Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce

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Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce The Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the general welfare and prosperity of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: JANE TORRES

10/23/2026

Good Day Members and Friends,

A short story for you on a beautiful Fall Friday. You all know that the Chamber and the Aroostook Historical and Art Museum share space in, what I consider to be the most beautiful building in town. (A very close second to the Cary Library actually). You also will know that there is, what I call, “the Magic Basement” which is full of stuff. For all the years I have been here there has been the most beautiful piece of furniture resembling an old oak Apothecary languishing in the darkest corner. Why is it in the basement? It’s huge, the museum is full and we all know that things that go into basements are often forgotten. Well, not this piece. It was waiting for just the right space. So, with the museum’s permission and with the caveat that it is on loan only, it will be moving today (if we can lift it) to 37 Main St., the future home of the yet-to-be-named gallery owned by Ms. Summer Dulinsky. With 50 glass fronted drawers on the top piece and at least 8 on the bottom, Summer and Melanie will be busy for the next few days cleaning away the dust and dirt of at least 30 years. A special thank you to our Museum curators for thinking outside the box and bringing the piece into the light.

Coming up…

• Attached is a poster for the Rec and Chamber combined Halloween activities on the 31st. Check it out!
• This is the last weekend for the Linneus Haunted Hayride and what a lead-in to next weeks Halloween festivities! The hayride starts tonight at 6 and continues on Saturday night starting at the Linneus fire station at 1811 Bangor Rd. just past the blinking light.
• Don’t forget to sign-up for the first ever Houlton Halloween Monster Dash on October 31. It starts at the fence in front of The Commons (near Temple Theater) with sign-up starting at 10am for the race start at 11. You can choose the 5k race that runs across the bridge through Riverfront Park and around the Meduxnekeag River Trail or, if you are a young child, you can do the Dash that crosses the bridge, proceeds to just beyond the Highland Ave bridge then back into the Square. If your child is very young, feel free to run with them. All children who complete the run (or even a portion) get a sweet Halloween medal for their effort! There is a $5 entry fee for the race. Costumes are encouraged!
• The GHCA food booth is hosting it’s last Friday supper of the season and it’s Chili! Chili dogs, bowls of chili and chili fries are on the menu. Why cook when you can get takeout? 3:30 to 6:30 on School St. All proceeds go to helping with fuel costs for the winter season.

65’ on Sunday. Time to finish up the yard work! Have a great weekend.

Jane

Running a business takes dedication, but success shouldn't come at the expense of your health. Join us for our next Succ...
10/19/2026

Running a business takes dedication, but success shouldn't come at the expense of your health. Join us for our next Success in 60 session, Running Your Business Well (Without Running Yourself Into the Ground), as we explore practical ways to manage stress, prioritize well-being, and build a more sustainable approach to business and life.

We're delighted to welcome Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, whose distinguished career in medicine, military service, education, and health advocacy brings a valuable perspective to the conversation. Drawing on decades of experience helping others lead healthier lives, Dr. Cucuzzella will share insights on caring for ourselves while meeting the demands of our work.

Monday, October 26 | Noon–1 PM
Health Services Foundation | 18 Military Street, Houlton

Lunch is provided, and guests are encouraged to arrive a little early to connect with fellow business professionals.

A special thank-you to the Health Services Foundation for generously hosting us and supporting opportunities for learning, connection, and professional growth in our community.

10/16/2026

Good Day Members and Friends,

I feel like I should start this one off with, It was a dark and gloomy day, but that would be a bit too obvious. The days are shorter, it’s dark when we get up, many of us are overworked, and we are tired. But wait! This is a great time to take advantage of our last of the 2026 Success in 60 lunchtime seminars of the year, this one featuring Dr. Mark Cuccuzella and the topic is very appropriate for the overworked and overscheduled. Running your Business without Running Yourself into the Ground. Don’t have a business? Substitute the word Life for the word Business in the title and you get it.
It is a meeting where lunch is provided and is free to Chamber members and $10 per person for non-members. We like to keep it to an hour so check out the attachment FMI and don’t forget to sign up!

Happening this weekend and beyond…

• The 21st Annual Bridge to Hope Cancer Awareness Walk is this Saturday (17th) starting in Riverfront Park. Sign-up is at 9, the walk is at 10. This years quilt being raffled is particularly beautiful so buy some tickets!
• The Linneus Haunted Hayride is ready to roll for another weekend of scary fun. The ride starts at Linneus Fire Station at 6:30. Ticket sales start at 6pm at $10 per person.
• The nighttime Haunted Hayride is too scary for the littles? There is a special kids ride on Saturday (17th) from 2 to 4. Kids get to ride on the hay bale trailer hauled by a tractor at only $2/ticket. Candy will be given out! What a great idea.
• On November 12 the Red Cross is hosting a class at the Cary library for you to learn about emergency preparedness and hands-only CPR. Two free life saving classes from 5pm to 6:30pm. Contact [email protected] to register.
• Houlton Community Chorus has reorganized and new members are welcome. Meetings are at 6pm at the United Methodist Church on Military St. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Call Ann at 532-3556 FMI

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Dress warm!

