PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Rotary Club proudly hosted a special Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Ceremony on April 24 at University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center, an evening dedicated to honoring outstanding individuals whose lives reflect Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.” The ceremony recognized exemplary community leaders and featured a moving tribute to longtime Rotarian Michael D. MacPherson.
The evening opened with a heartfelt remembrance of MacPherson, presented by Mandy Pooler. A devoted member of the Presque Isle Rotary Club for 44 years, MacPherson served in numerous leadership roles including director, president and district governor of Rotary District 7810. His impact extended well beyond Rotary, having served on the boards of the Aroostook Hospice Foundation, MMG Insurance, the Nordic Heritage Center and the Mark & Emily Turner Foundation. Over the course of his Rotary career, MacPherson was awarded nine Paul Harris Fellow recognitions—the highest honor achievable through Rotary Foundation giving. His legacy of service, leadership, and quiet generosity continues to inspire all who knew him.
This year’s Paul Harris Fellow honorees embody the same spirit of selfless service. Immediately following her presentation, Pooler was surprised with her own Paul Harris Fellow recognition, presented by Ginny Joles and Gina Leblanc-Eggert. Pooler was inducted as the club’s youngest ever president and served in that role in 2017-18, receiving the President of the Year Award from Rotary District 7810 for her efforts. She continues to carry her commitment to our service in her Rotary roles on the Youth and Literacy Committee as well as with other organizations like the Central Aroostook Association where she serves as Secretary.
James Winslow, presented by Martin Puckett, was recognized for his generosity and community-mindedness as the owner of James Pumpkin Stand in Mapleton. Through events like “Pumpkin Day,” Winslow raises funds for the Central Aroostook Association and donates pumpkins to local events and charitable causes. His commitment to kindness and connection has made him a beloved figure throughout the region.
Mark Putnam, presented by Brett Varnum, joined the Presque Isle Rotary Club in 1987 and has remained an active and committed member ever since. With early memories of Rotary through his father in Houlton, Putnam embraced the mission of service wholeheartedly. He has served the club as secretary, board member and committee chair, and was instrumental in launching the Aroostook River Fun Run. More recently he has helped coordinate the Safe Steps project, supporting older adults in the community.
Jordyn Madore, presented by Sharon Campbell, celebrated 10 years with the club this year. As a former club secretary, immediate past president and current chair of both the Youth & Literacy and Public Image Committees, Madore has brought energy, innovation and a renewed sense of engagement to the club. She spearheaded monthly club drives to support local organizations and launched the Rotary Reads to Me program to promote literacy and volunteerism.
Laura Hale, presented by Jordyn Madore, was honored for her role as a literacy champion and trusted Rotary partner. As the owner of Neighborhood Books in downtown Presque Isle, Hale has created a welcoming space for storytelling, community and connection. She actively supports Rotary’s literacy projects, sources books for school initiatives and helps coordinate special events like the annual Literacy Tea. Her dedication to community enrichment and education exemplifies the Rotary spirit.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition, named for Rotary’s founder, was established in 1957 to honor individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation, or who have such contributions made in their name. The Foundation, established in 1917, funds global and local initiatives focused on promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment. More than 90 percent of each dollar donated goes directly toward service projects, including support for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, district grants and global humanitarian efforts. Whether through a one-time gift or recurring donation, contributions to the Rotary Foundation make an immediate and lasting difference. For example, a 60-cent donation can protect a child from polio, $50 can provide access to clean drinking water and $500 can launch an anti-bullying campaign in local schools.
To learn more about the Presque Isle Rotary Club, its service projects or how to contribute to The Rotary Foundation, please visit presqueislerotary.org or contact rotaryclubpresqueisle@gmail.com.
