Tag Archives: Chesapeake College

Spring start-up course openings are available; ShoreVenture classes begin March 19

SprClassroom2-for-websiteing start-up course openings are available; ShoreVenture classes begin March 19

ShoreVenture, a comprehensive 10-week course for entrepreneurs and business owners is now enrolling students. Classes will be held at Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., starting March 19th and ending May 21. The class fee is $295.00, and is 100% refundable upon satisfactory completion of the course. Register online at shoreventure.com. For more information, call (410) 770-9330.

Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC), Easton, ShoreVenture is designed to provide guidance and support in a group-oriented environment, and is taught by actual Eastern Shore entrepreneurs. The course is based on the nation’s leading entrepreneur training program called NewVenture, which was developed by the Kauffman Foundation.

            ShoreVenture curriculum includes:

  • Assessing the feasibility of a business idea and how that concept matches the participant’s personal vision;
  • Determining the appropriate steps for small business success;
  • Defining target market and discovering competitive advantage;
  • Identifying creative marketing tools, key issues and strategies for operating a viable business;
  • Establishing appropriate cash flow projections and recordkeeping requirements; and
  • Examining and discussing the problems and pitfalls frequently encountered when starting a small business.

For information on course content or the Chesapeake College spring ShoreVenture class, call ESEC at (410) 770-9330. Registration is underway.

Founded in 2006, ESEC works to develop and enhance an entrepreneurial ecosystem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. ESEC provides training; services and programs to help business owners and entrepreneurs succeed by creating greater access to capital, including revolving and nano-loan fund programs. ESEC also offers educational programs that develop entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.

ShoreVenture classes begin March 19 at Chesapeake College

Open-for-BusinessShoreVenture classes begin March 19 at Chesapeake College

Curriculum provides more than “textbook” knowledge, says recent graduates

A good idea and passion often plant the seeds of a new business concept. However, the reality of successfully launching a new, sustainable business requires much more than mere enthusiasm. Fortunately for Eastern Shore entrepreneurs and business owners an intense arsenal of resources and knowledge are available through a 10-week course called ShoreVenture. The program is sponsored by the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC), Easton. Registration for the spring class at Chesapeake College is currently underway.

ShoreVenture is designed to provide guidance and support in a group-oriented environment, and is taught by actual Eastern Shore entrepreneurs. The course is based on the nation’s leading entrepreneur training program called NewVenture, which was developed by the Kauffman Foundation. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., starting March 19th and ending May 21. The fee of $295.00, and is 100% refundable upon satisfactory completion of the course. Register online at shoreventure.com. For more information, call (410) 770-9330.

For three recent graduates the course provided not only practical knowledge that could be implemented right away, but also support and technical know-how that they will use to sustain and grow their businesses.

For Barbara Reed, RN, administrator of a home health business in Chestertown called Loving Touch Home Care, LLC, the 10-week class was well worth the time for the plentiful resources as well as the networking opportunities. “For me the vision was there, but sometimes when I was in class listening I realized I may have done some things differently if I had taken the course sooner. The textbook we used in the class is on my desk and I refer to it often,” she says. “For the way I learn it was the networking that was the best part for me. I not only had the benefit of taking the class with other people who were going through what I was, but my instructors and other resource people available to me through the course are helping me as I implement my business plan,” she adds.

Classmate Mary Jeeter found the financial section of ShoreVenture to be most beneficial for her as she established Another Look, a consignment store in Denton. “I felt like I knew a lot going into the course, but I had no idea how to write a business plan. The financial part helped me out a lot,” she says. “The class speakers helped bring all of the topic to life, and I found it helpful to get ideas from my classmates as well,” she adds.

The biggest takeaway for fellow classmate Stacey Tibbitt of Easton, founder of Mini Messages, was the classroom experience and learning how to write a business plan. “Although the class was a huge time commitment I looked forward to attending class. The time flew by, and I enjoyed being around people who were doing what I was doing and going through what I was,” Tibbitt says. “The class taught me that a business plan is not just for everybody else, but also very much a tool for me,” she adds.

            ShoreVenture curriculum includes:

  • Assessing the feasibility of a business idea and how that concept matches the participant’s personal vision;
  • Determining the appropriate steps for small business success;
  • Defining target market and discovering competitive advantage;
  • Identifying creative marketing tools, key issues and strategies for operating a viable business;
  • Establishing appropriate cash flow projections and recordkeeping requirements; and
  • Examining and discussing the problems and pitfalls frequently encountered when starting a small business.

