By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
During the recent 11th annual Business and Professional Women’s luncheon, held April 27 at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center, Lori Ireland, representing Sen. Susan Collins, read a letter from the local senator to BPW members and local business and professional women who attended the luncheon. Proceeds from this event benefit the BPW Scholarship Fund.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Marie Daniel and Dayshawn Russell entertained luncheon guests with vocal selections annual BPW Administrative Professionals Day event on April 27. Daniel is a culinary student at the Loring Job Corps Center and Russell, a recent graduate of the LJC medical office support program, is the 2011 Northern Star (formerly known as Aroostook Idol).
In her letter Sen. Collins stated: “I would like to take a moment to thank your hosts, the Caribou Business and Professional Women, for the role they played in my nomination to the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame. For nearly 90 years, BPW USA has been a powerful force for the advancement of women in all fields. Women in Maine are fortunate to have this network of support. Students charting their futures, young women beginning their careers, entrepreneurs growing business and military veterans rejoining civilian life all find strength and guidance in BPW of Maine.”
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to applaud you for the tremendous work you have done for your employers and the Caribou community. Aroostook County has a well-deserved reputation for working hard and today that distinction is recognized alongside your ingenuity, progressive thinking and strong ethics. Each of you should be proud of your many accomplishments; you exemplify the dedication that makes your organizations succeed and helps grow Maine’s economy.”
During the annual luncheon, guests were welcomed by Darlene Grass, BPW member. Following a buffet lunch, the estimated 50 business and professional women in attendance enjoyed vocal selections provided by Marie Daniel and Dayshawn Russell, both whom have ties to the Loring Job Corps Center.
Daniel, originally from Brockton, Mass. came to the County in February of this year and is currently enrolled in the culinary program at LJC. Soft-spoken and admittedly a little nervous (but only at first) Daniel sang “New Day” by Celine Dion and Shania Twain’s “From This Moment.”
Russell, who currently holds the 2011 Northern Star title, came to the Loring Job Corps Center from Bridgeport, Conn., and is a very recent graduate of the LJC medical office support program. With plans to leave the area with only a few days, Russell sang “I Have Been Changed for Good” from the musical, “Wicked,” followed by an arrangement of “Ave Maria” that captured the rapt attention of everyone within hearing distance, resulting in more than a few really hard swallows to keep the tears from flowing as he finished with one last soft, perfectly pitched, extremely high note.
Following the impressive musical entertainment, door prizes were handed out to a large number of luncheon guests.
From the History of the Caribou BPW, “In May of 1928, Caribou’s BPW club was organized and has continued successfully since. The objectives and goals are the same at all levels — that of helping women. There are programs, seminars and workshops that develop skills and confidence needed in the workforce. Programs that benefit all and not only a few. The Individual Development program is devoted to help each become more skillful, confident and assured. The Young Careerist program is a way of honoring young women while introducing them to our organization. These women can share their thoughts on the changing role of women in today’s workplace and the problems and rewards they have observed.”
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
The Aroostook Republican’s own Lisa Anderson, accepts her door prize of a potted plant from Caribou BPW President Shelley O’Rourke during the April 27 11th annual BPW Luncheon held at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center.
“Knowledge is power as BPW recognized early on. Scholarships are available yearly to assist with the high cost of education for a local high school student; an interim student; and for career advancement.
In 1926-27, the late Margaret Chase Smith served as third president of the BPW-Maine Federation. Her opinion about BPW was, “ I know of no other organization that has as much to offer Business and Professional Women in any town of the U.S.A. that can provide better training in cooperation, fact, efficiency, no better way of increasing one’s chances of success than by participating in BPW.”
Caribou BPW officers include: Shelly O’Rourke, president; Deana Easler, president elect; Darlene Grass, recording secretary; and Leah Mazerolle, treasurer.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Par and Grill in Caribou.
For more information on becoming a member of the Caribou BPW organization 3-mail Shelley O’Rouke at sorourke1@maine.rr.com.
