"Dreams Do Come True" – Harvard Innovation Award Documentary produced by Times Digital Group – Part 1
"Dreams Do Come True" – Harvard Innovation Award Documentary produced by Times Digital Group – Part 2
"Dreams Do Come True" – Harvard Innovation Award Documentary produced by Times Digital Group – Part 3
The Kingsport Library will be offering free computer classes in January. Please check out the list and descriptions of the various free computer classes the library will be offering.
Workshop 1: Word Basics
In this workshop, you will learn the basics to create, edit, and print simple documents in Microsoft Word 2007. Learn about menu bars, toolbars, cutting & pasting, and help functions. Also, you will learn to save and retrieve your documents, as well as additional skills and tips for using the Word program. Participants must have basic PC, mouse and keyboarding skills.
Date:‚ Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 5:30 (Program Length 2 hrs)
Date:‚ Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 10:00 (Program Length 2hrs)
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
Workshop 1: Excel I
Excel is a spreadsheet program that allows you to organize data, complete calculations, and create graphs. In this workshop you will create a simple worksheet using Microsoft Excel 2007. Participants must be comfortable working in the Windows environment and have a basic knowledge of word processing programs.
Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 5:30 (Program Length 2 hrs)
Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 10:00 (Program Length 2 hrs)
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
Workshop 2: Excel II
This workshop serves as a follow-up to the introductory class. After a review of Excel I, we will go on to discuss writing formulas, modifying a spreadsheet, and creating charts and graphs.
Participant must have taken the Excel I class. Registration preference is given to those who attended the Excel I class.
Date: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 5:30 (Program Length 2 hrs)
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2010 at 10:00 (Program Length 2 hrs)
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
Workshop 3: Computer Basics
In this workshop, we will cover basic skills like using the mouse and identifying key icons on the desktop.
Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 2:00pm – 4:00pm (Program Length 2 hrs)
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
Workshop 4: Windows XP Basic
In this workshop, we will learn to navigate in the Windows environment, work with folders, files, saving devices, and use the keyboard for shortcuts. Participants should be familiar with using a mouse.
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 2:00 – 4:00 (Program Length 2hrs)
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
Technology Program 1: Recipes Online
Dont know what to cook for dinner? Are you tired of the same lunch each day? Lets find some fun and creative recipes online.
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 1:00-2:00
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
Technology Program 2: Free Coupons Online
Why clip coupons out of the Sunday paper? Find the coupons online and print them at your convenience or email them to yourself or a friend.
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 1:00-2:00
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register
Workshop 3: Computer Basics
In this workshop, we will cover basic skills like using the mouse and identifying key icons on the desktop.
Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 2:00pm – 4:00pm (Program Length 2 hrs)
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
Workshop 4: Windows XP Basic
In this workshop, we will learn to navigate in the Windows environment, work with folders, files, saving devices, and use the keyboard for shortcuts. Participants should be familiar with using a mouse.
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 2:00 – 4:00 (Program Length 2hrs)
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
Technology Program 1: Recipes Online
Dont know what to cook for dinner? Are you tired of the same lunch each day? Lets find some fun and creative recipes online.
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 1:00-2:00
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
Technology Program 2: Free Coupons Online
Why clip coupons out of the Sunday paper? Find the coupons online and print them at your convenience or email them to yourself or a friend.
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 1:00-2:00
Registration Required
Location: Main Level – Auditorium
Contact Reference Department at 224-2539 to register.
KINGSPORT ‚¬ The City of Kingsport and Kingsport Area Chamber of
Commerce will host a celebration reception honoring Kingsports winning
the prestigious Innovations in American Government Award from the John
F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
The event will take place Wednesday, December 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kingsport Higher Education Center in downtown Kingsport. The public is invited to attend.
Kingsport garnered the prestigious honor for its efforts to enhance higher education in the community.
The celebration event will honor and thank the hundreds of Kingsport
leaders and citizens who helped and supported the citys efforts in
creating the Kingsport Academic Village.
This prestigious award is the finest example of what can be
accomplished when no one is concerned about who gets the credit,
Kingsport Mayor Dennis Phillips said. But we realized that literally
hundreds of people who had made the Harvard award possible had not been
properly thanked. It would have never been possible without the
involvement and support of the vast majority of the citizens of
Kingsport. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you Kingsport for
what each of you did in making the Academic Village and Harvard award
possible.
