Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce

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

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

09/18/2026

Good Day Members and Friends,

And what a beautiful day it is! Here at the Chamber it has been a fun morning talking to Ricker College and Classical Institute Alumni who are visiting from all over the country and are here for a reunion, one they have been hosting for over 60 years. It’s really lovely to talk to these folks and hear the tales that make them come back to Houlton year after year. It’s a great reminder of the incredible fondness people have for our community.

Tomorrow, Houlton Community Market celebrates the Harvest. Beginning at 8:30am with kids’ activities, Kids Market, music, the tractor train, pumpkin painting and lots and lots of paint and glitter. There will be added vendors (it’s never too early to Christmas shop) and is a great opportunity to buy your fall decorating décor. 8:30 to 1:30. For those of you who love the strawberry shortcake and the loaded baked potatoes that the Chamber served this past summer at Midnight Madness and Potato Feast Days, we will be serving those again at the festival. Check us out under the big orange tent in front of Key bank.

Next weekend the Temple Theater is featuring the Maine Outdoor Film Festival on Sunday 27th highlighting outdoor adventure and conservation films. Doors open at 6, showing at 7pm.

It’s here! The official Maine Fall Foliage Report for your viewing pleasure. https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/projects/fall_foliage/index.shtml .

Jane

With the first hints of autumn arriving across Maine, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is pleased to announce the official start of the 2026 foliage season, tracked and reported throughout the season by DACF Fall Foliage spokesperson Gale Ross.

09/14/2026

Good Morning Members and Friends,

I know it’s Monday but, here at the Chamber, we didn’t get a chance to let you in on the news and happenings in our town for the coming week but first - If you send me an email and I do not respond, please try sending it again or call or send me a text. 207-694-3414. My tech guy is having a wicked time trying to figure out why my computer is rejecting some of my emails. P**f! Into the air they go…never to be found anywhere on my computer. Contact with you is important so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Here we go…

• The Chamber is working on updated map and are currently selling ad space for you to promote your business. If you don’t receive a form in the mail (which went to all of the businesses in the 2023 map) let me know and I’ll send one to you. Believe it or not, people still use paper maps!
• Our Friends at The Book and Brew Café are moving from their tiny space on Court St. to the lovely and large space on Main St. currently in use as The Living Room. I believe the switch will be made at the beginning of October, but the increased space will mean, more books, and more lovely lattés and espressos! Kaye will also be offering space for special events, just like the Living Room offers now. Stay tuned for more updates.
• It’s Harvest Festival time! Saturday the 19th from 8:30am to 1:30 pm in Market Square. Your usual market vendors will be there plus 10 vendors including the Maple Moose from Bridgewater. There is Pumpkin Painting for the kids, Kids Day at Market, music and the Tractor Train. And the Chamber will be selling Strawberry Shortcake and loaded baked potatoes!
• The Alumni from Ricker College and the Ricker Classical Institute will be in town starting Thursday the 17th for their (maybe) last homecoming reunion. Let’s give a big heartfelt Welcome Home to Houlton to all!
• This Saturday the 19th, there will be a Southern Aroostook Ag Museum Pork Roast Supper starting at 4:30. Remember, they sell out fast so come early!

Have a lovely week!

Jane

09/04/2026

Good day Members and Friends,

Ok. I have to confess that I started my pellet stove last night to take the chill off the house and by chill, I mean the temp dropped to 68 and I was not happy. It’s the curse of running cold compounded by the fact that I went hiking for a few days and brought a sleeping bag rated at 47’ and the outdoor overnight temp dropped below 40’. Note to self… never believe the weather forecast when sleeping in a lean-to.

The Chamber and the Rec had our first Spooktacular meeting leading into the Halloween celebrations on October 31. It’s going to be a corker with costume contests, games, a haunted house, and a lot more. Posters will be out soon!

Coming up…

• Please do not forget the Metaksonekiyak Community Days at the HBMI grounds at 88 Bell Rd. in Littleton on the 5th and 6th (Saturday 7am to 8pm including fireworks! and Sunday 7am to 3pm). Lots and lots for the family to do and see and all are welcome. FMI contact Joe Cyr at 532-4273 ext. 238
• Adopt-A-Block is hosting a Drive-thru Food Giveaway Saturday September 5 starting at 9am at The Church on the Hill.
• Join the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians at the Community Center (568 Foxcroft Rd.) on Sept. 9 at 2pm, to break ground and celebrate the Foxcroft Rd. Reconstruction Project. Whoo Hoo! It’s finally happening!

Have a lovely, long weekend everyone

Jane

09/03/2026

Even Chamber Execs need a support of Commerce group. From left to right. Christina Ouelette, St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce, LaNiece Dampf Sirois, Central Aroostook Chamber. and yours truly, Jane Torres, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce.

08/28/2026

Good Day Members and Friends,

Ah, the first day of school will soon be upon us. Don’t we all remember that sense of anticipation? New school clothes were laid out, bedtime was much earlier than we had enjoyed that summer, and (now I’m dating myself) the new lunchbox was ready on the kitchen counter. Yes, those were the days of the metal lunchboxes, now collectors’ items. Some memories are with us forever. On Monday, please remember that the school busses will be out and to drive extra carefully.

More…
• Now that summer has almost passed us by, here at the Chamber we think it’s time to host another Success in 60, “Running a Business without Running Yourself Down”. Don’t we all need this? Tentatively scheduled for Monday, September 28 featuring Dr. Mark Cuccazella. Stay tuned… more information on how to sign up .coming soon.
• Our friends at Fidium Fiber have asked us to share a recent press release - https://www.fidiumfiber.com/blog/maine-fiber-connectivity-from-fidium-earns-top-internet-performance-rankings-in-latest-ookla-speedtest-analysis
• Tonight from 4 to 7pm the Greater Houlton Christian Academy Food Booth will be open at 27 School St. while also hosting a Square Body drive-in!
• The Rec and Chamber are once again hosting Spooktacular in Monument Park on October 31 from noon to 2. If you or your business would like to set up a table and give out treats to little ghouls and goblins please leave Crystal ([email protected]) or me a message and we will save you a spot! (A reminder that Spooktacular is separate from a similar event run by the Community Impact Alliance).
• Don’t forget Community Market this Saturday. Lots of great stuff!

The office will be closed September 1 and 2 but will reopen on Wednesday the 3rd

Have a lovely weekend!

Jane

Fidium announces that it has earned top performance rankings for communities across Maine in Ookla’s analysis of Q1-Q2 2026 Speedtest Intelligence® data.