Howard County Cooperative Extension Service Holiday Break
We hope you have a wonderful holiday! Just a reminder – the Howard County Cooperative Extension Service will be closed for our winter break Monday, December 23, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Our office will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2020. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Two Retirees Honored at UA Cossatot Christmas Party on Thursday
Jim Fleming of UA Cossatot was honored at the college Christmas party on Thursday for his 19 years of service to UAC. Fleming is retiring at the and of this semester and Dr. Steve Cole presented Jim with a plaque at the event.
Nursing instructor Kay Trotta was recognized for her years of dedicated service on Thursday! Department head Kim Dickerson presented "Mama Kay" with a crystal clock and other gifts at the UAC Christmas party.
UA Cossatot Graduation Tonight in Lockesburg
University of Arkansas Cossatot graduation ceremonies begin at 6:00 Friday night, December 13th, at the Historic Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium.
UA Cossatot hosts two commencement ceremonies each year, one in the spring and the other in the fall to honor summer, fall, and spring graduates. The 2019 UA Cossatot Commencement Ceremony honoring Summer 2019 and Fall 2019 graduates will be held on December 13, 2019.
Nashville First Graders at Nashville Rotary
Nashville first graders, under the direction of Stacia Petty, entertained the Nashville Rotary Club on Wednesday!
Center for Student Success Honors Students
On November 19, 2019, the UA Cossatot Center for Student Success held its first awards ceremony to honor outstanding students of the college. The awards ceremony took place in the Skilled Trades building on the De Queen Campus where nominated students were recognized for their accomplishments and hard work.
Students who received awards for special recognition included Kendra Rodriguez, Belen Hernandez, Eruby Rodriguez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Jorge Soto, Geraldine Childs, Joel Guerrero, Maggie Cornelio, Yudibeth Herrera, Jhamilex Hernandez Ortiz, America Pulido-Rojas, Karina Lopez-Balderas, Laura Salas, Veronica Marrufo, Angela Vertiz, and Diana Hernandez.
These students were nominated by student organization sponsors, faculty, and staff members of UA Cossatot. Such students have distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement, leadership and have demonstrated personal excellence.
Rotaract students were also present at the awards ceremony and were recognized for their contributions to the organization and for following the Rotaract motto of “Service above Self” throughout the fall 2019 semester.
Maria de Monservat, representing the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, was the invited guest speaker at the event. Along with the Center for Student Success Coordinator, she awarded scholarships at the ceremony to six students also providing everyone with encouraging words. The students who received scholarships included Diana Hernandez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Jorge Soto, Laura Salas, and Veronica Marrufo.
At the event Center for Student Success Coordinator, Erika Buenrrostro spoke about the services and opportunities that the Center for Student Success provides for students of the college.
The second annual Center for Student Success Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place in November of 2020.
Photo (from left to right) includes: Diana Hernandez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Maria de Monservat, Jorge Soto, Laura Salas, Veronica Marrufo, and Erika Buenrrostro.
Photo (from left to right): top row: Kendra Rodriguez, Belen Hernandez, Eruby Rodriguez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Jorge Soto, Geraldine Childs, and Joel Guerrero. Bottom Row: Maggie Cornelio, Yudibeth Herrera, Jhamilex Hernandez Ortiz, America Pulido-Rojas, Karina Lopez-Balderas, Laura Salas, Veronica Marrufo, Angela Vertiz, and Diana Hernandez.
UA Cossatot OTA Pinning Ceremony at Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium
UA Cossatot RN Pinning Ceremony at Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium
UA Cossatot RN Pinning Ceremony was Saturday at noon at the Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium.
The Congressional App Challenge Winners from Murfreesboro
The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills as they develop software and design new apps. This year, 59 teams entered the competition in the Fourth District. Pictured above are first place winners Austin Jackson and Brandon White from Mufreesboro High School for their app, "Check Me Out." I'm looking forward to hosting them in D.C.!
