Mrs. Barbara Austin, seated, was presented a COM Foundation chair as the 2005 Donor of the Year. Presenting the chair is Monica O'Neal, left, Foundation executive director. Also present is Mrs. Austin's daughter, Barbara Austin Hefley.

COM Foundation Honors 
Donors of the Year

The College of the Mainland Foundation has named Barbara M. Austin of La Marque as its 2005 Donor of the Year. Mrs. Austin was honored at the annual Donor Luncheon held recently at COM.

Mrs. Austin, whose late husband, Grafton Austin, was the first elected mayor of La Marque , has been both a student and a benefactor at the College. She took art classes at the College in the early 1970s and more recently donated funds for a Grafton and Barbara Austin Scholarship.

“ I just wanted to set up a scholarship for students who need the help and who are serious about making good grades,” said Austin . “I think its great for local kids to have COM nearby. I only wish it had been around when I graduated from Ball High.”

The named scholarship is for business or graphic arts majors. The COM Foundation awards over 100 scholarships each spring to local students. The application deadline is March 31, 2006. For applications or more information, contact the Foundation Office at 938-1211, Ext. 508 or visit it online at www.com.edu/foundation. 

ESL students are congratulated by their peers and COM administrators following a holiday production of a one-act play that was part of their ESL class at COM this semester.

Back Row:  President “Butch” Hayes, Dr. Katherine Moser, Joselindo Dabao (Philippines); Lan Tran Ngoc (Vietnam); Hedwieg Putz (Mexico); Rodolfo Zavala (Mexico); Elida Matthews (ESL Program Coordinator).

Front Row:  Yolanda Trejo (Mexico); Shuo Cheng (China); Nell Phy (ESL Volunteer); Sally Davila (ESL Instructor).

Learning lines in a play can be as challenging as learning English as a Second Language (ESL), but students in Sally Davila’s ESL class at College of the Mainland did both this semester to rave reviews.

The class, which included students from China, Mexico, Philippines and Vietnam, presented a play entitled “One Ghost for the Day, One Ghost for the Night.” The students were involved in the costuming and set for the short play that they performed recently for other ESL students. Also in attendance were COM President Dr. Homer M. “Butch” Hayes, Dr. Katherine Moser, and associate vice president, and Elida Matthews, ESL program coordinator.

The play demonstrated the students’ improved English speaking skills. Intermediate and advanced students learned phonics, grammar, word syllables, reading and writing summaries, and life skills.  In preparation for the play, they learned sound pitch, inflection of words and projection.  Their portrayals demonstrated their increased self-esteem.

Pictured are some of the students who were involved in the project.

Lodi Salazar, the program assistant with COM’s Collegiate High School is the December Employee of the Month. 

Dr. Homer M. Hayes, COM president, presented her with the award and the coveted reserved parking spot at a recent Board meeting. Looking on is Mike Hedger with the Employee of the Month Committee.

COM BRIEFS December 5 – 17

Kwanzaa Features Jawad

Performing artists Jawad and Kijana will appear at COM Tuesday Dec. 6 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center as part of COM’s Kwanzaa Awareness Day. Jawad has opened for or performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Gerald Albright, Alex Bugnon, The Manhattans and others. His voice has been described as a cross between Al Jarreau and Nat King Cole. The public is invited to this free noontime concert.

Free Concert

The College of the Mainland Community Concert Band directed by Sparky Koerner will perform on Monday December 5, 2005 at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall. The program will include music from Josef Haydn a selection of American Tunes music of John Williams and a drum solo, Sing, Sing, Sing, featuring Jim Shaver on drum set. Maurice Ravel’s Bolero will feature various soloists from the band playing the main theme of the music. The performance will also include Christmas music to help get you into the holiday spirit.  The concert is free and open to the public.

The College of the Mainland Community Concert Band directed by Sparky Koerner will perform on Monday December 5, 2005 at 8:00 PM in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall. The program will include music from Josef Haydn a selection of American Tunes music of John Williams and a drum feature Sing, Sing, Sing featuring Jim Shaver on drum set. Maurice Ravel’s Bolero will feature various soloists from the band playing the main theme of the music. The performance will also include Christmas music to help get you into the holiday spirit.  The concert is free and open to the public.

Senior Adult Christmas Reception

The Senior Adults at COM will hold their annual Christmas Reception Friday, Dec. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the La Marque Center, 11`30 Delmar. Members of the senior adult program planning to attend should RSVP to (409) 938-1211, Ext. 226.

COM Club Launches Annual Coat Drive

The College of the Mainland chapter of the Organization of African American Culture (OAAC) is holding its annual Gently Word Coat/Jacket Drive through December 13. Coats and jackets can be dropped off in designated boxes in the Technical-Vocational Building, the Student Center, the COM gym, and at the COM physical plant. All donated jackets and coats will be given to La Marque Aid and Guidance.

Sedona and Grand Canyon Trip Planned

The COM Senior Adult program has an April trip planned for Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

The trip includes five nights at the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa nestled in the dramatic Red Rock setting in Arizona and a trip to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway. The six-day excursion includes meals, ground transportation, and air travel.  For information about the April 23-28 trip, call Eva Neinas at (409) 938-1211, ext. 432.

COM Collegiate High School Starts Toy Drive

The College of the Mainland’s Collegiate High School for Petrochemical Careers Is helping Interfaith Caring Ministries’ Christmas Store with a toy drive at the College through Dec. 8. Donated toys can be dropped off in Room T-23 of the Technical-Education Building.

Needed items include Barbie dolls, soft baby dolls, action figures, basketballs, softballs, footballs, cars, trucks, Legos, Duplos, roller skates/blades, craft kits, educational toys, G-rated movies, toddler toys, watches, CD players, and radios.

Spring Registration Underway

Registration for the 2006 Spring semester at College of the Mainland begins Monday, Dec. 5 with on campus registration continuiing through Dec. 16. Returning students with no academic holds can register online 24/7 at www.com.edu. The 2006 Spring credit schedule is now online.

COM Foundation Donor-Student Luncheon

The College of the Mainland Foundation holds its annual Donor-Student Luncheon honoring donors and scholarship recipients Friday, December 9 in the Student Center.  The donor of the year will be announced and the COM Chorale will provide holiday entertainment.

The COM Foundation's annual scholarship competition begins on January 2 and runs through March 31, 2006.  Students may pick up scholarship applications from the COM Foundation office or in high school counselors' offices after the first of the year.  The scholarships will be awarded in May for the Fall 06 and Spring 07 semesters.  

Makeup for the Mature Face

The COM Learning Center is bringing in an experienced cosmetology instructor to share her secrets of making up the mature face. From lipstick and eye shadow to the complete package for looking fabulous at any age, the class is just in time for the holidays. This is not product promotion workshop.

The class meets Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 281-332-1800.

Mainland Vocal Groups Christmas Concert in Santa Fe

The College of the Mainland Vocal Arts will present a free holiday concert at the Arcadia First Baptist Church in Santa Fe, Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. We Need A Little Christmas! features the Mainland Singers and Mainland Chorale conducted by Dr. James Heffel with accompanist M.J. Milford. Admission is free.

Musical performer Jawad will appear at COM's Kwanzaa celebration at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Student Center. 

The public is invited to the free performance.

Admission is free to COM students and
employees and $3 for all others.

Few College of the Mainland (COM) students may realize that their history professor excelled at America’s pastime long before he began teaching America’s past. Larry L. Smith, who teaches history at COM, was a nationally ranked high school and college baseball player who went on to play two years with the Baltimore Orioles farm team. Smith, a graduate of Sam Houston State University, was recently honored by his alma mater and inducted into

the university's Bearkat Hall of Honor.

