The Digest
What’s Happening at KVCC
What’s below in this edition
Turbine tech (Pages 1/2)KAFI ‘kamps’ (Pages 7/8)
Campus expansion (Pages 2/3) Trash team (Page 8)
AED training (Pages 3/4)Street names (Pages 8/9)
KVCC grants (Page 4)KVCC ‘first’ (Page 10)
Food news (Pages 4/5)TV time (Page 10)
New coaches (Pages 5/6)The Living Planet (Pages 10-12)
Camp 9-1-1 (Page 6) Wind camp (Pages 12/13)
Rare moment (Page 6)Sci-fi class (Page 13)
Slim and trim (Pages 6/7) Old batteries (Pages 13/14)
In the finals (Page 7) Motown in town (Pages 14-16)
And Finally (Pages 16/17))
☻☻☻☻☻☻
Students to blueprint, build wind turbine
Designing a wind turbine, fabricating its components, assembling the power-generating unit, and making certain it produces electricity constitutes the mission of a new course this fall at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
With no technical prerequisites or prior knowledge of computer-aided drafting, machining, welding or electrical technology needed, the eight-credit, multidisciplinary offering (Mach 282) with a lecture-lab format will be open to 20 enrollees on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lectures will be slated for Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 4: 20 p.m. while lab sessions are booked for Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 to 10 a.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All will be held in the college’s technical wing on the Texas Township Campus in the shadow of the 145-foot turbine that has been generating electricity since early March. The 2009 fall semester at KVCC begins Tuesday, Sept. 8, and ends Monday, Dec. 21. It will also be offered in the 2010 winter semester that begins on Monday, Jan. 11.
The fee will follow the college’s normal tuition rate -- $71 per credit hour for KVCC in-district residents, $113 for those out of district, and $152 per credit hour for non-Michigan residents.
The lead instructors will be Howard Carpenter (machining), Rick Garthe (drafting and design), Erick Martin (welding and fabrication), and Bill Wangler (electrical technology).
“Our goal is to produce a functioning wind turbine that generates one to three kilowatts of electricity,” said Carpenter, the project leader who advanced the concept and received a two-year, $90,000 Innovative Thinking grant from KVCC to proceed with planning, equipment purchase and course design over the summer.
The enrollees will be performing the basic functions and tasks in the design, critical machining and welding phases that produce shafts, blades and other components. But the more detailed and complex jobs will be handled by the instructors and advanced students. The electronics will be purchased units.
“It’s the process that is important for the students to see and understand,” Carpenter said. “The turbine that we build will produce electricity, but that’s not the main function. Its function is to demonstrate the basic design, manufacturing, welding and electrical skills that are needed in making a turbine.”
Course components will include what a practical electrical output would be for a turbine in a variety of locations, wind-energy terminology, how to connect a unit to the existing electrical grid, the basics of electricity, the wiring required, metallurgy, how to optimize efficiency through design variations, fabrication techniques, how to prevent corrosion, and how to incorporate a small wind turbine into existing structures and buildings.
“We think this course will target anybody who has an interest in wind turbines,” Carpenter said, “whether to build one yourself or buy one. It will provide answers to questions about what to consider and how to evaluate what is on the market.”
As the lead instructors prepare for the prototype course in the fall through the purchase of instructional equipment and software that will also be applicable to other technical courses at KVCC, they will also join forces this summer to build the training components that will be key parts of the instructional process.
The course-concluding wind turbine, which will have at least three blades that will each be six to eight feet long and stand as high as 30 feet off the ground, will find a spot on KVCC property to serve as a promotional prop for future eight-credit courses.
To register for this course, contact Sue Hills at (269) 488-4371 or go to this web site:
Also scheduled for a fall-semester launch is the college’s one-year certificate for training wind-energy technicians. The mission of that 35-credit-hour program is to teach students how to install, maintain and service wind-energy turbines designed for residential and commercial locations.
Campus projects get legislative OK in Lansing
The design, development and cost-estimate phase of KVCC’s $12-million project has been approved by the legislative committee that structures appropriations bills for capital construction.
Those dollars are banked in a capital fund by the state, and are not part of the general fund. Michigan’s formula for higher-education projects has not changed from past years. Each community college and the state provide 50 percent of the costs.
Once signed into law by the governor, the construction phase should take between 14 and 18 months.
The Kalamazoo architectural firm of Eckert Wordell has been retained for the $12 million worth of expansion and remodeling projects on the Texas Township Campus, while the Miller-Davis Co. will serve as construction manager.
Overseeing the project is a steering committee whose members include Marilyn Schlack, Mike Collins, Laura Cosby, Terry Hutchins, Deborah Dawson, Ron Young, Steve Walman and Rick Margelis.
