Business spotlight - Honey Bee Electrology - By Michelle Libby

There are certain grooming habits that most people don’t talk about. Unwanted hair is one of them. Be it facial, back or bikini area hair, there is a permanent way to get rid of it and the solution is close by. Honey Bee Electrology, located at 110 Tandberg Trail, is owned and operated by Renee DeSorbo and Chelsea Edwards. 
 

The office has been open two months and they are excited about the clients they are helping.
“There’s no electrology out there in the area at all. It’s a needed service,” said Edwards. “Who doesn’t want to help someone to feel better?”

The treatments permanently remove hair using probes and a current that will destroy the hair cells. A client will be lying down for the session in the very clean and modern office. Most clients will need a series of treatments anywhere between three and 15 to treat an area. The amount of time varies depending on the type of hair, like small and fine or hormonal hair or hair on a man. “Every body’s different,” DeSorbo said. 

“We know it works. We believe in it,” said DeSorbo, who is an art teacher as well as a licensed electrologist. The meticulous work appeals to both of the women. “We like the little detail work. It’s such a fine skill. There’s a lot that goes into taking these hairs out.” 

 Honey Bee Electrology offers consultations to look at the hairs and develop a treatment plan for what will work for the individual. Most clients have one session a week. 

DeSorbo and Edwards work for themselves, but share the space each having their own equipment. “With two of us, clients won’t miss an appointment if one of us is sick. We support each other. We’re good friends,” said DeSorbo, who is pregnant with her first child, due in December. 

Both DeSorbo and Edwards attended school at Electrology Institute of New England in Massachusetts. Being the only two from Maine gave them an immediate bond. They remained friends throughout the 600 hour program. 

“EINE is one out of two accredited schools in the nation. We went to a really good program,” said DeSorbo. 

They work on faces, chin hair, eye brows, arm pits, belly hair, patches of hair on the back. Clients are anyone who has facial hair they want to get rid of, said Chelsea. “Women like us.” 

A typical appointment is half an hour long, but it depends on what treatment is being done, said DeSorbo. Prices are reflective of the time of each appointment. 

“Plucking is enemy number one. It grows back more hair,” said Edwards. 

Both electrologists use the Apilus Platinum Pure machines which are newer and tend to make the appointment less uncomfortable. 

Edwards and DeSorbo are accommodating and flexible with their schedules. Edwards works Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. DeSorbo works mornings, all day on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. They take appointments from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Starting in the spring Honey Bee Electrology will offer eyelash extensions, which is where individual eyelashes are glued on to the lash line. Lashes are great for weddings, or when you want to look good without the need for mascara. 

Now is a good time to check out electrology because with winter coming, it’s a good time to get ready for next summer. 

Honey Bee Electrology will work with teens as young as 14 with a parent. “It’s totally safe. It’s the only FDA recognized way to have hair permanently removed,” said DeSorbo.  “Don’t let unwanted hair upset you…call.” 

Honey Bee Electrology accepts only cash and checks. Although doctors refer patients to them, they do not work with any insurances. Prices range from $25 for 15 minutes to $70 for an hour treatment.

For more about Honey Bee and electrology, visit www.honeybelectrology.com or call Edwards at 318-4245 or DeSorbo at 613-5527. “Come to the queen bees to make life sweeter without unwanted hair.”

Business spotlight - Windham Indoor Shooting Range & Retail Store - By Michelle Libby

Opening soon, Windham Indoor Shooting Range & Retail Store (WISR, pronounced “wiser”), is two weeks away from being able to meet the needs of shooting sports enthusiasts from all over southern Maine. On October 3, WISR will have a soft opening of the retail store that will feature firearms, rifles, shotguns and all of the parts and accessories for them, including being a retailer for Windham Weaponry, which is a sister company to WISR. 
 

The store and range are located at 999 Roosevelt Trail. Although the range won’t be complete until mid-November, memberships are ready to purchase. Prices range from $260 annually for an individual or $65 for a three month membership. For family of two the membership would be $495 or $123.75 for three months. Each additional person is $125 on a family membership. Each membership comes with perks, free passes and discounts on trainings. There is also a lane fee of $12 per hour for members. 

