Community News

NC ZOO SOCIETY PARTNERS WITH T-MOBILE TO PROVIDE WORKSHOP ON PLAYFUL LEARNING

The NC Zoo Society partnered with T-Mobile to provide an educator workshop on how to incorporate more outdoor play in nature into classroom curricula. T-Mobile is supporting the North Carolina Zoo Playful Pedagogy program with a $20,000 sponsorship. The goal of the project is to support adults working with children in acquiring fresh perspectives on their approach to engaging with children outdoors. The “Play in Practice Workshop” for formal and informal educators from across the state took place December 4, 2021, at the North Carolina Zoo. The workshop was led by Linda Kinney, the Zoo’s Nature Play and School Programs Manager. “This workshop focuses on ways educators can nurture creativity and imagination,” said Kinney. “ Even though we don’t often think of play and school going together, supporting children’s playful dispositions can bring about wonderful learning opportunities. Being outdoors is so important to our children’s health and wellbeing.” The North Carolina Zoo education team will also feature Playful Pedagogy through videos and activities on the “Adventures in EdZOOcation” Facebook group (https:// www.facebook.com/groups/EdZOOcation/) during the week of December 27, 2021 for all to see, thanks to T-Mobile’s support. About the North Carolina Zoological Society The North Carolina Zoological Society (nczoo.com) is a private, 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that relies on its members, donors, and other supporters to find and provide the North Carolina Zoo the financial support it needs to carry out its animal conservation efforts. Together the North Carolina Zoo and North Carolina Zoological Society support programs that respect and protect wildlife and nature and inspire people to strengthen their bonds with the natural world. About the North Carolina Zoo At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,800 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.

LET RCC HELP YOU START A NEW CAREER, LEARN NEW COMPUTER SKILLS

Randolph Community College is listed as number 16 nationally on Niche’s Best Community Colleges list for 2022 — the top college in North Carolina.

“Two of our core values as a College are quality education and student success,” RCC President Dr. Robert S.

Shackleford Jr. said. “This impressive national designation, along with the ranking as the top community college in

North Carolina, confirms that we take those core values very seriously. Every day, our faculty and staff come to work for the sole purpose of creating opportunities and changing lives. I couldn’t be prouder of them and our amazing students!”

According to Niche, “The Best Community Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni.” The two biggest factors are the academics grade (40 percent), which incorporates factors such as acceptance rate and quality of professors as well as student and alumni surveys regarding academics at the school, and the value grade (27.5 percent), which uses statistics such as average loan amount, alumni earnings, and student surveys regarding value. Other factors are professors, campus, diversity, student life, student surveys on overall experience, and local area. To view the complete list, visit https://www.niche.com/ colleges/search/best-community-colleges/.

This spring, Randolph Community College is offering opportunities to not only embark on a new career as a Notary Public, but also learn the computer skills needed to advance on the job. The purpose of a notary is to prevent fraud and forgery. In this course, you will learn what you may and may not do as a notary public. Students must be 18 years of age or legally emancipated; speak, read, and write English; possess a high school diploma or equivalent; and live or work in the state. A textbook is required and will be available for purchase at the first class. The “Notary Public Education” courses on the Asheboro Campus are Friday or Saturday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., while classes at the Archdale Center are Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-10 p.m. This class is required for anyone interested in obtaining a North Carolina commission as a notary public. The first section (#77683) is Jan. 7 in room 103/107 of the Continuing Education and Industrial Center on the Asheboro Campus. Other sections are Jan. 8 (#77693), Feb. 4 (#77686), Feb. 5 (#77695), March 5 (#77696), March 11 (#77687), April 2 (#77697), April 8 (#77691), May 6 (#77692), and May 7 (#77698). Classes at the Archdale Center are Jan. 24 and 26 (#78391), March 21 and 23 (#78392), and May 2 and 4 (#78393). The registration fee for these classes is $70, plus $28.25 for the textbook. For more information or to register, call 336-633-0268 for the Asheboro class or 336-328-1750 for the Archdale course. RCC also offers an “eNotary Public Education” course Friday, March 18, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in room 103/107 of the CEIC for $76 The course (#77861) will instruct existing Notaries in newly legislated procedures required to exercise notarial acts as set forth by the North Carolina Secretary of State. The course will cover the N.C. E-Notary Act, eligibility and registration, E-Notary processes, technology solutions and providers (attendees will get hands-on practice), ethics regarding E-Notarizations, consequences of misconduct, security standards, best practices, and departmental recommendations. Students must hold a valid commission as an N.C. Notary Public, and must bring their notary number, photo ID (driver’s license), and email address to take the final exam. Call 336-633-0268 to register. Need to learn how to use a computer in the workplace or to advance your computer know-how? RCC offers three levels of courses — in English and Spanish. “Workplace Computer Skills: Level I” and “Workplace Computer Skills: Level I (Spanish)” are designed to fully introduce the computer to learners for the first time. Students will focus on all functions of the computer, including using the current Windows operating system, Microsoft Office software, internet searches, and basic keyboarding. Other topics covered include creating resumés, cover letters, setting up and using email accounts, and basic awareness of technology scams. The English class (#77831) is Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 10-Feb. 21, from 6-8:30 p.m. The first Spanish section (#77830) is Saturdays, Jan. 8-March 5, from 1-4 p.m., and the second section (#77832) is Tuesdays and Thursdays,

