APRIL SMITH (Kalkaska) attended the Introduction to Word Processing: Microsoft Word class in a recent semester. “As a mom, this class definitely gave me the confidence to help my son with his homework projects and having it so close to home made it that much easier to attend,” says Smith. April works at Gio’s Restaurant in Kalkaska and is also self-employed.

DIANE MILLER (Kalkaska) has earned a KAL•TEC Personal Finance Certificate. “After completing the necessary classes, I realized just how much money my family and I were throwing away. Since then, we have established a practical budget that my family can live with. Not only can my husband and I comfortably take care of our four children now, but we were finally able to buy my dream home and we could really afford it!” says Miller. Diane is a Sales Representative with Alpine Medical Supply in Kalkaska.

FALL 2007 CNA GRADUATES: (Back Row: L-R) Brenda Von Buskirk, Lois Nason, Kelly Schram; (Front Row: L-R) Jessica Snavley, Instructor Renee Cunningham, Nicole Lester. In Fall 2007, KAL•TEC graduated its most successful group of ten CNA trainees to date. In this picture, five graduates pose with their instructor, now employer, at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center (KMHC). Three other class members—not pictured—Ashleigh Russell, Steven Crider, and Amy Morse were also hired by KMHC.

RACHEL BURNETTE (Mancelona) along with her husband, Kenneth, attended the Starting a Small Business in Northern Michigan class this past November 2007. “We were looking for practical information on starting our own business. The instructor provided down to earth examples and insights. We now have a much better understanding of the process.” Rachel is an Insurance Agent with Dewey Insurance Agency in Kalkaska.

NETTIE MULLET (South Boardman) has always wanted to earn her GED. In June 2007, Nettie’s employer helped her to come one step closer to reaching that goal by paying for the GED Prep. “The class was great. I saw where I have to study the most before I take each test. I have my own GED study book now so I can study around my work schedule.” Nettie works in the Dietary Department and dish room at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center in Kalkaska.

CINDY SHIPP (Kalkaska) “It’s very convenient having these classes in the community and close to home. I have a very busy schedule with family, work and volunteer commitments.” Cindy is an Office Manager and Client Sales Agent with Wilke Insurance Agency in Kalkaska.

“I would like to take this opportunity to let the Kalkaska community know how much of an asset KAL-TEC has been to me in my pursuit for promotions at Wayne Wire Cloth products, Inc. I have taken three courses offered by KAL-TEC, and there is no question that they played a very important role in my advancement at Wayne Wire. I served in the military for thirteen years and was unable to attend college on a regular basis to attain a degree. KAL-TEC provided a convenient and relaxed atmosphere on a manageable schedule so I could take a couple of courses needed to perform my existing position. I would also like to applaud the staff and teachers for being patient and helpful in answering all the questions in a professional manner. If you ever have an opportunity to attend any of the courses KAL-TEC has to offer, don’t hesitate to enroll and advance your career.”

Sincerely,

Calvin L. Carr, Sr.

Cathy Curtis took Word, Excel, and Beginning Keyboarding courses to help her on the job at Wayne Wire Cloth Products. “I enjoyed them a great deal and feel as if they have made a difference in my computer and typing skills,” says Cathy. “The instructor [for Beginning Keyboarding] was very nice and had a lot of patience with all of us!”

Margaret Learner of Rapid City attended the Certified Nurse Aid training at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center. “The training schedule worked perfectly along with my first job. The fact that I was eligible to have the training completely paid for made this opportunity all the more possible!” says Margaret.

Stacia Davis of Mancelona took the Debt-Free Living class with instructor Mark Millis (see Money Management Courses, next page). “The class was excellent; it was a real eye-opener about how debt can affect our lives and what we can do to not let that happen,” says Stacia.

“The Interviewing Workshop was a great help in getting me this job. The persistence of the instructors helping me to meet hiring requirements was helpful! There’s always something different going on here. You never know where or what you’ll be doing from day to day. So, it’s definitely never boring!” – Fred Stickney, employee at Cherry Blossom in Williamsburg

“Before I began the class in April, I was always afraid of using my English incorrectly, and afraid of getting or even asking for a job. Now, my English is very much improved and I am much more confident and fluent in speaking the English language.” – Angelika Johnson, originally from Germany, is a student at the Kalkaska Michigan WORKS! Learning Lab studying English as a Second Language (ESL)

Harold and Barbara Johne decided to take a CPR class together. They had always wanted to learn, so they could help if someone needed it. “I gained a sense of security, knowing that I am able to assist in an emergency situation,” says Barbara. Harold adds, “And, at our age, you never know when you might need it for each other!”

“I wanted to take the Introduction to Medical Billing Concepts series to better understand my line of work. These courses have helped me do my job more efficiently and I greatly appreciated the information I received.” - Ashta Pueblo, employee at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center in Kalkaska

Gary Draper, a South Boardman resident, is currently a Respiratory Therapist Intern at Mercy Hospital in Grayling and at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Gary’s classes are provided by Muskegon Community College and are held at Munson. He decided to pursue the field when he was laid off from his job of 21 years as a Lab Technician/Analytical Chemist at a company in Kalkaska. When his company closed, Gary was offered the opportunity to move to another location, but leaving the area was not an option. Prior to his job loss, Gary and his wife, Janice, had been long time volunteers at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center’s Long Term Care facility. He discovered that he really liked taking care of people, so was considering an eventual career change anyway. “The lay off from my job only hurried that change along,” commented Gary.

Gary received funding to go to school through the Michigan Works! Classroom Training program. “Their help definitely reduced the stress level of going back to school so I could focus