Battle Creek, Mich., November 18 — On Tuesday, November 17, at 5 pm, Kellogg Community College employees, along with representatives from the Battle Creek community, rededicated Kellogg Community College’s front steps and the W.K. Kellogg quote that adorns the front steps. The front steps and quote are located in the center of the circle drive at 450 North Avenue in Battle Creek.

The renovations to the front steps include the addition of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp, a student drop-off point away from the main flow of traffic, and a complete renovation of the steps. “The goal of this project was to allow for easier access to our campus. When the steps were built 50 plus years ago, the original design did not include accommodations for those who need handicapped access, those using strollers for young children, and our students using the rolling backpacks. This new design will make it much easier for everyone to have access to the front of campus,” said Mark O’Connell, Kellogg Community College’s Vice President for Administration and Finance.

In addition, the college wanted to place more emphasis on the W.K. Kellogg quote located on the steps. The quote reads “Education offers the greatest opportunity for really improving one generation over another" W.K. Kellogg. The quote was originally behind the waterfall portion of the front steps, but the college made the decision to bring it out from behind the waterfall to increase the emphasis on the quote. “The thoughts of W.K. Kellogg expressed on the front entrance to the college captures the feelings and beliefs of our KCC faculty and staff,” said KCC President, Dr. G. Edward Haring. “We all believe that we change lives for the better every day here at Kellogg Community College.”

Approximately 30 KCC employees attended the event. They were joined by KCC Board Chairman Jonathan Byrd, KCC Board Vice-Chair Jill Booth, Sterling Speirn, Jim McHale, and Reggie LaGrand from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Linda Wendt from the Battle Creek Community Foundation, Jason Kopp from Skanska, Thomas Mathison from Tower Pinkster, and Woodrow Isaacs III from Site Design Solutions.

Construction management for the project was by Skanska, architectural design and electrical engineering was completed by Tower Pinkster, and Site Design Solutions completed the landscaping design. The funding for the renovation is from the college’s Maintenance and Replacement Fund, a fund specifically designated for campus facility improvements and maintenance. For more information, please contact Kellogg Community College at (269) 965-3931 or visit www.kellogg.edu.

Battle Creek, Mich., November 16 — The Kellogg Community College Harry R. Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Gallery culminates a semester long celebration of regional women artists with the “Regional Women in the Arts Exhibition Series Juried Show.” The juried show opens the November 16, 2009 and runs until December 11, 2009, with an opening reception with the artists from 4 to 6 pm on the November 19, 2009. The show is free and open to the public.

“We had nearly 150 works of art submitted from 75 artists ranging from Muskegon, Spring Arbor, Kalamazoo, Olivet, to South Bend Indiana. A total of 72 works were selected for show,” said KCC Gallery Coordinator and Art Instructor, Ryan Flathau. Submissions for the show included paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, textiles, collages, & graphic design.

Joanne Colyn took first place with her digital photograph, titled “Merging Skies.” Second place went to Charlotte Whitney Stevens of Olivet for her watercolor, titled "Garage Mahal.” Sabine LeDieu took third place for her sculpture, titled "Bike Tree of Life.” The prize recipients took home $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place.

The juror for the show was Joanna McColum Learner. McColum Learner retired from a long career in art education and now works full time in her studio in Battle Creek, Michigan. She holds a masters degree in jewelry design and sculpture from Western Michigan University and an undergraduate degree in art education from Texas Woman's University. Her work is in private collections around the country and she has exhibited in state and national shows. In the late 1970’s Joanna worked as exhibits director at Kellogg Community College and organized two state wide Women's Art Exhibits. She has a large wooden sculpture "Stray Dog” at the Battle Creek Leila Arboretum Children's Garden and a large acrylic painting "Orphan Lake" on loan at Pierce Cedar Creek near Hastings, Michigan. In the 1980's, Joanna designed and made the International World Champion Hot Air Balloon perpetual trophy that is awarded every two years. In recent years her focus has been on painting, working in both watercolor and acrylics.

Gallery hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday and on Saturday and Sunday by appointment. For more information, please contact the gallery director at gallery@kellogg.edu or (269) 965-4126 extension 2559.

