Business Spotlight: Vigor Strength Studio

Vigor Strength Studio is a raw and high energy strength and conditioning training studio at 39 Mechanic St. in downtown Westbrook that opened in 2021. Co-Owners Zachary Russell and Julian Despres both grew up in Southern Maine and found their passion for helping others with their health and wellness.

Julian Despres and Zachary Russell both grew up in
Southern Maine and co-own Vigor Strength Studio
in downtown Westbrook. They work with everyone
from beginners to adept exercisers and athletes.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Everyone exercising in the gym has an experienced and educated strength and conditioning coach by their side for every workout. The gym is open-concept and brings the efficiency of collegiate strength and conditioning workouts to the general population by mainly using free weights, your own body weight, resistance bands, and other unique strength training equipment.

“People that train at our gym are there to get things done the right way. Our clientele ranges from complete beginners to adept exercisers, and most of them simply want the general physical benefits of exercise and strength training; they are training to live long and healthy lives doing what they love,” says co-owner and coach Julian Despres.

Coaches are experts at modifying exercises depending on the individual, making them easier or more challenging. However, our exercise circuits work for most everyone, athletes and the general population alike.

Its gym puts a huge emphasis on moving in pain free, sustainable ways. We don’t just want your squat to look good, for example, we want it to feel good too! We teach proper movement (feeling the right muscles at the right times during exercises) so that you can train hard with no real pain and continue to get the results you’re after. We establish your initial goals before and during your first free session, and periodically after that we will need to set new ones.

Coaches design workouts as part of overarching programs that are created after meeting with you for the first time. Its young team has a combined training experience of over 30 years between them. They work next to each other every day and learn new ways to keep exercises feeling fresh and effective.

Vigor’s primary service is semi-private training sessions, where two to four people share their strength coach’s time. Each person has their own individual exercises to focus on specific to their goals. Think of the other few members in your session like your squad, they can help you in more ways than you’d think: from motivating you to keep going, to helping load your bar, to finding the kettlebell you need, or to spotting you through a set. Coaches like to keep people consistently working out with the same squad each week if schedules allow, building camaraderie and fostering productive energy. We do offer 1 on 1 training, but it is only at certain times when the gym is less busy.

Their strength and conditioning coaches also have experience training groups of athletes from high school level all the way to D1 college sports. Currently, coach Jaryd Penn works with Westbrook High baseball players, as well as a variety of hockey players from different training camps while co-owner and coach Zach Russell is working with the Windham High basketball team on its movement quality and mobility.

Coaches work hard to push your limits so that you get the most out of your sessions and to get your money’s-worth every single workout and stay safe while doing it. It starts with effective but brief warm up circuits to help address joint mobility issues, activate the muscles we aim to use, and raise the heart rate.

Once warmed up, they move into their primary exercises which are specific to each individual at Vigor. Everyone has different exercise focuses, postures, muscular strengths, and weaknesses that we work on. Coaches believe that training should be challenging and should stimulate mental growth as much as anything physical.

Coaches write exercises and notes down diligently, tracking the sets and repetitions closely so that we continue to push toward better and better performances, the longer you train with them the better they can dial it into what you need. Their gym is a melting pot of positive goals and productive physical activity. They are driven to build a stronger community, and they can’t wait to meet you!

To schedule your free first session with one of their great coaches, contact them by email at vigor.maine@gmail.com or call/ text them at 207-615-1990. You can also check them out on Facebook and Instagram. <

Business Spotlight: Monroe & Conley Financial Group

Accomplished financial services advisors Kevin Monroe and Zack Conley bring invaluable experience and an innovative mindset benefiting clients to the Monroe & Conley Financial Group.

Kevin Monroe, right, and Zack Conley,
second from left, are innovative and
independent financial services advisors.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

With locations in Raymond and Alfred, Monroe & Conley offer wealth management, retirement planning, legacy planning, life insurance and annuity products. They help advise their clients about disability and long-term care situations, along with giving recommendations regarding estate planning attorneys to work with as they believe this fits hand in hand with a solid financial future.

