Peter Mayer returns to start 25th Grassroots Concerts spring season

            NISSWA – Five Friday night concerts are scheduled for the Spring 2013 Grassroots Concerts season, which is the 25th year for the all-volunteer acoustic series.

The first concert is at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25 at the Live Well Nightclub and Coffee Bar in Nisswa, marking a return of the gifted Peter Mayer.

The last 25 years of Grassroots Concerts have given thousands of folks many joyful hours of listening to talented newcomers and accomplished artists. It all began with house concerts in living rooms with musicians sharing mostly original songs and an occasional cover tune.

Today's "home" is the comfortable, casual Journey Church in Nisswa, with its organic, north woods feel.

When musicians accept the invitation to play for this series they often do so as informed performers. They look at the list of fellow artists preceding them: Garnet Rogers, Patty Larkin, James Keelaghan, John Gorka, Carrie Newcomer, Billy McLaughlin, Eliza Gilkyson, Lucy Kaplansky, Richie Havens, Neal and Leandra, and Greg Brown to name a few.

Peter Mayer last performed here in April of 2004 after his local debut in 2001.

He writes songs for a small planet – songs about interconnectedness and the human journey; about the beauty and the mystery of the world. His music is whimsical, humorous, and wonderfully profound.

Mayer began playing guitar and writing songs while in high school. He studied theology and music in college and spent two years in seminary. The priesthood wasn't for him. He took a part-time job as a church music director while performing at clubs and colleges, and writing and recording his music.

In 1995, the creative juices were overflowing. He quit his job and started touring full-time. Since then, Minnesota-based Mayer has gained a dedicated, following from New England to California. He has nine CDs to his credit and independently sold over 70,000 of them.

"He is unafraid of complicated topics and always strives to look beyond the easy sentiment," said Dale Connelly, former MPR Morning Show host. "Peter does nothing less than address the very nature of our existence. Trust me, most songwriters can't pull this off. Peter Mayer does."

The rest of the spring season: Feb. 22, witty guitarist David Stoddard; March 15, step-dancing fiddler April Verch; April 12, multi-instrumentalist Drew Nelson; May 3, evocative songwriter Greg Trooper.

Admission is $10 at the door for adults and $5 for children under 12 with listening attention, when accompanied by an adult. At all shows, seating is first-come, first-served. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30.

The Live Well Nightclub and Coffee Bar, 5459 CR 18, is located next to the school.

Grassroots Concerts are made possible in part by a grant from the Five Wings Arts Council through the Minnesota State Legislature. The series is a 501c(3) non-profit under the Internal Revenue Code.

The concert series welcomes your donations of non-perishable food (or cash) donations to the local food shelf. For information go to www.grassrootsconcerts.org, call (218) 839-4092, or e-mail information@grassrootsconcerts.org

SBDC to start Advantage Series with business planning

Ross Williams
Advocacy Technologies
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Steve Waller <swaller@clcmn.edu>
Date: Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 9:33 AM
Subject: Business news: Advantage Series starts with business planning

            Business planning tips are offered in the spring Advantage Series presented by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in the Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.

            On Tuesday, Jan. 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in E151 at CLC, Jay Bock will outline the important elements needed to develop a successful business plan – one that sets a company apart from those who don't have such a professional approach to operating a business.

            A business plan is important to help a business owner validate the business concept and set clear goals. It also gives investors, banks, suppliers and partners information to make decisions about working with the company. If you are thinking of starting or purchasing a business, this session is for you.

            This series will be repeated each month during the spring. Follow-up counseling is available from the SBDC team of consultants at no charge.  Watch for other sessions in the series: Forms of Business Structure, marketing Your Small Business, and Accounting Tools.

            The admission fee is $30 per person for each session or $100 per person for all four in the series.

            The registration deadline is seven days prior to the class date. To register and to read session descriptions of other classes in the series visit us at http://clcmn.augusoft.net/

For information contact Julie Platta at 218-855-8140 or jplatta@clcmn.edu

Minnesota Deptartment of Public Safety recognizes CLC Customized Training

            Central Lakes College Customized Training has received recognition from the state Department of Public Safety for 10 years of "outstanding service to the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center and Minnesota's motorcycling community."

            Bill Shaffer, administrator of the state Motorcycle Safety Program, said that Customized Training at CLC has "served motorcyclists in your region of the state well" and presented the college program with a recognition award.

Kori Busho, rider training site coordinator at CLC, said CLC offers about 25 Basic Rider courses per year, so across a decade that amounts to 250 classes with 12 persons in each class for a total of about 3,000 trained through the Customized Training program.

The Basic Rider course covers 14.5 hours with 4.5 in a classroom setting and 10 hours on the "range" practicing maneuvers. Those passing both written and range training receive their motorcycle rider endorsement as legal operators.

The Basic Rider 2 course offered each year allows experienced riders to ensure they are retaining safe driving habits. In addition, Introduction to Motorcycle is offered to those with no experience.

