town Meetings - Winterport Area Business Association

Page 10
Town
Meetings
Town Council 7pm - town office - Sept. 1, 15 & 29;
Oct. 13 & 27
Planning Board 7pm - town office - Sept. 17 & Oct.
15
Assessor’s Board 5pm - town office - Sept. 16 &
Oct. 21
Water and sewer board 6pm - town office Sept. 14
& Oct. 12
Cemetery Board 7pm - Victoria Grant center, 7pm Sept. 16 & Oct. 21
Rec. Board - Sept. 17 & Oct 22
Winterport Area Business Association - Pairings Sept. 10, check Web site for time & additional dates.
Winterport Historical Association 6:30 pm- Meeting
House Vestry Building - Sept. 10 & Oct. 8
Senior Citizens - Columbian Hall - 10am Sept. 1 & 15;
Oct. 6 & 20 n
Rachel & Shannan’s Grooming
What’s on Your
MIND?
Comments to the Editor:
I would like to remind drivers to give runners, walkers,
and bicyclists 3 feet of room on the roads. This is state law!
However, I am reminded every day that I go out to run that
some people don’t know the law, or just don’t care about
other people’s lives. Winterport is a very friendly town, but
there are always a few bad apples in every crowd.
—a Concerned Resident
Monster Trucks, Big Racing
By Ann Ronco
Don’t miss Tyler’s Big Rig Race & Show on Sunday,
September 19 at Winterport Dragway.
In the lineup for this day will be 18-wheelers, an antique
truck show with a variety of antique vehicles, as well as two
Monster Trucks. Good food will also be on hand courtesy
of Tyler’s Food Wagon.
Admission is $12 per person; kids 12 and under free.
For more info, visit them on Facebook or see their Web
site at www.winterportdragway.com. It’s fun for the entire
family.
Salon
115 Main St., Winterport
207-223-5550
[email protected]
Job Announcement
Winterport Volunteer Ambulance Service is hiring
Licensed EMT-B, A-EMT and Paramedics. Stipends
will be paid for shift work. Payment rates for calls will
be on a graduated scale depending on license level and
experience. Other conditions do apply, Contact Director Phil Higgins at 299-4568 or email at Dirwvas23@
gmail.com for more information and an application.
This newsletter is sponsored by The Winterport Area
Business Association (WABA). Our goal is to promote
our local businesses. Please support our sponsors, who
have made this publication free for our residents.
For more information about WABA, you can visit us
on Facebook and WABAMaine.org.
To share news items ,contact publisher Ann Ronco
([email protected]) or editor Sandra Leiby
([email protected])
September/October 2015 • 6th Edition
A newsletter dedicated to the events and history of Winterport, Maine –
the only place on earth that is called Winterport.
The Town Crier’s 1-Year Anniversary!
By Ann Ronco
Sandra and I are very proud to offer this One Year
Anniversary edition. Yes, our first issue came out in September
2014 and we are glad that it has been so well received. Every
other month we print 400 copies, which seem to fly off the
shelves! We thank you for your support and hope you have
enjoyed the articles written by our contributors. Remember,
we are always looking for news and articles, so please let us
know if you would like to share some information with us.
I am dedicating this special edition to two parties. First, to
our local businesses/advertisers who, by paying for their ads,
keep this newsletter free to our readers. Every dollar of these
ads goes towards printing. No one is paid for their efforts,
no one is paid to distribute it around town. So, big thanks
go to Chretian/Tyler Insurance, Winterport Union Meeting
House, Tyler’s Garage, Deb’s Variety, Winterport Winery/
Pairings/Penobscot Bay Brewery, Arpel’s Hair and Tanning
Studio, Winterport Dragway, Ridge Runner Veterinary
Services, Larrabee Property Co., Winterport Pizza, 4 Points
BBQ, Tea Maineia, Don Dickel Floor Co., The Bacon
Tree, Winterport Volunteer Ambulance Service, Rachel &
Shannon’s Grooming and The Old Winterport Commercial
House, as well as the Winterport Area Business Association
(WABA). Please support them! I ask all of you to go to these
places and let them know you appreciate their contribution.