In today’s challenging global economy, the quality of a community’s
local workforce is invaluable to ensuring a community’s long-term
livelihood and economic success, said Stephen Goldsmith, director of
the Innovations in Government Program at Harvard Kennedy School. As a
2009 Innovations in American Government Award winner, the city of
Kingsport has demonstrated an impressive commitment to revitalizing its
community through a host of creative measures that municipalities
nationwide can adopt to similarly achieve their economic potential.
The Ash Institute describes the Innovations in American Government
Award as a significant force in recognizing and promoting excellence
and creativity in the public sector. Through its annual awards
competition, the program provides concrete evidence that government can
work to improve the quality of life for citizens and that it deserves
greater public trust. By highlighting exemplary models of governments
innovative performance, the program serves as a catalyst for continued
progress in addressing the nations most pressing public concerns.
The competition for this year’s award was intense and all the
citizens of Kingsport should be very proud of what they have
accomplished together, said Pearl Sims, director of Vanderbilt
Universitys Leadership Development Center and the onsite evaluator for
the Harvard Award. Kingsport offers to other cities concrete evidence
that government can work to improve the quality of life for citizens
and models for our nation how to address some of our most pressing
public concerns. As a researcher at Vanderbilt University and as a
native Tennessean, I wish to add my heartfelt congratulations to the
city of Kingsport for winning the Innovations in American Government
Awards Program.
To receive this award, Kingsport presented achievements in the
Higher Education program and developments in educational policy over
the past ten years and emphasized the improvements in the economic and
educational base since implementation of programs such as the Educate
and Grow scholarship program and the creation of the Regional Center
for Applied Technology.
These initiatives have been fundamental to the revitalization of the
downtown area and have produced more jobs, higher property values, and
most importantly a more educated citizenry and workforce.
Education
Under the Educate and Grow plan, city of Kingsport officials
collaborated with various partners to develop and finance a host of new
programs to enhance academic outcomes of Kingsport students and build a
more qualified workforce.
K-14: A first in the nation, the citys K-14 program extends
public high school by an optional two years to provide students with
additional training and technical skills requested by local employers.
Dual Enrollment: Through established partnerships with the
areas local colleges, high school students now have the opportunity to
take college-level classes and receive both college and high school
credit for their work.
Scholarships: Any Kingsport high school graduate is eligible for
a four-semester scholarship at the citys Northeast State Community
College. Such funding allows students to earn a two-year associates
degree or transfer credits towards a four-year bachelors degree.
Curriculum: Officials have developed new areas of medical and
technical study at the college level that better reflect the growing
number of industries in the region along with attracting new
industries.
New Infrastructure
Kingsport underwent a series of infrastructure enhancements,
building an academic village in close proximity to the citys
business center. Officials project the new building plans will increase
the downtown student population to 2,500 over the next few years.
Regional Center for Applied Technology (RCAT): Launched in 2002
as a branch of Northeast State Community College, RCAT offers high
school graduates and continuing education students courses in computer
science and information technology; office administration; business
management; and on-demand industry-specific job training.
Regional Center for Health Professionals: In addition to
enhancing the technology skills of Kingsports labor force, the city
opened the Regional Center for Health Professionals in 2008 to draw new
health care opportunities to the region. Students can earn two-year
degrees in medical technology and nursing.
Kingsport Center for Higher Education: Opened this August, the
center offer courses towards associate up to doctoral degrees through a
unique partnership with five local colleges and universities ‚¬
Northeast State, Carson-Newman College, King College, Lincoln Memorial
University and the University of Tennessee.
Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM): This
public-private partnership between the state of Tennessee, Northeast
State, and two of Kingsports largest manufacturers, Eastman Chemical
Company and Domtar, will offer certifications and associate of applied
science programs in electrical, fabrication and chemical process
technologies.
Pal Barger Automotive Technology Center: A fifth facility,
scheduled to open in the fall of 2010, will be dedicated to
state-of-the-art automotive technology training programs.
Results
Kingsports Educate and Grow initiative cites much success in
bringing new industry to the region and improving the skills of its
workforce.
