development," Simon said.

"Introduction to Supervision" (MGT 1000) will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon.

Fall classes begin at Casper College on Monday, Aug. 25. For more information or to register for these or other classes, call the college at 268-2206 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
YOUNG T-BIRDS WILL BE TESTED AT CSI TOURNAMENT

The Casper College volleyball team opens the 2008 campaign Friday at the College of Southern Idaho tournament in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Angel Sharman's team, featuring only two returnees off last year's regional championship team, will play five matches on Friday and one match on Saturday.

The T-Birds face Colorado Northwestern (10:30 a.m.), Laramie County (Noon), Salt Lake CC (1:30 p.m.), Northwest College (4:30 p.m.) and Southern Idaho (6 p.m.). The T-Birds play North Idaho at noon Saturday.

Sharman says she will be looking at several combinations this weekend as 10 freshmen are battling for playing time. Sophomores Savannah Searle (setter) and Vanessa Muir (middle hitter) are the returnees from last year's 30-19 team.

Next weekend the T-Birds will be in Riverton for the pre-conference tournament Aug. 29-30.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
PRESEASON OUTLOOK: SHARMAN'S T-BIRDS WILL HAVE TO EARN THEIR WINGS

There's an old adage in baseball that you have to be good up the middle.

If that's the case in volleyball, Casper College could not ask for two better returning players. Setter Savannah Searle (Shelley, Idaho) started every match last year and earned All-Region IX tournament honors. Middle hitter Vanessa Muir (Star Valley) came into her own during Casper's run to a North Region IX championship last season.
Trouble is, coach Angel Sharman lost the perimeter and the back row off that national tournament team. Names like Julia Gruszecka and Agata Dawidowicz - two of the most dynamic hitters in the history of the program - have moved on to Division I.

With those kinds of holes to fill, Sharman was a little surprised to find her Casper College squad ranked No. 11 in the NJCAA preseason polls. That's what you get for developing a reputation.

Sharman enters her eighth season on the hill. She knows that her host of young T-Birds will need to earn their wings in a hurry if Casper is to challenge again for North supremacy, let alone stay in the national rankings. Understandably, she's a bit cautious.

"It may take a while," she admits. "These girls need to learn that it's a faster game. Right now, they're not getting up on the block fast enough and not closing the block. Hopefully, that will come."

Sharman says her two sophomores need to step up, too. After all, they have been where the freshmen want to go. "I want them to be more vocal out there and become leaders," she says.

On paper, Sharman can't help but be excited. She has seven freshman hitters, including Katie Young (Natrona), vying for starting spots. Young is coming off a medical hardship year after injuring a knee in the second match last season.

Sharman's hitters include Katie Patterson (Powell) and Cami Miller (Pocatello, Idaho), who are expected to push Muir in the middle. On the outside, Kristin Glisczinski (Kelly Walsh) and Konefesi Vaisigano (Salt Lake City) can play either side. Katya Kopanarova (Bulgaria), Young and Fernanda Clemente (Brazil) are in a battle for the right side.

Glisczinski and Vaisigano can both generate velocity from the outside. Clemente is talented, but Sharman says her first recruit from talent-rich Brazil needs to learn the intensity it takes to play college volleyball in the states.

On the back row, Sharman recruited the last two 4A regional defensive players of the year in Brianna Wood (Natrona) and Kristen Getter (Kelly Walsh). "I think we can be pretty good defensively," she says.
Tasha Bauer (Riverton) is pushing Searle at the setter position. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Bauer is the younger sister of Trista Bauer, who set records three years ago as the T-Bird setter.

"There is a battle going on all over the floor now, but the good news is that we will have solid back up at every position," Sharman says.

Talent-wise, the ingredients are there. Sharman knows that some critical days lie ahead.

"One thing that could make it or break it is whether this team can settle into their roles," she says. "If we work together as a group we can get there."

"There" means Salina, Kan. and the national tournament in November. Casper has never done that back to back. Not a bad goal to have.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
CLASS DESIGNED TO HELP STUDENTS PASS CLA/CP EXAM

A "prep class" for individuals wishing to take the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal (CLA/CP) Exam will be offered at Casper College beginning Thursday, Sept. 11.

According to Mary Kubichek, instructor, the exam is analogous to the bar exam for a lawyer and takes two days to complete.

The certification is voluntary but according to the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) the exam is "recognized by the American Bar Association as a designation which marks a high level of professional achievement. Offered by professional associations, certification programs are voluntary and provide career development tools for those who have completed formal training." Successful completion of the exam provides the legal assistant and paralegal a recognized nationwide credential.

The class will be held on Thursdays beginning September 11 and running through November 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information or to register, call Kubichek at 268-2618 or toll free at 800-442-2963, ext. 2618.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
COLLEGE OFFERS CERTIFIED CODING CLASS AND EXAM

The Casper College Continuing Education Department is offering a class and certification exam designed for physician-based coding professionals.

"Certified Medical Coder (CMC)(r)" (CEU 0300 60) will include a primary coding rules and principles review, along with a medical terminology section designed exclusively for coders. Students will learn to master advanced coding issues, how to deal with modifiers, ancillary services, and a number of challenging coding scenarios, according to Michelle Johnson, instructor.

"Following the class, experienced individuals, able to demonstrate by exam a superior level of physician-based coding knowledge, are awarded the CMC certification. The certification becomes a currency that validates personal achievement, demonstrates a person's commitment to the profession, improves employer confidence, and can help guard the practice against fraud and abuse," said Ann Dalton, workforce specialist.

"These individuals play an integral role in the reimbursement process ensuring that proper documentation guidelines are followed and that codes are submitted to the highest degree of specificity to ensure that the physician receives every dollar entitled for the services rendered," Dalton said.

The class fee of $999 includes the course manual, homework exercises, exam preparation handbook, and the certification exam.

The class will run September 2, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 23, and 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The exam will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information or to register, contact Heather Clapp at 268-3399.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
WERNER WILDLIFE ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY HOURS

The Werner Wildlife Museum has announced temporary hours for the museum through Labor Day, September 1.

On August 20 and 22 the museum will be open from noon to 3 p.m. On August 21 the museum will be open from noon to 4 p.m.

The museum will be closed from August 25 through September 1 and will reopen on September 2 with new hours, to be announced later.

The Werner Wildlife Museum is located at 405 E. 15th Street, next to the Casper Family YMCA, and is free and open to all.