They are the backbone of our community.
The second party I dedicate this to is our editor, Sandra
Leiby. About four years ago, Sandra began trying to convince
me that our town really needed a newsletter.
I could see her point because some people around town
knew about this, some people knew about that, but neither
knew the same information. It was obvious that it would
be beneficial to have something that brought all of that
information together. I finally gave in last year, and this
publication got started. So I give a huge thanks to her because
without her, this wouldn’t have gotten off the ground. And
because of her experience as a magazine editor, our newsletter
looks great! Thanks, Sandra.
We look forward to informing and entertaining everyone
for the next year! Please remember to send us your news.
I n si d e t h is iss u e
One-Year Anniversary............................................... .1
Budweiser Clydesdales in Maine................................1
From the Manager’s Desk.......................................... 2
Suspense & Education at Historical Society...............2
Ready for Big Kids’ School........................................ .3
Winterport Walking Tour............................................. 4
Library News.............................................................. 4
Clippers Quilt Guild.................................................... 5
Winterport Dragway Schedule....................................5
Hot Diggidy Dog......................................................... 6
Rec. Department News ............................................ .7
Dear Hortense............................................................7
Cemetery Tells Washburn Family Story......................8
Food Pantry Needs School Supplies..........................8
Dr. Hersey: Focus on Family.......................................9
Watch Out for Fleas!...................................................9
Town Meetings Schedule...........................................10
When the Budweiser Clydesdales came to Maine to be part of
the Rockland Lobster Festival, there was a rumor that the famous
six-horse hitch was here because Penobscot Bay Brewery was
taking too much business from Anheuser Busch! Don’t worry,
Mike and Joan sent them back to New Hampshire with their
tails between their legs. But those majestic animals were still
beautiful to see!
Page 2
Page 3
Moving Up to ‘Big Kids’ School:
Chloe Is Ready!
By Maggie English-Flanagan
FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
By Phil Pitula, Winterport Town Manager
Welcome Dino’s Diner!
In our next edition, we will have some info about our new
town diner. In the meantime, their hours are: Wednesday 7-2; Thursday - 7-2; Friday - 7-8; Saturday - 7-2; Sunday - 7-2.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Suspense and Education at
The Winterport Historical Society
By Ann Ronco
Meetings are held every second Thursday during the
months of September, October, November, April, May and
June at 6:30 pm at the Historical Society on Main Street.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a pot-luck dish, but it is not
required. The following lineup that has been planned for this
fall includes suspense as well as education.
We are all aware CMP just completed a project to widen
the path of its power lines through town. But did you know
they were required to have archeologists on site during the
excavation? This is because there were known to be homes
(obviously no longer there) through the affected area. Many old
items have been unearthed by the CMP work and catalogued
by these archeologists. On Thursday, September 10 these
artifacts will be shown for the first time. No one is sure of the
exact contents of the collection, which will now be housed at
our Historical Society.
Do you actually know what else is in the Historical Society
building? On Thursday, October 8, Town Historian Teddy
Weston will give an informational talk entitled “Know Your
Museum.” Town residents have donated many items through
the years, and all of them have their own story to tell.
On Thursday, November 12, John Johanson will give a talk
about Cemeteries and Maritime Research.
Stay tuned for the Historical Society’s spring
schedule!
It is hard to believe that summer is winding down and
fall is fast approaching. It has been a beautiful stretch of
weather and we should all enjoy it to the fullest. Everyone
involved with working on the budget is pleased with the fact
that property taxes have gone down slightly this year. We do
recognize how hard everyone works for their money and we
try to balance services with affordability and feel that we have
achieved that tenuous balance.
We also want to recognize and thank Susan Rioux for
her many years of service as an Assessor for the town of
Winterport. Sue has resigned her position as she is at a point
in life where she needs to spend more time and energy with
her family. For those of you who might not know, Sue has
served on the Planning Board, the Charter Commission, the
Conservation Committee, and was a Town Councilor for a
number of years, she has definitely made an impact on our
community, Thank you, Sue.
