Compiled by Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
From anniversaries to openings to awards, businesses in central Aroostook County had some newsworthy moments in 2010.
January
• Heywood Kennel in Stockholm, operated by veteran musher and registered Maine Guide Lindy Howe, officially opened, offering a variety of options for customers to partake in dog sledding adventures.
• Maine Military Authority stayed 175 layoffs when the FY10 Department of Defense spending bill was signed by President Obama, which included an additional $20 million to fully-fund the outfit for another year.
• The Loring Development Authority received $1 million for the Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. The funding will be used for infrastructure and facilities upgrades.
• Cheney Real Estate celebrated its 15th anniversary, Reno’s celebrated its 45-year anniversary, County Sports celebrated its 20th anniversary, Pat’s Automotive celebrated its 50-year anniversary, Freme’s Jewelry celebrated its 60-year anniversary, Mockler Funeral Home celebrated its 90th anniversary, Theriault Equipment celebrated its 90th anniversary and the Aroostook Republican turned a spry 130 years old.
• The Pet Vet, Dr. Lori Brown, announced that as of Feb. 1 she would be available to make house calls as a traveling vet for domestic pets.
February
• Monkey Publishing of Caribou, owned and operated by William Tasker, opened a store in the Aroostook Centre Mall.
• Officials at Northeast Publishing decided to dedicate the March 2010 issue of County Crossroads to the upcoming USSA Cross-Country Junior Olympics to be held March 7-13 at the Nordic Heritage Center.
• Tourism representatives of The County headed down to Augusta for the Governors Conference on Tourism to highlight Aroostook’s assets to touring companies, media outlets and other conference participants.
• Loring Job Corps students participated in their annual Job Shadow program, interning a variety of area businesses for the day.
• Sen. Susan Collins was in the area touring the Catholic Charities Food Bank and Thrift Store in Caribou.
March
• Jason Tremblay, Pharm. D. pharmacy director at Cary Medical Center, was named Maine Pharmacist of the Year by the Maine Society of Health System Pharmacists.
• The Haines Agency of United Insurance relocated to Caribou from Limestone.
• Katahdin Trust Company completed its annual “Cute, Cuddly Critter Campaign,” raising $8,000 for the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross.
• Northstar Variety of New Sweden sponsored their annual Youth Fishing Day on Madawaska Lake; 200 individuals participated and four fish were caught.
April
• Lou’s full-service automotive repair shop opened on Bennett Drive; Lou Lavoie purchased the business from Midas owner Brian Cullins.
• Melissa Graham was named the new administrator of the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou. She replaced Mark McKenna at the facility.
• John Raymond, owner of Gary’s Yamaha in Caribou was notified that his business had achieved the honor of being named a 2009 Million Dollar Dealer by KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong Industrial.
• U.S. Sen. Susan Collins accompanied high-ranking Army and National Guard personnel on an on-site tour of the Maine Military Authority, followed by a feasibility briefing in hopes of generating additional work for the nationally-recognized business.
May
• Members of the Caribou Business and Professional Women’s Club once again hosted their tenth annual luncheon for women of Caribou’s business community.
• Cary Medical Center, Pines Health Services, RSU 39 and the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department were recognized by the Maine Immunization Program and presented with the Director’s Award in recognition for their efforts relating to the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine program.
• Mike’s Family Market opened in Limestone and was well received by the community.
• Video Central opened on Bennett Drive, owned by Eric Cassidy.
June
• Troy Haney, owner of Haney Building Specialties of Caribou and Spud Speedway, was named Entrepreneur of the Year by members of Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development and Momentum Aroostook.
• Dora Leavitt became the new owner of popular shop “Second Hand Rose” on Herschel Street.
• The Caribou Laundry Center opened at 542 Maine Street.
• Newly renovated, the Caribou McDonalds opened its brand new facility with celebratory events that continued for a week.
