Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Home for Sale or Rent

Recently remodeled with swimming pool.  Several miles from LSC-North Harris in Birnamwood’s Subdivision.

$99,500

Call Megan Franks at 281.788.3252

What’s Your Drama! (Ice breaker activity)

Reposted with permission from Professor Lashun Griffin and Dr. Joyce Boatright

Lashun Griffin had the brightest idea for engaging students while still giving late-comers a chance to double-check financial aid paperwork, get their books at the bookstore, or find an empty parking space. Students in her freshman English composition class received a handout with the following:

“Human beings love stories. We put them everywhere—not only in books, films, and plays, but also in songs, news articles, cartoons, and video games. There seems to be a general human curiosity about how other loves, both real and imaginary, take shape and unfold. Some stories provide simple and predictable pleasures according to the conventional plan. But other stories seek to challenge rather than comfort us, by finding new and exciting ways to tell the tale or delving deeper into the mysteries of human nature, or both” (Gioia and Kennedy 5).

What is your story? What led you here? What are your fears and failures? What are your triumphs? What keeps you going? What stops you in your tracks? What conflict are you battling? After stating your name and major, please answer two of the questions listed above. Be ready to answer pertinent follow-up questions.

What makes this such a great idea? She says students were able to unload their drama. It cleared their minds to talk about the trouble in their lives that particular day. They felt l they were seen as people rather than as numbers. They felt connected to others in the room because they shared common challenges and triumphs. And it is an excellent way to introduce the personal narrative, which is a specific assignment in freshman English.

This icebreaker could easily be used in any class where story is a part of the curriculum: developmental writing, freshman English, general speech classes, psychology, sociology, video storyboarding…If you are teaching Second Start classes, you might try this great little idea next week. The rest of us can store the idea in our GIFT bag because we’ll be starting over in four months.

Collaboration: Joyce Boatright

If you would like to collaborate with the blog by contributing with your GIFTs (Great Ideas for Teachers) e-mail Joyce Boatright (LSC-North Harris Faculty and Staff Center Director).

“Writing Stories From Life Experiences”

Joyce Boatright, a long time English instructor and published writer is coming to the Carver Center Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 to speak about writing stories from life experience.  The first hour 1-2pm  Ms. Boatright  will be speaking about  how students can start writing stories from their life experience and how to  encourage aging relatives to do the same.  Many of us WISH we had asked our grandparents now gone about so many things.  Ms. Boatright will be giving them a little writing assignment to get started and during the second hour they can work on it.  We will also use part of the second hour to introduce the many services and materials we have available at the LRC/Library and to introduce our next active learning event–a poetry writing contest with winners to be published in Carver’s own poetry newsletter, “Poet’s Place” just before the end of the semester .

Thank you so much for your support.  Contact Gayla Cloud or Tawana Burke at 281.618.5819

Dr. Joyce Boatright, a long-time English instructor and published writer is coming to the LSC-Carver Center on Wednesday, October 14 to speak about writing stories from life experience.

During the first hour (1 – 2 p.m.)  Ms. Boatright  will speak about  how students can start writing stories from their life experience and how to  encourage aging relatives to do the same.  Many of us WISH we had asked our grandparents, now gone, about so many things.  Ms. Boatright will be giving students who attend a little writing assignment to get started and during the second hour they develop it more.

Part of the second hour will also be used to introduce the many services and materials available at the Learning Resource Center/Library and to introduce the next active learning event, a poetry writing contest, with winners to be published in Carver’s own poetry newsletter, Poet’s Place, just before the end of the semester .

Contact Gayla Cloud or Tawana Burke at 281.618.5819

New Stars

We have three new full-time employees in new employee orientation on October 1, 2009.   Below is the schedule for Thursday.  Please welcome the following new employees:

Sotero Villarreal Jr.; Specialist II, Graphic Production, Creative Services Office; LB-202B; 281-618-5488; supervisor Apolinar Chuca; mentor Juan Primo; new to LSCS.

April Jaco;  Administrative Assistant I, Office of VP, Student Development; LB 105;

281-618-5493; replaces Cathy Nistetter; supervisor Bennie Lambert; mentor Cathy Nistetter; new to LSCS.

