tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81215788823693689622024-03-16T07:58:42.314-04:00The Windham Eagle BusinessThe Windham Eagle Officehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07713971722368846385noreply@blogger.comBlogger651125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-75965045433092828002024-03-15T02:10:00.004-04:002024-03-15T02:10:00.141-04:00Business Spotlight: Hilltop BoilersIt's a magical time of year for Hilltop Boilers Maple Syrup in Newfield and as the popular business gets ready for their annual Maine Maple Weekends™ starting this Saturday, there’s never been a better time to experience what the award-winning business has to offer. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5h2-6H85x5yAz9dbgxL75Lodr7UCh_hCviLLJU1pWfW2LVcX_hxrBxJjoXu8sdLS3nFz5Az8kBE83Y9AQ08idDay5xgWtcGMfM96J_lWEHM37ktoyOygxt3XCFtTtlXJUBzPF8lctDpQl5wmWrNMvXb-6AL7YbtcJO6_zwhyphenhyphenm5sdoFMgRmkHzzVjbVmU/s1000/Windham%20Eagle%20Picture-2024.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1000" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5h2-6H85x5yAz9dbgxL75Lodr7UCh_hCviLLJU1pWfW2LVcX_hxrBxJjoXu8sdLS3nFz5Az8kBE83Y9AQ08idDay5xgWtcGMfM96J_lWEHM37ktoyOygxt3XCFtTtlXJUBzPF8lctDpQl5wmWrNMvXb-6AL7YbtcJO6_zwhyphenhyphenm5sdoFMgRmkHzzVjbVmU/w400-h335/Windham%20Eagle%20Picture-2024.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilltop Boilers in Newfield is family owned and operated<br />and provides exceptional maple products and a sugarhouse<br />not to be missed in Maine. SUBMITTED PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Owned and operated by the Bryant Family, Hilltop Boilers at 159 Elm Street in Newfield takes pride in its exceptional maple products and making it worth your while every time you visit. Its unique sugarhouse is worth the drive and until you’ve tasted genuine maple syrup produced by Hilltop Boilers, you’re missing out on one of the sweetest tastes in Maine. <br /><br />“When we were teenagers, we started tapping trees along the roadside,” said Michael Bryant, one of the co-owners of Hilltop Boilers along with his brother Mark Bryant and their wives. “Neither of us had a license to drive but we pushed a hand dolly up and down the road with a little sap tank on it. We built our first sugarhouse in high school and added on to it in the late 1990s. In 2017, we flattened that sugarhouse and built a new modern one. Since we moved into that building, we have grown unbelievably and aren't sure what we are going to do next. Our sales tripled in 2023 from what they were the year before COVID. We desperately need a bigger sugarhouse and more space.” <br /><br />It’s truly a family business as Michael and Mark’s brother, Matthew, also works a lot of hours for Hilltop Boilers. Michael's wife Jen works full-time for the business and Bryant kids, John (17), and twins Thomas and Julia (14) work as much as they can outside of school for them. <br /><br />“We are a sugarhouse that provides our customers with all things maple. We have a retail store that has been voted ‘Best of the 207’ for two years in a row. It is unlike any farm store you will find in Maine with high end cabinetry, a model train, heating and air conditioning, high ceilings, and awesome décor,” Michael Bryant said. “We see tens of thousands of visitors through our store each year. We also deliver syrup to restaurants in southern Maine, some well-known ones too. Places like Becky’s and the Miss Portland Diner get regular deliveries. We work with Goodwill stores and have maple booths in all of their southern Maine stores giving them a large share of the profits. We also deliver to many other retail and convenience stores such as the Rusty Lantern Market stores. We collaborate with many companies, such as the Maine Needham Company, Box of Maine, The Scone Goddess, and Coastal Maine Popcorn, to supply them with maple products as an ingredient for their products. We have a large online presence and ship maple products all over the United States with California, Florida, and Texas being our three largest states we ship to, outside of Maine.” <br /><br />What sets Hilltop Boilers apart from other Maine maple producers is its year-round presence, highly competitive prices and an amazing sugarhouse store. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hilltopboilers.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/hilltopboilers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“Until you have been there, it's just really hard to imagine how nice it is,” Bryant said. “The atmosphere and building are just beautiful. The scent of maple in the air, the cows in the pasture, it leaves you begging for more. Everyone cares and will work hard to see that you have a positive experience.” <br /><br />Online reviews are fantastic. <br /><br /><i>“Quality and service are absolutely the best!!!” </i> Dyanne Brewster <br /><br /><i>“Wonderful setting, friendly folks, delicious products. Don't leave without some syrup, whoopie pies and maple mustard. You'll see why they are award winners!”</i> Bev Giddens <br /><br /><i>“Everything they do is done 'just right' with a personal touch. High quality products created by a high-quality Maine family. I highly recommend Hilltop Boilers!”</i> Nancy Marshall <br /><br />The First Maple Event Day will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16, with hours on Maine Maple Weekend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 24. Another Maple Weekend will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Plenty of quiet store days for those who just want to browse and shop in the Maple Store are generally from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays, with the exception of Maine Maple Weekend and on Easter. <br /><br />To learn more about Hilltop Boilers Maple Syrup, visit <a href="https://hilltopboilersmaplesyrup.com/">https://hilltopboilersmaplesyrup.com/</a> or call 207-793-8850. Find them on Facebook under Hilltop Boilers Maple Syrup. <<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-45062353463161670672024-03-08T02:08:00.004-05:002024-03-08T02:08:00.247-05:00Business Spotlight: Standard GastropubStandard Gastropub may be one of the best-kept secrets in the Lakes Region of Maine but for more than a decade now it’s been delighting visitors and year-round residents with some of the tastiest food in the Pine Tree State. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm02TGcA38bDqFQPkm1kznIDlkqMk3GOvfu29H3VekWlIw-Z6p6irtzdxyU0qOZ4qksSOJRjxYjBisTMndlW3pwSVPX4s49j9FmaJPWGnLsqJ-Vg7BuZsIDPJSb9dV7CGsoJmBatLT5Dv8WDWbIcOpqyNHHc187FQqCa9rAOGTFPlm9MnrU8AXBICv7Up/s1400/261778708_1999454793551228_3533317814271536048_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm02TGcA38bDqFQPkm1kznIDlkqMk3GOvfu29H3VekWlIw-Z6p6irtzdxyU0qOZ4qksSOJRjxYjBisTMndlW3pwSVPX4s49j9FmaJPWGnLsqJ-Vg7BuZsIDPJSb9dV7CGsoJmBatLT5Dv8WDWbIcOpqyNHHc187FQqCa9rAOGTFPlm9MnrU8AXBICv7Up/w400-h225/261778708_1999454793551228_3533317814271536048_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard Gastropub is at 233 Main St. in Bridgton and draws<br />culinary influences from around the world. It also offers a <br />vast assortment of craft and specialty beers. <br />COURTESY PHOTO <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Started by William Holmes, Standard Gastropub can be found at 233 Main St. in Bridgton and features delicious high-quality everyday dishes and an enormous selection of more than 200 different craft, specialty and rare/hard to find beers, house-crafted cocktails, as well as wines, and sake on tap; all offered in a comfortable setting to gather with friends or family. <br /><br />Holmes grew up locally and opened the restaurant when he moved back to Maine after living and working in Massachusetts. He’s not only Standard Gastropub’s founder and owner, but also the restaurant’s head chef. <br /><br />“I’ve always been creative and I like to cook” Holmes said, and with more than 20 years of working in restaurants the proof is on the plate. “Nothing compares to the feeling of instant gratification from cooking and serving someone a meal. Sharing in the joy it brings them; becoming a small part of their life, their celebration, or simply, their comfort is an unmatched feeling of success.” <br /><br />Open year-round, culinary influences are drawn from street food around the world along with the rich history of American barbecue pits in the Deep South and 60’s car-hop style burger joints out west. Holmes says that the menu at Standard Gastropub changes seasonally and some of its most popular dishes include their dry-aged smash burgers and crispy Belgian style fries, Brussels sprouts, a fried chicken sandwich, and coffee rubbed smoked brisket burnt-ends. Other rotating items like the Quesabirria Beef-Dip sandwich, Musubi Mac and Cheese, poutine, unique & flavorful salads, and specialty sauces keep everyone coming back to try something new. <br /><br />Plenty of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options are available. Don’t miss their out-of-this-world Curry Ketchup, and be sure to check out Brunch, or the Thai pop-up menu offered Sunday nights 4 to 9 p.m. and Monday for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the Spring. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://standardgastropub.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/standardgastro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Holmes says the former chef and owner of Chao Thai Restaurant, which used to be located across the street from Standard Gastropub, now offers her authentic Thai menu to keep things fresh and fun for patrons. <br /><br />“We’re really a place that is adaptable and responds to changing times,” Holmes said. “We believe in serving quality 100% scratch-made food. Some may have the misconception that we’re expensive, but we offer a wide array of affordable items and are all about having fun.” <br /><br />This year the restaurant is opening a new outdoor space which will seat up to 100 and offers space for yard games and activities as well as the ability to feature live music and local bands. <br /><br />Online reviews are nothing less than exceptional. <br /><br /><i>“What an extraordinary spot within idyllic Bridgton – high end ‘pub’ fare (absolutely delicious every time) with a broad and exciting beer selection (draught, bottles, and cans). An exciting adventure for foodies and beer connoisseurs! The wait staff is always excellent, friendly, and helpful, and the atmosphere is both inviting bustling, and hip--a must-visit if you're in the area!” </i> Steve Michaud <br /><br /><i>“Not that there are a lot of choices for exceptional food in Bridgton, but the Gastropub has the best food I've had in town. The Burnt Ends and Crispy Sprouts (Brussel sprouts) are exceptionally good. On top of the excellent food, the beer selection is really good as well.” </i> Joe Mineo <br /><br /><i>“Omg the food here is amazing!!! Get the Brussel sprouts as a side and it will NOT disappoint! The fries were also delicious. Great beverages of all kinds too. Can't say enough good about the food! 5 stars is not high enough!”</i> Karyn W. <br /><br /><i>“We stumbled upon Standard Gastropub while visiting Bridgton for the day. The food was excellent, and their assortment of beer was vast and extensive. I highly recommend the brussels sprouts, the smash burger, and the fries. The servers were all very friendly and the food was delicious. Great vibe all around.”</i> Kaye K. <br /><br />This Spring Standard Gastropub is open from noon to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays; with expanded hours to be expected for the summer season. <br /><br />To learn more about Standard Gastropub or place a takeout order, visit them online at <a href="https://www.standardgastropub.com/">standardgastropub.com/</a> or call 207-647-4100. Find them on social media at standardgastropub <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-44517574736800670552024-03-01T02:04:00.004-05:002024-03-01T02:04:00.135-05:00Business Spotlight: Square One Contracting ServicesWith more than three decades of experience and a solid reputation of quality work, Square One Contracting Services is a general contracting company that performs all types of home remodeling and custom home building. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LYMyLMdxZy_FMhf32f03eaFg8Dx1iCqOyYhVSdgy97dgO3HP_s4tFMfKt8DN3OcYz3ts3jP1L-BL0UGa97k9CoZ_hVWwMNY2eTJrFiGGTB2DH0dFn4zVJwrckxwjqGmSsofqgGzUavjK72biLAOre63LjqHWw2OxUagpdB7jXfWsQyt9p6CQn7XHahdv/s2074/Before.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="2074" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LYMyLMdxZy_FMhf32f03eaFg8Dx1iCqOyYhVSdgy97dgO3HP_s4tFMfKt8DN3OcYz3ts3jP1L-BL0UGa97k9CoZ_hVWwMNY2eTJrFiGGTB2DH0dFn4zVJwrckxwjqGmSsofqgGzUavjK72biLAOre63LjqHWw2OxUagpdB7jXfWsQyt9p6CQn7XHahdv/w400-h179/Before.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Square One Contracting Services can help transform home<br />remodeling projects dreams into reality no matter how<br />large or small and within budget. Here's a before and<br />after photo showing a project from studs to completion.<br />COURTESY PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Owned and operated by Jason Lamprey, Square One may be new to the Lakes Region and based in Casco, but they are not inexperienced in construction. Jason started his career working in plastering in the 1990s and over the years has grown to know all aspects of construction and developed the expertise to help his customers realize their project dreams. <br /><br /><div>“We’re focused on building strong relationships with our customers, building strong relationships within our own teams and performing exceptional work,” Jason said. “All your home improvement projects should start at Square One.”</div><div><br />As a contractor, Jason is responsible for managing all vendors and trades working on Square One projects and serves as the focal communications point between all parties. He coordinates the projects, which involves evaluating project documents or determining the site for renovation projects. He submits fixed price bids and considers the costs of construction materials, equipment, and labor and he applies for permits, providing temporary on-site utilities, ensuring that the property is secure, managing anyone working at the site and is responsible for maintaining accurate records and monitoring cash flows for the project. <br /><br />His ability to communicate effectively, attention to detail and knowledge of the business are exemplary. <br /><br />“Our professionalism and organization are the major thing that sets us apart from competitors,” Jason said. “The planning and scheduling stage of a project is one of the most important. Keeping all the subcontractors and homeowners informed and updated on the project status is crucial to a successful project.” <br /><br />Jason said that Square One Contracting Services pricing is based upon what a customer needs for any given project. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://squareonecs@outlook.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/squareone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“If the project has a tight budget, then we give the customer options based within their price point,” he said. “If it’s a unique custom finish that they are after, then we can provide those options as well.” <br /><br />Starting out in the construction business right after finishing high school, Jason said that he found the physical work and the ever-changing atmosphere of construction projects to be enjoyable and it led to eventually owning his own company and then a career in overseeing many different types of construction projects. <br /><br />“To this day, the physical work and the changing project sites are two of my favorite things about construction,” he said. “The best thing about what I do is that I simply like working with customers. It’s an awesome feeling to see their excitement when the project starts to evolve and to see their faces when the project is finished. I also love the fact that I’m never in the same spot for very long.” <br /><br />He says the most challenging aspect of his work is scheduling and coordinating all the different subcontractors to complete projects without significant lapses. <br /><br />“It’s not easy, but I to try stay on top of things and try to mesh everything together,” Jason said. “It’s a juggling act sometimes trying to get all the personalities and skilled trades on board.” <br /><br />With locations in Maine and Dudley, Massachusetts, Square One remains guided by basic expectations that project customers have come to rely on, Jason said. <br /><br />“Our customers expect prompt recognition when they call or email us,” he said. “They can expect a return phone call or text that day. We believe in timely communication to keep everybody informed of every step of the process. It’s their money and their home, so we do our utmost to keep them involved so they know what’s going on.” <br /><br />Square One also uses convenient Houzz Pro software in a single, easy-to-use online platform that provides updated project details to everyone involved. <br /><br />For further information or to see how Square One Contracting Services can help you realize your goals, call 207-544-3183. Visit them on Facebook at Square One Contracting Services or online at <a href="http://www.square1cs.com/">www.square1cs.com</a> <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-27310832837244969012024-02-23T02:02:00.032-05:002024-02-23T02:02:00.285-05:00Business Spotlight: Gracie Gym MaineA year has passed since Gracie Gym Maine first opened to the public in Windham and it’s safe to say that the facility has been a tremendous success story in the Lakes Region. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNFeEOFvBcYtdCpSstFplfR4AqvOPFFuKKXYnOfLnP7ewSs_frVjLm_JXMGu6i2GxyJYApN8yy8Qx5377Fapu4w7y9NPXIV266QvZ6Sa-PmU4A9mLJM00Bdkr8Sd8XDnA1ROJsNkF0U90bRZQgf5gAXXy5yBo6uMTnr8bqoyut9QN_XG7aatyT_vFgrC4/s1072/Gracie%20Gym%20Maine%203.