Around the World through Movies: War Dance

Sponsored by the Multicultural Enrichment Council, JSRCC's "Around the World through Movies" recently presented War Dance. Attendees included JSRCC students, staff, faculty and guests from the Richmond community.

Lily Mirjahangiri led a pre-movie discussion that highlighted Uganda’s history, geography, and political structure. The audience also learned about Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a terrorist group that has been rebelling against the Ugandan government for the past two decades.

Set against the backdrop of Uganda's twenty year civil war during which over 30,000 children have been abducted by the LRA rebel army, War Dance tells the story of schoolchildren Dominic, Rose, Nancy as they take a historic journey to compete in their country's national music and dance festival.  The film's creative team observes the three youngsters as they prepare for the event, and gain their confidence enough to discuss the horrors they have experienced and express their individual fears, hopes, and dreams.

The movie was followed by a post-movie discussion led by two JSRCC Students, Milika Nabajja and Sarah Nabikolo, two sisters from Uganda who moved to Richmond, Virginia in summer 2011. Moved by the striking and authentic story of the movie, the audience had many questions for Milika and Sarah to learn more about ways they could contribute to better the lives of children in Uganda.

“Our sincere thanks go to Ms. Laurie Weinberg, MEC’s Chair, who connected us with Sara and Milika to lead the post-movie discussion. They did a fantastic job taking many questions from our audience. We are thrilled to see a promising turn out from our college and the community, and we stay motivated and energized to plan the future movie events,” said Lily Mirjahangiri, Around the World through Movies subcommittee Chair.

 

Great start and Great Finish



Reynolds is a smart place to start and finish.  From left, JSRCC alumni Frannie Muldowney, Elizabeth Muldowney, and Leslie Gallagher



So, have you decided on a major?  That can feel like a loaded question for many college-bound graduates. The Virginia Wizard helps high school students narrow down a career path and field of study – but, it’s still a gutsy call to make at 18. 

It’s one of the reasons Reynolds has students from four-year schools enrolling in associate degree programs.  Faced with the financial realities of post-graduate life, the college’s occupational focus can be a powerful draw, as Leslie Gallagher (then, Muldowney) and her identical twin Elizabeth discovered.  “We had both graduated and were waiting tables, sharing an apartment.  We just decided it was time to learn something practical, something we could make a living on.”  Both English majors, Leslie had graduated from Virginia Tech and Elizabeth from VCU.  This time, as Reynolds students, the sisters would head in different directions. 

Leslie is now a nurse practitioner specializing in abdominal transplant surgeries.  For the medical field, “Reynolds really prepared me for what I needed to move on.  I took a lot of science courses and had excellent instructors. Plus, I could keep working.  I was waiting tables to pay my tuition and the rate was great.”

Leslie encourages her nursing colleagues to consider Reynolds.  “There’s a big push for magnet status at the hospitals. You have RNs who have worked for years, but they need classes like biology and chemistry now.  Financially, it’s smart to go to Reynolds; it’s flexible and you can keep working.”  

For Elizabeth, Reynolds let her dip her toe in a subject she found intriguing. “I had taken a constitutional law class at VCU and liked it.  I was contemplating law school, but that’s a big endeavor.”  After completing her Paralegal Studies AAS at Reynolds, Elizabeth plunged deeper.  Already holding a bachelor’s degree, “I went straight from J. Sarge to law school.  While I was at Reynolds, we had an externship program that was so helpful.  I worked at the Attorney General’s office and gained a lot of practical experience.  At my law firm now we have three J. Sarge grads who work for us, and one is thinking about law school.”     

There’s a third Muldowney who also found her way to Reynolds, years after graduating from James Madison University as a math major:  Frannie Muldowney, sister-in-law to Elizabeth and Leslie.  Staying at home after a career in finance, Frannie’s decision to study respiratory therapy was grounded in personal experience. “When my youngest daughter was diagnosed with asthma, I just soaked up the information from her doctors. And, I’d always been interested in medicine, so it was the right time.” 

Frannie’s pre-requisite classes from JMU transferred easily. “Reynolds had the only Respiratory Therapy AAS program in town, and I was working in my field even before graduating.” Frannie can do and teach; she has worked as an adjunct instructor in the Respiratory Therapy lab at the Downtown Campus.

