Stories
Tickets for PI Rotary’s Great Big Give Back available as expanded project returns with St. Patrick’s Day drawing set Presque Isle - The Presque Isle Rotary Club’s Great Big Give Back is back – with a St. Patrick’s Day drawing set for the even more impressive Great Big Basket raffle, and the addition of a big ticket item on-line auction. The project, initiated last fall, was postponed to the New Year after the overwhelmingly positive response and generous outpouring of support by area businesses and organizations had coordinators look to expand the effort and extend the timeline. The relaunched Great Big Give Back will feature a Great Big Basket raffle of five impressive baskets filled with both purchased and donated gift certificates and merchandise, each valued at almost $2,000. The dollar value of items is nearly double the initially announced $1,000 gift baskets organizers had hoped to promote. Along with the raffle, PI Rotarians have set aside 14 “big ticket” items – with a total value of more than $6,500 – that will bring a piece of the Club’s annual Rotary Auction into this pandemic-year alternative project. The overall activity will also move forward, as previously planned with two other components focused on encouraging community members to give back by both pledging to shop local and volunteering time. |
Tremendous response by area businesses
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PI Rotary puts call out for Community Service Heroes who “Give Back” to inspire othersPresque Isle - With an eye toward inspiring others to serve, by sharing the volunteerism of those who are making a difference, the Presque Isle Rotary Club is calling for the stories of Community Service Heroes. Rotarians, this week, officially launched a social media campaign asking Aroostook County residents who know of someone – youth or adult – that is making a positive impact to post their stories on Facebook and tag the PI Rotary Club. The call for Community Service Heroes is part of the Club’s recently announced Great Big Give Back initiative, which is a COVID-19 replacement project for Rotary’s annual auction. Club members are asking that hero stories be posted by the end of the day on September 24. Facebook posts should include the individual’s name, description of community service, and a brief reflection on what makes them a real Community Service Hero. The club will be showcasing three of the featured Community Service Heroes in a special Star-Herald newspaper insert for the Great Big Give Back in October. |
PI Rotary Announces Great Big Give Back Style AuctionPI Rotary re-engineers 73rd Auction into Great Big Give Back to support community through challenging time Presque Isle – The impact of the global pandemic on our local community, especially area businesses, has prompted the Presque Isle Rotary Club to do something very different with its 73rd annual auction. The Great Big Give Back will provide Rotarians and community members the opportunity to support local businesses and organizations as well as four great community causes. Instead of the traditional solicitation of local businesses for donations that are auctioned to the highest bidder, the Presque Isle Rotary Club will buy $5,000 in items from those businesses that donated to its largest fundraiser in both 2018 and 2019. With the purchased items, Rotarians will create five Great Big gift baskets, valued at $1,000 each. Tickets for the gift baskets will be sold for $10 each, with proceeds from the raffle going to the Rotary Scholarship Fund, the United Way of Aroostook’s COVID-19 Response Fund, and the following 2021 events: the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival and the Northern Maine Fair. |
Presque Isle Rotary Club Prepares for its 72nd Annual AuctionAroostook County – Now into its 72nd year, the Presque Isle Rotary Auction continues to adjust with the changing times. The auction will now take place entirely online. Over 400 items valued at over $40, 000 have been donated by local businesses and will be auctioned off courtesy of Gregg Auctions online at www.greggauctions.com. Bidding is now open and is set to close on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 at 8 p.m . While the auction format may have changed, the spirit behind the auction remains the same. Proceeds from this year’s auction will benefit the Nordic Heritage Ski Center, Quoggy Jo Ski Center, Presque Isle Youth Hockey, and the Presque Isle Rotary Club Scholarship Fund. |