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNFeEOFvBcYtdCpSstFplfR4AqvOPFFuKKXYnOfLnP7ewSs_frVjLm_JXMGu6i2GxyJYApN8yy8Qx5377Fapu4w7y9NPXIV266QvZ6Sa-PmU4A9mLJM00Bdkr8Sd8XDnA1ROJsNkF0U90bRZQgf5gAXXy5yBo6uMTnr8bqoyut9QN_XG7aatyT_vFgrC4/s320/Gracie%20Gym%20Maine%203.png" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gracie Gym Maine is celebrating its first<br />anniversary and offers Brazilian<br />Jiu-Jitsu training for ages 4 and up at its<br />7,000-square-foot facility in Windham. <br />COURTESY PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Gracie Gym Maine is located at 770 Roosevelt Trail #6 in the Shaw’s Plaza in North Windham and draws students from all over the state. It offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons to everyone ages 4 and up and the program’s head coach, Vinicius Garcia, is widely considered one of the most elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world. Garcia has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 16 and has competed in many of Brazil’s top events under renowned coach Rodrigo Castro who promoted him to black belt in 2015. <br /><br />“We have kid’s classes, teen classes, beginner classes and advanced classes, both in Gi and No-Gi,” said Gracie Gym Maine owner Michael Smith. “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a self-defense martial art system and combat sport, focused on grappling and ground fighting. It promotes the concept that smaller and weaker people can successfully defend themselves against bigger, stronger, and heavier attackers.” <br /><br />Smith said that the one-year anniversary of Grace Gym Maine and its ongoing success is cause for celebration in the community. <br /><br />“We are thrilled with the families and individuals we have been helping in their personal journey in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and seeing people transform is what it is all about for us,” he said. <br /><br />According to Smith, transforming lives through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is gratifying and is the reason that he decided to open Gracie Gym Maine in Windham. <br /><br />“The transformation is really remarkable,” Smith said. “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will change your life. It is a profound mental, physical, and spiritual experience.” <br /><br />He said that the size of its academy and facility at more than 7,000 square feet and featuring more than 3,000 square feet of mat space makes Gracie Gym Maine an exceptional experience for participants. Other amenities available at Gracie Gym Maine are a weight room and a recovery lounge with an infrared sauna and cold plunge. Additionally, there is plenty of seating and five changing rooms. <br /><br />Smith said that Gracie Gym Maine provides an outstanding user experience that is second to none in Maine. <br /><br />“The facility rivals Jiu-Jitsu academies in major metropolitan areas in size, amenities and instruction level but has been able to keep pricing below industry standard,” he said. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.graciegymmaine.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/graciegym.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Originating in Brazil in the early 20th century, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on using leverage and submission holds to defeat opponents, making it an effective form of self-defense for people of all sizes and abilities. It is an effective form of self-defense because it teaches practitioners how to stay calm and composed in high-pressure situations. <br /><br />Along with teaching physical techniques, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also emphasizes the development of mental toughness and a strong, positive mindset. Its practitioners learn to be confident and mentally prepared for any situation, and its intense, full-body workout will help participants get in great shape and improve their overall physical fitness. <br /><br />All Gracie Gym Maine professors are certified Black Belts through the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. <br /><br />Thanks to its popularity, Gracie Gym Maine is currently expanding its onsite clothing store connecting with Skilled Violence, a lifestyle apparel brand, and has also created a dedicated area for kids and their parents to watch television while their siblings or loved ones are training. <br /><br />Since Grace Gym Maine opened, another significant event has taken place. <br /><br />“Our head instructor, Vinicius Garcia, and academy administrator Nayara Morais Cunha, had a baby, Miguel,” Smith said. “Vinicius and Nayara have been absolutely incredible with their dedication, as well as the half-dozen coaches that have helped out. And I’d like to give a special thanks to Amy, who ran our front desk while Nayara was away for maternity leave.” <br /><br />In October, Gracie Gym Maine took fourth place at the Jiu-Jitsu New England Championships in Worcester, Massachusetts among 120 other academies, displaying immense dedication, skill, and discipline resulting in 12 gold medals earned at the event, which was sponsored by the Jiu-Jitsu World League. In December, some Gracie Gym Maine participants were honored for their hard work during a special belt promotion ceremony. <br /><br />“At Gracie Gym Maine, everybody is important,” Smith said. “We’re here to help everyone experience a transformation, but it’s not easy. It’s hard and the mat is a great equalizer. We offer a personal, professional, and spiritual challenge from the very finest instructors.” <br /><br />For more information about Gracie Gym Maine, call 207-383-2228 or visit <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1775828903488843801/6981946438491460962">https://www.graciegymmaine.com/</a> Find them on Instagram under graciegymmaine <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-13091429794390566812024-02-16T02:20:00.052-05:002024-02-16T02:20:00.145-05:00Business Spotlight: Peak ElectricNo job is too large or small for Peak Electric of Windham. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPCoKdogQNfqlJVNlnZRG8RgRQTpv06EddOux0Xzs9FQ0W4FH0le7O0J3BbSgkzXL7wGFy51umkycP-xljnXHfYScJLYgP8VzRG8gSFdtOTItCmprZvmkJs8n0Te61tCgoGLFfxUaFFmxMb5u8n-nmgO9JULpfqTaMfV31oMALXE3sMCLY-7Wld0zreK8/s2346/Rich%20Brown.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2346" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPCoKdogQNfqlJVNlnZRG8RgRQTpv06EddOux0Xzs9FQ0W4FH0le7O0J3BbSgkzXL7wGFy51umkycP-xljnXHfYScJLYgP8VzRG8gSFdtOTItCmprZvmkJs8n0Te61tCgoGLFfxUaFFmxMb5u8n-nmgO9JULpfqTaMfV31oMALXE3sMCLY-7Wld0zreK8/w154-h400/Rich%20Brown.jpg" width="154" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rich Brown, owner of<br />Peak Electric, is <br />experienced to tackle<br />all your residential<br />electric needs and<br />brings both<br />affordability and<br />quality to every job.<br />COURTESY PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Owned and operated by Rich Brown and his wife, Mikala, Peak Electric offers several types of electrical services, including a comprehensive range of services include electrical panel replacements, service upgrades, new construction installations, remodeling, and troubleshooting. He is equipped to repair underground and overhead wiring, work on breaker boxes, switches, outlets, dimmers, and a variety of other projects for homes. <br /><br />The company’s versatility is evident as Peak Electric can do everything from the installation of ceiling fans to washer/dryer hookups to installing dishwashers to testing electrical systems for safety and replacing components that are worn or outdated. <br /><br />“I got started in business strictly based off an idea,” Brown said. “Since a kid it has been a dream to be an entrepreneur, I never knew what type of business I wanted to own. I discovered in my mid-20s that I really enjoyed electrical work and that's when the idea became reality. I immediately started my journey to become a business owner.” <br /><br />Along the way, Brown served in the U.S. Navy and gained invaluable experience performing electrical work for several other companies before launching his own business on Jan. 1. <br /><br />“The most significant aspect of Peak Electric is our unwavering commitment to community service,” Brown said. “Beyond providing excellent electrical services, we take pride in actively contributing to the well-being of our community. This dedication, coupled with our focus on customer satisfaction, sets us apart. It's not just about completing projects; it's about making a positive impact on the community we serve.” <br /><br />According to Brown, the goal of Peak Electric is simple. <br /><br />“We want to make people’s houses feel more like a home,” he said. “To me, that’s very important. We take pride in offering competitive pricing for our services. We understand the importance of affordability for our customers while maintaining the highest standard of quality. Our commitment is to provide transparent and fair pricing, ensuring that our community receives exceptional value for their investment in our electrical services.” <br /><br />Exceeding customer expectations, using quality parts and delivering a quality service is part of what separates Peak Electric from competitors. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554961094593" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/peakelectric.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“We respond promptly to all calls,” Brown said. “We show up on time and when we say we will. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the quality of services we provide. We prioritize precision, safety, and customer satisfaction in every project.” <br /><br />Peak specializes in smart home integration. <br /><br />“There are plenty of smart home services that could be more cost-effective, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency,” Brown said. “Under energy efficient lighting solutions, switching to LEDs is a must, it not only reduces energy consumption but also offers long term cost savings due to their extended lifespan. The benefits to upgrading electrical panels for increased capacity ensure they meet modern energy demands and preventing potential hazards.” <br /><br />The customer feedback for Peak Electric has been overwhelmingly positive. <br /><br /><i>“Peak is outstanding. very attentive to your needs and helpful with great suggestions in how to make it exactly what you want and even better. Very respectful and non-intrusive when working with you. Fast responses and very thorough work. I highly recommend him for any and all your needs. Very pleasant staff and a real pleasure to do business with.” Bob Carlista <br /><br />“Peak Electric did a superb job. I contracted this company to ensure my generator outlet and panel were working properly. Not only did Peak show up on time, but they were also really accommodating to my time. Upon arrival, Rich quickly realized and acknowledged the cables were not properly installed to the panel. He went above and beyond to set up my generator, and even added the oil and gas to get my generator ready to go. Rich tested the generator and the panel, ran my house on generator power for a while, tested the generator battery and more. Peak is definitely an honor-based company and I highly recommend it.” Joe Feliciano <br /><br />“Peak Electric did an awesome job installing our new hot tub. The service was quick and very clean. Rich is very knowledgeable, professional, and efficient. I would recommend them to anyone looking for any electrical service. He knows his stuff!” Julihana Militao Contois <br /></i><br />For more details about Peak Electric, or to make an appointment, call 207-332-0075 or send an email to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1775828903488843801/4609953801987289510">owner@peakelectricmaine.com</a> Find them on Facebook and on Instagram at @peakelectricme. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-32977932286333870502024-02-09T02:02:00.032-05:002024-02-09T02:02:00.256-05:00Business Spotlight: Maine Community SolarIt may sound like a concept directly from the future, but community solar farms are generating power and sharing it for residences and businesses alike and reducing electric bills in the process. Based in Portland, Maine Community Solar educates consumers about the benefits of community solar programs and helps them enroll in one that’s right for them. Locally owned and operated, Maine Community Solar envisions a sustainable future by making the state a leader in sustainability and renewable energy. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhfHKsI3GxNscP9I6s-jbHqeTxf6rpBky6nzQ_8CxKk08kD76JehVj3CaoLy6H4QsIzlxIBkK1eifF8cW93-H4N6d_OgH69mAGyCLrw9EL7dzem9RLo__t2m4gKd3N4LSkYnIxYYfb71C9YZoMcz0GOhYEd1727wq1CllsAVsJSoxy7xnWpPJJEdpkXS1/s3024/Preble%20Street%20Volunteering.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2310" data-original-width="3024" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhfHKsI3GxNscP9I6s-jbHqeTxf6rpBky6nzQ_8CxKk08kD76JehVj3CaoLy6H4QsIzlxIBkK1eifF8cW93-H4N6d_OgH69mAGyCLrw9EL7dzem9RLo__t2m4gKd3N4LSkYnIxYYfb71C9YZoMcz0GOhYEd1727wq1CllsAVsJSoxy7xnWpPJJEdpkXS1/w400-h305/Preble%20Street%20Volunteering.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maine Community Solar employees are active in the <br />community, such as recently volunteering to serve a meal<br />at a Preble street homeless shelter in Portland. The company<br />educates consumers about the benefits of community solar<br />programs and helps them enroll in one that's right for them.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>A solar farm is a collection of photovoltaic solar panels that absorb energy from the sun, convert it into electricity and send that electricity to the power grid for distribution and consumption by customers like you. Community solar farms are mounted to the ground instead of rooftop panels and come in all shapes and sizes. <br /><br />“Maine created a free community solar program for residents to promote locally produced renewable energy and to offset the costs of this transition and other electricity cost increases for Mainers,” said Tony Napolitano, the owner and founder of Maine Community Solar. “Most people don't know this program exists to benefit them, are misinformed, or don't understand how it works. We are here to educate people and help them participate.” <br /><br /><div>According to Napolitano, services provided by Maine Community Solar are free.</div><div><br />“What we do is help customers understand Maine's community solar program and join a local solar farm so they can support local renewable energy and save on their electricity bill,” he said. <br /><br />The company serves the entire state of Maine and all customers that pay an electric bill with CMP or Versant. <br /><br />Napolitano said the best aspect of his work with Maine Community Solar is having an opportunity to assist everyday people understand renewable energy while helping protect the planet in the process. <br /><br />He has worked in green building and renewable energy for 20-plus years. He grew up in Maine and attended Portland High School. He launched his own marketing company, Roundhouse Media, in 2010 and founded Maine Community Solar on Jan. 1, 2021. <br /><br />“When I learned about community solar and the fact that anyone could benefit from renewable energy with no upfront costs, long-term commitment or other barriers to entry, I thought it was a game changer,” Napolitano said. “I signed up for a local solar farm right away and made it my mission to spread the word as far and wide as possible.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.MaineCommunitySolar.org" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/mainecommsolar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Significant savings for Maine consumers is the foundation of Maine Community Solar’s success. <br /><br />“A Mainer that pays an average electric utility bill can save more than $22 per month or $250 per year on their electricity costs, or about 15 percent,” Napolitano said. “Many people can save more. We've helped hundreds of Maine businesses and thousands of Mainers join a local solar farm. Customers we helped in 2023 will account for more than 80,000,000 kwh of locally-produced, renewable energy powering Maine homes and businesses. We focus on doing the right thing and the right way. If you put customers first, the success takes care of itself.” <br /><br />Well respected for taking an educational, community-based approach to advocating for renewable energy and its benefits, reviews posted online for Maine Community Solar are exceptional. <br /><br />“I don’t usually write reviews, but: Maine Community Solar! Everyone should be doing this. I had been meaning to make the change to solar energy for a while but kept pushing it off. A gal named Sydney followed up with me a few times and I’m so glad she did. The signup is super easy (you use your log in information with your existing electricity supplier, which couldn’t be simpler!). I’m not super tech savvy, but Sydney walked me through every step to make sure we got it right. You save money, support the growth of local solar farms, and basically don’t have to do a thing in the process. Do it!” – Emily Smith <br /><br /><i>“Great experience signing up with Maine Community Solar. Very professional, helpful, and responsive. The agent was personable and really aided me through the process. Excited to save 15 percent on my CMP bill.” – Bill Nalls <br /><br />“I tried to sign up for solar electricity and kept hitting roadblocks. Maine Community Solar made it easy.” – Susan Hall </i><br /><br />To arrange a meeting with one of Maine Community Solar’s Education Specialists to learn more about what they can do for you and how they can help you start saving through community solar, call 207-888-3670 or visit them online at <a href="https://mainecommunitysolar.org/save-15-on-your-electric-bill-with-community-solar/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4285f4; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt;">https://mainecommunitysolar.org/save-15-on-your-electric-bill-with-community-solar/</span></a>. You can also find them on Facebook at facebook.com/mainecommunitysolar207. Sign up now and receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for helping to create a sustainable Maine. <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-71789718718747441412024-02-02T02:06:00.003-05:002024-02-02T02:06:00.265-05:00Business Spotlight: Sebago FiberFor many living in rural communities around Sebago Lake, internet service is spotty at best. But Sebago Fiber, a local, family-owned company, is striving to change that by providing reliable, fast fiber internet service to homes and businesses in the region. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLDOUoGZ29gomdm45JKqva31ipUGbl29VhsrHHy_lPZPrcCHhJr3Slg24M0N2UOUxrbWNQepZWLH9X1IvfdQWTJR-gPnvt7-ifs2rA6cKDU3tk76yP-uB3cSDQRqnXH3CF3AZjOAFijmV6tBPA4dOkCynq1VJdvDlII8hRH2Aca_2ALXyGHeFCJ7GslkS/s1920/Andrew.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLDOUoGZ29gomdm45JKqva31ipUGbl29VhsrHHy_lPZPrcCHhJr3Slg24M0N2UOUxrbWNQepZWLH9X1IvfdQWTJR-gPnvt7-ifs2rA6cKDU3tk76yP-uB3cSDQRqnXH3CF3AZjOAFijmV6tBPA4dOkCynq1VJdvDlII8hRH2Aca_2ALXyGHeFCJ7GslkS/s320/Andrew.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Davis is passionate about<br />providing reliable, fast fiber internet<br />service to homes and businesses<br />in the Sebago Lakes Region and <br />owns Sebago Fiber serving towns <br />and communities in the area.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO<br /> </td></tr></tbody></table>Offering vital internet services to those that are currently unserved or underserved, Sebago Fiber takes a different approach by working directly with local towns and building its service in phases in areas where there is the most demand. Larger telecommunications companies don’t have a financial incentive to do that because the cost of updating the infrastructure is too high in rural towns with small populations and potential profits for them are too low. <br /><br />“Being able to bring something as necessary as reliable internet service to people as a small local business is vitally important,” said Brandie Shydo, Sebago Fiber’s Director of Marketing and Community Engagement. “We offer excellent customer service and make it simple for customers by offering support services by email and comprehensive online account access. We don't require customers to wait on the phone for hours or visit an office to get help if they need it.” <br /><br />Shydo said Sebago Fiber’s internet services are more reliable than cable or DSL and the company proactively monitors its systems as well as its customers' services so they can respond quickly if there is an issue. Its technicians and support staff all live and work locally. <br /><br />Because the company is small, it’s able to provide simple transparent pricing, making cutting the cord from big cable easy and offering freedom of choice for television and phone services. Alternative services often come at a lower cost while still providing desired functionality such as DVR services. <br /><br />Company owner Andrew Davis said that Sebago Fiber’s mission is to provide fast, reliable internet to its neighbors. <br /><br />“Our pricing is generally competitive with other services,” he said. “We do not offer ‘introductory’ or promotional pricing that will sharply increase in 12 to 24 months “Our pricing is transparent and published online, so it's easy to understand what you're getting and how much you'll pay.” <br /><br />When Davis began spending summers on Frye Island, he came to realize that working from home there would be virtually impossible because of the lack of quality internet service. He investigated working with the existing service providers to improve service, but they were uninterested. Having a technical and software background, Davis decided to start Sebago Fiber. The company was able to build out services that cover 100 percent of Frye Island in just two years with 94 percent coverage in one year, beating its initial goal of 60 percent in three years. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sebagofiber.net/lake" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/sebagofiber.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“We build our systems for reliability. Light traveling over fiber does not have the limits of copper telephone or cable networks,” Davis said. “Fiber is not susceptible to every power fluctuation in a storm causing power surges down the lines and frying the cable modem. We build our systems with reliable backup battery and generator power. Two thirds of internet customers on Frye Island have switched to Sebago Fiber from their previous provider. Our customers' only complaint is that they can no longer blame a bad internet connection for not being able to work remotely in Maine.” <br /><br />Sebago Fiber serves Frye Island and is expanding to the towns surrounding Sebago Lake including Sebago, Naples, Standish, Raymond, Casco, and Windham in the White’s Bridge Road area and north of there. <br /><br />Davis said Sebago Fiber is currently conducting a survey to gauge interest about where to expand next. <br /><br />“If you want reliable fiber internet, please complete our online survey at SebagoFiber.net/lake so our company and your town know the area with the most interest,” he said. “Where we build next is based upon community response. We’ll go where the interest is. If you want a better alternative service, go take the survey.” <br /><br />The company has been in business since 2021 and its leadership team is four people covering engineering, support, billing, and customer service. It also has four field service technicians. Shydo said openings are available for full and part time positions for additional field technicians and support staff to be hired in the local Sebago Lake region. <br /><br />For more information about Sebago Fiber, visit<a href="http://www.sebagofiber.net/"> </a><a href="http://www.sebagofiber.net/">www.sebagofiber.net</a>, send an email to info@sebagofiber.net, or call 207-544-6811 or find them on Facebook under SebagoFiberWiFi. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-19676244741767935042024-01-26T02:08:00.003-05:002024-01-26T02:08:00.223-05:00Business Spotlight: Your DeskAs working remotely has gained in popularity and office space rent for small businesses continues to skyrocket, a unique business idea called coworking has emerged and now that concept is available in Windham at Your Desk. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPqPp2WSV_xqH-bMtLtz4LY91nItLPcsayHwwH-MPoG8XpwmZYZJ_3ISg0FOVHFsc1QQAjl287j3KeVvdpMdKYTg7xN7XI-9mmVFY5db6fhzIQospNxq9VTfebYfD5iiO-ehKwqaZCNXNiC9KUrl1JrK-eaoHQtlAtBvVrF8eC4a5J0G7Xq-gecPPjGqG/s1260/IMG_7911.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1260" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPqPp2WSV_xqH-bMtLtz4LY91nItLPcsayHwwH-MPoG8XpwmZYZJ_3ISg0FOVHFsc1QQAjl287j3KeVvdpMdKYTg7xN7XI-9mmVFY5db6fhzIQospNxq9VTfebYfD5iiO-ehKwqaZCNXNiC9KUrl1JrK-eaoHQtlAtBvVrF8eC4a5J0G7Xq-gecPPjGqG/w400-h300/IMG_7911.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your Desk, located in the Windham Crossing complex at<br />744 Roosevelt Trail #206, offers affordable, manageable<br />workspaces that can be rented on a daily, weekly or<br />monthly basis. COURTESY PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Located in the Windham Crossing complex at 744 Roosevelt Trail #206, Your Desk offers reasonably priced, manageable workspaces that can be rented on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. It serves customers from anywhere, from local people looking for a place to connect with other professionals to work, read, or have a meeting, to visitors who need a temporary place to work remotely while on vacation. <br /><br />This space houses four private offices, a conference room, seven semi-private desks, and a large room with 18 diverse work areas, including adjustable desks, worktables, upholstered seating, and a high-top bar table. A phone booth and a restroom are available within the space. Access to Your Desk is provided through a reservation system, either online, or through an app and then scanned at the front door for entry. Wi-Fi, coffee, and tea are provided to customers at no charge as part of the service and high-speed internet and limited printing services are also available for guests. <br /><br /><div>“This is a great option for someone who needs a workspace,” said Your Desk co-owners John Krouse and Chris St. Pierre. “There is such a high demand for this type of service, and we are the only business of this type providing this service locally. We’re calling it a community because it’s so much more than just a space to work.”</div><div><br />St. Pierre and Krouse say they got started in the coworking community business out of necessity. <br /><br />“We were looking for an office space to house our real estate business, Next Key Real Estate brokered by eXp Realty, and was not able to find a reasonably sized or priced office space,” St. Pierre said. “The coworking spaces in the greater Portland area were all full and had a waiting list. We saw an office condo for sale that was in desperate need of an update, coupled with a vision on how to convert the space to a coworking business.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yourdeskmaine.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/yourdesk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />According to Krouse, Your Desk’s plan is to create a coworking community in Windham with the goal of not only providing a professional space for its customers, but also be a resource with the hosting of informational events throughout the year with use of its conference and general space rooms. <br /><br />“Perhaps your own at-home work environment has changed, or working from home is not an option, or you are a business owner just starting out, or you are working from home and the power goes out, or a seasoned business owner who needs a spot for employees to work as they grow,” he said. “This is the perfect spot with short- and long-term options. The conference room is available for meetings or seminars and can be rented hourly.” <br /><br />Your Desk is highly affordable, with daily access for its general room and monthly membership starting at around $9.50 a day. <br /><br />“There are many pricing options as we’re flexible to everyone’s needs,” Krouse and St. Pierre said. <br /><br />More than simply providing a space to work, Your Desk also offers opportunities for networking by drawing together professionals from diverse fields and possibilities for collaboration and motivational support. It offers a professional atmosphere instead of remote isolation and can lead to improved productivity, and is cost effective, as renting an office space independently can be pricey. <br /><br />“Your Desk is an independent business with reasonable rates and several amenities. This will be an asset to the local community to assist customers with their work needs,” Krouse said. “If you need a change of scenery to be more productive in a work environment, your traveling, powers is out at your home office, your business is growing out of its current spot, or you need a place without distractions, this is the perfect location to help take that next step to being more successful.” <br /><br />Grand Opening Days for Your Desk are planned for Jan. 31 and Feb. 3 with tours available and refreshments, prizes and giveaways offered. <br /><br />Your Desk is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. <br /><br />To learn more about Your Desk, call 207-613-2331 or visit <a href="about:blank">http://www.yourdeskmaine.com</a>. Find them on Facebook under YourDeskMaine or send an email to <a href="about:blank">admin@yourdeskmaine.com</a> <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-47164455314549815582024-01-19T02:14:00.014-05:002024-01-19T02:14:00.130-05:00Business Spotlight: Pure Clean Co.When you hire a cleaning service, you expect value, quality, and attention to detail, and Pure Clean Co. of Windham offers all of those and more to its loyal and devoted customers.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLKQokj0GKr1BIlxqa9UimwJSxjWQJQKEx5Hsl4p-aErWwPgT10jPIjcBsSu9DQnhycCa8O-UgV8q96EdeRQ2bDSCDK2zvJz0iqqsotEhlWrVYYbGNZHbf0IvJx-c0loDxosfLMCnAKDWkEkPm2dYhVQXsISJ9V05LOVJ26piZO325sWHqke0Lbxhp7_6/s1398/cory%20headshot.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1398" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLKQokj0GKr1BIlxqa9UimwJSxjWQJQKEx5Hsl4p-aErWwPgT10jPIjcBsSu9DQnhycCa8O-UgV8q96EdeRQ2bDSCDK2zvJz0iqqsotEhlWrVYYbGNZHbf0IvJx-c0loDxosfLMCnAKDWkEkPm2dYhVQXsISJ9V05LOVJ26piZO325sWHqke0Lbxhp7_6/s320/cory%20headshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cory Beaulieu is the owner of Pure Clean Co. <br />which is based in Windham and offers<br />exceptional residential, commercial and<br />Airbnb cleanings. COURTESY PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Pure Clean provides exceptional residential, commercial and Airbnb cleanings. Popular services include weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleanings, move-in and move-out cleans, and one-time cleanings. Additional services include strip and waxing or buffing of VCT tile floors and small-job carpet cleaning services. They also specialize in deep cleanings that focus on removing built up dust, germs, and bacteria from the hardest locations to reach. <br /><br />Now under the sole ownership of Cory Beaulieu, Pure Clean features strong reliable staff members who provide amazing attention to detail and sincerely care about the quality of their work. <br /><br />“We travel from Bridgton to Yarmouth and go as far as Portland and South Portland,” Beaulieu said. “We truly care about our clients and keeping their homes perfect.” <br /><br />According to Beaulieu, Pure Clean Company’s pricing is always fair, transparent and very competitive. <br /><br />“Because we don't do the minimum, we are always doing more than the average company and what they offer for the same prices or more,” he said. “We recently had a slight price increase, but our goal is to continue delivering the highest standard of cleaning services while ensuring fair compensation for our dedicated cleaning professionals.” <br /><br />The company has been in business since 2019 and has 12 dedicated staff members who are grateful for the continued trust shown by the public and support for their cleaning services. <br /><br />“We are fully insured and trustworthy and have many five-star reviews,” Beaulieu said. “Because we pay strict attention to the little things and go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations, we have a stellar reputation among our customers.” <br /><br />Through careful and meticulous attention to detail, Pure Clean specialists delve into the nooks and crannies of homes, including the baseboards, ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, surfaces and even the insides of ovens, microwaves and dishwashers in kitchens and strive to make bathrooms a priority, including the removal of troublesome water stains and leaving tubs, tile and grout behind that shine and sparkle like they are brand new. <br /><br />Beaulieu said that estimates are always free and convenient bookings are readily available for Pure Clean Co. <br /><br />“Part of our continued success is that we have great communication with our customers and are very flexible to work around their schedules,” he said. <br /><br />Reviews of Pure Clean Company posted online are extraordinary. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/purecleancoME" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/purecleanco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>“Today was my first Pure Clean experience and it won’t be the last. They cleaned our home meticulously and thoroughly. I am so pleased with the work their team does!”</i> – Kate Ryan <br /><br /><i>“We used Pure Clean for a regular clean and they did a deeper clean where it was needed (bathrooms) and left the place looking spotless. They were extremely responsive from start to finish and handled the logistics beautifully.”</i> – Karen Dahl <br /><br /><i>“These guys are fantastic. When I got home, I thought the house looked really great. Then I opened up the microwave, and almost had a heart attack... because it had never looked that good. And just now I opened up the oven... they even did the oven!!! WOW. I can't wait for them to come back.</i>” – Sally Wood <br /><br /><i>“We scheduled Pure Clean for a deep clean at a family cottage, and we were so impressed! The staff arrived with a plan and worked together efficiently to clean all the corners and to put a shine on the place. They asked appropriate questions and, more than once, told me they wanted to make us happy and clean it well for us. They certainly did!! I highly recommend this group and will have them back in the future.”</i> – Nancy Crowley Doolittle <br /><br /><i>“Would highly recommended Pure Clean's cleaning services! They did an awesome job! Definitely will use them again!”</i> – Vanessa Johnston <br /><br />For more info. about Pure Clean Co. services or to schedule a walk-through and an estimate, call 207-310-7294 or send an email to purecleanco.cory@gmail.com. To see pictures of their immaculate work visit them at www.facebook.com/purecleancoME < <br /><br />Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-62794565168957355662024-01-12T02:15:00.004-05:002024-01-12T02:15:00.145-05:00Business Spotlight: APLUS ServiceThere are many benefits to keeping your vehicle properly cared for and it’s no secret that regular maintenance can extend the life of your car, truck, or SUV and reduce the risk of accidents and breakdowns. This is the goal of APLUS Service, which strives to provide exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, expertise, and quality products. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCOvSfrLYX1alsRexUgLeESjrE6dQ-JpqLqiMuHjR_KWH8B31laULSw2Qg30JnP-5E8g4Ee-ShPWUVBg34r6cuhcBCneo63uNvpzyTuOjEiDwNH21yWwF61D5s_yw-IHNTBn3EuJHA-GsvkqDImVwONVqaGzLiN-IBnCKAgHo9cJmzBWOX6CzSblifjEL/s408/APLUS.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="352" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCOvSfrLYX1alsRexUgLeESjrE6dQ-JpqLqiMuHjR_KWH8B31laULSw2Qg30JnP-5E8g4Ee-ShPWUVBg34r6cuhcBCneo63uNvpzyTuOjEiDwNH21yWwF61D5s_yw-IHNTBn3EuJHA-GsvkqDImVwONVqaGzLiN-IBnCKAgHo9cJmzBWOX6CzSblifjEL/s320/APLUS.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">APLUS Service Center at 299 Roosevelt<br />Trail in Casco offers an array of <br />mechanical services and a complete line<br />of tires for just about any vehicle.<br /> COURTESY PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>APLUS is prepared to handle and resolve any type of mechanical problem from its location at 299 Roosevelt Trail in Casco and its ASE-certified technicians work on all types of automobiles and trucks. The business is owned by Andrew Coppersmith and Andy Lane, who also own and operate APLUS Truck Sales and APLUS AutoBody in Windham. <br /><br />“We do just about everything here,” said Josh McDermott of APLUS Service. “Our customers come to us from throughout Maine, and we do our utmost to ensure their complete satisfaction. We specialize in having the same equipment found at the franchise dealer for those hard to fix jobs as well as a full line of oem parts for your late model diesel Ford, GM and Dodge trucks.” <br /><br />He said that APLUS Service believes in treating everyone that walks through their door as if they are family and by being open, direct, and honest with customers, they are building a loyal and appreciative customer following. <br /><br />Mechanical services available at APLUS Service include oil changes, wheel alignments, engine repairs, belt and hose adjustments, cooling system flushes, suspension work, battery and electrical, complete diagnostics, tune-ups, brakes, exhaust, shocks and struts, steering, transmissions, air conditioning, emission leak testing, lift kits, vehicle customizing, preventative maintenance, and much more. <br /><br />APLUS Service also offers a complete line of tires and tire maintenance services. It is a Maine State Inspection License station and offers a comprehensive and vast selection of wheels. <br /><br />As a NAPA Auto Care center, customers can be assured that APLUS Service technicians use quality NAPA auto parts. <br /><br />“We maintain the highest standards to see that our customers receive the best possible work at the best possible price,” McDermott said. “We are also fully transparent and provide open communication with customers about the vehicles we work on.” <br /><br />The business relocated to Casco from its former location at APLUS Truck Sales on Storm Drive in Windham a year ago when an increasing number of customers taking advantage of their services left them out of space. Now in a larger and clean new facility, APLUS Service can accommodate customers quickly and efficiently with a staff of 15 employees. <br /><br />“Put simply, we’re out there to take care of our customers,” McDermott said. “Our business takes quality and customer service very seriously.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.aplustrucks.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/aplusservice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />He said as a NAPA Auto Care center, APLUS Service follows a strict Code of Ethics so customers will know up front what to expect and as part of this code, the business is committed to perform high-quality diagnostic and repair services at a fair price, using quality NAPA parts; employing ASE-certified technicians in all areas of work performed; being dedicated to customer satisfaction; exercising reasonable care for the customer's property while it is in the shop's possession; providing a system for fair settlement of customer complaints, should they occur; and maintaining the highest standards of the automotive service profession. <br /><br />Feedback on social media has been outstanding. <br /><br /><i>“Solid guys! Great company, they care a lot about quality and take great care of their customers.”</i> Nate Tilley <br /><br /><i>“Recently brought my Ram 3500 to have service done by APLUS and I couldn’t be happier with the quality of service I received. These guys went above and beyond to address the concerns I had. You cannot ask for better.”</i> Brian Brennan <br /><br /><i>“Friendly service, knowledgeable techs, and a superb reconditioning department. The team here gets it and puts the customer first.”</i> Chet Tetreault <br /><br /><i>“Can’t say enough great things about you guys! Brought my truck in and you guys brought it in that same day and immediately started working on it to rectify the problem. That type of customer service is what’s kept me coming back to you guys for the past eight years and I don’t see that changing in the future! Thank you!”</i> David Vachon <br /><br />APLUS Service is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. <br /><br />For more information or to make an appointment, call 207-572-4444 or text 207-550-1559. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-89188078425255454472024-01-05T02:14:00.021-05:002024-01-05T02:14:00.147-05:00Business Spotlight: Junction Bowl and Sidecar PubFor those in search of fun, great food, and a memorable time, the Junction Bowl and the Sidecar Pub should be your new go-to destinations. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B1c6tz3jCiTQA7LfBt9qo6lq24S3IS0WS11l928z5BMBhrxNoGzqoH1ILTnXl1asyUlDrStVl9icXbT59KnuI4u2bNwYeLgBTm3hpiNxlm3Q4kLrOx_rnlfF6RWyqzPrLinFesG1IiiaKIQ8QuPAVMD5NZTsGGOA65fF7hokZ00Z9xvKNq9obTTjTk4H/s2048/Junction%20Bowl.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B1c6tz3jCiTQA7LfBt9qo6lq24S3IS0WS11l928z5BMBhrxNoGzqoH1ILTnXl1asyUlDrStVl9icXbT59KnuI4u2bNwYeLgBTm3hpiNxlm3Q4kLrOx_rnlfF6RWyqzPrLinFesG1IiiaKIQ8QuPAVMD5NZTsGGOA65fF7hokZ00Z9xvKNq9obTTjTk4H/w400-h300/Junction%20Bowl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both Junction Bowl and the Sidecar Pub are located in<br />Station Square in the heart of Gorham Village at 7 Railroad<br />Avenue and are becoming go-to destinations for fun,<br />great food and entertainment for all ages.<br />COURTESY PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Located at Station Square in the heart of Gorham Village at 7 Railroad Avenue, both Junction Bowl and Sidecar Pub are owned by Ben Smith and offer an experience not to be missed. <br /><br />Junction Bowl opened in 2019 and is an entertainment hub featuring a dozen 10-pin bowling lanes, an arcade designed for players of all ages, a large spacious indoor dining room, a cozy outdoor dining area highlighted by live music during the summer and fall months, and a full bar featuring a vast selection of delicious American pub-style food and drink. <br /><br />Sidecar Pub opened in 2021 and can be found on the top floor of Station Square. Guests can listen to live music every Wednesday through Saturday night, enjoy awesome food and drink specials, or join in on open mic night every Tuesday. Weekly events include specialty wine and whiskey tastings along with a full pub food menu. <br /><br />Best of all, visitors to the Sidecar Pub will experience its wraparound outdoor deck showcasing a 360-degree scenic view of Gorham and the surrounding area. <br /><br />There are more than a dozen wine choices available at Sidecar Pub and ever-changing whiskey specials to go with an extensive bourbon selection. <br /><br />The menu includes more than eight appetizers, salads, burgers, pizza, steak bombs and sandwiches. Main entrees available are fish and chips, a vegetarian farro bowl, macaroni and cheese and Shepherd’s Pie. <br /><br />The Sidecar Pub is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 until 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. Group reservations and private parties are always welcome. <br /><br />“Whether it’s a birthday party, office function or any other type of special event, we’ll do our best to accommodate your desired date and any requests you may have to make your party or celebration memorable,” Smith said. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://jctbowl.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/junctionbowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Junction Bowl is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and features casual indoor dining, outdoor dining by season, a full bar, bowling and arcade and take-out meals are always available. <br /><br />Each lane at Junction Bowl comes with booth seating, along with full beverage and food service and a personal score keeping tablet containing a variety of games to enhance your bowling experience. <br /><br />“We have dinosaur ramps for the younger rollers and bumpers can be activated for individual bowlers,” Smith said. “We love to bowl just as much as you and that’s why we do everything that we can to help quench your thirst and hunger while you have fun.” <br /><br />Other than for kids’ birthday parties, open to any size group, and other large groups and parties of more than 10 people, open bowling is available at Junction Bowl every day on a first come, first serve basis. The menu is diverse and includes pizza, sandwiches, salads, and an array of other tasty items. <br /><br />Online reviews for both Junction Bowl and Sidecar Pub are exceptional. <br /><br /><i>“We have been twice. Once for lunch which was great! The second time was for a birthday party. We bowled and ate and brought our own cake and the service was great. and we had so much fun!” Nancy Nielsen-Armstrong <br /><br />“Had Margarita flight and tacos. Was delicious and the service was fantastic too. Highly recommend this place.” Joyce Allen <br /><br />“Atmosphere, Service, Entertainment and Fantastic Food!! Definitely the place to be!!” Sandra Quick-Macleod <br /><br />“Sidecar is a beautiful spot for a glass of wine! Staff are warm and friendly and great at what they do.” Maureen Harriman <br /></i><br />For more information about Sidecar Pub, call 207-329-6401 or visit <a href="http://www.sidecarwinewhiskey.com/">http://www.sidecarwinewhiskey.com/</a> Find them on Facebook at Sidecar Wine, Whiskey and Tapas Bar. <br /><br />For more details about Junction Bowl, call 207-222-7600 or visit <a href="https://jctbowl.com/">https://jctbowl.com/</a> Find them on Facebook at Junction Bowl. < <br /><br /> Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-12537020900186362232023-12-22T02:12:00.006-05:002023-12-22T02:12:00.153-05:00Business Spotlight: Tim Graham Modern Woodmen of America As a Modern Woodmen representative, Tim Graham uses his extensive knowledge of financial products to help his members in Windham plan for a secure financial future. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnQcfuODetZX_ctr_EetP_-hCGhwqMcHwTMqagLT_kbZUCv4PkfYutlJEn3fNedyxK_N-lbKqChqdIhAoaWYZ4ycKa2J0XyNX4qNq_vw7CYzs5wazt9JHPGzb1StqpSwjSiHcSUQS5co6I6yI_uKmTFuJEUP5E9_dlFdn9NlJRmSJ7HDD8cRblswwSxk5/s528/tim%20graham.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="423" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnQcfuODetZX_ctr_EetP_-hCGhwqMcHwTMqagLT_kbZUCv4PkfYutlJEn3fNedyxK_N-lbKqChqdIhAoaWYZ4ycKa2J0XyNX4qNq_vw7CYzs5wazt9JHPGzb1StqpSwjSiHcSUQS5co6I6yI_uKmTFuJEUP5E9_dlFdn9NlJRmSJ7HDD8cRblswwSxk5/s320/tim%20graham.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Graham of Modern Woodmen<br />of America can help Windham residents<br />plan for a secure financial future.<br />COURTESY PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Modern Woodmen is a fraternal benefit society that offers a unique blend of financial services, member benefits and community impact designed to improve quality of life for its members and the towns where they reside. <br /><br />With an office conveniently located at 909 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, Tim Graham of Modern Woodmen of America helps individuals, families, and small businesses meet their financial needs with products such as Life, Long Term Care and Disability insurance and assists members to save through investments and fixed products. <br /><br />“It’s rewarding to help people plan for their retirement and seeing it happen,” Graham said. “I personally work with members in multiple states as well as right here in Windham and surrounding areas.” <br /><br />Modern Woodmen is a national company and was established back in 1883 and is turning 140 years old this year. <br /><br />AM Best, an independent rating agency, has affirmed Modern Woodmen’s A (Excellent) financial strength rating, with a stable outlook. This is the third highest of 13 ratings, assigned to companies that have an excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations. <br /><br />Graham said that Modern Woodmen of America is a Fraternal Financial Services Company and not-for-profit. <br /><br />“As we grow, we are able to give back more and help individuals in need and other not-for-profits in our area,” he said. “We are wholistic in our approach to planning. “It means we take risk management seriously with insurances and investments through our Broker Dealer, MWA Financial Services.” <br /><br />Pricing for Modern Woodmen of America insurance products, fixed interest rates and investments offered through MWA Financial Services is highly competitive, Graham said. <br /><br />“We don’t put our members in products that are not in their best interest and that don’t meet their financial goals,” he said. “We have a very high retention rate of our products issued with our members. We care about our members and the communities in which we live.” <br /><br />The Modern Woodmen philosophy is that life insurance is the foundation of planning and offers affordable options for member families including plans specifically designed for children and young adults, and permanent life insurance plans that provide permanent solutions for permanent needs without permanent premiums. Available options from Modern Woodmen of America include Whole Life, Universal Life and Term Life insurance plans. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://reps.modernwoodmen.org/zconley/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="800" height="236" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/modernwoodmen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Graham has been in business for 24 years and for the past 15 years with Modern Woodmen of America. <br /><br />“We currently have about 20 representatives in the state of Maine, and I manage about 10 of those people,” he said. “Each representative must complete many tasks in order to do business in the state. The Life and Health License is first and then Securities License, which consists of multiple tests in order to be ready to do business.” <br /><br />According to Graham, the reasons he’s been successful with Modern Woodmen of America in Windham through the years are basic. <br /><br />“Honesty, integrity, and good morals,” he said. “We believe if you do good things, good things will come around. When it comes to financial planning, we can help you meet your current needs, achieve your future dreams and plan for all stages of life.” <br /><br />Graham said it’s a daunting challenge to keep up with all the new regulations while staying current with clients and all services available for Modern Woodmen of America members, but it’s something that gives a competitive edge to Modern Woodmen of America. <br /><br />“We try to stay up to date on current trends and products, however each person is different,” he said. “Some people want guarantees and others want to be in the market. We ask a lot of questions so that we can understand each individual’s situation. Guarantees are popular right now, but again, everybody is different.” <br /><br />For more details about how Tim Graham of Modern Woodmen of America can help you plan for a comfortable retirement, visit <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>https://reps.modernwoodmen.org/tgraham/ </u></span>or call 207-892-0302. Find them on Facebook under Tim Graham Modern Woodmen of America. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-49582364384122145902023-12-15T02:14:00.004-05:002023-12-15T02:14:00.163-05:00Business Spotlight: Red City Ale HouseGreat food, great drinks, and great friends amount to an awesome experience each time you visit Red City Ale House in South Windham. