Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 16 : Spring 2013 | Page 68

Chamber Honors Outstanding Business
and Citizens in Central Aroostook
Early each year the Central Aroostook Chamber of
Commerce recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have contributed to the area and improved the
lives of those around them. This celebration provides an opportunity to thank and celebrate with the award recipients.
The most recent recipients were honored on January 24
during a lovely evening including a slideshow of photography
by Oscar Nelder (Voscar) and musical selections recorded
by the Presque Isle Recorder Consort. This was particularly
fitting since Voscar and Jan & Evelyn Kok, talented local
musicians who are members of the P.I. Recorder Consort,
were among those honored during the festivities.

Lifetime Achievement

Evelyn & Jan Kok

Evelyn & Jan, longtime residents of Presque Isle, were
recognized for their contributions to the musical and visual
arts. The Koks moved to Presque Isle in 1952 when Jan was
hired as a professor of music at the Aroostook State Teachers
College, forerunner of the University of Maine at Presque
Isle. He also taught voice at the college. Evelyn was hired as
a librarian, although she was an experienced medical illustrator. Jan & Evelyn, both extremely talented musicians, play
a variety of instruments from the recorder to keyboards and
stringed instruments.
Jan & Evelyn visited elementary schools readily to provide a special combination of entertainment and education
for the students. Jan established a number of musical groups
over the years, while Evelyn gave painting and guitar lessons.
Evelyn has composed a number of memorable songs exhibiting her joy of life. Jan directed the Kiwanis Talent Revue for
over 50 years, giving freely of his time and talent. The Koks
continue to gather their friends to make music.
Sharing the honors for the Lifetime Achievement
Award for 2013 was Oscar Nelder, better known locally as
“Voscar,” was also
recognized for his
contributions to the
region. Known as
the photographer of
Presque Isle’s history,
Voscar started his
career in 1949 at
WAGM Radio.
Always interested
in art, he attended
Oscar Nelder - “Voscar”

68

SPRING 2013

Lifetime Achievement

New York Institute of Photography in 1954, returning to
Presque Isle to open his own photography studio while hosting a children’s television show.
Voscar went on to work as a reporter and photographer
for Bangor Daily News then returned to WAGM as the editor for both television and radio. In addition to the vast array
of photographs Voscar has taken, he has produced and filmed
a number of local documentaries. It is unusual to see Voscar
without his camera, still recording the lives, places and faces
of Aroostook County.
Floyd Rockholt, owner
of Eagle Hill Stamp and Coin,
was honored as Citizen of the
Year. Floyd has operated his
business for approximately 30
years and maintains that it is
his duty to give back to the
community that has
supported him throughout
Floyd Rockholt
the years. He is past
president of Presque Isle Rotary, serves on the boards of
Healthy Families of Aroostook and the Central Aroostook
Chamber of Commerce, and participates in a bowling league
and a collectors group. In addition Floyd encourages others
in the world of collecting and trading coins, cards and other
items. Floyd gives freely of his time and talents to anyone
who asks. He quietly assists in a number of areas both locally
and abroad.
The Aroostook
Medical Center,
celebrating its 100th
Anniversary throughout
2012, was named Business of the Year. They
embraced the local
communitities as they
celebrated, with activiThe Aroostook Medical Center ties such as a parade, a
community picnic, and
much more. TAMC plays a major role in central Aroostook County, both as the major employer in the region and
provider of healthcare services not always available in rural
communities.
TAMC is involved in and supportive of many area
clubs and organizations as well as a number of national, state
and regional organizations. Constantly striving to provide
the latest in medical services, TAMC also is an innovator in
savings. In 2012 they became the first hospital in the State of
Maine to convert from No.2 fuel oil to compressed natural
gas, which will generate a savings of approximately $500,000
per year.
Overall, it was an incredibly enjoyable evening, with
more than 180 people on hand to c [X