The sign-up period for the Caribou City-Wide Yard Sale is now completed and by the time this is published, the map will be at the printers. Whew! Things were hopping around here for a while. We have over a hundred sales signed up which is fabulous. Meanwhile, people from out of town continue to call asking when the big sale is this year. That weekend is going to be a fun one. Let us all hope the weather is great on May 18 and 19!
Donna Murchison of Russell’s Motel mentioned on the Facebook page that she is getting bookings for the sale weekend which is terrific. But one other thing she mentioned as she came over here to get a Caribou information packet made my day.
Donna had a couple staying with her and this couple is moving to Caribou from away and has bought a home on Vaughan Street. Donna mentioned that this couple is excited to start their new lives in Caribou. She said they were bubbling about being here and could not hide their enthusiasm. How wonderful is that? Sometimes, when we are close to the situation, we cannot see ourselves and our area for what it really is. Caribou and the surrounding area are wonderful places to live. Sometimes we need to see such a fact through a fresh set of eyes.
Speaking of moving and home buys and that sort of thing, Cathy at Progressive Realty was in here yesterday (Thursday) and said she had twelve new contracts within the last couple of days.
The robins have returned, the geese are flying around (and the seagulls — what is up with that!?) and on one warm day this week, I saw some black flies on my back deck. That must mean spring is almost official here in Caribou. What is one more way you can tell? The Houlton Dairy Bar is open over on Bennett Drive! Nothing says spring more than a cone or a banana split from that place of happiness.
I did take the time to visit my favorite place in Caribou. I know I am not supposed to play favorites. But I cannot help it in this case. The Caribou Historical Center is by far my favorite place in this city. As someone who has written about the history of this place, to see items and pictures from our local past brings that era that has been studied and researched more tangible and earthy. You get a sense of what life was like whether it be the tools these pioneers used, their dishes, their transportation, and yes, even their words and pieces of their homes.
The Center’s president, Richard Cilley, really has a passion for the place and has devoted his retirement years to its care. The Historical Center has computerized its collection so they know exactly what they have. They are also making strides to bring promotion of the Center to the Digital Age.
Mr. Cilley was kind enough to give me a tour of the Center’s four buildings, the main, two-story building, the schoolhouse, the outbuilding and the new barn. Everywhere we went were fascinating things to see. I totally love the Caribou Historical Center and it is a treasure that should bring pride to the citizens of this city.
Mr. Cilley is currently involved in a new membership drive, so please give them a call if you are interested. The work already done by volunteer members is spectacular. Everything is shiny and clean and the Center is a visual feast not inhibited by dust and dirt. Join in the work there and preserve our area’s history.
The Caribou Historical Center is open to visitors on Saturdays. See our Facebook page for more and pictures of my visit.
The weekly Caribou Rotary Club meeting was really interesting this week as representatives of the Bangor Ronald McDonald House spoke about the great work they do providing a place to stay for parents of children receiving care in the Bangor hospital. Many of the families they serve travel down from The County and it is wonderful that our families’ needs are met in their time of deep concern. The Ronald McDonald House does all this thanks to donations by businesses and the citizens of Maine. They are not funded at all by McDonalds.
Malls and I do not mix. For some reason, the minute I step into a mall, the life force seems to be zapped out of me and leaves me in an immediate search for a bench to sit on. But this past weekend featured a motorcycle show at the Aroostook Centre Mall. This show did two things. First, it whet my appetite for the Maine State HOG Rally happening here in July. Secondly, it was good to see the folks of United Insurance – Kieffer Agency, who had a booth there for the event.
Happy Anniversary wishes this week go to: Down to Earth Gardens & Greenhouses, which joined the Chamber in 2000; Kelley & Leger Law Offices, which joined way back in 1983 (Happy 30th!); S.W. Cole Engineering, which joined in 1984 and Soderberg Construction Company, Inc., which became a member back in 1993. Thank you all for your faithful partnership with the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce.
Executive Director William Tasker may be reached in the CACC office at 498-6156 or e-mail him at cacc@cariboumaine.net.