Tameeka Thompson, Specialist II, Human Resources,  Human Resources Department; LB 116C; 281-618-XXXX; new position; supervisor Ruth Hutyra; mentor Wyshunda Evans; new to LSCS.

Please welcome the following new employees:

Sotero Villarreal Jr. (New to LSCS)
Specialist II, Graphic Production
Creative Services Office
LB-202B; 281-618-5488
Apolinar Chuca, supervisor; Juan Primo, mentor

April Jaco (Replaces Cathy Nistetter; new to LSCS)
Administrative Assistant I
Office of VP, Student Development
LB 105; 281-618-5493
Bennie Lambert, supervisor; Cathy Nistetter, mentor

Tameeka Thompson (New position; new to LSCS)
Specialist II
Human Resources,  Human Resources Department
LB 116C
Ruth Hutyra, supervisor;  Wyshunda Evans, mentor

Jeff Blackburn, Lecture – Texas Innocence Project

Jeff Blackburn, lead counsel for the Texas Innocence Project, will be giving a lecture to the paralegal students at Lone Star College-North Harris on September 21, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Teaching Theater in the Academic Building. All students as well as the community are invited to attend.  To date the Texas Innocence Project has obtained the release of thirty eight inmates that have been exonerated through the use of DNA evidence.  Mr. Blackburn will be discussing recent changes that have been implemented in the Texas Legislature regarding DNA testing and recent court decisions.

Mr. Blackburn received national attention due to his work in Tulia, Texas in the recent past.  National publicity was brought to this town with a population of less than 5,000 when 46 people went to jail charged with trafficking cocaine.  The publicity did not stop almost all of them from going to jail.  Mr. Blackburn through his tireless work and efforts of a handful of other lawyers were able to obtain the release of a number of these individuals who were already convicted.  Mr. For more information on the events in Tulia go to truthinjustice.org/blackburn.htm.

Additionally, students in the Paralegal Studies Program at Lone Star North Harris will have the opportunity to intern for the Texas Innocence Project and work on real cases should they decide to do so.  This will separate the graduates from the Paralegal Studies Program at Lone Star College North Harris from other applicants as they can place the Innocence Project on their résumé and the real world experience they will obtain from working on real cases.

For more information on the Texas Innocence Project please go to their website at ipoftexas.org.

Contact:

Marcy Delesandri
Phone: 281.618.5735
Email:  Marcy.Delesandri@lonestar.edu

New Stars

LSC-North Harris welcomes the following employees:

Kesha Williams (new to LSCS)
Department Assistant, VP-Administrative Office
LB-107; 281.618.5495
Johanna Boley, supervisor; Vivian Brecher, mentor

Elmer Sigaran (new to LSCS)
Specialist V, Upward Bound Department
WNFP 260; 281.618.5746
Erin Sheldahl, supervisor; Xavier Escobar, mentor

Latyna Small (new position; moving from PT to FT)
Police Officer,  Police Department
Case Building; 281.618.5611
Claude Taylor, supervisor; Melissa Mendietta, mentor

Max Hill (moving from PT to FT)
Trainer, Truck Driving Academy
APTC-101; 281.765.7756
Lori Qualls, supervisor; Martin Molina, mentor

Hoist H310 Fitness Machine

Excellent condition, plus 200 lbs of free weight (if desired).  All you have to do is either transport it yourself or pay to have it transported.

Contact Dave Faber at Ext. 5648

Adorable Kittens For Good Homes

I found a beautiful feral cat (stray but domestic, very friendly, and tame) with four kittens (3-males, 1-female) on my apartment balcony when they were only a couple of weeks old. I have been caring for them all of this time, but they are now at the age to where I think they are able to find good, independent homes.

The kittens are approximately 12-13 weeks old and I am unable to keep all five cats, but I have adopted the mother cat, “ Cleo” for sure. I am getting all of their shots done by the end of next week and they are very healthy and very adorable (and named…maybe shouldn’t have?).

I am sure that the LSC-North Harris, LSC-Greenspoint Center, and LSC-Carver Center will help find them homes. I wanted to give my colleagues first choice after family/friends, if possible. Also, I do want to just give them away but was thinking that the college community would help obtain serious and abuse-free homes.