Smith started his athletic career in the small farming community of Cooper in East Texas. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school and basketball and baseball at Texarkana Junior College before transferring to Sam Houston State in 1961.

He lettered three years as a first baseman, 1961-1963, earned NAIA all-America honors in 1962, and was a member of the Bearkat 1963 NAIA World Series national championship team.

He was named to the NAIA World Series all-star teams in both 1962 and 1963.

In 1962 he led the Bearkats in home runs and was team leader in doubles in 1963, runs-batted-in in 1963, and tied the record for the most stolen bases in one game in 1963.

He signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1963, and played two seasons in their farm system in West Virginia, South Dakota, Wisconsin and California.

In his induction presentation, Smith was remembered as a "true scholar-athlete" who graduated with a 3.7 grade point average. He was selected as the Outstanding History Student and was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

After completing his master's degree in history in 1965 he taught in Dickinson for two years, and then the College of the Mainland, where he has taught and worked in administration since 1967.

In 1988 he was named College of the Mainland Teacher of the Year.

Paul Hester's photograph of the final moments of the famous Shamrock Hotel In Houston is part of the Urban Scapes Exhibit on display at the COM Fine Arts Gallery through Dec. 7. 

The show also features the paintings of Janaki
Lennie and the ceramics of Gary Carlos around a common urban theme.

COM History Professor Honored for Making 
History on the Baseball Diamond

(TEXAS CITY) - Few College of the Mainland (COM) students may realize that their history professor excelled at America’s pastime long before he began teaching America’s past. Larry L. Smith, who teaches history at COM, was a nationally ranked high school and college baseball player who went on to play two years with the Baltimore Orioles farm team. Smith, a graduate of Sam Houston State University, was recently honored by his alma mater and inducted into the university's Bearkat Hall of Honor.

Smith started his athletic career in the small farming community of Cooper in East Texas. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school and basketball and baseball at Texarkana Junior College before transferring to Sam Houston State in 1961.

He lettered three years as a first baseman, 1961-1963, earned NAIA all-America honors in 1962, and was a member of the Bearkat 1963 NAIA World Series national championship team.

He was named to the NAIA World Series all-star teams in both 1962 and 1963.

In 1962 he led the Bearkats in home runs and was team leader in doubles in 1963, runs-batted-in in 1963, and tied the record for the most stolen bases in one game in 1963.

He signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1963, and played two seasons in their farm system in West Virginia, South Dakota, Wisconsin and California.

In his induction presentation, Smith was remembered as a "true scholar-athlete" who graduated with a 3.7 grade point average. He was selected as the Outstanding History Student and was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

After completing his master's degree in history in 1965 he taught in Dickinson for two years, and then the College of the Mainland, where he has taught and worked in administration since 1967.

In 1988 he was named College of the Mainland Teacher of the Year.

The 8 p.m. concert will be held
in the Fine Arts Recital Hall.

Unexpected things happen when Jason Bishop is in the room. Bills change denomination, birds appear out of nowhere, and a person floats on top of a microphone stand. And that's just the first five minutes. Bishop, a magician and award-winning illusionist, brings his show to College of the Mainland Thursday, Oct.  27 at 7 p.m.

During his performance in the Teaching Auditorium (L-131), one person will visibly pass through another; someone will be sliced in half

with a samurai sword, and audience members will get to assist in some of the illusions.   Bishop has performed in Atlantic City , on cruise ships, and at Caroline's on Broadway.

The public is invited to this free performance but space is limited to the first 265 people.

The Student Activities Board at COM is sponsoring Jason Bishop's appearance.

College of the Mainland offers a workshop on the scientific technique for applying therapeutic action to the reflex zones. Billie Lambert, a certified foot reflexologist will demonstrate this healing tool and then give participants an opportunity to practice on someone else. The workshop is scheduled for Nov. 8 and 15 from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. in the Student Center, Room SC-120. The sign-up deadline is Thursday Nov. 3. The cost is $16 a person. For more information or to register, call (409) 938-1211, Ext. 418.
 

Senior Olympian Hershel Glanz displays some of the gold medals he has won recently in national and state competition.
The Texas City resident teaches a health and fitness class and swimming at COM.
 

Senior Olympian at COM Gives Meaning to the Golden Years It's not the “golden years” but the golden accolades that people associate with 66-year old Hershel Glanz of Texas City. The adjunct instructor at COM won the two Gold Medals in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke and Silver in the 50-yard backstroke at last summer's Senior Olympics in Pennsylvania.

In the week leading up to Halloween, the COM Learning Center is offering a cornucopia of unusual and mysterious classes on subjects ranging from ghosts and Big Foot to angels and hypnosis.

Hypnosis, Can You Do It is a three-hour class that explores the self-hypnosis and the mystery surrounding the practice that dates back 5,000 years. The class will meet Monday, Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Angels On Your Shoulder features a woman who communicates with an angel and has it appear in class.  The class is Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Ghost Hunting, a popular class at Halloween, returns Oct. 26 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. A real ghost hunter will share her recent ghost hunting experience in Ireland.

Skeletons in the Closet is a more serious look at crime scene investigations of skeletal remains. John Pruitt, a Galveston County Criminal Scene Investigator, will teach the class, which meets Thursday, Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Big Foot/Sasquatch Comes to COM in the form of a representative from the Big Foot research Center near Dallas. The Big Foot sleuth will discuss sightings in Texas including one as close as 60 miles from Galveston. The class meets Friday, Oct. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m All classes meet at the Learning Center in League City and the cost for each class is $18 in-district and $23 out-of-district. Discounts are available for senior adults. For more information, call 281-332-1800.

COM Artists Featured in new Arts Alliance exhibit COM art professor Mark Greenwalt, COM alumnus Tamesha Franklin, and current COM student Louis Gleason are featured along with other area artists in a new exhibit, Sub Text, at the Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake. The invitational exhibit continues through October 27.

Master Illusionist Coming to COM

Illusionist Jason Bishop will perform at the College of the Mainland Teaching Auditorium (L-131) Thursday, October 27 at 7 p.m. The public is invited to this free performance but space is limited to the first 265 people.

Fiction Writing For Fun and Profit

Anyone interested in writing short fiction, children's books, or full-length novels can benefit from a 12-hour continuing education class, Writing Fiction for Fun and Profit, at the COM Learning Center in League City. The class meets Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. beginning Oct. 12. Tuition discounts are available for senior adults.

Introduction to PowerPoint

The COM Learning Center has scheduled an Introduction to PowerPoint class to run two consecutive Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning October. 22. It will cover how to produce multimedia presentations using graphics, text, sound and animation. For more information, call the Learning Center at 281-332-1800.

Introduction to Excel

Students can learn the basics of the popular spreadsheet program in a 16-hour class that meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. October 24 through November 16 at the COM Learning Center in League City. Call 281-332-1800 for more information or visit online at www.com.edu/LC.

Early Bird Spanish Class Starting

An eight-week Spanish II class begins October 24 at COM. The class is offered as both a
four-credit class and as a continuing education overlay. The class meets Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

New Real Estate Class Starting

Real Estate Contracts, a three-week course, starts Oct. 10 and runs through Oct. 27. The class can be taken for credit or for continuing education units. The class meets Mondays through Thursdays from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Technical-Vocational Building at COM. For more information, contact Rich Nowak at (409) 938-1211 or (888) 258-8859, Ext. 386.

