Community Spring 2016

Throwing Caution to the Wind MCC staffer pursues Olympic dream page 10

CONTENTS 1

Program spotlight: Fire Science Technology

Fire up your future

2

College employees Q&A

With Darryl Partner, Chris Swanson and April Winans

3

A fresh look

Get to know MCC's new website

4

Science comes to life

Exhibits offer innovative insight

6

3

Secondary Partnerships

An overview of programs vital to student success

7

Expansion update

The latest on the Fort Omaha Campus expansion

8

A living legacy

Friends and Alumni Network

10

10

Throwing caution to the wind

MCC staffer pursues Olympic dream

12

Setting an example

Return student proves it's never too late

14

Sculpting art students' future

MCC instructor receives state award

15

Laying down the law

16

Paralegal program offers flexibility after graduation

16

Pitmaster breaks down barbecue

MCC culinary student shares his know-how

18

It's all in the planning

Think ahead for garden success

20 Around the college

18

Spring 2016

Volume 3, Issue 3

“Community” is a quarterly publication of Metropolitan Community College. Contact the editor at 402-457-2414 or marketing@mccneb.edu.

Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.

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Program sPOTLIGHT fIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY Fire up your future

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f you’re looking for a career that’s rewarding while serving the public good, becoming a firefighter may be right up your ladder. Firefighters must maintain a strong sense of responsibility while displaying the courage necessary to protect and serve. The Fire Science Technology program at Metropolitan Community College offers studies that will provide graduates with the knowledge and tools to perform as a firefighter as safely and effectively as possible, giving MCC graduates an edge.

Fire Science Technology courses at MCC are taught at the College’s Applied Technology Center, a facility that offers live fire exercises and experienced faculty who are dedicated to training tomorrow’s firefighters.

Firefighters are the first line of defense against loss of property and life due to a fire. Sometimes firefighters act as the first responders on the scene of accidents, ready to

treat life threatening injuries. Firefighters must be trained to perform vital duties necessary to saving a life or protecting the public. They also focus on fire prevention through public education programs.

Through on-campus and online courses, education in the field serves to produce a well-trained graduate who is capable of handling the emergency they're facing.

To find out more about this program, visit mccneb.edu/ Academic-Programs/Programs-of-Study.aspx. community • mccneb.edu • 1

College Employees

Q&A

Darryl Partner, Commercial Driver's License instructor

What is your favorite part about working with students?

“Knowing that they are determined to do their best in the CDL program is rewarding to me.”

What piece of advice would you give to today’s students?

“Don’t wait to start your career. There are so many well-paying CDL jobs waiting to be filled and every day you wait is another day that passed you by.”

Chris Swanson, Continuing Education coordinator “Seeing those ‘ah-ha’ moments on a student’s face when it all comes together for them is priceless.”

“Try something different. If you’re studying to be a nurse, take a welding class. If you’re studying to be a welder, take a history class. MCC has so much to offer and the future is bright for those who are multifaceted.”

April Winans, academic advisor “My favorite part is seeing them register for a class that they are worried about, but when the quarter is done, they passed and proved to themselves that they can do it.”

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“Meet with your advisor on a regular basis. This establishes a relationship with them and it gives you an outlet to express feelings, plan for your next steps and look to the future with as solid plan in place. Data has proven that students who meet with an advisor on a regular basis tend to do better than those who don’t.”

A fresh new look Get to know MCC's new website

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ut with the old and in with the new. Metropolitan Community College’s website recently underwent an upgrade. The overall look and feel collaborates better with who the College is today in 2016, while giving students, faculty and staff the information they need, when they need it.

The changes were official just as the winter quarter began, and since then there has been a transition into what will be a more user-friendly website that will serve current and prospective MCC students. The new look brings together a fresh style while including the ease of navigation that visitors will feel upon entering the website.

“Users of the new website will immediately recognize that much of the primary content is easy to navigate and locate,” said Teonne Wright, assistant director of Public Affairs. “Much of the content from the old website that was previously hard to locate is now at your fingertips. Students will also be able to find programs of study on a friendlier web interface.”

The website now offers an expanded look at news and events while the addition of a community and business section on the homepage highlights the current strategic plans the College is engaged in.