Battle Creek, Mich., November 16 — Finding money for college can be an overwhelming task, but Kellogg Community College’s Lifelong Learning program is helping local parents by offering a course titled “Finding $ for College” on Monday, December 7 from 6 to 8:30 pm at KCC’s Regional Manufacturing and Technology Center, located at 405 Hill Brady Road in Battle Creek.

Taught by local parent and high school counselor, Barb Erickson, the course will cover how to access thousands of scholarships, how to write a winning essay, and how to take advantage of little known scholarship funds.

The course fee is $25 for each adult. A high-school student can accompany each adult at no charge. Registration with a major credit card can be completed by calling (269) 965-4134 or visit www.kellogg.edu/lifelong for more information on other registration options and class offerings.

Battle Creek, Mich., November 16 — Kellogg Community College’s Lifelong Learning program is offering an “ACT Test Preparation Workshop” on Saturday, December 5, from 12 to 4:30 pm at Kellogg Community College’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center located at 405 Hill-Brady Road in Battle Creek. The ACT exam will be administered on December 12, 2009. This course will also be helpful to all area high school juniors taking the Michigan Merit Exam on March 9, 2010.

This accelerated workshop will provide an orientation to the ACT exam and its format, test-taking strategies, sample test items, improved methods for answering questions, timed sample tests, and take-home guides. Eugenie Cook, and educator and consultant with over 20 years of experience with the ACT and other standardized test preparation programs will be instructing.

The course is $119 per person, includes materials, and is open to high school students in grades 10-12, as well as adults planning to take an upcoming exam for college admission. Registration with a major credit card can be completed by calling (269) 965-4134 or visit www.kellogg.edu/lifelong for more information on other registration options and class offerings.

Battle Creek, Mich., November 16 — The Kellogg Community College Lifelong Learning Department is offering the following classes starting the week of November 30, 2009. Unless noted, each takes place at KCC’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center located at 405 Hill-Brady Road in Battle Creek.

Registration with a major credit card can be completed by calling (269) 965-4134 or visit www.kellogg.edu/lifelong for more information on other registration options and class offerings.

Personality Plus! Discover Your Type – NEW
Tuesday, December 1, 6 to 8:30 pm

This course will explore an interesting approach to self-discovery to help individuals benefit from their own natural gifts and abilities.
Course fee is $19

The Energy of Color – NEW
Wednesday, December 2, 6 to 8 pm

This course will explore how to use color to heal, how to feel the difference between the energies of different colors, what each color means, what the physical and emotional attributes are for different colors, how colors can help individuals receive psychic messages from angels or guides, and how color can help manifest desires.
Course fee is $29

Travel Light: Packing Guidelines That Work
Saturday, December 5, 9 to 11:30 am

Participants will learn how to pack lightly to avoid baggage fees and have clothes arrive ready to wear.
Course fee is $25

Introduction to Qigong: Sounds of the Season – NEW
Monday, December 7, 6 to 8 pm

Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is the modern incarnation of a Chinese energy art that goes back over 2,000 years. Related to t'ai chi, qigong is a series of movements designed to bring qi, or life-force, into the body and encourage it to flow without blockage. This program incorporates postures, movement, breath, sound and visualization.
Course fee is $19

Create the Most Unique Gift Box Ever!
Thursday, December 3, 6 to 8 pm

The gift box is part puzzle, part collage, and part note card.
Course fee is $39 and includes materials

Debt Free Living!
December 5, 2009, 9 am to 12:30 pm

By applying this debt free living plan for finances, the average family can pay off all their consumer debt in 1-3 years and their mortgage in an additional 3-4 years while still being about to handle emergencies or other unexpected situations that may arise.
Course fee is $39 per person or $59 per couple

Credit Fix 101 – NEW
Wednesday, December 2, 6 to 8 pm

Students will learn several quick and effective techniques to repair credit, remove derogatory credit and how to boost a credit score.
Course fee is $25

Estate Planning & Trusts: What You Need to Know
Saturday, December 5, 9 am to 12 pm

Most people put off planning their estate, but putting off these decisions can cost your heirs considerable money and anguish. This workshop will discuss the types of estate planning moves that are most likely to be helpful for many people.
Course fee is $25