“The most significant aspect of our business is the relationship we have with our clients,” Conley said.

Monroe has been in business since 1992 and has many clients who have been with him since the start. Conley, 28, has been in business since 2016. They are accepting new clients and book by appointment only.

“It allows our clients to have continuity with their finances and they get the best of both worlds,” Monroe and Conley said. “They get an older more experienced advisor. Yet they also receive a younger advisor with a new perspective on business and the world of economics. Our clients also know that with this set up, God willing, they likely won’t have to hire another advisor as Zack has 30-plus years ahead of him.”

The most important thing that Monroe and Conley want their clients to know is that as independent advisors they act as a fiduciary, meaning they don’t have any products or services that they “have” to sell.

“We always say, ‘tell us your story’ and always start with a blank sheet of paper. This allows us to not have any agenda,” they said. “We believe that a true advisor should listen more than talk. As an independent firm we are not beholding to any one company. This allows us the ability to work with any company we deem fit for our clients. We truly ‘price out’ different companies and ‘shop’ what we feel is best for our clients. This allows us to make recommendations with nothing but our client in mind. Another important thing is that when you call our office you aren’t calling an 800 number. You get to know our staff and it creates a long-lasting relationship with not just our advisors, but with our awesome office staff.”

Both Monroe and Conley previously worked for a national firm for many years. Over the past few years, landscape began changing in the financial services industry and in September 2024 they decided to go fully independent and open Monroe & Conley Financial Group. They believe that this move was in the best interest of their clients, allowing them to continue to offer objective advice and service. When Monroe started his career in 1992, he was focused on the importance of life insurance. As the business evolved, he moved into the wealth management business which quickly took off. When Conley started in 2016, he and Monroe quickly connected, and now as an independent firm, they plan to continue to maintain exceptional service for their clients.

“We fell in love with the business due to our love for helping others,” they said. “We felt this was what we were called to do and since starting we've never looked back. We take each client and situation one at a time and slowly build respect and gain trust from our clients. Over the years, the products and services have evolved, yet our commitment to the people we serve has maintained the same. We treat others the way we want to be treated. We have always strived to put ourselves in our client’s shoes. With the knowledge we have compiled over the years, we look to do what they would do if it were their mom, dad, brother, sister or grandparents sitting across from them. This has created the family environment our clients have grown to love and enjoy.”

For the future, Monroe and Conley are excited to expand their team of advisors and office staff.

“The thought is that as the book of business continues to grow, we will find advisors who fit our culture and way of business,” they said. “This will allow us to ensure that each client gets the time and respect that they deserve as choosing a financial advisor is more than just a transaction, it is a decision that typically lasts for years and grows into a friendship. We are excited to find new advisors and if any advisors are interested in making the shift to be part of an independent firm or team, they are welcome to reach out.”

For further details about Monroe & Conley Financial Group, call 207-490-3495 or visit www.monroeconleyfg.com Find them on Facebook page under Monroe & Conley Financial Group.

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors. Monroe & Conley Financial Group and Cambridge are not affiliated. <

Business Spotlight: Waxwing Bakery

In a little more than a month since opening, Waxwing Bakery in Windham is drawing rave reviews for tasty products and exceptional customer service, and building a loyal and devoted customer base.

Together, Hannah Buoye and Billy Hager own Waxwing
Bakery at 868 Roosevelt Trail in Windham.
COURTESY PHOTO

Conveniently located at 868 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, Waxwing is a bakery café specializing in laminated pastries and sourdough breads. It serves Tandem Coffee Roasters coffee and MEM teas and offers drip coffee and a variety of espresso-based drinks, as well as house-made chai lattes. The business is owned by Billy Hager and Hannah Buoye, who have years of food service experience and have run kitchens and bakeries in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Portland.