Hybrid Accounting Class Starting at Clear Creek Center

Principles of Accounting 2302.81 is a three-credit class that meets Wednesdays from 5:45 to 8:35 at the Clear Creek Ninth Grade Center beginning Oct. 26. This hybrid class meets only once a week but all assignments are done online. Interested students can email the instructor, Melvin Williams, for more information at mwilliams@com.edu. 
 

Front row, left to right are: Jimmy Mitchell (Hitchcock), Danie Fugate (Santa Fe), and Jessica Laijas (La Marque) Standing, left to right are: Joshua Varghese (Dickinson), Michael Meltong (La Marque), Miguel Montelongo (Dickinson), and Cody Robinson (La Marque).

Volunteers from College of the Mainland's  Collegiate High School joined workers from DOW last month during Texas City Dike Clean Up Day.

Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Left to right are actors Harry M. Little III of La Marque, Terry Ogden of Clear Lake, Lee Born of Houston, and Tim Raeke of Galveston.

Student workers preparing the care packages for
the Coast Guard.

College of the Mainland students and staff have been volunteering weekends at area shelters since Katrina evacuees begin arriving in Galveston County over a week ago. Last week, the College set up a campus committee to facilitate volunteer and donation efforts and to keep employees informed of the changing needs at area shelters. In addition, the College announced that employees could use

up to eight hours of college time to volunteer with area relief efforts during September. Many
employees continue to work at area shelters during their own time.  

Students and staff loading van for delivery to Ellington Field.

The College set up a Hurricane Katrina link on its web site and sent out several emails to let employees and students know where the greatest needs were in the community. At the request of several receiving shelters, the College stopped soliciting clothing donations. On Thursday (Sept. 8), a relief coordinator at UTMB asked the College if it could help collect 50 hygiene

kits, t-shirts and a few other items in short supply—bug spray, foot powder, power bars, dry soup, and wipes. It seems a U.S. Coast Guard contingent from Houston had requested the “Care Packages” for their search and rescue teams in New Orleans. “We sent out an all employee email and within 24-hours we had collected everything they asked for and more,” said Jim Higgins, director of communications at COM. “A lady from UTMB picked up the packages and transported them to Ellington Field for the short hop to New Orleans. In the rush to help evacuees we sometimes forget the folks on the front line in the rescue effort,” he added.

The College is assisting in other ways. Students from colleges in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama that have relocated temporarily to this area will be charged in-state tuition rather than the higher out-of-state tuition. They have until Sept. 14 to enroll in classes subject to instructor approval.

The College of the Mainland Foundation Office is handling all cash donations from students and staff. With the Mainland United Way campaign underway, donations can be made to either the Mainland United Way or the American Red Cross. The Foundation has also set up an assistance fund for students from the impacted Gulf Coast states.

The COM Theatre is offering free Thursday performances, Sept. 15, 22, and 29 of STALAG 17 for evacuees with a Louisiana driver’s license. Last week, a family staying at a local hotel was guests of the Theatre on opening night.

“College of the Mainland is reaching out not only community college evacuees but to all evacuees from Katrina so that these individuals can begin to have a normal existence in our community,“ said COM President Dr. Homer M. Hayes.

The performers are returning to COM
Sept. 15 for an evening performance as part of Hispanic Heritage Month at the College.

COM Reaching Out 
to Evacuees

College of the Mainland has extended help to Katrina evacuees by charging in-state tuition (rather than out-of-state tuition), extending student support services, and encouraging new residents to participate in the life of the College.

“The College of the Mainland community has been saddened and touched by the emergency created when hurricane Katrina came ashore in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama,” said COM President Dr. Homer M. Hayes in making the announcement.  “It is my vision that the College will be able to reach out to not only community college evacuees but to all evacuees from Katrina so that individuals can begin to have a normal existence in our community. “

To meet that goal, Dr. Hayes stated that the College would:

1. Endeavor to enroll individuals who were or who intended to enroll in community colleges in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. “With proof of residence, we will strive to find places within our instructional programs,” Dr. Hayes said.
2. Charge students in-state tuition and fees and no late fees and work with evacuees through the Financial Aid Office to identify resources to cover tuition and fees.
3. Coordinate with social service agencies in the community to provide social, cultural, and educational activities for evacuees to enrich their lives while in the community and to help them transition to returning home or finding a new home.

College of the Mainland has also approved employees to work up to eight hours on College leave time for the month of September 2005, as a volunteer at any community assistance site that is helping evacuees from Alabama, Louisiana or Mississippi.

College students and staff have already contributed volunteer hours over the Labor Day Weekend and raised over $3,000 for the relief effort and will continue to do so, added Dr.. Hayes.

The College of the Mainland Foundation is accepting donations for the American Red Cross and for a Hurricane Katrina COM Student Relief Fund that will go towards books and tuition for evacuee students.

“This is an opportunity for all of us to make a difference for so many who have joined our community at this difficult time,” said Dr. Hayes.

For updated information, visit the College web site at www.com.edu

STALAG 17 at College of the Mainland Community Theatre

The suspenseful WWII comedy-drama, STALAG 17, will open on Thursday, September 8 at 8:00 PM and continue through October 2 at College of the Mainland Theatre in Texas City.

The cast features, from left, Kris Verdeyen of Houston, Chris Gonzalez of League City, Joey Milillo of Dickinson, and Jerry Parson of Texas City. 

Presenting Brittany with her backpack is COM associate vice president Rick Gearing.

The advisory committee for College of the Mainland’s Collegiate High School for Petrochemical Careers met recently at International Specialty Products (ISP) to discuss new curriculum and student recruitment. This marks the start of the second year for this innovative program and its partnership with area industry and school districts.

Following the meeting, members of the committee were invited to tour the ISP facilities.  Besides COM administrators, the committee includes

"The Cat in the Hat (Brady Alland) shows JoJo (Stephanie Porter) that Horton the Elephant (Chris Pool) hears the Whos" in College of the Mainland’s colorful whimsical production of  SEUSSICAL the musical. The summer musical runs through August 14th. For ticket information call 409-938-1211 ext. 345 or 1-888-258-8859 ext.345.

Seussical now playing at com

Seussical, a musical based on Dr. Seuss’s whimsical characters, plays Thursdays through Sundays at the College of the Mainland Arena Theatre through August 14. For times and ticket information, call the theatre Box Office at 1-888-258-8859, ext. 345.

(TEXAS CITY) - Local businesses in Clear Lake and Galveston County have joined together to support the College of the Mainland Foundation and its upcoming gala, “Celebrating Our Mainland Heroes.”  The gala will be held Saturday, August 20^th at the Doyle Convention Center in Texas City.

Each year, through a scholarship fund, COM recognizes individuals whose contributions to higher education and the community make an impact throughout the Gulf Coast region.

This year’s honorees include Chuck and Mary Ellen Doyle, Jim and Helen Kilroy, Jim and Lee Reinhartsen, Pete Rygaard, Harry Robinson, John Castaneda, Alex Pratt, Gene Kranz, and Vic Pierson.

Underwriters to date for the “Celebrating Our Mainland Heroes Gala” are Bank of America, Boeing, Dow, Mainland Bank, Mainland Medical Center, Port of Texas City, Sterling Chemicals, Valero Refining - Texas, and an anonymous friend of the COM Foundation.

Businesses or individuals wishing to underwrite part of the August 20^th gala may contact Monica O’Neal, COM Foundation Director, at (409) 938-1211, Ext. 557.