The sisters agree that, when it comes to college, the first time around may not be the last – which can be a good thing.  Explains Frannie, “It’s difficult to ask high school kids what they’re going to major in.  At that age, it’s just hard to know.  I went back at 40 and loved it, because I knew what I wanted to do.” 

Phi Theta Kappa inducts 112 JSR students

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society held their annual spring induction ceremony on Saturday, February 23, 2013, in the Lipman Auditorium of the Massey Library Technology Center at the Parham Road Campus.

Students who have completed 12 transferable credit hours and have a 3.3 cumulative GPA at the college are invited to join PTK every fall and spring semester. 

Alpha Iota Beta Chapter President Tiffany Plumber opened the festivities and JSRCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. David Loope welcomed the audience.  One hundred and twelve new members were inducted, many of whom participated in the ceremony.

Regent University Professor of Business and Leadership Studies Dr. Corne Bekker delivered a motivational speech as the key note speaker, emphasizing the students’ opportunities and responsibilities as leaders.

“Leadership ultimately is about dreams,” exclaimed Bekker. “I would encourage you to dream. I challenge you not to dream with your eyes closed, but with your eyes open. When we open our eyes and dream, we open our lives.”

In closing Bekker stated, “Capture your heart, but at the same time open your eyes and dream. Nothing is impossible if you open your eyes and dream.”

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Socienty serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming.  Reynolds has two chapters at the college.  The Alpha Iota Beta chapter represents members enrolled in programs at the Parham Road Campus and the Alpha Gamma Omicron chapter represents members enrolled in programs at the Goochland and Downtown campuses.  JSRCC has inducted 4,604 members since 1982.

View photos from the event:
   

JSRCC FACULTY AND STAFF PARTICIPATE IN THE CLASSIFIED COUNCIL'S ANNUAL BOWLING DAY FUNDRAISER

Just over 100 enthusiastic faculty, staff, family members and supporters laced up their bowling shoes and hit the lanes on February 16th to raise money for the JSRCC Classified Council Scholarship.  The 10th Annual Scholarship Bowl raised over $1,800 this year and has netted more than $11,800 for student scholarships since the inception of the annual event.

Congratulations to Bob LeRosen who won the high score award, and to the “Great Expectations” team who rolled the best overall team score. Team “The Fighting Canines” came in 2nd place, followed by team “Here We Go Again.”  Other award winners included Mary Jo Washko (“Most Spirited”) and Melissa Gay (“Low Score”). 

The JSRCC Classified Council consists of representatives nominated at large among all classified personnel employed full-time by Reynolds and provides an organized body responsible for speaking on behalf of the entire body of full-time classified staff. For more information about giving online to the JSRCC Classified Council Scholarship please call 523-5181.

Kim Phillips, JSRCC Classified Council President noted, "This year was the 10th annual Scholarship Bowl and it was a major success.  As usual, the turnout of supporters ready to bowl on an early Saturday morning was amazing.  We had a total of 23 teams who helped us raise a total of $1,800 that we will be able to apply towards scholarship.  Thank you to our JSRCC family for your continued support."

Click here for additional Scholarship Bowl photos

Chef Eric Breckoff’s Valentine’s Day Cooking Demonstration

JSRCC Chef Eric Breckoff visited Channel 6's Virginia This Morning on February 14th to demonstrate how to create a tasty Valentine's Day dinner.  Rather than making reservations or serving the traditional steak and red wine dinner at home, Chef Breckoff whipped up a tasty dish featuring seared Scallops in a Papaya Sauce with Black Rice and Braised Bok Choy.  Want to give it a try?  The video, recipe and instructions are included at this link:  http://wtvr.com/2013/02/14/virginia-this-morning-seared-scallops-in-a-papaya-sauce/

Lenzen shares dreams of teaching at General Assembly

Whitney Lenzen — J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Whitney Lenzen

Teaching is a career that always stared at me dead in the face, yet I opted to look in the other direction. The first time I even thought about the idea of teaching was during my senior year of high school in 2004. My English teacher helped me learn to think in a completely different manner. He used alternative methods of teaching and honestly made learning fun. After that I could only dream of how gratifying it would be to impact young lives in such an enormous, yet subtle, way.

