PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Three local individuals and one business will be honored for their contributions to the region on Jan. 23 during the 2014 Annual Dinner & Awards event, which will be held this year at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center.
“We are very pleased to announce the recipients of the awards presented annually by the Presque Isle Elks, Presque Isle Kiwanis Club, Presque Isle Rotary Club and the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. This year’s honorees include: Citizen of the Year — Paul and Dr. Norma Desjardins; Lifetime Achievement — Virginia Joles; and Business of the Year — McCain Foods USA,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director of the CACC.
The Desjardins are being recognized for their “dedication to dental health of children in Aroostook County and beyond,” through the Apollonia Dental Clinic, said Fowler.
“The Desjardins dedicate time and financial resources to the success and growth of this clinic, thus improving the lives of children and parents in Central Aroostook County and beyond,” she said.
Joles, who retired last year after more than four decades with Maine Public Service, has spent much of her life supporting and promoting the region and its people.
“The Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Ginny, who’s been well known throughout the area for the many years of service she’s provided to residents of central Aroostook and beyond. Ginny’s list of accomplishments and contributions is too long to include here but include: Rotary International, Aspirations of Aroostook, United Way of Aroostook, Junior Achievement, Wintergreen Arts Center, Aroostook House of Comfort, Patriot Guard Riders, Maine Winter Sports Center and Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development,” Fowler said.
Fowler said McCain’s was named Business of the Year for 2013 in recognition of their many contributions to and support of area events and organizations, plus “their investment in the facility in Easton.”
“It says on the McCain Foods USA website ‘At McCain, we know it’s our responsibility to be a good corporate citizen by acting in ways that support our local communities, our environment and our employees.’ This corporate responsibility is evidenced by their investment in and support of so much in Aroostook County,” said Fowler.
The Jan. 23 event will kick off with social time beginning at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Wednesday, Jan. 15. For more information, call 764-6561.
“We hope that you will join us in celebrating these worthy recipients,” said Fowler.
