Two generations of small business success in central Maine

/0 Comments/in , /by

Winslow McDonald’s first general manager, Jim Sevey, left, sits in the new dining room with two generations of Ortins, from left to right, Mike and Lana, and Lorraine and Bob. Photo by Eric Austin

by Eric W. Austin

It’s hard to find anything more American than McDonald’s, or more emblematic of the American spirit than the family business. The recent remodel of the McDonald’s, in Winslow, represents both these traditions and it’s a story more than 30 years in the making.

In 1986, Bob Ortins moved his family to central Maine. After years working for the McDonald’s corporation, starting in 1971, an opportunity had opened up to buy four McDonald’s restaurants in the Pine Tree State. The move proved to be a huge success, and at their peak, the Ortins family owned nine restaurants across central Maine.

Around this same time, another small business was also starting to make a local name for itself. Although founded in 1974 by David Poulin, of Brunswick, Poulin Construction earned state-wide fame in 1984 for their classy conversion of the historic Gore House into a McDonald’s restaurant, in Freeport. This early success led to an on-going relationship with the McDonald’s corporation and eventually to a partnership with Bob Ortins, who, in the fall of 1987, hired Poulin Construction to build a new McDonald’s restaurant on the China Road, in Winslow.

In 2014, Brent Poulin bought the construction business from his father. And Bob Ortins’ son Mike, after working with his father for more than 30 years in every conceivable position, from cashier to general manager, took over full control of the business with his wife, Lana, in 2016.

Now, more than 30 years after that first building project, these two families have come back together for a renovation of the original restaurant as part of McDonald’s “Experience of the Future” initiative.

“It’s about building a better McDonald’s,” Mike tells me as we sit outside in the shade, watching workers from Poulin Construction put the finishing touches on the remodel.

The Winslow McDonald’s sports a new, “rustic” aesthetic to the new dining room.

The renovations will feature a number of cool new updates and modern conveniences. Along with a sleeker, more contemporary look to the interior, the location will now showcase high-definition, digital menu boards inside and out. The remodeled restaurant will also feature two self-service kiosks – enabling customers to order from a touchscreen menu without standing in line – and table-location technology, allowing employees to deliver food directly to a customer’s table.

McDon­ald’s has also recently implemented a new “always fresh, never frozen” policy for all their quarter-pound burgers, which owner Mike Ortins says makes them taste “even better than before.”

Another feature, which has been available for some time, is the ability to make one’s order via McDonald’s new mobile app. However, the renovations will add to this convenience by designating two parking spots on the east side of the restaurant specifically for “curbside ordering.” Park here, submit your order via the mobile app, and a few minutes later your food will be brought directly to the car!

The Ortins have succeeded because of a deep commitment to their employees and the communities in which they live. Offering tuition assistance of up to $3,000 a year, many employees start working part-time as they go to school. Jim Sevey, the first general manager of the McDonald’s location in Winslow when it was opened in 1987, is now a company supervisor and will be on hand at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 16.

Mike Ortins firmly believes in supporting the local community and has sponsored a number of fundraisers over the years, such as McPuzzle Night in support of autism awareness. He plans to continue that tradition. At the grand re-opening of the Winslow’s McDonald’s on Saturday, June 16, 20 percent of all purchases between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be donated, along with a check for $1,000, to the Winslow Parks and Recreation Department.

The renovations of the McDonald’s in Winslow are done, and it’s looking great.

Fairfield veterans lay wreaths

/0 Comments/in , /by

Fairfield veterans laid wreaths at the cemetery and Memorial Park on Memorial Day, May 28. (Photo courtesy of Lyn Rowden)

Fallen law enforcement officers remembered

/0 Comments/in , /by

Maine Gov. Paul LePage, left, a former Waterville mayor, and Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Morris, former Waterville Police Chief, at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial ceremony on May 17. (Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography)

Several day camps to be offered at China School Forest this summer

/0 Comments/in , /by

Local educator and Maine Master Naturalist, Anita Smith, will be offering several day camps and family forest activities at the China School Forest. All programs start at the China Primary School bus circle, 763 Lakeview Drive, China. For more information or registration form, contact Anita Smith at 968-2255 or chinaschoolsforest@gmail.com

For updates and to RSVP, see https://www.facebook.com/chinaschoolsforest/

DAY CAMPS

Day camps are for children entering grades 2-6. Space is reserved once your registration form and fee are received and you receive a confirmation email. Each day camp is limited to 10 students. Camps run rain or shine. Cost is $30, per child, per camp.

