LEWISTON — The Rotary Club of Lewiston-Auburn has welcomed John Belisle as Rotary president for year 2009-2010. Belisle began his duties on July 1 after receiving the gavel and club charter from Immediate Past President Kathy Becvar.

Born and raised in Lewiston, Belisle attended local schools and graduated from a small business college in Boston. After serving a short time in the U.S. Army, he began his banking career with the former First Bank of Lewiston-Auburn. Belisle  is vice president of commercial lending in the community banking division of Mechanics Savings Bank. He has worked in the banking industry for more than 39 years in various capacities of management and lending.

Belisle has been a member of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary since 1982. Since that time, he has been active in different capacities in the club, including chairman of the Vocational Service Committee for five years, program chairman and most recently membership chairman. He became a Paul Harris Fellow in June 2008

In his mission statement, Belisle said, “On July 1, 2009, the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club entered its 92nd year, and it is with great enthusiasm that I encourage every Rotarian to help us celebrate Rotary’s theme for 2009-2010, ‘The Future of Rotary is in Our Hands’. It is with this mind set that our first and foremost goal and responsibility will be the growth in membership for our club. All Rotary members will be given the challenge to recruit and increase membership. The future of Rotary can only be possible through sustainable growth in membership.”

Belisle said, “Our Rotary motto, ‘Service above Self,’ will continue to be a very important part of the club’s fundraising activities. In addition to awarding seven $1,000 scholarships to local high school seniors, our club will adopt a least two community service projects, one district project and provide funds to various community nonprofit organizations.”

Belisle told Rotarians, “With every Rotarian’s participation and support, we will be able to accomplish all our goals set forth for the benefit of our local and international communities. It is a great honor and privilege to serve as your president.”

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