For information on course content or the Chesapeake College spring ShoreVenture class, call ESEC at (410) 770-9330. Registration is underway.

Founded in 2006, ESEC works to develop and enhance an entrepreneurial ecosystem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. ESEC provides training; services and programs to help business owners and entrepreneurs succeed by creating greater access to capital, including revolving and nano-loan fund programs. ESEC also offers educational programs that develop entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.

 

Two locals Competing in Cross Country Bike Ride for Cancer

Kenny-and-Kirk-MYN

Kenneth (Kenny) Britton and Kirk Marks are sophomores at Chesapeake College. In the summer of 2014 they will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70 day, 4000+ mile bike ride from Baltimore to San Diego. Each student is expected to raise $5000 towards the Cancer fund prior to their departure.

The 4K for Cancer is a program of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing lives by supporting, educating and connecting young adults and their loved ones affected by cancer.  Since 2001 groups of college students have undertaken journeys across America with the goal of offering hope, inspiration and support to cancer communities along the way. In 2013, 127 4K for Cancer participants traveled across America and were able to raise nearly $775,000 to support young adults affected by cancer. 2014 will represent the 13th year the 4K will travel across the country and bring new and exciting opportunities to the program.

The 4K Team of approximately 30 riders, kicked off their fundraising efforts on Friday, January 17th at an event at the headquarters for the 4K for Cancer in Baltimore. The students will depart in June from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, ride across America traveling first south through Virginia and the Carolinas before heading west through states such as Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. Along the way students will board in hospitals, churches, educational facilities and other locations donated by generous hosts before ending their journey on August 9th in Mission Beach Park in San Diego, California.

Kenny and Kirk were selected among the applicants following an extensive essay and interview process where they demonstrated a passion for biking and a desire to assist in the fight against Cancer.

After witnessing his mom being diagnosed with and beating cervical cancer, his grandfather’s fight against throat, mouth and prostate cancer and also witnessing many family members lose the fight against lung cancer; Kenny decided to join the fight against all cancers. Kenny says, “Cancer is a huge killer and I cannot name a family that has not lost a member to it. Cancer awareness is on the rise and it helps to know people want a cure and see the need for a cure. This is something I can do, involved in the scientific research of cancer or not, that the cancer community can benefit from.”

Kirk also witnessed both of his grandmother’s lose the battle against cancer and decided to join the crusade..” Kirk says, “I can think of no better way to spend seventy days and four-thousand miles of 2014, than riding for a cause.”

Kenny and Kirk have been best friends since early childhood and developed a passion for biking in their early teens while trick biking.  Today their passion has evolved into long distance rides. In preparation for their upcoming ride they will be taking many spin classes at Island Athletic Club and embark on moderate training rides from Kent Island to Ocean City, accompanied by many of their perspective teammates.

“I’m riding 4000 miles this summer to honor the one’s who spend everyday fighting for the lives they dream of, and to push my limits of adventure in an extraordinary way” – Kenny Britton

“I am embarking on this cross-country journey to inspire others, instill hope and satisfy my quest for adventure and a cure.” -Kirk Marks

4K for Cancer is an exceptional organization full of amazing individuals who are giving their all so that the one’s fighting this relentless disease know the fight is worth THEIR all. Donate today to Kenny and Kirk for their travels and efforts towards discovering a cure!

To donate and view Kenny and Kirk’s essays and profiles online go to www.4kforcancer.org/profiles/kirk-marks/ and www.4kforcancer.org/profiles/kenneth-britton/.

To donate by check, send to:

4K for Cancer

921 East Fort Ave

Suite 325

Baltimore MD, 21230

(Be sure to include in the memo line who’s name you’re donating to.)

Both Kenny and Kirk would like to thank supporters in advance and say. “Thank you from both of us. We are very much appreciative of this opportunity you have given us!”

Autism Training

In response to the growing prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in recent years, Chesapeake College’s Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Training is offering training to professionals and community members who interact with those affected by ASD. The next course offered will start on September 25 and is entitled, “Autism: Behavior as a Form of Communication”. This course will provide participants with a better understanding of behaviors exhibited by those on the Autism Spectrum as well as data to determine the cause and replacement behavior.

