Where There's Smoke, There's Fire

Clinton Smoke, Chairman of Fire Protection Technology, holds up one of several books he penned on fire safety education. Smoke is one of the nation's leading curriculum experts on fire safety education.

Clinton Smoke, A-B Tech Fire Protection Technology Chairman, is in his third-floor Hemlock office reading a book about fire safety that was written by Frank Fire. He jokes he has a hazardous materials text by Robert Burns.

"I've even got a book by a fellow named Ash. Even though the subject is serious, we have a little fun with this," he said.

Smoke has been the chair of Fire Protection Technology for three years, during which time he, himself, has written several books and contributed to others. He has also played a large role in creating a national fire science curriculum.

As chair of the National Fire Science Curriculum Committee, Smoke and other instructors and administrators from across the country developed a national curriculum that has been the impetus for an entire line of textbooks. "Now the textbook companies come to our conferences and are writing brand new textbooks following our outlines," Smoke said, adding the committee has only been in existence for five years but has become the leading authority on fire protection technology curriculum. "I never realized the ramifications."

There are 250 associate's programs like A-B Tech's and 50 bachelor's programs across the country. "We are going to make a huge impact on them," Smoke said.

In a recent letter to President Bailey, Federal Fire Academy Superintendent Dr. Denis Onieal commends Smoke's efforts in developing a model fire science curriculum and building a professional development model for fire service personnel. "Mr. Clinton Smoke has made invaluable contributions to the committee's work. He brings extensive experience in the fire service and fire-related degree programs to the effort and serves as a national expert for several of the courses. His work is exemplary," Onieal said.

A Tribute to Nick Fesyuk

Nick Fesyuk, an employee of Plant Operations, passed away March 9. Nick was an employee at A-B Tech since 1997 and will be greatly missed by his fellow workers and friends.

Married with seven children, the native Estonian graduated college from the Belotserkov Institute in the Ukraine, where he later had a career as a veterinary surgeon. He was enrolled in English as a Second Language classes at A-B Tech.

"He's greatly going to be missed,"says Benny Smith, Director of Plant Operations. "He was a valuable employee, but more than that, he was a great person. He always greeted you with a smile."

Smith,whose office is in the Chestnut Building, is accepting donations to the family.

Art in Industry

Sharon Trammel, instructor in Fine Arts, stands before one of the five canvases she is painting for the Borg Warner Turbo Systems Manufacturing and Corporate Center in Asheville. The canvases, which measure 9 x 6 feet, will make up a finished work that measures 9 x 30 feet. The design incorporates over 35 images that Sharon collaged using PhotoShop, which she learned from a computer art class she took at A-B Tech. "It shortened my design time by months,"she said. Borg Warner Turbo Systems designs turbo systems for such clients as Caterpillar, John Deere, Mack Truck, and the Indy 500.

New Grant Creates Scholarships

Grants are available to A-B Tech students through the Golden Leaf Scholars program. Beginning this Spring, the program will award several grants to curriculum, degree-seeking and occupational education students.

This opportunity is available only to community college students and is based upon merit and need. Criteria includes: the effect of the declining economy on his or her family, academic record, overall evaluation of the application and leadership and community service. The North Carolina Community College System office received a $300,000 grant to fund the program from the Golden Leaf Foundation.

For applications and additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Twice As Nice

Diana LaSpada, Project Coordinator for Online Learning in Continuing education, has been commended twice by people she has diligently helped. Michele Luther, a student in ed2go.com, wrote to President Bailey to let him know how LaSpada went "above and beyond" to assist with questions and researched which direction was the best for Luther to go. Connie Buckner, Director, Madison Site, wrote to President Bailey to let him know how many of her Madison County students were appreciative of LaSpada's "professionalism and helpfulness" in registering for classes.

The Skye's The Limit

Skye Myrick, Director, Occupational/ Public SafetyTraining, has been invited to join the Board of Directors for the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP). ASAP is dedicated to sustaining farms and rural communities throughout Western North Carolina.

Baby Love

Gary Lodato, Phi Theta Kappa Vice-President of Leadership, SGA Public Relations Officer, and volunteer for the United Way's Hands on Asheville program, donated crocheted preemie caps to Mission/St. Joseph's Neonatal Unit. Gary was recognized on WLOS as the G.I.F.T Hero. This feature celebrates extraordinary people and their volunteer efforts.