Volume 5 Quarter 3
July-September 2007
Archive Posted: 10/01/2007
Antique lovers gather in Liberty
by Donna Roach
LIBERTY, N.C. (September 13, 2007) - Late September, rain or shine, the Liberty Antiques Festival brings in dealers from several states. According to Vito Sico, who coordinates the festival each year, the Fall 2007 show will welcome 375 vendors including new ones from Maine and the Midwest. The Friday and Saturday event is scheduled for September 28-29.
Among the different vendors will be The Dolly Lady, Cece Goin. She has been part of the festival for the past several years and enjoys the friendly atmosphere of the event. Goin specializes in composition and paper mache restoration. She works on dolls made from the mid 1880s to the 1950s.
Goin does simple restorations (such as restringing and redressing) on site during the antique show. Visitors can bring in work to be done, drop it off and enjoy a day at the festival before picking up their restored treasures. Goin says that full restorations have to be taken back to her workshop in Salisbury, NC. In addition to repair work, Goin offers supplies for cleaning, wigs and clothing.
On Friday, attendees can learn how to decorate their homes with antiques. "Antiques set their own presence within a room by creating a sense of tradition and history. Great antiques are like jewelry for your room; and who doesn't like jewelry?" says Holly Barker, interior design instructor for Randolph Community College. She and co-instructor, Sherrill Sykes, will be available from 9-11:30a.m. for questions at the "Ask a Designer" booth sponsored by the RCC Interior Design Program.
Together instructors and students will "offer free design advice regarding basic space planning, color selection, lighting, window treatments, and accessorizing with antiques," says Barker. The group will hold two raffles in order to raise money for a student travel abroad program to Italy next year. One raffle is for a Custom Antique Occasional Chair from the House of Woodward Collection and the other is for a set of Homer Laughlin china.
Saturday visitors to the Liberty Antiques Festival may want to take a trip into town while they are in the area. "A good way to round out the day is with a visit to the antique car show, two miles away," says Sico. The car show he is referring to is The Liberty Chamber of Commerce Annual Car/Tractor/Bike Show.
According to Pike Johnson, executive director of the Liberty Chamber of Commerce, the event started a few years ago with an antique car show and expanded last year to include a motorcycle show. Antique tractors will join the festivities this year. The shows will run concurrently from 10a.m. to 2:30p.m. on September 29. Judging will take place during that time and first, second and third place awards will be presented at 2:30.
9/20/2007Sea lions moved to temporary habitat
Courtesy of Tom Gillespie
North Carolina Zoo
ASHEBORO, N.C.-Visitors expecting to see the polar bear at the North Carolina Zoo might be a little surprised to find the park's male and female sea lions swimming in the bear exhibit until mid-to-late November due to shifting of the animals while a new shade awning is being constructed in the sea lion exhibit. The awning will protect the sea lions' eyes from the sun.
Although the polar bear will have its own smaller pool to relax in while in its off-exhibit holding area, it will not be on exhibit until the shade structure is complete. Since polar bears become less active in the fall and the sea lions have already been in a holding area since construction began a month ago, it made more sense to staff and keepers to let them now have use of the polar bear's outdoor pool.
9/20/2007Randleman announces voluntary water restrictions
RANDLEMAN, N.C. (September 18, 2007) - The City of Randleman has announced voluntary water restrictions. Since August 2, Randleman has been purchasing water from the City of Asheboro. Randleman's move to encourage conservation parallels a similar announcement from Asheboro. Tony Sears, city manager, confirmed that the restrictions apply to all Randleman water customers, whether they live within the city limits or not.
Customers can control their water use by doing the following:
- Use flow restriction and water saving devices (available at hardware and plumbing supply stores)
- Turn off faucets while shaving, brushing teeth or washing dishes
- Take showers only and limit them to four minutes
- Don't use the toilet as a trash basket
- Limit the use of washing machines and dishwashers by running only full loads
- Use disposable and biodegradable dishes
- Designate the hours of 7:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. for watering the lawn and garden and filling pools
- Delay landscape work until the water shortage has ended
- Reduce vehicle washing to Saturday and Sunday
- Reduce the wash down of outside areas such as driveway, parking lots and sidewalks
Source: City of Randleman memo to The Citizens of the City of Randleman
9/20/2007Hackney wins Charles Kuralt Media Award
Courtesy of Tom Gillespie
North Carolina Zoo
ASHEBORO-North Carolina Zoo Public Relations Manager Rod Hackney was named winner of the Charles Kuralt Media Award for his contributions to promotion of the state travel industry by the North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA).