Additional courses will be offered starting in January entitled “Understanding Autism”, “Communication Skills for Autism”, and “Meeting the Social & Sensory Needs of Autism”. Continuing education credit will be available for Licensed Counselors, Therapists, Psychologists, Social Workers and Child Care Workers.

For more information, please contact Marci Leach at 410-827-5833 or mleach@chesapeake.edu.

Calling All Animal Lovers – Join Chesapeake This Fall

Join Chesapeake College this Fall to discover how to turn your passion for animals into a career or learn how to just take better care of your furry family member. Chesapeake is offering a wide variety of animal related classes ranging from Equine and Animal Reiki to Dog Grooming to a course on how to raise poultry in your own backyard.

Chesapeake is partnering with the University of Maryland – Extension Office to offer a Small Farm Livestock Series. Courses in this series include: Livestock Options for Small Acres – for those who want to raise cattle, sheep or goats on just a few acres; Raising Poultry in your Backyard – great for a small business or family hobby; and Equine Facilities and Pasture Considerations – for those who want to create the optimal pasture environment for their horse.

Pet owners and those in the animal care field can learn how to enhance the lives of the animals they care for by taking Chesapeake’s newest courses Animal Reiki and Equine Reiki. Studies have shown that Reiki can help with behavioral issues, speed up the healing process of injured pets and comfort ailing animals. Horses in particular, because of their intuitive nature, respond deeply to Reiki. Equine Reiki can assist with injury, convalescence, fear and aggression, competition or transportation stress, and offers protection against complications related to surgery, anesthesia, and medication. In addition to these courses, Chesapeake is offering Dog Grooming for pet owners and those in animal related fields to learn which bathing and brushing techniques work best for their dog’s coat. Students will practice on their own animals at a working dog grooming facility. For those who are interested in starting their own business, join Chesapeake for an online course on How to Start a Pet Sitting Business. Students will learn the essentials of running your own business including animal care, home visit etiquette, and client relations.

Classes are offered at convenient times and are affordably priced. Most classes are held at the Wye Mills campus of Chesapeake College. For course prerequisites or more information on how to register, contact Marci Leach at 410-827-5833 or mleach@chesapeake.edu.

Chesapeake Graduates Largest Class of Veterinary Assistant Training Students

Twenty-eight local students recently graduated from the Chesapeake College Veterinary Assistant Training program, the largest graduating class in the program’s history. Students in the program participate in over 116 hours of training in order to receive the Veterinary Assistant designation.

At the graduation ceremony, course instructor, Dr. Amy Tanis of the Veterinary Medical Center in Easton, presented certificates to the students. This year’s graduates include: Kelly Bean, Korin Cooper, Sarah Eberhard, Janet Eisenhart, Beverly Estep, Brianna Eutsler, Lauri Farrer, Savanna Green, Olivia Grinnell, Carolyn Leager, Amie Lednum, Katie Lee, Pamela LeGates, Cathy Lejman, Sandra Marshall, Linda Middleton, Gerel Nelson, Lisa Olsen, Jeanne Owens, Shelbi Robinson, Brittany Simmons, Karen Snowberger, Denise Taylor, Rebecca Thursby, Ashley Waskey, Victoria Weaver and Amanda Willoughby.

“Students in the Veterinary Assistant Training program learn a wide variety of animal and animal care essentials.” said Marci Leach, Director of the Program at Chesapeake College. “Some graduates will continue their studies in the animal care field while others have learned valuable skills to take care of their own personal or farm animals. Graduates of the program find job opportunities in private veterinary practices, animal shelters, zoos, farms, laboratories or just about any field that would require animal knowledge.”

The Veterinary Assistant Training Program is approved and supported by the Maryland Boards of Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary Medical Examiners, and Veterinary Technicians Association. Students attend class one evening each week and complete clinical hours at private practices and animal shelters in Talbot, Caroline, Queen Anne’s, Kent and Dorchester counties.

The next Veterinary Assistant training program will begin in September, 2012. For more information about the program or to register, please call Marci Leach at 410-827-5833 or mleach@chesapeake.edu.

In Photo: Twenty eight students recently graduated from the Chesapeake College Veterinary Assistant Training program.

