WNC News & Notes

Western Nevada College continues its international film festival with three more exotic locales, the movie "Those Three," from Iran, this Friday, Nov. 13; "Sleepwalking Land," filmed in Mozambique, on Nov. 20; and the Moroccan film, "What a Wonderful World," on Dec. 4. All films show at 7 p.m. Fridays in Marlette Hall on the Carson City campus. Admission: $3.

Films are provided by The Global Film Initiative, a non-profit organization that supports independent films from many countries. They are produced in many languages, and are English subtitled.

"Those Three" takes on a contemporary human drama: Just one day from completing their military training, three conscripts desert their camp and escape into the frozen wilderness of northern Iran. The men forge their way through an uncertain landscape with only friendship to see them through.

Construction employers won't have to travel to get valuable safety training for new employees and supervisors, as well as comply with a state law going into effect Jan. 1. Western will conduct 10-hour and 30-hour classes in December for construction employees.

WNC's 10-hour course for new hires will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. The 30-hour class for supervisors will meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 14-17. Cost for the 10-hour session is $95 per person and $275 for the 30-hour class.

To reduce workplace injuries, the 2009 Nevada Legislature enacted a law requiring construction workers to complete an OSHA 10-hour safety course and supervisors to complete a 30-hour OSHA training course no later than 15 days after being hired.

Scott Penzel, the college's director of workforce development, said the course shouldn't be seen as a mandatory class, but rather an important way to improve safety on the job.

"We want to help employees avoid injury and possible medical bills as well as avoid fines and hassles from the regulatory agency. But the real goal is to improve safety on the jobsite and ensure that supervisors and workers know more about preventing the types of injuries, such as falls, that can occur."

Instructor Brian Crowe has more than 30 years' experience in construction safety and management and is OSHA-certified to teach the course. Crowe is the environmental health and safety coordinator at Western and has experience as a consultant and expert witness in the construction industry.

For more information including registration procedures, contact coordinator Scott Penzel at 775-445-4427 or penzelw@wnc.edu.

It's easy to extend the crop-growing season in the spring and fall with hoop houses that may only cost a few hundred dollars. Western's Fallon campus winds up the first year of its popular Specialty Crop Institute with a two-day workshop, "Extending the Season, Hoop Houses and Community Supported Agriculture," Friday and Saturday.

The workshop will be at Lattin Farms, 1955 McLean Way, Fallon. Cost is $60 for both days or $45 for one day only.

Featured speaker will be Daniel Carmona, veteran farmer and educator from New Mexico. Nevada and New Mexico share similar growing conditions and economic climates for small farm agriculture.

To register, contact Ginny Dugan, 775-423-5186, or visit WNC's Web site, www.wnc.edu/sci.