Customized training through the college in Brainerd and Staples covers a lot of territory beyond motorcycle training and specific business-related training.

Busho noted that CLC also offers other training, such as pre-license courses "so people can get their real estate license, boilers license, and food manager certification."

She said there are also lots of online personal courses available from Customized Training. To view them, go to http://clcmn.augusoft.net/ to view the variety.

 

Photos:

 

Jeff Ledin is among dozens of experienced motorcyclists who brush up their skills through customized training offered at Central Lakes College in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Safety.

 

Kori Busho

 

 

             Central Lakes College, a community and technical college in Brainerd and Staples, is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system of 32 public universities and colleges -- Equal Opportunity employers and educators.

 

This document is available in alternative formats upon request, by contacting Andria Belisle, Disability Coordinator, abelisle@clcmn.edu or 218-855-8175.  TTY users may call MN Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-627-3529.

Central Lakes College Hires Grant Director

          Marlene Mixa of Grand Rapids has accepted the temporary, full-time post of Director of Strategic Grant Initiatives effective Jan. 2, to be based on the Staples campus of CLC with oversight of the three-year, $13.1 million federal Regional Advanced Manufacturing Retraining Grant Program that involves CLC and three other higher education institutions.

The partnership includes CLC, Pine Technical College, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, and the 360 Manufacturing Center of Excellence.

She will work with more than 30 faculty and staff, and CFOs on a project that will impact up to 3,900 students and participants. She will oversee a $4.3 million annual budget and the development of intra-agency agreements with partner institutions.

Mixa holds a BA in chemistry from Carleton College and a PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of Minnesota. She comes to CLC with 23 years of experience in manufacturing as an engineer for Blandin Paper and in research and product development for paper companies in Maryland, Kentucky and Minnesota.

Mixa has been involved in academia throughout her career and has served as a college instructor, a member and chair of various education advisory boards, an academic team coach and a student recruiter and mentor. She leaves a position as H2P Grant Project Manager at Pine Technical College.

"Very importantly, she brings four years of experience in managing complex Department of Labor grants in her most recent position at Pine Technical College," said Jeff Wig, outgoing CLC dean of career and technical programs and Staples campus.

 

Photo:

Marlene Mixa

 

 

 

             Central Lakes College, a community and technical college in Brainerd and Staples, is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system of 32 public universities and colleges -- Equal Opportunity employers and educators.

 

This document is available in alternative formats upon request, by contacting Andria Belisle, Disability Coordinator, abelisle@clcmn.edu or 218-855-8175.  TTY users may call MN Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-627-3529.

 

 

 

Steve Waller
Public Information Specialist
Central Lakes College

Brainerd & Staples, Minn.

Central Lakes College Business and Industry Center Offers Courses

'Accounting Tools' first CLC session

for entrepreneurs and business managers

            Central Lakes College will present "Accounting Tools" with Jay Bock on Jan. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Business and Industry Center on the Brainerd campus. This is part of the 2013 Advantage Series dedicated to entrepreneurs looking for helpful tips as well as those already in business and wanting to stay ahead of the game.

            Accounting is the business function of recording, reporting and analyzing financial information. Accounting can help owners make smart decisions through the careful analysis of financial information relating to current operations and new business opportunities.

This session will review the most popular ac-counting tools used today. Attendees will also learn what types of information you should expect to get out of your accounting system to run your small business.

If you are thinking of starting or purchasing a business, this session would be great for you. If you're already in business and are tracking your business activity manually, this session is a must for you.

Watch for the other upcoming sessions in the series: Business Planning, Forms of Business Structure, and Marketing Your Small Business.

Cost is $30 per person, per session or $100 for all four. Register no fewer than seven days prior to the class date.

To register and to read session descriptions of other classes in the series visit us at http://clcmn.augusoft.net/

For more information contact Julie Platta at 218-855-8140 or jplatta@clcmn.edu

 

 

CLC offers QuickBooks Pro basic accounting class

            The Business and Industry Center of Central Lakes College has scheduled QuickBooks Pro Accounting: Basic on the Brainerd campus for computerized accounting.

QuickBooks Pro Accounting for Windows is scheduled from 6-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 15 and 22 in Room C221 of the Brainerd campus.

The student will learn the basics of system set-up, chart of account customization, item detailing, invoicing (accounts receivable), cash receipts, deposits and bill paying (accounts payable).

The instructor is Jay Bock. The fee is $99.

Payment is required at the time of registration and the deadline to register is Jan. 8.

For information or to register call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or (218) 855-8142 or email bberg@clcmn.edu or register online at http://clcmn.augusoft.net

 

'Power Limited' course offered at CLC

       The Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, will host a continuing education course for holders of the Minnesota Power-Limited Technician License on Thursday, Jan. 17 and Friday, Jan. 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each.

       The course consists of 16 hours of instruction covering applicable articles and sections of the 2008 National Electrical Code, Minnesota statutes and rules governing electrical work, and a review of the basic elements of electricity and electrical calculations.