Hackney received the award during presentation ceremonies at the NCTIA annual conference held in Cary. The Charles Kuralt Award is presented to individuals or organizations for "bringing public attention to the State of North Carolina through mass communication."
Hackney was recognized for his 20-year career working with the media for the state zoo as well as for "The Zoo FileZ," a syndicated television series on the zoo carried by 10 broadcast stations and two cable systems across North Carolina. He serves as on-camera host, writer and co-producer of the series.
9/20/2007
Randolph Telephone's Zoo To Do raises $200,430 for NC Zoo
Courtesy of Mike McCalnahan
North Carolina Zoological Society
ASHEBORO, N.C.-After a night of dancing, dining and spirited bidding on items ranging from furniture and pottery to sports memorabilia, art and exotic vacations, Zoo To Do 2007 raised more than $200,000 to support the Zoo's elephant and rhinoceros expansion project-Project: Pachyderms. Randolph Telephone pledged $30,000 as signature sponsor for the eighth straight year.
"Zoo To Do 2007, the twenty-fourth Zoo To Do, was a tremendous success thanks to dedicated and generous support from Randolph Telephone, corporation friends, artists, donors and more than 1,000 patrons who came out to enjoy the event," said Russ Williams, Zoo Society executive director.
Held September 8, Zoo To Do 2007 featured live entertainment, fine cuisine, and live and silent auctions. The live auction this year generated $67,100, the most in the event's history. Examples of live auction items and bids include $9,000 for an adventure trip to Manitoba, Canada, $6,750 for a wooden turquoise vase by Joel Hunnicutt, and $4,750 for a St. Thomas getaway donated by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Lackey.
Randolph Friends of the Zoo, a group of volunteers who organize the event along with the Zoo Society, have pledged $2 million generated by Zoo To Do through 2008 to help fund Project Pachyderms. With more than $7.2 million already raised, Project Pachyderms will help fund a major expansion of the N.C. Zoo's African Plains to create the Watani Grasslands Reserve.
The expansion will provide increased space for larger elephant and rhino herds and will provide visitors an up-close, almost eye-to-eye view of the largest land animals on the planet. The project will also increase the likelihood that elephants and rhinos will produce young at the N.C. Zoo.
9/20/2007Small Business Basics in Spanish
Michael L. Keaton
Director of Communications for SCORE
WASHINGTON, D.C.—SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business now provides a Spanish-language version of its popular workbook, Small Business Basics, thanks to a sponsorship by Bank of America. The workbooks can be picked up at no cost from any of SCORE's nearly 400 offices across the country.
Bank of America also recently funded a reprint of the English-language version of Small Business Basics. The workbook provides practical information and exercises to help build a business plan, develop a marketing campaign, manage cash flow and find business financing.
Small Business Basics also shows entrepreneurs how to measure performance, explore insurance options and make use of today's technology. There are valuable resources listed for veteran, National Guard and Reservist small business owners.
SCORE CEO Ken Yancey says, "Small Business Basics in Spanish is a terrific guide to help anyone who seeks to put their ideas and dreams into action." Yancey adds, "SCORE thanks Bank of America for its generous support to help provide resources in both English and Spanish that benefit tens of thousands of entrepreneurs nationwide."
Since 1964, SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business has assisted more than 7.7 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors in 389 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.
For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Or, visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org.
9/6/2007BBB advice on keeping your business in business following a natural disaster
Business tips from the Council of Better Business Bureaus
Reacting to a natural disaster or emergency not only means ensuring the immediate safety of employees, but also planning how the business will continue to function in the aftermath. Even if your business is not located in an area that is a likely target for a natural or manmade disaster, you need to be prepared for the unexpected with a comprehensive business continuation plan.
Limiting the amount of time your business is closed after an emergency situation is crucial; according to a 2006 survey by Harris Interactive, about 51 percent of companies said their customers would tolerate only up to two hours of unplanned down time.
After you’ve made plans to ensure the safety of your employees, Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers the following advice to help keep your business operating and meeting your customer’s needs in the wake of a disaster:
Consider the different types of disasters—fire, flood, tornado, etc.—that can occur and how your business would respond differently to being displaced for a week, a month, or longer.
Determine alternate locations for your business to operate if you are displaced from your current building. This could mean enabling employees to work from home or finding an alternate location for your office.
Identify essential staff who are core to the operations of the business and keep a list of their phone numbers (home, work, pager, cell) and e-mail addresses that can be accessed by employees from several locations (home, Internet, etc.).
Devise an emergency communications plan that outlines how your business will communicate with employees, customers, vendors and other key external contacts in the days following a disaster.
Contact vendors/suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures. Be prepared to use alternate vendors for essential supplies and equipment. Have your back-up equipment kept in good working condition.