Individual tickets are $125 and sponsorship levels at $1,500, $2,500 and $5,000 are also available and include a table for eight along with other amenities.

Summer cadet class at COM with the Fire Academy’s new truck. Left to right: Steve Keller, academy director; Michael Campbell, Saratoga, TX; Clint Winwood, Santa Fe; Charles Ellis, Houston; Andrew Williams, Spring, TX; Chase Bessire, Texas City; James Ford, Kemah; Jason Myers, League City; and Peter Leggio, Kemah.

(TEXAS CITY) - The College of the Mainland summer fire academy cadets recently had an opportunity to take their classroom training into the real world when they helped a woman salvage what was left of her fire damaged apartment and move into a new one.

The cadets were at the Forest Bend Fire Department for salvage and overhaul training in early June when a “real world” salvage opportunity occurred. Days before, an apartment complex fire in Clear Lake badly damaged two units, one of which was occupied by a recently widowed woman.

“The woman recently lost her home and her car when her husband died because he had no insurance, said Allison Dean, an administrator with the Forest Bend Fire Department. “All she had was what was in that apartment and her dog. She called us a few days after the fire because she did not know who else to turn to.”

The COM students and their instructor, Stan Kozlowski, got a first hand look at both the physical and emotional scars that a fire leaves behind. They volunteered to help the woman recover what they could from her burned out apartment. The work was not easy as it was done in the heat of June with no electricity, no water, and the smell of smoke everywhere.

Dean observed that the cadets never complained about the working conditions, which included removing two dead cats from the apartment.

“I would think that if there was any doubt in any of their minds about becoming firefighters, this situation would have caused them to quit the academy,” she said. “But they didn’t and I am impressed.”

The cadets helped empty the apartment of all the large items and then transported them to the new apartment. At the new apartment, they had the opportunity to meet the owner who was still distressed from the fire and anxious about even plugging in a microwave. The cadets helped her set up the new apartment and assured her that everything was working properly and that she had nothing to worry about

Steve Keller, director of fire technology at COM, said that the classroom training that fire academy cadets receive includes not just controlling fires but also reassuring people in distress.

“ We try to accomplish a community involvement project for each class and this is one of our best yet,” said Keller.  “I know the cadets took away more from this effort than any class could teach them. They turned a tragic situation into one of good fellowship and hope.”

Allison Dean of the Forest Bend Fire Department agrees.

“ This summer academy should be commended for a job well done,” said Dean.  “They were awesome and I personally want to thank them and Stan Kozlowski for assisting me with what I thought would be an impossible task to accomplish. They made a very sad woman extremely happy by salvaging what was left from a tragic situation.”

Cabrera now moves on to national competition in Kansas City this month. With him is his COM welding instructor, Dan Jones.

News Briefs for 
June 19-30

COM Foundation Gala Tipping Hat to County Heroes

The College of the Mainland Foundation’s annual Hats Off Gala will honor 10 Mainland Heroes on August 20^th at the Doyle Center. Gene Kranz, one of Apollo 13’s Mission Control heroes, will be the guest speaker. The annual gala raises funds for COM scholarships and recognizes individuals who have contributed to the advancement of education in Galveston County. Gala honorees include Chuck and Mary Ellen Doyle, Jim and Helen Kilroy, Jim and Lee Reinhartsen, Pete Rygaard, Harry Robinson, John Castaneda, and Vic Pierson. For ticket and table information, contact the Foundation Office at (409) 938-1211, ext. 508.

Online Professional Development Classes for Teachers

COM in partnership with Education2Go (E2Go) is offering seven online classes this summer for teachers seeking professional development hours. Part of the Great Ideas For Teaching School (GIFTS) program, classes include Big Ideas in Little Books, Guiding Kids on the Internet, PowerPoint in the Classroom, Solving Classroom Discipline Problems, The Classroom Computer, Using the Internet in the Classroom, and Ready, Steady Read. In addition to the E2Go courses, nearly two dozen additional online classes offered through COM and approved by the State Board for Educator Certification are also available. For more information, contact Carla Boone at (409) 938-7006.

Leadership on the Loose with Dr. Seuss

A leadership class for teens that uses interactive exercises guided by The Cat in the Hat and other Dr. Seuss characters is set for Thursday, June 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the COM Learning Center in League City. The exercises identify and explain leadership qualities, both good and bad. Call 281-332-1800 to register.

Car Buying Made Easy for Teens

Teens in the market for a new or used car can learn from a “pro” the techniques needed to make a wise purchase at a workshop Thursday, June 30 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Learning Center. A sales veteran with over 40 years experience in the car industry will conduct the workshop especially for teenagers. Call 281-332-1800 to register.

Parent Information Night for COM Collegiate High School

The College of the Mainland’s Collegiate High School (CHS) for Petrochemical Careers will hold a Parents’ Information Night on Tuesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the COM Administration Building Board Room. Parents and interested high school students are invited to attend. High school juniors and seniors who enroll in the career-oriented program earn both their high school diploma and up to two years of college credit simultaneously. The College staff will answer questions and describe the program and opportunities that include career paths to engineering, process technology, chemistry, physics, welding and more. To reserve a seat, call (409) 938-1211, ext. 169.

COM Juneteenth Celebration

June 19, commonly referred to as Juneteenth, is considered to be the day of freedom of slaves in Texas.  College of the Mainland’s Multi-Culture Team will present a post celebration of this historical event on June 22, 2005 from noon until 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Resources Center Auditorium (L131).  The program will feature historical background remarks by Professor Emeritus Alex Pratt with guest speaker Dianne Merchant, Superintendent of Mainland Preparatory Academy speaking on the theme “Are We Really Free?” 

Since religion has played an integral role in the quest for freedom, the Fellowship Baptist Church Puppetry Ministry of Texas City, under the direction of Ann Caldwell, will perform spiritual and gospel songs. 

A “freedom luncheon” of bar-b-que, peach cobbler, watermelon and red soda will be served free to the public following the performance. The community is invited to join the college to celebrate the holiday.

PowerPoint for Kids and Teens

As part of its Kids College curriculum this summer, the COM Learning Center in League City is presenting two introductory level PowerPoint classes, one for ages 10-13 and the other for teens 14 and older.

PowerPoint for Kids meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m.  June 21 through June 30 at the Learning Center. Students will learn how to create multimedia family albums by adding pictures and sound.

Kids will also learn how to make presentations for school.

PowerPoint for Teens is aimed at older students who want to learn how to plan, design and produce slide shows for school reports and for fun. This class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 21-30.

Another Kids College class, A Hair Affair, teaches how to braid a variety of hair types from fine to coarse and how to choose the products for designing and finishing braids. The class is open to moms, daughters, dads and sons or anyone who wants to learn this popular hair styling technique; The class meets Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. June 16-23. The same class will be offered July 14-21.

Summer II Early Registration Underway

Early registration for the seconds summer session continues through July 1. Open registration is from July 5 to the 15. The second summer session begins July 18. The Admissions Office is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Fall registration is also underway.

Making the award is COM President Dr. Homer Hayes and Cathy Moran, academic success team leader.

The Southwest Premiere performance of FLIGHT had a special guest last weekend—the playwright, Garth Wingfiled. Joining Wingfield for an after show chat are, left to right, actor Victor Lang;  director Mark Adams, playwright Wingfield'; “Lindbergh” actor Cliff Mabry; and COM President Dr. Homer Hayes. The play runs through June 19.

