I. Message from the President
II. NECI Graduation 2006
III. NECI Alumni Association - It's Official
IV. New NECI Facilities.... Bigger & Much Better
V. Calendar of Events
VI. The Next Generation Scholarships
VII. Donations From Our Alumni
IIX. Alumni Notes

September 5, 2006

Dear Alumni, Parents and Other Friends of NECI:

Welcome to the first issue of NECI NEWS, NECI Alumni’s online newsletter. This newsletter replaces the printed version that has been mailed in previous years. Over the years we have learned that NECI alumni are a nomadic group. We believe this strategy of employing an electronic newsletter will reach more of you. Our hope is that this first issue of NECI NEWS on-line is the start of a new and fruitful communication.

You will find in the first issue links to articles about recent events at NECI and recent alumni scholarship awards. (These are scholarships awarded in the names of graduates who recommended applicants for admission to the school.) Future articles will include updates on developments at the school. If you have particular requests or questions, please let us know by sending and email to necinews-at-neci.edu.

There are NECI alumni all over the world doing interesting things. Letting other NECI alumni know about them not only can provide some free advertising, but can lead to the discovery of long lost friends and new networking opportunities. NECI NEWS will feature NECI alumni news, so let all your NECI friends know what you are doing by contacting Sandy Webb at sandywebb-at-neci.edu.

On the necialumni.com home page you will find a link to the NECI Store where you can purchase logo apparel and more. The new President of the Alumni Association, Marcus Hamblett, has requested the selection be expanded, so check the on-line listings for the store and let us know what items you would like to see added. Our intention is to contribute all net proceeds from NECIStore sales to the NECI Scholarship Fund. Just email Amy Hill at amyhill-at-neci.edu, Purchasing Coordinator, with your suggestions.

There are other links to help you answer questions and communicate with us. Just go to the bottom of the initial NECI Alumni Homepage.

Our hope, too, is that you will help us evolve the newsletter so that it not only rekindles memories, but also is helpful for you in your current endeavors. We look forward to your participation.

In closing, greetings from all of us at NECI and best wishes.

Sincerely,
Fran Voigt

This year’s graduation ceremonies where held in the meadow of the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe on Saturday, June 3rd and, for the first time in our school’s 25-year history, graduates from both the Montpelier and Essex campuses were honored with diplomas in the same ceremony.

Despite the rain, excitement and anticipation charged the atmosphere throughout the large, white tent that had been erected to house students, families, friends, NECI faculty, and members of the school’s administration. Those who attended the first meeting of the NECI Alumni Association the previous evening were there to welcome the graduates as the school’s newest alumni. According to Sandy Webb, “Close to a thousand people attended graduation this year. That makes it the largest ceremony in our school’s history.”

Alton Brown, who graduated in the class of 1997, was this year’s keynote speaker. Mr. Brown, award winning host of the Food Network’s popular series, Good Eats, warned the audience about the industrialization of America’s food service industry and advised NECI’s graduates to do everything possible to counter this trend by creating cuisine that reflects creativity, regional personality and the highest possible quality of ingredients.

“Don’t think of yourselves as chefs,” he advised. “Think of yourselves as cooks; people who have the talent and the responsibility to prepare the finest food possible, whether it’s a simple hamburger or a great cherry pie.”

Mr. Brown’s new series, Feasting On Asphalt, follows up on this theme. Based on his recent motorcycle journey throughout the United States, the program and accompanying book, recount his search for the best and most authentic food our country has to offer.

Dr. Howard Fisher, Dean of Academic Affairs, presided over the presentation of awards: 113 Associate Degrees, 8 Certificate Degrees and 8 Bachelors Degrees. Of the 129 total graduates, 71 studied in Montpelier and 58 studied in Essex.

At the conclusion of NECI’s 2006 graduation ceremony, everyone was invited to a reception that featured a wide variety of foods that were prepared, and beautifully presented, by Erik Larson and his catering class.

On the Friday evening of June 2nd, just a day before NECI’s 2006 graduation ceremonies, a group of alumni gathered in Steve & Erica’s Restaurant, at the Ten Acres Lodge in Stowe, to adopt our new association’s by-laws.

“Our alumni have always been important to us,” says Sandy Webb. “And so many of them have kept in touch over the years. The time is right for there to be an official association and I hope it receives the support of all of our alumni.”

Whip Burks, ’01 AOS, ’02 BA, served as Acting Chairperson. Other alumni who attended the meeting were: Carmen Allen ’85 and guest, Todd Belanger ’93, Gail Benson ’94, Monica Clark ’93 and guest, Arie Kidder. ’96, Gary Kidder BA ’96 Timothy Klauder ’84, Renee Kraus ’01, Kim Leavy ’01, Scott Stillman ’87 and David Zablocki ’97. Fran Voigt, President and Founder, Julie Hendrickson, Chief Operating Officer and Chef Michael LeBorgne represented NECI administration. Guests included Betty Lord and Darcie Johnston.

