Children’s art featured on WNC notecards

Maybe the next Picasso, Rembrandt or Michelangelo has delivered their first piece of public artwork from the Child Development Center (CDC) at Western Nevada College.

CDC children ages 1 to 5 displayed their creativity and talent by creating notecards which are available for the public to purchase through WNC Foundation. They painted, colored drawings, assembled paper collages, and more in this unique and precious collection of notecards.

“We really focus on the children creating their own work,” said CDC Director Anna Lisa Acosta-Rogers. “We love to encourage the process of art, giving children the ability to create what they would like and what they are interested in.”

Here is a description of the art on each card:

• Card No. 1 is a collage of construction paper shapes created by a 2-year-old from the Bees classroom.

• Card No. 2 is artwork from a 3-year-old from the Rockets classroom who used crayon and tempera paint with a finger-dabbing technique.

• Card No. 3’s artwork showcases a toddler’s use of tempera paint soaked into a string with sweeping circling hand movements from the child.

• For Card No. 4, a 5-year-old from the Bears classroom chose colored pencils for a flower arrangement drawing.

• A toddler in the Cubs classroom multi-tasked for Card No. 5. The toddler used tempera paint and a small toy car to create this artwork.

• The final card enabled a child in the Cubs classroom to take an aggressive approach to painting. The toddler made smashing hand movements with tempera paint in a gallon storage bag.

Now, the children can experience what it feels like to bring joy and excitement to others through art.

“It is so amazing when we see each child describe and/or showcase their work,” Acosta-Roges said. “We see the time, patience, love, excitement, and so much more with each creation We are so proud to showcase some of our amazing artwork and excited to see how far they travel.”

By purchasing these notecards, individuals are contributing to the educational initiatives, programs and activities offered at the CDC.

“These beautiful notecards will make a great gift for the holidays,” WNC President Kyle Dalpe said. “We are so impressed by the children’s artwork and that they are being introduced to a variety of art forms at an early age at our award-winning Child Development Center. We hope that art is something they will enjoy throughout their lives.”

Each package of notecards sells for $15 and includes two notecards for each piece of artwork for a total of 12 of cards.

For more than 30 years, the CDC has been a cherished community resource. The CDC supports Early Childhood Education and offers comprehensive child care services for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. With a focus on holistic child development, the CDC has been consistently recognized as the Nevada Appeal’s Best Child/Day Care Provider for the sixth year in a row.

For information or to purchase cards, call 775-445-3000 or they can be purchased online at  wnc.edu/swag.

Aviation program expands

Western Nevada College is taking its aviation program to new heights with the introduction of Commercial Pilot (AV 250) for the Spring 2024 semester, adding to its existing Private Pilot (AV 110) and Instrument Pilot (AV 210) classes.

The expansion reflects WNC’s commitment to providing comprehensive aviation education, preparing students for a range of careers in the aviation industry.

WNC has brought on board two instructors, Russell Smith and Frank Monack, each with a wealth of experience and expertise in the industry.

Smith, a certified flight instructor, began his journey in aviation as a college student at Ferris State University in Michigan, earning his private pilot training in 1971. His extensive background in general aviation includes involvement in Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief operations with the Civil Air Patrol, flying cross-country flights across the United States and the Bahamas, and even participating in the International Cadet Exchange in Switzerland. After a successful career as a pharmacist, which took him from Michigan to Washington and then Utah, Smith continued to excel in aviation, obtaining his commercial pilot and Instructor ratings. His dedication to flight safety and instruction has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the FAA Flight Instructor of the Year in 2019 and the Master Pilot Award for 50 years of accident and incident-free flying.

Monack’s aviation career is equally impressive, beginning in the United States Army where he operated the Unmanned Aerial System RQ-7b “Shadow.” His expertise in unmanned aerial systems and commercial flight operations is extensive, having managed UAS flight departments during his service and later at the Minden-Tahoe Airport, one of Nevada’s busiest rural airports. Monack’s role in providing fire suppression surveillance information during the 2018 “Camp Fire” in California highlights his ability to manage critical aviation operations under pressure. With approximately 450 hours of general aviation flight time, Monack brings a unique blend of skills and leadership to WNC’s Flight Program.

“Both Smith and Monack’s diverse experiences and their commitment to aviation safety and education make them valuable additions to Western Nevada College’s aviation faculty,” said WNC Aviation Professor Troy Wadsworth. “Their expertise will be instrumental in guiding students through the new Commercial Pilot course and beyond, ensuring that WNC continues to produce skilled and knowledgeable aviation professionals.”

For information about WNC’s aviation program or other classes, phone Academic Advising and Access at 775-445-3267.

Jack C. Davis Observatory to Reopen after Holidays

WNC’s Jack C. Davis Observatory is refreshing for the remainder of the year and will postpone its Saturday night Star Parties until 2024.

The Star Parties will resume on Saturday night, Jan. 6, from dusk to 11 p.m. at the facility, which is located at 2269 Vanpatten Ave, overlooking the Carson City campus.

For information about the observatory, visit wnc.edu/observatory.

Winter Session Classes Begin Monday

WNC’s Winter Session starts Monday, and there is still time to take accelerated online classes after the holidays, if you miss the first set of courses.

The three-week courses start on Tuesday, Jan. 2, and conclude on Friday, Jan. 19. Courses are offered in art, core humanities, history and information systems.

"We know how popular our Winter Session has been with students in the past and are pleased that we can offer it again between our semesters," said Dalpe said. "An important part of our mission at WNC is providing students with opportunities to complete their degrees and certifications as quickly as possible."

Registration is also well underway for the Spring 2024 Semester, which begins on Monday, Jan. 22.

Learn more about becoming a WNC student at wnc.edu/starthere.php.

To view Winter Session and Spring Semester classes and their descriptions, visit wnc.edu/class-schedule/. For more information, call 775-445-3267.