Friday, January 17, 2025

Business Spotlight: Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary

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

Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary offers organic and 
wildcrafted herbs of high quality and affordable to
help customers begin their own healing journey.
COURTESY PHOTO 
Located at 4 Whites Bridge Road #100 in Windham, Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary is a full herbal apothecary providing access to organic and wildcrafted herbs that can be purchased individually or in carefully formulated blends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online reviews for Seed Sound Herbal Apothecary are incredible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, January 10, 2025

Business Spotlight: The Vitality Room

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

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

Here’s what’s happening at the Open House:

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

What is the Harmonic Egg®?

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

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

Real Transformations with the Harmonic Egg®

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

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

Why Did Vitality Room Open?

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

Beyond the Egg: Explore More Wellness Offerings

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

Don’t Miss This Celebration of Wellness

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

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

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

Friday, January 3, 2025

Business Spotlight: Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nonprofit Spotlight: Age Friendly Windham

Age-Friendly Windham (AFW) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community where all generations interact meaningfully. This mission promotes shared activities, knowledge exchange, and social collaboration, ensuring everyone feels valued and connected.

To further this goal, AFW will host a Tea, Connections and Learning event from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7 at the Windham Town Hall Gym with their partners, Windham Public Library and Windham Raymond Adult Education (WRAE). This will be a kick-off event to introduce a variety of upcoming classes this spring.

"There will be something for everyone, education, exercise and hobbies,” AFW Community Coordinator, Erica Bell-Watkins said. “It is important to stay active during the long winters in Maine to maintain social connections.”

The Tea, Connections, and Learning discussion will include an introduction to Techno Wednesday learning sessions and are a result of a grant provided to Windham Public Library (WPL).

“The Libraries Transforming Communities grant from the American Library Association (ALA) provided $10,000 in funding to increase accessibility to library facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities,” WPL Director Jennifer Alvino-Wood said. “Our focus is on increasing digital literacy skills for community members who are unable to visit the library due to mobility challenges or other issues. We are grateful for the support from ALA to help us provide these important services to our community.”

Guest speakers at this kick-off event include Tom Meuser, Ph.D., Founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Aging and Health, and Jason Adout, Physical Therapist and President of Maine Strong Balance Center. They will discuss upcoming classes that will begin in late January 2025.

Classes that will be introduced at this event include the following:

Pathways for Life Review: Exploring Personal Narratives for Healing & Growth. Taught by Tom Meuser, participants will discover the developmental benefits of life review while exploring their own narratives and (optionally) sharing them with others. Course materials will be accessible via Google Classroom. Class will be held at WRAE in person, unless weather conditions necessitate a switch to Zoom. Classes will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Mondays Jan. 27 to March 3. The cost of this class is $50.

AARP Smart Driver class taught by Andrew Grant is specifically designed for drivers aged 50 and older to brush up on their driving abilities and knowledge of traffic regulations in order to help lower accidents and traffic penalties. This two-session class will be provided from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday April 9 and Wednesday, April 16. The cost of this class $19.

Assisted Living: Finding the Right Fit For Your Family. Kaitlyn Cunningham Morse will lead this program, taking a practical in-depth look at what assisted living truly entails and what to consider when exploring this option for yourself or a loved one. Participants will gain valuable insights to recognize quality care, ask the right questions and make choices that align with each family’s unique needs and values. This class is offered from 6 to 7 pm. Wednesday, March 26. The cost of this class is $25.

Grief, Loss, and the Holidays: Getting through that first year after loss with all the “anniversaries” of time spent together. Winter doldrums set in and we’ve got a “recipe” for darkness and depression. This class will offer a compassionate and uplifting conversation with steps for helping you to process grief. Join us on Friday, Jan. 24 from 10 to 11:30 am. The cost of this class is $10.

Techno Wednesday sessions will cover subjects such as telehealth, cyber fraud, freezing your credit report, computer basics, social media, and much more. These classes will be held on Wednesdays with dates to be determined and are free.

Echo Dot smart speakers, smart plugs, and some tablets will be given out to attendees of these classes who are in need so that they may be used to turn lights on in their homes, know the weather, and be connected with contacts outside their homes.

“Technology such as this can assist community members stay safely in their homes and remain connected to family and the community at large,” Alvino-Wood said.

Representatives from the organizations will be in attendance to help sign people up and share more information. Register for the Jan. 7 event online at https://windham.coursestorm.com/course/techno-wednesday

If you need a ride to this kick-off learning event on Tuesday, Jan, 7, or to learn more and RSVP, please call Age Friendly Windham at 207-892-4649. <

Friday, December 20, 2024

Business Spotlight; Waltz & Sons Propane

Relying on hard work, high-quality service, a safe and clean energy product, and supporting the communities it serves, Waltz & Sons is the standard by which other propane companies in Maine are measured.

Waltz & Sons has been in business since 1996
and is a full-service propane company which
focuses on residential propane and offers
free site surveys, installation, service, remote 
tank monitoring, prompt deliveries, and 
Pre-Buy and Budget plans.
COURTESY PHOTO 
Located at 29 Park Place in Buxton, Waltz & Sons is a full-service propane company which focuses on residential propane and offers free site surveys, installation, service, remote tank monitoring, prompt deliveries, and Pre-Buy and Budget plans. Its service area spans a 50-mile radius surrounding Buxton and including the Lakes Region of Maine.

Waltz & Sons specializes in the Hearth Products and services all brands. They are a distributor of the Regency Brand and a Rinnai ACE Dealer which is the highest service level Rinnai recognizes in their partners.

“We started the company from our home in 1996. We built and moved to our current location in December of 2018,” said Sue Waltz. “We currently have 16 full-time and one part-time employee. We are proud to have 11 of those employees who are 35 years old and younger and two of which hold management positions.”

Her husband, Skip, launched the business after doing subcontracting work for propane companies in the Portland Area.

“That grew into us buying tanks and having another company deliver the propane to our tanks. That grew into us buying our first delivery truck,” Waltz said. “It was about the time our son Mike joined us after serving in the U.S. Air Force. From there, we have consistently grown to who we are today. Of course, there were many bumps in the road as with any business, but we are proud to be the company we are today.”

The most significant aspect of Waltz & Sons is that the business only serves residential customers.

“We do have a few Mum and Pop shops like the Buxton Mini mart or home based businesses but no larger commercial,” Waltz said. “By doing this and focusing on the home products we stand out in our field as we are training specially on the hearth and home products. We do not work on furnaces or boilers though, as we work with plumbers to whom we refer that business. Therefore, we’re not competing against them but rather are working with them to offer homeowners the best possible service for their products.”

The company differs from its competitors through its fully staffed service department with all employees fully licensed for inside and outside service and maintenance. During the winter months many companies do not set up propane tanks or service equipment as their service staff are busy with deliveries, but Waltz & Sons takes the time to do so.

“The main goal of our company is single call resolution and there is always a family member available to take a call,” Waltz said. “We also staff our 24/7 on call service with our management so that again, all calls are a single resolution whenever possible.”

She said the key elements leading to the success of Waltz & Sons are investing in their employees, investing in equipment, and investing in the communities it serves.

“We’re a small family-owned business that puts trust in our employees and we’re proud of our employee training program,” Waltz said. “We sponsor many activities within our service area and support local services as well. We feel we are very competitive for our services and are generally under the state average for our propane pricing.”

Educating homeowners about the propane business also is an essential task for Waltz & Sons.

“Planning ahead is helpful as you can’t get a tank tomorrow and you can’t put propane in someone’s else’s tank as it’s against the law to deliver to someone else’s tanks,” Waltz said. “New regulations about fossil fuels make it necessary to educate residents about the benefits of propane.”

Their focus on exceptional customer service has paid off. It received the Institute for Family-Owned Business Chalmers Customer Service Award in October and took “Gold” in the Portland Media Groups “Best of 207” in 2023. The company was third in the Small Business Category of the Best Places to Work in Maine Awards this year, the first time it was part of that competition and Waltz & Sons is on the National Top Retailers list as published by LP Gas Magazine in the category of Single State Retailers. In 2024, Waltz & Sons received a load of Renewable Propane and were the second in the state to receive such a load, and the first in Maine to receive a load used in the residential market.