       This course has been approved by the Minnesota State Board of Electricity.

       Students must have a calculator and the 2005 or 2008 NEC Code Book. Code books are available in class for $89.

       Tuition is $320 and includes lunch.

       The deadline to register is Jan. 10. For information or to register with a credit card call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or (218) 855-8142. Online registration: http://clcmn.augusoft.net  and click on courses. Information is available from bberg@clcmn.edu

 

 

 

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             Central Lakes College, a community and technical college in Brainerd and Staples, is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system of 32 public universities and colleges -- Equal Opportunity employers and educators.

 

This document is available in alternative formats upon request, by contacting Andria Belisle, Disability Coordinator, abelisle@clcmn.edu or 218-855-8175.  TTY users may call MN Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-627-3529.

Center for Lifelong Learning Events

Center for Lifelong Learning to present

'Spotlight on Religion: Judaism' Jan. 15

            The Center for Lifelong Learning at Central Lakes College in Brainerd will host "Spotlight on Religion: Judaism" with Dr. Robert Kapitzke on Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in E208 of the Business and Industry Center.

            A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Dr. Kapitzke attained a Master's degree in Religious Studies from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies at Indiana University. He is a former instructor at Central Lakes College and currently teaches religion and philosophy at St. Cloud Technical and Community College.

            The program will address the state and formation of a modern Judaism.

            Admission for the event is free for CLL members and $6 for non-members. For information, call 218-855-8142 or email bberg@clcmn.edu

 

Leadership training for 50+ offered
by Center for Lifelong Learning

     The Center for Lifelong Learning at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, will provide eight days of training for those age 50 and up considering a project of purpose to make a difference in your community. Leadership training will be held on the first and third Friday of the month from March 1 to June 21.

     If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference in a meaningful way "Evolve" will help you align your passion, idea, or project with the energy and skill to use your experience to make a better world, reigniting self and community.

     Free information sessions are scheduled at CLC from 4 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 8 and from 1 to 2 p.m. on Jan. 22. Take your pick. The sessions will be held in E 208 and include refreshments.

     This is a program of the Vital Aging Network and is supported by a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation.

     Information is available from bbrekken@clcmn.edu or 218-855-8146.

 

 

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                Central Lakes College, a community and technical college in Brainerd and Staples, is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system of 32 public universities and colleges -- Equal Opportunity employers and educators.

 

This document is available in alternative formats upon request, by contacting Andria Belisle, Disability Coordinator, abelisle@clcmn.edu or 218-855-8175.  TTY users may call MN Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-627-3529.

 

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is Seeking New Board Members

     The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is currently accepting applications from individuals wishing to serve on its Board of Directors.  There are currently openings for the following two Board positions:  an At-Large representative and a Student Ad-Hoc representative.

     ARAC offers grant support and technical assistance to individual artists and non-profit arts organizations who reside in the seven counties which make up the Arrowhead Region:  Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis.

     ARAC is looking for individuals with knowledge of various art forms and perspectives.  Active artists working in all disciplines; artists from communities of color; arts supporters/collectors; or individuals with knowledge of the regional arts community and arts organizations are encouraged to apply.

    ARAC's Board meets the third Thursday of each month except August and December.  Council members serve as panelists to award project based funding to regional non-profit arts organizations and artists.  Board members also assess the art needs in the region and develop programs that stimulate the regional arts community.  Council members serve as volunteers, but are paid a mileage reimbursement for attending meetings.  A board term is three years and a Board member may serve two consecutive terms.  Serving on the Board gives an individual the opportunity to learn about arts activities in the region; to increase their knowledge of grant writing and the review process; to network with other artists and arts professionals; and to have input into matters that affect arts funding in the region.

    ARAC is the primary funding source for artists and arts organizations in northeastern Minnesota, awarding over a half a million dollars in grant support last year.  ARAC administers six grant programs for regional non-profit arts organizations and three grant programs for regional artists.  ARAC also administers The Artist Fund, a Duluth based, regional non-profit which offers financial assistance to artists confronted with a career-threatening emergency and a medical reimbursement program.

    ARAC's programs are made possible through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature; the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund as appropriated by the State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008; The McKnight Foundation; and the Artist Fund.  ARAC presents the Arrowhead Arts Awards, which annually recognize an outstanding regional artist and arts advocate.  The ARAC staff provides free grant writing workshops and technical assistance to regional artists and arts organizations and ARAC works in partnership with the Minnesota State Arts Board and the other eleven Regional Arts Councils to promote the arts throughout Minnesota.

    The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, February 25, 2011.  The available At-Large term runs from May 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014.  The Student Ad-Hoc position runs from May 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012.  Interested individuals may contact the ARAC office at info@aracouncil.org; 218-722-0952 or 800-569-8134 for more information about Board responsibilities, the Council and its programs, and to receive an application form.  A Board application form can be downloaded from the ARAC web site:  www.aracouncil.org