I am also happy to see that a new business has opened in
the village area of town—Dino’s Diner. Dino’s has opened in
what used to be Rosie’s and is serving breakfast and lunch, as
well as dinner on Friday evening. Those of you who frequent
Deb’s Variety on Rte. 139 will notice the addition of a take-out
food and ice cream window, adding to the many things they
already have to offer. Winterport is a great town and I ask that
you continue to support our local businesses as they provide
numerous goods and services for us to enjoy.
Until next time, that’s all from the Manager’s Desk.
We interviewed Chloe Clisham of Winterport and asked
her to name some differences between Highlands Pre-K and
Smith School Kindergarten. We came up with the following: The chairs in the classroom will be different, the toys
will be different, the students will eat lunch at school, they
will stay all day at school, they have to be responsible for
their lunchbags, backpacks, mittens, and hats, Smith School
has booths in the lunchroom instead of only tables, she will
ride the school bus instead of Mom’s car, everyone will start
learning to read and write, everyone will go to school every
weekday, they will have music class, they will meet new
friends, have new teachers, everyone will go to the library and
can check out books, the students will have gym class, snack
time before lunch, Smith School has a bigger playground,
There are no booster seats on the school bus, and there is a
school nurse to help if you get sick.
Whew! And that’s just for starters…good job, Chloe, and
good luck to you and your classmates this fall!
Chloe will be attending kindergarten at Smith School this
year.
See What’s New At Deb’s Variety !!
Deb’s has daily lluncheon specials for
take-out or eat-in. The shelves are stocked
with almost everything you need for dinner
tonight or the kids’ lunch boxes tomorrow.
Renovations are continuing inside and
out. Also new this year will be the convenience of new 24 hour gas pumps. Stop on in
and see what’s been going on.
Deb’s Variety
Pizza / ATM /Agency Liquor Store
324 Stream Road, Winterport
(207) 223-4433
Tyler’s Auto Parts....and Cold Weather
Supplies? Yes!
As well as all your auto maintenance needs
for fall and winter, Tyler’s has plenty of wood
pellets in stock, plus supplies for foundation
banking!
Tyler’s Auto Parts
325 Stream Road, Winterport
(207) 223-0066 or (866) 323-0066
Page 5
Page 4
Enjoy a Walking Tour of Winterport
Winterport Clippers Quilt Guild
By Ann Ronco
By Katherine Collins
Teddy Weston plans to do two one-hour walking tours downtown to our rich history and her vast
knowledge of our town. Groups will meet at the
town parking lot downtown (next to The Old Winterport Commercial House) at 11 a.m. on Sunday,
August 30 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 20.
There will be no charge for these tours; however,
space is limited to 10 people for each. Please call Ann
Ronco at 659-0052 to secure your spot. It should be
an interesting hour for the whole family.
The Clippers have been cutting, piecing, and quilting up a
storm over the past few months. June Peters led the guild in a
mystery quilt pattern over March, April and May with many
members bringing their finished tops and quilts to show and
tell over the summer months. They are all so different. Some
are in batiks, some in novelty fabrics, some in solids, and
all quite lovely. Randy Menninghaus from the Hampden
Highlanders taught a landscape quilt class in June. At least
10 of our members attended Maine Quilts in Augusta taking
classes, volunteering, attending lectures, and shopping.
The guild donates many items for local charities making
children’s quilts for Bags of Love, pillowcases for Ronald
McDonald House, and in early August presented over 30 tiny
quilts to Eastern Maine Medical Center for their Pediatric
and Neonatal ICUs. The guild has an ambitious program for
this year, starting in August with a Lemoyne Star quilt taught
be Cora Swalec. We have three challenges on tap for this year
including a paint chip challenge and, our perennial favorite,
the UFO challenge. All of the Winterport Clippers are
excited about another year of new ideas and projects in the
months ahead. If you are a beginner or experienced quilter,
please consider joining our fun group on the first and third
Monday evenings at 6:30pm at the Victoria Grant Center.
Teddy Weston, who has been called the unofficial Winterport Town Historian, is the town’s oldest
resident at age 94; as such, she is the current recipient
of the Boston Post Cane.