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI40mWoEASmLPDNXJafjBaZjzBSCMYmhjvcdbsfHMNNkYbk5KK_cAEAGp8VeRzav1rD-a5vSnY6yjiOHLAB3B4Q3vl9eXI4Cmqo-UJwbv8rQFAD75AIYidmb42kQ5B_Kyac4BlGHH5Llj2Jwq4Nwu02L1dxXSomKqpItRS4k05TVv-9gKo-0PukB5E3gLw/s1440/374217710_168776409578135_7181853174964166885_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI40mWoEASmLPDNXJafjBaZjzBSCMYmhjvcdbsfHMNNkYbk5KK_cAEAGp8VeRzav1rD-a5vSnY6yjiOHLAB3B4Q3vl9eXI4Cmqo-UJwbv8rQFAD75AIYidmb42kQ5B_Kyac4BlGHH5Llj2Jwq4Nwu02L1dxXSomKqpItRS4k05TVv-9gKo-0PukB5E3gLw/w300-h400/374217710_168776409578135_7181853174964166885_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red City Ale House opened in June and has<br />developed a loyal following for it's outstanding<br />food, drinks and service. COURTESY PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Located at 8 Main Street, (Route 202) in historic South Windham, Red City Ale House offers casual dining in a family-friendly neighborhood pub experience. <br /><br />“We serve customers from Gorham, Windham, Westbrook and all around the Lakes Region,” said Ben Smith of Red City Ale House. “We are also happy to host anyone who is visiting from away.” <br /><br />Situated in the remodeled old South Windham Fire Station, Red City Ale House is known as a warm and welcoming, family friendly neighborhood pub which features nothing but the finest in upscale American pub-style food and drinks. <br /><br />Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Red City Ale House provides a comfortable ambiance for guests in a unique building and offers the utmost in customer service that keeps guests wanting to come back again and again. <br /><br />“We are able to raise the large doors to the front outside patio on nice days and we offer, weather permitting, a deck on the rear of the building which overlooks the mighty Presumpscot River,” Smith said. <br /><br />Red City Ale House opened on June 1 and has two sister restaurants in Gorham, the Sidecar Pub which has been in business for two years, and Junction Bowl which has been open for four years. <br /><br />Customers visiting Red City Ale House for the first time will find a generous selection of soups and salads; burgers and sandwiches; pizza; wings and chicken tenders; steak; fish and chips; wraps; shrimp; and much more. Portions are generous and Smith said the value of the meals is outstanding. <br /><br />“We strive to create delicious food and drinks at a fair price,” Smith said. “Prices have gone up, and are going up, on anything and everything, so like every business we are attempting to adjust accordingly while still providing a good value.” <br /><br />The menu includes an array of tasty appetizers that almost are a meal in itself such as Allagash Mussels; Chili Cheese Fries; Bang Bang Shrimp, a Mega Meatball, which is a house-made meatball covered in marinara sauce. topped with basil ricotta and served with toasted points; and Fried Cheese Curds. <br /><br />The drink menu is to die for and includes popular selections such as an Apple Cranberry Mule; a Cocoa Old Fashion; a Grapefruit Pomegranate Vodka Sour; Red City Rum Punch; a Gin and Sin; a Blueberry Smash; and Lime in the Coconut Margaritas, which feature 1800 Coconut Tequila, Fresh Lime Juice, Coconut Cream, and Sour Mix shaken and topped with soda. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redcityalehouse.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/redcity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />There’s also a kids’ menu and save some room for dessert as Red City has some of the best Peanut Butter Pie and New York Cheesecake to be found in Southern Maine. <br /><br />Feedback on social media from customers is nothing short of exceptional since Red City Ale House opened. <br /><br /><i>“Great experience! Food was delicious and the customer service was wonderful!” Madison Marzul <br /><br />“My son and I had the poutine, steak salad and bacon cheeseburger… all three were AMAZING!!! Great, friendly service with smiles. I love how they kept the fire station’s big doors/windows as their front wall. Nicely done! We loved it. I will be telling everyone!” Kristen Holly <br /><br />“Went there tonight with my boyfriend and it was perfect! Staff is very friendly, and our drinks and food came out to us so quickly! Everything was yummy!! We will definitely be going back!" Denise Marie <br /><br />“Very friendly staff and the food was delicious!!” Kelly McCafferty <br /><br />“The Seafood Fra Diavolo was simply incredible! I asked if I could have it lightly spiced and the chef was able to accommodate! Fun, relaxing atmosphere! Friendly staff! We highly recommend!” Erin Poore Dupree <br /></i><br />Smith said that Red City Ale House keeps up to date on current trends in the restaurant industry but its menu is based more on tradition than in chasing the hot new trends and that simplicity has helped the restaurant to develop a devoted local following. <br /><br />“We offer simple delicious food and beverages with a smile,” he said. <br /><br />For more details about Red City Ale House, visit www.redcityalehouse.com or call 207-370-6440. Reservations are welcome. Find them on Facebook under Red City Ale House. They are open everyday!<br /> Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-47463464197309258072023-12-08T02:16:00.007-05:002023-12-08T02:16:00.141-05:00Business Spotlight: Dobson Family Funeral & Cremation Services<p>The top priority of Dobson Family Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting families to honor their loved ones at the most difficult of times in an authentic and meaningful way. Its mission is to care for your family as they would care for members of their own family by providing information, services and merchandise of the highest quality at competitive prices in a dignified and professional manner while acting with honesty, integrity, compassion and sensitivity.<br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDpQZJpU4RHyjyNECtKafXWojCmv3128SPmVM6gOeGOXLAY4TvMfyQ-RUKaKASvP3GghvtVLDYoeBauCedmEWcvTAdYZmRXfnzNeA-u5C2OuCRIsC_NcMTUnTvTOLaRgcijUJW52mRMlC-r3B5-mnb7cPGvFXDO5YNgFPVXZ_wo5EeaFp5QwLbvJRR9vU/s619/Jeff%20Dobson-0013-Low%20Res.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDpQZJpU4RHyjyNECtKafXWojCmv3128SPmVM6gOeGOXLAY4TvMfyQ-RUKaKASvP3GghvtVLDYoeBauCedmEWcvTAdYZmRXfnzNeA-u5C2OuCRIsC_NcMTUnTvTOLaRgcijUJW52mRMlC-r3B5-mnb7cPGvFXDO5YNgFPVXZ_wo5EeaFp5QwLbvJRR9vU/s320/Jeff%20Dobson-0013-Low%20Res.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Dobson has opened Dobson<br />Family Funeral & Cremation <br />Services, which helps families<br />throughout Southern Maine.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Locally owned and operated at 782 Alfred Road in Arundel, Dobson Family Funeral & Cremation Services offers full burial and cremation services, green burials, church services, graveside services, direct cremation, direct burials, prearrangements and specializes in international shipping to South Sudan and The Democratic Republic of the Congo. It serves all Southern Maine and parts of New Hampshire with extensive experience in Windham and the Greater Portland area. <br /><br />“First, we are family owned and operated and we are very proud that one thing that is different about us is that we do not focus on profit. We truly focus more on helping each family by offering cremations and burials without all the hidden costs that many providers today charge,” said owner Jeffrey Dobson. “We are extremely transparent. We are one of only a couple funeral homes that I know of in Southern Maine that fully publish all our prices on our website. We do not hide anything, nor do we require a family to come in and see us to get the basic information they need to make informed choices.” <br /><br />Dobson said their prices are on average thousands less than other funeral homes while also maintaining the highest level of service. <br /><br />“We do this by keeping our overhead as low as possible. The average direct cremation in the Windham and Portland area is around $4,000. Our basic direct cremation starts at $1,285 which also includes a death certificate which no other funeral home does. They charge families for every copy of the death certificate,” he said. “We believe that providing that one copy can make a difference and help a family dramatically. We also have a direct cremation which includes an urn from a choice of five different ones. We include a memorial tribute video in that package as well for $1,985 in comparison with other funeral homes charging $4,000 not including an urn or a death certificate or a tribute video. We also provide full traditional burial starting at $6,950 including a casket and grave liner. For most funeral homes, a family would spend about $6,000 plus just for the services of the funeral home not including a casket and vault which will bring their cost up by another few grand.” <br /><br />According to Dobson, he understands that everyone he serves has experienced a loss and comes to him looking for compassion, honesty and peace of mind. <br /><br />“The most important thing to know about this business is that we truly care about each family and that families can obtain the services they need after a loss without the high cost that most services charge today,” Dobson said. “We want people to know that we provide the highest quality and dignified services while also offering the most affordable cost. We do this with our experience and knowledge which includes over 15 years in funeral services and 10 years licensed in Maine and New Hampshire.” <br /><br />He said that the quality of the services they offer is of the highest importance to them and they will never sacrifice quality and compassion. The cost of the services should never be a factor in the quality of the services a family receives. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:jeffrey@dobsonfuneralservices.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/dobsonfuneral.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“I have gotten feedback from families who have reached out and have gotten an email back after hours,” Dobson said. “We respond to families 24 hours a day and families see that and they know that if they call us, we are going to be there for them. We also have a brand-new renovated facility with security cameras for the protection of families’ loved ones. Our facility is still being renovated but we are close to finishing, and we are proud to have a beautiful clean facility to care for families’ loved ones.” <br /><br />Open since July 1, Dobson Family Funeral & Cremation Services has five employees and is fully licensed by the State Board of Funeral Services to operate a funeral establishment. All staff have been trained by Dobson, who is a dual licensed funeral director, and its funeral attendants are all licensed by the State Board of Funeral Services. <br /><br />“We do stay on top of current trends, and we have designed our funeral home to be one that is ready for the future,” Dobson said. Many families today are choosing to not have the large funeral of the past and we understand that. We also see a big movement toward green burials, and we provide the lowest-cost green burial services that we can find.” <br /><br />To reach Dobson Family Funeral & Cremation Services call 207-494-7583 and see their transparent pricing at www.dobsonfuneralservices.com <<p></p>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-85644143895924701432023-12-01T02:06:00.032-05:002023-12-01T02:06:00.148-05:00Business Spotlight: Yolked Farm to TableA new culinary oasis has emerged in the heart of Windham where husband and wife team are inviting patrons to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. Yolked Farm to Table is a dream come true for Executive chef Jesse Bouchard and his wife Mindy. The much-anticipated opening of the state's newest gem, a farm-to-table restaurant, has stirred excitement and anticipation among food enthusiasts and locals alike. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKaJkQwTnkXUspWTvcTqVGabTS37ubLKZ_4kqQn7eR3nAGn5EjLvQf09mGDo7q8dAup5eBwTPBSx39NTPCV-LJIM5htCcN3tmmlzGndMnBN8REQyQ-Sab-Ct0fe4YipJ5YNSo_IElP609Cpz48EaReSwG7w5FtZUm4lSyd6hdwlK0AF0P5pHGcEG9qLe7/s1680/Mindy%20and%20Jesse%20Bouchard.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1260" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKaJkQwTnkXUspWTvcTqVGabTS37ubLKZ_4kqQn7eR3nAGn5EjLvQf09mGDo7q8dAup5eBwTPBSx39NTPCV-LJIM5htCcN3tmmlzGndMnBN8REQyQ-Sab-Ct0fe4YipJ5YNSo_IElP609Cpz48EaReSwG7w5FtZUm4lSyd6hdwlK0AF0P5pHGcEG9qLe7/w300-h400/Mindy%20and%20Jesse%20Bouchard.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mindy and Jesse Bouchard own Yolked Farm<br />to Table, now open at 868 Roosevelt Trail<br />in Windham. SUBMITTED PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Yolked began in 2019 as a food truck situated in rural Maine alongside NU Brewery, building relationships with local farms and producers to evolve into what it is today. The Yolked concept was born from their personal small flock of chickens and the value of knowing how your food is raised. Utilizing whole foods is the main staple of their menu and they are proud to offer it to you in their new space at 868 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. <br /><br />Yolked Farm to Table is more than just a place to dine; it's a celebration of the region's bountiful harvests and a commitment to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. As the doors swing open, patrons are welcomed into a warm, rustic ambiance that mirrors the genuine and unpretentious nature of the farm-to-table movement. <br /><br />The concept of farm-to-table dining is not just a trend but a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farmers. Yolked Farm to Table, with its commitment to sustainability and supporting local agriculture, embodies this ethos to create a truly unique dining experience with flavor combinations you will not find anywhere else in the area. <br /><br />One of the restaurant's defining features is its partnership with nearby farms, ensuring that the ingredients used in each dish are not only of the highest quality but also reflective of the changing seasons. From heirloom tomatoes plucked at the peak of summer to root vegetables harvested in the crisp autumn air, the menu is a testament to the richness and diversity of Maine's agricultural offerings. <br /><br />The chef, a culinary virtuoso with a passion for local flavors, orchestrates a symphony of tastes and textures, transforming the raw bounty into culinary masterpieces. Each dish and cocktail tell a story – a narrative of our Maine land combined with flavors based on their unforgettable travel dining experiences, the hands that cultivated it, and the season that inspired it. The menu, though subject to change with the seasons, boasts a consistent commitment to creativity and excellence. <br /><br /><div>As diners savor each bite, they are encouraged to appreciate the interconnectedness of the local community, recognizing that their choice to dine at this farm-to-table establishment contributes to the prosperity of nearby farmers and the sustainability of the region. The restaurant serves as a hub for local producers, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the establishment and the community.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yolkedfarmtotable.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/yolked.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br />Five-star reviews for Yolked Farm to Table are stacking up, where patrons rave not only about the beautiful atmosphere and amazing selection of dishes but also boasting about the creative cocktail specialties and dessert that is to die for. One customer went on to say, “Upon entering the restaurant we found the decor to be warm and inviting. The food was levels above anything we’ve had at other restaurants in the area. Everything is homemade and seasoned to perfection, with large portions that will more than satisfy your appetite. We ordered a slice of Espresso Cream Cheesecake to go. Our server was attentive and it was clear she cared about making our experience a great one!” <br /><br />In a world where fast-paced living often disconnects us from the origins of our food, this Maine farm-to-table restaurant stands as a beacon, reminding us to savor not just the flavors on our plates but also the stories embedded in each ingredient. It's a celebration of Maine's agricultural heritage, a nod to the hardworking farmers who till the land, and a promise to patrons that every meal is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, sustainability, and the vibrant flavors of the region. <br /><br />Visit their website at yolkedfarmtotable.com to peruse their menu of food and cocktail options available now. Also follow them on Facebook to keep up with seasonal changes. They are open for dining in or take-out Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. Reservations are not required but in order to ensure a table, they are highly recommended. Reserve on their website or call 207-749-4097.</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-88364715766006294362023-11-22T02:16:00.021-05:002023-11-22T02:16:00.137-05:00Business Spotlight: Windham DentistryThe goal of Windham Dentistry is to make all patients feel like they are part of the family and to provide them with excellence in dentistry and compassionate care. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6Bvifc7tecTzJ599ucc9anYWoStzDCeoOgFTvVSCYEXqBy-hFP4mY0_LL8DCPlvm33OXVo816dbkkC3wIaFTglkwSpMpuXKZNvbWbuNcujYTZu4Op-_kH0Amx0x8NC5GFFori3q36Iwi-Ig2r30o8SUAvk7YHReyRCYGDB5tTD3-apmJ2xuFDnq0BypL/s1600/Staff%20Group%201.