Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Business Spotlight: Windham Dentistry

The 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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“With a commitment to excellence and a compassionate approach, we strive to deliver unparalleled care to each and every patient,” Casey said.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

Clear, concise, and practical explanations are given to patients for services at Windham Dentistry with no upselling.

“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.”

Reviews from patients are exceptional.

“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

“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

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.

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.

For more information about Windham Dentistry or to make an appointment, call 207-892-3200 or visit windhammainedentistry.com/ Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Windham Dentistry. <

Friday, November 17, 2023

Business Spotlight: Woodman Mansfield Company, PC

No 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.

Robert Woodman, left, and his daughter, Hilary Mansfield
are the Woodman Mansfield Company and help individuals
find strong value in affordable and comprehensive 
Medicare insurance plans. SUBMITTED PHOTO   
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.

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.

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.

Both Woodman and Mansfield say that their goal is to be an ally for you in trying to better understand Medicare.

“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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

Woodman said that because Woodman Mansfield Company is small, it’s able to offer attentive and personalized service and pay individual attention to clients.

“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.”

According to Mansfield, their company continues to grow and is successful because of client referrals.

“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.

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.”

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.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Business Spotlight: One 4 All Learning Center

It’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.

A teacher reads to children at the new
One 4 All Learning Center in Raymond.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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 <

Friday, November 3, 2023

Business Spotlight: Maine State Credit Union

Maine State Credit Union Business Profile

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.  

 

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.

Beyond Basic

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.

 

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.

 

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.  

 

Community Support

 

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.

 

Products and Services

 

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.

 

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. 


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.

 

The Credit Union for You

 

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.

 

We welcome you anytime and will do our best to provide you with the highest level of service and thoroughly explain things. 

 

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.

 

For more information please call 207-623-1851, email us at contactus@mainestatecu.org, or visit us online at www.mainestatecu.org. 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.

Quick Facts About Maine State Credit Union

Founded: 1935

Asset Size: 600,000,000

Branch Locations: Augusta, Waterville, Rockland and Gray

CEO: Stephen Wallace

Friday, October 27, 2023

Business Spotlight: Pop's Place

As 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.

Deanna Gaudreau and Jason LeShane
are the owners of Pop's Place
in Windham. COURTESY PHOTO 
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.

“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.”

She has been working in restaurants since she was 14 and says that there is nothing else that she would rather be doing.

“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.”

With competitive pricing and an extensive menu, she said she rates the quality of the food at Pop’s Place as exceptional.

“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.

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.

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.

LeShane said that above anything else, he considers courteous and friendly service to be paramount to the restaurant’s success.

“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.”

Online reviews are outstanding.

“Always friendly, they make you feel welcome, and their food has always been good, keep up the great work.” Norm Cash

“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

“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

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.

To keep up with events and to view their full menu visit their Facebook page under Pop’s Place. <

Friday, October 20, 2023

Business spotlight: APlus Autobody

When you’ve been in an accident and your vehicle needs collision repair, APlus Autobody in Windham stands ready to help.

Members of the APlus Autobody team in
Windham include back row, Andrew and
Ashley, front row, Steve, a painter, and 
Derek, a technician. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

APlus Autobody serves everyone in the state of Maine and the business specializes in paint customization.

“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.”

Online reviews are outstanding.

"I love the quality of work APlus provided along with their great customer service. Best Around!!!"

"All the staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable they were able to answer any and all questions I had about my repair."

"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." 

For more information or to book an appointment with APlus Autobody, call 207-572-4444 or visit them online at https://www.aplustrucks.com/ or on Facebook under APlus Autobody. <

Friday, October 13, 2023

Business 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.

302 Nutrition employees Sabrina, Ashten 
and Shannon. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

Pricing is competitive but the quality of drinks served at 302 Nutrition is first-rate.

“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.”

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.

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.

Online reviews for 302 Nutrition are out of this world.

“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

“Great atmosphere - clean and friendly staff. The drinks are amazing. Worth the stop.” Cindy Grondin Aldrich

“The best teas from the best employees! Such a great atmosphere!” Kristen Bragdon

“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

“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

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.

Golebiewski says the misconception that healthy drinks automatically taste bad has been shattered at 302 Nutrition.

“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.”

For more details about 302 Nutrition, call 207-655-6165 or find them on Facebook under 302 Nutrition. <