MPTC Culinary Arts Students Provide Fondue at Fond du Lac's Fondue Fest

Moraine Park's Culinary Arts students donated their time and talents by providing delicious cheese and chocolate fondue along with various breads at this year's Fondue Fest in downtown Fond du Lac on September 6.  The event was a success as the fondue sold out and the students were able to raise money to support their culinary club activities.  

MPTC faculty participate in service learning

Faculty at MPTC completed a day of service for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Project at Lakeside Park.   Serving our community by learning about invasive water species, surveying boaters on the lake, and pulling out Japanese Knotwood plants were an active part of the morning .  Reflection and discussion of service learning integration into coursework curriculum rounded out a beautiful summer day.

Germany Update, June 3 2014

Today we began by touring the 500 year old ruins of the Frankenstein Castle located in the hills of central Hessen. Students heard the history of the castle and were able to explore the area independently. As with many castles, the views were spectacular.

After enjoying the stroll across the castle grounds, we once again enjoyed a traditional German meal of fleischekase (a seasoned pork meatloaf with cheese) and hard rolls.

Next came one of the more adventurous activities of the trip. We went into the woods to experience the Ketterwald, a collection of obstacle courses through the trees. When I say through the trees, I mean at least 20 feet above the ground with some courses much higher. Courses ranged from Blue (simple) to Black (advanced and really, really high). The courses started with a basic climbing web where we posed for a group photo.

After that, it was into the trees...

It was much higher than it looks! Everyone enjoyed the day with no falls or injuries, of course ;)

Tomorrow we will visit our German counterparts schools including the Peter Behrens Schule and the Fredrich Liste Schule. We will end the day with a casual bowling get together in Darmstadt.

Stay tuned for more developments and be sure to visit the International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Facebook Page for more information, news and photos.

MPTC Students in Germany June 2, 2014

It was a busy day for the students traveling in Germany today. It began with a lot of bustling pots, pans, cutting boards and knives as German and American students worked together to create a traditional German meal. On the menu was Wiener Schnitzel, White Asparagus with Hollandaise,  Roasted Potatoes, Braised Mushrooms in Cream and Fried Bread Dumplings.

After hours of work the final meal was served...

In addition to a great meal Fr. Corinna Haake, an instructor from the Peter Behrens Schule and German wine expert, introduced the students to the basics of wine selection and tasting.

Next on the agenda was a tour of the local Phungstadt Brewery, a traditional German brewer which was established in 1831. The students learned the history of the art of German beer brewing as well as how it is produced today. After the tour, students sampled different beers and snacked on traditional German cold cuts and sausages. Certainly after this day, no one went home hungry.

For more information and more photos, please visit the International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Facebook page or International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Flickr album.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to move on to Italy this week!

Germany Updates May 30, 2014

This past weekend, students participated in a number of different activities with their host friends and families. Many attended Schlossgrabenfest 2014 (say that 10 times really fast) which is a large music festival at the Graben Castle in the center of Darmstadt. Others toured downtown Frankfurt with its many shops, street performers and international cuisine. My hosts and I attended a wine festival just south of the city in Zwienenberg where we also visited a local vineyard.

Tomorrow the American and German students will be preparing a meal together at the Fredrich Liste Schule, a college similar to MPTC. The cuisine will of course be German.

For more photos and information visit the International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Facebook page or International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Flickr album.

 Stay tuned for many more activities to come!

Students Arrive in Germany!

Students enjoyed their first full day of fun, food and tours in Darmstadt, Germany! Culinary Arts Instructor James Simmers shares that students had a busy day touring a German garden with its own grill house, a castle built in the 12th century in Mount Tannenberg, and even the Lufthansa Training Center! 

It's already a very enjoyable and educational program, and students are even staying with host families in the Darmstadt region as part of our ongoing German exchange.

Check out pictures on the International Education Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/internationalmptc (updated regularly!).

 

FREE Income Tax Returns!

Yet again, Moraine Park students are helping out the community through service-learning!

Moraine Park Technical College accounting program students are providing free income tax assistance. This is a great service-learning project that allows students to take what they learn from their accounting class and apply it to situations in their community.

Income must be $51,000 or less

Items you need to bring to have your tax returns prepared

·         Proof of identification (picture id)

·         Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration

·         Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return

·         Current year’s tax package if you received one

·         Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers

·         Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

·         A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available

·         Bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit

·         Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)

·         To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

·         If claiming the Homestead Credit for the State of Wisconsin, an original renter’s certificate signed by the landlord.

Dates for FREE income tax returns:

On the Fond du Lac campus

Room O-213/214

Thursday, February 20 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, February 27 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, March 6 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, March 13 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, March 27 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, April 3 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, April 10 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, April 3 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, April 10 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

It’s tax time and we are ready for YOU!