Fran Voigt opened the meeting by explaining the by-laws and presenting two primary ways that the Board and members of the new association will be asked to support our school.

> Help to identify qualified prospective students.
> Support efforts to raise money for NECI’s scholarship fund.

Following Fran’s remarks, Whip Burks called for a motion to accept the by-laws. Timothy Klauder moved for acceptance of the by-laws as presented and his motion was seconded by David Kablocki. The by-laws of the newly formed NECI Alumni Association were approved by a unanimous vote. To receive a copy of the by-laws please contact Sandy Webb: sandywebb-at-neci.edu or 802.225.3344.

Following the vote, Fran explained that due to difficulties with a third-party computer company, e-mail sent to all alumni requesting those interested in becoming an officer of the new association to supply a bio as well as an indication of the office for which they wished to run, was not sent in a timely manner. It was suggested that those alumni who had responded be presented for consideration for election. Everyone agreed that this would be the appropriate way to approach the election.

At that point, Whip presented the slate of officers and directors. Betty Lord, acting secretary, read biographies of the slate and Whip called for a vote to accept the slate as a whole. A motion was made by Timothy Klauder and seconded by Renee Kraus to accept the slate as presented. The motion carried unanimously. The newly elected officers of the first Board of Directors for the NECI Alumni Association are as follow:

President: Marcus Hamlett
V. Pres Kevin Cooper
Directors Scott Stillman
David Zablocki
Michael Gabriel
Michael Levy
John S. L
Finance Committee
Whip Burks, Chair
Orrick Nepomucens
Erica McConnell Cooper
Brian Varin
Tim Corcoran

It was further agreed by all those present that due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the election, the Board would serve for one year until such time as a more timely election could be presented to all the alumni.

Fran then introduced Julie Hendrickson, NECI’s Chief Operating Officer, who addressed the accomplishments of the Alumni Ambassadors and future plans for attracting a greater number of qualified students to the school. According to NECI’s records, 85% of students who visit our campus enroll in one of our unique programs.

Following Julie’s presentation, Timothy Klauder stated that his company, Blodgett Industries, would underwrite the cost of the NECI Alumni Association dinner. He encouraged all those attending to donate the money they would have spent on their dinner to the scholarship fund. With Tim’s match, the alumni in attendance raised $1,200 for the scholarship fund.

On May 30th NECI’s new meat fabrication lab began operations in Dewey Hall on the Vermont College Campus. A month later, NECI’s administrative headquarters were moved from 250 Main Street to the newly renovated Harris Hall at 56 College Street, which is also part of the campus.

At 1,000 square feet, the new meat fabrication lab is roughly twice as large as the old lab. According to chef-instructor Bryan Severns, “The new space gives us a much better teaching environment. Aside from having more space, the design is more efficient and most of the equipment and fixtures are new. Now we can comfortably work with a larger number of students each day.” NECI is planning to add both cold and hot smoke units to the lab in the near future.

As for NECI’s new administrative headquarters in Harris Hall, Fran Voigt is happy with the move. “We needed a larger and more organized space to work in, and this move is a major step in our overall plan to consolidate our operations and administration in one location.” Harris Hall was used as a dormitory for NECI students in the early eighties and one of the students at that time, John Dowman, produced a painting which is still part of the NECI art collection.

NECI’s growing presence on the Vermont College campus does not end with our meat fabrication lab and new administrative headquarters. Students are currently residing in the Glover Hadley dormitory and by September students will be living in Bishop Hatch.

With the relocation of so many NECI facilities to the Vermont College campus, the school has taken on a more collegiate image. According to Fran Voigt, “These changes are creating a different impression of NECI and could portend other positive changes down the road.”

Open Houses:
October 15 - Information Session for prospective students to be held at the Downtown Hilton Garden Inn, Portland, ME, from 1-4 pm.
October 22 – Admissions Open House prospective students to be held at our Montpelier campus in Vermont, from 10-2pm.
October 29 - Information Session for prospective students to be held at the Desmond in Albany, NY, from 1-4pm
November 5 – Information Session for prospective students at the Sheraton, in Meriden, CT from 1-4 pm.

Food Show – New York:
On November 11-14, NECI will be exhibiting at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, in New York City, the world’s largest showcase of all facets of the hospitality and restaurant industry. The show draws more than 35,000 attendees and features over 1400 products and services industry wide. For more information visit www.ihmrs.com.