Under that group will be subcommittees that focus their attention on components of the project.
One of the major thrusts is the construction of space to house the StudentSuccessCenter that is now based in the former Gallery. Also planned is a multi-purpose lab for the sciences and several general-purpose classrooms.
The additional space will also significantly increase the number of faculty offices, install waiting areas for students, and establish additional conference rooms.
The smaller subgroups of college personnel will target these individual components of the project. They will help outline the implications of construction on daily operations and incorporate any last-minute suggestions.
The other phases call for:
● An addition to accommodate a loading dock at Central Receiving and Facility Services and a 6,000-square-foot interior remodeling for a variety of functions.
● Remodeling, upgrading and restoring the existing geology and physics labs as well as two nearby classrooms.
● Additional parking spaces.
Meanwhile, down the road, the college has submitted the state-required Facilities Master Plan outlining anticipated needs through 2013. Among the tentative projects are:
● A variety of upgrades on the Texas Township Campus amounting to about $3.7 million.
● Reconfiguring two labs at the M-TEC -- $700,000.
● $3 million worth of upgrades at Anna Whitten Hall.
● A $1.64-million addition for the program in automotive technology.
● Provisions for a program in laboratory technology -- $1.8 million.
● A simulation center for health-care careers -- $1.16 million.
● Facilities for educational and training opportunities in forms of alternative energy – no cost projection.
De-fib training on new units set for this week
Training in the use of the latest version of automated external defibrillator (AED) in cases of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is scheduled for Thursday (July 9).
Slated to be taught by John Endres of North Star Training, the two-hour session will begin at 10 a.m. on the Texas Township Campus.
There are three ways to register: tap into the college’s staff-development calendar to reach the automatic on-line system; call the registration hotline at 488-4640; or e-mail Kristine Goolsby at .
In this hands-on workshop, Endres will demonstrate the new version and explain the differences between it and the ones that are already located in KVCC facilities.
The training is encouraged for “first responders” as a refresher and is also geared for those seeking general information about the use and operation of an AED.
Amy Louallen, manager of human resources, reports that the college currently has seven units on the Texas Township Campus, one at the M-TEC, two in Anna Whitten Hall, one in the Center for New Media, and two in the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
She has ordered eight of the latest versions, which will be delivered and installed later in July. Three are designated for the Texas Township Campus, one additional unit at the M-TEC, one in the museum, two in the Center for New Media, and one more in Whitten Hall. The locations are still being determined.
In the event of a SCA that can happen to people of all ages, the only quick response is defibrillation provided by an AED.
In the United States, more than 350,000 people die each year from SCA before reaching a hospital. In many cases, SCA can be reversed with early defibrillation, which involves shocking the heart with an electric current that allows it to re-establish a normal rhythm.
To be most effective, defibrillation must occur as soon as possible after the onset of the cardiac arrest. The chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent per minute until defibrillation. AEDs have been shown to be easy to use (by non-medical personal), are safe, and are effective in saving lives.
It is as important to know the techniques of utilizing an AED as it is to know the techniques of CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).
Grant-proposal info from KVCC Foundation
For the 2009-10 academic year, the KVCC Foundation has established funding-request deadlines for internal grant proposals.
Those faculty and/or administrators seeking financial support from the foundation must make plans in advance and adhere to the established deadlines.
Here’s the schedule:
Proposal deadline: Sept. 30; decision by the KVCC Foundation Board of Trustees, Oct. 30.
Deadline: Dec. 23; decision, Jan. 29, 2010
Deadline: April 23; decision, May 7.
For more information, contact Steve Doherty, KVCC director of development and foundation executive director, at extension 4442 or .
Radisson begins new food-service era
The catering division of the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites has taken over management of the Texas Township Campus Cafeteria and the vending services at all college facilities.
Crew members have been doing clean-up and prep work in the cafeteria for Monday's (July 6) opening.
Throughout the summer, the food-service hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday.
"They'll be open a little later on Fridays for the next three weeks to accommodate the basketball camps in the gym," reports KVCC business manager Muriel Hice. "Vending service has been subcontracted to Canteen Services, so we shouldn't see any interruption of business there."
Radisson has been operating a coffee cart at Anna Whitten Hall since April of last year, and it will continue with that operation.
In the fall, the coffee shop in the Student Commons will reopen under Radisson management.
Two new head coaches on board
With the arrival of the 2009-10 academic year, two new coaches will be guiding the fortunes of KVCC student athletes.
Chad E. Worthington has been elevated to head volleyball coach, replacing Jason Reese, who has accepted an assistant coaching position at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Jerry Wright has been selected to replace athletic director Dick Shilts as KVCC’s head golf coach.