Bruce Westerman
Arkansas' Fourth District Congressman
UA Cossatot Offers Meal Plan Options
UA Cossatot will continue to offer meal plan options for students during the spring 2020 semester. By completing a Colt Bucks form, UA Cossatot students will be able to set up meal plan options through the UA Cossatot Campus Café.
The University of Arkansas Cossatot has two Campus Cafés that are located on the De Queen and Nashville Campuses. Their hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. for the spring 2020 semester.
Students who purchase a meal plan will receive a UA Cossatot Colt Bucks card. The Colt Bucks card can contain four different meal plan options.
The Gold Plan is $300, the Silver Plan is $200, and the Bronze Plan is $100. Students can also add a custom amount to fit their needs.
Students can purchase a Colt Bucks meal plan at any time. If students wish to use financial aid for a meal plan, they must complete a Colt Bucks form by January 28, 2020. Forms are available in the Business Office on the De Queen Campus and at the front desk in the Atrium at the Nashville Campus.
Students who purchase a meal plan for the spring semester are also able to use that meal plan amount in the summer of 2020 until the 2019-2020 academic year is completed on July 31, 2020.
For questions or concerns regarding UA Cossatot meals plans, please contact UA Cossatot at 870-584-1113 or 970-584-1215 or e-mail askbusinessoffice@cccua.edu.
To sign up for classes next semester, please contact Student Services at 870-584-4471
Dierks Christmas Parade December 16th
ARNEC Program Nursing Instructor Needed
FULL-TIME POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
ARNEC Program NURSING INSTRUCTOR
The Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) seeks a dynamic, innovative, and creative educator for the position of Registered Nursing Instructor to add to its ARNEC teaching team.
ARNEC is a consortium of eight Arkansas community colleges: ASU-Newport, Black River Technical College, UA Cossatot, Ozarka College, South Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, and University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Maintain a valid, unencumbered Arkansas Registered Nursing license
• Master of Science in Nursing required; Bachelor's Degree in Nursing will be considered if applicant is, or is planning to be enrolled in an accredited Master of Science in Nursing program
• Must have at least three (3) years of clinical nursing experience with five (5) years preferred; minimum of one (1) year of nursing education experience preferred
• Travel is required as part of the twelve-month faculty position
• Must be knowledgeable of the rules, regulations, principles, and policies in all fields of nursing
• Maintain educational and clinical competencies in areas of instructional responsibilities
• Must be able to pass a background check
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• To prepare and present curriculum in collaboration with faculty and the ARNEC program director
• Meet for class regularly and punctually; follow instructor guidelines as outlined in the ARNEC Faculty Handbook
• Teach needed courses and maintain a classroom that is conducive to learning
• Appropriately direct students according to ARNEC policies and procedures for conflict resolution
• Communicate professionally with all constituents of the consortium
• Demonstrate positive student rapport
Primary permanent office location will be at the college campus closest to the educator’s home.
SALARY:
Salary is in the $60,000 range; dependent upon education and experience and position includes paid vacation and sick leave, a retirement package, group health, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance options.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Friday, January 4, 2020 at 4:30 p.m., or until a suitable candidate has been selected
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit a completed UA Cossatot application, cover letter, detailed resume, unofficial college transcripts, three professional letters of reference, and a three (3) to five (5) minute video clip of a teaching presentation over the healthcare subject of your choice. Submissions may be mailed to UA Cossatot, Attn: Human Resources, 183 College Drive, DeQueen, AR 71832, e-mailed to kplunk@cccua.edu , faxed to 870-642-6864, or brought by in person.
All requested application materials must be completed and submitted within application packet to be considered.
Applications can be downloaded at https://www.cccua.edu/jobs, Employment Opportunities link, or call 870-584-1104 to request one.
UA Cossatot is an EEO/AA/ADA employer. Qualified minorities are encouraged to apply.
