Pine Ridge Job Corps highlights

Pine Ridge Job Corps Works on Forest Service Projects Several Pine Ridge Job Corps Career Technical Training trades assisted with various projects at the Nebraska National Forest Supervisor’s Offices, located in Chadron, NE. The main office building is being adapted for an energy efficient heating and cooling system. Nebraska National Forest Civil Engineering Technician Kim Earney stated, “The structure is getting a new HVAC (Heating, Venti-lation, Air-Conditioning ) system. The geothermal system will operate from about 30 wells. The wells will be around 200-300 feet deep. The water is circulated from the wells through tubing, buried 10 feet below the surface of the ground, into the building to either cool during the summertime or warm during the winter months. It is a closed system, so the water goes back to the wells after the heat or cool air is exchanged in the building. There is no waste of water. The ground provides a natural constant temperature of approximately 55 degrees. The wells will be just north of the Forest Service Supervisor building.” The project should take around 7-8 months to complete. The trainees aided by preparing temporary offices for the employees. The Carpenters built steps and handicap accessible wheelchair ramps to two temporary office buildings. The Craft Laborers cut and jack hammered out a concrete path for electricity, water, sewer and phone lines. They also assisted in moving office equipment. The heating and cooling project should take approximately seven to eight months. Last month, the Painting Trade painted the interior of the former District Offices to be used for some of the Forest Supervisor’s office personnel during the interim. Pervious Concrete Used on Girl Scout Park The Pine Ridge Job Corps has partnered with a local Girl Scouts chapter to build the Girl Scout Memorial Park at the Chadron Community Hospital. Girl Scout volunteer, Jazzy McLain, spear-headed the project. She is working towards earning her Girl Scout’s Gold Award. In the fall of 2011, the Maintenance Department planted apple trees around the park. Recently, a special concrete slab made of pervious concrete was poured by the Cement Masons. Pervious concrete actually allows water to flow through it. The water then can be collected in a reservoir and reused for watering the lawn or some other “green” purpose. The water is purified as it filters through the pores or voids in the concrete. Special assistance was provided by Scott Erickson from Evolution Paving Resources, Salem, Oregon. Mr. Erickson commented, “ Mr. Delgado taught construction skills in site excavation, grading, fine-grading base rock, concrete forming and finishing. I was impressed that the Job Corps brought me in to train the instructor and his students on how to properly pour pervious concrete.” The Craft Laborers assisted in site preparation and the Carpentry Trade assisted in building form templates for the foundation. Instructor Bobby Delgado worked with Jazzy McLain throughout the entire process from planning the concrete structure to the actual building and finishing processes. The Cement Masons will also be pouring a sidewalk and building concrete ornamental benches for the park. The Job Corps Career Technical Trades spent a considerable amount of time on site preparation for the Girl Scout Memorial concrete platform. First, the site was surveyed by the Craft Laborers and Cement Masons. Then the Craft Laborers dug out the sod and dirt to be able to install and pour the ring form. The Carpenters assisted in the ring form construction by building a wooden template for the forms, so that it would make a perfect circle. After the ring base was poured, the Cement Masons filled it with red limestone base rock and used a mechanical tamper to compact it. Then the Cement Masons brought the bottom of the structure up with river rock to within four inches of the top of the surface. Next, a four inch slab was poured with pervious concrete, a mixture of regular cement, 1/4 inch limestone rock and no sand. The concrete was smoothed out and finished like regular concrete. Pervious concrete has the ability to allow water to flow right through it Pine Ridge Honors World War II Veterans Students from the Pine Ridge Job Corps lined up along the front of the Job Corps Center with American flags to salute the motorcade of a group of ten World War II Veterans from Chadron, Nebraska. They were en route to Washington, D.C. to be honored for their military service. It is a part of a national program to bring attention to and recognize the servicemen who participated in World War II. This was the third Honor Flight for Veterans from the Chadron area to make the trip to Washington. Throughout the trip, the group was recognized by fellow citizens. The presence of the flag lines and individuals along the road had an impact on Marcella “Sallie” Cashon, the only female on the Honor Flight. “It makes your heart feel good,” said the former U.S. Army woman. The trip to Washington D.C. provided the veterans the chance to see the memorial dedicated to their service. Since 2005, more than 100,000 veterans across the country have taken part in the Honor Flight program Cement Mason Representative on Center OPCMIA (Operative Plasters and