For further information about Waltz & Sons or to learn how they can serve you, call 207-929-8898 or visit https://www.waltzandsons.com/ or find them on Facebook or Instagram under Waltz and Sons. <

Friday, December 13, 2024

Business Spotlight: Northeast AutoWorks

No matter if you’re looking for reliable auto repair, a set of new tires or the finest in aftermarket accessories, Northeast AutoWorks promises to significantly improve your driving experience.

Northeast AutoWorks is a certified NAPA AutoCare Center
and is an excellent alternative to dealerships for many
makes and models of automobiles, trucks and SUVs.
COURTESY PHOTO
Located at 650 Bridgton Road in Westbrook, Northeast AutoWorks is an excellent alternative to high dealership prices for many makes and models. As a certified NAPA AutoCare Center, Northeast AutoWorks backs qualifying work through a nationwide warranty and the shop only uses high-quality parts and provides exceptional automotive service and courteous customer service that you value from a service provider.

Its dedicated team of ASE-certified technicians always strive to deliver the best workmanship and customer experience possible for your vehicle whether it’s a passenger car, medium sized truck, mini-van, or an SUV.

“Great customer service means treating everyone who walks through our door with respect, we are fully transparent about repairs and costs, and ensure that our customers are heard and valued,” said Vaughn DiBiase, NorthEast AutoWorks owner. “We go the extra mile to make their experience outstanding. We feel that it’s about empathy. Car repairs are never convenient and great customer service means understanding the customer’s situation and doing whatever is within our means to build their trust in us and to help them.”

DiBiase said that Northeast AutoWorks offers a range of services featuring new tires from leading national brands; effective automotive repairs to keep your vehicle running like it should, including A/C repair, battery replacement, belt and hose replacements, brakes, cooling system services, engine diagnostics, steering and suspension work, wheel alignments and more. Preventative maintenance services such as lube and oil changes, oil and air filter changes and spring/winter checkups are also available.

Parts and repairs are backed by NAPA’s Peace of Mind Warranty and Northeast AutoWorks convenient local shuttle service or loaner vehicles can be requested while your vehicle is being serviced. The waiting room is clean and comfortable if you prefer to wait for work to be done, with free coffee and Wi-Fi.

Northeast AutoWorks also specializes in customization work, and it’s never been easier for aftermarket add-ons like lift kits, custom wheels and Magnum Truck Racks, rails and bed accessories installed right in the shop there.

Online reviews posted about Northeast AutoWorks are outstanding.

“Been going here for a while now and this place rocks I will not bring any of my vehicles anywhere else. I tell everyone about this place. It’s so good to find a legit and honest place to bring your vehicle. I know I can trust NAW to make sure all my vehicles are safe and dependable after they work on them.” Gary Pike

“Highly recommend this business. We needed major frame repair on our truck. After days of skillful welding, the truck is as good as new. Equally impressive was the communication. We got phone calls during the week, updating us on the progress of the job. Fabulous quality and communication. Thanks, Guys!” Jim and Elaine Dow

“I would recommend this place to everyone. Amazing service and excellent customer service. Thank you, Northeast Auto. You were a true blessing to me today.” Dennis Gignac

“Northeast installed a leveling kit for me, I had dropped my truck off after work and it was ready the next day around noon. Kit came out great and now taking it back to them for more work on the truck.” Alexander Bateman

“Vaughn and his team have been servicing and upgrading my personal and business vehicles since 2016. I have always got a straight answer, timely service and a fair price. Vaughn is reliable and loyal as they come. His shop also looks amazing. I highly recommend.” Stephen Bell

Hours for Northeast AutoWorks are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A 10 percent military discount is offered for work for veterans over $500 and mechanics are standing by to give you a reliable estimate of any automotive repair issue that you might be facing.

