A snowstorm really has a way of changing a landscape. What was familiar becomes unfamiliar as piles of the white stuff change the definitions of property and space. The early snow certainly does bring out the Christmas spirit and I found myself singing Bing Crosby on the way to work. And the early snow is great for the winter sports scene that our area is becoming increasingly known for and that is great economically for the area.
Speaking of changing landscapes, the Chamber Board of Directors and I have been extremely busy behind the scenes getting everything ready to start the new year as an entity separate from the city. With only two months to accomplish all those changes after learning of the new ordinance, the board has warped into overdrive and it has been a lot of fun to watch.
And the hard work is going to pay off. I am fully confident that we will hit the new year running and you will not notice any difference between 2013 and 2014 except 2014 will be a terrific year and build off of progress made in 2013.
The Chamber is pleased and proud to announce a new membership this week as Pioneer Broadband joined. The company is based in Houlton, but serves all of Aroostook County. The company services Aroostook County with high speed Internet via DSL and fiber. They also do phone service, network consulting and PC repairs.
Most people are very familiar with Pioneer Broadband as a quality Internet provider. But a growing segment of their business is the phone service which operates at a high quality and can save people a bundle of money over other phone providers in the area.
I usually like to fill this column with good news, but it is with sadness that the Chamber noted the passing of Bud Brewer recently. Bud touched the Chamber in so many ways in the past. He and his wife were so special during our yearly Santa’s Workshop events for many years and he was also involved with the Caribou Historical Society, a wonderful resource to the area and a member of the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bud was a fixture at this past summer’s Thursdays on Sweden and he will be missed greatly by all who knew him. The Chamber sends condolences to his family and friends at the loss of a man who served his country and his County with such distinction.
I will follow that somber note with one other. While this is a time of year of great joy and celebration for many, it is also a time that heightens loneliness and need in others. I have been heartened by calls in the past week of people asking about ways to serve the community with soup kitchens and other outreaches this season. The need is great among us. But there is also a great sensitivity of our people. This sensitivity and willingness to serve is one of the things that make our area so special. Look around you this season and seek out those who could use a friend this holiday season.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as the city has several events coming up for the community. One will take place downtown and others the high school. These events follow in spirit the Thursdays on Sweden celebrations and will keep that momentum going. Until a few of the details are ironed out, keep in mind the following theme: “Frozen Fridays.” Ha! This is going to be fun!
One of the things that I have noticed since the start of my tenure in this job is the good works done by fraternal organizations such as the Caribou Rotary Club, American Legion, Kiwanis Club of Caribou and others. These organizations not only provide fellowship opportunities in the area but also give back so much to the community.
The times have not been kind to these organizations and all of them face shrinkages and aging of membership. And that is a shame. Anyone who has lived here a long time knows that these organizations were the lifeblood of the community. They were the heart of community events and happenings and provided a large volunteer base. The loss and aging of their membership rolls puts an added strain on the Chamber and the city in filling the void.
I don’t know how much the times have changed to cause the membership to suffer for these organizations. People get their fellowship in different ways now. People talk to one another on Facebook, Twitter and other avenues in the modern world. But as nice as that fellowship is, they do not replace actually spending time with someone and standing shoulder to shoulder volunteering at an event or giving back to the community can provide.
The Rotary Club of Caribou just had another successful fund-raising campaign as they sold all 1,000 of their raffle tickets.
Members of The Kiwanis Club of Caribou were fixtures at the Thursdays on Sweden events and were great fun to have there. The club is currently having a membership drive and could really use an influx of some new members.
Please consider joining. The time commitment is not that great and again, these organizations provide a great service and outreach in the community. How about making that a New Years Resolution!
The Chamber will be open until noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and will be closed Dec. 25. A half a day will also be the case on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Have a great holiday season and thank you so much for your kind attention this past year.
Executive Director William Tasker may be reached in the CACC office at 498-6156 or e-mail him at cacc@cariboumaine.net.
