Numbers are arbitrary. And we as Americans like our denominations of five and ten. Caribou is just as cool to me in 2013 at 154 as it was in 2009 when it turned 150. So even though 74 is not that much different than 75, we celebrate the 75. There is nothing wrong with this because it brings focus to something that has withstood the test of time and all these years later such an anniversary is worth celebrating — even if, in reality, we should celebrate something that is important every year.
Two important parts of Caribou and the surrounding area celebrate 75 years this year. The Nylander Museum celebrated its 75th year with an Open House and ceremony in the past week. Go to any science department at any university and they know who Olaf Nylander is and why he was important. That story gets a little lost in the shuffle in our modern city. And all those years ago, the city made a promise to Nylander that his collections would be displayed and celebrated. That promise has been kept. And every day I come to the office, I tip my cap to him … well … my imaginary cap if I wore one.
Another entity celebrating its 75th anniversary is Houlton Farms Dairy. Not only do their products still nourish our people on the shelves of our grocery and convenience stores, but how many of us have treasured a sweet, frozen treat at their dairy bar on Bennett Drive? I dare say that most of us have. Yum! The wait staff at the dairy bar is wearing 75th Anniversary shirts this year.
Congratulations to both entities and may both be with us for another 75 years!
I saw something really heartwarming on Tuesday. I shared it on the Facebook page, but I will share it here too. I was heading home for lunch and before turning onto Main Street, I had to wait on a school bus. It was the last school day of the year for the children. A little girl, Emma, was dropped off and there to greet her was the resident of the home I was looking at. This resident had hand-crafted a big sign on the side of the house that read, “Congratulations Emma!” and also congratulated her on progressing to the next grade (I think it was second).
This little scene made me teary eyed with a lot of inner emotion. First, I felt warm inside at the love that Emma was shown by this sign and how she was greeted. I felt glad at the smiles she must have had seeing it and how she must have felt. And then I remembered all the years in my own daughter’s life. When I saw her each year after she completed a grade, I always said, “There’s my big second-grader.” “There’s my big fourth-grader.” And so forth.
It is for little girls like Emma and my daughter and others that we try to build this community to be the best it can be. It is not about politics or about pride or about anything that is temporary. It is about building a culture and a climate we can all be proud of and feel good about. And also, it is about building a community that will make Emma want to stay here when she grows up. Congratulations, Emma!
By the time you read this, our very first Thursday on Sweden will take place the next day. Gosh, am I excited about this. This is not a Chamber event, though I have been a small token part and have attended all the meetings. This started with Austin Bleess and Tony Mazzucco and all parts of the city have been involved. This is a group effort to bring a little fun and flavor to Caribou. I hope you enjoy it a lot and I hope the weather cooperates! I cannot decide if I am more excited about the venders, or the band or the fried dough. If you asked my wife, she would tell you the fried dough.
Common Crossing is the band the first week and they will start playing at seven, but the venders and events will start at 5:30. Please come and have a good time with us!
I drove down Water Street onto Limestone Street to take a look at the burn the Fire Department performed a couple of weeks ago. During the drive, I noticed that S.W. Cole Engineering had their new signs on their building. They look terrific!
The time is now to sign up if you would like to participate in the 30th annual Cary Classic Benefit Golf Tournament being held at the Caribou Country Club on July 14 and 15. Not only is this one of the best tournaments of the year in the County, but over $200,000 has been raised in support of vital health programs at Cary Medical Center. I hope to see you there!
Happy Anniversary wishes this week go to Caribou Hydraulic & Machine, which joined the Chamber in 2008, Caribou Utilities District, which has also been a member since 2008, Garelick Farms, a member since 2000, Professional Home Nursing, Inc., a member since 1996, Re/Max Central, which joined in 2004 and WebXCentric Design Group, a member since 1996. Thank you all for your faithful partnership!
Executive Director William Tasker may be reached in the CACC office at 498-6156 or e-mail him at cacc@cariboumaine.net.
