Editor’s Note: The following is the second of two articles highlighting some of the top business stories from 2020. This article highlights events from July to December.
July
Caribou Native Tim Conroy, a graduate of Caribou High School, was appointed as Cary Medical Center’s new chief information officer.
Two Caribou organizations, Aroostook Mental Health Services and Cary Medical Center, received Paycheck Protection Program loans ranging from $2 million to $5 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of a federal pandemic relief package.
August
The United Veterans of Maine, an organization that manages the Caribou-based Dahlgren-Skidgel Farm of Hope for homeless veterans, appointed Edward Schupbach as its new executive director. Schupbach is a U.S. Army field grade officer, retired, with 16 years of service in the Army and four years of service on the UVM board of directors.
Pines Health Services celebrated National Health Center Week 2020, an event that is part of a national campaign to increase awareness of the ways health centers are providing affordable health care in communities.
September
The Par & Grill restaurant, a popular spot for years on Bennett Drive, reopened in a new location on Carroll Street just months after shutting down in March due to government restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reno’s Family Restaurant, a staple in Caribou for more than 55 years, closed its doors for good on Sept. 30.
Brothers Danny (left) and Nelson Corriveau have owned and operated Reno’s Family Restaurant since 2007, when their brother Reno Corriveau, who founded the restaurant 55 years ago, retired. (Chris Bouchard | Aroostook Republican)
Goughan’s Farm in Caribou prepared for the fall season after completing a presidential corn maze and hosting a successful “Feed The County” fundraising event.
October
Cary Medical Center added new cleaning technology that provides advanced disinfecting capabilities and creates a safer environment for patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Caribou community stepped up to help the local American Legion after they suffered more than $12,000 in losses. The legion is among countless businesses and organizations that have suffered financial losses due to COVID-19.
The Caribou Masonic Lodge donated $1,000 to help the Caribou Legion cover expenses incurred when a paraglider destroyed the organization’s flagpole earlier this year. The donation comes after the Woodland Boy Scouts raised $500 to match the contribution. Pictured here, from left, are Sgt. at Arms Jack Dixon, 2nd Vice Commander Tom Tomlinson, Masonic Lodge Chaplain David Spooner, Master of the Lodge Elwin Thomas, Post 15 Legion Commander Cuppy Johndro, and 1st Vice Commander Wayne Little Wayne Little. (Courtesy of the American Legion Post 15)
November
The Limestone Chamber of Commerce and Limestone Development Foundation announced their plans to merge during a join meeting on Nov. 19 held via the Zoom app.
bluShift Aerospace, an aerospace startup based in Brunswick, announced that their plans to launch a 20-foot-tall, 14-inch-diameter prototype rocket at the Loring Commerce Center in Limestone have been delayed, as testing revealed opportunities to improve the rocket’s design.
Pronto Burrito closed its Caribou location temporarily due to potential exposures to COVID-19, with plans to reopen the following week.
December
Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital planned to open a walk-in clinic in Caribou to accommodate residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to correspondence between the hospital and state Department of Health and Human Services on the Maine.gov website.
