Author Archive for R. Oliphant – Page 7

RENOVATED AND REOPENED IN JANUARY 2024, THE REVAMPED PRESCOTT CAMPUS STUDENT CAFÉ OFFERS TOP-TIER YEAR ROUND DAILY DINING; IT’S A PLEASING EATING EXPERIENCE IN A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT

Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are extensive with such offerings as smoothies, omelets, sandwiches, burritos, grits, homemade soups, fresh salads, burgers, sandwiches, variety of pizzas, flatbreads, noodle and grain bowls, Southwest Sunburst – grilled chicken breast, citrus BBQ sauce, garlic polenta cake, winter greens, seasonal grilled vegetables, cookies, brownies, key lime pie, chocolate cake, lemon cake and much more

In January 2024, Yavapai Community College unveiled its renovated student cafeteria, “The Eatery,” on the Prescott Campus. The total renovation cost was not disclosed. The College, in a press release, said,  “The Eatery” was “a new beacon of conscientious and creative dining, where every bite is a celebration of local flavor and ethical sourcing.”

It is clear after a full semester that the renovation and revamped food offerings provide a delightful dining experience for students and staff alike. Open year-round, seven days a week, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, “The Eatery” is promoted by the College as a venue that “seamlessly marries nutrition, food quality, and sustainability.” When it was reopened, the College said that it prioritizes “freshness, flavor, and nutritional value, offering a diverse menu” that caters to various dietary preferences and features a seasonally updated selection.

“The Eatery” boasts a wide variety of dining options during the day, including smoothies, omelets, sandwiches, burritos, grits, homemade soups, fresh salads, burgers, pizzas, flatbreads, noodle and grain bowls, and signature dishes like the Southwest Sunburst—grilled chicken breast with garlic polenta cake, winter greens, and seasonal grilled vegetables. Desserts such as cakes, cookies, brownies, key lime pie, chocolate cake, and lemon cake round out the menu.

The culinary team at “The Eatery,” introduced during the January 2024 reopening, was composed of renowned chefs from some of the area’s most esteemed restaurants. Led by Aimee Novak, Director, and Tony Burris, Assistant Director, the team brought  a wealth of expertise, creativity, and a profound understanding of local flavors to the kitchen.

It is noteworthy that when the Community College reopened the renovated “Eatery” in January 2024, it also replaced the Café in Building 19 on the Prescott Campus with an Open Market grab-and-go, self-check kiosk system. Managed by Hi-Line Snack and Vending, the Open Market is similar to the grab-and-go system installed at CTEC.

 

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD MEMBER CHRIS KUKNYO WINS CONTESTED REPUBLICAN PRIMARY FOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR; SET TO ASSUME OFFICE IN JANUARY AS OTHER PARTIES FIELDED NO CANDIDATES IN THE PRIMARY

It is anticipated that an interim appointment for Kuknyo’s District 4 seat on Governing Board will be made in January or February 2025 by the County Educational Superintendent

Chris Kuknyo

Yavapai Community College District Governing Board member Chris Kuknyo, who ran as a conservative Republican, was elected by a margin of 138 votes over his closest Republican challenger for the position of District 4 Yavapai County Board Supervisor in the July 2024 primary.

It is expected that Kuknyo will soon notify the County Education Superintendent of his intention to step down from the Governing Board due to his election to the supervisor position. Kuknyo was originally appointed to the Yavapai District Governing Board in 2020 for a six-year term, as he was the only candidate to file for the seat. His term is set to expire on December 31, 2026. His successor is likely to be appointed by the County Education Superintendent in January or February 2025 to fill out his last two years.

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE VERDE CAMPUS HOLDS FORMAL RENOVATION RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE LEARNING & INNOVATION CENTER IN BUILDING “M” ON TUESDAY AUGUST 13

The $3 million project that has taken a little over two years of renovation is the little cousin to the estimated $19 million similar center now under construction on the Prescott Campus

After more than two years of work, Yavapai Community College formally celebrated the renovation of a portion of Building “M,” which is now known as the “Center for Learning and Innovation.” This newly transformed center has replaced thousands of books and traditional library materials with state-of-the-art computerized teaching and learning technology.

In a press release, Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine stated, “It’s going to provide students with the opportunity to learn and use the latest media and technology within adaptive learning spaces, while still offering the resources of a traditional library.”

The new 11,000-square-foot facility features advanced AI-assisted tutoring platforms and interactive learning experiences to offer students personalized support. Additionally, the center includes experimental classrooms, immersive learning labs, media production rooms for podcasting and video creation, a fast-capture studio, and dedicated spaces for faculty and students to explore and develop virtual and augmented reality-based learning tools.

