Staff Writer
Terry Lenihan, Rotary district governor, met with members of the Caribou Rotary Club at the regular Wednesday meeting Jan. 23 to introduce himself as well as to discuss Caribou Rotary’s recent activities, and to encourage the club to continue in their efforts.
Aroostook Republican Photo/Andrew Dyer
Terry Lenihan, Rotary Club district governor was recently in Caribou where he spoke before the Caribou Rotary Club. Lenihan discussed Rotary projects worldwide and expressed satisfaction at hearing of projects Caribou Rotary Club is involved in.
Lenihan, a resident of Bathurst, New Brunswick briefly described his home pointing out similarities between his region and Aroostook County. Lenihan also encouraged Rotary members to visit the Maritime Provinces, in the same way that he along with many other Canadians vacation in New England.
Lenihan went on to discuss charitable projects Rotary Clubs worldwide are involved in highlighting projects the Caribou Rotary Club has been involved in, pointing out the difference Rotary makes in the world and locally.
“For a small community you have one of the largest Rotary Clubs in the district. You should be very proud of that. Don’t forget that you’re a part of something much bigger than yourself,” said Lenihan.
Lenihan discussed the Caribou Rotary’s involvement in the creation of the Caribou Wellness Center, and his excitement about the project.
“This is a huge thing. Two and a half million dollars, that’s a pretty major thing, but it’s going to be wonderful for the next generation of children and for many, many years to come,” Lenihan.
Lenihan also spoke favorably of Rotary’s involvement with the Caribou Friends of Scouting’s project to build a Boy Scout building in Caribou. According to Lenihan the rotary has donated $15,000 to the project.
“Some of the other things I’ve heard about have been the sound system at the Caribou Performing Arts Center, and bringing exchange students here,” said Lenihan.
Lenihan also mentioned the Caribou Rotary’s involvement with the cross-country skiing facilities in Caribou, pointing out the improvement the facilities make to the area.
“That just enhances the quality of life in the area. The need was there and you guys responded, and that’s what Rotary is all about, helping whenever there’s a need. Right now, those types of needs are being met by this club, and they wouldn’t be there if you didn’t have your hearts in everything that you do,” said Lenihan.
Lenihan also mentioned the excellent fellowship of the Caribou Rotary Club, highlighting the recent snowmobile draw and following party. Lenihan pointed out how these events along with the service of the club help to attract new members, which is very important, as the Rotary stretches to meet community needs.
“It’s great to have social events where you can relax and be proud of what you’ve done, and that’s an important part of being a Rotarian. You do it to give service, because you want to help your community by giving of yourself, but you should also be very proud of what you do. Other people in the community see that, they see the Rotary signs at the ball park and the many projects Rotary is involved in. They may then want to join the Rotary Club.,” he said.
“I assure you there will always be needs in the community, whether it be drug problems, literacy problems or social problems Rotary is getting more involved in these areas. Believe it or not when you put in something like the wellness center, you avoid a lot of these problems down the road. So you’re finding a solution in the early stages to help out our youth, and everyone who can participate and get involved,” said Lenihan.
