Planetarium offers summer weekday matinee shows

The Mayborn Planetarium and Space Theater now offers weekday matinee shows Monday through Thursday during the summer. Show times are 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Matinee tickets are $4 per person, per show. The shows are free for Planetarium members.

The week of June 17, the Monday/Wednesday show lineup features the full-dome shows “Zula Patrol: Under the Weather” at 1 p.m. In this show, the heroes of the Zula Patrol are on an expedition collecting samples of weather for scientist Multo’s research using their loyal pet Gorga’s ability to collect and bottle all kinds of weather. Interplanetary villain Dark Truder tricks Gorga into stealing the weather from other planets as part of his latest scheme to rule the universe. The gang set out after Gorga to bring him home and in the process learn all about weather, both terrestrial and interplanetary.

At 2 p.m. is the story of an average yellow star in search for planets of its own to protect and warm in “The Little Star That Could.” Along the way, our little star meets other stars, learns what makes each star special and discovers how stars combine to form star clusters and galaxies. Each planet is introduced with basic information about our solar system. This fun show helps us all to feel special, just like this average little star.

“The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” is at 3 p.m. Climb aboard a magical cardboard rocket with two young adventurers and experience a breathtaking, up-close look at each of our solar system’s planets with guidance from a wise astronomy book. With “Book,” as their guide, the travelers seek to visit the sun, the eight planets and Pluto. They land on Venus, Mars and Pluto, then fly through the Great Red Spot on Jupiter and view the other planets and the sun from close vantage points. As they tour the solar system, “Book” relays interesting facts about each body, making sure his students learn something on their wild ride.

Matinee shows on Tuesday/Thursday are Zula Patrol: Down To Earth” at 1 p.m. A routine fossil-hunting mission launches the Zula Patrol on a rollicking ride into Earth’s past! When the gang discovers the villainous Deliria Delight has been traveling back in time to illegally dump her company’s toxic trash, they must find and catch her before her actions cause catastrophic consequences. In the process, our heroes learn all about the formation and development of Earth and the life forms who call it home.

“Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus and Andromeda” follows at 2 p.m. Based on constellations viewed in fall sky, “Perseus and Andromeda” is a story filled with humorous and exciting characters including Perseus the mighty warrior, Pegasus the winged horse, Cetus the sea monster and the fearsome monster Medusa. This entertaining tale is designed to engage young students and stimulate their interest in learning about the night sky.

At 3 p.m. is IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System.” The show follows the creation of NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Get an in-depth look at the mission and how IBEX is collecting high-speed atoms to create a map of our solar system’s boundary as you join scientists investigating the boundary between our solar system and the rest of our galaxy. Narrated by two inquisitive teenagers, audiences will hear from the scientists and engineers that developed the IBEX mission and created the spacecraft and get the latest updates on the mission’s discoveries.

A new lineup of shows will be offered each week and can be viewed online at http://www.starsatnight.org or by calling 254-526-1800. Directions to the Planetarium, membership information, show descriptions and more are also available online.

College For Kids opens in June

The Central Texas College (CTC) Continuing Education Department will open its annual College For Kids classes in June. A variety of classes directed to youngsters three years to high school-age will be offered throughout the summer. Classes mix fun and hands-on learning in the studies of science, performing arts, arts and crafts, life skills, languages and more. Several new classes have been added this year including Youth Basketball, Parent and Child Swim, Sea Quest, Dinosaur Experience, Cyber Safety, Basic Aid Training, American Sign Language and Air, Water and Fuel Rockets.

Registration is underway now for any of the new and returning favorite classes. Some of the available classes are:

Get Active, Moving and Energized (G.A.M.E) (Age 7+): This course teaches kids how to get off the couch and moving using video games. Learn correct form for floor exercises that can be done at home. Each class will consist of 30-45 minutes of cardio workout using motion sensing video games such as WII or XBOX Kinect. Students will also learn basic healthy eating tips using the items in their own kitchens and healthy choices to make when eating out. The class is each Tuesday/Thursday, June 11-20, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. The cost is $29.

Amusement Park Engineering (Age 9-13)
Explore the science behind some of your favorite rides. Working in design teams, students will apply the physics of force, energy, gravity, kinetic and thermal principles to create a roller coaster. The class meets June 10-13 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The cost is $39.

We Do Robotics (Age 7-12)
Learn about problem solving, scientific inquiry, robotics, motion control and programming through a series of fun and engaging hands-on activities using the LEGO We Do Robotics System. Students will get an introduction to foundational science, technology, engineering and math concept skills. The class is June 10-13 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The cost is $149.