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6Bvifc7tecTzJ599ucc9anYWoStzDCeoOgFTvVSCYEXqBy-hFP4mY0_LL8DCPlvm33OXVo816dbkkC3wIaFTglkwSpMpuXKZNvbWbuNcujYTZu4Op-_kH0Amx0x8NC5GFFori3q36Iwi-Ig2r30o8SUAvk7YHReyRCYGDB5tTD3-apmJ2xuFDnq0BypL/w400-h320/Staff%20Group%201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Windham Dentistry offers a wide variety of services ranging from general and cosmetic dentistry to full mouth rehabilitation from its convenient location at 713 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. No matter if it’s protecting, repairing, or enhancing smiles, the Windham Dentistry team delivers superior, patient-centered care at every step, using the latest advances in dental technology. <br /><br />“We are proud to say that we offer same-day treatment and emergency appointments. We offer a friendly, highly experienced, and relaxed atmosphere and feature affordable in-house dental plans,” said Brandy Casey of Windham Dentistry. “The best aspect of what we do is to provide a welcoming experience for our patients. It’s gratifying to see someone who is not very confident with their smile go through the process with us and then emerge with a beautiful smile and the confidence to show it.” <br /><br />The practice is in the network with three major insurance companies, including Cigna, Unum, and Delta to benefit its patients. It also accepts Care Credit with a 12-month deferred interest program for purchases exceeding $200. <br /><br />“With a commitment to excellence and a compassionate approach, we strive to deliver unparalleled care to each and every patient,” Casey said. <br /><br />In business for more than a decade, Windham Dentistry provides patients with accurate estimates of all treatment costs before any work is performed. It files insurance paperwork and claims for patients and can help maximize a patient’s insurance benefits. <br /><br />“We use state-of-the-art technology including iTero Scanning to monitor oral health over time and reduce costly expenses in the future,” said Brittany Nixon of Windham Dentistry. “We can usually schedule new patients within two to three weeks of their call and always offer any sooner available appointments. If new patients mention this article from The Windham Eagle, they will receive an at-home whitening kit upon the completion of a comprehensive exam, x-rays and a cleaning as well as getting $500 off Invisalign or a single dental implant.” <br /><br />Their extensive menu of comprehensive modern dental care services includes oral examinations, preventative programs, crowns and caps, gum treatments, bridges and dentures, dental implants, tooth whitening, pediatric dental care, fillings, veneers, and extractions, all available at its convenient state-of-the-art facility in Windham. <br /><br />Patients at Windham Dentistry benefit from a stress-free dental experience, flexible scheduling, affordable services, and from the expertise of some of the most skilled dentists and hygienists in Maine who believe in building trusting relationships and treating each patient with dignity and respect. <br /><br />Clear, concise, and practical explanations are given to patients for services at Windham Dentistry with no upselling. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.windhammainedentistry.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/windhamdentistry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“Our dental hygiene program is designed to help prevent new cavities, preserve teeth that have been restored and manage periodontal disease,” Casey said. “We offer instructions about how patients can improve their daily oral hygiene habits and have regular dental cleanings.” <br /><br />Reviews from patients are exceptional. <br /><br /><i>“5 stars. Amazing place with amazing people. Everyone from the front desk, the dental hygienist, and the dentist were so kind and patient. They took their time and answered every question I had. So glad I found them.” – Lori <br /><br />“5 stars. I had an appointment for teeth cleaning, and it was my best experience ever in a dental office. Windham Dentistry staff are very friendly. I was completely at ease, and it was painless! Thank you for looking after me.” – Valencia <br /></i><br />At Windham Dentistry, each member of the team is enthusiastic and dedicated to providing exceptional treatment for every member of the family, quality implants, and outstanding cosmetic dentistry services. Featuring a warm and welcoming family atmosphere throughout the office, and helping to make patients feel more comfortable, the practice has a genuine caring approach that continues to earn patient trust and admiration. <br /><br />With a demonstrated commitment to excellence and a compassionate approach to its mission, the Windham Dentistry team strives to deliver unparalleled care to every patient for those in the Lakes Region of Maine and beyond. <br /><br />For more information about Windham Dentistry or to make an appointment, call 207-892-3200 or visit <a href="https://windhammainedentistry.com/">windhammainedentistry.com/</a> Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Windham Dentistry. <<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-41901115334048276442023-11-17T02:12:00.036-05:002023-11-17T02:12:00.147-05:00Business Spotlight: Woodman Mansfield Company, PCNo matter how you try to understand it, navigating Medicare insurance can be a confusing process. The Woodman Mansfield Company is committed to helping individuals find strong value in affordable and comprehensive Medicare insurance plans.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EzCOrDPuISNwGt8fiolEGV66XNy04TfouXBbtUqjnbo4poR5JDgzqA5bocqoNUhZ8p7c-DeQvCefUOf5sOcBwDj88yWf4zr2QV57RCHESjMElMeWXgwQ9EmnOSj-8xB1iXbiwu-kgegOZ-to1hw79UatI5-hRH2fHh8BS5TZTlmRi_W3msgZ1A9iN2-2/s1400/ScottLinscottphoto-2933_Adj_3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1400" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EzCOrDPuISNwGt8fiolEGV66XNy04TfouXBbtUqjnbo4poR5JDgzqA5bocqoNUhZ8p7c-DeQvCefUOf5sOcBwDj88yWf4zr2QV57RCHESjMElMeWXgwQ9EmnOSj-8xB1iXbiwu-kgegOZ-to1hw79UatI5-hRH2fHh8BS5TZTlmRi_W3msgZ1A9iN2-2/w400-h214/ScottLinscottphoto-2933_Adj_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Woodman, left, and his daughter, Hilary Mansfield<br />are the Woodman Mansfield Company and help individuals<br />find strong value in affordable and comprehensive <br />Medicare insurance plans. SUBMITTED PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Robert Woodman and his daughter, Hilary Mansfield, make up the Woodman Mansfield Company. They are independent insurance agents who specialize in Medicare plans. They will educate you about how Medicare insurance works and why it works as it does and guide you through the enrollment process.<br /> <br /> Their focus is on education about Medicare insurance and all available options, and their services are offered throughout the year with plan reviews and options for changes offered during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period running through Dec. 7. Their no-pressure private consultations are provided at no cost to you in their office in the Old Richardson Place at 510 Main St. in Gorham.<br /> <br /> Whether you are looking for a Medicare insurance plan which better suits your needs, or if your personal situation has changed, Rob and Hilary can assist in bringing clarity and providing a greater understanding of what coverage is available, what is provided by different plans and how each plan stacks up against one another.<br /> <br /> Both Woodman and Mansfield say that their goal is to be an ally for you in trying to better understand Medicare.<br /> <br /> “We listen to their needs and goals and compare plans available in their county so that they can make an informed decision about which plan will work best for them,” Mansfield said.<br /> <br /> For those turning 65 or looking for answers to Medicare insurance plan questions, Woodman Mansfield Company is a trusted resource available without expense to clients.<br /> <br /> “We try to have some fun. Medicare insurance is confusing, and we are here to help,” Woodman said. “Our consultations are no-cost to our clients. We are paid by the carriers who represent the plans they choose. This is why we take the time to certify with as many different companies as possible; we want to ensure that we can find the best plan for each person.”<br /> <br /> Mansfield said that in speaking with her clients, she’s found that the public’s perception is that people currently promoting Medicare insurance plans on television are licensed agents and that most of the plans are similar, and that’s not the case.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.woodmanmansfieldco.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="516" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/woodmanmansfield.jpg" width="206" /></a></div> <br /> “We understand that choosing the right plan is a very important decision, and we understand how confusing this process can be. There's a lot of misinformation out there,” she said. “I have a background in education, and my dad has been in the industry for many years. We both enjoy working in a profession that allows us to help people every day. There's no better feeling than knowing that the work you’re doing is making someone's life a little easier. It's great to know at the end of each day we've achieved that goal.”<br /> <br /> Woodman said that because Woodman Mansfield Company is small, it’s able to offer attentive and personalized service and pay individual attention to clients.<br /> <br /> “We try to go the extra mile for people,” he said. “We do whatever we can to get people what they need based upon their individual circumstances, needs, and goals.”<br /> <br /> According to Mansfield, their company continues to grow and is successful because of client referrals.<br /> <br /> “There is no better testimonial than a client who is satisfied with the experience they had with us; so much so that they want their friends and family to have the same experience,” she said.<br /> <br /> In addition to Medicare plans, the company also offers retirement planning workshops. Woodman said that “we have found that at the same time people are thinking about Medicare insurance they are also thinking about retirement and estate planning issues. So, we have assembled a team of financial and legal experts to offer guidance in these areas, too. Our workshops have been well received in the community, and this is just another example of how we try to go the extra mile for our clients.” <br /><br />For more details about how the Woodman Mansfield Company can help you, visit https://www.woodmanmansfieldco.com/ or call Robert at 207-951-2485 or Hilary at 207-466-4929. Find them on Facebook at Woodman Mansfield Company.Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-10303065727121090632023-11-10T02:08:00.026-05:002023-11-10T08:59:55.427-05:00Business Spotlight: One 4 All Learning CenterIt’s no secret that high-quality early care and learning programs can positively impact children for years into the future and that’s the mission of the new One 4 All Learning Center. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWU5SbpadjtlXoqDp4BzUi9W3tWti_T7Q_mg5cPA57twox_mB0ye-fxSQhYYzihLIWZ4o683xfoCzc5CkwDRC6gSDi78qB4z7uqD_M9TH9OvF-IWIjveXMxrCk2f7m_xJQ4Kee81XYLn0OFXupdNr6X0kzmke0Iw_rm7xPAYQLp4KAbSWyKhItP8kLHBBt/s1867/One%204%20All%20Learning%20Center.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1867" data-original-width="1400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWU5SbpadjtlXoqDp4BzUi9W3tWti_T7Q_mg5cPA57twox_mB0ye-fxSQhYYzihLIWZ4o683xfoCzc5CkwDRC6gSDi78qB4z7uqD_M9TH9OvF-IWIjveXMxrCk2f7m_xJQ4Kee81XYLn0OFXupdNr6X0kzmke0Iw_rm7xPAYQLp4KAbSWyKhItP8kLHBBt/w300-h400/One%204%20All%20Learning%20Center.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A teacher reads to children at the new<br />One 4 All Learning Center in Raymond.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Having opened in August at 1317 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond, the One 4 All Learning Center is the culmination of a dream for owners Courtnee Benner and Bobby Sue Lowe, who have years of experience and expertise accumulated working in childcare and early childhood education. The facility is a childcare center serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years and offering before- and after-care for children in Kindergarten and First Grade. <br /><br />“A lot of heart has gone into making this dream become a reality. We have a combined 100-plus years of experience, and our passion for children and their growth and development is reflected in everything we do,” Benner said. “We are the only licensed childcare center in Raymond, although there are quite a few wonderful in-home childcare providers. Our building reflects our values of making children and families feel at home. We find children thrive in environments that are familiar, and we have worked hard to ensure that walking into a classroom felt like opening the front door to your living room.” <br /><br />Located on spacious and safe grounds and featuring a renovated building, the One 4 All Learning Center is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with meals and snacks included daily and a discount for enrolled siblings in its infant, toddler, and preschool programs. It is licensed to care for up to 49 children daily. <br /><br />“We have done a couple of tours for families where we were astonished when they asked questions such as ‘do you read to the children,’ or ‘do you go outside’ because of misconceptions of childcare and what we do,” Lowe said. “Children are not a distraction from more important work, they are the most important work. We may have a play-based learning approach but play-based means so much more than just play. Play is the work of children.” <br /><br />Both Benner and Lowe dispel the notion that childcare is nothing more than babysitting. They say their experience working in the childcare profession has shown them that this time in the lives of young children is crucial to learning valuable concepts such as getting along with other children, problem-solving, proper ways of sharing and socialization. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://Facebook.com/One4AllLearningCenter" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/one4all.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />To accomplish that, the One 4 All Learning Center teachers are trained in curriculum planning, learning and development, and fostering cognitive abilities while adhering to developmental standards. It employs eight full-time teachers and one part-time teacher who share an extensive background in childcare. <br /><br />“We are required to obtain a certificate of licensure through the State of Maine and DHHS. Through that process, there is a 76-page handbook outlining all of the different requirements for providing care to children in a group setting,” Benner said. “In addition, we are required to obtain a certificate through Maine’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), Rising Stars for ME. This is a system used for tracking quality care and improvements made within the program. We obtained our certificate as a four-star program in October.” <br /><br />With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, personalized care and attention and a strong focus on early childhood education, One 4 All Learning Center strives to exceed expectations. <br /><br />“As we prepared to open, both of us thought if we could give these families one thing, what would it be and our answer was simple – time,” Lowe said. “We then sat down and brainstormed ideas to provide working parents more time with their children, and we mapped out what a day as a parent would look like. Prepping for the next day is the first thing that came to mind, specifically meal planning. Packing snacks and lunch takes out such a chunk of every night when time is already limited to spend with your child because of the restraints of a working life. We provide two snacks and lunch, all included with weekly tuition, while following best practices in health and nutrition.” <br /><br />For more details about One 4 All Learning Center or to arrange for a tour, call 207-302-0030. Visit them on Facebook page at Facebook.com/One4AllLearningCenter <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-82611327580795117992023-11-03T02:20:00.028-04:002023-11-03T07:29:34.746-04:00Business Spotlight: Maine State Credit Union<p><b><span style="color: #0e101a;">Maine State Credit
Union Business Profile</span></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Many spooky things happen on
Halloween, but in 2022, something incredible happened. Maine State Credit Union
opened its first Maine State Credit Union branch outside the Augusta/Waterville
area at 25 Portland Road in Gray, in the Gray Plaza. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36lJJuc_q9ic4vZBnN3YnLSxqPUtlBJAkIkaUVca3Jp1VKWOzBtxMmM7xl-7PGAnKuekCGcWTvMEsAJNAN7jSJk38ndvqQ3Ypk-xg4LzmG0Xv_2PO8fZwk_AjoiUWZFwgjwMequNntLdWhri8STLFihP_Fgf_o_UjaQXRicEsP9nZFzWJTZDZM-euH8dN/s4034/Gray%20Team%20-%20Fall%2023%20-%20Ivy,%20Abby,%20Courtnee,%20Natalie,%20Nichole.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4034" data-original-width="3211" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36lJJuc_q9ic4vZBnN3YnLSxqPUtlBJAkIkaUVca3Jp1VKWOzBtxMmM7xl-7PGAnKuekCGcWTvMEsAJNAN7jSJk38ndvqQ3Ypk-xg4LzmG0Xv_2PO8fZwk_AjoiUWZFwgjwMequNntLdWhri8STLFihP_Fgf_o_UjaQXRicEsP9nZFzWJTZDZM-euH8dN/w319-h400/Gray%20Team%20-%20Fall%2023%20-%20Ivy,%20Abby,%20Courtnee,%20Natalie,%20Nichole.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>Maine State Credit Union is a
full-service credit union and a place for all Mainers' financial needs. Founded
in 1935 under the stairway at the State House in Augusta, it has grown and
expanded its reach. It now has over 35,000 members, and its doors are open to
Mainers looking for a friendly place to help them navigate financial decisions
of any size.<div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b>Beyond Basic</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">You can walk into any bank
and credit union in Maine and find similar you achieve your financial goals and
dreams. Maine State Credit Union has been voted one of the best places to work
in Maine for 12 years and has been recognized by Forbes as one of Maine's Best
Credit Unions for the past two years.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Gray's team is prepared to
help you with your needs, from shared branching to opening your first mortgage
to helping you get the funds you need to run your business. The Maine State CU
team will meet you at the branch location and assist in any way we can.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The first Friday of the
month, they host a Maine State CU café where members can stop in for a cup of
freshly brewed coffee and a seasonal treat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #0e101a;">Community Support</span></b><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The team from Maine State
Credit Union is a leader in giving back to the local community. Each year, they
participate in the Maine Credit Union League's campaign to End Hunger in Maine.