Please see descriptions/photos below and call Michaela at 281.235.5834, or e-mail at evergodsgirl@yahoo.com for more information and additional pictures of our feline adoptees.

-Michaela Sheppeard

Chloe

“Cute as a button” black with white markings and greenish-colored eyes. She’s the most petite and the most spirited of them all. Though she is very shy around strangers, when she warms up to you she is a precious, playful doll … and slightly mischievous, too!

Oliver

Very adorable brown tabby (just like his mother) with more brownish-colored eyes, the very most playful, a real visual learner (the only one whose eyes are wide open for the picture, too) and “curious cat.” Definitely the most likely to make/play with new “friends.”

Oscar

Gray or silver (almost frosty-like, looks a lot like a Russian Blue (the vet said so) with white markings and more golden-colored eyes. He has always been the largest and most vocal (loves attention) of all his siblings, and he has become a lot more affectionate, too.

Ricky

The most exotic-looking, solid black w/perhaps a slight brownish tint to fur and greenish-golden eyes, very affectionate and playful, though a bit shy around strangers right now…but he is coming out, and quickly!

LSC-Counseling Services Recognizes National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month

The LSC-North Harris counseling services recognizes the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Watch for counseling activities including tables and displays in the main academic building hallway, the Cyber Cafe, and links to the CheckYourself.com Web site.

Retention for Rookies Roundtable

You are invited to participate in Retention for Rookies Roundtable in the private dining room this coming Friday September 4, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.

This will be an informal discussion on the information presented at the last Noel-Levitz’s Recruitment and Retention Conference in San Antonio.

Friday, September 4^th at 1pm in the café.

I look forward in sharing all the great information and hearing your ideas, perspectives, and initiatives regarding student success.

Tentative Agenda

• Dialogue on key points from  Noel-Levitz, Retention for Rookies Session

• Discuss key points and how we can apply them here at LSC-North Harris

Refreshments will be served.

Contact:

Norma Guzman Duran
281.618.1178

Proud New Addition to the LSC-North Harris Library Family

The Library is proud to announce its newest member, as of Tuesday, July 28th, weighing 9 lbs 2.3 oz., Ahalya Drepaul. Proud parents are Norma and Zeff Drepaul.

As you can see, she is wise and healthy and will make a great librarian after her mandatory training period.

Virginia

The Library is proud to announce its newest member, as of Tuesday, July 28th, weighing 9 lbs 2.3 oz., Ahalya Drepaul. Proud parents are Norma and Zeff Drepaul.

As you can see, she is wise and healthy and will make a great librarian after her mandatory training period.

-Virginia Rigby

Kudos to SOAR!

I would like to recognize the SOAR team (Student Outreach and Recruitment).

I work with them with the Mobile Go Center and I have seen how they all are very outgoing and they love what they do. They really know how to motivate others to make it happen.

I want all of the team to be recognized from top of the list, Leslie LaPres, down to the office staff and student helpers including Sheldon, Trina, Alma, Norma, Sandra, Justin, and Miguel.

Please forgive me if I forgot to mention someone.

They ARE Lone Star!

-Mario Puentes

New Stars

William Munoz	Office of Technology Services	PC Technician III
Amanda Lindsey	Business, Social & Behavioral Sciences	Staff Assistant II
Felicia Turner	Program Manager, Continuing Education-Alternative Teacher Certification & Youth Programs	Continuing Education
Robert Lilly	ELC	Coordinator II
Emma Alvarez	Fine Arts	Division Coordinator
Robert Cassidy	Human Resources	Specialist III
Adam Duran	College Police Department	Police Officer
Ralph Chaison	College Police Department	Police Officer
Jennifer Briggs	Emergency Medical Services	Assistant Professor
Seth Batiste	Developmental Studies-Writing	Assistant Professor
Robert Glenn	Engineering Technology/Mechatronics	Assistant Professor
Andrea Patella	Math	Assistant Professor
Cassandra Boyd	Diversity Initiatives	Program Coordinator
Laurel Wing	Science Lab	Program Coordinator

Labor of Love: End of Life Forum Sept. 19

What a phrase … end of life. None of us really want to talk about it or even think about it. Yet, at some point in our lives, we will have to deal with the death of a family member or even our very own deaths.

