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Walton Science Center Considered By The Blaze

Prepare for Winter Lyceum Lectures

The Hanson Administration Building is named for former president Nels Hanson. Likewise, Walton’s predecessor Hank Kirk also is the namesake for a beloved college building — the Kirk Library. Walton was instrumental in bringing the new science center to fruition. The $32 million building

was opened in 2009 and has greatly expanded the opportunities for students pursuing a focus on science. It’s located just across the street from the Kiser Natural Outdoor Learning Laboratory. Walton told the Board of Trustees he would stay for 10 years when he started at the college in 2002. But he decided

to see the college through the economic recession so he could pass his leadership role on in a better situation, Walton said last May after announcing his retirement. A replacement has not yet been chosen, though a national search campaign in currently underway.

Blazing Through the Holidays

By The Blaze

The college’s Lyceum lecture series is again underway for winter quarter. Lyceum is free to everyone to attend and may also be taken as Humanities 286, 1 credit. Lyceum classes will be held in WAH 103. For more information, call Jody Peterson, (360) 736-9391, ext. 20-9, or email her at jpeterson@centralia.edu.

Jan. 22 – India, Footprints of the Heart

• Walk along with Sue Ardington, W.F. West High School world history and psychology instructor, to share some of her summer study experience in India. Learn about study abroad opportunities for students and professors through the United States India Educational Foundation http://www.usief.org.in/.

Meade Returns to PLU See Page 4

Jan. 29 – Juvenile Panel from Green Hill Facility • All of us make choices, some right, some wrong. Some get caught making and performing the wrong choices and enter the system of juvenile justice. Some realize there are better ways to live than the choices they made, bringing about answers to questions such as can we learn from our mistakes and become better people, stronger and able to make positive decisions? Can we find ways to step away? A panel will discuss.

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Centralia College will consider naming a building after its current president. According to an agenda item for the Feb. 19 meeting, the Board of Trustees will discuss the possibility of naming the science center after Dr. James Walton.

The current Centralia College president will be retiring at the end of the spring quarter, ushering in a new era of leadership at the college. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. inside the Hanson Boardrooms. The meeting is open to the public.

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The Centralia College Blazer Bill mascot rides atop a float entered into the Chehalis Santa Parade by the college’s diesel equipment technology program. The program’s focus will likely expand to become the college’s second four-year degree program in the coming years. The process is still ongoing, but school officials have reported success thus far.

Feb.5 – Invisible Struggle for Literacy in America Today • In America today, approximately 43 percent of United States adults are unable to use print materials for everyday activities such as those related to health and safety, finance, or civic engagement. Former Centralia College student Tabitha Hollenbeck will be making this presentation.

College Now Offering New Food and Beverages By Taylor Tryon The Blaze

As most people who frequent the Centralia College Student Center may have noticed, a new espresso and mini donuts stand is now stationed in the cafeteria. iBean Espresso and Mini Donuts serves stu-

dents from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, as well as 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The espresso stand has been in business for approximately a month, and in exchange for paying monthly rent to the college, collects every penny of its profits. Origi-

nally operating in Washington Hall, the small enterprise promptly moved to the Student Center, where it has remained for the past three weeks. iBean Espresso and Mini Donuts has already experienced a bright start, and is likely to continue serving the college for a long time.

Skipper’s, the sea food restaurant once open in Centralia, also has ties with the college. In a similar fashion to iBean, the profits generated from Skippers’ products are not split with the college. The assortment of Skipper’s food, most notably the clam chowder, were chosen

thoughtfully for student convenience and ease of consumption while on the go, as the average college student typically is. Both iBean and Skipper’s, located in the Student Center’s cafeteria, offer a variety of tasty options to Centralia College students everyday.

Thorbeckes FitLife Centers Annual Health Fair:

College Art Celebrated

4:00 - 7:00pm | Chehalis Thorbeckes

See Page 2

February 10, 2014

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91 SW Chehalis Ave. This is a FREE community event. Prize Drawings too! Don’t miss our Hot Yoga Studio Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting at 5:30pm! Fun for Everyone

Centralia 360 736-1683 • Chehalis 360 748-3744 • Rochester 360 273-0457 • www.thorbeckes.com

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?

