FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- After raising thousands of dollars last fall and sending three students to Coconino Community College with scholarships, organizers of the Dennis Connell Scholarship Run/Walk are setting the pace for another successful event and keeping their eye on the prize – the ability to offer three more scholarships.
The 5th Annual Dennis Scholarship 5K and 10K Run/Walk is set for 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20 at Fort Tuthill County Park. Participants may register through active.com or by contacting the CCC Foundation office at 928-226-4363. Participants also may register at 8 a.m. at the event. Registration is $30.
The run/walk is coordinated by family and friends of Dennis Connell. After retiring from 20 years with the Flagstaff Police Department, Connell began a career in teaching and mentoring young people. Proceeds benefit CCC students in those programs he helped to develop and the department he chaired – Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Law, Allied Health and Fire Science.
CCC Community and Corporate Learning Executive Director John Cardani says students awarded the scholarship in the past have excelled academically and continue to reach their educational and professional goals throughout Coconino County and beyond.
“Although Dennis will be missed on a daily basis by those who knew him, these scholarships keep his memory very much alive. He will continue to touch the lives of CCC students for many years to come.”
CCC Administration of Justice student Natalie Amaro is one of the scholarship recipients. “This scholarship will enable me to finish pursing my degree, with which I will pursue a career as a juvenile probation officer.”
Meantime, CCC student Roxana Cardiel De Niz says the scholarship is making her dream of graduating next spring a reality. “In a time of financial hardship, this gift can only mean that someone or something is trying to tell me that I should not give up. Thank you so much.”
“This is truly a fun time for the whole family. You can run, walk, listen to music and enjoy a wonderful Flagstaff fall morning. This event also honors Dennis, who had a passion for law enforcement, his students and running. He spent his life giving back to his community,” said scholarship founder Barbara Connell of her husband.
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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Coconino Community College District Governing Board is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the college’s Fourth Street Campus. The regular monthly meeting is free and open to the public.
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Flagstaff, AZ -- Have you ever wanted to have professional looking faux-painted walls but just couldn’t afford to have it done? Coconino Community College non-credit workshop instructor Linda Coffman says it’s not as hard to do as you think. If you have ever thought of doing this yourself, set aside Saturday Sept. 6 for the A Fast and Easy Twist on Walls.
The class is taught in two parts. Part one covers the basic looks such as faux suede, marble, granite and old plaster walls. This class will run from 9:30 a.m. - noon. Part two is scheduled for 1 - 3:30 p.m. and combines popular approaches such as glazes, tissue paper, dry brushing and faux brick looks.
Coffman’s approach reveals secrets of the pros. She has been in the wallpapering and faux-painting business for more than 18 years. Her work is featured in businesses, hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and fine homes throughout the Minnesota area and now in Arizona. Hundreds are now using her dual-roller techniques to create their own professional looking faux-painted walls.
Coffman says students will be able to have perfect ceilings and corners, to use glaze with double rollers, and learn how to do a number of treatments such as leather and old-world looks.
“Beginners, you will amaze your neighbors and may be asked to do their walls!” said Coffman. “It just takes a twist of the wrist and tricks of the trade that you’ll learn in this very practical and money-saving class.”
The fee for one class is $30, $50 for both; and $29 for materials. To register, call CCC at 928-526-7644.
FLAGSTAFF, AZ -- Your former piano teacher might not approve, but thousands have learned the secret of how to play piano without reading music. If you’ve ever wondered how it’s done, mark Saturday Sept. 6 on your calendar. That’s when Coconino Community College instructor Craig Coffman will present the nationally renowned Instant Piano Workshop.
Coffman’s approach reveals how the pros play. He has extensive experience as a professional pianist and music director. Having taught piano privately for many years, Coffman will share piano players’ tricks of the trade. For more than 22 years this workshop has brought seldom taught and highly sought after information to more than 100,000 people nationwide.
“While the classical approach stresses discipline and precision in playing, this approach stresses enjoyment and getting great sounds early on. While precision is vital for classical music, this pain-free method is more suitable for pop music of all kinds, from Broadway to rhythm and blues,” he said.
Coffman says the class will teach students, with little or no experience, how to get started on the journey to achieve professional playing skills. Many students take the workshop with no prior piano experience. “They will learn how to use chords instead of traditional note-by-note music reading,” he said.
The workshop is taught in two separate sessions. Session 1, Piano for Hopelessly Busy People, is scheduled for 9 a.m. – noon, Saturday Sept. 6. It covers the basics of playing the piano using the chord method. Session 2, How to Play Piano By Ear, is scheduled for 1 – 4 p.m., Saturday Sept. 6. It builds on the information taught in the first session and teaches students how to play without written music.
“Contrary to popular belief, playing by ear is a very easily learned skill based primarily on some simple knowledge about chords and melodies,” said Coffman.
The cost of one class is $30; $50 for both and $28 for materials. To register, call CCC at 928-526-7644.