I Care prepares to open

    FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine – Renovations are complete, with just a little set up work remaining before I Care Pharmacy officially opens at its Main Street location.
   “The facility is nearly ready for business. Plans are to move more items up to the facility on Friday and be operational in the near future,” said Gene Senechal, manager of Cozy Corner II, a store located across the street from the pharmacy that’s owned by Terry Greenier and Jerry Tanner, co-owners of Fort Fairfield’s newest venture.
A & L Construction, under the supervision of Rick Nadeau, was hired to do the majority of the work necessary to transform the community’s old fire station into a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical business designed to handle mail-order prescriptions. Additional crews were subcontracted to handle various tasks, including painting.
“We finished painting some of the interior recently,” said Greg Doak, a member of one of the paint crews hired for the job.
The Fort Fairfield company came about when PIN Rx, based on Indian Island, got in hot water with authorities earlier this winter for inappropriately handling prescription drug orders. With the help of Gov. John E. Baldacci’s office, Tanner and Greenier – who own and operate a similar business in Alaska – were able to put together the necessary paperwork to take over ownership of PIN Rx, changing the name to I Care. I Care will be filling mail order prescriptions with plans to work closely with MaineCare clients to meet their needs. The business will have approximately 40 employees, including full-time pharmacists.
“The owners are looking forward to opening very soon. Once things are in place Friday, it should be just about ready for business,” said Senechal.
That’s good news to town officials who are eagerly anticipating I Care’s opening.
“All the work is complete on the inside. Rick Nadeau was in here the other day and indicated all that remains is some exterior work,” said Town Manager Dan Foster. “They’ve taken out the four overhead doors and were putting in new entry doors.”
Foster sees the new business as a positive addition to the community.
“It’s a very positive thing for Fort Fairfield. It will be a good thing for our economy, bringing jobs to our town. Now many other businesses will see what I Care has done (setting up business in Fort Fairfield) and consider doing the same thing,” said Foster.
Foster said the company is starting off with a good staff.
“They have two very reputable pharmacists on staff. Having good employees is key to a successful business,” said Foster.
Recent news about one of the owners – Jerry Tanner – having legal troubles in Alaska should have no bearing on the Fort Fairfield venture, according to Foster. Tanner appeared in court in Palmer, Alaska on April 12 after being charged with sexual assault. The charges stem from an incident in Wasilla, Alaska dating back to July of 2005 involving two men from that area. Tanner was also charged with furnishing liquor to a minor. Tanner is currently out on bail. No information was available on future court dates or specific details of the charges. Attempts to reach Tanner and Greenier were unsuccessful at presstime. A call placed to Assistant District Attorney Rachel Gernat, of Alaska, who is handling the case had not been returned at presstime.
“Jerry’s misfortune in Alaska has nothing to do with his business in our town or anywhere in Maine. I’ve found Jerry to be a pleasant person to deal with. The truth will come out over time. But whatever is determined should have no effect on the Fort Fairfield business. The owners have done and continue to do wonderful things for Aroostook County. They’ve done nothing but good things for us,” said Foster. “I’m looking forward to seeing where I Care goes from here.”
A specific opening date, business hours and phone number have not been released at this time.