“To get the right body shape to fit into my prom dress.” -Maddy Coombs, History Major, Centralia, 18

By The Blaze

One of Centralia College’s longest standing works of art was commemorated in December during a ceremony in the Student Center Building. The Dec. 19 ceremony was attended by more than a dozen students, professors and others who took time to celebrate “Construction,” a work of art that has hung longer than just about any other piece of art at the college, according to a press release. The artist, Robert “Bob” Bauer, died in 2013.

Bauer taught art at the college from 1953-1982. He created “Construction” in 1963 for the Student Center Building. Bauer used a variety of sizes of nails hammered into pastel colored panels representing the campus to represent the students of Centralia College on the way to class, according to the release. The title of the work is also a tribute to the growth of campus facilities. Bauer served as art department instructor and chairman until his retirement in 1982. He was a talented artist who was comfortable in any paint or sculpture medium, and who inspired nearly three decades of art students, including Jim Stafford, who assisted in the creation of the work, according to the college.

courtesy photo

“Construction” has hung at Centralia College longer than nearly any other piece of art. The artist who created it was celebrated during a ceremony Dec. 19.

Centralia College Fall Quarter Honor Roll The following Centralia College full-time students earned a 3.9-4.0 grade point average during fall quarter 2013. The students listed completed a minimum of 10 college credits. Adna: Caroline Carter. Centralia: Lillian Albright, Emily Allen, Mark Allen, Ronald Allison, Edith Almanza, Campos Arteaga, Rebecca Badger, Rainey Banick, Joshua Belveal, Robert Blackett, Patrick Broussard, Aaron Brown, Roberta Bryan, Elyse Burks, Jeffrey Butterfield, Jessica Cheever, Michelle Colasurdo, Jasmine Dado-Fox, Brandon Deiss, Alicia Dieball, Sarah Dillon, Jason Donahe, Marissa Dozier, Krystle Driscoll, Dionne Dubell, Ashley Dyal, Lara Foster, Leah Freeman, Regena Gaskill, Melissa Good, Lucas Heck, Tanya Homer, Joel Ittner, Chandler Johnson, Tami Johnson, Danielle Jones, Taylor Kline, Alex Lopez, Tyrell Lund, Clayton Maines, Euchari Majors, Nicole McDermott, Keith Morgan, Nissa Musselman, Kara Naillon, Bethany Newkirk, Joanna Ochs, Cynthia Paull, Jacob Payne, Chris Pearce, Christopher Pickernell, Thomas Ralls, Aaron Reed, Lucas Ruble, Anthony Sandoval, Daniel Schepers, Peter Sheesley, Whitney Smith, Jill Snyder, Guy Steele, James Taylor, and Serena Wallace. Chehalis: Stevie Abbott, Krysta Anderson, Debbie Aust, Boe Bishop, Randy Bowman, Brittney Brennan, James Brewer, Krysta Carper, Forrest Craig, Christopher Dickinson, Doreen Dickinson, Jacob Gallagher, Samantha Grove, Luke Harris, Matthew Jaeger, Carl Klamn, Sadi Kollman, Joseph Lawrence, Jasmine Layden, Joseph Long, Tabitha Moyer, Raegan Nelson, Robert Nelson, Seth Nishiyama, Michael O’Neill, Teryn Pannette, Josie Peterson, Dakota Rakestraw, Jonathan Rambo, Donna Robbins, Joseph Roush, Emily Singleton, Josiah Skogen, Lindsey Smith, Kinda Sprague, Lee Taylor, Kayla Thomas, Johnny Troy, Steven Turvey, Jim Vetter, Audrey Viars, Jessie Vonbargen, Talia Weaver, and Robert Withey. Cinebar: Amanda Becerra, Rebeca Becerra, Elizabeth Chapman, George Kort, and Derick Sawyer. Clarkston: Rachel Eck. Colville: Miles Shackelford. Curtis: Joanna Beresford, Mary Knoch, Jonathan Peterson, and Ruth Peterson. East Olympia: Vanessa Rhodes. Ethel: Kaylee Parker. Jacksonville (Fla): Angela Ridley. Lacey: Kristin Jensen, Rachael Myers, and Rosa Welc.h Littlerock: Curtis Haley. Longview: Jessica Blair. Lynden: Jeremy Brockmann. Mineral: Staci Robertson Morton: Barbara Goble, and Jacquelyn Mixon. Mossyrock: Anne Dominguez. Napavine: Teresa Ashley, Tory Haberstroh, John Hildahl, R Kaut, and Nichole Lantau. Oakville: Marie Evans and Chrisma Sanchez. Olympia: Holly Allen, Austin Calquhoun, Michael Dailey,