The range will accept walk in customers who are not members. They will pay a $20 per hour range fee and $15 for each additional person. 

WISR has 22 employees, including six fulltime, eight part time and 12 adjunct instructors.

Under the direction of general manager Peter Joyce, WISR will also be the premier place for training. “We have a good variety of training instructors,” he said. “They were hired because of their track record, training skills and ability.” All instructors will be NRA certified. Many have additional certifications from the military, law enforcement or others. “They go above and beyond the NRA instructor course,” Joyce said. 

Specialty training will be offered like low-light training, home defense, “running and gunning” classes, hunter safety and basic rifle classes. Training will start in mid-October. 

“The military and law enforcement have more tactics when your body is under stress at home or in the streets,” Joyce said. They help teach accuracy and decision making skills, when split seconds count. “You will revert back to the level of skill you mastered,” Joyce added. 

 

WISR will also hold women only classes and shooting experiences and have classes for concealed carry permits. 

“Education is the key. If someone has a gun at 85 years old they have to be able to use it safely,” said Joyce.

The retail store employees were hired for their knowledge of firearms and their friendly, courteous manner with customers. “It’s about creating relationships with our customers,” said Joyce. They will have patience with different types of customers from the brand new firearm owner to someone with years of experience. They will provide information on the products, accessories and trainings that would be helpful to the customer. They all have experience with ATF regulations. 

“In a business where you run firearms, safety is the number one priority,” said Joyce. “Everybody coming through those doors needs to feel safe.” 

The store, run by retail manager Ryan Petersen, will carry handguns, rifles, shotguns, holsters, extra magazines, cleaning supplies, ear and eye protection, flashlights, weapon mounted lights, ammunition, cases, safes and AK parts and accessories. 

“We are one stop for everybody’s shooting needs,” said Petersen. “We hope to make it a stress free environment. We want to get away from the tactical image.” 

There will also be an antique firearms (1898 and older) appraisal area. Bob Caron who used to run his own antique and sport shop, will do the appraisals the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. He will also be in the store twice a week by appointment.   

There are only a few facilities in the state where people can test drive a firearm. The climate controlled environment means that regardless of the weather, WISR is a year-round place to practice and learn skills. Bill Keith is the head range safety officer. 

Watch for updates on classes and programs from competitions leagues to youth training programs. Gift certificates are available. To reserve a range or for more information, call 892-0274.

Business spotlight - Pastoral Counseling with Dana Reed - By Michelle Libby

With many years of life experiences, Dr. Dana Reed has finally reached a point in his life that he was been working toward since he was a young man. He has his pastoral counseling license for the State of Maine and has set up his practice at the rotary in Windham. 
 

“I always wanted to be a counselor,” said Reed. “It was a logical progression for me as a Navy chaplain.”

In addition to being a Navy chaplain, Reed taught six years in public education before getting his Masters of Science in guidance counseling at 29 years of age. A call to ministry put his counseling dreams on hold temporarily. He attended a seminary school in Bangor in 1983 and earned his Master of Divinity and was called to his first church in Raymond. While there he decided to attend Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts, where he earned his Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling. Reed then went to the University of Maine as a chaplain. After four years he returned to Windham to be the pastor at the North Windham Union Church. During his tenure there, he was mobilized as a part of his Naval Reservist position. 

While working with service men and women he did a lot of counseling for everything from financial issues to how to deal with what they were seeing while on active duty. 

This taught Reed how to work with people from all religions and those with no religious background.

Maine is one of six states that license pastoral counselors like barbers or massage therapists. “It brings two things, credibility from the state that you are qualified academically and trained to render services appropriate to that profession. Secondly, insurance. I am recognized by majority of third party reimbursement insurance carriers,” said Reed.  

There are a few types of therapists including licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors and pastoral counselors. Reed characterizes a pastoral counselor as “I’m a counselor who also happens to be an ordained clergy person/pastor.” He is academically trained and also has the religious training. He uses a variety of forms of counseling from behavioral based, solution focused to brief therapy.  How he chooses which way he counsels is based on an initial screening and history of the client. “I make a determination on what approach or modality works best in their case. I work across a spectrum,” he said. 

