November 2021 Lunch Menu

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October & November 2021 Lunch Menu

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Remember changes may have to be made due to supplies/delivery etc. during Covid.

 

Construction Trades receives Community Service Award

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Area Agency on Aging honors the Tri-Rivers Construction Trades Academy as the winner of the 2021 Community Service Award

 

 

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging Inc. selected Tri-Rivers Construction Trades Academy as their 2021 Community Service Award recipient.  The Academy was honored on Wednesday, September 15, at a ceremony hosted in the Construction Academy lab at Tri-Rivers Career Center.  Several individuals joined for the recognition, including Martin Dzugan, Director of CTE & Student Pathways of Tri-Rivers; Steve Badertscher, Director of the Marion Senior Center; and Steve Renick, Marion Senior Center Board President. A proclamation by State Senators Matt Huffman and Bill Reineke was also given to the Construction Trades Academy.

Nominated by Badertscher, Tri-Rivers Construction Trades Academy stepped in to create the dream of building an activity pavilion at the Marion Senior Center.  A team of 106 students and four instructors constructed a 32×50 ft activity pavilion for the Marion Senior Center. David Willey, an instructor from the Tri-Rivers Construction Trades Academy, championed and embraced the vision of this project to promote an active lifestyle for seniors. 

“We are grateful and thankful for the efforts led by the Academy to help our center and the community. This award is long overdue and well-deserved because this group of students, led by Willey and his experienced team of instructors, are dedicated to projects to enhance their community,” said Badertscher.  Tri-Rivers Construction Trades Academy has also built projects for Habitat for Humanity, Marion Tall Grass Trails, the Village of Prospect, and River Valley schools over the past year.

“I have always instilled the value of giving back to others and the community. We appreciate this award and the opportunity to serve others,” said Willey. Many students remarked that they not only learn the planning and labor of construction projects, but they also learn leadership and client interaction skills.

Each year the Area Agency on Aging honors an organization, agency, service club, business, or media outlet that is making a difference in their communities on behalf of senior citizens.

There is only one award recipient selected from the Agency’s nine-county service area (Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot. The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., located at 2131 Park Avenue West in Ontario, provides leadership, collaboration, coordination and services to older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers & resource networks that support individual choice, independence, and dignity.

Pictured left to right in photo: Eric Willey, Tri-Rivers Construction Academy instructor; Steve Renick, Marion Senior Center Board President, and Marlene Renick; Jacob Fields and Kaimin Damron, Tri-Rivers Construction Academy seniors; David Willey, Tri-Rivers Construction Academy instructor; Jeremiah Pickens, Tri-Rivers Construction Academy senior; Nicole Williams, VP of Outreach and Development at Area Agency on Aging; Steve Badertscher, Director of Marion Senior Center

Tri-Rivers 1.3 mill RENEWAL Levy Passes

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Tri-Rivers appreciates our communities support!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levy Details and Letters of Support

Tri-Rivers Career Center is seeking approval of the renewal of a 1.3 mill levy on the November 2021 ballot. “The passage of this renewal levy is essential to the continued operations of the Career Center as well as providing necessary funds for general maintenance and necessary upgrades, according to Tri-Rivers Treasurer, Tammi Cowell. “It is a renewal, which means NO NEW TAXES for the communities we serve.”

“Tri-Rivers has been training skilled professionals since 1976. To continue to compete in this economy we must continue to offer cutting-edge programs for 21st-century careers,” Superintendent Chuck Speelman explained.  “With this levy, Tri-Rivers can maintain quality programs and facilities, ensuring our students have the latest training, equipment and skills necessary to meet the needs of area employers.”

Tri-Rivers has a proven track record where more than 90 percent of their graduates go on to enter the local workforce, enlist in the military, continue on-the-job training in apprenticeship programs and/or continue their educations in two-year, or four-year colleges. “Tri-Rivers’ students are required to know “What’s My E”  after graduation—Are they Enrolling in additional education? Enlisting in the military? Seeking Employment in their field? Our students have a plan; they are ready for graduation,” said Speelman.

Along with providing skills training for high school students, Tri-Rivers also provides training for adults, including training Paramedics, Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Industrial Maintenance Techs, and Robotics Techs. “Our LPN to RN program has been ranked 1st out of the 96 nursing programs statewide for RegisteredNursing™ in 3 of the last 5 years,” said Adult Director Richard George.

