Welcome to the Rotary Club of Presque Isle

We've been making a difference in our community for nearly 100 years, whether it's helping to raise funds for vital regional services like a local dialysis center to championing literacy through our Thesaurus Project. If you're looking to become part of an organization that has a long-term and powerful impact on the community, please join us.

Annual Paul Harris Recognition Event

Rotary to honor Paul Harris Fellows

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.

PI Rotary Solicits Community Project and Regular Auction Proceed Partners for 2018 Rotary Auction

Planning for the 71st Annual Rotary Auction has begun! We are looking to team with local non profit organizations to help fund their projects that will improve the lives of others. In addition, we are excited to announce we will continue our collaboration with the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club to jointly support a larger Community Project. Applications for both regular auction proceed partners and Community Project Partners can be found to the right hand side of the homepage. The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, April 20, 2018. Please contact us for more information.

11th Annual Aroostook River Fun Run

Download the Registration Form Right Here On The Homepage!

70th Annual Auction Announcement!

Major Changes are in Store for the 70th Annual Rotary Auction

It's a milestone year for the Presque Isle Rotary Club's signature fundraising and community-building event, and organizers have big plans and many changes in store for the 70th Annual Rotary Auction. For the first time in two decades, the auction will return to WAGM-TV, which had previously hosted the broadcast for many years. In addition to airing live on the station's Fox affiliate station (channel 12 for area Spectrum Cable subscribers) on Saturday, December 16, beginning at 12:00 noon and running through 7:00 p.m., the Auction will also be webcast on wagmtv.com. For more information on this and other big changes click to read the full article!

10th annual Aroostook River Fun Run takes place May 20

The Presque Isle, Washburn and Caribou Rotary Clubs and the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club are teaming up to present the 10th annual Aroostook River Fun Run, taking place this year on May 20. Registration will be under way from 8:30-9:30 and the race begins at 10 a.m. The registration fee is $10 for adults, $7 for 18 and under. T-shirts will be ordered for all who pre-register and pay by May 1. To register, check out the registration form here. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Francis Malcolm Science Center.

69th Annual Auction is a Wrap!

The 69th Annual Auction is a Wrap! Big changes were made this year including 15-minute auction blocks, item display set, online streaming and a new set in the Red Room at the Northeastland Hotel. In total, $75,000 was raised to support local non-profit organizations.The Presque Isle Rotary Club also teamed with the Wintergreen Art Center for the second annual "Chair"ity Auction. In addition to all that action, this years Special Project was the Aroostook Youth Football Program where funds were raised for the construction of a new football field.

69th Annual Auction Begins in 2 weeks!

This years Rotary Auction is set to begin in just two weeks! Check out the Auction link to find out more information about the Auction or follow us on facebook. You can view the booklet, proceed partner vignettes, art items and much more! We have some very exciting changes planned for this years auction. Continue reading to learn more about this years auctions and a little more about those fun new changes!

The 2016 Rotary District 7810 Conference will be held in Presque Isle this year on August 26 & 27. We are so happy to host Rotarian's and their families from all over Northern Maine and New Brunswick. The weekend will be filled with informational sessions, guest speakers, fellowship activities, and banquets. Click the link below to visit the District Conference website for more information and registrations forms.

http://www.rotary7810conf.org/

Club Inducts 2016-2017 Officers

We are so very proud to announce that the 2016-2017 Rotary District 7810 District Governor is our very own Ginny Joles! On June 27, Ginny along with the clubs incoming officers and board members were inducted into their new positions.

Pictured Left to Right: Past DG Brett Varnum, Past DG Michael MacPherson, Past DG Tom Gagnon, District Governor Ginny Joles & her husband Jerry, Assistant District Governor Floyd Rockholt, Past ADG Nancy Fletcher, Past ADG Ralph McPherson

Back Row Left To Right: Board Member Rachel Rice, Past President Frank Bemis, Secretary Jennifer Flynn, Treasurer Floyd Rockholt, Board Member Clint Deschaine, DG Ginny Joles,

Front Row Left to Right President Elect Mandy Pooler-Hall, President Gina LeBlanc-Eggert, Vice President Jason Parent.

3rd Annual Downing Park Cleanup

Presque Isle Rotary Club members recently completed the 3rd Annual Downing Park Cleanup. In 2014, the PI Rotary began assisting the Presque Isle Gardening Club with this effort. Rotarian's gathered to rake, weed and mulch the gardens along the bike path between State & Academy Streets-otherwise known as Downing Park.

