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PAGE 3A December 2024
News & Events EAGLE AWARENESS WEEKEND - Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of America’s iconic bird this winter at Lake Guntersville State Park during Eagle Awareness Weekends on January 24-26 and January 31-February 2, 2025. The event offers visitors the opportunity to learn about and observe bald eagles in their natural habitat. Event highlights include live bird demonstrations, programs provided by notable speakers, guided safaris for viewing eagles in their natural habitat, photo opportunities, lodging for two nights, social and wine tasting on Friday evenings, breakfast buffet Saturday and Sunday and dinner Saturday evening. Registration is now open, and space is limited. Sessions typically fill up quickly and participants are encouraged to reserve a weekend online at https://www. alapark.com/EagleAwarenessWeekends. Packages start at $287 and include lodging for two nights, two breakfasts, one dinner, a welcome packet, VIP access to presentations, photo opportunities with birds of prey, engagement with sponsors and one-on-one access with the naturalists. RENOVATION COMPLETE - Gadsden State Community College’s Ayers Campus has completed a renovation to the Cheaha Center, which originally housed the Alabama Department of Labor’s Anniston Career Center. The renovated facility now includes the new Gadsden State One Stop Center in addition to the Anniston Career Center. The One Stop Center, a key student services hub, and the Anniston Career Center, which provides a wide range of employment-related resources, have undergone cosmetic upgrades to enhance the experience for students, clients and visitors. The renovations include new luxury vinyl flooring, updated paint and the addition of modern furniture and a new computer corral in the One Stop Center. In addition, walls were added to separate the two centers, allowing for better organization and more efficient use of space. The One Stop Center also includes a new storage area and designated spaces for several important services that have moved from the original Ayers Campus Administration Building. Relocated services include: Advising and Retention Center Dual Enrollment, Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Enrollment Services, Technical Advisement, Educational Opportunity Center, and The Business Office. Additionally, office space has been included for the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department as well as for college leaders visiting the Ayers Campus. CELEBRATING CRANES - Over 14,000 Sandhill Cranes along with several pairs of Whooping Cranes spend the winter each year at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (WNWR) in Decatur. In celebration of the winter migration of these long-legged and long-necked birds, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association hosts a three-day event offering a variety of indoor and outdoor activities appealing to people of all ages. The 2025 Festival of the Cranes will be held January 10-12 with activities at WNWR, Princess Theatre and Alabama Center for the Arts in downtown Decatur. Festival of the Cranes has become a popular event regardless of the festivalgoer’s birding experience. There are activities for experienced birders, for those with little to no birding knowledge and for anyone who would like to learn more about birding and other wildlife that call the Refuge home. During the three-day event, guests are invited to visit the WNWR Observation Building, located at 3121 Visitor Center Road, Decatur, AL 35603, to view thousands of Sandhill cranes along with several Whooping cranes, ducks, geese, raptors and perhaps a bald eagle from the comfort of the heated building. There are bleachers and spotting scopes available along with volunteers and staff standing by to answer questions. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring a camera and binoculars. For a complete schedule of events for all three locations, visit https://www.friendsofwheelernwr.org/foc-2025
Partnership Helps Aviation Students Soar A partnership between Snead State Community College and ACE Aeronautics in Guntersville has provided a once in a lifetime career opportunity for Aviation students. Pictured with one of the aircraft worked on by the ACE mechanics are Snead State Director of Aviation Nick Sauls, Cutler Lewis, Lillyian Smith, Greg Cooper, Chris Wood, and Jonah Hall. Submitted Photo
The Aviation Department at Snead State Community College has partnered with ACE Aeronautics, a Guntersville- based aviation company, to provide students with valuable career opportunities. This collaboration connects students with apprenticeships, jobs, and hands-on experience in a high-demand industry, bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Through this partnership, Snead State students have been able to interview with ACE, with several being offered positions working on advanced military aircraft. These skilled jobs offer unique opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Jonah Hall, a sophomore from Albertville and originally from Orlando, FL transitioned from working on cars to pursuing a career in aviation after earning a scholarship to Snead State. “I’ve always enjoyed mechanical work, and I sort of fell into aviation. It takes perseverance, and the days can be long. It’s been tough but rewarding.” Hall's proximity to ACE was a key factor in pursuing the opportunity. “It’s just 10–16 minutes from my house. Getting hired at ACE has been amazing. I’ve learned so much about rotary aircraft and complex terminology. We’re working on government-contracted helicopters. It’s a level of responsibility and opportunity that most students don’t get right out of school,” he said. Cutler Lewis of Guntersville spent 12 years as a truck driver before deciding to pursue a career that would keep him at home more. Using his GI Bill, he returned to his aviation roots after serving five years in the Air Force. “Working at ACE has brought me full circle,” he said. “The military background I have fits perfectly here.” Lewis praised the unique hands-on training he’s received at ACE. “Snead State teaches us general aviation, but ACE takes it to another level by helping us develop a precise technique and apply what we’ve learned. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and it’s awesome that we’ve given this chance right out of college.” For Lillyian Smith, a sophomore from Albertville, aviation offers a creative outlet. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I toured Snead State and fell in love with aviation,” she said. “Working with sheet metal is a craft— it's challenging but incredibly rewarding.” Smith’s work at ACE has been a transformative experience. “Being on the job and seeing the process has been amazing. My supervisor is so patient and helps me improve every day,” she said.
Greg Cooper of Addison highlighted the rare opportunities offered by ACE. “As students, we’re getting to work on military rotorcraft—something most mechanics don’t experience right out of school,” he said. “It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.” Cooper noted how ACE fosters a learning environment. “The mechanics here are willing to help, and the projects are diverse. It’s a launching pad for anyone wanting to advance in aerospace.” Chris Wood of Guntersville hopes to continue with ACE after he completes the Aviation program. “I knew that Snead State had a school at the Albertville Airport, but I had never toured it. When Snead first started the program, it only offered Airframe (Technology), but once the College added PowerPlant (Technology), it changed everything. The opportunities we’ve had aren’t offered everywhere. We work within a structure, but we also work independently. We have the freedom to learn as we work,” he said. Rich Enderle with ACE Aeronautics emphasized the significance of the partnership. “We’re growing rapidly, and having skilled mechanics from Snead State is a huge asset,” he said. “These students come prepared, and the work they do matters. The life of the pilot depends on it.” Founded in 2015, ACE Aeronautics has expanded significantly, with its Guntersville location doubling in size in recent years. The company now focuses on entire aircraft modifications, including military helicopters. ACE’s involvement with Snead State extends beyond the workshop. As part of the advisory board for the College’s Aviation program, they help shape the aviation program’s curriculum. “This partnership is a win for everyone,” Enderle said. “The students gain experience, and we get passionate, skilled workers who are eager to learn.” “To have so many of our students utilize the opportunity provided by ACE is a huge deal,” said Snead State Director of Aviation Nick Sauls. “This is the first time we’ve had so many aviation students working in the industry in Marshall County. I’m proud that this partnership has proven successful, and I’m excited to see where this opportunity takes our students. Anyone interested in the Aviation Program at Snead State can contact Sauls at nicholas.sauls@snead.edu or visit snead.edu/aviation for more information.
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