George said Tri-Rivers Adult Education also an Adult High School Diploma program that provides free job training and a new pathway for adults, age 20 and older, to earn their high school diploma, while gaining skills and a certification in welding. “This program is life-changing for the participants.”

Tri-Rivers works directly with local businesses and corporations like Honda and Whirlpool to help provide training and meet the demands of today’s job market,” said Speelman. “It is with the community’s support that we will be able to stay on that path, making sure our students are ready for the ever-changing employment landscape.”

“Tri Rivers provides great value to the communities it serves,” said Board President Glenna Plotts. “With the passage of this renewal levy, we can continue to make a real difference by producing work-ready graduates for real jobs in Marion, Morrow and Union counties.

The levy that is up for renewal is set at 1.3 mills, or 13 cents per $100 on a home evaluation, and would generate an estimated $1.7 million per year.

The passage of this renewal levy—at no additional costs to taxpayers—will provide financial stability and resources necessary to achieve student success, said Cowell. “When students are successful and graduate high school with a plan for success, we all win as a community. With a diploma, a skilled trade, a career passport, and industry-recognized credentials, our Tri-Rivers graduates are ready to become productive members of their communities. I cannot think of a better investment than the skills training of our area youth and adults.”

Letters of Support

September 29, 2021

I am writing this letter in support of Tri-Rivers Career Center’s Renewal Levy. Tri-Rivers will be on the ballot on November 2 for a 1.3 mill Renewal Levy. This levy is no new taxes, but continued funds necessary for student success. With the passage of this renewal levy, Tri-Rivers will be able to continue to make a real difference in our communities by producing “work- ready” graduates for real jobs in our area.

Following my retirement as a superintendent and 28-year employee of a Career Center, I was asked to serve as the board member for Tri-Rivers Career Center. As a Career Center employee, board member and currently board president, I have witnessed first-hand the tremendous opportunities students receive from a Career Technical Education and the economic advantages that it brings to our communities. I have been extremely impressed by the cutting-edge programs that Tri-Rivers offers to their Adult and secondary students. Tri-Rivers understands that skills students learn must prepare them for 21st Century careers in a competitive economy.

Tri-Rivers works directly with businesses in the region, like Honda and Whirlpool, to train students to meet the demands of today’s job market. Working with these businesses and its communities, Tri-Rivers has been vigilant in meeting the ever-changing training needs of the workforce by providing state-of-the-art programs. After graduating from these programs, 90% of Tri-Rivers high school graduates go on to get a job, go to college, enter the military or earn lucrative apprenticeships. These graduates typically remain in the community and become viable members of our society and the local workforce.

Tri-Rivers is a proud partner in the communities that it serves and will continue to be an economic driver in the workforce. Now, Tri-Rivers needs your help by voting “yes” for the Renewal Levy on November 2. This levy will enable Tri-Rivers to maintain quality programs and facilities, ensure that students have the latest training, equipment, and skills necessary to meet the needs of area employers.

I encourage you to visit Tri-Rivers website: www.tririvers.com to learn more about the programs that lead to a trained workforce that supports the economic growth of your community. To continue this growth, please vote “yes” on November 2.

 

Sincerely,

Glenna Plotts

President, Tri-Rivers Career Center Board of Education

 

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September 30, 2021

Tri-Rivers Career Center students are actively involved in performing community service throughout the year. This past year Tri-Rivers Construction Trades Academy instructor David Willey embraced the opportunity to get his students involved in a complex, meaningful project that would not only provide a great hands-on learning experience but would also enhance the lives of Marion-area seniors for many years to come.

Tri-Rivers’ instructors and students dedicated an entire school year to plan, implement, and volunteer their talents to construct a beautiful new 32’ x 50’ outdoor Activity Pavilion for Marion Senior Center. They arrived in shifts from school most every school day, working painstakingly through inclement weather including rain, sleet, snow, and blustery cold. Their dedication was a wonderful testament to the youth of today (and future leaders of tomorrow). The result is a beautiful new facility that will be used for outdoor programs, events, and activities, bringing joy to area seniors for many years to come.

Many other Tri-Rivers Career Center instructors and students from a wide variety of programs are involved in dozens of community service projects each school year, collaborating with local organizations on projects that improve the lives of citizens in our community.

For their selfless contributions of time and talent to many projects that positively impact our community combined with the life lessons of community service they instill in our future leaders of tomorrow, I encourage you to VOTE FOR the Tri-Rivers Renewal Levy on November 2.

