HOULTON, Maine — A bitterly cold evening did little to deter about 170 individuals from attending the 2017 Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and awards gala.
Held at the Houlton Lodge of Elks, this year’s theme was “Cuban Nights” and featured a variety of Cuban-inspired dishes and appetizers. Chamber Executive Director Jane Torres and Chamber Vice President Josh McLaughlin served as the emcees for the evening, welcoming those in attendance and keeping the mood light throughout the evening.
Serving as the Chamber’s annual business meeting, four major awards were presented on the evening — Lifetime Achievement Award, Business of the Year, Community Service and Community Spirit.
The Business of the Year Award was presented to McDonalds, while the Community Spirit Award went to the Northern Maine Wood Turners. The Community Service Award was given to Peter Blood and Clint Cushman; and the Lifetime Achievement Award was given posthumously to Albert Putnam.
Lori Weston, a former executive director for the Chamber, served as co-host for the evening along with Torres. She asked the group to honor some of the individuals who had passed away over the past year, particularly chamber member Debbie Nesbitt.
“Several years ago, we decided to make this a gala event,” Weston said. “We wanted it to be something more than just a dinner. One of the people who demanded that happen, was Debbie Nesbitt. Sadly, she is no longer with us. This community has lost a lot of folks who contributed in many ways, so let’s take a moment and raise our glasses to them.”
Business of the Year
The award for Business of the Year is presented to the business that embodies the spirit of Houlton.
“This year there didn’t seem to be any hesitation for nomination,” Weston said. “It was unanimous and we are so happy to once again be honoring someone from the Degenhardt family. It seems like just yesterday that we were in this very place honoring Hunk and Dawn for a Lifetime of Achievement. It appears that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Heidi Degenhardt Abbotoni and Daryl Abbotoni took over the family business in 2008 and in December celebrated the grand re-opening of the newly built restaurant.
“It is a testament to the Abbotonis fortitude that this change took place with, what looked to us on the outside, as ease, thanks to area contractors who worked day and night, 24/7 with carefully orchestrated moves,” Weston said. “In the end it didn’t matter that the old building was no longer there because what really is important is the spirit of the place.”
“We are extremely humbled and honored to be chosen for this award,” Heidi Abbotoni said. “We want to thank not only the Chamber but our amazing team of employees. While the rebuild seemed to fly by, there was so much that went into it. We had employees working on Christmas Eve so we could open on Dec. 28. That is a true testament to how wonderful they are.”
Community Spirit
“This community has extraordinary people doing extraordinary things,” said Weston, who assisted with the award presentations. “I look around this room and almost all of you are involved in some sort of event or contribute to the community in some way.”
In 2010 a group of folks, with a passion for turning blocks of wood into beautiful creations formed the “Up There Wood Turners of Aroostook County.”
“This group met to learn from each other, to share their skills with each other and to create extraordinary pieces of art. From wooden bowls turned with an idea in mind (bread bowls, centerpieces for a certain table, bowls that have a special reason), toys that bring back the simplicity of yesteryear, practical things,” Weston said. “They have created something that we all see the beauty in and want.”
The group changed their name to the Northern Maine Wood Turners, and are an attraction at any event. They teach about woodturning and the wood they use. They show, through their actions, how being involved in the community can create a new hobby and skill and most of all they teach us that we are all capable of turning something rough and possibly not useable into something amazing and unique.
Accepting the award was club president, Dollard “Dee” Cote.
“Thank you for this honor,” Cote said. “We love to teach people. Anyone that wants to learn is welcome to come see what we do.”
Community Service
The Community Service Award is given to an individual or group that has made an extraordinary contribution to the Greater Houlton Community, demonstrating volunteerism at its finest.
“The two men being honored tonight share a wonderful passion for the outdoors and a willingness to share their talents with anyone who cares to ask,” Torres said. “Extraordinary storytellers, men of principle and honor, Peter Blood and Clint Cushman certainly live life to the fullest. As best friends, there probably isn’t a canoe race in the state that they hadn’t raced in and won.”
Torres explained the two have been an integral part of the Meduxnekeag River Race, started 41 years ago by the Ricker College Business Club.
“Back then the race was more a social event that over the years became an even bigger social event,” she said. “By the time Peter and Clint took it over the race had fallen out of favor with serious paddlers. A total revamping was needed to save the reputation of this venerable event.”
“I am overwhelmed by this community,” Cushman said. “This is what it is all about. You people, the community, everyone here … it’s what makes Houlton, Houlton.”
Cushman said both he and Blood had competed in a lot of races over the past 27 years, either as a team or individuals.
“We were able to get the race on the annual MaCKRO (Maine Canoe & Kayak Racing Organization) schedule and we are very pleased to expand the high school division to include schools from The County and points south,” he said. “It was hard work, but we enjoyed giving back to other diehard canoe racers and the community.”
Blood was unable to attend the meeting as he was in Florida.
Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr
