The OTC Fine Arts Gallery, located on the third floor of the historic Gillioz Theatre complex in downtown Springfield, will hold an opening reception during the First Friday ArtWalk event on March 4, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.  This month, we are proud to feature artwork from Missouri Art Educators who are also professional artists.

In addition to the exhibition on the third floor, the OTC Fine Arts Gallery will host an exhibition in the first floor gallery of the Gillioz. 

On the third floor, the gallery will feature "Two and a Half Artists" - two art educators and a student.  The works displayed will be from painter Cynthia Bylander and ceramic artist Steve Fielding, both Kickapoo High School art instructors, as well as Kickapoo senior Taylor Baker. 

The first floor gallery will host the works of painter Alicia Farris, a community art educator in Springfield, and ceramic artist Fadra Hepner, an art instructor from the New Franklin R-I School District in Columbia, Missouri.

This exhibition will be on display at the OTC Fine Arts Gallery throughout the month of March.  The Gallery's regular hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.  For more information contact Kat Allie by calling (417) 447-8977, or by emailing alliek@otc.edu or finearts@otc.edu.

(Pictured: Alicia Farris' painting "Sign of the Times.")  

Come to the south Springfield Applebee's, located at the corner of Glenstone and Primrose, on Saturday, March 12, from 8 to 10 a.m. to enjoy an all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast!   

The cost is just $5.00, and proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.  It's a great way to start your Saturday, and you will be helping fight cancer with your donation.  Get a group of your co-workers, family, and/or friends together and enjoy a great breakfast - with great service from OTC & Friends Relay For Life Team.

For information or to purchase advance tickets, contact Relay for Life team members Donna Bryant (bryantd@otc.edu), Mindy Gomez (gomezm@otc.edu), Faith Mann (mannf@otc.edu) or Tracy Ponder (pondert@otc.edu), or contact Tina Kile at (417) 827-3165.

How many pancakes can you eat?

(Pictured: Rob Rector, Vice President of Administrative Services, visits with Board of Trustees President J. Howard Fisk and his wife, Jan Fisk, at the November pancake breakfast.)  

Describe what you do at OTC in 50 words or less.   

I am the cashier at the Richwood Valley campus.  Besides assisting students in person and on the phone, I handle the billing for all of the A+ students attending OTC.

How long have you been at OTC, and where were you immediately prior? 

I have been employed at OTC since February of 1999.  I worked part-time in the Community Enrichment department until January 2007, when I was hired full-time in the Business office.  Prior to that, I was a stay-at-home Mom and ran a daycare for 13 years.

What do you hope to accomplish in your position or department in the coming year?

I hope that I am able to continue giving good customer service to both students and my co-workers here at OTC, and to encourage communication, which is important on both sides.  

What is your favorite thing about working at OTC? 

I enjoy being on the front line and being able to assist students directly and helping them to better understand the processes of the e-Cashier, Smartcard and other aspects of our office. 

What is your favorite thing about living and working in the Ozarks?

I love the numerous opportunities we have to enjoy nature in the Ozarks.  There is always something to do for fun!

Tell us about one person who had a significant impact on your professional life or career choice. 

I cannot give you just one person because my parents have both made the most impact in my life, both professionally and personally.  They owned and operated a family restaurant for over 40 years and showed me the rewards of hard work and how to earn respect from co-workers and customers.

What do you have on the walls of your office?

I have no walls.  However, I do have a Maxine quote on my cubby wall which says "Honk if you love Jesus, text while driving if you want to meet him." 

If you could have dinner with three famous people, alive or dead, who would they be?

Jon Bon Jovi, Jesus and Oprah.  

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

I have never even considered writing a book but if I did I suppose it would be about nature. I love to sit on my porch or next to my water garden and just enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

What were the last three songs played on your iPod (or what was the last music you listened to)?

"We Weren't Born to Follow," "Living on a Prayer" and "Who Says You Can't Go Home," all by Bon Jovi.  That's not ALL that I listen to - just the last 3!

• Please be aware that on Friday, March 18 (rain date: March 19), electrical testing will take place on the Springfield and the Richwood Valley campuses (see list of specific locations below). The affected buildings will be closed on these dates.  If you have questions, please contact the Maintenance Department via e-mail at maintenance@otc.edu, or by phone at (417) 447-4801. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated!

Closed Buildings:

Graff Hall

Lincoln Hall

Information Commons West

Bookstore

Richwood Valley Campus

No Computer Access:

Early Childhood Edu. Center

Continuing Education Center

• Ozark Fitness Center has extended their Corporate Membership program to all OTC faculty and staff.  The Corporate Membership option includes 100% off all joining fees, and a lower monthly fee for all types of memberships (adult, couple, senior, etc).  Ozark Fitness Centers offer convenient north and south locations, free classes, free child care, discounted training, and a smoothie bar; the south side location also offers 24-hour access and a private women's area.  For more information, call Ryan Wilson, Corporate Membership Director, at (417) 861-7500.

• Anytime Fitness is proud to offer all faculty and staff at OTC great savings of 10% off monthly membership dues.  Your membership includes: free workout program, free personal training session, free nutritional guidance.  Anytime Fitness has three locations in the area - one each in Springfield, Nixa and Republic - and are working towards our a second location in Springfield.  For more information, check out www.anytimefitness.com. 

• March 3-5:  "Rumors" by Neil Simon, Drury University's Wilhoit Theatre.  When assumptions are based on rumors, laughter ensues in this farce by Neil Simon, the master of American comedy.  For ticket information and reservations, visit www.drury.edu/theatre. 

• March 19:  National Ag Day Celebration, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, Springfield.  National Agriculture Day takes place on the first day of spring as a way to celebrate American agriculture and the farmers who help provide the food, fiber, shelter, energy and other materials we use on a daily basis.  Admission is free; some activities have a small fee.  For details, call (417) 837-5949 or check out  www.parkboard.org.

• March 19:  Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration, downtown Springfield.  Food booths and vendors open at noon at the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, and the parade begins at 2 p.m.  For more information, check out www.springfieldstpatsparade.org.

• March 26:  Cherry Blossom Kite Festival, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, Springfield.  Celebrate the season's opening of the beautiful Japanese Stroll Garden by flying your kite!  Kite building kits are available for children for $3.  Be the first to see the Stroll Garden while its cherry trees are filled with blooms!  For details, call (417) 864-1191 or visit peacethroughpeople.org.