Care For The Sick And Injured Animals

Explore a new career or side job providing care to sick and injured animals with McHenry County College’s Veterinary Assistant program.  Fall classes will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday from August 13 through December 12 in Room A207 at the college, located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake.

Students will complete an additional 30-hour externship outside of classroom hours. The days and times of clinical hours will vary based on availability and hours of the clinical sites.

Veterinary assistants work with veterinarians in private practice, animal shelters, animal control facilities, pet stores, kennels and veterinary drug companies.  With pet ownership on the rise, there is a great need for veterinary assistants.  Veterinary assistants have been identified by the U.S. Dept. of Labor as one of the fastest growing professions.

Cost is $1,899. For more information, contact Ruth Kormanak at (815) 479-7879 or at rkormanak@mchenry.edu. To register, contact (815) 455-8588 and reference course ID: QVT C01 001.

Weekend Nursing Program Begins At MCC

The McHenry County College Registered Nursing Program is expanding to include a new weekend section geared for non-traditional students. The weekend section will begin in January 2012 and is open to 20 pupils.

The purpose of the weekend nursing class is to educate additional future registered nurses to meet the health care needs of aging baby boomers, according to college officials.

“Current data suggests that with the retirement of the baby boomers, a nursing shortage is going to occur,” said Joan Flanagan, director of nursing at MCC. “One innovative way to increase the number of students entering the program, given the current space limitations, is to offer the nursing classes in a weekend format.

Students attend class and clinical from Friday late afternoon/evening, all day Saturday and Sunday. For example, students will attend hospital clinical from 3-9 p.m. Friday, classroom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, plus lab time, if needed; and another clinical from 7 a.m. to  1 p.m. on Sunday.

“This would allow an additional 20 students to be admitted into the nursing program as well as potentially meet a unique set of scheduling needs for students,” Flanagan said. “The weekend schedule may attract those who have child care available only on weekends or those who cannot attend a typical class schedule Monday through Friday,” she said.

Potential nursing students who are or will be finished with prerequisites by the end of Fall 2011 semester, can apply to the weekend section, as well as those who previously applied but were not admitted this fall . Students accepted into the weekend nursing class will be chosen based on their grade point averages in completed prerequisites and the TEAS® nursing admission exam score. TEAS testing will be available in late October for new applicants and for those who want to re-take the test. Those accepted into the class will be notified by early December.

For more information or to complete a weekend nursing class application, visit the website at: www.mchenry.edu/adn/index.asp.

Seeking MCC Alumni For 2011 Recognition Program

The McHenry County College (MCC) Alumni Office is seeking applicants for its 2011 Alumni Recognition Program to acknowledge MCC alumni, and celebrate the role the college has played in their success.

Alumni have the opportunity to be recognized, not only locally, but may qualify for recognition programs at the state and national levels.

Nominations are sought for three awards: “Career Distinction Award,” which recognizes an MCC graduate whose individual spirit and take-charge attitude makes a difference in their career field or for helping a fellow employee to excel; “

Excellence in Community Service Award,”  which lauds alumni who have made a significant contribution by volunteering his or her time in the community;

“Triumph Award” that honors alumni who have overcome personal, financial, or emotional hardship and have successfully completed his or her degree or certificate. This award celebrates the courage and applauds the perseverance of the nominee.

All nomination forms and support materials must be received by 5 p.m. Friday,

Sept. 30. Winners will be announced in November. Awardees will be recognized at MCC’s December graduation ceremony.

To access an application, go to www.mchenry.edu/alumni/awards.asp. Applications are also available at the main campus on the Alumni information board in Building A, outside the atrium, near room A251. The campus is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake, 60012.

Questions can be directed to Kathrine Pfister, development coordinator, at kpfister@mchenry.edu or (815) 479-7529.

