President Andy Browne called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Women of Rotary. The 4 Way Test was led by the Men of Rotary and Pastor Heather Sugden gave the invocation. Alicia Fichera was our notetaker and photographer.
Guests included: Josie Neill, Lauren DeBello, CCTEC interact students Jolin Shi and Grace Zheng
Sandy Hearing announced that she is planning ahead for the annual Friends helping Friends day at Boscov’s! She will be selling tickets every week she is here up until 10/21! Last years sales were $700 and she would love to beat that number. Please help her reach her goal by purchasing your coupons from now until the event (10/22/24) for $5 each! All proceeds come back to our Rotary Club!!
Josie Spinelli called in to the meeting as she could not make it. She wanted to let everyone know about the movie "Zombie Wedding" that was filmed in Vineland, would have its New Jersey premiere at the Landis Theatre last Thursday. Josie, her husband, Councilman Paul Spinelli, Larrys II and many others you may know have cameos in this movie, Filmed in Vineland in October and November of 2022, the movie is a celebration of zombies and Vineland. The film stars Cheri Oteri, Seth Gilliam, Vincent Pastore, Micky Dolenz, Siobhan Fallon-Hogan, Heather Matarazzo, Ajay Naidu, Christine Spang and the bride and groom— Deepti Menon and Donald Chang. It’s a romantic, comedic, family-fun movie filmed in Vineland!
If you have an opportunity to see the film, don't miss it!
Our Program
Our guest speaker was Lauren DeBello, Chief Academic Officer at CCTEC
Lauren was happy to bring two students with her: Jolin Shi and Grace Zheng.
As you can see on the diagram, there were 1,129 applicants and 368 accepted students. This was the largest amount of applicants to date and also the largest acceptance rate to date.
Lauren's daughter actually went through 3 of the information sessions and was so excited for the opportunities. She brought her family along for the sessions and they were all so impressed by the students and programs. She is now in her freshman year of the Cosmetology program and she loves it! Lauren mentioned she has mannequin heads around her home, they can be quite creepy!
This year 51 seniors graduated with their Associate’s Degrees from RCSJ!! Next year, they anticipate 90 students will graduate. This will be the largest graduating group from RCSJ.
The Interact Club collaborates with students in the Law Enforcement program, members of the TEC Ambassadors Club, and volunteers throughout the community to make bows for Wreaths of Remembrance.
Anyone is welcome to help and participate, please email Lauren at ldebello@cctecnj.org The dates and times are 7/9, 7/11, 7/16, 7/18, 8/6, 8/8 taking place 8:30AM - 12:30PM.
Norm Neill asked why the student acceptance number is so low compared to the amount of applicants. Lauren explained it is basically due to space, or lack thereof. CCTEC did apply for a grant, which they have not heard back on yet, for a possible expansion.
Jay Einstein asked if during their year, students could change their career path if their needs or interests change. Lauren said once you are accepted into that program, you are in it for 4 years.
Sandy Hearing asked if the culinary arts students could ever open up their work to the public to taste the food. Lauren mentioned there are many competitions within the school, but not to the public.
Grace and Jolin then came up to help answer questions.
Grace talked about a recent competition in Atlantic County where they made a very elaborate seafood spread. They came in 2nd place. They do this every year. The past 5 years they have come in 1st place. There are also cake decorating contest and many different food competitions within the school.
Melody Montgomery mentioned that Big Brothers Big Sisters also does the Mentor 2.0 program there and they also do the catering for their Chat and Chews!Denise Jackson added that the food is amazing and impressive.
Lauren mentioned that they hope to offer to the public sometime in the future.
Jay thanked Lauren, Grace and Jolin for joining us. He wished them the best of luck in the future!
To view Lauren's complete presentation, click this link:
as happy to bring two students with her: Jolin Shi and Grace Zheng.
ng for the sessions and they were all so impressed by the students and programs. She is now in her freshman year of the Cosmetology program and she loves it! Lauren mentioned she has mannequin heads around her home, they can be quite creepy! 
act Club collaborates with students in the Law Enforcement program, members of the TEC Ambassadors Club, and volunteers throughout the community to make bows for Wreaths of Remembrance.
itions within the school, but not to the public. 
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