Annual Recognition Dinner is Thursday night
I am very excited for the Chamber to honor some of our area heroes on Thursday (May 8 at the Caribou Inn & Convention Center) at our Annual Recognition Dinner. All have gone beyond the call of duty for the benefit of our community.
I think of Kathy Mazzuchelli, who I have known since I first moved up here 24 years ago. Yes, she has been one of the most able and talented department heads the city of Caribou could ever have. But it has been her tirelessness at going above and beyond her position to constantly promote our area. From her work with the snowmobile trails and clubs (and property owners!) to tireless efforts to promote tourism, children and the overall health and well-being of an area, her energy has been breathtaking. How do you replace someone like that!?
Wendy Bosse grew up in one of the oldest houses in Caribou and that must have made an impression. She has long carefully maintained the historic collections at the Caribou Public Library during her work there but also with her time dedicated to the Caribou Historical Center and Museum. She is the area’s go-to person for the past and she freely gives of her time and efforts. She was a big part of the sesquicentennial event.
Cuppy Johndro is everywhere! Another tireless giver, her efforts and touch support so many different causes around the area. Her thrill at receiving this award speaks volumes of her selfless dedication and humility to the area.
Do you have any idea how difficult it is to take over an iconic business like Burger Boy and not only continue to please the old customers but also to bring in a bunch of new ones? Spenser Ouellette has done an amazing job doing so. He also has his hand in two other businesses and was a regular during Thursdays on Sweden preparing free food to give out to the revelers!
The Sleeper family has been such a fixture here, but even so, to survive and thrive for a hundred years is amazing. Through good times and bad, Sleepers has weathered it all with great customer service and a knack for knowing what their customers want. Besides that, the family has always been very active in the community and spends many hours behind the scenes with their time and efforts for the betterment of all.
Highway Tire is an example of beginning in the heady times of the Loring Air Force Base days and yet thriving and surviving for 50 years even though those days are long gone. Fifty years in this area and in this economy is a remarkable achievement. You cannot do that without good customer care and they have always understood that.
The Caribou Emergency Response Team (CERT) is made up of volunteers who go through training to be able to support the area in emergency situations. This means that the team has responded to floods, large accidents and fires and tragic situations. They have seen many horrible things and yet continue to give of their time. Some of the members of the team have been at it for 40 years! They are truly worthy to receive recognition as their efforts are hardly seen by general public.
These are the kinds of people we should be celebrating. And I genuinely hope we have a big crowd to stand up and cheer for each one. Even though you are receiving this column the day before the event, please come and join in the celebration. It is important to me that these people feel the love of their fellow citizens.
Executive Director William Tasker may be reached in the CACC office at 498-6156 or email him at cacc@cariboumaine.net.
