By Jane Torres
Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times
Well it looks like snow (and maybe ice) for Christmas, but we are hardy souls and can take whatever Mother Nature sends our way.
I have been privileged to be part of the “buy local” movement for a while now and am happy to report that the Houlton merchants are seeing increased sales this year. I think the community is liking the concept of supporting neighbors. For that reason I would like to present another segment of “Hidden Treasures.”
• While you are out there shopping and perhaps doing what I do, two gifts for friends/one for me, pick up a random child’s gift and deposit it in the boxes here at the Chamber. The Marine Corps League and North Country Cruisers do a tremendous job distributing gifts to children in need. No telling what a difference that simple gift will make in the life of a child and that, my friends, is the true spirit of Christmas.
• In this holiday season with all the rushing here and there wouldn’t it be nice to have someone do something nice for you? Try Shirley Armitage’s 10-minute chair massages at Trendsetters Salon on Bangor Street. If you need an excuse to go in you can always pick up a gift certificate for a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure or hair cut from one of the very talented ladies who work there. You’re welcome.
• Don’t forget when you are out and about that The County Co-op and Farm store has lots of local crafted gift items, great coffee for that much needed pick-me-up, and now sells bulk grains for members and nonmembers alike. Remember you don’t have to be a member to buy at the Co-op but a membership supports the local economy and is a great gift idea for the person who has everything.
• Studded snow tires. Today studded snows are looking better to me than jewels ever could. Of course that might change when the sun comes out, but for today it would be nice if I could go over 20 mph and stop when necessary. So please Santa, if the 2015 four-wheel-drive pick-up is out of the question, the tires would be great!
• I was in talking to Joyce Transue at the Court Yard Café and would like pass on a tip known by only a select group and now you – Joyce makes the best salad dressings for sale in her restaurant. These are small batch, locally sourced, hand-made dressings so you can’t go wrong. For the person who has everything, but loves to eat, pick up a few, put them in a gift basket, add a ribbon and …voila!… I love gifts like this.
• While you are out and about stop at Town & Country Clothing for some aloe infused, plush socks for the woman in your life who always complains about cold feet. Nothing worse than cold toes, so she’ll be happy.
• Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe. Would it be Christmas without some Uncle Willy’s candy in your kids stocking? I do have a small problem though, shop the perimeter first so by the time I get to the center of the store my basket is a tad bit on the over loaded side. Did I mention that my problem with Christmas shopping is that I always find way too much for myself?
• Gift certificates — I know… impersonal, doesn’t take enough thought. You’ve heard it all. But don’t you love receiving them? It’s like found money in your pocket and whenever I use one I always think about the person who gave it to me. Those of you who have teens and older children know that they will never be happy with any piece of clothing we buy (Face it, we’re just not hip enough for them). Play it safe, all local stores offer gift certificates and if you think they need the fancy boxes under the tree to tear open you can always put it in a big fancy package with a bow.