“We appreciate your patronage and believe in integrity and honesty,” DiBiase said. “Our staff is available to answer any questions and ensure your experience is a positive one. Our goal is to keep you moving through the years with a reliable vehicle. We try to make sure everybody leaves here happy.”

To make an appointment, call Northeast AutoWorks at 207-899-1355, visit them online at https://www.northeastautoworks.com/ or find them on Facebook under Northeast AutoWorks. <

Friday, December 6, 2024

Business Spotlight: The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery

Two stay-at-home moms have turned their passion for eating healthy and a love for baking into little slices of heaven right here in the Lakes Region.

Lizzie Smith, left, and Brittany Baizley are the stay-at-home
moms who own and operate The Daily Loaf Sourdough
Bakery serving the Lakes Region of Maine.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   
Brittany Baizley and Lizzie Smith are the entrepreneurs behind The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery, a popular home-based bakery that specializes in sourdough bagels and bread, cookies, and muffins, and featuring products that are dye-free, chemical-free and 100 percent organic. From locations at 21 Smith Ave. in Bridgton and 7 Gore Road in Raymond, The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery owners started their business by baking for family and friends, and now offer free delivery to customers throughout the area.

“For me it all boils down to the ingredients we use,” said Lizzie. “We connect with local organic farmers and use fresh herbs and clean ingredients, what we call ‘good for you’ food. We want to show everyone that eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard.”

The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery stands out from the competition because its products are made at home and feature locally grown ingredients, Brittany said.

“We are different because our products are locally made and use locally grown ingredients,” she said. “Everything we use comes from local farm stands including Southpaw Meat Market and from Morrell’s Farm Stand.”

The idea behind launching The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery business started when Lizzie became pregnant with her son, and while she was sick from Hyperemesis gravidarum throughout her entire pregnancy, she sought answers about her health.

“I took a long look at what we were eating and found it was filled with additives and pesticides,” Lizzie said. “I knew we had to cut that out and we had to bake our own bread.”

The longtime friends tinkered for a few months to find exactly the right recipes before deciding to offer their quality home-baked goods for sale to the public.

“What we make is quite simple,” Lizzie said. “The base is about three or four ingredients in all.”

With affordable pricing and convenient ordering available through text messaging, phone calls and Facebook messaging, The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery has built a loyal following and continues to grow.

“We have customers all the way from California that rave about our breads and bagels,” Brittany said. “People love it and it’s healthy form of carbs.”

They also now offer a “Monthly Sourdough Subscription” for one low set monthly price that provides a loaf of sourdough bread or a half dozen bagels every week delivered to your door and a bonus loaf or half-dozen bagels for free each month.

Reviews posted online for products offered by The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery are nothing less than exceptional.

“Not only were the maple bagels out of this world but the owners went out of their way to help me with my order. Wonderful service! It was hard to only eat one bagel! Can’t wait to try more.” Wendy M.

“The Daily Loaf is incredible! The owners are knowledgeable and passionate about making healthy, sourdough baked goods and helping customers find their favorite flavors!” Kathleen M.

“The best bagels I have had in a long time! I am used to NY style bagels – crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. And these bagels were all that and more! I cannot wait to order more. Delicious!” Charles G.

“We are addicted to The Daily Loaf! The bagels are outstanding. Soft on the inside and a nice crust on the outside. The sour dough artisan loaf is awesome too – we use it for everything- sandwiches, French toast, garlic bread, and homemade croutons. We’re able to freeze and use as needed - it thaws well and is still soft and delicious. There’s nothing better than bread with fresh ingredients and none of the bad stuff!” Barbara B.

Lizzie and Brittany recommend visiting their menu online for products and prices and because the holiday season is so busy to make sure they have what you want, they ask that you pre-order in advance. The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery products are also available throughout the Lakes Region including at Southpaw Meat Market in Raymond, at Windy Hill Farm Market in Windham and at the Milk & Honey Cafe´ inside the Refuge Church in Windham.

Visit them on Facebook at The Daily Loaf and send a message to place an order or you can call/text orders to 207-899-7594. <