The Clark County Community Education Program Advisory Council held its bi-monthly meeting May 17 at Central Bank. Community Education Director Cora Heffner introduced new member Gordon Parido, Clark County Board of Education representative. She also thanked Lacee Duncan, a senior at George Rogers Clark High School (GRC), for her two years of service on the Council.

The Job Fair on May 12 was a great success, with 67 employers and 152 job seekers attending. Sponsors included the Winchester/Clark County campus of the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC), the Chamber of Commerce, WKYN Radio, Community Education, Adecco, the Bluegrass Area Development District, and the KY Career Center. School-To-Careers Job Shadowing for juniors and seniors was held in April with twelve students spending a day at an employer in their area of interest. The Family ArtFest during spring break in conjunction with 4-H, the Homeless Coalition, and Auntie’s Academy, served 37 youth and 22 adults. Fourteen teen volunteers and 13 adult volunteers participated. Thirty-six classes were offered during the spring semester, with nine cancelled due to low enrollment.

Community Education is working on the fall class schedule. Those wishing to instruct, either as a volunteer or paid, may contact 859-745-3946. Sponsors are being sought for the catalog. Contact community.ed@clark.kyschools.us for information. There are four sponsorship levels.

Ms. Heffner noted that Partners In Education has expanded and the director position, held by Greg Yates, will become full time June 1. He is currently working to expand co-op opportunities for students and increase volunteers in our schools.

Greg Hollon with the Clark County Public Schools reminded all that the last day of school is May 26. The district will host a Chamber breakfast on June 14 at GRC. Readifest is July 28 at BCTC.

Mr. Parido announced that the Clark County Board of Education has waived fees and supply lists for the next school year. In addition, free breakfast and lunch will be expanded to all students, preschool through grade 12.

Community Education Administrative Assistant Janice Innocenzi noted that Parks and Recreation’s annual Run for the Paws benefiting the Clark County Animal Shelter will be held on May 21 at BCTC. Also, Parks & Rec is moving forward on the splash pad at Community Park and expects it to be open next summer.

Bruce Manley with BCTC announced a new state scholarship opportunity for construction, transportation logistics, health care, business services and advanced manufacturing. This is not a need-based scholarship and will pay for up to half the credits needed for certificates and associate degrees.

Jennifer Gulley with the Health Department noted there were 927 participants in the Wellness Challenge. In cooperation with Day One Wellness, there will be a monthly wellness class July through November. The Farmers Market began last weekend; June 3 is Kids’ Bucks Day and on June 27 staff will be present to hand out WIC vouchers to participants. A reminder of the HANDS program — a voluntary home visitation program for parents from pre-natal through 2 years old. The Health Department is following up with the Community Health Assessment conducted last year. They currently are facilitating strategic plans. The primary concerns of citizens are: drug and alcohol addiction, physical fitness and weight, and access to mental health care. Next week will be a strategic planning meeting for overdose prevention and substance abuse at the Extension Office.

Mike Kindred, Area Technology Center (ATC) principal, reported the ATC has received a grant to hold a one week summer camp the first week after school ends. This is an opportunity for eighth graders to explore the various content areas. Rep. Andy Barr toured the school recently. The three seniors who participated in the co-op program with Leggett & Platt were offered full-time jobs upon graduation. Mansea Metal is interested in starting a similar program next year.

In addition to Heffner, Parido, Kindred, Hollon, Innocenzi, Yates, Manley, Gulley, and Kindred, also in attendance were Jutta Kausch with NAMI, Charlie Pasley with Clark Energy Cooperative, Kirsten Petrey representing the City of Winchester, youth member Sophie Duncan, and Denise Jones with the KY Career Center.

The next meeting will be held on July 19 at noon at Central Bank. All meetings are open to the public.