Culinary Lessons on Growing and Using Herbs

Have you ever eaten a snapdragon?  Learn how to grow edible flowers in your kitchen or grow your own herbs to use in cooking with two unique workshops offered by McHenry County College’s Continuing Education Department.

The following summer classes are available:

Incredible Edible Flowers                                                                 

This workshop will show you how to get started or expand your existing herb garden.  You’ll get lots of recipes including Lemon Verbena Cake with Lemon Honey Butter Sauce, Lavender Shortbread Cookies and Garlic Rosemary Cheese, plus lots of information on how to use your herb garden. This class meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at MCC in room D154.  Cost is $35. Use course ID: NCU S70 007 when registering.

Step Outside the Herb Box                                                                

Making your own infused oils and vinegars with easy-to-grow herbs from your garden is a great way to add flavor to food and be healthier too.  You’ll also learn how to make an herbal eye pillow that can help reduce tension, ease a headache or help with meditation.  Growing herbs is easy, fun and you may uncover some creative culinary talents to spice up your life. This class meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28 at MCC in room D154. Cost is $35.  Use course ID: NCU S69 006 when registering.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588.  For more information, call Tracy Berry at (815) 455-8758 or Dori Smith at (815) 455-8559.

Understanding "The Dream Act" Friday At MCC

"The Dream Act" is bipartisan legislation, that if passed would allow qualified undocumented youth a path to citizenship after completion of a college degree or two years of military service.

Understanding "The Dream Act: will be considered at McHenry County College on Friday, February 11, at a 7:00 p.m. conference in the Conference Center.

The educational forum event is co-sponsored by the Student Peace Action Network (SPAN) and Latinos Unidos. Excerpts from "Papers" will be shown. This is the story of undocumented youth and the challenges they face. Two honored guest speakers for the event include Shirley Sadjadi and Tania Unzeuta.

Ms. Sadjadi is a co-founder of the immigrant Youth Justice League (IYJL) and has fought for the passage of the Dream Act for ten years. Ms. Unzeuta is a co-found of the Immigrant Youth Justice League (IYJL) and has fought for the passage of the Dream Act for ten years.

This event is free and open to the public.

Free Tax Help Beginning Saturday At MCC

McHenry County College will host free tax assistance for those who qualify beginning Jan. 29 through April 16 (excluding March 27-April 3 spring break week).  Hours are 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in Room A106 at the college, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic prepares tax returns for individuals with incomes of less than $25,000 and families (i.e., more than one person in the home) with incomes less than $50,000.

All tax forms will be provided. Participants should bring the following: valid photo ID for main taxpayer on tax return, Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letters for those reported on the tax return, all 2010 W2s and other income/expense documents, copy of last year’s tax return, if available, and bank account information for direct deposits.

Additional Services include opening checking and savings accounts in order to get the direct deposit refund in 10 days; prepaid debit cards, and financial aid assistance. Trained staff will help individuals complete the FAFSA form with the completion of the tax return.

Free Job Training Offered At MCC

Adults 18 and older who are unemployed, stuck in a dead end job or those pursuing their GED or enrolled in ESL classes and are interested in starting a new career in manufacturing are welcome to apply for a non-credit Manufacturing Essentials course that meets from 6-9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Sept. 13 at McHenry County College (MCC).

MCC’s Manufacturing Essentials course runs for 14 weeks. This course will give students exposure to AutoCAD for blueprint reading, measurement and tolerances, worker safety, concepts in 5S, Lean, and team problem-solving. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to sit for the WorkKeys exam, which demonstrates their level of achievement in math and reading skills—a key measure that many manufacturing companies are looking for in entry level workers.

Course participants will also be offered job search and placement services upon completion of their training.
Manufacturing Essentials is free to qualifying students. To register or for more information, contact the F.A.S.T. Initiative Project at (815) 455-8718 or email Monica at mdiverde@mchenry.edu.

The F.A.S.T. Initiative Project is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The project is an equal opportunity program.