Steve Badertscher

Director, Marion Senior Center

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There is so much happening in our world and the education of our children is the best way to prepare them for it. In Marion, the gem we have in Tri-Rivers Career Center is one of the best opportunities to give children, young adults and anyone for that matter the way to find the right future that can be a pathway to a happy and productive life.
Firsthand I have watched my son go from Harding High School to Tri-Rivers and find his life work and a job he loves. Watching the staff there, especially Chef Hamm take him in hand and see the talent not even he saw. Matt Smith is now the successful Executive Head Chef at the Columbus Convention & Visitors Center in Columbus and constantly gives credit to the education, the care and push he received from all of the members of Tri-Rivers.
Keeping this such a great resource in our community and the value it gives is so important.
Voting for the success of our children and their future depends on all of us. Make it count for someone’s lifetime. Vote YES for Tri-Rivers RENEWAL levy. This is an investment in their future. Thank you.
Jean Obenour
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Greetings,

 

I am writing this letter to show my support for the Tri-Rivers Career Center’s renewal, no new taxes levy that is on the November ballot. I’m nearing retirement, having worked at Tri-Rivers Career Center for almost thirty years, first as part-time faculty teaching in Adult Education, then as full-time faculty and Workforce Development Coordinator and the last thirteen years as Director of Adult Education. Over the years, I have seen first-hand the career changing, lifesaving education that takes place at Tri-Rivers.

 

Whenever I enter a local hospital or nursing home, or see an EMT Squad going on a run, I am reminded of the life changing education provided at Tri-Rivers. I see graduates of our programs working in our community. Our Adult Education training programs strengthen our communities by training these critically needed Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses, Patient Care Technicians, EMTs and Paramedics.

 

Our Adult Ed skilled trades programs provide training for Industrial Maintenance Mechanics and Welders and help our local industries by providing the means to upskill their employees with Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing training.

 

Our High School programs provide both high skill technical and academic training leading to industry recognized certifications, opportunities for college credit and lifelong career pathways. They provide students with many opportunities for further education, meaningful employment, and allow students to build strong career foundations for life.

 

The no new taxes renewal levy provides critical funds that help support the training that allows Tri-Rivers students, both high school and adult, to learn the skills and training necessary to strengthen our community. Thank you for your support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Richard George

Director, Adult Education

Tri-Rivers Career Center

 

Masking Update

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Parents & Students: Update on Masking.

You should have received a text message Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. If you did not, please read this important update. Keeping our students and staff safe and at school is our priority. Thank you, Superintendent Charles Speelman. 9.3.2021

Please read the letter for details. 

September Lunch Menu

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Tri-Rivers’ Food Service strives to provide healthy meals.

A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. It protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Eating a variety of foods and consuming less salt, sugars and saturated and industrially-produced trans-fats, are essential for healthy diet.

September 2021 -Meal Menu—printable pdf

 

Free Meals for Students in 2021-2022 School Year
The Ohio Department of Education received approval to offer free breakfast and free lunch to all students attending schools on the national school lunch program through the entire 2021-2022 school year. This opportunity continues the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Ohio Department of Education’s dedication to meeting the needs of the whole child during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Happy retirement, Obra Horn!

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Happy Retirement, Mr. Horn! We thank you for 40 years of dedication to Tri-Rivers,
your students, the staff and the community. We will miss you!

Hobbies
● My son, Kyle, and my grandson, Karson, drag race. My granddaughters Taylor and Lily are drag racing with us this year.
● Flipping Houses
● I love to do tournament bass fishing.

Family
● Elaine-wife taught math and the computer lab here at TRCC, Jeni Reely (Ed) daughter, Kyle (Meagan) son, Edward, Austin and Taylor Reely; Karson and Lily Horn grandchildren
● Jeni and Kyle attended TRCC Pre-school
● Edward attended TRCC’s RAMTEC program
● Austin will be attending TRCC next year in the RAMTEC program

Retirement Plans
I will be doing whatever I want to do each day. Spend time with my grandchildren, watching them do sports like football, baseball, t-ball, and gymnastics. Enjoy my lake house in South Carolina. I will also keep in touch with my former students and colleagues.

Words of Wisdom to colleagues
Ensure that as instructors and academic teachers appreciate your students, none of us have a job without them. We are a team when recruiting students because without students; there is no TRCC.

