PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Probus Club held their September and October monthly meetings at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle, learning about the college’s longtime head chef and about programs to benefit the aging community.
Anyone familiar with NMCC realizes an outstanding person is responsible for their newly remodeled cafeteria and teaching kitchen. That man is Rob Ottaviano, who designs meals fit for a wide range of tastes.
Ottaviano works for food services company Aramark, which serves places like Fenway Park, L.L. Bean, prisons and many colleges. His passion for cooking comes in large part from his Italian heritage. He worked several years in Torino, Italy, which increased his love and appreciation for good foods.
He attended Johnson and Wales culinary college in Providence, Rhode Island, earning his four-year degree in three years by studying hard and working at the same time.
His first business venture was a wholesale lobster establishment in Connecticut. Seeking a more serene environment, he came to Maine, working first for the University of Maine at Fort Kent. From there he went to the University of Maine at Presque Isle for two years, then heard that a position was available at NMCC. He started at the college in 2008.
Ottaviano said he enjoys the mature students there, who average 26 years of age. He said they have solid goals, solid curricula and solid work habits.
He believes that all food should be good and pleasurable as it brings people together. He runs a successful catering service, working long hours and holidays. His work calls for much preparation and a lot of hard work, which gives him great satisfaction, he said.
At the time of the September meeting, Ottaviano was in charge of the new teaching kitchen at NMCC, which will put emphasis on diabetic diets, cooking on a budget, menu planning, unit pricing, food purchasing and healthy food choices for all ages. The pandemic has put this part of the job on hold for now.
Janet Snow gave a reading called “The Mind Journal.”
The club held its next meeting on Thursday, Oct. 21, at NMCC.
Guest speakers were Mark Putnam, communications and development coordinator, and Joy Barresi Saucier, RN,MHA,FACHE, executive director, both with the Aroostook Agency on Aging.
The Agency on Aging offers a broad array of programs and services. As a nonprofit organization, most all of their services are provided at no charge to all those living in Aroostook County. There are no eligibility requirements and they serve people of all ages.
More than 20 services are offered by the agency, including aid in Medicare policies, aid in fraud and scams, legal advice, many wellness courses, transportation, home care and money minders. They also coordinate Meals on Wheels, which provides one-third of all dietary needs for those over the age of 60 with 9,000 meals delivered each month, and commodity food giveaways, with 1,700 boxes once a month distributed at the Riverside Drive Farmers Market location.
More than 100 friendly volunteers visit and help community members, and more volunteers are always welcome.
The Agency on Aging is funded by federal and state contracts and private donations. All grants are matched by agency funding. The agency has been a resource since 1973, helping people to access information and services. The agency goals are to give as much support as possible to all Aroostook residents.
Janet Snow closed the meeting with a reading by Martha Beck, “Five Rules for Lasting Joy.”
The next meeting of the Probus Club will be on Thursday, Nov. 18.
