Page 16 - Spring Summer 2023

Around Town

By Paula Woodworth ‘70

Did You Know? to build a labyrinth beside the Riverfront Park walking
trail.
A Special Visitor--
Dick was inspired by a visit to a labyrinth in France
many years ago and wanted to bring that experience
to Houlton. The trail is already a place of peace and
contemplation for many walkers, so this labyrinth
should add to the experience. Walkers spend time
navigating the labyrinth and use that time for prayer
and reflection. Being outside in nature is often a
spiritual experience. This gift of the labyrinth should
enhance that experience for many walkers on the trail.
L-R: Tim Humphrey, Anett Gunther and Dorene Ellis Humphrey ‘62
At the time of this writing, we are awaiting final
We had a special visitor to Houlton after Christmas. approval from Parks and Recreation and the Houlton
Anett Gunther was a German exchange student at Town Council.
HHS in 1996–97 and lived with Tim and Dorene (‘62) The Temple Cinema--
Humphrey during her time here. She has returned
to visit a number of times over the years. In this visit In early March we received
she came to the County Co-op with Tim and met his the sad news from Charlie
coffee group. I was one of the people in the group Fortier that the theater would
and we were delighted to meet her and immediately be closing at the end of
became friends. She shared stories of her life in June. Charlie moved back to
Germany where she works as an event planner at a Houlton and purchased the
castle. During her visit here she returned to the Co-op Temple and has made a valiant
several times to hang out with her new friends. We effort to keep it operating in
hated to say goodbye. It speaks highly of our town and challenging times. He has had to contend with Covid
the Humphreys that Anett has stayed connected and closures and restrictions, movie studio demands and
returned to visit over the years. We look forward to rules, staffing issues and the slowing attendance as
seeing her again! many people stay home and stream movies instead
of going out. Increased costs have added to the
Walking the Labyrinth—
difficulties and Charlie realized it was time to close.
Dick Rhoda is at it again. The Temple has been operating in Houlton since
As we all know, Dick is 1919. Most of us have been watching movies there for
always looking for ways to decades and still love sitting in the balcony watching
enhance our community. movies on the big screen. Sadly, we will be joining the
One of my favorite other small communities who are losing their theaters
projects he spearheaded across the country. This will be a big loss for Houlton.
was the gold leaf dome We appreciate everything Charlie has done to keep the
on the courthouse clock theater open during some exceedingly difficult years.
tower. Now he has a plan Stock Photo

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