Benefit for NECI Graduate competing in the Bocuse D’Or in France:
On November 13, NECI is co-hosting with Rancho Bernardo a fundraising event  NECI Grad, Gavin Kaysen, winner of the Bocuse D’Or in Chicago, and on his way to compete in the International competition in Lyon, France in January 2007. Macy’s of San Diego is donating the cooking theater which can hold over 100 guests. Tickets for the event will be $100, and proceeds of the event will help pay for Gavin’s training for the event and transportation to France.

Chef Michel and Gavin, along with other NECI alumni, Randy Lewis of Matanzas Creek Winery, Doug Weldon of Bistro Jeanty and James Houghton of Trinchero Winery will be cooking up a 4-course dinner paired with wine for this amazing event.

Do you know a budding culinary star? Help them achieve their dreams by referring them to NECI and they will receive a $1,000 Next Generation Scholarship.

It’s easy to sponsor a student through the alumni website. Click here to sponsor a student.

SEPTEMBER 2006

MELISSA HOWARD - Stephanie Couillard

LAWRENCE BELLEW - Paul Del Buono

ALAN BROOKS - Matthew Hagan

DARIN MULY - Dedrick Krzywiec

MOLLY HAYES - Ellena Realley

WENDY JACKSON - Jericha Strickland

JONATHAN TURNER - Jeremy Westine

CYNTHIA KOMISAREK - Kevin Baker

CAROL MASCOLI - Tosha Callahan

ALEX DEJONG - Abraham Dilworth

SEAN PATRICK MORRISON - Erin Green

RONALD LEROY MANTLEY - Chester Hughes

KIRK HOLMES - Joseph McHugh, Jr.

KRISTINA DAHLSTET-CARR - Bryan McLendon

SCOTT COLLINS - Joshua Merrill

RONALD LEROY MANTLEY - Devin Miller

RACHEL DOWEN - Isaac Olson

CHRISTOPHER LEVITRE - Andrew Paul

TED ASK - Molly Reed

Thank you to all that have donated to the NECI Scholarship Fund. Below are the names of those who have contributed since June 2006.

Timothy Klauder
Gail Benson
Carmen Allen

Alumni Notes

1987

Tim Blackwell, Montpelier graduate, is working as corporate chef and outside sales representative for Invision Food Marketing Group. Based in Mineola, on Long Island, Invision represents 35 companies that sell to food service distributors in the New York metropolitan area as well as in northern New Jersey, lower New York state and Long Island.

Kara Briggs, Montpelier graduate, is the Pastry Chef at Madrona Manor in Healdsburg, CA. Healdsburg is located 65 miles north of San Francisco, in the heart of California’s wine country.

1992

Dominic Vaccaro, Montpelier graduate, has recently become the Executive Chef at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, SC.

Peter Martin, Montpeliergraduate

Dining Room Manager for Big Tomatoes in Neenah, WI

Ron Schoenfeld, Montpelier graduate, lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin and owns 2 restaurants: Chives is an upscale restaurant and is beginning its fourth year of operation. Pie From The Sky is scheduled to open its doors in mid-August and will feature stone oven pizza. Ron’s website: www.chivesdining.com.

1995

Christina Cole, Montpelier graduate. After moving to southwest Kansas with her sons, Christina has worked as a certified nurse’s aide and a school cook. Christina’s life took a turn when she decided to begin baking bread. “I began this little venture in May 2004 by selling seven large loaves of Garden Bread for $6 each. My product list increased rapidly as did my customer base. I now produce about 13 different breads each week, 4 or 5 of which are quick breads. I sell $600 - $800 or more a week.”

Demand for Christina’s breads has increased since she sold those first seven loaves. “In December 2004, I moved into my own little shop.It is the back room of a large building. Here I have 4 home ovens (set up on 18" platforms), three freezers and a Hobart. I am content with my little bakeshop & it continues to prosper.” According to Christina, whose customers call her the Bread Lady; “Having the NECI training in management, food cost,customer satisfaction, etc., has made this undertaking easy. The numbers look good & the customers keep on asking for more! God has blessed me greatly. Hope to hearfrom some of you.”

Tina Cole

www.tinamarie-at-afo.net.

Eric Carter, Essex graduate, is Executive Chef at the Lake Wildwood Association in Penn Valley, CA.

Essex graduates, Marcus Hamblett, 1995, and Joey Buttendorf, 2001, are both teaching at the Inn at Essex.

1996

Jennifer Cornell, Essex graduate, owns Small Chef at Large Catering as well as The White Street Deli Cafe in Key West, FL.Jennifer was married three years ago and spent some time in Thailandthis year. She is now working on a Thai Tapas and Winebar adjacent to her cafe.

1998

Christopher Henning, Montpelier graduate, is employed by the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus, where he works with the Executive Chef and production managers in menu development. Chris also writes bid specifications for the purchasing department. This summer he has been team leader of the menu management implementation project and, along with three of his colleagues, traveled to the University of Maine to compete in an ACF competition. Chris returned home with some medals and some kind words about NECI. “I have to say that NECI really opened up these opportunities for me and I am very thankful.”

