The Center for Agrarian Learning (CAL) at MCC joined forces with Holzlager Brewery in Woodstock to create the ”Agrarian Pale Ale”– a refreshing beer with a blend of earthy and citrus notes. The limited time brew features hops grown and harvested by horticulture and agriculture students on MCC’s Student Farm.

This partnership was initiated by Travis Slepcevich, who is the owner of Holzlager Brewing and an MCC alum. According to Sherry Doyel, director of the center, Slepcevich’s input was instrumental throughout the process, particularly in determining the optimal time for hop harvest.

The hops were planted on the MCC student farm on May 15, 2023. Though they were challenges ahead with unseasonably hot and dry June, which necessitated weekly watering, the hops were able to thrive with the care of the students and staff involved.

On September 6, the hops were harvested, which half were delivered to Holzlager Brewing.

“We spent the day under the tent, cutting the bines down and laying them out on long tables,” Doyel said. “Two horticulture classes came out to help and the Garden Club met on the farm as well. We tracked all four varieties and weighed the harvest.”

The hops overall made 217 gallons or seven beer barrels of lager. The remaining hops were dried and stored for potential future use.

This project extended beyond just the center. Students from MCC’s Advanced Graphic Design class, led by instructor Violet Luczak, were tasked with creating the beer label. Declan Abraham designed the winning label.

The Agrarian American Pale Ale is available for purchase at Holzlager Brewing for a limited time. It is also available at MCC’a student run restaurant, the Tartan Bis

“We hope to rekindle the hops industry in the area, and this partnership is an example of what is possible in specialty crop production,” Doyel said.

— By Gabe Graunke

Children’s Learning Center receives award

MCC’s Children’s Learning Center (CLC) was awarded the Silver Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois. ExceleRate Illinois is the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early childhood education and care programs.

ExceleRate Illinois helps families by giving them the tools to make informed decisions about their children’s early education, according to Jamilah R. Jor’dan, the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood development. “It establishes standards to help infants, toddlers and preschoolers develop intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally. Additionally, it provides a framework for early learning and development professionals to identify opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.”

Lisha Linder, director of the CLC, says that they are proud to receive the award.

“Providing quality in early learning and development helps children be better prepared for success in school and in life,” Lisher said.

Research shows that children who actively engage in early learning experiences from infancy to age five are more likely to excel academically and in life. Meaningful engagement during this critical period helps to form a healthy foundation of neural pathways in the brain, enhancing cognitive functions such as thinking, processing, and learning.

MCC’s CLC offers childcare for 15-month to 3-year-olds and 3- to 5-year-olds. In addition, they offer preschool programs for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. It also serves as a learning opportunity for students in MCC’s Early Childhood Education program. All programs are available to students, employees, and members of the community.

— By Nathan Chiak