Windows 7: It’s Here! – NEW
Wednesday, December 2, 2009

This course is a one-night workshop focusing on how the new Windows 7 compares to the Vista and XP operating systems.
Course fee is $15

Battle Creek, Mich., November 16 — As part of the DeVries visiting artist series, Kalamazoo artist, Paul Marquardt, will speak in Kellogg Community College’s Davidson Auditorium located at 450 North Avenue in Battle Creek on Thursday, November 18 at 6 pm. The event is free and open to the public. The lecture is sponsored by the KCC Foundation Art on Campus Initiative and is titled “Common Things: Where Life Meets Art.”

Always experimenting with new media, Paul Marquardt has produced digitally composed images, responsive installations and performance, as well as sculpture, drawing, photography, printmaking, and painting. He has collaborated with choreographers and composers, creating interactive sets, sound structures, and unique computer interfaced musical instruments. Much of Marquardt’s award winning new work uses photography and digital processes.

His artwork has been exhibited across the United States, including at the Detroit Museum of New Art, the 17th National Photography in Colorado, Gallery Project in Ann Arbor, Print Biennial IV in Chicago, and SOHO PHOTO in New York. His international showings include the Leo Kamen Gallery and fFida in Toronto and the International Society of Electronic Artists in Paris.

Marquardt grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan and attended

For more information, please contact Ryan Flathau at (269) 965-3931 extension 2559 or flathaur@kellogg.edu.

Battle Creek, Mich., November 16 — Auditions for several male and female roles in the production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” will be from 6:30 to 9:30 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, December 16 and 17, at Kellogg Community College’s Binda Performing Arts Center, located at 450 North Avenue in Battle Creek.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” is a high-spirited stage musical that was adapted from the 1968 movie of the same name. The musical is full of new songs and bright dance numbers. This zany story takes place in 1922, where Millie Dillmount has come to New York to break away from her little town roots and find a career and then marry the boss. Millie finds that things are very different in that New York is full of intrigue and jazz. It’s also a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. The production is based on the book of the same name by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan, new music by Jeanine Tesori, and new lyrics by Dick Scanlan

Those auditioning should come prepared to showcase their voice by performing a 16 bar/measure vocal selection. The college will provide an accompanist to play the sheet music. In addition, each person auditioning will be asked to do some readings from the script.

Performances for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” will be March 4, 5, 6 and 7 of 2010. For more information, please contact Theater Manager Gary Cuyler at (269) 965-3931 extension 2558 or cuylerg@kellogg.edu.

Battle Creek, Mich., November 12 — Native American Performing Family, the Fast Horses, will perform in Kellogg Community College’s Student Center on Monday, November 16 from 11 am to 11:45 am and 12:15 pm to 1 pm. The performances are free and open to the public. The KCC Student Center is located at 450 North Avenue in Battle Creek.

The Fast Horses are a Minnesota based Lakota (Native American) performing family who have been delighting audiences worldwide since 1998. Their career has spanned 3continents, 6 countries, 44 states, and 3 provinces. They credit their success to the fact that they love what they do; entertaining and educating.

Transcending age, language and culture, the performance focuses on the evolution of Native music and dance; it's similarities with, and influences on other cultures, thus surpassing a common ethnic show.

This intimate relationship with performing is expressed through poetry, humor, magic, audience participation, juggling, storytelling, costumes, fire, song and dance. However, the most important ability that they possess is the ability to improvise and respond to the audiences needs as the situation arises. This unique talent ensures that each show is a custom tailored experience.

For more information, please contact KCC’s College Life office at (269) 965-3931 extension 2634 or e-mail collegelife@kellogg.edu.

Battle Creek, Mich., November 12 — Kellogg Community College launched a new peer advocate program this semester to facilitate support, safety, and substance abuse education among Kellogg Community College students. The mission of the program is to provide a safe place where students can stop in and meet confidentially with a peer advocate for support and guidance.