Brandi Dennis, Howard Lu, Sania Marri, Lauren Myer, Joanna Robinson, and Stephanie Yarton. Onalaska: Jason Adams, Judy Brooks, and Jeremiah Moulton. Packwood: Angela Kiehn. Pe Ell: Rebecca Towner. Rainier: Dustin Bell. Randle: Katherine Kruger. Rochester: Raymond Ancel, Bradley Andersen, Chelan Brasher, Joshua Closner, Zachary Dickson, Joshua Fagerness, Jennifer Holmes, Sarah Johnson, Simone Kemp, Joseph Lambert, Jason Lisle, Kyle Lofgren, Amanda Logan, William Mcginnis, Darrell Otis, Ashley Pearson, Jocelynn Schelin, Tammy Tomtan, and Lisa Wiss. Roy: Julie Hicker. Tenino: Angelique Allison, Natalie Cole, Jeremy Germann, Anne Lazara, Josh Mayberry, Danesha Mitchell, Joscha Oswald, Kimberly Reynolds, and Heather Young. Toledo: Glenda Clark, Timothy Goodwin, Gloria Hunter, Mary Kaplan, Judy Louderback, Amanda Ritch, Robert Smith, and Summer Smith. Winlock: Aaron Buda, Josie Dekoker, Sara Locklin, Kenneth Mansfield, Mitchell Merrill, Albertina Payne, Joshua Peterson, Camren Prater, Marco Ramirez, Sira-Anne Sluder-Mott, Daniel Spanski-Dreffin, Amy Spengler, and Steve Swanson. Yelm: Keri Buehring, Chloe Gallegos, Arron Hart, and Emma Pool.

Vice President’s List The following students earned at least a 3.75 GPA during fall quarter 2013 and completed a minimum of 10 credits. Adna: Olivia Mitchell and Kurt Stephensen Bucoda: Cory Waterman Centralia: Anamaria Abarca, Camryn Althauser, Julia Baccus, Zachary Baldwin, Ty Beairsto, Julia Carter, Ron Chichester, Micah Corwin, Cody Crowston-Sikel, Kathleen Dudley, Timothy Elwonger, Fondjo Fomo, Summer Fortner, Kelly Foster, Molly Fraley, Destiny Gent, Jennirai Hahn, ElizabethHansen, Justin Harris, Yuki Hikichi, Laura Hundley, Bethany Johnson, Chelsea Johnson, Emily Johnson, Lindsey Johnson, Zack Johnson, Rilee Kostick, JaredLarson, Travis Larson, Cheuk Leung, Ronald McCall, Leann McDevitt, Danae Metcalf, Justin Morris, Brenda Nunn, Juliet Paris, Amy Robbins, Kyle Rolfe, Muir Sanchez, Tierney Schofield, Kassi Spittle, Erin Strasheim, Margarette Wiebe, Duane Ziegler, and Kyle Zion Chehalis: Kelsey Barr, Kristen Bottenberg, Luana Bue, Kaci Burke, Alizabeth Champ, Cameron Crocker, Carolyn Elliott, Haley Graham, Shayla Guenther, Rheis Hackett, Mikah Hall-Fontenette, Angela Heaton, Alexzander Isenhower, Amber Johnson, Dawn Johnson, Andrew Lawler, Amber Martin, John Matagi, Jessica Mehr, Krystal Navarrete, Amanda Otterness, Jace Peterson, Tammy Rasku, Emily Simons, Ronald Smith, Makayla Vanasse, Kyler Walker, Clarissa Williams, Devinnie Williams,

