Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held at Northern Maine Community College Feb. 26, paid homage this year to the Star City’s role as a military base during World War II.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR — Theresa Fowler, executive director of the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, shakes hands with Steve Farnham, recipient of this year’s Citizen of the Year Award, as Rev. Ken Phelps presents Farnham with a framed print in recognition of Farnham’s commitment to the community. The director of Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, Farnham has been at the helm of the organization since 1979, helping area senior citizens deal with everything from housing to home heating fuel issues.
“In light of this year being the city’s Sesquicentennial and the fact that NMCC is located on a portion of the former air base, we decided it would be fitting to go with a USO theme for this year’s dinner,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director of the PIACC. Setting the theme for the evening were members of the Presque Isle Community Players, dressed as USO performers, who sang a selection of vintage songs, circa 1940s. Those taking the stage following dinner were: Jim Derosier, Dean Rauch, Debbie Lamont, Any LaPlante, Eileen Moody, Kim Parent, Bobbi Pelletier, Rebecca Perry, Claudia Stevens, Nadine Strelka, Sherry Sullivan and Margaret Cyr accompanying on piano.
“This is my first year. It’s been a very busy and active one,” Fowler said. “My objective is for the Chamber to be more representative of the businesses in all the communities we serve, as we continue into 2009. My vision is to be more visible — talk to you and listen to more concerns. We need to continue to support each other, to make Aroostook County a place to go to — a destination.”
The event got under way with retiring Chamber Board members being recognized, followed by the presentation of the Past President Award being given to Carol Bell by incoming President Leah Buck. Fowler then honored Floyd Rockholt as Board Member of the Year. Paul Kinney was recognized for serving as interim director of the Chamber, prior to Fowler’s arrival.
Buck spoke on her vision for the Chamber’s future.
“What a year to be president of the Chamber. With the national and global economy and local businesses struggling, I can’t help but wonder where it will all end. But I’m not one to focus on negative thoughts. We’re blessed with a wonderful Board and wonderful events ahead,” said Buck, “including the Strawberry Shortcake Sale, Balloon Fest, Sesquicentennial events and Light Parade.”
Buck credited Chamber members for making the city what it is today.
“You bring so much to the community. You, our members, are the threads that bind our community,” said Buck. “As we continue to move in the direction you’d like to see, let me borrow a bank’s tagline, ‘Membership makes a difference.’ I’m tremendously blessed to be president and have the support of the Board.”
While some honorees were relative newcomers to the community, others honored at this year’s function have spent much of their lives devoting their time and energy to make life better for those who call Presque Isle and its surrounding communities home. Each recipient was presented with a framed print.
Lara Cannon presented this year’s Economic Development Award to Tony Burgess and Glenn Capps, local entrepreneurs who recently purchased the former R.W. Wight building on State Street, providing a new home for Wintergreen Arts. Structural renovations continue, including apartment upgrades.
“We welcome them to the community. They’ve done so much since their arrival (move from California,” said Cannon.
Fowler said the men have taken a deteriorating landmark and are doing a wonderful job restoring the building, both inside and out.
“I recently did a walk-through. What they’ve done so far is remarkable,” said Fowler.
Next to be honored were the recipients of Business of the Year, with the award presented by friend and business neighbor Cathy Beaulieu.
Beaulieu spoke of how she first met Clif and Judy Boudman and, later, Jan and Roger Lucas. Praise for Rum Rapids Inn evolved into the idea of opening an eatery downtown, and thus came about Sorpreso.
“Sorpreso shows promise and excitement,” said Beaulieu, noting since the restaurant first opened, there’s been a “welcomed explosion to the downtown.”
“They’re such wonderful people. It’s a pleasure to honor them with this award,” said Beaulieu.
Accepting the honor on behalf of both couples were Jan and Roger Lucas.
“We’ve had a lot of fun. We hope this will be a good year,” said Jan.
Citizen of the Year honors this year went to Steve Farnham, director of Aroostook Area Agency on Aging. Presenting the award was Rev. Ken Phelps.
“The chief responsibility of the board of directors for an organization is to hire a good director. We must be a terrific board because in 1979 we hired Steve,” explained Phelps, noting Farnham’s extensive knowledge at the local, state and federal level and what it has meant to the agency over the years.
“Steve goes wherever it takes and does whatever it takes to get the job done,” said Phelps. “He could work anywhere but has chosen to remain here.”
Phelps listed several groups and organizations who’ve benefited from Farnham’s talents and knowledge over the years and the many people who’ve been helped, thanks to Farnham’s dedication.
Farnham accepted the award, sharing a bit of family humor.
“My father taught me, when it comes to speeches, stand up to be seen, speak up to be heard and shut up to be appreciated,” said Farnham, adding, on a serious note, that the “Board recognizes the importance of community service.”
“Thank you and thank you for this evening,” Farnham said as he accepted the honor.
One local woman, who wasn’t able to attend the dinner, wished to congratulate Farnham on receiving this year’s Citizen of the Year Award. Vivian DeForest, of Presque Isle, is one of many senior citizens Farnham has helped over the years.
“He helped me get fuel last year when I was nearly out. He found an individual in town who was willing to help me get some fuel to heat my home. Steve’s been so helpful over the years. He deserves to be honored for all he’s done for so many for so long,” said DeForest.
Rounding out the evening’s festivities was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which went to Richard “Dick” and Maxine Duncan, owners of Duncan/Graves Funeral Home in Presque Isle.
“I’m pleased to be here on behalf of the Presque Isle Rotary to honor two of our own Rotary members, Dick and Maxine,” said Sharon Campbell.
Campbell continued, reading a letter from Sen. Roger Sherman, who wrote of serving in Augusta with Richard Duncan.
“The quality of life in Presque Isle is a demonstration of their leadership and service to make Presque Isle a place to live and work. I’m proud to have served four years in the House of Representatives with you and miss you in Augusta,” Campbell read from Sherman’s letter. “Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the citizens of Presque Isle.”
Joined on stage by his sons, Rick and Dirk Duncan, Richard accepted the award on behalf of he and his wife, who was unable to attend due to her continuing battle with cancer.
“Maxine, in 2002, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The past few months have been difficult for her,” said Richard, choking back tears as he spoke.
He thanked family for the time they’ve spent with Maxine, going to appointments or just spending an evening or afternoon.
“They’ve (family) have been there for her,” he said.
With gratitude, he accepted the award.
“I appreciate this honor,” said Richard. “Thanks a lot.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD was presented to Richard and Maxine Duncan during the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held Feb. 26 at NMCC. Pictured accepting a framed print of downtown Presque Isle are, from left: the couple’s sons, Dirk and Dick Duncan; Theresa Fowler, executive director, PIACC; and Richard Duncan. Maxine Duncan was unable to attend the dinner.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
GLENN CAPPS AND TONY BURGESS received the Economic Development Award at PIACC’s annual dinner, held Feb. 26 at NMCC. Pictured with them, holding the framed print they received at the dinner, is their son, Dylan Burgess Capps.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
JAN AND ROGER LUCAS accepted the award for Business of the Year, thanking their business partners, Judy and Clif Boudman, and their patrons for making Sorpreso a success.