“All of our pastries and bread are hand-made by us onsite. We also strive to serve as much locally sourced products as possible,” Hannah said. “Our menu and its flavors change daily, weekly and seasonally. Menu staples include croissants, chocolate croissants, sweet and savory Danish pastries, morning buns, scones, quiche, sausage rolls, fruit buckle, loaf cake slices, layer cake slices and cookies. We do offer larger preorders and can accommodate whole cake, pie and quiche requests. We encourage people to reach out via our website if they would like to place such an order. And we hope to expand our menu offerings in the near future to include sandwiches, salad and some more breakfast options like a breakfast sandwich.”

Along with the food and drinks they serve, the goal of Waxwing Bakery is to provide a space for the community to gather in what is sometimes referred to as a ‘third place,” she said. No matter if you’re stopping in to grab a coffee and breakfast pastry on your way to work, looking for a place to work outside the house, or meeting up with friends to catch up and enjoy a latte and croissant, Waxwing strives to become the go-to place for meeting those needs.

What sets Waxwing apart from the competition is the quality and care with which they produce their products.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of ingredients, freshness of produce and strive to source from our local farms and producers. In addition to making high-quality food, we are also attempting to create a high-quality environment for people to enjoy them in,” Billy said. “We are making the food we like to make and creating the environment we want to spend time in, and we hope to become a place people want to frequent for those reasons.”

Before opening Waxwing, Hannah was the Kitchen Manager at Tandem Coffee and Bakery in Portland and Billy ran the kitchen at Helm Oyster Bar and Bistro and each offers management expertise from fine dining to fast casual concepts to Waxwing Bakery. Hannah’s background includes work as a pastry chef as well as a baker and Billy has been working in restaurants since he was in high school and has held positions as executive chef and manager as well as managing partner.

“Owning our own business has been a shared goal of ours. The San Francisco Bay Area food scene was a wonderful place to learn and gain experience, but it was impossible for us to achieve our life goals and start a business in the community we lived in,” Hannah said. “We moved to Maine in 2019 in hopes of establishing ourselves in a food community where we would be able to eventually own our own business. We bought a house in Windham in 2022 and immediately knew we would want to eventually open a business here. We have created a home here in Windham and we want to create an extension of that with Waxwing. We want to share our expertise and experience in food service with our neighbors and build a business that people want to return to.”

Online reviews are simply outstanding.

“Everything we've tried has been delicious! Like others have said, this place is a real gem – definitely give them a try!” Crystal M.

“I’ve been 3 times, and everything is so good. The croissants are most impressive and delicious!” Cathy B.

“Finally!!! This bakery has the tastiest treats! Fresh sourdough - still warm from the oven, decadent quiche, and the most delicious brown butter rye sea salt chocolate chip cookie I have ever tasted! So glad to have them in Windham!” Amy T.

Waxwing Bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

For more details about Waxwing Bakery, call 207-572-1156 or visit https://www.waxwingbakery.com Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Waxwing Bakery. <

Business Spotlight: On the Docks and Willow Tree Primitive Shop

Two of Windham’s favorite local businesses are teaming up to bring an enhanced shopping experience to the Lakes Region. On the Docks, owned by Jaime Anderson, and Willow Tree Primitive Shop, owned by Carrie Perry, are now located under one roof at 889 Roosevelt Trail, Suite 1, North Windham.

This exciting collaboration combines the unique offerings of both businesses, creating a destination for gifts, home décor, and furniture that reflects the charm and beauty of Maine’s lake and camp lifestyle. Customers can look forward to the Grand Opening celebration and 1-year anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We’re thrilled to work together to offer something truly special to the community,” said Anderson. “It’s not just about combining spaces—it’s about creating an experience where customers can find beautiful, meaningful items that bring joy to their homes.”

Expanding a Vision

Since its opening in January 2024, On the Docks has been a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Known for its unique gifts, local apparel, Maine-made products, and lake-inspired home décor, the store reflects Anderson’s passion for curating items that capture the serenity of life by the water.