Worthington joined the Cougar staff after coaching two seasons at Kellogg Community College. His 2007 team in Battle Creek won the conference championship with a 13-1 record.
He became a Lady Cougar assistantduring the 2008-09 season, serving under interim head coach Phil Wilson, who was filling in for Reese while the latter worked on his bachelor’s at Western Michigan University. Under Wilson and Worthington, the Cougars placed second in the conference with an 11-3 mark and went on to win the Michigan Community College Athletic Association championship.
Even before that, Worthington was no stranger to KVCC, having taught psychology classes since 2005.
“I am excited to have an opportunity to coach at such an amazing school, a school where there is obvious pride in both academics and athletics,” Worthington said. “I am thrilled to be at Valley. This will be a great experience. Most of all I am thankful to have the reins handed over to me from a great coach and an even better friend, Jason Reese.”
“Chad has already been heavily involved in the recruiting process,” Shilts said, “and I am pleased that we have found a person of his caliber to build on the outstanding success of our volleyball program. We owe a lot to Coach Wilson and Coach Reese, and I believe that their legacy will live on through Chad’s contributions.”
Wright has taught golf classes at KVCC, and given lessons at Pine View Golf Course, Indian Run Golf Course, and Sauganash Golf Course located near his home area of Three Rivers. As a member of the board of directors of Sauganash, Wright edited its newsletter, “The Divot” and club calendar. He continues to teach at Pine View.
Wright has played in several amateur and pro-am tournaments and has also been an organizer and director of a variety of outings, tournaments, leagues, and special events. He also owns Wright’s Printing and It’s Your World Studio for the Arts, both located locally. He will be serving as a staff member at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Golf Camp held at Ferris State University this summer.
“Jerry has served us well as our assistant golf coach over the past three years,” Shilts said. “I am thrilled he is available to join the head-coaching staff at KVCC, and I look forward to working with him in the pursuit of excellence in our golf program.”
“Coach Shilts has set the bar high,” Wright said. “For 30 seasons, all of his golf teams have qualified to play in the regional tournament, giving them a chance to qualify for the national tournament at season’s end. A number of his players have participated in the nationals and his teams have won several conference championships.
“These are big goals to achieve,” Wright said,“but I’m confident that KVCC will continue to have a challenging golf team. KVCC is reputable for its academics and is always competitive in its sports programs. I will uphold the principles of the college as I lead the 2010 golf team in a positive direction.”
Four of KVCC’s top golfers will be returning, while Jason Rykse of Kalamazoo Christian High School, who won a state championship in his division, has signed a letter of intent to attend KVCC.
New camp targets safety, health for 9, 10, 11 year olds
Healthy living, preventing injuries, dodging dangerous situations, and safety issues are the learning goals for a pair of free one-day camps for children 9 through 11 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum this summer.
Sponsored by Life EMS Ambulance Service and open to 25 at each session, “Camp 9-1-1” will convene on Tuesday, July 14, and again on Tuesday, July 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register, call (269) 373-3116.
Among the potential topics will be:
• Traffic and bicycle safety
• First aid
• Home safety
• Self-defense
• Reacting to an abduction attempt
• Internet safety
• Basics of CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation)
• Fire-prevention advice
• Water safety
• Avoiding tobacco products
• What to know about dogs
Assisting EMS Ambulance Service in providing the instructions are the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, the Michigan State Police, members of local fire departments, Prevention Works Inc., the Kalamazoo County Safe Kids Coalition, the American Heart Association, and Sanchin-Ryu Okinawan Karate.
Keeping track of the participants during each one-day camp will be team leaders who are EMT (emergency medical technology) students, or who are chosen by EMS Ambulance Service from high schools, colleges and youth organizations.
For more information, contact Kimberly Caton of Life EMS Ambulance at (269) 373-3104.
Even rarer than a blue moon
This won’t happen again for 1,000 years, according to the museum’s Tom Dietz.
At five minutes and six seconds after 4 a.m. on Wednesday (July 8), setting up this anomaly:
04:05:06 07/08/09.
A summer full of exercise, wellness opportunities
Now that you’ve pared off a few pounds so that you look good in your bermudas and swimming togs, you can stay that way through the summer because of a full regimen of drop-in exercise opportunities.
Here is the lineup for faculty, staff and enrolled students:
Monday – swimming from 7 to 8:30 a.m.; yoga from 11 to 11:55 a.m.
Tuesday – swimming from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; pilates from 11 to 11:55 a.m.; and body sculpting from noon to 12:55.
Wednesday – swimming from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
Thursday – swimming from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and body sculpting from noon to 12:55 p.m.