June 26-28 – Pond Explorers Day Camp: We will use dip nets and learn about pond plants and animals, play games and meet some fascinating critters. Prepare to get wet! 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

August 7-9 – Pirate Day Camp: Ahoy, Matey! Make “treasure” maps & dig for buried “treasure”, create your own pirate treasure chest and learn to talk like a pirate at this fun adventure-themed camp. 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

August 21-23 – Nature Explorers and Nature Games Day Camp. Learn about different plants and animals that live in the forest by playing fun games and hands-on activities. 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

FAMILY FOREST FUN ACTIVITIES

Family activities are for all ages, even our littlest friends! An adult must accompany the child for the activity.

Please RSVP on our facebook page or by email so we have enough materials for all participants. Family Forest Activities are free, but donations are gratefully accepted the day of the event to help cover the cost of materials. If we have to cancel, it will be posted on our facebook page the day before the event.

June 2 – Family Forest Fun: Butterfly, Oh My! Learn about butterflies, make a butterfly craft and play a butterfly game. Costumes are optional. For all ages. Suggested donation $5, per child to cover materials. 9:30 – 11a.m.

June 29 – Family Forest Fun: Pond Explorers. Come explore the pond using dip nets and see who lives here. For all ages. Suggested donation $5, per child to cover materials. 9:30 – 11a.m.

July 7 – Family Forest Fun: Nature Walk, Fairy Houses and Toad Homes Learn about Fairy Houses, gather natural forest materials and build fairy houses in our school forest. Suggested donation $5, per child to cover materials. 9:30 – 11 a.m. Please RSVP on our facebook event page or email to register. August 10 – Family Forest Fun: Pirate Adventure Search for buried treasure, look for gems, and play a pirate game. Come dressed in your favorite pirate garb! Suggested donation $5, per child to cover materials. 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Local fire chiefs cited

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

David LaFountain, retiring chief of both Waterville and Winslow fire departments (left), Andrew Clark, chief of Albion Fire and Rescue (right), and Senator Scott Cyrway (center). (Contributed photo)

David LaFountain, retiring chief of both Waterville and Winslow fire departments, and Andrew Clark, chief of Albion Fire and Rescue, were both recipients of EMS Excellence Awards at a ceremony put on by Maine Emergency Medical Services, in Augusta, on May 23. EMS Excellence Awards recognize individuals for their contributions to the EMS system, either in their area or to the state as a whole. Senator Scott Cyrway (R-Kennebec) attended the awards ceremony, presenting both recipients with legislative sentiments recognizing their accomplishments. Timothy Beals, of Waterville, executive director of Delta Ambulance, was also an EMS Excellence Award recipient, but he was unable to attend the ceremony.

47 Daisies’ mission to provide healthier food

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

Dylan, left, and Harmony Dillaway, owners of 47 Daisies. (Contributed photo)

When Dylan Dillaway talks about goals for 47 Daisies, the farm he and wife Harmony run on Webber Pond Road, in Vassalboro, he sounds highly idealistic. They’re going to use locally-grown food to connect people to the land and educate them about good things to eat, bring community members together regardless of income levels and other differences, disprove the belief that organic food has to be expensive and make the community healthier.

“Nothing should prevent anybody from being able to participate in the local food movement that’s thriving in Maine,” Dylan said.

And the ideals are turning into reality.

Since 2016, 47 Daisies has been a nonprofit operation providing food access programs to people of all ages and income levels, including housebound people who get deliveries. The Dillaways estimate they have more than 200 recipients throughout Kennebec County; they’re about to start a weekly drop-off program for pre-ordered fruits and vegetables at Ray Breton’s mill in North Vassalboro.

Children’s programs, including cooking classes, a book club and an explorers’ club, have attracted more than 50 youngsters, not counting the school classes, Scout troops and others who come on pre-scheduled farm tours. Recent renovations to the barn have created an indoor educational space that will promote year-round activities.

Beginning June 1 the farm will be open seven days a week for people who want to see what is available or just to spend time outdoors. The property is about 50 acres, half woods and half fields, with about 15 acres in production.

The Dillaways plan to start a community farm program in July: area residents will be invited to buy shares, paying in money, volunteer time or a combination, in return for seasonal produce.

The Dillaway children, Eilah and Basil. (Contributed photos)

More information is available on line at the 47 Daisies website, which includes information on getting in touch with the Dillaways and joining the farm’s programs. Dylan Dillaway said 47 Daisies has more than 400 varieties of vegetables, enhancing its educational value. When a patron buys something unfamiliar, Harmony is ready with suggestions for ways to use it.

Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and other berries are already produced in season, and a grant let the Dillaways start a fruit orchard that includes apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots and kiwi fruit.

Mint flourishes along the driveway, shitake mushrooms in a nearby corner. The retail store, converted from a garage/woodshed, sells 47 Daisies produce plus handcrafts and organic Maine food products. WIC and EBT are accepted.