Before I achieve my career goals I need to finish school. I currently attend J. Sargeant Reynolds Community Collegein Richmond, Virginia and I am working towards obtaining my associate’s degree. After I obtain my associate’s degree I would like to transfer to the University of Richmond’s Adult Program of Continuing Studies, where I would major in psychology with a concentration in elementary education and obtain my teaching license. Once I have my bachelor’s degree and find a steady job and/or career, I hope that I will have the opportunity to continue with my education until I earn my master’s degree, and possibly even my doctorate.

In addition to taking classes at J. Sarg, I have had various opportunities to work in the Office of Student Accommodations per work-study as well as the Academic Support Center as an English, biology, and Spanish tutor.  Also, I am an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa, which is an academic fraternity for two-year colleges, and I have served as the Leader of the Fellowship Committee for the Alpha Iota Beta Chapter, as well as the Public Relations Secretary for the Alpha Gamma Omicron Chapter. Actively participating in this organization provides numerous opportunities for community service, leadership, and being able to surround myself with individuals with similar academic and life goals.

With that said, the most important aspect of my life is taking care of my son, who is almost three-years old, as well as spending time with my husband and other members of my family. In order to provide for my son with not only his basic needs, but also other opportunities in life, I must continue to go to school and get my degree(s). As of this moment my husband and I are both in school and have had work-study positions. We live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to pay our bills each month. Whenever we have “extra” money, we use it to buy clothing, diapers, and other items for our son. Our current financial situation is what drives me to get the best grades I can, work as much as possible, and help others when they are in need of assistance. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of our current financial situation, I choose to focus on the positive aspects that obtaining my degree(s) will bring to our family life. With that said,  I must rely on the Federal Pell Grant, Commonwealth Grant, Work-Study, and any other scholarships or grants I am able to secure, in order to put the most effort towards my academics rather than working at a minimum-wage job that does not have opportunities for career or personal advancement.

After meeting with many of Virginia’s Delegates, such as R. Lee Ware, Jr., John Cox, and Joseph Morrissey; along with my fellow students and faculty in the VCCS, I finally feel as if my voice is being heard and my actions have purpose. Realizing that one’s actions have purpose is a sentiment that cannot be taught nor given; but will come in each individuals’ own time.  To conclude my story, I would like to thank the entire faculty and students incorporated with the VCCS; J. Sarg; the faculty and staff that work in the Capitol Building for Virginia; and all of the political representatives who represent the people and Commonwealth of Virginia at large.

In conclusion, Governor Bob McDonnell and the House of Delegates’ 2015 Budget for Virginia’s Community Colleges will impact me, my family, my future, and Virginians in insurmountable ways. I am extremely honored to  not only be  a student  in the Virginia Community College System, particularly with regards to  J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College; but I am also proud to be a  resident in the historical , honorable  Commonwealth of Virginia.

A Quiet Hero; Professor George Flowers Works His Life’s Plan

When asked to be interviewed about his career at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, electrical engineer and teacher George Flowers said that he hadn’t done anything particularly special and wasn’t sure an interview was necessary.  Mr. Flowers retired from the College in December 2012.

After a full career as an engineering manager at Virginia Power, Mr. Flowers began his second career as an educator at the College in 1994 as a Division Chair, and later as the Parham Road Campus Director.   Along the way, he also taught students in math and engineering.  For ten years he taught two classes a semester, three semesters a year, with about twenty students per class.  That’s a lot of students, a lot of lives touched, and a lot of meaningful work.  Most would agree that’s something special.

After graduating from Duke University, he took a job in the Newport News shipyards as an electrical engineer working on nuclear submarines.  Later he earned his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Virginia. During this time he made a life plan of working in industry, then serving in some public capacity, and then taking all the lessons learned back into the classroom.  Before he could complete a doctoral degree, he was asked to help with his father’s waste management business.  Then, it was on to Virginia Power, building and operating nuclear power stations, and earning a Masters in Business Administration degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

When he retired from the power company, he revisited the life plan he had made at age 26 and decided to continue following it: to use what he had learned in the private sector to help others through education.  “It was my obligation,” he stressed.

