Staff Writer
The Loring Job Corps Center held its annual event “An Evening With the Northstars,” event on Thursday, Dec. 6, celebrating the success of the past year and recognizing individuals for their contribution to the center. The annual event is a joint effort between Loring Job Corps’ Center Industry and the Community Relations councils. The event also included entertainment provided by students as well as members of the community. Each year since 2001 Loring Job Corps has awarded a local individual, who has had a major impact on the center and students, with a Community Citizenship Award. This year the award went to Diane Pinette and Christie Corey of the Pregnancy Care Center of Aroostook.
Pinette and Corey join the ranks of a prestigious group of past recipients who include: Art Thompson for being a major influence in bringing the center into being; Pat Zenzius for her continuing influence in the Limestone and Caswell communities as well as at the Loring Commerce Center while serving as chair of Loring Job Corps’ Center Industry Council; Rachel Rice for authoring a number of positive articles on behalf of the center improving the image to neighboring communities; Kris Doody for aiding Job Corps both locally and nationally in development and growth of medical training programs; Julie French for providing services and education to students regarding healthy relationships and information on dating violence, domestic abuse, sexual harassment and other types of inappropriate behavior; and William G. Egeler, dean of students at Northern Maine Community College for providing academic, admission and guidance services for Loring Job Corps students aspiring to achieve a college education at NMCC.
This year’s recipients were recognized for their ongoing service to the Loring Job Corps Center through the Teen Survivor Program, sponsored by the Pregnancy Care Center of Aroostook. The Teen Survivor Program gives students the tools they need to become stronger individuals. The program benefits not only incoming students, but also provides continued support through follow-up sessions.
Following the award presentation an evening of entertainment kicked off, which included singing and dancing as well as a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Sentimental Journey,” which was a look back at Job Corps’ past 10 years at the Loring Commerce Center.
Performing vocal selections for the enjoyment of the audience were Vera Ford, Dan Sithole, Mishale Rodriguez and Bab Cote. Dancing to the delight of the audience were: Jonathan Rivera, Jovana Polynice and Carla Santiago, who presented Latino Dancing; Abby and Paige Small, of Small Steps Dance; and Amber Moir who performed a spirited step dancing routine.
Following the performance the audience was led in a number of Christmas carols by Lynne Josselyn.
“I would like to express our appreciation for everyone attending tonight’s joint Center Industry Council and Community Relations Council membership dinner as a fitting ending to another successful year for both councils,” said Community Liason Reggie Reed in closing.
Also helping to make the evening’s event possible were: the Loring Job Corps Culinary Arts Team, led by Wayne Cousins and Lori Schipper who provided the meal before the show; Pat Zenzius, who acted as mistress of ceremonies; Collie Gardner and Kristie Igelsaias who were the student host and hostess at the event; Ben Muir and Robert Lyons, stage and sound workers; Bab Cote, who selected the student performers and Tammy Foster who designed the programs and provided the decorations for the event.