Pictured left to right: John DeFelice, Jim Bubar, Gina LeBlanc-Eggert & daughter Abigail, Floyd Rockholt, Clint Deschaine & daughter Reagen & Mandy Pooler Hall & daughter Brooke.

The 69th Annual Auction Proceed Partners Announced!

Auction Co-Chairs Mandy Pooler-Hall & Jason Parent along with the Presque Isle Rotary Club are excited to announce the 2016 Rotary Auction Proceed Partners.

2016 Aroostook River Fun Run

The 2016 Aroostook River Fun Run is now accepting pre-registrations!

The 2016 Aroostook River Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, May 14. Links to the Flyer and Registration Form can be found on the lower right hand corner of this page. You can download the form from the website or pick one up at the Star Herald Office 40 North Street Suite B. Forms are to be returned to the Presque Isle Rotary Club at PO Box 641, Presque Isle, ME 04769. The race will begin at Thomas Park in Washburn at 10:00 am and will end at the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club where a Race Awards will be presented and a BBQ Lunch will be served. This event is sponsored by the Presque Isle & Washburn Rotary Clubs. It is always a funfilled event. We hope you can join us!

Rotarians, Kiwanians welcome Senator Collins

The Presque Isle Rotary Club and the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club held a special joint meeting on March 22 at the Northeastland Hotel, welcoming U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins for an update on efforts underway in Washington, D.C. The Senator spoke before a packed audience about everything from efforts to prevent scams targeting senior citizens to work underway to support business growth in Aroostook County.

The Presque Isle Rotary Club is looking for its 2016 Auction Proceed Partners!

Planning for the 69th Annual Rotary Auction is in full swing! We are looking to team with local non profit organizations to help fund their projects that will improve the lives of others. For more information and an application please click on the link entitled "2016 Auction Funds Request Packet" which can be found on the lower right hand corner of this webpage. The deadline for submitting an application is Friday March 25, 2016. Please contact Mandy Pooler-Hall or Jason Parent for more information.

Rotarians deliver Project GIIVE presentation

Several Aroostook County Rotarians traveled to Houlton on Dec. 21 to deliver a presentation about Project GIIVE 2017. Project GIIVE (Guatemalan Infrastructure Improvement Venture) is a joint effort among the Rotary Clubs of Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, Mars Hill, Presque Isle, Washburn, and Perth-Andover, New Brunswick that has been proposed to meet the needs of a village near the city of Monterrico, Guatemala, in cooperation with the Guatemalan Rotary Club La Ermita. The clubs are seeking a grant that would help to pay for eco-stoves, water filtration devices, and eco-toilets. Pictured are, from left, Virginia Joles, Incoming District Governor; Carl Young, President, Fort Fairfield Club; Josie Lopez, member, Fort Fairfield Club; Matthew Nightingale, President, Houlton Club; Gina LeBlanc-Eggert, Vice President, Presque Isle Club; and Ed Wright, Foundation Chair, Mars Hill Club.

Welcome to our new Rotarians!

The Presque Isle Rotary Club recently inducted two new members—Brian Carpenter, SAD1 Superintendent, and Garrett Cushman, owner of Cushman and Sons, Inc.--during a regular meeting, held on Mondays at Noon at the Northeastland Hotel. Pictured are, from left, Past President Jeff Pangburn, Carpenter, Cushman, and President Frank Bemis.

Club doubles Special Project goal during 68th Auction

The Presque Isle Rotary Club wrapped up its 68^th annual Radio and TV Auction on a high note, raising more than $92,000 during the three-night event and doubling its $25,000 fundraising goal for its Special Project.

PI Rotary Club's 68th Annual Radio/TV Auction a Success!

Auction co-chairs Gina LeBlanc-Eggert and Mandy Pooler-Hall, and all members of the Presque Isle Rotary Club would like to thank the community for an incredible 68th Annual Rotary Auction!! Not only we have an unprecedented year with the regular auction, raising more than $42,000 (including the CHAIR-ity effort we undertook with Wintergreen Arts Center), we raised $50,000 for this year's Special Project, Quoggy Jo Ski Center. To see details about this year's event, visit our Auction webpage or check out the photos on our facebook page. Read on for Store Room hours.

4th annual World Polio Day and Purple Pinkie Project a success

With the help of the Rotary Clubs in Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, Mars Hill and Washburn, the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the Presque Isle Rotary Club are declaring their 4th annual World Polio Day and Purple Pinkie Project celebration—which spread throughout central Aroostook County and was held between Oct. 17 and 25—a big success. All activities helped to raise awareness of Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio worldwide. Combined efforts among the clubs helped to raise $2,600 for that global effort.

