By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — Crowd members applauded as Limestone’s Citizen’s of the Year plaques were presented to Norman Page and Ronald and Barbara Gallagher during a Recognition Banquet at the Loring Job Corps Center Ballroom on March 1.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Rocking the Recognition Banquet with their dance routine were, from left, Sierra Beaulieu, Emily Leighton, Xena Roussel and Isabella Ward.
Both Page and the Gallaghers exude shared traits that positively impact the greater Limestone community — volunteerism, community support, environmental stewardship and library patronage — but the modesty of Limestone’s newly named Citizens of the Year paired with their subtle nature of their volunteerism make both Page and the Gallaghers quiet pillars of community support standing in the limelight’s periphery.
Vice President of the Greater Limestone Chamber of Commerce (GLCC) Michelle Albert explained that their volunteerism impacts the community in ways many residents might often overlook, but take a book off the shelf in Limestone’s newly remodeled library, takes a walk (or a ski) about the town’s recreational trails or simply drive by the new barn of the Limestone/Caswell Historical Society — unbeknownst, you’ll be partaking in projects made possible by countless hours of labor put in by volunteers, including the work of the Gallaghers and Page.
All the while Limestone’s new Citizens of the Year quietly devote their time to causes they feel are important —whether it’s Page grooming the town’s trails for skiing and other winter recreation or the Gallaghers teaching yet another group of youths how to maneuver on cross country skis — the honored residents are teaching a new generation the value of volunteerism.
“They take their time to be there for the youths and show them that even in the winter, you can have fun and see the sights,” Albert explained.
The Limestone Rotary Club and the GLCC sponsored the Recognition Banquet, and both organizations provided attendees with updates on their current endeavors.
Joe LaPierre, GLCC president, informed the audience that a lot of good progress has been made on revamping the town’s Web page. The site will feature sub-pages for the town’s municipal departments, Trafton Lake and many of the community’s volunteer organizations like the Rotary Club. Adding to the aesthetic nature of the site is community photography obtained through a photo contest; contest winners received small prizes, their photography will be used to promote the town and the tables of the JLC ballroom were adorned with framed copies of the photos for the event.
LaPierre also informed the audience that the Chamber’s has a jump start on fundraising for Limestone’s annual Fourth of July festivities to the tune of over $1,000, raised through three poker tournaments held at the Limestone Country Club. There are two more poker tournaments scheduled for Sunday, March 11 and Sunday, April 22.
Another popular Fourth of July fundraiser, officials with the GLCC will be holding another wine tasting to help cover Fourth expenses, as planning is well underway.
“Our very small group has had a big impact on the community this year,” LaPierre explained, adding that anyone with a little extra time who’s willing to help support the Chamber through a little volunteer work would be greatly appreciated.
While the Chamber’s small group has made a big difference despite their small numbers, similar sentiments could be made about the town’s Rotarians.
“We are a small Rotary Club, but we are mighty,” explained Limestone Rotary Club President David King.
All of Limestone’s Rotarians participate heavily in every event they coordinate, like the upcoming Senior Citizens Banquet on Thursday, April 19.
King informed the audience that the event will be held at the Limestone Community School this year.
One of the Rotary Club’s major projects for the past few years has been the creation of a downtown park, the realization of which is moving along steadily with fund-raising efforts. The park is slated to feature a gazebo, aesthetic landscaping and an iconic town clock.
“We’ve taken a leap of faith and ordered the clock,” explained King, adding that the community has been very generous in moving the clock project forward. As the group is still fundraising to purchase the clock, King reminded the audience about the 8×8 storage shed built by students of the Loring Job Corps Center being raffled off for $1 a ticket.
“Every penny will go toward the clock tower purchase,” King assured.
The Limestone Rotary Club meets every Thursday morning at 7 a.m. at 170 Development Drive (in the same building as Russetto’s on the Loring Commerce Centre) and the next meeting of the GLCC is March 15 at 6:30 in the Limestone Municipal Building.
