Olney Central College served as a host site for the Illinois RiverWatch Network’s Citizen Scientist training on April 2. Illinois RiverWatch is a volunteer stream monitoring program administered by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. Citizen scientist help identify potentially degraded waters and areas that may need greater protection.

Alani Frederick is serving as the new Associate Dean of Nursing and Allied Health for Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. A native of Akron, Ohio, Frederick comes to the district from Ivy Tech Community College at Sellersburg, Ind., where she was a nursing instructor for three years, serving the last two in a leadership role.

Join the Olney Central College Music Department for a journey through musical theater as the OCC Concert Choir and Musical Theater Workshop students present a Spring Variety Show at 7 p.m. on April 29 in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center. Director of Choral Activities Dr. Andrew Pittman said the evening’s entertainment will offer a little something for everyone with musical selections ranging from the baroque period to Broadway and a sampling of short comedies.

Conference Schedule Some of the nation’s foremost experts on the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. will gather April 8-9 for a conference at Olney Central College.

The Olney Central College Theater was just a week away from opening night of Mamma Mia! in 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions brought the production to a halt. “At the time, we thought we would be back in a few weeks and do the production either in the summer or fall. We never imagined it would be two years,” said Director Sherry Brauer. The cast and crew are excited to finally bring the long-anticipated musical to the Ruth Henry Stage. Performances are at 7 p.m. on March 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on March 20 and 27.

Olney Central College’s Anderson Library will host a used book sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 9. The public is invited to attend the sale which will feature a variety of genres and authors. Other libraries have even donated items for the event. Director of Instructional Support Services Chad Groves said he and Library Assistant Kaitlyn Weger have been looking for ways to strengthen ties with the community and invite area residents to visit the facility. The idea for the sale emerged from those conversations.

Olney Central College is introducing new cutting-edge technology to its anatomy lab with the addition of an Anatomage Table. The life-sized, 3D interactive device, enables students to perform virtual dissection. With the swipe of a finger, students can peel back layers of the digitally created body, exposing muscles, organs and bones. Students can even watch the heart beating as blood flows through the circulatory system.

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 7 for the Olney Central College Theatre’s production of “Mamma Mia!,” sponsored by TrustBank. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26. Afternoon shows will begin at 2 p.m. on March 20 and 27. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased online at www.iecc.edu/occtheater or by calling 618-395-7777, ext. 2408.

Registration Information Protect Illinois waterways by becoming a RiverWatch Citizen Scientist. The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center will host an Illinois RiverWatch Training Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 at Olney Central College.

Olney Central College and Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Business and Industry are partnering to offer occupational safety courses to assist individuals in completing their OSHA 10-Hour certification. Instructor Ted Marshall said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration classes are designed for general industries including manufacturing, welding, retail and health care facilities.