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| Staff photo/Kathy McCarty Gail Clukey was named Citizen of the Year during the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held Jan. 22 a the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center. In addition to being the owner of Clukey’s Auto Supply stores in Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton, Clukey was recognized for dedication to the Lights of Life campaign to raise funds for the care of cancer patients and CACC projects, as well as her commitment to the Shriners’ organization on behalf of her late husband, Tom Clukey. Pictured from left are: Karen Gonya, newly-elected president of the CACC; Clukey; and Theresa Fowler, executive director of the CACC. |
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Gail Clukey, owner of Clukey’s Auto Supply stores in Presque Isle, Caribou and Houlton, was named the 2014 Citizen of the Year during the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held Jan. 22 at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center.
Karen Gonya, newly-elected president of the CACC, had the honor of presenting Clukey with her award.
“This year’s Citizen of the Year has been in inspiration to me and many others. Her husband, Tom, lost his battle to cancer over a year ago. Despite that, she continues to work to make life better for others,” said Gonya.
Gonya noted that Clukey continues to keep her husband’s legacy alive, through stores that employ a total of 37 people in three communities.
“She’s continued the fight against cancer, through the Lights of Life campaign. In 2013, $17,000 was raised for the patient support fund; in December of 2014, $20,000 was raised for radiation cancer therapy. These funds assist patients through cancer screenings and in seeing doctors regularly,” Gonya said.
Clukey’s commitment to the Shriners’ organization was also noted.
“She showed her commitment to the Shriners in 2014 in Tom’s honor — the year he would have been Potentate — by taking the lead for the state Shriners event, and others as well,” said Gonya. “She continues to be very active in the community.”
“It’s my pleasure to present Gail Clukey with the Citizen of the Year award,” said Gonya.
Clukey, who prefers to remain behind the scenes rather than in the public eye, briefly expressed her gratitude, stepping up to the podium to thank everyone for the honor bestowed upon her.
“Thank you, everyone,” said Clukey.