“Our mission is to bring a sense of serenity and joy to every home, whether you’re lakeside, or in the surrounding areas,” Anderson said. With a thoughtfully curated selection of lake-themed décor, timeless home accents, and meaningful gifts, we aim to inspire a connection to nature, comfort, and community, no matter where you call home.”

Primitive Charm

Willow Tree Primitive Shop brings its own unique charm to the collaboration, with a focus on rustic and primitive home décor. Perry’s offerings include candles, clocks, furniture, and linens, all carefully selected to fit the cozy, authentic feel that customers have come to love.

“Primitive décor is all about simplicity and functionality,” Perry explained. “These pieces are often handmade, with a raw, authentic look that’s perfect for anyone who loves rustic or country-style decorating.”

Perry discovered her passion for primitive décor in the 1990s and has been sharing her love for this aesthetic with customers ever since. By relocating Willow Tree Primitive Shop to On the Docks, she’s excited to offer an expanded range of products and gain greater exposure in the Lakes Region.

“This move allows us to bring even more unique furniture and home décor to our customers, all in one convenient location,” Perry said. “It’s about creating a seamless shopping experience, where people can find everything that they need for their homes and gifts under one roof.”

Supporting Local Artisans

A shared commitment to supporting Maine artisans is at the heart of this collaboration. Both Anderson and Perry are passionate about showcasing the work of local artists and craftsmen, offering a variety of handmade and locally sourced items.

“We have many talented artisans from Maine who supply Willow Tree Primitive Shop with gifts and décor, including signage, candles, artwork, and dolls,” Perry said.

Anderson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of celebrating local talent. “At On the Docks, we’re proud to offer Maine-made products, from faux florals and candles to unique gifts and apparel,” she said. “By working together, we’re able to showcase even more incredible pieces from our community.”

A Perfect Collaboration

The collaboration between On the Docks and Willow Tree Primitive Shop isn’t just a business move—it’s built on shared values and a commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences.

“We’re blending our expertise to offer something truly special,” Anderson said. “Willow Tree Primitive brings a beautiful curtain line, lamps, and furniture that complement what we already offer, like our lake and camp-themed décor and gifts. Together, we can provide customers with an even wider range of products.”

Perry agrees, noting that this enhances both businesses. “This collaboration means more variety and more opportunities to serve our customers,” she said. “Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of furniture, a thoughtful gift, or a way to bring a touch of Maine into your home, you’ll find it here.”

Grand Opening and Anniversary Celebration

To celebrate this exciting new chapter, On the Docks and Willow Tree Primitive Shop are hosting a weekend of events. The Grand Opening on Saturday, Jan. 25 will showcase the expanded offerings and allow customers to explore the new space. On Sunday, Jan. 26, On the Docks will celebrate its one-year anniversary, with special promotions and surprises for visitors.

“We’re inviting everyone to stop by and see what we’ve created,” Anderson said. “It’s going to be a fun and festive weekend, and we can’t wait to share it with our customers.”

Visit Us

Discover the unique collaboration of On the Docks and Willow Tree Primitive Shop at 889 Roosevelt Trail, Suite 1, North Windham.

 
On the Docks: Call 207-332-5231 or visit onthedocksme.com. Follow on Facebook at On The Docks Gifts and Home Décor.

 
Willow Tree Primitive Shop: Call 207-572-4100 or visit willowtreeprimitive.com. Follow on Facebook

at Willow Tree Primitive Shop. < 

Business Spotlight: Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary

Herbal medicine has been at the forefront of natural healing worldwide for centuries and at Windham’s Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary, it’s never been easier to discover how high quality, affordable and organic herbs can help you begin your own healing journey.

Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary offers organic and 
wildcrafted herbs of high quality and affordable to
help customers begin their own healing journey.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Located at 4 Whites Bridge Road #100 in Windham, Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary is a full herbal apothecary providing access to organic and wildcrafted herbs that can be purchased individually or in carefully formulated blends.