Going Places Network AnnouncementGoing Places Network announces major boost to The PI Loop with gift of new bus, state-of-the-art technology and community challenge match PRESQUE ISLE – Community members will have a brand new metro bus to ride on with state of the art technology to track its location and connect to the outside world while on board when The PI Loop fixed bus route launches in the Star City this October. A generous gift of more than $270,000 from Presque Isle native and philanthropist Mary Smith also includes a $50,000 challenge match to the Rotary and Kiwanis Club selected 2019 community project to raise funds for installation of bus shelters. “The Going Places Network has been planning to address transportation needs in Presque Isle for about a year. Thanks to Mrs. Smith's generous gift, The PI Loop will now contain state of the art technology, a metro bus that will allow for a comfortable experience for all riders, and a fixed loop service that will be rolling through the City before the snow falls,” said Jamie Chandler of ACAP, who along with LeRae Kinney of MSAD 1, co-chair the Going Places Network. |
Presque Isle Rotary and Kiwanis choose Going Places as Community Project
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71st Annual Auction Wrap Up![]() Aroostook County - The Presque Isle Rotary Club continued its seven decade tradition of supporting local non-profit organizations by recently dispersing funds raised during the 71st Annual Rotary Auction to their Auction Partners. Last November, nearly 500 items valued at more than $50,000, donated from businesses and organizations across Aroostook County and beyond, were auctioned off live on WAGM-TV and online by Gregg Auctions. The online component was new this year in an effort to bring the auction into the 21st Century. As technology and the way society consumes media changes, the auction needs to continue to adapt. The auction has been the organizations largest fundraiser for decades, and the goal is to keep it going. |
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Local Organizations Encourage Acts of KindnessAroostook organizations encourage kind acts for Jan. 5 Day of Service for Maine Citizens PRESQUE ISLE – Responding to a call for statewide Day of Service for Maine Citizens on January 5, four Aroostook County civic-minded organizations are encouraging people to give back in their communities with acts of kindness. The Maine Commission for Community Service is coordinating the day at the request of Governor-elect Janet Mills, who officially takes office earlier in the week. United Way of Aroostook, Aroostook County Action Program, Presque Isle Rotary and Presque Isle Kiwanis are hoping a Day of Service for Maine Citizens will cause people to be mindful of how their small acts of kindness can have big impacts, and also set the stage for an entire year of giving in 2019. Giving can take on many forms, but for this January 5, it’s the small things that count as far as Sherry Locke, Executive Director of United Way and past president of Presque Isle Kiwanis, is concerned. |
71st Annual Auction Is Just Around the Corner!Presque Isle Rotary Club first-ever on-line auction now live; TV auction broadcast set for November 24 Aroostook County Child Advocacy Center and six other projects to benefit from funds raised Aroostook County - A seven-decade tradition has taken a big leap into the 21st century. For the first time ever, the Presque Isle Rotary Club has taken part of its annual auction on-line. Nearly 500 items valued at more than $50,000, donated from businesses and organizations across Aroostook County and beyond, can now be viewed, and are open for bidding, on the 71st Annual Rotary Auction website at www.greggauctions.com. In addition to the on-line component, a live Auction broadcast is planned for Saturday, November 24, between 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m. on WAGM-TV's Fox affiliate station (channel 12 for area Spectrum Cable subscribers) and will be simultaneously webcast on wagmtv.com. |
Introducing our 2018-2019 Officers, Directors & Committee Chairs![]() Members of the Presque Isle Rotary Club recently installed new Officers Board Members and Committee Chairs for the 2018-2019 Rotary year, which runs July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. Serving in leadership positions for the year are (seated, left to right): Matt Irwin, president nominee (2020-2021); Matthew Bouchard, assistant treasurer; Sue Brown, treasurer; Jason Parent, president (2018-2019); Clint Deschene, vice president/president-elect (2019-2020); Jan Lucas, secretary; and Nancy Allen, assistant secretary. Also serving in Rotary leadership are (standing, left to right): Rachel Rice, board member; Debbie Roark, board member/scholarship committee co-chair; Sarah Ennis, board member; Martin Puckett, board member; Ben Greenlaw, board member/sergeant-at-arms; Leigh Smith, board member; Ralph McPherson, Rotary Foundation committee chair; Brett Varnum mentoring committee co-chair; Kevin McCartney, service committee chair; and Karen Gonya, public relations committee chair. Missing from photo are: Mandy Pooler-Hall, immediate past president; Derik Smith, board member; Sharon Campbell, literacy committee chair; Gina LeBlanc-Eggert, membership committee chair; Steve St. Pierre, mentoring committee co-chair; Theresa Fowler, program committee chair; Scott Violette, scholarship committee co-chair; and Jordyn Madore, youth services committee chair. |
