To the Editor:

It’s unbelievable that it has been six years since I left practice and moved to Maine. Although I’m enjoying retirement, I do miss the many patients and coworkers acquainted in my professional capacity.

My mentoring with Dr. Margery Smith prepared me well to initiate my solo career in Berne. I purchased 1772 Helderberg Trail in 1988. The home was built in 1929 by Mr. Stapleton, a Sears house, given to his daughter Ruth as a wedding gift. The Flaglers raised their family there and continued to occupy the residence until our private sale.

The workmanship of the building was praised by anyone employed to update it. When I was informed how much of the original woodwork would have to be removed to make it an office, I contracted the Domermuth family to build the new wing.

In the 20 years my staff and I persevered, our patients cooperated in the education of countless resident and student physicians, including our own Dr. Kristin Mack. They also participated in many Phase III new drug studies, and trusted Jane and me to expand therapeutic alternatives in diabetes and osteoporosis otherwise available only in specialists’ offices.

It’s time for another change. There’s a current second-grader out there who’s going to save us from ourselves. I’m proud to know that, with the approval of the voters, my former property will become part of the legacy of education for Berne-Knox-Westerlo and the community I served.

Dr. Gary Kolanchick

Kittery, Maine

Editor’s note: On May 17, Berne-Knox-Westerlo voters will decide on spending $410,000 to buy the building and property at 1772 Helderberg Trail next to the BKW campus.