Many people have chosen to work with Reed because they are attracted to the spiritual standpoint he has. “As an added benefit, I could pray with you,” he said, but said that he works with all people of all denominations and those who do not have a religious background. He is not here to promote a religion, but to provide and facilitate counseling. “I do not have a heavy handed approach to religion, but they can engage it if they want,” he said. 

“Head and the heart. I’m always trying to strike an understanding that two are part of the same one.  The head is science and can be measured. The heart can’t be quantified or analyzed,” he said. “Faith can’t be measured and can’t be touched.” 

The clients he works with, from high school aged to senior adults, are dealing with trauma of divorce, loss of a loved one/death, vocational/ job loss, transitions in life, empty nest, downsizing, families in turmoil, people who want something more and are questioning life. 

“I’m more life oriented,” he said. “I work with people who are grasping for a handle on living a more productive and meaningful life. I have an inherent belief in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead individuals into a solution that is right for them. Pastoral counseling becomes the context for which that power is realized in individuals and families.” 

Reed is married with two older sons and has been involved in the community for thirty years in churches, the school system and Scouting. 

Reed’s office is across from Seavey’s in the Pleasant River Properties at 46 Lotts Drive. The intimate setting has privacy and accessibility. His hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. He can reached by email at Dana.C.Reed@roadrunner.com, by phone at 207-653-6593 or on his website at www.danareedcounselor.com.

Business spotlight on Paradise Party Planning - By Michelle Libby

Another birthday party to plan. Probably should plan an anniversary party for your parents. Need to have a party for the boss? Throwing any type of party can give one hives, but Paradise Party Planning, a new company founded by Windham residents Karen Petcher and Robbin Frost–Alden, can take the pain out of parties, giving clients the opportunity to enjoy the event stress free. 
 

The two friends decided to start Paradise Party Planning because of their skills with organizing and throwing parties. Petcher is the detail partner. “I like to plan. I like details and I like people,” she said.

“She’s very good at organizing events,” said Frost-Alden.  “She’s hosted several events that have been flawless.” 

The company handles everything including birthday parties for young and old, bridal showers, anniversary parties or any other memorable event. 

Petcher got her experience planning events through her own children, Girl Scouts, as an elementary and high school teacher and as a class advisor for four years at the high school. Frost-Alden has a background in medicine, but is enjoying life as a stay-at-home mom to her 7-year-old at present.

Parties organized by Paradise Party Planning can be elaborate or simple. For everything from researching a theme, decoration, goodie bags, invites, cake and food, they can put together a party from start to finish or just the decorations. The client decides. 

“We can do a single part of planning the event. We can help with venues, catering, entertainment, all the way to handling the clean up,” said Frost-Alden. “It’s sometimes very stressful planning a party.”

“You can enjoy the party and enjoy making your own memories,” Petcher said. 

They feel their specialty is children’s parties, but are excited about helping anyone throw a memorable bash. 

Frost-Alden has taken over the office part of the business and helps at the events. She called herself the business support.

Prices for parties are calculated on a case by case basis and Petcher and Frost-Alden advise that potential clients call for a price quote, but they said that prices are comparable to parties held outside the home at places like Jokers or bowling. They are willing to travel all over Maine and New Hampshire. Their schedule is flexible. They will work with a client to make everyone happy and will also work within a budget. 

Depending on the venue chosen and the type of event, it is advisable to call as soon as possible for reservations with Paradise Party Planning. 

To introduce themselves to the community, Paradise Party Planning is hosting four tea parties in the upcoming months for children from ages four to 12. The first is September 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Windham Veterans Center. Each event will have planned activities, food and tea. Parents are invited to stay, but it’s not required. The cost is $20 if registered by September 18^th and $25 the day of the event. 

The other events planned are a Halloween tea on October 24, a Turkey tea on November 21 and a Christmas tea on December 20. All events have two seatings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For more about the company or to book services, call Robbin at 632-4558 or visit them online at www.paradisepartyplanning.wordpress.com.