Dear Editor:

The following is a tribute to Jeff Averill, who is retiring from Ames Supply in Wiscasset:

Need a hammer? Maybe Nails?

A rope to tie to your boat sails?

Food for your cow, your dog or cat?

A warm and cozy winter hat?

Some seeds to plant- and soil to fill

The planter you added to your bill.

A coat to keep you dry in rain.

Some lye to fix a stubborn drain.

Batteries to keep the flashlights bright,

Or solar powered garden lights?

A tiny wrench? Huge cotter pin?

Where do you find help for the fix you’re in??

You go straight to Ames for all that stuff!

But how to find it-That’s really rough!!?!!

When you’re lost in the aisles of old Ames Supply,

Your GPS fails and you’re ready to cry…

You need a Guide, a Sage and a Mentor!

“Ask Jeff” to the rescue –no more dilemma!

“Ask Jeff” is heard throughout the store

A million times a day and maybe more!

“Ask Jeff” for help to fix your grill!

“Ask Jeff” which seeds to plant on your hill.

“Ask Jeff” to help find what you need

To get that chainsaw up to speed!

“Ask Jeff” he knows the store by heart

Every bin, every aisle and every cart!

Maybe “Ask “is really his secret first name?

Without him there – it won’t be the same.

But fear not good friends, the Ames tradition is strong!

Fueled by Maine moxie and vigor all the day long!   

The shelves will be stocked - Ames will always deliver,

Since the days Dan and Dot sold grain down by the river.

Marge Kilkelly

Dresden