MCC--A Military Friendly School

McHenry County College was recently designated as a Military Friendly School for 2011 by G.I. Jobs magazine, which honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students. Schools on the list include state universities, private colleges, community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is their shared priority of recruiting students with military experience.

The magazine polled more than 7,000 state schools nationwide in determining the results, examining criteria such as efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students, and academic accreditations.
According to Lynn McCabe, coordinator in Financial Aid and Veterans Services at MCC, the college has 103 veterans/veterans dependents registered and certified for collecting Federal Veterans Benefits.

“When they come in I generally try to explain the various chapters of the GI Bill they are eligible for and how each one works and what they pay,” McCabe said. “I also let them know about the IVG (Illinois Veterans Grant) and about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and help them out if they have questions on how to complete this.”

“MCC has done an excellent job of caring for veterans to make the transition from military service to college,” said Paul Wheeler, MCC student of Crystal Lake and founder of the Chi Gamma Iota (XGI) student veteran’s organization on campus. “The college informs veterans about what’s available moneywise and about services available in the county,” he said.
Wheeler is a 2001 graduate of Crystal Lake Central High School and served in the Navy in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is pursuing an associate degree in criminal justice and plans to become a police officer.

“I’m very excited and pleased to learn of MCC’s designation as a Military Friendly School, said Lesley Frederick, MCC’s dean of students. “MCC has dedicated staff in Financial Aid and other student services offices that support the many veterans on our campus. Our returning veterans have definitely made an impact here at MCC. They have a Veterans Student Organization, XGI, which provides support, collegiality, and service to our veterans. They are helping to host a Veteran’s Forum on campus, (which will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 13) and have taken other active leadership roles. I’m proud that MCC is able to support these students and provide outstanding service for them as they pursue their education here at MCC.

Another MCC student, Tim Frake, of Crystal Lake, is an Army veteran who served in Viet Nam. He also praised the college for their support of veterans. “MCC is definitely helpful and very friendly toward veterans,” Frake said. “They’ve helped me with setting up the classes I want to take. I plan to graduate in the spring with an associate’s degree in accounting.”

Like other schools on the “veteran friendly” list, MCC has realized the value these students bring to the classroom and student body.
Dr. Dorothy Bassett, dean of Duquesne University’s School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, a Military Friendly School, noted, “Military students bring a high degree of maturity, life experiences, diversity, leadership and worldliness to the classroom. Other students and faculty benefit from the different perspectives that service members and veterans bring.”

The tens of billions of dollars in tuition money now available with the passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill last year has intensified an already strong desire by colleges to court veterans into their classrooms.

“This list is especially important now because the Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school,” said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs publisher. “Veterans can now enroll in any school, provided they’re academically qualified. So schools are clamoring for them like never before. Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military Friendly Schools list is that trusted friend.”

Derek Blumke, president of Student Veterans of America and a member of the list’s Academic Advisory Board, agrees. “The Military Friendly Schools list is the gold standard in letting veterans knows which schools will offer them the greatest opportunity, flexibility and overall experience. It’s especially important now with so many schools competing for military students.”

Schools on the Military Friendly Schools list also offer additional benefits to student veterans such as on-campus veterans programs, credit for service, military spouse programs and more. Criteria for making the Military Friendly Schools list included efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students and academic accreditations.

The list was compiled through exhaustive research starting last April. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Colorado State University, Dallas County Community College, Old Dominion University, Cleveland State University, Lincoln Technical Institute and Embry Riddle; as well as Keith Wilson, VA’s director of education services; Michele Spires, American Council on Education’s assistant director of military programs; Janet Swandol, associate director for CLEP and Derek Blumke, president of Student Veterans of America.

G.I. Jobs (www.gijobs.com) is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business which also publishes “The Guide to Military Friendly Schools,” “Military Spouse” and “Vetrepreneur” magazines and annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Spouse Friendly Employers” and “Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses.”