47 Daisies is a Certified Naturally Grown operation; Harmony Dillaway explained it meets U. S. Department of Agriculture standards for an organic farm, but is certified through an organization designed for small farms, with less paperwork than the federal government requires.

Without poisons, Dylan Dillaway said the main way they protect their crops is with barriers between plants and pests, like row covers and electric fences to keep deer away. They also handpick unwelcome insects.

The farm was and still is known locally as the Strong farm; the Dillaways hear with pleasure stories about the Strong family. The name 47 Daisies, Harmony Dillaway said, is a combination of Dylan’s favorite number and her favorite flower.

Palermo Historical Society holds open house for third graders

/0 Comments/in , /by

For the ninth year in a row Palermo Historical Society hosted an open house for local third graders on May 3. Presentations included weaving, old school classroom experience, grinding corn, how log cabins were constructed and a house tour. As usual the students voted one of their favorites was seeing the old two hole out house in the shed, cobwebs and all.

One of the students was Hayden Little, who is a fifth generation Worthing. His great-great-grandparents were Clarence and Caroline Worthing, who rebuilt the farm after it was destroyed in the Branch Mills village fire of 1915. The home was later gifted to the town to be used for Palermo Historical Society.

Hayden Little, right, watches the weaving demonstration conducted by Pam Swift of the Palermo Historical Society. Hayden is a fifth generation decendent of Clarence and Caroline Worthing. Their home was later gifted to the town for the Palermo Historical Society. (Contributed photo)

Whitefield Local Lions award six scholarships to local students

/0 Comments/in , /by

Scholarship recipients from the Whitefield Lions Club include, front row, from left to right, Club president, Lion Cindy Lincoln, Morgan Emond, Basel White, Samantha Jackson, Emma Allen, and Madison Allen. Back, Harrison Mosher and Lion Barry Tibbetts. (Contributed photo)

Lincoln Academy student Emma Allen, daughter of Cynthia and Andrew Allen, of Jefferson, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Emma will attend St. Joseph’s College and pursue a degree in physical therapy.

Lincoln Academy student Madison Allen, son of Cynthia and Andrew Allen, of Jefferson, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Madison is pursuing a career in aviation and will attend the University of North Dakota in the fall.

Lincoln Academy student Basel White, son of Erica and Daniel White, of Jefferson, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Basel is attending University of Maine, Orono and will major in biomedical engineering.

Erskine Academy student Harrison Mosher, son of John Mosher, of China, was awarded a $500 scholarship. Harrison will attend Thomas College, in Waterville, and major in business

Erskine Academy student Morgan Emond, daughter of Mindy and Gary Emond, of Windsor, was awarded a $500 scholarship. Morgan will attend the University of Connecticut.

Erskine Academy student Samantha Jackson is the daughter of Dan and Katrina Jackson, of Whitefield. Samantha was awarded a $500 scholarship and will attend University of Southern Maine.

Senior Services Fair first event at renovated church

/0 Comments/in , /by

Photo courtesy of Pearley Lachance

Many local people attended the Vassalboro Senior Services Fair on May 23, the first event held at the newly-renovated St. Bridget’s Community Center, formerly the St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, on Main St., in North Vassalboro. An open house will be held Sunday, June 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Pearley Lachance

CORRECTION: This story previously stated the community center’s open house was on June 20. It is on Sunday, June 10. We apologize for the error.

JMG students visit MCS library

/0 Comments/in , /by

China Middle School Jobs for Maine Graduates students stand with David Richards, director of the Margaret Chase Smith Library, and a life-like portrait of Margaret Chase Smith as a young lady. (Contributed photo)

The Jobs for Maine Graduates program at China Middle School recently visited the Margaret Chase Smith Library, in Skowhegan, as the JMG program was being recognized for a community service project that they had done earlier in the school year. They did a Spare Change Drive to help with Hurricane Harvey relief in China, Texas. They were invited to attend by Director David Richards, who spotted the article months earlier in The Town Line, newspaper. As they got the tour, they were expecting the building to be more like a library, but it was actually more like a museum. It was really interesting that the museum was added on to her house.

A few interesting facts they learned were Margaret was the first woman in congress to break the sound barrier. She earned 94 Honorary Doctorate degrees from colleges around the country. Family meant a great deal as she had many pictures of her family in the house, especially in the entry area of the house. And her mother seemed very important as she had a picture of her above her bed. She didn’t have any children of her own so she was very close with her nieces and nephews. Some of her family came from Canada and changed their surname because people that were French were discriminated against. One of her missions was to make sure all people were treated with equality and respect.

Margaret wanted all students, especially Maine students, to serve their community and aspire to be a leader. In the entryway was the book The Little Engine That Could because her feeling was if you tried as hard as you can you can succeed and that when someone needs help, you help. You don’t sit by the sidelines and watch. It was a great visit.