Parent Information Night for COM Collegiate High School

The College of the Mainland’s Collegiate High School (CHS) for Petrochemical Careers will hold a Parents’ Information

Night on Tuesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the COM Administration Building Board Room. Parents and interested high school students are invited to attend. High school juniors and seniors who enroll in the career-oriented program earn both their high school diploma and up to two years of college credit simultaneously. The College staff will answer questions and describe the program and opportunities that include career paths to engineering, process technology, chemistry, physics, welding and more. To reserve a seat, call (409) 938-1211, ext. 169.

Fitness Supplements Explained

The COM Wellness Center will hold a one-hour workshop on choosing the best science-backed supplements for personal fitness and weight control. The top five supplements in each category will be discussed and include energy, muscle based, fat loss, well being, and appetite suppressants. A healthy sack lunch will be provided.  The workshop is July 12 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and the registration deadline is July 08.  The fee is $15.

COM Juneteenth Celebration

June 19, commonly referred to as Juneteenth, is considered to be the day of freedom of slaves in Texas.  College of the Mainland’s Multi-Culture Team will present a post celebration of this historical event on June 22, 2005 from noon until 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Resources Center Auditorium (L131).  The program will feature historical background remarks by Professor Emeritus Alex Pratt with guest speaker Dianne Merchant, Superintendent of Mainland Preparatory Academy speaking on the theme “Are We Really Free?” 

Since religion has played an integral role in the quest for freedom, the Fellowship Baptist Church Puppetry Ministry of Texas City, under the direction of Ann Caldwell, will perform spiritual and gospel songs. 

A “freedom luncheon” of bar-b-que, peach cobbler, watermelon and red soda will be served free to the public following the performance. The community is invited to join the college to celebrate the holiday.

PowerPoint for Kids and Teens

As part of its Kids College curriculum this summer, the COM Learning Center in League City is presenting two introductory level PowerPoint classes, one for ages 10-13 and the other for teens 14 and older.

PowerPoint for Kids meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m.  June 21 through June 30 at the Learning Center. Students will learn how to create multimedia family albums by adding pictures and sound.

Kids will also learn how to make presentations for school.

PowerPoint for Teens is aimed at older students who want to learn how to plan, design and produce slide shows for school reports and for fun. This class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 21-30.

Another Kids College class, A Hair Affair, teaches how to braid a variety of hair types from fine to coarse and how to choose the products for designing and finishing braids. The class is open to moms, daughters, dads and sons or anyone who wants to learn this popular hair styling technique; The class meets Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. June 16-23. The same class will be offered July 14-21.

Harmonica Classes for Kids and Teens

Two harmonica workshops, one for kids ages 7-12 and the other for teens in grades 9 through 12 will be offered at the Learning Center. No prior music experience is required but each student needs to bring a C harmonica available at most music stores for about $12. The classes cover American folk, campfire, blues, and more. The kids class meets Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 14-July 5 and the teen class meets the same days from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

FLIGHT at COM through June 19

FLIGHT, which details the rise and fall of American icon Charles Lindbergh, is now playing at COM’s Arena Theatre through June 19. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00, and Sundays at 2:30. For tickets or information, call the theatre box office at 888-258-8859, ext. 345 or 409-938-1211, ext. 345.

Dieting for Dummies

The COM Wellness Center is holding a lunch hour workshop on how to construct a diet with foods you like (or are willing to eat). The workshop, dieting for Dummies, will also cover the virtues of healthy eating. The Center will provide a healthy sack lunch. The workshop is August 9^th from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the COM gym. The registration deadline is August 5. The fee is $15.

TEXAS CITY – The College of the Mainland’s Collegiate High School (CHS) for Petrochemical Careers will hold a Parents’ Information Night on Tuesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the COM Administration Building Board Room. Parents and interested high school students are invited to attend. High school juniors and seniors who enroll in the career-oriented program earn both their high school diploma and up to two years of college credit simultaneously. The College staff will answer questions and describe the program and opportunities that include career paths to engineering, process technology, chemistry, physics, welding and more. 

To reserve a seat, call (409) 938-1211, ext. 169.

The Fellowship Baptist Church Puppetry Ministry of Texas City perform at last year’s Juneteenth celebration at COM.

(TEXAS CITY) - June 19, commonly referred to as Juneteenth, is considered to be the day of freedom of slaves in Texas.  On June 19, 1865, Federal General Gordon Granger announced General Orders No.3 “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”

College of the Mainland’s Multi-Culture Team will present a post celebration of this historical occasion on June 22, 2005 from noon until 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Resources Center Auditorium (L131).  The program will feature historical background remarks by Professor Emeritus Alex Pratt with guest speaker Dianne Merchant, Superintendent of Mainland Preparatory Academy speaking on the theme “Are We Really Free?” 

Since religion has played an integral role in the quest for freedom, the Fellowship Baptist Church Puppetry Ministry of Texas City, under the direction of Ann Caldwell, will perform spiritual and gospel songs. 

A “freedom luncheon” of bar-b-que, peach cobbler, watermelon and red soda will be served free to the public following the performance. The community is invited to join the college to celebrate the holiday.

For additional information contact Alex Pratt (409) 938-1211 ext. 212 or Tillie Henson ext. 205. 

College of the Mainland Community Theatre celebrated an historic opening night with the Southwest Premiere of Garth Wingfield's new play, FLIGHT, on May 26.  FLIGHT, which details the rise and fall of American icon Charles Lindbergh, opened at COM only ten days after the World Premiere production opened Off-Broadway at New York's Lucille Lortel Theatre. The two
productions will run concurrently until both close on Sunday, June 19. "It's incredibly exciting whenever we open a SW Premiere of any play, but FLIGHT is filled with the added electricity of sharing the premiere with an Off-Broadway theatre in NYC” said Mark Adams, executive artistic director.

FLIGHT, written by Houston native Garth Wingfield, begins with Charles Lindbergh's visit to an Apollo launch at Cape Kennedy in 1968. An intrusive encounter with the press launches the legendary aviator into a flashback that takes the audience to his remarkable Trans-Atlantic flight in 1927, the devastating kidnapping of his first child, and the self-destruction of his
reputation with his vocal opposition to America's involvement in World War II.

Throughout FLIGHT, Wingfield tells Lindbergh's story with clarity, affection, and great theatrical style. The play depicts some shocking examples of the press' exploitation and manipulation in order to get the best possible story. For Charles and his wife Anne, celebrity status had a corrosive and dangerous side.

A multimedia sound and video design by Craig Seanor includes newsreel footage, vintage photographs and title projections to make FLIGHT a visual feast.

The cast of FLIGHT is comprised of several area theatre veterans, as well as COM newcomers. Cliff Mabry of Dickinson, in his 30th year of performing at COM, returns to play the complex and complicated Charles Lindbergh. Laurel Powell has appeared at COM in COMIC POTENTIAL and WAIT UNTIL DARK, among others, now portrays Anne Morrow Lindbergh, who runs the gamut from a shy, aspiring writer who is smitten with young Charles, to a loyal but world-weary wife who finds herself blinded by a media spotlight  she never wished  to experience.  Roger Stallings of Pearland portrays all of the reporters and media sharks that hound Lindbergh throughout the height of his fame. Sometimes cynical, sometimes vicious, sometimes seductive, Stallings portrays the media in all its various guises. Also featured are Bill Krause of Clear Lake, Victor Lang of Galveston, Karen Schlag of Houston, and Ben Warner of Houston, who play a number of characters that pass through the chronicle of the Lindbergh saga, including Frank Borman, Hermann Goring, Dr. Alexis Carrel, Betty Gow (the Lindbergh baby's nursemaid), and Graveyard John (the alleged Lindbergh baby kidnapper).