PI Rotary Club Inducts New Member!We would like to welcome our newest Rotarian, Scott LaFleur. He comes to us from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He recently purchased the Budget Traveler in Presque Isle and is completing a large renovation and rebranding project as the hotel is converted into a Best Western. Welcome Scott! (Pictured Left to Right is Past District Governor Michael MacPherson, Immediate Past President Mandy Pooler-Hall and Rotarian Scott LaFleur.) ![]() |
2017-2018 Purple Pinkie Project 2017-2018 Purple Pinkie Project Rotarian's visited local area schools to paint pinkies purple in support of Polio Eradication. For a $1 donation-the cost of a polio vaccine- children and adults could get their pinkie painted purple. The club raised $3,000 toward the effort which will allow for 3,000 children around the world to receive the life saving polio vaccine. Rotarian's always enjoy our time in the local school and spending time with the very excited kiddo's! ![]() ![]() |
Annual Paul Harris Recognition EventRotary 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. |
11th Annual Aroostook River Fun RunDownload the Registration Form Right Here On The Homepage! |
PI Rotary Solicits Community Project and Regular Auction Proceed Partners for 2018 Rotary AuctionPlanning 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. |
Rotary Auction Store Room Grand OpeningNovember 17 Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting set for Presque Isle Rotary Auction Store in Aroostook Centre Mall; listing of items for 70th Annual TV Auction with $40,000+ in merchandise now available ![]() |
71st Annual Auction Announcement!The Presque Isle Rotary Auction is Now Happening Online! In addition to our continued partnership with WAGM TV, we have now added an Online Only auction component. The Live TV Auction will be held on WAGM TV on Saturday, November 24th from 12pm-6pm. Pre-bidding for TV Auction items has begun on Gregg Auctions website. Bidding for these items will conclude during the Live TV Auction. Our Online Only items will be up for bid on Gregg Auctions website until December 2, 2018 @ 4:00pm. The PI Rotary has again team up with the PI Kiwanis Club to raise money for the Children's Advocacy Center. Funds will go to assisting the new facility in provide local services to children and families who are victims of sexual assault. You can find links to Gregg Auctions website, the Auction Item Listing and our Store Hours on this page. For more information you can find us on Facebook or contact a PI Rotarian. |
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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!
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2016 Aroostook River Fun RunThe 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!
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Joke of the Week 9-22-14Norman is 89 years old. He's played golf every day since his retirement over 20 years ago. One day he arrives home upset. "That's it," he tells his wife. "I'm giving up golf. My eyesight is so bad that once I hit the ball I can't see where the dang thing goes." His wife sympathises and makes him a hot cup of tea. As they sit down she says, "Why don't you take my brother with you and give it one last try." "That's a terrible idea" says Norman, "your brother's 102 years old. How could he help?" "He may be 102 years old", says the wife, "but his eyesight is perfect." Norman figured he'd give it a try So the next day he heads off to the golf course with his brother-in-law. He tees up, takes a mighty swing and squints down the fairway. He turns to the brother-in-law and says, "Did you see the ball?" "Of course I did!" replied the brother-in-law. "I have perfect eyesight". "Where did it go?" says Norman. "Where did what go? |
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Joke of the Week 9/15/14A couple were Christmas shopping. The shopping center was packed , and as the wife walked through one of the malls she was surprised when she looked around to find that her husband was nowhere to be seen. She was quite upset because they had a lot to do and she became so worried that she called him on her mobile phone to ask him where he was. In a quiet voice he said, "Do you remember the jewelers we went into about five years ago where you fell in love with that diamond necklace that we couldn't afford, and I told you that I would get it for you one day?" The wife choked up and started to cry and said, "Yes, I do remember that shop." He replied, "Well, I'm in the bar next door." |
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Quote of the Week - Who Said It?We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.
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Thought for the Week - Who Said It?An optimist is the human personification of spring.
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Mark Your Calendars!Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!
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