“We formulate blends in teas and tinctures that work well for many ailments or overall wellbeing and preventative care,” said owner Lauren Beatrice. “We also work closely with our customers to offer customized herbal blends that cater to their individual needs.”

Beatrice says the best aspect of her work at Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary comes from helping others find their healing path through time-tested natural remedies.

“We are unique in not only offering herbal plant medicine and knowledge, but we also offer medical cannabis to patients,” Beatrice said. “We work with MOFGA-certified hemp farmers to create a CBD line of herbal products that combine these useful plants in powerful formulations.”

Adhering to the highest possible standards to create quality organic products, Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary also focuses on keeping prices affordable and competitive.

“You do not need a medical card to come into our apothecary, we have a separate office for those services, that is discreet and comfortable,” Beatrice said. “We make almost all our products in-house using only organic and local ingredients. We strive on being a sustainability-focused business by utilizing only recyclable and compostable packaging.”

The shop offers discounts for veterans, elderly, and those who bring in their own packaging for herbs or teas. It also maintains cards on file that it stamps for repeat customers of their in-house CBD products who earn a free product after filling their card.

Shelves are stocked with a range of herbal products, from house-made extracts to soothing teas, nourishing salves, and refreshing sprays. Its team of experts takes great pride in creating unique blends using more than 200 different organic or wildcrafted dried herbs and spices.

“We are here to help people on their own healing journey by offering our knowledge and herbal products,” Beatrice said. “Because we see these plants as allies, we use the most sustainable packaging we can find – glass containers, sugar cane compostable labels, compostable bags, hemp tubes, and recycled ocean plastics.”

Staff members are not only full of knowledge, but full of compassion and understanding, spending quality time and energy with customers to make sure they are getting the right plant medicine.

“We make custom blends that suit individual needs, and adjust formulas where needed,” Beatrice said. “Our customers are loyal and have been coming to us for 6-and-a-half years. We are honored that they spread their love of our store with their loved ones, and we have built such a beautiful customer base completely organically. Our customers love that they can trust our products to always be safe, organic and effective.”

Beatrice has been a medical cannabis caregiver in Maine since 2010 and attended herbal school at Greenwood Herbals in Limerick, Maine to earn her Clinical Herbalist title. Graduating from that program in 2017, she opened Seed Sound Herbal apothecary in 2018 to share her knowledge of both herbal medicine and medical cannabis.

“I built this business from the ground up with zero loans and only money I saved and slowly kept putting back into it,” she said. “I am the sole owner, a single mom of two strong young women. I have fought hard for medical cannabis to be here alongside all the other plant allies we share with our community. I have the best employees – Rosie, Trisha and John – who have been with us for years. They keep Seed Sound going while I have more time to focus on the business aspect behind the scenes and spend more time with my family.”

Online reviews for Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary are incredible.

“What I was going through was not easy to talk about but I felt 0 judgment, with only solutions. Not only did the tincture fix what I was going through but left me feeling healthy. Thank you 1,000 times!” Angel S.

“Absolutely love this place!! Always has quality herbs!” Ashley G.

“Friendly service, excellent selection and great quality!” Ingrid W.

“Love all the products and people. So amazing!!” John W.

“Quality products, great atmosphere, welcoming staff. The 6 Mushroom Blend is one of my favorite products, and the variety and quality is unmatched in the area.” Chessie C.

All the herbal products as well as CBD and gifts offered by Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary are available online at seedsoundherbals.com

For further details about Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary, call 207-572-1234. Find them on Instagram at seedsoundherbalapothecary, or on Facebook under Seed Sound Herbals. <

Business Spotlight: The Vitality Room

Discover the Harmonic Egg® at Vitality Room’s 1-Year Anniversary Celebration!

Have you experienced the transformative power of the Harmonic Egg® yet? If not, now is the perfect time! Join Vitality Room at 104 Tandberg Trail in Windham for their 1-Year Anniversary Open House on Saturday, January 18, from 9 AM to 5 PM. They’re celebrating a year of healing, wellness, and transformation, and you’re invited!