During his first few weeks at the College, the community asked the Engineering and Applied Sciences Division, Mr. Flowers and his team, for an education plan to help attract a new industry to the greater Richmond area – semiconductor manufacturers.  He helped to set up and lead a consortium of VCCS colleges for semiconductor technician training in the mid-1990s.  Later, he helped the College and Infineon sponsor a two year Electronics Associates Degree at Infineon’s location.

As a study aid, he created dozens of calculator and spreadsheet models for his math and engineering students.  Former students still call him to let him know that they use his models in their day-to-day problem solving efforts. 

In 2011, after the College had been awarded two federal grants to its Automotive Technology Group, Mr. Flowers stepped in as an electronics engineering advisor to guide the team as it developed new course curriculum for diagnostics and repair for hybrid and electric vehicle components.

When talking about the future, Mr. Flowers has plans to travel and volunteer.  “The College is part of my life and always will be,” he said.  “The College family is really special.”  He and his wife Alice have endowed two full student scholarships at the College.  “We had a lot of help with our own education, and we wanted to give a little back.”  Helping others up until his last day at the College, he advised a young transfer student on her options and opportunities.   He was still working his plan and doing something which may not have seemed “particularly special” to him, but the student will remember and perhaps create her own life plan which involves helping others.  

Great Expectations Students Attend Inauguration Festivities

Three JSRCC students in the college’s Great Expectations program were among a group of 30 students and coaches who attended President Barack Obama’s Inauguration on Monday, January 21^st.  The tickets were given to the Virginia Community College System who in turn shared them with students in the Great Expectations program from around the state.  Dedra E. Hampton, Great Expectations Coordinator/Coach for JSRCC, selected the three JSR students based on their academic achievement. 

The Great Expectations program helps young adults who are or were recently affiliated with the Virginia Foster Care System transition to college.  The program helps Virginia’s foster youth gain access to a community college education and transition successfully from the foster care system to living independently. There are currently 62 students at J. Sarge enrolled in the Great Expectations program, the largest Great Expectations program in the state.  Since 2008 when the program was created at JSR, more than 400 students have participated in the program at the College. 

The students were responsible for their own transportation to Washington, and the group assembled to watch the Inauguration which started at 11:30 a.m. 

“This was a great opportunity for our students to be so close to the President, Vice President, Senators and other dignitaries and to witness the swearing in of our first African American President on Dr. King’s Birthday,” Dedra Hampton noted. “The students were really impressed that the President held the same bibles used by Abraham Lincoln and Dr. King for his swearing in.”

In addition to attending the inauguration, the group attended an Open House hosted by the Casey Family Programs, an organization whose mission is working to ensure that every child has a safe, nurturing, and permanent family.  At the Open House the group met other foster care youth and alumni representing four different states, and they had a chance to network with representatives of The Rising Tides, an organization that provides numerous financial benefits to foster youth, and The Foster Club of America. 

For more information on the Great Expectations program please visit http://www.reynolds.edu/ge/default.htm or contact Dedra Hampton at dhampton@reynolds.edu.

Students visit with General Assembly lawmakers



(L-R, Front row: Jospeh Mitchell, Whitney, Lenzen, Deborah Dancey, Pamela Thomas. Back row: Linda Anderson, Xiangbing Kong, Bernadette Johnson, McKela Simon, Harvey Chambers and Issac Nolte)

JSRCC students recently attended “Community College Day” at the Virginia General Assembly, sharing their Reynolds experiences and stories with a number of lawmakers.

Pamela Thomas expressed to Delegate Joe Morrissey that it is very important to keep the cost of attending J. Sargeant Reynolds as affordable as possible. Thomas is currently pursuing a degree in nursing at Reynolds while also working full-time and providing financial assistance to her daughter who is a student at James Madison University.

“I have always enjoyed helping people so I knew nursing would be a perfect fit,” noted Thomas. “My daughter is majoring in communications at JMU and right now we both are on track to graduate next spring. It is funny, as she often calls to ensure I have completed all my homework.”

