Northern Essex Community College Continues to Improve

David Hartleb, President of Northern Essex Community College, spoke to us this week about how the college is keeping up with the need for quality education in our community. If you were awake, he mentioned to us that one of the most popular new courses of study at NECC is Polysomnography.

February 27, 2007

Hi Tim,
This is the first chance I've had to get to a computer in India. Communication is not so good where we are. The NID was very successful. So many kids and parents came out for the polio vaccine. There are posters and sign spread thru out the city - Delhi. Rotary is everywhere. It is truly amazing. On the first day, we went to the main distribution site to see how they packed the boxes full of polio vaccine. We then traveled with local Rotarians thru out the city distributing the boxes to many many sites. Later, we went to two sites to help give the vaccine to children. This is truly a hands on project.

The next day, we traveled to Sohn - very small town out side of the village area and checked into a motel - which was more like a camp. From there, we traveled to the village very day and worked as laborers building two washing facilities. Currently, the women wash there clothes (and everything including the cows) in the main reservoir. These washing facilities will give them another place to wash thus leaving the drinking water clean. We've been doing everything from laying bricks to hauling cement - with out wheel barrows!

We also attended the Rotary South Asian Goodwill Conference were we met another NID team and were invited to high tea with the President of India. I actually got to speak with him ever so briefly as he passed through the crowd.

I am so proud to be representing Haverhill Rotary!

The team I am working with is amazing. We are all getting along and working very well together.

If you would, please report to the club that all is well. I will likely not get to another computer for some time. Thank you so much!

Until next time,
Darlene


The link below will take you to an on-line blog set up by the leader of the India trip Elias Thomas.
Rotary's India Trip Blog

The Auction Committee is meeting weekly before Thursday's meetings. Remember to get those auction items in early. Each member is asked to solicit $150.00 worth of goods or services to auction off. If you need a PDF copy of the auction form click on the link.

Here 'N There

Save your laughs for March 16 at the Rotary Comedy Night. There are tables of ten which gives you the opportunity to invite 9 of your family and friends.

Bonnie pitches Comedy Night and keeps John Cuneo laughing.

Upon her return, President Darlene will pass on her experiences including instructions on how to wash a cow.

Consciousness is that aggravating time between naps.

Rotary Guest Riley Baker attended her twelfth meeting as guest of her grandfather Ron Albert.

Congratulations to proud grandparents Dave and Ann Shaw on the birth of a grandson.

Happy Valentine¹s Birthday on the birth and arrival of King and Tudy Davis¹ first granddaughter, Victoria Davis Newbury. Congratulations to the parents and grandparents.

Program Highlights

Jean Poth re-introduced a well known visitor and friend Dr. David Hartleb, President of Northern Essex Community College.

David acknowledged several Rotarians who are affiliated with Northern Essex in one way or other, trustee, NECC foundation etc.

Nursing and allied health care sciences are the most popular courses, which popularity reflects the job market and local economy and the fact that students are interested in helping people.

Technology remains popular, computers - high tech and related subjects even after the dot.com crash of several years ago. There are high tech jobs in the Merrimack Valley area but are not as dominant as they were.

Business is a popular major for students who are interested in a four year college education.

The transfer program is a popular and cost efficient means for students to attain the grades and courses they need to transfer for a 4 year education.

Now, 37% to 39% of the students are looking to transfer to 4 year colleges up from 25% or so, 10 to 11 years ago.

Distance education via internet is a popular choice for students. There are 52 courses available in the distance education program.

The Corporate and Community Education Center is at the Lucent Technology property in North Andover. Many of the non credit courses are offered there.

The truck driving education program is a very large program involving very large trucks.

The new technology center is up and running and is a college and community asset.

The Lawrence campus buildings serve 1/3 of the college population. The college has identified the old Lawrence In-Town Mall as the site for the new campus. As soon as 6 Tenants are relocated, there will be asbestos remediation to be followed by the demolition of the building and the construction of a new allied health care building.

Our thanks to Dr. Hartleb for his update on matters of interest and concern at Northern Essex.

Second vice president John Cuneo presided over last week's meeting. First vice president Vin Bonnano gave some preemptive happy dollars before John got a chance to fine him for his unexpected attendance.



Kathy Bresnahan is seeking committee members to work on a joint fundraiser for Rotary and the Tattersall Farm. The family day event will be held on September 15th and include nineteenth century agricultural demonstrations, pony rides and general history behind this 150 acre farm owned by the City of Haverhill.



Riley Baker, granddaughter extraordinaire of Ron Albert, attended her 12th Rotary meeting this week. Riley is six years old and attends the first grade in Westport, CT.

Districts 7930 and 7950 Conference in Bermuda May 10 - 13, 2007

March 16 - Rotary Comedy Night
April 18 - Rotary TV Auction
April 20 - Live/Silent Auction Event
Speakers:
March 1 - Amesbury River Walk
March 8 - Dan Harty, Convanta Mercury Collection Program

Proposed for Membership:
James Tomacchio; Delivery Service