They are also a supporter of local events such as the Town of Gray's Annual
Blueberry Festival and Community Days. The team in Gray is also very active in
the local Chamber and is sponsoring the annual Bid of Christmas and Polar
Plunge in February.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><a href="https://www.MaineStateCU.org" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/mscu.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #0e101a;">Products and Services</span></b><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Maine State Credit Union is
one of a few credit unions in the state to offer small business and commercial
loans. They offer a variety of mortgage products and service all their loans
from their flagship location in Augusta, Maine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">They also offer a wide range
of loan products such as personal loans, debt consolidation loans, auto, boat,
and recreational loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">They are a go-to place for
checking accounts, Christmas clubs, and savings accounts. They will sit with
you and find the product and tools that fit your situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #0e101a;">The Credit Union for
You</span></b><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">We are a little quirky; we
like to have fun and celebrate our differences. We love our communities and
support our members when and where we can, not only through monetary
contributions but also by volunteering, financial literacy, and bringing fun
and laughter to all we do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">We welcome you anytime and
will do our best to provide you with the highest level of service and
thoroughly explain things. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">At the end of the day, we are
all people who want our neighbors to thrive and make our communities the best
place to live that we can. At Maine State Credit Union, members are our bottom
line. Belong with us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">For more information please
call 207-623-1851, email us at </span><a href="mailto:contactus@mainestatecu.org">contactus@mainestatecu.org</a><span style="color: #0e101a;">, or visit us online at </span><a href="http://www.mainestatecu.org/">www.mainestatecu.org</a><span style="color: #0e101a;">. In branch hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Drive-Thru hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and
eBranch hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Quick Facts About Maine State Credit Union</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Founded:</b> 1935<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Asset Size:</b> 600,000,000<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Branch Locations:</b> Augusta, Waterville, Rockland and
Gray<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>CEO:</b> Stephen Wallace</p></div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-9754793736478953772023-10-27T02:08:00.020-04:002023-10-27T02:08:00.146-04:00Business Spotlight: Pop's PlaceAs the owners of Windham’s new favorite restaurant Pop’s Place, Deanna Gaudreau and Jason LeShane are confident that if your meal is great, portions are generous, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is welcoming and fun, you’ll be back again and again. It’s been an essential part of their success in the restaurant industry and as a result, business is booming at Pop’s Place. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-hQCOTurrSARnzVZefo7XE8TuL8iTMNd5vnYFCLrPfjsQne8-k3kljEPUB_XRrWh-BA1ZrXSuVop-AEse9JlWqx3MltHKFUwgNrZq48TY6xMaAKOiJi8iWdoZzVwxswZqDEbkej2mDD41DMedSP2KDakzZ_LdOSos4VJQNily6ICLMzLgCMiQcPIccuG/s401/deanna%20and%20jason.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-hQCOTurrSARnzVZefo7XE8TuL8iTMNd5vnYFCLrPfjsQne8-k3kljEPUB_XRrWh-BA1ZrXSuVop-AEse9JlWqx3MltHKFUwgNrZq48TY6xMaAKOiJi8iWdoZzVwxswZqDEbkej2mDD41DMedSP2KDakzZ_LdOSos4VJQNily6ICLMzLgCMiQcPIccuG/s320/deanna%20and%20jason.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deanna Gaudreau and Jason LeShane<br />are the owners of Pop's Place<br />in Windham. COURTESY PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Located at 754 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, Pop’s Place has been open since July and offers a complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu in a family friendly environment where smiles, tasty meals, happy customers and fun take priority in everything that they do. The family had been operating the popular CeCe’s Diner on Route 302 in Westbrook since 2021, but leaped at the chance to relocate to Windham this past summer when a facility with a larger kitchen became available. <br /><br />“In my opinion the specialty items are our breakfast bowls, our fresh no antibiotic-ever chicken sandwiches that can be grilled or fried, our hand-cut red skinned potatoes, our fresh USDA certified burgers and homemade corned beef hash,” Gaudreau said. “We promise to provide the freshest, best quality food that we possibly can with the best service we can provide.” <br /><br />She has been working in restaurants since she was 14 and says that there is nothing else that she would rather be doing. <br /><br />“Waitressing and bartending runs through my veins and I have a major passion for it,” Gaudreau said. “We have a large family, and our customers may see a few too many of them at any given time. We want our diner/bar to be the local restaurant that everyone wants to come to and when they do, they feel like family and friends. We have an amazing staff on hand and each one of us are thrilled to be working together to see this dream come true.” <br /><br />With competitive pricing and an extensive menu, she said she rates the quality of the food at Pop’s Place as exceptional. <br /><br />“The standards we set for ourselves are above and beyond what even our customers expect from us I believe. We have a certain presentation that we even expect our plates to come out looking like,” she said. <br /><br />Popular menu items for breakfast include Stuffed French Toast; cinnamon rolls; buttermilk pancakes; breakfast burritos; and an array of breakfast sandwiches and breakfast bowls. For lunch, the menu ranges from hot and cold sandwiches to burgers and chicken tender baskets. Dinner selections are vast and run the gamut from Chicken Marsala to Marinated Steak to Baked Haddock and more. A full kids’ menu is available as are gluten-free items and a limited late-night menu. <br /><br />Special events and a full-service bar at Pop’s Place are popular too. Karaoke is offered from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays with Bingo from 7 to 9 on Wednesdays. On the first Friday of each month, Pop’s Place has a dance party from 8 p.m. to midnight. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093325539004" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/pops.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />LeShane said that above anything else, he considers courteous and friendly service to be paramount to the restaurant’s success. <br /><br />“The best thing about operating a restaurant is certainly our customers,” LeShane said. “They are at the heart of everything we do and if they are happy, they enjoy some good quality food we serve, and they feel like they are family, they’ll want to come back.” <br /><br />Online reviews are outstanding. <br /><br />“Always friendly, they make you feel welcome, and their food has always been good, keep up the great work.” Norm Cash <br /><br />“Great place! Service was awesome, timely and staff was polite. Menu is huge! Which is great. My meal was fantastic, and I think I got a large amount for the price! Would definitely go again, I went for breakfast and for sure will be back for lunch and dinner!” Abby Perkins <br /><br />“Great new spot we were seated within 15 mins our Hostess and Waitress were cheerful & knowledgeable about Allergies My food was Delicious and there are no restaurants that offer the Gluten Free options like Pop’s Place our food was served within 20 Minutes & the prices were better than most restaurants, We will be back to Pop’s Place.” Georgette Marston <br /><br />Pop’s Place is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sundays for breakfast from 6 to 2 p.m. for breakfast only with limited lunch items. They are closed on Mondays. Takeout service is available by calling 207-893-8065 in advance. <br /><br />To keep up with events and to view their full menu visit their Facebook page under Pop’s Place. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-39826301639496686852023-10-20T02:08:00.004-04:002023-10-20T02:08:00.142-04:00Business spotlight: APlus AutobodyWhen you’ve been in an accident and your vehicle needs collision repair, APlus Autobody in Windham stands ready to help.<div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDy8EfghSTSeQ8hvkPtboLd-V56raPl72AXUwv3StBEK9w16UKwsP7kqZ6GuYz-WP7LeEnWgU8afvPbD-at458JjtB42xggt49BpiOfo1PY_1aP-kBlJTxMt_ANjs_T1OAEry_E9dEEsZkYjsJwqufMgQSokW7pobSqBD2fwP7Pk4YxfPfH2YL98nkaUpG/s1440/APlus%20Autobody.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDy8EfghSTSeQ8hvkPtboLd-V56raPl72AXUwv3StBEK9w16UKwsP7kqZ6GuYz-WP7LeEnWgU8afvPbD-at458JjtB42xggt49BpiOfo1PY_1aP-kBlJTxMt_ANjs_T1OAEry_E9dEEsZkYjsJwqufMgQSokW7pobSqBD2fwP7Pk4YxfPfH2YL98nkaUpG/w300-h400/APlus%20Autobody.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Members of the APlus Autobody team in<br />Windham include back row, Andrew and<br />Ashley, front row, Steve, a painter, and <br />Derek, a technician. SUBMITTED PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Conveniently located at 8 Storm Drive in Windham off Route 302, APlus Autobody has been in business for 12 years and focuses on collision and custom paint work. It features three highly experienced autobody technicians and takes pride in being able to assist and advise its customers about the best steps to take when a vehicle has been in an accident. It is known for flawless finishes and handling everything from minor dents to complete collision repair service. <br /><br />Towing service is available, and all repair work is done in-house with direct insurance billing and a lifetime warranty on all work performed at APlus Autobody. <br /><br />“We are one of the last standing body shops who are not direct repair with insurance companies,” said Ashley Ciraldo of APlus Autobody. “We do work with all insurance companies, but we are here to do what is right for the customer. We get the repairs completed properly and always thrive more on customer satisfaction. We have knowledgeable employees that can answer any questions you may have.” <br /><br />What distinguishes APlus Autobody from competitors is its faster scheduling for projects, resulting in shorter wait times to start repair work and get you back behind the wheel quicker. <br /><br /></div><div>“We can also get your vehicle in in a timely manner and are not booking months out like other shops in the area,” Ciraldo said. “Insurance companies cannot tell you which shop to use.” <br /><br />APlus Autobody is a division of APlus and Andrew Coppersmith, one of the owners of APlus, said he’s trying to get the word out that APlus is not just a dealership. <br /><br />“Whether it’s servicing your car at our service center, or we are here to fix your collision damage or customize however you want, we work on any brand manufacturer,” he said. <br /><br />Pricing is in line with all insurance rates and because each customer may have questions about the repair process, APlus Autobody goes out of its way to offer exceptional customer service and to take the time needed in educating them about what it takes to repair their vehicle properly and the autobody process. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.aplustrucks.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/aplus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />“We are more about quality than quantity,” Ciraldo said. “Open communication with our customers is essential and here you deal with just one person and you’re not having to consult with insurance collision representatives and the repair shop technicians and the auto parts person. We handle all of that for you and that makes a big difference for many of our customers.” <br /><br />For some who’ve been in an accident, the misconception about the painstakingly slow process of autobody repair work is shattered once they visit APlus Autobody. <br /><br />“It may take weeks just to be able to get an estimate at some places and then additional weeks to obtain an appointment to have the collision work done,” Ciraldo said. “We take pride in our turnaround time of how quickly things can happen here and to get them back out there safely and properly.” <br /><br />APlus Autobody serves everyone in the state of Maine and the business specializes in paint customization. <br /><br />“We are the only shop around that does color matching. We can paint chrome and textured black plastic,” Ciraldo said. “Color matching and customization has been pretty popular in the car industry among the collision work. We have the ability to color match any color to the factory paint code.” <br /><br />Online reviews are outstanding. <br /><br /><i>"I love the quality of work APlus provided along with their great customer service. Best Around!!!" <br /><br />"All the staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable they were able to answer any and all questions I had about my repair." <br /><br />"I was very satisfied with my experience at APlus. They handled everything with the insurance company, so I didn't have to. Customer service was the best and my repair looks so good you can't even tell that I had a repair done. I would recommend them over and over again to anyone in need of collision work." </i></div><div><br /></div><div>For more information or to book an appointment with APlus Autobody, call 207-572-4444 or visit them online at <a href="https://www.aplustrucks.com/">https://www.aplustrucks.com/</a> or on Facebook under APlus Autobody. <</div>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-26978921721005035902023-10-13T02:18:00.005-04:002023-10-13T02:18:00.142-04:00Business Spotlight: 302 Nutrition The 302 Nutrition name doesn’t begin to tell the story of how a place that specializes in energy teas and healthy shakes is transforming its customers and making it a new favorite place to meet friends, share a laugh and have fun in Raymond. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EWvJ8BZ8r8Psd77fn_8gZ6V9tE4TWdH_A-1y_0gWbnwdcoorVuq6ENQ4qFFVoMawlVQa5eBzCmB8Wdf74OmAdiuJVZqAVX6BDmiTTWxgj0XW4SwtOwzS-O7FWHW9_iBw7s6GHl8p57RU2CDaRHq2R4f0R4421suPcoD2xl4Ngg0nF3JWlPfThfV8H4mk/s2133/Sabrina,%20Ashten%20and%20Shannon.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2133" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EWvJ8BZ8r8Psd77fn_8gZ6V9tE4TWdH_A-1y_0gWbnwdcoorVuq6ENQ4qFFVoMawlVQa5eBzCmB8Wdf74OmAdiuJVZqAVX6BDmiTTWxgj0XW4SwtOwzS-O7FWHW9_iBw7s6GHl8p57RU2CDaRHq2R4f0R4421suPcoD2xl4Ngg0nF3JWlPfThfV8H4mk/w300-h400/Sabrina,%20Ashten%20and%20Shannon.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">302 Nutrition employees Sabrina, Ashten <br />and Shannon. SUBMITTED PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Sabrina Golebiewski took over ownership of 302 Nutrition with Dustin James at 1233 Roosevelt Trail, Suite 18, in Raymond less than two years ago in December 2021 and has revitalized the business, turning it into a family friendly establishment where everyone there is a friend and an exceptional place to kick start your day with a tasty and healthy drink. <br /><br />302 Nutrition offers the largest assortment of protein shakes, loaded teas, protein bowls and Herbalife products in the Lakes Region. But for many loyal customers, the casual atmosphere and uplifting environment is what keeps them coming back day after day for more. <br /><br />“Once you walk into 302, you’re immediately part of the 302 family,” Golebiewski said. “We pride ourselves on knowing our customers and their needs. We have a loyal following and we don’t take that for granted. Ever.” <br /><br />The store has been around for almost three years when Golebiewski became its owner, and she began injecting it with her contagious personality and bending over backwards to ensure each customer is treated properly. Most mornings the 302 bar is filled with happy friends socializing and enjoying a drink while launching their day. <br /><br />“After almost two years since taking over, I still absolutely love unlocking that door and serving my customers,” she said. “We try to have a lot of fun and hope that our customers feel that when they come in, they’ve made a great choice. I’m a single mom of five amazing kids and I took a leap of faith in myself, and I’m pretty proud of how things are going so far.” <br /><br />Pricing is competitive but the quality of drinks served at 302 Nutrition is first-rate. <br /><br />“I think we are pretty reasonably priced, and we offer high quality products and service and won’t compromise on that,” Golebiewski said. “Our menu is always expanding, and we have customers who come in and challenge us to make special requests. If we have the ingredients then we are up to it, if we don’t have it then we will get it.” <br /><br />Shakes are plentiful with new kinds always being added and it’s hard to select one favorite flavor. Customers can choose from Cider Donut, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Taste O’ Honey, Peppermint Blast or Eggnog. Or they also have an expansive range of more traditional flavors such as Chocolate Mint, Cotton Candy, Pralines and Cream, Pina Colada, Cookies and Cream, Café Latte, Vanilla Lovers and many more. <br /><br />The assortment of teas is just as mind blowing with bases consisting of green, black or orange tea which can be lit with a never-ending supply of flavors including Orange Crush, Starburst, Mango Tango, Lollipop, Lemon Lavender, Nerds, or Pomegranate Power among dozens of combinations available. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lit302" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/302nutrition.