Rotarians have successful conference

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — About 160 Rotarians enjoyed a visit in the Shiretown June 1-3 as part of the Annual Conference for Rotary District 7810. Rotarians from 43 clubs across northern Maine and New Brunswick came to southern Aroostook to share experiences for the first time since 1931.
    The District Conference spanned three days filled with information about local service projects, as well as efforts across the globe.
Contibuted Photo/Michael Clark
ROTARY AWARDS — Three individuals received Paul Harris Fellow awards during the Rotary District 7810 convention held in Houlton June 1-3. Receiving the award were Brenda Commander, tribal chief of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians; Joe Fagnant, music director for SAD 29 and McGill’s Community Band; and Donn Fendler, author. Taking part in the presentation are, from left, District Governor Leigh Cummings, Rotarian Deb Clark, Commander, Sandy Cummings, Fagnant and Rotarian Fred Grant. Not pictured is Fendler.
    “The conference exceeded our expectations and those of Rotarians from our district,” said Houlton Rotary President Scott Dionne. “Authors Tim Caverly, Jacques Poitras and Donn Fendler certainly captivated the audience. Fendler, a somewhat iconic character to many of us who grew up reading ‘Lost on a Mountain in Maine,’ retold his story of being lost on Mt. Katahdin and how his story has helped children throughout the region embrace literature for decades.”
    Leigh Cummings, who serves as this year’s District Governor, presented Fendler with a Paul Harris Fellow award.
    Brenda Commander, tribal chief for the Houlton Band of Maliseets, offered a unique perspective to how her tribe has been positioning itself to overcome struggles that continue to impact Native Americans of our region. Cummings, on behalf of District 7810, presented her with a Paul Harris Fellow for her work rejuvenating the Maliseet community and opening lines of communication between all people.
    Rotarians also enjoyed a number of musical presentations.
    “The entertainment was exceptional,” Dionne said. “From McGill’s Band, the Southside Jazz Ensemble, the high school’s a Capella group, Camerata, to Off Beat, the performances certainly illustrated why Houlton deserves the title of ‘Music Town of Maine.’”
    Joe Fagnant, band director for SAD 29, received a Paul Harris Fellow award for his work promoting arts in the community and instilling a drive to succeed in our area youth.
    The Rotary International President’s representative Anirudha Roy Chowdhury and his wife Shipra traveled 36 hours from India to embrace Rotarians, along with all our community had to offer. Anirudha captured this year’s theme of “looking within to embrace humanity” through stories and lessons he has encountered during his travels and work with Rotary.