PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Kiwanis Club marked its 60th anniversary May 22, hosting a ‘Diamond Celebration’ at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center, complete with awards, dinner and dancing.

The evening kicked off with a social hour, giving about 70 past and present club members, and their guests, an opportunity to mix and mingle. This year’s annual meeting marked a major milestone for the organization. Because of the special nature of the event, Kiwanis Club members from other communities, as well as Rotary, LEAD, APP, Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce and Presque Isle Key Club representatives were also invited to attend.
Club members Shawn Cunningham and Keith Madore welcomed participants to the annual meeting, followed by an opening welcome by A.J. Cloukey, current club president. Providing the invocation for the event was David Garey.
Several past presidents of the club were in attendance, including a founding member of the local organization, Floyd Harding. Tim McMahon, who was also recognized as a past president, provided a brief history of the club, including comments on Harding.
“Floyd is an original charter member from 1950. The rest are vertical,” said McMahon, as he explained how Harding worked to save the hospital during the early days of Kiwanis in Presque Isle.
“When the hospital reached a point where it came down to paying the nurses or paying debts, Floyd helped devise a plan to save the hospital – reducing indebtedness by getting those owed money to accept 25 cents on the dollar,” said McMahon.
McMahon explained how Harding ran information in the Star-Herald noting the hospital would be closed in three weeks because the City Council had the option to assist but refused.
“He listed each councilor’s phone number which outraged the council. A better plan was devised,” said McMahon. That plan came up with a million dollars to help save the hospital.
“Now the hospital is a $300,000,000 enterprise. But it almost wasn’t, but for a better plan,” McMahon said.
He continued with an overview of the club, from its earliest days to the present.
“We’ve held 3,120 noontime meetings since the club started. The first community project was a children’s health clinic. Members served as Star-Herald news boys for a day. The Girl Scouts were the first sponsored youth group,” explained McMahon.
Members of the organization have devoted much time and energy to improve the lives of others, through various forms of community service, including donating blood
“In 1953, 50 percent of club members donated blood. They’re still doing that. We’re still sponsoring events and growing as a Kiwanis Club,” he said.
By 1987, McMahon said the club welcomed its first female members.
“In 1987, the club brought in 12 female members. Today 61 percent (of members) are women. As past governor for the district, I couldn’t have been elected without their support,” said McMahon.
McMahon continued with his presentation, noting how the Kiwanis Home and Garden Show has been enjoyed by more than 75,000 people since the first show was held in 1985. Over $210,000 has been raised to use for community project expenses. Several other popular projects have grown over the years.
“In 1951, the Christmas Project came about. The Toy Project was added later due to women’s input. A total of 6,000 families and over 10,000 children have been aided since 1951. Thirty-three Sinawik homes have been built and we’ve made over $150,000 in contributions toward scholarships,” said McMahon. “Thanks to all of you. If we weren’t here, we would be missed.”
Members were then honored for their service, including McMahon for 25 years with the club and Harding for his 60 years of dedication.
Madore said of all the organizations he’s been involved with, Kiwanis is the one that stands out the most.
“I felt the most comfortable in the Kiwanis environment. You get to see the end result. We stand out as an organization,” said Madore.
Supporters of the organization were also recognized for their contributions over the years.
“We’re proud to support (Kiwanis). We like to say ‘we don’t just set a box but set a dream,’” said David Pratt, service manager of Crawford Homes of Houlton, the company responsible for delivering the finished Sinawik homes to their final destinations.
“This marked my 27th year of building a (Sinawik) house. It’s a pleasure to do and gives students a lot of experience,” said NMCC instructor Guy Jackson.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to continue to provide a meeting place for the club,” said Robb Miller, manager, Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center.
The final award went to two longtime members of the organization, Tim and Deirdre McMahon.
“(They) have been phenomenal – very supportive. I wouldn’t be president without them,” said Cloukey, as he presented gifts to the McMahons.
Throughout the evening, participants had the opportunity to purchase special boxes, with funds raised going toward various Kiwanis projects. Inside one of the boxes was a diamond necklace, in honor of the diamond anniversary celebration. Winning the necklace was Dawn Poitras, member of the Kiwanis board of directors.
The evening concluded with participants taking to the dance floor, led by the McMahons, as they danced the night away.