Island Falls News
Susan Prescott, along with her daughter-in-law, Claire Prescott and her children, Brian and Amy, have recently returned home after spending 10 days at Key Largo, Fla. While there, they enjoyed a boat trip to a reef where the children had fun snorkeling and the grown-ups basked in the sun. The weather was in the 80s, but there was a brisk wind to help keep them all cool.
Congratulations to the VFW chef, and his wife, who served a very good roast beef and roast pork dinner on Saturday, April 28. It was very well attended and all that remained were a few left- over desserts, which are usually made by the wives of VFW members.
I got a glimpse of Eric Pettengill recently, who was here in the area. A former resident of Island Falls, he now lives in Gorham. I am having a terrible time with the two big gray squirrels who consistently raid my bird feeders the minute I refill them. This leaves the poor little gold finch, chickadees and wrens trying their best to get what is left after the squirrels have departed. I am also still putting out my mixture of peanut butter and lard during this cold weather and the pesky squirrels make away with that, too.
I may run out of peanut butter soon but maybe by then the weather will improve and then no more sunflower seeds and the mixture of peanut butter and lard. Still have the deer arriving to graze on the new growth in my back lawn and the other day they were there early in the morning, took time out for a nap (probably) then were back for most of the afternoon and evening. Have been having several big crows also enjoying the new growth on my lawns and they are there most all day. Once in awhile I toss out old bread crumbs for them and they sure make short work of that—making off with the pieces of bread to devour in a nearby tree.
Herrick makes a difference
Molly Bailey of Houlton recently submitted an article from the Berkshire Health Systems Employee Newsletter with information regarding former Houlton native Phil Herrick.
Herrick, the son of Maurice and Winnie Herrick, is also a cousin to Bailey.
“He is also [considered] a half brother since I lived with the family on Green Street for eight years,” Bailey added.
A respiratory therapist at Fairview Hospital, Herrick has organized coat and food donations for the needy in the Pittsfield area, New York City and Albany for the last 15 years, according to the newsletter.
“When taking a holiday trip to New York, struck by the poverty and homelessness he witnessed, he said, ‘I felt I had an opportunity — an obligation — to extend a hand to those in need, and have been blessed to be joined by so many others in our community who want to extend a hand as well’,” the newsletter stated.
Each year, Herrick’s family and friends, along with community residents help him gather donations. Last year in addition to his annual coat and food delivery, Herrick delivered more than $1,000 worth of personal items such as razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes to a mission on Lafayette Street in New York, the release continued.
Closing the release, Herrick was quoted saying, “I believe the desire to help others is why I and so many are in the health care field. I know I can do something. Everyone can do something. Small or large, it all makes a difference to someone.”
