PITTSFIELD ROTARY CLUB  District 6460  7-11-07

News of note:

Mel and Linda led our singing.   Julie Boren had a July birthday noted….Johnson Stilwell and Gwen celebrated their 60^th Wedding Anniversary.

There are apparently two teams with loss records worse than the CUBS, who only have 9,400 team losses over the years.   (We didn’t think it was possible for any to be worse than the CUBS>>>but, The Phillies hit 10,000 this weekend…..but, the CUBS are VERY close behind).

A very nice thank-you note was received from Ray Syrcle for his Rotary scholarship.

Sept 14 is the re-scheduled ball game at St. Louis for those having Rotary tickets…

District Governor’s visit will be October 14.

Visitors:  Charles Phebus, Comptroller for Corn Belt Bank, with Jeff Stark.

Charlene Peter, director of the newly formed Health Alliance, with Jan Bleich.

Make-ups:  Eric Dolbeare at Bowling Green, Mo and Peoria, IL

El Presidente Randy passed around sign-up sheets for programs, song leader and prayer….for his year…..if you didn’t sign up for a program date, prepare to do so at the next couple of meetings… (something indicates they will be back)…..

He also asked if our club wishes to have Youth Exchange this year….let him know your thoughts….and IF you are willing to have an exchange student in your home….

Program:  Kent Hawley, John Wood Community College Pike County Administrator, brought an up-date on the JW-Rotary Project.. He stated he was very proud to be on the lst program of King Randy’s reign.

The Rotary grant for the expanded literacy program is very important in this area.  Many adults can’t read, or do so on a very low level.  It is hard to get them to admit they can’t read, or need help.   JW needs help in identifying these individuals, plus encouragement in getting them enrolled so they can become more productive in the community.  He thanked Rotary for the grant.

Kent  said the great increase in what JW is able to accomplish in Pike County is due in a large part to the foundation laid down by Carole Bradshaw during her turn at the helm.

Current important issue:  Pike County has NO representation on the JWCDC Board.   Lack of representation has effect on future growth and help.   Original JW board had 5 from Pike County.  The local presence has grown from 1 room in 1979 to a 15,000 sq ft facility,  and over 500 students.

JW is a very valuable resource to this county and community.  They are trying to get ALL programs so students can get 100 % of their degree at this facility and not have to go to Quincy for part of it.

Important items:  Expanding the science program.  Willing to listen to ideas.  Preparing to build up Non-credit program.   Want to serve the needs of the community. The advisory council has been very helpful in bringing up good ideas for improvement of the programs and courses offered.  JWCC is partnering with the high schools for laboratory facilities.  The excellent dual-credit program with high schools enables the students to get up to 16 hours college credit before getting out of high school

Thanks Kent.. Good coverage of JWCC for our up-date.