JSRCC students visit with Delegate Joe Morrissey

 Linda Anderson shared with Delegate Lee Ware that she was a hairdresser for over 30 years, but when the recession hit, she knew she had to find a more stable career.

“I knew when money gets tight, less and less people would be looking to get their hair done,” noted Anderson. “I enjoy people and I wanted a career that would always be in need – so I chose nursing.”

L-R: Delegate Ware, Linda Anderson, Whitney Lenzen, Xiangbing Kong and McKela Simon)

Following the morning visits, the students toured the Virginia State Capitol, the building that holds the nation’s oldest legislative body. During the General Assembly session, the group was introduced and welcomed by Delegate Ware.

JSRCC Culinary Student Nominated for Elby Award

The New Year has started off well for Stephanie Louise Boehles, a culinary arts student at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College as she has been selected as a finalist for a 2013 Elby Award in the Culinary Student of the Year category.  The second annual Elby Awards, sponsored by Richmond Magazine, and named for renowned French chef and Richmonder Paul Elbling, will be awarded on Sunday evening, February 10, 2013, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  Stephanie’s instructors at JSRCC nominated her for this distinction.   

Stephanie earned an Associate in Science degree in Social Science from JSRCC in 2009 before transferring to VCU to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.  Although she was excelling in her studies at VCU, after one year Stephanie decided to put that degree on hold to pursue another of her passions, a culinary arts education.   Stephanie noted, “Because of the quality of the instructors I had experienced at Reynolds, I naturally thought of Reynolds as the logical place to pursue an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts.” 

Growing up Stephanie gained an appreciation of food and cooking from her Italian mother and Irish father.   She also worked at Mosaic Café for several years while attending school, mostly in their catering operation.  About a year ago she transitioned from Mosaic’s catering operation to its restaurant.  While she has experience in many phases of the restaurant’s operation, she now mostly works in the kitchen as a line cook. 

Stephanie is also the President of the Culinary Arts Career Educational and Experiential Club (CACEE), at JSRCC.

Stephanie expects to complete her Associate Degree in Culinary Arts in August 2013.  Her goal after graduation is to gain more restaurant experience and to return to VCU to complete her political science degree.  Her long term goal is to own and operate a small bed and breakfast inn. 

Whether or not she is selected as the Culinary Student of the Year by the award judges, Stephanie’s future looks bright.  She has already earned 110 credits at Reynolds with a grade point average of 3.709 on a 4.0 scale.  In her spare time, Stephanie’s other interests include Scottish Highland dancing, serving as a 4H Archery and Rife Instructor, and as a member of the River City Rollergirls.  

Virginia General Assembly recognizes JSRCC’s 40th Anniversary

The Virginia General Assembly honored J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s 40^th Anniversary with a House Joint Resolution offered January 15 by Betsy B. Carr, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 69th district, which includes part of Richmond and Chesterfield County. 

The resolution notes that the College has served more than 308,000 students in credit coursework since opening in 1972. You can follow the progress of the resolution at HJ 733 Commending J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 733

Offered January 15, 2013

Commending J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

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Patrons-- Carr, Cox, J.A., Cox, M.K., Dance, Farrell, Loupassi, Massie, McQuinn, Morrissey, Peace and Ware, R.L.; Senator: Marsh

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WHEREAS, in 1966 the General Assembly of Virginia established a statewide system of community colleges; and

WHEREAS, the Lieutenant Governor, J. Sargeant Reynolds, heralded the creation of the community college system by the General Assembly as “one of its finest acts and finest hours in this century”; and

WHEREAS, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, the last of these colleges, is named in honor of the late Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth, who championed legislation creating the state-supported community colleges; and

WHEREAS, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College officially opened for the 1972 - 1973 academic year and is now a three-campus institution and the third largest in the Virginia Community College System; and

WHEREAS, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College serves a geographic district comprising the Virginia Counties of Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, and Powhatan, and the City of Richmond; and

WHEREAS, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College has served more than 308,000 students in credit coursework since opening; and

WHEREAS, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College graduates remain committed to the service and well-being of their local communities and excel in the jobs within those communities; and

WHEREAS, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College supports economic development and provides world-class workforce training and services to both the public and private sectors; and

WHEREAS, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College continues to strive to meet the aspirations of its namesake to provide “a practical and economic answer to the future educational needs of thousands of ... Virginians”; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College on the occasion of its 40th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Gary L. Rhodes, president of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations on this historical milestone.

