Potter County Education Council Press Release

Medical Administrative Assistant Program in Coudersport
This 50-hour course prepares students to function effectively in many of the administrative and clerical positions in the health care industry. Medical administrative assistant, medical secretary and medical records clerk are all positions in great demand. The program covers important background information on medical terminology, insurance billing and coding, medical ethics, customer service and legal aspects. The program is intended to provide students with a well-rounded introduction to medical administration so that a student can gain the necessary skills required to obtain a medical administration position in the health care field.

This course is being held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 13 – May 1, 2012, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Coudersport office of PCEC. Cost is $999 per person and includes all program materials. To register, call 800-872-1787 or email contined@pitt.edu

ServSafe Food Safety Course
ServSafe is a 15-hour certification program developed by the Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The course meets certification requirements for individuals who are responsible for the safe handling of food in restaurants, schools, elder care facilities, lodges, bed & breakfasts, community centers, and other food concessions (organizations or businesses that sell or prepare food on a regular basis.)

This course is being held on Monday, March 12 and 19, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at PCEC’s Port Allegany location. The cost is $175 per person and includes the book, study guide and exam. To register, call 877-489-1398 or go to www.extension.psu.edu .

Cooking for Crowds
Non-profit volunteer-run groups that prepare food to be served or sold to the public must be sure that the food is safe and of high quality. Participants in this workshop will learn up-to-date methods for safely handling and preparing food for large groups. The workshop is appropriate for non-profit food providers such as churches, fire companies, school and civic groups.

This course is being held on Monday, March 12, 2012 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at PCEC’s Port Allegany location. The cost is $12 per person. To register, call 814-545-1333 or go to www.pottercountyedcouncil.org .

The First Step: How to Start and Finance Your Business
This free seminar is presented by Clarion University’s Small Business Development Center and provides an overview of the steps necessary to start a business. Topics include: guidelines on how to finance your business; what to consider before starting a business; license and tax information; how and why to prepare a business plan; regulations governing a business; and other resources designed to help you plan and succeed in your new business.

This seminar is being held Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Coudersport office of the Potter County Education Council. There is no cost but registration is required. Register online at web.clarion.edu/sbdc/training or call toll free (877) 292-1843.

Electrical Safety for Maintenance Personnel
This course is designed to raise the safety awareness of electrical maintenance personnel on all levels by examining electrical hazards and the proper methods used to avoid them. Key topics include: Understanding OSHA, NFPA and their functions in the workplace, Electrical Hazards, Arc Flash, Lockout/Tagout, PPE, Grounding, Overcurrent protection, Testing and measuring devices, Practical and safe troubleshooting methods, and Guidelines for safe equipment installation.

This course is taught by Steve Quelet and is being held on Tuesday and Thursday, March 20 and 22, 2012 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at PCEC’s Port Allegany location. The cost is $200 per person. To register, call 814-545-1333 or go to www.pottercountyedcouncil.org .

Introduction to Welding (30 Hours)
This hands-on course will provide you with an introduction to welding including Stick, TIG, and MIG Welding, and cutting using Oxy Acetylene and Plasma Cutters. You will also learn about the basics and importance of welding safety, welding terms and definitions, and common welding defects and how to avoid them.

This course is taught by Mike Williams and is being held on Mondays, March 20 to April 19, 2012 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at PCEC’s Port Allegany location. The cost is $400 per person. To register, call 814-545-1333 or go to www.pottercountyedcouncil.org .

Picasa for Photographers
Picasa is a free, downloadable photo-editing software from Google. In this class, you will learn how to improve your photographs using Picasa adjustments on laptops provided in the classroom. Afterward you may download the software to your home computer; however, you are welcome to bring your personal laptop to class (WiFi available). Please bring images along on either a memory card, thumb drive or CD.

This class is taught by Curt Weinhold and is being held on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at PCEC’s Port Allegany location. The cost is $35 per person. To register, call 814-545-1333 or go to www.pottercountyedcouncil.org .

Woodburning Workshop (Pyrography) Offered
Learn to woodburn on items to make them works of art, either for yourself or one-of-a-kind gifts.  Items decorated with flowers, birds, animals, landscapes, figures, portraits, and lettering, just to name a few.  Pattern ideas are everywhere, tools are not expensive, and materials include wood, paper, gourds, and even leather.

You will learn wood selection, pattern transfer, wood preparation, woodburning, finishing and painting.  Instructor Mahlon Davenport has studied with a professional and has many years experience.  Wood blocks, patterns, and woodburners will be provided; however, if you have your own woodburner, please bring it. All skill levels are welcome.  It is always an asset to be an artist, but not necessary with woodburning, to make items “art.” New woodburing kits will be available for purchase at only $15 each.

This workshop is being held on Saturday, March 24, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Coudersport office of PCEC. The cost is $20 per person. Class size is limited. To register, call 814-274-4877 or go to www.pottercountyedcouncil.org.