Crime Scene Investigation (Age 11+)
Learn the basics of criminal investigation and how a crime scene is processed. Discover how to become an investigator, what type of education and training is required and the duties and responsibilities of a criminal investigator. Students will learn the basic steps an investigator goes through to effectively process a crime scene and collect evidence including fingerprinting a crime scene and lifting cast impressions of foot prints. Participants will get hands-on experience processing a mock crime scene. The class meets each Saturday, June 15-29, from 10 a.m. –
12 p.m. The cost is $29.

Extraterrestrials (Age 5-12)
Enjoy an exciting afternoon filled with eerie creatures that are out-of-this-world! As a member of our space team, you will predict what aliens might look like on various planets. What would ET look like if it lived on Jupiter? How would the environment, gravity and atmosphere change the appearance of an alien living on Mercury? Find the answers and become an alien taxonomist. The class is Saturday, June 8 from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $35.

Girl-Versity (Age 9-12)
This fun and informative workshop takes girl power to the next level by offering young “tweens” a forum to discuss and explore a variety of issues vital to a young lady’s development in today’s complex world such as personal safety, health and wellness, academic success, goal development, personal esteem and milestone achievements. Girls will receive milestone rewards and achievements at the completion of each class including safety kits for personal safety training; spa gift bags for health and wellness and pre-employment resumes for the World of Work class. The workshop will end with a graduation ceremony complete with caps, gowns and diplomas. Interactive programming, special guest speakers and life-changing achievements are just some of the elements included in the class. The class is each Friday, June 14-28, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. The cost is $65.

Fundamentals of Cooking (Age 12+)
Learn the how to handle food safely and use the kitchen. Master the basic cooking techniques like grilling, sautéing, pan-frying, baking and steaming. You’ll learn to identify healthy raw ingredients, mise en place (French for getting everything organized before cooking), prepare basic meals and clean-up. The class is Wednesday through Friday, June 17-19, from 8-10 a.m. The cost is $45.

Runway 101 (Age 7+)
Learn how to own the runway from industry experts! This half-day workshop introduces you to the exciting world of commercial runway modeling. Instruction includes various model stances, choreography, proper posture, modeling etiquette and other helpful tips. The class is Friday, June 14 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. The cost is $75.

Act Out! (Age 9-12)
Act Out! is a fun-filled exploration of the theater arts. Come join us as we journey through storytelling, improvisation, creative dramatics and much more. This is your chance to really act up and out! The class is June 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The cost is $25.

Come Fly with Me
Get a complete briefing on aviation careers, oddities, safety, weather maps and radar. The class ends with an actual airplane flight. The class for 9-11–year-olds is June 10-14 and the class for 12-16-year-olds is June 17-21. Each class is $49.

Snap, Crackle, Pop: A Chemistry Journey
Eager young scientists will mix up safe concoctions that will either snap, crackle or sizzle before they pop. They will receive a journal to document experiences in case they want to repeat them for science fairs or home demonstrations. Make your summer sizzle in this fun-filled science adventure. The class meets June 18-21 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The cost is $69.

Cyber Safety (Age 5-12)
Discover how to safely use the Internet and be aware of stranger danger. Instruction includes videos and activities from the NetSmartz Workshop, a program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children designed to teach children how to be safer on and offline. Course also addresses inappropriate content, cyberbullying, protecting private, personal information and being asked to meet offline. The class for ages 5-8 is Friday, June 21 from
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The class for ages 9-12 is from 1-4 p.m. the same day. Each class is $35.

Beginning Drawing (Age 10+)
Build confidence while developing an artist’s eye! Students will enhance their observational sensibilities and apply them to their artwork. Class includes the fundamentals of drawing which are composition, proportion, perspective, light and shadow. The class is June 19 and 20 from 1 – 3:30 p.m. The cost is $39.

College For Kids also offers many other science, arts and crafts, games, writing, language, fitness and personal enhancement classes. A full schedule is available online at http://www.ctcd.edu/ce or by calling 254-526-1586.

CTC Enactus team places in the top five at national expo

The Central Texas College (CTC) Enactus team earned first runner-up honors in the semi-finals of the Enactus National Exposition which placed the local team in the top five in the nation among all Enactus teams. The national competition was held recently in Kansas City, MO and featured 153 regional Enactus champion teams – 19 two-year schools and 134 four-year universities. The teams were judged on the entrepreneurial projects completed during the year and the impact on their local communities.

