Farmington Rotarian Spotlight
Sue Pratt
Farmington Rotary is celebrating 100 years in 2025. This milestone anniversary will see many centennial celebrations including a crosswalk-art painting project and a gala in the summer. Periodically, Farmington Rotarians are spotlighted for their work in the community now and in the past 100 years. It is a great way to get to know who is making a difference in our community.
By Lisa Laflin
I sat down recently with Sue Pratt to learn more about her growing commitment to Rotary - the collection of Rotary pins on her blazer signaling her passion for the organization's mission. Sue became a Rotarian in 2004. She joined as she was looking to make more connections in the community. A short time later she knew she was hooked because of the camaraderie, and the good work Rotary was doing locally and around the world.
Sue lives with her husband Rupert in Strong. They have been in Strong since 1978 running River Run Farm with 50 head of beef cattle.
Sue started teaching elementary and middle school math in 1981. After many years of teaching, she moved into administration in 1998 when she became principal of schools in Kingfield and Phillips. She then took on the role of Assistant Superintendent for SAD 9 for seven years. She moved on to take on the superintendency of MSAD 36 and oversaw the consolidation of Livermore, Livermore Falls and Jay schools. After the consolidation of Spruce Mountain as it is now known, her superintendent skills were shared with Rangeley, RSU 40 in Waldoboro, and then Rangeley again for two years. Retirement was on the horizon, but the superintendent position for MSAD 58 opened after a lot of turmoil in the district, so she went back to MSAD 58 for four years to guide the district through challenging times. After decades of full-time school administration, she became a part time administrator for three years in Andover and then Highland Plantation as well. Now retired from education, she is focusing more fully on Rotary.
Sue’s long-time involvement in education meshed nicely with Farmington Rotary’s dedication to area youth. “One of the things that impresses me the most is the work that we do with youth programs.”
As Sue’s passion for Rotary grew, so did her leadership roles. She became Assistant Governor of District 7790 which has 31 Rotary Clubs and stretches from Rockland, Maine to the south, to Sept Iles, Quebec to the north, and Brossard near Montreal to the west. She will become District Governor in June of this year. “There have not been many women in leadership roles in the district. I am proud to be changing that.”
Sue likes the fact that Rotary is acknowledging that things are different. “Rotary is adapting a lot. It is trying to meet younger people where they are to sustain clubs in these changing times. There are a fair amount of satellite clubs around the world meeting on their own terms.
While they are still a part of Rotary, they determine their own causes to support and are provided with a lot of flexibility.
Sue has many goals as District Governor but one main one is to increase membership. “We are people of action in action. I want to encourage folks to start new clubs (15 members are needed to start a club). I want to focus on surveying members and understanding why they joined, what they want to get out of Rotary and why they are leaving. Also, how we induct people and then mentor them is critical. Recruitment is, of course, important, but retention is the issue. Rotary is an opportunity to serve the community in any way that is comfortable to you. There are so many ways to give - financially, time, and energy.”
Sue also intends to stress the importance of using the technology available to us to foster communication and get Rotary “into the 21st century.” “A strong infrastructure is critical in today’s world, and we need a plan as to how Rotary can best use that technology. A robust discussion on hybrid remote and in person meetings needs to be had.”
When not immersed in all things Rotary, Sue enjoys spending time moderating town meetings, painting, and making wine. She is part of the Rotary Wine Fellowship Group of New England where there are presentations from wine connoisseurs, tastings, and discussions about wine pairings. True to the hybrid nature she supports, the wine fellowship meetings are both face to face and via Zoom.
Fellowship in Rotary is important to Sue, and she loves the celebrations that bring people together. A special one for her is the Festival of Trees. “The Festival of Trees is more than just an opportunity for folks to buy a Christmas Tree. It is a chance to show off our community to out-of-towners and an easy way to give back to the community. I spend all day there and just love the community the festival builds.”
Packs for Progress in collaboration with United Way and the pajama project in collaboration with the Franklin County Children’s Task Force are also favorite projects Farmington Rotary is involved in.
Farmington Rotary is a vibrant club with membership among the top 5% of district clubs. It really shines in the district for its dedication to youth, numerous projects and events, and strong leadership. It is one of only a few clubs that has had two district governors serve and are still active in Rotary from its club. Doug Ibarguen and Al Feather are Past District Governors and now Sue, whose term begins in just a few months. If that wasn’t enough, club member Terri Winslow is currently Assistant District Governor and Clayton King is in line to be District Governor in 2027.