Adelman among Chamber honorees
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MILT ADELMAN, of Mars Hill and Florida, accepts his Lifetime Achievement Award from Nancy Fletcher, during the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce annual dinner, held Jan. 26 at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. Fletcher nominated Adelman and his late wife, Gloria, for their many years of service and dedication to making life better for others in the community. More photos will appear in an upcoming issue of The Star-Herald.
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner was held Jan. 26 at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center, with several people being honored before friends and family.
Miles Williams, outgoing president of the CACC, provided a summary of the past year, including the reason for the organization’s name change.
“The Chamber serves 13 communities — covers all of central Aroostook. We looked at the name and what it says,” said Williams, adding the new name “describes where we are, what we do and what our mission is.” CACC was formerly called the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce.
Williams said efforts have been made to meet with other community leaders to “let them see us in action.”
“We’ve taken road trips which provide a chance for board members to work together, creating unity among the board and fostering relationships with other communities,” Williams said.
He called the Chamber a “conduit to economic development” and shared details of how the CACC continues to work to promote local communities via the Internet and other sources.
“We’re cheerleaders for communities. A lot of hands make light work. Even if you can only donate a short amount of time,” said Williams.
Jim McKenney, current president of the CACC, said the organization’s “overall goal is to better serve members of communities in a cost-effective manner” and that the CACC board is “looking for innovative ways to do this.”
“We’re looking at ways to work with the Caribou and Fort Fairfield chambers, so that everyone is better served,” said McKenney.
McKenney then assisted Theresa Fowler, CACC executive director, in presenting retiring board members Billie Brodsky and Floyd Rockholt with their respective awards for longtime service to the agency.
Fowler also presented a print by Lisa Desjardins to Valerie Lunn, who retired this year after nearly a dozen years as administrative assistant at the Chamber.
“The members of the Chamber know what a backbone she is and the wealth of knowledge she takes with her,” said Fowler of Lunn. “I’ll never get a replacement. We may hire someone to do the job but Val can’t be replaced.”
Clukey’s Auto Supply was named the Business of the Year. McKenney explained why Clukey’s was selected for the honor.
“Tom Clukey opened the business in 1984, expanding over the years to include locations in Fort Fairfield, Caribou and Houlton. Clukey’s has continued to grow, with sales increasing 15 percent over the past three years. With increased sales, staffing increased as well,” said McKenney.
McKenney said most recently, Clukey’s invested over $300,000 in improvements, purchasing an adjoining property on Main Street in Presque Isle and refurbishing and adding more showroom space.
“In addition to their visible investment in Presque Isle, Clukey’s Auto Supply and owners Tom and Gail Clukey contribute to most organizations in Aroostook County. It is safe to say that their community spirit has been extended to all causes in the area through the years,” said McKenney.
Fowler joined McKenney in presenting the Clukeys with their award.
Next, Fowler presented Rockholt with the Director of the Year honor, noting he was “someone who went above and beyond every day and never said ‘can’t’ or ‘don’t have time.’”
Kim Smith presented her longtime friend and co-worker with the Citizen of the Year award.
“I cry at cartoon movies, so if I get through this, I’ll do well. I’m proud to present my friend, Carol Bell, with this award. I wanted to nominate her last year, but she said she’d done nothing to deserve it,” said Smith, as she continued by reading the many “nothings” Bell has done over the years, including serving as president of the Presque Isle Historical Society, chair of the Historical Pavilion, vice president of the Northern Maine Fair Association, member of the Chamber board and its president, member of NMDC’s Loan Revue Committee, a mentor to girls for math and science, served on the A.E. Howell animal refuge board, the Hope and Justice board and currently serves on the school board, among other achievements.
Smith then presented Bell with her award.
McKenney followed, presenting legislative sentiments to the honorees, on behalf of Rep. Michael Willette.
Chamber member Nancy Fletcher had the honor of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Milton Adelman, of Mars Hill, who was honored along with his late wife, Gloria.
“It is certainly my honor and pleasure to introduce this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, given to outstanding individual(s) who make our communities a better place to live. This year’s honorees are very deserving of this special award,” said Fletcher, as she provided a brief history of the Adelmans and their contributions to the community.
“They leave a legacy of giving back. Gloria donated her house to bring in doctors and nurses. Milt says her greatest accomplishment was raising their six children,” said Fletcher.
Fletcher continued, noting Milton Adelman’s achievements, from his many years of farming, to his membership with the Masonic Lodge, contributions to Aroostook’s Jewish Community Center and his years of service to The Aroostook Medical Center board.
“Milt donated the land in Mars Hill where the new fire department sits. He donated land for the water facility. He spearheaded the enclosed sunroom and deck at the nursing facility, supports NMCC and the Malcolm Science Center, through scholarships,” said Fletcher. “Milton doesn’t speak much of good deeds, he just takes action.”
Fletcher shared comments about Adelman from his children — five of whom were able to attend the dinner. Adelman, upon receiving his award from Fletcher, took to the podium, expressing his appreciation.