During the national competition, CTC Enactus earned first place in the Wal-Mart Women’s Empowerment Grant and received $6,000. The team captured first place in the Sam’s Club Step Up for Small Business Grant to win another $6,000. CTC also won first place and $2,000 in the Spirit Award competition and won $1,000 for placing in the top eight in the nation for the Campbell’s Let’s Can Hunger Grant.

CTC Enactus team finished ahead of seven four-year universities to win the opening round of the competition. The team advanced to win first runner-up in the semifinal round against four other four-year schools and earned $2,000 and a trophy. As the semifinal first runner-up, CTC Enactus finished the national competition in the top five among the competing teams and the more than 535 college and university Enactus teams across the country.

Much like the regional competition, each Enactus team must submit a written annual report and make a live audiovisual presentation detailing the results of their community outreach projects to a panel of judges comprised of area business leaders. Following an intense question-and-answer session with the judges, the teams are then evaluated based on how successful they were at using business concepts to improve the quality of life and standard of living for its community.

The CTC presentation focused on four of the group’s main projects this past year: Operation Upgrade, Operation Step-Up, Operation “I” Serve Too and Operation Liquid Gold.

Operation Upgrade offered weekly job readiness and personal development training for low income, welfare recipients, veterans and military spouses who are unemployed. As a result, 69 central Texans were trained, 26 obtained employment, 15 enrolled in GED or college this year and 422 took their skills to job fairs where they were able to land a job.

Through Operation Step-Up, Enactus members assisted two local businesses achieve success through improved business practices. The Fins and Flowers Pet Shop in Copperas Cove received a total makeover which included new marketing and advertising strategies, business plan a new inventory tracking system, customer service training and a store remodel. The end result was a new name (Out of the Cage Pet Store), increased sales of 50 percent, increased profits of 281 percent and the business has lowered its credit debt by $5,000. The second business, Michelle’s Flowers and Gifts was able to open a second location in the main Post Exchange on Fort Hood and has increased its sales and customer base.

Military spouses were the target in Operation “I” Serve Too as Enactus members provided entrepreneurial mentoring to help military spouses start a small business. A week-long “Be Your Own Boss” seminar was held in which 37 military spouses created a business concept and learned to develop a business plan. The top three were chosen and given a $1,000 grant to start their business. After seven months of mentoring and skills training, accounting practices, product placement, pricing strategies, Internet strategies and marketing plan development, Diaper Baby Dolls is now generating $200 a month income. Old Fashion Portraits earn a monthly income of $800 and Jessica’s Classy Crafts generates an income of $900 a month.

CTC Enactus initiated Operation Liquid Gold to help the City of Killeen and other businesses cope with the problem of proper disposal and recycling of fats, oils and grease. The team developed a proposal for the City of Killeen to implement a used cooking oil program and educated 130,000 residents on reducing, reusing and recycling used cooking oil. Disposal containers were placed at the Killeen Recycling Center, various low-income residential areas, three apartment complexes and five local businesses. The project will save Killeen an estimated $429,000 in the next three years in maintenance and clogged sewer pipes should be reduced from 75 to 25 percent. The Killeen city council signed and approved the proposal this past week.

CTC was represented at the Enactus Nation Exposition by David Netherwood, president; Frank Fitzgerald, vice president; Jasmin Ramos, director of team management; Taryn Ellis, operation executive director; Alvin Perry, operation executive director; Artia Perry, operation executive director; and Melissa Wise, secretary and computer technician.

CTC to open walk-in registration for summer semester

Walk-in registration for summer classes at Central Texas College (CTC) begins Tuesday, May 28 and will run through May 31. New students must first complete the academic advisement and admission process before registering. Advisement will be conducted through May 31. Both the advisement and walk-registration will be held in Student Services (Bldg. 119). Both schedules are based on the last four digits of the students’ Social Security number.

Students are required to use the following walk-in registration schedule. If a student misses their scheduled time, they can register only during the open periods at the end of the week.

Last four SSN Date Time
3579 – 5579 May 28 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
5580 – 7579 May 28 1 – 5 p.m.
7580 – 9579 May 29 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
9580 – 1578 May 29 1 – 5 p.m.
1579 – 3578 May 30 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Open May 30 1 – 4 p.m.
Open May 31 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Summer I five-week, eight-week and 10-week classes begin June 3. Late registration for summer I classes will be June 4-6.