Have an up-to-date inventory of your assets. Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for items you cannot afford to lose. A standard policy may not cover business interruption losses.
Keep duplicates of personnel, payroll, payables and receivables and other essential records at an off-site location. Regularly make back-up copies of important computer files.
Establish a succession of management for the company. Determine who will manage the company if key leaders are unavailable.
For more advice you can trust and information you need to know on keeping your company in business following an emergency or natural disaster, go to www.bbb.org.
9/13/2007Randolph Hospital to provide Abundant Living Training
Courtesy of Lauren Ingold
Public Relations Coordinator for Randolph Hospital
ASHEBORO - Since 2002, Randolph Hospital has partnered with area churches in the development of Health Ministry Programs. One of these programs is the Abundant Living Health Ministry, a hospital-supported, church-based wellness program, which fosters holistic health within churches in Randolph County and surrounding service areas.
The Abundant Living Health Ministry Program is a program offered to churches desiring to begin a health ministry.
To learn more about the Abundant Living Health Ministry Program, Randolph Hospital will present a Health Ministry Program overview on Monday, September 17th, 2007 at 7 p.m. in the hospital's Private Dining Room. Clergy and representatives from area churches are invited to attend.
Through the Abundant Living Health Ministry Program, congregations have greater access to health information, health screenings and health education opportunities. A Congregational Health Promoter within the church works with the pastoral team and lay leaders in the development and implement of this ministry. The Congregational Health Promoter can be a compassionate layperson, healthcare professional or a nurse.
Randolph Hospital is committed to assisting congregations in developing and sustaining health ministry programs and will partner with interested faith communities for training, technical support and consultation.
For additional information regarding the Abundant Living program or to register for the training on the 17th, please contact Sue Whitley, RN, Health Ministry Coordinator at (336) 629-8896, extension 5022.
9/13/2007Concert to highlight Randolph Community College's 45th Year
Courtesy of Cathy Hefferin
Director of Communications and Marketing
ASHEBORO (September 7, 2007) - The musical group "Timeless" will play for the 45th Anniversary festivities at Randolph Community College on Saturday, September 15. The public is invited to this free concert, from 1-4 p.m. in the plaza/courtyard area on the Asheboro Campus. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Carol Sykes, one of RCC's current students, is a vocalist for this eight-piece band complete with brass that performs a variety of music that spans several decades. Timeless, which was formed in the summer of 2004, is based out of Greensboro. Some of the band members have been playing together for more than 17 years.
A College Fair will be held from 2-4 p.m. with a variety of activities, including demonstrations in various program areas, mini-classes such as "Ask a Designer" and "Introduction to eBay," children's activities, a pottery sale, and Joey the Clown. Vintage cars, restored Harley Davidson motorcycles, and Kyle Petty's #45 race car will be on display. Free cold beverages and snacks will be available. Nearly all campus buildings, including the Foundation Conference Center, will be open for tours.
9/6/2007Certified Manager Program
Courtesy of Ariel Vernon
RCC Advertising & Graphic Design intern
ASHEBORO (August 30, 2007) - "Management Skills I - Foundations of Management" begins Tuesday, September 11 at Randolph Community College. It will run until November 20 and is the first in a series of Certified Manager courses.
"Foundations of Management" is offered in cooperation with James Madison University's Institute of Certified Professional Managers and will be located at Randolph Community College's Asheboro Campus. Classes are scheduled for every Tuesday from 6-9 p.m.
The course will focus on developing and honing key managerial skills and will cover a broad range of issues that are of concern to managers, including diversity, entrepreneurship, business law, ethics and social concerns, effective communications, and economics.
"Foundations of Management" will be helpful for a broad spectrum of students, from those already in managerial positions to people who are beginning or considering a career in management.
To learn more or to register, please call RCC's Information Center in Asheboro at 336-633-0267, the Archdale Center at 336-862-7980, or Don Childers at 336-633-0228.
The course number is MLS3856A77868; the cost is $55 to enroll, plus a $100 textbook. Please note that registration and prepayment of fees are now required for Continuing Education courses.
9/6/2007Small Business Series offered at RCC
Courtesy of Cathy Hefferin
Director of Communications and Marketing at RCC
ASHEBORO (August 31, 2007) - This could be the year that you start that new business you've always dreamed about! Small business owners and those aspiring to become one can take advantage of a series of courses that take you through the process of starting a small business. Eleven one-session courses will be offered Tuesday evenings throughout the fall at the main campus of Randolph Community College. Participants are encouraged to take all the courses in the order they are offered, but courses may be taken individually. The registration fee is $5 for each class. All classes meet from 6-9 p.m.