Nickolas Wright, Patrick Zandecki, and SpencerZucati Cinebar: Patricia Becerra Curtis: Jason Evans Doty: Janee Tavares Elma: Megan Finger Galvin: Rachel Gilligan Glenoma: Thomas Black and Wendy Covell, Lacey: Jennifer Howard, Laurie Trueax-Leffel, and Jason Venema Lake Charles (LA): Vandyon Lockett Morton: Danny Cooper, Jessica Greer, Reuben Powell Mossyrock: Angela Hadaller, Hailey Hurd, Dakota Jones, Gregory Paguaga, and Davin Summers Mukilteo: Willard Kessel Napavine: Mary Prather

Oak Harbor: David Tillotson Oakville: Michael Bushnell Olympia: Jennifer Chapline, Laura Christian, Joshua Engen, Ivy Kim-Aguilar, Kyle Morlan, Avery Noble, Jordan Potis Onalaska: Jasmine Curran Packwood: Tammy Crawford Pe Ell: Amber Darkwood, Dustin Desilva, and Kristyna Mayeski Rainier: Austin Halvorsencarlso Randle: Michele Augur and Kylee Caturegli Rochester: Shane Anderson, Marianne Beltjens, Rosalynn Benfield, Elisa Clanton, Alyssa Conroy, Alexzandrya Gillette, Amanda Hamilton,

LARSH 2014 -

5 1 0 2 AV AILAB

Tracy Howell, Julie Lind, Ana Muratalla, Hannah Norwood, Kenedie Reeves, Matthew Shields, and Ashlinn York Severn (MD): Stacy Stover Shelton: Christopher Greenfield Tenino: Devani Greene and Nadine Rhodes Toledo: Joyce Amos, Deanna Catlin, Kelly Chappelle, Todd Elofson, Tikisha Kirkham, Ethan Louderback, Patty Whipp, and Nickolas Ziese Tumwater: Brad Huffer Vader: Irene Anderson Vancouver: Matthew Hymas Winlock: Jacob Eslinger, Andrew Freeman, Mason Gaul, Allyson Grove, Jean Kupers, Madison Merrill, and Blake Wood

You’ve earned it. Now go get it. Planning to attend Centralia College in fall 2014? Complete one application to apply for all our available scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2014. Scholarship money is available. You may qualify for an award.

Apply online today!

www.centralia.edu/ezmoney

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Celebrating Art: College Celebrates Notable Artist and Former Instructor Who Died in 2013

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“No, I do not.” - Haley Snyder, Undecided, Tumwater, 18

College Commemorates Life, Art of Robert Gale Bauer

IPS

“I don’t have one.” - Lisa Wiss, Nursing, Rochester, 34

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Coomentary: Blazing a New Path

Get Involved With Your Student Newspaper One year ago, the first issues of The Blaze rolled off The Chronicle’s press, signifying the birth of a new and innovative relationship between the students of a public education establishment and a private business. Since then, a handful of Centralia College stuBy Eric Schwartz dents have Blaze adviser worked hard to produce 12 editions of the monthly newspaper, which is distributed on campus and in each copy of The Chronicle delivered throughout the area. The operative words in that last paragraph is “a handful” of students. One of the difficulties in operating a student newspaper from an off-campus location

The students who produce this paper are intent on improving it as they move into their sophomore year of publication. is that our access to students is limited when it comes to recruiting writers, page designers and photographers. That difficulty is compounded by the reality that students are almost always juggling myriad responsibilities, ranging from homework and class to jobs and families. That’s why we’re hoping to gather a larger contingent of student journalists as we move forward into 2014. The upsides to doing so are virtually endless. While a position at The Blaze won’t add anything to your wallet or purse, it will give you invaluable experience as

you move forward and prepare to pursue life outside the college. By joining our vibrant staff, you’ll be giving yourself an opportunity to explore a real newsroom and take advantage of the expertise of professionals who have been in the industry for a long time. Writing is a powerful tool that can be utilized in many places other than a newsroom. Photography is an entertaining and enjoyable way to spend one’s time in general, but photojournalism adds a new and exciting dimension that allows individuals to capture pictures that tell stories and give im-

ages to the stories provided by writers. Even those interested in the sales end of the industry are welcome to join our ongoing and growing effort. While we have not yet had a student come forward with interest in the advertising side of the operation, we would be happy to move into that territory. After one year, The Blaze is still in its infancy with opportunities to grow as numerous as the talents of the many students at Centralia College. We’ve admittedly made some mistakes and at times have fallen short of our lofty goals here at The Blaze. But the students who produce this paper are intent on improving it as they move into their sophomore year of publication. If you’re interested in contributing, or simply want to learn more about The Blaze, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail

me directly. My telephone number is (360) 807-8224 and my e-mail address is eschwartz@chronline.com. I’d be thrilled to give anyone a tour of The Blaze, which is tucked inside an office within The Chronicle newsroom. The Blaze was created to inform and entertain the students of Centralia College after funding for its former newspaper, The Blue&Gold, evaporated amid economic turmoil in recent years. Help us fill that important gap by lending your talent and time to The Blaze, and you’ll be rewarded with an experience that will be invaluable as you excel at and beyond the best two-year college in Washington. •••

Eric Schwartz attended Centralia College from 2003 through 2005. He’s now the assistant editor at The Chronicle and an adviser to the students who produce The Blaze.

The More That Changes, The More It Stays the Same “Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.” The more that changes, the more it stays the same. Wildly pessimistic and half-heartedly snarky, this adage of the ages has lasted not only because it is catchy, but because it captures the reality of change that our ephemeral vision fails to recognize. In 2014, By Dakota Rakestaw an America for The Blaze vastly different from the year before emerges. Tungsten filament light bulbs in 40- and 60 watt varieties are no longer being made in the U.S., and pot legalization has been approved in two states with more adding it to the ballot in the upcoming elections. Cars are frequently being made into hybrids in an attempt to slow U.S. oil consumption while alternative energies are being exploited. If I made a list of the differences between 2013 and 2014, it would be inexhaustible, yet still, I carry on as if the only significant change was a 3 becoming a 4. The reality of the chang-

ing year is that the year did not really change. In fact, all that truly changed was just a 3 to a 4. No, I am not shirking the wonderful advancements in medicine or neglecting the strengthening links of global interdependence. These are wonderful examples of humanity’s contribution to the world it lives in, but they are simply physical aspects of a psychological reality humanity abodes. What has remained stagnant over the centuries is humanity’s mentality. Back in the time of Shakespeare, the theater, a source of entertainment that spawned movies and television, was deemed sinful, and many could be heard crying out for a reversal to the old, “traditional” ways of life. Visit your favorite social media website and these hollow proclamations of a return to decency regarding some insignificant matter litter the page. In addition, the same problems that plagued societies in the past have yet to be cured. If you hear someone say “Racism is dead,” then they are immune to its detrimental effects, yet to be immune does not give one the right to be unaware. Much as with physical ailments, social diseases can only

President’s Overview

Walton: It’s Going to Be a Great Quarter at the College

by we forget what life was like before, but rather the harder we push for change, the more evident it becomes that humanity is equivocally the same.

g n i Com vents E LYCEUM

Winter 2014

Weekly Lyceum lectures are presented Wednesdays, 1:00-1:50 pm in Washington Hall 103 or Corbet Theatre, and are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Lyceum may also be taken as a one-credit course, Humanities 281, 282, 283, 284. If you want to earn college credit, register today! 5531 Humanities 282A (1) For more information, contact Jody Peterson, 360.736.9391, ext. 209

The Blaze is always accepting submissions from Centralia College students for the opinion page, photos of events, or even comics. Think you’ve got what it takes to write for The Blaze? Email Editor-in-Chief Courtney Simmons at editor@centraliablaze.com, or call The Blaze World Headquarters at (360) 807-8250.

B THE BLAZE STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Courtney Simmons Web/Print Design: Dakota Rakestraw Comic Artist: Ely Tilley Reporters: Taylor Tryon Rocky Frahm Contact us at: (360) 807-8250 editor@ centraliablaze.com Visit us at... centraliablaze.com

January 8 – Overview by Dr. Jody Peterson January 15 – An African Safari

In summer 2013, Centralia College physics professor, Michael Threapleton, travelled to South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He encountered lions, elephants, and baboons. Michael will share photographs from the trip and his musings on wildlife biology, botany, Star Trek, geology, the sublime beauty of the English language, and the places he visited.

GET IN THE LOOP

January 22 – India: Footprints of the Heart

Walk along with Sue Ardington, W.F. West High School World History and Psychology instructor, to share some of her summer study experience in India. Learn about study abroad opportunities for students and professors through the United States India Educational Foundation http://www.usief.org.in/.