Wendy and Max Pratt at Nashville Rotary
Wednesday’s program at the Nashville Rotary Club was presented by Wendy and Max Pratt who told the group about the Tiny Leaders program in Nashville.
Howard County 4-H Youth at National 4-H Congress In Atlanta, Georgia
Two Howard County 4-H youth attended National 4-H Congress recently in Atlanta, Georgia. They included Abbie Lamb and Nick Trombley. Jim Bob Lamb, Howard County 4-H Volunteer leader also attended the conference. The group joined 28 other youth from across Arkansas and youth from across the United States and Puerto Rico attended the five day conference.
“Go Beyond” was the theme of this year’s conference. During the week youth participated in leadership and community service activities including volunteering at local schools, cleaning parks and cemeteries. The group also had the opportunity to tour some of the sites including - The World of Coke Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Braves Baseball Complex, plus have lunch at the world famous Ritz hotel.
One of the highlights of the trip included an “Evening of Culture” where the group visited various countries through exhibits and tasting of traditional foods. This event is one of the highlights of the trip.
Abbie and Nick were recognized for their 4-H career and accomplishments this past summer at the State 4-H Achievement Banquet in Fayetteville. According to Jean Ince, County Extension Agent-Staff Chair, “This is the highest recognition for any 4-H member. They have put in countless hours of community service and leadership through their years in 4-H in order to achieve at this level. I am extremely proud of these 4-Hers. One of the benefits of my job as a county agent is to watch youth grow into confident adults. It’s amazing to see them change from someone who is super shy into one who has no problem speaking and sharing what they have learned before various groups.”
Nashville Christmas Parade
Nashville Christmas Parade Winning Entries:
First Place--What Fur Dog Grooming $100.00 prize
Second Place--St. Martin's Catholic Church $75.00
Third Place--Midway Baptist Church $25.00
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE NASHVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE!
Happy Thanksgiving from UA Cossatot
Santa's little helpers on the Nashville campus of UA Cossatot put up the tree this morning! All campuses of UA Cossatot will be closed tomorrow at 11:00 am and will reopen Monday morning. From all of us at UAC, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Nashville Parks and Rec 5th and 6th Grade Basketball Registration
Nashville Parks and Recreation 5th & 6th grade basketball registration:
Registration forms can be picked up at the Nashville City Park Office and must be turned in to the park no later than the deadline of December 20th
Draft will be held on Saturday, December 21st at Whiteside Gym
Registration fee is $50
Late sign ups will not be accepted
Contact the park for more information at 870-845-7405
UA Cossatot Foundation to Participate in Giving Tuesday
December 3 is #GivingTuesday, a global movement in the busy holiday season to give back.
Giving back on #GivingTuesday can take many different forms. It can be a traditional monetary donation to a favorite charity or volunteering time to a local non-profit.
#GivingTuesday originates from social media, hence the hashtag. Many organizations in Southwest Arkansas take advantage of #GivingTuesday. One of those organizations is the UA Cossatot Foundation.
“We are so excited for this year’s #GivingTuesday! There will be several options in which the community can give time or money to benefit college students in Southwest Arkansas,” said UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts.
Local businesses are participating in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday celebration by collecting donations on site and wearing “I Gave” t-shirts. These businesses include Tres Agaves, Mary Pops, Simple Simons of De Queen, Miscellania JB, Dr. Randy Walker’s Office, La Media Luna, Diamond Bank of Ashdown, and Nashville Family Dentistry.
Community members also participated by being highlighted in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday video and sharing what they believe in. The video can be accessed by visiting the UA Cossatot Foundation’s Facebook page.
In addition to collecting donations for scholarships and innovative college programming, the UA Cossatot Center for Student Success will host a Feed the Funnel meal packing party with the help of The Pack Shack. Over 10,000 meals will be assembled on December 3 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the UA Cossatot Adams Building on the De Queen Campus. The college’s Center for Student Success will distribute the meals to college students in need through their food pantry.
