A Fort Kent dentist with a long history of community service has been named the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Citizen of the Year.
FORT KENT, Maine — A Fort Kent dentist with a long history of community service has been named the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Citizen of the Year.
Former chamber president Norma Landry presented the award to Dr. Lucien Daigle, DMD, at the chamber’s 74th annual meeting and awards ceremony on Friday.
Landry, who worked with Daigle for many years both when he operated his own dental practice and now that he works at Fish River Rural Health, described him as “a fantastic citizen, a role model in the highest degree and “a man who puts God and family at the absolute top of his list.”
Daigle has contributed his time and skills to many local initiatives over the years, including the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races, the local recreational soccer program, and several school events.
He is a Red Cross Lifesaving Award recipient and an outdoor emergency care instructor.
Daigle is instrumental in the success of the Lonesome Pine Trails Ski Resort, where he is a member and was director of the ski patrol and helped with everything from trail maintenance to snowmaking.
He also dedicated many years to serving in his church, First Assembly of God, as a youth group leader, Sunday school teacher, and worship team member.
“Service is a privilege, that’s all it is,” Daigle said after receiving the Citizen of the Year award. “We are blessed to live in a place where we can serve in all these ways.”
His wife of 46, Cheryl Daigle, said her husband “has a real servant’s heart”.
“He does everything out of love for people and for the community we live in. His strong faith is what drives him to always put others and their needs above his own. For my part, I am very proud of him and so happy to be able to share the rest of my life with him,” said Cheryl Daigle.
The 74th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony of the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce was held virtually for the second year in a row due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic.
Friday’s event also recognized local businesses for their contributions to the community.
The Chamber named John’s Shurfine Grocery Member of the Year for 2021.
Owners Tom and Jessica Audibert bought John’s in 2015 from Jessica’s parents, John and Norma Robichaud, who started the business 42 years ago.
“Over the years there have been changes such as several expansions to keep up with changing times and the needs of the community,” said House Board Member Kerry Voisine. “They care deeply about their community and have been contributing to it for many years.”
John’s supports United Way’s annual High Five Turkey Drive, the Fort Kent Community High School/Valley Rivers Middle School Booster Club, the Fort Kent Community Cause and various civic organizations.
Tyra’s dog parlor received 2021 Small Business of the Year honors. Tyra’s Pooch Parlor, a dog grooming business, moved to a larger building last fall to accommodate the growth of the business, which includes now the only fenced outdoor dog park in St. John Valley.
M&M Service Station received the 2021 Longevity Award. The company has been providing quality vehicle repair services for 38 years under the direction of owner Mark Roy.
“Mark’s compassion, care and ability to build trusting and lasting relationships with his clients is what sets him apart,” Voisine said. “Mark’s motto is ‘cars are personal; it’s not a toy, it’s a means of transport.
The Young Entrepreneur Awards were presented to McKenzie Corriveau and Connor Pelletier.
Corriveau, at 16, established last fall, pet grooming company Kenzie’s Spa 4 Paws and 17-year-old Pelletier owns Connor’s Craft Shack.
Acadia Federal Credit Union, Katahdin Trust Company, Key Bank, Lee Theriault CPA, Norstate Federal Credit Union, and Plourde, Morneault, and Dubay PA, all received Shining Star Awards.
Chamber Speaker Dawn Daigle presented the 2021 President’s Award to Fort Kent City Manager Suzie Paradis. The Chamber’s General Manager, Dona Saucier, selected Denise Plourde for the Director’s Service Award.
The guest speaker for the event was WAGM Deputy News Director and Sports Director Rene Cloukey.
Cloukey said he has visited the Fort Kent area both personally and professionally over the years and has been impressed with the level of volunteerism at events such as the Can- Am Crown, biathlon meets at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center, the Fort Kent International Muskie Derby and ski events at Lonesome Pine Trails.
“Fort Kent, you’re doing something right,” Cloukey said. “You are the envy of so many other communities who look at what you’ve accomplished and wish they could do the same.”
A recording of the event can be viewed on the Fort Kent chamber website and Facebook page.
