To the editor:
Because I believe in Presque Isle and Aroostook County, I made the choice as a young adult to move back here seven years ago. I think many of my peers who have moved away over the years would wonder why. My answer: family, community, a better life, and wanting to be deeply connected to the place I call home.
Thinking back over the years it’s the recreation program that played such a central role in the many reasons why I moved home and who I became as an adult. I made many of my closest lifelong friendships at the rec; learned how to play and get along and be great at sports (and later at life) at the rec; and I grew as a teenager, mentor, coach, and young adult at the rec. I met some of my first and most remembered role models at the rec, had some of my funnest days (and fondest memories) at the rec, and grew so connected to this community through the rec. It’s why I know so many of you when I stroll around town. I either played at the rec with you or your kids, or coached you or your kids or your grandkids. So if we say hi it’s likely that hello started in some way at the rec.
And that’s why I believe so strongly in the new Community Center, because the old one played such a huge part of my life, and because the old one is nearing the end of its usable life.
Many years ago William Haskell (the man our current rec center is named after) said, “It is the responsibility of the community to provide recreational activities for its children.” Back then he and a group of dedicated community members fundraised nickels, dimes and quarters to build the first recreation program in the state. Today our community is in the midst of a major capital campaign to raise $3.75 million to continue this legacy and provide what’s needed for our children, teens, adults, seniors and community.
Many will say this is a big vision, and I agree it is a big vision. A big vision for Central Aroostook and, in my opinion, the most important and transformational project our communities have undertaken in my lifetime.
It’s time to invest in the future of Presque Isle. William Haskell and his generation saw the value of making this investment many years ago. The same value holds true today. Now, more than ever, we need a Community Center for people of all ages. A safe place for kids to learn and develop, an activity center for families and a social gathering place for the elderly in our community. To make this happen, we need community members to invest financially in this project.
I personally have made the largest donation of my life to this capital campaign. Like everyone, money is tight for me these days, but when I thought about everything Presque Isle has given to me over the years I felt like it was time I gave back. I urge every community member to do similarly and donate to this worthwhile project that will make such an incredible difference to our communities.
Ok, Presque Isle and the surrounding communities, let’s pull together and make this new community center and outdoor pool a reality!
Mike Chasse
Presque Isle
