PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Rotary Club was pleased to honor eight individuals during its Paul Harris Recognition Evening, held Sept. 17 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Center for Innovative Learning.
Contributed photo
ROTARIANS HONORED — The Presque Isle Rotary Club recognized eight individuals as Paul Harris Fellows — the highest recognition bestowed by Rotary — during a special event on Sept. 17. Honorees included, from left: Dr. Donald Cassidy Jr., Larry LaPlante, Christopher Condon, Dottie Wheeler, Nancy Fletcher, Luther J. “Jim” Bubar Jr., Charles Violette and Gregg Collins. Celebrating with them is Presque Isle Rotary Club President Frank Bemis, right.
Honorees for the evening included Luther J. “Jim” Bubar Jr., Dr. Donald Cassidy Jr., Gregg Collins, Christopher Condon, Nancy Fletcher, Larry LaPlante, Charles Violette and Dottie Wheeler.
“This was quite an exceptional group of individuals we honored during this event,” Joy Barresi Saucier, Foundation Committee chair for the club and event organizer, said. “They’ve contributed to our community in many different ways and have given so many years of service. They have shared their time, treasure and talent and this was such a fitting way to recognize and honor them.”
Club President Frank Bemis served as the evening’s emcee and several past club presidents helped to provide introductions and short presentations on each recipient.
The Presque Isle Rotary Club has recognized Paul Harris Fellows since 1973.
“Dr. Clifford O.T. Wieden, past UMPI president, was the first one to be honored so it was wonderful for us to be able to host this first of its kind event on the UMPI campus,” said Rachel Rice, director of community and media relations.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is the highest recognition bestowed by Rotary and acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships.
The Presque Isle Rotary Club maintains a membership of approximately 100 individuals and is part of a worldwide organization of community volunteers. The slogan of Rotary is “Service Above Self” and the club seeks to live up to this ideal to support a variety of causes for the betterment of the community.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about Rotary and its ideals can visit www.PresqueIsleRotary.org or contact any Rotary member.