Rotary International delegates visit PI

The Presque Isle Rotary Club is pleased to announce that the Star City will be welcoming Rotary International delegates and District 7810 leaders to meet with local club leaders for training and to learn details about a collaborative Future Visions Grant.

Purple Pinkie Project returns!!

The Presque Isle Rotary Club and the University of Maine at Presque Isle are joining forces to host their Fourth Annual World Polio Day and Purple Pinkie Project celebration and this year, with the help of the Rotary Clubs in Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, Mars Hill and Washburn, the celebration will once again spread throughout central Aroostook County.

A slate of activities will take place between Oct. 17 and Oct. 25 to celebrate World Polio Day, which takes place Oct. 23. All activities are meant to raise awareness of Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio worldwide and to raise money -- $1 at a time – to go toward that global effort.

Club hosts Paul Harris Recognition Event

The Presque Isle Rotary Club was pleased to honor eight individuals during its Paul Harris Recognition Evening, held on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Center for Innovative Learning. 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.

2015 District Conference

Presque Isle Rotary Club members were in attendance at this year's District Conference, which took place in Moncton, New Brunswick, on Sept. 11-13. Keynote speaker for this year's conference was Mike K. McGovern, past Vice Chair of the Rotary Foundation and current Chairman of the International Polio Plus Committee, is a member of the Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, and has traveled extensively for the eradication of polio.

Pictured above with McGovern (center) are, from left, Presque Isle Rotary Club President Frank Bemis, District Governor Elect Ginny Joles, Presque Isle Rotary Club Treasurer and Assistant District Governor Floyd Rockholt, and Presque Isle Rotary Club President Elect Gina LeBlanc-Eggert.

Also during the conference, the Presque Isle club received a District Governor's Citation for the work it has done during its past two Rotary Auctions to raise thousands of dollars in funds for two Special Projects, the Aroostook House of Comfort and the Presque Isle Community Center. Above, Presque Isle Rotary Club President Frank Bemis receives the citation from Mike Walsh, Director Shelter Box Canada Board and Past District Governor.

Ed and Barbara Hews receive Paul Harris Awards

The Presque Isle Rotary Club recently honored Ed and Barbara Hews with Paul Harris Fellow awards, one of the most prestigious awards in Rotary. The couple, who have been married for (70) years, received their awards for a lifetime of service to their community and their many contributions to the club.

Pausing for a photo after the recognition presentation are, from left, front row, past Presque Isle Rotary Club President Mike MacPherson; Debi Hews; Jane Lockhart; Paul Harris Award recipients Ed and Barbara Hews, and Presque Isle Rotary Club President Elect Gina LeBlanc-Eggert; back row, Mark Hews; Jay Lockhart; and Suzanne and Ray Hews (son of Ed Hews and also a past President of the Presque Isle Rotary Club).

2015-2016 Officers, Board Members installed

During its July 6 meeting, the Presque Isle Rotary Club installed new officers and set its board of directors for 2015-2016. The Club was also pleased to host Wayne Wornes, the new District Governor for Rotary District 7810, and his wife Sylvie Wornes during the meeting. Pictured are, from left, front row: Wayne Wornes, Jennifer Flynn, Secretary; outgoing President Scott Violette; incoming President Frank Bemis; President Elect Gina LeBlanc-Eggert; Amanda Hall, 2nd Vice President, and daughter Brooke; and Sylvie Wornes; back row: District Governor Elect Ginny Joles; Floyd Rockholt, Treasurer and Assistant District Governor; board members Rachel Rice, Leigh Smith and Derik Smith; Adam Bither, Sergeant at Arms; board member Jason Parent; Tony Phillips, Assistant Treasurer; board member Matt Irwin; and Theresa Fowler, Assistant Secretary. Not pictured were board members Sharon Campbell, Rick Duncan, Sue Bernard, and Toby Plummer.

Below, Outgoing Presque Isle Rotary Club President Scott Violette congratulates incoming Presque Isle Rotary Club President Frank Bemis as he begins his term for 2015-2016. Behind them is a banner with the theme Rotary International President K.R. Ravindran has chosen for 2015-2016: Be a Gift to the World. Ravindran is urging Rotary members to give the gifts of time, talent, and knowledge to improve lives in communities across the globe.

Service Above Self

We meet Mondays at 12:00 PM
University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center St. John Room

181 Main Street
PO Box 641
Presque Isle, ME 04769
United States

District Site

Venue Map

In 2014, the Presque Isle Rotary Club added a satellite club to offer our current and new members another option to attend a meeting. The meeting takes place Thursday morning at 7 AM at Governor's Restaurant in Presque Isle. Stop by to attend a meeting and learn more about Rotary.