PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Rotary Club is hosting a recognition evening on Thursday, May 3, at Northern Maine Community College to honor several community members and Rotarians who are being named Paul Harris Fellows.
“It is an honor to recognize these individuals,” said Rotarian Ralph McPherson, who is coordinating the event. “Ironically most don’t particularly want to be honored. They are doing great work locally and worldwide, not for the glory and recognition, but because it is important to them. They give of their time, talent and treasure to truly make a difference.”
While McPherson, who is himself a Paul Harris Fellow, understands that sentiment, he is pleased to give these 10 individuals the recognition they deserve. Those being honored are: Scott Carlin, Joseph Clukey, William Guerrette, Gina LeBlanc-Eggert, Helen McConnell, Larry Shaw, Derik Smith and Stuart Wyckoff. Also being honored will be Joy Barresi Saucier, who was named a Paul Harris Fellow at a previous Rotary District Council meeting but will be recognized in her own community at this event. A special surprise presentation is also planned for an unnamed individual.
The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant. The honor is named for Paul Harris, the Chicago attorney who founded Rotary in 1905 so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships and give back to their communities.
“We invited community members to join us as we celebrate these great people for all that they have done,” said McPherson. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar in the Akeley Student Center-Smith Wellness Center area of NMCC, followed by the presentation at 6:15 p.m. in the Edmunds Conference Center.
The cost to attend is $20/person. To register, email ralph.mcpherson@maine.edu or call 207-521-4625.