“As a community college, we want to make sure we are transparent and sharing our goals as an institution. The community events, programs and other areas under business and community now stands out to visitors,” said Wright.

Take a look for yourself at mccneb.edu.

" Students will also be able to find programs of study on a friendlier web interface."

- Teonne Wright, assistant director of Public Affairs

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T

he College teamed up with Omaha Public Schools, Do Space and the University of Nebraska at Omaha to bring Science On a Sphere to Omaha, an exhibit showcased on MCC’s second floor at the Do Space Jan. 28-Feb. 11. The exhibit by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration illustrates Earth System science using a sixfoot-diameter sphere in conjunction with computers and video projectors.

Science On a Sphere brings science to life for all ages, showing weather and migration patterns while highlighting climate change, oceanic temperature, volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, tsunamis and other complex environmental patterns. Visitors were able to view the exhibit and learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) topics in presentations given by exhibit hosts made up of MCC and UNO science faculty and staff.

“The Science On a Sphere exhibit was a great kick-off to MCC’s services on the second floor at the Do Space,” said Chris Swanson, Continuing Education coordinator at MCC. “We had hundreds of students attend the exhibit—ranging from kindergartners to graduate students—and with more than 500 datasets, we were able to tailor the lesson to the audience. Our hope with these students was to not only raise awareness for Earth and deepen their understanding of the planet, but to also encourage them to be the next generation of scientists and problem solvers.”

Exhibit offers innovative insight

On any given weekend,

visitors of all ages were

mesmerized by what Science On the Sphere was able to offer. “One second we were showing a tsunami wave travel across the globe, and then we would fly to Mars for a while, and then come back to Earth to watch a snowstorm develop in the Northern Atlantic in near real-time,” Swanson said.

Engaging growing minds in STEM learning opportunities is of utmost importance, which is why interactive exhibits such as Science On a Sphere provide so much potential to grow a student’s interest in these areas. In an effort to expand on these interests, K-12 students from across the region participated in field trips to the exhibit. “When I was a kid, I learned about the Earth from very static 2-D images in a textbook and had to use a lot of imagination to piece together how our planet is constructed and how all these forces influence each other. This exhibit brought all those textbooks together in dramatic 3-D video imaging.

Science On a Sphere is an innovative visualization tool for learning about Earth sciences and all the forces swirling around our planet,” said Swanson.

For additional information about the Science On a Sphere exhibit, visit sos.noa.gov. For more information about Do Space, visit dospace.org.

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SECONDARY PARTNERSHIPS An overview of programs vital to student success

Gateway to College Career Academy The Career Academy is designed to provide high school juniors and seniors with opportunities to explore various career fields and get a jump start on their post-secondary education.

"I remember that we are to be respectful and responsible for our own learning from this point on. We are in charge of our future and the options of jobs need to be kept in mind always," said Kiaya Barr, a former Theater Academy student.

CollegeNOW! Sometimes getting a jump start on something can be the springboard needed to complete the task. Getting a head start on college credits works in much the same way. That’s why CollegeNow is specifically designed for high school students who want to begin earning college credits with half-price tuition. So whether high school students are looking to build toward an associate degree at MCC or want to earn affordable credits before transferring to other colleges and universities, CollegeNOW can help them reach their goals. Nebraska resident high school students who enroll in CollegeNOW at MCC can receive half-price ruition through the summer quarter following high school graduation.

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Gateway to College is a unique and innovative high school diploma completion program that gives high school dropouts and students at risk of dropping out, ages 16-20, an opportunity to re-engage in education. In 2000, Portland Community College created the Gateway to College program to help reconnect high school dropouts with their education.

In 2003, Gateway to College captured the attention of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has funded the replication of Gateway to College across our nation. MCC’s Gateway to College program is the first in Nebraska and the 28th college selected to offer the Gateway program. MCC will partner with Omaha Public Schools as the initial K-12 district whose students will be potential students for the program.

Dual Enrollment The Dual Enrollment program is a partnership between Metropolitan Community College and area high school districts. Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. MCC credits earned may transfer to other colleges or university which accept MCC credits. It is the responsibility of the student to verify if the course will transfer to the receiving institution.