Winterport Union Meeting
House
The Picture Perfect Venue for Weddings
Located on Main Street in the historic
village center and on the U.S. Dept. of
Preservation’s List of Historic Properties.
Seating for 250, handicap access & on-site parking
For availability and information contact
Kim Pitula at 223-4091
NEWS from the WINTERPORT
MEMORIAL LIBRARY
By Mary Lester, Librarian
The Summer Reading Program began in June and
ended late in August with a Super Hero party! There were
light refreshments, prizes and some other fun activities.
This program has been well attended. We have had visits
from an EMS, firemen, an Emergency Room nurse and a
nutritionist. We’ve also learned about bugs and butterflies
and frogs and had outdoor games. The BEST part is the
kids are reading and coming to the library with parents/
grandparents and everyone is utilizing the collection.
Book Club will be reading The Boys in the Boat by
Daniel James Brown and will be meeting to discuss it
on Thursday, September 10 at 6 p.m. here at the library.
Everyone is welcome. If you would like a copy of the book,
please stop by.
Outdoor renovations continue with the slate roof repair
and new front steps, thanks to a grant.
Hours: Tuesday 2-7, Wednesday 9-2, Thursday 2-7,
Friday 9-4. We will be closed on Saturdays until Labor
Day. Our first open Saturday will be September 12 from
9-12.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me at 223-5540. Follow us on Facebook for all of
the latest news.
Did You Know ...
... a Customs House was here as early
as 1853.
In that year between August
and December, 78 vessels were recorded
as cleared. President Lincoln appointed
Theophilus Cushing as collector for the port.
(From An Old River Town, by Ida
Littlefield)
Winterport Dragway Schedule for
September and October
By Teddy Weston
Sept 6 Salute to America, AMC/Jeep/Rambler Race, Wheel Stand Contest, Weekly Racing
Sept 12 Camp Out Weekend, Point Series Race
Nostalgia Reunion, Swap Meet
Sept 13 Weekly Racing
Sept 19 Tyler’s Big Red Race and Show
Sept 20 Big Block Chevy Race, Weekly Racing
Track Record Day
Sept 27 Weekly Racing, Jr. Dragster Points Race
Dean Street was not named for Dean El-Hajj, although he
lives there. This street formed the northern boundary of the
property of Tisdale Dean who came here in the early 19th
century. He was involved in the import/export business and
was a man influential in town affairs. His death came in 1859,
a year before the town became Winterport.
Oct 3 Robin Reynolds Memorial Street Night
Oct 4 Weekly Racing
Oct 10 Fall Car Show, Drag Race & Swap Meet
Camp Out Weekend
Oct 11 Weekly Racing, Last Day of Points
Why Are Our Streets Named That?
Winterport Winery/Pairings
Penobscot Bay Brewery
PO Box 405
279 South Main St.
Winterport, ME 04496
207-223-4500
Joan Anderson, Sales & Marketing
For more info, visit their website at www.winterportdragway.com or on Facebook. Track phone (on
race days only) 223-3998.
Need Advice? Ask Hortense!
Hortense Merryweather is our Advice Columnist here
at the Town Crier. Contact her at roncoann@yahoo or
maddogef@gmail. Hortense looks forward to telling you
what to do!
Check out Hortense’s advice on how to deal with an
unusual wedding etiquette issue on p. 7.
Page 6
Page 7
Hot Diggidy Dog!
By Ann Ronco
At the corner of Main and Kaler Street is one of our newest
business ventures: Devon’s Weenie Wagon, run by Devon
Crocker with the assistance of his fiancé Cindy Hogancamp.
You can find them Monday through Saturday, 11-3.
What makes someone want to own a weenie wagon? “As
a wrestler I spent many hours in the bleachers during meets.
I also hung out at the concession stands, and after awhile I
was hanging out more at the concession stands more than I
was rooting for my wrestling team. I just loved watching the
concessionaires cook hot dogs and burgers.”
Another influence: When Devon was as a child at Coffin
Pond near Brunswick, his parents would give him $5. “I’d
visit the food vendors, and come back with a pile of food.”