Here’s what’s happening at the Open House:
Free 10-minute Harmonic Egg® demo sessions: A sneak peek into this life-changing experience.
Win a FREE full Harmonic Egg® session: Enter their raffle for a chance to experience its full benefits.
Gift bags for the first 30 attendees: Don’t miss out on this special giveaway!
Anniversary discounts: Exclusive deals to celebrate with you.

What is the Harmonic Egg®?

The Harmonic Egg® is a unique, sacred-geometrical wooden pod that combines sound, light, and energy therapy to promote healing and relaxation. Drawing from the groundbreaking work of Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, and Edgar Cayce, the Egg integrates the power of frequency medicine, light therapy, and sound vibrations in one extraordinary experience.

This advanced healing modality blends ancient traditions and modern science, incorporating the golden ratio, 3-6-9 mathematics, and holistic principles to help reset the body and mind. Imagine merging the benefits of deprivation tanks, chromotherapy, sound therapy, and sacred geometry into one safe, rejuvenating session suitable for all ages.

Real Transformations with the Harmonic Egg®

Since opening in January 2024, Vitality Room has witnessed awe-inspiring results from clients who’ve used the Harmonic Egg®:
Depression vanished after a single session.
Parkinson’s symptoms reversed following 8 weekly sessions.
Chronic migraines relieved after 4–6 sessions.
Tinnitus resolved in 6–8 sessions.
Sexual trauma released in just 4–6 sessions.
Insomnia eased after one session.
Deep grief diminished with 3–6 sessions.
Viral symptoms cleared after one session.
Addictions reduced with just 2 sessions.

The Harmonic Egg® isn’t the healer; it’s the facilitator. By resetting the autonomic nervous system and stimulating energy flow, it helps the body enter a “rest and digest” state, enabling your natural self-healing mechanisms to work more effectively.

Why Did Vitality Room Open?

Vitality Room founder Michelle Buck discovered the Harmonic Egg® in October 2023. Battling corporate stress, anxiety, and depression, Michelle experienced a profound shift after just a 10-minute demo session. “Three hours later, I felt an energetic wave rush through my body,” she recalls. “In that moment, my anxiety and depression disappeared, replaced by joy and compassion. It was life changing.” This pivotal experience inspired Michelle to bring the Harmonic Egg® to Windham, providing others with the opportunity to heal and thrive.

Beyond the Egg: Explore More Wellness Offerings

Vitality Room is growing into a hub of innovative wellness services designed to enhance your overall health. Here’s what else you can explore:
AO Infinity Foot Detox: A waterless detox service using frequency pulses to activate your immune system and stimulate detoxification. Upgrade with light wave therapy and personalized affirmation audio for emotional balancing and mental enhancement.
Ayurveda Gut Detox & Repair Kit: An 8–16-week program to reset and repair your gut health, complete with education and tools for lasting change.
Inner-Voice Analysis: Identify imbalanced tones in your voice and their emotional connections, followed by quantum frequency scans for targeted healing.
Comprehensive Frequency Scans: A deep analysis of over 20,000 frequency responses in your body, pinpointing areas for improvement.
Frequency Imprinting: Charge your personal items—like jewelry or crystals—with customized healing frequencies from a database of 650+ options.
AO Infinity Rain (Coming Soon!): Immerse yourself in a cascade of negative ions, a revitalizing experience 45x more powerful than standing near a churning ocean.

Don’t Miss This Celebration of Wellness

The Harmonic Egg® has touched countless lives, and we can’t wait for you to experience its potential. Whether you’re curious about sound and light therapy or ready to take the next step in your healing journey, the Vitality Room 1-Year Anniversary Open House is your chance to explore, connect, and rejuvenate.

Visit us at Vitality Room in Windham on Saturday, January 18, from 9 AM to 5 PM, and take the first step toward transformation. For more information and to learn about Michelle Buck’s inspiring journey, visit www.vitality-room.com.