Jan. 11-Feb. 17, from 6-8:30 p.m. “Computer Applications for the Workplace: Level II” and “Computer Applications for the Workplace: Level II (Spanish)” are designed to support students who may have a familiarity with the computer, but want to advance their computer literacy and technology awareness. Students will explore using Microsoft Office, Windows operating system, and social media for more detailed functions and projects. Using the internet for daily life and becoming familiar with smartphones and tablets will also be explored. The English course (#77835) is Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 23-March 30, from 6-8:30 p.m. There are two Spanish sections — the first (#77833) is Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 22-March 31, from 6-8:30 p.m., while the second (#77836) is Saturdays, March 12-May 14, from 1-4 p.m. “Technology Awareness for the Workplace: Level III” and “Technology Awareness for the Workplace: Level III (Spanish)” are designed to enhance the computer skills of students, using advanced information to utilize the computer for professional and personal projects. Learners will become proficient in all computer functions, including Microsoft Office, internet functions, job searches, and minor computer troubleshooting. The use of smartphones and tablets will also be explored. The English course (#77838) is Mondays and Wednesdays, April 4-May 11, from 6-8:30 p.m., while the Spanish class (#77837) is Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 5-May 12, from 6-8:30 p.m. All of these computer courses take place in room 108 of the CEIC on the Asheboro Campus. The cost is $125 or waived. Call 336-328-1750 to register for any of the above computer classes. Baffled by Microsoft Excel? No need to worry — RCC’s online “MS Excel, Basic” course includes introductory and intermediate levels. Students will learn to create/edit simple worksheets, work with menus and toolbars, use basic formulas, format entries, merge cells, hide/unhide rows/columns; and learn about date and time functions, text alignment, inserting and deleting columns/rows, freezing/unfreezing cells, splitting the window and page breaks. The class (#77865) meets Mondays from 6-9 p.m., Feb. 14-March 21, on Zoom. The cost is $70 plus $10 for a book. For more information or to register, call 336-633-0268. The College also has a course to help you balance your business’ books. “QuickBooks, Introduction” (#77825), teaches how to do accounting for your businesses using this popular accounting software. Topics will include using special journals and subsidiary ledgers and generating professional financial statements. The course meets from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 1-March 10, in room 106 of the CEIC. The cost is $70. For more information or to register, call 336633-0268. To check out more of RCC’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education courses or to register for any of the above classes, visit https://www.randolph.edu/academics/ workforce-development/index.aspx.

SPARK YOUR CREATIVE SIDE IN THESE RCC CLASSES

Taking a class doesn’t have to mean a long, boring lecture. Randolph Community College has pottery and painting classes this spring to spark your creative

side. “Advanced Pottery” is designed for those who have completed “Pottery I” or already have a basic understanding and experience in pottery. The course provides the students with the knowledge and skills required to start their own pottery businesses or to work for a pottery business. Students will work on designing bowls, vases, and lidded jars, becoming more familiar with using the kiln and finishing techniques. Students will also develop and explore their own personal design aesthetic. The course (#77868) is Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 10-May 11, from 1-4:30 p.m. in the Pottery Center on the Asheboro Campus. The cost is $315.55, which includes supplies and insurance. “Pottery Studio Lab” is for anyone who has completed “Pottery I” and/or “Advanced Pottery,” or is currently taking a pottery class. It will provide students with hands-on instruction that will support and continue to build their skills as potters. Demonstrations will be given to discuss new techniques and to enhance skill building. A special focus will be placed on creative expression and design methods, as well as Raku and gas-fired pottery. The class (#77869) is Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 10May 11, from 5:30-9 p.m. in the Pottery Center. The cost is $315.55, which includes supplies and insurance. For information or to register for either of these pottery courses, call 336-633-0268. RCC’s “Oil, Acrylic, and Watercolor” course teaches brush techniques, approaches to subjects, composition, layout, and other aspects of painting. Students must provide their own supplies. Some classes may emphasize one medium over another. There are two sections of the course — the morning class (#77903) is from 9-11:30 a.m., while the afternoon course (#77904) takes place from 12:30-3 p.m. Both sections are on Tuesdays, Feb. 15-April 19, in room 122 of the Administration/Education Building on the Asheboro Campus. For more information or to register for either of these painting courses, call 336-328-1750.

A dining experience that truly impresses. A place to be, relax and enjoy.

Beef Wellington w/Baked Potato & Asparagus

Bar Stays Open One Extra Hour *Limited Food Menu Avaulable

Hamilton’s Steakhouse