Preparing in advance for such an occasion may help you make more informed decisions and better manage the grieving process. Lone Star College-North Harris and Houston Northwest Medical Center will co-host a Labor of Love: End-of-Life Forum on Saturday, Sept. 19, to help attendees learn how to prepare and deal with end-of-life issues.

“End-of-life issues touch countless lives, and sadly, many people-including professional and lay caregivers-are often ill equipped to respond to the needs of patients, congregants, or loved ones as they embark on these life-altering and unimaginable journeys,” says Chaplain Paul Polk of Houston Northwest Medical Center. “The effectiveness in addressing these complex issues may be enhanced by the knowledge gained through attending this forum.”

The forum will begin with a discussion on power of attorney for health care and advance directives/living wills, and will end with a discussion regarding a person’s last five wishes. A complimentary continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. In addition to the morning keynote and afternoon closing speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to attend three sessions of their choosing. Health care professionals can qualify for .5 CEU credits.

Currently, scheduled topics* include: Elder Care with a Focus on Alzheimer’s, Hospice Care, Understanding Futile Care, Making Funeral Arrangements, Organ Donation/Give the Gift of Life, Will and Estate Planning, Funeral Negotiations, Moral Distress, Funeral Museum Presentation, Elder Law and Medicaid, Ethics and Decision Making And Coping with Grief. *Scheduled topics are subject to change.

Labor of Love: End of Life Forum is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lone Star College-North Harris in the Fine Arts Building, Performing Arts Theatre located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, Houston. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a seat and register, call 281.618.5634 or 281.618.5602 and use registration #15639 (CPGRO 3000006 NN100). For more information about the forum, please call Carole Wiater, coordinator for LSC-North Harris Academy for Lifelong Learning, at 281.765.7947.

Labor of Love: End of Life Forum Sept. 19

What a phrase … end of life. None of us really want to talk about it or even think about it. Yet, at some point in our lives, we will have to deal with the death of a family member or even our very own deaths.

Preparing in advance for such an occasion may help you make more informed decisions and better manage the grieving process. Lone Star College-North Harris and Houston Northwest Medical Center will co-host a Labor of Love: End-of-Life Forum on Saturday, Sept. 19, to help attendees learn how to prepare and deal with end-of-life issues.

“End-of-life issues touch countless lives, and sadly, many people-including professional and lay caregivers-are often ill equipped to respond to the needs of patients, congregants, or loved ones as they embark on these life-altering and unimaginable journeys,” says Chaplain Paul Polk of Houston Northwest Medical Center. “The effectiveness in addressing these complex issues may be enhanced by the knowledge gained through attending this forum.”

The forum will begin with a discussion on power of attorney for health care and advance directives/living wills, and will end with a discussion regarding a person’s last five wishes. A complimentary continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. In addition to the morning keynote and afternoon closing speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to attend three sessions of their choosing. Health care professionals can qualify for .5 CEU credits.

Currently, scheduled topics* include: Elder Care with a Focus on Alzheimer’s, Hospice Care, Understanding Futile Care, Making Funeral Arrangements, Organ Donation/Give the Gift of Life, Will and Estate Planning, Funeral Negotiations, Moral Distress, Funeral Museum Presentation, Elder Law and Medicaid, Ethics and Decision Making And Coping with Grief. *Scheduled topics are subject to change.

Labor of Love: End of Life Forum is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lone Star College-North Harris in the Fine Arts Building, Performing Arts Theatre located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, Houston. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a seat and register, call 281.618.5634 or 281.618.5602 and use registration #15639 (CPGRO 3000006 NN100). For more information about the forum, please call Carole Wiater, coordinator for LSC-North Harris Academy for Lifelong Learning, at 281.765.7947.

LSC-North Harris Summer Vacations

While some of us played at home this summer participating in “stay vacations,” quite a few of our LSC-North Harris family members were up and about gallivanting the globe.

Sherry Banks

I am attaching a picture from my stay in South Africa.  The photo is of a village we visited called Zola.  The attached photo is me with an elderly man and his sister-in-law who is caring for him.  His shanty is approximately 50 sq. ft.  We purchased food staples for three families that we visited that day and spent the equivalent of only $32!  This included at least a pound of meat, bread, vegetables, sugar, tea, etc.  It still amazes me!