However, he wasn’t interested in working at a food joint at
first. “Eventually my mother told me she was going to pull into
the first fast-food chain we came to, and I was going to apply
whether I wanted to or not. They hired me on the spot!”
Devon has worked for Wendy’s and Burger King, each
time working his way up to Manager. Then he made his way
to Freshies in Winterport, where he became Deli Manager.
Hi motivation for starting his Hot Dog Wagon was, in his
opinion, there was a lack of good quality dogs in town. “After
all, if you are paying $2.50 for two hot dogs, you can’t be
getting quality dogs. Winterport needed a good dog, and I’m
the man for the job.”Winterport needed a good dog, and I’m
the man for the job.” Devon only sells Jordan’s Red Dogs; “If it
doesn’t snap, it’s not worth selling.”
Devon serves up a special dog every day, but feel free
to request your favorite even if it isn’t on the daily menu.
“Everyone likes my specials, and I haven’t even had to tweak
one of them. They came out just as I expected.” Here’s a
selection of some of his specialty dogs, which are only $2.
The Cowboy: BBQ sauce, nacho cheese, and onions. Right
now, this is the biggest seller.
The Nacho Dog: Mild jalapeños, drizzled nacho cheese
with crushed Fritos.
(Hot Diggidy Dog cont’d)
The Mini Weenie: Jalapeños, spicy ketchup, spicy brown
mustard, and Srirachi sauce. (If you are into spice, you will
love this as I did.)
The Reuben: Thousand Island dressing, sauerkraut, nacho
cheese, and then more sauerkraut.
Devon is still coming up with ideas—such as A Mad Dog
Dog with very hot peppers, and (eventually) a sausage and
peppers dish called the Penobscot Pounder; he is currently
looking for the perfect sausage to do this with. Another idea
he has been working on is a kid’s meal, which might include
collectible stickers that kids can collect and trade.
Local businesses have been supportive, especially the
folks at 4 Points BBQ. Not only do 4 Points employees bring
their families for weenies, but Chris, 4 Points manager, even
gives his own customers Devon’s business card if they are just
looking for a quick bite to eat.
At Halloween when the Methodist Church has its annual
Haunted House, Devon will be there in costume for the last
big bash of the season. After that, you will have to wait until
spring for his unique and great-tasting dogs.
Devon has a state license, is state certified, and even has
CPR training. You can also visit him on Facebook at www.
facebook.com/DevonsWeenies. n
Help us light up
the Winterport
Union Meeting
House.
Send donations
to:
PO Box 689
Winterport ME
04496
Dear Hortense:
By Greg DaSilva, Rec. Dept. Director
The old and the new were the themes for our summer
programming—the old being another successful season of
golf, and the new being two Art Camps offered for the first
time.
Sunny Campbell experimented with the scheduling of
our golf program, with excellent results. Our young golfers
learned the finer points of the short game and long game and
ended the season with a 3-hole tournament designed to let
them display their enhanced skills. Thanks go to Sunny and
Sonny’s Driving Range for running the program.
Our Art Camps turned out to be a rousing success. The
younger group learned watercolor painting while the older
group worked in acrylics and other media. Both groups had a
week to experiment and learn about their particular painting
styles. They capped it off by hosting art shows where the
attendees enjoyed refreshments while admiring the work of
the young artists. Each student also took home some materials
with which to further hone their skills. Janine Lomina did a
wonderful job creating a fun and inspiring experience for the
kids. Every child and parent expressed to me how enjoyable
the camps were for them. Thanks, Janine!
Fall is the busiest season for the Rec. Department. Soccer
and basketball run back to back and we also host the Fall
Festival October 24 at the Smith School. The first Farm
Day will also occur at the Smith School on September 18.
Students will spend the day learning where their food comes
from. The event will have exhibits illustrating many different
farming techniques and give the children a hands-on learning
experience. We are also planning a Craft Sale to be held at the
Smith School.
