Probus hears from Chamber director
PRESQUE ISLE — Eleven members of Probus met at Reed Commons at Northern Maine Community College on April 19. President Karen Sweeney called the meeting to order at 10 a.m.
JEROME MANTER, of Presque Isle, at center, celebrated his 90th birthday on April 13. Sending love to their Papa on this special occasion were, from left, Lance and Bella Trinceri, of Hampton, N.H. 
Program chairman Mel Fitzherbert introduced guest speaker, Teresa Fowler.
Fowler is the executive director of Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. She spoke to the group about the role of the Chamber and the issues of importance to the members.
The Chamber represents 13 communities. Fowler is a member of the Maine Chamber executives. Of interest to the group was the organization’s involvement in the legislation regarding permitting for mining operations. Pros and cons discussed were environmental issues, benefits to the local economy and impact on lakes, rivers and fishing.
Other topics were growth of Main Street in Presque Isle, traffic and bypass issues, education and training of youth and job creation, difficulty in attracting professionals to the area and better advertising of local businesses.
She also discussed the sale of Maine Public Service and the possibility of a torrified wood plant in the region. That process will densify, add value to and improve the characteristics of woody biomass.
Following a 10-minute break, the business meeting was called to order by Sweeney. Helen McConnell read minutes of last meeting and Richard Barker gave the treasurer’s report. Both reports were approved as read. Paul Lynch, Helen McConnell and Gerry Gallagher were elected to oversee the scholarship given by Probus to a local high school student.