January 29 – Crossroads: A Youth’s Presentation and Experience of Juvenile Justice and Building a Better Life

Want to submit your letters to the editor? Contact us at “editor@centraliablaze. com,” or call The Blaze World Headquarters at (360) 807-8250

Take a journey with members of our next generation as they present a world of juvenile crime and incarceration as seen and voiced through their experiences. Join with them to experience their life altering decisions, and the next steps on the road before them.

Visit our website for upcoming Lyceum events:

www.centralia.edu/news/lyceum-schedule.html

TRAILBLAZERS BASKETBALL HOME GAMES January 4 ......... Saturday................PIERCE ..........................5:00 PM • Women.........7:00 PM • Men January 8 ......... Wednesday ...........GRAYS HARBOR ...........6:00 PM • Women.........8:00 PM • Men January 29 ....... Wednesday ...........TACOMA ........................6:00 PM • Women.........8:00 PM • Men

Whether it’s a skirmish abroad or labor disagreement at home, you can count on us for all the latest-breaking local news. Find out about yesterday’s high school basketball game, today’s weather and tomorrow’s local events. Whatever news you need, we’re sure to have it. Call us at 736-3311 and start your subscription today.

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Angela Meade, right, performs while accompanied by pianist, Amy Glenn, at Corbet Theatre at Centralia College on Dec. 23, 2012.

Centralia College Graduate Angela Meade Returning to Western Washington for Benefit Performance Find Us on Facebook

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In Memory of Mother: Meade Will Perform Jan. 18 at Pacific Lutheran University With Proceeds Funding New Scholarship

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admission and $25 for PLU students. VIP tickets are available for $100 and include a VIP champagne reception with Meade after the concert. To purchase tickets, visit plu.edu/alumni/angela-meadebenefit-concert/home. Meade was last in the region in August to perform in the play “Otello” during the 2013 Opera in the Park at Portland Summerfest. “I like to do things in the area and give back to the area I grew up in,” Meade told The Chronicle in July. “I love the West Coast. It’s serendipitously worked its way into my schedule.”

Meade, who currently lives in New York, performed at the Portland Summerfest in 2010 as the character Leonora in Il Trovatore. Meade, who began her professional opera career more than five years ago, is currently starring as Alice Ford in The Metropolitan Opera’s new production of “Falstaff,” by Giuseppe Verdi, in New York City. She is the recipient of opera’s most prestigious honors, including The Metropolitan Opera’s 2012 Beverly Sills Artist Award, the 2011 Richard Tucker Award and Vienna’s Belvedere Competition.

In May, Meade was named Artist of the Year by the Washington National Opera. Since her professional debut in 2008, Meade has become recognized internationally. Her next performance after PLU and New York City will be on Feb. 16 and 18 in Frankfurt, Germany. “Meade is astounding … She has exceptional dynamic control, able to move from floating pianissimos to sudden dramatic swells. … She is a very musical singer, naturally and intelligently riding the phrase,” The New Yorker stated in a review.

Online Electric Engineering Master’s Degree Opens at WSU PULLMAN (AP) — The nation is expected to need more graduates of electrical power engineering programs in coming years, so Washington State University is launching a new online master's degree program. Washington State officials said Thursday the program will start next fall. The Moscow-Pullman Daily News reported students will analyze power systems, transmission lines and power markets. They will also learn "professional topics" like finance, project management and the

law as it applies to the electrical power industry. The two-year program will also require an internship. "The nice thing about this particular degree is that it covers technical topics and also professional topics," said Bob Olsen, a professor and program coordinator. Olsen said the program is a way to help fill growing shortages in the country's engineering workforce. Universities in recent years have been cutting electrical engineering programs in favor of computer engineering and

software development-type programs, Olsen said. That's led to fewer qualified graduates ready to enter electrical engineering careers. At the same time, Olsen said, a large chunk of the nation's electrical engineers are reaching retirement age, and local companies like Avista and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories will be hiring. A 2006 U.S. Department of Energy report looking at trends in the electrical utility industry found the power engineering education system in the U.S. is weakening.