To make a donation on #GivingTuesday, please visit the UA Cossatot Foundation website at www.cccua.edu/give or text the word “Cossatot” to 41444.
Cossatot Community College
We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals (Black Friday and Cyber Monday). Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Each year, on the Tuesday immediately following Thanksgiving, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.
Tinsel, Tin and Treats
The Howard County Extension Homemakers transformed the EH Center into a holiday extravaganza during the recent Tinsel, Tin and Treats fundraising program. The program provided guests with new holiday decorating ideas, recipes and a time to fellowship with friends. The program was held on November 9 in Nashville. Money raised from the event goes directly into the Extension Homemaker program and mainly toward the maintenance of the educational center.
Extension Homemakers are a volunteer, nonprofit organization who does not rely on assistance from county or receive any state financial support. Their mission is to give individuals and families the skills to improve their lives through educational programs, build leadership skills and give back to their communities. Operating funds are raised through catering events and special events such as “Tinsel, Tin and Treats”. The group caters events such as class reunions, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, weddings, area meetings for different organizations and a variety of other events. If you are interested in learning more about Extension Homemakers or having a catered event, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517. Thank you to everyone who attended “Tinsel, Tin and Treats” and supported the program.
EH Council President, Gladine Bennett provided the welcome and acted as hostess for the evening.
EH member, Jean Ann Flaherty, shares ideas for simple gift giving.
Jean Ann Flaherty shares gift giving ideas.
Jean Ince, County Extension Agent, demonstrates praline frosting on the New Orleans Double Chocolate Praline Fudge Cake and shares tips on holiday baking.
Just one of the over 25 themed Christmas decorations. Each decoration was different.
Just a few EH members who helped make the evening a success. (Right to left-Pam Wynn, Tempie LaMothe, Jean Ann Flaherty, Monica Tipton, Tina Conzel, Joy Barr, Dana Newberg, Deb Kreul, Mary Hartness, Pearlie Snell, and Corliss Lewis)
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week we want to remind you of an important deadline approaching all Arkansans.
On October 1, 2020, anyone who boards a domestic flight or enters a federal building will either need a REAL ID driver’s license (DL) or Identification Card (ID) or will need to provide a regular identification and additional accepted forms of identification.
Arkansas is taking part in the federal nationwide initiative to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, which will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.
The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 adopted the recommendations of the 911 Commission. The REAL ID Act prohibits the federal government from accepting driver's licenses or identification cards issued by states that do not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act. This includes but is not limited to commercial air flights and federal buildings.
You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by having a duplicate license issued at a REAL ID office. The following Revenue Offices issue the REAL ID: Arkadelphia, Batesville, Bentonville, Conway, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Forrest City, Fort Smith (6515 Phoenix Avenue), Greenwood, Harrison, Hot Springs (200 Woodbine), Jonesboro, Little Rock (Three State Police Plaza Drive), Little Rock (1900 W. 7th Street), Little Rock (9108 North Rodney Parham), Monticello, Mountain Home, Paragould, Russellville, Searcy, Sherwood, Springdale, Texarkana, West Memphis, and White Hall.
An individual applying for Real ID must provide more documentation than an individual applying for a regular driver’s license or State ID.The federal government requires Arkansans to confirm proof of residency, legal presence and identity and Social Security number through the following documentation:
Passport or birth certificate
Two proof of address documents such as utility bills or bank statements
Social Security card
Name change linking documents, example: Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Court Order
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) recently launched a website, www.ar.gov/REALID, allowing Arkansans to list the documentation that will be presented at the Revenue Office to obtain a REAL ID. The website confirms the documents meet all requirements or specifies which document is missing.
The cost to obtain a REAL ID does not differ from the cost to obtain or renew a license or ID.
Close to 250,000 Arkansans have obtained a REAL ID, which is approximately ten percent of active licenses and IDs in the state. Make plans to get yours soon!