Classes are taught in the individual high school classroom, as scheduled, during the regular school year. Participating area school districts include Bellevue public schools, Omaha Public Schools, Millard Public Schools, Papillion La Vista Public Schools and others from MCC’s service area.

expansion update

The latest on the Fort Omaha Campus expansion

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he $90 million Fort Omaha Campus expansion project enters spring with the steel structure for the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology having been completed and with steel for the Academic Skills Center underway.

Additionally, concrete floors will be poured for all three primary academic buildings; the Construction Education Center, Academic Skills Center and the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology.

Unseen work like the installation of 13 fiber network vaults for building connectivity and redundancy is also occurring, helping create the infrastructure of the new buildings. In

addition, secondary roadways will be constructed in the coming months around the new buildings. Foundations and core walls are also being erected as well as ongoing underground utility work at the Academic Skills Center.

Construction will progress through the spring months with development for procurement packages for furniture, fixtures and equipment being discussed with user groups later this year. Coordination with architects as well as MCC interior design teams will help finalize paint color, finishes and other fixtures. User groups, consisting of teams from various College departments, will help in the process.

Looking for more updates? Check out mccpromise.org/construction for more information as well as a live webcam of the primary construction site.

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S

ome families see many generations go to the same college. For Metropolitan Community College alumna Andrea Foster, that past extends to the future, establishing a scholarship fund in her late mother’s name. The story began when Foster’s mother, Tanya, earned a nursing degree from MCC, an achievement that helped solidify the importance of education in the Foster family.

“My grandmother and my mother have always emphasized the importance of education in our family,” said Andrea.

“They passed that along to me and I used that to help propel me through my educational journey.”

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Andrea began that journey at a four-year institution, but a family emergency forced her to move back home and put things on hold.

“Life got in the way so to speak,” said Andrea. “I took a break from my postsecondary education, had my first child and went to work full time.” It wasn’t until a few years later that Andrea decided to give up work to pursue her degree full time at MCC. “MCC allowed me to believe in myself again and regain my confidence after returning to school. I loved the small class sizes and I really wanted to get to know my instructors, and MCC enabled me to do that.”

My grandmother and my mother have always emphasized the importance of education in our family

Andrea earned her two-year degree in professional studies in 2003, enabling her to earn a job at Child and Family Development Corporation before attaining a position at Omaha Public Schools, which eventually led to her current job at Howard Kennedy Elementary School in North Omaha.

She currently works as an Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance specialist—someone who helps recruit, select, enroll and maintain student participation as part of the Head Start program.

“I even spoke at MCC’s graduation commencement. My young son was in the audience that day and I know that him seeing me up there speaking in front of thousands of people left a lasting, positive impact on him,” said Andrea. “I always felt I was destined to help people for a career. My mother did and now I do,” said Andrea.

Andrea Foster

Her mother Tanya Baker passed away in April 2015 after a battle with lung cancer, an event that inspired Andrea and her family to begin a scholarship organization known as Treasures for Tanya. In addition to the scholarship efforts, the organization would like to assist families with things like utility assistance, presents for the holidays, clothing drives and more in the near future.

“I thought the scholarship would be a great way to give back to the community while honoring my mother who gave so much to others,” said Andrea.

The scholarship, which will go toward nursing students who are single parents attending MCC full time, is designed to help those just like Andrea and Tanya.

Said Andrea, “I know what it’s like to be a single mother going to school and having issues like a sick child at home.

Our family wants to help give to those who are trying to better themselves while earning a degree in a field like nursing, an industry my mother gave herself to.” community • mccneb.edu • 9

Throwing to the wind MCC staffer pursues Olympic dream

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In addition working at MCC, Baxter also finds time rades recruiter at the South Omaha Campus by day to work part time selling Younique beauty products and multi-record holding professional hammer and volunteers as a youth mentor for FitGirl, an thrower by night. As a trades recruiter Audrey Baxter organization that works with teens to develop their reaches out to high schools, gives tours and is present abilities, equip them with life skills and to help at events. She also works with local industries helping them gain confidence. This is a cause that is close to students find jobs. As a professional hammer thrower on Baxter’s heart, “I struggled with my size when I was Team Nebraska, Baxter is training for the US Outdoor younger and it would have been great if there had Olympics Track and Field trials where she aspires to been someone who could have explained that to be make the US Olympic team bound for 2016 Summer the kind of professional athlete I aspired one day to Olympics. “I want more than anything for all the time, be, I needed the kind of body I had. I want to be the effort and soreness over the years to be worth it by person for these girls that I wish I would have had being able to represent the USA in Rio de Janeiro at the back then.” This is all on top of working part time as 2016 Summer Olympics,” Baxter said of the upcoming a personal trainer at Nebraska Elite Sports & Fitness trials in Eugene, Oregon, July 1-10.