The program, called Peer Advocates for Healthy Lifestyles, has three peer advocates so far, but plans to expand the number up to eight before the end of the school year. The advocates are current KCC students who are employed to work 5-15 hours per week as an advocate. They attended training sessions including topics such as listening skills, red flag identification, substance abuse information, resource and referral systems, campus departments and responsibilities, and confidentiality. Currently, the three peer advocates are Kahyl Stevenson, Nicole Way, and Brad Elliott. All three are majoring in Human Services although all students are welcome to apply for a position. “We looked for students with good people skills, who were interested in resource and networking, who knew of community resources, and who were interested in helping people make healthy choices,” said Sherry Rial, KCC adjunct counselor and one of the organizers of the program. “The three advocates we have are wonderful and we are hoping to find more like them for the other open positions.”

The idea for the program came from KCC’s partnership with Prevention Abuse Substance Services, who approached the college to conduct a survey of the students about substance abuse. In August 2008, the college conducted a face-to-face survey of 250 students in a segment of classes regarding drug and alcohol abuse. The results indicated that approximately 50% of students surveyed were unaware of college drug and alcohol policies. Sixty percent of the respondents also agreed that the campus is concerned about the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. “The results of the survey showed us that we needed to do something in regards to drug and alcohol prevention on campus,” said Dr. Marshall Washington, vice president of Student Services at KCC. After working with its partners, the college decided to move forward with some grant money and develop the Peer Advocates for Healthy Lifestyles program.

The program is just beginning, but it has already had some success. On October 30, 2009, the peer advocates and friends gathered outside the front of campus to celebrate over 100 students that pledged to not abuse alcohol or drugs. They celebrated this first victory by planting a red tulip bulb for each student. The bulbs will bloom in April, which is Alcohol Abuse Awareness Month. They also planted white tulip bulbs in honor or memory of those connected or hurt by substance abuse.

The student advocates are available from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Monday through Thursday at an office located in the Learning Place on the third floor of the Ohm Information Technology Center on KCC’s main campus. For more information about the program, please contact Sherry Rial at (269) 965-3931 extension 2604 or rials@kellogg.edu

Battle Creek, Mich., November 9 — The Kellogg Community College Lifelong Learning Department is offering the following classes on Saturday, November 14, 2009. Each takes place at KCC’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center located at 405 Hill-Brady Road in Battle Creek.

Registration with a major credit card can be completed by calling (269) 965-4134 or visit www.kellogg.edu/lifelong for more information on other registration options and class offerings.

Fall & Winter Fashion Update for Less Than $50-NEW
Saturday, November 14, 9 to 11:30 am

Using the hottest accessories, students will discover the easiest and quickest way to give a classic outfit a trendy twist.
Course fee is $25

It’s Over (I Think): A Divorce Primer Workshop-NEW
Saturday, November 14, 9 am to 12 pm

This workshop is taught by a legal professional, who will give the information needed to correctly plan a divorce.
Course fee is $29

Knitting Workshop: Spiral Blanket Pattern-NEW
Saturday, November 14, 10 am to 12 pm

This spiral blanket can be made in baby, child, or adult size. Participants will learn to work with double-pointed and circular needles and knit in the round.

Course fee is $25

Battle Creek, Mich., November 9 — The Kellogg Community College Lifelong Learning Department is offering the following classes starting the week of November 16, 2009. Unless noted, each takes place at KCC’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center located at 405 Hill-Brady Road in Battle Creek.

Registration with a major credit card can be completed by calling (269) 965-4134 or visit www.kellogg.edu/lifelong for more information on other registration options and class offerings.

Ancient Arts & Chinese Metaphysics-NEW
Monday, November 16, 6 to 8 pm

This course will cover the basics of Chinese metaphysical practices including what they are, the differences between them, what they are used for, and who uses them and why.
Course fee is $19

Sound Money Management in Tough Times-NEW
Tuesday, November 17, 6 to 8 pm

Participants will learn how some of the wealthiest Americans use cost cutting techniques to save and earn money.
Course fee is $19

Free Software: Save Money with Open Source Software-NEW
Tuesday, November 17, 6 to 8 pm

This course provides two CDs loaded with over 100 free software programs, including desktop applications, games, educational tools, graphics and more. Students will learn how to access, load, and enjoy the programs.
Course fee is $15

Design to Sell: Staging Your Home for Sale
Wednesday, November 18, 6 to 8:30 pm

This course will cover how to redecorate a home using existing furnishings, how to make rooms look larger, how to emphasize architectural strengths, and prepare a home for quick sale.
Course fee is $29

Battle Creek, Mich., November 2 — The Kellogg Singers of Kellogg Community College will be joining forces again with the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music to open for the internationally acclaimed group Sweet Honey in the Rock® at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo Michigan on November 13 at 8 pm.