Larry Brillhart

Rita D. Cinquemani

Rita Cinquemani and husband Paul on Catalina Island California summer 2009.

Gary Clark

Gary Clark visited Big Bend the past summer. If you would like to see some wonderful photos, go to flickr.com/photos/texasbirder and view the photos he took with his Leica Dlux-3 point-and-shoot camera.

Dorothy Dixon

My family travel to New York on July 7th and stayed until July 13th.  It was an AWESOME vacation because my birthday is July 10 and my husband’s birthday is July 8th.  My husband works for ABC and was able to get us special treatment (in the Good Morning America studio, VIP guests in Central Park, green room guest at GMA, etc.) on my actual birthday!!! Queen Latifah was performing that day in Central Park.  I even had my girls to write essays about their trip.

Milanie Hillburn

Gary Clark

Gary Clark visited Big Bend the past summer. If you would like to see some wonderful photos, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/texasbirder/ and view the photos he took with his Leica Dlux-3 point-and-shoot camera.

Tom Hobbs

For vacation my family went to Columbus Isle Club Med on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas and had a great time.  We will go again.  The water really is that color.

Karen Russom

Karen and her son visited China this summer. Here she is on the Great Wall.

Ursula Sohns

Here’s a picture of me enjoying some quality times with 2 of my sons.  We’re in the Bahamas at Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter.  Awesome!!!

C.C. Sutphen

My husband and I like to scuba dive whenever we can. Here is a view of our dive boat leaving the dock in Cozumel Mexico.

There is nothing like being under the water (with a supply of air…of course). It is truly an amazing experience seeing everything from seahorses to eagle rays.

Two Dean Appointments for Fall 2009

Dr. Larry Rideaux has accepted the position of executive director/dean of the LSC-North Harris Greenspoint and Carver Centers. Michael Krall, will serve as dean of the college’s Math and Natural Sciences Division.

Dr. Rideaux has more than 15 years of experience in promoting student success in both public and private educational institutions. His educational and career background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Lamar University, a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University, and an Ed. D. in Community College Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004.  He has served as director of Multicultural Services at Texas A&M University-Galveston (TAMU), assistant registrar at South Texas College of Law, assistant dean of enrollment services and dean of Student Services/Enrollment Management at Lone Star College-Tomball. Dr. Rideaux recently served as executive director for Achieving the Dream at the Lone Star College System and is currently the System’s associate vice chancellor for Student Success.

Michael Krall also has 15 years experience in higher education and in the electrical engineering industry. Krall earned his Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. His career background includes working for Texas Instruments as a microcontroller and digital signal processor applications engineer, as author and reviewer of TI’s technical documentation and instructor for microcontroller workshops. Krall was also a consulting engineer supporting Baker Hughes’ microcontroller application. Most recently, Krall worked for Lone Star College-Montgomery where he founded the college’s engineering program and was professor and chair of the college’s engineering and physics department.Dr. Larry Rideaux has accepted the position of executive director/dean of the LSC-North Harris Greenspoint and Carver Centers. Michael Krall, will serve as dean of the college’s Math and Natural Sciences Division.

Dr. Rideaux has more than 15 years of experience in promoting student success in both public and private educational institutions. His educational and career background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Lamar University, a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University, and an Ed. D. in Community College Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004.  He has served as director of Multicultural Services at Texas A&M University-Galveston (TAMU), assistant registrar at South Texas College of Law, assistant dean of enrollment services and dean of Student Services/Enrollment Management at Lone Star College-Tomball. Dr. Rideaux recently served as executive director for Achieving the Dream at the Lone Star College System and is currently the System’s associate vice chancellor for Student Success.

Michael Krall also has 15 years experience in higher education and in the electrical engineering industry. Krall earned his Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. His career background includes working for Texas Instruments as a microcontroller and digital signal processor applications engineer, as author and reviewer of TI’s technical documentation and instructor for microcontroller workshops. Krall was also a consulting engineer supporting Baker Hughes’ microcontroller application. Most recently, Krall worked for Lone Star College-Montgomery where he founded the college’s engineering program and was professor and chair of the college’s engineering and physics department.