Complex where she also spends 15-20 hours training As a high school student in Redfield, South Dakota, each week, which consists of weight lifting, cardio Baxter, competed in track and field, volleyball, and plyometrics. basketball and softball. While pursuing her bachelor’s “It certainly is challenging trying to find balance degree at Black Hills State University, she continued between work, family, training and mentoring. to compete in volleyball and track and field before Having the support of my boyfriend and our son, zeroing in on hammer throwing during her sophomore both of our families and my coach Joe Erdkamp, year. After graduating, Baxter continued training, all also a personal trainer at Elite, as well as sponsors along breaking records and rising through the ranks.

Wheatfield’s, Nebraska Elite Sports & Fitness, Team She holds multiple records and is a 15-time national Nebraska, Max Muscle of Bellevue, Fuel Fit Kitchen champion, with three national records, as well as a and Spinal Balance Health Center make it possible 27-time all-American. She has finished in the top eight to pursue this dream,” said Baxter. While keeping of the last three national championships and Olympic up this schedule can be hectic at times Baxter says, Trials. During the 2012 season, she was ranked “The most important thing I remind myself is that number five in the country, with the top three going to all I can do is control what I’m doing. You can’t the London Olympics. Baxter has also been ranked as control anything outside of you. It took me a long high as no. 24 in the world. During this time, Baxter time to learn that.” was also finishing up her master’s degree in counseling and human resource development at South Dakota State University.

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g Caution

You can follow Baxter as she competes for a spot on the Olympic team. Tune in to the US Outdoor Olympics Track and Field hammer throwing trials on July 6. Follow her story on MCC social media on Facebook and Twitter.

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Return student proves it’s never too late

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he importance of education can be set by good role models. That’s what MCC student Summer Barea wants to implement with her five children. Having received a 4.5 credit award for winning the 1993 Powwow Princess nomination, Barea had put her education on hold.

“I love my community and I want to focus on drug and alcohol prevention after I graduate,” said Barea.

That love extends to her heritage. Having attended every Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow, she knows they represent the Native American history and also its future.

“I knew I was going to go back eventually, I was just focused 100 percent on raising my children,” said Barea. “I knew the time was right when my son began college and encouraged me to go.”

“Powwows are an essential part of our culture. We have to make sure we maintain our culture and don’t forget who we are,” she said.

Barea jumped right into her education a few years back.

Having received her GED, Barea didn’t let her momentum slow down. She enrolled at MCC, cashed in her 4.5 credit award and is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services, an education she feels she can use to help her Native American community.

Barea is also part of the Native American Cultural Awareness Student Association at MCC. As its secretary, she is tasked with organizing events and reaching out in the community.

The organization also serves as a gathering place for students of native descent, where networking and collaborating become a key cog in each student’s academic success. She also

“There are limited resources in the Native American community in Macy, Nebraska,” said Barea. “My community needs help and I feel like I can contribute.”

attributes her own academic success to the helpfulness and caring attitude of MCC staff and organizations.

Macy, a town of roughly 1,000 residents is located on the Omaha Reservation an hour north of the Omaha metropolitan area, has been home to Barea off and on over the years. U.S. Census data indicates the median household income in Macy is $19,500, with 49 percent of the town’s residents living below the poverty line. Barea, who has worked as a community liaison with the Nebraska Urban Health Coalition, feels that her education, experience and desire to help can give people what they need in impoverished areas like Macy.

“The teachers as well as TRiO has been very helpful in my success thus far at MCC. Everybody has been so friendly,” stated Barea. She can even share her educational journey with her son, who is also attending MCC. “We can work together to help get each other through school. I have always encouraged my kids to go to school and get their college degree and now we are both doing it together. I feel like it has come full circle.”