We will host our second Halloween Haunted House
at the church at 176 Main Street from 4:30 until 9 p.m. on
Halloween. Last year several hundred people were scared out
of their wits and enjoyed themselves tremendously. The event
is free, but donations are welcome. We hope to see you there
this year.
We always welcome volunteers, resources, ideas, etc. If
you would like to participate in the Craft Sale or any of our
events please contact me at 370-1815, gregd@winterportrec.
org or on Facebook. n
My ex is about to get married to the city bimbo. He
wants my two sons (from a previous relationship) to be
in the wedding. I don’t have a problem with that since
they know the bimbo, who happens to be my mother, but
they’ve invited me too. Do I go? I’m also feeling obligated
now to give them a wedding present. He left a lot of his
stuff behind when he walked out. Would it be ok if I just
wrapped up something of his and gave it to them? At least
it would be something he had once liked and obviously
she’s always liked his “junk.” Also what would my kids refer
to my mother as?
- Walked out on in Winterport
Dear Walked Out On In Winterport,
Hortense is frankly flabbergasted. Winterport certainly
seems to be a hub of activity, despite its being such a cozy
hamlet! Or perhaps that very coziness would explain
the predicament you now find yourself in, Dear Reader!
Firstly, I would congratulate myself if I were in your shoes.
Obviously, you were too young and nubile for your former
spouse, as he sought ( Hortense assumes) a MUCH older
consort! Which he has found, and not far afield, I daresay.
You can also congratulate yourself, therefore, on being free
of the unimaginative ball and chain. However, there are the
offspring of your former ill-fated union to consider. For their
sakes alone, Hortense advises that you take the High Road
and act the soul of sweetness and light that I am sure you are.
You yourself should not feel obligated to attend the festivities
unless you feel on sure footing doing so. Like it or not, this is
not your day, so all hostilities will have to be left at the door.
Your sons, if on good terms with their stepfather, should
certainly attend and share the day. He is marrying their
grandmother, after all! Your sons will, in the blink of an eye,
be of an age to make their own decisions with regards to these
matters, but for the time being, you must offer firm guidance
with generosity of heart, as difficult as this may be. What a
tangled web we weave! You, Butterfly, have broken free! Savor
the opportunity to forge ahead with your new life, and allow
your sons to select an appropriate gift for the Lovebirds, which
you may then beautifully wrap for their Special Day!
All The Best From Hortense’ Desk
Page 8
Page 9
Food Pantry Needs
By Ann Ronco
The Washburn Family
By Teddy Weston
The cemetery has its stories to tell, all carved in stone.
A walk in Oak Hill Cemetery might lead to the Washburn
Family lot in Section VII, where there is an unusual stone
with the names of triplets born to Philo and Harriet
Washburn. The three girls were born September 27, 1823,
but before three weeks passed Flora, Helen and Louisa had
died. The grave marker has three arches and the following
inscription:
Lo three charming infants have sunk to rest
To that we all wish our own
And we see the green turf grow over each breast
And read each sweet name on the stone.
The Washburn family knew more tragedy when Philo
Washburn died two years later in 1825 at age 43. Walter,
a 2-year-old son, died in 1826. The later years were not
kind and two adult sons died in 1836 and 1856 respectively.
Harriet Washburn lived until 1859. Her death came as a
result of an accident when her clothes caught fire while she
was burning leaves in her yard.
There is one more tragedy in that family. There was a
son named Philo who went off to the Civil War and never
came home. At one point he was listed as a Confederate
prisoner but the Adjutant Generals report later listed him
as a deserter.
The former Washburn home on Elm Street is considered
the second oldest house in the village. Fortunately, later
owners have seen happier years.
A reminder: the Food Pantry (located at The Victoria
Grant Center) is always in need of canned goods, fresh
produce, diapers, etc. But did you know there is a need for
school supplies? There are families who are stretched too thin
to buy their children pencils, pens, and notepads. Remember
what is like to be in school and not be able to be like the other
kids or have what the other kids have? Donations can also
be made towards teachers who need tissues (we all know
why, with kids in class) as well as Clorox Wipes.
