Tick season is upon us! Take steps to avoid tick bites such as applying EPA approved tick repellent, wearing light colored clothing to easily spot ticks, and be sure to always examine yourself and pets for ticks daily. If you are bitten, take the proper steps to reduce your chances of getting sick. (fb)

Marty Colson, RN Retires With 32 Years of Service Marty Colson, RNC, retired on May 17 from Calais Community Hospital. Marty joined the Calais Hospital nursing team in September of 1992 as a Med/Surg nurse and ICU float nurse. She also managed the Rose Room, or infusion services, from 2012-2018. Marty was born in Iowa and raised from the age of ten in Las Vegas, NV alongside her sister and brother. She went directly to nursing school following her high school graduation, earning her Associates Degree in nursing from the University of Las Vegas. Marty’s first nursing job was at Ridgecrest Community Hospital in California. From there her family relocated to the San Diego area and she worked at Paradise Valley Hospital. In 1992 Marty and her family relocated across the country to Maine to be closer to her husband’s family. They spent the first decade living in Calais in Milltown and then moved to Alexander. Most of Marty’s nursing career has been as a Med/Surg nurse, however she has also worked in OB as a float, a step-down care unit, telemetry and infusion services. When talking about her nursing career Marty shared, “I enjoy the direct patient care that bedside nursing provides. I like taking care of patients.” One of her peers stated, “Marty through the years has been an excellent resource for other nurses when needing help or guidance. She follows policies and procedures and is a role model to the organization. She provides top notch patient care.” Marty’s family includes her husband Skip, a son in Indiana, a daughter in Brewer, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. When asked about her plans for retirement, she shared she’s started a projects list for home - with tending to their large garden at the top of it. Outside of that, she looks forward to more free time for reading, crafts, knitting and baking, and some leisure time to visit a few areas around Maine. Congratulations Marty and best wishes on a long and happy retirement! (fb)