Industry Diversification: Formerly dependent solely on the
manufacturing industry, the greater Kingsport region now reports a more
diversified economy including new jobs in healthcare (8,000),
hospitality (5,000), construction (3,900), professional services
(2,500) and information technology (600).
Sales Tax Revenues: Sales tax revenues have increased by nearly $950,000 since 2005 and property values are increasing.
Investment: The city cites an increase of $370 million in new
construction since 2006 including 12 new restaurants and regional
education buildings.
Population: 2,700 families have moved to Kingsport over the last
two years and the city is experiencing an increase in young adults aged
20-24. The number of residents earning college degrees has increased by
two percent.
The Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit
business organization comprised of nearly 1,000 members. The Kingsport
Chambers mission is to utilize resources and focus efforts on
enhancing a strong and viable business environment for the Kingsport
area.
For more information on the Kingsport Chamber, visit www.KingsportChamber.org
or call (423) 392-8800. Were social too; follow us on our Facebook
page, Your Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce and on our Twitter
account, @kptchamber.
KINGSPORT – The Tennessee Department of Labor has awarded the Kingsport/Sullivan County Adult Education Program the Commissioners Award of Excellence.
The Kingsport/Sullivan County Adult Education program was one of 13 programs to receive the recognition out of 90 programs across the state.
According to Marva Doremus, Assistant Administrator for the Tennessee Department of Labor Adult Education Division, the award is presented to those programs who meet 15 of 16 state and federal performance criteria.
The criteria include student achievement, the number of General Educational Development diplomas (GEDs) awarded, student retention rate and the number of students served. In 2008-09, the Kingsport/Sullivan County Adult Education program awarded more than 230 GEDs to area residents. The program provides free GED preparation services to students ages 18 and up.
It is not easy to hit all these performance marks. To achieve the recognition demonstrates consistency in instruction and program excellence. We are really proud of Kingsport and expect that program to continue to grow, said Doremus.
In addition, Kingsport/Sullivan County Adult Education Director Dr. Lowell Biller has been asked to serve on the Adult Education Transition Team. The team is charged with formulating curriculum and additional services so that GED recipients will successfully transition into post-secondary education. The transition program is expected to be launched in the fall of 2010.
For more information on the Kingsport/Sullivan County Adult Education program, contact Dr. Lowell Biller at (423) 378-8407.
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KINGSPORT ‚¬ Greenbelt supporters, volunteers and residents are invited to a special Monday dedication of the newest link in the Greenbelt at 1 p.m.
The dedication will mark the opening of 2,300 feet of Greenbelt connector, stretching from Sullivan Street to the new pedestrian bridge across Reedy Creek below the Roller Street parking lots of the former Quebecor facility.
The Kingsport Greenbelt is a nearly nine mile linear park that connects residential neighborhoods, traditional parks, downtown, commercial districts, schools, and activity centers from the Exchange Place on the east end of Kingsport to the Holston River on the west side.
Development and operation of the Greenbelt are guided by a citizen advisory committee and the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department.
The latest section was made possible by generous land donations by Sam Anderson, Bill Gatton, John King and Quebecor.
Persons interested in attending the Monday dedication are asked to park in the Roller Street parking lot just off Center Street next to the former Quebecor.
The Kingsport Greenbelt is a linear park that connects residential
neighborhoods, traditional parks, downtown, commercial districts,
schools, and activity centers. A special feature of this park is a
pathway for pedestrian and bicycle use. The pathway meanders along
gentle streams, wanders through marshlands, glides across open meadows,
and passes by sites of historical and aesthetic value. Development and
operation of the Greenbelt are guided by a citizen advisory committee
and the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department.
To view the program for this event click here.
