Welcome to summer, 2011!!

My wife and I took a weekend trip up north to the Lincoln and Enfield area. We hadn't been there for a while and wanted to see if things had changed much and do a little sightseeing. There has been some recent changes on Main Street that are quite nice. Most notably, there is a large gazebo at the head of Mattanawcook lake as you drive into town with a nice park-like setting with a nice view of the lake. It was a beautiful spot. One thing hadn't changed, though. You can still smell that mill. We spent some time on Cold Stream Pond, too. We have both always loved that lake and after seeing it this weekend, we still do. What a beautiful place!

We spent some time around the Penobscot river also. It was nice to see that the river, although not as good as it should be, has certainly cleaned up a lot. It seems to be getting a lot more recreational use as well. The Penobscot has always had a special place in our hearts and we wish only the best for the river.

We took a 2010 Ford Fusion with the 2.5L 4 cylinder engine and got 37.9 mpg highway and 36.4 mpg average for the trip. The Fusion is a comfortable, passenger friendly car that provides a viable alternative to the smaller cars with less room. Our dog, Sara, likes it too.

It was nice being back in our old stomping grounds for the weekend and my wife and I have decided to go back again in a few years. I don't care if some things change, as long as the lake stays as clean and beautiful as it has always been.

Thanks for reading,

Don Tibbetts

A funny thing happened while passing a couple of cars

There has been quite a bit of interest in the new 3.5L Ecoboost V6. One day last week this guy comes in asking about a new truck and we end up talking about the Ecoboost in the new F-150. He thinks I might be overstating the engine's capabilities and decides he wants to take it for a test drive. The truck also had Sync Voice Activated systems on it, but we hadn't talked about that too much yet. So he takes the truck for a ride and decides to see how it'll accelerate. He steps on it, pulls out and passes a couple of cars that had been in front of him. He looks down and sees he's doing 90 and then the truck talks to him! It asked him if he had an emergency?!! He didn't know what the heck to make of that, so he came back to the dealership, tells me what happened and asked me what the h#&% that was all about!! I couldn't help but laugh as I'm trying to explain about the Sync systems and I still laugh every time I think of it.

Everyone I've told the story to has found it amusing and I hope you do, too.

Catch you later,

Don Tibbetts

Sync Services and MyFord Touch

Do you have a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle with Sync Voice Activated Systems or MyFord/MyLincoln Touch and aren't sure how to use it or don't know if you're getting the most out of it? Maybe I can help.

Let me, Don Tibbetts, know when you want to come in, then bring your vehicle to Ripley & Fletcher Ford and I'll help you set up an account on syncmyride.com, set your preferences there, then pair your phone, activate your 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report and show you how to access Sync Services. It's really a great system, so why not get the most out of it! I'll be glad to help.

If you're considering a new vehicle, please consider a Ripley & Fletcher Ford with the Sync Voice Activated System. The basic Sync without the touch screen is just a $395 option and it still gives you total hands free phone interface, 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and Traffic, Directions and Information through Sync Services. It's free for the first three years and only costs $60 dollars a year after that. $60 dollars a YEAR!! I think it's the best bargain out there for getting state of the art technology at a great price.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks,

Don Tibbetts

Ripley & Fletcher Ford is glad to be here

As many of you have heard, John Emerson, who owns Emerson Chevrolet, was involved in negotiations to buy Ripley & Fletcher and convert us to Emerson Ford. While both parties negotiated in good faith, it just was not meant to be. For various reasons, negotiations broke down and we are remaining under our current ownership. RIPLEY & FLETCHER FORD IS STILL HERE!!! We are ready to serve the automotive needs of our local, and not-so-local communities with new and used, customer focused, auto sales, top shelf service of fine Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and other vehicles, a well stocked parts department and capable body shop. As always, we are here to serve our communities and loyal customers. We want your business and we'll earn it, one customer at a time. All we ask from you is your continued support. All we ask is a chance. Before you drive miles away, come see us!! You won't be disappointed!

We have made a few changes that we want our customers and communities to know about. Our previous Sales Manager has moved on to another opportunity. Our new Sales Manager is Tracy Knight and she's really getting into her new position trying to increase our new and used inventory (hopefully, you've noticed). We are also working on our website to improve accessability and make it more fun and interesting to use. We are continuing to work with our Facebook page and currently have a new 2010 Fusion Sport as our "June Facebook Special". Check it out!! Check it all out!! Also, keep watching us. We'll try to make it interesting and worthwhile.

Thanks,

Don Tibbetts