The Verde Valley Center for Learning and Innovation is regarded as the “little cousin” of the $19 million Center presently rising on the Prescott Campus, expected to be completed by spring 2026.

COMBINATION OF WINE, FOOD, CANINES, AND MUSIC ADDS TO SUCCESSFUL VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE AUGUST 8

Despite somewhat threatening weather, the turn-out was good

The combination of wine, good food, canines, and music helped make the Yavapai Community College Open House on the Verde Valley campus a success on August 8.  Thanks  must go to Bobbi Evans, the Verde Valley Humane Society, the Southwest Wine Center, the Sedona School of Culinary, vendors and Once Bitten musicians for making the event happy, delightful, and informative.

The canine visitors stole the show as is obvious from some  of these (edited) photos from the Community College’s Facebook page.

 

BUILDING “M” ON VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS WILL HAVE FORMAL RENOVATION REOPENING CEREMONY AUGUST 13

Second major renovation in about a decade; former library transformed into  digital driven Center for Learning and Innovation

After about two years, the renovation of Building “M” on the Verde Valley Campus is complete. There will be a ceremony August 13 recognizing the renovation. This ceremony follows on the heels of the successful August 8 open house.

Personnel were expected to begin moving back into the newly refurbished premises throughout June and July, in readiness for the upcoming fall 2024 semester. The last major renovation of Building “M” took place during the 2011-12 academic year.

The Community College describes the revamped facility will boast state-of-the-art digital technology aimed at enriching the student experience “through accessible content.” Additionally, it will offer contemporary learning spaces, study rooms, and student support services akin to those provided at the current Learning Center.

In a move approved by the Community College District Governing Board, approximately $3.1 million was allocated for the renovation of Building “M” in May 2022. The structure is  being rebranded as the “Center for Learning and Innovation.”

It is noteworthy that the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board approved spending at least $15.3 million in May 2023 for a more expansive facility, somewhat resembling the Verde Valley Center for Learning and Innovation in Building “M”, on the Prescott Campus. Renovation of Building 19 on the Prescott Campus  is currently underway.

AFTER ALMOST FOUR MONTHS WITHOUT A BUSINESS MEETING, YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST FALL MEETING FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Last business meeting was May 21; last  workshop May 28; one meeting at Clarkdale campus is on fall schedule

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board has announced its fall schedule.  Its first business meeting is set for September 24, which is almost four months since it last met on May 21. Two of the fall meetings are scheduled at the Prescott Campus Rock House while one will be held on the Clarkdale Campus.

The December meeting on the schedule is a Governing Board dinner.

COLLEGE FOCUSES ON APARTMENT RENOVATION, ROOFING 25 BUILDINGS, AND IMPROVING AMENITIES AT 41 ACRE PINES CAMP IT ADVERTISES AS A “TRANQUIL SITE SURROUNDED BY THE PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST”

At least four  apartment buildings and  most outside amenities should be ready for fall 2024

Yavapai Community College is promoting the 41 acre Pines Camp it purchased in May as a tranquil setting surrounded by the scenic Prescott National Forest. The camp boasts ample trails for hiking and mountain biking, a gorgeous pool, Goldwater Lake is just half a mile away, and other amenities.

This summer, the College has been investing significant time and money into renovating several apartment buildings at the 41-acre Pines Camp, with a total investment of approximately $11 million. The Aspen, Cypress, Manzanita, and Sycamore apartment buildings have all undergone major renovation.

The Aspen apartment building consists of 10 bedrooms, with two students per room. Aspen includes a common bathroom down the hall, as well as a shared kitchen and family room with a fireplace. This summer, the interior was renovated with new kitchen counters, bathroom tiles, kitchen cabinets, flooring, and appliances. The exterior was also completely repainted.

Manzanita is a four-unit apartment building with four students in each apartment. Each Manzanita unit includes en suite bathrooms, as well as a shared kitchen and family room. This summer, four existing interior restrooms were demolished and converted into kitchens with appropriate appliances, cabinets, and flooring. The remaining four restrooms were renovated, and new roofing was added.

Sycamore is a two-unit apartment building with two students in each one-room studio. Each Sycamore studio includes an en suite bathroom and a kitchen. The interior renovations included new kitchen counters, new plumbing, and the addition of concrete patios and surrounding sidewalks. Old playground equipment was removed as part of the upgrades.

Cypress is a two-unit apartment building with four students in each bedroom. Each Cypress unit includes en suite bathrooms, as well as a shared kitchen and family room. The current status of this building is not entirely clear, although it is believed to be on the renovation list.

