MCC Focus on Social Awareness and Responsibility

Manchester, Conn., – (October 14, 2008)…Social awareness and responsibility will be a major focus for many of the events scheduled for Saturday, October 18 at Manchester Community College. MCC has scheduled an entire day of events that will appeal to everyone. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

The 22nd annual Global Issues Conference on World Hunger will feature Dr. Rafeal Pérez-Escamilla, director of the Connecticut Center of Excellence for Eliminating Health Disparities among Latinos, and Professor of Nutritional Sciences and Public Health at the University of Connecticut. He will speak on the topic “Food Insecurity, Human Rights and Human Development.” The conference begins at 10 a.m.

Dr. Pérez-Escamilla is an internationally recognized scholar in the areas of domestic and international community nutrition. His research and community engagement has taken him to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Senegal, South Korea, Spain and throughout the USA.

MCC and Foodshare are taking a stand against hunger and presenting the annual Foodshare Empty Bowls Project. Admission for the Empty Bowls Project is $15, and includes a handmade pottery bowl and unlimited soups, breads, desserts and beverages prepared by MCC culinary arts students and area restaurants. The pottery bowls are donated by MCC art students, local ceramic artists, community crafters and other area schools.

Proceeds from the Empty Bowls Project will benefit Foodshare and its mission to educate and involve the community in finding real, long-term solutions to the problems of poverty and hunger. The Empty Bowls Project will begin at 11 a.m.

The MCC Farmers Market will feature local farmers throughout the region. The Farmers Market will have various fresh and organic items for sale, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, a variety of plants, beeswax candles, soaps, honey, goats’ milk and goats’ cheese. The farmers market will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The day will also feature the MCC Alumni Association 21st annual Craft Fair, which attracts crafters from throughout the region. The Craft Fair will feature hand-made crafts, including clothing, furniture, jewelry and other original items. The craft fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While on campus, learn more about MCC and attend an intercollegiate soccer game. The Admission Information and Financial Aid Workshop will be offered for individuals interested in learning about the financial aid and admissions process at MCC. Campus tours will be provided. The admission information and financial aid workshop will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Women’s and men’s soccer matches are scheduled for the afternoon. The MCC women’s team will play against Baltimore Community College and the men’s soccer team will play against Bristol Community College. The soccer matches begin at 11 a.m.

The day will conclude with an evening of smooth jazz. The Jumpstart Jazz Concert Series presents Blue Note recording artist Eric Darius, with special guest Ken Navarro. Partial proceeds from the concert will benefit the Manchester Area Conference of Churches food pantry. Tickets for this event are $42.50. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and can be purchased at www.jumpstartjazz.com.

For more information on the events scheduled for October 18, visit the MCC calendar of events at www.mcc.commnet.edu/events.

– # # # –

Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.