I hate to mention this in August, but Thanksgiving and
Christmas will be only two or three months away by the
time you are reading this. Many families go without during
the holidays, so please consider donating turkeys as well
as dinner side items. (Due to limited storage space in their
freezer, the Food Pantry requests that you let them know
ahead of time if you are planning on donating a turkey.)
The Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m.
until 12 p.m. There are many families in need and they do
appreciate the help they are given. Please donate.
A Focus on Family
By Jonathan Rice
“Bringing your world into focus” is their motto. Opening
its doors in August 2008, Winterport Family Eyecare, located
on the corner of Main and Parsonage Streets, provides
comprehensive eye care for the whole family. Family is really
the heartbeat of Dr. John Hersey, OD. Within the walls of
his quaint country-style office, complete with couch and
fireplace, he strives to give clients the kind of personalized
care that feels like family.
After graduating from the New England College of
Optometry in Boston, Hersey began his career in Bangor
at Vision Care of Maine in 2001. In 2002 he married Eryn
Leavitt of Newburgh, and opened his own practice in
2003. Sole employee when the business started, Eryn now
homeschools their five children, ages 3-10. Hersey Eyecare
has also grown, employing an additional doctor and nine
employees with offices in Palmyra, Winterport and Bangor.
A Hermon office is slated to open soon.
One of three children born to Lester and Deborah
Hersey of Presque Isle, John Hersey gained a strong work ethic
growing up in “The County.” Amidst church, sports, and school
activities, he dreamed of someday becoming a doctor. “I always
knew from when I was a kid that I wanted to be a doctor,” he
says. It was not until his second year at Utica College, however,
that he settled on optometry. As an eye doctor, he could help
people and still have time to raise a family of his own. It fit the
lifestyle he wanted.
Hersey speaks fondly of Winterport and is pleased
to see more Winterport residents coming by. “We’re enjoying
having more and more locals visiting the office,” he said. When
not in one of his offices, Hersey enjoys hiking, biking and
attending church activities with his family. “The children love
playgrounds and the ocean,” he added. Learn more about Dr.
Hersey’s practice at www.herseyeyecare.com.
Watch out for Fleas!
By Rachael Emerson, DVM
Flea season has begun! While fleas thrive in warm,
humid environments, living in the north does not make us
immune to this pest. Fleas can present a problem in a home
any time of the year, but they are at their peak in the late
summer months.
Not seeing fleas does not mean your pet is free of this
parasite. Healthy animals are often so effective at keeping
themselves well-groomed that only one or two fleas will
be on them at any given time. Flea dirt—dark flecks of
digested blood—is sometimes visible in your pet’s hair coat.
Animals that have a flea allergy will experience hair loss and
itchiness, often to the point of causing themselves scabs and
hot spots.
Fleas lay eggs in your pet’s hair coat. These eggs then fall
off and develop into larvae in the environment, feeding on
the adult flea feces that also drop off your pet. The larvae
spin cocoons, usually in carpet, to pupate. These pupae can
lie dormant for months until they are stimulated to emerge
as adult fleas by vibration, warming, or elevated carbon
dioxide levels. New fleas need to find a host within a few
days. This life cycle can take months, or may be as short as
16 days when conditions are right.
Unfortunately, eradicating fleas from a home is no
easy task. Assume it will take at least three months from the
time you start treating your pets to eliminate the pests. The
best way to control fleas is to treat year-round with a flea
preventive; we have multiple options that include topical
products, tablets, and collars. To remove eggs, larvae and
pupae from the environment, vacuum throughout your
home—including chairs and couches. Wash all bedding in
your home. There are also sprays for indoor and outdoor
applications to kill adults and their eggs, but flea pupae are
extremely resistant to insecticides, freezing, and drying.
Events at Ridge Runner:
• In need of a new friend? We are currently fostering a
few kittens from Rachel and Shannan Grooming Salon that
are in need of homes. Stop by to meet these adorable guys
any time!
•As of September 1s, we will be discontinuing Saturday
farm calls, and Dr. Larson will again be seeing appointments
Monday through Friday. As always, we are available on the
weekends and after hours for emergencies for our large
animal patients. Small animal emergencies should head up
to Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Brewer.