Favorite Quotes
● Give a student a fish, and you feed them for a day. Teach a student to weld, and you feed that student for a lifetime.
● Earl Pitts says, “Everyone of us is the best in the world at something you just have to figure out what that something is.”

Awards
• Ohio State University Award for Excellence in Workforce Development

Educational/Job Background
● Attended Harding High School, Instructors: Junior Instructor Franklin Dyer and Senior Instructor Herman Myers
● Attended Harding’s Vocational Welding Program
● Career Technical Instructor Training, the University of Toledo Ohio with Paul Hubaker
● AWS Certifications

Career Highlights
● Mentoring our current welding instructors, Levi Retterer and Dakota Elswick
● Watching many of my students buy a home for their family
● Having welding family members return to the lab to give back to the younger students
● I stress giving back to the trade to all of my students.

Message to your Tri-Rivers Friends
Remember, our students are the best parents have to send us. They are all five-star recruits, so treat them with kindness and help them find their something. Best wishes always, and thank you for helping me enjoy the last 40 years at TRCC.

Happy Retirement, Laurie Wise!

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Thank you Laurie Wise for your 19 years of dedication and professionalism. Your friends at Tri-Rivers wish you the very best in your retirement. Happy adventures!

 

Laurie’s Work Background (jobs, career highlights, etc.)
I worked as an R.N. for several years during the 1980’s at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lorain, Ohio. I worked in the ICU/CCU stepdown unit and really enjoyed the fast pace and interesting cases. After moving to Marion I worked at Marion General Hospital on the medical floor and then worked at what was then Americare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Jamesway. There I worked the subacute unit and later became the supervisor and did employee education. In summer 2001, I became aware of an opening to teach the Tri-Rivers Health Technologies satellite program located at Harding High School. I applied for the position and was hired. So began 19 years of what was the most fun, challenging, and rewarding career of teaching. The highlight of my teaching career is twofold; first, taking what was originally a one year program for seniors only and upgrading it to a two year program with certifications in first aid, CPR, Nurse Aide Training for STNA, and college credit for Medical Terminology. Secondly, is when I see former students at hospitals, doctor’s offices and surgery centers working in their careers as health care professionals.

Hobbies
Gardening, writing, hiking, and cycling are my favorite hobbies. I also volunteer with Columbus Metro parks and enjoy teaching nature programs to elementary age children. I also am a nest box monitor for Glacier Ridge which is part of the Columbus Metroparks system.

Family
I am widowed and have 3 grown children. My daughter Christie and her husband Marc and my grandson Tanner live in California. She is a Trauma nurse and has had an extremely challenging year taking care of Covid patients. She is an avid backpacker and escapes into the mountains to “recharge”. My Son Sean and his wife and my triplet grandchildren Claire, Ian and Aidan live in Reynoldsburg. Sean works at John Glenn International Airport in Columbus as an aircraft mechanic. My youngest son Evan works at Marion General in the nutrition department and is an avid hiker and cyclist. My dog Sadie is a rescue; she is a lab/border collie mix and loves to take hikes with me.

Retirement plans
Spend more time with my grandkids. Volunteer more with the park system. Take classes at OSU now that I’m old and can take them tuition free!

 Words of wisdom to colleagues
Know your students! Get to know them. Ask about their lives; jobs, passions, talents, frustrations. Listen to them. Give your students autonomy. Let them structure learning. Give them the opportunity to use their individual talents and skills to run the class with your guidance. You must earn their respect in order to be effective as a teacher and mentor.

 Favorite quotes

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” George Elliot (a.k.a. Mary Ann Evans)

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” John Muir

 Awards/organizations
I am vice president of the Marion Public Health Board and a member of the Marion Covid Defense Team. In the 1990’s I received awards for being an educator with the Columbus AIDS Task Force.

Educational Background
I graduated from Lorain County Community College with and Associate Degree in Nursing and graduated from The Ohio State University in 2005. In 2001 I completed coursework to become a certified Nurse Aide Trainer. In 2015 in conjunction with my volunteer work with the Metropark system, I completed a program through OSU to become an OCVN. Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist.

I have really enjoyed teaching. I feel my years of hospital and nursing home experience made me a better teacher. I think that is the real key to career technical schools. The instructors have lived what they teach. We know the ups and downs and challenges as well as the joys of our professions. Students love hearing about our experiences. It makes the subject matter real and relevant…and sometime hilarious!