My Day at the Virginia General Assembly

We started out early to go to the general assembly and talk up J Sergeant Reynolds and all the good things it has done for us. Even though it was rainy and cold we made our to the state library and listen to the president of the VCCS speak about what we are here to do at the general assembly. I was asked, along with a couple of my fellow classmates to visit some delegates. We first visited Delegate Loupassi, then Delegate Betsy Carr. We had a great laugh with Delegate Riley Ingram who had many stories to tell about his 30 odd years as a house of delegates member. Unfortunately Senator McDougle was not able to meet with us in person but we did get our message across to his aide.  We went to the Capitol building where we were recognized by Delegate Carr and able to stand for recognition..that was really cool!!! After that it was time for lunch thanks for the Padows Deli luncheon J Sargeant Reynolds...it was a very excited day!!

Ali Brown

Respiratory Therapy student class 2013

Simple Steps to Winterize your Vehicle

One look at the calendar lets us know that winter weather is just around the corner.  No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road on a dark, stormy night with a broken down vehicle.  With the assistance of Kelly Schwendeman of JSRCC’s Automotive Technology program, we have identified several simple steps you can take now that will greatly reduce the chance of such an occurrence.

“Your car’s battery is under stress and strain in cold winter conditions,” according to Schwendeman.  “Have your battery tested by a technician using professional equipment to ensure it has sufficient power.  The Richmond area doesn’t normally get a lot of snow, but if it does snow you will need good tires with sufficient remaining tread to get through it.”  Schwendeman also recommends replacing tires if they are worn and checking tire pressure and adjusting it to the specification in the owner’s manual.

Windshield wipers are a driver’s best friend in bad weather.  ”Replace your wipers if they are starting to leave streaks on your windshield, and don’t forget to fill the windshield wiper fluid reservoir,” Schwendeman added.  “Don’t use water because it will freeze.”  In addition to a clear windshield, all of your lights need to be in working order.  It is often difficult to see in winter weather and a clear windshield and working lights will help to keep you safe.

Speaking of freezing, make sure to have your anti-freeze coolant level and condition checked to ensure that it will not freeze.  If the anti-freeze is old or diluted, have it replaced to protect your engine from freezing. Also make sure that your heater/ventilation/air conditioning system is working properly.  Many people don’t think they need air conditioning in the winter time, but your AC system works with the defroster and heating system to dehumidify the air and keep your windows clear.

You should keep your fuel tank at least half-full to reduce moisture, and check to see if it is time to have the fuel filter changed. The fuel filter may contain water that will freeze and keep your engine from running. It needs to be replaced according to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.

Lastly, Schwendeman recommends, “Always change your oil in accordance with the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.  Most engine wear occurs when you first start your engine. This wear is aggravated by cold temperatures.  Having the correct oil in your engine will minimize this wear.”

Even with all these precautions it’s a good idea to keep some emergency items in your car, just in case you get stranded.  Items to consider include a blanket, small shovel, flares, gloves, boots, flashlight, and a cell phone.

Lastly, drivers must remember that winter driving conditions limit your vehicle’s traction and control.  When the road is slick SLOW DOWN. This includes four wheel drive vehicles. Your four wheel drive system will help you get moving, but once you are moving your traction and control are still limited by the conditions. 

These simple precautions will help you to enjoy the winter wonderland!

 

Welcome Back!

Welcome to the Spring 2013 Semester!  We are excited to have you back on campus!  Whether you are a new or returning student, we are pleased that you chose J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to meet your educational goals.  We hope that you found time to relax, refresh and rewind during the holidays and that you are happy to be back, seeing old friends and looking forward to making new ones this winter.

If you haven’t registered for classes, it’s not too late!  Late registration for the first session of classes runs through Friday, January 11^th and additional class sessions begin on February 5^th, March 5^th, and April 9^th.  

