July 1 marked the start of a new Rotary year for the Houlton Rotary Club, ushering in a slate of officers dedicated to continuing the organization’s mission of service above self.
Josh McLaughlin, president of J McLaughlin Construction, has stepped up to serve as president of the club. He is joined by Johanna Johnston, executive director of the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation and Owner of Riversbend Paddle Co., who will serve as president-elect.
Isaac Brown of Dead River Company will take on the role of sergeant at arms, while Annette Beaton of Katahdin Trust Company transitions into the position of past president.
Officers were officially sworn in at the club’s annual awards banquet held on June 23, where Rotarians and community members were recognized for outstanding contributions.
Paul Harris Awards, one of Rotary’s most prestigious honors, were presented to Rotarian Jon Harbison, in recognition of his dedicated service with the Houlton Fire Department and other community initiatives; to Cecilia Rhoda, for her exceptional leadership as chair of the Gateway Ambassadors and her commitment to welcoming newcomers to the region; and to Steven Fitzpatrick, for his many years as a dedicated Rotarian, his extensive community service, and his role as a leading advocate for the club’s baseball field improvement project, which provided much-needed upgrades to recreational facilities for local youth.
The Gateway Ambassadors, a program of the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation, were recognized with the 2025 Community Service Award, celebrating their work in supporting visitors, residents, and businesses during the 2024 Maine eclipse and beyond.
Deb Clark, a Rotarian since 2000, was honored with the President’s Award by outgoing President Annette Beaton for her countless hours of volunteer service, including preparing for Rotary meetings and serving on the board.
The club also celebrated a year of record-breaking achievements. The 69th annual Rotary Auction raised an all-time high of nearly $85,000 in auction sales supporting local and international projects.
In addition, the Club:
– Donated $10,000 to the Houlton Humane Society for the Raise the Woof Canine Facility Project
– Contributed $1,000 to the Putnam House for the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator
– Committed $10,000 toward the Southern Aroostook Minor Hockey Association’s project to develop an outdoor hockey rink
– Raised nearly $5,000 at the International Food Festival to fund humanitarian efforts abroad
Incoming President Josh McLaughlin shared his vision for the year ahead, stating:
“It’s an honor to serve as president during such an exciting time for our club. My goal is to strengthen Rotarian engagement and ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. Together, we can build on our legacy of service and make a meaningful impact.”
Looking forward, Annette Beaton, Josh McLaughlin, Johanna Johnston, and Isaac Brown have all committed to reserve funds raised during their presidential years to support a large-scale community project, with more details to be announced soon.
For more information about the Houlton Rotary Club and its programs, visit www.houltonrotary.org or follow the Club on Facebook at facebook.com/houltonrotary.