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MCC instructor receives state award

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etropolitan Community College art instructor Jamie Burmeister is the recipient of the 2016 Governor’s Outstanding Artist Award, an honor that was presented at the 2016 Governor’s Art Awards at the Embassy Suites La Vista Conference Center in La Vista, Nebraska. The ceremony included Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, state senators and other elected officials.

Academic Affairs at MCC. “Having him as an instructor at the College illustrates the high-quality education students can receive at MCC.”

The Nebraska Arts Council, who helps present the award, describes the Outstanding Artist Award recipient as someone who practices in any discipline whose work or career has made a significant contribution to their art form and to the state of Nebraska. Burmeister’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and public places across Nebraska, including the Joslyn Art Museum, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and the Sheldon Museum of Art. He has completed commissions for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Omaha Children’s Museum and the South Omaha Public Library.

“It’s wonderful to be doing what I love and teaching something I am passionate about,” said Burmeister. “One of the great things about MCC is the diversity of the student population. Any age, race, gender or ethnic group can come together in the art room and collaborate on projects that will leave them inspired.”

“We congratulate Jamie on his award and all of his hard work,” said Tom McDonnell, interim vice president of

Burmeister’s work extends to the classroom. Now in his 11th year at MCC, he’s committed to helping students reach their creative potential.

Burmeister found his own inspiration while making art and playing music on the side during his time as a physical therapist. He decided to pursue a career in art full time and went back to school and earned a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“I never thought I could make a career out of being an artist but after teaching a few courses I discovered it’s what I was meant to do,” he said. “I hope I can drive others to follow their dreams and aspirations.”

Jamie Burmeister, MCC art instructor, has had works of art displayed at the Joslyn Art Museum, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and the Sheldon Museum of Art. 14 • community • mccneb.edu

Laying down the law Paralegal program offers flexibility after graduation

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tudents looking for a degree that will increase earning potential and education opportunities beyond an associate degree should look no further than MCC’s Legal Studies. Featuring a Pre-Law option, Legal Administrative Assistant option or a Paralegal option, Legal Studies students at MCC will have doors opened for them upon graduation.

That resonates with current student Anita Havemann, who after moving from Ohio, finds MCC to be the perfect fit for her.

“Education opens up a lot of doors and I know that once I get my associate degree, my opportunities are endless,” said Havemann. “I’d love to do freelance work after graduating and helping those that need someone well-versed in their legal options.”

Havemann, who spent time previously at other community colleges in Texas, continued her education at MCC after her brother nudged her to do so.

“He kept suggesting it after I moved here to care for an ill friend. I scheduled a tour and discovered my options,” she said.

After finding the Paralegal program, she knew it was where she needed to be. “I love doing research and helping people find what they need.”

The paralegal field has seen steady job growth with the average salary for a paralegal with one to five years experience around $54,000. Paralegals, who perform duties under the direction of lawyers, can find even better prospects if they have bilingual skills.

Those pursuing an education in Legal Studies at MCC will need to have or develop strong skills in reading, writing, communication and critical thinking as well as related skills like problem solving.

Paralegals are often members of a legal team working with and for a client.

With the Pre-Law option, graduates can further their education in law school. In either case, the law field provides a stimulating, challenging, fast-paced work environment.

“I know I am in the right place,” Havemann stated. “The faculty and staff at MCC will bend over backwards for me. The hardest part can be sticking to it, but keeping the end goal in mind helps me stay on the track toward graduation.”

“Education opens up a lot of doors and I know that once I get my associate degree, my opportunities are endless.” – Anita Havemann community • mccneb.edu • 15

To learn more about the noncredit Everyday Extraordinaire culinary courses offered at MCC, visit mccneb.edu/noncreditschedule.

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MCC culinary student shares his know-how

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arbecue is about community. Light a smoke roaster and immediately the entire neighborhood is wondering what’s cooking. This was precisely what happened when we met with Luke Kaufman, MCC culinary student, head pitmaster of the Lil Piggy Squealers Competition BBQ team and Everyday Extraordinaire guest instructor. Having competed all across the region, Kaufman is a go-to source for how to smoke meat. “Smoking meat typically involves taking a larger, less costly cut of meat and slow roasting it until it is very tender. I’ve learned that people are very religious when it comes to their smoker of choice. A variety of smokers are used and can be anything from a $6,000 gravity-fed insulated cooker, to a cheap offset smoker, to a covered pit in the ground,” Kaufman said. The common dominator is that an even temperature should be delivered for a sustained period of time.

Smoke should be treated as another seasoning and used accordingly. Hickory is the most popular wood choice due to its ability to deliver great flavor. Mesquite is also popular and works well for a short cook of chicken, but is quickly overbearing on a long cook of beef or pork. This leads into the other consideration regarding smoke - the amount of time you expose your meat. Overexposure can negatively impact the flavor of the meat.

There are two methods used to prevent meat from being overexposed to the smoke. The first option is to wrap the item in foil, which blocks smoke and decreases overall cooking time. The second alternative is to use charcoal, which will require that you add raw, unburned wood to your fire.

“This is where time is of the essence. You only need to maintain this “smoker” for 4-6 hours at which point you can wrap it and place it in the oven or leave it unwrapped and place it in a crock pot to finish it. You will be amazed at how much smoke flavor can be applied using this technique,” Kaufman said.

To conquer your barbeque you need to be aware of two things, finishing temperatures and tenderness level. How the thermometer feels when you push it into the meat is equally as important. It should feel like you are stabbing a stick of soft butter. Any resistance your thermometer meets will be the same resistance your mouth will meet. This is why there is a range of temperatures for each cut and type of meat used.

“Anyone attempting to cook barbecue needs to buy a good digital thermometer. I carry one with me to every competition. The thermometer is a great way to know how the cook is going and when it is done, and is the one item I am adamant about having on hand,” said Kaufman of the must-have for smoking meat.

Another common mistake is planning ahead. Barbecue is not like grilling where almost done means a few minutes. The best thing you can do is to give yourself wiggle room. If you anticipate the meat being done at 2 p.m., tell your guests food will be ready at 5 p.m.

This way you can wait until the meat is actually done, pull it and keep it warm in the oven or a crock pot until dinner time.

On the day we visited Kaufman, all the dishes he prepared were delectable, and he was generous enough to share some of his brisket barbecue know-how.

Brisket Rub: 1 cup kosher salt ½ cup black pepper ½ cup granulated garlic ¼ cup chili powder Smoke roast the brisket until it has reached a temperature of 190-205 degrees and meets your preferred resistance when inserting the thermometer.

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Think ahead for garden success

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pring is in the air, which finds many of us chomping at the bit to get outdoors and put our hands in the dirt. While there is much we can do in the yard, planting too early is a surefire way to end up with a less than desirable garden. Before heading outdoors, the most important piece is planning which plants or produce you’d like to grow. The first step in doing this is to determine which zone you reside in. If you live in the Omaha metro area, you are in zone five. “To be a successful gardener, you must have a good plan that will include what to plant, where to plant and when to plant,” said John Nabity, gardening expert and Continuing Education instructor at MCC. Once you’ve determined where you’d like to plant in your landscape, you will need to select plants suitable for the sun or shade. “Ideally, sites should have seven hours of natural light each day,” Nabity said. When choosing plants, be sure you are selecting plants suited for the area. They are typically marked as shade, partial sun or full sun. It is important to choose accordingly. Common annuals for zone five are petunias, begonias and zinnias. If choosing perennials, phlox, coneflowers and hostas are popular. If you plan to grow vegetables and would like to plant as early in the season as possible, the best choices are kale, cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, eggplant and carrots.

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To learn more about the noncredit gardening classes offered at MCC, visit mccneb.edu/ce.

The next step is deciding when to plant. Living in zone five, the most common rule of the green thumb is to refrain from placing plants outdoors until Mother’s Day. By doing so, you will likely be safe from the final frost, which will damage newly placed plants. If you do choose to pick up some greenery for the yard before the final frost, be sure to keep them indoors. If you must plant, be prepared to cover them to protect from frost.

