An interview with Alexander “Zandy” Talmadge, owner/operator of Absolute Chimney Service LLC in Kennebunkport.

Q: How long have you been a chimney sweep?

A: 31 years.

Q: How did you get into this line of work?

Q: What did you used to do?  A: I was a school principal and educator for 37 years. I started teaching junior high English in Lewiston, and also adult ed at night, in 1972 Before retiring, I was principal of St. Patrick’s School for two years, until it closed.  Q: When did you start with […]

Kennebunk tree growers Diane and her husband, David Brandt, are busy year round cultivating the crop of fir trees on their 70-acre farm. But their labor of love is only truly appreciated one month of the year: in December, when customers come in search of the perfect Christmas tree.

The wreaths and garland have been made, the Christmas decorations put on display and 160 gallons of apple cider has been delivered to be mulled on the old wood parlor stove in the gift shop. Holmes Tree Farm is officially open for is short monthlong 2010 season.

The Dog Wash Etc., a family-owned pet grooming business, has relocated to 1037 Forest Ave. The move highlights the business’ recent name change and expansion of retail space, goods and services.  Q: Sounds like you’ve undergone a lot of changes recently, can you tell me a bit of the business’ history? A: My brother Greg […]

Following a 30-year wait, Dennis Theriault of Sanford finally got picked in the state moose lottery — bagging a 712-pound bull moose to prove it. But Theriault won’t be mounting that moose head on his wall any time soon. It is now deer hunting season and Theriault, a taxidermist by trade, is too busy creating such mounts for other hunters.

Q: How did you get into this line of work?

A: It started as a hobby in high school around 1972-73. I liked to hunt and I sent away for a home taxidermy kit. It cost me $11 and they mailed me a little pamphlet every other month on how to do taxidermy. After graduating high school, I worked for a lumber mill. But the taxidermy work was taking more and more of my time. I finally quit that job in 1984 to do (taxidermy) full time.