Cement Masons International Association) Job Corps Region 3 Coordinator Pat Mace visited Pine Ridge Job Corps in May. Pat-rick assists centers with student placement, tracking, and follow up. He also reviews yearly budgetary forecasts and ensures the predictions meet organizational guidelines. Patrick also evaluates and reviews safety plans. He was an instructor for thirteen years before becoming the Regional Coordinator for the last six years. He has been an intricate part of the Job Corps program and has a sincere concern for the success of Job Corps students. Stone Masons Repair Entrance to Historical Cemetery The Brick and Block Career Technical Trade performed masonry work in Whit-ney. The trainees repaired joints on the two entrance rock pillars of its cemetery. They chiseled and used a motorized grinder to cut away cracking mortar. Then they mixed and applied fresh mortar into the joints with the use of a mortar bag, similar to a plastic bag chefs use to put frosting on pastries. Whitney representative, Bernard Cripps, indicated ,“The cemetery has gravestones that date back to the Louisiana Purchase in the early 1800’s. Also, a confederate soldier from the Civil War was laid to rest there.” Bernard also recognized the Job Corps students. He said, “On behalf of the Whitney community. I want to thank the Pine Ridge Job Corps Brick and Block Trade for coming out and doing the work on the cemetery” The Job Corps does several community projects throughout the year in Chadron and the surrounding areas. It provides good on-the-job work experience as well as providing a community service. Job Corps has been in operation in Chadron for the last 48 years. Tropical Nights is prom theme Pine Ridge Job Corps celebrated its annual prom in May. This year’s theme was “ Tropical Nights”. The Business Occupations Career Technical Trade designed the backdrop for the pictures. Samah Al Sarhani was crowned as the Queen and Doe Soe was selected as the King. The entire student body enjoyed the event and had the opportunity to dress up in their finest. A special meal of steak and shrimp was prepared by Watson Food Services. The music was pro-vided by UPTOWN Sounds from Rapid City, South Dakota. The prom is put on every year by the Education Department with assistance from all the departments on Center. John Cattin, Vicki Eitemiller and Marc Fisher were the staff sponsors from the Education Department Pine Ridge Graduates Fourteen Students in May Pine Ridge Job Corps held its May graduation ceremony on the 17th of May. There were fourteen students who walked across the stage. The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Caroline Winchester, Superintendent of Chadron Public Schools. She acknowledged the students’ accomplishments and recognized the work of the instructors. Her parting quote was from Dr. Seuss, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You ’re off and away!” Trenton Ruckle was the student speaker. Seven of the graduates wore red cords which indicated that they had donated blood at least three times in year to United Blood Services. Student Enters Advance Training Program Vibiana Valle Graciano from Lexington will be attending an Advanced Training LPN Program at Dennison Job Corps in Dennison, Iowa. She was at Pine Ridge Job Corps for six months. Vibiana was an honor student while at Pine Ridge Job Corps. She accepted many leadership roles. During that time she became a Gold Card holder in the Center’s Metal Card System. She completed Basic Leadership and Advanced Leadership classes. Vibiana was the Dorm Leader of the ladies’ dormitory, as well as being active in the Normative Culture program and being an active member of Culture Club. Vibiana made an impression at Pine Ridge Job Corps. Her drive and enthusiasm for learning and positive outlook upon life will serve her well at advanced training. Pine Ridge Staff Earn Degrees Three staff members from Pine Ridge Job Corps earned bachelor degrees from Chadron State College in May. They earned their degree with assistance from the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center through the Pathways Program for Job Corps. The Pathways Program allows college students to work at a Job Corps center and get work experience, along with a wage to help offset expenses. Roderick Mackenzie was a social services assistant and graduated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Carrie Webster worked as an office assistant and her degree was in business administration. Tau Ho Ching also worked as a social services assistant with a degree in inter-disciplinary studies. Students Attend Professional Women’s Conference Twenty young ladies from the Pine Ridge Job Corps attended the 4th annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Luncheon held at the Spearfish Convention Center in Spearfish, South Dakota. The women shared their stories on how they became successful. Pine Ridge Job Corps student Katrina Bright said, “The program was very inspirational. We had the opportunity to network and meet some of the women. Many gave us their business cards.” There were promotional booths of businesses and products for the students to view. A lunch was provided for the group. Staff member Ms. Janette Lawhorn escorted the students to the conference.