Now that you are ready to plant, you will want to work the soil to a depth of six to eight inches. Once your plants have been placed in the ground, be sure to give them a good watering. You will also need to check on them frequently throughout the season, watering them on a regular basis and fertilizing once or twice throughout the season. If you have chosen a flowering plant, you will need to groom the faded flowers on a regular basis as this will encourage further production of new growth.

Gardening has been shown to reduce stress better than any other leisure activity. So once you’ve completed all that gardening, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

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Around the College NC3 partnership offers students new opportunities MCC finished 2015 in the top 10 in the nation for students who have earned National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) certifications. These certifications provide students the opportunity to get hands-on experience, learning industry skills in manufacturing and other trade fields. MCC students completed 412 certifications in 2015.

The partnership with NC3 began in fall 2013 and MCC was the first institution in Nebraska to offer the certifications, an example of the College’s commitment to fulfilling the needs of the workforce and the community. The NC3 certifications

available for students at the College include precision measurement tools, torque, diagnostic scanner and more than a dozen others that will help students earn good-paying jobs.

“MCC offers a wide array of classes and trainings that will equip students with the skillset needed once they graduate,” said Kirk Ahrends, dean of applied technology at MCC. “We are proud to partner with NC3 and finishing in the top 10 in the nation for certificates earned illustrates the high standards the College holds for teaching trades.”

MCC culinary students go for the gold at the first Omaha Culinary Open Student and professional culinarians from four states competed this February in the Omaha Culinary Open, the first American Culinary Federation-sanctioned culinary competition held in Omaha. The Omaha area’s ACF chapter, Professional Chefs and Culinarians of the Heartland, partnered with the Institute for the Culinary Arts to present the first Omaha Culinary Open on Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Fort Omaha Campus.

Student culinary teams and professionals who competed are from Johnson County Community College (JCCC), Overland Park, Kansas; Madison Area Technical College (MATC), Madison, Wisconsin; Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College/Culinary Team Nebraska (CTN), Omaha, Nebraska; and 1st Infantry Division BROCAT (Ft. Riley), Fort Riley, Kansas.

Show chair was ACF local chapter president Chef Jo Anne Garvey, CEC. Coaches and

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their student teams, along with professional individual competitors, brought their best cooking skills and presented their food to ACF culinary judges from Colorado, Missouri and Ohio.

MCC students and Culinary Team Nebraska members won individual gold, silver and bronze medals. Sarah Farmer took home the gold for Student Hot Food/Fish, Brandi Wilmot won the silver for Student Pastry and Jeff Fritz won bronze for Professional Pastry. In the team competition the Institute for the Culinary Arts at MCC/Culinary Team Nebraska won gold.

“Being at a competition for the first time was breath taking,” said current MCC student and 2016 Rising Star scholar, Justin Tran, who worked at the event both days. “It was amazing to work behind the scenes while watching the competitors and meeting new people who share my passion.”

Grants to support culture, history and art The Nebraska Arts Council has awarded a grant for $4,454 to the College for the 2016 International Fair.

In addition, the City of Omaha was awarded a grant for $3,000 to be used for “In Pictures: South Omaha History, Bridging the Past to the Present,” which includes support for the International Fair.

The grant award from the NAC supports the International Fair, an event that brings entertainment, fashion and food from around the world to the College’s South Omaha Campus each spring quarter. Featuring global displays and entertainment, the event is free and open to the public and provides attendees of all ages the chance to experience cultures from around the world.

In addition to the NAC grant, the College’s $3,000 grant from the City of Omaha will help create “In Pictures: South Omaha History, Bridging the Past to the Present,” a historical photo display at MCC’s South Omaha Campus, and was featured at the 2016 International Fair.

Four teachers win MCC’s Excellence in Teaching Award Four winners for MCC’s Excellence in Teaching Award were announced at the College’s Spring Academic Affairs Awards Reception. The MCC Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes full-time and adjunct faculty based on four criteria; professionalism, commitment to learning, relationships with students and relationships with colleagues.

This year’s winners included; Catherine Brunkhorst, Math; Sana Patterson, English; Carol Widman, Health Information Management Systems; and Stephanie Watson, Human Relations.

The recipients also received a certificate and are invited to attend and represent MCC at the 2017 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development conference in Austin, Texas.

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