Don’t wait—mark your calendar, invite a friend, and join us for a day of discovery and healing! They look forward to welcoming you. <

Business Spotlight: Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences

Deeply committed to fostering an educational environment that nurtures academic excellence, character development, and strong community values, Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences provides a joyful, integrated educational experience for children.

Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences in Gray was one of
the first free public charter schools in Maine and provides
art-infused, inquiry-based learning that encourages creativity
for the younger ages and project-based learning that develops
critical thinking and a deep connection to the natural  
world for students. COURTESY PHOTO

Located at 25 Shaker Road in Gray, Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences was one of the first free public charter schools established in Maine. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, the school offers arts-infused, inquiry-based learning that encourages creativity for the younger ages and project-based learning that develops critical thinking and a deep connection to the natural world for students.

“Our emphasis on innovative and active, hands-on creativity, outdoor-based learning exploration, and community-focused events truly sets us apart,” said Fiddlehead School’s Executive Director/CEO Jacinda Cotton-Castro. “We nurture the whole child, blending the arts and sciences to create a deeply meaningful education. Fiddlehead is more than a school, it’s a place where all children discover who they are and how they can contribute to the world in a way that is unique to them.”

Fiddlehead began in 2004 as an early childhood center, and in 2013, it expanded to become a public charter school. Today, the school has a dedicated team of roughly 40 educators and staff members, all committed to supporting student growth and success.

Highly innovative and free, Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences is a place of wonder and possibility, and students are engaged and happy, Cotton-Castro said.

“As a public charter school grades Pre-K to Eighth Grade, there is no tuition cost for Maine families, she said. “Our goal is to make our innovative approach to education accessible to all, regardless of financial means. Our after-school enrichment programs and private music lessons do have a fee associated with them. Those fees go directly back into the school. We believe every child has unique gifts to share, and our role is to help them discover those gifts in a supportive, engaging environment. We have the privilege of taking our grades, K to 8 off site, as well for nature-based learning opportunities and this happens every week depending on staffing and weather.”

Beyond academics, Fiddlehead School cultivates a strong sense of community and personal growth in every child and strives to always stay flexible, meeting the needs of the community and children.

“Families often share that their children flourish at Fiddlehead in ways they hadn’t imagined. Parents tell us how their kids come home excited about what they’ve learned and eager to return each day,” Cotton-Castro said. “Our graduates are active members of the community. They are nonprofit leaders, performers, scientists and much more. Some of our graduates even return to the school as teachers to give back to up-and-coming generations. We’re proud to create a nurturing environment that truly brings out the best in our students.”

Based in Gray, Fiddlehead School proudly serves students from 15 different school districts located across the Lakes Region and beyond.

“Families from surrounding towns and even further join us because of our unique approach to education,” Cotton-Castro said. “We’re best known for our free, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on, place-based, project-based learning and a strong connection to the arts, sciences, and nature.”

According to Cotton-Castro, Fiddlehead School is highly grounded in the foundational blocks it knows best and that includes a strong connection to outdoor learning.

“Now, more than ever, children need to be connected,” she said. “Children need to move, they need to experience, they need to see how what they learn interacts with the world around them. I saw a need for a school that celebrated curiosity and fostered learning through exploration. From those roots, Fiddlehead has blossomed into a vibrant community of learners and dreamers. This all started from a deep sense of love which then grew into a passion for creating holistic and accessible hands-on, nature-based education.”

The contrast between Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences and a regular public school is that Fiddlehead creates its own curriculum.

“That makes it so much different and richer,” Cotton-Castro said. “It’s an enormous amount of work but it helps develop critical thinking skills and is focused on children.”

Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences will offer an Open House at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29, Feb. 4 and Feb. 6 and the public is welcome and encouraged to visit and explore what the school has to offer students and families.

For further details about Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences, call 207-688-3727 or visit them online atwww.fiddleheadschool.org. Find them on Facebook at Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences. <