After a request from the Clark County Preschool for a light bulb for every family to help teach energy conservation and save money, Clark Energy Cooperative and East Kentucky Power Cooperative teamed together and sent mascot CFL Charlie to the preschool in February with 270 light bulbs and educational materials for parents.
This month, six community volunteers are presenting the KY Scholars program to seventh-and-eighth graders at Clark Middle and Conkwright Middle.
It was noted that eight people have already paid for the June State Registered Nurse Aide class. Only seven slots are now available.
Bluegrass Community & Technical College Winchester campus director Bruce Manley, unable to be present due to volunteering for KY Scholars at Clark Middle School, sent information regarding the Run for the Glitz. The event is April 20 at 7 p.m. at Tierney Storage. Tickets are $50 and they are going fast.
Call BCTC for information.
Beth Willett with the Health Department provided information on smoking cessation classes that begin April 3. MAPP Committee meetings are ongoing, and HANDS for new and expectant parents is ongoing. Diabetes class begins in April and the Joe F. Reed Memorial Heart Walk will be April 28. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is seeking youth to participate on the advisory board.
Call the Health Department at 744-4482 for information regarding these programs and events.
Clark County Chamber of Commerce Director Cindy Banks announced Burke’s Outlet opened March 30.
The Chamber breakfast and tour at the new hospital was well attended. There will be a Healthcare Reform breakfast at the hospital on April 26, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. There will be a panel discussion with representatives from the healthcare and insurance fields.
Barbara Disney with the Clark County Board of Education discussed Operation Preparation. This statewide initiative led by KDE and Workforce Development asisted eighth-and-10th graders in planning their career path to be sure they are college and career ready when they graduate. More than 200 volunteers met with the students to discuss their Individual Learning Plans, grades and career interests. The last day of school is May 18, with graduation that evening at 7 p.m. Rain dates are May 19 and May 20.
The first day of school for 2012-13 is Aug. 9.
The Chess Club from Day Treatment Center is attending a competition in Minnesota. Manuel Scott, whose life was the basis of the movie Freedom Writers, spoke at assemblies to all seventh and 12th grade students last week.
Lewis announced that lifeguard training will be offered soon and will provide participants Red Cross certification when completed. Hiring for lifeguard positions and counselors for the summer children’s program will begin soon and will be advertised in The Winchester Sun.
Plans are underway for the July 4 celebration and donations are being sought.
There will be a dodge ball tournament later this month.
Lewis said anyone with concerns about local parks can contact him at 744-9554.
Diane Travis with the Office of Employment and Training, announced a 1 1/2-day re-employment seminar to be held March 27 and 28.
Velva Hall with AGC will be leading sessions relating to employer expectations, employee responsibilities, writing resumes, appropriate workplace dress and behaviors, as well as job retention. She also noted the employment rate in our county has dropped below 8.3 percent, which will lead to changes in extension of benefits.
There is also a new Accelerated Program that allows those working toward GEDs to also obtain college credit. At this time, that program is not offered in Winchester, but is available through BCTC in Lexington.
Youth member Brent Stephens announced that the ASAP Youth Advisory Board had placed in the top three for its Alcohol Awareness Video at state competition last month. The video was the first entry for the youth board.
Youth member Adam Fatkin was recognized for being named to the All-Tournament team during the KHSAA Sweet 16.
Heffner noted that Stephens and Fatkin will be leaving the council after their May graduation, and she thanked them for their participation.
In addition to Heffner, Disney, Travis, Wiseman, Banks, Lewis, Fatkin and Stephens, in attendance was Community Education administrative assistant Lisa Stephens.
The next meeting of the Advisory Council will be at noon on May 16 at Central Bank. All meetings are open to the public.