On Tuesday, September 11, a class called "10 Steps to Starting a Small Business" will cover topics such as understanding yourself, your market, business structure, fees and licenses required, developing a marketing plan, pricing, bookkeeping and budgeting, financial statements, writing a business plan, and implementing the plan.
"Am I Cut Out to Be a Small Business Owner?" will be held on Tuesday, September 18. Participants will identify the personal qualities and skills of successful business owners and other factors that contribute to the success of small businesses. In addition, they will assess their current skills and knowledge of small business ownership and develop a learning plan to assist them in growing successful enterprises.
Participants will develop an understanding of personal budgeting and its relationship to business planning in "Can My Business Idea Support Me?" on Tuesday, September 25. Students will identify the kinds of data needed to project the revenue, start-up, and operating costs of a business, and learn break-even analysis as a tool to assist the small business owner in measuring financial feasibility.
Other topics covered in the series held every Tuesday evening through December 4 at the main campus of Randolph Community College include pricing products and services, tax planning and reporting, and legal considerations.
Seating is limited, so sign up now by calling Sharon Warren at the Small Business Center at 336-633-0275. RCC's main campus is located at 629 Industrial Park Avenue; take the McDowell Road exit from 220 Bypass and follow the signs.
Randolph Community College's Small Business Center provides assistance in establishing new small businesses and successfully operating or expanding an existing small business. The Small Business Center offers seminars, workshops, Continuing Education courses, free one-on-one consultation, referral, and resources. Many Small Business Center seminars and services are at no cost to participants.
8/31/2007Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards $1,000 scholarship
Story and photos courtesy of Cathy Hefferin
Director of Communications and Marketing
ASHEBORO (August 31, 2007) - Charleen "Sherry" Holt of Ramseur, a student at Randolph Community College, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Through the Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program, the Foundation awards a total of 400 scholarships annually to students attending higher-education institutions granting two-year degrees.
One scholar from each state received a $2,000 scholarship through the New Center Scholar Program of the American Association of Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college scholastic honorary organization. An additional 350 students were awarded a $1,000 scholarship. All recipients have demonstrated academic success and participated in community service within the past 12 months.
Holt, a second-year student double majoring in Business Administration and Accounting, was nominated for the scholarship by her Business Administration instructor Waymon Martin. Holt is active in Phi Theta Kappa and volunteers her time for various projects, including helping to organize the annual prom for the Compensatory Education students at RCC. "I'm trying to stress the importance of volunteering to my kids," said Holt, who has four children.
"The Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program gives support and encouragement to an underserved population of college students," said J. Mark Davis, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. "This program is an extension of our long-standing commitment to college education throughout the United States. These fine students, who often juggle school, work and family, continue to give back to their communities through volunteer service."
8/30/2007Randolph Hospital employee named President of North Carolina Healthcare Engineers Association
Courtesy of Lauren Ingold
Public Relations Coordinator for Randolph Hospital
ASHEBORO- William Baird, Senior Director of Facility Services at Randolph Hospital, was recently installed as President of the North Carolina Healthcare Engineers Association (NCHEA).
As president of NCHEA, Baird will serve a one-year term and be responsible for many duties including: planning the annual conference, ensuring the by-laws are carried out as they apply, calling board meetings as necessary and presiding as chairperson of the board.
“NCHEA has a long-standing history not only in this community but throughout the state for quality and professionalism,” notes Baird. “As president, I look forward to serving this organization that was founded right here at Randolph Hospital.”
Organized in 1952 by Luther Miller, the head Maintenance Engineer at Randolph Hospital, NCHEA is a not-for-profit, incorporated association dedicated to serving and promoting the healthcare engineering profession.
The Association is an affiliated chapter of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering of the American Hospital Association.
The membership consists of healthcare facility managers, as well as, vendors, architects and engineers who have expertise or specific interest in healthcare.
The NCHEA is proactive and innovative in offering high quality, economically reasonable programs and benefits that are valuable to its members. Resources are efficiently and effectively devoted to technical and regulatory educational programs, self-development and professional growth instruction and building relationships with suppliers that are experts in the field and offer state of the art technology.
Updated 8/23/2007Randolph Community College Machining Program Designated Haas Technical Education Center
Courtesy of Cathy Hefferin
Director of Communications and Marketing
ASHEBORO - Randolph Community College's Machining Technology program has been designated a Haas Technical Education Center by Haas Automation, according to Mitchell Kiser, department chair for RCC's Mechanical and Industrial Department.
Randolph becomes one of only about 450 schools nationwide with the certification. To qualify, schools must meet quality standards established by Haas and the HTEC Council. Haas Automation is the largest Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tool builder in the world.