Sweet Honey In The Rock® is an African-American female, a capella vocal group consisting of six members who bring the message of the southern black church, the civil rights movement and the conscience of justice through musical expression. Internationally heralded and Grammy® award-winning, Sweet Honey’s collective voice produces a sound filled with soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms. Sweet Honey’s latest release, “Experience…101,” was a 2008 Grammy® Award nominee.

The Kellogg Community College vocal arts area has four choral opportunities including the Kellogg Singers, the Branch County Community Chorus, Concentus Vocal Ensemble, and the Choral Union Touring Choir. The area also offers a yearly opera workshop, individualized voice lessons, master classes and student recitals. For more information, please visit www.kellogg.edu/performart or call (269) 965-4126.

Battle Creek, Mich., November 2 — The Kellogg Community College Lifelong Learning Department is offering the following classes starting the week of November 9, 2009. Unless noted, each takes place at KCC’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center located at 405 Hill-Brady Road in Battle Creek.

Registration with a major credit card can be completed by calling (269) 965-4134 or visit www.kellogg.edu/lifelong for more information on other registration options and class offerings.

Beginning Ashtanga Yoga
Mondays, November 9-30, 6 to 7 pm

This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures. It involves a process producing intense internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
Course fee is $29

Boogie Your Butt Off! - NEW
Tuesdays, November 9- December 8, 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Participants will burn fat, gain muscle, and become more flexible in this exercise class set to 80’s music.
Course fee is $25

In Their Own Voices: Women’s Diaries & Journals from Battle Creek’s History-Part II - NEW
Tuesday, November 10, 6 to 8:30 pm

This part of the course will focus on women from the 20th century who made major contributions to the Battle Creek Community. Topics will range from social work during the Depression to the judicial system, music to women’s rights. Open to all participants, including those who did not attend part I.
Course fee is $19.

An Introduction to Voiceovers: Getting Started in Voice Acting
Wednesday, November 11, 6 to 8 pm

This course will cover the basics how to begin a successful career as a voiceover artist. Topics include the ins and outs of the industry, how to market yourself, and the importance of a voiceover demo.
Course fee is $39 and includes materials

Rustic Italian: Fall Harvest Feast - NEW
Wednesday, November 11, 5:30 to 8:30 pm

BiCi Bistro head chef, Sean Kelly, will show students how to use squash, duck and root vegetables in cooking. He will also demonstrate how to make the perfect wild mushroom risotto.
Course fee is $39 and includes tasting samples.

Comfort Touch: Massage for Caregivers
Thursdays, November 12-19, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
This course will be held at the Holistic Health Center, located at 181 North Avenue in Battle Creek.

Comfort touch is a style of massage that gives special consideration to the physical and emotional needs of the elderly and/or ill, and its primary intention is to provide comfort through techniques that promote deep relaxation and relief from pain.
Course fee is $25.

Battle Creek, Mich., October 20 — The Kellogg Community College Foundation and the KCC Public Information and Marketing Department won a Silver Medallion for the KCC Foundation Annual Report from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) at the District 3 NCMPR conference held in Madison, WI, September 28-29, 2009. The KCC Foundation Annual Report was designed and written jointly between the two areas of the college.

The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges. As one of the fastest-growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, NCMPR today has more than 1,500 members from nearly 600 colleges across the United States, Canada and other countries.

NCMPR's prestigious Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at community, junior and technical colleges at the district level. It's the only competition of its kind that exclusively honors excellence among marketing and PR professionals at two-year colleges. Entry guidelines and deadlines are announced in the annual call for entries. Winners are announced each year at the district conference. Kellogg Community College is in District 3, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.

For more information about Kellogg Community College, please visit www.kellogg.edu or call (269) 965-3931.