Jane

10/09/2026

Good Day Members and Friends,

Gratitude. The definition is: “the state or quality of being grateful, or a warm feeling of thankfulness and appreciation toward someone or something for a benefit, kindness or good fortune received.” Why gratitude? Well, many of you know that I turned 70 yesterday. Now, I know people who got to this age and wanted to dig a hole and dive in. For me, it was a day of reflection and yes, gratitude for the life I live in our wonderful town. Are we perfect? No. Nothing ever is, and life can be just plain hard, but it’s not the hardness we remember as much as the kindness shown by this community when times are tough. So, my message for the day is, think about what you are grateful for, and don’t dwell the aches and pains of life.

• Speaking of gratitude, The Bridge to Hope is hosting their Annual, fundraising walk on Saturday October 17 in Riverfront Park with registration at 9 and the walk at 10. Please support by buying raffle tickets to the beautiful quilt in the window of the Carleton Project or simply by making a donation. All proceeds go to support people in our community with cancer. Check out the Bridge to Hope Breast Cancer Awareness page on FB FMI.
• The Chamber is hosting its 5th Apple Crisp sale on October 14 at the County Coop at 53 Main St. Call or email the Chamber 694-3414, [email protected] to preorder or pick up at the Co-op between 12 and 2
• Adopt-A-Block (307 Military St.) is hosting another Drive-Thru Food Giveaway on Saturday (10th) starting at 9am.There is a lot of food insecurity out there so feel free to share this news!
• The Unitarian Church at 61 Military St. Is hosting a Fall Craft Sale this Saturday (10th) 9 to 2. “Tis the Season!
• And so, it begins… the Linneus Haunted Hayride is back to delight you and scare you! Starting at the Linneus Fire station at 1811 Bangor Rd. October 9&10, 16&17 and 23&24.Check the Linneus Haunted Hayride Dates FB page FMI.
• This National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross is calling on compassionate individuals in and around Houlton to become Disaster Action Team volunteers. The need is urgent. The Red Cross is actively seeking to train new volunteers to help local families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives after home fires and other disasters. Disaster Action Team volunteers respond as part of a local team to meet the immediate needs of those affected by home fires and other emergencies. This includes providing safe shelter, financial assistance, emotional support, health services and recovery planning.To learn more or apply, click HERE or email [email protected].
• Last but not least, for those who like to attend our Success in 60 series of free lunch talks, we have another coming up on October 24 from noon to 1, featuring Dr Mark Cuccuzella speaking on. “Running a Business without Running Yourself Down”. If you ae taking care of everyone whether it be in your business or job but you are neglecting yourself, this talk is for you. If you are interested in attending, please reach out and we will register you. More next week so be looking for the poster!
• Spooktacular is coming up on October 31.Call me if you would like to join us in Monument Park and give out candy to the little children!

Well, I think I’ve reached my limit on my words and your tolerance.

Have a great long weekend!

Jane

Today, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jane Torres and one of our board members traveled north to...
10/01/2026

Today, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jane Torres and one of our board members traveled north to Monticello to join Catholic Charities Maine and community partners for a ribbon cutting celebrating an exciting addition to its Hunger & Relief Services facility: a new 31,000-cubic-foot freezer with enough space to hold nearly eight tractor-trailer loads of frozen food.

That’s a lot of freezer—and an even bigger impact. Catholic Charities helps supply food pantries, schools, clinics and organizations throughout Aroostook County, including those serving the Greater Houlton area. This new capacity means being able to say yes when large food donations become available, store more when there is plenty, and help ensure it reaches our neighbors when it’s needed most.

“Jane and I were honored to represent the Greater Houlton Chamber and celebrate an investment that will serve communities throughout The County for years to come.” -Summer Dulinsky

09/25/2026

Good Day Members and Friends!

Is anyone else captivated by the color of the trees this year? Everything glows like sunlight, but then I am a cup half full person and love the coming fall and winter months. From now until spring, if you drive by my house after 4pm you will see a home lit up with plant lights that I am fairly sure you can see it from outer space. Yes, I may be the poster girl for the Houlton Water Company as my meter spins constantly in the fall and winter nights. For the rest of you who see a cup that is half empty when the trees start to turn, don’t mind me, this too shall pass.

What’s happening this week?

• This is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross is calling on compassionate individuals in and around Houlton to become Disaster Action Team volunteers. The need is urgent. The Red Cross is actively seeking to train new volunteers to help local families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives after home fires and other disasters. To learn more or to volunteer check out [email protected].
• There is a scheduled power outage n Houlton on September 28 from 9:30pm to 10:30.
• The GHCA food booth is open again today, Friday, from 3:30 to 6:30. (new fall hours!) Pumpkin whoopie pies and buffalo chicken grilled cheese is on the menu.
• Mark your calendars for “The County’s Fall Festival to End Hunger” sponsored by The County Federal Credit Union at Mars Hill on October 3. Music, food, and activities make it a full day of fun! All proceeds go to local food pantries and the Meals on Wheels program.
• Don’t forget the Maine Outdoor Film Festival at the Temple Theater this Sunday. The films feature outdoor adventure and conversation themes, and the doors open at 6 and movies start at 7pm.
• The Linneus Haunted Hay Rides start on October 9th and 10th at the Linneus fire station on 1181Bangor Rd. More info next week!
• Community Market has 2 more weekends so stock up now on pumpkins, produce, and maybe some early Christmas shopping.

Have a great weekend,

Jane

Address

109 Main Street
Houlton, ME
04730

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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