This week I'm kind of “bummed out,” as we used to say back in the day. The reason for this has nothing to do with anything unfolding here in the home or next door at the Queen Mother's palace either. It's because a dentist with a terrific chair-side-manner is retiring officially and this week, to boot.
I speak of none-other than our dear, sweet man known as Dr. Thomas Allison of Erie Street Linesville.
I have known Dr. A. for almost 12 years in my capacity as the sales representative for this delightful and award-winning publication. (For those who are new to this space, first of all—bless you. Second of all, we haven't really officially won any awards but I like to think so. In other words, in my mind we HAVE won awards and really, nothing else should matter. I also digress quite a bit and get a total charge of doing so whilst in these brackets. I got that out of the way early on and will now move forward with this rave about Dr. A.)
I have also had the pleasure (?) of seeing him on a professional level usually when I'm desperate and have let things get out of hand—or out of mouth, in this case. No offense Dr. A., but I am not fond of the dental chair and will wait until all teeth are falling out of my head before landing in one. Suddenly this has become about me—I must move ahead.
Dr. Allison started his practice in Linesville almost 40 years ago. It's so close to 40 I'm wondering WHY the man didn't simply “hang on” for that last year so that he could end on an even number. Hmm. WHY? WHY are you leaving us Dr. A.?
OK I've pulled myself together and will attempt to inch along with this salute. Also I'm not really used to “raving” anymore and generally fill this space with pure ire. Be tender with me if you would.
I guess I shall cut him some slack as he deserves to retire, for crying in a bucket. (I've simmered down and will continue to the other stages of grief.)
Not only was/is the doc a great dentist with a nice welcoming personality but he has been a strong supporter of the community for decades. I honestly cannot recall ONE instance where he did not say “yes” to supporting the local teams, students, town and area events, holidays, etc., via placing an ad in our paper. Of course we would wheel and deal in terms of the price, which always led to laughs.
I had to go see him about six weeks ago because I had lost a filling. As many of you realize, you cannot enter a dentist office these days without being told that a root canal is in order, which is what happened upon my examination. (Sorry but I've found this to be true. I don't mean to pollute your going away column with my opinions but did you really expect anything different from me?) I opted to have it yanked from my head, just in case you all were at the edges of your seats wondering what happened.
He showed me a picture of his grand-kids and explained that his reason for retiring was to be able to take part in their lives, basically. He wants to spend time with the newest generation and kick back for a bit. I guess I don't blame him for that but will just miss him appearing in the pages of this publication. I always enjoyed the clip-art choices when I'd design the ads and Dr. A. was a good sport about the eventual finished product. I will also miss the kidding and joshing that usually unfolded when I'd call for advertising.
I have talked to quite a few of his patients and some of the residents of the region and they have all expressed that he will be missed. (That last sentence looked like I waited outside of his office and whipped people aside whilst forcing them to give me details. Clearly that is not the case. I happen to know some of his patients personally. I didn't want you to get the wrong idea here.)
My son, also known as The Child, had a some pretty major dental work done by a different dentist, who shall remain nameless and faceless. He had nothing but trouble and eventually made an appointment with Dr. Allison, upon my request or urging. He has not had any issues with the dental work since, so we are thankful for that. I believe Mother has also visited the chair of Dr. A. and also liked him.
Well, I'm not sure what else I can say to or about Dr. A. so I guess I will wrap this up. I thank him for being kind and considerate with me over the years and I wish him the best in his new adventure.
I will close with just a bit of information that he handed the chief recently in terms of his retirement. It's not every bit of the letter but is a good portion: “It is with a mixture of sadness and anticipation that I announce the closing of my dental practice upon my retirement on March 30, 2018. I have practiced dentistry in Linesville for 39 years...My staff and I have enjoyed your friendship and commitment to better health over the years. Now we are all looking forward to new beginnings.”
I'm back. I am a bit teary-eyed about this frankly. And NO it's not just because he was an EXCELLENT advertiser and supporter of all things community oriented. It will just take some adjusting to the fact that his cartoon figure image will not be in our paper. Also the staff was always very accommodating and personable which is almost a rarity in this day and age so I will miss the calls as well. It's shocking, lurid and quite true that I am a sentimental type of person and I am kind of sad currently.
I wish you the best of luck in your retirement, Dr. Allison. I know you will enjoy the heck out of those wee ones with whom you will be able to spend total time now. Thank you for always being upbeat and pleasant even when you were forced to look into my HUGE mouth on rare occasions!
All of us at the Community News will certainly notice that you have exited stage left and I know that the residents of this region will as well. Take care and I hope that you send postcards and letters from wherever you may land. (You do realize I'm having a postcard drive, right? Well, here is my address: Lisa Houserman, Box 5227, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316.)
THE END (Interstate Crosscheck, AIPAC, Geoengineering, “War is a Racket” by General Smedley Butler and “Erasing the Liberty,” by Philip Tourney)