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Online reviews for 302 Nutrition are out of this world. <br /><br /><i>“Friendly Staff and great customer service. Sabrina and Ashten are awesome and very knowledgeable about all of their products! Highly recommend 302 Nutrition!!” Jim Donahoe <br /><br />“Great atmosphere - clean and friendly staff. The drinks are amazing. Worth the stop.” Cindy Grondin Aldrich <br /><br />“The best teas from the best employees! Such a great atmosphere!” Kristen Bragdon <br /><br />“I have had teas in many different nutrition shops and 302 nutrition is hands down the best! I drive an hour to get one of their teas!! And the staff is also the best!!!” Jennifer Bishop <br /><br />“Best Teas, Shakes, and Protein Bowls. Sabrina is the BEST and starting my day here makes each day better! Keep kicking butt, Sabrina!” April Libby <br /></i><br />302 Nutrition is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The business is closed on Tuesdays. <br /><br />Golebiewski says the misconception that healthy drinks automatically taste bad has been shattered at 302 Nutrition. <br /><br />“This place is a game changer for so many people,” she said. “It’s a whole different way of thinking about your health. The best thing about this place is the people. I love serving my customers. It brings me absolute joy to see them day after day. It’s a family here and every day I get up and I am excited to go to work.” <br /><br />For more details about 302 Nutrition, call 207-655-6165 or find them on Facebook under 302 Nutrition. <<br />Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-73436479802381486362023-10-06T02:18:00.029-04:002023-10-06T02:18:00.149-04:00Business Spotlight: Maggie's A Fine Hair SalonFor some time now, Nicole Kauffman has dreamed of owning her own hair salon and in September her wish came true when she purchased Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon in Raymond. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZluhQE3JXKu-YS-9aI6CrNhwm2Z5YHNXZ_-alln4A3eubilWp0OJ7Br4Z1nMHoWOng_33JnvPbJMtB0f17_6E90F41tO1GdNTzDtd2RJsYz15d0EE2BqdjdIEEwMQ4jIVF0l9kknsAY7AVjSoMju2Esv0PBJ0dn_c3_q18qOrGfGYuvuTFOhAJrlFWmN8/s926/Nicole%20Kauffman.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZluhQE3JXKu-YS-9aI6CrNhwm2Z5YHNXZ_-alln4A3eubilWp0OJ7Br4Z1nMHoWOng_33JnvPbJMtB0f17_6E90F41tO1GdNTzDtd2RJsYz15d0EE2BqdjdIEEwMQ4jIVF0l9kknsAY7AVjSoMju2Esv0PBJ0dn_c3_q18qOrGfGYuvuTFOhAJrlFWmN8/w234-h400/Nicole%20Kauffman.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole Kauffman has taken over as<br />the owner of Maggie's A Fine Hair<br />Salon in Raymond. She has worked<br />as a stylist at the family friendly<br />salon for the past six years.<br />COURTESY PHOTO</td></tr></tbody></table>Located at 1263 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond, Maggie’s offers great styling in a family friendly atmosphere. Services available include cuts, color, foil, Brazilian blowout treatments, face waxing, perms including a cut, shaping and style, a high-performance and oxidant-free glazing color service for endless creative looks, and updo styling, conditioning hair masques with scalp massages, and braiding. Maggie’s also offers Keratin Smoothing Treatment to transform frizzy, dull, and over-processed hair into shiny, brilliant tresses. <br /><br />“We provide hair service for all ages,” Nicole said. “We have clients from all over Maine. We take appointments and walk-ins. We do men’s hair too, and we are always taking on new customers and offer competitive pricing. Maggie’s offers a variety of services to customize your haircare needs. With a wide range of color techniques, hair smoothing treatments, perming and endless cutting and styling options, we can create a look you will love to wear.” <br /><br />Nicole has worked as a stylist at Maggie’s for the past six years and along the way has established many great relationships with customers who consider her as family and have come to trust her and the other two stylists at the salon to provide exceptional service and leave happy with the way that their style looks. <br /><br />“Between all three stylists at the moment, we have been doing hair for many years,” Nicole said. “I have been doing hair since 2003. I love it and there is nothing else I would rather do. I like to learn from the younger customers and the older customers. I love teaching people what I know. I love watching people do hair. I do keep up on trends with cuts and color foil techniques. I take classes and watch tutorials.” <br /><br />Nicole said that each professional stylist working at Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon is an independent contractor and they all work long hours while standing throughout the day on behalf of their customers. <br /><br />“People come to trust us with their hair and to give them what they want,” Nicole said. “For me, I love building relationships with clients. Younger and older, it's an amazing job. The clients have their hair styled, and we talk, but I talk with them as well and learn about their whole life through the years. I love making people happy. Nurses and nursing assistants do it physically and I can do it with hair. I love to see the smile on their face or making someone's day or being there to talk to them. What is said at the salon stays in the salon.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.maggieshairsalon.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/maggies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The challenge for Nicole in her new role as the owner of Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon is to keep prices low while the cost of everything continues to go up. <br /><br />“We do love what we do,” she said. “But we try to give the best prices and best service possible. Making people feel good makes us feel good.” <br /><br />Online reviews are outstanding. <br /><br /><i>“Nicole does great with foils. I love my hair. I have thick hair and she does the placement perfectly! My hair cut came out perfect! I love my hair so much!” Samantha Rand <br /><br />“I brought my 3-year-old boy in for a big boy haircut with clippers, not just a trim. I was nervous, not knowing how he would handle it. It was Amazing! Nicole greeted us with a smile, let him walk around to check out the place, which is gorgeous...Clean and fabulously decorated. She was great with my son and finally gave him the cut we were looking for. She was efficient and super sweet with him. We both loved the whole experience! Thank you!!! Highly recommend- we will be back for sure.” Kristen Bolduc <br /><br />“I have been going to Maggie's for almost 2 years. They have such a welcoming environment, clean, well decorated, relaxing, and the ladies are friendly and fun! My hairdresser listened to all my hair do's and don'ts, looked at my photos of my hair from the past that I liked! I'm always very happy with my highlights, color and cut, so much that I take a pic and post it on Facebook because I feel like a new and improved woman! So, if you need a new do, or some maintenance, this place is awesome! My special thank you to Nicole, you keep me looking gorgeous! Melissa Chute Devio <br /></i><br />To book an appointment or for more information about Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon, call 207-655-2454 or visit them on Facebook under Maggie’s A Fine Hair Salon. < Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-61097525592509938062023-09-29T02:06:00.041-04:002023-09-29T12:50:15.594-04:00Business Spotlight: Windham Rental CenterIf you think you know Windham Rental Center, you might want to think again. Under new owners Joe and Donna Poulin, the longtime business at 730 Roosevelt Trail in Windham is growing, all while adapting to changing times with increased rental and retail inventory and featuring quality products that can help get the job done, no matter how large or small the project. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWdXXsztzjLvP5u8pm8i-kL37WUkDKgcICeVGCYA-dp5UWhWIlJhhXzrsFnbvoKaHsjfwYgdet5f4eof0TTyeoYjldsUpuBw6r3aIVxDbEpSiKKguUF1tIpbmeoudY6dLBz_4rcQiiog0lrDEg9_h6-zhrWwoGVuGfkmCEhMsn6xd7C3r4TbQVmETO7bO/s2133/joe%20and%20donna%202.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2133" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWdXXsztzjLvP5u8pm8i-kL37WUkDKgcICeVGCYA-dp5UWhWIlJhhXzrsFnbvoKaHsjfwYgdet5f4eof0TTyeoYjldsUpuBw6r3aIVxDbEpSiKKguUF1tIpbmeoudY6dLBz_4rcQiiog0lrDEg9_h6-zhrWwoGVuGfkmCEhMsn6xd7C3r4TbQVmETO7bO/w300-h400/joe%20and%20donna%202.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe and Donna Poulin took over Windham<br />Rental Center in 2022. They are proud to<br />keep the business family owned and <br />excited to continue to grow inventory<br />based upon customer needs.<br />PHOTO BY MELISSA CARTER</td></tr></tbody></table>With a staff of eight, Windham Rental Center has a distinguished 27-year record of success as Maine’s premier rental center and serves the entire state, offering the finest in construction and landscape equipment rentals, product delivery, as well as service for the products they sell - and always at competitive and fair pricing. <br /><br />“The best thing about what we do is helping people,” Joe Poulin said. “We have a truly amazing staff and among us we have a wealth of knowledge and can help advise and provide guidance to those who come in. We offer paths and solutions for projects, what products to use, and how to use our products safely.” <br /><br />The business has concrete and asphalt rentals; excavation rentals; hand and power tool rentals; home repair rentals; lawn and garden rentals; moving and cleaning rentals; party and event rentals; plumbing rentals; light, power, air, and heat rentals; and pressure washing rentals. <br /><br />No job is beyond the capability of what can be accomplished with equipment from Windham Rental Center. It has brush cutters; leaf blowers; post drivers; stump grinders; lawn rollers; woodchippers; and post hole diggers. Need an excavator, a skid steer, or a backhoe? Same thing for moving dollys, wet and dry vacuums, saws, airless painters, and hydraulic jacks. All of those and more can be rented from Windham Rental Center. <br /><br />Trusted brand-name products from Kubota, Bobcat, Black Rhino, Genie, Toro, Rayco, Mud Mixer and Greenworks Commercial, among others, can always be found at Windham Rental. <br /><br />The business stands behind every product it rents and guarantees that when you take delivery, the equipment is clean and in proper working condition. <br /><br />“We focus on catching stuff here instead of when you have it out in the field,” Poulin said. “When you pick it up, it will be clean and full of fuel and ready to go.” <br /><br />According to Poulin, a common misconception is that because of the size of their location, Windham Rental Center may not have the equipment to meet their needs. “Our inventory is posted and updated on our website and people often are surprised by what we have,” he said. “We took over here in May 2022 and have changed the look and the inventory. We also have increased our retail products to meet the needs of contractors and residents and have everything from gloves to beef jerky.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:rentme730@gmail.com" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/windhamrental.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />While they do everything possible to be ready to meet demands, reserving ahead is always recommended, as seasonal demands for some products rises significantly. <br /><br />“One of the most challenging aspects of what we do is staying on top of the latest and greatest tools for our customers,” Poulin said. “We are always open to feedback and suggestions from both homeowners and professionals to be sure we have what they need.” <br /><br />Online reviews are exceptional. <br /><br /><i>“After using Windham Rental Center, I won't go anywhere else, Service was top notch and the equipment was well taken care of! I will be referring my friends and family!! Great job Windham Rental Center!” Robert Duclos <br /><br />“I had a great experience with Windham Rental. I rented a tractor and mini excavator two days apart. They dropped off the mini-ex machine late in the evening at exactly the time they said they would, and then they returned, picked up the excavator and dropped off the tractor. I had no experience with either machine and they gave me the five-minute run through about how the machines worked and told me they took a few minutes to get used to. They were professional, helpful, and easy to work with.” Paul J.F. <br /><br />“Great staff that’s very helpful and an incredibly easy process of renting equipment. I would recommend Windham Rental to anyone and I myself will definitely be back!” Sam Pattee </i><br /><br />Free quotes are always available at Windham Rental Center which strives to exceed expectations. Call 207-892-7743 or stop in today. Also visit www.windhamrentalcenter.com and find them on Facebook. <Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121578882369368962.post-19934959437026331892023-09-22T02:40:00.044-04:002023-09-22T02:40:00.158-04:00Business Spotlight: Woodman Mansfield Company, PCMaking an informed decision when choosing a Medicare insurance plan can be difficult and perplexing process, but Woodman Mansfield Company stands ready to help bring clarity to a confusing subject and bring people to a point where they feel comfortable about their healthcare choices. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7G_Qt73kP7OtE_P9vc12YUBGIK0pVlMorL9pEfrH3qs0DgYZ1Csr4ZW3pdL3cjV-1D4M4AMEjwPTFij70buyu_BY9bsk9NHqPCM3Ex34s7ajejLLDu35oXpXyiDagY1R6h8IASRzhVmvIOAK2Cdu8XTTKIxO6HHk3PmbhlIUkZMptuhDgmIb-pKZaiDy/s1600/FINAL%20ScottLinscottphoto-2766.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7G_Qt73kP7OtE_P9vc12YUBGIK0pVlMorL9pEfrH3qs0DgYZ1Csr4ZW3pdL3cjV-1D4M4AMEjwPTFij70buyu_BY9bsk9NHqPCM3Ex34s7ajejLLDu35oXpXyiDagY1R6h8IASRzhVmvIOAK2Cdu8XTTKIxO6HHk3PmbhlIUkZMptuhDgmIb-pKZaiDy/s320/FINAL%20ScottLinscottphoto-2766.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilary Mansfield, left, and her father, Robert<br />Woodman, are the team at Woodman Mansfield<br />Company and specialize in bringing clarity <br />to the confusing subject of healthcare choices.<br />SUBMITTED PHOTO </td></tr></tbody></table>Robert Woodman and his daughter, Hilary Mansfield, make up Woodman Mansfield Company, and are independent insurance agents who specialize in Medicare plans. They educate people about how Medicare works and why it works as it does and guide them about the correct process for enrollment to prevent penalties or dissatisfaction with their chosen plan. <br /><br />“We listen to their needs and goals and compare plans available in their county so that they can make an informed decision about which plan will work best for their needs,” Mansfield said. <br /><br />From their office in the Old Richardson Place at 510 Main St., Suite 109, in Gorham, Woodman Mansfield Company offers complete Medicare solutions, and they are licensed to assist anyone whose primary residence is in the state of Maine. They typically focus on the southern Maine region, but if someone needs their assistance elsewhere, they are happy to travel further. <br /><br />“Our business is unusual because we are a father and daughter team,” Woodman said. “We take our time with our clients. We like to get to know each potential client well, and we encourage people to make a decision only when they feel confident and ready. And we maintain relationships with our clients. If there is a problem, we are here to assist.” <br /><br />The company is particularly proud to feature a team of highly qualified individuals who work with them to provide educational “Retirement Planning For All Ages” workshops. These cover topics relevant to anyone planning for retirement. They typically provide an overview of the Medicare insurance process, investment strategies for retirement planning, and estate planning topics, such as the best way to transfer property to relatives. Participants are encouraged to set up a free initial consultation with any of the presenters, and their Medicare insurance consultations are always at no cost. <br /><br />There is no cost to attend the workshops, and no pressure; just good information and an opportunity to ask questions. The workshops are held in the conference room at the Old Richardson Place in Gorham, and the event list is readily available on the Woodman Mansfield website. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.woodmanmansfieldco.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="516" height="320" src="http://www.thewindhameagle.com/ads/woodmanmansfield.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br />For those turning 65 or looking for answers to Medicare plan questions, Woodman Mansfield Company is a trusted resource and available without expense to clients. <br /><br />“We try to have some fun. Medicare is confusing, and we are here to help,” Woodman said. “Our consultations are no-cost to our clients. We are paid by the carriers who represent the plans they choose. This is why we take the time to certify with as many different companies as possible; we want to ensure that we can find the best plan for each person.” <br /><br />Mansfield said that in speaking with her clients, she’s found that the public’s perception is that everyone promoting Medicare plans on television or online are local and that most of the plans are similar, and that’s not the case. <br /><br />“We understand that choosing the right plan is a very important decision, and we understand how confusing this process can be. There's a lot of misinformation out there,” she said. “I have a background in education, and my dad has been in the industry for many years. We both enjoy working in a profession that allows us to help people every day. There's no better feeling than knowing that the work you’re doing is making someone's life a little easier. It's great to know at the end of each day we've achieved that goal.” <br /><br />Woodman said that because their company is small, it’s able to offer personalized service and individual attention to clients. <br /><br />“We try to go the extra mile for people,” he said. “We do whatever we can to get people what they need based upon their individual circumstances, needs, and goals.” <br /><br />According to Mansfield, their business has grown primarily through referrals. <br /><br />“There is no better testimonial than a client who is satisfied with the experience they had with us; so much so that they want their friends and family to have the same experience,” she said. “My dad has been working in this business for many years. I'm grateful to be learning from him, and now that we have our own agency, we can take the time to advertise a little bit, such as in this great local publication.” <br /><br />For more details about how the Woodman Mansfield Company can help you, visit https://www.woodmanmansfieldco.com/ or call Robert at 207-951-2485 or Hilary at 207-466-4929. Find them on Facebook at Woodman Mansfield Company. <<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><o:p></o:p></p>Ed Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564979619787200118noreply@blogger.com0