The College aims to complete new roofing on about 25 buildings by the end of August. The beautiful outdoor pool has been refilled, and new pumps, filters, chemicals, and other necessary items have been added. It is anticipated that the pool will be ready for swimming by August, if not sooner.

Additionally, underground utility work continues as the Community College makes electrical improvements between buildings and works to remove old overhead electrical services. Underground water and wastewater improvements are ongoing, with the College adding meters, valves, and preparing to install another storage tank onsite.

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE AWARDS CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION TO 16 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE STUDENTS IN THE RIGOROUS PARAMEDIC TRAINING PROGRAM

Students now return to local communities as certified paramedics

On July 25 Yavapai Community College awarded 16 Emergency Medical Service certificates to students as they completed the rigorous Paramedic Training Program. “You have chosen a path that demands courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving others,” Yavapai College Community College EMS Program Director Alexander Lewis said in addressing the paramedics.  “I have no doubt that you will rise to meet these demands and make us all proud.”

This class includes 14 men and 2 women. Many are already affiliated with first-responder agencies, which include the Cottonwood Fire Department, Copper Canyon Fire District, Prescott Fire Department, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, and the Groom Creek fire department.

Yavapai Community College’s 2024 Paramedic graduates are:

  • James Germond, Verde Valley Ambulance Company
  • Kevin Wallace, Cottonwood Fire Department
  • Jennifer Cuevas, Copper Canyon Fire District
  • Kyle Lobaugh, Copper Canyon Fire District
  • Wyatt Blair, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
  • Valentine Jimenez, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
  • Christopher Pena, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
  • Marshall Cazaly, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
  • Garrett Stretton, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
  • Thom Muniz, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
  • Felix Padilla, Prescott Fire Department
  • Spencer Smith, Prescott Fire Department
  • Kassidy Fichter
  • Ryan Huber, Priority Ambulance
  • Zachary Morgan
  • Robert Tillman, Groom Creek Fire Department

COLLEGE LAUNCHES ITS 2024 CULTURAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES MISSION WITH ROBUST OFFERINGS AT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ON THE PRESCOTT CAMPUS

West County residents (Prescott, Prescott Valley) receive special opportunities for cultural enrichment; Sedona and Verde Valley residents left pretty much on their own

Even before the fall 2024 semester began, Yavapai Community College initiated its cultural learning mission with an impressive lineup at the Performing Arts Center on the Prescott Campus. These events, allegedly aligned with the College’s mission, are expected to attract over a thousand attendees at a time to the Performing Arts Center.

While these outstanding programs primarily benefit the residents of Prescott and Prescott Valley, the College faces challenges in offering similar opportunities in the Sedona/Verde Valley area and other more semi-rural or rural areas in the County. It has yet to overcome those challenges. This has been the case for the past few decades.

Shown below are the major programs announced for August at the Performing Arts Center.

The College Mission “Yavapai College enriches our community by providing accessible, quality workforce, transfer, lifelong, and cultural learning opportunities.”

COLLEGE OFFERING FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES OPPORTUNITY TO RENT ONE OF TEN HOMES IT PURCHASED AS A PART OF THE $11 MILLION PRESCOTT PINES PROJECT FOR PRESCOTT CAMPUS

Employees will be prioritized on a first come, first served basis with those earning between $50,000 and $75,000 given priority.  Also available are 14 RV pads with full service for students and staff.  Renters of houses and RV pads  receive free amenities including laundry facilities, an outdoor pool, an indoor gym, a game room, community grills & gazebos, and access to USFS trail system. Following renovation beginning in September, it is anticipated the first house will become available in October

Yavapai Community College is launching a rental program for staff and students at the 41-acre Prescott Pines camp. The college has invested at least  $11 million so far in total in this project since its purchase in Spring 2024.

Full-time employees are given the first opportunity to rent one of the ten houses or one of the 14 RV pads located at the site when they become available.

Several of the RV pads are apparently already available for rental. However, because the College plans to renovate one house per month beginning in September, the first house is expected to be ready for occupancy in October 2024.

At the Prescott Pines location, the following rentals are available to full-time employees:

  • Fourteen full-service RV pads (for students and employees)
  • One one-bedroom home
  • Seven two-bedroom homes
  • One three-bedroom home
  • One four-bedroom home

It is estimated that the Prescott Pines facility is about a 15 minute drive from the Prescott Campus.  It is estimated to be about a 25 minute drive to either the Prescott Valley Center or the Career and Technical Education Center at the Prescott airport from the Pines.

Interested full-time employees should contact the housing department for additional information or go to the housing department website:  https://www.yc.edu/v6/facilities/housing/pines/.