Star City shines brightly as community aids students

17 years ago
By Kathy McCarty  
Staff Writer

    The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” may be true to some degree under normal circumstances, but when a natural disaster occurs, sometimes it takes other ‘villages’ to lend a hand.     That’s exactly what happened last week when the worst flooding in over a century struck the St. John Valley, with the rising water level of the St. John River – reaching over 30 feet – driving not just homeowners and business owners from their property, but students at the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
    As flood waters threatened downtown Fort Kent, officials made the decision to shut off power and the community’s water supply, leaving even those not in direct threat from the overflowing river without electricity and other necessities. It was decided at that point by campus officials to evacuate students for health and safety reasons. The lack of showers and other sanitary facilities prompted the evacuation, with students allowed to return to campus late in the weekend. Things were gradually returning to normal at UMFK by Sunday, with power restored, and commencement exercises are scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 10, as planned.
    Seeing a community and its people in need of help, campuses, businesses, organizations and individuals in Presque Isle stepped forward with much-needed aid.
    “The campus presidents (UMPI’s Don Zillman and UMFK’s Richard Cost) are good colleagues and very helpful to each other. Don’s quick offer of housing to Fort Kent students reflects not only his character but the colleagueship that exists within the (University of Maine) system,” said UMS Chancellor Richard Patenaude, who was in Aroostook County last week to attend meetings.
    Patenaude was pleased with Cost’s quick response to the situation.
    “I also want to commend Dick Cost and the UMFK leadership for their very able handling of this emergency. UMFK is a great asset to its community and the County. Its efforts in this emergency demonsrtate that,” said Patenaude.
    Students evacuated from UMFK beginning on Wednesday, April 30, were given options for temporary housing, including staying at either UMPI or the Northern Maine Community College until it was deemed safe to return to their dorm rooms. Both campuses provided housing from Wednesday through Saturday, May 3.
    NMCC officials indicated over 20 students sought housing with them in vacant rooms in the residence halls. Students reportedly arrived around 3 p.m. Wednesday and left early Sunday evening.
    At UMPI, students were housed in the Wieden gymnasium, where cots were set up.
    “We had 25 students who stayed at UMPI. We could have accommodated several more,” said Rachel Rice, media relations coordinator for the university.
    Cost expressed thanks to the Presque Isle campuses for stepping in during UMFK’s time of need.
    “Special thanks to our friends and colleague Presidents Tim Crowley, at NMCC, and Don Zillman, at UMPI, for their enthusiastic response to support our students,” said Cost.
    A number of businesses and organizations stepped forward to help make the students’ stay in the Star City a pleasant experience, in an effort to help them get their minds off the circumstances they left behind in Fort Kent. The American Red Cross, Pine Tree Chapter, provided cots and blankets as needed. The Aroostook Medical Center provided towels and bedding to each campus, Wal-Mart stepped in with products like toothbrushes and toothpaste and Tim Hortons provided coffee and donuts for those temporarily housed at the two campuses.
    Those interested in attending the circus while in Presque Isle were able to do so free of charge.
    “The Shrine Circus offered all UMFK students displaced by the flooding in the Fort Kent area free admission to the Shrine Circus at the Forum in Presque Isle. Students presenting a valid UMFK student ID were admitted free of charge. The free weekend admission was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Clukey’s Auto Supply, of Presque Isle, Caribou and Houlton,” said James Dwyer, on behalf of the Anah Temple Shrine organization.
    The Downtown Revitalization Committee, through the efforts of City Planner James “Jamie” Francomano, was able to organize activities away from campus for the students.
    “With the help of three Presque Isle-area sponsors – Coca-Cola, Hayden Perry Insurance and Katahdin Trust Company – who covered the cost of movies over the weekend, the UMFK students were able to enjoy movies at no charge at the Braden Theater during their stay. On Friday, the Elks Club offered half-price bowling for the students,” said Francomano.
    The DRC was originally contacted by the Presque Isle Emergency Management Agency, through its director, George Howe, to see if the organization could put something together for the displaced students.
    “PIEMA is grateful to all those who provided supplies or helped with expenses. Above all, we here at the city are grateful to officials at NMCC and UMPI for their tremendous outpouring of hospitality and effective cooperation with the PIEMA throughout this crisis,” said Howe.
    Ted Roberts, adviser to the DRC, said it’s amazing what can happen when people pull together during a time of need.
    “It’s great to see people making things happen, especially for the UMFK students. I guess that the old saying that ‘Where there’s a will, there is a way’ certainly applies here,” said Roberts.
    Sandy Gauvin, a member of the DRC, said this was not only good PR for the city but a great opportunity to show folks how well County people can work together.
    “This is wonderful work. It just really says a lot about the people in our area and how kind Aroostook County people are,” said Gauvin. “Thanks to all for all the hard work.”
    With things gradually returning to as close to normal as possible for students this week, City Council  Monday evening extended its appreciation for the willingness of Presque Isle citizens to aid others during a difficult time.
    “UMFK students were assisted by NMCC, UMPI, Aroostook County Red Cross, local businesses, the EMA, TAMC, Tim Hortons, Wal-Mart. Activities were organized by the Elks for bowling and free movies at the Braden. We extend our gratitude for those who made the students welcome,” said Walt Elish, Council chair.
    Victims affected by recent flooding are encouraged to call for assistance: American Red Cross, 866-GET-INFO (866-438-4636); or Maine Emergency Management Agency registration at 2-1-1.