Month: November 2015

KCKCC Innovation Center launches ‘100 Local Garages’

KCKCC received a Certificate of Recognition from Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback for its “100 Local Garages” program. From left to right: Board of Trustees member Mary Ann Flunder; Alicia Hooks, director of entrepreneurship at KCKCC; Marisa Gray, director of workforce development at KCKCC; KCKCC President Doris Givens and Gov. Sam Brownback. (Photo provided by KCKCC)
KCKCC received a Certificate of Recognition from Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback for its “100 Local Garages” program. From left to right: Board of Trustees member Mary Ann Flunder; Alicia Hooks, director of entrepreneurship at KCKCC; Marisa Gray, director of workforce development at KCKCC; KCKCC President Doris Givens and Gov. Sam Brownback. (Photo provided by KCKCC)

by Kelly Rogge

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well at Kansas City Kansas Community College as the college’s Innovation Center works to turn dreams into reality through the “100 Local Garages” program.

Alicia Hooks, director of entrepreneurship at KCKCC, said the goal of the “100 Local Garages” program is to “connect fabbers and makers with those having ideas and dreams in order to create realities.”

“Shifting the emphasis to local production, ‘100 Local Garages’ is a way to support local makers who have skills and/or equipment that can be used to assist those with ideas and inventions and help the creation and small level manufacturing through their work areas which in many cases is their basement or garage,” Hooks said. “It assists makers in finding each other as well as students, retirees, etc., who can offer their skills and services utilizing the tools they already have.”

The “100 Local Garages” program is the second initiative the KCKCC Innovation Center has announced in the last few weeks. KCKCC will also be participating in the InventYES program, which helps to get entrepreneurs excited about getting their ideas through the licensing and patent process. Students participate in the program by asking questions, completing short assignments and working their way through the 10-step InventYES system.

The program was developed by Stephen Key who has been mentoring up and coming entrepreneurs and inventors for almost 15 years. The class began Oct. 29 with the course, “What is Licensing?” Subsequent courses will happen every two weeks focusing on subjects such as Inventing the Marketplace and prototyping ideas, among many others.

Hooks said this support of inventors, makers, business owner and innovators additionally supports the manufacturing arena and economic development as a whole.

“Entrepreneurialism is live and vibrant in Kansas,” she said. “This helps us to grow local and eventually expand to transition services into our local manufacturing firms.”

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas also recognized KCKCC during a recent Congressional session for its efforts in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation through the launch of “100 Local Garages.” Hooks, along with KCKCC President Doris Givens, Marisa Gray, director of Workforce Development at KCKCC and Board of Trustee member Mary Ann Flunder, also met with Gov. Sam Brownback Oct. 30 to discuss the initiative.

“The story of America is a story of entrepreneurs, individuals who took great risks to pursue their dreams. These entrepreneurs built the foundation of the American economy from its earliest days by pushing forward innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” he said. “I commend KCKCC for its efforts to promote innovation and the spirit of entrepreneurship in Kansas City, Wyandotte County, the state of Kansas and the region.”

Other supporters of the “100 Local Garages” program include Kansas City, Kan., Mayor Mark Holland; State Sen. David Haley; U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder; Shopbot Tools and MidAmerica Manufacturing and Technology Center.

For more information about the “100 Local Garages” program or InventYES, visit the Innovation Center or send an email to [email protected]. Information is also available by calling 913-288-7572.

Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Democrats to meet Saturday

The Wyandotte County Third Saturday Democratic Breakfast will meet Saturday, Nov. 21, at its new location, The Dotte Spot Bar and Grill, 8123 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan.

David Alvey and Norm Scott, members of the Board of Utilities, will be the speakers.

The Breakfast Buffet will be available at 8:15 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:15 a.m. All Democrats are welcome to attend.

The cost for the breakfast is $10; or $6 for students and those on limited incomes. You do not need to purchase a breakfast to attend.

Reservations are requested by this Friday, Nov. 20. Reservations are important because they help us plan for attendance, but are not necessary to attend. To make a reservation, email [email protected].

There will be no breakfast in December.

Employees of month named for Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools

Theamos “D.J.” Howell Jr. (Photo from Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools)
Theamos “D.J.” Howell Jr. (Photo from Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools)

A school police officer and the student services department were named as employees of the month of October by the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education.

Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools Police Officer Theamos “D.J.” Howell Jr., at Argentine Middle School, received the honor at the Oct. 27 school board meeting.

The nomination for Officer Howell:

“Today, especially, students need a good role model and leader. Theamos “D.J.” Howell Jr., KCKPS police officer at Argentine Middle School, is exactly that. He has developed strong relationships with both the students and the staff. He is consistent, compassionate and kind, but he maintains the standards for student excellence and accepts nothing less. When Mr. Howell is needed for any reason, he is there, for both the staff and the students. He assists with behavior, helps with cafeteria duty, speaks with and encourages students. Because he is very approachable, students look up to him and respect him. His presence and leadership makes a difference! Thank you for considering him for this recognition.” Sincerely, Heather Hamtil, ESL teacher, Argentine Middle School

The nomination for the Department of Student Services employees:

“The Department of Student Services is a team that demonstrates teamwork and outstanding customer service. The team arrives early, stays late and will always support families, staff members and each other. The team doesn’t think in isolation, but rather how can they help each other to be more efficient in meeting the needs of our families. This team is resourceful, creative, and committed. This team provides our families social and emotional support and more often than not, simply a listening ear. The team is always present and engaged at community events such as the Back To School Fair, Community Health Fairs and other weekend activities that may require the balance of their personal and family time. The team works so closely together that the nomination seemed appropriate as a team. They are Valerie Anzicek, Octavio Estrella, Tina Richardson, Daryel Garrison, Michelle Wortham, Ashley Washington, Marsha Oyer, Susan Meier, Lisa Summers, Allison Thomas, Kerry Wrenick, Marie McFeders, Matthia Kelsey, Noemi Sanchez, Carol Collins, Omayra Patterson, Lilia Alvidrez, Leticia Pompa, Brianda Lobotas, Vanessa Mora, Miguel Torres, Rosie Rodriguez, and Betsy Camacho Clay. This team has such heart and truly believes in the mission of the district, ‘Every grown-up, every child, every day.’” Sincerely, Lisa Garcia, director, Student Services (As a surprise, the board member and selection committee felt it was appropriate for Lisa Garcia to also receive an award, along with her team.)

– Story and photos from Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools