Oxford Hills Observer - Turner Publishing, Inc.

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Page 6 Oxford Hills Observer April 2013 www.turnerpublishing.net Critter Chatter: Getting Serious About Wildlife Diseases - Raccoons Carleen Cote Far from the prying eyes of humans, the yearly ritual has begun. Raging hormones initiate the breeding season. Males pursue females until the female selects the male of her choice. Gestation periods vary with each species. Babies will soon be born. There will be intended and unintended encounters with humans. Several species having their young are labeled as rabies vector species, meaning that they can be hosts for the rabies virus, capable of passing the virus to their babies and to humans. These include the fox, skunk, raccoon, bat and woodchuck. All warm blooded mammals can be hosts for the virus, but the ones mentioned above are the major carriers. We receive calls about raccoon babies who have Maine Marines Toys for Tots Campaign Award Pictured left to right: Sergeant Brent Seawright; Jacki Kennagh, Executive Director, and Major Conlon Carabine. On February 5th, at the Harraseeket Inn in Free- Daycare Training Boarding Grooming 739-2350 179 Main Street, Suite 6 South Paris www.thekaninekare.com Baby raccoons photo by Amy Messier. lost their mother; she has been either trapped, hit by a vehicle or killed by a human or animal. The caller may want to keep the babies. I have been told that I have the reputation of being a fear-monger when responding to someone asking about keeping young raccoons. Nevertheless, my message is always that raccoons may carry rabies and should be brought to a rehabber. Some people in- port, Company A 1st Battalion 25th Marines pre- Ballroom Movement & Arts Latin Dance Sessions Aikido, Ballet, Ballroom & Latin, Belly Dance, Children’s Creative Movement. Fitness Training, Hula Hoop Dance, •Group Jazz, Modern, Classes Tap, Yoga, •Private Zumba Lessons & More! •Wedding GIFT CERTIFICATES & Event AVAILABLE! Preparation Contact Nan Brett for details sist that they had kept baby raccoons when they were young and never had any problems. That may very well be, however, there has been an issue of raccoon rabies for many years now. In a small number of instances, the baby raccoons are never brought to any rehabber. Anyone who chooses to keep a raccoon is playing Russian roulette. Several years ago, I heard this game was played by young sented DancingTrees and DancingTrees’ Executive Director with awards as Top Supporters for the 2012 Mane Marines Toys for Tots Campaign. As expressed by Maine Marines Toys for Tots Coordinator, 1st Sergeant Timothy Bunnell, “Your efforts supporting Company A 1st Battalion 25th Marines 2012 Toys for Tots Campaign are truly appreciated. There were many families who were unable to get on the wish list of organizations that distribute toys collected 50 Main St., Harrison, ME 04040 • 207-583-6964 www.theballroomharrison.com Karen B. Dan, EA Income Tax Service 119 Bonney Rd. Sumner, ME 04292 Phone: 388-2832 Fax: 388-2831 people and, tragically, they were not all winners. I once received a baby raccoon that was only a few days old and appeared well. At eight weeks it presented problems. I took it to the vet to be tested. As each test result proved negative, he told me it pushed the possibility of rabies further up the list of probable causes. Not long after I took the animal home, it began having seizures so I returned to the by the Toys for Tots Campaign. Your organization was willing to accept these families who needed assistance from across the State in addition to the families your organization was already helping. Your organization helped dozens of families who may have otherwise not been able to have toys for their children on Christmas day. Your giving spirit embodies what Toys for Tots is all about.” DancingTrees is honored to receive these awards. Thank you to the Tax professional since 1987 It’s tax time... free e-fi le... fl exible hours...call for your apt. today. vet, who recommended the raccoon be euthanized and prepared for testing at the State laboratory. It tested for rabies. That same year, another raccoon from a different litter presented signs of rabies at three months of age. There is no quarantine period for a wild animal that has had contact with a human or domestic animal because the incubation period is not known. For our two, it was eight weeks and three months. People will call about a raccoon hanging around their property that appears to be sick but is not frothing at the mouth. We have seen raccoons with rabies’ symptoms, but frothing was never one of them. In the late stages of rabies, raccoons will self-mutilate and vocalize in a way I cannot describe; some have seizures and soon die. We advise anyone suspicious of a strange-acting raccoon to stay away from it and keep any pets inside. Call us and my husband, Don- many Marines and volunteers who dedicate count- 225-2078 • 739-2034 Dead or Alive... We Want Them Top Dollar for clunkers. We come to you. Central Maine’s Leader for Over 35 Years! M&P AUTO PARTS 892-6334 John McDonald Maine Storyteller All seriousness aside... ald, will go and set a trap to catch it. Raccoons also arrive at the Center with ticks, but though we have cared for hundreds of raccoons over the years, only one had mange. Raccoon parvo virus and canine parvo are two other diseases that can cause sickness and death in raccoons. We have had several years of dealing with parvo virus. Last year was the first year we had raccoons with canine parvo. These diseases are communicable to other raccoons. The suffering and death of raccoons we have lovingly cared for are devastating to Donald and myself, as well as our volunteers. Note: Carleen and Donald Cote operate the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rt. 3 in Vassalboro, Maine, a non-profit facility, supported entirely by the Cotes’ own resources and outside donations. Call the Cotes at 445-4326 or write them at 1787 N. Belfast Ave., Vassalboro, ME 04989. n less hours to make this program possible. n Your Safety Is Our Concern! CLEANINGS • INSPECTIONS RELINES • REPAIRS • INSTALLS For your next event, consider adding John McDonald's "A taste of Maine humor" to the program. John has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years and he gets funnier every year. When not telling funny stories, John writes a weekly syndicated column and hosts Portland's #1 rated weekend radio talk show. He has also written three books, including the best sellers: "A Moose and a Lobster Walk into a Bar" and "The Maine Dictionary." For booking information call: 899.1868 or email: mainestoryteller@yahoo.com As Downeaster Tink Billings says: "Ain't he some funny!"
April 2013 Oxford Hills Observer Page 7 www.turnerpublishing.net Boxberry School Student Artwork Showcased Katie Toohey’s City-Scape, oil pastel collage. In celebration of National Youth Art Month during the month of March, the Portland Museum of Art (PMA), in collaboration with the Maine Art Education Association, has organized an exhibition of artwork created by Maine art students. This year celebrates the 33rd anniversary of Youth Art Month exhibitions in Maine and the 19th annual exhibition at the museum. The PMA’s exhibition, on view from March 1 through March 31, will showcase more than 100 works of art by students throughout the state, from elementary school through high school. All participat- Buying ALL Metals • Cars • Trucks • Busses • Vans • Heavy Equipment • Brass • Copper • Wire • Batteries • Electric Motors, Etc... 117 Number 6 Road, Oxford Off Rt. 26 Behind Airport ing students received certificates of recognition. An exhibition celebration was held at the PMA on Saturday, March 2nd. The Boxberry School’s art teacher, Sam Armstrong, selected oil pastel city-scape collages created by Katie Toohey and Emmett Grover. National Youth Art Month is an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art education and to encourage public support for quality school art programs. The value of art education has been well researched and documented. It provides students with important critical-thinking and prob- lem solving skills, as well as fostering self-esteem, self-discipline, and an appreciation for the work of others. The Youth Art Month exhibition celebrates and validates student achievement in the visual arts, and the Portland Museum of Art is proud to honor the talent and dedication of these young artists and their teachers. For more information about the Portland Museum of Art, please visit: www.portlandmuseum.org. For more information about the Boxberry School please visit www.boxberryschool.org. n “We Want... What You’ve Got!” Come see the BIG DOG in Oxford County Metal Recycling! 539-9673OHO Pick-up Available on Vehicles & Large Volume! Great Prices On Used Parts & Tires Call for Prices Get $5.00 ADDED to what you bring in OR $ 5.00 OFF Your Purchase with this ad. Doin’ It Buckfi eld Style Tom Bragg of Sumner says goodbye as he leaves Frechette’s Sales & Service in Buckfi eld aft er pitching and closing a sale on some of his famous Maine made maple syrup. Life’s generally a lot simpler in rural Maine. Th at’s why for 30 plus years, people have enjoyed doing business at Frechette’s Sales and Service in Buckfi eld, Maine. It’s one of the main reasons that owner Roland Frechette handed over the keys to Greg Forget on January 1, 2013. “Greg’s a great guy,” says Roland, “he’s Buckfi eld all day long.” “Roland and I agree on a lot of things. He refused to sell junk and neither will I,” says Greg, the new owner as he makes his way around Designed to make the toughest work easy. HUSQVARNA5521P • Engine manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton • Engine name: 550 Series Price:$239.95 the ATV’s, boat motors, rototillers and lawnmowers that have been brought in for service. “I have riding lawn tractors in stock right now that are $100 less than the advertised price at the big box store down in Auburn,” says Greg. “You don’t have to drive all the way into the city to get a great deal.” Frechette’s is a full service small engine repair shop that specializes in new Husqvarna, Ariens and Stihl power equipment. Th ey oft en carry a nice selection HUSQVARNAYTH23V48 • Engine manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton • Power: 23 hp • Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin Price: $ 1,799.95 www.husqvarna.com Copyright © 2013 Husqvarna AB (publ). All rights reserved. of pre-owned power equipment for those looking to drive a bargain. “Come on out,” says Greg, “we have something for every budget. You don’t have to be from Buckfi eld to get a great deal. We offer full service pick-up and delivery to our neighboring towns. Not everybody owns a pick-up.” Frechette’s Sales and Service is located at 15 Streaked Mountain Road on Route 117 on the way out of town towards South Paris. HUSQVARNA555 • Cylinder displacement: 59.8 cc • Power output: 4.3 hp • X-Torq® engine cuts emission and fuel consumption Price:$629.95 FRECHETTE’S Sales & Service 15 Streaked Mountain Road, Buckfi eld • (207) 336-2986 SPRING TUNE-UP “mud” SEASON In Store Specials on Equipment, Parts & Service Th rough May 31st SMALL ENGINE SERVICE Boat Motors • ATVs • Lawn & Garden Equipment Most Makes & Models • Pick Up & Delivery FRECHETTE’S Sales & Service 15 Streaked Mountain Road, Buckfi eld • (207) 336-2986
Page 1 and 2: Maine’s largest direct mail commu
Page 3 and 4: April 2013 Oxford Hills Observer Pa
Page 5: April 2013 Oxford Hills Observer Pa

Oxford Hills Observer - Turner Publishing, Inc.

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?