April 20, 2006
Posted by Carol M. Timberlake
Today's meeting was full of good humor and friendship and wonderful coffee. After a special opening by the Commander of the American Legion Post we enjoyed an informative presentation by Pastor Doug Dunlap who shared the beginnings and subsequent growth of the the local community college concept to Franklin County supported by local people and backed by Central Maine Community College.
I have lots to tell you today about our meeting. We welcomed Commander Charles Bennett of the local American Legion Post who, along with Spider Durrell, presented a POW/MIA service prior to breakfast. A small table for one was set with a candle and symbolically represented those who cannot be with us who are listed as prisoners of war or missing in action. It was a poignant reminder of the price these brave soldiers paid for our freedom.
Meeting: Our Secretary's report was given by Al Feather who stepped into the role as if it was always his. He announced that Steve Kelleher attended a make-up in the Waterville Club and Clayton was in Livermore. We had 60% attendance perhaps because it was vacation week and members may be vacationing. Happy Birthday to Mike Mansir and Steve Kelleher. Gil Reed had an anniversary.
Carolyn Eaton reminded us of the 4th of July Parade and the need to choose a theme. She asks that you may email her your ideas.
The collection is once again going to SAVES for a middle school awareness project.
The ballots were distributed for the Community Service Awards and members are asked to distribute them through their businesses. They have also been emailed to members and there is a link on the website. Mike Mansir also alerted us that mailings will be going to Town offices, organizations and other groups soon. Members of the committee should plan to meet next week after the meeting.
Pauline reminded us of the Interact Chartering night on April 25 at 7 PM in the Rainbow Cafe of the Technology Center at Mt. Blue.
Please email Doug if you want to order onions.
Pauline gave the Rotary minute discussing how Rotary had raised money to help those injured in 3rd world countries as they assist with our polio project.
Presentation: Mike Moffet brought Commander Bennett and Spider Durrell to the front to recognize and thank them for the work to have a monument placed in the town park to honor veterans from the Korean War to present. Our own veterans were asked to stand and be recognized. A check was given to the Legion from the club to help with the project. So far $6000 has been raised.
Drawings: Paul Mills drew his own ticket for the Rotary minute. Personally , I would have worked on drawing my own ticket for the 50/50 drawing Paul!! Ivan G lost his chance at the money, more for next week.
Speaker: Our speaker was Pastor Doug Dunlap, of the First Congregational Church of Wilton, Professor of Rehabilitation and Disabilities at UMF and former peace corp volunteer (and Bill reminded us he was a former Polar Bear). Doug has been part of an effort to bring a community college to Western Maine. Following his attendance at a national best practice conference, the idea of providing education to meet the economic needs of an area and assist those in rural poverty to move ahead was born. In looking at the demographics in Maine every county but Franklin has a community college within that county or within a 30 minute drive except Franklin. If you are an individual who is balancing a job, children and family and trying to go on to school, the drive of over one hour can be a difficult task. Doug and others discussed the idea of creating an extension of the Central Maine Community College to Franklin County to assist those who cannot travel. Areas of probable growth in this area include tourism, building, health care, small business and niche manufacturing. To prepare for these careers one would have to leave the area to receive education. Many of these students graduated from high school not thinking of themselves as "college material". What started as an idea received recieved support from CMCC and many area businesses and now a number of core courses may be attended close to home in three Franklin County sites including Mt. Blue/ Foster Applied Tech Center, Mt Abram High School and the Franklin County Adult Education Center. They are not looking at "bricks and mortar" at this time. The first students in the fall of 2005 started classes and the numbers have now grown to over 200 students in 14 classes! It continues to grow! The economic viability of an area is directly related to the education and how it relates to the needs. Many of the students have worked and lost jobs in local manufacturing. This option opens new doors to them locally. It is indeed wonderful to have individuals in this area who are willing to develop innovative programs to insure the future of our economy. Thanks Doug and the members of his group.
Meeting: Our Secretary's report was given by Al Feather who stepped into the role as if it was always his. He announced that Steve Kelleher attended a make-up in the Waterville Club and Clayton was in Livermore. We had 60% attendance perhaps because it was vacation week and members may be vacationing. Happy Birthday to Mike Mansir and Steve Kelleher. Gil Reed had an anniversary.
Carolyn Eaton reminded us of the 4th of July Parade and the need to choose a theme. She asks that you may email her your ideas.
The collection is once again going to SAVES for a middle school awareness project.
The ballots were distributed for the Community Service Awards and members are asked to distribute them through their businesses. They have also been emailed to members and there is a link on the website. Mike Mansir also alerted us that mailings will be going to Town offices, organizations and other groups soon. Members of the committee should plan to meet next week after the meeting.
Pauline reminded us of the Interact Chartering night on April 25 at 7 PM in the Rainbow Cafe of the Technology Center at Mt. Blue.
Please email Doug if you want to order onions.
Pauline gave the Rotary minute discussing how Rotary had raised money to help those injured in 3rd world countries as they assist with our polio project.
Presentation: Mike Moffet brought Commander Bennett and Spider Durrell to the front to recognize and thank them for the work to have a monument placed in the town park to honor veterans from the Korean War to present. Our own veterans were asked to stand and be recognized. A check was given to the Legion from the club to help with the project. So far $6000 has been raised.
Drawings: Paul Mills drew his own ticket for the Rotary minute. Personally , I would have worked on drawing my own ticket for the 50/50 drawing Paul!! Ivan G lost his chance at the money, more for next week.
Speaker: Our speaker was Pastor Doug Dunlap, of the First Congregational Church of Wilton, Professor of Rehabilitation and Disabilities at UMF and former peace corp volunteer (and Bill reminded us he was a former Polar Bear). Doug has been part of an effort to bring a community college to Western Maine. Following his attendance at a national best practice conference, the idea of providing education to meet the economic needs of an area and assist those in rural poverty to move ahead was born. In looking at the demographics in Maine every county but Franklin has a community college within that county or within a 30 minute drive except Franklin. If you are an individual who is balancing a job, children and family and trying to go on to school, the drive of over one hour can be a difficult task. Doug and others discussed the idea of creating an extension of the Central Maine Community College to Franklin County to assist those who cannot travel. Areas of probable growth in this area include tourism, building, health care, small business and niche manufacturing. To prepare for these careers one would have to leave the area to receive education. Many of these students graduated from high school not thinking of themselves as "college material". What started as an idea received recieved support from CMCC and many area businesses and now a number of core courses may be attended close to home in three Franklin County sites including Mt. Blue/ Foster Applied Tech Center, Mt Abram High School and the Franklin County Adult Education Center. They are not looking at "bricks and mortar" at this time. The first students in the fall of 2005 started classes and the numbers have now grown to over 200 students in 14 classes! It continues to grow! The economic viability of an area is directly related to the education and how it relates to the needs. Many of the students have worked and lost jobs in local manufacturing. This option opens new doors to them locally. It is indeed wonderful to have individuals in this area who are willing to develop innovative programs to insure the future of our economy. Thanks Doug and the members of his group.