Terrie Kohl, Essex graduate, is staying busy in the kitchen. She owns Country Club Market in Clive, Iowa, and if you’d like to see what she’s up to these days just click on the link below.

desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article

Terrie’s email: terrie-at-countryclubmkt.com.

Chef Douglas Rennie, Montpelier graduate
CEC Certification, Chef/Owner with his wife Marla Rennie. Just Rennie's Catering in Evansville, Indiana & Just Rennie's Cafe in Newburgh, Indiana. (Work) 812-401-8098

Sarah Ducray, Montpelier graduate working in Maputo, Mozambique, Africa. Sarah, who works at the American Embassy in Management Administration, is hoping to write a book about local foods and ingredients.

1999

Luke Canatela, Essex graduate and Chef/Manager at Sodexho in Kingwood, TX, has entered a recipe contest sponsored by Entegra Procurement and has been selected to travel to New York as one of eight finalists. The winner will enjoy a two-week trip to California that will include a tour of the wine country. Luke will prepare Tira Misu as well as Granola Chocolate Lady Fingers.

Beth Carr, Montpelier graduate, is happily working as a pastry chef at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in southwest Florida.

2000

Alistair Fowlie, Montpelier 2000, has married. He enjoys his position of head chef at the Mansefield Hotel in Elgin, Scotland. The Mansefield isa 4 Star, 40-bedroom hotel with restaurant, brassiere and conference center.The town of Elgin dates back to the 18th century. The area is famous for noted whisky distillers Glenfiddich and Glenlivet.

David Work, Essex graduate, has left the kitchen, “mostly due to the cumulative effect of four knee surgeries, a serious bout with lung trouble over the winter and the burning need to spend more time with my family. I have switched careers to something more in line with my background in singing & music, that is, I work now as a freelance voice over talent, doing voices for everything from commercials, audio books, technical/instructional videos, animations, jingles, etc.” Go to www.fiddlehead.cmugmug.com to learn about David’s other interest and to get in touch with him.

2001

Two Essex grads, Aaron Bernstein 2001 and Wendi Kotak, 2000, were married on May 7, 2005 and are living on the New Jersey shore in Asbury Park. Aaron is Executive Sous Chef at the Eagle Oaks Golf Club in Farmingdale, NJ. Wendi is a culinary expert with Suray Promotions of Cherry Hill, NJ.

Craig Barlow, Montpelier, has been named Executive Chef of The Forum at The Woodlands, a senior living community of over 400 residents in Tyler, TX

2002

John Cox, Montpelier graduate, works for Passport Resorts as Corporate Executive Chef. Headquartered in San Francisco, Passport Resorts has earned an international reputation for developing and operating luxurious resorts that promote environmental and social responsibilities. One of John’s primary responsibilities is to work with the chefs of each resort to create unique cuisines that reflect each area’s local culture. According to John, “Without the time I spent at NECI I cannot imagine how I would have faced all of the challenges along the way in this challenging and exciting career.”

David Patterson, Montpelier graduate started at Maisonette in Cincinnati, Ohio as second year intern and moved up the line until he left in 2004 as the Executive Sous Chef. He and his wife, Alina, left Cincinnati and moved to Hana to take a job at Hotel Hana-Maui, a Passport Resorts property as the Executive Chef. During his stay there, the hotel continues to receive a large amount of very positive press, including awards from Conde Naste Traveler “Best Spa Hotel in the US” and are regularly rated one of the top luxury hotels in Hawaii. David has recently been invited to host a dinner at the James Beard House on December 15, 2006. He is definitely looking forward to that event, as it will hopefully serve as a stepping stone for more national attention – not to mention that it is a dream come true for most any chef. He is having a lot of fun with all of the food in Hawaii, writing a new dinner menu every night for his fine dining restaurant. They are almost exclusively using the farming and fishing community of Maui, which is a strong point of pride for him. It is awesome working with such talented farmers and fishermen – they contribute so much to what we are doing here.

2003

Jonathan Donoghue, Essex graduate, now works at the Blue Ginger in Wellesley, MA.

They Shall Be Missed

Andrea Greathouse Morris, class of June 2004, died in June 2006, in Virginia, of complications from surgery.

Derek Valerius, class of May 1993, died July 5, 2006, following a brief illness, in Rockport, MA.

Tim Miller, class of September 2005, died July 13, 2006, in Columbus, OH.

A Note From Sandy Webb

Dear NECI Grads,

I’ve loved hearing from so many of you and hope to hear from the people who have not been in touch. Send me an email: sandywebb-at-neci.edu