Nancy Hohmann and her golden retriever mix Belle are partners in brightening others’ days.

Lionel Pepin was a 22-year-old newlywed with a baby on the way when he was drafted to fight in the Korean War. He carried out several assignments over the next two years, earning a Bronze Star along the way. He saw his main job as staying alive. Sixty-five years later, he has no regrets.

Four from Western Maine benefit from “Fly Rod” Crosby’s work in developing the licensing program.

This is the first in a three-part series about tick identification, disease and encounter prevention.