FLIGHT opens Thursday, May 26 at 8:00 PM and continues on Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00, and Sundays at 2:30, through June 19. Performances will be in The Arena Theatre at College of the Mainland, 1200 Amburn Road, Texas City. For tickets or information, call the theatre box
office at 888-258-8859, ext. 345 or 409-938-1211, ext. 345.

Miles was selected from among 11 employees of the month in a campus-wide vote. 

Pictured with Miles is COM Board Chariman Nick Stepchinski who made the presentation.

Mainland Preparatory Academy students participated in the first annual Career Discovery Competition at COM and came away with first, second and third place.

Kelsey Wright, (center left with ribbons), won first place for her display on human resources and business management careers; second place went to Carlton Joiner (knelling) for his display on financial advisor careers; and third place was awarded Catherine Rogers (far right

with ribbons) for her display on a career in photography. 

Destiny Jones-Wilson (girl to right of Kelsey with ribbons) won an honorable mention for her display on cosmetology careers.

COM President Dr. Homer Hayes presented the winner with a $500 COM scholarship.

COM BRIEFS May 2 – May 14

Spring Commencement May 12

College of the Mainland will hold its spring commencement at Moody Gardens Thursday, May 12 starting at 7:30.p.m. Approximately 349 students are eligible for graduation.

Spring Mini Sessions Starting

A spring mini session running from May 16 through June 3 will offer nine credit classes that meet Mondays through Fridays. Food and Nutrition, Biology 1322, will meet 9:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Microcomputer Applications 1301 will meet from 5:35 p.m. to 8:35 p.m. English Copmpostion I and II will each meet from 9 a.m. to 1 p., m. American, National and State Government 2301 and 2302 will meet from 7:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. and 10”30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m., respectively. Graphic Arts 1309, Press Operations, will meet 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Web Design 1316 will be offered as an online class over the Internet. College Algebra 1314 will meet 8:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

For information about any of these mini session classes, call 938-1211, Ext. 264.

Registration for Summer and Fall Underway

COM is now accepting applications and registering students for both summer sessions and the fall semester. Registration hours are Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Returning students who are eligible may register online at www.com.edu

Jacquline Sarver, an academic advisor at COM, has been selected as an Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit recipient by the National Academic Advising Association.

Jacquiline Sarver, an academic advisor at COM, has been selected as an Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit recipient in the Academic Advising—Primary Role category from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) as part of the 2005 National Awards Program for Academic Advising. Awards Program for Academic 

Advising. 

The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students or outstanding academic advising administration. The Academic Advising—Primary Role category includes those individuals whose primary role at the institution is the direct delivery of advising services to students. Sarver is one of 10 academic advisors honors with this award in the nation-wide competition.

Saver will be honored and presented with this award in Las Vegas during the annual NACADA conference in the fall.

Cinco de Mayo at COM

The college’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will include music, food and fun beginning at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Thursday, May 5. The public is invited to attend this free event.

Fit and Fun Camp for Weight Conscious Teens

The Community Wellness Center at COM is hosting a Fit and Fun Camp the week of June 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The goal of this camp is to help overweight adolescent children maintain healthy self-esteem and learn positive weight loss techniques.  At this camp children will develop healthy habits, lose weight and build confidence while being active and having a great time. Activity based field trips, informative workshops, group games, and crafts will help kick start your child’s summer off in the right direction. The camp is geared for children ages 10 -12. Healthy snacks and lunch will be provided each day.  Contact the Wellness Center to register your child at 409-938-1211 ext. 175. 

COM Fire Academy Offers Summer Fast-Track Course

The College of the Mainland Fire Academy will offer a fast-track course this summer designed to prepare cadets for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Structural Firefighter Certificate. The daytime class that will start May 9 and run through August 19, will expose cadets to basic firefighting training that includes firefighting principles and theory followed by hands-on skills training.  Cadets will experience the latest in firefighting techniques and equipment.  The COM Fire Academy instructional staff is composed of full-time paid firefighters from various departments in Harris and Galveston counties. Many are graduates of the COM Fire Academy.

To be certified an individual must complete an approved firefighter course, such as the one at COM, and hold, as a minimum, a certificate as an Emergency Care Attendant.  Upon completion of the COM Fire Academy, cadets can take the credit Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course that is offered through the EMS department. 

The orientation for the daytime summer class is set for May 6^th. For more information, contact the COM Fire Academy at 409-938-1211 or 1-888-258-8859, Ext. 378.

Nathalia Giraldo of Dickinson was elected president of the TJCSGA putting College of the Mainland in the leadership role of representing all community college students in the state. The election of Giraldo came 

For the next 12 months the COM student government leaders will have an expanded constituency of more than half a million community college students across Texas.
COM student government officers are Nathalia Giraldo, president; Fidencio Leija, vice president; David Leija, parliamentarian; Amanda Garza, treasurer; Sheneika Wagner, senator; and Kitty Cooper, historian. Michele Betancourt is the faculty advisor.

COM Jazz ensemble members, left to right, are Steven Termini of Dickinson, piano;
Kim Chavez of Dickinson, trumpet; Josh Migues of Texas City, tenor saxophone; Sam Betancourt of League City, drums; and  Bill Henry of Santa Fe, piano.

Charles Delgado, left, and Jamie Simpson each received an “Outstanding Solo Award” for tenor saxophone and alto saxophone, respectively, at the Gulf Coast Intercollegiate Conference Jazz Festival held recently at San Jacinto College South.

Ensemble members, left to right are: Bill Henry of Santa Fe, piano; Steven Termini of Dickinson, piano; Sam Betancourt of League City, drums; Kim Chavez of Dickinson, trumpet; Josh Migues of Texas City, tenor saxophone; Thomas Wood of Galveston, bass; Cullen Blaylock of Galveston, drums; and Sparky Koerner, director.

Jack Petersen, master teacher, performer and resident artists at North Texas State University School of Music for 12 years, will 
join Sparky Koerner the Jazz Ensemble April 28 for an evening concert as part of the

“I am really looking forward to this concert”, said James Heffel, director of vocal arts at College of the Mainland.  “It will give our local audiences an opportunity to hear the music that we will present at St. Peter’s, and a whole lot more.  Additionally, I am delighted that the Chorus from Beeville will be traveling here to perform with us.  They are a fine choral organization, and our performance partners this summer.  We are honored to have them with us on this particular concert, as we are honored to be traveling to Goliad, Texas on April 23rd to perform in their home venue,” he said.

Tickets for the Concert are $10.00, and will be available at the door prior to the 3:00 p.m. performance.  The public is cordially invited, and all proceeds from the show will assist in travel expenses for the two week performance tour.  For further information, please call either 409/938-1211 or 1-888-258-8859, extension 348. 

The COM Guitar Ensemble will present a free concert April 21 at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall (F-117) and again on April 28 at as part of the Celebrate COM 2005 Open House at 2:30 p.m.

Selina Rahman, associate professor of business at College of the Mainland, displays the Proclamation she received from the Governor's Office declaring 2005 as The Year of Languages.

College of the Mainland’s International Festival, which begins Friday at 6 p.m. in the Student Center, will showcase various cultures, countries and languages. 

According to the 2000 Census, more than 30 languages other than English are spoken at home in Galveston County, including 

The goal of the YOL celebration is to advance the concept that every American should develop proficiency not only in English, but in other languages as well. In February, Texas Gov. Rick Perry issued a proclamation celebrating the Year of Languages and recognizing the many benefits associated with learning a second language. 