Community Supports College Welding Program

Chesapeake College recently received a generous donation from the Cambridge Veterans of Foreign War Post 7460 to purchase a new welding machine to use in their new pipe welding class. The donation was presented by Carl Anderson, Vice Commander of the Cambridge Post as well as a new student in Chesapeake’s welding program. “Chesapeake College offers one of the best welding programs that I have ever participated in”, said Anderson. “It would be a great program for any veteran to consider who is looking for training in a new career field.”

After attending the classes, Anderson shared his experiences with Post 7460 Commander Craig Schnider about the high quality of instruction along with the variety of welding processes covered in the curriculum including Oxy-Acetylene, MIG, TIG, Stick, and even Plasma. Schnider readily agreed to support the program with a generous donation to the college. Over the past several years, Chesapeake College has updated nearly all of the welding machines to new state of the art machines to enhance the student’s learning experience.

The welding program has been offered for over 20 years at Chesapeake College and each semester has a waiting list to register for the Basic Arc Welding class. This year Pipe Welding has been added to the program offerings as well as a basic and an advanced certificate. Most of the students who complete a welding program at Chesapeake College also become “AWS” certified welders.

For more information about the welding program, visit the website at www.chesapeake.edu or contact Bob Faiella at Chesapeake College by calling 410-827-5807 or by email, bfaiella@chesapeake.edu.

Support For Chesapeake College Medical Training Center

The five counties that support Chesapeake College have to decide if they will fund 25-percent of the new proposed medical training center. They have to decide by the next time they turn in a budget. According to the Commissioners of Kent County, the decision is split at this moment. With majority vote possibly approving or denying the funds coming from the counties, Kent County might be stuck with the tough decision of what to do. As Commissioner William W Pickrum put it nobody likes to be told what to do, but if it comes to Kent County making the deciding vote it is a situation they will have to deal with.

17th Annual Chesapeake College Career & Job Expo

FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC

Wednesday, April 4, 2012
2 to 5 p.m.
Physical Education Building (Gym) – Wye Mills Campus

Members of the business community will be available to discuss opportunities in the following areas:
 Accounting
 Administrative Work
 Agriculture
 Armed Forces
 Clerical Work
 Banking
 Business
 Child Care
 Information Technology
 Education
 Electronics
 Engineering
 Health Care
 Insurance
 Law/Paralegal
 Law Enforcement
 Manufacturing
 Nursing
 Social Services
 Tourism
 …and more

Job Fair Preparation Workshops In the Todd Performing Arts Center (Lobby)

12:30 p.m. The value of articulating your skills in an Interview: video practice, Jodi Presti, CEO, JobOn
1:15 p.m. Job Fair preparation, tips & advice for a productive networking day, Jeff Trice, DWDAL

Sponsored by Chesapeake College, Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board & WIA Division, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.

For more information, contact the Office of Career Services at: 410.822.5400, 410.758.1537, 410.228.4360, ext. 303

College To Offer Registered Yoga Teacher and Advanced Yoga Training

Registration is now open for Chesapeake College’s accredited Registered Yoga Teacher Training program. This program, offered partnership with the Every Body Yoga Studio, is currently the only registered yoga school on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This training is for community members who would like to become accredited Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT) or for anyone who would like to study advanced yoga techniques for their own personal enrichment.

The accreditation is through the Yoga Alliance®, the national education and support organization for yoga in the United States and is based on extensive experience, thorough understanding of all 8 limbs of yoga, safety and the dedication to serve others. The goal of developing standards for yoga teacher training is to ensure that yoga teacher training is conducted by well-qualified and professionally trained teachers who understand the benefits of yoga, value its history and traditions and provide consistent quality instruction while ensuring safety.

The next Registered Yoga Teacher Training program begins in April 2012. Participants meet one weekend per month for nine months to complete the required 200 hours of training. In addition, reading, homework, observation of other teachers and student teaching is required. Class size is limited to allow for individualized instruction.

The program instructor, Phyllis Johnston, M. Ed., E-RYT, has been studying yoga for more than 24 years and teaching on the mid-shore for 12 years. Her extensive experience earned her the distinguished “experienced registered yoga teacher” designation by the Yoga Alliance® for practitioners who can train other teachers.

For more information or to register, contact Marci Leach by calling 410-827-5833 or email to mleach@chesapeake.edu.

In photo: Inaugural graduating class …Left to right, front row: Deanna McLaughlin, Paul Gerhardt, Phyllis Johnston Back Row: Phyllis Emerson and Valerie Coslop.