GREENBELT CONTRIBUTORS ANDSUPPORTERS
KINGSPORT BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMAN
JOHN CAMPBELL, KPT. CITY MANAGER
BILL ALBRIGHT
SAM ANDERSON
LEWIS BAUSELL
BOB BIERBAUM
TOM BOWMAN
HANK BROWN
CHRIS CAMPBELL
SANDY CRAWFORD
JOHN DODSON
SUSAN DORAN
DUCO CONSTRUCTION
MARIO DUQUETT
ZELLIE EARNEST
BILL FORTENBERRY
KITTY FRAZIER
BILL GATTON
RONNIE HAMMONDS
EDWARD HARTMAN
ANDY HOBBS
SAM JONES
JOHN KING
ROGER LONG
CHRIS MCCARTT
JOHN MCCOY
TOM PARHAM
CARLOTTA PAULSEN
TONY ROE
QUEBECOR
STEPHANIE ROANE
HAL SPODEN
SUE SUBLETT
DAVE TAYLOR
TN. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION
STEVE WILSON
KINGSPORT – Free audiobooks and eBooks are now available for download on iPhones and other devices through the Kingsport Public Library. Just look for the DOWNLOADS label on the lower right hand side of the library webpage at www.kingsportlibrary.org.
For the book lover on the run, the librarys website has more than 6,000 audio books and 5,000 eBooks that are available as free downloads. Simply click on the blue downloads button on the lower right of the webpage.
Even major titles such as Dan Browns The Lost Symbol are available through the service, with audio books and eBooks downloadable on MP3 players, any Windows Mobile 5 or 6 device, iPods, iPhones, Zune and Sony Reader. Mac users can also download, burn and transfer audio books to iPods and iPhones. The only requirement is to be a Kingsport Public Library cardholder in good standing.
This is part of our continuing push to expand our services through technology, Library Manager Helen Whittaker said Tuesday. We are seeing a continuing boom in circulation, programs and electronic subscribers as we expand our services.
If you prefer parchment beneath your fingertips, but enjoy the convenience of browsing an online card catalog of book holdings, the library website allows you to peruse titles online and in a wireless, text-only version that works with many Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and iPhones. Simply go to kingsportlibrary.org and select wireless catalog to search more than 2 million items.
Once you find a title you like to reserve, a simple click sends the title and call number to your phone with the txt2 phone button on the bottom of the page. While there is no charge from the library, costs vary according to your individual cell phone plan for texting.
Other new features enable users of the READS download service to easily post on Facebook and Twitter the individual readers opinion on particular titles, while the library is also beta testing downloadable applications for the TUMBLEBOOKS online resource geared to teens and children.
Finally, if you are in need of a little one-on-one instruction on the basics of technology, the library is offering Ask the Tech Lady sessions in the Palmer Room on the Fourth Floor of the Kingsport Public Library.
The service is provided by Janelle Galbreath, Technical Reference Librarian. Janelle can assist in many questions, including how to download digital pictures, emailing, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, how to set up a Facebook Account, laptop usage, mouse and keyboarding, and more.
Sessions will be offered on a first come, first serve basis on Tuesdays, December 8 and December 15, from 5:30 -7:45 p.m.
Our goal, and I think we are well on the way, is to provide a complete community resource, Whittaker said. We currently cover everything from leisure, entertainment and education, to reading skill development, resume preparation assistance, career guidance, and job location services as well as college preparation and selection, and a special collection designed to aid small businesses.
KINGSPORT – The Sullivan County Health Department in coordination with Kingsport City Schools has announced the dates/times for the H1N1 school vaccination clinics.
The H1N1 vaccine is offered to all Kingsport City School students at no cost. The vaccine will be offered in both the mist and injection.
The schedule for the vaccine clinics are as follows:
Monday, December 7
•Roosevelt Elementary, 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
•Lincoln Elementary School: 10:30 a.m. to noon
•Jackson Elementary School: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, December 8
•Robinson Middle School: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
•Jefferson Elementary School: 9:45 a.m. to noon
•Johnson Elementary School: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 9
•Sevier Middle School: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
•Kennedy Elementary School: 10 a.m. to noon
•Dobyns-Bennett, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, December 10
•Washington Elementary School, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
•Palmer Center, 11:15 a.m. to noon
•Adams Elementary School: 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Sullivan County Health Department is responsible for each vaccine clinic and will determine whether the student will receive the mist or the injection based on the childs health history and age. If parents are interested in their children receiving the vaccine but have not filled out a vaccination permission form, they may obtain a form from their school or online at www.k12k.com and submit the form to their school at least one day prior to the vaccination clinic. Parents may be present at the time of the vaccine.
For more information on the vaccine clinics, please contact Vicki Johnston, Kingsport City Schools Nurse Supervisor, at (423) 378-2110 or the Sullivan County Health Department at (423) 279-2663.
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