While Friday’s International Festival focuses on food, fun and entertainment, it is also a great place to begin to learn about a new language.

Joan Fiesel, a program assistant in computer information and design technology at COM, was named Employee of the Month for March, an honor she received once before. Dr. Homer Hayes, president of College of the Mainland, lauded her at a recent Board of Trustees meeting.

Free Jazz Concert March 22
The COM Jazz Combo and COM Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Sparky Koerner, professor of music, will present a concert on Tuesday March 22, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall.

The concert is free and open to the public.

New Gallery Exhibit Features Video Art
The Video Art of Laurie McDonald will be on display at the COM Art Gallery through April 4, with a visit and lecture by the artist on March 28 at 2:30 p.m. McDonald was a founding member of Electron Movers, Research in the Electronic Arts, a 1970’s video art collective.  Her work has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Film Institute. Her work has been exhibited internationally including the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the Festival du Cinema (Montreal), the Gallery of Modern Art, (Rome), and the Tokyo Video Festival.  She currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more information, call the Gallery at 938-1211, Ext. 354.

Information Meeting for Teacher Certification Program
Bachelor-degreed individuals wishing to pursue teaching certification can attend the Partners in Alternative Certification for Teachers (PACT) information meeting Thursday, March 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Teacher Education Center at Lake Road Elementary School, 100 Lake Road, La Marque.  The meeting will be held in the Cafetorium. The PACT program is a collaborative effort of College of the Mainland, Galveston College and partnering Galveston County independent school districts, to provide quality, affordable teacher certification to meet the personnel needs of area school districts. .  For more information visit the PACT website, www.pact4teachers.com or call 409-938-7006.

Job Placement Program to Hold Jobs, Careers Fair
College of the Mainland’s Career Services and Job Placement Office is holding a job and career fair March 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the COM gym. The fair offers local businesses an opportunity to showcase jobs and careers to COM students. It also provides students with helpful information about careers and major areas of study. The Job Placement Office is still seeking employers who want to participate. Employers can download an information packet from the Career Services and Job Placement section on the COM web site at www.com.edu/students. Or they can contact her or Ruth Saxton, job placement assistant at (409) 938-1211 or (888) 258-8859, ext. 529.

Free Summer College Scholarships for High Schoolers
College of the Mainland is once again offering a six-week summer session for high school juniors and seniors to earn transferable college credits at no charge. The free scholarships, part of Summer SuperStart 2005, cover up to six hours of transferable college credit for qualified students who have completed their junior or senior year by the end of May. Classes begin June 6 but the application deadline is March 9. Students can obtain more information and an application through their high school counselor or by calling COM’s K-12 Partnership Office at (409) 938-1211 or (888) 258-8859, ext. 157.

Buying a House Workshop
First-time and experienced buyers will benefit from a three-hour workshop, “So You Want To Buy A House?” offered at the Learning Center March 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The workshop covers how to read a credit reports, how to “clean” a credit report, and how to understand the loan process. The fee for the workshop is $20.

Harmonica Class
Local blues harmonica player Sonny Boy Terry will teach folk, campfire, and blues harmonica playing Tuesday evenings from March 15 through April 5 at the Learning Center in League City. No prior experience is required but a diatonic C or Hohner harmonica is needed by the first class. The class meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting March 15. Call 281-332-1800 for more information.

Some of the selection for the Jazz Combo include: Duke Ellington's Just Squeeze Me,

Koerner encourages everyone to "Come out and support America's Classical Music-Jazz."

COM process technology students test product during the 24 Hour Run at COM’s pilot glycol unit. Students, left to right, are Leslie Akins of San Leon, Anthony Springer of La Marque, and Eugene Flores of Texas City.

The Process Technology (PTEC) program at College of the Mainland is growing by students and reputation. Last year, it celebrated its 10th anniversary and this month, the Texas Skills Standards Board (TSSB), which advises the Governor on

Students received welcoming remarks from elected officials, visited both chambers of the legislature, and met with their respective legislators.

Pictured, left to right, are: Fidencio Leija, 

COM Students Participate in Community College Student Day

College of the Mainland student government officers joined approximately 1,000 other students from across the state Thursday, Feb. 17 in Austin for the first ever Community College Student Day. 

Students visited both chambers of the legislature, met with their respective legislators, and received welcoming remarks from several state senators and representatives.  

Pictured, left to right, with District 24 Representative Larry Taylor, are: David Leija, parliamentarian; Sheneika Wagner, senator; Mara Smith, director of student engagement at COM; Nathalia Giraldo, president; Brian Hayes, student; Taylor; Fidencio Leija, vice president; and Kitty Cooper, historian.

Panelists include Dr. Beverly Guillory Lewis, a private practice physician with Mainland Hospital;  Robert Bursby, Chief of Police in Texas City; Michael Augustus, MD, with Augustus Funeral Home; Dianne Merchant, director of Mainland Preparatory School; The Rev. Dr. Janis Gilbert-Williams, pastor of McKinney Memorial United Methodist; and COM professor Albert  Bass.

Students, faculty, staff, and the public are encouraged to attend this thought-provoking event.

Decorating on a Budget
Those interested can learn the tips and tricks of home decorating from a professional in a three-hour Decorating: Stretching Your Budget class at the Learning Center Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Basic Floral Design
The COM Learning Center in League City offers a basic floral design class for people who want to learn to make arrangements, corsages, and other floral creations using both silk and fresh flowers. The class also includes an overview of flower shop operation, supplies and equipment. The class meets Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 21 through May 16.

Fat Stock Rodeo Trip Planned
College of the Mainland's Senior Adult Program has a group trip planned to the Houston Fat Stock Show/Rodeo Show March 18 that includes an evening performance of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Beverley Self will lead the trip that will depart from the main campus at 4 p.m. and return at 11 p.m. The cost of the trip, which includes transportation and admission to the Rodeo and concert, is $32. The sign-up deadline is March 4.

For more information, call the COMPASS Delmar Office at 938-1211 or (888) 258-8859, ext. 226. To register, call extension 264 or stop by the Admissions Office on the main campus. The registration index number is 7082-3.

Job Placement Program at COM Seeks Businesses for Career Fair
The Job Placement Program at College of the Mainland matches career minded students with businesses seeking workers.  Next month, the college's annual Careers and Majors Fair hopes to attract both students ready to go to work and employers ready to hire. The Job Placement Office is looking for employers who want to participate and showcase their career and job opportunities. Employers can download an information packet from the Career Services and Job Placement section on the COM web site at www.com.edu/students. Or they can contact her or Ruth Saxton, job placement assistant at (409) 938-1211 or (888) 258-8859, ext. 529.

The Spring Career and Majors Fair is March 23, 2005, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the COM gym.

Learn to Buy and Sell on eBay
A two-hour workshop on how to buy and sell items on eBay will be held Wednesday, March 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Room TVB-324 of the Technical-Vocational Building at COM.

For more information, call (409) 938-1211 or (888) 258-8859, ext. 264.

Hayes, who has been president of College of the Mainland (COM) since September 2000, was a leader in workforce education at Alamo College District in San Antonio prior  

The Communities in Schools, Bay Area is a non-profit dropout prevention organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth in the Houston Bay Area beat the odds, stay in school, and prepare for life. 

The program operates 11 schools with the Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts-five high schools, one alternate school, four intermediate schools, and one elementary school. 

As a new member of the CIS Advisory Board, Dr, Hayes will help build partnerships with private businesses, government and other community organizations to bring needed resources from the community into the schools. 