You’ll want to know about the many events that Reynolds has going on throughout the semester, so check out Student Life’s Events Calendar at http://www.reynolds.edu/studentlife.  Upcoming events include Name That Tune Music Trivia games in January, a bus trip to an NBA game in February, Spirit Week, 3 on 3 Intramural Basketball and Intramural Soccer just to name a few. 

On a more serious note, renovations at the Downtown campus continue and some services have been temporarily relocated while construction takes place.  For the most up-to-date information on Downtown Campus renovations, visit www.reynolds.edu.

Did you know that every year the college awards scholarships to Reynolds students totaling between $300,000 and $400,000 and that individual scholarship awards range from $100 to $3,500?  Find out more by visiting http://www.reynolds.edu/jsr_fnd/supportfdn/areas/scholarships.htm.  Beginning this semester scholarship applications must be submitted online between January 1^st and April 15^th. Please note that scholarship applications will not be accepted before or after these dates.

We urge you to take advantage of the many resources available to you at JSRCC.  The faculty and staff stand ready to help you achieve your educational goals.  We wish you great success this semester. 

Now, let’s get to work!

Seeing is believing as Reynolds opticianry students change lives in Jamaica

Jamaica is often thought of as a place for relaxing vacations, swimming in crystal clear waters, enjoying the spectacular scenery and food and taking in the native culture - but for a group of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College students and faculty members the reason for a recent visit was entirely different.

On October 12, a group of eight students and four faculty members left Richmond for a ten-day journey to serve with the international humanitarian eye care project iCare. 

“It was an opportunity for them to see the world is much larger than Richmond and that they can make a difference, not only locally but internationally as well,” said JSRCC Opticianry Program Director Yvonne Metten.

iCare is a life changing program that harnesses the compassion and expertise of humanitarian eye care professionals by sending them to Jamaica to give the gift of sight to thousands who can’t even afford a pair of reading glasses.

“At first we looked at the trip as what can we really do as a student?” said Megan Heiser, who commutes an hour and a half to the College’s Downtown Campus twice a week from Courtland. “We didn’t have a lot of experience in the industry and we wondered how much of a difference could we make.”

Once in Jamaica the students and faculty members quickly found out any help they could provide was very much welcomed and needed.

“Normally even if they can come up with the money, it is a two year waiting list to even see an eye doctor,” noted JSRCC student Leah Elkins who commutes to Reynolds from Williamsburg. “It costs them about a month’s salary just for an eye exam, so many of the people there have accepted that they just won’t be able to see.”

In areas where the group worked, there are no publicly available optometrists, and only one ophthalmologist for over 1/2 million people. The students and faculty members’ skills of being able to perform visual screenings, checking vital signs such as blood sugar, blood pressure and glucose levels and dispensing of eye glasses was very much appreciated by their patients.

“I lost the fear of working with people,” noted Elkins. “You are thrown right into it, so you can’t be scared. I didn’t have a lot of experience working with people directly before, so it definitely helped me overcome some of my fears.” 

“By the work being hands-on, we are now better trained to fix the problem and not just identify it,” said Rachel Williams, a 2011 Caroline County High School graduate. “By working with the people of Jamaica, I have definitely become a better person."

During their stay, the students and faculty members served over 1,700 Jamaicans in a space the size of two classrooms.

“We changed lives. They will never be the same as they will be able to do things they have never been able to do,” said Jaclyn Salsbury who entered the opticianry program after serving four years as a pharmacy technician. “It was a great opportunity to help others - it gave me the feeling of meaning – that what we did meant something to others.”

The JSRCC opticianry program has a long history of participating in community service programs including annually volunteering with OneSight, which spends five days at the Arthur Ashe Center providing local children with eyes exams and glasses.

“I feel it is important to give back to people that might not have as much as others,” noted Metten describing the need to volunteer. “While there is a lot we can teach in the classroom, we can’t teach compassion….they need to experience it.”

Hackberry Trees planted at JSRCC

Reynolds’ Green Team members along with other volunteers planted eight hackberry trees on the Parham Road Campus on Sunday, December 9^th.  The trees, ordered by the Reynolds Environmental Sustainability Committee, were selected because of their carbon sequestering characteristics. 

