Opinion

Guest Column: CNCC charts new path during coronavirus pandemic

Sasha Nelson

At first softly, then with growing strength, my mother and I began singing: “you just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine. Just own the night, like the Fourth of July, ’cause baby you’re a firework. Come on show ’em what you’re worth…” 

By the chorus — “Boom! Boom! Boom!” — our off-key rendition of Katy Perry’s song Firework had the full attention of the other patients and nurses in the long-term wing of the psychiatric hospital where my mother Pamela Nelson has lived since 2008.  

As fireworks exploded across America’s night sky’s this past weekend they, like our song, remind me of the sparks of light and hope to be found in the darkest places during challenging time. We’re all facing challenges like balancing personal liberty with the need to protect the vulnerable all the while our work and personal lives must mutate at the pace of a virus. 

My darkest moment arrived on March 13 when halted all community programming at Colorado Northwestern Community College. President Ron Granger has given me his space this month to describe my department’s response.  

A sense of grief and loss rose up in me that Friday afternoon in March. 

After a summer and fall 2019 full of hard choices to stabilize community programs, we’d just started to turn a corner. Classes were filling and we’d announced the creation of the Workforce Training and Community Programming department, intended to position the college to re-align our work in support of training for current and future jobs while also keeping the very best of our enrichment and lifelong learning programs.  Then COVID-19 hit. 

Under the stay at home order, struggling to see a path forward, I found myself clicking the playlist I’d created for my mother. Firework was followed by Korean singer PSY’s Gangnam Style. I recalled my mother’s laughter when she watched the pony dance in his music video. And I knew, I would join educators across the globe galloping in new directions.

Workforce Training and Community Programming, in eight short weeks, metamorphosed into a fully online program. We sourced, negotiated and executed a contract with a nationally recognized creator of high quality learning, worked to rewrite significant parts of our website, created two new sites and crafted a modestly funded marketing plan to launch this new endeavor.   

In early May, noncredit online, skills based, COVID-proof personal and professional development courses and advanced career training certificates. Classes include Speed Spanish, American Sign Language, Welding, Pharmacy Tech., introduction to guitar, drawing for beginners and hundreds more. 

We introduced the program with 10 free classes. In seven short weeks 135 people enrolled more than 330 times, across 15 of the most popular class. Boom! We’re back to providing learning opportunities for our communities.

Staying home afforded an opportunity to prepare a statement of purpose and strategic plan for the new department. 

Workforce Training and Community Programming will support the overall mission, vision, and values of the college specifically by focusing on non-credit programs creating opportunities for life-long learning, incubating innovative programming, and foster community involvement, and economic development.

This framework, available to view on CNCC’s blog, is supported by four objectives–focus on the learner, communication, partnerships and sustainability–supported by six projects with clear benchmarks and 20 clearly defined goals to tackle in the next 12 months. 

Among its many initiatives, this plan proposes to convene a Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) to ensure our efforts are highly aligned with existing and future jobs. To develop a learn-while-you-earn apprenticeship program. To create greater access to our most popular non-credit classes across all our communities. To increased financial assistance to individuals and businesses. And to make data driven decisions in identifying and testing new trades and other training programs.    

We’re also planning for fall. In addition to the new non-credit online courses we expect to offer face to face instruction, remotely delivered live classes and distance learning options. We’re putting safety first and planning contingencies to help us adapt to mandates. We expect to launch two new sections of our website and a print-on-demand catalog, in production now and due out in August.  

I’m also currently scheduling video conferences, calls and, when COVID-19 precautions allow, visits with stakeholder groups to share and receive feedback on the departmental strategic plan. 

It’s a lot to communicate at once. And there’s so much noise. I’m again reminded of lessons I learn from my mother.  

Her health often hampers her ability to verbalize. Her joy, as we sang pop rock, in the otherwise clinical setting of a psychiatric ward, reminded me to lead by doing. To show, not just tell. To create a department that empowers everyone to find their spark and ignite it. Boom! Boom! Boom! 


By SASHA NELSON, MSC | CNCC Director of Workforce Training and Community Programming

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  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
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Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

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  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
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  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 hours ago
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Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
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@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
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More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
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🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
1 day ago
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The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
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View on Instagram |
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Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
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“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
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