By Jane Torres
Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce
Well, folks, it has been another exciting year of events and I now am looking forward to getting some office work done. The first order of business is revamping the website, then doing a directory, then designing another map of Houlton for the 2015 year. Then it’s time to revamp the events … bigger, better, newer.
For today, though, let me reintroduce my favorite thing — Hidden Treasures! Most of you know that this is the third year we have posted a local business synopsis that we think has some very awesome and unique Christmas gifts for holiday giving. So, without further ado, here is our list of Hidden Treasures.
• Mini Music and Tack Shop at 73 Main St. I wandered in the other day to drop off a poster and was amazed at the range of musical instruments and gifts available. The nice gentleman took me down into the basement and showed me the sound room where they actually record professional CDs. Unbelievable, and right in downtown Houlton! For $100 you can record a song for a loved one. Now that would be the ultimate Christmas gift for someone special! Very cool. Call and talk to them or wander in. You won’t be disappointed!
• Country North Gifts. I know, I know, this gift store has been in here before, but the new and expanded Country North Gifts is worth a second look and I promise that one walk through will not be enough. Robin and the crew do an extraordinary job at displaying merchandise and helping the customer find just the perfect gift. (Also kudos to Robin for a beautiful Christmas window display!)
• Our friends at Spring Break Maple and Honey have been adding on to the Sugar Shack and Retail Store since late last winter and what a great job they have done. The store has been expanded to include more locally crafted gift items and lots and lots of honey and maple products that are made on site. It’s on Route 2 and the number is 3315. Call Kristi if you have questions (757-7373) It’s a great destination for a weekend drive!
• Aroostook Milling on Hillview Ave. I promise you will be surprised at all the cool stuff you can find at a feed store. “The Mill” has new owners, Mark, Nick and Ian Crane and they have not only given the store a much needed face lift but have added a new line of Berne Clothing and boots. Looking for a Christmas plant for yourself or as a gift? You can get one here at great prices. Dog toys, treats, stuff for the horse person in your life, or go large with a pellet stove. The sky’s the limit!
• Sadie’s Bakery. It is with great sadness that I share the news that Tim O’Donnell , former owner of Sadie’s Bakery has passed on. When Tim found out that his health was compromised he sold his beloved bakery to Sharon Jackett, who has carried on with his original donut recipe, much to the delight of the community. Sharon has done such a great job carrying on the traditions of Tim’s bakery (and adding a lot of her own wonderful recipes) that I would like to make Sadie’s Bakery Hidden Treasure No. 5. I think Tim would like that.
• I have had the privilege in the past two years of finding the Christmas tree for Market Square. Last year the Collette family stepped up and donated the tree right off their front lawn. This year the Putnams allowed us to choose two trees from their field behind the Dunn’s Furniture building. I continue to be amazed that people step up to bring joy to the community during the holiday season.
• When I first moved to Houlton all those years ago my sister came to get me one evening for the traditional ride around the community to view the Christmas lights. This was something that hadn’t even occurred to me when I lived in southern Maine! This year I hope you get a chance to do the same. Take an hour and just cruise, and please don’t forget the downtown merchants who have gone above and beyond decorating their windows for the holiday.
• I was in Clukey’s Auto on the Bangor Road the other day looking for ear protectors to go with another Christmas gift for my son-in-law and found some really cool things. Who knew that the local auto parts store would have something for everyone…clothing (warm clothing!) by Katahdin, warm gloves, all sorts of great stocking stuffers. You just never know what you might find at the auto parts store!
• Don’t laugh, I saw a post on Facebook from Furniture and Floors North and I can’t get it out of my head. They had a special on this amazing singing clock that really stuck with me. Now usually if anyone even breathed the words “singing clock” I would run fast in the opposite direction but these were quite beautiful. If you are on Facebook type in Furniture & Floors North and they will pop up…or better still stop in and visit Kelly and the crew and they’ll give you a viewing. Fun!
• I had chosen a great post for today but as I was typing 10, I realized it was my mom’s birthday. Now, to appreciate this, you have to know that my mom has been gone since 1989 which is 25 years. I am sure that many of you have that person in your life that you may have taken a little bit for granted over the past year(s). (OK Mom, it was more than a little bit). As we are counting down these days toward Christmas let’s all be more aware of who these “Hidden Treasures” really are. My mom…she was always right!
• I was having a conversation with a snow sled enthusiast the other day and he mentioned how handy a small chainsaw would be when out on the trails. Blow downs are getting to be more common and the small saws many carry take way too much time. So I did a little digging and there were a couple of places where you could purchase one that’s just the right size. S.W. Collins has a small Makita that would do the trick. Just think what a hero you will be out on the sled trails when the gang doesn’t have to turn around!
• The other day, I went into MAC’s Trading Post to pick up a gun case for a gift and had the best customer service experience of the holiday season. Usually Michelle is there, but yesterday there was a young man behind the counter who was such a wealth of knowledge about the products in the store that, before I knew it I had bought $175 of very great stuff. He didn’t point me to the most expensive things, but instead told me what he used and why. This store is a mecca for stocking stuffers folks and to the young man who waited on me… thank you.
• Naturally-bee-ewe-tiful has been a staple at craft fairs throughout the state for years. Sandra Hare, whose day job is as a nurse for the Hodgdon school system, produces her own product of lotions, creams and soaps using all natural locally sourced (when possible) ingredients. You can never go wrong with her products. Sandra does not have a storefront but you can get in touch with her by phone (532-4812) or her website, or by emailing her at sandra@pwless.net.
• Food! Let’s not forget the main reason why we all love the holidays.
At the heart of every home is a great smelling kitchen, a well-stocked fridge, and a place to hang out while the cooks work their magic. As we get closer to Christmas I find myself making lists and scouting out the three grocery stores we are blessed with in our small community.
I know, we all have our preferences, but each store has something the others don’t, each support the community quietly and generously and believe it or not, I actually find great gifts in the grocery stores! Remember too that if you aren’t gifted with the cooking gene, Andy’s IGA, County Yankee, and Hannaford’s all have fabulous delis and they will do the cooking for you!
