PWA
January 24, 2005
Vol. 17, No. 17
UCC is a perfect match
Michael Thomas, computer class coordinator for Community Ed, personifies calm self-confidence and competence. In addition to coordinating classes and field trips throughout the county, Michael teaches computer and photography classes (he’s also a professional photographer) and technology workshops for UCC’s staff. “I love teaching,” he said, “and I’m committed to community education as an integral part of the college.”
The former Ellensburg, Wash. resident described finding his job as serendipity. He and his wife, Spring, were visiting the area last Memorial Day when he decided to detour and check out UCC. “I loved it here,” he said, “And this position was open–and it was a perfect match. I took over in July, we bought a small cottage in Oakland, and here we are.”
In the 13 years before this, the Thomases founded and managed The IronStraw Group, a non-profit sustainable building organization specializing in straw bale structures. “We built the first straw bale public library in the country,” he said proudly. He is still the executive director of the organization (www.ironstraw.org) and is also on the board of the Northwest Ecobuilding Guild which encompasses Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. “I’m not a tree-hugger,” he said, “but I am a strong advocate for sustainable living and building.”
Before IronStraw, Michael taught ESL and computer skills for 15 years at community colleges in Washington and he is clearly happy to be back in the field of education.
Michael and Spring share their home with Ari, a well-loved yellow lab. The couple has three grown children; son Rick is in Seattle studying for a degree in chemistry; daughter Chery teaches grade school in the Atlanta area, (she and husband Barry Ritzel have a four-year-old daughter, Ashton); and daughter, Jennifer, and son-in-law, Jon Adams, are musicians who perform as a duo “Montana Skies.”
For recreation, Michael sometimes races his sports car, and both he and Spring enjoy playing golf and watching movies together. He also likes reading science fiction and mysteries.
“Running a non-profit organization was very time-consuming,” Michael said. “Now we have more time for other things that we enjoy. An hour from the ocean, an hour from the mountains–this is a great place to be.”
Staff news
Condolences to Marilyn Klingbeil, digital systems instructor, whose mother recently died.
Our sympathies also go to Robynne Wilgus, secretary, whose father-in-law also recently passed away.
Donna McGeehon, PE secretary, reports her husband is recovering from a stroke and doing well.
Jan Woodcock, social science instructor, is recuperating from surgery in Portland. She hopes to return to work in another week or so. She thanks everyone for the beautiful flowers!
Congratulations to Kelly Cooper who will be a recipient of the NISOD Excellence Award signaling outstanding contributions to teaching and learning.
Family fair volunteers
Anyone associated with a campus club or student group that might be interested in helping with the Sat., Feb. 5, Family Fun Fair, please contact Connie at ext. 650.
Strings concert
If you enjoyed the Umpqua Chamber Orchestra at the MLK day celebration, you will want to attend the Strings for All Ages this Tuesday in Jacoby Auditorium at 7 pm. The free concert will feature the Umpqua Chamber Orchestra and Youth Music Douglas County.
Missing animal trap
Facilities is missing a trap used to capture feral cats. Call Jess at 678.
Centerstage Theatre changes play choice
Waiting for Godot will be the next play performed, replacing the previously announced The Playboy of the Western World. “It’s just a better choice for us, a better fit,” explains director Dean Remick. Performance dates remain the same.
Student paper deadline
The Mainstream’s next deadline is Jan. 28 for distribution Feb. 3. Submit stories to Snyder 11, call 440-4687, or e-mail the paper at themainstream@hotmail.com.
Got Milk with those?
The Girl Scout Cookie Sale has started. Order now, pay at delivery. $3.50 a box, even Thin Mints! Call Barb at ext. 628.
Writer’s Club
If you enjoy writing or helping others critique their works, UCC’s Writer’s Group is for you. Call Diane at 672-4337 to learn more.
For sale
Four 16" tires, 205/55HR-16; 85% tread. Appropriate for Pontiac Grand Am, PT Cruiser, VW Beetle, Toyota Camry. $50 each. Call Patty 440-4624.
Apartment for rent
Looking for responsible student to rent apartment on private estate. Winston area. $350/month. Call 679-5769.
Calendar
Monday, January 24
Noon Student Photo ID Cards, CC, Lobby
3pm Safety Committee, ESB, Umpqua Rm
Tuesday, January 25
11am Associated Students of UCC, CC, Club Union Rm
11:30am Gold Card Program, CC, Timber Rm
Noon Engineering Club, JH, Rm 15
3pm Staff Development, Library, Moody Rm
3pm Classiffied Mtg. w/President, Whipple Fine Arts, Rm 11
3:30pm Dept Chairs, CC, Timber Rm
7pm UCC’s Umpqua Chamber Orchestra, Jacoby Auditorium
Wednesday, January 26
8am Americorp Regional Mtg., CC, Indian & Timber Rms
9am New Employee Orientation, ESB, Rm 9
Noon Computer Club, ESB, Rm 9
3pm Internal Budget Committee, Admin, Board Rm
Thursday, January 27
Noon UCC Senate, CC, Timber Rm
3pm Phi Theta Kappa, CC, Club Union Rm
7pm Apprenticeship Committee, CC, Indian Rm
Friday, January 28
Noon TOP Scholarship Workshop, Library, Moody Rm
7pm Associated Students of UCC’s presents “Umpqua Idol,” Jacoby Auditorium
Saturday, January 29
7:30pm Oregon State Bluegrass Gospel Show, Jacoby Auditorium
Birthdays
Susan Rochester 01/24
Abby Elliott 01/25
Jan Shipley 01/26
Barbara Stoner 01/27
Icy Hawksworth 01/28
Hire Dates
Caroline Gwynne 01/24/03
Cindy Adams 01/25/91
Stephen Huckins 01/26/04
Ashley Greenwalt 01/27/04
Pam Engle 01/29/96
Campus Cafe
Monday, January 24
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle
**Tucson Burger
Tuesday, January 25
Lumber Jack Vegetable Soup
Split Pea w/Ham Soup
**Veggie Quesadilla
Wednesday, January 26
Wild Mushroom & Barley Soup
Cream Turkey Vegetable Soup
**Roasted Danish Reuben
Thursday, January 27
Chicken & Dumpling Soup
Minestrone
**Chicken Fajita Salad
Friday, January 28
Yankee Pot Roast Soup
Clam Chowder
**Fish & Chips
** Indicates a daily special
Hours
Monday-Friday, 7:30am-2pm