A-B Tech Security Guard Saves A Life

A-B Tech Security Guard Wayne Warren and his new pet Chestnut in front of the stand of pines at the Chestnut building where he found the wild puppy.

A-B Tech Security Guard Wayne Warren found an abandoned pup at the Chestnut building and brought her home.

But it wasn't just any dog.

'Chestnut' outsmarted plant operations and the pound more than once and outlived starvation and the elements, but still this wild bundle of skin and bones found herself facing euthanasia at a local Animal Control facility. Her mother and pups had been captured many months before.

"Wayne, who had developed a real love for this pup, went to the Animal Shelter to adopt her," Joyce Dover of Business Services said. "They were going to put the dog down - they considered it a wild dog."

Wayne said he fought for the pup's life, demanding ownership and was able to work with her at the shelter until she was able to come home with him.

"I still have to work with her. This poor dog was so warped and frightened. She is still very skiddish," said Wayne who, like the parent of a newborn, has stayed up nights just domesticating her. "You should see her in the morning; she jumps on my bed and digs until I get up. She gets me up at 6:30 every morning."

At a recent visit to her birthplace in mid December, the Chesnut-colored Chow mix stood guarded, her tale slightly between her legs, peering auspiciously at Wayne and then anxiously at the crowd which gathered to see the tamed young dog. Her now shiny coat glistening, Wayne explained how she is still skittish, but learning fast at almost a year old. She is so precious, so smart. I think she's going to be big. She's eating a good load every day."

Chestnut is one of several dogs Wayne has rescued.Return to top

A-B Tech HRD Is Awarded Grant

A-B Tech's Human Resources Development Program was awarded a $12,500 grant to increase job placement/job retention skills targeting the local Slavic population. According to HRD Coordinator Kay Manley, the grant will be used to fund 'Career Bridge' - a project slated to begin in March that offers services as a addendum to the computer training classes now offered. Shelley Yarbrough has been named project coordinator.

Manley said about two percent of area residents are Slavic speakers and attend computer training classes through HRD. This grant will enable HRD to offer services outside of classes. "This is helping them retain their jobs. We are hoping what it will do is branch out into other possibilities. Before this grant, we have not had the opportunity to follow up," Manley said. Return to top

A-B Tech Welcomes Two New Employees

Debra C. Whisenant joins A-B Tech as a full-time Nursing Instructor. She was employed by A-B Tech as an adjunct Nursing instructor for three years, and before that was a labor and delivery nurse at High Point Regional Hospital. She graduated with a B.S.N from Western Carolina University, and is glad to be at A-B Tech because "it's dedicated to providing quality education to our community."

Chris Fay joins A-B tech as a full-time instructor in Criminal Justice Studies. He was also employed by A-B Tech as an adjunct Criminal Justice instructor for five years while serving as the Woodfin Police Chief. Before that, he was a police officer and supervisor for 20 years in the Albuquerque Police Department. He graduated with a B.A. and M.A. from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and received his Law Enforcement Certificate from A-B Tech. He writes that he is glad to be at A-B Tech because "it continues the great relationship I had here as both a student and part-time instructor. It is the future of Western North Carolina!" Return to top

Goodwill From Goodwill

Daniel Bradshaw, Vice President for Goodwill Industries Asheville Employment and Training Center, wrote to Harry Ponder, Director of the A-B Tech Small Business Center, thanking him for his assistance in developing a business plan for its Arts Project. He writes that Ponder's "assistance ... made the presentation to our Board professional and understandable." The project involves the selling of handmade greeting cards produced by the developmentally disabled adults enrolled in the program.

Life After High School

Kitty Kelly, counselor at Owen High School, wrote to Debbie Harmon, director of counseling services, thanking her, Academic Advisor Steven Maag, and Assessment Specialist Karen Edwards for helping the Owen senior class prepare for post-secondary education opportunities.. She writes, "We do appreciate your willingness to come and meet with our students. It helps decrease the anxiety of stepping on to your or any other college campus."Return to top