Chamber Chat

By Jane Torres
Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce
    It is such a beautiful time of year and the snow is bound to make you stay in town if you have Christmas shopping in mind. The sun is shining on the icy trees. There is snow on the ground and we are getting closer to Dec. 24 so if you haven’t finished your shopping you need to buckle down and get serious! I got caught up on mine this past weekend.
    Continuing on with the “Hidden Treasures” of Houlton series here are treasures Nos. 12-17.
    • Chadwick Florist and Greenhouse — Located on Spring Street, if you need to get in the holiday mood this is the place to do it. Their greenhouse is transformed into a winter wonderland where you can buy almost anything for the tree and pick out a poinsettia for the office at the same time. Also, think about choosing a beautiful holiday themed arrangement for your mother-in-law. Face it … she has everything and this is a gift that she probably won’t buy for herself and is sure to bring you some great brownie points!
    I probably should mention that Chadwick’s also has some other gift giving ideas including scarves, candles, Fiesta Ware and jewelry. The choices are awesome, but you must stop in and see for yourself
    • The Thirsty Dawg — Located off Florence Avenue, the Thirsty Dawg brings a world of fine domestic and imported beers and an eclectic selection of wine and champagne. Given its secluded location the Thirsty Dawg really is a hidden treasure.
    • Maine Fire Prevention Services — I want to step out on a limb here and suggest the gift of safety. Maine Fire Prevention Services is a locally-owned and operated business run by Dave and Debbie Henderson who, along with compliance inspections, also happen to sell fire extinguishers for businesses as well as home use. I know, I know, you’re thinking fire extinguishers… really?  But you should not be without one in your home. Look at it this way, it is a perfect guy present (although you might want to discourage them playing with it!). Buy the house a present and put one under the kitchen sink and one in the husband’s shop. It’s one of those things that you hope you never need but if you do need it … it’s there.
    • Visions Art Gallery — This is one of my favorite places in the County. Visions Art Gallery is full of great gift items crafted by talented local artists. I guarantee you will find the perfect gift in your price range. Not just paintings, but jewelry, hooked rugs, pottery, scarves, cards, wooden bowls, all beautifully displayed and reasonably priced. So, if you are buying for the person who has everything I am fairly certain that the folks at Visions on Main Street will help you find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift.
    • Houlton Region Hospital Gift Shop — This one comes to us through a suggestion from a Chamber Facebook friend, Fran Sabatis. Even I (the world’s greatest shopper) never thought to shop at the gift shop at Houlton Regional Hospital. Staffed entirely by volunteers with all profits going back to the hospital for equipment and programs, this is truly a hidden treasure. The buyers fill the store with great gifts bought from over 25 vendors including John Deere products, gift cards, knives, baby gifts and much more. Stop by and browse!
    • Aroostook Milling — A place near and dear to my heart, Aroostook Milling is the perfect place to find those items that you can truly only find at an old-fashioned farm store. Aroostook Milling has been serving the people of Houlton for over 65 years. Sure, you can buy feed for your animals but did you know that they also have work gloves, dog and cat toys, boots, bird feeders and seed, garden items, Boyman Acres products? If you are feeling particularly practical, visit the Stove Shop downstairs. My Harman Stove faithfully heats my 1895 farmhouse with only the occasional boost from the oil furnace on those days of -0 temperatures. Don’t know what to buy? Gift Certificates. Gardeners will love one when it comes time to think about their gardens in the spring!
    Jane Torres is the executive director for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 532-4216.