Page 16 - Fall Winter 2023 FINAL FILE FOR WEBSITE USE

Houlton - A Test of Artificial Intelligence

By Jon A. McLaughlin ‘73
Editor

EDITOR’s NOTE: Jerry York ’70 is co-chair with me of the Fundraising Committee and certainly much more technically savvy
than I. At a recent meeting we were discussing some plans for upcoming projects and written articles in support of fundraising.
Jerry had been reading about AI and how it can develop written documentation on about any topic that you ask for. We were
experimenting with the program at that meeting, and we said put it to the test. Jerry said “OK, let’s make it hard. We’ll ask it to
compose a poem. What do we want for a poem?” We all hummed and hawed and finally Paula Woodworth ’70, a committee
member, said “let’s ask it to do a poem on Houlton and let’s stipulate 300 words.” The parameters were entered, and the send
button clicked. Within less than 30 seconds this poem came flashing on the screen! It was amazing, and not only the fact that
it developed it almost instantly, but it was also a great poem. My first foray into Artificial Intelligence. It was not only truly
amazing, but sort of scary at the same time. We welcome your thoughts and comments on AI.

Houlton – A Wonderful Gem

In Houlton, where the pines embrace the sky, With harvest’s bounty and autumn’s grace,
A tranquil town where memories lie, Houlton’s charm you can’t replace,
Amidst the beauty of the Aroostook, A beacon of warmth in winter’s night,
Houlton, a gem, in history’s book. In Houlton’s embrace, all is right.

The rolling hills in emerald dress, Oh, Houlton, your spirit’s pure and strong,
In summer’s warmth, they gently caress, In every note of nature’s song,
And when the snowflakes softly fall, A town of grace, where dreams take flight,
Houlton’s beauty enchants all. Houlton, you’re a beacon of light.

Main Street whispers tales of old, From Market Square to Pioneer Park,
Where stories of its past unfold, In Houlton, you’ll find the spark,
A town where friendships deeply thrive, Of a welcoming, resilient, caring crew,
In Houlton, we’re truly alive. In Houlton, our hearts belong to you.

The Meduxnekeag River’s gentle flow, So, let us celebrate this Maine delight,
Reflects the town’s tranquil, steady glow, With stars that shimmer in the night,
Where families gather, hearts entwine, In Houlton’s warm and loving embrace,
In Houlton’s embrace, love’s design. We find our own special place.

Houlton, where the seasons dance,
In every moment, you’re given a chance,
To find a piece of peace, a place to roam,
In this beloved, northern Maine home.

16 www.houltonalumni.com