The HTEC program was developed to benefit both educational institutions and Haas Automation. The school benefits by having easier access to the products and services that are necessary to train a future workforce. Haas benefits by exposing students to Haas products.
Kiser attended a Haas Technical Education Center conference in early June to complete requirements for the certification. "This allows our students the opportunity to learn CNC programming on Haas machines," said Kiser."This is the same type of programming and equipment students will be exposed to when they go to work in the machining industry."
The HTEC program includes a discount when purchasing Haas machines for training, a trade-in- program for replacing older machines, an opportunity to participate in a job placement program at the Haas factory in Oxnard, California, and Haas-sponsored educator visits to the factory to learn firsthand how Haas builds its products.
"There is also an opportunity for a student scholarship,"said Kiser. Grants of up to $5,000 a year are available to Haas Technical Education Centers from the Gene Haas Foundation.
Bush Hill Festival around the corner
by Donna RoachARCHDALE - Maps may no longer show the Quaker settlement, Bush Hill, but it still thrives where it took root in 1786 among the low growing vegetation that inspired its name. Bush Hill changed its name to Archdale in 1887. Now a growing 21st century city, Archdale will honor its heritage at the 22nd Annual Bush Hill Festival.
"Randolph County’s Quaker heritage is proud and strong and carries with it a tradition of excellence showcased during this festival. There is no other event in North Carolina that celebrates Quaker heritage quite like this, so that makes it very unique," said Tammy O'Kelley, director of tourism for Randolph County. "The Bush Hill Heritage Festival has grown into an event that welcomes more than 25,000 visitors annually."
The traditional Saturday festivities are expanding to include Fabulous Friday Night at Creekside Park beginning at 6:00 p.m. on September 7. Spread across Creekside Park will be a variety of family friendly activities including a live performance by the Part Time Party Time Band, a Big Wheel® Race for ages 3-6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the first ever Miss Bush Hill pageants for ages 5-16.
The Saturday opening ceremonies begin at 9:00 a.m. Music throughout the day will include live performances by the Part Time Party Time Band, Lisa Woods and Josh Thompson. Additional information can be found by visiting the Bush Hill Festival site.
Tourism Director O'Kelley said that out of town visitors will easily find places to stay. "Archdale is home to five top-notch hotels and one historical bed and breakfast inn -all at or near the intersection of Interstate 85 and Highway 311 in Randolph County."
While staying in Archdale, Bush Hill visitors might want to expand their stay and take in some side trips to the North Carolina Zoo or Rising Meadow Farm.
8/16/2007Zoo staffers attend tourism certification program
Courtesy of Tom Gillespie
ASHEBORO - Three Marketing Division staff members from the North Carolina Zoo recently completed a week of academic instruction at the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, Georgia, which will eventually lead to certification as a Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP).
Chris Bulla, zoo marketing officer, completed the second year of the three-year professional development program; while Lane Ragsdale, travel industry manager, and Kim Allgood, special events coordinator, completed first-year studies.
The three zoo staff members were among 290 tourism professionals enrolled in the week-long program that turns the facilities at the northern Georgia college into a laboratory to teach tourism marketing each summer.
Twenty-five senior executives in the travel and tourism industry worked as volunteer faculty. The STS Marketing College professional development program is the only one of its kind and is recognized nationally for its training of tourism leaders. To date, 368 students have earned TMP certification at the course.
"In the tourism industry, TMP certification carries a lot of weight," said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the STS, a 12-state organization that promotes travel and tourism in the Southeast.
The 12 STS states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. STS headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia. Although the marketing college typically attracts students from these states, this year's program included students from Arizona and Oklahoma.
The STS Marketing College began in 1992 to provide continuing education for tourism professionals. Tourism ranks as the first-, second- or third-largest industry in each STS member state. Students come from convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, attractions, hotels and other segments of the tourism industry.
"The fundamental concept of STS Marketing College is that the curriculum is practical," Hardman said. "What students learn can be put to practice as soon as they get back to their workplaces."
The curriculum covers topics such as family vacation research, special events marketing, media relations and creative advertising. Additionally, heritage tourism and community/rural tourism courses have attracted special interest in recent years.
"The Southeast Tourism Society is recognized nationwide for the cohesiveness and camaraderie it fosters in the region," Hardman said. "No other region has a similar organization. Our marketing college is a major project to build skills and professionalism in the tourism industry."
Duke Energy urges energy conservation
8/16/2007Courtesy of Randy D. Welch
Duke Energy Carolinas/ Business Relations Manager
Cabarrus, Davidson, Davie, Iredell, Randolph & Rowan Counties
CHARLOTTE – Duke Energy encourages customers to take steps to conserve energy and manage their summer cooling bills.
Top tips on managing energy consumption include:
Close window coverings during the day. During peak cooling hours, solar heat gain can account for one-third of the load on an air conditioner. When home, close the drapes on the sunny side of the house or close all window coverings if leaving for the day.
Raise the thermostat setting. Cooling below 75 degrees in the summer can double a bill. For each degree cooled below 78, cooling bills can rise by as much as 10 percent. On the other hand, raising the thermostat from 73 degrees to 76 degrees could save 30 percent on air conditioning costs.
Close windows at night. While it’s tempting to give the air conditioner a rest on cool nights, watch the weather forecast before opening the windows at night. If tomorrow is going to be hot again, keep the air conditioning on and the home closed through the night to keep the humidity out of house. Humidity is a significant load on an air conditioner.
Insulate attic ducts. If air conditioning ducts are visible in an attic, more insulation is probably needed on these ducts. Cool air ducts in a 120-degree attic in the summertime need to be fully buried under 6 inches of insulation. In other words, they need to be out of sight. The factory insulation on these ducts is usually only about 1 inch thick and not adequate for hot attics. Heat absorbed by exposed attic ducts can add 20 percent to 40 percent to your bills.
Upgrade to high-efficiency air conditioning. New, high efficiency, 13 SEER air conditioners will use only half the energy compared to a 15-year-old air conditioner. If an air conditioner is 10 years old or less, maintain it well and keep it. If it is between 10 years to 15 years old, minor repairs are okay. If an air conditioner is older than 15 years and needs substantial repairs, the best alternative is to replace it with a new, high-efficiency system.
Properly size the air conditioner. A properly sized air conditioner is very important for comfort, humidity control and energy bills. When buying a new air conditioner, it should be properly sized based on a detailed energy analysis of the home. Avoid the common mistake of a little bump-up for good measure. Replace old refrigerators.
Many faithful old refrigerators seem to run forever and it’s so easy to find an unused electric outlet in the garage. But an old refrigerator may use twice-as-much energy as a new energy-efficient refrigerator. Refrain from putting the old one in the hot garage where it is only partially filled and only seldom used. This seemingly resourceful action could add $180 per year to an energy bill.
Additional tips for reducing electricity usage are also available on www.duke-energy.com on the "Residential" tab. Specifically, customers can access energy-saving information for air conditioning, home insulation and other household tips that can help reduce their usage and their bills. Customers can also conduct online energy audits and view videos on energy efficiency.
8/9/2007Randolph Community College Fall Registration August 14 and 15!
Cathy Hefferin
Director of Communications and Marketing
ASHEBORO - Registration for new and returning students for fall 2007 curriculum classes will be held between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 14 and 15, at Randolph Community College's Asheboro Campus. New students may register at the Archdale Center from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14.
All new students must attend an orientation session prior to registering. Orientations will be held at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center auditorium on the Asheboro Campus.
Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 20. Students may register for classes and adjust their schedule Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 20-22, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. During late registration, students may enroll only in classes that have not held the first class meeting.
Tuition, set by the North Carolina State Legislature, will be $42 per credit hour, or $672 per semester for 16 hours and up for in-state students. Out-of-state students pay $233.30 per credit hour, or $3,732.80 per semester for 16 hours and up. All students are charged an activity fee of $1 per credit hour, $16 maximum per semester, as well as a technology fee of $1 per credit hour, $16 maximum per semester.
Students who haven't completed the admissions process yet should call 336-633-0224 to complete their paperwork.
Randolph Community College offers over 25 curriculum programs, including new programs for fall 2007 in Healthcare Management Technology and Associate in General Education.
8/2/2007
Virtual Learning Community offers learning alternatives
(Courtesy of the North Carolina Community College System, Public Affairs)
By Carrie Hamilton
Summer Intern System Office, Public Affairs
RALEIGH - Debbie Kennedy, the virtual campus content coordinator at Randolph Community College, knows the value of distance learning. At 38, Kennedy received her associate degree in college transfer from Randolph, a feat she would have considered impossible without the college's distance learning (DL) program.
Kennedy's story is one of many in the North Carolina Community College System. Developed in 1998, the Virtual Learning Community (VLC) is the collaborative initiative of the State Board of Community Colleges and the participating community colleges to share resources and expertise for the purpose of expanding access to quality online courses and support services. Each of the system's 58 colleges participates in the VLC, sharing curriculum and providing distance learning classes.
Dr. Linda Nelms, the system's distance learning coordinator, said distance learning classes are a vital resource for community college students but are often confused with traveling courses. Distance learning is defined by the interaction between a student and instructor who are separated by place and/or time, not when students travel from one school to another to take classes.