Summer II classes begin July 8. Walk-in registration for the summer II semester is July 1-3 and July 5. Late registration for summer II courses is July 9.

Students interested in taking distance learning or online classes during the summer may also register through WebAdvisor. Registration for summer I online classes beginning in June ends May 30 and for online classes beginning in July, registration ends July 4.

Registration for classes at the CTC Fort Hood campus is underway now through June 6. Students can register for the eight-week courses at Building 3201, located at 72nd Street and 761st Tank Battalion Avenue from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Active duty military personnel and their dependents must submit a military verification form if they are not using Tuition Assistance to be eligible for in-state tuition. Classes at the Fort Hood campus run June 3 – August 3.

CTC closed Memorial Day

The central and Fort Hood campuses of Central Texas College will be closed Monday, May 27 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Administrative offices and walk-in registration/advisement will resume on Tuesday, May 28.

CTC board approves KNCT backup generator

In his opening remarks, Central Texas College (CTC) Chancellor Dr. Thomas Klincar notified the board the Central Texas College Flight Team earned national championship honors among two-year schools at the 2013 National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) for the second consecutive year. CTC finished 11th overall in the nation – improving from 14th place last year. The team also placed sixth overall in the flight events and 18th in the ground events. The team ranked sixth overall in flight competition, competing against 30 two and four-year college teams. “Our students continue to set the bar in collegiate competition,” said Klincar.

Barbara Merlo, marketing and outreach director, provided an update on the recent mascot runoff, and reported the Eagle inched out the Stallion in the online vote. During the summer, CTC will refine a graphic identity and usage guidelines for the Eagle mascot.

Representatives of Freese and Nichols presented the board a building plaque for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification recognition for the CTC Nursing Center. He also presented a plaque for LEED Silver certification for the Anderson Campus Center.

Also, the board approved a contract extension for Great Western Dining to provide catering and cafeteria operations for the college. The board also awarded a two-year contract to First Southwest for investment advisory services with one two-year option period and approved purchase of three new servers from IBM. Additionally, the board approved a contract not to exceed $300,000 for the installation of backup generators for KNCT studio and transmitter locations.

Newly re-elected board members were sworn in and the board held its election of officers. Rex Weaver will now serve as chairperson, Rev. Jimmy Towers as vice chairperson, Scott Isdale is the secretary and Elwood “Woody” Shemwell will serve as treasurer. The board also appointed Weaver as board representative to the Community College Association of Texas Trustees board.

CTC tennis tourney winners announced

Central Texas College (CTC) held its annual CTC Golden Eagle Classic Tennis tournament this past weekend. Nearly 90 area players participated in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events. The winners were:

Men’s Singles 4.0 – Anthony Albright def. Morrise Armstrong 6-0, 4-0 (retired)
Men’s Doubles 4.0 – Chance Ponsford/Christien Manalang def. Jaime Chacon/Albright 6-4, 3-6, 10-6
Men’s Singles 3.5 – Rian Roque def. Scot Arey 7-5, 6-3
Men’s Doubles 3.5 Phillip Ferrer/R. Roque def. Matthew Doerbaum/Tim Doerbaum 8-6
Men’s Singles 3.0 – Chungseon An def. Armando Gutierrez 6-1, 6-2
Women’s Singles 3.5 – Emily Stebbins def. Tina Lopez 8-2 (eight-game pro set)
Women’s Singles 3.0 – Breeana Edwards def. Fe Marie Selchert 8-2
Mixed Doubles 4.0 – Allie Rogers/Trenton Parker def. T. Lopez/Robert Lopez 7-5, 6-2
Mixed Doubles 3.0 – Jordan LeBree/M. Doerbaum def. F. Selchert/ Ray Selchert 9-7
Masters’ – Greg Hilley def. Robert Rodriguez 6-1, 6-3
Junior Girls’ Singles – Anna White def. Katie Arey 7-6 (5), 6-4
Junior Girls’ Doubles – Mayson Upchurch/Tessa Jagodzinski def. Madison Sieber/Alexis Guerrero 8-3
Junior Boy’s Singles – Chris Wichgers def. Hamza Khan 6-3, 5-7, 6-0
Junior Boy’s Doubles – H. Khan/C. Wichgers def. Wahab Khan/Madu Eirli 8-1
Junior Mixed Doubles – Sarah Crowder/Marshall Stefek def. M. Sieber/Jayson Gay 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (5)