"Over the past decades, there has been a decline in the United States of the number of students considering power engineering careers, while in many countries outside of the United States, the power engineering profession enjoys more prestige and thus, experiences higher enrollment levels," the report said. The report also stated that because of aging employees, companies expected "a large amount of workforce turnover in the next decade." The loss of this "institutional knowledge" is a big concern

in the industry, the report said. Olsen said that's one of the primary reasons why WSU has continued to enlarge its program with more courses and staff while many other institutions are going the other direction. Olsen said students who earn a master's degree in electrical power engineering will be prepared to work for companies that supply electrical equipment and "anything related to the distribution of electrical energy."

Centralia College News in Brief Parenting in Recovery Class Offered at Centralia College

Play-in-a-Day Piano Lessons Offered at Centralia College

Centralia College Child and Family Studies is offering Parenting in Recovery, a class designed for parents in substance abuse recovery. Students will focus on understanding the impact of substance abuse on family dynamics, rebuilding trusting relationships and renewing family bonds. They also will learn how to apply recovery principles to parenting while learning about their children’s development and age-appropriate expectations. This free class is offered on Wednesdays, through March 12, 2:30-4:30 p.m., at Centralia College, Home and Family Life Building, 420 Centralia College Blvd., Centralia. A snack is provided and child care is available by prior arrangement. For more information or to register, contact Linda Wilcox at 736-9391, ext. 464, or email lwilcox@centralia.edu or Cynthia Waddell at cwaddell@centralia.edu.

Nationally known pianist and composer Donn Rochlin will teach piano to beginners in his Just For Fun Piano at Centralia College, on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This class is for anyone who wants to learn to play their favorite songs at the piano for fun without years of lessons. Rochlin said that in light of much research in the area of stress reduction and the health benefits of recreational musicmaking, this class follows the guidelines for a healthy approach to learning piano that gives people an outlet for stress and leaves them inspired and more creative. This class is for absolute beginners as well as seasoned players who would like to express more creativity and relax more at the piano. Rochlin has taught thousands of people at colleges and universities how to play the “Easy and Healthy” way in one short session. Participants will see how chords work in a song, how to get more out of sheet music by reading

less, how to practice and have fun at it as well as a demonstration of professional “Tricks and Licks.” “Teaching this method since 1995 has been very rewarding. I’ve had the good fortune of helping thousands reach their lifelong goal of playing the piano. This workshop will simplify playing dramatically and is expressed in language everyone can understand,” said Rochlin. Students learn to improvise, improve their confidence and gain a better understanding of what is going on in music. The emphasis is on creativity and relaxation as much as the theory behind it. The class is recommended for those ages 16 and up. Tuition is $60; a $25 materials fee will be collected in class for the book and CD. To register, please call Centralia College: 360-736-9391, ext. 427.

Love and Logic Classes Offered at Centralia College and Onalaska Would you like to feel more

confident as a parent or teacher? Would you like to have more fun parenting and teaching? Love and Logic, a nationally recognized approach to parenting, will unlock the secrets to helping you teach your kids respect, responsibility and owning and solving their problems. Offered by Centralia College Child and Family Studies, the class meets on the Centralia College Campus—TEEN/ LAX, across from the Michael Smith Gym, Tuesdays, through

March 11, from 6-8 p.m. There is also a class offered at the Onalaska Elementary School that takes place Monday evenings, through March 24, from 5:30–8 p.m. Please contact Kim Coleman at (360) 978-4115 for information on this class. The cost of either of these two-credit classes is $32. For more information about registering, contact Linda Wilcox at (360) 736-9391, ext. 464, or email lwilcox@centralia.edu.

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Centralia College graduate and former distinguished alumni Angela Meade will return to Western Washington to perform during a concert at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. Meade, a Centralia College and PLU graduate, will per-

form in memory of her mother, who died of breast cancer in July 2012. Proceeds from the concert will help establish the Angela Meade Vocal Performance Scholarship at PLU. It will be similar to a performance given at Centralia College’s Corbet Theatre in December 2012, when she entertained a capacity crowd with a performance also dedicated to her late mother. The Jan. 18 concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will be held in the Lagerquist Concert Hall in the Mary Baker Russell Music Center at PLU. Tickets are $50 for general