Dr. William Lindemann, chancellor of the San Jacinto College District, was also appointed to the Board, providing Communities in Schools, Bay Area with two higher education C.E.O.s who are committed to help at-risk students in the Houston Bay Area succeed.

King and Brandow are musical storytellers and political satirists. Their repertoire covers a century and a half and four continents. 

(TEXAS CITY) Dimensions in Blue, the jazz ensemble from the United States Air Force Band of the West, will present a concert on Friday, February 25th at 7 p.m. in the Teaching Auditorium (L-131) at College of the Mainland. The performance is free of charge and open to the public.

“This group performs a wide variety of music ranging from the classics of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Woody Herman, to the more contemporary sounds of Rob McConnell, Bob Mintzer, and Frank Mantooth, ” said Sparky Koerner, COM music director.

“The band can also recreate the look & sound of the 1940s Glenn Miller Army Air Corps Jazz Band,” he added.

Dimensions in Blue performs in high schools, colleges, and tours throughout Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Louisiana. They have been featured performers at the Texas Jazz Festival, the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention, the International Association of Jazz Educators Convention, the Corpus Christi Jazz Festival, the Galveston Jazz Festival, and San Antonio’s “Fiesta In Blue” activities.

The free concert at COM commences at 7 p.m. Friday, February 25 in L-131.

College of the Mainland Community Theatre in Texas City announces open auditions for their production of William Inge's hit play BUS STOP.

Auditions will be held Sunday, January 30th at 1:30 pm and Monday, January 31st at 7:00 pm. Director Patty Laine is looking for five men (ages 25-65) and three women (ages 15-60). 

Rehearsals begin February 7th and performances run from March 31 - April 24th.  There will be no rehearsals March 7-13 or 25th-27. 

For more information or to obtain a script to read call: 409-938-1211 ext. 221 or 1-888 258-8859 ext. 221.

ALWAYS PATSY CLINE Opens at COM Arena Theatre January 20th

The worldwide smash hit musical ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE by Ted Swindley will open its four-week run at College of the Mainland Community Theatre on Thursday, January 20 at 8 p.m. This enormously popular show gives audiences the remarkable opportunity to spend an unforgettable evening with the "First Lady of Country Music"--Miss Patsy Cline. Aside from being a showcase for almost two-dozen of Patsy Cline's greatest hits, ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE is a hilarious, touching tribute to the great singer's relationship with her biggest fan--Louise Sager.

Director Mark Adams is thrilled to be sharing this delightful evening of musical entertainment with the College of the Mainland audience.

"We've had this show in our sights for a long time," Adams said, "and the timing was just right to finally put it on the season."  Considering the outrageous popularity of ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE, Box Office Manager Susan Gilbert offers a gentle warning to procrastinating ticket buyers who are not season subscriber:

"Please get your tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment," warned Gilbert. “Several performances are close to sold out, due to large group reservations, and the COM Theatre will not able to extend the run of the show.” 

The casting of a two-character show is essential to the ultimate success of the production. Finding a musical performer who can capture the signature style of Patsy Cline, who also must have the training and discipline to perform over 20 songs at every performance, is a daunting task. Adams feels blessed to have found Mary-Margaret Allen for the role.

"Mary seems to channel the sound and style of Patsy Cline," the director reported, "and she astonishes us every night."

Although Mary-Margaret Allen handles the singing in the show, the vast burden of the dialogue goes to Sara Gaston, playing Patsy's "Number One Fan," Louise Seger, a single mother from Deer Park, Texas. The real Louise Seger had lived in the Houston area for over fifty years and recently passed away at age 74.

"Louise is a bigger than life character who loves people and loves a good story," said Gaston, "I'm especially excited to have some spontaneous fun with the COM audience--so don't be surprised if you buy a ticket and become part of the show!"

ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE opens Thursday, January 20 and continues its run Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 PM, through February 13. Despite the likelihood of sold out performances, the show WILL NOT be extended. All performances will be in The Arena Theatre at College of the Mainland in Texas City. For tickets, call the Theatre Box Office at 1-888-258-8859, ext. 345 or 409-938-1211, ext. 345.

Anderson will be honored at the Blood Center's annual Giver Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on January 26. You can view the calendar online at www.giveblood.org.

The COM Wellness Center is available to the community and offers a variety of structured fitness classes.

Dr. Homer Hayes, COM president, thanked employees who helped stock local food pantries as part of their annual holiday gathering.

Dr. Homer “Butch” Hayes, president of College of the Mainland, was honored recently by the Texas Workforce Advocates (TWA) with its Lifetime Achievement Award.  Dr. Hayes is not only the first recipient of the award but, according to Henry Rosales, president of TWA, the new award will carry Dr. Hayes name.

"The Dr. Butch Hayes Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious award given to an individual who has demonstrated leadership, innovation and compassion for the betterment of the workforce community,” said Rosales in making the announcement.

“ Individuals who have a keen sense of the needs of both the business and job seeker, who have vision, and who have demonstrated the ability to transform local communities into vibrant economies will be recognized annually with this award.”

Dr. Hayes was recognized for “his tremendous impact on the workforce development system in Texas.” Prior to becoming president at College of the Mainland four years ago, he was a leader in workforce education at Alamo College District in San Antonio and statewide. Since arriving at COM, he has continued to serve on statewide workforce committees and focused on making COM’s workforce education a model for the state.

The Texas Workforce Advocates is an association of organizations and professionals working to improve the quality of work force development for people with low incomes. TWA works with local communities across Texas to meet their work force needs by facilitating partnerships among public agencies and private companies. 

The sign-up deadline for the next Co-Ed Volleyball League at College of the Mainland will be on January 6, 2005 with games starting on January 20th.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the student honors society at College of the Mainland, recently raised $1,500 for the American Cancer Society through donations and a silent 

Lola McDaniel

The College of the Mainland Foundation honored Jack McConnell and Lola McDaniel as 2004 Donors of the Year at its annual Donor Luncheon recently. 

The luncheon brought together student scholarship recipients and their donors. 

The donors of the year were each presented with a COM Foundation rocking chair in recognition of their support of the Foundation the their continued generosity toward funding scholarships at COM.

Last year, the Foundation awarded over $80,000 in scholarships.

Jack McConnell, whose late wife, June, was the first employee as Registrar at College of the Mainland, was recognized for his warmth and devotion to students as a long time supporter of COM. A retiree of Texas City Refinery, McConnell continued this wife's commitment to education by contributing to scholars over the years.

Lola Anne (Hayden) McDaniel, in whose kitchen the petition to incorporate La Marque was written, is a local legend who, along with her late husband Moran Kuykendall McDaniel, contributed generously to the COM Foundation through the McDaniel Charitable Foundation. 

Party Animals

The “boys” in the College of the Mainland Arena Theatre production of The Boys Next Door give a surprise party for Jack, far right, played by Keith Vinson of Friendswood. 

The “boys,” left to right are: Bernie Sandner of Houston, Ralph Kramer of Pearland, Becky Jones of Santa Fe and Michael Serrano of Clear Lake. Performances of THE BOYS NEXT DOOR are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through November 21. For more information and for tickets call 409-938-1211 or 888-258-8859, ext. 345.

 
Guidry News Service,  P.O. Box 2130, Galveston, Texas 77553
1818 Church Suite 4, Galveston, Texas 77550
(409) 763 NEWS (763-6397)
© 1996, Guidry News Service.   Duplication of any part of this website in any manner is prohibited.