FARMINGTON – Former president of the Farmington Rotary Club, Doug Ibarguen of Farmington, a 30-year club member and secretary for 24 years, has been unanimously elected district governor for 2006-2007. The sprawling district encompasses 54 clubs from the Northwest Territory in Quebec to Auburn/Lewiston.

“This is a great honor for Doug and for the club,” said club president Buzz Davis. Ibarguen was elected by district officials for his knowledge of Rotary and his experience as a trainer for other club secretaries and presidents. His responsibilities as governor are to assist and visit other clubs, provide leadership and set goals and objectives for the year.

In other news, nominations are sought for the seventh annual Franklin County Business Service Awards. These include the Entrepreneur Award and the Senior Vocation. Those selected will be honored at a dinner in June. Call Bill Marceau at 778-0607 or Mike Mansir at 778-3339 with nominations.

The club has been awarded an $1,800 Rotary grant to complete the Centennial Park along the railroad bed at the University of Maine at Farmington’s Prescott Field. Last summer members cleared brush and installed 12 concrete benches. This summer, the path will be extended to the Sandy River and 12 more benches will be added.

Members and the club this month are donating about $500 to SAVES, Franklin County’s rape crisis center, to help establish a sexual assault prevention and education program at Mt. Blue High School.

The club also donated to Boys State and Girls State at Mt. Blue High School and gave a $300 donation to a New Portland family after the sudden death of the husband and father.

On April 2, the club celebrated its 80th anniversary and the Jay/Livermore Rotary Club’s 40th year at a dinner dance at Murray Hall in Livermore Falls. The celebration also honored Rotary International’s 100 years of service. Attending the celebration was the District Governor Elaine Toussaint, who traveled from Quebec to address the members and join in the festivities.

Rotary International is a worldwide humanitarian and community service organization that supports dozens of local programs and helps people in need. For information on joining, contact Davis at 778-4275.