Several types of courses are encompassed by distance learning. Digital media, hybrid, information highway, internet, telecourses and teleweb courses are all part of the VLC.
Nelms said that in planning the courses, administrators and instructors from around the state look at what is in high demand and can be delivered in an online environment. They focus on meeting several needs including transfer student programs, job training and partnering with the community.
"We have a wide mission in providing courses," said Nelms. "Each school is participating."
While some schools have more resources to apply to online courses, Nelms said it does not mean they lack dedication to the VLC. "Just because they are smaller schools does not mean they are not just as committed," she said. The commitment of the system is apparent and students are responding rapidly to this ever developing kind of learning.
The expansion of programs and courses demonstrates the importance of the VLC. Currently, the system offers 208 curriculum courses, 21 programs and 15 continuing education courses compared to 10 courses in 1999.
Enrollment in DL courses is further proof of the program's success rate. The 40,392 DL course registrations in 1999-2000 pales in comparison to the 201,626 registrations in 2005-2006. Occupational and continuing education DL courses saw a growth rate of 43.85 percent between the 2003-2004 and the 2004-2005 school years.
Registration increases and program expansion in individual colleges are equally as impressive as the system's increase. Beaufort County Community College experienced an enrollment increase in online courses of more than 400 percent between fall 2002 and spring 2007.
Randolph Community College only offered eight DL courses when their program began in 1998, but now offers 64 online and hybrid courses with a total of 78 sections. Kennedy said she believes the increase is due to high student demand. "While it is still a pretty new concept, students are on board and clamoring for more," she said.
Melissa Vrana, the eLearning development and delivery director at Central Piedmont Community College, said that their eLearning program continues to grow also due to student demand. In spring 2004, Central Piedmont had 3,380 registrations in their eLearning program. That number shot up to 9,000 in the spring of 2007.
With these numbers, it's clear that DL courses and the VLC have become an integral part of the learning process for students at North Carolina community colleges. Nelms said distance learning provides students with a different kind of format for learning and offers more flexibility for all, not just "non-traditional" students.
Flexibility is what prompted Kennedy to take online courses. "I place a huge personal value on distance learning," Kennedy said. "It allows students to succeed who otherwise wouldn't be able to."
Teeku Patel, a student at Central Piedmont, said he opted for online courses because of convenience. "I can concentrate on the material in my own time when I'm ready and at my own speed," he said. "When taking online courses, it allows me to work full-time or part-time and to be with my family." Patel, who went back to school after graduating from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, said that traffic and parking also played a role in selecting DL courses.
While some students will succeed more than others in these courses, Nelms said they teach necessary skills in time management, creative and critical thinking, learning styles and group work. "We want students to take these skills and translate them into the world," she said.
These skills will continue to be taught as the future of the VLC is growing brighter. Colleges are already using state-of-the-art technology. The North Carolina Information Highway allows courses to be distributed to all 58 colleges at the same time. More developments are on the horizon. Nelms said that currently the system is working on bringing instructional gaming to students. "Say you struggle with math. Instructional gaming allows you to see it from a different perspective, like playing basketball, and still gain the same objective," she said.
Although new technology is underway, Nelms said the VLC will always focus on student needs first. "We won't change our high standards," she said, "but will continue to expand so that we have a much richer online environment."
8/2/2007
Randolph Hospital offers class to help drivers improve skills
Courtesy of Lauren Ingold
Public Relations Coordinator at Randolph Hospital
ASHEBORO - Adults who wish to brush up on their driving skills are encouraged to take the AARP Driver Safety Program offered at Randolph Hospital.
The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest classroom driver improvement course specially designed for motorists age 50 and older, but is available to drivers of all ages. This classroom refresher course covers normal changes in vision, hearing and reaction time associated with aging. Learn how to avoid driving hazards and review the rules of the road.
The course is taught in two, 4 ½ hour sessions, and the cost is $10. AARP members and non-members alike may take the course on August 29th and 31st, 2007 from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Randolph Hospital Health Education Center, 200-A Foust Street.
This course is one of Randolph Hospital's community outreach events offered each month on a variety of health-related topics. To register, please call Randolph Hospital at (336) 633-7788, or register online at www.randolphhospital.org.
Vol. 5 Issue 6
July 2007
Pettys to appear in ESPN's "The Families"
7/26/2007RANDLEMAN - Petty Enterprises has announced that ESPN will air a "special that features four major racing dynasties." The Franceses, the Pettys, the Allisons and the Earnhardts will be highlighted. The two-hour program, called "The Families", is scheduled to run this Friday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m.
