MCCC’s Radiography Director Chairs JRCERT Board Of Directors

Montgomery County Community College’s Radiography Program Director Debra Poelhuis recently was elected to serve as chair of the Board of Directors of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

Blue Bell/Pottstown, Pa.— Montgomery County Community College’s Radiography Program Director Debra Poelhuis recently was elected to serve as chair of the Board of Directors of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the accreditation of traditional and distance learning educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.

The JRCERT Board is comprised of eight members from across the United States, and each member is recommended by a specific professional organization. Poelhuis was recommended for membership by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. She has served as second and first vice chair before her election to JRCERT board chair.

Leadership of the JRCERT Board will allow Poelhuis to observe best practices from programs across the country and to be informed of issues that may affect radiography education—including Montgomery County Community College’s program—in the future.

As chair, she will conduct meetings deciding the accreditation of programs and represent the Board at professional conferences and forums.

“On occasion I may be part of a team that conducts unannounced site visits for programs with allegations of noncompliance of the standards,” she said.

Poelhuis started her career as a diagnostic radiographer in 1972. She is certified in mammography, has experience in interventional radiography and computed tomography and spent a sabbatical semester doing forensic radiography.

Involved in radiography education for 34 years, Poelhuis was program director at a Kentucky community college for 13 years since its inception before coming to Pennsylvania to lead MCCC’s Radiography program. She holds an A.S. in Radiologic Technology, a B.S. in Allied Health, and an M.S. in Agency Counseling.

Poelhuis became involved with JRCERT through her mentor, a faculty for the Indiana University Radiography program, who also served as chair of the JRCERT Board.

Poelhuis has two grown children and is married to sculptor Bill Leth, an art instructor at Cedar Crest College and the Baum School of Art, both in Allentown.

MCCC’s Radiography program provides a comprehensive curriculum and educational experience for students who wish to become integral members of a health care team. The program provides opportunities to develop competence in critical thinking, technical skills and interpersonal communication necessary for the practice of diagnostic radiography. Competence is achieved through the integrated use of lecture, laboratory activities, small group presentations, research, and clinical education experiences.. For more information about MCCC’s Radiography program, visit mc3.edu.

Forks Township Supervisors Approve 13 Percent Tax Increase

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Northampton County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Property taxes will go up 13 percent next year in Forks Township.

Last week, the board of supervisors approved a budget that includes the tax increase and an additional $700,000 in expenditures.

The extra money will pay for new vehicles and equipment or repairs.

Finance Manager Jim Farley said vehicle prices continue to go up despite the economy. He estimated a new, fully loaded dump truck with a plow could cost $500,000 and a fire engine could cost as much as $2 million.

Read more: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/index.ssf/2013/12/forks_township_supervisors_app_4.html

Governor Corbett Becomes Head Of The Delaware River Port Authority

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It sounds like somebody will be a tad busy for a while.  It is not like Tom Corbett does not already have enough headaches being the newly elected “Govenator” of Pennsylvania but now Tom Corbett is also is Chairman of the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA).

Oddly enough, Governor Corbett nominated himself for Chairman of the DRPA and was unanimously voted in by all 16 commissioners.  I suppose this could be a case of if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.  The DRPA is a hot mess and does need some strong leadership.  It seems the DRPA has strayed from its original intent.  Governor Corbett plans to reign in the scope of the DRPA.  Corbett feels the DRPA should stay out of economic development.  Corbett says the mission of the DRPA is the safe transportation of people across the Delaware River.  (We agree.) 

Corbett pledged to work with New Jersey “Govenator” Chris Christie.  Actually this is no surprise since they have a mutual admiration society going on.  However, that is a good thing since the DRPA certainly needs a leader.  New Jersey and Pennsylvania need to work together on the issues.  The DRPA has been dysfunctional as of late and is in less than satisfactory financial straits.

Let’s hope we get down to business and do what is right by the taxpayers of both states!