Carbon dioxide plays an important role in natural processes such as photosynthesis. However, the release of too much carbon dioxide causes environmental problems and contributes to global climate change.

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon. Planting trees in certain areas can create the opportunity for carbon sequestration.  The hackberry tree is very good at removing carbon dioxide pollution from the atmosphere. The trees planted in December at the Parham Road Campus will absorb and remove from the atmosphere over one ton of carbon dioxide in about 10 years.

In addition, the hackberry fruit is an excellent winter food source for many birds, such as cedar waxwings, mockingbirds, and robins. In other seasons bluebirds, catbirds, cardinals, and towhee will eat the fruit. The hackberry tree will also provide protection and comfort to birds and dragonflies that use our small pond.

Hackberry trees will also be planted at the Goochland and Downtown campuses in the next few days. 

For more information on the Reynolds Environmental Sustainability Committee please contact Chairman Richard Groover at 523-5594 or rgrover@reynolds.edu.  For more information on the Reynolds Green Team, please contact Charlie Peterson at 523-5821 or cpeterson@reynolds.edu. 

Decorating Lewis Ginter for the holidays

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College has been fortunate to partner with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden since fall 2011 to offer students enrolled in HRT 195, Christmas Décor for the Home, an opportunity to help decorate part of the botanical garden for their annual Gardenfest. The class, which meets at the garden, is taught by adjunct professor David Pippin. Lectures and demonstrations center around Christmas decorations for the home.  Students also have the opportunity to create some decorations for their home, including a mantle arrangement, a spray for a door as well as an evergreen wreath. Students also complete a design proposal for a fictitious client showing how they would decorate the client’s home for Christmas.

This year’s class of 14 students was divided into three groups to decorate the entrance to the Robins Visitors Center, the entrance to the Education Library Complex and the dining room in historic Bloemendaal House.  All groups met with garden staff to share their plans and ideas for decorations.  Upon approval, students worked each week to complete the necessary decorations which complemented this year’s theme, “East Meets West,” focusing on the flora and arts of Japan.

Paige Hargrave, JSRCC’s Commonwealth Legacy Scholar for 2012-2013

Paige Hargrave

On November 13^th the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, whose mission is to help Virginians across the commonwealth better their lives through education, held its annual Scholarship Luncheon to honor the 2012-2013 Class of Commonwealth Legacy Scholars.  Scholarships were awarded to twenty-five outstanding students throughout Virginia's Community Colleges, and each holds a scholarship that bears the name of a philanthropy leader at their college or foundation.

Paige Hargrave, of Mechanicsville is the recipient of the Anita and Craig Waters Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  Paige is a goal-minded young woman who began taking steps to achieve her goals while still in high school.   As a dual enrollment student at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and Thomas Nelson Community College, she completed fourteen college credits with a 4.0 grade point average while still in high school. 

Paige’s goal is to become a trauma surgeon.  There are few experiences in life more difficult than watching a close family member endure a medical crisis while you stand by helplessly and watch.  After witnessing her mother and sister endure several medical emergencies, these life-changing moments steered Paige on a path towards a career in emergency medicine.  To that end, a few years ago Paige earned her EMT-B license and a lifeguard license so that she no longer sits on the sidelines during medical emergencies.  These skills allowed Paige to provide life-saving assistance to her mother during a third heart attack two years ago.

After completing an Associate in Science degree at Reynolds, Paige plans to transfer to VCU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biology, and then go on to medical school.  One day she hopes to work with organizations such as Doctors without Borders and travel to foreign countries to treat children with deformities and/or life-threatening illnesses.

In addition to being a full-time student, Paige works part-time to help cover her expenses.  In her free time Paige has been in training to run a 10k race to raise money for cancer research, learning Spanish, and writing a novel.

The Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship Program was created in 2006 to make the community college experience available to bright, hardworking young men and women who want to attend college but do not have the means.  These merit-based scholarships are awarded to first-time students attending one of Virginia’s 23 community colleges who exhibit academic excellence, effective leadership, mentoring skills, and the potential to become ambassadors for community college education.  For more information on this and other scholarship opportunities at JSRCC please visit www.reynolds.edu.