Richard, Kyle, Lynda and Pattie Petty were interviewed earlier this year when ESPN crews visited Petty Enterprises and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.
7/19/2007
Jerry Simpson rejoins Randolph Community College
ASHEBORO - Jerry L. Simpson is the new vice president for student services at Randolph Community College (RCC).
Simpson, who was evening director from 1985 to 1990 at RCC, has held various positions in the community college system including director of counseling services at Guilford Technical Community College, director of counseling and career services at Gaston College, and director of counseling and career development at Rockingham Community College. He recently served as interim vice president for student services at Rockingham.
A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Simpson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Gardner-Webb University and a Master of Education in guidance and counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
As vice president for student services, Simpson will be responsible for student services programs and activities that enhance student success.
7/19/2007
Randolph Hospital offers free oral cancer screening
Courtesy of Lauren Ingold
Public Relations Coordinator at Randolph Hospital.
ASHEBORO - Oral cancer, which includes cancer of the mouth and pharynx, will be diagnosed in an estimated 34,000 Americans this year and will cause more than 8,000 deaths. It is the 6th most common cancer in men and the 14th most common cancer in women. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects twice as many men as women.
Most oral cancer is preventable with 75 percent of oral cancers being related to tobacco use, alcohol use or use of both substances together. Using both tobacco and alcohol puts you at a much greater risk than using either substance alone.
It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. On Tuesday, August 14, 2007, join Drs. Marina Bonaventura, Amy Williams and Brandon Williams for a free oral screening at Randolph Cancer Center, 713 S. Fayetteville Street from 6-8 p.m.
This screening is one of Randolph Hospital's community events offered each month on a variety of health-related topics. To register, please call Randolph Hospital or register online at www.randolphhospital.org.
7/12/2007
New Healthcare Management Technology program fills a growing need
Courtesy of Cathy Hefferin
Director of Communications and Marketing for Randolph Community College
ASHEBORO (July 11, 2007) - There is a lot of talk these days about the looming crisis in health care, with a shortage of nurses and technicians, but the health care needs reach beyond those specialty areas.
Physician's offices, clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospitals also need managers in areas of insurance, office operations, and medical records. Randolph Community College's new Healthcare Management Technology program, which begins this fall on the Asheboro Campus, will help fill those jobs in Randolph County.
"There is a definite need for this type of training," said Gail Cooper, officer manager for Carolina Primary Medicine of Asheboro and a member of RCC's program planning/advisory committee for the curriculum. "The Healthcare Management Technology program will provide knowledgeable graduates for a variety of settings, from physician's offices on up to hospitals. There is a wide range of jobs available."
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 27% growth in North Carolina jobs in the area of medical and health services managers through 2014.
The Healthcare Management Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment in healthcare business and financial operations, according to Debbie Christenberry, department chair for the Business Technology department at RCC, which houses the program. "Healthcare is very much a business and, like every business, healthcare requires trained and skilled administrators," she said. Students in the program will gain a comprehensive understanding of the application of management principles to the healthcare environment.
The curriculum places emphasis on planning, organizing, directing, and controlling tasks related to healthcare organizational objectives including the legal and ethical environment. Study is focused on the development of effective communication, managerial, and supervisory skills.
Students have the option of day or evening classes. A student taking a full-time load during the day can expect to finish the associate degree in two years, with one summer session. Students taking evening classes will need three years to complete the degree.
Jobs in healthcare management pay well and provide excellent benefits. For Randolph County, the salaries range from $27,000 to $41,600. And, according to the Professional Association of Healthcare Office Managers, median salaries for Medical Office Managers in the Southeast region ranged from $52,500 to nearly $57,000 in the last three years. Plus, 97% of the practices represented paid for their office manager's health insurance, either in part or whole.
The opportunity for advancement in this field is wide open. After earning an associate degree at Randolph Community College, students can continue their education with a bachelor's degree in healthcare management or even a master of health administration at nearby Pfeiffer University.
Other members serving on RCC's Healthcare Management Technology advisory committee are Kim Tate, office manager for Carolina House of Asheboro; Dr. William Walker, O.D., Walker Eye Care; Dr. Gary Barger, D.C., Barger Chiropractic Family Health; Rebecca Rogers, office manager for Deep River Rehabilitation; and Dawn Cole, director of nursing at Cross Road Retirement Center.
Students interested in starting the Healthcare Management Technology program at Randolph Community College this fall should apply for admission to the College as soon as possible.
The last day to apply for fall semester without a $5 late fee is Wednesday, July 25. Fall semester registration will be August 14-15. Please call Randolph Community College's Information Center at 336-633-0200 for more information on admission and registration.
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